Arshi SS: Hamesha & Forever

Chapter 2

Lucknow

7.00 pm

"Payal?"

"Hi Preeti" Payal said hugging her friend. Preeti smiled and hugged her back. "Come in" Preeti invited her inside her apartment.

"You live alone here?" Payal asked.

"No. There are three more. We share the flat!" she said, "What about you? It's a long time we've met!"

Payal smiled tightly and Preeti asked, "Is there anything wrong Payal?"

Payal sighed and said, "Can you help me in finding a job?"

"Job?" Preeti asked, "But you said that after marriage you won't..."

"That marriage won't last long!" Payal cut her in.

Preeti fell silent and Payal said, "I'm thinking to get a divorce Preeti. I cannot take this anymore!"

"What happened?" Preeti asked and Payal kept mum.

"It's ok. You can tell me when you feel like. Now, what kind of job do you want?"

"Anything that gives me a good monthly salary" Payal said.

New Delhi

7.00 pm

We're coming. Will reach there by 6 am tomorrow. – ASR

Should I pick you up? He messaged back

No need. Aman have arranged everything - ASR

Akash sighed reading the message. The designation written as ASR didn't escape his eyes. He uses ASR only in business world. 'I'm now a distant acquaintance I guess!' he mumbled reading the message.

"Well you should be." His heart screamed. "You didn't support your brother in front of your sister. For you her tears valued more than the truth."

"But she was so weak then. You should not let di down!" His mind said.

"Di my foot! Are you talking about that fragile glass doll who cannot even walk without her spineless husband paving a rose path for her?" His heart shouted.

"Shut up! It's his sister!" Mind screamed.

"Then who is Arnav? Dog? Who is Payal then? Didn't he marry her promising in front of the holy fire that he would protect and love her during odds?" Heart screamed.

"SHUT UP BOTH OF YOU!" Akash shouted.

"What?" he heard 2 voices and opened his eyes to find Anjali and Sheetal sitting before him and talking something.

"Err..." Akash stammered. How could he tell them that he was shouting at his mind and heart who was pestering him?

"Sorry Akash! We disturbed you!" Sheetal said and stood up.

"Sheetal ji sit down!" Anjali said, "Akash can't you see we are talking here. Go upstairs!" and the ladies continued their talk.

He stood up.

His heart is right but he chose his mind. Like always!

India Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi

6.15 am

Arnav and Khushi walked to the exit dragging their luggage. They saw a sign board with Mr. And Mrs. ASR written on it.

"Hello sir, I'm Ayan!" Ayan shook hands.

"Aman appointed you right?" Arnav asked and Ayan nodded. "This way sir, mam, we've the car ready!"

"Sir, we're going straight to hotel right?" Ayan asked and Arnav hummed. He looked to his left and saw Khushi leaning on his shoulder sleepily. He wrapped his arms around her and she snuggled into him sleeping peacefully.

"Where you do work Ayan? Definitely not under my company since I don't have branches here in India!" Arnav said.

Ayan chuckled and said, "Sir, I'm Aman Mathur's cousin. I own a travel agency and often help top companies in making travel arrangements for their clients!"

"Top companies? Like?" Arnav asked.

"Jaiswal group, Mehra Corp, yeah Ryder Constructions..."

"AR?" Arnav asked.

"Nope! It does not come under TOP Company's sir!" Ayan said chuckling. He turned to Arnav and said, "I know it's your past company but no offence sir....your brother and brother-in-law sucks in business! AR is dooming!"

"I know" Arnav said smiling sadly.

AR is past but...it hurts seeing it fall! After all it was his baby company!