A/N: I know I'm slightly late but HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our favourite rockstar RANBIR KAPOOR!!! Woohoo!!! Can't wait for all the awesome stuff coming up!!! Also, happy birthday to Lataji, may you continue to serenade us for more years to come... Ok, last birthday wish to my favourite 'naagin' - Mouni Roy!!! Keep smiling and melting my heart  (P.s., I also can get nightmares when she gives a scary look so... 😂😂😂)

On another note, Judwaa 2 is out!!! Can't wait to watch it!!!

***

"Now, you gently drop... Aaah! Arjun! I said gently!"

Ayesha smacked Arjun across his biceps the moment Arjun placed her back on her feet. If there's one thing Ayesha remembered from practising choreography with Arjun all those years ago, it would be all the times he had given her a heart attack while dancing. Honestly, Arjun wasn't a bad dancer. He was just a little bit... rough around the edges.

"Ouch!" Arjun yelped. "How do I drop something gracefully?"

"I'm a human being," Ayesha retorted. "Not a thing."

"But you still can't use drop and gently in the same sentence," he defended. "It's not possible."

"Fine," Ayesha said. "Lower me then. Lower me gently, slowly and carefully. Khush (Happy)?"

"Ok," Arjun said. "Let's do it again. Chalo (Let's go)."

"I think I want to switch partners," Ayesha commented, as she pushed him away. "Sunny might be distracting but at least he understands my instructions."

"He's your husband," he replied. "He's forced to understand your instructions."

"Shut up," she said, landing another smack across Arjun's biceps.

"Ouch!" Arjun shrieked. "Stop hitting me!"

"Varna kya  (Or else what)?" Ayesha challenged. "Mom, dad ko batayenge (You'll tell mom and dad)?"

"You're so mean," Arjun said.

Raina laughed at their exchange while Kabir deepen his scowled. After their little adventure, Ayesha decided she wanted to start trying out choreography immediately. So, they moved to Ayesha and Sunny's room. However, knowing Di and her work tendencies, Kabir and Ayesha decided that Raina should temporarily bunk with Ayesha until Di finished her work. Sunny had also agreed and had temporarily moved to Kabir's room where he is currently sleeping.

"Why don't we switch partners for now?" Raina offered. "I'm sure Kabir would like to try out the choreography."

"Why don't the both of you try it out together instead?" Ayesha proposed in return. "I need to take a look at the choreography and I think Arjun needs a demo."

"Ok," Kabir agreed and got up from his seat. "Come on, Raina."

Raina was shocked. She didn't expect to be put on the spot to dance so early on in the planning stage.

"Come on," Kabir said as he grabbed her hand and led her to where Ayesha and Arjun previously were. Arjun and Ayesha, on the other hand, took their seats. "So Ayesha, what are we supposed to do?"

"First, hold both of her hands," Ayesha instructed. Kabir offered Raina his free hand and she took it. "Raina, relax and let Kabir lead. Now, take a step forward."

The both of them followed Ayesha's instruction and ended up walked into each other and bumping their heads. Ayesha and Arjun laughed.

"Ouch," the both of them said in unison.

"Why did you take a step forward?" Kabir asked. He let go of Raina and rubbed his forehead. "You're supposed to let me lead."

"How in the world am I supposed to know?" Raina retorted as she too, rubbed her forehead. Great! This definitely helped with the hangover.  "And Ayesha didn't specify who so, it could have been your fault too."

"I'm the one that's leading," Kabir reasoned. "So, how could it be my fault?"

"I'm sorry," Ayesha said after her laughter died down. "I forgot Raina's not a dancer. The instructions were meant for only Kabir. Now, try again."

Kabir held onto Raina's hands once again.

"Kabir take a step forward," Ayesha clarified. "And Raina, take a step back."

They moved and this time, they didn't bump into each other.

"Next," Ayesha continued. "Swap steps. Kabir, move back, Raina move forward."

Kabir took a step back while Raina took a step to the front. Yay! They did it! They were dancing!

"Do that another time," Ayesha instructed." And then spin her around."

They did the steps again, without any mishaps, and then Kabir spun Raina around. Raina couldn't help but let out a giggle. She remembered how she and her father used to dance around the living room when she was still a child. The memory instantly put a smile on her face.

Kabir on the other have, couldn't help but smile and laugh along. Raina's happiness was just so infectious.

"And now," Ayesha told them. She too had a wide smile across her face. "The step that Arjun failed so badly. Kabir, gently lower Raina. And Raina, just relax."

Raina nodded. She then took a sharp intake of breath.

"Arre relax," Kabir told Raina. "I won't drop you. Trust me. "

Raina nodded. Her gaze was fixed on Kabir's face, looking out for any signs of mischief.

Kabir wrapped an arm around her waist and the other on her back. He slowly lowered her. Their faces were inches away from each other and Raina could feel his breath on her.

"And up," Ayesha said, almost squealing.

Kabir brought Raina up at the same speed he dipped her. Once she was back on her feet, Raina instantly averted her gaze from Kabir and looked at Ayesha instead.

"How was it?" Kabir asked.

"Perfect," Ayesha replied. "See, Arjun? This is how it should be done."

Arjun scoffed and mumbled something under his breath.

"Kya (What)?" Ayesha asked.

"Nevermind," he replied.

"Ok," Ayesha continued. "So after this,  we'll switch dance partners. Arjun, stand next to Kabir and Raina."

Arjun obliged and stood next to Kabir and Raina.

"Hi again," he said to Raina.

"Hi," Raina giggled.

"Hello," Kabir interjected. "Now,  focus."

Raina smiled at Kabir as Arjun let out a sigh. What's got his undies twisted in a bunch?

"Kabir," Ayesha ordered. "Twirl Raina towards Arjun, and Arjun, make sure you catch her."

"Yeah Arjun," Kabir repeated, mockingly. "Make sure you catch her."

"Yeah, yeah," Arjun shrugged. "Let's just do this."

Kabir twirled Raina away from him and towards Arjun. When Arjun almost didn't catch her, his heart stopped. He only realized that Arjun was teasing him when Arjun shot him a smirk. Idiot.

"Arjun, repeat the steps that Kabir did," Ayesha instructed. "And remember, lower her slowly. But not as slow as Kabir."

Arjun did as Ayesha instructed, while Kabir watched. Step, step, step, step, spin, dip and up.

"Good job," Ayesha said. "Ok boys, I think that's enough for tonight. We'll resume after breakfast tomorrow. Thank you. Now, please leave."

"But we're just getting started," Arjun whined.

"No buts," Ayesha replied. "It's late. We'll never go to bed if we don't stop now. Not to mention, I can still feel the pounding in my brain."

"Fine," Arjun relented. "Good night."

Arjun hugged Ayesha, waved to Raina and as expected, he ignored Kabir and left.

The two ladies then turned their attention to Kabir who showed no signs of leaving.

"Kabir," Ayesha said in a warning tone. "You too. Out."

Kabir plonked himself on the sofa.

"I'm fine here," Kabir replied. "Thanks."

Ayesha groaned and turned to Raina.

"Do you have a solution to this?" Ayesha asked Raina.

"Unfortunately not," she answered. "But I can try. Kabir, we've had a very long day. Can you leave? Please?"

"Nope," he said popping the 'p'.

"Then don't whine when we have our 'girly conversations'," Raina warned. She knew that she and Ayesha were too tired for that but Kabir doesn't have to know.

Luckily, that managed to get Kabir off the couch and back on his feet.

"Fine," Kabir said, finally admitting his 'defeat'. "Goodnight."

He gave Ayesha a hug then walked over to Raina.

"Take care of each other," he said to Raina. "Make sure you lock the door and all the windows. Ayesha always forgets."

"I don't," Ayesha retorted. Kabir shoots her a knowing look. "Oh, come on! It was just that one time. And that was a long time ago."

"What happened?" Raina asked, confused.

"A fan managed to sneak into our trailer just before one of the shows," Kabir replied. "All because the great Ayeshaji forgot to lock the door. Thank God nothing happened and the fan went on his way after meeting us and getting his poster signed."

"It only happened once!" Ayesha exclaimed.

"Once is enough to cause problems," he scolded.

"Ok guys," Raina intervenes before things got out of hand. "That's enough. Kabir, don't worry, I'll remember to lock everything. "

"Good," Kabir said. He then took a step nearer to Raina. "Thank you..."

He pulled Raina in for a quick hug. Raina stumbled a bit as she didn't expect it at all.

"Goodnight," he said, then released Raina.

"Goodnight," Raina replied, after composing herself.

Kabir then left the room, leaving the two women alone. Raina did as she was told and locked the door after Kabir had left.

Raina turned around only to find Ayesha grinning from ear to ear.

"What?" Raina asked, confused.

"I'm beginning to think Di's right about the both of you," Ayesha said.

"What about us?" Raina wondered.

"That Kabir's completely mesmerized by you and he'll do anything that you ask him to," she answered.

"No way," Raina retorted. "If he did, I wouldn't be in here fighting my biggest fear."

"But he's helping you," Ayesha reasoned. "Isn't he?"

"So far," she replied. "I don't see any progress."

"Don't worry," Ayesha encouraged Raina. "If there's anyone who can help you with your stage fright, it would be Kabir. Did you know, the first time I met Vishal, I thought he was going to pass out in front of me? He was so shy. And look at him now."

Raina laughed but she hoped that Kabir would really help her overcome her stage fright. It wasn't exactly a nice thing to live with.

"What did Kabir do to Vishal?" Raina asked.

"God knows," she answered. "He always goes on about how magicians never..."

"Reveal their secrets," they said in unison.

"Yeah," Raina said and smiled at the memory. "I've been on the receiving end of it too."

"Which trick?" Ayesha asked. "I might be able to tell you how he did it."

"The car one," Raina told Ayesha. "He got into the car with a whole lot of reporters chasing him and then the next thing you know, he's right in front of you."

"Ah," Ayesha said in realization. "That one... That was Sunny's trick. Although, I've never seen anyone but Kabir who perfected it. Sometimes, even Sunny gets caught when he does it. But not Kabir. You just need a split second to get down of the car and blend in with the crowd. Kabir has a very cool head and an analytical mind when he wants it to be."

Ah, Raina thought to herself. The secret's out Mr. Magician.

"Any more tricks?" Ayesha asked.

"That's the only one for now," Raina replied. "And maybe the mystery of how Kabir manages to find good food."

"That is something neither of us can figure out as well," Ayesha confessed. "But from what I know, the last time they were here, Kabir did a lot of exploring on his own to the point that he almost got into trouble with his tour organizers. He would be in rehearsals a minute ago and in a club or a restaurant the next. This would be my best bet on how he finds good food; by trying as much as he can."

Raina nodded. That made sense.

"Ok," Ayesha announced. "I'm going to just clean up before I head to bed. Feel free to do anything you want."

"Do you need help?" Raina asked.

"Except that," Ayesha replied with a chuckle. "You're my guest. Just leave that to me."

"Are you sure?" Raina prodded further.

"Haan (Yes)," she answered. "Now go."

"Ok," Raina said and climbed in her bed with her notepad. She updated the section on Kabir and wondered how is Dr. Malhotra holding up with her other patients. As much as she enjoyed being here, a part of her feels guilty for leaving on such short notice. Raina felt that it wasn't professional but Dr. Malhotra insisted that she stayed. She then made a mental note to call Dr. Malhotra after her call with her mother. Just to check in with Dr. Malhotra and the clinic.

***

A/N : What do you think of this chapter??? I know I'm supposed to write the Sangeet scene already but... I want to have a little bit more fun first 😁😁😁

Also, if anyone's interested in making stuff for this book, you're welcome to do so... I'd love to see what you come up with 😍😍😍

Ok, that's it for now... Till the next chapter!!!