Chapter 6

Deep tension was etched on Pradeep's face and he was frowning. Concerned, Shilpa, Vikas and Ashu bhaiya went to him. 'Kya hua? ' Shilpa asked him. He cut his call and sighing, collapsed on a nearby sofa with his head in his hands. 'It's a disaster. My company took over this  play to produce which was already underway. Business decision, I wasn't involved. But now the lead actress of the play is accusing the director of molestation and isn't happy with the crew either. My assistants can't handle it. They r young.. She is demanding to talk to me. I have to leave for New York by the next flight. ' he mumbled rapidly. 'Woah Woah slow down. How can u leave already? U just came.. ' Shilpa said. 'I need to Shil.. I need to sort this out. It's my responsibility.' he said assertively. She sighed knowing he wouldn't rest till it was solved. 'Okay then. ' Pradeep smiled. 'Vikas bhai, can I just talk to you for a while? ' he asked. Both Vikas and shilpa were puzzled. Vikas nodded. The two men walked off to a side.

'I just wanted to tell u that plz don't quit on her. She gets hurt and pushes people away very quickly becoz she can't bear risking her heart. But please don't give up on her. I don't want to see her heart broken again. I'm gonna leave now for Pune airport. Take care. It was really nice meeting u even if it wasn't the same for u. ' Pradeep said. Vikas was stunned by this man and his actions. It then dawned on him that from the first moment they met ,Pradeep had been addressing him as 'bhai. ' Smiling emotionally, he nodded and hugged the guy. 'I won't.. I won't give up on her.. Bhai. ' he replied and Pradeep smiled while patting his back. A strange bond had somehow formed between them. Still smiling, he walked back to shilpa and Ashu, hugged them tight and apologized to shilpa for any misbehavior on his part. Shilpa immediately waved it off and let go of her annoyance. Her heart was sad now that he was leaving. His plan was to fly quickly to Mumbai, say goodbye to his family and then fly to New York. 'Ashu bhaiya can u give me a ride to the airport? ' He requested. Ashu hesitated a bit. 'Err.. I'm supposed to drop Shilpa ' 'It's OK bhaiya I got my car.. I can drop her. ' Vikas stated quitely. Shilpa glared at him but he didn't budge and just grinned at her. 'Come on Now. One car ride won't kill u. U can decide what to do with me later but first Pradeep bhai needs to get to the airport. ' he laughed.

She looked incredulous. 'Wo Aapka bhai Kab se ban gaya? ' she asked childishly irritated.' Wo mera dost hai! ' she stomped her foot. He just winked at her. 'Kuch rishte dil ke hote hai ' he chuckled and she glared, catching the double meaning. Pradeep and Ashu laughed while leaving them hugging them one last time before departing. They barely noticed, still bickering. When they were done fighting they realised that both had already left. Vikas smiled and crossed his arms over his chest. 'Chale ab? ' She avoided his gaze and walked straight ahead to the car. He chuckled following her. 'You can't avoid me the entire trip. ' He said but she said 'Yes I can. ' Still laughing he opened the car and they hit the road for Mumbai.

The Mumbai Pune drive is a picturesque one. Shilpa silently admired the scenery looking out, still not talking to Vikas. Every time he tried saying sorry she brushed him away. He was starting to get annoyed. Finally,while still driving he put a hand on her knee and prodded.' Shilpa sorry. 'She looked alarmed. 'Ye Aap kya karre hai! U will get us killed dono hath se gadi chalaiye! ' He ignored that and continued poking her knee with a finger childishly. 'Shilpa sorry. Shilpa sorry. '  Stricken by terror for her life she weakly murmured 'It's OK now plz focus on driving ' when he finally pulled back but not before slowly caressing her soft thighs with his palm  She looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. That single touch had caused goose bumps through her entire spine and soul. In return, he gave her a wicked grin and wink. She flushed beet red and looked out, avoiding his gaze while he triumphantly smiled and continued driving.

A few kilometers passed in silence with just music for company. However, a half hour later they came across a road block. The road was blocked for 4-5 hrs for construction work. There was no other route. This meant that they would have to stay somewhere till the road got repaired. A prospect very tempting for Vikas and very inconvenient for Shilpa at the moment. He happily got out of the car while she gingerly and hesitantly followed, cursing her luck with all her might.