34. Can you stop this feeling?

AN: thank you guys.

Are you guys tired of bhalu billi's dosti…? Well yea dosti jald hi pyar mei badalne wali hai. Badal chuki hai right? Realization bhi hoga.. in the nxt chap :)

So plz have a lil more patience. Thank you everyone for ur lovely feedbacks and rvws.. :* love ya guys.

Disclaimer- The song Dushyant sings is by PropheC. Beautiful song. Beautiful lyrics. I don't own the lyrics. He just sings normally like everyone of us does. No copyright infringement intended.

Special note- LP 5 saal aur chale… aww that's really sweet of u my sis. But abhi log chappal marne ko tayyar hai… maine billi bhalu ka romance jo nhi daala.. aur you are saying paanch saal.. lol. Yea thanks so much for this unrequited love:*

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Laal Paraanda

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Chapter 34

Can you stop this feeling?

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Author's request: chapter padke joote mat maarna! :P :*

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Ishu and Dushyant jump apart looking horrified.

Dushyant- "t- tujhe! Tujhe lagi toh nhi?"

Dushyant rushes to cup her cheeks… Ishu is still too shocked to speak but then chokes a reply-

Ishu- "tujhe- tujhe lagi kya?"

Her eyes are full of worry and anxiety, his eyes reflected the same…

Dushyant- "nahi!"

He says it calmly… sensing that she's fine. Hoping that she's fine too.

Ishu- "tu.."

She lets out a shaky laugh…

Ishu- "shukar hai rab ka..."

relief floods his heart and he smiles at her.

Dushyant- "shukar hai sach mei..."

she smiles holding his hands that held her cheeks. He smiles back but-

Dushyant- "ek minute!"

he turns around-

Dushyant- "agar goli na tujhe lagi, na mujhe.. fir…."

that's when he spots a masked man a few feet away, as he bent to the floor to pick up the revolver that had fallen off his right hand which now had a bullet wound-

Dushyant- "ruk tu!"

Assuming that this man was the one who tried to attack them, Dushyant breaks into a run. The man who's already on his heels, speeds off into the shrubbery and from then on to somewhere unknown.

Dushyant returns back to Ishu after a failed attempt to catch him.

Dushyant- "ye bhi haat se nikal gaya!"

slapping his forehead, he lets out a deep sigh..

before Ishu can speak, someone touches him on the arm…

He turns abruptly ready to attack if it was another of those goons-

Dushyant- "tu?"

the new person who entered embraces Dushyant.

Dushyant- "arey yar! Tu yaha kaise..."

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It's KV.

KV- "haan yar main. Pata nhi. Tere jane k baad se mujhe laga tu bohot bade khatre mei hai… isliye aagaya main..."

Dushyant returns the hug and laughs. Perhaps he needed that hug to calm himself down. He looks at his billi…

Ishu puts on a smile for his sake to say that she's fine. D turns to K-

Dushyant- "kitna filmy hai yar tu haan! Aur aaya kaise?"

KV- "aur kaise! tera watch.. gps tracking!"

Dushyant- "ohho! Chalo accha hua tu aagaya. Tune uss attacker pe goli chalake hume bachaliya-"

KV- "toh.. tu sach mei mushkil mei tha? Ek minute? Goli?"

Dushyant- "haan. Tune mari na wo goli uske haat pe?"

KV- *shocked * "Dushyant main… main abhi aaya hu. Haan mere paas gun hai par… maine nhi chalayi koi goli.."

D is in thoughts…

Dushyant- "matlab.. yaha pe maarne-wala bhi tha, saat hi bachaane-wala bhi… Eh rab ji.."

*another sigh *

KV- "Dush, bataa na kya hua yaha pe? Kisi ne hamla ki tumpe? Aur tu iss raste aaya kaise?"

KV is curious..

Dushyant- "uh.. wo.. kuch nhi yar.. chota sa.. attack tha, bas.. sab thik hai.. hum thik hai… right billi?"

placing a comforting arm around Ishu's shoulders he smiles at his buddy. Ishu nods meekly, trying to stay strong.

Ishu- "hmm..."

KV's sharp eyes quickly take a look of the surroundings. The jeep that's now damaged due to the bullets that penetrated everywhere into its metallic body-

KV- "ye!" :O "ye chota sa attack hai? Yaha pe goliyon ki barsaat hui hai!"

D & I are silent.

KV- "bol na.. kisne kia ye..."

Dushyant- "nhi pata.. mere dushman bhi ho sakte hai.."

Ishu- "ya fir wo killers.. jo humari family ko maarna chahte hai..."

Ishu starts crying again n Dushu pulls her into a hug.

Dushyant- "shh relax..."

there's a moment's silence.

KV- "ab bohot hua! Ab ye sab hume ACP sir, Daya sir aur Abhijeet sir ko bataa dena chahiye!"

Dushyant- "sahi keh rahe ho tum KV.."

Ishu- "nhi! Koi kuch nhi bolega. Issey khatra aur badhgaya toh-"

Dushyant- "tu samajh naa billi! wo humare seniors hai! Humse zyada contacts hai unke paas, humse zyada khabriyon ko jaante hai wo… unki madad ki hume zarurat hai."

KV- "haan Ishita. Ab baat bohot aagey badh gayi hai.."

Ishu thinks for a while and nods in agreement. KV asks D to take her home, while he promises to move the jeep to the bureau for further investigation. He also collects the blood samples (the droplets of blood that fell to the ground when the attacker was shot on the ground.

KV watches as D & I drive away.

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and they reach Ishu's home…

Ishu descends the car and stands near the Walia house's entrance like a statue. Dushu tries to cheer her up-

Dushyant- "maine tujhe bataya?"

Ishu- "Kii?"

Dushyant- "tu kitni sohni lagrahi hai aaj v.."

she smiles a little, despite the situation, she blushes a little. Ugh!

Ishu- "kya baat hai… aajkal toh sohni lagti hu main tujhe har din..."

Dushyant- "pata nhi kya hogaya mujhe…"

Ishu- "huh?"

Dushyant- "arey main.. main kehraha tha.. tu humesha sohni lagti hai.. aur fir aajkal ye…"

he gently grasps her dupatta and points out to her jhumkas

Dushyant- "ye sab lagaya toh aur bhi sohni lag rahi ho… mann kar raha hai ek gaana sunaau tujhe.."

he lets go of her dupatta and smiles up at her…

Ishu- "arey baap re! Haan haan shuru hojao ji! Ab inspector saab har din toh nhi gaate..."

Dushyant- "OK.. so this one's for my best friend.. for my sohni Billi… "

Dushyant sings- Jad Khir Khir Hasdee Eh.. Bari Sohni Lagdi Eh..

( when she smiles, she looks so beautiful )

Ishu's eyes widen…

Dushyant- Jad Naina Naal Nain Milonde, Dil Vich Vasdi Eh

(as our eyes meet, you stay in my heart)

Ishu smiles shaking her head… Dushu sings few more lines leaving her flustered…

Dushyant- Husna Di Sarkar Oh.. Sadey Dil Te Kargayee Var Oh… Gallan Kariye Do Char VeAaj Na Kar Inkaar Tu …

(your beauty has wounded my heart, lets talk a few words, don't say no today, soniye)

she smiles big at this… he looked like he was about to sing few more lines but she stops him...

Ishu- "chad de ab! Kii gaaraha hai, pata v hai tenu?"

Dushyant just laughs it off and smiles at her… she looks away smiling…

Ishu- "do char gal kya.. kitte gal karte hai hum har roz.. pata bhi nahi… waise… mainu tah nhi pata, tu aisa bhi hosakta hai.."

Dushyant- "kaise.."

Ishu- "arey aise… m.. main kya bataaun!"

Both smile at each other. But then her smile falls suddenly.

Dushyant- "ohho! Firse yaad agaya tere ko.."

He pulls her into a comforting hug again. She rests her head on his chest.

Ishu- "pata nhi kii hoga humare saat bhaalu.."

he gently strokes her hair..

Dushyant- "sab thik hoga.."

whispering these words he gently kisses the top of her head. She smiles again at that gesture. She sure feels safe with him.

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Unknown to them somebody who has been watching out for them from the Walia Household's balcony looks away in disgust-

Rano- "Is kudi nu kiddan samjhave, koi fark hi nhi pad-da. Aadhi raat ko ghar aayi hai, aur ye sab dekhne ko milraha hai!"

Preet doesn't know what to say. She and her mother have been standing in the balcony watching out for Ishu. Despite her and Mr. Walia's persuasion Mrs. Walia urf Rano wouldn't just listen.

Preet thinks- "ye thik nahi horaha… maa ki nafrat badti jaarahi hai.. bechare di aur jiju..."

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there Ishyant break the hug after a while.

Dushyant- "tu bas smile karti reh. Kal subah hum ACP sir aur sabse baat karlenge. Sab thik hojayega OK?"

she nods and stops herself from kissing him on the cheek. God! What's happening to her.

Dushyant- "Kya hua?"

Ishu- "uh.. kuch nhi! Good night..."

Dushyant- "good night.."

smiling at her, he urges her to get inside before he drove away. She obeys him and he is gone.

Once inside, Rano is seen ready to pounce on her with questions but thankfully her dad and sister are there to save her from her mom's wrath.

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the next day, bureau, 9 AM…

KV, Dushu, Ishu explain the situation to the trio-

ACP sir- hmm.. aur tum log ye sab ab bataa rahe ho huh?"

Dushyant, KV, Ishu- "sorry sir..."

Abhijeet- "pariwar ka matlab pata hai tumhe Ishita?"

Dushyant- "sir billi dargayi thi-"

Daya- "billi?"

KV stiffles a laugh while Ishu glares at Dushu.. D looks apolegetic.

Dushyant- "uh.. I mean.. Ishita.. wo dar gayi.. thi..."

Daya- "Ishita billi hai?"

this causes the trio to laugh a little.

Daya- "sorry Ishita haan. Bura mat maano. Aur thik hai bhai. Ab nishchint raho tumne hume bataa diya hai. Ab puri team lag jayegi iss kaam pe."

ACP sir- "haan. Wo log jaldi pakde jayenge. Itne sare khabri hai. Aur itne sare police wale. Lagaadenge kuch logo ko kaam pe. Aaj se inn sab ki nazar tumpe hogi aur tumhare ghar pe.. I'm sure kuch na kuch hal nikal aayega."

Everyone agrees and they all smile. A usual day begins at the bureau.

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that evening, Walia Household…

When Ishu reaches home she finds her parents arguing over…. Her friendship with bhaalu?

When she asks her dad what it is, he signals her not to pay interest and leave while taking Preet along.

Ishu smiles seeing how strongly her dad defends her bhaalu saying everything happens for a reason. Ishu too butters her mom saying she wont be late to return home again…

Her mom just sighs…

Rano- "is ghar mei sab mile hue hai!"

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later that night, Shergill Household

the mehendi function is in full swing. All the girls, ladies assemble in the large hall of the Shergill Household laughing, joking, dancing around, also applying mehendi on their hands. Jassi too is happy watching all of them.

9:30 PM-

The function is all wrapped up. Everyone expected sangeet function would begin but it was too late. Ishu and Preet both become a part of all this. Ishu is dressed in a nice gorgeous pink and blue salwar suit, while Preet wore a nice golden coloured punjabi suit with shimmering art work.

Ishu is standing lazily by the stairs all by herself, examining her mehendi when Dushu walks in. He is dressed in his casuals, as he's still returning from work.

Ishu- "tu-"

Ishu points an accusing finger at him. He just looks at her.

Dushyant thinks- "ye toh aaj v sohni lag rahi hai… mujhe fir se wo gaana yaad agaya..." * smiles and sighs *

Dushu's Brain- Again huh… ugh!

Dushyant thinks- "aise mei nazar hataana mushkil horaha hai yar!" *slaps his forehead * "its ok.. kuch din ki baat hai, fir ye itna nhi sajegi..."

A part of him wanted to preserve this beautiful sight of her while a part of him wanted to shut it. She's just a friend. Right?

Dushyant thinks- "kya koi apni dost k bare mei aisa sochta hai?"

he's still in thoughts while staring at her. She waves a hand in front of his eyes. He finally snaps out only to look at her flustered face-

Ishu- "kii hogaya tujhe-"

She looks away after giving him a look and it's his turn to blush a little.

Dushyant- "uh.."

Ishu- "ghoor raha tha mujhe!"

D turns away abruptly.

Dushyant- "g- ghoor nhi raha tha! Wo kuch soch raha tha! k.. kaam k bare mei! Case jo tha aaj bureau mei.. yaad hai na?"

Ishu sighs. Chiding herself for getting worked up again she asks him-

Ishu- "hmmm… kaisi hai?"

she shows him his mehendi.. he smiles nodding…

Dushyant- "bohot wadiya.."

Ishu- "mehendi function kab ka khatm hogai… aur tu ab aaraha hai?"

D sighs..

Dushyant- "kii karaan yar! ACP sir jaane dete tab na…"

Ishu- "fir bhi jaldi nhi aa sakta? Jassi di ki khatir?"

Dushyant- "jaldi aake kya karta? Mehendi lagwaata kya?"

Ishu- "haha. Very funny. But tujhe yaha hona chahiye tha teri di k liye!"

Dushyant- "kaam tha yar!"

Ishu- "haan haan. Mujhe toh lagta hai, teri shaadi mei bhi tu aise hi kaam karta rahega, aur teri dulhan kisi aur se shaadi vyah karlegi-"

Dushyant- "aisa hone ka sawal hi nahi!"

*serious expression * *eyebrows raised, one finger pointing at her *

Ishu- "Really?" *hands on hips * *challenging look *

Dushyant- "arey main thodi na apni dulhan ko kisi k haat lagne duunga!"

Ishu- "accha-"

Dushyant- "haan toh-"

Ishu- "Dekhte hai."

Dushyant- "haan toh dekhlo, aazma k-"

Ishu goes silent… does he know what he is saying? Its like try and be my dulhan!

No. No. Ishu ab tu blush mat kar, bohot kar chuki hai…

she forces a stern smile and challenges him..

Ishu- "dekhte hai.."

D sighs while smiling and looking away.

Ishu- "baatei toh bohot banane laga hai aajkal.."

Ishu smiles shaking her head. D gives her a look-

Dushyant- "tujhi se seekha hai! Tu aur KV… tum dono k saat rehke main bhi zyada bolne lag gaya."

Ishu- "haan.. haan.. khoti gal na sunao… mujhe lagda hai ye sab tere mei hai, but acche police officer k chakkar mei na, tu ye sab bhool gaya hai. Par ab jab hum log saat hai toh, wo tumhari sharaaratei thodi thodi bahar aarahi hai- ab tu mujhe aur KV sir ko blame mat karna yuhi!"

Dushyant- "accha bada pyar aaraha hai uspe haan?"

Ishu- "jealous… waise haan. KV sir mujhe bohot acche lagte hai. Hai bohot cute wo! Aur unki smile… uff!"

Dushyant- :/ -_-

Dushyant- "haan haan… tujhe aaj wo Kohli achha lagda hai, kal tak wo Fawad Khan… aur parso pata nhi kon-"

Ishu- "hey! Main apne favorites ko nhi badalti. Waise ye sab mujhe acche lagte hai, main thodi na pyar karti hu in sab se!"

Dushyant- "whatever!"

Ishu- "whatever!"

* both turn to opposite directions angrily *

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moments later…

they turn to look at each other… and burst out laughing…

Ishu- "haha! Hum logo ne ladayi ki!"

Dushyant- "seriously… kitni funnily ladte hai na hum log..."

Ishu- "haan… kyu ki hum ek dusre se itna pyar karte hai!"

D looks at her surprised.. even Ishu is surprised at her own words..

Ishu- "I mean… dost ki tara.. hum itne acche dost hai..."

He looks away..

Dushyant- "Yea.. I know… mujhe.. I understand..."

he gives an awkward smile.. she returns it...

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Just then an over enthusiastic voice barges in between them.

KV- "hi guys! So when's the sangeet starting?"

Dushu & Ishu look at the person who's dressed up in a shimmering golden brown kurta pyjama…

Dushyant- "tu? Tu itni jaldi tayyar hogaya?"

the person… KV… smiles…

KV- "haan yar! As always ready to hit the dance floor…" :)

KV flashes his signature smile.

Dushyant- "tu toh bohot utaavla horaha hai sangeet k liye..."

KV- "arey yar! Main aaj nachne-gaane k mood mei hu..."

Dushyant- "tu toh humesha naachne gaane k mood mei hota hai… " * sarcastic smile *

KV- "Dekh bhai! Tu aajkal mera bohot mazak udaa raha hai, thik baat nahi hai.. samjha! Aaj main sach mei serious hojaunga.." * mock hurt *

Dushyant- "accha ji… ab tujhe dard horaha hai, huh? Aur main jo itne saalo se tujhe jhel raha hu.. uska kya..."

KV- "arey baksh de mujhe yar! Bol na ki sangeet kab shuru horaha hai?"

Dushu sighs again. Just then Aakash, his cousin, comes to them… as if answering KV he says..

Akaash- "arey sangeet toh doh din baad hai..."

KV- "kya? Kyu?"

KV's face falls while Dushu rejoices.

Akaash- "arey syappa hogaya! Wo ladke walo k kuch rishtedaar nhi aaye toh postpone karna pada..."

KV- "not fair yar!"

Akaash- "haan bhai!"

Dushyant- "Akaash accha hai na, tumhe practise ka waqt milega..."

Akaash- "haan par..."

Dushyant- "Jassi Di kider hai..."

Akaash- "uuper hai.. naraz hai aapse.. aur aapse bhi KV bhai! Ab aarahe ho!"

KV- "arey mehendi ladkiyon ki function hai na?"

Akaash- "fir bhi unse milne aasakte the!"

KV- "arey yar! Raavan jane dete tab na?! Di kider hai… hey bhaalu tu bhi chal!"

Dushu protests…

Dushyant- "mujhe bhaalu mat bulao!"

but KV drags Dushu along the stairs, both keep moving towards Jassi's room… Ishu preet wave them off...

KV laughs..

KV- "yar tu hi bhalu hai! Tu maano ya naa mano… tu hi hai bhaalu!"

D sighs again. He's too tired to argue back and then he has to pacify Jassi Di as well…

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An hour later,

Ishu preet are in the lawn casually chatting with each other.

Preet is enthusiastic and happy to be a part of the ritual.

Preet- "aaj kitnaa mazaa aya di! Aapki vyah mei na, aur masti karungi main..."

Ishu just nods. And then her mind drifts off…

Ishu- "meri vyah..."

Sighing and shooing those thoughts… She checks her watch 10:30 PM. Its better if they move, but will her dad come to pick them up? Just then-

Preet- "Diii! aapki kangan!"

Ishu- "huh?"

Preet- "ye aap mujhe denewali thi aaj k din. Ye toh mere dress se match hota hai Di.."

Preet points to a beautiful, red, gold and pink stone studded bangle Ishu is wearing.

Preet- "Di! how mean! Aapne bola wo nhi mila aapko!"

Ishu- "nhi mila naa.. bas ghar se bahar aate waqt milgaya!"

Preet makes an annoyed face.

Preet- "jhoot bol rahi hai Di.."

Ishu- "accha baba ye le..."

Ishu takes out the kangan..

Ishu- "isey pehen aur jhat se wapis dede ghar jaate hi..."

Preet- "ye aapki favorite hai na Di.. ek minute.."

Preet takes the kangan and keeps examining it.

Preet- "Zara dekhei to kitna pyar hai apko iss kangan se..."

Ishu- "oye! Khel mat uske saat! Iseeliye nhi diya tujhe… de mere ko..."

Preet- "nhi Di.. plz.."

both sisters keep pulling at the kangan… Ishu protests to let go but Preet is adamant. The kangan slips off from their hands at rolls down the grass to stop at someone's feet.

Both sisters look at the person. Its Dushyant.

He picks up the kangan and smiles at the duo.

Dushyant- "ye… ye kiski hai?"

Preet- "Di ki! Aur kiski! Aur vekho to! Kinna pyar hai di ko uske naal."

Ishu ignores her and marches towards D..

Ishu- "de mujhe!"

D holds up the kangan high in the air and Preet smiles. Yes! Di ko chednewala koi toh hai!

Dushyant- "accha hum bhi dekhte hai, kinna pyar hai iske naal.."

Ishu- "arey! kya kar raha hai! De mujhe!"

Dushyant- "teri kangan hai na..."

Ishu- "haan toh.."

Ishu jumps to catch the kangan but Dushu keeps shifting it and she keeps failing to reach it.

Dushyant- "iska matlab, main iske saat kuch bhi karsakta hu.."

Ishu- "kya karlega?"

Ishu is annoyed.. jumping once more to catch the kangan she says-

Ishu- "pehenke ghoomega kya! De mujhe!"

Dushyant- "haha very funny! Kya expression hai tere chehre pe abhi abhi- maza aagaya-"

Ishu- "Bhaalu! Dekh! main kehrahi hu de mujhe..."

this time she jumps higher and he too holds the bangle high up above him.. she fails reaching out to the kangan as she jumps again and this time lands on his foot.

Dushyant- "ow.."

that causes him to jerk backwards, she too looses her footing and is about to stumble backwards when he holds her right in time. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulls her close to himself. Thankfully his footing wasn't that weak and he didn't fall back-

Ishu is breathless. Her eyes close involuntarily. This is…. Dushu too is shocked at their closeness. His eyes widen for a bit. He's confused as neither of them is moving back. He looks down at Ishu who now has her head resting on his chest, her one hand placed on his shoulder…. They hugged each other many times but this is…. He felt like he could stay like this forever… did he say forever?! Oh rab ji!

Just then Ishu's eyes snap open… she gives him a gentle push and he releases his grip on her- what was he doing?! He brushes his nose awkwardly-

Dushyant- "sorry.. sorry.."

Ishu gives him a glare and then extends a hand…

Dushyant- "oh teri kangan.."

Dushu smiles sheepishly and takes hold of her hand…

Dushyant- "gussa kyu hai itna..."

he begins to put on the bangle-

she grimaces at the touch. This is getting weird, every time things like this happened her heart raced like crazy and she hated it.

Ishu- *low voice* "kyu ki tu mera itna kareeb hai..."

he finishes putting the bangle on her hand and looks up-

Dushyant- "kya?"

Ishu- "uh… kuch nhi… ugh!"

her momentary blank face turns to an annoyed one and she marches away from him towards the living room.

Dushyant- "oye! Itna gussa kyu yar! ruk na.."

he chases her inside. Preet who witnessed this just smiles as she too joins them.

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Inside the living room-

D asks..

Dushyant- "gussa hai kya?"

Ishu turns to him.

Ishu- "nhi!"

Dushyant- "sach mei?"

Ishu sighs.. and smiles…

Ishu- "tujhse gussa hosakti hu kya main?"

she pulls his cheeks and smiles. Thankfully that quick jog into the living room had calmed her down and now she is back to her normal self.

Dushyant- "uff daraadiya mereko..." *smiles *

Ishu- "uh.. bhaalu.. abhi mujhe jana hoga.."

Preet- "10:40 PM Di! O god! Mom maaregi!"

Dushyant- "main tujhe drop kardeta hu..."

Just then KV, Jassi, Mrs. Shergil walk in. Ishu takes Mrs. Shergil's leave.

Dushyant- "Lets go Billi..."

KV barges in again.

KV- "hey bhaalu tu ruk na. Main hu na, main inko drop kardeta hu. Kyu girls?"

Ishu- "that's so sweet sir. Par..."

KV- "plz Ishita. We're friends right? Aur bechara tera bhaalu.. kitna thak gaya hai.. isko araam karne dete hai..."

D rolls his eyes

Dushyant- "I'm fine."

But much to his dismay Ishu insists that she and Preet will leave with Kavin… D watches her go. He puts on a smile for her as she waves at him.

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the following evening, Shergil Household, 7PM-

Sangeet ki tayyari… everyone, the cousins, ladies.. Mr & Mrs Shergil, Kavin, IshYant, friends n relatives r in the hall discussing the sangeet preps.

Just then Dushyant's sister Roop aka Chutki drags Ishyant to a corner and then to her room..

Dushyant- "kya hai?"

Roop- "bhaiya! Aapne socha hai? Sangeet mei konse gaane pe dance karenge aap?"

Dushyant- "dance? Kisne kehdiya ki main dance karunga?"

Ishu- "oye! Pagal hai kya! Teri di ki shadi hai, aur tu nachega nhi?"

Dushyant- "arey yar! Tujhe pata hai na! Mujhe dance-wance nhi aata!"

Ishu- "hello! tujhe aata hai! Par tu karta nhi hai. But is bar na, I think tujhe karlena chahiye. Apni di ki khushi k liye-"

Roop- "bilkul. Meri na sahi, apni best friend ki baat toh maanlo!"

Dushyant- "arey yar! Par-"

Roop- "maan hi gaye hai na! aur aapki dance partner banengi Ishu Ji."

Ishu stammers.

Ishu- "Main… m.. main.. main nhi! Arey main kaise!"

isey kehte hai khud apne pair pe kulhadi maarna… ab tujhe bhalu k saat dance karna padega..! oh rab ji!

Ishu- "main nhi Roop. Mujhe baksh de."

Roop- "kyu?"

Ishu- "kyu ki mujhe bhi dance nhi aati..."

Dushyant- "hey! Ab jhoot kon bolra hai?"

Ishu- "arey jhoot bolegi meri jutti! Mujhe nhi karna dance-wance! Sab k saamne kaise!"

Dushyant- "arey yar! Bas imagine karna hai ki koi nahi hai.. jaise uss din tumne parking lot mei kia.."

Ishu- "ha ha ha. Kitni asaani se kehdiya! Pehle tu khud nhi maanta aur ab mujhe maanne ko kehraha hai!"

Dushyant- "arey yar! Yaha decisions final ho chuke hai, main kya kar sakta hu haan? Dekh ab agar main dance nhi karunga na.. meri behen meri galaa dabaadegi..."

Ishu- "matlub tu maan gaya?"

Dushyant- "haan.. ab.. tu bhi maan jaao na yar..."

Ishu- "haan.. sochte hai.. par.. gaana… gaana konsa hoga?"

Dushyant- "gaana… koi classic type k hona chahiye yar.. punjabi beat honi chahiye.. di ko classical music bohot pasand hai.."

three of them sit there thinking.. Ishu gets up all of a sudden…

Ishu- "main toh ainwey ainwey lutt gaya..."

Dushyant- "arey wo toh naya gaana hai.. fast beat hai.. nhi..."

Ishu- "toh fir?"

Dushyant- "socho na.."

Ishu- "haan wo! Amarinder gill ka gaana.."

Dushyant- "nahi yar! Classical touch.. classical touch honi chahiye… haan! yaad aaya!"

Dushu too jumps to his feet and smiles at Ishu..

Ishu- "Kya yaad aaya..."

Dushu takes her hand in his… and begins singing the song for her..

Dushyant- "Haye re Haye.. Ye mere haat mei tera haat, naye jazbaat meri jaa balle balle!"

Ishu smiles widely lets out a chuckle as she sings the next line..

Ishu- "oye oye hoye oye oye oye! Yahi jazbaat rahe din raat toh fir kya baat meri jaa, balle balle..."

Dushu laughs a bit before singing the next…

Dushyant- "oye oye hoye oye oye oye.."

D is looking at her with a huge smile on his face, his hand firmly holding hers. He's happy he finally found the right song.

Ishu suddenly pulls her hand back… there it is. Her heart had started racing again. She hoped madly her cheeks wouldn't turn pink.

Ishu- "ye gaana toh bohot accha hai.. Par.. par… main ye nhi kar sakti!"

Dushyant- "Kya?"

Roop- "Kyu?"

Ishu- "wo… wo… main nhi kar sakti bas!"

Ishu looks away.. did he look at the lyrics? Or did he just noticed what he sang? Its a love song and she would never dance to it, not with him.

Ishu is silent, turning her back to Dushu and Roop, she is lost in thoughts. Dushu is confused but Roop speaks…

Roop- "aapki dost ko aap hi manaao bhai! Ye gaana fix hai! Aap dono ko isey perform karna hi hoga! Warna hum log bohot udaas hojayenge!"

With that Roop leaves the room. D turns to Ishu-

Dushyant- "mujhe nhi bolegi? Kyu nhi karni hai..."

Ishu is silent..

Dushyant- "Kya hai?"

Ishu- "Kyaaa haiii! Tujhe pata hai? Ye gaana.. ye gaana bohot hi pyara hai.. mujhe bhi Jassi di ko khush karna hai, par… agar hum dono.. iss gane pe nachenge toh.. tumhare cousins jo hai wo, wo aur tease karenge mujhe! Pata bhi hai tujhe? Kya kya nhi sunne ko milraha mujhe!"

Ishu looks away again, embarrassed. He sighs…

Dushyant- "I know… I'm sorry..."

She looks at him suddenly. This was unexpected…

Ishu- "nhi! Tum sorry mat bolo..." * pained expression *

Dushyant- "mujhe pata hai tujhe kitna bura lagraha hoga"

Ishu- "yahi toh problem hai. Mujhe bura nhi laga… par kuch ajeeb si feeling horahi hai.. bas.. mujhe aise feel nhi karna hai.. isliye main..."

Did she say it aloud? Ishu smacks her head and looks away from him again. He holds her by her shoulders and makes her look at him and then..

Dushyant- "arey yar! Tum unki baaton pe dhyan mat do! Waise bhi ye sab ched-chad hoti rehti hai shadi k ghar mei, aaj kahenge… kal ghar jayenge toh bhool jayenge. Main unhe daant ke unke mood kharab nhi karna chahta.."

Ishu smiles faintly at this.. kitnaa sweet hai ye banda! but wait, she narrows her eyes..

Ishu- "accha ji! Isliye tum kuch nhi bolrahe the! Aur main jo embarrass hoti rahi, uska kya!"

Dushyant- "arey mujhe kya pata, tu unki baato ko dil se lagake baithegi!"

Ishu- * speechless * * looks down *

Dushyant- "ab nazrei kyu churaa rahi ho? Chalo ab smile karo.. Hum dono iss gaane pe perform karenge ok.."

she smiles and nods..

Dushyant- "uff shukar hai maan gayi.."

he lets go of her shoulders and gives her a smile. He then collapses on to the bed sighing heavily…

Dushyant- "bohot thak gaye yarrr!"

Ishu thinks- "lagta hai sirf main hi hu.. jo inn sari baato ko dil se lagake baithi hu. Ispe toh koi asar nhi hai… aur ye weird se feelings!" * sigh * "enough! Koi feeling nahi hai! Bhalu aur main sirf dost hai! Mujhe aur kuch nhi sochna hai!"

soon she bids bye to everyone and reaches her home. The day ends.

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the days pass in a blur. Usual day goes on at the bureau. Ishu and Dushu, KV everyone have a great time, rehearsing, having fun during the evenings all along…

And finally, the D-day is here.

It's Jassi-Karan's Sangeet ceremony. Thankfully the ceremony fell on saturday and since work was all wrapped up, some of the officers could call it a day and land at the Shergill House to have fun.

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5PM, Sangeet day-

some of the cousins are busy in last miniute reharsals. While remaining young lads have assembled in the hall to play some games. Dushu-KV who have been monitoring some last minute shaadi preps walk into the hall, just to witness an argument between the guys and the girls-

Neeta- "waise aaj k sangeet mei na, girls chaa jayenge! Tum log dekhte rehna… kaise kamal kardengi ladkiya… aur karengi kyu na? Girls are the best..."

Akaash- "really… girls are the best huh? Aisa unko lagta hai… par reality mei aisa hai nahi… aur aaj raat, tussi tayyar hojao! Kyu ki vekhne ko milega punjabi mundon da kamaal!"

Neeta- "dekhte hai!"

Akaash- "haan dekh lo!"

Just then Ishu and Preet arrive down the stairs to join the girls…

Few moments later…

Akaash comes up with a serious expression on his face.

Akaash- "aaj toh tay hojayega hum logo mei se best hai kon!"

there's a long, thick rope in his hand.

Neeta- "haan hojayega! Par ye.. tug of war?"

the boys smirk thinking this one game will sure bring them victory. Everyone is amused and they all give smiles..

Jatin- "bolo ji… tayyar ho ki nhi iss chalange k liye!?"

Neeta- "oh tujhe lagda hai na, kudiya nazuk hai, kuch nhi karpayengi… oh hum log beauty with brains hi nhi… humari will power k saamne tumhara man power kuch nhi kar sakega!"

Akaash and Neeta exchange glares.. D watches amused.. Ishu, Preet are curiously watching…

Jatin- "Its decided..."

both part ways.. and soon the girls and guys team up on either side, standing in a row, clutching the huge rope, ready to play tug of war…

KV- "guys! Its a fun game remember!?"

KV pipes in to cheer up the mood.

KV- "koi kum koi zyada nhi hai yaha pe… girls and boys dono best hai!"

Akaash- "arey KV bhai! Wo hum aaj nahi maanne wale! Iss game k end tak toh nhi! Aajao aap! Arey munde di shaan khatre mei hai.."

KV sighs…

KV- "chalo ab guys ki izzat pe aagayi toh.."

KV goes and holds the rope, standing in front, leading the guys… the guys cheer for him while the girls glare at him

Neeta- "main bol rahi thi na.. sab munde ek jaise hote hai!"

Simran- "haan Neeta!"

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Jatin- "Dushyant bhai! Aajao aap bhi!"

KV- "aaja mere sher!"

D looks lost confused for a moment and then joins KV and Co.

Dushyant- "Billi tu kis team mei join karegi?"

Neeta speaks up before Ishu can-

Neeta- "obviously! Wo ladkiyo ki team mei aayegi. Aap ki dost hai, par.. ladki bhi toh hai!"

Dushyant- "whatever! Billi humesha meri side legi.. kyu Ishu?"

Ishu- "umm..."

the girls signal Ishu and preet to join them.. Preet hurries to join them… everyone watch Ishu curiously as she is the only one left…

Dushyant- "Ishu humari team mei aayegi.. hai na… bachpan mei cricket bhi ladko k team se hi khela usne-"

Ishu gives a pained smile to Dushu and…

Ishu- "haa… par… ab… n.. nahiii!"

Dushu's smile falls…

Dushyant- "nahi?"

KV- "arey yar! Wo ladki hai! Toh wo humare team mei kyu ayegi? Yaha itte sare ladke hai aur tujhe uski padi hai!"

Dushyant- "KV-"

Ishu smiles turning to the girls.

Ishu- "I'm a girl. Toh main girls k team mei hi rahungi na.."

the girls cheer for her… Dushu is unable to beleive this and gives her a glare.. KV pats his shoulder..

KV- "yahi haqeeqat hai dost… ladkiya sab aapas mei miljaati hai… unhe koi rok nhi sakta, bhaalu bhi nahi.." *sniff *

Ishu- "waise bhi! Girls are the best!"

Neeta- "exactly Ishu!"

Ishu- "haan waise in ladko ka koi bharosa nhi hai! Haan dosti karne ki bhi layak nahi hai..."

Dushyant- "hey! kya kehrahi ho!?"

Ishu- "sach hi toh kehrahe hai… Girls are the best… "

*mouths a sorry slowly *

Dushu shakes his head and glares at her.

Dushyant- "toh aaj toh faisla hoke rahega ki kon best hai!"

KV- "oh ye hui na baat! Humare bhalu k andar sher jaag gaya! Chalo ji tayyar hojao!"

And so begins the tug of war…

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there are cheers and laughter, the atmosphere soon lightens.. the girls are in a spot as the guys seem to be on a winning edge… the girls cry out for help..

Neeta- "oh rab ji! Koi toh humari madad karoo!"

Jatin- "zor se KV bhai! Dushyant bhai haarna nhi humko!"

K, D- "haan haan!"

* both sides keep pulling the rope *

girls are on the verge of loosing their footing but soon they are joined by ghar k buzurg… daadi, nana ji, even the elderly men join them including Mr. and Mrs. Shergil and even Jassi Di… together they thwart the guys…

KV, Dushu everyone.. all the guys are now heaped up on the floor as the girls & Co. have successfully pulled them down…

the guys dust themselves as they get up from the floor, glaring at the gals as the latter are dancing in celebration…

Akaash- "ye toh cheating hai!"

Neeta- "oh chupkar rab ji ne khud madad bheji hai."

the slight argument dies down as the elderly ask them to be friendly and not to fight….

Ishu agrees and looks and Dushu with a smile. The latter however gives her a look before storming out

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Nxt chap- IshYant dance during sangeet. Again Dushu's gharwale bring up the shadi talks. Enter Dolly, Dushu's dear friend from college. Thoda jealousy, roothna manaana and some dhamaka ;)

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FIN!

AN: yea again long one… the girls vs boys theme is inspired from DMG. So yea.. and it was just masti and dosti.. romance b ayega… nxt chap ya fir in the 2nd nxt… ;)

ye chap mei do hafton se likh rahi thi… roz thoda thoda… lol. hope paka na dia ho..

tc.. love ya all :*

This chap is for all those lovely ppl who never fail to rvw LP and show their love! Thanks so much.

Yea baaki sab jo rvw nhi karte… rvw karo bhai! :* khair I love ya guys evn if ya dont! Thanks for the silent encouragement.. :)

Rem updates bhi coming- pehli bar, All we need is love, Never Let go and Humsafars…