Everything but her

What is it?

While they enjoyed their meal, Aarushi forgot all about the time. It was almost 3:30 when she finally looked at the clock. She got up with surprise.

'Oh, no. I have to go, Virat. I am gonna get it today from the show organizers', she said picking up her purse.

'Ok, when are you gonna come back?', Virat asked.

'Around 7:30 or 8 I suppose. But I can stay out from home only till 10. Ok, bye', she said and gave him a quick peck on his cheek.

Virat watched her with admiration. She had grown up to be a responsible young lady and Virat loved that. He had known her as a kid back then and somehow he always had that wish in his heart that she achieves all she wants. And there she was today, handling things on her accord. It just made him feel so good.

Virat did not know how to spend the next few hours as his ad shoot was not until the day after. He was feeling a little drowsy and so he decided it was best if he utilised the time sleeping. He hadn't slept well the night before because of all the excitement of meeting her. But before doing so, he decided to book tickets for a movie show. He really wanted to go in for Dil Dhadakne Do but then felt it would be awkward for Aarushi to see a movie with Anushka in it and so he went against it. He then thought it would be best if he asks her. Therefore, he messaged her,
Movie tonight?
Aarushi replied after sometime,
Sure which one?
Virat- Whatever you say
Aarushi- What about Dil Dhadakne Do? Have heard some great reviews about it and as you know I am a great Priyanka Chopra fan.
Virat- Ok

Virat had seriously forgotten her craziness about Priyanka Chopra because he had thought it would have got over by now. But he knew Aarushi was not one of those who let go things easily. She knew how to hold on to things and also make each experience count.

It was around 7:30 and Aarushi had come back from her office. She reached the hotel and went straight to Virat's room. She knocked it twice but there was no reply. She then called him up but to no avail. She understood that he was sleeping soundly. She could not decide what to do next. She did not want to wake him up but she also did not want to go home without meeting him. She decided that she would knock one last time and if he didn't reply even then, she would leave. But, the last time never came. Aarushi kept convincing herself each time that it would be the last time. But hope never deserted her. She stood there sometimes exuding confidence and patience while others mere belief. After a good 20 minutes, the door finally opened.

'How soundly were you sleeping that even my knocks couldn't awake you?', Aarushi asked him angrily.

'I am so sorry Aarushi', Virat said apologetically.

'You are the one who made the movie plan and now you are sleeping while I am standing outside waiting for the superstar to open the door. But of course he will not because he needs a servant for that. Right? Because nobody but your comfort matters the most. Do you even know how long I have been standing here? What would people have thought of me?', Aarushi said almost close to tears. She had thought of forgiving him but the time that she had stood outside had just frustrated her. She was tired after the day's work and she had not expected this. Therefore, before she even knew her anger and disappointment had taken over her patience.

'Aaru, look I am really sorry. Please don't cry. I am at fault, right? Give me a punishment', Virat said wiping her tears.

'Just get aside Virat. I don't want to talk to you', she said but that was not true. Yes, she was angry but she still wanted to talk to him. She knew he had not committed a crime. But she also knew what had happened years ago. She had hoped that he might have changed. Sadly that wasn't the truth.

'See I booked the tickets. Let's go and your mood will also change once we watch the movie', Virat said.

'Virat, I said I don't want to go anywhere. If you are so interested in watching Anushka, you might as well go. I am not feeling well', she said trying to avoid him.

'Aarushi, why do you have to bring Anushka in this? I told you everything. What is it that you don't believe? Is this about her?', Virat was getting frustrated.

'No', she tried to keep her answers short.

'Then what is it? Okay, I did not open the door for a very long time and I am sorry that you had to keep standing there for so long but c'mon don't do this please.'

'The problem is Virat that you are still so irresponsible. What if you had someone important from workplace calling you? What if you had a loss because of this? I get that you were tired but you can't just sleep without a care in the world in a hotel, no matter how reputed it is.'

'Okay, I get you', he said it but he hadn't. He did not know why she was making such a big deal about such a small issue.

It was almost 8:45 by the time they had settled the issue. Aarushi decided that they should skip the movie so they went for dinner instead. She was exceptionally quiet at the dinner table as well.

Virat dropped her back at home but he could not help but think about her strange behaviour. He did not know what that was all about. And he understood the fact that she was hiding something from him. He decided that he would talk to her face to face the day after. For now his mind was working all sort of calculations.