SO DIFFERENT!! SO SIMILAR!!

" Tu hai la jawab... Tere jalwe hazar... Mera bhi pata hai maina na manu kabhi haar.. Teri meri duniya Mein be hisab pyar... Main hoon ek ANGEL aur DEVIL mera yaar..."  alarm ranged...

" oye, oye... Just shut up" I clicked the dismiss button on my NOKIA LUMIA ... and went out of the bed... and the room to insure that mom and dad were sleeping or not?... And THEY were... 

This song from KICK is one of the irritating song... i have ever listend to... Although the movie was osm!... But this one is simply... "iusss..."

Actually I'm preparing for HARVARD UNIVERSITY so I need to prepare for it in early morning at about 3:00 am because my parent don't want me to go for business administration... because of their silly notation about private sector... Although my father have always given me liberty to "choose what ever stream i want to! " but my mother she's a DEVIL... She always says that " Beta, Be like your sister... She's an IIT'n and u should be like her... I have so many dreams about you... to make u a engineer... But u wanted commerce... Did I say anything... Nthing! So, just go for IIM not  London ... It's far away... nobody will care for u there..." l just can't understand why she said those lines always n always... And why she compare me with Kiara , my elder sister... 

All these queries have become old... So, all I need is to prepare myself for HARVARD University

CHAPTER 1

" Harleen... r u awake...?" mom asked from a 20 feet long distance...

"Harleen beta.." she asked again...

" Yes, mom... " I answered...

She walked 20 feets, and entered my room..." Kya?..." she asked " what?... Just revising for Tomorrow's test... " I replied while looking deep in my book... and yes, I changed the books also! " Fine! But it 3 only... So, just go for a sleep... U know na..." she said... " Going for a sleep, Bye!" I smiled on looking at her and then, was showing that I'm going for sleep... by covering the blanket on my white shorts which i was wearing... She switched off the lights... and went back to her room... 

It was quite dangerous to go for studies again as my mother  is  really  a DEVIL'S cousin...

So, I plugged my headphones in my LUMIA and ... It was " when the sun goes down!" my fav. song... and I was slowly slowly... Sleeping! 

It was 7:30 am ... A usual time for my family to wake up...  for Breakfast...  

On the dining table...

" So, Hi, Miss. LPU..." she was my... so called "sister". I hate her...

" Oh, Hi!" I replied...

“So, u r trying very hard for IIM... but u know WHAT... u can't" she said... And at that time I was like gonna KILL or KICK her... " Thaz!" I ignored her... 

After having my 'parantas' ... When, I was going out with dad... Kiara interrupted.... " Dad, wish me good luck!" said she...  " Best of luck!" dad replied... " Oh, BMW interview... BoL !" actually, she had a dream to work in BMW... but u know scores... really matters... But she was not capable of going for B M W... She made a face and  went to her room... 

" Dad do u really think... to gift kiara a HONDA CITY ... ??" I asked dad on entering The Honda showroom... " Don't be jealous... Harleen... " Dad replied... " : P " I replied like that...  making such an expression... 

" Hello, sir!" wished the salesman...  Dad replied like 😊... This!                   And their meeting went on... about the car... And yes, I was jealous... And finally , after a long chatting with the salesman dad booked Honda City for Kiara... 😢😢😢😢... 

And after all this, Dad and I went to KFC to have our favourite food... Non- veg... Because actually , both of us are fed up from mom's bakwas food... 

After our mid morning meal, which was about 11:30am ... We went back home...

" So, which car?..." mom asked as we entered the house... also she was waiting for us... on the door ... not to welcome us... but to ask about her favourite beti's GIFT... That make me more jealous... "We booked White Honda City" dad replied... " White?..." mom made an angry face " Yes!" dad looked puzzled... " You know , she don't like white..." mom said rudely... " Oops!" I wispered in dad's ear... " We r gone! Harleen..." dad replied to me... " What u both r discussing?..." mom asked... Again, angrily... " Nothing! " Dad and I replied together.... and then looked at each other..." I know she asked to buy that!... " mom said... while pointing here forefinger towards me... " No! Mom... U r disgusting...  unbelievable... I'm going... " I walked out of the discussion n into my room... and shut the door loudly, in order to get an impact on mom... And then, Dad fights with mom for me, in my favour and yes, he seriously spoke that " If  Kiara is your daughter then Harleen my... And yes , don't ever compare them... n you know what?... Your Kiara is one of the educated unemployed youth in our country...  n actually, she don't deserve a car... And the car is finale... no change.... Okay!..."  I got relieved after listening to all those lines by dad and yes, somehow shocked too... And I think mom was also...

Finally, the day came of my IIM examination... I was nervous...  " BoL Harl... " kiara greeted... " Thaz... n I'm so sorry I can't met u yesterday... So, this time WHAT?..." I asked her in a tonting way... " She got in Suzuki... " mom came from behind... " Seriously... Oops! BMW need good... pieces not old... " I tonted ... " Harleen..." suddenly dad interupted mom and asked me to get in the car... I went in the car and then, dad...  drive me to IIM Bangalore, where the exam was supposed to be... He wished me GOOD LUCK... n a good bye KISS... n I went in the institution... finding my room... and finally got that... I filled all the details in the paper ... and it was really good as I prepared for HARVARD ... n I was 101 % sure about my selection... either first or second rank ... 3rd not in my dictionary... After that so simple , easy n boaring exam... Dad came to pick me... and before going home... we changed our route to KFC... our favourite place and had our lunch.

And as usual, after coming to home... Mom and Kiara  tonted... about the paper... n etc... but I didn't replied... Just ignored them... 

At night, on dining table... " Kiara ki job ki khushi mein ... maine aaj ..." Mom said... " kya?... koi party hai kya?..." I interrupted and asked... " aaja non veg banaya hai" after this reply... Dad n I laughed very very dangerous...  We looked at each other and mom towards us... " Mom let them remain hungry today... " Kiara came from behind the mom and suggested a punishment for me n Dad... After this insult I can't remain shut up... " KFC, M C donals n Dominos are still open, poor BABY!" I replied... 

We ordered our veg pizza from PIZZA HUT n have our dinner!

Mom is one of those guys I have ever met, who like" chamcas..." and Kiara , who like to be " chamcha" ... And me and dad never like this... That's why Dad said yesterday I 'm his daughter and Kiara mom's...

" Kiara... I just forget to ask u... How do get the job?..." I asked ... having my pizza in one hand... " Social n communication skills really matters... " she replied... " but..." when I was about to say , " Girls... Shut up!" mom interrupted... " Fine!" we replied...

After the dinner, I went to my room... n asked myself " What about a break? " and I finally decided for a 2 week long BREAK .... 

I opened my laptop.... and went on flipkart... the whole store was loaded with so many things...  I went to the fashion section.... and added , BOOTS, A DRESS, A FASTRACK WATCH... n after that I went on my favourite section... BOOKS... The store was full of NEW RELEASES, BEST SELLERS n etc... I went for both NEW RELEASE n BEST SELLER... my Mind and Eyes got stuck to" Too... FAR AND AWAY" written by Ranbir Arora... The front cover was looking osm! with balloons in the sky... Reader wrote" What a book?..." , " This one osm!..." , " This one will make you cry..." and etc... n etc... The title was okay! But it was a cheated one...from TOM CRUISE movie FAR AND AWAY... n what innovation he did was "Too... " , After reading all the comments... It somehow looked good.... So, Finally after 20 minutes... I completed my wishlist and ordered my wishlist... a message and  an e-mail beeped my phone... about the order placed...

And yes, right from tomorrow until Sunday of 2nd week... I'm not at all going to wake up at 3 or 4 am. My holidays starts from tomorrow....

Actually, it seems very odd... that WHAT HOLIDAYS?... IS ME A " phadaku bacha" .... NO NOT AT ALL... BUT FROM THE LAST 2 MONTHS I AM TRYING VERY HARD FOR IIM N HARVARD... So, I really need some kind of holiday...

CHAPTER 2

At 11:30 am next day, a message beeped my phone... YOUR ORDER IS READY TO BE SHIPPED... n then, after 1 - 2 hrs... Again, YOUR ORDER HAS BEEN SHIPPED , and then again after 1 - 2 hrs... YOUR ORDER WILL BE DELIVERED TODAY... n then, door bell rings...  " Mam, your order" the man with my flipkart order in his hands said... " Thaz" I replied taking the package from his hand... and paying him an amount of ₹3599... 

" What's that?..." mom asked , with her grand entry from behind... with spoons in her hand, which she was washing.... " A Book, A Dress n A Watch...only!" I replied... " I mean AMOUNT?" she asked... " ₹ 3599 only..." I replied... " Who payed that?" She asked again... " I ... From my POCKET MONEY...," I replied... and she went to her kitchen...And I went to my room... opened all the packs... " Oh my gosh! Woww... It's OSM! WATCH..." I screamed... by looking at my FASTRACK watch... Again, a message beeped my phone YOUR ORDER HAS BEEN DELIVERED... 

At night, after dinner... I was excited that I'm going to read first ENGLISH FICTION NOVEL... I have only read, ENGLISH CLASSICS, AUTOBIOGRAPHIES n yes, THE DISCOVERY OF INDIA... n this is my first, ENGLISH FICTION NOVEL...

It was like something, about 10 pm when I went to my study table to read the book, the book was as thick as a normal NICOLAS SPARKS's book... After 15 minutes... I was like somehow sleeping...

After,  1/2 hr... I was at chapter 15... " Such a dumb story... " I thought and then, again thought about reader 's comment and waited for the climax...

It was then, 11:25 pm .... I went in the kitchen for a cup of coffee...

And then after 5 minutes I went on my study table again... 

While reading , I was like... Sleeping...and It only took me 5 minutes to clear the coffee... It was actually " bakwas" till chapter 20...  But then again, I waited for the climax!...

Then, it was 2:30 am ... and I was continously reading it... I was at chapter 47 ... and 30 chapters were still there ....

And, finally at 5:50 am I completed the whole book but can't find any CLIMAX or a STORY... But I read the whole novel...

So, approx it took 8 hrs to read the so called ' BEST SELLER' ...

After a long boaring night , I went to sleep at 6 am ... 

" Harleen... Wake up?..." kiara screamed...

" Abe, kaun hai?..." I replied while rubbing my eyes...

" Kiara... It's my b'day today... Wish me..." " Happy birthday to u , Happy birthday to u , Happy birthday Dear Kiara... Happy Birthday to u..." I sang the b'day song for kiara in my sleepy voice... and when kiara went out of my room... I realized It was already 8 am... I ran... and went to the dining table...  " You r late Harleen..." mom said ... And with a sorry expression I had my breakfast... and then, went for a bath... I wear my Flipkart dress ... It was a black n white cocktail... n Boots ... n my fastrack watch... and went out with dad... to the HONDA showroom... Dad paid the amount... and he drive the new car and I drive my father's old but new i20... 

Dad get the car in our garage as it was all planed that when Kiara will be at home at 8 pm then, we will suprise her by this gift ... and she will be shocked...

After driving the car at home, I went outside with my Scooty Zest..." Kiss n Tell ... " my phone rang... Actually, it's my ringtone... It was Aaliya , my good friend... " Hi..." she said... " Just wait a second , Babe " I put the phone on hold and park the scooty aside... " So, Hi... " I said... " Are u busy?.." she asked as if some plan was going inside her mind... " No, actually roaming here n there..." I replied... " Great ! Come to my home..." she asked excitedly... " Fine! In 10 minutes " I replied and we disconnected...

It was 11 am , I reached her place... Banglore houses are just OSM! I press the door bell ...

" Hey, Harleen " aaliya opened the gate and we hugged each other... " long time..." she said... " Ya, after school I went to Punjab and now... free..." I replied... " Okay, let's get in" she said and we walked inside... " Oh, my gosh! " I screamed excitedly...by seeing all my school friends...

Aaliya, a very studious student of our class... She was a topper...

Kabir, the most daring banda of the whole school....

Nia , Miss diva, beautiful... all boys are behind her... she got 14,000 followers on Twitter... only Males...

Ayaz, dating Nia right now... n got nothing special...trait other that his noticeable fashion style...

Tamannah n Tamanna.... Twins!

And last but not the least Arjun, Mr. Perfect!... 

After 12th we all were out of contact with each other...  n now after 4 years, it felt really good to see your best buddies all together...

Although, we all were different but we all were adventurous...

CHAPTER 3

We talked a lot about our 4 years when we were separated from each other… I mean we were at different schools / collages…

We almost talked or chatted continuously for 2 hrs… without even realizing the time….

Suddenly, my phone rang “ Come fast…. For the preparations” mom said in hurry … and disconnected the phone…

“ Guys , Kiara B’day today… need to go ! Bye! Come to my place tonight for our party ” I invited everybody and left the place…

I reached home within 20 minutes… “ You r late Harleen!” mom said…

“I was busy” I ignored her…

I went inside the house and how good the house was looking , I even can’t describe that … White lilies…. Purple flowers… Oh my gosh! They were perfect! But all that was for Kiara not for me… I felt quite jealous… but that’s all okay… after all I can’t even do anything….

“ So what??... I mean I have to do what??... Why you called me??...” I asked mom …

“ Help in making food” she replied

“ What ???... Are u serious, I need to help u in what type of food?” I asked her in a confused state of mind.

And then, she named so many food stuffs… which was hard for me to remember and also I even don’t know how to make any of them… So I quietly leaved the place.

“ Harleen … Harleen…” my mom shouted so many times…

So I came back once again at the same place. “ How can you leave like this??...” she asked me angrily.

“Hmm… mom I went to call catering … so that you don’t need to waste time in all that… and thought it as a treat from me to the world’s worst… oh , I mean best sister …” I tried to convince my mom . Although, I doesn’t went outside to call for catering… that’s all my old trick… or tricks…

And finally the night came… 

As my best or world’s best sis opened the main door of the house… A lot of melted chocolate fell on her as planned by me and dad… We laughed madly… And for all such things or because of such behavior I like dad the most… Anger … Angry … Kiara was like that. But seriously I enjoyed that moment and dad too…

“Oops… who’s that choco seller?...” I taunted …

“ Shut up!! Harleen !! I know it’s all your plan ” Kiara screamed… or yelled …

“Hmm… ” I laughed as I replied…

And our not so interesting conversation goes not too long and it ended within 20 minutes… It ended when, dad introduced The Honda City to Miss. Kiara Chopra… She was totally spellbound… and then, “ Dad, White??...” Kiara asked

“ It’s a gift!” Dad tried to convince her…

“ Babe, It’s a gift so, you should thank dad…” I interrupted … mom stared at me angrily “ And mom too…” I added…

“ Thank you dad and mom” She thanked while kissing mom on her cheeks …

“It’s like a movie’s scene…” I whispered 

And after this 20 minutes session… Kiara’s friends arrived and I , mom and dad … we were nowhere to be seen…

Three of us don’t know what all was happening in the party as we doesn’t stepped out …

I called my friends and asked them to meet outside the Sankey Tank, one of our memorable place .

It took me 5-7 minutes to get out from that messy place… 

After half an hour , we all gathered at Sankey Tank… Kabir carried beers with him… Lots of beers… We enjoyed our time… talked about our past like about our old school days …

“ Guys , Do u remember something??...” Nia asked 

“ Yaar, beer peene ke baad tho kuch nahi…” Arjun replied…

“ Tell… What?” I asked…

“ Guys, we have hide something here…” Nia said

“ Yes, your mind! Tell na what??...” Arjun asked followed by The Twins, Ayaz , Kabir and I . 

“ Message in bottles” Nia replied.

“Oh shit!” we all screamed . And ran to find the bottles . As nobody knows the exact place. We spent are whole night finding those bottles and finally we got those . The bottles were totally fine. It was then 11 clock , we sat inside Arjun’s old Honda City…

“ So let's open them” I said… Then I distributed randomly the bottles and Nia started.

“ So thats from Aalo” she said… “ Oh! C’mon lets start!” Arjun seemed very excited to know about Aaliya’s secret …

“ So she wrote: I like somebody really but not sure about his feelings . He’s the perfect boyfriend one can / could have. But not made for me … But my heart… Oh my god! It’s so crazy about him.. He is ….” Nia stopped and gave a confused and what?? Looks to Aaliya and Aaliya blushed . She tried to stop Nia from disclosing the name but and finally Nia disclosed the name “ Arjun!” .  We all looked at Arjun and then, Aaliya… “ Why you did this??” she angrily asked Nia… “ We are friends… Do you like him still ??...” Nia questioned… Aaliya nodded .

“Wait a minute !! I got Arjun’s letter” I announced … 

“ Go on…”  everybody present there except Aaliya and Arjun shouted…

“ So , it said: We were like only friends and all of us like friends forever but in this group somebody I found more than a friend , more than friend forever or I can say somebody special. She is….” Arjun interrupted “ She is Aaliya … You” . He moved outside  the car , followed by all of us and at last, Aaliya. He bended on his keens and proposed Aalo, and all that moment was like different but similar like a bollywood movie scene. Everybody greeted them…  

And finally we moved to Kabir who was having my secret … “ Do you remember what you wrote ??...” He asked me… “ No idea” I replied… “ Read it” Nia insisted… “ So Harleen says : I have nothing to hide but I haven’t told anybody about this even to my own mother that my elder… sister tried to kill me , when I was 2” .

“ What??...” Everybody yelled…

“ Yes that’s true…” I replied… 

“ When and How??..” nia asked …  “ Earlier you were asking What ? and now How and When??...” I smiled…

“ Tell us..” Nia insisted…

“ Okay, so when I was 2 years old… and when Kiara was so jealous of me because I grabbed everyone’s attention toward myself . So she once , tried to burn me with an iron” I described …

“ You were two … Then how can you still remember all this??...” Nia asked …

“ Dad told me as he saved me from Kiara” I replied…

“Oh… sorry!”  Nia apologized …  “ Fine Babe!!” I tried to stop my tears from flowing…

“ Oh… Nia I got your letter” Ayaz announced… being very excited to know Nia’s secret. “ She wrote : I am … I have nothing to hide… I’m PYT…” Azay read out…

“ What’s that PYT??...” I questioned…

“ Pretty , Young and Talented !” Nia replied with full attitude… and we all laughed…

And then , 

“ Tamanna … your’s in my hand!” Arjun said…

“ Read it!” I supported…

“ So Tamanna wrote : Guys, I’m still jealous of Tamannah” Arjun read…

“Guys, same with Tamannah !” Aaliya announced…

“ That’s fine… I can completely understand this…” I supported them…

And finally , Tamanna read out Kabir’s secret “ Guys.. I’m still a virgin.  Because I am unable to find somebody better better . Firstly , I thought of Harleen but she refused…” 

“ Sorry , you know I don’t like this…” I apologized…

“ All fine… I’m not virgin now…” Kabir announced… followed by our laughs…

“ Guys… Koi Ayaz ka padho…” Nia insisted… 

“ So , He wrote : From class 3rd I always liked Nia ...” Tamanna read …

“ Oh! Banchpan ka pyaar… gr8” I shouted … and Nia blushed … 

“ Wow!!... Nia is blushing …” I added…

That was our all night and last too…

 Next day, 

I called Arjun at 9 a.m. “ Are you free , can we talk together… So meet me at Mc’ D…” 

“ Sure, 15 minutes…” He said and hung up the phone…

After 15 minutes, we met outside the Mc’ D. We remained outside the café…

“ So, something urgent?..” He asked…

“ Yesterday , on your letter I can’t found Aaliya’s name... What was that? You know whom you liked.. So why you lied?” I asked.

“ Harleen , It’s not important whom I loved or love…” Arjun replied …

“ You love her? …” I asked with full curiosity …

He nodded “ We are friends and how can I break Aaliya’s heart, after knowing all this... Nia is Ayaz’s gf… and that’s true.. and Aaliya loves me … that too…”

 I nodded but still confused … May be he had done all this to save our friendship… Ya, that’s true!

I tried to forget everything that happened the previous night… and for that, I opened my laptop … search for Ranbir Arora.

I found his facebook , twitter and a blog. One by one I opened all and commented like “ Worst Book” , “ No story” , “ Only Time consuming” , “ Title Cheater” , “ Senseless writing…” and etc…

I was having fun in writing all such comments… 

After somedays or lot of days , IIM results were declared and I was selected for IIMA … that was for sure . After all I’m genius …

CHAPTER 4

The collage was super cool , just the same as shown in 2 states. I loved the buildings … They were so good and library was also… I was so excited for my IIMA career…

“ Dude, She is so irritating!” I heard somebody talking to his friends, he was quiet fair and handsome… 

“ Who??... that Commenting girl… What’s her name?” one of his two friends asked…

“ Her name is Harleen …. Yes, Harleen Chopra” the fairer boy replied…

I went towards them and asked the fairer boy to come out as I wanted to talk to him. “ So are you Ranbir Arora?” I asked… “ Yes , U r my fan right?” I asked … “ Your fan??... Have you lost it?” I pointed towards his head… “ You are Harleen?” He asked. “ Offcourse , I’m” I said angrily. I was so angry and just wanted to kick him for writing such a bad or worst novel ever.

“ So what’s your problem?” He asked as his friends stared at us.

“ Your bloody book… How can you write such a bad book . It got no sense at all… I wasted my whole night in reading your book… which is seriously a bull…” I explained… “ Stop!!...”  He interrupted… and moved further…

I made some friends the first day and that include 2 boys who were actually Ranbir’s friends too… I make them friends because of some boring lectures as I sat between them . Also , I found some cool girls and a hot one , whom I made my friends. So , that means my first day was osm! But the main problem was Ranbir as that two boys were Ranbir’s friends too and that hot girl was one of Ranbir’s friend’s girlfriend. 

At night, 

When I was exploring the campus. I collided with Ranbir who was also exploring the campus.  

“ You again!!” He said . I nodded , sympathizing with him. “ Can we walk together?” I asked…  Till today I don’t know why I asked him this bloody question . And afterwards we walked together . “ So …”  I said as to change the mood . “ So, You want to ask I’m having a gf or not?”  he said.

“ What??... I didn’t” I replied… “ Well , I don’t have any girl friend” He said. “  Isn’t that great!” I said while smiling … “ You want to propose me?” He asked… “ No, I have a b…” I stopped . “ A boyfriend!” he completed… “ No .. Why are we talking about all this? Let’s be friends … I’m so sorry for everything” I offered my hand for hand shake .

“Today, you were fighting with me and now handshake” He said in a confused state of mind…

“My father… He called me… He also read your novel… and the best thing is that He liked your novel… He said that novel is like a true love story without  using lust or fuck…” I explained…

“ Seriously ?” He asked…

“ Yes, and you know what I deleted all the comments and right now apologizing  you…” I further said…

“ No I mean your father read that?” He asked…

“ Yes… He’s a part time writer… for a news paper and the topic was like about young stories of young writers … I mean Indian writers.. So from the past 1 month , he was researching on it … and now when I called him he said those line…”  I explained… “ And after that I founded my mistake and tried to understand your novel once again . So, I read quite a little once again… and I got to know that…. That’s your own real story…” I added further…

And for a second , I don’t know what happened that He hugged me… I was numb . “ Are you Okay??...” I asked.

“ Ya, sorry…” He apologized… 

“ Fine…” I replied and then, I was in a confused state of mind…

“ Let’s walk” I offered…

Next Day,

  I saw Ranbir moving alone. So, I decided to company him… So , I went towards him , shouting “ Ranbir!! Ranbir!!” . He finally stopped and asked me about my dad’s phone number.  I was seriously shocked when he asked me dad’s number but then I gave him , without asking him any question. “ So, He is what?” he asked. I was totally confused,  what  was he asking about. “ I mean His profession” he added , after seeing my confused face. “ oh…” I smiled “ He’s a doctor.” I added. “ Okay, at what time he will be free?” he asked. “ Evening…. the best time” I replied. “ Here comes the class, ladies first” he said with totally soft voice. I was again shocked as he made space for me to go inside. “ Thanks…” I smiled. The lecture was totally boring . 

After the so boring class… we had our other but interesting classes .

At mess ( same day),

“ Hey, your father he’s so good… I mean I read his article … Oh my god! That was so so good… He is champ…” Ranbir said with full excitement and I had na idea about those lines . “ Kya kiya dad ne?” I asked with full curiosity. “ His article … great” he handed me dad’s article which was on Indian writings and changes . “ Oh Thaz..” I smiled. “ Wait… how did you know his name?” I asked. 

“ Yesterday, you were talking about such a topic and the writers surname matched with yours . So, I thought” He replied .  And then, he had our meals and back to lectures .

Same night,

My phone ranged with an unknown number . I picked up the phone… Somebody shouted seriously with full madness “ He is superb!!” . “ Who’s this?” I asked… “ Yaar, Ranbir” he replied. “ Who is superb?” I asked. “ Your father… you know what we chatted for 1 hour … and you know what…” I interrupted “ what?...” . “ We are writing novel together…” he screamed. “ Great! But you know what . It’s 12 clock so, let me go to sleep… we’ll talk tomorrow” I said .  “ Cool… good night!” He greeted and hung up the phone. 

More than me, Dad enjoyed talking to Ranbir. In just 2 months , they became very very good friends and that all was so unbelievable for me . 

                        3 months after…. 

CHAPTER 5

 I opened my facebook account and founded a video which shocked me… I was numb after watching that… I started ignoring everybody even my dad too… That particular moment broke me… And I became a matter for discussion among  Ranbir and my Dad as, I ignored both of them .

After 2 weeks and 3 days,

I was sitting alone in the room , and quite silent also . Somebody knocked the door of my room and he was Ranbir.  Without my permission , he entered my room and sat on the chair beside my bed. 

“ So what’s the problem?” He asked as if he was dating me.

“ Nothing??...” I replied…

“ Are you jealous of me that  I am talking to your father ?” he asked…

“ Your novel… and dad’s… how’s that going?” I asked as to change the topic.

“Are you jealous?” he asked again.

“ No… not at all…” I replied and was trying to hold my tears…

“ Then , Why are you ignoring us?” He asked , being tensed about me.

My tears started flowing … I was unable to hold them…

“ Breakup??...” He asked while sympathizing with my condition.

“ He’s dead…” I replied… and started crying….

“ Your boyfriend?..” he asked…

“ Yes… he died past 2 weeks…” I replied while crying…

CHAPTER  6

 3 MONTHS LATER... VACATION TIME

AT AIRPORT


"What!!?? Where are you going??" I asked Ranbir

"I'm coming with you" He replied

"Coming with me... Huh!!??... What does that mean?" I asked again...

"Look... It's an straight reply... I'm coming with you... Your dad has invited me for an dinner party at your house... " He smiled as he said the last word "YOUR HOUSE"

"Ohh... FINE" He sat beside me in the flight.

It took us almost 11 hrs to reach Banglore from Ahmedabad. There was nobody at the airport to pick us. So, we took a cab. We reached my house within 45 minutes. The time was almost 9 PM .

I saw Kiara in the garden shouting at somebody on call. Ranbir looked at her with an disgust look. I felt like, he wanted to go after looking at Kiara's misbehavior on call.

We walked inside the house without looking and greeting Kiara. Dad welcomed me and Ranbir.

"Hello... my children" Dad greeted  with full enthauism.

I wonder, when does Ranbir became my brother!!?

We hugged my dad at the same time. My mother was busy in the Kitchen as she was preparing chicken for us. I walked to my room, leaving Ranbir with Dad. Dad showed Ranbir, the GUEST room.


After half an hour later...
At the dinning table...

Dad introduced Ranbir to Kiara and my mother. My mother asked Ranbir all the basic questions that one would expect an to be mother- in- law asking her to be son- in - law.

Kiara was constantly staring at Ranbir and Ranbir did noticed that.

Same night, In Garden

Ranbir screamed after being threaten by Tomo, my pet puppy. I laughed and Ranbir looked angrily at me.

"Oh, I m sorry" I apologized and laughed again.

"What's his name?" He asked

"Tomo" I replied

"Tomo... Lets be friends..." He asked Tomo. I laughed again. I took Tomo towards Ranbir, and they were friends afterwards.

"Hmm... u were laughing" Ranbir was angry with me... I laughed again.

"Relax! You and Tomo are friends now... " I replied.

We sat on the grass...

"Harleen... Can I ask you something... I wanted to ask you, but I was scared about how will you react... So... I wanted to know about your Boyfriend" Ranbir asked

"Hmm... He was a 7 year old boy...(I smiled) I met him at my father's hospital. He was in oncogenic department... CANCER... He was leukemic... Last year, his parents took him to Australia for better treatment... But he couldn't survive... He died..." I explained

"Ohh... I m sorry... I thought you had an Boyfriend... like... your level sort of"

"Hmm... He didn't told me his name... nor anybody in hospital knows his name... we used to call each other, boyfriend- girlfriend..." I smiled

Ranbir was silent. We looked at Tomo who was playing with a ball. We looked at the sky, but didn't talked...

CHAPTER 7

Next day, on dinning table...

"Where's Ranbir" Kiara inquired.

"He's getting ready" I replied.

"So, he's going today??..." Kiara asked

"No... we are going... we are going for a one day Banglore Trip... sort of " I replied

"Ohh... Here's Ranbir" Kiara jumped in excitement .

"Good Morning Ranbir" Kiara greeted Ranbir.

"Good Morning Di " Ranbir replied

I laughed, interrupted by my mother...

"Ranbir beta... sit" My mother pulled chair for Ranbir...

"Good Morning Aunty" Ranbir wished

"So, Ranbir what's your plan for today??" Kiara asked

"I told you Di... we are going to explore the city" I replied

"Hmm" 

"Ranbir you know what... Harleen prepared the breakfast today" Mom said while serving paranthas to us... I looked at my mother... Ranbir looked at me, I nodded and smiled.

"Ohh... Harleen prepared the food!! " Ranbir smiled at me...

I nodded my head in disagreement because I haven't prepared the food. He was also aware of the fact that I'm very bad at all such house works...

I went to Kitchen after having my breakfast, and Mom was still working in the Kitchen

"What was that??" I asked my mom like an CID officer.

"Any Problem" She asked 

"Ya... What's going on in your mind... "I asked again being suspicious

"Beta... He's a good boy" Mom replied

"I know... But" 

Mom interrupted "But... But... what??... "

"Mom... he is... He is.... Tamil..." I whispered...

"Ohh... Really" Mom was almost shocked because she is an typical punjabi... caste based mother...

I nodded and left the Kitchen while laughing...

We (Ranbir and I) left the house and reached Cubbon park after having our coffee at CCD.

So,Cubbon Park is a landmark 'lung' area of the Bengaluru city, located within the heart of city in the Central Administrative Area.

"Ranbir... Listen you need to stay away from my mom" I said

"What...Nooo... What are  you talking... Your father is good, I can't take his place.... Ohh.. Nooo..." He replied like an innocent boy.

"Really!! PAPA... SHUT UP!! " I looked angrily at him and then we laughed.

"Okay, what do you mean by that??" He asked

"Listen... I think... Mom wants something between you... I hope you are understanding... We are friends, RIGHT!! And I think my mother thinks seriously about you... So, you need to handle this now" I explained

"Why??... Why can't we stay together!!???..." He asked

I looked suspiciously at him and he started laughing 

"I was joking... I understand... Relax... And actually let your mom think... we know our limits... so that's fine" He added

And we smiled at each other followed by laughing together.

"My mother is such a typical Indian mother... And I hate this... Why can't she think anything expect marriage... I mean like... A boy and a girl can be friends... RIGHT... They can be enemies too... You are my friend from the past 6 months, You had a good conversation with my dad... Oops... CONVERSATIONS... I know, you guys talk so much... And she takes it in this way... It's ridiculous "

After Cubbon Park, we visited Lal Bagh and Bannerghatta National Park. 
It was about 7 pm when we reached my house. 

"Ranbir... (I smiled) you know what to do!! " I smiled before pressing the door bell. He smiled back and we stepped inside the house.

Few guests were sitting in the drawing room and they were literally STARING at us, which probably made us uncomfortable. So, the guest includes a not so fair and tall boy, a fat aunt , a very old and antique aunt and a mustache uncle. Kiara was in the Kitchen with some snacks that mom was preparing and Kiara was eating, which she was not supposed to do.

So, basically THIS IS "THE DINNER PARTY" for which RANBIR was invited and I had no clue about it. 

CHAPTER 8

"Mom... Who all are sitting in the drawing room... " I asked after snatching THE SNACK from Kiara's plate. Ranbir looked at us, totally amused. I looked at him and then, my mother looked at both of us... smiling at each other. 

"They are Kiara's to be in- laws" Mom replied. I looked at Kiara and said "What??... Nobody told me... this is bad..." 

"Ranbir beta, you can join them" Mom said and basically, she ordered Ranbir to get out of the Kitchen. But she ordered Ranbir in a quite peaceful manner.

"Mom... Kiara's wedding!! I'm shocked... " I said

"You go... and join them" Mom ordered me, and this time rudely

I left the Kitchen and found Ranbir talking to that 'old and antique' aunt. I entered the drawing room and dad introduced me to everyone sitting there, I passed a very bad smile to everybody especially to that 'not so fair and tall' boy. Kiara entered the room after 10 minutes with those SNACKS in plates , basically to serve her future in- laws. I was smiling all time...  And was constantly staring at the future COUPLE, who are definitely going to look DISASTER together. But, since the family was quite RICH, so Kiara can manage this disaster. 

After a lot of non- stop conversation. Finally, the FUTURE DISASTERS went outside to have some personal talk together. I wanted to go there, I wanted to listen their conversation but I was stuck in the middle of that 'old & antique' aunt and Ranbir.

"So, Ranbir tell us something about you? " fat aunt asked

I looked at Ranbir and mom answered " He is Harleen's friend in IIMA...( she stressed that word, IIMA to show my superiority ) He is a Madrasi Author"

WHAT THE HELL!! HE IS ONLY AN AUTHOR... WHAT'S MADRASI AUTHOR??... So, basically my mother said those words, to tell everybody HOW MUCH SHE IS DISSAPOINTED, AFTER KNOWING THAT HARLEEN GOT AN TAMIL FRIEND( He was not Tamil, He is punjabi like us) And also, HOW CAN I (mom) CALL HIM BETA!!...

TYPICAL MOTHER... 😩😩😩

"He is not TAMIL... He's Punjabi... RANBIR ARORA" Dad told the whole assembly and my mother realized that I lied to her.

Mom looked at me, and I looked at the wall in front on me, in order to avoid any eye contact with my mother.

"Harleen come with me " My mother ordered me, very rudely but was smiling in order to have an good impression on the guests. I looked at Ranbir, "I'm gone!! " I whispered .

We ( Me and my mom) went inside my room.

"U lied!!" She said these words in an typical INDIAN mother tone, folding her fingers and putting her hand on her waist.

"M I a fool" She added and I nodded. And then realized, nodding was a wrong idea. Although, personally I feel... She's really a FOOL...

"NO... Who told you that???...You are not a FOOL " I replied and suddenly, the angel BETA boy interrupted "Kiara and Ganak are back"

I laughed at that Last word GANAK

"What's that??... GANAK!!???... That boy, his name is GANAK... This is HORRIBLE" I laughed a lot after listening to the name of that boy...

"No... His name is Parth..." Mom interrupted

"Ohh... His granny calls him Ganak, I guess" Ranbir said , after making an innocent 5 year old boy face...

I laughed... I laughed a lot...

"By the way, you know what's GANAK??..." I asked Ranbir

"Hmm... MATHEMATICIAN... I guess" Ranbir answered

I nodded...

So, Basically Kiara and Parth are going to get engaged one and half month later...

CHAPTER 9

Next day, We took a flight from Banglore to Mumbai . It took us about one and half hour to reach Mumbai (Ranbir's Hometown).

We reached a nearby CCD ( We are addicted to ccd) and waited there for half an hour for our other friends.

So, basically a group of students form our class are planning a 1 week trip and we have decided to meet in Mumbai to decide more about our plan. 

While waiting....

"So, Ranbir... you live here... Am I right!!???..." I asked Ranbir while having my Cold coffee.

He nodded.

"So, shall we go to your place... I can meet your parents too" I added 

"Hmm... Its not like that Harleen... My parents don't live here... " He answered

"Ohh..." I looked at Ranbir and smiled 

"Ya... They live in London... and I'm here..." 

"Ohh... So, Ranbir... Tell me are your parents going to like me??...." I asked

Ranbir was confused. I looked at him and smiled like an 5 year old innocent girl.

"Ohh... I got it... U r teasing me.. Right!!..." 

"Yup" I nodded and we laughed.

___________________________________________________________

Aisha, Mahi , Harshad , Karan , Rohan and Shruti joined us.

" Hey, guys SORRY for being an hour late" Harshad interrupted our ( Ranbir and I ) laughing session.

We looked at Harshad and said " It's Alright " together.

"So, guys... What's the plan???..." Aisha asked

"Hmm... Guys... GOA!! " Karan jumped over the sofa being very excited...

"No..." Shruti made an creepy face

"Okay... Okay..." Ranbir helped Shruti to calm down

"Guys... Manali" Harshad said

"No... Rajasthan" I said interrupting Harshad

Ranbir nodded and everybody looked at him...

"What???..." Ranbir asked

"Rajasthan... bad idea... tan skin... very bad" Aisha almost yelled at my idea

"Guys... plz... Rajasthan... Camel, lakes and palaces..." I tried to convince them...

So, we discussed for about 2 hrs and finally ended with a fight...

Ranbir and I were in the same team... Aisha , Karan and Mahi were in other team... And Shruti and Harshad were nowhere and Rohan left to explore Mumbai in middle of our conversation.

ACT 2

ONE AND HALF MONTH LATER... AT KIARA'S WEDDING...

"Kiara, We need to talk" I almost screamed as I entered Kiara's room.

"Okay, we will... I need to take a shower first"

"No... Pre Shower... Rightnow... Can't talk here... lot of Rush... plz..." I requested

She nodded

"So, meet me... at nearby CCD in 10 min..." I left the room



10 min later... At CCD

"Okay, So we need to talk... like what... about what!!???..." Kiara asked while ordering her favorite CAFE FRAPPE 

"Ya... thanks for coming" I replied with a pleased smile

"Hmm... So... It's about Ranbir RIGHT!!??" She looked suspicious

"Ya... It's about Ranbir" I nodded

"Don't tell me... Harleen... Do you love him... NOoooo.... Although, he is quiet SMART.... CUTE... " She literally said those words LOVE .... NOOOO....

"Noooo.... We had a flight... A one month long fight"

"Oops... tell me... everything... you went for a TRIP Right!!???.... What happened... He kissed you.... Noooo... That's WRONG... " I wonder she was talking to herself only, making her own rubbish stories...

"Ya... Nothing was like that... Listen to me now... stop making stories of your own... Okay... Be CALM and Listen now... I'm going to tell you everything from STARTING... Ya... we had a RAJASTHAN TRIP, a month ago... Let me explain you everything" I explained

She nodded and sat as if she was very curious to know about our fight...
And I started...

CHAPTER 9

One and Half month ago... After CCD meeting... Next Day,

It was 5 a.m. when my phone rangged. He was Ranbir. I picked up the phone.

"Come fast.... we are going.... Udaipur... I'm waiting for you at your hotel's reception " He told me and shocked me at the same time.

"What??..." I was about to ask him but he disconnected the call. I went downstairs and found Ranbir waiting for me at Hotel's reception with his travel backpack.

"What's going onn!! Ranbir??..." I asked

"We are going... Udaipur... will tell you later... we need to check in at the airport within 30 minutes... So, go and get your bag fast..." He almost ordered me without knowing my wish.

I nodded and left to pack my bag. We reached the airport within 10 minutes. Bombay roads were literally silent,

"Why are we going like this?? Huh???..." I was very curious to know his answer... 

"This probably is a WRONG idea" I added and waited for his answer....

"No... probably the BEST idea" He almost yelled...

"Why??? Tell me first" I asked this same question for like more than 10 times on our way to airport 

"You, Trust me... RIGHT!!???... I'll tell you everything but you need to wait first..."

"And believe me... It's going to be safe" He added after taking a long 3 second breath. I nodded.

We reached Udaipur within one and half hour. Believe me, Udaipur is so beautiful with lakes, forts and lots of history...

We took a cab. Ranbir told the driver to drop us at Fateh Sagar Lake... It took us half an hour to reach there... 

I wonder... WHY???... We need to find a place to stay rather than visiting a LAKE 

"What are we doing here... Ranbir???" I was very curious and this time 'impatient' also.

"Okay... So, we are here to attend a WEDDING" He finally spoke something

"Wedding!! What??... Who's WEDDING!!??" 

"Hmm... Basically, she is no one... but my first love" 

I wonder, why he was giving me shocks... right from 5 clock...

"Are you INSANE!!???... Why???... This is troubling me now..." I yelled like hell.

"Ya, I can understand " He smiled

"Let's go... Don't tell me... We are here to attend her marriage" I looked at him being suspicious...

"Ya... Off course... Like I mentioned this one earlier also..." He again smiled...

"NO...." I again shouted like HELL...

"I'm not coming..." I added

"Please... I plead..." He looked at me being so innocent that I can't even helped myself to say "No..." again...

"So, Tell me... Why?? What's about her... your love story and all that stuff" I asked

"Hmm.... So basically, I fall in Love with her in my 5th standard... We were classmates as well as neighbors... And then, I never told her anything... And that's it" He again smiled like an innocent 5 year old boy...

"Wow!! That's it!!??? What LOVE???  5 saal ka baacha love karega ab... Huh!!???..."

"5th standard... I said" He interrupted me to correct saal and standard

"No... but why??... There are chances that she might not know you now"

"Ya... I do think so... I left the school in 6th standard and we never met again"

"Ya... So, why are we going now??" I asked being very polite this time...

"Jealously..." He replied

"Are you Jealous???" I asked being suspicious

"No... not me... But she'll get jealous after looking at us... She missed a man like me for being her life partner"

I looked at him... I wonder... He was probably joking... But unfortunately He was not...

"Wait!!... U never told her that you like her... So, why she will be jealous... Are you MAD or what??? Huhhh?????"

He smiled once again...

"FINE... Let's go..." I said

"This is going to be really FUN" He almost jump with excitement.

We took another cab and reached TAJ LAKE PALACE, THE WEDDING VENUE... RICH PEOPLES u know...

It almost took us 25 minutes to reach there...

So, when we reached the hotel , A bunch of 3 boys were already waiting on the main entrance to receive Ranbir. One of them was wearing a Grey Kurta , he was Yash, he's the Bride's younger brother and the other two were twining in blue shirts with different tones of blue, one of them was Rohit, Ranbir's childhood friend and the other one was Akash, who was Rohit's friend.

"Hey!! Brother!!" Yash almost yelled with excitement  while hugging Ranbir at the same time.

Ranbir dropped his backpack on my feet. It was hard!!

"Ranbir!!" I yelled while consoling my feet with my hands.

"Ohh!! Look at this young lady!!" Rohit came forward to console me for Ranbir's non- sense act.

"Hi!! I'm Harleen... Ranbir's friend " I greeted the boys while handling my bags to Ranbir and giving me a ' NOT SO SORRY' look.

Rohit directed me to my room with a garden view in front of it!! It was good!!

"So, do you need anything!! " He asked me in a gentle gesture.

"Well... Umm... Nothing for now... Thank You!!" I replied while unzipping my shoes.

"Okay, Then... Take a rest, I'll see you soon" He smiled and closed the door as he left the room.

After like 1-2 minutes later, I realized I forget my luggage with Ranbir.

I wore my shoes again, left the room to find Ranbir. I almost got lost, but thanks to Rohit again who directed me to Ranbir's room. I entered his room, he was not in him room. But, I found my bags there. I took my bags and left the room.

CHAPTER 10

Same evening,

After resting for a really long time in my room. As I went out, It was already dark outside. I reached to Ranbir's room where he was sitting alone with his laptop open in front of him. His door was half opened. So, I directly entered the room without knocking. Bad manners!! I know!!

"Wow!! This is huge" I got excited after seeing a cpp presentation running on the laptop's screen.

"Hey!! I didn't noticed you... Sorry!! Need any help??" He was surprised seeing me in his room as he was too focused on the programming that was running on the screen.

"What is this Ranbir??" I took the laptop from his hands and sat besides him, looking to the presentation again.

"It's a project I'm secretly working on for like 2 years now... And I'll presenting it to the professors and all at the seminar that is going to held next month in Delhi where all the IIM professors from all over India are gonna come... " he explained.

" Amazing!! I cannot even think about doing such things in my life... I just wanted to be a Marketing Influencer and giving speeches in front of hundreds of random people " I realized what made me share my future plans with Ranbir, I haven't told my father about it.

"Okay!! So, let me not interrupt you then... You carry onn with this project " I added while giving his laptop back.

"What are you gonna do now!! U'll be bored without me" I stands up closing his laptop and putting it on the table.

"No!! Not really!! I'll catch Rohit, his room is next to yours and I'll have some food , I'm dying of hunger." I replied while standing up.

"Don'r get to close to him!! Okay??" He just advised me for the first time ever.

"What are you talking about??" I was confused.

"He's a flirt!!" he emphasized on the last word.

I almost laughed. " Aren't you a flirt?" I smirked at him.

"Perhaps not!! But, I can be if u'll allow me to "  he steps towards me, covering the light falling on my face with his shadow now.

"Really??" I almost pushed him while holding my laugh.

We left the room and entered the main garden area, where some sort of family get together was going on. Everybody was on the grand dining table. Rohit was also sitting there in between two girls... This made me realize about Ranbir calling him flirt.  He waved his hands directing me to catch him up there. I was heading toward him, interrupted by Ranbir "What are you doing??" 

"What do you think am I doing??" I looked suspicious 

"So, now I guess you don't need my company?? Huhh??" He returned my suspicious look back.

"Okay!! Then give Rohit an excuse" I smiled.

He went to Rohit, said something which obviously, I wasn't able to hear as they were far away from me. Ranbir reached me , handling me a glass of wine and we left that dinner place. 

"So, have you met Myra yet ?" I asked 

"No!! Not yet!! I'll see her tomorrow , on her wedding day. " he replied while blushing.

"What on earth made you come here ? " I was enjoying is sweet, gentle gesture towards his old crush's conversation.

"My dad and Myra's dad were friends but my dad left the place but they maintained their friendship. Dad, obviously couldn't make it... like to come here. So, I'm here on his behalf. "

"And why am I here with you ?? " I literally wanted to ask this from a long time now.

"You choosed to come here with me" I smiled.

I was all confused. 

"Okay, So... MS. Harleen go to your room and sleep. We'll be leaving tomorrow after the wedding " 

I'm not sure is this his habit to make plans in advance but tell me at the last moments.

Next day, after Myra's wedding. We left for the airport. He handed my me tickets to Banglore and He'll be going to Bombay. I wonder , what Ranbir gonna do in the remaining days of our vacations. May be he'll catch his old friends there, chill out with them. Or maybe he'll work on his big project all day and watch some movies in the night and sleep with lots of cokes besides him. He's a COKE addict!!

CHAPTER 11

After Vacations,

All students were busy with their studies as we'll be having our first internal from the next week onward  and the exam will continue for 10 days at least.

Ranbir and I almost loosed our contact with each other, expect for the "Lunch and Dinner" time, when we used to sit along having our respective meals. He loves South Indian meals and I stick to my north indian only.

After Exams,

One day suddenly Ranbir's Secret project went out on the College's website. I was sure, it's not him who posted it there cos he planned to unveil it during the seminar in Delhi which is still a week away. 

It was about 5 in the evening, after my last exam was over. I ran towards the boys hostel to see if Ranbir's alright!!

Obviously!! He was not...

I reached to his room, where Kartik, his room mate was standing in front of him and both where grabbing each others collars and a bunch of 10 boys were also surrounding them.

"Look!! Ranbir!! I'm telling you Harleen did this... She has always been jealous to you!! Believe me!! Kartik left Ranbir's collar and came towards me...

"What!! Wtf!! He's lying Ranbir" I was shocked , I felt numb for a moment and then catches Ranbir's eyes. He seemed to be convinced with Kartik as if he's been hearing the same statement for a million times now.

Ranbir steps toward me, grabbing my elbow "Can't believe this Ranbir!! You think he's right?? Disgusting" I pushed him.

"You know, how special this was for me... Leave!! Harleen!! Just Leave!! Otherwise, I'll do something worse" he yelled 

"No Ranbir!! " I touched his cheeks which felt warm against my cold hands.

This time he pushed me hard and ordered me to leave his room.

I felt broken!! I felt Insulted!! I felt awful!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Present day, 

" So this happened" I closed my eyes , took a deep breath and focused on Kiara again.

"Ohh!! I see!!" Kiara trying to understand the situation.

" Do you trust me Kiara??" I asked her

"Of course!! I do!!" she tried to console me.

"Harleen, Why Kartik took your name??" She asked holding me hands to make me feel calm.

" I dont' know" I replied while holding my tears.

"And I don't want to know about it either. I just... I got my admission letter from Havard and I've to leave within 2 weeks" I added

"Oh my goodness!! This is great!!"  she seemed happy.

CHAPTER 11

A small glimpse of chapter 11 and SEASON 2 will start soon... with a new phase with some new characters and some old characters back again... After 4 years Ranbir and Harleen gonna met again. And there will be the introduction of a new character 'Veer'... The story will be set in Goa... And its' going to be a good twist in the plot...

" No Ranbir!! No apologies!!

You insulted me ... You made me feel awful for myself... Cos it took you so long to realize the truth!!

If I'm not worth it!! Worth to be faithful and good...

Then, you too are not worth it!! Worth to be friends with me again"