THE HEIST

The Transformation (II)

I woke up, with pain still lingering everywhere, feeling really dizzy, like the floor below me was spinning out of control. I noticed Karan's silhouette, and later his face. He had a proud smile like he had just accomplished the impossible. I slowly got up, holding my temple.

He was holding a mirror up and OH GOOD LORD. WAS THAT ME?? I HAD A FREAKING 8 PACK NOW! A V-CUT, MY TRICEPS, BICEPS, EVERYTHING WAS POPPING OUT!

I couldn't believe my eyes. "Is... Is that me, Karan?" I blurted out. Karan chuckled again, this time at my naivety.

Trying really hard not to freak out about this, I satirically smiled, looking at Karan's muscles. "HEY!" he shouted, "Don't look at them like that! These babies are hard earned." "Sure, sure Karan. Why not." it was my turn to chuckle. He sighed and gave me a tablet with some water. "This will make the pain go away" he said. "Why didn't you give them to me, to begin with??" I questioned him. "It was fun to see you pass out for a change" he said, referring to his accident all those years ago. "Damn you, Karan." I retorted.

"Well Angad, as much as I'd like to sit and debate with you, you have no time to waste. However your synergy will live for this lifetime, so you don't have to pull a Cinderella. Anyhow, choose one of these: " and pulled out an entire range of Louis Vuitton. I was flabbergasted. He had suits tailored to my size now. I didn't even ask. I chose the black and white suit again and wore it.

" Ab lag raha hai na tu superhero," Karan said, chuckling again. (Now you're looking like a superhero) I smiled too, looking at myself in the mirror with a renewed sense of self-esteem. "You're not too late to play catch-up with her, Angad. She has gone to the upper deck of the cruise liner, and I know because I had sent one of my bodyguards to follow her.

Without wasting another moment, I ran towards the door, screaming "Thanks, bro! You still owe me, though!"

And there she was. I didn't know anything that would make her look even more ravishing than how she was in the evening, but hey. Full moon in a clear sky, with her wearing a white one piece? Her straight, lustrous hair looked even better with the wind helping it. I wondered why hasn't anyone else come up here, but soon let it go as I neared my goal.

She was staring at the horizon, and I noticed a tear drop from her pink cheeks. "THIS IS MY CHANCE!" I thought.

Walking up to her, I said "I knew the second I met you that there was something about you I needed. Turns out it wasn't something about you at all. It was just you. And the one I need doesn't need those tears anymore, I'll make sure of that. All I need is a chance."

She looked at me with a confused face, almost getting defensive. But boy Oh boy. When who I am finally struck her, she hugged me like there was no tomorrow. I couldn't believe my luck, and hugged her back, warmly.

She smiled, looking up at me, as we stood there on the upper deck and among the stars. I saw in her smile something more beautiful than the stars themselves. I saw perfection. However, instead of all the romantic things I could have said then, I asked her reluctantly: "You know angel, I still don't know your real name. I really don't mind calling you angel forever, I would love to know your real name." She giggled and playfully said "Arya. What's yours?" "I'm Angad" I didn't realize until now, even my voice had become deeper.

She finally pushed me away, walking back and checking me out. "Where did the fat Angad I saw a few hours ago go?" she asked, bewildered. I chuckled like Uncle, said "Wouldn't you like to know?" and walked towards her, closing in on her lips.

Almost touched them with mine, but she pushed me back. "Not so soon mister" I was hopeful that she'd do the same. I didn't want it to be a one time with her for some reason I couldn't yet comprehend.

Acting like it was no big deal, I went on to say "We should head back inside now, don't you think?"

She smiled, nodding in agreement.