Chapter 22

WARNING: Double Innuendos. Please skip until the Blue SAFE ZONE if under 18.

The Other Suite, Leela Palace:

Arnav leans back: Fine. So be it. Also, make sure you leave a Rs. 5,000,000 cheque on my desk tomorrow as compensation for sabotaging my calendar shoot.

Khushi fumes: I did not ruin your photoshoot. You did. I was handling her just fine.

Arnav raises his brow: Oh really? It seemed to me Cat was on the verge of eating you alive.

Khushi (sarcastically): Not really. She was more interested in eating you alive and not even burp after her meal.

Arnav smirks: Don’t tell me you are feeling jealous.

Khushi lets out a quite unladylike snort: Yeah right… The day I buy a well-used product like you, that would be the day I will put on that lingerie.

Arnav retorts back: Not well-used Ms. Gupta… Well-trained and experienced… There is a difference.

Khushi, not willing to back down, retorts back: Well, you can take your training and experience and shove it.

Arnav smirks with a wicked smile: I’d be happy to do it. Just tell me when and where.

Khushi buffled as she does not quite get it: Eh?

Devi Maiyya (Jumping in glee): I got it, I got it… (Giggles and snickers)

Nandi (exasperated): At least maintain some decoram. You are God for heaven’s sake. You should think Holy thoughts.

Devi Maiyya (Eyes lit up): What an amazing idea…

She plucks out a feather from a passing duck, making it squeak indignantly and fly away. Then she zaps Nandi’s glass of milk and turns it into ink. Nandi squeaks and glares at her. Devi Maiyya ignores his angry looks.

She takes out her golden scroll, dips the feather on Nandi’s glass of ink (previously milk) and painstakingly writes on it with her tongue caught between her teeth on one side of her mouth: Holi, lingerie, Khushi, Well-trained and experienced Arnav….

Nandi shouts: Stop stop… What are you writing?

Devi Maiyya squeals happily: Your idea for Holi… You asked me to think Holi thoughts. After all, Holi mein sab chalta hain… (Everything goes in Holi)

Nandi: Of ho… Indianwali Holi nehin, Englishwali Holy… Hey bhagwan…

(Of ho… Not Indian Holi, English Holy… Oh God)…

Devi Maiyya busy finishing her writing looks up distractedly: Eh?

Nandi smacks his forehead.

_____________________________________________________

SAFE ZONE

Payal’s Office, ASR Designs:

Aakash knocks on the door.

Payal calls from inside: Come in.

Aakash goes in and smiles: Hi Payal.

Payal looks up from the file she was reading and smiles: Hi Aakash.

Aakash: Payal, Bhai has suddenly arranged for our calendar photoshoot. I need to go on the set to get the budget approval signed by Bhai. Do you have any urgent appointment today?

Payal checks her calendar: Nope. I have most of the afternoon free.

Aakash smiles: That’s great. Why don’t you come with me then? We can go to the set and check the budget together, then we can go out for lunch.

Payal blushes: That sounds good.

Aakash (thrilled): Awesome. Then I will book a table for lunch at The Qube since we are going to the Leela Palace anyway.

Payal smiles: Sounds good.

Aakash was about to leave but he turns back: Oh and Payal, I will introduce you to my cousin, NK. He just came today from Canada. He is a very unique character. You will like him.

Payal smiles: I’m sure I will.

Aakash smiles and leaves her office.

Payal leans back on the chair and thinks: Does he feel what I feel? Or why would he introduce me to his cousin? (she chuckles and blushes at her thoughts) Stop making mountain out of a molehill. Let’s see what happens…

Aakash’s Office, ASR Designs:

Aakash is sitting in his chair and thinking the same thing Payal was thinking: Does she feel what I feel? Why would she agree to meet NK? He has nothing to do with her work. Should I ask her what she thinks about me? (he smiles shyly to himself) Look at me. I’m behaving like a school boy at the threos of his first love. But I am in love. I know it now. But does she feel the same?

Nandi (wiping his tears): So sweet. Yes, yes, yes Aakash… She is in love with you and you are in love with her. What a pair… I can just see their future like a movie. Aakash, Payal and their two children frolicking while they kiss.

Devi Maiyya (snorts at Nandi’s tears): Well yeah… Who made this pair? I am great if I say so myself. Not that I need to, considering how many people mention “God is Great” on their vehicles.

Nandi (mutters): And so humble and down to earth…

Nandi picks up his haypop (Lollypop made with hay) and opens his mouth to chew…

Devi Maiyya hears that so she zaps the haypop making it a beef jerky…

Nandi screams in fright: Eeekkkk

He whirls and glares at Devi Maiyya’s innocent face busy sucking her pepsi…

The Other Suite, Leela Palace:

The models get ready and they get out from the room one by one.

ASR taps his watch: You have 15 minutes to be ready or prepare to face the consequences.

ASR leaves the room for the Maharaja suite where the shots will be taken.

Khushi fumes behind his back. She throws the bag of lingerie on the floor and storms out of the empty suite towards the elevator.

She hits the button and waits for the elevator to arrive. The elevator door opens and a man rushes out of it and bumps on her. Khushi’s bun comes lose and her hair spills on her back whereas she falls with the man on the carpeted corridor in front of the elevator in an awkward tangle of arms and legs.

NK looks on his side the girl he fell with and was about to say sorry but his tongue gets tied at the delicate rose and cream beauty of the girl. Her long hair cascading on her back in waves, her big bambi eyes flashing in anger and glistening with unshed tears. Her rose petal lips still trembling in indignation.

NK becomes mesmerized.

Khushi untangles herself and gets up to see that the elevator has already left.

She stomps her foot in frustration and swips at the tears now trembling on her lashes.

NK gets up and says: Hi…

Khushi looks at him but then turns her back ignoring him. She hits the elevator button forcefully.

NK winces at her anger. But plows along: Hi, I’m NandKishore Sharma aka NK.

Khushi turns to him hearing her beloved Buaji’s favourite catchphrase and covers her face with her small hands and starts crying.

NK gets confused and scared. He tries to stop her crying: Hey hey… I know my name is a little weird. Trust me, I cried more tears than you over this name. In fact, that’s why I go by NK now so that I don’t scare people with my full name. No need to cry. (He pats his pocket and finds a stick of gum) Hear, take this.

Khushi sees the stick of gum and whimpers.

NK (worried, pats his pockets again and finds a chocolate bar): No? Then how about this?

Khushi sees the mangled chocolate in his hands and tentatively takes it with a tiny smile.

NK gets relieved and makes her sit on the floor of the corridor: Wanna talk about it?

Khushi tells him her story between whimpers, sniffles and frequent bites of the chocolate. By the time the chocolate finishes, her story ends too.

Khushi wipes her tears: I just don’t know what to do. Woh Laad Governor to hamare piche haath dhoke pade hain… (That Laad Governor is after me for revenge)

NK controls his snigger at another unique name for Nannav.

He thinks for a moment: So what he really wants you to do is take part in the photoshoot as showstopper wearing ASR Designs clothes, am I right?

Khushi nods vigorously.

NK’s eyes lit up: Idea.

Khushi’s eyes lit up too: What?

NK tells her: Wait a minute here.

He grabs his carry bag and pulls out a plastic bag from it: Here you go.

Khushi looks at the bag and looks up at NK in confusion: What is it?

NK tells her: He told you to wear ASR Designs chothes for the photoshoot right? This is ASR Designs clothes. Wear it and go for the shoot.

Khushi opens the bag and sees a simple but extremely elegant saree with halterneck embroidered blouse and silk petticoat.

The saree:

She looks at NK with wide eyes and asks: Hawwww… Where did you get this from?

NK smiles: Actually, I’m Aakash Singh Raizada’s cousin. He is COO of ASR Designs. I forgot to buy my masi (mother’s sister), Aakash’s mom any gift. So I picked up this saree to give it to her instead.

Khushi smiles hearing Aakash’s name: I know Aakash. He is a great guy. (then she gets worried) But are you sure your masiji won’t mind?

NK (cheerfully): Nope. She does not even know I’m coming and she is certainly is not expecting anything.

Khushi (happily): Okay then. I will wear this saree. But I have one condition. Since you are giving me this saree to wear, you have to come with me after the photoshoot and I will buy you a saree to take as a gift to your masi.

NK (excited at the prospect of spending more time with Khushi): Agreed.

Khushi then hurries to the other suite pointing the Maharaja suite to NK.

NK flashes her thumbs up sign and walks in the Maharaja Suite with a flamboyant: Nannav, mere bhai (my brother)… Where are you?

The other suite:

When Khushi re-enters the suite she sees a model sulking. As she sees Khushi, she stalks to her: Where the hell were you? I’m not your maid, understand? (She grabs Khushi’s hand and slams a jewellery box on her hand) ASR has asked you to wear this with your outfit and come out in 5 minutes.

Then she flounces out of the room with her lingerie gear…

Khushi opens the jewellery box to find a pair of earrings.

Earrings:

She smiles happily as these earrings will also go with the saree. She starts to get ready.

The Maharaja Suite:

NK enters to find chaos everywhere and Arnav is standing by the rooftop pool and shouting at someone over the phone.

ASR is screaming on the phone: What do you mean that you can’t find it? That’s the freaking showstopper’s saree and you can’t find it?

NK shakes his head at the plight of some poor innocent soul.

ASR hangs up the phone in temper: I have hired freaking idiots. I should just fire the lot.

NK goes to ASR with open arms in his signature style: Nannav, mere bhai (My brother)… Do not fear when NK is here… I will fix everything for you…

ASR hears NK’s voice and his eyes widen. He turns to see NK smiling huge at him and coming to him with open arms.

ASR puts his hand on NK’s chest to stop him from hugging him: NK, when did you come here and why didn’t you call me before you landed?

(He thinks in his head: So that I could go out of town for the duration of your stay)

NK pushes to complete the hug, but unable to do so because of ASR’s hand on his chest: Nannav, if I had told you before, then how would I see the surprise on your face?

ASR (still holding him back with his palm): Next time let me know before you arrive and don’t call me Nannav.

NK gives up and moves back: Fine. (Brightens up) But now that I’m here, let’s get the party started…

ASR grimaces…

Aakash’s car, on the way to The Leela Palace:

Aakash and Payal go into Aakash’s car and drives to The Leela Palace. They keep taking glances at each other occasionally and both thinking how to ask the other what he/she feels…

Aakash (thinking): Should I ask her if she likes me? But what if she thinks her boss is harassing her? Why does not she ask me if I am in a relationship or not?

Payal (thinking): Is he in a relationship? After all, he is very handsome, smart, charming and successful. How can he be single? But if I ask and he thinks I’m being over eager?  Why does not he ask me if I’m in a relationship?

Aakash (thinking): Is she in a relationship? She is pretty, smart, sweet… What guy won’t want her. But how do I ask?

Devi Maiyya: Off ho… Useless people… Ask about hobbies, you morons…

Aakash clears his throat: Ehm, Payal…

Payal looks at him shyly: Yes?

Aakash: The weather is so nice today, isn’t it?

Nandi smacks his forehead…

Aakash also mentally smacks his forehead and thinks: Dude, you could not find something more original?

Payal blushes: Yes. I don’t mind Sunny days when I’m working indoors. But my favourite is cloudy days. They are very good for taking photographs.

Devi Maiyya: I swear if you don’t use this opportunity, I’ll make you give away Payal at her wedding…

Aakash grabs the opening with both hands: You like photography? What kind of picture do you like to take?

Payal (shyly): I’m not professional or anything. It’s just a hobby. I take picture of everything, but I love to take photography of nature. I find nature a fascinating subject as it always keeps changing.

Aakash (surprised and happy): Really? Wow… Another thing we have in common. I love nature too. I sometimes take my bike and go for hiking or camping in the middle of nowhere. It gives me a sense of freedom from the concrete jungle.

Payal (surprised): Wow… I do the same thing. I take my tomato and my camera and just go to different woods, valleys, mountains etc. to take pictures.

Aakash (delighted): Oh wow… Another thing we have in common, eh?

Payal (delighted): Yes.

Aakash (tentatively): Umm… Payal, I was wondering, if you’d like to come with me next time I go on a trip like that... You can bring your camera and take pictures. (Seeing Payal looking at him, hurriedly corrects) I mean you don’t have to if you’d rather not. After all, we have just met and you don’t know me that well. But I was wondering…

Payal (interrupts softly with a sweet smile): I’d love to come with you.

Aakash (still continueing): I mean you can bring your own tent and supply… (Realizes what she said, smiles big) You would? That’s awesome. I mean great…

Payal blushes and smiles.

Aakash (thoughts): Wow… we have a date. I mean I know we are going camping, but sorta like a date…

Payal (thoughts): Wow… we have a date. I mean I know we are going camping, but sorta like a date…

Devi Maiyya (smug at a job well done): Even their thoughts are same now… (pats herself on her back)…

Nandi, still smarting at the beef jerky trick, ignoring her.

Maharaja Suite, The Leela Palace:

ASR (irritated): Listen NK, I’m working here. So why don’t you go home, I’ll meet you there.

NK (Smiling big): No Nannav, Aakash has told me to wait here for him. He is gonna take me home.

ASR (mutters): I will kill you for saddling me with NK, Aakash… (Loudly) Then just sit on that couch and don’t talk. I am already tensed, so don’t disturb me.

NK (Worried): What happened Nannav? (nudges him) Come on, you can tell me. I’ll fix it…

ASR (sarcastically): No thanks. I will handle everything myself. I don’t want any more trouble than I already have…

Devi Maiyya (sheepish): Oops too late… Here comes trouble…

And… Khushi walks in…

PRECAP: ASR’s temperature rises…

Chapter 21

The Leela Palace, New Delhi

Khushi parks Daisy in the hotel parking lot and enters The Leela Palace which is a 5 star hotel in New Delhi.

The Leela Palace Lobby:

Khushi walks to the reception and asks the receptionist about the photoshoot for ASR Designs.

The receptionist directs her to the Maharaja suite which is the Precidential Suite of The Leela Palace.

Khushi gets into the elevator and reaches the top floor and sees signs posted for the photoshoot. She walks past the rooftop swimming pool towards the Maharaja Suite.

The Suite:

She enters the suite to see people are everywhere and camera, reflector and million other unknown giant equipments are set for the shoot.

She sees a guy handling the main camera. Khushi walks up to him and taps on his back.

The Photographer:

 

Khushi smiles: Hi, I’m Khushi. ASR has sent me to assist the models for the shoot.

The photographer smiles at the angelic face: I’m David. I’m the main photographer for the shoot. The models are in the other room straight across the corridor. By the way, have you done any modeling?

Khushi laughs out loud: Modeling? And me? I don’t like standing still for long time even to get my pictures taken.

David smiles: That’s a shame because you are absolutely gorgeous.

Khushi blushes: Thanks. I will go and help the models for now.

The Other Suite:

Khushi walks into a roomful of tall, gorgeous women in different state of undress and her eyes widen even bigger: Wow…

She walks up to one of them and beams in typical Khushi style: Hi, I’m Khushi. ASR has sent me to assist you.

The models take one look at the petite girl in yellow dress and turn their noses and walk away.

Khushi was surprised at their rudeness. She scowls to herself: How rude.

Then she turns and sees a model preening in front of a giant mirror.

She composes herself and beams again: Hi, I’m Khushi.

The model turns to her and growls: Get lost.

Khushi, surprised at the sudden attack, steps back and bumps into someone’s chest. She hears a shriek and turns to see that a model is looking down at her with a very angry expression.

Cat:

Cat screams at her: Can’t you see where you are going, you idiot? You ruined my nail polish.

Khushi looks at her hands and sees a tiny smudge at one corner of her thumb.

Khushi apologizes: I’m sorry. Shall I apply another coat of nail polish for you?

Cat sneers at her: Oh, so madam is sorry and she will put my nail polish. Do you f&**ing know who I am? Top Manicure Experts from Hollywood do my nails. I won’t let a nobody like you touch my maid’s nails, let alone mine.

Khushi’s temper boils at Cat’s rudeness. She smiles: Oh, well then. Good. So then I will leave you to your Hollywood manicure expert then.

Cat gets even angrier at the sarcastic comment: How dare you talk to me like that? I will get your ass fired from your job.

Khushi beams: Really? Then why don’t you?

Other models, who were watching the exchange, start laughing at Cat’s angry face.

Cat leans down to Khushi until her face is close to her: You don’t know who you have messed with. Just wait and watch what happens.

Khushi looks straight into Cat’s eyes and says: I’m looking forward to it.

ASR’s deep baritone booms in the room: So am I…

Aakash’s Office, ASR Designs:

Aakash jumps from his seat and rushes to NK: NK bhai, what a pleasant surprise. Welcome to India. Why did not you call me? I would have picked you up from the airport.

NK beams: If I had called you then how would I see this surprise on your face?

Aakash beams: True.

NK asks: Where is Nannav?

Aakash: Bhai has gone to a photoshoot for our upcoming calendar at The Leela Palace.

NK: No problem. I will meet him on my way to home. (He rummages in his carry bag) Look what I got you.

NK takes out three watches: One for you, one for Nannav and one for Mausaji (Mamaji).

Aakash’s watch:

Arnav’s watch:

Mamaji’s Watch:

Aakash wears his new watch and smiles at NK: Thanks. But what did you get for mom.

NK looks sheepish: Aakash, you know naa how bad I’m shopping for Masi (Mamiji)? When I bought her a perfume, it made her sneeze. When I bought her make up, it gave her rashes. So I could not think of what to buy for her so I did not buy anything.

Aakash’s eyes widen: Nothing? NK bhai, you know mom right? She won’t let you come inside the house, until you get her something.

NK gets worried: You are right. What should I get masiji?

Aakash assures NK: Go downstairs to Maddy and tell him to give you a saree. Mom will never know the difference between our designed saree and saree bought from Canada.

Note: NK lives in Canada, because Avni and I do.

NK sighs in relief: Thanks Aakash. You are a lifesaver. I will go and grab one then go meet Nannav before I go home.

Aakash: NK bhai, you take a cab to shoot and I will grab your luggage in my car. I am also coming to the photoshoot before lunch. We can go home together from there.

NK smiles: That’s a great idea. Thanks Aakash.

NK goes downstairs to see Maddy.

Maddy’s Studio, ASR Designs:

NK walks in and sees Maddy: Hey Maddy. What’s up?

Maddy sees NK and smiles: NK, my buddy. How are you handsome?

NK clears his throat in embarrassment: Ehm.. yeah, I’m fine. Listen, I need a favour from you.

Maddy waves his hand in front of NK’s face: No need to explain, my dear. Aakash called me and told me your little problem. Just go to that wall and pick anything that you like (Points his finger on the general direction at the back). I would have helped you pick one myself. But I’m so busy working on our upcoming “Tradition meets Elegance” line that I have no time even to have sex.

NK decides to scoot now: Oh… Humm… That’s sad. No worry, I will help myself.

NK moves towards the back of the studio and bumps into a tall, dusky girl.

NK smiles apologetically: Sorry.

LA looks dreamily at the tall, fair guy with the sweetest smile and flirts: No problem. You can run into me anytime…

NK smiles distractedly and goes to the rack in front of the wall to look for a suitable saree. He knows that Manorama likes only bright colours.

There were a bunch of pastel shaded sarees hanging on a rack, but only one bright coloured saree lying separately from the pile on a table with a matching blouse and silk petticoat. He decides since this saree is bright coloured and comes with everything, he might as well take it. So he grabbed the saree with all the extra stuff and runs out showting a hurried thanks to Maddy.

Nandi scowls: I’m not particularly fond of that colour. It makes me feel strangely restless.

Devi Maiyya smiles smugly: Precisely the reaction I need… (Pops some popcorn in her mouth)

The Other Suite, The Leela Palace:

Cat whirls hearing ASR’s voice and throws herself crying crocodile tears in his arms: ASR, that nasty girl is being so rude to me. Will you let that happen to your showstopper?

Khushi mutters to herself seeing the slobbering act: I think I’m going to be sick.

ASR smirks at Khushi: So Khushi Kumari Gupta, I see you really lack people skills. I leave you alone with the models for 5 minutes and already you have managed to piss off my showstopper.

Khushi flashes her own smirk: My people skills are just fine. But I think I need to brush up my animal skills for a certain cat.

Cat looks at ASR expecting him to explode but sees a strange glint in his eyes she has never seen before in his face. That pisses her off.

She stalks to Khushi and raises her hand to slap her: You b&*ch…

Khushi squeezes her eyes tight in fright, but she does not feel anything.

She slowly opens her eyes to see that ASR has stopped Cat’s hand before they could touch her.

Cat looked at ASR shocked: You stopped me? For this nobody?

ASR looked at Cat steely calm: Noone raises hands on her.

Cat screams shrilly: Who is she to you?

ASR answers calmly: That’s none of your business.

Cat snatches her hand back and shouts at ASR: Then get her to be your showstopper. I’m leaving.

Cat snatches her bag and walks out of the room.

Khushi looks at ASR in surprise at the sudden change of attitude.

ASR looks at Khushi’s expression and smirks: What a brilliant idea. You are now my showstopper.

Khushi’s mouth hangs open: What? I’m not a model.

ASR raises his brow sneeringly at her not-much-considerable height: I’d have never guessed that. But too bad. You pissed off my showstopper, now you gotta take her place.

Khushi thinks to herself: How bad will it be? All I have to do is wear clothes and get my picture taken. I got so many pictures at home. I will just imagine that Dad is clicking my pics.

She says out loud: Okay fine. Give me her dress.

ASR smirks and holds out his hand. One of the assistants places a bag on ASR’s hand. ASR hands Khushi the bag.

Khushi opens the bag and finds a pair of gloves and the outfit.

ASR’s Showstopper’s outfit:

Khushi pulls out the lingerie and gasps: Where is the rest of the dress?

ASR smiles nastily: That is the dress or shall I say, lingerie. This is a lingerie photoshoot. Did I forget to inform you that?

Khushi realizes ASR’s game.

She pulls herself to her full length and looks at ASR: I will not wear this.

ASR bends down until his face almost touches her: Well, you have no choice. You ran off my showstopper and now you will have to. Either you will be my showstopper or you will pay me Rs. 5,000,000 for sabotaging my calendar shoot.

Khushi narrows her eyes: No way in hell I will do a lingerie shoot.

ASR (menacingly): We’ll see who wins this time.

Khushi (matching his stare): We’ll see.

Nandi whines: That colour again? (Then his eyes brighten) Devi Maiyya, Devi Maiyya… Will Khushi be showstopper for launje-rie shoot?

Devi Maiyya smirks: Hummm… Yes and no.

Nandi confused: What? Yes or no?

Devi Maiyya (eyes gleaming): Both (Giggles to herself and sucks her pepsi)

Nandi (muttering): Great… I have to turn out to be a puzzle maker from the most trusted spoiler giver. My followers are gonna love me.

Chapter 20

This chapter is dedicated to Punkin22 (Frances) for increasing my readership. The email she sent me is below. Thanks darling.

Hi Tia,  Well our lunch went wonderfully and I brought my ipad so could read Pride and Love and we laughed so much people began to stare, but you know how girls are once we start laughing then we move into ridiculous mode.

They simply adored your story and your beautifully writing style.  They all have your blog link but we have made a promise to get together every month for continuing Tia's writing and IPK.  I also brought my ipad so they could tell you in person their comments.

1. Hi Tia, thank you for allowing Frances to share you writing.  Loved it, full of laughter. Judy
2. Hi Tia, I have not laughed so much in months.  Wonderful story.  Pam
3. Hi Tia, Wow, Devi Maiyya was the best.  Shelby
4. Hi Tia, you are so creative, you must continue soon, I can't wait to see what happens. Sally
5. Hi Tia, I have never heard of Khushi and Arnav but I may have to join Frances in her obsession with this cute Indian Soap.  Loved your story.  Thanks Melissa.
6. Hey Tia, Frances read your story.  Fabulously funny then show us pictures of ASR and Khushi and a few scenes.  OK, NOW we understand her going nuts for IPK.  Thanks sweetie, Kathy

Parking lot, ASR Designs:

Aakash tries very hard to control his laughter but when ASR storms towards the office, he breaks out in laughter.

Bahadur hurriedly starts to take down the signboard. Aakash manages to control his mirth and tells Bahadur to wait for a few minutes.

He takes the picture of ASR’s car with the signboard and then signals to Bahadur to carry on with his work.

Then he tweets the picture to his tweeter account.

Aakash Singh Raizada ‏@BlueSky My morning doze of laughter…

Then he notices that he has two new followers - Iknowitalmighty & imtheholycow…

 He finds their profile pics hilarious so he approves them and decides to follow back.

DM ‏@Iknowitalmighty @imtheholycow Aakash bitwa is following me. :) 

NC ‏@imtheholycow @Iknowitalmighty He is following me too. Told you it was a great idea.

DM ‏@Iknowitalmighty @imtheholycow I don't like know-it-all animals... The only know-it-all is me around here... 

NC ‏@imtheholycow @Iknowitalmighty I know more about these things. You want more devotees, then make people follow you on Twitter.

DM ‏@Iknowitalmighty @imtheholycow People follow unknown strangers here? What is the world coming to? #deep thoughts 

NC ‏@imtheholycow @Iknowitalmighty Well, this is digital age. There is this lady, who does nothing, but has some million followers. #amazing

DM ‏@Iknowitalmighty @imtheholycow Is she some Goddess? Hold on, it can’t be. I’m the only one around here. Rest of them are me in different looks. Who is she? 

NC ‏@imtheholycow @Iknowitalmighty She is not some Goddess. She does reality shows.

DM ‏@Iknowitalmighty @imtheholycow Reality shows? What’s that? I thought I made reality… What kind of reality does she make? # job in jeopardy 

NC ‏@imtheholycow @Iknowitalmighty Here, check out this link. It will give you a pretty good idea of reality shows. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FjCZoq_MX8 #seriously

DM ‏@Iknowitalmighty @imtheholycow Just checked the link in mytube. It is as far from reality as your intellect is from mine. # pfffttt

DM ‏@Iknowitalmighty @imtheholycow And just in case you are wondering, it’s measured in lightyears. # Zingar...

Nandi thinks to himself: That’s why I hate working with Lady Bosses. Seems like she is having that time of the month. Better lay low and inform her husband to keep his distance for a few days.

ASR’s Office, ASR Designs:

ASR picks up the phone and calls the peon to clear out his desk.

While the peon was busy at his task, ASR formulates a plan to teach Khushi a lesson.

He picks up the phone and calls Aman: Aman, I want you to arrange a photoshoot with the snobbiest, bitchiest and nastiest models in the country. Get Khushi to assist them in preparing for photoshoot.

Aman tentatively asks: Ummm… sir, when do you want the photoshoot to happen?

ASR flashes his evil smile that would have made the devil proud: Today.

Aman stammers: But…

ASR growls angrily: I don’t pay you to say but. I pay you to do the work. Get on it.

He slams the phone down.

Aman puts the phone down and sends a quick prayer for Khushi and starts making calls for the shoot.

Khushi’s Office, ASR Designs:

Khushi was busy texting the success of their plan to the gang when her phone rings.

She picks up the phone and chirps: Good morning, Khushi Kumari Gupta speaking. How may I help you?

ASR snarls sarcastically: You can help me by toning down your perky, pompom shaking attitude Ms. Khushi Kumari Gupta.

Khushi makes faces at the phone: Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir…

ASR: Shut up, Khushi.

Khushi goes on silent mode…

ASR: Your today’s task is to assist models in photoshoot. Contact Aman for the address and get there in 10 minutes. And make sure nothing goes wrong. If I see any disaster happening like it usually does around you, I will make you pay for it. Understood?

Khushi busy filing her nails in silence.

ASR growls: Understood?

Khushi totally ignores him.

ASR screams: Speak dammit.

Khushi replies sarcastically: You told me 1 min ago to shut up. Now I have shut up, but still you are bursting my eardrums with your screaming tantrums. Me thinks someone is losing memory in his advanced age. Shall I get some Brahmi saag for you to chew on?

(Hint: Brahmi Saag is leafy green vegetable, very commonly found in India, known to be extremely effective in curing memory loss and central nervous system.)

ASR growls: Shut up and get to work.

He slams the phone down.

Khushi beams to herself: Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, yeh to kuch bhi nehin. Aage aage dekhiye hota hain kya… (She winks at her reflection in the mirror of her window).

(Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, this is nothing... Just wait and watch to see what else happens to you)...

Aman calls Khushi and gives her address to the photoshoot. Khushi sighs and texts her gang to let them know that she is going to be out of office today and will see them at NIFT later that day.

Maze called her back: Khush, are you sure it’s not a trap?

Khushi chirps while getting into Daisy: Don’t worry Maze. It’s just a photoshoot. Besides, it’s good that I’m going out. At least I won’t have to see that Laad Governor’s face the rest of the day.

Maze, still worried: Okay. I will see you at NIFT. Call me if you need me okay?

Khushi smiles: No problem Maze. Love you.

Maze smiles: Love you too, Khush.

Nandy: Poor girl, she does not know what she is getting into. That’s why I say, never mess with ASR. He is the best. (Sighs dreamily)…

DM narrows her eyes: We will see who has the last laugh…

Nandy (Mutters): Don’t know why she is after ASR… He is the hottest thing ever… Obviously those man-hating PMS hormones…

Aakash’s Office, ASR Designs:

Aakash and Payal were discussing the financial report.

Payal notices that Aakash is smiling every once in a while and was typing something on his blackberry.

Payal asks: What happened Aakash? You seem in a very good mood today.

Aakash smiles: Yes. Actually, you know this girl Khushi? She is a bomb. You know what she did today?

Then he narrates the story and starts laughing: I tweeted that picture and I'm getting awesome response for that picture... Khushi is awesome...

But Payal gets worried and thinks to herself: Oh God, I hope Khushi does not get into trouble and get kicked out of the office. Why can’t she just lay low? And who this girl targets to pull her pranks? No one but the Arnav Singh Raizada, the terror of the fashion industry. What do I do with this girl now? (Payal starts biting her nails in worry).

Aakash notices Payal’s worried face. He waves his hand in front of her eyes: Hello, Payal? Are you here? What are you thinking?

Payal just shakes her head and gets back to work but continues to worry.

Nandy, the cow: Poor Payal… So worried for her little sister… I feel bad for her. I kinda like her calm and quite nature. She is very much like me, you know? That’s why I am following her in twitter. Her id is Tinklinganklet… I told her that we are quite similar in nature and will get along really well. (He smiles big showing all his teeth)

DM looks at him disdainfully: Wow, what a unique way to insult someone. Payal is like a cow… I’m sure she was dying to hear that. (She beams to herself) My favourite is Khushi. She is like me, feisty, spunky and fearless… I have added her in twitter. Her id is happinessunlimited. I told her that it’s quite fitting for the Lioness of Heaven to be associated with the Lioness of Earth…

Nandy mutters: Of course… If you don’t love disaster and chaos, then who will?

DM narrows her eyes: What did you say?

Nandy beams big holding up the Gold Bowl filled with fruits: Nothing... More fruits?

DM (still looking suspicious): Hand me some grapes…

Aakash’s Office, ASR Designs:

Aakash was trying to call ASR since morning. But when he could not reach him, he calls Aman.

Aakash: Aman? Hi. Do you know where Bhai is today?

Aman (Mutters): Yes, the hungry Lion is out hunting for Bambi.

Aakash: What?

Aman (Loudly): I mean, sir is in a photoshoot.

Aakash (Surprised): Photoshoot? Today? Why did not you tell me before?

Aman (Mutters again): I would have if I knew about it.

Aakash: What? Why are you mumbling? Anyways, I will get there shortly before lunch. And…

Suddenly Aakash hears a knock on the door.

Aakash: (Thinks to himself) Strange, I was not expecting anyone right now. (Loudly on the phone) Umm, Aman. I will call you back later.

Aakash hangs up the phone and calls out: Come in.

The door opens and he sees his cousin, NandKishore Sharma a.k.a NK was standing there.

NK:

NK beams at Aakash: Aakash, mere bhai... (Aakash, my brother) NK is here…

DM jumps in the air with her grapes flying everywhere: Yippie… Nk is here… (She giggles and claps in joy)…

Nandy (confused): Who is NK?

DM (gives him her devilish smirk, strangely resembling ASR): Wait until next update…

Nandy (mutters): Should have kept my mouth shut. Now my source of spoiler is gone. What will I tell my followers in Twitter now?