The Vows We Exchanged

Chapter 15: This is Just the Beginning

Aaruhi took in a deep breath as she looked up at the board over the door way of the enormous office, reading: "Paperboat Studios". Two days ago she had a talk with Mayur in which he reminded her that he was actually taking efforts to help her long lost dream come true. He had told her how he discussed about her with his boss and that she was invited for an interview. She had never expected him to go so far, at least not for someone he met just a few months ago.

"So? Ready to go in?" Mayur asked as he failed to get a clear idea of her thoughts. He expected her to be overwhelmingly excited and so did she appear to be. However, he still felt like something was bothering her. 'Nervousness? Or maybe this might have reminded her of my younger self. Even that idiot used to go on hunting opportunities for her.' He smiled at his own thoughts as he stared at his empty hand. 'Guess some things never change.'

"Let's just wait for Yug, shall we? I'm sure he might be arriving at any moment." Aaruhi suggested as she turned around and looked at the road with her eyes searching for a familiar car of SUV. "Well, we can wait inside as well, you know. 'Cos it might just start raining and you won't really be..." Mayur tried to explain but Aaruhi wasn't in a mood to listen. "We'll wait here." She declared in a flat tone. "Umm...Okaaayy. If that's what you want."

'Is it just me or is she acting a bit weird. It surely doesn't sound like the one I know. What might have happened? It's been like 3 days since she is sort of acting this way. Kind'a ignorant.' "Is Yug your lucky charm?" He asked, directing his eyes away from hers. She took a look at the tall figure standing by her side. Wondering why he would ask something like that. "Umm... yes... I think he might just be." She replied. "Hmm... no wonder why you want him so badly by your side. Wish even I could have my lucky charm by my side during such moments." He murmured loud enough to allow her to hear.

She was about to reply when she saw Yug driving in towards them. "Finally the speedy slow-pope arrives." She murmured as a smile grew over her lips. The moment Yug joined them, they walked inside the building. The interior was more like some child's play room. There were pictures and posters of various characters all over the place. Mannequins standing with beautiful but weird suits marked the hallways. People were running around with various papers and markers. It seemed like a disciplined chaos. Everything seemed messed up from afar but the way they worked clearly said that it wasn't the case.

Mayur asked one of them where Vicky was. "C'mon guys, this way." He said as he tapped on Aaruhi's shoulder. She quickly took a back to the sudden touch and moved closer to Yug. "Yeah, lead the way." She said abruptly. Mayur took a second to process what just happened and then casting the thoughts aside for a while, he began to walk towards recording section. Once there, he waved at Vicky to gain his attention. As Vicky approached them, he introduced him to Aaruhi and Yug.

"So this is the girl?" He said massaging his wrinkled temples. "Yep, she is the one." Mayur replied. "Okay then, let's see how much truth 'lies' in the words of this young colleague of mine, shall we miss?" He gestured Aaruhi to walk into the recording room while Mayur and Yug were compelled to stay out. "I don't need extra voices in my ears." Vicky said before he left the two staring at the glass door. Aaruhi turned around to take a look at them as she saw the two wishing her best of luck. She replied with a slight smile and diverted all of her attention towards Vicky.

As her eyes turned away, Mayur noticed that her eyes weren't all sparkling like they used to be in such situations. Something was off about her which Mayur was able to notice but wasn't able to figure out why. He wondered, 'What could have possibly happened?'

As the two watched the interview proceed by taking peeks through the glass door, Mayur had half of his mind working to figure out all the possible reasons for Aaruhi's absurd display of behavior towards him. Although, no matter how hard he tried, only one reason had him worried. 'This sure feels like those days back then; the times when she started ignoring me just to end up kicking me out of her life. But... what possibly could have made her act like this... again. Did she somehow figure out who I actually am? Nah, it's highly unlikely that she won't say anything when she does. Then what could it be?'