Intertwined Fates -- An IPKKND FanFic

The More the Merrier

"How are you, Payal Ji?" Akash asked, heart thudding with nerves and excitement at the prospect of spending time with her. God, he was such a wreck now; imagine how it would be when he took her on a real date.

"I'm fine, Akash Ji," she said. Her smile faded. "But there's a problem."

Payal related Buaji's words as the couple walked up the stairs. Akash grimaced but wasn't too surprised. "We knew we'd hit snags along the way," he said. "Don't worry. I'll find a way to win Buaji's heart."

"That's not the problem, Akash Ji. From what I understand, she likes you. The problem is your background. Anyway, how are things on your end? Did your mom say anything?"

"No. But she was miserable this morning at breakfast. She's not happy that last night went well for us."

Payal smirked. "You should tell her what Buaji said. It'll cheer her right up."

"Yeah, they can start a club: Aunties for Marriage Only In Your Own Social Class."

They were trying to think of club names and laughing when they reached NK's door. A scowling Arnav flung it open. "Afternoon, Ms. Pansare. I'm sorry that you had to come all this way but you and your friend are leaving."

"No we're not," Khushi piped up cheerfully from somewhere behind him.

"Yes you are," he snarled over his shoulder. "I refuse to have lunch with you."

"You're so sensitive, Nannav."

"Stop calling me that!"

"Nannav?" Payal mouthed.

Akash suppressed a grin. "NK's nickname for Bhai," he whispered but Arnav still heard.

"It's not a nickname. It's just NK being annoying. If I hear either of you call me that, you're fired."

"That's abusing your authority, Nannav," Khushi called.

"Shut up!"

NK popped up behind Arnav. "Hey guys. Nannav, move out of the way so they can come in."

Arnav glared at him but complied. "This is all your fault," he grumbled.

"Sorry bro," NK said cheerfully.

"Take a chill pill, Nannav," Khushi said as they piled into the living room where she was methodically wiping down shelves and organizing NK's books on them.

"I'm telling you for the last time, Khushi Kumari Gupta--you are not allowed to call me that."

"What are you going to do--fire me?"

Desperately, Arnav ordered Payal, "Make her stop or you're fired."

"You do that and I'll sue you," Khushi retorted.

"If you stop calling me that, I'll buy you those pani puri that you said you wanted to try from the vendor down the road."

Khushi's eyes lit up. "Deal."

Payal shook her head in awe and amusement. Her knees practically gave out anytime she had to even appear before her boss and here Khushi had finagled pani puri out of him.

"Great," NK said. "Now that that's settled, I'll order lunch. I was thinking Chinese." He passed around a take-out menu so everyone could state their preferences. "Do you guys know what Di likes?"

"Di?" Akash asked.

"She called while you were downstairs," Arnav answered. "Mamiji wants to send some more things over so she and Aarav are going to join us."