CHAPTER 11 - WELCOME TO HYD

हमनें दुनिया के तमाम शहर देखे हैं..

पर मेरा शहर तेरी आंखों में बसता है..

DATE - 8 AUGUST 2023

📍JAIPUR

Time - 9pm

~• DHRUV'S POV•~

I was done with my dinner and was packing my bag. I have to catch my flight tomorrow afternoon at 1pm. I will be in Hyderabad around 3.30 pm.  I am so nervous as well as excited at the same time.

"Garv, make sure you complete your assignments and have your meals on time", I ordered as I know my friend very well.

"Dhruv, you have your flight tomorrow afternoon. And I will be there to wish you a happy journey " he replied , hugging me tightly.

It is the first time I am travelling so far without him. We have been together for all our life and I will be alone for the next few days.I wasn't able to hide my emotions.

"Dhruv, I know you are going to your sasural but that doesn't mean you will cry" he teased looking at my face and wiping my tears.

"Tu kabhi nahi sudhrega " I said , giving him a light punch on his stomach.

(You won't change)

He opened his cupboard and gave me chocolate boxes for the Shaktawat sisters.

I was making a plan to tease him but he started explaining himself "Before you start assuming, it's from my sister, Sanjana for them."

I called my parents to inform them everything, i. e my schedule for the next  4 days.

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THE NEXT DAY

I left for the airport along with Garv in the cab. The  airport is 30 mins away. We were on our way when I received call from

Rainbow 🌈

I can't let him know that she is the one who is calling me.

I picked it up and by mistake the phone slipped away from my hand and the speaker turned on.

"Hello, Book Magnet. Happy journey".before she could say something else  I cut the call

Garv was laughing like hell. "How cute! You call her Rainbow and she calls you Book magnet. You have her number. Congratulations!! "

I was so embarrassed and looked outside of the window.

"Dhruv, it's OK. Call her and inform her where you are! Maybe she is coming to welcome you at the airport" he suggested ,smiling ear to ear.

Maybe he is right.

I unlocked my phone and texted her that I was on my way and Garv was with me. That's the reason why I hung up the call.

She replied "Hi, I didnt know about this. I am so sorry. Happy Journey. I hope you have Aapsa's number. Maybe he will come to pick you up from airport "

I replied "Thank-you and you should concentrate on your work. See you soon and take care. Don't forget to keep yourself hydrated and eat your lunch "

I know she won't eat her food and will forget to drink water once she turns her work mood on.

We reached the airport.  I hugged Garv and he asked me to keep giving him updates. I am finally going to meet my Rainbow . I am so happy that we will spend two days together, as friends.

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***Time skip***

~•Geet's POV•~

I was running here and there. The event is tomorrow and  we got more than 750+ registrations all over India. I am not anxious because of the two days' events but because of him. He will be coming over here and I will be with him most of the time.

I should control my feelings before they ruin our friendship. I never want  to lose him  as a friend. I am so lucky to have him in my life.There were many instances where I felt so comfortable in his presence which is unexplainable.

Back to work.

We were done with almost 80% of the whole work. I was practicing for Day 2 as I will be anchor and Mohit will be for Day 1.I got a call from Avanti in between and I picked up.

"Hello Geet jija, we are on the way to the airport. We thought of buying bouquets and chocolates for Dhruv. Do you wanna join us? "she asked.

"No.I am not interested. He is your friend. You can do whatever you like. I am a little busy and I will be back home by 6." I replied. And disconnected it.

I don't want to give a hint to anyone that I have known him for the last 3 months.  I texted him that Avanti is coming along with aapsa to pick him up from the airport and don't forget that we are complete strangers to each other.

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***Time skip ***

📍At the Airport (HYDERABAD)

~•Dhruv's POV•~

I collected my bags and was waiting for Mr. Shaktawat and Avanti at gate no. 3 as Rainbow has informed me that they are coming to the airport.

So finally I have reached her city, HYDERABAD. It is so refreshing to be here.At the same time, I can feel butterflies in my stomach.

I got a call from her father and he asked me my exact location. I informed him of all the details. I met him already at Jodhpur two times so he knows how I look.

Suddenly I saw a car stopping in front of me. The back door opened and I saw Kavya with a bouquet.  She came running towards me and raised her hand to give me a high five.

"Mr. Cricketer, welcome to the city of KAVYAPRIYA KANWAR SHAKTAWAT" she welcomed and handed me a bouquet and I saw Avanti coming behind her.

"Hi, Dhruv. I hope you had a good journey . And I extend my sweet welcome to you in our city" saying that she gave me a box of chocolates.

I must say no one can beat THE SHAKTAWAT  SISTERS when it comes to the art of using  words.

I noticed Mr. Shaktawat walked towards me. I touched his feet to get his blessings. Then, we sat in the car.

Kavya was the passenger seat princess while Avanti and I were sitting back.

We were on our way home. I informed my parents and Garv that I have reached and all other details which they asked me.

I was looking outside of the window and thought I should inform her as well.

I opened the text and typed,

"I am in your city, Rainbow. Hope to meet you soon. "

I heard her father asking me something,

"Dhruv , aapko konse event jaana hai, aur konsi college mai? "

(Which event are you attending and what is the name of the college?)

I should act like I don't know that she studies in that college where I will be attending it.

"VSR SCHOOL OF COMMERCE" I replied .

"Ye geet jija ki college hai, aap kya Conclave ke liye aaye ho kya"Kavya asked, turning her head back looking at me.

(It's Geet's college.  Are you attending the conclave?)

"Acha, muje nahi pata tha ki aapki beti waha pdte hai" I said , trying to act surprised as if I was not aware about this.

(Oh, I never knew your daughter studies there)

"Yes, she is the head coordinator . That's the reason she didn't come along with us.She is busy with the prep " informed Avanti

"Mr. Cricketer, aapko ek baat batau.Geet jija ka gussa volcano ko bhi competition de de. So bachke rehna. And haan woh pata nhi kese ready ho gaye aapko room dene ke liye. " saying this she chuckled.

(Mr. Cricketer, Let me tell you one thing. Geet 's anger is enough to give competition to volcano And yes , I can't believe how she agreed to give you her room for stay)

I was sitting with a straight face but my heart was smiling on hearing this from her sister.

"Kavya beta, woh hamare guest hai. Aise nahi bolte. Geetanjali tumhare baare mai aisa bolti hai, nahi na. ? Dhruv  kavya ki baaton ko seriously mat lena. Meri geet dil ki saaf hai. Woh gussa karegi par agar saamne wala sahi ho toh uske liye kuch bhi kar sakti hai." Mr. Shaktawat proudly informed me and I was feeling proud as well.

(Kavya child, he is our guest. You shouldn't talk like that. Does geetanjali talk about you in this manner? no? Dhruv, don't take her words seriously. My geet has a pure heart. She does get angry but if the person is loyal, then she can do anything for them.)

At Shaktawat House.

Her father dropped us at the entrance gate of the society as he got a call from his hotel . He was feeling bad for leaving us at the gate but

I told him to not feel bad about it.We reached the 3rd floor through the lift.

The lesser the distance , the more nervous I was . Avanti rang the bell.Her mother opened the door along with pooja thali. I know her because I have seen the photos uploaded on her profile and status.

I touched her feet and got her blessings. She welcomed me and asked me to freshen up.

It was around 5.30pm.we all were sitting in the living room and  chit chatting. I had my evening snacks.

I checked my phone and there was no reply from her. Maybe she is busy with her work.

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***Time skip ***

~•Geet 's POV •~

It's almost 7pm. I informed Avantika that I will be late and also investigated what has happened till now . I  reached my entrance gate and I was so so so so nervous. How am I going to face him?  I have already shifted my important stuff to my sister's room.

I took a deep breath and checked my clothes and hair. It is fine I guess. I opened the door and  my heart dropped a beat as soon as I heard his voice.  He was talking to Kavya I guess.

I removed my shoes and took a deep breath again. And walked as if I didn't know him.  I entered my living room and he was sitting in the sofa along with Kavya helping  to complete her homework.  Avanti and mumma was in kitchen, I guess .

Suddenly, he looked at me and we made mere seconds  of eye contact. My heartbeat was racing and I could feel a whole zoo in my stomach.

~•Dhruv's POV •~

I was helping Kavya with her homework and  I sensed someone entering the living room. I looked on the other side and I saw my rainbow looking at me.

It felt like the world had stopped and we were the ones who were able to feel each other  even without touching .We made an eye contact and suddenly she looked away.I can see through her eyes what was going on in her mind.

Her mother came out of the kitchen and introduced us to each other.  She came little forward and joined her hands, "Khamma Ghani, mai Geetanjali,Kavya aur Avanti ki behen. Sorry mujhe kuch kaam tha so mai nahi aa pai lene aapko. "

(Myself, Geetanjali, sister of Avanti and Kavya. Sorry I was caught with some work so I couldn't come to pick you.)

Wow, she acted so well now. Her voice is more melodious than I heard on the phone call. In jodhpur i wasn't able to hear it clearly.

"Khamma Ghani,...... mai Dhruv . Nice to meet you"

O God,  I was  struggling while greeting her.

She gave me a little smile and went inside the room. Uff, how difficult it is to act like strangers. Wish I could meet her as a Book magnet.

~•Geet's POV •~

I was not able to control myself so I rushed to Avanti's room. I closed the door and went to wash my face.

Geet, how will you handle yourself for the next three days,if you keep getting nervous . First of all, I need to change my clothes. I opened the cupboard and I decided to wear a night dress.

Dinner time

I was in Avanti's room . I may act from the outside for everyone that I am not at all interested but deep down I want to talk to him.

I don't know how I will be able to face him on the dining table.

I went to the kitchen and helped in arranging the dining table.  Aapsa was back home and Kavya was already sitting on the chair.  Mumma asked me to call him.

Why me??  I went to my room and the door was opened. I peeked a little and scanned what he was doing. He was talking to someone on the phone. I should inform that dinner is ready.

"Excuse me, I mean… . Woh,... " I wasn't able to make a proper sentence when he noticed me in the room.

He walked towards me, ending the call and looked into my eyes and said calming me down

"Please, don't be nervous. Tell me. What happened?"

I was not able to speak anything as soon as my eyes met his. I could feel a different sensation in my body.  But I  broke  the eye contact and informed him the dinner was ready.

We were at the dining table. He sat on the chair opposite of mine. I was trying my best to not be bothered due to his presence. Aapsa informed me that he is attending the conclave at my college.

I behaved as if I just got to know now. Well, kudos to my acting skills. My family was talking with him about his life in Jaipur, what his interests are . I knew all the answers already.

He was the first  to complete the dinner among us and he went inside .  After a while , he came with some boxes.

"Kavya and Avanti ye dono aapke liye meri taraf se aur ye wali aapke sanjana Bhabisa ne bheji hai "  he handed over them boxes of chocolates.

(Kavya and Avanti this is for you both from me. And these one are from you sister in law)

Wait a minute,  he didn't bring anything  for me. He is staying in my room and there is no gift or even a chocolate. Mr. Deora, just wait and watch.

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Time 11pm

📍Geet's Room

~•Dhruv's POV•~

It has been more than 6 hours since I came here. But I didn't get a chance to talk to her properly. I know she must be wondering why I haven't bought anything for her. But I can't give it  in front of everyone.

I can feel her warmth on her bed as well as fragrance in her room. I have never ever thought in my dreams that one day I will be staying in her room. I wish we were together. . She is in Avanti's room which is on the left side of this room.

I have texted her but she hasn't replied yet.  Her room is so beautiful, the way it is arranged. She has often mentioned about the window during her chat . I got up and looked outside of the window and I could see the crescent shining in the sky.

I was not able to sleep so I thought I would get some fresh air from the balcony. I opened the room door and noticed Avanti's room was closed. I guess everyone has slept till now. The time was 11.30pm

The balcony is outside of the living room . Her and Avanti's room is in the backward portion of the house. If you walk further,  you will see the kitchen and opposite to it, there is a temple room.

If you walk a little further, you will reach a large living room. So basically her parents and kavya room is in the front portion of the flat. I reached the living room and I noticed someone sleeping on the sofa.

I was not able to see who she was from the sisters as she was facing towards the wall.

I went nearer and she is Rainbow.

She looks like an innocent baby while sleeping and I realized half of her blanket fell on the ground. I tried to pick it up and I noticed she was half awake.

She waked up and sat on the sofa

"Have you not slept?" and she asked me to sit nearby.

"No, actually I don't know why I am not able to sleep today!" saying this we were silent.

I could feel the silence between us. She was looking on the opposite side Instead of me. Her hair was half opened and she was trying to tie it into a bun. . I was admiring  and I couldn't believe that she was sitting next to me.

The lights were dim in the room and that made it more special. Dhruv talk, you got this chance. Don't miss it.

"Rainbow"

"Hmm" she replied, looking at me.

"Are you happy? That I am here "I asked slowly so no one could hear us.

She nodded.  My goodness, I can't believe she is the same girl who warns me over the text to break my teeth and now she is responding with her head movements.

I know she was nervous .  I moved a little closer to her.  Her eyes widened when she noticed me reducing the distance between us.

" I think we should stay a little away so that my family doesn't grow suspicious that we know each other already," she said, moving a little away from me.

"But rainbow , everyone is asleep. At Least we could talk a while .For the next two days we will be busy with the event .'' I asked her with a puppy face.

She smiled looking at me and I smiled back .

"Are you not comfortable sleeping in my room? " She asked ,giving  a pillow.

"I don't know. I am nervous but at the same time let's hope that event goes smoothly "I said, crossing my fingers.

"BTW you were sleeping in Avanti's room ,right? "  I continued , noticing her warming her hands in the blanket.

"Actually , I was not able to sleep over there. I have a habit of sleeping in my bed. But don't worry  I will manage it ."

I asked about the conclave preparation and she was explaining and at the same told me what participants are expected  to do. It's not a competition, it is more of an event or meeting.

"Why have you kept your hands in the blanket?" I asked, pointing at the blanket.

" Whenever I feel nervous, my hands get cold, that's the reason," she said, giving a slight smile and looking at me.

Dhruv, how would you stop yourself falling for her? She is so beautiful in and out. Her dad is right, she has a pure heart. I can't hurt her by my actions. I will be loyal to her. She never admitted it but I know she has trust issues . That's the reason she didn't talk about her life before. But now she is telling something about herself.

"Even  my hands turn cold whenever I get nervous," I informed her.

"What do you do for this ? " She asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Garv would hold my hand and I am missing him now. If he was here, he would have done this remedy to warm my hands "I replied because even my hands were as cold as ice.

"Better wrap your hands in the blanket and you should sleep now, " she said showing her phone , the time was 1 am.

"If you are not comfortable here. You can shift in your room." I asked her as I don't want her to disturb her sleep.

"Don't worry about me, we have to reach there by 8am. Make sure you wake up early " she ordered.

"As You say Ma'am, good night" and I went inside the room.

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VOTE TARGET - 20??

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We are family of 200+ on instagram and here is the bonus chapter for you as a token of appreciation.

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You can follow me on instagram @avinaphile for more updates and spoilers.

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Hope you enjoy reading it and don't forget to vote and comment down below.

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Take care and lots of love ❤

See you soon in the next chapter

Avina,

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THANK-YOU FOR READING 🌼🎊🐣