New york, USA, Evening, 9 p.m.

Arjun's POV...

Today was super tiring day I swear, I don't know why am I being harassed to this extent...

I mean how can you expect a trainee to prepare the series of summaries for 5 freaking projects in a day without any help...

I guess, I am being punished for dating the VP's Daughter, That old freak always hated me...

And I am sick of his patented dialogue 'I don't know what my daughter sees in you'...

I feel like strangling him whenever he says that !

Why he has to remind me of my stupid mistake always, And his daughter is equally annoying...

Only good quality she possesses is that she is hot and that is all! 

And Honestly after 6 months of dating, I am tired of her, she is very clingy and interfering....

I should breakup with her I think, I mean how long can I extend this, it's nothing serious anyway

Why am I dating her?

I asked her out as a bet!

6 months ago, Random bar, NY

Arjun and his college friends were out for a boys night

'6 months to go folks, then we'll start working...' Richard raised his beer glass

'Yep! No dorm rules, no assignments, No exams... We'll be free' their friend Karim said raising his glass

'And the joy of earning our own money' 
Jerry cheered

'To the independence' Arjun raised his glass

'To the independence' they clinked their glasses together and drink their beers

'Finally I can move in with my sweet Blake...' Richard says dreamily and Arjun chuckles

'I can visit Serena anytime' Karim said

'And I...' Jerry says and looks at Arjun

'Well I am moving in with this guy...' He said sadly

'Aww... Dont be sad, I'll keep you happy...' Arjun teased and the boys laughed

'Get lost...'  Jerry hits him

'Why dont you guys find someone...' Richard suggested

Arjun stiffened at this, he thought about his last videocall with Naina when he let her use his bike to learn

'I'll find someone bro... Can't say for this guy...' He points at Arjun

And Arjun rolled his eyes 'I need to prepare for my interview at BFPG next week, I dont have time for all these...' He takes a sip of his beer

'That has nothing to do with dating...' Karim said

'I dont have that much energy to invest on someone, I'd rather learn a new skill' Arjun said dismissively

'Getting a girlfriend is a life skill...' Jerry teased

'Yea, you better learn that or you'll never find someone...' Richard suggested

Do I need to find someone? Or do I already have someone? Arjun thought to himself

Stop it Arjun ! He scolds himself

'Let's see...' Arjun said absentmindedly

'Do you already have someone in your mind?' Karim asked and Arjun's heart started beating faster

'I... Uh... Not really' he says

'Oh spill it out' Jerry coaxed

'Fine!' Arjun gives up 'There is someone back at home, who I sort of like, she is my best friend and...' He was cut off by Jerry

'Nuh uh... Dating your best friend... Bad idea... Actually worst idea...' He said and Arjun looked at him bewildered

'Why, what's wrong in that?' Karim asked

'See.. Every relationship has its specific role in your life, your mom is your mom, your dad is your dad... you should keep them they way it is... Once roles are interchanged things get messed up... Imagine you asking your mom to train you for baseball... Will that end well... No...!' Jerry explained

'You are not making sense...' Richard rolled his eyes

'Yea, what is he blabbering I dont understand...' Karim says

'See... Your friend is your friend for a reason, you can hangout with them, share things with them, hit them, be boisterous! you have a different personality with your friend and a with your partner, you are more gentle, intimate, sensitive... You can't do that with your friend... Imagine a situation you used to play soccer with that friend, and now you have to kiss them... Won't that be weird...Ugh!' Jerry shivers

Arjun remembers his kiss with Naina, which although didn't feel Ugh, but the amount of awkwardness he felt after that was a torture

'Nonsense okay!  If my mom knows how to play a baseball, i'll ask her to coach me and if my friend can be both my partner in crime and lover at the same time, I will without a thought choose that person..'  Karim defended

'There is always the 'if' factor my buddy'

Arjun who was silently listening to this discussion took a deep breath

Can Naina be my partner in crime and lover at the same time? He thought

'You tell me Arjun, will your 'best friend' be a good girlfriend?' Jerry asked

'I dont know...' Arjun replied honestly

'See...' Jerry said

'He said he has no idea, that doesn't imply she will be a bad girlfriend...' Karim shot back

'Yeah, he must give her a chance atleast...' Richard said

'And what if it fails, what if she doesn't prove to be a good girlfriend? Do you think he can go back being friends with her?' Jerry countered

'Things will get soo awkward between them bro... Will they be able to get back to normal?' He continued

'What if it works out...?' Arjun finally said

'Then you will become the luckiest man  bro! But that rarely happens you know, 1 in a 100 cases, 99 times you lose your friend and your partner if you mix these two separate domains' Jerry said

That is true, if this fails, she will never to talk to me, I can't risk that.. No... Thinking to date Naina is stupid

'Who hurt you bro?' Richard teased Jerry

'Speaking from experience man, let your friend be friend, dont cross that line, its not like movies, we lose some of our best connections because of some stupid heat of moments...' Jerry said 

He's right, a friend should be friend not cross the line... Arjun thought

'You know sometimes he speaks sense...' Karim teased

'Thanks...' Jerry said proudly and then looks behind Arjun and gasps

'Arjun, look bro!' He shakes Arjun who was lost in deep thoughts

'That's her, that's the hot senior I told you about...!' He says excitedly

Arjun looks back..

'Which one?' He asks

'The short one with pink dress... Priya Iyer...' He says

And Arjun looks at her, she indeed was beautiful, her long hair reaching her waist, her dress hugging her curves, length above the knees exposing her perfect legs, big hazel eyes, beautiful smile

Wow! Arjun thought

'She's an Indian?' Karim asked

'Her dad is, her mom is from France is guess... Born and brought up here...' Jerry said

'Man she's hot..' Richard said

Arjun turned back to his drink and started playing with the straw

'Arjun why dont you ask her out...' Karim suggested

'Naah.. Too hot for me to handle...' Arjun lied

'This guy sure underestimates himself ' Richard laughed

'Atleast try' Karim encourages

'Nah, I don't want to date her..'

'Isn't her Dad VP of BFPG?' Richard asked and Arjun looked up from his drink and then looked back at Priya

'And Now she has his attention...' Jerry laughed

'Did you say she asked about me?' Arjun asked Jerry

'Yeah, but I too think she's way above your standards' Jerry teased

'How much do you bet?' Arjun says challengingly

'$100' Richard says

'Double it' Karim says excitedly

'I m in...' Jerry to puts the money on the table

'Brace yourself guys, you are about to lose $300' Arjun finished his drink and walked towards Priya fixing his hair

Present...

I lazily climbed the stairs towards my apartment and ring the bell...

No answer, I again ring the bell, still no answer...

Where is this idiot...

I turned the knob to open, it's locked, I guess Jerry is out again, groaning I checked my bag to find my key... Entering the room, I threw my bag on the couch and literally collapsed on the bed

God I miss my home !

Yesterday I chatted with Naina on FB, it was so refreshing to talk to her after months

Surprisingly she was not angry, this girl is really sweet and understanding, Generally your best friend gets annoyed when you don't contact them, like Jai, This guy was so furious when I didn't text him one day... I literally had to beg for his forgiveness !

But Naina, she didn't say anything, In fact, she was so happy that I remembered her...

How can I forget you Naina !

Don't start again Arjun !!

I feel so guilty for not contacting her, but I swear this bimbo I am dating, is getting into my nerves...

It's all because of that Bitch

I don't understand why she hates My friends so much, specifically Naina

Why can't she leave me alone ! It's my life ! I will text who ever I want ! Who is she to control my life

I guess she is insecure, because though my Naina lives simply, she is way more gorgeous than Priya can ever become ! Even after using tons of Make up...

Wait ? My Naina ? Seriously ?

But dating Priya and being busy with work helped me to overcome my feelings for Naina to some extent

No matter how much I miss Naina, atleast I am relieved that my stupid feelings won't ruin my friendship with her...

To be honest I was a bit disappointed that she didn't yell at me, that made me wonder whether she ever considered me as her best friend ?

Shut up Arjun ! Don't forget Radhika is her bestie first and then you !

I sighed and got up from my bed searching for the telephone directory...

Finding the number, I ordered pizza, because honestly I don't have any energy to cook for myself today, I was about to change my clothes when my phone rang...

I glanced at the screen and cursed my fate ! Damn it ! Why can't she leave me alone !!

'How could you ?' Came her screeching voice, I cringed

Why her voice is so squeaky...

'What now?'  I  grumble

'Watch your tone, I am your girlfriend !' she yelled from other side

Oh really !

'Listen Priya, I am tired ! I don't have the energy to listen your stupid rant right now..' I maintained my angry tone

I am not backing off in front of her this time...

'Okay I'll come straight to the point' she spat

'I would really appreciate that' I shot back

'Did you chat with that Witch Naina, yesterday on FB ?' she enquired angrily

What the hell... How did she know...! She is stalking me !

'Don't call her a witch, she is my best friend ! And yes I did chat with her ! So?...' I replied angrily

'So? I told you, I don't like her, How many times I have to say that to you..'

'This doesn't answer my question you foolish girl, how does your dislike for her should affect my bond with her...' I snap back 

This is too much !

'Boyfriends happen to take care of their girlfriends feelings okay!'

'It should be mutual... Did you ever stop speaking to your exes even if I disapprove of it...'

'Who are you to tell me what to do and what not to... This is 21st century...' She raged

How stupid she can be

'Exactly Priya... Who are you to stop me as well...' I say and their was silence on the other side

'Why you never listen to me...!' She whines and I massage my temple to calm down

'Am I your slave?' I ask calmly

'No, but you don't act like my boyfriend either, its been 6 months we've started dating, and we hung out 4 times, that's it, just 4 times...' She complains

Not again

'You tell me this, did you hack my account?'

'I didn't, Harry did that for me, I wanted to see what are you upto these days, you didn't contact me from weeks...' she whined

'Ofcourse you can't hack my account,  IT REQUIRES A FREAKING BRAIN ! WHICH YOU DON'T HAVE !' I yell on the phone

'HOW DARE YOU !'  she growls back

'Priya, hacking my account was totally unacceptable, I have a life and I can do whatever I want !' I reply angrily

'I don't like that Naina, she seems to be obsessed with you, She'll steal you away from me !' she tried to sound cute, but it elevated my rage twice

'Naina isn't the one who is obsessed here, don't you Dare saying anything against her' I gritted

'See I don't like....'  she began

Just then the bell rang and the pizza delivery guy stood there, mean while Priya continued to blabber something, which I chose to ignore..

'That would be 8 dollars' he said

I hand him the 10 dollar bill and take the pizza box

'Keep the change' I said and shut the door...

'I hate that girl..' I heard Priya still blabbering

'For God's sake, Leave me alone, or break up with me, I don't care !' I said and hung up

God !!! Why me....!!!

************************************

Next Day...

BPFG regional branch, NY...

10 a.m.

I was walking towards my cubicle when my colleague Daniel, came running towards me...

'What did you do now ?' he asked breathing heavily holding my shoulder

'Nothing ! Why would you ask?' I stare him bewildered

He raised his brow at me...

'Did you fight with Venky's Daughter ?'

Uh oh !

'Yeah!' I say massaging my temple

He chuckled, 'I guessed it right ! Go, He is looking for you...'

'Damn it ' I mutter, shoving my bag on Danny's hand, I walk towards that freaks cabin...

I knock on his door...

'May I come in Sir...?' I ask maintaining my calm..

'Yes Arjun, please have a seat...' he says

I take seat in front of him, waiting for him to speak, he clears his throat and stares at me intently with those creepy hazel eyes, like his daughter... I was getting uncomfortable...

'I've submitted the summaries yesterday sir..' I decided to break the silence

'Yes, I got those... And You know that's not the reason I called you here ' he spoke

'I would humbly request you not to interfere in my personal matters Sir... What an employee does in his personal life shouldn't concern the company...' I replied controlling my rage

He slaps his hand on the wooden table, making me almost jump from my seat...

'Anything that makes my daughter cry, concerns me Arjun Thapar' he growls

'So Priya asked you to do this' I rage..

'Why don't you listen to whatever she says...' he said

'I am her friend sir, not her butler' I shot back..

'I never liked you for my daughter young man, The reason I am tolerating you in my department is only and only Priya...' he raged

'Why not fire me then sir' I raised my brow...

'Because you are good, and you know that unfortunately, you are taking unfair advantage of that...' he accused

'Anyone who is taking unfair advantage is you sir, your dislike for me is making my life hell here...You can fire me or whatever... I am sick of this place ' I said getting up from my chair..

'Sick of this place eh ? What if I transfer you somewhere else, away from Priya...' he smirked

God bless him if he does that

'Please do that, I beg you ' I reply and leave his cabin

I better not contact Naina for few days till this stupid matter settles down...

I hope she will understand this

************************************

After Arjun leaves Mr. Venkat's cabin he sighs...

'This boy will never  listen to my baby girl... He is not going to be her pawn..

If I send him away, my baby will find a new toy to play....

I cannot fire him, because he is really  talented...

Better I transfer him somewhere !'

He calls his secretary to the cabin..

'Sir ?' she asks

'Becky, make arrangements for transferring Arjun Thapar to Boston...' He ordered

She stared at him bewildered and then nods..

'Make sure, this guy gets so much workload there, that he doesn't have time to contact anybody... Not even my Priya...' he smirks

Becky smiles uncomfortably and  follows his instructions

************************************

6 months later....

Arjun's POV...

'Jai please man, Just listen to me ' I whined on the phone

'Don't you talk to me Arjun, do you have any shame, You are talking to me after 2 freaking months' he yells

'Jai, I am seriously not getting time ! I explained to you what happened....! This place is even worse than NY, they make me work like some machine ' I cried

'Why are you still there ? Come back' he said

'Just few more months Jai' I sigh

'Are you taking care of yourself ?' he asks

'I hardly get time to have my meals and only relief here is that irritating girlfriend of mine, doesn't bug me at all' I huffed

'Still with that senior of yours ? Don't you think this fling is extending a bit longer, do you love her ?' he asks

Love Priya ? Never !

'Are you crazy man ? Love is not my thing, Sab moh maaya hai...'  I say crossing my fingers

'Yeah Right' Jai laughed

'No seriously, I feel so relaxed with her not being around, it's certainly not love'

'Yeah, Looovveee is when you get restless not talking to or knowing about how Naina is...' Jai teased 

'Not love, just a stupid crush...' I sighed.

'You didn't contact her for almost a year you know...' Jai said

'I know, and it wasn't intentional, trust me... I just wanted peace while I work at BFPG, and that was achieved when Priya didn't make a scene on speaking with her...' I confessed

'It almost sounds like you are her slave or something...'

'I did it for my own peace, trust me, not for Priya...' I said

Its true, weird problems require weird solutions

'What about now...?'

'I think I will contact her...'

'You think she will accept you readily after knowing why you did that?' Jai asks

Oh my god, she knows ?

'She knows? Oh god... What do I do now' I panic and Jai started laughing

'Jai its not a joke, Naina will hate me if she gets to know why...' I raged

'Look at you all scared! She doesn't know the reason, relax...' Jai laughed

Oh thank god

'Very funny' I say and drink a glass of water to calm my self

'But you better talk to her before she forgets you' he warned

'No, that won't happen...' I say confidently

'Naina has other people in her life okay and trust me when I say this, you are replaceable...' He said and this elevated my anger

'Why would you say that' I rage

'She has Sid now' he said

'What!'

'Oh Yeah ! This new trio of Naina - Radhika - Sid has formed here...' he chuckled

Oh..  That doesn't mean he'll take my place...

'Sid can't take my place...' I say

'Didn't Priya take Naina's place...?'

'No! Absolutely not! She can never take Naina's place, no one can ever do that !' 

'Okay okay relax...' He laughed

'But all three of them are planning to will move to Mumbai next year, for further studies... That sure explains this trio's bond...' Jai said

Wait what?

'How do you know this?' I ask

'I live here... Duh...' He said

Of course!

'Um.. how is Naina ?'

'I guess something is bothering her' he replied

What ?

'Why what happened ?' I panick

'I don't know, she is really quiet from last few months, hardly interacts with us... Spends most of her time in public library ' he said

'Didn't you ask Radhika ?'

'I did ! Even Radhika doesn't know what the matter is, She thinks she is worried about her MBA entrance !' he replied

'Okay..' I reply

'Chalo you take care, it's almost midnight here, Come back soon, Bye !' he said

'Yeah ! Bye !' I reply and hung up

I hope you are alright Naina, I wish I was there to help you, I have so many things to share, can't wait to see you...

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