Ajay

I kept staring at my bandaged hand, deeply noticing my injured fingers. It's been 24 hours since the incident but it was still fresh inside my mind.

"You are acting as if it's been 24 years. Grow up, Ajay," my brain mocked me.

I slapped my forehead with the other hand recalling the time when she almost tripped over the stone. I held the back of her head to prevent her head from hitting the high wall behind her. Well, in the process my fingers got injured. Why did I do that? Why do I care?

Every time I try to ask the questions and find their answers, I don't know why but I just get involved with them more and more. Getting entangled between truths and lies.

We made everything fake. Our love on camera, our couple photoshoots and even when we smiled on camera together. Everything was a lie. A show. So why am I feeling like this?

I shouldn't feel this way when I had devoted my entire life to avoid her.

I even thought we could make up but as Maya said, we should stay by the rules, by the fact that we are soul enemies. I guess that's best for us.

My phone vibrated and I picked it up to see it was my assistant, Dev.

" Sir, I am on my way to your place. Are you still there in Parvati buildings?"

" Yeah, I am here."

" Ok sir, I am coming."

" Yes, okay. Take your time." I hung up the call and instantly I was reminded of Maya. It was because of her that I came here but more because of my own reasons. I wanted my parents to stop nagging me about her. But is the reason still the same?

I turned to see Cookie sleeping upside down and pouting to grab my attention. I gave a smile and hugged her as she licked my face with all her pleasure. "Cookie, my sweet baby. Do you want to eat something?"

After feeding her the food, I looked at the clock to check the time. It was almost the shoot time. I soon changed myself to my casual t-shirt and jeans. My phone buzzed loudly, grabbing my attention.

" Hello, Today is Ishaan's birthday. Are you aware of that?" Sarah asked on the other end of the line.

" Oh. I didn't know that." I giggled, pretending to know nothing. How could I not know? I even wished him early in the morning.

" You can't be serious!" Her voice came out loud and shocked. I laughed aloud at her serious tone.

" Just kidding. I already wished him."

She heaved a sigh of relief and said, "That stupid boy didn't feel it important to tell me. Hey, you remember about the birthday bash party, right?" She was squealing and excitement dripped from her voice.

" Yes but you sound more excited than him on his birthday."

" Of course. I am always there for free food," she said in her serious tone. Soon, we both were laughing out loud when I heard the sound of the doorbell.

" Hey, I am hanging up. Let's meet at night." I hung up the call, turning towards the door. I was caught off guard when I saw Maya rushing into the house.

" W...what are you doing here? And I... told you to not get inside like that," I stuttered, unable to form my words.

She frowned, " I rang the doorbell but you didn't respond so, I thought you died because of the injury." She kept a straight face, glancing at me.

" Very funny. No one dies like that. What are you?" I glared at her while she was doing the same thing. I really hate when one doesn't mind about the other person's space. This is why we can never be good.

" Whatever, I am having a great day today so you better not ruin it." She smiled, expressing her great happiness. But why does she look so cheerful all of a sudden? Can it be because of Ishaan's birthday? Is she aware of it?

" What? Why are you so happy?" Strangely, I couldn't say it nicely. I have no idea why.

" I told you before that I don't need your permission to be happy. Anyways, take this," she kept a bundle of notes in my hand, smirking widely. " Your money. As promised, I returned it."

I took a swift glance at the money and Maya. " I told you to keep it."

" I am not in the habit of being in debt. I just received my payment so I am giving your money back. And also when Maya is giving you something, you should accept it, gratefully." She made exaggerated signs with her hands, proudly pointing at herself. I was dumbfounded at her antics. I shook my head in disbelief.

She is impossible. But why does she look so cute?

" Won't you get it together, Ajay?" My subconscious mocked me for the second time.

" Take this as well," she said, handing me the dress that I bought her last time for the party. "Wear it." She had a hard time keeping a straight face as I blinked at her stupid remark.

" Yeah sure. This is what I have been living for," I said, sarcastically. She laughed out loud, hardly keeping her balance.

" These things don't have a return policy. So keep it for the future. Also, you might need it tonight." Her face turned confused at my words.

" What is there tonight?"

" Ishaan's birthday. Don't you know?" I raised my eyebrows as I saw her confused face turning dark. Her lips parted in shock. She muttered something under her breath before biting her lips hard. I realized she was not aware of this earlier.

" Keep the dress. You have to wear it for the birthday bash. And keep your face like a human, unlike the last time. "

She grimaced and rolled her eyes. "Hah... whatever," she turned to leave but not before turning back, " Um... How is your hand?"

I was taken aback by her sudden question but soon replied, " Yes, it's better." She smiled and closed her eyes before opening them back and saying, "Take care."

She left before I could say anything. "T...Thank you," I muttered, knowing very well that she didn't hear me.

A weird wave of feelings swept through my heart, leaving me clueless like anything.

Well, I should stop with my way of getting to the edge of the matter.

★★★

Maya

Today is Ishaan's birthday. Oh my God. Now what? Should I wish him? Let me message him...No. I should call him. But—God, this is crazy.

I plopped on my sofa, putting a hand on my head. And why did I ask Ajay about his hand? Do I care? No.

I curse myself for acting stupid in front of him. I must have been shocked by the sudden birthday news or maybe, I was genuinely curious. I will consider the first option.

But those are just trivial subjects, the main matter is that I should wish him and buy him a present. That is making me feel awkward for some reason.

" Is my monkey having any problem?" I heard a playful voice breaking through my thoughts. I didn't have to look up to know it was Pranav. It's been a long time since he called me by this name. Unofficially, Ajay had been using this name label for quite a long time now. I should just stop thinking about that guy.

" Acting not working for you? Quit it." He kept a deadpan face stating his only solution to every problem. " Your brother will look after you." He patted my head.

" It's not about that." I was reluctant about telling him this. He already doesn't like Ishaan a lot so better to keep this away from him.

" Then is Ajay poking fun at you? Or having a problem with the dance practice? Don't take too much stress. I know you want to try your best but keep the limits. Quit before you die from stress." I shook my head hard to let him throw off those ideas.

Dance practice had been a little hard but I could handle it well without any unwanted interference from Ajay. Even if I had to reduce my food intake and do gym exercises, I am just glad Ajay isn't present there.

" Look at your body. You are getting thin like a stick. Eat well. Take this," he looked at me up and down before handing me the half packet of Bhakarwadi that he bought last night. "No, it is not that." I shook my head again and kept it away.

" Then... is it about that creepy guy?" I sat up startled as he touched the right nerve. For Pranav, the creepy guy means Ishaan.

I gulped, thinking about an excuse as I saw his raised eyebrows and his displeased expression." See, I got it right? Tell me."

" Umm...I actually-," I was cut short by the sudden phone call. As I thanked the caller in my mind, I saw the display name. Ishaan.

My phone almost slipped through my hands as my eyes widened at the name. Feeling a suspicious glance from my side, I bit my lips. The next second, I ran inside my room and locked it. My phone stopped ringing by then but soon, it rang once again.

I cleared my throat and picked it up. "Hmm... Hel...Hello."

" Hi. Are you busy?"

My body shivered badly with nervousness. And I felt terrible for not wishing him on his birthday before his call.

Taking a deep breath, I hardly make the words out of my mouth, "Ha...Happy Birthday, Ishaan. Many many happy returns of the day. " I grinned broadly and shut my eyes without knowing what was the next thing my life was going to give me. Of course not sweets. Can't expect that from my life.

He giggled after a pause, " Thank you, Miss Future Wife. But did you know?" I didn't dare to respond to that. I simply twisted the hem of the top, my cheeks turning red with the Future wife thing.

I was still not used to the name tag.

" I bet you are embarrassed." Again I didn't know how to respond to his spirited voice. So, I grin instead.

" Don't do this. I am embarrassed enough." I pouted as he laughed out from the other end.

" Ajay or Sarah must've told you but don't worry. It's okay. I called you to ask if you want to go out with me. Are you free now?" What? Does that mean—

I looked down the window to see a tall guy beside a bike. I was about to close the window, thinking it wasn't what I was thinking but when I saw him waving his hands, looking in my way, I almost tripped over my own legs.

" Are you seriously here? And what about your car? Why is there a bike instead?" I asked hurriedly, running short of breath. Too many shocks for a day.

" I will answer them all once you come down... if you are free," he said the last thing to ensure whether I am not busy.

I don't know why but my cheeks flushed at his consideration. He was still thinking about my time. I am afraid that I won't be able to control my blooming emotions anywhere.

" Yes, I am. Wait, I am coming."

" Take your time." I ran towards the closet to find a dress to change myself into.

Soon, I got ready in my salwar kameez. I don't usually wear it but today I wanted to. I wanted to dress up in a more colourful dress for today.

After successfully passing Pranav's viva questions, I got down, running swiftly towards Ishaan with his helmet on. I smiled unknowingly, throwing off all the awkwardness.

He smiled back at me and handed me another helmet. " Safety is a must. So, ready for a ride."

" First tell me what this is all about?" I asked, confused and rattled at his sudden ride offer. Okay, I expected him to say that but he needs to explain himself.

I stared at him while he tried rubbing the back of his neck but with the helmet on, he wasn't able to do that. Finally giving up, he said, " I bought this bike recently, so I wanted to try a long drive. Also, I was on my way to somewhere I usually visit during my birthday. It is somewhere beautiful. I thought you would love to go there."

He makes my heart flutter every time he makes his honest comment. His voice had a hint of cheerfulness as if he was quite excited to show me that 'somewhere beautiful'.

" I wonder where it is," I murmured.

" Will you like to come with me? " He held out his hand in a princely manner, just like something out of the modern fantasy world. He took out his helmet and stared longingly into my eyes with a sincere and calm smile.

I felt enchanted by his gesture, possessed like a lovesick teenager as I kept my hand on his. He got up on his bike and titled it to help me get up on it. But somehow I felt uneasy about this, he is an actor, after all, a celeb known for the surname that he shared.

I couldn't get up immediately. He looked at me confused at my sudden hesitation. " What about the paparazzi? You may get into trouble."

" No paparazzi can find it out. Trust me, I sorted it out. We are going somewhere where they can't get into." He once again flashed his bright smile, assuring his words.

I sat on the bike behind him and soon we were far away from my building. I gulped the lump forming inside my throat with every street passing in front of my eyes. I held on to the back of the bike, keeping a certain amount of distance.

With the air playing with my hair and the beautiful breeze touching my face, I could only imagine the good things this day has to offer.

There was a pang of guilt inside me for not getting to wish him properly but I promise myself of celebrating his birthday beautifully just as he wants it. Simple. After all these days I understood his choices and I too want to show him my world just like he wants to help me with his.

But one must always be ready to take bitter with the sweet.

~•~

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