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*ring ring....* my phone buzzed.

I raced down the stairs, out of the apartment and straight into the elevators. My bag and other necessities in one hand and other desperately trying to get the jacket on. I placed the bag on the floor, quickly shrugging the jacket on as the elevator opened on the ground floor, picking up my bag I dashed straight out to the apartment building.

Huffing and puffing I searched for Samantha's car, but it was nowhere to be seen. Confused I looked in different directions only to find a posh car parked in front of the building.

Curiously I stepped closer to the car, the door opened revealing none other than Xavier in a formal wear, probably for work. He stepped out of the car smiling, a smile took over my face even when I wasn't expecting him to be here.

"Good morning sexy." He said before giving me a peck.

"Good morning. What are you doing here?" I asked curiously. Did he took the day off? Nah, he didn't.

"I'm here to give you this." he answered seriously.

I looked down to see a black card in his hand, my brows furrowed together on the sight of the black card.

"Is that a black card?" I asked calmly.

"Yes. I want you to take this. " he placed the card in my hands. I glared at the card in my hand, turning to him I stated,

"I don't want this. Take it back." Shoving the card on his chest I crossed my arms on my chest.

"But Shana you're my girlfriend, you need to let me spoil you, let me take care of you." He tried to argue.

"No thanks. I have my money right here." I patted my bag.

"I know you are more than capable to meet your expenses but I would really feel good if you accept this. Please?" He convinced but I'm not backing out on this one. Here my pride is on line.

"Nope."

"You sure?" He asked to make sure, his eyes dazzling with promise and determination. I raised my head in arrogance, I won't back out.

"Yep." I answered arrogantly popping the p.

"I have no choice then...." suddenly I was flying from the ground and landed on the bonnet of his car. Everything happened so suddenly that I didn't even got time to act shocked or surprised. I tried to slip down from it but he trapped me with his hands.

"Xavier! This is childish! Get me down this moment!" I yelled flustered as passers by stared at us in adoration.

I tried to make room to make an escape but he held me in place. Slowly he leaned closer, I stunned in shock. His breath fanning my face, his cologne evading my senses.

"Will you or will you not take the card?" He asked huskily. His eyes watching my every moment with delicacy.

"N-no."

"Don't provoke me Shana. I won't mind a little PDA, but I'm sure you will." He threatened sensually, his eyes becoming shades darker. His hands slowly inching closer to my body from the bonnet. Me being me getting more flustered with passing seconds.

When he didn't make any move to stop, my eyes widened in shock, hastily I squeaked out,

"Ok!" My breathe staggard, but he still didn't made any move to stop, what now?! I said I'll take his card. Didn't he heard what I said?!

His hands slowly wrapping around my lower back, his hands settling on my ass. Oh my god!! What the hell is he doing! gears started turning in my brain as I squeaked in protest once again,

"Xavier!"

"Shh..." he placed his finger on my lips, knocking my protest right out. His touch igniting me on fire, his body cool like ice on my burning body, melting us together.

"You are a very stubborn woman, Ms. Shana Rajput. " he said huskily to which I only gasped softly, his hand tracing back his own path as he slowly retreated back leaving me on the bonnet of the car, sitting their panting and flustered as passers by stared at us.

I didn't even noticed when he got into his car, leaving me alone on the bonnet, a horn from his car snapped me into furious action, I jumped from the bonnet like my ass was on fire, I saw Xavier sitting in his car smirking, confusedly I got out of the way as his car speeded out of my sight within seconds.

After another two minutes reality dawned slowly upon me as irritation started settling in me,

This m*therfucker!

Pouting I grabbed my bag from the ground, that ended up their in all this chaos. Scoffing at my boyfriend I stepped aside to wait for Samantha to show up. I felt something in the back pocket of my Jeans. I checked my pocket and guess what?

It's the black f*cking card!

That....that nincompoop!!

So that was how he gave the card to me, what are we? Two freaking olds?!

That was smart. My conscience said.

I ignored my nonsense conscience when a car pulled up infront of me, as the window went down, I saw Samantha chilling in there with another beautiful brunette in the passenger seat. I smiled at Samantha as she introduced us to each other,

"Shana meet Ruby Dexter my fianće. And Ruby meet Shana Rajput, she's my very good friend." I waved at Ruby through window. She shyly waved back.

Awww....

"Alright girl get in. We haven't got all day. Only you got a day off not all of us. remember?" She said grinning mischiefly.

Grinning I got into the back seat, comfortable environment spreading into the car, all three of us in bright moods, me and Samantha talking like chatter boxes with Ruby engaging occasionally.

They are perfectly matched, if one is hyper then the other is calm and suttle. Like if one is the crust of the cake then other is the icing of the cake, completing each other.

"You know Shana is the infamous sister of Noah. " Samantha said to Ruby.

"Oh! You mean that Noah?" She asked curiously.

"Yep. The only one." Samantha answered. Ruby turned to me smiling softly.

"Unfortunately. " I said fake frowning but she caught on my expressions and bursted out laughing.

"He's literally the most funny person I've ever met in my life, I just met him maybe two weeks ago." She said acknowledging me.

"Yeah he went back to India two weeks ago." I answered, getting a little upset as Doofus's face came to my mind.

"Don't worry you have us. We'll be together always alright?" Ruby asked placing her hands on my hands. I still miss my friends from India but I'm grateful that I made so many good friends here. If Diya would have been here then it would have been so good.

"I know. " I answered smiling genuinely to Ruby.

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Samantha pulled out of the mall with all the famous brands lining there. Chanel, Prada, Hermes, Gucci and what not. I stared at front wide eyed, turning back I hissed at Samantha,

"This is way too much expensive, let's get out of here we can go to forever 21 or something."

She stared at me lazily, not bothered at all by my rant, "Done. You realise that you are going to annual ball of business and all the honourable business mens and womens would be there from all around the world and you're planning to go there in a forever 21 dress. Are you kidding me?! We are getting you deadass dress that will make all drool. Understood commanders?" She explained.

Now that I think about this, she does have a point.

"Understood. "

"Yes baby."

Me and Ruby replied simultaneously.

"Then let's go." Samantha said before dragging me and Ruby along.

We stepped into the showroom, A.C. air hitting us, sweet fragrance of freshener hitting our nostrils. Samantha and I in front with Ruby behind us, the lady at the front desk smiled at Samantha in recognition,

"Good morning Ms. Smith, Ms. Dexter and Ms....." the lady trailed.

"Rajput. Shana Rajput. "

"Good morning Ms. Rajput." She greeted smiling.

"Do you want me to show dresses to you Ms. Smith?" She enquired looking at Samantha, maybe she's regular customer here.

"No. We are here for Shana today. Can we see some classy yet sexy dresses for the upcoming annual ball of business associates?" She answered as the eyes of the lady shown with excitement at the mention of the annual ball. She grinned before guiding me inside..

"Right this way Ms. Rajput. " I looked behind at both my friends smiling,

"We'll be waiting here, show us all you have got." Samantha said to the lady before nodding into my direction soothingly.

With that the lady dragged me out of the there into the changing areas where she overflowed me with the dresses of all kinds.

This is going to be hell of a ride.

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"How about this one?" I asked for the sea green dress that I'm currently wearing, I did a little twirl for both of my spectators. Samantha grunted no in response slumping down on the couch again, like the previous two hours, Ruby is still energetic as sun.

"What is this?!" Samantha hissed looking at my dress. I stared myself in the full length mirror, the gown hanging onto me looking awful. Ruby tried to encourage me to try something new again, so I headed to my changing room.

The sales lady had handed me over 25 dresses till now and still we haven't decided what we want. I'm getting tired to try every single one of them. Lazily I changed into yet another dress, this time a emerald green mermaid type gown with a thigh slit, I felt like a snack between all the layers, I heard a small gasp behind me, curiously I turned around to see the sales lady smiling vibrantly.

I smiled back with much power, and got ready to get back here in another five minutes, exhaling heavily I turned to the lady and said vibrantly,

"Let's go." She nodded her head before assisting me out of the changing room by helping me to carefully arrange the dress, I entered the waiting room once again to see Samantha scrolling through her phone, her head lazily dropped on the headrest while Ruby lightly making conversation with her occasionally.

Taking a deep breath I got on the pedestal where a huge full length mirror is attached, I didn't faced the mirror instead I looked straight towards Samantha and Ruby and cleared my throat.

Their attention snapped towards me as Samantha stood up at once vigorously, while a huge smile contored Ruby's face nearly splitting her face into half.

"Beautiful, stunning, ethereal, amazing, sexy, elegant, classy, drool worthy and those long legs, this is perfect." Samantha grinned.

"You are looking absolutely gorgeous in that Shana." Ruby said the same thing in a suttle calm way. Not sure with the reaction I enquired,

"Really?"

"Yes! You're going to outshine everyone there. Believe me when I suggest you about a dress. This is miraculous, this dress is perfect and you are perfect in it." Samantha replied to my questioning self. Looking at me with absolute joy.

I turned around to look myself in the huge full length mirror, a gasp threatening to escape, not any other girl, just a very better version of me staring back at me, curves at the right places and the dress complementing them all.......

Slowly I traced the fabric of the trail with my hands, I looked into the mirror to see both Samantha and Ruby giving me a thumbs up. I made up my mind. This is it.

Turning to the sales lady i said,

"Please pack this one and I would like to pay from card."

"Of course ma'am, but you'll get the dress delivered tomorrow morning, cause you see the dress will need some alterations with it's length and all." She explained looking at me.

I looked down at my dress to see it just a bit too long for me, so I thought that it would be better if I get it delivered tomorrow rather than pulling the trail everywhere during party.

"That's fine with me." I answered smiling at the lady. Just in time my phone ringed that was in my hand all during this changing session. I turned it around into my hands to see Diya calling, a smile automatically came to my lips. Excusing myself I stepped aside cautiously not to damage the expensive dress on me.

When I was finally out of the hearing range I received the call when a very familiar high pitched voice reached my ears.

"What are you doing?" She questioned coming straight to the point.

"Nothing much. Getting a dress for the annual ball of business associates. " I answered casually. A chocking sound heard from the other side before Diya yelled through the phone, and we're back!

"You're attending the f*cking annual ball!! I attended it last year and it was hella awesome! But unfortunately this year papa is attending the ball as the CEO, disadvantages of being a CFO. Anyways tell me you're going as the plus one of Xavier!?!?" She ranted as usual.

"Yes I'm."

"Oh my god!! You know this year Arman is also attending the annual ball as the CEO of S&R CO.!! he recently took over. Maybe you'll also meet Mia there!!"

"OMG! Seriously. Is Mia going to be there with Arman!?! She was five the last time we met her right?" I asked excitedly, my hand shaking with excitement with the great news, I'm going to meet both of them after a whole freaking year!

"Yep." She squealed.

Just like this our conversation went on for another 10 minutes before Diya decided to drop the nuclear bomb of step up excitement on me,

"I'm coming to New York next week." She said calmly, way too calmly, my brain almost not catching the conversation, almost.

"Seriously!? Like right next week?! When?! How?! Like in real?! You're not joking. Right??" I asked furiously forgetting about me being in a showroom, literally yelling into the phone.

"What do you mean how? Of course by flight bimbo. And now it's my turn since Noah is here to take care of Auntie. Moreover she is so much better than before, almost recovered."

"For real?" I asked not believing her words.

"Yep. Dr. Shakshi said that she will be discharged from the hospital maybe in next two weeks."

Relief flushed through me, with happiness slowly following, I'm so grateful that mom is finally getting better, thank God for getting mum better, I don't how would I have coped up if anything had happened to her, she's my rock. My everything.

After a hearty conversation with Diya I finally hunged up the call. Smiling at my phone I turned to go back to the waiting area only to bump into someone straight ahead...

"I'm sorry." an apology slipped through my mouth reflexively before I could stop it.

"You should be." A venomous voice answered my apology, I looked in the direction to see none other than Angelina. the b*tch.

Ignoring her I stepped aside, and started walking back in the direction of the waiting room till I heard the voice again,

"What a broke ass b*tch like you doing here? Don't tell me you have finally got your claws on Xavi's money."

Calm down Shana. She's not worth it.

Once again ignoring the b*tch I started walking. Only to hear yet another comment,

"I take your silence as a yes."

Furious at the audacity of her, I turned around and came face to face to her,

"How's your broke ass nose Angelina? Did you get yet another plastic surgery? Who paid for it? Yet another sugar daddy or a old manther?" With that I turned around before she could snap back, I heard a faint voice of her cursing me causing me to smirk. Arrow right in the bullseye.

Leaving her behind I directly headed in the direction of changing room, to get out of my perfect dress and give my measurements for the alterations, gently with the help of a lady I came out of the lacey dress and changed into my jeans and tank top, slipping into my boots I gave the necessary measurements.

After all I headed to the main desk with a sales lady behind with the dress. Ruby and Samantha waiting there for me. Smiling at them I handed my card for the payment.

"That'll be $150,000." The sales lady said, I nearly tripped with my jaw knocking over the counter, my voice constricted into my throat, I coughed to clear my voice and repeated the amount..

"150,000 dollars?" I asked hesitantly, not believing my ears, I turned to glare at Samantha but she avoided my gaze whistling, Ruby shook her head at Samantha and leaned to my ear,

"Don't worry, we can share the amount." She started rummaging through her bag for what I think is her card. Just as I was about to deny her I heard another voice, a familiar one..

"That's why garbage should be where it belongs, on streets. Not here." I don't need to turn around to see who said that, I'm very well aware. Anger shooted through me, my ego getting hurt in the process, without thinking twice I banged my hand on my card over the counter, and slided it towards the sales lady, Ruby flinched beside me..

"I'll take the dress." She took the card smiling and swiped it right away, transaction happening twice fast, and then it came............regret.

I was saving that money from last two years, what the fuck?! I wanted to cry and wanted to take my money back but...

I remained stern, I got my card back, even my card is weighing light, why? Why god? Putting it into my bag I turned to the lady behind the desk.

"What time will I get the delivery tomorrow?"

"It will be around 11am in the morning ma'am."

Now that all was done, I turned to exit the shop, Samantha and Ruby following quietly behind, I heard a faint greeting before exiting the shop from the sales lady..

"I'm going to kill you Samantha Smith!!" Finally I got worked up on spending so much, I started running behind her to catch her, but damn she's fast...

"I'm sorry!" She yelled in return grinning.