Neha Sharma as Neha Mehta

~

The next day, Sanam woke up a bit late – recuperating from the wedding exhaustion. Her mother, however, did not understand that. She simply went on to chide her the second Sanam had walked out of her room after freshening up, "Is this a time to wake up, Sanam?"

Sanam, as always, bit her tongue and tried to answer politely, "Mom, it's only 9. Chill out"

Her mother raised her voice, "Chill out? If I had answered to my parents this way..."

Sanam groaned, "Mom, please. It's early for being this melodramatic. Anyway, I'm going to go to the library later."

"Why do you have to go to a library? You can study here. Your dad doesn't pay for this apartment just so you can come sleep here."

If only Sanam had the guts to tell her back how it would be impossible to keep a calm mind and study here while she was visiting. It made her feel horrible, but the truth was, she was ready for her mother to go back home. She enjoyed the peace and quiet in her own apartment she'd been living at for the last three years since the start of medical school – and she couldn't have that when her mother was visiting.

"I'm studying with some friends and it's more convenient for all to meet on campus," Sanam spoke a white lie.

"Friends. Parties. Really, Sanam, how long will this go on? Stop this further studying already. Do you think we can afford to find a guy to marry you when you'll be that qualified?"

"Whoa, what? Don't exaggerate topics, mom." Sanam said biting into an apple. She completely did not understand how the two topics connected, but in her mother's mind, it did.

"I'm not exaggerating! You and your sister never want to take me seriously, Sanam! But honestly, do you really think a guy will want to marry you when you'll earn more than him? Be more educated than him? Think about how you'll hurt his ego. You're a female. You should be learning how to cook, not cut people's bodies open."

"Gosh, mom. Since when is education a bad thing? And if it hurts his stupid ego, then I shouldn't be marrying him in the first place! Who even thinks like that these days anyway? Besides, we're in the States. Not India."

"Everyone thinks that way. And what does it matter where we live? Our culture and values are still the same, are they not?"

"Okay, so?"

Her mother sighed at Sanam's inability to understand the cultural politics. "So, we can't afford the dowry in your marriage when you keep putting loans on us with this medical school business."

Sanam rolled her eyes, "First of all, dowry is illegal. And secondly, I am not putting any loans on you or dad. It's my education. I took the loans in my name and I will pay back for it when the time comes. Stop trying to connect every little thing I do with marriage. Is that all I am worth?"

She got a response in a disappointed shaking of a head. "Sanam... you're 24. When will you understand?"

"Maybe I don't want to! Why are you and dad always picking on this? Other parents would be happy their child was on their way to being a doctor!"

"We were happy... but what's the point when you'll never be using the degree?"

Sanam's back stiffened in fear, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, obviously you'll be taking care of your husband, his parents, and kids. You're not going to have the time for anything else surely."

"Again, mom," she spoke clearing her throat to gain confidence as it was rare for her to speak against her parents – her marriage was the only topic she always argued with them on, "it's the 21st century. Everyone works."

"We'll see." Her mother confidently put it, as if she knew that no matter how much of a fight Sanam put up, she wasn't going to have her way.

It only irked Sanam further. "I'm getting late." She muttered to dismiss the topic and went on to her room to gather her books. Books were where she gained comfort, her distraction from her broken family life.

~

Arjun was packing his clothes in a travel bag when the doorbell to his penthouse suite rang. In the background, he was watching HBO connected to his TV flat screen.

"Coming!" He hollered out, pausing the show and then went out to answer it. "Dad, hey." He greeted his middle-aged father, Ishaan Mehta, standing on the other side wearing his tailor-fit charcoal grey suit. He was, as always, poised and perfectly dressed. Not a single wrinkle on his outfit, and not a single strand of hair out of place.

Stepping aside, he let him in. "You do know I was planning on coming over for lunch before I leave?"

"You really ought to let your mother hire a maid to clean up this place." His father dodged his statement as he walked inside and made his way to the sofas.

Arjun slipped his fingers into his front jeans pockets. "No point when I don't plan on staying."

Ishaan sighed, "I wish you would."

Arjun remained silent in response. He did understand why his parents would wish that.

Ishaan continued, "Kiddo, till when will you keep running away?"

Arjun realized they were going to have this conversation regardless of what he wanted. He went over to sit on the opposite sofa. "I'm not running away. I've been working at our branch in India, you know that."

Ishaan pointed out, "Yes, but that was when the construction project was just starting. It's been all wrapped up for the last months now."

"There's still..."

Arjun tried, but he couldn't deny it when Ishaan claimed otherwise, "There is nothing important there. So, if you're not running away, then why are you going back to India?"

Defeated, Arjun asked. "What do you want me to say, dad?"

Ishaan moved closer to sit next to his son and spoke in a comforting voice, "Son, I know why it's easier to go back. I do. I understand. There are no bad memories there while here is filled with them. But we all miss you here."

"I miss you guys too," he answered sincerely. His family had always been a close one.

"Then come home."

"I don't know," Arjun said with uncertainty on if he was ready for that. "Right now I feel like just focusing on work. Distract myself."

Ishaan was quiet for a second before offering, "Well, if its work you want, then think about going to Manchester instead of India. Like I said, there's nothing more in India you can do."

"What's in Manchester?"

"It's not right away, but in two weeks there are a few important meetings with some of our clients there. They could use your help with some budgeting."

"I can do numbers."

His father chuckled, "I know." Arjun had, after all, majored in Financial Accounting for both his undergrad and Masters.

Arjun actually started to consider it, "Alright, I'll think about it. Get me some more info on it?"

Ishaan couldn't have been happier to hear that. "You got it."

Arjun added, "But meanwhile, I'm going to go meet my friends."

~

Two weeks later...

Sanam was in Manchester for a medical conference, and that is where she ended up meeting Arjun once again. In a way, she didn't have a choice. Neha had informed her that Arjun was going to be there already due to some business matters. Sanam had told her she wasn't interested in meeting up with Arjun, but Neha had insisted. If anything, then he could make sure she'd be comfortable there during her stay as Arjun had been to Manchester many times while Sanam was going there for the first time.

By now, Sanam was hoping she didn't hold much of a grudge against him. She was not the kind of person to hold grudges after all - especially when she believed Arjun was not an important person in her life that she should spend her energy holding a grudge against him for stealing her phone and irritating her. Besides, it had been two weeks since she had last seen him at the wedding. She already knew everyone in his family, and they were all sweet. How bad could Arjun be? He couldn't have fallen off the roots that far off. 

She thanked the cab driver, handed him his fare, and walked up the steps to the hotel with her luggage in tow

The concierge greeted and opened the doors for her to enter. There were two grand waiting areas at either sides, and the center was a walkway to the welcome desk. As she glanced around, she caught his familiar face in wait. His eyes were glued to his tablet. Dragging her suitcase, she walked over.

Once her shadow fell over, he glanced up. His eyes at first looked irritated, thinking someone was going to chat up to him and disturb his peace, and then they softened once they saw her. "About time, sweetheart. I thought you were going to ditch me."

For Sanam, he was perfect, until he started speaking. She thought she could bear this, but it was already resulting in a scowl. "I have a name, and that is Sanam. Please learn to call me by that."

"Which, in English, I believe translates to sweetheart." He dared to cheekily point out.

After the flight she had, she did not want to get into this. She was grateful when he got up, thinking they could go over to the desk and get checked in so she wouldn't have to see him again. Only, that was short lived as he attempted a conversation. "How was your flight?"

"We don't need to do this." She muttered, starting to walk to the welcome desk. If he wasn't going to take the first step, she was going to make it happen herself.

"Do what?" He questioned, stepping to her side.

"Make small talk. Pretend to be friendly, all of that." She quickly told him before putting on a grin and facing the employee at the desk. "Hi, I have a reservation."

"What would be the last name?" The man looked to be in his late 20s to early 30s. His name tag read 'Hector'.

Arjun beat her to an answer. "Mehta. M-E-H-T-A."

She squinted her eyes at him, "Wait your turn." She turned back to Hector. "Ignore him. Mines will be under Shah." She was about to spell it out, when Arjun interjected once again. This time, he dared to put his hand on her wrist and pull her behind him.

"Don't listen to my wife. She doesn't know what she's talking about. The penthouse suite should be booked under my name." As soon as she heard what he referred her as, she could only gape at him. He was such a skilled liar. He took his wallet out of his pocket. "Here's my ID."

Hector eyed the two of them with uncertainty until he glanced down at the ID Arjun presented. Then, his eyes widened. Sanam wondered why. He even stammered a bit, as if he was suddenly intimidated. "Oh-uh-Mr. Me-Mehta. Ofcourse. It-It's a pleasure to have you here at our hotel, Sir. Let me just get your keys. Just a second."

"Sure." Arjun answered in a clipped tone.

When Hector turned his back to them, she jerked her wrist out of his hand. "Wife? Do you have a death wish?"

He gave her a smile that would have otherwise had her swooning, had she not been pissed at him. His fingers tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, "Sweetheart, I know you're mad we couldn't have our long honeymoon like we'd planned, but come on, don't refuse to acknowledge that I'm your husband."

"What?" She muttered, beyond confused at what he was doing.

She squirmed a bit when he leaned in. Before she could push him away, a hand slipped around her to rest on her back, holding her in place. She felt his lips on her cheek next. The thought of kneeing him sounded very appealing to her right now. "I'll explain later, please go with it for now." He whispered in her ear just then, saving himself a lot of pain.

Within the next second, he pulled back. The look in his eyes was sincerely begging her. It compelled her to blink in agreement.

Hector commented, "The two of you make a cute couple."

Sanam could have laughed, but instead, she suppressed the urge. She hooked her arms around his elbow and leaned into his side a little. "Aww, thanks." She turned her head sideways to look at Arjun, "We do, don't we, babe?"

At first, he was surprised she actually went along with it. He had imagined she'd give him more grief. The sweetness lacing her words could definitely be mistaken, but alas he knew better. This was Sanam. Neha's best friend. He had heard enough about her from Neha to know the kind of person she was. And 'babe'? Never in a million years would Sanam call him that as if she genuinely meant it. 

His face leaned in again, and she thought he was going to kiss her cheek again. She didn't want that, because the first time her heart had fluttered and she wasn't sure she wanted to feel it again in such a short time. Instead, she only felt his warm breath falling over her ear as his whispered. "Thank you."

"Alright, I have your keys. I can show you the way." Hector informed, and she nodded with a smile plastered on her lips.

"Ofcourse, lead the way." She then turned to Arjun, "Babe, you don't mind getting my bags, do you?" She fluttered her lashes to Arjun, as she 'sweetly' asked him.

"Not at all, sweetheart." He gushed and got them. She'd never let a stranger invade her personal space, let alone kiss her on the cheek and have their arm around her. He better have a damn good reason.

Hector opened the suite door with an electric card and slid the card in the slot, turning on the conditioning and lights in the room. Then he stepped aside to let them in. "Just like you requested, Mr. Mehta." He spoke in a professional tone.

To say she was amazed at the interiors would be an understatement. "Thank you." She heard Arjun say and the man reply in something while she just continued to admire the suite she was in.

As soon as the lock clicked, the charm broke and she turned to face him with her arms crossed over her chest. "Spill." She demanded.

"I'm so sorry, and thank you for playing along." He started to say, and she waved it off. She wasn't interested in his apologies or thankyous. "Anyway, you know how my family is always in the news?"

She shrugged, "Neha might have mentioned your family is worth billions. What's your point?"

"Well, I saw some journalists out there. I couldn't have them recognize me, so I pretended to be Rahul and since he just got married, that's where you come in."

She narrowed her eyes at him, "How is it okay for you to let them think you are Rahul Mehta and not Arjun Mehta? Either way, you're both Mehta's. The name could be posted in the tabs."

"The difference is that you'd have gotten dragged in too because Arjun Mehta aka I had somewhat of a reputation when it came to girls back during my high-school and early college days. They'd think you were one of those girls I was having a fling with."

"So I am supposed to be thankful you saved me from the tabs?" She raised her voice a little, feeling angry. "Arjun, you lied about identities! What happens when the hotel staff finds out you are not Rahul? They could call the cops on us! And thanks to your charade, let's not forget that I can't go back to the front desk now and get the keys for my room."

"Sweetheart, I never told them I was Rahul. They saw my name on my ID, which was Arjun. This was just for the journalists to think I was Rahul. They already know Rahul is on his honeymoon. They're not going to bother us because there's no scandal there. So relax. No need to get hyper, and there is an extra room in this suite. You can stay here. No big deal."

"No big deal?" She questioned. "No big deal?" She felt the need to repeat for emphasis. "What is the matter with you?" She was ready to explode right now. She wasn't going to stay in a suite she couldn't afford, especially with a strange who also happened to be a guy. She didn't care if that stranger was the brother-in-law of her best friend.

He took a sharp step towards her. With his hands on her shoulders, he looked her straight in the eyes. "Sanam, don't overthink it. We're both adults here. Besides, you won't even see me in the suite that much since I will be out for meetings and I'm sure you have other things to be doing as well instead of staying in the hotel all day. So, you don't need to worry."

She took a few deep breaths to calm down and think with a clear head. She turned around to face away just as his hands dropped from her shoulders. She thought over it a few more seconds before she announced, "Okay, which one is my room?" She turned towards the two adjacent doors.

"Whichever you like. I've stayed here one too many times to be picky."

"Too many times?" She questioned, before she realized she shouldn't have asked. It wasn't as if she was curious to get to know him.

He shrugged, "Lots of meetings. It's not easy to be a billionaire. When dad comes with me, I take the left one and when Rahul comes, I get the right one."

"Okay then, there is only one way to settle this." She spoke, walking into one of the rooms.

He followed, "That is?"

She threw open the curtains and answered, "The view." This earned her a chuckle. Entering the other room, she saw this one faced another wing of the hotel. "Yup definitely the other one." She had no interest in staring at another similar looking building. She'd rather look down at the garden and the city lights when she got back to the hotel after a long and tiring day at the conference.

~

authors note:

They may be off to a rocky start, but it's a start :) Thoughts, thoughts? Especially Sanam & her mother? Or Arjun & his dad & what he is 'running' from? Looking forward to reading them! 

Hopefully, from now on, I'll be able to post something every other day, but it mostly depends on how tired I am at the end of the day to bother coming online or not :P