Love Me Like You Do

Do you know how to play cupid?

Payal addressed her sister with a glare. "Tumhe toh ghar jake dekh lenge!" (Translation: I will deal with you at home)

"But what happened, Khoon Bhari Tang?" Mami seemed interested to know why the usually silent Payal was acting like the childish Khushi. She was glad too, at least Payal was not sad about her marriage being broken.

"Kuch nahi Mami, she just keeps annoying me like every little sister does."

Khushi popped her tongue at Payal and everyone laughed.

"Chaliye baithiye, hum khana lagwate hain." Nani said.

Soon the talks turned causal. Khushi was enjoying herself. The fact that Arnavji had taken care of Babuji without informing as if it was his right did cross her mind. She couldn't stop thanking her Devi Maiyaa for bringing someone like Arnav in her life.

***

Akash was mesmerized by Payal. He had been from the moment he saw her this evening. She was wearing the dupatta he had gifted her and it made her new look all the more appealing to his eyes. When she had held his hand to thank him, his heart had practically jumped out of his chest. He remembered being lost in her eyes and how she had not let go of his hand. There was definitely something there. He just needed the right moment now.

Payal was confused with her own self. On one hand, Akash was so caring that she knew she was falling for him. On the other hand, she remembered how his mother had reacted last time he had openly shown he cared for her. Her turmoil was more when she realised that Arnav and Akash were brothers. If she was weaving these dreams, it might affect the little space Khushi had created for herself with the Raizadas.

***

Arnav was annoyed as hell. Nk had been flirting with Khushi all through dinner, and while Khushi was not flirting back, she had to reply to him with all smiles. He could see Khushi was getting irritated now too.

"Khushiji", Nk said.

Here we go again, both Arnav and Khushi thought.

"Kal toh Saturday hai. What say we go for a Salman Khan movie?"

"Nahi, Nanhe ji. Kal toh hum bas soenge." (Translation: I have plans to sleep through the weekend)

"All day?"

"Haan. Arnavji ke kaaran pure hafte hum busy rahte hain, toh kal to humein chain ki nind chahiye bas." (Translation: Arnavji has kept me busy through the week. I just want to catch up on some sleep)

"Oh." Nk said. "Idea! Why not we watch a movie now?"

"Nk bhai, time dekha hai?" Akash said. Even he was annoyed with Nk now, who was openly asking Khushi for a date. (Translation: Have you seen the time?)

"Toh kya hua. Hum humare kamre mein dekh sakte hain, kyu Nk bhai?" Anjali supported him. (Translation: So what? We will watch in my room)

"Good idea Di." Nk agreed.

"Nahi Anjali ji. Abhi baithenge to raat ho jaegi." Payal argued. (Translation: No Anjaliji. If we start now, it will be extremely late)

"Toh aap ruk jana. Hariprakashji!" Anjali called. (Translation: So then you will stay back)

"Par Di..." Akash tried to interrupt.

"Hariprakashji, aap guest room khol ke saaf kar dijiye, aaj Khushiji aur Payalji wahi rukengi." (Translation: HP, get the guest room ready. Khushi and Payal are staying back tonight)

"Di, hum aise nahi ruk sakte hain..?" Khushi said. (Translation: Di, we can't just stay like this..?)

"Ye sahi hai. Calling me Di and not listening to me?"