ARHAAN's POV

Staring at the sunrays falling like a blanket of white upon the greenery.  The nascent leaves of spring and blooming flowers sparkle like a star is a beautiful view from my room and  I couldn't enjoy it because of certain thought that is nagging me.

Yesterday I was talking to Maanya on the phone and our topic diverted to our families.

I told her everything about my family but When I was about to ask her, She impatiently said that she's tired and will talk to me later. I know there is nothing that dubious in this incident but her hastily hanging up made me doubt. I mean I'm waiting, but for how long? Not knowing things about a person you are deeply in love, makes you doubt your relationship or anything about them.

Yes, love. Being a rich and by God's grace Handsome, I was always followed around by girls.
But not any of them Made me lose my sanity or become cheesy like Maanya.
Nobody made me nervous, excited, and happy at the same time as Maanya.

Maanya is love at first sight. Reminiscing our Kisses gives me goosebumps.
I mean being Viren's twin and having a 'Total opposite personality than my brother, Excites girls.' Not my saying! so I had a fair share of my fun in college but nobody really attracted me as Maanya.

I was still thinking when I felt arms snaking around my back.
The spurt of those surprising Shivers made me instantly know who it is.

"Good Morning beautiful," I said whirling around and Pulling her in my arms.

Her beautiful face immediately lit up, and she replied back with a "Hi handsome."

I instantly laughed hearing her call me that. When she saw me laughing, she swatted me and dramatically pouted.

I kissed her pout and said, "you are cute."

She blushed and said, "You always call me beautiful, then why can't I call you Handsome?"

"Because beautiful Suites you and handsome is boring," I said teasingly.

"Then what should I call you?" She asked playing with my shirt button.

"Hmm? How about Mr.Sweet?" she suggested.

"Why Mr.Sweet?" I asked placing small kisses on her forehead.
"Hmm...because Paakhi calls Mr.Viren, Mr.Khadoos. So I thought why not call You Mr.Sweet," she explained.

Hearing Paakhi's nickname for Viren, I laughed out loud.

"She calls him, Mr.khadoos. Wow, I'm impressed." I said quipping.

"Hey, don't tell anyone okay," she demanded.
I instantly kissed her hard.
First, she was started but them we were at the same pace.

After a long blissful moment we backed away and she breathlessly asked "What was that for?" 

"Can't I kiss my girlfriend whenever and wherever I want?" I asked her mimicking a hurt expression.

Maanya instantly tugged forward and kissed me hard again.
"Yes, you can."

I pecked once more and took her hand and when I simply backed away, I noticed her attire.
She was adorning a beautiful Baby pink suit. She was looking so beautiful I can't comment.
I really love the fact that Maanya doesn't cake her face. Her beauty is simplicity and elegance.

"Oh my my!" I commented.

"You look beautiful Maanya. I feel so lucky to have you in my life." I honestly commented.

She walked towards me and looking into my eyes she asked "really?"
I pulled her again in my arms, ya what can I say? I love her in my arms.

"Arhaan!" She shrieked and started squirming."Arhaan, leave me, Anybody can come.
I just came to see you.
Now I have to go, Paakhi is waiting for me." She said still trying to step away.

"I don't care. Let me spend some time with you." I said pushing her down on my bed.

She looked amused rather than scared. So I went on and started brushing my lips on her skin.
I nibbled under her right ear spurring Maanya to run her fingers in my hair.

I then moved towards her lips.
When our lips connected a sweet voice echoed in my room.

Maanya moaned my Name causing my little friend to stand alert. I gradually put my hand on her waist which was bare as her Kurta was crumbled up in our haste of making out.

I started caressing her flawless stomach and was moving up when.....

When my room door banged open and in walked Shaurya Shrieking my name "ARHAANNNNN!!!"

I immediately froze and when I heard an "oops" from my door, I hopped off of Maanya and then helped her up.
She consciously moved behind me and adjusted her attire and hair.

"What the hell are you guys doing here?" I asked angrily.
Angry at Viren and Shaurya for disturbing our moment.

Viren had the decency to apologize and leave but Shaurya!

This guy is a fool.
"So?" He prompted.

"So what?" I asked watching Maanu blush crimson red.

"You guys?" He teased.

"It's none of your business, So leave before I punch you," I warned.

"Oh, God! What is it with my brothers killing me for their girlfriends?" He muttered walking out of my room.

I turned towards Maanya to see her glaring at me.
I smiled sheepishly, "I told you. Someone will catch us." She admonished.

"It doesn't matter, they are fools," I said nonchalantly.

"No, actually they saved us from sin." She said guiltily.

"Huh?" I queried.

"Obviously, today is Janamashtami and what was I doing? " she groaned. "Thank you, God. And I'm sorry." She muttered with her hands joined and faced turned upwards.

I looked at her amused but when she saw me staring at her, she glared and exited my room.

I was laughing and crying at the same time. Laughing at what Maanya said and crying because now she's angry with me.

I exited my room to encounter chaos all around.
Decorations were being put up and furniture were being moved.

I walked towards the kitchen, when while passing through the foyer I saw Paakhi in a suit too.

Seeing Paakhi and Maanya in a suit actually made me realize how beautiful our Indian attire is.

I walked to the kitchen to see Arhaan on the one side and Viren on the other side of the counter.

Viren threw a spoon towards Shaurya missing him by a hair.

"What is going on here?" I asked entertained.

"Bhai, save me please save me," Shaurya said hiding behind me.

I looked at Viren to see him rolling his eyes at his behavior and said "He chatted with Paakhi on my behalf."

I was perplexed because I know how stupid Shaurya is.
"Did he create any problems? "
I asked concerned.

"Problem?! For God's sake, I made her like him. They even hugged each other." Shaurya beamed at Viren.

"It wasn't the first time bro. So don't get too excited." Viren announced.

"You guys did what?" I asked flabbergasted.

"Viren? Did you hug her man?" I asked concerned.

Viren just nodded at me but there was this thing in his eyes, The thing that told me it was not easy for him to overcome his fear, fear that took 4 years of his life.
He never initiates something so intimate even a hug. It's just our mom, he let's touch him.
So him Hugging Paakhi means only one thing. My brother is falling in love.

I was reared back into the present when we heard some screaming from the foyer.

We rushed past everyone to the center of the source when what I saw made my heart stop for a second.

Maanya was lying on the ground unconscious and Paakhi screaming for someone to get a glass of water and call an ambulance.

I rushed forward and bend beside Paakhi and tapped  Maanya's face.

Shortly, Viren Passed me a glass of water, and I sprinkled some of it on her face.

She slowly but eventually gained consciousness. I immediately hugged her and kissed her hard.
She pushed me away and looked around.
I too looked around to see everyone looking at us wide eyes.
I felt warm breaths on my chest and saw Maanu hiding her face in my chest.

I picked her up bridal style and took her to my room.
"For a second I thought I lost you." I breathe out.

She settled on my bed and said "Arhaan, 'am fine."

I was about to say something when Paakhi barged into my room.
"Maanu, thank God you are okay, I was so scared when I saw you lying on the floor." they both hugged and I saw a glimpse of the bond they share.

They started talking about how Paakhi told her no to climb the ladder and let someone else put that ornament on top but Maanu said that she can do it. But Just as she was about to climb down her leg slipped and she crashed down.

After Paakhi left saying she has work, I laid down beside Maanu and cuddled her to me.

__________________________________

PAAKHI's POV

I exited Aarhan's room to go complete my work when I was slammed into a chest.

I looked up to see Mr.Shaurya in front of me.

I immediately apologized "I'm Sorry"

"Oh Cinderella, It'okay. So how is your friend now?" He asked munching on a packet of chips.

"She' fine now. But are you really going to call me cinderella? "  I asked embarrassed.

"Of course," he said and was about to walk off but came back and placed a kiss on my knuckle.
"Until we meet again."

I just looked at him amused and chuckled when I saw him hop into a room.

"What was he saying?" Came a voice behind me.

I jerked forward in surprise and looked back to see Viren glaring where Mr.Shaurya just left.

"Umm..nothing just..." I don't know what to say. There was nothing he said that I could share.

"Come let's go to my room." He ordered and moved ahead.

'Mr.khadoos is back.Mr.khadoos is back' my conscience chanted.

"Sorry what?" I asked sassily.

"You know I hate repeating myself." He exclaimed.

"And You know I hate you ordering me," I exclaimed back.

"Don't start Paakhi." He demanded.

"Or what?"  I called out.

"Or..." He said stepping towards me.

"Huh?!" I asked stepping back.

"Or..." He again repeated backing me in a wall.

Unconsciously my breathing accelerated and I looked into his enticing orbs that hooked me.

"Or I will kiss you to shut you up." He whispered close to my ear.

Hearing his reply a butterfly took off from the bottom of my belly leaving sparks in its wake.

I don't know what happened but the feeling to know how his lips felt on mine exacerbated.

"Paakhi Ma'am" came a voice down the corridor.
Viren gradually stepped back with a knowing smirk and left from there.

I heaved a sigh of relief and walked towards the assistant's voice.
"Ma'am, the swing is here."

I forgot all about Viren and our moment that occurred just a few minutes ago and walked towards the foyer where the celebration will take place.

Looking at the decorations and everything coming together gave me immense satisfaction.

Entering from the main gate the first thing that comes into notice is a Krishna statue under the waterfall giving it a naturally beautiful look.

Then when we move a few steps forward a beautiful peacock art figure on both sides makes it look imperial.

When you enter the lounge room which is converted to our main hall, we have put Toran bells all around giving it a classy feel.

At the left side of the room, we have a beautiful decor placed made with flowers and leaves.

And On the right side of the room, We placed an enormous peacock decorated with flowers and leaves.

And in the middle of the room, we will place our Krishna Ji and Radha Ji on a swing.

"Prakash Bhai! Bring all those flowers and leaves for the swing." I ordered our florist moving towards the plain wooden swing.

I started wounding around leaves tendrils on the swing when I heard multiple gasps.

I instantly twisted my head leading me to hit it on the swing post.

I hissed and rubbed the sore area to see Mrs.Tanvi walking forward with concern.

"Oh Paakhi dear, Are you okay?" She said leaning down and caressing it. I smiled at her and carefully stood up.

"Yes, Aunty I'm fine," I said greeting all others in the room.

"Wow, Paakhi! You girls are awesome. This place looks so divine and beautiful." Riya said twirling around.

"Maa...Now I'm attending this function too." Maira called out to her mother who was accessing the lotus centerpieces.

"What about your concert?" Her mother smiled pleased.
"This looks more fun right now." She said clicking a selfie with the peacock.
"Paakhi dear, this centerpiece looks so beautiful and unique," Mrs.Palak called out beside Maira's mom.

I walked towards them and looked at our last minute idea of having a centerpiece made out of lotus buds.

"Oh, God!" Maira unexpectedly yelled.
We all looked towards her to see her talking to Riya.
"What is it, girls?" Maira's mother asked them.
"Mom! I don't have anything to wear here? I only brought my leather jacket and black dress for the concert." Maira said saddened.

"Babe don't worry I have a collection of dresses in my wardrobe. Come with me!" Riya cheered.

Both of them left from there and at the same time, Maanu entered.

"Maanya dear, where were you?" Aunt Tanvi asked.

She looked startled for a minute and then answered "I was checking the decorations from the upstairs."

Where does she get those lame excuses from? Here answers are always wary.

Everybody left for their rooms to rest before the event starts in 3 hours.

Shortly I got a call from Uncle Abby informing us about them reaching the mansion in 5 minutes.

I walked into the kitchen that we have settled for today's event and opened the backdoor for our catering team to enter.

"Girls take this," Uncle Abby said passing us a tiffin box.
I immediately unsealed it to see puffed durable Ferox (Makhana) and fruits for us.

"Oh God, thank you Abby, you don't know how hungry I'm," Maanu said yanking the box from me and digging in.
I thanked Abby and dug in.

I was enjoying each and every piece when Abby came towards us with vegetables and a knife.

"So? How is everything coming out?" he asks chopping the vegetables.

"Awesome, Uncle You should have a look outside. I mean we actually transformed this place into Vrindavan." (Vrindavan is a holy town in Uttar Pradesh, northern India. The Hindu deity Krishna is said to have spent his childhood here.)

"Really, then I will surely check it out, " he said chopping potatoes.

We all sat and talked about Our last year's Janamashtami celebration.

We were still talking when We heard someone entering the kitchen.

I turned around to see Arhaan walking in.
He stayed and greeted Uncle Abby with a firm handshake.

Uncle Abby stood up to go to the other side of the kitchen and taking the advantage of the situation Arhaan pecked Maanu and rushed out of the room.

Maanu sat flabbergasted and I laughed seeing how cute they are.

We exited the kitchen to check the arrangements for the last time before we leave to change.

We were waiting for the cab outside Singh Mansion when a car Zoomed passed us.

Maanu yelled at the car when abruptly it stopped and reversed back.
The car stopped in front of us and the window to the driver side rolled down to sight Mr.Khadoos sitting there with his shades on.
"Do you girls need a ride?" He asked casually.

"No thank you Mr.Singh, our cab will be here soon," Maanu answered back. I was looking anywhere but towards him, because I was still ashamed about what occurred earlier.

"Leaving you guys in this parching climate, Arhaan would never forgive me." He answered back.

"Umm...then we-" Maanu halted when she saw a cab driving towards us.
"Mr. Singh our ride is here. But thank you for the offer." she appreciated and walked off.
I looked at him and followed her.

In the cab, Maanu was praising Mr.Khadoos and his kindliness.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I leaped up when my phone ranged.

Maanu looked at me funny but continued texting, probably with Arhaan.

I massaged the sore area and cursed my foolishness for hitting myself twice today.
"Hello?" I answered.
"P, where are you guys?" Adi asked impatiently.
"Will be home in 10 minutes. Keep everything ready." I answered back.
"Everything is ready just be here So that we can dress up and leave." She exclaimed and hung up.
"Adi has our dresses ready. We just have to go and change then rush back." I informed Maanu.

She distractedly nodded, So I called our entertainment vendor and talked about all the arrangements.

We reached home and Showered.

__________________________________

VIREN's POV

"Bro are you excited?" Shaurya asked straightening his kurta.

"Very!" I sarcastically replied buttoning up my kurta.

"It's not that bad," Arhaan called out from the washroom.

"Of course not, wearing this constricted attire makes me cheery," I exclaimed.

"I know but think about what everybody else will think about us if we won't attend this festival?" Arhaan preached.

"Correction. I think they would probably think what is wrong with us when out of the blue we three decide to attend this kinda celebration." I retorted back.

"Stop whining and help me tie this," Shaurya said implying me to tie his pajama knot.

I rolled my eyes and helped him.

"Just look at us, wearing traditional wear for the first time," Arhaan claimed.

"Girls are gonna die seeing me in this desi (traditional ) Avatar." Shaurya boosted.

I looked at all of us in the mirror and agreed with Arhaan.

(I edited this so that you guys can have an idea about how they looked😜, for who didn't like it it's okay, I just wanted Sean, Zeno, and Nick to wear our attire.)

We exited my room to got to the main hall which was decorated beautifully. The fragrance of fresh flowers and leaves give it a very tranquil tinge.

"These girls are brilliant. They are really talented." Shaurya appreciated.

I walked downstairs to see my mom grinning.
"My boys look so handsome, dressed like kings."

"My Kings" someone exclaimed beside us.
I saw my princess dressed in a cute pink colored Dress.

"Pari you look, beautiful just like a Princess," I said kissing her.
"Thank you V," she said kissing me back.
"Are all the kisses reserved for Uncle V? What about us?" Arhaan asked tickling her.
Her laugh resonated in our house making everyone smile.

My mother started greeting some of our distant aunts when I heard the name Paakhi mentioned.

My ears instantly perked up hearing her name but I think someone got more excited than me.

"Paakhi?!" Pari yelled excitedly.
"My friend Paakhi? " she asked Aparna di.

Aparna di nodded with a smile and then Pari shrieked "P!" excitedly and started squirming in Shaurya's Arms.
Shaurya set her down and she rushed towards the entrance and hugged Someone in a bluish-green and yellow dress.
When that person hugged Pari back, I saw it is Paakhi and her friends are beside her.

"Look the girls are here." Mom said and took all her Lady friends towards the girls.

"Bro! Do you now regret coming here?" Arhaan asked amazed.

I smiled at how my brother is whipped.
"Bro hotness has increased thrice and for your information now royal blue is my favorite color," Shaurya said gaping at Aditi.

"Really? A few weeks ago it was red because of Mrs.Lara, wasn't it?" Arhaan teased.

"Now it's changed," Shaurya said walking towards the girls.

He went and stood just beside Aditi and said something. But the epic scene was when Aditi scowled at him and walked towards Maira.

Both Arhaan and I laughed out and saw Shaurya giving us the Middle finger.
Before we could react my uncle whacked him.

He massaged his bruised area and walked off.

I saw my uncle walking towards me and said "look at this, every lady here looks so beautiful and elegant."

I looked around and saw How beautiful my Aunts and Sisters look.

And then of course my princess, she looks beyond cute.

'I agree! yellow suits her' my conscience muttered.

Yellow?! What? I'm talking about Pari and not Paakhi.

"Ladies and gentlemen thank you for coming to this auspicious event. I know most of you guys are interested in knowing who organized this event for us and we are proud to announce that these arrangements are done by these two beautiful girls here- Paakhi and Maanya, they are the most hardworking and creative minds out there." Mom said addressing the crowd and appreciating Paakhi and Maanya.

Both the girls were turning red as my mother appreciated them.

"So the time for seeing what's under the sheet is here," Mom announced walking towards the middle of the room where the swing was covered with a covering.

The priest started his ritual and everybody stood with hands joined.

After 15 minutes, mom and dad removed the covering slowly, and a sculpture of Krishna Ji and Radha Ji on a swing.
Everyone was amazed by seeing how divine it looks.

Everybody settled in their chairs and the function commences.

Everyone started mingling with each other and the lads initiated taking their selfies when a beautiful tune started playing in the background.

When everyone ceased what they were doing and saw some instrumentalists sitting there and singing lord Krishna Bhajans (spiritual Songs).

Everyone in the room got lost in the voice and words of the singer.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw Sana entering with her husband.
My fingers immediately curled up and I stood up to leave from there.

I was walking towards the backyard when I felt someone following me.
I turned back to see no one was there.

I walked outside and took some deep breaths.

Seeing that bastard with my sister infuriates me.
He knows nobody likes him here but still, he dares to show his face.

I took some more deep breaths and walked back in to hear some yelling from the corridor.
I turned to see Paakhi and that bastard talking.

I interrupted them to see Paakhi heave a sigh of relief and Saurav glaring at her.
I was about to interrupt when Sana and my brothers walked in and took Saurav away from my sight.

"Are you okay?" I asked Paakhi.
She nodded her head as a reply.
"What was happening here?" I exclaimed.

"Umm...nothing I was just asking the way to the washroom." She fumbled.

I knew she was lying but for the time being, I let it be and together we walked back to the celebration.

I saw all the ladies dancing on the bhajan and when they saw Paakhi they dragged her in.

I took a seat beside my brothers and saw both Arhaan and Shaurya looking at me concerned.
I just nodded towards them implying I'm okay.

Everybody then enjoyed the dance acts the girls organized and soon it was midnight, meaning everyone who was on fasting can now eat after the last session of the ceremony.

After the priest began Aarti (a Hindu ceremony in which lights with wicks soaked in ghee are lit and offered up to one or more deities).

Each member of our family performed Aarti and then Pari whined that she wants to perform Aarti too just like her best friends, Paakhi and Maanya.

"Angel, this is something big people do. " Paakhi tried pursuing her.
But she was adamant to do it and that too alone so we gave her the Aarti plate and everybody stayed attentive.

She was returning back the Aarti to the priest when it imbalanced.
Both Paakhi and I jerked forward and together helped Pari to Properly do the Aarti.

"What a beautiful couple they are.", " Are they dating?" "Who is that girl?" Where some questions I heard after everything settled down.

I saw Paakhi shying away and walked off towards the Kitchen to serve Dinner.

___________________________________

To all those people who didn't like so many illustrations I'm sorry, but I just wanted you guys to have an idea about everything.

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