It's worth it....

31

Hey guys!
Another crazy update!!!!!

Hope you all like it!

Happy reading!
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"Hey, man! C'mon! Don't be a spoilsport! From what I keep hearing from Ronit, you are his closest friend! You have to celebrate! C'mon, have one more!" One of Ronit's cousins, Jay, urged Arjun, yet again to have a third drink. Arjun smiled and obliged, half-heartedly.

The celebratory bash was in full swing! The banquet hall was decorated with glittering chandeliers and lights. There was unlimited dance, booz and classic food specialities from all over the world. It was nothing like Arjun had seen in his younger years. But now, all this was a piece of cake for him.

For a third person, the scenario was rather funny. The Singhanias, each one from a teenager to 90-year-olds, were having the time of their life, dancing, and drinking and enjoying to the fullest. On the other hand, some senior citizens from the bride's Marathi family were constantly apologizing to practically every God, for witnessing it. Some were even fussing about their bad luck for witnessing something so 'horrid' as people drinking alcohol. Well, nonetheless, both the sides of relatives were enduring each other because the bride and the groom were the happiest together.

It was already an hour since the party started, but the bride and the groom were nowhere to be seen. Their grand entry was planned once every one of the guests and relatives arrived for the party. Arjun took a sip from his drink as his eyes constantly wandered around the crowd for the one face he longed to see since morning.

" I think you should stop now. You had too much already." Radhika came to his side, concerned about his increased alcohol consumption.
" Do you still think you are in a position to advise me after all these years?" Arjun said, without even looking at her, slightly annoyed.
Radhika's eyes slightly widened in surprise, as she interpreted his hidden meaning. She took a step back as she swallowed her emotions, turned around and vanished into the crowd.

Arjun closed his eyes as he berated himself for being so harsh on her. His mother was already giving a cold shoulder to her. Karan who was watching all of it, sighed, " You do know that you are a dickhead, right?" Arjun sighed again and nodded as he made his way towards Radhika to apologise.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that." Arjun said, looking at a hurt Radhika. Radhika sniffed and hugged her brother, " I know I haven't been a good sister and daughter in the past. But I never intended to hurt you both, dada. I swear." She said, sniffing.

Arjun sighed and kissed her hair softly, " I know. Remember, you were never at fault. No matter what others say to you. Being in love can never be a mistake. And I promise I'll never bring this up again. Can you forgive your dada this last time?"
Radhika nodded and smiled. Arjun felt as if a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders.

Anu stood at a distance with Astha and some other girls from Neha's family, drinking her soft drink quietly, listening to Arjun's conversation with his sister. Well, she did not intend to, but it happened to be taking place in her earshot. Anu had guessed it right, after all. Something HAD happened to his sister. She felt an unusual relief witnessing his love for his sister. For the first time since their encounter in Bangalore, Anu witnessed a glimpse of the older version of Arjun today. The one she loved truly.
Astha nudged her, bringing her out of her thoughts, " What happened, girl? You were so talkative back in college! I miss those days, you know? And Neha? She missed you like crazy! We would spend hours remembering our old days. Did you not miss those days?"

Anu smiled and an image of her kissing Arjun on a beach passed through her mind, " Not exactly!"
Astha looked slightly hurt, " Really?"
Anu looked at her and grinned,
"Just kidding yaar! I missed you all terribly!"
Astha sighed in relief, " You are a spoilt brat, you know that, right?"
Anu just shrugged!

Just then, the dancing crowd became silent as the music shifted to a soft one. Neha descended the stairs in a shimmering black dress, with an arm linked with Ronit clad in a black blazer.

The crowd cheered and champagne bottles were popped open. Ronit's cousins made the couple dance on a romantic number. Again, the crowd cheered and hooted. Anu gazed at the couple in front of her. Who would have thought the couple with the messiest relationship in the past would end up married? And who would have thought the most perfect couple would break up in the future?

She sighed. No... She is not going to dwell in the past. She should be happy for her best friends! She should not feel this sense of loss that she was feeling. She shook her head to clear her overwhelming thoughts and stood beside a cheering Astha, looking at the dancing couple.

"Oh... Hi Arjun! How are you?" Astha chirped as she came and hugged him. Anu jerked as she became aware of his presence.
Arjun hugged Astha subtly as he replied, " I'm good! How are you?"
Astha smiled sweetly as she said,
" I'm good too! You never returned my calls!" Astha pouted. Anu was slightly surprised at Astha's subtle behavioural change in front of Arjun. But she maintained her stoic face.

Arjun glanced at Anu to see if he gets any hint as a response to Astha's comment. He said sweetly,  " I'm so sorry! I was busy lately. And well, before that...."

Before he could finish, Astha giggled,  " It's ok, Arjun. I was just teasing. By the way, Anu, you know that he is a successful cardiologist now, right? You should see him in OT. He is the best!"

Anu smiled tightly as she said, " Yeah, I know! Let's just say I hope he knows not to abandon his patients at least!" Anu threw a fiery glance at Arjun.
Arjun was thoroughly amused at Anu's comment. He just couldn't take his eyes away from her angry and uncomfortable face.
Astha broke his reverie as she touched his forearm, " Hey, I am waiting here for you to ask me for a dance! It's bad manners to keep a lady waiting, don't you think?"
She said, smirking suggestively.

" Yeah... Right! Except he has a habit of making everyone wait in his wake!" Anu spat before she could control herself. Arjun's attention was again drawn to the ever so feisty girl by his side. On the other hand, Anu turned the other side and berated herself for commenting. She was supposed to show nonchalance. She mentally groaned as she took fast steps towards her suite.

Arjun almost chuckled at the miserable condition of his girl. Astha smiled looking at him, " You still do love her, don't you?"
Arjun smiled at Astha and nodded. Astha grinned, " You know, when Neha and Ronit told me everything, I felt it ridiculous. I mean who in the right mind would hold on to his or her past for so many years? Especially, when you are young and girls are practically throwing themselves at you! But then I agreed to help because Anu was my first ever friend in college. I would do anything for her!" Astha smiled looking the way Anu disappeared.

Arjun smiled genuinely this time,
" Thank you for all this, Astha. I don't know if this will work or not, but I am going to try everything in my power this time."
Astha grinned and slapped his back hard, " Don't screw over this chance, Arjun. She is deeply hurt since the last time."
Arjun sighed, " I will not hurt her again. I promise."

Arjun took a deep breath and started walking towards Anu's room. It was Neha and Ronit's crazy idea to rope in Astha for their mission. Arjun was initially against it, as he was almost sure that even if Anu forgives him someday, she was remotely interested in him romantically. But then, he could not help but wonder what if he is wrong? What if Anu missed him as much as he missed her all these years? He could not bear the suspense anymore and ultimately agreed to the plan. A plan which was a confirmation test for him. To conclude if his closeness with any other girl affects her or not!

Yes, it was childish and typical, but what could he do! He was drowning deep in her memories. He was practically insanely in love with her, especially now when all she did was taunt him. So he did the unthinkable- this filmy and cheesy trick.

But the results left him elated! Whatever she says, everything about him still affects her! Now, he was all set to get his girl back.

No matter what!
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