Abhimanyu led the trio into the alley behind the venue swiftly on the premise that he'd reveal his "secret" for wooing the Goenka sisters. On route, the trio chattered amongst themselves while Abhimanyu grunted along with their talks to feign attention while counting down the seconds until they reached their destination so he could beat them to a pulp.
"Hum yahan kya kar rahe hai?" Asked Rey feeling freaked out by the shady atmosphere in the alley. It was nightfall, and the path was somewhat lit by a lamppost a few feet away.
Sid rested atop a garbage trunk while his partners surrounded him. "Tumhari technique koi CIA ka raaz todi hai ki hum itni gupt jaga main baat kare" he quipped while removing some cobwebs that touched his suit jacket.
"Technique to simple hai, boss" Abhimanyu's raspy voice echoed in the environment as he flung his shirt jacket on the trash bin, jolting Sid upright. "Gym jao, body banao, aur phir" Abhimanyu's concentration capped at Sid, letting the others back away from the line of immediate fire as they sensed Abhimanyu's destructive intentions. Sid made the karak hai comments on Akshara that tipped Abhimanyu over the edge.
"Phir?" Sid solicited in a meek voice.
"Phir tum jaise bastards ko ladkiyon ki tameez karni sikho" and Abhimanyu grabbed Sid's collar with such force that Sid was lifted above the ground.
"Aye Be, kya kar raha hai!" Sid wailed as he struggled in Abhimanyu's grip.
"Chod usse" shouted the other two in unison as they tried to pull Abhimanyu away from their friend, but Abhimanyu wouldn't budge. He'd never budge when it comes to Akshara. If only she understood that.
"Abhimanyu!" "Bhai!" screamed the Birla brothers, Haider and Kairav, when they came sprinting to the scene. Sid was left gasping for air when the Birla brothers pried their elder brother away from him. But, Abhimanyu's anger was overwhelming, and restraining him was trying to pry an infuriated and starving bull from its prey. Abhimanyu made numerous attempts to launch himself back at Sid while in his brother's grasp.
"Abhimanyu, stop it!" cried Akshara before running between the bull and his prey. Abhimanyu knew she was here. He could feel her aahat from miles away, but when she finally called out to him and clung to arms, his stupor broke.
Dekhe Tumhe Jab Ek Na Maane
Tujh Mein Hi Kho Tha Hai
Palkein Jhuke Saansein Ruke
Jab Tu Kareeb Aa Jaye
Jaaniye Dil Tune Chua Hai
Sau Martabaaa....
...
Concurrently, Harshvardan Birla was out of his senses in irritation and embarrassment at the venue. His guests were staring at him expectantly as the appetizers and drinks were over, but no announcement was made. Many of the guests had early flights the following morning and requested the Birla's to speed up the announcement, or they'll have to leave without hearing it.
"Chachu, Abhimanyu, Parth, aur Neil ka phone nahi lag raha" said a pacing Shefali.
"Aarohi, Abhimanyu kahan hai?"
"I don't know, Sir," Aarohi babbled. Although she heard rumours of Harshvardan Birla's ill-temper, she was fortunate to not be at the receiving end of it until now.
"But I sent him to escort you and meet the guests."
"Ji Uncle. He welcomed me, delivered your message and then I rushed to introduce myself to the donors."
