38) I wanna get drunk tonight

Is this the chapter you've been waiting for?

AHAHHAHAHAA.

Have fun reading, you little greedy angels. 🥹

Kiara's POV

"Come on, woman." I heard his vexed voice as I rolled my eyes and slipped into the sundress. "I've been waiting for ages now."

"It was your fault." I called out loudly so that Arjun could hear me through the closed door of the bedroom. "You didn't wake me up on time."

"I tried to wake you up five times before you snapped at me, mumbling that you wanted to complete your date with Chris Hemsworth and slept again."

My hands stilled on the comb and I smiled sheepishly although he couldn't see me.

Well, it was a nice dream.

"You can come in now." I told him, tying my hair in a ponytail and smoothening the crease on my dress.

The door opened and Arjun stood on the threshold, a stoic look on his face. "Took you long enough."

"I was getting ready." I shrugged.

"For the past forty-five minutes?"

I looked at him for a long moment. "Yes."

Nope. I got distracted and pretended to be Selena Gomez, lip-syncing to her songs and dancing around the bathtub.

And let me tell you, it was a Grammy worthy performance.

He leaned against the doorframe, his hands in his pockets. "You know, I can clearly tell when you are lying."

The tip of my ears turned red and my face turned hot as I avoided his eyes. "I'm...not lying." My voice cracked in the last, a habit I've acquired whenever I got nervous.

He hummed along, his lips curving in that damned smirk that clearly screamed he had caught my lie.

"I thought we were getting late?" I snapped lightly and tried to walk past him but he held my wrist in a firm but gentle grip.

Standing upright, he pulled me towards him and his eyes darted between my own, his face softening as he asked me. "Did you sleep well?"

Last night, he had let me sleep in the bedroom and took the couch himself. I was still shaken up from the text incident and when Arjun awkwardly asked me if I wanted to talk about it, I shook my head in a timid 'no'. I was scared to fall asleep, dreading the nightmares that would follow once I closed my eyes.

"I managed." I answered him, an audible sigh leaving my lips. The bags under my eyes were a clear indication of my condition.

Pressing his lips in a thin line, Arjun nodded at me and I averted my eyes from him.

Leaving my wrist, his hand slipped into mine and he entwined our fingers, squeezing lightly. I passed him a small smile and we left the resort.

I did manage to catch a few hours of sleep last night but that one nightmare had me shaking so bad that I had left the room immediately, joining Arjun in the living area and sat on the swing chair beside the glass doors. My gaze had drifted to Arjun who was sleeping soundly on the couch, a child-like innocence reflecting on his face. Bringing my legs closer to my body, I had placed my chin on the top of my knees and stared at him until I couldn't open my eyes anymore.

When I woke up today, I found myself back on the bed, safely tucked under the covers. The small smile on my face had turned into a full-blown smile when I noticed a cup of hot chocolate on the bedside table.

We were supposed to go back to the main island today where John had organized a special meeting and asked both of us to come. We were going back on a motorboat and I was much more relaxed than the last time. Also, Arjun had not-so-politely asked Roger, the guy who owned the boat, to go at a moderate speed and I wanted nothing more than to squeeze him in the tightest hug and never let go for being so considerate.

We climbed in the boat and Arjun was sitting peacefully beside me when I had a sudden urge to prank him. I know I was playing with the Devil here but I needed a distraction very badly so I took my chance. Discreetly, I let my hand wander in the water, shifting to my side and then, when he wasn't paying attention, I splashed some water on his face.

He was caught off-guard as he whipped his head to me, removing his sunglasses in a swift motion, disbelief painted across his face. He remained still for a few seconds, trying to come in terms with what happened while I laughed out loud at his comical expressions.

"Is that how you want to play?"

I was too busy laughing that I didn't notice the infamous Arjun-Singhania-smirk and the next thing I knew was cold water hitting my face. I jolted in my place and ended up swallowing some salty water. Coughing horribly, I rubbed my chest to ease the stinging pain and grimaced at the after-taste in my mouth.

It was my turn to stare at him dumbly while he threw his head back, laughing joyously at my almost-dying state.

"Oh, it is on." Whispering menacingly, I let out a war cry and collecting water in my palms, splurged it on Arjun with all my might.

Now, he wasn't the one to back off, was he?

We had a water fight in the middle of the sea, while Roger stared helplessly, trying to explain, in a terrified voice, how dangerous it was as the boat could tilt anytime if we kept moving too much.

Neither Arjun nor I listened to him and continued what we were doing, his occasional laughs and my loud shrieks the only sounds I could hear, apart from the lapping of water. Only when the boat swayed dangerously to the left and I was sprawled in his lap due to the sudden movement, did we cease our mini-war. But that didn't stop Arjun from flinging water at me for one more time and almost blinding me for the next two minutes.

By the time we were back on the main island, we were completely drenched in water with stupid smiles plastered on our faces.

"Look what you did." I pouted at Arjun as I peered down at my dress which was clinging to my body, my hair wet and a few strands sticking to my face.

"Who started it?" Running a hand through his hair, he swiped the locks back that were falling on his forehead.

"You tempted me to do that."

He snapped his head to me, stunned. "I wasn't even doing anything!

"Exactly!"

We were busy bickering with each other when we came across David who was waiting for us on the shore with a car. Surprise flashed in eyes for a moment when he saw us but he covered it pretty quick with a blank mask that he had learnt from his boss.

Arjun looked at David, then at me and finally at his clothes. "I think we are in need of change of clothes."

"We are getting late, David. Drive fast." Arjun said when we were seated inside the car. David took the order quite seriously and drove like a madman, even putting 'Fast and furious' to shame.

Making a quick stop at the hotel, we changed into fresh clothes, rushing to the meeting where John had invited us.

We reached our destination within 10 minutes and I frowned when I looked around.

"A golf course? Why are we here?"

"That's a very smart question. What could we possibly be doing on a golf course?" Arjun pretended to be thinking hard, tapping his chin. "Dance? Have a picnic? Castrate someone?" He shrugged and I stuck out my tongue at him.

"Hi, Arjun." Susan came towards us smiling and a scowl appeared on my face as she ignored me.

Why was she here?

"It's Mr. Singhania for you, Miss. Diaz." Arjun spoke in a cold voice, a complete contrast to the light, teasing tone that he was using before. "We are on work here and I would prefer if we keep it professional."

The smile vanished from her face as she stared at him, gobsmacked. "I.. I am sorry, s-sir."

You were saying something, honey?

"Where's Mr. Walter?"

"He's waiting for you in the lounge. Please follow me." Her hesitant eyes wandered to me and I wound an arm around Arjun's elbow, smiling sweetly. Too sweetly.

If anyone can hand me goggles right now so that I can walk away from here like a badass.

Arjun didn't seem to mind my action and Susan escorted us inside while I shuffled closer to Arjun.

"Oh, god." I halted in my steps, groaning at the scene in front of me. "Another social gathering."

A small group of people stood nearby, John and Maria among them, chatting and laughing as if a comedy show was going on.

Arjun patted my back sympathetically. "It all comes in a package."

If I had a penny every time I met a new person after marriage, I would be so rich that I would have purchased a year's worth supply of chocolates.

"Arjun!" John exclaimed as we neared them. "Here you are. I was just telling my friends how your father and I used to play golf."

His eyes shifted to me and he nodded with a smile. "Kiara."

I smiled back politely. "Mr. Walter."

"So, what do you say?" His eyes focused back on Arjun. "How about a round a golf?"

Arjun shrugged, not really saying anything.

"Or are you scared?" John challenged and Arjun's eyes snapped to him as he met his smug stare head-on.

Uh-oh.

My eyes darted between the two as Arjun glanced at the club in John's hand and then back at him, flashing his signature smirk. "Sure. Why not?"

"We start in 10 minutes." Smiling arrogantly, John went away and Arjun walked over to the corner where all the equipments were kept, me following him.

"Do you know how to play golf?" I asked as he took out a golf club from the golf kit, inspecting it like an expert.

"Yes." Keeping the club back in its place, he took out another one and turned it around in his hands. "Dad taught me when I was a kid."

"I will cheer for you." His gaze flitted to me and I placed a hand on my heart, maintaining a sincere expression. "As a dutiful wife, it's my responsibility."

He pursed his lips, trying to restrain the smile that was threatening to bloom on his face, his eyes shining in amusement. "I'll be honoured."

"Here. Hold this." He passed me the club and I stared at it fascinated while he wore gloves.

When he was done, I handed him the club as if it was a sword and I was sending him off to war. "Make your wife proud, Mr. Singhania."

Arjun bowed, his dimples teasing me as his lips curved in a boyish smile. "As my lady wishes."

I grinned like a small child and my heart thudded in my chest as I thought of my next action. Praying for the Lords above to give me courage, I stepped forward and with the speed of Quicksilver, I kissed his cheek, whispering an 'All the best' and ran away as if I was being chased by zombies. I didn't dare to look back as I scurried off with fast steps, bumping into Maria when I came to a halt.

She introduced me to the other ladies present there while I groaned mentally, my inner conscience screeching like a possessed demon in protest.

God, I couldn't handle another round of tea parties, two-faced bitches and let's-laugh-after-every-5-seconds-to-show-how-incredibly-funny-and-stupid-we-are.

"John is a golf champion." Maria gloated among her friends. "He has won more championships than Arjun's and Kiara's age put together."

I regarded her with sharp eyes as my ears registered her words.

"Beware Kiara." She glanced at me with a superior look in her eyes, her mouth twisting in a sneer. "Your Arjun is going to lose." She kept her manicured hand on my shoulder and I glared at it like it was some insect.

Narrowing my eyes at her, I opened my mouth to defend my man but someone else beat me to it.

"Arjun is an excellent golf player." My head snapped to Susan who had spoken up, looking quite confident. "He has never lost a game."

My brows pulled together, crease lines forming on my forehead.

How did she know about it?

Did they know each other from before?

"Well, he couldn't be better than John." Maria shrugged, a snubbing undertone to her voice.

Did I say that I liked Maria? Yeah, change that. I hated her now.

I just smiled in response. "We'll see."

I excused myself from the group of old hyenas and speed-walked to Arjun.

"You have to win this game." I whisper-yelled at him. "For me."

"I don't care if you hit John with your golf stick, kill him or run a car over him. You have to win this." I emphasized on the last five words.

"You know that it's golf, not WWE, right?"

"Arjun!" I whined. "I'm being serious."

An amused smile tugged on his lips. "Why do you want me to win so desperately?"

"Because that stupid old woman is bragging about her husband like he is some international player. And what did she say? Beware Kia. Your Arjun is going to lose." I mimicked her, my lips thinning in annoyance. "My husband is definitely better than hers. And I'm going to show her that." I huffed, crossing arms over my chest and stomping my foot like a stubborn child.

"Look at you, supporting your husband like a dutiful wife." I didn't miss the teasing tone in his voice and the pout on my lips turned into a soft smile.

"The game is about to start. You should go." He told me. "And as far as Maria is concerned, tell her that Arjun Singhania never loses."

"Okay, first of all. This was extremely cheesy."

"Yet you love it."

As a matter of fact, I do.

I was at a loss of words and he smirked. "Go."

I joined the women who were standing a little far from the men. John and Arjun took their places and while John talked to others, my dear husband stood there like a statue on display.

Ah. I love his communication skills.

The game started soon after and John took the first hit. Everyone cheered but my eyes shifted to Arjun who looked calm and composed as ever while I was on the verge of fainting anytime.

It was Arjun's turn now and I felt the apprehension building in me as I saw him taking his position.

"Come on, Arjun!" Cupping my face, I yelled at the top of my lungs, giving a heart attack to the old lady beside me as she clutched the pendant on her neck and moved away from me, not before giving me a half-terrified, half-accusing stare.

Arjun's eyes flickered to my jumpy figure and I grinned widely, showing him a thumbs up. His lips quirked up in the tiniest smile and he faced forward, focusing back on the game.

With utmost concentration, he swung the club, hitting the ball and people slow-clapped while I stood their baffled, completely lost as I just realized I didn't even know the 'g' in golf.

My eyes fell on Susan beside me who was smiling slightly and as much as I despised her, she was my only hope at that moment.

I clutched her arm, shaking her lightly. "What happened? Did he win? Did he lose?"

"Uh...he's in lead." She replied hesitantly, eyeing me like I would explode anytime.

That was all the confirmation I needed to go completely whackadoodle.

"Woo-hoo." I cheered, clapping excitedly and hooting like a maniac. "That's my husband."

Arjun looked up at my hysterical yelling, chuckling and shaking his head.

The game went on like this for some time. Every time Arjun would hit the ball, I would literally grill Susan unless she told me what was going on and then cheer like a chimpanzee on crack.

Arjun took the last hit, the ball going inside the hole and I went berserk, screaming like my life depended on it.

He won!

My loud cheering must have freaked out the other women as they now stood a little away from me, giving me weird looks like I was an alien performing a magic trick for them.

Ignoring them, my eyes found Arjun and he was already looking at me.

"For you." He mouthed to me, sending a sly wink my way and I bit my lip, my heart exploding with a funny feeling that spread in my chest. Some ladies caught on to his action and they awwed at us, making me slightly uncomfortable as I ducked my head down and avoided their creepy stares.

Putting on a sweet smile, I glanced at Maria who had suddenly turned mute, her lips set in a straight line.

I wanted to walk up to her with a bitchy face and an arrogant smirk and do a victory dance along with a sassy 'Who's the loser now?' but considering the fact that she was Arjun's business partner's wife, I decided it would be too much.

But that didn't stop me from passing a smug look to her as I walked to Arjun, flipping my hair in the way.

"Congratulations, Mr. Singhania." With my hands locked behind my back, I chirped, peeking at him from behind while he was keeping the club back in the kit.

He turned around, smirking as if saying 'I told you so'.

My eyes wandered to the golf equipment beside him. "I want to play golf too."

"You know how to play?"

The smile on my face froze as I blinked. "No."

I pouted. "But I really want to."

"If you are insisting, then you can ask an instructor to teach you." Arjun said. "I have to sign some documents with John and it will take some time. Meanwhile, you can learn golf."

I clapped my hands in excitement. "Okay."

He arranged for an instructor, a tall, lanky guy nearly my age.

"If you need anything, David will be here." Arjun gestured towards the entrance of the golf course where the said bodyguard was standing in an alert position. I waved at him but he didn't respond which made me wonder if he had slept while standing.

"I'll be back in half an hour." Arjun told me and marched away in the opposite direction. I watched his retreating back when he swivelled around, pointing at me. "Don't kill anyone."

"No promises." I yelled back but he had already turned around, walking away.

Smothering my giddy smile, I focused back on the instructor who explained me the rules of the game and I nearly slept through the whole lecture. I wanted to jump right into the game but he was boring me with his long talk. After a whole 10 minutes of him talking about terms that flew straight above my head, he showed me how to play.

It seemed quite easy and I practiced the movements, being extremely careful with my posture.

On my first trial, I swung the club and missed the golf ball altogether.

The second time, I managed to hit the ball but it flew 10 feet away from the hole.

My instructor encouraged me, saying it happened with everyone in the start and the third time, I accidentally chucked out the golfclub in air due to the amount of force I put in swinging it. The club went flying in the sky and I clamped a hand over my gaping mouth as it barely missed a couple who were busy sucking each other's faces. As soon as it landed beside them, the couple broke apart, a startled squeal leaving the girl's mouth and I whipped around immediately, the sky seeming to be the most interesting thing in the world to me.

What were they doing on a golf course in the first place?

My eyes caught David's who had removed his sunglasses and was staring at me with round eyes and mouth wide open. I signalled him to keep quiet and shifting my gaze to the left, I found the instructor looking positively terrified of me as if I would eat him alive.

He took a few steps back and ran away from there, bumping into Arjun mid-way who had miraculously appeared out of nowhere. Arjun frowned at him as he hastily rushed away, his confused gaze resting on me.

He strode towards me and I looked away from him, trying to whistle but the only sound that came out of my mouth was that of blowing air.

"What did you do now?"

"Nothing." I squeaked, heat crawling to my neck as my wide eyes took in the inquisitive look on Arjun's face.

His gaze wandered to David. "I have never seen him this shocked in my life. You definitely did something."

"And I told you I didn't do anything."

"You really want me to believe that?" He asked, arms folded over his chest.

I racked my brain for an excuse but knowing very well that he would easily catch my lie, I tried a different way.

"I'm hungry." I spoke up. "I didn't eat anything since morning and that's because of you mister." Propping hands on my waist, I glared at him. "So now you are going to take me to the best restaurant in Maldives before I become cranky."

"But-"

"Ah! No buts." Holding his hand, I dragged him behind me while I promised myself one thing that day.

I was never going to play golf again.

*

Zipping up the black dress, I looked in the mirror and frowned slightly, trying to tug down the dress. I was wearing a full-sleeved, tight fit bodycon that ended a little above my mid-thighs. It was a perfect fit, just a bit short for my liking.

Deciding to put some effort in my appearance today, I kept my hair open and applied a bold red lipstick. I was happy with my look and decided to wear platform heels. I wasn't in the mood to trip in the club and break my neck.

It was Tuesday and we were going to the club Shruti had invited us to.

"I'm ready." I announced, coming out of my room. Arjun was on call, his back facing me.

I might as well throw his phone and laptop in the sea when we leave from here.

On my voice, he turned around, only to freeze in his place. The phone dropped from his hand and his mouth parted open, his eyes widening microscopically.

Pulling my brows in confusion, I looked behind, half-scared that he had seen a three-headed dragon behind me that had left him dumbstruck.

He shook his head slightly, clearing his throat. "Wow. You...uh" He blinked twice, seeming to be at a loss of words. "You look beautiful."

Did he... did he just compliment me?

I bit the inside of my cheek, a natural blush forming on my face.

"And you look damn hot." I slapped a hand over my mouth as the words left my lips. I was supposed to say thank you but seeing him in that sky blue blazer, I couldn't stop myself.

"I think we should go." I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, cursing my unfiltered mouth and Arjun snapped out of his trance.

"Yeah." He nodded, wetting his lips, his face clueless.

I smiled awkwardly and he reciprocated the action. 10 seconds passed like that, both of us staring at each other and no one made a move to leave.

"We should leave." We spoke at the same time and I chuckled hesitantly, rubbing my arms.

Nodding, Arjun strolled past me and I was going to follow him but stopped.

"Uh...Arjun." I called out and he turned to face me. "That's the kitchen. The door is this way." I pointed to my right.

"Right. Yeah." His brows creased together as he shook his head, mumbling to himself.

Gesturing me to walk, he walked beside me, almost running into the wall and I bit my lip. Rubbing his forehead where he hit himself, he followed me out of the suite and we entered the lift.

This was the first time I had seen him so disoriented.

The ride to the club was a 20-minute drive that was spent in complete silence as I tried to gather my scattered thoughts.

Reaching the club, we exited the car and I could feel my heart thudding in excitement.

Arjun was back to his normal self now, a bland expression resting on his face.

There was a long queue for the entry but Arjun placed a hand on my back and escorted me directly to the entrance. The bouncers took one look at Arjun and allowed us to go inside.

I whipped my head to him, astonished. "How did you do that?"

All I got in response was a cheeky wink and a smirk that said 'I have sources'.

For a few seconds, I couldn't snap my eyes away from his face and while I was busy fangirling, I didn't notice the stairs in my way and tripped over them but Arjun caught me in time. As always.

Muttering something about my carelessness, he chided me to be more careful and we entered inside, my ears nearly popping out due to the loud music. With red and blue lights dancing around, the place was filled with people.

My eyes roamed around and I saw Shruti on the dance floor, getting cozy with a man. I squinted my eyes to see his face but someone walked past me, roughly shoving my shoulder. Arjun noticed that and put an arm around me, pulling me to his side. We made our way to Shruti and her eyes fell on me when we were close enough.

"Kia!" She shrieked, taking me by surprise and hugged me like we were long lost best friends meeting after a long time.

She pulled back, giggling and swaying to her side. I looked at her closely, her cheeks were flushed and her pupils were dilated.

She's wasted.

"This is my boyfriend, Raj." She introduced the guy beside her who didn't look any better. He, too, screamed my name the way Shruti had and came forward for a hug.

Before I could panic, Arjun swiftly pulled me behind him, pushing Raj back and I sub-consciously clutched the back of his jacket.

"What? No hugs?" Raj slurred, his eyes half-closed and Arjun glared at him.

"No. Back off."

Keeping me close to him, Arjun nudged me to walk towards the counter where it was less crowded.

He helped me sit on the bar stool which was quite high, taking a seat beside me only after I was sat comfortably.

I frowned at him.

He seemed different today and that baffled me to no end.

Drumming my fingers on the counter, I looked around when a thought occurred to me and I whipped my head to Arjun, smiling like a creep. "I wanna get drunk tonight."

The look I received from him screamed voluminous questions at my sanity but I ignored him the way I ignore tomatoes in my sandwich.

"I wanna get drunk tonight." I repeated myself, trying to be more convincing.

"Have you drunk alcohol before?"

"No." I answered him proudly and he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Oh, come on. It will be fun." I insisted, holding his arm and he stared at me like I had grown an extra limb.

"I'm not going anywhere until I drink." I stated in a firm voice.

He blew a heavy breath, knowing very well that I wasn't going to budge and I grinned in victory when he ordered two vodka shots.

The bartender slid our drinks in front of us and Arjun picked up his shot and I followed his lead.

"You drink it in one go like this." He demonstrated, chugging it down like a pro.

I took a deep breath and after a moment of contemplation, drank the liquid in one go just like Arjun told me.

As soon as the liquid touched the back of my throat, I spat it out, coughing like I was going to die anytime.

"It tastes horrible." I grimaced.

"It takes some time to get used to the taste." Arjun explained, standing up and rubbing my back as his concerned eyes took in my hunched form. "You can stop if you don't like it."

"No. I want to drink it."

He rolled his eyes. "I forgot how stubborn you are."

"Look who's talking." Muttering lowly, I picked up another drink and swallowed it down, thinking of it as a medicine.

"Happy?" He asked after I was done.

"Yes!"

"Let's go then."

"No, wait. I want to stay here for some more time."

Arjun sighed. "Fine. But no more shots for you."

"Aw, no!" I protested. "Just one more please."

"Pleaseee." I made puppy eyes at him. It always worked with Dad so I hoped Arjun wasn't immune to it.

"Okay." I cheered when he finally said yes. "But only one."

I nodded my head excitedly and crushed him in an over-enthusiastic, awkward hug since I was sitting on the bar stool and he was standing beside me.

The bartender served the drink and I grinned while Arjun took out his phone, frowning.

"I need to take this call. It's important." He shouted over the loud music. "I'll come in a minute. Don't go anywhere. If you don't feel good, give me a call. I'll come to you."

I nodded my head, showing a thumbs up while gulping down the shot and grimacing at the burning sensation in my throat.

"I mean it. Stay. Here." I rolled my eyes as he left but not before giving me a stern look.

As if I would purposely go around running and inviting trouble.

"Excuse me?" I called the bartender. "Can I have more of this?"

He served me more drinks and I had a drinking competition with myself.

Arjun was right. It started tasting good after a few shots and I lost the track of time.

Some time later, my head felt extremely light and I could hear a low buzzing sound that seemed to be coming from somewhere but I couldn't find where.

Arjun's POV

"Yeah...okay." My eyes flickered to the club behind and I rubbed my forehead, a sense of urgency in my tone. "Mm-hmm...Sure." I looked at the watch for the sixth time.

Damn it.

It was taking longer than I expected.

"And Mr. Malhotra has agreed for the meeting but I th-"

"Peyush, wait." I interrupted him, pinching the bridge of my nose. "How about we continue this tomorrow? I have some important work right now."

For a few seconds, there was complete silence. And then-

"I'm... sorry, sir?"

I sighed.

I know it was quite unexpected of me to postpone work for anything. Or anyone.

But Kiara was more important right now.

"We will continue this tomorrow." I told him in a firm voice.

"Sure, sir." His voice was hesitant. "I will mail you the rest of details."

"Good." Not giving him the chance to reply, I cut the call and rushed inside the club, searching for my crazy wife who would probably be driving someone else crazy.

I reached the counter where I had left her but she was nowhere to be found. I asked the bartender and he told me that she left a few minutes ago.

The place was crowded and I couldn't spot her anywhere even after my numerous attempts. I tried to call her but her phone was switched off and that made me a bit anxious.

Darn it!

Where was she?

Why did I even let her drink?

Oh, yeah.

Because I couldn't say no to her. And that... face she made when she requested me.

Yes. Arjun Singhania, the shrewd business man can't even say no to a girl.

Not any girl. Your wife.

Right. My wife. Kiara Singhania.

I didn't know when and how it happened, but I had become used to the name.

"And there he is!" I heard a loud scream and whipped my head right, only to find Kiara standing on a table on the far end of the club with a mic in her hand.

How the hell did she end up there?

The entire club erupted in loud cheers and my confused eyes wandered around as I tried to grasp what was happening.

"My handsome devil is here!" Kiara yelled again and blew air kisses to me, gaining the attention of everyone as they started hooting like wild animals.

"Mr. Singhania!" Waving her hands vigorously at me, she hiccupped loudly and staggered to her left as she tried to step aside.

And she's drunk.

Great!

I strode towards her but it proved to be a difficult task as I had to move through the dance floor where I almost got smacked in the face thrice.

"Everyone. This is Arjun Singhania." She announced in the mic, pointing at me. "He might look like an arrogant, hot chipmunk with the body of a Greek god but deep down he's a big ol' softie." She made a pouty face, trying to pull imaginary cheeks with her hands.

A big ol' softie? Me?

"His special features include multiple personality disorder, glaring with laser-like eyes to bury you deep in the ground and two dimples on either side of his cheeks that will make you want to cuddle with him." Hugging herself, she swayed left to right while standing in one place, her eyes closed and a soft, dreamy smile playing on her lips.

What was she even saying?

"And as a bonus, he's a perfect arm candy. You can flaunt him in front of your jealous ex-classmates who will literally burn due to his hotness." She stuck out her tongue to someone in the crowd and I supposed it was Shruti.

A few people even patted my back as I moved through the crowd to reach her.

"So, let's move to business." Her voice turned serious. "The bidding starts at 3 chocolate shakes."

My face twitched in confusion and I probably resembled an animated cartoon but I couldn't help myself.

What was happening?

"7 chocolate shakes!" Someone shouted in the crowd.

Kiara clapped excitedly, cheering. "The friendly lady in the yellow dress has bid for 7 shakes."

7 shakes ONE...

7 shakes TWO..."

Wait.

She was trying to auction me off?

And that too for chocolate shakes?

What the hell?

7 chocolate shakes, to be precise.

My mouth dropped open.

"10 chocolate shakes!" A new voice yelled and I craned my head to look where it came from.

"15 chocolate shakes!"

Was... was that a guy's voice?

"30 chocolate shakes!"

"Oooh. It's getting interesting." Kiara's excited voice snapped me from my thoughts and I found myself wondering about the fact that she thought I was only 3 chocolate shakes worth to start with.

And I must say, I felt quite offended.

What the fuck am I even thinking?

The alcohol must have started affecting my brain. Or it might be because I had spent a lot of time with Kiara.

"55 chocolate shakes!"

"55 chocolate shakes for the hot, egoistical human male." Kiara spoke in the mic, her eyes roaming around.

"One..."

"Two..."

This girl is going to be the death of me someday.

"Aaand...." She stopped abruptly, her voice dissolving into giggles.

"Arjun!" She squealed in the mic when she saw me coming towards her and the crowd cheered as she prepared to jump from the table.

Shit.

I ran towards her, pushing people aside and barely making it on time as she jumped into my arms, her legs around my waist and her hands around my neck.

I stumbled back at the force with which she jumped on me, my hands snaking around her petite frame as I held her firmly against me.

She pulled back to look at me, her hair a mess around her face and grinned like she found a present. "You caught me."

"I did." I settled her carefully on the floor, not letting her go lest she fell or stumbled in her state of intoxication.

She snatched the mic from a girl nearby and spoke. "The auction is off. He is already my husband."

Everyone started booing to which Kiara scrunched her nose, her lips tugging down in an irritated scowl. "Oh, shut up you all! I told you he's off limits. Now back off before I claw out your eyes for ogling at him."

She thrusted the mic back in the girl's hand.

"You are not selling me for 55 chocolate shakes?" I asked her curiously.

She shook her head earnestly with a sincere expression and I asked her why.

Holding my face in her hands, she neared and whispered as if telling me where the hidden treasure was. "Because you are more important than chocolates to me."

A small, secretive smile played on her lips and she surprised me by placing a chaste kiss on my cheek.

Giving three fast taps on my shoulder, she pointed behind me. "Turn around. Quick."

"What? Why?"

"Just do it." I turned around and she wriggled out of my hold. Holding my arm, she pulled me across the club towards the dance floor.

"Dance with me."

I stopped in my tracks. "No."

"Arjunnn." Whining, she held my arm with both her hands and tried to pull me with all her strength. Key word being tried.

I didn't budge from my place even after her numerous attempts. After some time when she had given up, I tugged my hand with a little force and she came bouncing back to me like a rubber band.

"Pleasee." She pouted, batting her eyelashes at me.

"No. We are going back."

A cute frown covered her face and she left my arm with a jerk, standing straight.

"Fine. I will find someone else to dance with me."

Trying to keep the smirk from my face, I folded arms across my chest. "Oh really? And who's he?"

She pursed her lips in deep thought, her face set in concentration as she looked up with determined eyes. "Dance with me or I'll find a new husband."

"Excuse me?" I chuckled at her childishness.

"You heard it right." She was already looking around, searching for someone.

She wouldn't do that.

"Dance with me or I'll ask him," She pointed at a random guy. "to be my new husband."

My expressions changed as I noticed the serious look in her eyes and I glowered at her. "You wouldn't do that."

Coming closer, she narrowed her eyes in slits, her lips pressing in a straight line. "Watch me."

"What do you mean by-?" But she had already ran off and I followed her.

She can definitely do that.

"Hi. Would you like to be my husb-" I cut her off by snaking an arm around her midriff and turning her around to face me.

"Fine. I'll dance with you." I growled and she giggled, pulling me towards the dance floor.

No way in hell she's getting a new husband.

Kiara danced crazily to the fast beat song, jumping around me while I stood there, face-palming. She was so engrossed in her dance that she accidentally hit three people in the face and I had to apologize to each one of them.

Look at me. The guy who never apologized to anyone, said sorry three times in a row.

All of a sudden, she squealed and ran towards the counter.

How is she so damn fast?

I followed her there while she was arguing with the bartender and her eyes caught the drink beside her. A woman was going to pick the glass but Kiara beat her to it, gulping down the whole drink in one go.

Oh, boy.

She held my hand and tugged me along towards the exit, my mind whirling in confusion.

Earlier she didn't want to leave the club and now she was running away like it was on fire.

When we came outside, I called David and asked him to come here as soon as possible while Kiara was busy counting the stars in the sky. She would start crying when she reached 48 as she kept forgetting what came next.

She stopped crying all of a sudden, her expressions turning into that of wonder as she stared at something on the sidewalk.

"Arjun, look." Placing a hand on my arm, she pointed at a cat sitting there. "It's McGonagall."

"Who?"

"Professor McGonagall."

My brain had stopped functioning some time ago during the evening and the only thing I could do was keep staring at her dumbly. On seeing the lost look on my face, she muttered angrily to herself. "Stupid muggle. I'm going to talk to her."

"Kiara. Wait." I tried to stop her but she strode towards the cat and I kept close, not trusting her in her present state.

"Professor McGonagall. Nice to meet you." She exclaimed, squatting down to the cat's level. "Can you get me admission in Hogwarts? I want to go there." She asked in a sweet voice and tried to cuddle with the cat.

The cat stepped back in defense and hissed at her, baring her teeth. Kiara yelped, pulling her hand back and looked at me with wide eyes. "She tried to bite me."

Standing up, she came towards me, mumbling something about talking to Dumbledore about her irrational behaviour.

I was about to speak up when she yelled again, jumping in air and nearly scaring me to death.

"Arjun, look! It's Sirius Black." Kiara squealed, running to a dog on the road and scaring him to death as the poor animal whimpered and ran away from my very-drunk-and-not-in-her-senses wife.

"Why is everyone running away from me?" She sobbed, stomping her foot.

"Okay, okay. Calm down. I'm here." I walked to her and pulled her close to me. "I'm not leaving."

She sniffled, peering at me with a pout on her face. "Promise?"

"Promise."

"Guess what? I'm not leaving you either." Saying that, she hugged me, snuggling into my chest.

My hands stilled in mid-air as I contemplated on what to do with them. After much thought, I finally rested them on her back.

A few seconds passed and Kiara didn't pull away. I looked down at her, wondering if she had passed out or fell asleep.

"Princess?"

"Hmm."

"Are you alive?"

"I think so."

"Good." Trying to stifle my smile, I glanced around, noticing a few people giving us weird looks.

I scowled. "Don't you all have anything better to do?"

On my loud, angry voice, all of them hurried away like they were caught sneaking. Just then, lightning struck the sky and Kiara looked up with wide eyes and a huge smile.

Pulling away from the hug, she jumped up and down. "He's here. He's here!"

"Who?"

"Thor! He is here to take me to Asgard."

"I thought you were never going to leave me."

Her face turned blank, her eyes shining with confusion as she propped a hand on her waist. "And who are you?"

So, it took only Thor's name for her to forget me. Perfect!

Where is David?

Just then, a car stopped in front of us and as David came out of it, I felt like hugging him for coming on time.

"Come on, princess. Let's go back." I made Kiara sit in the car and ordered David to drive as fast he could.

On the way back, Kiara kept rambling about anything and everything that came to her mind. When we finally reached the hotel, both David and I knew the sorrowful story on how Loki was just a misunderstood person and how much Thor loved his baby brother.

I was tired as hell by now and wanted nothing more than to sleep but the receptionist stopped us on the way to our lift. Apparently, there was an electric short circuit on our floor and while the electrician worked on it, we would have to wait on the ground floor for some time.

We sat in the waiting area and Kiara kept her head on my shoulder, reciting nursery poems. I rubbed my face tiredly, my gaze falling on a man sitting in front of me who kept throwing glances our way.

His eyes were focused on something beside me. Or rather, someone beside me. My gaze followed his eyes and I clenched my jaw, grinding my teeth as I noticed him ogling at Kiara. As she had sat down, her dress had ridden up, exposing more of her legs.

His eyes didn't waver from her and I felt raw rage building in me. I raked a hand through my hair, trying to keep my simmering anger in check but failed miserably as I finally exploded.

"Look at her legs one more time and I'll punch the shit out of you." I growled, my hands clenching into fists.

Shrugging out of my blazer, I covered Kiara's legs and glared at that asshole, daring him to look in her direction again.

Averting his eyes, the guy stood up and left hurriedly while I kept my eyes on him until he was out of my sight.

Fucker.

Kiara poked my cheek, giggling and snuggled more into my shoulder. Placing her chin on my shoulder, she looked up at me with wide, owlish eyes and whispered. "You look so hot when you're angry."

I sighed, a small, amused smile making its way on my face and my anger disappeared into thin air.

Encircling her arms around my neck, she exhaled tiredly and closed her eyes. I sat extremely still in the same position, so as not to disturb her.

Ten minutes later, the receptionist informed me that the problem on our floor was finally solved and we could go.

"Fucking finally." I muttered, standing up and pulling Kiara with me.

We entered the lift and she looked around. "Ooh. Are we going to Hogwarts?"

"No, princess. We're going back to our suite."

To my astonishment, she remained silent after that.

"Now, listen to me carefully." I turned her around to face me when we were inside the suite.

She blinked, her wide eyes staring at me like an obedient student staring at her teacher. "I want you to go to your room and change. You think you can do that?"

Stepping back, she gave me a mock salute. "Yes, sir."

"Good. Now, go."

She staggered to her room, stumbling every now and then.

I couldn't even trust her walking straight while being sober. Being drunk was out of the question.

She was about to step inside when I stopped her, my eyes closed as a sign of resignation. "That's my room, princess. Yours is beside it."

"Oh, riigghhht." Stepping back, she squinted her eyes at the doorframe and then at the room. Giggling, she moved to her right, banging her head on the closed door and I face-palmed.

I stayed there until I made sure she was inside and then rushed to my room, showering and changing into fresh clothes. Deciding to check up on Kiara, I knocked on the door of her room but didn't get any response.

"Kiara? Are you there?"

Still getting no answer, I held the doorknob, only to find it unlocked and opened the door.

I was half-expecting her to jump from anywhere, screaming 'surprise' in my ear.

Not finding her there, I was about to knock on the bathroom door when my eyes caught her familiar figure in the balcony.

I went there and asked her to come inside but she ignored me, busy with fretting over something.

She paced around, calling out loudly. "Eugene!"

"Eugene? Where are you baby?"

Who the hell is Eugene?

"Flynn?" She looked behind the potted plants that were kept near the railing.

"Flynn! Come on. Stop playing hide and seek. You know I don't like it when you make me wait."

And who's Fl- who the fuck are these people?

To my horror, she clutched the railing and leaned forward, trying to look down. "Eugene! Eugene!"

Fuck.

I ran towards her, pulling her back at the right time.

"What are you doing?" Turning her around to face me, I yelled at her and she looked at me with wide eyes.

"I'm waiting for Eugene to come so that we can run away from here."

"What!?"

"Yes, we love each other."

The fuck?

She loves someone else!?

How come I didn't know anything about it?

Why didn't she tell me before?

"Can't you see?" Kiara asked. "I'm Rapunzel."

"What!?" My brows scrunched together.

It seemed my vocabulary had limited to 'what' only.

"I'm Rapunzel." She explained. "And Eugene is down there."

She gasped. "And you're the evil witch who captured me in this tower."

What the fuck?

I can't understand a single word she says when she is in her senses. And now when she was drunk, I was sure to get a bed booked in a mental asylum.

Boy, this was going to be one hell of a night.

Drunk Kia is my spirit animal.

I'm watching John Wick right now, and let me tell you THAT MAN IS SO FINE. I can watch him gruesomely murder people for hours with heart eyes.

How many of you love Mr. Wick?

Until next update, love me some Arjun ❤️