Arhaan POV

"Did I tell you how beautiful you look today?" I ask admiring the beautiful woman in my arms.

"Yes, but I like it every time you say it." She coos.

I lean down and place a kiss on her lips.
"Arhaan! We are in public." She chides gently, looking around embarrassed.

"Sorry, It's really hard to control myself when I'm around you," I say honestly.

She gives a heart-melting smile and this time I control my urge to grab her and kiss her senseless.

I can't wait for the day she becomes mine and I get to do anything with her in the public. Because then she'll be mine.

"Do you see Paakhi and Yash? Don't they look cute together?" She asks glancing at the two, who are currently greeting people.

It feels strange seeing Paakhi with someone other than my brother. In my eyes, they belong together. And today after Viren tells her everything, they will be together.

With excitement, I turn around and look at the bar to see Viren talking to Aditi.

He laughs causing people closer to him to stare at them. He is oblivious to it otherwise, he would have entertained everyone with his famous glare.

"I just want them to get together." She gushes.

"Why?" My voice comes out hard.

"Huh?" She asks confuse.

"Why do you want that? Maybe he is not right for Paakhi?" I try saying it casually.

"He's perfect for Paakhi! Who else can love her as he does?" She scoffs.

"Maybe there is someone! Who loves her more than himself." I assert.

She turns towards me and scowls, "Someone who? Your brother? That arrogant man? He's rude and selfish. How is he supposed to love someone?"

"You are talking about my brother!" I proclaim furiously.

"Hey?" We look towards Paakhi who just got to us.

"Are you both okay?" She asks eyeing us.

I nod my head and put on a cheerful smile.

"You girls did a great job with the decorations, I'm always amazed by your creativity." I honestly share my review.

"Thank you," she replies gleefully.

"Do you need something to drink?" I ask her when I feel Maanya take a step away from me.

"Water please." She says, and I instantly turn around to go to the bar.

I take merely 6 steps when Aditi stops me.

"I need your help!" She exclaims, looking at the staircase. I follow her gaze and see Viren walking upstairs.

"What is it?" I ask excitedly.

"When you go back there, tell Paakhi that I'm not feeling well and I'm in the balcony upstairs, corner one. okay?" She asserts.

"Will she come?" I ask doubtfully.

"It's about me! Of course, she will rush upstairs." She exclaims with a shoo of her hand.

I smile knowing she's right. Paakhi will do anything for her friends here.

I nod my head and walk towards the bar, seconds later, with a glass of water in my hand, I walk back to the girls.

"Thank you." She says taking it from me.

I wait for her to take a sip when I say, "Paakhi?"

Both Maanya and her look at me.

"I just saw Aditi rushing upstairs towards the balcony. And she didn't look good." My voice is laced with concern.

"What? I will just go see." She exclaims plopping her glass in my hand and running upstairs.

"Corner balcony!" I shout.

"I should go check too..." I hear Maanya announce, but I hold her hand. She looks at me but before she can say anything, "Did she go?" Aditi asks walking towards us with Shaurya beside her.

"What is happening here?" Maanya exclaim, looking at us three with betrayal.

"You were feeling sick right?" She accuses Aditi.

"It was just an excuse to get Paakhi to Viren." Shaurya exclaim with a proud smile.

I grin, anticipating what might be happening upstairs.

"I need to stop this!" She declares, but before she can take a step towards the stairs. I grab her by her waist and tug her towards the doors.

"Arhaan!" She chides trying to step away from me. But I keep my hold tight till we reach my car.

"Sit!" I demand, opening the passenger door for her.

"No, I won't!" She retorts.

I huff and pick her up, "Hey!" She yells in surprise and I take the advantage of the moment by placing her on the seat.

Walking to my side, I lock all the doors. And revive the engine.

"This is kidnapping." She yells at me.

"I don't care," I say, driving towards the destination in my mind.

"What is wrong with you? I can't just leave the event like this. And what if Yash sees Paakhi and Viren? " she shouts in anticipation.

"To hell with Yash, I hope he sees Viren and Paakhi making out and takes a step back." I wish this happens.

"Why would you say that? Paakhi would never kiss someone like him." She lets out with a grimace.

"What is your problem with Viren?" I ask angrily.

"Problem? I have problems." She shouts.

"He is arrogant, rude, selfish and whatnot, magazines even say he's a player. I can't let Paakhi be with someone who is just using her. He can't love! And you know that." She lets out.

"I never thought you to be this shallow," I mumble feeling that I have been delusional, this is not the girl I fell in love with.

"Sorry?" She asks in shock.

"I believed you out of all the people would not judge someone without knowing them. Do you even know him? Do you know why he became the devil, society calls him? Do you know what happened with him?" I let out, hurt with her.

"I-umm..." She stammers. I see her eyes reflecting turmoil.

"Maanya, do you think Paakhi would choose a man who is as shallow as you described earlier? Did it ever occur to you that maybe she feels for him because he is not what people think he is? What about Aditi? Do you think she will try all this if she believed Viren is a bad guy?" I try to express every possible way I can.

"I just don't want her to get hurt." She mumbles, tears streaming down her cheeks.

I park my car and turn towards her. Taking her hand in mine, I say, "We can't decide who we fall in love with. We have to make mistakes to know what we need in a relationship. It's her journey. Let her experience, she deserves a man who loves her as she is his world. And let me tell you, I know Viren loves her. He is a changed man. She is good for him. " I explain, now I get it what she is afraid of. She doesn't want Paakhi to have her heartbroken. But that is something no one can guarantee, love is not guaranteed. We make mistakes, learn from them, either we grow together or grow apart. And this is how it works.

"You are right, but this feeling inside me says that I need to protect her, just the way she did to me. I try, but I'm just afraid she'll be hurt in the end." She confesses.

"I know, but right now, they both deserve what we have. They are good for each other. We should just support them." I advise.

She nods her head, I wipe away her tears and get out of the car. I walk towards her side and help her out.

Taking her hand, I walk her towards the hinterland, in front.

She doesn't say anything just walk with me on the pavement.

The clicking of her heels is the only sound other than the crickets.

"Arhaan?" She calls out clutching my forearm. The tremble in her voice says she's scared.

"Don't worry, it's a beautiful place, and there are no animals here." I try assuring her.

After 10 minutes of walking straight, we reach a place, where lights hang from the trees, a blanket on the bank of the river.

The trickling of the water gives this place a soothing atmosphere.

"Wow!" I hear an exclamation from beside me.

"This is my favourite place, wanted to share with you. " I say tugging her towards the blanket.

I take off my shoes, suit jacket and sit down.

"Come," I call her.

She takes off her heels and sits beside me.

"This place was special to our family. We used to visit here for picnics. But as we grew up, everyone forgot about it. One day, on our birthday, I was very sad because of some bullies in our school. So Viren brought me here and we decorated this place with lights. He asked our cousin to bring us food and drinks. We were not allowed to drink at that time but it was our birthday so we did. " I chuckle remembering that day.

"We played guitar all night and I forgot all about my worries. And so from that day, this place meant more to me. And I can never forget it, this place gives me sanity. Whenever I feel low, I come here and remember the time with my family. And it always persuades me to cherish it." I tell her.

"You said on our birthday? You guys have a birthday on the same day?" She asks amazed.

"Twins have a birthday on the same day only!" I exclaim with a smirk.

Her eyes go wide, "you are twins?"

"Ya, I know I'm more handsome than him but still, I can't deny that ugly twit is my twin," I announce with a chuckle.

"He's more handsome though." She teases.

"Huh? But you love me right?" I ask faking hurt.

"Umm?? I was I tend to tell you this for a very long time ago, but I don't love you." She says with a straight face. But I see her bitting down on her lips.

"Really? So I don't have any effect on you?" I aks challenging her.

"Nah!" She replies adamantly.

"Okay, so if I do this? You won't feel anything right?" I aks with a smirk and before she could comprehend, I swiftly pull her on my lap and place my lips on her neck.

Her hands are on my shoulder and mine on her waist.

I place a gentle kiss below her ear lobe and then one just below it, like that I follow a trail towards her beautiful breast, that have been tempting me from the time I saw her in this dress.

Just as I reach the top of her breast, her nails dig in my back and she lets out a moan.

Her head falls back and she starts running fingers in my hair.

I place another kiss on the top of her breast, earning another moan from her.

I move my hand from her waist to the back of her neck and pull her face to mine. I stare at her flush face and ragged breathing. She looks like a mess but one sexy mess.

"I thought I don't have any effect on you?" I exclaim with a smirk.

She gazes at me and passes a breathless chuckle.

"It is nothing, I need to see more, what if this is just limited?" She challenges.

I smirk at her and smash my lips to her. Our kissing becomes feral.
For the first time, my timid girlfriend is trying to dominate the kiss. And I'm enjoying it.

Her hands start working on my tie, she pulls it open and throws it, without breaking the kiss.
I feel her fingers skim over my chest as she unbuttons my shirt.
Her one-touch spew sparks in my body.

"I need you!" Words tumble from my lips. Just as I say it, I back away terrified.

I watch her face, which is stoic right now.

But slowly a smile crosses her face and she utters, "Me too."

I feel a smile stretch on my face, "Are you sure?" I ask for the last time before I lose my control.

"More than ever." She exclaims placing her lips on mine.

But I lean back to ask one more time, but she puts a finger on my lips and sensually adds, "no more talking. Let our bodies talk."

I don't need to hear anything else now. I obey her and lay her down on the blanket.

Before laying on top of her, I take off my shirt and throw it away.

Leaning on my hands that are on both sides of her face, I admire her.

She blushes and yanks me down. Then I can guarantee, we didn't stop, no more talking was done, not by our mouths though. But our bodies had a long chat.

__________________________________

Waking up, with a soothing sound of water and birds, is bliss. To top it off, I have my woman in my arms.

I lay still, enjoying the rhythmic whiff of air blowing away, as she lay peacefully on my chest.

Remembering last night's events, a grin, a massive grin, takes over my face.

"What are you smiling at?" I hear a soft murmur.

Looking towards my chest, I see Maanya looking at me with her big beautiful eyes.

"You," I reply.

"Me?" She asks with a chuckle

"You look beautiful while sleeping." I compliment her.

Her cheeks go red, and she looks away. I tug her a little upwards and place a gentle kiss.

"Good morning beautiful!" I say. She greets me back with a smile.

"I have always wanted to do this," I exclaim honestly.

"What wish me morning?" She asks confused, "No, Kiss you good morning." I reply coyly.

She swats me and exclaims, "I love you. But I need to get going."

"Me too, I'm excited to see my brother and his new girlfriend. I can't imagine how happy he will be." I proclaim with an excited smile.

"Me too, I need to apologize to Paakhi first," she tells, standing up.

Following her, I exclaim, "you look so gorgeous in my shirt." She looks stunning in my shirt.

"Of course you think so," she retorts picking up her dress from the ground.

"Arhaan! Help me wear this dress." She says looking at the ripped dress on the ground.

"Leave it, there is nothing left in it. I have some spare clothes in my car. You can wear it." I say, wearing my shoes. And picking up my suit jacket.

"Did you plan all this?" She asks when I take a hold of her hand and tug her back towards our car.

"Certainly not, but I'm glad it happened. Now you are just mine." I say plucking a flower from the bush beside and give it to her.

She smiles and inches on her toes to kiss me.

I peck her too and resume walking.

"This place is a beauty in the day." She exclaims looking around. The flowers shrubs and frontiers bedeck the whole area.

Reaching my car, I open the trunk and grab a sweatshirt and shorts.

"These have tags on it." She exclaims taking them from me.

"Yeah, they are small for me, so I intend to exchange them later today," I tell her closing the trunk.

"So why are you giving them to me?" She asks annoyed.

"If you want to go home in my white shirt then be my guest or you can wear these," I suggest.

She huff and enter the car. I walk towards my side and see her in her bra. "Damn, I'm so lucky to have such a beautiful girlfriend."

"Pervert," she chuckles wearing the sweatshirt.

I laugh and revive the engine.

"Here!" She says, tossing my shirt at me.

Wearing it, I start driving.

"We both are doing the walk of shame." She exclaims pulling her hair up in a bun.

"Walk of pride. Babe." I exclaim with a grin.

She chuckles and starts peering around.

"Do you know where my purse is? I need my phone." She asks still searching.

"Check the back seat," I advise. She nods and turns around.

Seconds later she turns with her clutch in her hand.

She takes out her phone and says, "Did you see this?"

I peek at her trying to see what she's referring to.

"What?" I ask giving up.

"The headlines for today, it says, The Goofiest Bachelor seems to be off the list when he was spotted yesterday with his fiance at a business party. With our photo on the front page." She mumbles stunned.

"They always do this," I reply nonchalantly.

"They called me your fiance?" She repeats.

"So? You are unhappy with this?" I ask unhappy, is she not ready for taking our relationship a step forward.

"Of course not," she mumbles with a blush reflecting on her cheeks.

I smile in triumphant and shut up before I spoil my surprise.

Minutes later, I drop her off near her apartment building and say goodbye with a long kiss.

When she disappears from my vision, I look for my phone.

After 5 minutes of searching, I found it under my seat.

Grabbing it, I see the battery is dead.

So I plug it on charging and start driving towards the house. Excited to see my brother.

When I'm stuck in the jam, I grab my phone and browse it.

Seeing 25 missed calls from Shaurya and 10 from mom, my heartbeat increase.

I see a pop-up message from Shaurya saying to meet him at the Den.

I can't see more messages because I have to drive. Changing my direction, I drive towards the den.

After 10 minutes, I enter the building and take the elevator. Maybe they called me to celebrate. Nothing else is possible.

Entering the apartment, I see Shaurya sleeping on the couch. His eyes seem swollen.

I lightly, wake him up.

Just as he opens his eyes, he leaps up and hugs me.

I feel dampness on my shoulder.

"Hey? What happened? Is Aditi okay?" I ask agitated.

Tugging him back, I acknowledge his dishevelled state.

"You are scaring me, what is wrong?" I ask losing my patience.

"Viren Bhai, He's- He's hurt." His words turn my world upside down.

"What do you mean? He should be happy right? What happened? tell me!" I shout.

"After you took Maanya, I walk upstairs to just peek and see what was happening, but reaching there I see Viren Bhai on his knees crying. He was rambling, he was just speaking unconsciously. He looked broken. I tried calling you but your phone was unreachable soI called Dhruv and we bring him here." Hearing him I feel the ache in my heart.

"A the way, he was just saying 'is he that bad?', 'Why does no love him?', I was so scared, I have never seen his like this, " he confesses.

"So Paakhi -" even thinking that Paakhi would do something like this I'm burning with rage.

"I don't know..." He mumbles looking down.

"I should check on him," I say getting up.

Just as I take two steps, I hear footsteps approaching us.

Looking up, I see Viren in a new suit, all dressed.

"Brother?" I ask shock.

"I'm going to the office, see you guys there." He tries curtly.

"Viren- we can talk, come," I suggest.

"Talk about what?" He asks rudely.

"You can't do this again, closing yourself from the world is not a solution." I urge.

"What are you saying? I'm not getting it? " he says annoyed.

"You are not okay, and it is fine to acknowledge that." I try again.

"I'm perfectly fine, now of you'll please excuse me, I have work to do." He declares and walks off.

"This time it's worst, he is not acknowledging the fact," I mumble exhausted.

"What are we suppose to do now?" Shuarya asks me.

"I don't know," I rub my face irked.

"Let's go talk to Paakhi!" He exclaims.

I nod and we rush to the parking lot.

"Let me drive," I suggest, looking at his state.

He nods and we drive towards the girl's apartment.

"What are we gonna ask her?" Shaurya asks.

"I don't know? Maybe what happened yesterday?" I exclaim, my mind right now is disturbed.

I never expected my day to go like this.

"Slow down," he warns me.

I ignore him and reach the apartment in 10 minutes.

Exiting the car, I take stairs rather than waiting for the elevator.

Reaching their door, I start banging it.

Seconds later it opens to reveal, angry Aditi.

"What the hell-" I ignore her and walk past her.

"Arhaan?" Maanya asks when she sees me.

"Where is Paakhi?" I demand ignoring her.

"What is happening here?" Aditi asks angrily.

"Ask your best friend. Now, will you just call her out!" I shout.

"Bhai? what is wrong with you?"  Sana asks exiting a room.

"Where is Paakhi?" I yell again.

"Arhaan? Relax." Maanya says, walking towards me and cautiously holding my hand.

I take a deep breath and in a regular tone ask, "where is she?"

"She's not home, she left early morning." Aditi retorts.

"With her lover? Yash?" I scoff.

"What are you talking about? Huh? You know she loves Viren!" Aditi declares taking a threatening step towards me.

"Love?" I laugh humourlessly.

"Maanya ask your boyfriend to behave or I will break his nose," Aditi warns. I see Shaurya walking towards her and encircling an arm around her.

"Bhai, I think they don't know. We should tell them first." Shaurya says.

I huff and take a seat on the couch.

"Something happened yesterday at the balcony. Viren bhai he's- I would say not okay. I can't explain more, but Paakhi said something to him, and we need to know what happened yesterday." Shaurya explains.

"Ask Viren?" Aditi jump in between.

"That's the problem, he's acting as if nothing happened yesterday." I retort.

"Now what?" Sana asks tensely.

We all stare at her.

She just shrugs and says, "Both of them are my dearest, I will do anything to bring them together."

Aditi, leap forward and hugs her.

"I'm not sure, I want that anymore. I thought she is a wise person, but guess what, I was wrong." I huff and exit the apartment.

"Paakhi, I will never forgive you..." I vow walking to my car and driving towards the den to change and go to the office.

_________________________________

Paakhi's POV

"Why do you need this job?" The lady in front of me asks.

"I need money," I answer honestly.

"I like you but we don't have any position for you." She says closing my file and sliding it towards me.

"I can even wait tables," I say desperately.

"Why would you wait tables when you have a degree in accounts?" She asks surprised.

"Because I need a job right now, and it doesn't matter what. The pay should be good." I confess.

"I like your determination and understand your need, but I'm sorry, we don't have any vacancy here." She tells.

With dejection for the third time today, I smile and stand up.

"Wait, I don't know if you will work there or not, but here is the address and the name of my friends, tell him I send you," She says handing me a piece of paper.

"Thank you so much, Ma'am," I say excitedly and exit the restaurant.

Taking a cab, I give the address to the driver and sit back.

I have been looking for jobs since early this morning, mostly because I couldn't sleep after what I did yesterday.

I can never imagine, the man I love, was about to commit himself to me. He was going to tell me what was holding him back. But I broke his heart. I broke him.

He didn't understand it but it was not easy for me to do so. But I had to, some may think that what I did was wrong because I should put myself before my girls. But I can't, before Viren came they were my world and he just became a part of it. Now when they need me, I can't just leave them.

Viren will always remain in my heart. You can't forget someone who has captured your heart.

"Ma'am we are here," the driver announces. I pay him and exit the cab.

Looking ahead, I see a black building with golden embellishments.

The board above says The Swaggers.

I feel, a little uncomfortable. But I have no choice.

Gathering some confidence, I ascend two steps and open the glass door.

Inside seems, normal, it is beautifully decorated and gives a cheerful vibe.

"Can I help you?" I hear someone ask.

Noticing a girl, in a black t-shirt and jeans. I say, "I'm here to meet Mr.Shaw, " I add remembering the name Ms. Leila told me.

"Do you have an appointment?" She asks politely.

"No, but Ms. Leila send me," I explain.

"Wait, I will be back in a second." She says and walks towards the door on the left corner.

After 5 minutes, she returns with an old man in poise a suit.

"Mr.Shaw, it's a pleasure meeting you," I say extending my hand.

The girl beside me passes a snort causing the old man to scowl.

"He's not Mr.Shaw, he's Jerry, Mr.Shaw's assistant." She tells.

I feel the blush rising to my cheeks, "I'll take you to him." He says, walking ahead.

I follow him and enter the door, they all arrive from. That door leads to a long corridor. With quotes lining the walls.

We stop in front of a black wooden door, Jerry knocks twice and opens the door for me.

I enter in and instantly smile when my eyes meet with the man sitting behind the desk.

"My, my, my, it's the girl who broke my heart." He utters standing up and giving me a grin.

"Oh please, " I laugh and step forward to meet him halfway.

He takes me into his arms and I felt the warmth, the familiar warmth.

"It's been so long Pika," he mumbles tugging back.

"I know, but you haven't changed much," I say looking at him.

"I know, I work hard to maintain this beauty." He says, indicating his face.

"Not like you, you look old," he says scrunching up his face.

I hit him, causing him to laugh.

"I'm kidding, you look beautiful Pika. How have you been? How's Rags?" He asks tugging me to the couch in the room.

"Rags is in heaven," I tell him.

"What? I'm so sorry." He mumbles hugging me.

"It's okay, he's pain-free now." I acknowledge and wipe my tear.

"Now you tell me, How's uncle and aunty? And when did you return?" I ask changing the subject.

"They are good, I returned to Delhi a few months back and opened this club. I'm sorry I didn't find you." He tells sadly.

"It's okay, it was meant to happen like this," I say with an encouraging smile.

"Look at you, always believing in destiny." He comments with a smile.

I shrug and he chuckles.

"What about you? What are you doing in Delhi?" He further asks,

"It's a long story, I will tell you when you have time. But now I have to go find a job." I announce when I remember I have to find a job somewhere else now.

"What? Why not here?" He asks stunned.

"I can't work here, you are my friend. It's so unprofessional." I chide.

"You going without your interview is unprofessional. I know you need this job and Leila told me, you are the perfect fit." He argues. "Let's give it a try, I promise I wouldn't have stopped you if I didn't think you will do the job nicely." He adds tugging me back towards the couch.

"What kind of job is it?" I ask giving up.

"This is a club, you have to take drinks from bar to the table, take care of patrons." He tells.

"Take care as in?" I pry scowling.

"Oh Paakhi," he chuckles, "not that kind of care, although we don't object if you want to but considering you it is impossible. So moving on, take care means, when girls get too drunk or need assistance you guys have to assist them and then if someone needs directions you give them." He tells.

"That's it? What about the dress? Is it those low cut tops and short skirts?" I assert.

"No, it's a black t-shirt or shirt and black jeans. So that you guys conceal in the background." He tells with a smirk.

"Now for the pay, it is Rs.15,000 per month and working hours are 6 pm to 4 am," he informs

"Nightshift?" I ask apprehensively.

"What club opens in the day, my dear? He asks suppressing a smile.

I think for a second and say, " you will not be partial with me okay? I'm just like your other employees." I demand.

"Uff, you have not at all changed, same old, wise and idealistic Paakhi." He exclaims.

"So deal or no deal?" I ask.

"Okay, deal!" He huffs.

"Now tell me about your life and then you can go to Jerry for your paperwork." He nag.

I nod and start telling him everything that happened to me after he left.
How I met Aditi, Maanya, uncle, aunty, nona and nana. And of course Singh brothers.

__________________________________

Hi lovelies, So how was it?

Who is this new man?

Which is your favourite couple in this book?

Do vote and comment.

Have a great day ahead.