Honestly, I'm still unable to digest all this events happening in my life currently. Everything is so dreamy ! Last night Somu di called me and dropped this bomb of 'surprise picnic' on my head. Although at first I denied to come but then I understood, you cannot say 'no' to Soumya Samar Puri. So clearly I was left with only one option — to pack my bag with the essential stuffs that I would need and join them quietly. Now here I was, all set to join the world famous Puri's on their family outing.

A pretty spine chilling yet an exciting thought.

My cab entered in the well reputed and beautifully designed society of Raheja Exotica. After I got out of cab, I checked time in my wrist watch which showed 7 am. Hurriedly I paced towards the lift when Keshu & Samar jij show up from the parking. We greeted each other good morning. I guessed they were assembling the picnic stuff in car and my guessing was right.

"You are on time, Sali Saheba. Somu is getting Amu and Mannu ready.", Jiju told me.

I sighed in relief, "Oh great! She would get mad if I did not reach here on time."

"Well, I'm happy that you came, partner.", said Keshu flashing a dazzling smile as we entered into the lift.

I blinked in confusion, "Partner?"

He nods, the same smile spread across his lips, "Yeah, you will be in my team whatever games we will play today."

I chuckled after hearing his self-made decision, "You will lose if I be your partner."

*ding*

We walked out of lift and marched towards their flat, "But I won't let you lose.", he winked.

"Consider me already in, KD!", I grinned.

"Okay but if you know, you cannot beat the Puri brothers.", Jiju spoke as if stating a matter of fact.

"If it is a challenge then we accept it, right Keshu?", I said confidently. "Right partner!", Keshu chimed with same enthusiasm giving me a hi-five. Samar jij rolled his eyes at us and opened the door. We both followed him chuckling behind silently.

"I'll check on di and kiddos.", I said and excused myself. I walked into her bedroom finding the door open, Amu was standing on the bed and di was tying up her hair into a ponytail while Mannat was sitting on the bed watching them merrily who was all set to go.

No one noticed me entering, "Tumhari Masi ab tak nahi aai, pata nahi kaha reh gayi.", Di was complaining to Amu.

I chuckled, "Tumne pukara aur hum chale aye..", I sang hugging her from behind.

"Masi!!", Amu exclaimed happily, hugging me and in process we sandwiched Di. "Oh god I can't breathe!", Di cried, we giggled and moved back allowing her to breath. Di turned facing me and that's when I noticed that she and Amaya were twinning. They wore dark blue off shoulder jumpsuits with light purple stripes and Mannat was wearing a cute carnation pink girl's corduroy overall dress.

"My my.. look at you girls!", I took their balai in a typical Indian mother style. The three chuckled on my actions. Di slapped my arm lightly while shaking her head, "And look at yourself, you look so adorable!" She complimented admiring me and my outfit.

I am really not used to of receiving such compliments but I love compliments. Comm'on who doesn't like to be praised? Duh. Although whenever I'm praised, i.e., once in a blue moon I seriously don't know how to react and feel extremely shy. Like I'm feeling right now. I tucked the lose strands of hair behind my ear before shyly mumbling a 'thank you'.

"Amaya ki masi sachme bohot cute hai.", that's when Mannat's words to draw my attention. "Cute to aap ho.", I bent to her level with a smile and clicked my finger on her little nose. "Thank you!", she thanked me happily, "But main apko kya bulaungi?" She questioned innocently.

Her confusion was cleared by her bhabhi, "Main apki bhabhi hoon na and Arpita is like my sister toh aap inko Didi bulana." A huge grin spread on her lips, "Okay!", she chirped.

She is so cute!!

"Bhabhs Samar bula raha hai..."

I turned when Mr. Puri entered to the room wearing a white round-neck T-shirt he draped a deep blue hooded sweatshirt over the tee paired with blue jeans and white sneakers. His hair were kinda messy and slightly wet like he showered few minutes back. I almost forgot to breath when my eyes captured his sight. Our eyes locked making my heart thump crazily against my chest.

Calm the hell down Aaru!

~~~~

"Bhabhs, Samar bula raha hai..."

I had barely finished the sentence when my heart skipped its beat when I entered Samar's room and my eyes landed on Arpita.

Some lose strands of hair rested freely on the either sides of her face even though her hair were tied in a high ponytail. Her outfit suited her perfectly. She looked totally different today than her usual self. May be she had applied some makeup which she usually doesn't and I just couldn't take my eyes off her. She smiled at me and mouthed 'Hi'. I returned the same smile as I mouthed back 'Hi'.

"Haan hum ready hai," Soumya told me and I finally looked away from Arpita to her, "Girls jaldi se apna backpack leke living room me wait karo, okay?" She instructed Amaya and Mannat. They obeyed her orders and ran out of the room along with their little backpacks. I walked further in and stood beside Arpita where as Bhabhs got busy in organising her stuff inside her purse.

"Someone's looking... cute.", she spoke to me, almost whispered but her eyes were on Soumya. I could feel heat radiating from my face after hearing that compliment.

Stop behaving weird, Sanam!

"Well, thanks," I tried to sound normal like her compliment didn't flatter me at all. "You look.. umm.. different today" I spoke in a low voice so that only she could hear. "Uhh, is that a compliment?", she tilted her head up and peeked at me.

That innocent look on her face made my heart beat several times faster. I tried to hide the ticklish feeling I felt in my stomach. I smiled looking away, "Nah, you just look okay-ish.", I answered plainly. She gaped at me with wide eyes, "I take my words back! You-", she's about to say something but then shuts her mouths immediately when Soumya got done with her purse, "Let's go guys !" We both nod together and followed her getting out of the room.

"I am looking cute and I know it already, okay!", she whispered to me but confidently as we entered in drawing room. Before I could lend another teasing remark at her she stood beside Soumya and I huffed settling down on the couch beside kids and Keshu.

"So is everyone ready with their backpacks?", my brother asked as if we were going for a war.

"Yes captain!", me, Keshu, Mannat and Amaya replied in unison where as Soumya and Arpita chuckled at us. Samar sighed shaking his head, "And Sanam, tune babies ko dog resort drop kar diya na?", he asked me about our babies i.e, our pets— Yuki, Kai, Ghost and Nymeria. "Haan bade bhaiya sab ho gaya hai don't worry! Ab jaldi chalo nahi toh yahi par shaam ho jayegi.", I joined my palms and told him extra sweetly like an aagyakari younger brother. He rolled his eyes at me with a sigh mumbling 'whatever'.

Me and Keshu arranged everyone's backpacks in the trunk of the SUV (except mine as I always keep my backpack with myself). Mannu and Amu already hopped on the last two seats in 3rd row as it's their fav spot. Bhabhs and Arpita were going to seat in the middle row. For some reasons, I wanted to sit with them. I mean I could continue to annoy Arpita a little more. It's fun to see her face when she's pissed. The thought itself brought a mischievous grin to my face.

But my plans collapsed when Keshu said, "Bro can you sit on the passenger seat? Actually I wanna sit with Arpita. You get it, don't you?" He winked at me grinning widely.

Keshu is truly obsessed with her!

I can't blame him though. I agreed and sat beside Samar who gave me a sympathetic look to which I rolled my eyes. Well, much to Keshu's bad-luck his intentions to sit with his 'crush' didn't go too well as he sat on the window seat behind Samar's and Arpita was behind mine, in between them sat my dearest Bhabhi jaan. I could see a small frown on his face but he shook it off quickly.

I know it's kind of wicked to feel... umm... good about this situation, Keshu couldn't sit with her but I couldn't shove away that slight feeling of ease rising in my chest.

Samar asked, "Everyone ready?!"

"Since forever!" We shouted in unison.

I turned on radio as Samar droves out of our society. Song on the radio was Chal jata hoon, just perfect for beginning of this journey. It has been one of my favourite songs so of course I couldn't keep my mouth shut and started singing. Within a minute everyone joined the carpool karaoke segment. Keshu was tapping his fingers on hand-rest giving beats. The madness had already began, we all were singing old classic songs and I was purposely messing up the lyrics making everyone laugh.

I felt absolutely free, insane and EPIC! I took a look at everyone and they all appeared so happy that their positive faces just charged up my energy even more. It's been half an hour since our journey began, we spent some of the time singing and some while chatting. Keshu was talking to Arpita about something my ears couldn't hear.

Not like I was eavesdropping their conversation. But I was just curious to know what he was telling her with so much of interest and it also made her burst into laughter. Soumya was talking to me about something to which I hardly paid any attention.

"Are you even listening to me, Sanam?", Soumya's annoyed voice snapped my attention back to her.

"Uhh.. yeah.. umm.. Sorry what were you saying?", I shook my head asking her again.

She chuckled and whispered, "Don't be jealous, you will get your chance really soon."

I blinked innocently, tried not to crack a smile at her strange comment. I quickly looked outside the window focusing on the view passing by which suddenly seemed more interesting to me. I heard Soumya chuckle behind and I smiled slyly. She knows everything too well and man, it's so embarrassing!

I was lost in admiring the beauty of nature when something else caught my eyes, or more suitably 'someone'. Arpita. I could see her through the side view mirror although she was absolutely oblivious of the fact. She had rested her arm on the window ledge placing her chin on it. I slide down the window of my side. She was completely compelled by the beauty of the scenery where as I, in admiring her serene face.

The lively cool breeze playing with her hair swaying them like feather and tickle her cheeks. A constant smile spread across her lips as she watched the trees as if they were singing love songs for her. The calm expressions on her face radiated peace which seemed so contagious that I caught myself smiling softly at her reflection.

"Tere chehre se, nazar nahi hatati nazare hum kya dekhein?", my brother sang, distracting me. I knew he did it on purpose to tease me. I gave him a dull-annoyed look saying, "Bhai meri job par nazar mat daal samjha! Stay happy with Julia and leave the singing part to me." He chuckled, "Oh, did my talent already scare you? I'm so sorry Chote. But don't worry your job is safe. Totally!"

I laughed shaking my head and turned back to my previous position. Her eyes were now closed but her smile was constant. The song on radio changed to 'Tum Ho' from the movie Rockstar. I really like this song.

All of sudden, Arpita's calm-composed expressions changed to disturbed ones. She opened her eyes quickly, they were wide like she woke up from a horrible dream, her breathing ragged and her face literally turned white.

What's wrong?

Before I could turn to ask her anything she shouted with a trembling voice, "Please, t-turn off t-the radio!.." She sounded so... Terrified.

I immediately turned off the radio. Samar slowed down the car. "Aaru, what happened?", Soumya asked while rubbing her back to calm her down. "Have some water.", I suggested and Keshav immediately gave her his bottle. She gulped down some water and returned the bottle mumbling 'thanks'.

"Arpita, you okay? Should we stop here for a while?", Samar asked her. "Yes, I think we should. I guess she's feeling suffocated inside the car.", Keshu abruptly answered on her behalf. "No, no! Please don't stop.. I-I am fine.. Uhh.. My head is just aching a bit t-that's it.. but I'm fine! Really.", she stuttered but tried to convince us while gently massaging her temple. "You sure?", I turned to ask her again. She nodded with a short smile. But I know she isn't.

~~~~~~

Everything was going smoothly so far. I was really happy and was actually enjoying my time with these wonderful people. After ages I felt so carefree and my heart was at ease but then I heard that song. The one which I loved so deeply but now it only hurts me more to think about it; song which once made my heart bloom, now only weakens me. Whenever I try to escape or try to forget my past, some of the other thing occurs and it drags me back to it. I feel as if I am stuck into an annoying boomerang which keeps on repeating itself!

I closed my eyes tightly and tried to calm myself down. But now that the damage has been made, I couldn't stop myself from thinking about it, about him.

"No man, I don't wanna sing. I'm too tired!", Aryan was making lame excuses to avoid singing where as our friends were trying to convince him to hum a few lines.

It was Christmas Eve and to celebrate, our group decided to hangout at Aryan's farmhouse in Manesar. In the backyard of the huge villa, burning the bonfire we settled around it. Aryan had put his arm around my shoulder holding me close to himself. It's not been too long since our relationship started. Hence why being so close to him somewhat made me nervous. Although I tried not to let my nervousness being shown to him or others.

"Don't be a brat now, Bhai.", Akanksha, his younger sister scowled who was sitting beside Abhay, Aryan's childhood friend.

"Don't you dare call me that again!", Her brother warned her.

"Then just sing already!", Akku retorted. Aryan and Akanksha have this typical brother-sister bond, they literally get over each other's nerves but also they are equally protective and so if someone tries to hurt the other one that person will be dead in the next few minutes.

"I said I'm tired, Akku.", Aryan repeats that sentence for the tenth time.

"Urgh...", Akanksha groans, "At least sing for your girlfriend."

My cheeks flushed red hearing that 'your girlfriend'. Aryan immediately looked at me, though I had kept my gaze fixed on my palms which were glued on my lap, I could strongly sense a light smirk playing on his lips. I tried so hard not to blush like a stupid lovestruck teenage girl but I couldn't stop smiling.

"You want me to sing?" He whispered softly in my ear, his raspy voice sending chills down my spine. He just knows perfectly how to make me nervous and I wouldn't deny I like it too. I nodded timidly and he pressed his soft lips gently on my temple. "I'll do it for you then.", he beamed a smile at me as I finally looked at him.

Everyone's eyes were glued on him as he sat with his acoustic guitar on the chair beside me. He looked at me one more time with a cute smile pasted on his lips as his fingers strummed the guitar strings, smoothly, elegantly and confidently playing a soft, dulcet tune.

I don't know if it was the heat radiating from the bonfire or the mellifluous tune he was playing which warmed the ambience. Soon, along with the rhythm of the chords he began singing and I knew the song was dedicated to me, Tum Ho.

"Aaru we've reached the place. Wake up.", I was snapped back to the present day when Somu Di shook my shoulder and I realised that we reached the location. "Ohh.. I slept..", I huffed trying to get back my normal self. Di looked at me in concern, "Are you okay?", I gave her an assuring smile keeping my palm on hers, "Yeah Di, don't worry." She smiled back softly mumbling an 'okay'. The huge gates at the entrance of a beautiful grand villa opened as our car droves in.

The place appeared pretty vast and was surrounded with greenery which provided it a lively atmosphere.

Di told me yesterday over call about this place. It's like their favourite hangout place. Most of their family functions and parties are arranged here. Even though it's been almost a year since they made any visits, the villa was taken maintained of by the caretakers.

After the car was parked and everyone got out, I filled my lungs with the cool-fresh air wiping off all the previous thoughts which made me anxious.

"Uhh.. Arpita?", Mr. Puri called me as he stood beside me holding my backpack where as his was on his back. "Ohh..", I took my bag, "Thank you" I thanked him with a short smile which he did not return. The serious look in his eyes made me feel uneasy.

"Wh-why are you staring me like that?"

He sighed shaking his head, "Nothing, sorry." With that he walked pass me towards the entrance door. I stood at my place staring at him in confusion. "Yaha kyu khadi hai? Let's get in!" Somu di pulled me along with her.

~~~~~

We relaxed for a while in the living area and had some refreshments after which we moved to the garden in the backside of the villa.

Amu and Mannat ran freely on the green grassy area with open arms like they were mini aeroplanes flying in the vast sky. They looked adorable.