'Aye zindagi gale laga le,
Aye zindagi gale laga le
Humne bhi tere har ik gham ko
Gale se lagaya hai, hai na?'
~ Dear zindagi

After coming back from Ranveer's house, by spending a wholesome day all in all and having our dinner there because choti ma wouldn't let us leave without that, we bid our bye and were now home. I came out of the shower, freshening up and changed into comfortable pajama set. Standing before my vanity mirror, I was going through my nighttime skin care routine when I heard a knock on my door after which it was pushed open a little and my dad's face came in my view.

"Can your old man come in, Aru?"
A smile instantly spread on my lips and I shook my head, closing the lid on the moisturiser and gestured him to come inside, waving my hand.

"You know you don't need permission, dad!"
I exclaimed as I stood up making my way to him and at once snuggled myself in his arms. He didn't waste a second before enveloping me in his protective warmth. We stood like that for sometime until he spoke up,  "You okay?"

My lips formed a little smile remembering how Ranveer had asked that to me as well. He seemed to ask that a lot to me just like my father, something I noticed now.

"Mhmm!"
Nodding my head, I responded in a hum. He dropped a kiss on the top of my head before I broke apart and made him sit on my bed with his legs on the ground. I removed my home slippers and laid down myself with my head in his lap. Dad's face splitting in an even bigger smile than before as he started roaming his fingers in my open hair, just like Ranveer does.

Okay, I gotta stop thinking about him every other second. What's wrong with me?

Subconscious: nothing! He just happens to be that good.

I agree but still?

"I miss mumma so much, dad! More on days like today."
My eyes watered just like that upon remembering her and dad's fingers went still before moving again. He nodded, blowing out a deep resigned breath.

"I know, betu! Trust me I feel the void everyday."
His words only made a tear to drop from the corner of my eyes. His tone conveying the loneliness he carries. After losing mumma, I had everyone to care for me. To fill the void as much as they could after her absence but who could do that for him? Who could make up for his lost wife that the almighty snatched from him? And that is why I don't blame him for ignoring me for the most part of his live after her death. Because he had the right to grieve his wife as well and he still didn't forget to be a father when I needed him so what grudge would I hold against him?

I was just ten when she left us. I had only been in her life for ten years but dad had spent sixteen years of his life loving her and believing that she'll be there with him always. At every step of their life. Some might find this stupid but I believe his hurt was deeper than me.

"Why is universe so cruel, dad?"
I felt a huge lump forming in the middle of my throat as I snuggled in his stomach, hiding my face and stifling my sob. I didn't wanted to ugly cry in front of him. It always made him cry as well and I didn't want that.

"No, sweetheart! Universe isn't cruel. It works is ways that no one can even imagine. We have our destinies written way before we're even born, betu. Had it been cruel than Aabha wouldn't have held our miracle baby in her hands. The smile on her face when you were born was one I would always cherish."
Dad tried explaining to me in the calmest manner, holding me close.

"And you don't have even a little bit of anger that god wrote her in your life for such a short time?"
I asked because that was my biggest complain always. Dad only passed me a melancholic smile.

"Why should I feel like that? That short span of time was the most beautiful time of my life so why would I then live with anger remembering those precious instances? Your mom would glare down at me from above if I hold grudges against her god!"
We chuckled in her fond memory together because I knew she would do that.

"She always said 'shiv ji never gives before it's the right time and he never snatches what's written in your destiny'."
I somehow understood what he was trying to imply. But I was a little daughter in my heart. Nothing can fully justify my mumma's absence in my life. Not even god.

"Why did you never told me that she wanted me to marry Ranveer all along?"
That question has been bugging me from the moment I got to know about it. I got up from his lap, sitting with folded legs in front of him and he shrugged.

"You were very small, one month old to be specific when your mom expressed her wish that once you grow up, she'd like you to marry her best friend's younger son. Reyansh was way older for you so it only made sense. I was all but appalled hearing her. Imagine being blessed by a miracle and your wife telling you that you'll have to part ways with her someday?"
I bit my lower lip to stop smiling like a lunatic while my heart soared in my chest. I was my dad's girl through and through.

"Stop calling me a miracle?" I chided and he looked offended.

"Oh, but you are!" He chuckled as I rolled my eyes but gestured him to continue.

"So I gave Aabha an earful to not talk about it ever or till you are mature enough to take that decision yourself and she waved me off. After she left us, it was one thing that stayed with me but I never shared it with you. You were still my little, innocent daughter. Suddenly when I least expected it, I got a call from Raj a month back. He said he was back in Mumbai for good this time and he expressed his wish to go forward with what our wives always dreamt of. I hesitated because, well which father would willingly want to give his daughter away? But on the other hand I also knew that I wouldn't get a family who'd love and care for you like the Maliks. I had believe in Raj and Suhani's upbringing and when I met Ranveer to see if he was fit for my daughter, all my remaining doubts were cleared."

My eyes was as wide as a saucer when he finished dumping all of that on me. He met Ranveer before he let me meet him?

"What? You had met him separately? What did he do for you to say yes?" I asked perplexed and he chuckled.

"You can ask that to your fiancé. He'll be happy to elaborate on that!" That was my cue to blush like an idiot on just a mere mention of Ranveer.

"I kept your mother's wish hidden from you till you made your decision about him with a clean slate because I knew somewhere that if you had known about it, it would've heavily influenced your mind."
I nodded on his words because he was right. That would've changed the dynamics a lot but I'm so happy at this point that I chose Ranveer purely because of him. And hopefully he did too. Wait, I never asked him if he knew of this arrangement before meeting me?

"It's late now, you should go to sleep. I'll also go take some rest!" I gave dad a tight hug, wishing him night and kissing my forehead, he stood up to go.

"Dad?" Just as he was about to leave my room, I called him out and he turned, waiting for me to continue.

"You won't ever leave me, right?" I hope I didn't sound as vulnerable as I felt because I didn't want him to worry unnecessarily. I just needed assurance, my stupid heart would calm down then. Something passed through my dad's eyes, something I couldn't pin point but he only gave me his heartwarming smile and nodded.

"Never, beta! You'll find me by your side, always."
That was all it took for me to smile to the fullest and my heart to beat in peace. Giving me a last smile, he left closing the door behind and I didn't waste a second to slump down on my bed, ready to welcome my most needed beauty sleep but my phone chimed. Picking it up from the side table, I checked and there was a message from Mr fiancé.

Ranveer: Good night, cupcake! Have some good sleep❤️

With a stupidly goofy smile on seeing that red heart and shivering fingers, I typed my reply and sent it to him.

Me: You too! Good night, Ranveer ❤️

He liked it that instant and keeping the phone aside, I finally succumbed to a deep slumber. Making a mental note to ask him one important question the next time we meet.

~~~

"I told you we are too early!"
Kaira complained for the nth time and I gave Preet a look who told me with her eyes that she was out of this. It was Thursday so all of us were set to go to our mini vacation like it was planned. The elders bailed on us saying that more them, we needed a bonding and relaxing time so we should go ahead and it only made sense.

The three of us were now standing at the airport since we couldn't go inside because we didn't had our tickets with us. Yeah! I know very smart but Ranveer had booked tickets for all of us as far as I know and they all were yet to come. My own brother said he'll take fifteen minutes to reach because he had to wind up his work in office. That useless son of my chachi had asked me to pack his stuff as well and take it with me.

"Ab muh kya dekh rahi hai? Phone kar tere pati parmeshwar ko and ask him where the hell they are?"
A few passersby's gave the three of us weird looks hearing Kaira's words and I glared at the stupid girl.

"Kyu tere paas muh nahi hai? Phone nahi hai? Unka number nahi hai? Khud kar le itni impatient hai toh!"
Preet coughed out a laugh at my words, clearly enjoying the free show and Kaira groaned looking heavenwards. Sahil has personally messaged me to take both of my friends along on this trip and I was only happy to oblige though I wasn't that happy right now.

"Relax, babe! They would be reaching any minute now! We still have more than an hour to board our flight as Aru mentioned."
Preet tried being the mediator like always, rubbing Kaira's arm.

"I would've gotten my gel extensions done in this much time!"
Yes, Kaira was annoyed because I made her cancel her appointment at the salon where she was exited to get her beach nails done. My priority was to reach on time here.

"Behen, I'll pay for your nail extensions once we reach Goa. Chain ki saans lele!"
I rolled my eyes but she only hardened her glare at me.

"Oh, don't worry about that. Your ridiculously rich fiancé would pay for that. I'll make sure of it!"
I chuckled, shaking my head and agreed. Whatever makes her happy and relaxed right now.

"Okay, I'm here!"
I heard Aarav bhai's voice and I instantly gave him a hug.

"What took you so long?"
Now I was the one cribbing and he smiled sheepishly.

"There was a lot of traffic! Anyways let's get going."
Without waiting for our reply, he started making his way inside the airport, ushering the trolly which had our luggage on it. The three of us hot on our heels.

"We don't have our tickets with us!"
Preet let him know in case he didn't remember that but he only nodded. Talking with the officer at the security check, something that we couldn't grasp, he let us inside and instead of making our way from the terminal where we'd board our flight, we took a different turn. Soon our confusion turned into shock as we stood in a rather empty or precisely, a private helipad. A big jet coming in our view.

What in the—?

"You never told us that your family got a private freaking jet?"
Kaira questioned out being equally amazed and shocked.

"Because we didn't, idiot! This is not ours!"
I let her know, trying to explain myself. I'd sure have known if this was ours.

"Come, let's get settled inside. Everyone else will be here in a few minutes."
Preet and Kaira didn't waste a single second before making a run inside like little penguins as soon as bhai came to us after having a talk with the guy who liked like our pilot.

Fake ass bitches!

"Bhai, what's this?"
I asked. Apparently I was still in disbelief.

"Isse plane kehta hai, Aru!"
My brother being always ready to pull my leg, chirped in a teasing manner.

"This is—Ranveer's?"
Ignoring his teasing, I questioned in a shutter because only that'd make sense. Sensing my apprehension, he nodded in positive and I blinked rapidly, coming to terms with it. I have seen a fair amount of riches, being born in a wealthy family and I am grateful for it but this was insane. Even for me.

"Just how loaded is he?"
I muttered in incredulousness to my own self but my brother obviously heard me.

"We can buy one as well if you want?"
My hand went up to my head in an attempt to smack my head when bhai asked me that. And he was actually serious about it with the way he looked at me right now.

"No, thanks! I'm good. If you have an overflowing bank account than please transfer few lakhs to mine! That would make me more happy."
Wrapping his hand around my shoulder he chuckled, muttering a 'nautanki' under his breath and both of us made our way inside as well. We had just settled down and were looking around the interiors.

I took a relieved sigh as soon as the cool air from the air conditioner hit my face when I entered. I had worn a sweater with beige coloured linen pants paired with it. Comfortable sneakers completing my look. It was end of October but there was no sign of winters hence I was sweating so much underneath my cloths. Even after choosing comfort over fasion, I wasn't comfortable.

You also have to use your brain while selecting an outfit. Jab pata tha ki thand nahi hai toh sweater kyu pick kiya?

We'll collectively ignore that subconscious voice of mine.

The four of us were talking here and there when loud noises fell on our ears from outside.

Finally!

"Hello, guys!"
Sahil was the first one to make his presence known and I don't know why I stood up from the seat that I was occupying. He came to me and gave a side hug then moved on to do the same with Kaira followed by the bro hug he shared with Aarav bhai. My eyes pinched in suspicion when he didn't even glanced at Preet and the girl only twisted her face in annoyance before looking away.

What was going on here?

Before I have the time to decode that, I was taken in a bear hug by none other than Myru and balancing myself, I chuckled before returning her hug with equal fervour. God, the way I feel protectiveness surging through me looking her, it's unbelievable. Next it was Tarun who gave me a hug as well and moved ahead, patting my head affectionately. Then Sahiba came in view and we exchanged greetings after which my eyes fell on the person I was waiting for with bated breaths.

The way I felt myself turning giddy and anxious at the same time. The way I felt my cheeks going warm already just seeing him, I was pathetic than a school girl seeing her teenage crush for the first time. My heart almost leaped out of my chest when he looked at me, removing his shades and made his way with calculative yet determined steps in to me.

Wow. We were accidentally twinning. He had a beige linen shirt on, paired with white pants. Matching loafers completing his look with a classic watch on his left wrist. The man looked hot and he screamed old money to me. Ranveer has always dressed impeccably but his rather relaxed styling did something strange to me and I gulped.

"Hey, there!"
He whispered in his husky voice, dropping his forehead on mine and rubbing our noses together with a heart wrenching smile. His hands out of habit going around my frame and pulling me close.

"Hii!"
I managed to say back like a frog. So ladylike. Lord help me, he smells so damn delicious. He normally smells like old books but right now there was a spicy note as well mixed with a certain type of aftershave. He smells so much like he just took shower and that only made sense because he must have taken one before leaving home. Then there was me on the other side, praying internally that I didn't stink to bad.

"You smell a little too good for me to keep my hands to myself!"
My eyes widened to their full sizes when he whispered that in a low voice, not believing what I just heard. Has he lost one of his sensory organs already? Because I knew I didn't smell great.

With lowered eyes, I stood silent with my bottom lip in between my teeth and that familiar red hue spread on my face, ears and neck once I actually registered his words. My breath getting caught up in my throat when he dipped his head a little more, his nose burying somewhere between my ear and neck, where my pulse beat.

Are we going to ignore everyone else as if we are alone? We had our family whom I couldn't see because his tall frame hid me from them.

"Why does your hair smell fruity?"
I fisted the front of his shirt in both my fists when he took a long breath after asking that. Did he—did he just sniff my hair? And did I just find that hot?

God! We really shouldn't be left together!

"Hmm?"
He sought an answer when I didn't reply, holding my chin and tipping it up so we looked at each other.

"It's my shampoo!"
My reply was a whisper as if afraid to break this imaginary cocoon we had seem to build around ourselves and he nodded with a little tilt at the corner of his mouth before a dropped a kiss on my crown. My eyes closing on their own finding his warmth.

"Ahem ahem! Are you guys done?"
I gasped breaking apart from Ranveer while he moved aside a bit turning around and we came face to face with Meera bhabhi and Reyansh bhai. Bhabhi's face holding a teasing smile and her husband trying to hide his, behind her. Others chuckling around us as well and nothing could be more embarrassing for me right now.

Bhagwan ji, bula lo mujhe bhi upar. Inko face karne se toh better hi hai!

"Seriously?"
Ranveer asked looking at all of them as they couldn't hold in their stupid cheeky smiles and shook his head. Meera bhabhi greeted me with a warm hug and Reyansh bhai passed me a comforting smile before I fled from there and took a seat beside my brother.

"Don't!"
I warned when I saw that devil like smirk on Aarav bhai's face and he had a good sense to keep quiet. Everyone took their place as well when our pilot announced to take off. We had two kind of seating arrangements inside. Two separate long couches on one side and on the other side we had two seating chairs with a table in middle and then another two pair of seating chair after that.

Bhai and I were beside each other. Kaira and Preet in front of us. Reyansh bhai with Meera bhabhi, Sahiba and Myra were behind us. Tarun and Sahil had occupied one couch while Ranveer and Rachit sat on the one beside us. Don't be shocked seeing Rachit, he was tagging along to help my fiancé in work.

Yeah I know, this was a vacation but Ranveer didn't had that word in his dictionary it seems.

My eyes took in his form as he sat right in front of me. His one leg folded on the other and he now read some kind of a file with utmost concentration. The first three buttons of his shirt open that gave me a sneak peek of his hard chest. His eyebrows drawn up and that sinful lip tucked between his teeth. I crossed my legs tightly trying to keep up with the talk happening on my table and not ogle at him like a sex deprived maniac.

I was exactly that but why announce it to the world?

The distance from Mumbai to Goa by air was very less. In forty minutes or something we were ready to land and we didn't even realise how quickly the time passed. All of us where so engrossed just talking amongst ourselves here and there. Except for Mr Malik and his secretary. The man hardly even exchanged a few words with me. Why did he agreed for a trip so easily if he actually had so much work?

"Finally! I can't wait to spend the next three days in pure bliss here!"
Myra exclaimed when we got down the plane with utmost happiness and she was the happiest amongst us all. Giving her a smile, I held her arm in mine we walked behind everyone else. The men kept our luggage's in the two SUV's sent for us and we sat inside the vehicle, getting divided in both cars. After a journey of approx fifteen minutes, we came to a halt and we got down before a villa which had a Portuguese touch to it. Oh, it actually looked pretty.

"Wow! This place is amazing!"
Preet stated as we all come into the living room, looking around every corner and art pieces. Everything just so aesthetically pleasing that you could cry. Everyone agreed with her and I turned with a smile to Ranveer only to frown the next moment because he was lost on his phone. I swear to god he was so close to hear it from me!

"I thought we were going to stay in a hotel! But this is a hell lot better!"
Sahil gleefully rubbed his hands before dropping himself on the couch with a thud and we laughed at his actions. This air bnb was such a great idea. Due credit goes to my fiancé.

"Yeah, I just thought this will be a lot more convenient!"
Ranveer finally decided to include himself as he let us know, the phone now gone and his hands stuffed in his pockets.

"So we have 8 rooms for us in this villa! How should we stay?"
He ask looking at all of us and we all kept quite, our minds going blank for a second.

"Sahiba and Tarun in one room. Meera bhabhi and Reyansh bhai in another, that goes without question!"
Kaira pointed out and everyone agreed on that. My heart for some reason picking up it's pace. Sahiba and Tarun are engaged just like me and Ranveer. Does that mean we'll have to share a room as well?

Subconscious: Man mein laddoo phoota?

Tumhe phod dena hai meine. Chup ho jao!

My eyes on it's own moved to get a glance of him but I looked away the next second when he looked back at me.

"Preeto and I can share one?"
Kaira continued, now looking at Preet and the latter just nodded with a shrug. Why did I felt like being cornered all of a sudden? Kaira then kept mum avoiding my glare before Ranveer cleared his throat in the silence.

"Myru, you can share a room with her?"
He threw me a glance, asking that to his sister who was only happy to agree.

"I'd love that honestly!"
She came to stand beside me and linked our hands again. Kaira and Preet sharing a look as they saw their plan dying an untimely death. Huh! Karma is a bitch, bitches. And my sister in law was too innocent for this world. Poor girl just didn't grasp the wicked game my own best friends where playing with me. Bade aaye Cupid play karne wale! *eye rolls*

Ranveer looked at me and I passed him a small grateful smile to which he blinked his eyes in assurance. Now I wasn't completely against the idea of sharing a room with him but it was a big thing guys. I had a right to be nervous, didn't I?

"Okay then we'll take the remaining four rooms, one each!"
Sahil announced pointing at the remaining people that were he himself, Aarav bhai, Ranveer and Rachit. Passing us all a smirk, he took his suitcase before going upstairs where all rooms were. The guy was hit in the head, I could vouch for that. We all one by one went upstairs, the care taker helping us with our luggage and took rooms as decided.

~~~

"So what's the itinerary for today?"
Preet asked to no one particular as we all sat around in the living room. It was four in the evening so we had a lot of time to explore if we wanted.

After everyone freshened up a bit and lazed around for a while, we called in for some late lunch and just got done with filling our tummies with that.

"We sleep, we get up, we eat and then we sleep again! The real itinerary starts from tomorrow."
Sahil replied with his head thrown back on the couch and eyes closed. We chuckled at that but Preet only seem to throw him a very dangerous glare.

"Bohot hi badhiya bakwas kiya hai! We didn't came all the way here to just sit in one place?"
Opening his one eye, Sahil gazed at Preet who looked right back at him.

"You want to jump around like a chimpanzee then? By all means, be my guest, Preeto!"
I turned my face around, hiding in Ranveer's shoulder who sat beside me, to stifle my smile but everyone else didn't hold back, laughing at that one loudly. Kaira even went ahead and gave Sahil a high five which only seem to infuriate Preet more.

"You *pointing finger at Sahil* don't get to call me that. And you *now pointing at Kaira* get up!"
Preet held Kaira's wrist, pulling her up from her sprawled position from beside Sahil (her current enemy) and made her stand straight.

"We can explore things on our own anyways! Others can rot in hell for all I care." With that being her last words and last glare directed to Sahil, she turned taking Kaira along with her.

"Ye hamesha se hi aisi thi ya waqt ne kiya koi haseen sitam?" Sahil asked, now looking at me and I closed my eyes, finally letting my laugh free, throwing my head back at his overdramatic filmy words. Ranveer's stare nowhere else but on me.

"This treatment is strictly reserved for some rare kind of species!"
Preet came back and gave a sickly sweet smile to him, replying before I could.

"Aww, Preeto! Thanks for the compliment!" With both of his hands on his heart, he passed that creepy big smile right back at her and she groaned like a little tigress, picked up the nearest pillow that she could find, aimed it at Sahil and threw at at his face. All of us rolled on the floor with the way it hit his nose and he glared at Preet who just flipped her hair and holding a laughing Kaira's hand, went upstairs.

I really need to have some serious talks with my jag mata! The one who never looses her cool was suddenly being so violent? What did Sahil even do to achieve that?

"Okay, I think I'm gonna go join them. My begging to make this trip happen shouldn't go to waste. Sahiba, bhabhis, you guys joining?"
Sahiba and I nodded together at Myru, standing up but Reyansh bhai shook his head in negative.

"I'll let Meera rest for today! She had a little headache an hour back. So you guys go ahead!"
Meera bhabhi glared at him but he only shrugged.

"Thanks for deciding on my behalf, husband. Feels really good to not have any say of my own!" Reyansh bhai only gave her a look that made her groan like a kid before she wrapped her arms around his torso, hiding her face in his chest. His own hands going protectively around her frame and I swooned at them in aww, mentally utaroing their nazar.

Tarun was already on the verge of passing out on the couch along with my brother so we didn't bothered even asking them and turned to now look at my fiancé.

"I actually have a really important virtual meeting to attend so we won't be able to join!" He pointed to himself and Rachit while I rolled my eyes so hard at that, immediately moving away from there and climbing the stairs to reach our room. Sahiba and Myru right behind me on cue. Taking deep breaths, I tried reining my annoyance so that I don't end up getting upset. I and Myru came in our room which we shared and Sahiba went in hers to get ready.

"Bhabhi?" Myra called me out in a soft voice after I closed the door, locking it and I hummed.

"Are you mad at bhai?" A small smile formed on my lips when I faced her on her question and I shook my head.

"I'm not mad, Myru! A little bit sad but definitely not mad." She nodded in understanding and then she jumped on to a different topic, her face now holding her child like excitement.

"Should we all wear cute dresses? It'll be so much fun. We'll be on a girls day out in Goa so it only makes sense!" I shrugged liking the idea and messaged the girls about the same and they replied in positive. I think we should make a girl's group chat, it'll be so convenient and fun!

I let Myra freshen up first and in the meanwhile I removed my clothes which I wanted to wear. Choosing a really cute pink dress which had a knot situation going around on both the shoulders and reached just a little above my knees, I decided I'll wear that. Taking out a comfy pair of footwear that'll go with it and some jewellery, I placed it on the bed and Myra came out in a bathrobe. I went in to take a quick shower next and by the time I was out, Myra was all dressed up, looking really cute in her yellow summer dress. A literal ball of sunshine.

I changed from my bathrobe to the dress in the walk in closet and then came in the bedroom.

Standing in front of the vanity, I did my skin care, applied a lot of sunscreen and did a little bit of makeup which consisted of compact, tint, gloss and three coats of mascara over my lashes. Drying my wet hair with a blow dryer, I left it open with a middle partition and started wearing my jewellery when we heard a knock on the door. Myra stood up to see who it was while I continued what I was doing.

"Bhai?" My hands went still behind my neck in the middle of wearing the neck piece when I heard Myra and through the mirror I saw Ranveer standing at the threshold of our room.

"You guys are ready to go?" He questioned, looking at me at then at his sister who nodded in positive. No one spoke a word after that and Myra looked back and forth between me and him before biting her lip in contemplation.

"Bhabhi, come down once you're done. I'll go call everyone else as well!"
Without even waiting for my reply, she picked up her phone and sling bag, wore her heels and passing a smile to her brother, left us alone. My heart just like that beating abnormally. He closed the door a little coming inside but didn't lock it and made his way behind me.

"Umm—can you please—help me with this?" Clearing my throat, I gestured at the jewellery I was having difficulties wearing and he without a word, took it from my hands making me drop my arms. My fingers fumbling with the end of my dress feeling his warm touch.

When will I get used to this feelings he evokes in me?

Subconscious: Agle janam mein, SHAYAD!

I gulped when he latched the dainty piece in place and bending his height a little, dropped a feather like kiss at the nape of my neck. Since I had all of my hair on one shoulder, it was only easy for him to do so. Goosebumps appeared on my skin and the butterflies freed themselves from their cage in my stomach at his gesture.

"Why are you going out looking like this enchantress, Adu?" He whispered bringing his hands down and wrapping it around my waist, his fingers linked in front of my tummy. Blood rushing to my face only adding on to the tint I applied on his words.

"Oh, you're one to talk, Mr Malik!" Glaring at him through my frenzied feelings as I looked at him through the mirror, I passed on the pearl drop earrings to him and he heaved a sigh before taking it his large palm, making me wear it one by one.

"So you are upset with me!" He concluded once he was done with his work and I only shrugged, picking up my body mist and spraying it all over myself. Through the mirror I saw Ranveer taking a sniff, closing his eyes and I looked away, biting my lips to stop the shy smile from making it's appearance.

"I just didn't know that it'll be a vacation for us but a work trip for you!" He wrapped me in his arms again from behind upon my words, pulling me back in his chest and dropped his chin on my left shoulder. My hands holding onto to his as we looked at each other in the mirror. Our height difference so prominent since I hardly reached his shoulders.

"It's not like that, baba! But the thing is after dad has announced I'll be taking over the company, there are things I don't have control over!"
He tried making me understand in a soft voice and I turned around, now facing him as I cupped the side of his face.

"Why didn't you tell that to me before? We could've postponed the trip, na?" My question made him shake his head.

Now I feel really bad because he made sure my work wouldn't be hampered due to this trip. The least I could do was to make sure that his didn't, as well!

"You were so excited, I just couldn't say no! And it's nothing I can't handle. Just give me this one day and then for the next three days, I'm all yours!" God, this man is soo infuriatingly good.

"Pakka?" I raised my eyebrows and pointed a finger only for him to bite on it and nod with a smirk, later. Shaking my head with a warm face, I rolled my eyes and smiled, pulling him in a hug to which he happily reciprocated.

~~~

"Where should we head to first?"
Preet asked once we girls settled in the SUV which would take us around the city. My phone pinged with a message just then.

Ranveer: Take care and have fun, okay? Keep sharing your live location with me so that I know you people's whereabouts. See you soon!❤️

I just bid bye to this man a few minutes back but I already wanted to run and crash in his arms? How is this considered to be normal?

Subconscious: It isn't, you've officially lost your mind!

"Oh, pyaar mein andhi, hone wali Mrs Malik, stop smiling at your phone so creepily and concentrate on us, will you?" Kaira snapped her fingers in front of me and I rolled my eyes, typing a quick reply and sending my location as asked before keeping my phone away.

"Should we head to a salon first? You wanted to get your nails done, right?" Trying to ignore the blush, I made an attempt to divert the topic and I was successful with the way Kaira nodded in enthusiasm. Sahiba and Myra said they wanted to get that done as well so our driver dropped them to the nearest salon while Preet and I sat in a cute cafe just two minutes away from there.

"So tell me the whole story. What's going on?" Stirring my coffee with the paper straw that'll melt away in my beverage within a minute, I raised my eyebrows at Preet who frowned.

"What's going on?" She questioned back, taking a sip of her pineapple juice. Was she really confused or was she trying to dodge the topic?

"You and Sahil. Isn't it clear as day that something's going on between you both?" Realisation finally dawned on her face when I said that and she had the audacity to give me a smile.

"Nothing's going on between us, babe! Nothing will ever go on at all with that person ever!" She exclaimed with a sigh when I kept giving her the stinky eyes and my confusion only deepened at her answer.

"So then how'd you explain the way you guys seem to always poke each other all the time recently?" Preet sighed a big one at that before slumping in her seat in front of me.

"It's honestly just to get on each other's nerves."

"And why'd you do that? Preet, can you please stop talking in circles and tell me everything clearly. I almost had an heart attack seeing my ever so calm jab mata lose her cool over my fiancé's best friend of all people!" I was too eager to decode what was happening and she better clear this up for me right away.

"You're fiancé's best friend flirted with me like no one's business on the day of your roka and I told him to drop it after a point. I made it clear to him that I wasn't looking for a relationship so the pig suggested we could take things casual. I denied again saying I'm not meant for casual and he straight up offered for one night stand. The way I breathed fire after that, you should've seen me, Aru. I could kill him with my bare hands. I told him that he wasn't that good looking for me to consider that option and his fragile ego couldn't take it so now he leaves no stone unturned to infuriate me at any given point. Hence the back and forth bickering!" She was so red from anger while she narrated me the story that I took some breaths on her behalf.

"I didn't know this was happening, Preet!" My voice came out as surprised as I felt and she held my hand over the table before shrugging.

"I couldn't blame you. You were figuring things out with Ranveer yourself which was very much needed and I honestly didn't want to bother you with something so small!" I glared at her hard at her response.

"Yes, I was figuring my own things with Ranveer but that doesn't mean you stop coming to me with your problems. And how can you even think that you'll ever bother me? When have we ever been a bother to each between the three of us?" She only gave me her puppy eyes muttering a small sorry but I wasn't having it.

"Does Kaira knows about this?" She nodded a little slowly with a sheepish smile and I only shook my head.

"That stupid girl ships me with him! Yuck. Over my dead body would I ever even consider that guy!" Her face showed her disgust as she told me that and I knew Kaira enough to believe that she'd do something like that.

"Wow! I feel so left out right now!" I displayed my most pathetically sad face but Preet only smacked the back of hand.

"Behen, rehne de! I'm sure you were only living your best life with your hone wala pati dev!" A cheeky smile spread on my lips at that, red hue coating my cheeks confirming her words while she shook her head, rolling her eyes with a smile of her own.

"But on a serious note, do you want me to talk to Sahil? Or maybe Ranveer can do that if it's getting out of hands? See, I'm not justifying his actions but Sahil is a good person, Preet. He's always been at his best behaviour with me and even generally, I've never seen or heard him do something offensive or disrespectful. Maybe you guys just started off on the wrong foot? But if you're too uncomfortable, we'll have a talk with him and I'm sure he'll understand!" I now held both of her hands in mine and chose my words correctly. Preet is a little too good and a little to emotional than me in such matters.

"No, Aru, you don't have to do that. We're both adults and we can handle ourselves just enough. He sure gets on my nerves but he's never been—disrespectful or downright mean to me ever so I think we'll just be fine. I'll ignore my constant urge to kill him till you get married to Ranveer but I can't give any guarantee of what'll happen after that!" We both laughed at that when she finished and the topic was finally dismissed.

We got Kaira's call that they are done so finishing our drinks and clearing the bill, we left the cafe. Meeting the girls in the car, we now decided to head to Morjim beach. It was closer to reach from where we were and our driver uncle, who also was a local here informed that it's usually less crowded than others so the choice was made.

"This feels so peaceful!" Sahiba exclaimed as we all stood by the shore, taking the serenity in. And she wasn't wrong at all. The sun was almost on the verge of setting—we couldn't have chosen a more perfect time than this to come—and it gave an illusion of merging in the ocean, leaving behind hues of stunning colours in the sky consisting of purple, pink, blues and orange. The air warm and salty as it hit our faces, swaying our hair in all directions and it only made us more happy. The sound of waves crashing was like cherry on the cake.

Our driver uncle was right, the beach was actually less crowded than others.

This was so perfect, I could cry.

Pulling my phone out from my sling bag and clicking a quick picture on my phone, I sent it to Mr workaholic with a little message!

'You missed something so serene! Hope you rot out of boredom in your work while I enjoy this' 😭😌🥰😙

With a giddy smile, I sent that to him and kept my phone back. A little away from where we stood, I noticed a person selling coconut water.

"Girls, do you feel like having some nariyal pani?" All of them nodded at my question so I got that for each one of us. We sat down together on the warm sand, removing our footwear as we enjoyed it along with a view that looked just out of a novel. Clicking a thousand pictures and posing for hundreds of selfies with each other, Kaira and Myru then thought of making sand castle, Sahiba joining them later on as well. Preet and I laughed time to time when they bickered amongst themselves or cracked self deprecating jokes.

My heart blooming in contentment when I noticed they were just as happy as me being here and somewhere along the line I realised why people say marriage is a union between two families, not just two people. Hardly a month back we didn't even know these new people at all but look at us now, already behaving like long lost best friends. We had a friendly vibe going on always but the ice was truly broken now. And these moments will forever be cherished by all of us, I just know of that.

"Yaar, I miss Meera bhabhi! She must me feeling so much FOMO for not being here with us on this girls outing!" Myra pouted her lips when the castle was finally made and was now standing proud.

"Don't be sad! We're here for three more days, we'll make enough memories like these with her as well!" That made her smile in agreement at my words and she pulled her phone out to click pictures of the castle.

The sun almost completely set and the dark night kicking in.

"Where do we go next?" Sahiba asked, dusting away the sand from her clothes.

"Let's look for some nice place to have dinner? Then we can head back to our air bnb. It's dark anyways so we wouldn't be able to do much!" Preet suggested and we agreed. Getting up and collecting our things, we wore our sandals and headed out of the beach taking one last glance around.

•••

So how was this one? I loved writing Preet and Sahil's banter, it made me smile like a fool all the time.

Do let me know your thoughts through votes and comments.

Also the missing chapter I talked about in the last update, it's back. Thanks to Wattpad. The serial number has been goofed up but that's okay I guess.

Follow me on Instagram if you'd like, ID: author_preee

Till then bye and take care 🫶🏼