ARJUN POV

ONE DAY LATER, FRIDAY

" Your left leg should go forward... " My coach mimics the desired stance. I practice it till it becomes a natural reflex. The cold winds dry up the sweat from my body, winter is almost here. As I drop my training kit for a shower, the ringing of my phone stops me in my way. I swipe to pick it up in a second of seeing that it's Kiara.

" I don't want to sound needy at all ." Her voice hoarse, manly.

" If I do it willingly then you do not come across as needy. " I hear her cough twice. Not almost, winter is here.

" My chest is filled with tanks of cough."

She continues exasperated.

" I have one query. Did you or did you not have a big tub of ice cream coming back home? " I already know the answer to that.

" I see to nexus between my condition and your question. " She snaps at me and I can imagine her eyes narrow down.

" I have one query too. Did the ball hit you in your head or not because I am sure something did. " She speaks fast with an octave higher and as a result of that, she starts coughing.

" Listen..." I start only to be cut off.

" What makes you think I am in a mood to listen to you? " I could hear her saying something like ' School student '.

I am never going to hear the end of this.

" Kiara, just rest. I'll take a shower and drive to your place before you know it ." I fasten my movements to pack my stuff.

" Mere sweater bed mein pade hai toh aate hue apna lekar aana nah ( My sweaters are in the bed so bring yours ). " She grumbles.

" Close your eyes. " I hear a ' hmm ' sound from the other side of the call but it does not end, definitely the influence of medication. I turn it on speaker mode just in case.

" Ye paani kaha gir raha hai ( where is the water leaking ). " I hear her whine through the phone.

" In my washroom stall. " I shout raking my fingers through my hair.

" Wait.. Arjun? " I hear her voice and I am pretty sure she is looking around in her room.

" Me pagal ho gayii ( I have gone mad ). " She cries. I hasten my movements and rush out to dress up. I put the phone between my ear and shoulder walking out to the main lobby, zipping my bag, smiling, and waving to the passersby. I check the hoodie that I always keep with me for emergency visits such as chaat, parks. It is not a thick material so I take a detour to my house before going to her place. I pick out the keys from beneath the doormat and walking in into a silent home. The newspaper remains on the table, untouched. This is worse than I expected. I jog to her room which lies at the end of a small corridor. I open the door slowly in case she is sleeping but she has her coughing, heaving ... This is not good.

" Hey, I am here. " I walk up to her bed and sit right beside her, roaming soothing hands on her head. She wanted to greet me but as soon as she spoke one letter the coughing started again. I check her temperature and it was high but luckily there is a thin layer of sweat forming on her body. I make her sit upright to cover her body with warm clothes.

" Hands up. " She lazily throws her hands up.

I put on a warm sweater, a jacket, and a muffler. I move to lie back against the headboard, right beside her, and bring her closer to me.

" What if you get the cold? " She coughs just once after a sentence. Things are already getting better. I think it's the company.

" I have a great immunity. " I send a smirk her way only to be hit by her in the face. She is all covered up but her teeth would chatter at intervals. I remove my shell jacket, T-shirt goes next, and lie down completely.

" What is that you are doing? " She looks at me with a weird expression but I pull her down with me and bring her closer to my chest.

" Natural body heat is effective. " I explain.

" You just want to get in bed. " I hear her mumbling. I listen to her breathing get even and in a very short time, she falls asleep. No cold shudders are passing through her body and her temperature seems to go down.

_______

I feel someone's eyes on me. Like they are glaring, making a hole inside of me probably. I stir around but that feeling doesn't go. I slowly open my eyes to find Kiara not looking impressed, that's my first observation. She was standing right beside me, her hair is all over the place, the sweater is gone, her face and body look rejuvenated.

" What happened? " I say with a groggy voice. Kiara holds my bicep by her two hands and they are still not coming in her grip but somehow she takes it and guesses what she tries to pull me into a standing position, nice try. Moreover, I think it's cute that she even thinks that using her bite-sized body she can make a muscle move from my gigantic body but, I must give it to her zest because she is still pulling me without making any sort of progress. I look at her amusingly as she grunts with every movement but did not give up.

" You are not helping me. " She snaps at me.

" Wait... " I adjust my body then give her a nod to give it another go. This time as soon as she grabs my bicep, I stand up easily.

" You could have done it in the first attempt, were you trying to establish yourself stronger physiologically. It is a way of notifying me of your strength? "

Oh, shoot!

" You are putting words into my mouth. " I think my beginning is really good given the look Kiara is giving me.

" And ... umm... I am not a person with a male ego. " Now, I never got what is this male ego. You can't stand a woman doing better than you because someone made you believe that you are miraculous, a wonder of God. Bullshit!

" How would you explain your nuisance of taking up all my bed... " I turn to look down at the bed and I am pretty sure I look like a sore thumb on it, I am too big for this.

" I am too ... "

" The word you are looking for is Humongous. " Kiara gives me a sweet smile but her eyes say a very different story.

" I am humongous for this bed. " I admit my mistake.

" No, this is not where it ends. You took away all my space and you did not even leave me for one second, whenever I moved your grip would tighten. " She puts her hands out as if I am a fool but given how well she has taken my college dropout information it is safe to say I am a fool in her eyes.

" I am sorry for wanting to give you warmth? " I have no idea it was a statement or question but I take my chance. Kiara sighs loudly in response.

" Is something wrong? " There has to be something going on in her head.

" Everything. " She hangs her head low.

I get out of the bed, place my hand on her back and guide her to the living room. I make her sit and stand right in front of her.

" What happened? " But she just grips her hair. I get down on my haunches, placing my hands on her thighs.

" Kiara, baby what happened? You can tell me. " I make soothing patterns using my thumbs.

" I have not fully accepted and processed the whole thing so ... " She sighs again.

" Ahh... take your time. " I prompt.

" Maa is coming in 2 two days. " She throws her head on my shoulder and I place my hand on her hair.

" How do you feel? " I whisper into her hair.

" Just weird. " She mumbles into my shoulder.

" That is acceptable. " I massage her scalp using my fingers.

" I am just imagining how it would be like to see her after so many years... what am I supposed to say to her. " I move her hands hastily which perfectly resemble her inner turmoil.

" You know what I think ... you are overthinking this. She is your mother, she would explain her side and you have the power in your hands what you want to do. You called her, you can send her and continue your life. You are doing this for closure and you are not even compelled to listen to her if you don't feel like it. Easy. " I give her an encouraging smile.

" Easy .. yes. I mean what could go wrong. " She looks at something on the ceiling making a 'hmm ' sound.

" I was worried about absolutely nothing. "

" Now. " She stands looking down at me.

" Now. " I repeat.

" I have taken an off from the work after a long time. I don't want to sit inside the whole day, let's go somewhere. " She claps her hands together in excitement.

" I have to be somewhere but you might not want to be there. " I stand to my full height as Kiara looks at me with knitted brows.

_______

" I want to go home. " Kiara says it again. I look up in the mirror and hold her eyes. She is sitting on a bed/couch, looking bored to death.

" I am about to get ready then we will get some pictures clicked. How about we get some dinner after this? " I try to persuade her to endure this. She nods her head disinterested and goes back to doing something on her phone.

" How do I look? " I ask with curiosity.

" This question makes no sense. " She clicks her tongue. Please, Kiara, there are people in the vanity van.

" I don't get it. " I laugh awkwardly.

" Arjun, you are a very handsome man. You look good in anything...hence that question made no sense. " She does not look up but moves her head side to side as she talks and in the end flicks a dismissive hand.

" You are right ma'am. Arjun sir certainly needs no extra touch up. " The artist who is doing something on my face says with a flirty smile and that does not go unnoticed without Kiara who lifts her head, arranges her glasses, and gives her a tight smile.

SOMEONE IS JEALOUS.

" We are ready for you. " A crew member calls from the entry door.

I exchange a few polite words with the artist before going to Kiara who does not look happy at my general courtesy.

I happily extend my hand for her to take which she does and I pull her by using some force because she is being lazy.

" I'll try to get this wrapped up as fast as I can then we can go on our date. " I say to her as we walk down the stairs of the vanity van together, hand in hand.

" What are you shooting for? Is it one of that masala ad or pipe? " She bends down forward to look at me and bursts out laughing. I just walk straight and turn my eyes to look at her still enjoying herself.

"It's a shoot for an online clothing website, a sale. " But Kiara was way too lost in laughter to hear.

We greet everyone at the studio as I take the center chair and Kiara takes one in the corner.

____

" I loved these... " I photographer shows me some of the pictures.

" I have no clue, you know the best.

Whatever you want. " I clap his shoulder in appreciation.

" We will have the last set ... you can change into this jacket there. " A spot crew helps me with it as the photographer goes back to doing something on his laptop. I look at Kiara now who is standing, obviously wanting to come to me but she keeps looking around. I wave my hands to get her attention and mouth ' come here '. She walks up to with a little bounce in her steps and a wide smile. As soon as she is at my arm's length, I place my hands on her lower back.

" This is interesting. " She says quite overwhelmed by the surroundings.

" What about my pictures? " I ask wiggling my brows.

" Now that no one is in our hearing vicinity... " She whispers bending down. I don't know but I was waiting for a snide remark because she enjoys it.

" You looked really like really ... " She moves her hands all around.

" Kiara, I am quite hanging here. " I prompt.

"Handsome. " She says an awed look on her face.

" I got scared for a second. " I tell her honestly as she laughs softly.

" Whenever I say you don't look good it's just to spite you and have a good laugh by looking at your face. " I kind of knew that already.

" The sale is going to be a big hit. I do have a query though, do I get some special additional discount for being the ambassador's girlfriend. " She plants her hands on both my shoulders.

" You get a special coupon. " I push her towards me slightly.

"Ahem..and what would that be? " She raises her brows in anticipation.

"It's called ' What - you - want - I - do '. It is named correctly? " I see an exciting glint in her eyes.

" I do not care about the name it's the amazing offer that I love. " I can already see the wires of her brain working.

" What do you want? " I give her one more push towards me.

" I'll redeem the offer in the future. " See, no one can beat this woman.

" You are not bored anymore. " Kiara tilts her head holding my eyes more intensely.

" I just realized that I would prefer to see my man over staying in bed even on off days which I used to love. " Emotions latched with every word she spoke.

" But no anymore. "

" Not anymore "

Kiara Singh, before her I never knew or believed that love like this ever existed.

Love that could change you, make you believe that miracles can happen, risk everything for that one person and sometimes it even makes you forget who you are but just that one person is existing. No matter how good or bad life went .. in the end, you can smile. I have been through so much, lost so many people along the way but she became the person who made me realize that life is worth smiling, fighting, hope, and Love.

This woman completed my family, our family.

A flash breaks our eye contact as we both turn to the side to see the photographer holding the camera and smiling. Kiara and I look at each other instantly wondering the same thing, ' How long we have been like this? '.

" I am so sorry but I called you and you two were way too much engrossed in each other so I decided to capture this beautiful moment. Want to take a look at this ? " He steps forward coming closer to her and bends down slightly to show is the picture. Looking at the picture it was quite obvious that we did block everything. I am looking straight into her eyes, my hands fully spread on her back and Kiara has her hands on my shoulders, standing between my parted legs.

" Do send me this one. " I say as soon as I see the picture.

" Then you send it to me. " Kiara looks down at me smiling.

" I talked with the PR representative of the company and they are very happy with the shots. " He says delightfully.

" Thank you man, I loved working for you. " I stand up to give him a sporting hug.

" I should also thank you. I'll send your manager. " He points at him talking to someone.

" No need, you can send it directly to me. " I look at Kiara who is looking at it in the bag.

" I have it, kept it here ....umm....got it. " She says with her face into the bag and then takes it out with a victorious smile. Finding anything in that bag is some victory.

" You can have my mail and then send me whenever you are free. " He nods jotting down my mail.

" It was amazing having you both here. " He extends his hand towards Kiara who shakes is happily.

" You are very talented. " She says further.

" Thank you so much. I hope to work with you again in the future and maybe with both of you. " He says with a bounce which is quite evident of his excitement.

" I hope we get another chance, I wish you a lot of success. " I shake his hand one last time before leaving.

___________

KIARA POV

" Did you see the latest pictures Arjun Malhotra uploaded? " This gets our attention instantly as a knowing/ curious smile finds its way on my face.

" Yes, I did. They look so good together but me toh Jal gayi ( I gir jealous). " The other girl replies.

We are at a very posh looking 7-star hotel waiting for our orders. We are in a private setting but the opaque partition right behind is not so good with blocking sound.

" That's why they say ki dewar ke kaan hote hai ( The walls have ears too). " I bend down slightly on the table, whispering to him. Arjun laughs adorably at my words.

" I imagine that he is my boyfriend. " The 1 girl says. I narrow my eyes at Arjun who looks quite shocked at the confession, his eyes calculative.

" Who doesn't! I'll cry when he gets married. " Her friend replies.

" He's just 26 so there is time. " The first one replies in consolation.

" I can confirm in flesh and blood that there is not much time. " Arjun winks at me.

" And she starts crying then? " I tilt my head to look at Arjun whose smug face turned into that of horror.

" I don't want her to cry .. no-no. " He shakes his head.

" She will get to know from the news. " He continues.

" That would be better. " I nod.

" I am thinking of a big investment. " I say gaining his full attention as he brings his chair closer to the table with a serious expression.

" Investment is always beneficial given the future perspective but you are already investing a big amount in our new home. If you are thinking of taking a loan or anything of that sort of, please let me do it. " He speaks slowly but in a worrisome tone that I might refuse his offer.

" Ohh.. definitely you are paying because it does not seem to my problem. " I nod my head in affirmation. Arjun's fave softens but in an instant he knits his brows together, wondering.

" Wait a minute...what problem? " He bends down onto the table so his face is halfway on it and closer to my face.

" I have to invest in a large amount of 6 - 7 inches of heels ...I mean look at the picture, I look dwarf in front of you. " I turn my phone screen towards him showing him my home screen. Arjun visibly relaxes and so does his expression.

" That.. that's not what I was expecting but yes I am buying you skyscraper footwear. " He widens his hands as if expressing the height of the heel.

" Why do you have to be so tall? " I grumble further.

" I had no control over my height but maybe you could have done something for your height. " He did not just say that but after a few moments, his eyes widen as if realizing the mistake he just made.

" Go on... " I say in a sugar-coated voice.

" Is there anything that I can say to get out of this because I would tell me what should I do? " He says speedily, bringing his hand forward in a truce.

" You can show me how much you love me. " I lie back in the chair as I look at Arjun's eyes lit with affection, love, and possessiveness.

" I can show you that every day, each passing second of our lives ... " He stands up and grabs my hand.

" We are getting out of here... " I take his hand and stand straight in front of him. He dips his head to meet my lips, capturing them into a soulful kiss which makes my toes curl.

" This is how the future feels and looks like. " He whispers against my lips and I stand on my toes, my hands around his neck bringing his face down for me to reach his face.

" Can't complain... " I whisper as our lips meet for another enticing kiss.

" Thank God for private cabins. " Arjun says enthusiastically as we march down out to to the car, hand in hand.

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Hey! I am thinking of editing the initial chapters first so that the story flows smoothly. What do you think?