A/N: Happy Diwali!!! A bit late, I know 😂😂😂 So, how's everyone's Diwali? Any interesting things that happened??? Mine's amazing!!! (Although, I've gained a bit of weight because my friends' parents kept on insisting that I'm a stick and overfed me 😂)

#ootd in the media!!! There's music for this chapter but I'll add them in the story because there's two of them and the media only allows one... So keep your eyes peeled for the music... 😁

***

What Arjun said about the Sangeet was true. It HAD indeed turned into some hard core dance competition.

Raina begun playing with the ends of her dupatta, a habit she had when she was nervous. Their performance was right at the end which gave Raina a lot of time to mentally practice her dance moves and calm herself down. Unfortunately, it also meant she had time to overthink and panic at the 101 ways she could screw up.

"Partnerji!" Kabir squawked as he crept behind Raina. She jumped and let out a cry in surprise.

"Chill dude," he said. "What's got into you?"

"I don't think I can do this," Raina murmured. "There's too many people around."

"You'll be alright," Kabir replied. "You've got this. And remember, you've got my secret formula to success. Close your eyes, think of the person you love the most and the world will just fade away. And maybe just one more thing..."

He raised his hand and tuck Raina's hair behind her ears. He then carefully removed her glasses.

"There," he said. "That way, you can't tell who's staring at you. And besides, I think you look better without your glasses."

"I think you look better too when I'm not wearing my glasses," she joked.

Kabir laughed. The Raina he knew was back.

"Ouch," he faked feeling insulted. "You hurt my ego, Doctorji. Now you'll have to treat it."

Raina laughed.

"I can hardly see anything," she replied. "How do you want me to treat you? Unless you have a death wish and want me to accidentally stab you or something."

Kabir passed Raina's glasses back to her.

"Here you go," he said. "Although, I'm sure you can't stab me. You need me alive to get paid."

"Tsk," she said as she put her glasses back on. "What a shame."

Kabir smiled.

"Thanks," Raina said.

"For what?" Kabir asked.

"Taking my mind off the dance," she replied.

"It's no big deal," he answered. "That's what friends do, right? They help each other."

Raina smiled.

Suddenly, Kabir felt a tap on his shoulders and turned around.

"Rahul sir?" Kabir said

Immediately, Raina tensed up. The last time Rahul Oberoi was around, things didn't end well.

"Hello Kabir," Rahul said. "I'm glad to see you here. And you too, Dr. Raina. I hope everything's going well."

Raina answered Rahul with a forced smile. Kabir could sense Raina's discomfort.

"Have you met Arjun yet?" Kabir asked. "He's over there with Ayesha."

Kabir pointed at the other end of the room where Arjun and Ayesha were talking. Suddenly, he caught Sunny walking past him.

"Sunny," he called out.

Sunny turned around and his face lit up when he saw Rahul.

"Rahul sir," Sunny greeted. "How are you?"

"I'm fine," Rahul answered. " And how are you?"

"Great," Sunny replied.

"Sunny," Kabir interjected. "Can you bring Rahul sir to meet Arjun?"

"Sure," Sunny agreed and led Rahul to Arjun.

Raina let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in.

"Kya hua (What happened)?" Kabir asked.

"It's nothing," she replied.

"That usually means there's something," he prodded. "It's ok, you can tell me."

Raina sighed.

"I can't stop thinking about what happened the last time you saw Mr. Oberoi," she confessed.

Kabir lets out a chuckle.

"That's it?" Kabir asked.

Raina nodded.

"Raina," Kabir said in disbelief. "Are you going to act like this every time you're around him? Because if you are, your life would probably suck. He's going to be around more often than you think."

Raina made a face.

"What does that have to do with me?" Raina asked.

"Because he would probably be hanging around us," Kabir answered. "And you're with us so..."

Oh.

"But if you're still worried about what happened in Dr. Malhotra's office," Kabir continued. "Let's just say you wouldn't be here if I haven't gotten over it. It's all in the past."

Raina gave him a sincere smile.

"Now that we've reached an understanding," Kabir announced. "Let's head over there before he manages to convince Arjun to have a VKAS reunion concert. Not that it'll actually happen but, who knows?"

"Why?" Raina asked as they made their way across the room.

"Why what?" Kabir asked in return.

"Why don't you want a VKAS reunion concert to happen?" Raina clarified. "I thought you weren't happy about how VKAS disbanded."

"Yes," Kabir answered. "But VKAS was a long time ago when Arjun and I could tolerate each other."

"You two seem to tolerate each other just fine," Raina pointed out.

"Yeah," Kabir said sarcastically. "Like we get along very well."

"Kabir," Raina said in a slightly stern voice.

"Raina," Kabir mimicked her tone.

Raina stopped in her tracks and folded her arms. She wasn't convinced. Kabir knew this meant that she was going to have an impromptu session in the middle of the ballroom.

"What are you afraid of?" Raina asked. "If VKAS gets back together, I mean."

"I'm not afraid of anything," Kabir replied.

Raina raised an eyebrow.

"Are we really going to do this here?" Kabir asked, annoyed. "In the middle of the Sangeet party?"

Raina didn't even flinched. Kabir rolled his eyes at her stubbornness.

"Fine," he said. "At least, let's find somewhere we can have a little privacy."

They walked out of the ballroom and entered the stairwell where they hid from the paparazzi a few days ago. Like the last time, Kabir checked for any unwanted presence and when he was satisfied, he leaned against the railing, facing Raina.

"What makes you think that I'm afraid?" Kabir asked.

"If you really care about VKAS as much as you said you did," Raina told him. "You'd do anything to see the band back together. It's like you and Tara."

Kabir winced.

"That was a really low shot," Kabir said.

"But I'm not wrong am I?" Raina asked. "If Tara would come up to you right now and told you she'd like to get back together, you would, wouldn't you."

Kabir looked away. Raina was right.

"Can we not talk about this?" Kabir asked. "It's making me uncomfortable."

"What?" Raina asked. "VKAS or Tara?"

"Tara," he answered. "It's hard enough letting her go, I don't need a constant reminder that I still harbour feelings for her."

"Sorry," Raina apologized. "But Kabir, don't you see my point? You're a fighter, you hardly give up on anything or anyone that you love. So, why are you giving up on VKAS?"

"Because it's not going to happen," Kabir answered. "I don't want to get my hopes up and then be disappointed again. Do you know how that feels? It sucks."

"Do you want to know what sucks even more?" Raina asked. "Not having hope. Believing in the possibility of having a 'what if' is a very powerful thing."

"But having unrealistic hope is far worse," Kabir answered. "It'll be like Tara all over again."

"No it won't," Raina answered. "I can see it in all four of your eyes every time the you guys get together. They miss it too, they want it as much as you want it, Kabir."

"What nonsense," Kabir laughed it off. "Chalo (Let's go), we need to get back to the party before someone starts looking for us. That will do wonders if they find us and get the wrong idea."

Raina relented and followed Kabir back into the ballroom. She mostly hung around Kabir and until it was almost time for their performance. Kabir wanted to watch Ayesha and Sunny's performance so he dragged Raina along to the front for a better view.

The intro music started playing and Sunny jumped on stage, playing an air guitar. The crowd cheered and Sunny smirked.

Kabir lets out a laugh at his best friend's antics.

Sunny:

Haan Akkhaan De Katorey, Surma Batorey
Lagde Chhichhore Bade Hi-Fi
Dil Pe Darati, Sadde Chal Jaati
Maare Dil Gulaati, Poochhe Why-Why

As practiced, Arjun too jumped on stage to join Sunny.

Arjun:

Haan Akkhaan De Katorey, Surma Batorey
Lagde Chhichhore Bade Hi-Fi
Dil Pe Darati, Sadde Chal Jaati
Maare Dil Gulaati, Poochhe Why-Why
Chaaye Mein Dooba Biscuit Ho Gaya

Sunny and Arjun:

Main To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Main To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Main To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Main To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya

Ayesha tied her dupatta up and walked up the stage. Ayesha had an pompus and an almost-royal air around her. Attitude, Raina recalled Ayesha teaching her. Adaa (Charm).

Ayesha:

Haaye
Hat Re Nigode, Neem Ke Pakore
Piccha Kyon Na Chhode
Ghoome Daayein-Baayein

Di then entered from the other side and playfully pulled Arjun's ear.

Di:

Tujhko Sudharoon, Jooti Main Utaaroon
Sar Pe De maroon Tere Dhayein-Dhayein

Both ladies then pushed the guys aside to claim the spotlight.

Ayesha and Di:

Romeo Bina Permit Ho Gaya
Tu To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Tu To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Ho Tu To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Tu To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya

Sunny:

Ho Baalon Ko Main Set Keeta Gel Mal Ke
Chhaati Choudi Dolle Sholle Dand Peil Ke
Kudiyaan Haraaya Toone Chaal Chal Ke
Baaton Waali Basketball Khel Ke

Ayesha:

Haan Aa Gel-Vel Dekh Chhori Patdi Nahin
Dollon Se Umar Sari Kat-ti Nahin
Main Khoob Pehchanoon Tere Dil Mein Hai Kya
Fitrat Chhoron Ki Palat-ti Nahin
Gudd Dekha Makhi Jaisa Fit Ho Gaya

Ayesha and Di:

Ho Tu To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Tu To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Tu To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Tu To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya

Sunny:

Ho Main To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Main To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya

Sunny and Arjun:

Ho Main To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Main To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya

Di:

Kyun Meri Gali Mein Aake Wait Karta
Harqat Down Market Karda
Dekhoon Jo Hataa Ke Khidki Ka Parda
Seeti Veeti Maar Irritate Karda Oye

Arjun:

Ho Chhad Attitude Abhiman Kudiye
Blank Check Tujhe Doon, Ya Ke Jaan Kudiye
Eente Ka Yeh Dil Kar Naram Zara
Dekhle Yeh Ghabru Jawaan Kudiye
Chheh Foot Se Dedh Foot Ho Gaya

Arjun:

Main To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Main To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya

Di:

Tu To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Tu to Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya

Sunny:

Main To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya
Main To Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Ainvayi Lutt Gaya

The 6 of them then posed until the lights slowly faded out. As they left the stage, the crowd clapped, especially Tara and Vishal, who were grinning from cheek to cheek.

"I have to go," Kabir whispered. "Remember close your eyes and take off your glasses. You'll be fine."

Raina nodded and took her place behind stage. This is it.

The lights came back on and Tara's mother was on stage.

"Thank you very much for that wonderful performance," she announced. "And thank you everyone for being a part of this Sangeet. Unfortunately, we've reached the end..."

"Wait!" A voice that sounded very much like Kabir resonated around the hall. Tara's mom stopped and started looking around. "Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost!

Kabir:

Ishq Haaye!

The other guests started looking around but Kabir couldn't be found. Suddenly, Sunny re-appeared on stage.

Sunny:

Yo People In The House! This Is A Tribute To The God Of Love!

Sunny ushered Tara's mom off stage as Arjun too, reappears on stage. As they walked to the centre of the stage, they pulled out their scarf and very cooly draped it around their necks. They then gave each other a high five.

Arjun:

Teri Aankhon Ke Matvaale Kaajal Ko Mera Salaam
Zulfon Ke Kale Kale Baadal Ko Mera Salaam

Sunny:

Ho Teri Aankhon Ke Matvaale Kaajal Ko Mera Salaam
Zulfon Ke Kale Kale Baadal Ko Mera Salaam

Arjun:

Ghayal Kar De Mujhe Yaar Tere Paayal Ke Jhankar
Hey Soni Soni Teri Soni Har Adaa Ko Salaam

Sunny and Arjun:

Salaam-e-Ishq Ishq Ishq Salaam-e-Ishq
Salaam-e-Ishq Ishq Ishq Salaam-e-Ishq

Raina and Di appeared and joined the guys.

Arjun, Sunny, Di, Ayesha and Raina:

Ho! Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e
Ho! Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e

Kabir:

Ishq Haaye!

The guys moved to the side of the stage as the girls performed.

Di:

Ho Teri Mastaani Anjaani Bataon Ko Mera Salaam
Rangon Mein Doobi Doobi Raaton Ko Mera Salaam

Raina:

Khwaabon Mein Kho Gayi Main Deewani Ho Gayi Main
Oh Sone Sone Aise Sone Har Adaa Ko Salaam

Di and Raina:

Salaam-e-Ishq Ishq Ishq Salaam-e-Ishq
Salaam-e-Ishq Ishq Ishq Salaam-e-Ishq

The guys then rejoined the girls.

Arjun, Sunny, Di and Raina:

Ho! Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e
Ho! Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e

Kabir:

Ishq Haaye!

Ayesha appeared behind Tara and started performing.

Ayesha:

Ho Teri Hathhawitch Mehandi Ka Rang Khila Hain
Tujhe Sapano Da Changa Mehboob Mila Hain
Meri Banno Pyaari Pyaari Sari Duniya Se Nyaari
Ise Doli Mein Tu Leja Doliyaan,

Di:

Doliyaan!

Ayesha joined the rest of them on stage. Di, Raina and Arjun then left the stage, leaving Sunny and Ayesha. Sunny circles Ayesha romantically.

Sunny:

Teri Meri Nazar Jo Mili Pehli Baar Ho Gaya Ho Gaya Tujhse Pyaar
Dil Hai Kya Dil Hai Kya Jaan Bhi Tujhpe Nisaar
Maine Tujhe Kiya Aitbaar

The two of them parted and made way for Raina and Arjun.

Raina:

Ho Main Bhi Toh Tujhpe Mar Gayi Deewanapan Kya Kar Gayi
Meri Har Dhakan Betaab Hai Palkon Vich Tera Khwaab Hai

Arjun:

Ho Jaan Se Bhi Pyaari Pyaari Jaaniya Ko Salaam
Salaam-e-Ishq

Di, Sunny and Ayesha rejoined them.

Sunny:

Salaam-e-Ishq Ishq Ishq Salaam-e-Ishq
Salaam-e-Ishq Ishq Ishq Salaam-e-Ishq

Arjun, Sunny, Di, Ayesha and Raina:

Ho! Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e
Ho! Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e

Kabir:

Ishq Haaye!

As everyone was focused on the performance, they didn't realize Vishal making his way to join his friends on stage. They only realized it when the others moved away, leaving only Vishal behind. He gave a flying kiss to Tara befkre he started and the crowd cheered.

Vishal:

Main Tere Ishq Mein Do Jahan Vaar Doon Mere Vaade Pe Kar Le Yakeen
Keh Rahi Hai Zameen Keh Raha Aasman Tere Jaisa Dooja Nahin

Di entered and playfully teased him.

Di:

Ho Aise Jaadu Na Daal Ve Na Aaon Tere Naal Ve
Jhooti Tereefein Chodh De Ab Dil Mere Dil Se Jod De

Vishal grabbed Di's hand and spun her around.

Vishal:

Ho Jo Abhi Hai Dil Se Nikli Uss Dua Ko Salaam
Salaam-e-Ishq

Salaam-e-Ishq Ishq Ishq Salaam-e-Ishq
Salaam-e-Ishq Ishq Ishq Salaam-e-Ishq

The rest of them then returned to the stage.

Arjun, Sunny, Vishal, Di, Ayesha and Raina:

Ho! Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e
Ho! Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e

Raina:

Ishq Haaye!

The lights dimmed as Kabir appeared from the back of the stage. The crowd went wild. Tara couldn't help but clasp her hand over her mouth.

Kabir:

Rab Se Hai Ilteja Maaf Kar De
Mujhe, Main Toh Teri Ibaadat Karoon

Kabir pulled his ears.

Aye Meri Soniye Na Khabar Hai Tujhe, Tujhse Kitni Mohabbat Karoon

Kabir walked up to Tara with his hands folded. Ayesha then took over and continued to sing.

Ayesha:

Tere Bin Sab Kuch Benoor Hai Meri Maang Mein Tere Sindoor Hai
Sanson Mein Yehi Paigaam Hai Mera Sab Kuch Tere Naam Hai

Tara had tears in her eyes, touched by Kabir's gestures. She placed her hand around Kabir's folded one as a sign of acceptance.

Sunny:

Ho Dhadkanon Mein Rehnewaali Soniye Ko Salaam

Tara released Kabir's hand and playfully winked as she gave Kabir a salaam.

Tara:

Salaam-E-Ishq

Kabir then pulled Tara up the stage and joined the rest of the group next to Raina.

Kabir:

Teri Aankhon Ke Matvaale Kaajal Ko Mera Salaam
Zulfon Ke Kale Kale Baadal Ko Mera Salaam

Raina:

Khwaabon Mein Kho Gayi Main Deewani Ho Gayi Main

Kabir:

Sone Sone Aise Sone Har Adaa Ko Salaam

Tara:

Salaam-e-Ishq Ishq Ishq Salaam-e-Ishq
Salaam-e-Ishq Ishq Ishq Salaam-e-Ishq

All:

Ho! Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-
Ho! Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-
Ho! Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-Salaam-e-Ishq Salaam-e-

Kabir:

Ishq Haaye!

Kabir, Arjun, Vishal and Sunny:

Salaam-e-Ishq!

The whole ballroom went crazy with cheers but Kabir couldn't care less. His plan had worked. He looked over at Tara who had just been pulled into a one hand hug by Vishal. He couldn't be any happier for her. He then turned away and looked for Raina. He caught a glimpse of her at back part of the stage putting on her glasses. He smiled as he watched. Raina caught his gaze and returned his smile. Kabir then turned away and enveloped Vishal in a bear hug.

***

A/N: OMG!!! #babyface!!! Everyone looked so young and innocent back then!!! 😂😂😂 And John with his long hair 😍😍😍 Juhi, Vidya and Govinda looks exactly the same as they do now... I wonder what's their secret formula??? 🤔🤔🤔

So, what do you think of this part? Let me know in the comments... And is there anything you'd like to see in this story??? Let me know as well...