Hello everyone! How's 2022 going so far?
Thanks for all your love and support for ke all through 2021 ❤ Wish you all a very happy Republic Day 🙏🇮🇳

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T

his chapter is going to answer a lot of questions peeking out in the previous chapter. Also, we have the Eshaanvi-Athiya meet and Hardik-Natasha shopping date in the cards. Where do you think this will go?

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Eshaanvi was confident yet nervous. It wasn't like she had the responsibility to fix Rahul's wedding on the basis of today's meeting. But, she still didn't know if she should take some precautionary measures before conversing a bollywood celebrity. Yes, she did have a brief meeting with Kannada actor Sudeep, who came as a guest at her school's annual function when she was in ninth standard. When she was at CMC, she also coincidentally saw superstar Surya's shooting close-up. But, this won't just be an encounter. Athiya, her and Rahul won't just have a lunch together but Athiya would help her shopping for her tour with the Mumbai Indians. If that wasn't all, Rahul had a call for an unexpected meeting with his franchise in the late afternoon; which would make him leave the ladies alone.

Today, Eshaanvi had to waste around 15 minutes for makeup, which for a girl like her was definitely over the top. Later she thought, why would Athiya or anyone fir that matter, notice her anyway.

Eshaanvi went for a maroon tunic top, coupled with a skinny dark blue jeans. She wanted to go for one of her signature scarfs, but decided against it at the last moment. She decided to let her hair flow the natural way, without much brushing. As she knew, who's gonna watch her anyway.

'Esh, I know your mind is going places, now. But, don't worry! You'll just love Athiya.' Rahul said as he drove.

Eshaanvi knew about her brother's partial talent to read her mind. She just smiled.

'I'm sure.' she only said, also reading the equally nervous mind of her brother.

^^^^

'See...this is the second biggest mall in Mumbai and this is the favorite shopping destination of me and Athiya.' Rahul said as we stood before the multi-storeyed complex adorned with the best things in the world.

Not that Mangaluru was any less, but there was something very special about Mumbai. I've seen such grandeur in Bengaluru and Chennai as well but the thing before me was screaming of luxury.

I remembered the last time Kavya introduced me with the malls and markets of Mumbai. I've always been a budget shopper and confined myself with necessities and didn't have any kind of fascination with brands and luxurious.

'This place is beautiful!' I honestly admitted to Rahul, who seemed really excited.

'It is.' he said and then, his phone buzzed.

My stomach churned in a silly nervousness knowing it was Athiya.

'Yeah, we're here.' Rahul said picking up the call.

'Hmm..okay, shall be there in a minute.' Rahul said before disconnecting.

There were some people looking at us curiously.

'I wish I got the hoodie.' Rahul muttered, putting on his glasses. 'These people and paparazzi always looks at you in a way as if you've taken out their heart or a pair of kidneys.' Rahul said.

Sadly, Rahul had to dress in formal suits since he would be attending a franchise meeting in two hours.

I too felt a little vulnerable. Being KL Rahul's younger sister wasn't easy at all.

'Let's go. Thiya is waiting near the Armani's.' Rahul said guiding me inside, while he followed protectively. I felt myself cross my fingers absent-mindedly.

^^^^^^^^

'Uhhhhhhhh!'
'Mhmmm..'

Hardik and Natasha had that for the third time today.

'Woof..that was even better..' said with a sigh, slowly shifting off Natasha's body. 'I really needed this with the frustrating injury.' he said more to himself, while justifying the whole thing.

'Mhmm...Harry! I've missed this side of you for quite some time.' she said, referring to Hardik's sudden aloofness for past couple of months.

'I know, babe. It's just that some things should just flow with time for their own betterment.' Hardik smirked playing with Natasha's fingers.

'And what about the other girls that used the time?' Natasha asked.

Hardik frowned, sitting up on the bed. 'Nattie, we have talked about this. This is an open relationship. You too, are free to have a fling with any man you want.' Hardik said, looking for his watch at the bedstand.

It was Natasha's turn to sit up in annoyance. 'And how long will that continue, Harry? It's time for both of us to settle down. If not a marriage, we should atleast sort our spaces. This thing..open relationship shit...just doesn't work for me anymore. I want something solid out of this.' Natasha said pointing to the space between her and Hardik.

Hardik found the watch and started putting it on around his wrist m, not wanting to mess his head around whatever Natasha just said.

He admits Natasha is his favorite amongst his girls. He loves f**king her the most. But, this clinginess was not something he wanted out of this. He, in no way, was ready to 'settle down' with her.

'Nattie!' he turned towards his favorite girlfriend maintaining the calm. 'Your sudden change of ideas were not at all written in my syllabus. I already told you, you are my no. 1 woman, but I really need some time for the settlement thing.' he explained.

Hardik might look too easy going from outside but 'commitment' to any kind of personal or professional relationship meant a lot to him. These weren't mere words flying in the air for him. He needed to study his head and heart for this and put them in a healthy alignment.

May be it was this lack of alignment that never allowed him to emerge as a 'lover' ever in his life. Max to max, he could be a 'boyfriend'.

Natasha sighed looking away. She searched and found her silk robe from around and wrapped it around her body.

She didn't want to wait any longer. It has been quite a long time that she's seeing Hardik and most of the people know them as a couple. So, the truth was hurting her. Moreover, her ex-boyfriend Alys closeness to TV actress Jasmine Bhasin was scratching her bones. No way could her ego accept Aly in a settled position with someone before she gets to do it.

Moreover, she really didn't understand what Hardik's problem was. He was quite successful in terms of his career, had enough fortune and all sorts of fame surrounding his relative with her. Then, why...

'Hardik..' she gave it a deep thought. Hardik was the one for her. She cannot let him slip away. 'I understand your situation. Fine, we can wait for the commitment. But..' she grabbed Hardik's arm and leaned over. 'There won't be any other man or woman between us. No open relationship.' she muttered.

Hardik looked at her blank.

Getting to wake up beside just one girl?
Is that even possible?

'Please..Harry!' Natasha leaned her head on her boyfriend's shoulder. 'I just can't stand the way people label us. Please, give this a thought.' she said.

Hardik closed his eyes, not trying to think about it. 'Fine, I'll try not to get involved with any other woman, as long as I can.' Hardik assured, not wanting to hurt Natasha, even though he hated committing to any false hopes.

Natasha squealed picking her head up. 'Aww! Harry, thank you so much! I know this would work if you only give it a try. Love you so much for that.' she kissed his lips softly.

Hardik smiled. 'Love you too, Nattie.' he traced his fingers across her jawline. 'Now, don't you wanna go out shopping. It's quite late, already.' Hardik reminded Natasha, mostly to get rid of 'other' conversations.

'Ugh! Silly me! Yeah, I've a lot in my wishlist today. Just give me an hour, babe. I'll be ready.' she rolled out of the bed in her robe, running towards the bathroom for a shower.

'Correction: 2 and a half hours.' Hardik yelled after, knowing Natasha's makeup routine, getting a chuckle in response.

He scoffed with a sigh and laid down on the bed, pulling on the covers.

^^^^^

'Try these, Esh.. Cole Haan is my go to brand. You'll love the heels.' Athiya suggested me a pair of high arch heels.

To be honest, Athiya was trying so much to be the best shopping partner but it's just that, her things weren't falling on the same page as me.

'I...I don't think I can ever flaunt heels.' I sighed in embarrassment.

'Wait! You never wore heels?' Athiya was surprised, as evident from the widening of her eyes.

Rahul waited outside the showroom. He said it was more of a 'girl's thing' that he wants to avoid. But, I knew his masterplan. My brother is just too keen on laying the foundation of friendship between his sister and his girlfriend. And, I like Athiya already. She was so nice to me and was being so sweet and friendly. But, I don't know why my on insecurities and hesitations were not yet ready to leave me.

'I did but every time, I managed to embarrass myself more than the last. It went horrible and that's why it's the best if I drop the heels. Just not my type.' I sighed.

Athiya looked at me blank for a while and then chuckled. 'You're seriously dropping an entire style because of some past memories!' she said. 'Come on girl! We do learn new things! Come, give it a try.' she urged me and picked a pair of Chelsea Platform pump.

'Uh...these...'

Athiya cut me off. 'Just imagine yourself with the MI team, what if you are in a bodycon or a sheath dress. You can't imagine those without a pair of heels!'

Bodycon and Sheath...uhh..okay, got it..

I managed to give a helpless smile and took off my regular sandals off my feet.

I put my shivering feet on one heel.

Omg!

And the other.

'Now, try walking miss.' the attendant said with a smile.

'Yeah, come on Eshaanvi!' Athiya cheered.

I forced a smile. This will work. One...two..I stepped slowly.

Wait! Why does my ankle feel...

'Uhhh...' I fell down.

'Eshaanvi! Oh no!' I heard Athiya's voice.

^^^^^

'Yes, you're taking this. May be not now, but you definitely are gonna need this girl.' Athiya said asking to pack the heels.

I wish I could cry out loud on how my money was now spent on something I'd never wear. But, you can't pretend to be a miser in front of Athiya Shetty, right?

Besides, I already chose a pair of Loafer sling backs and a pair of comfy wedges in my wishlist.

I sighed. 'Hope so.'

^^^^^

'Yes, Tarun Tahiliani. I'm sure you would love his new collection, Eshaanvi.' Athiya was now trying to allure me towards a designer wear.

I, on the other hand, was contemplating on the total amount that is going to be deducted from my salary account today.

'I'm usually into comfy wears, you know...' I tried to take it on my favour.

'Yes, he has those too. I got some last month. It was so trendy and even the material felt like there was nothing on skin.' Athiya said excited.

'Rahul, tell her... your sister is too hesitant to try new things.' Athiya said to Rahul who was following us, while answering some repeated calls.

I looked at him helplessly. Come on Anna...help me out.

'Listen, Eshaanvi. You are hmgoing to be associated with one of the biggest franchise in all sports. Besides, they'd all know you are KL Rahul's sister. I know, you are too pretty already but you have to look more presentable.' Athiya said.

'Esh, Thiya's right.' Rahul said, finishing his talk over phone. 'You have never ever focused on looking good, my dear sister. We too asked you never to indulge in all these things while you studied. But, now...it's your time. Get everything you can.' Rahul said with a smile.

What? You too?

'Anna, I don't want...'

'Yeah, that's right. It's time to groom yourself, babe.' Athiya took my hand and headed toward the escalator.

Oh God! I wish I chose to shop with Kavya instead.

^^^^^^^

A wrap dress that I don't think I'll ever wear, an off shoulder summer dress that I'll be too uncomfortable in, a trench dress that I quite like and four T-shirts that would be the most valuable purchase from here.

Buy, now

'A bodycon! Look, Athiya, I don't think that's a good idea. I've never tried those abd I don't think I have the perfect body for it.' I said trying to find more excuses.

Rahul was waiting outside and I'm sure even he won't approve off the exposure and appeal the dresses would give me.

'You must me kidding me, Eshaanvi. Look at your body! It's so fine. I don't know why you always put on loose clothes. You definitely have features to beat a bollywood actress.' She said.

Well...I blushed.

'I guess that's a little too much to say. I do have a little chub in me.' I said reflecting upon my insecurity.

'Ugh! No! You aren't chubby at all. You might not have a bikini body yet but you're definitely in for a bodycon.' Athiya said with excitement.

'Thiya, Esh...' Rahul's voice interrupted.

Thank God!

'Uh...it was a call from the franchise. Guess I have to start now. The meeting at the hotel is urgent. Two of them would take the flight at 7.' Rahul mentioned.

Oh! Thank God! The shopping would be over now.

'Oh! Guess we should get going, then.' I said.

'Yes Rahul, you should start. And don't worry about your sister. I'll get her everything at its best.' Athiya said holding my hand.

WHAT?

'No! I think it's the best if...'

'Oh! Thank you so much, Thiya. You are the best.' Rahul said attempting to hug his girlfriend but hesitated by my presence.

Well...I'm the most awkward person here.

Athiya cleared her throat. 'Yeah, Eshaanvi is my responsibility now.' she said giving me a smile that made me want to cry

MY HARD EARNED MONEY!!!!

(Let’s move to 'OVERLOOKED' from here)

😜

^^^^^^^^