"Do not irritate me, Salem. Please don't" Karan covered his face with his hands as he continued moving around the room, endlessly. It was a dilemma for him. There was no way out because this time, his grandmother grabbed him under her wings and she was not going to let go.
Even the thought of marrying Aarti irritates him. She was not close to him but for an unknown reason, he did not like the aura she carried. Maybe it was the marriage idea that made him hate her already.
"I'm sorry Karan" Salem apologize for the third time since they came to the room. He got up from the bed to explain the plan to them if they were serious about it.
"What plan are you talking about?" Koran leaned with his back against the wall. "Your plans are always dangerous. We end up in trouble with them."
He nodded. His plans were not a child's play but if the players play well, it becomes successful "We can do it."
"Fine, go head" Karan watched him from the corner. His cousin's plans were big and mind-blowing. Sometimes, they led them to more trouble. He just hopes everything works out well this time.
"Well, as the leader of the game" Salem cleared his throat and lifted the collar of his shirt up. He wanted to act as the smart boss. They needed his help again.
"Go straight to the plan, young man" Karan hissed. This was not the time for such games. His life was at stake here. If he happens to marry that girl, it will be over for him. Nothing will go right for all.
"Sorry" Salem apologized again. "We will hire Priyanka to be your girlfriend. She will meet our family and they will discuss."
"Are you mad?" Koran was angry. He looked like he was going to beat him up if he continues with the plan.
"Salem is sick, I told you right from the beginning that he is not going to say anything useful" Karan sat on the floor. "Keep quiet and say no more."
"I'm left out guys. Why are you angry because of Priyanka?" He spread his hands apart. Salem was confused. If there were any new developments, then why didn't they inform him?
"She is going to be my girlfriend" Koran informed.
The expression on his face made Karan to laughed. Salem was the funniest person, he had ever met before. He was shocked to hear that Koran has an interest in her.
"B-but I tho-thought you were going out with Priyanka" Salem stammered, looking from one person to another.
"Me?" Karan frowned, as he hit his palm on the chest and asked. His cousin was sick for thinking, he ever had something to do with Priyanka "no, we met a few times due to fate. She is not my woman but Koran's. Which means we can't hire her."
"I think this should be the reason why we should hire her" He smiled, mischievously. Salem walked to where Karan was and spoke softly. It was loud enough for Koran to hear him "think about it, bro."
He sighed as his eyes darted. Salem was right. They had to hire Priyanka to meet with his family tomorrow. She did not like him but Koran, which was a bonus to his story.
She will be forgotten later when he finds a way to send Aarti back to Goa.
"I already know you are going to take Salem's advice. The boy is sick" Koran tightening his jaw. He knew that they have not started dating but she was going to be his girlfriend. It was going to be a disaster if his brother shows her to the family as his girlfriend.
"Yes, Koran. But I won't do it without your permission" He answered, sincerely.
"Fine, do it" Koran finally agreed. He did not want to make his brother sad.
"But how on Earth are we going to convince the main character in this play?" Karan wondered. Priyanka did not like him. She won't accept this offer if she knows that they have been playing her from the beginning.
They looked at him with no reply. He was going to deal with this problem. Dressing up properly, he drove out of the house to meet his fate.
****
She woke up early to help her mom wash the clothes. Priyanka cleaned the entire house, giving it a sparkling view. It was not a mansion, but she cherished it.
She was born and brought up in this home. Her family spent all their sweet memories here.
Kamala left after breakfast to visit Zara's mother. She took Krishna along. He needed to get rid of the boredom.
While cleaning the kitchen, a knock came on the door. She wondered who it was by this time of the day. The only people who came to visit them were her best friends Zara and Pintu, the guy who lived next door.
Also, Atharva might visit since he was in town. Priyanka frowned as she went to open the door. If he was the one, she was going to send him away immediately.
"Doctor Karan?" She was surprised to see him. He was the last person she was expecting to see. Quickly, Priyanka ran her hands through her messy hair. Why did he have to come now?
"Hi, Priyanka," he said. "Can I come in?"
"Sure," she widened the door for him. Karan wore a red polo shirt with white trousers. He looked like a young boy of eighteen. She shut her eyes and exhaled "What should I offer you?"
"No need dear. I came to ask you for a favor" he went straight to the point. Instead of sitting down, he was standing close to her. His beautiful eyes stared deeply at her. Was he going to propose?
Priyanka leaned with her back against the door. She was going to dance soon out of excitement. The best way to prevent failure was to calm down "Fine, I'm listening. But have a seat please."
"No need dear. I will be leaving soon" Karan looked around "is your mom not at home?"
"No, she went to see Zara's mom."
He nodded, crossing his hands in front of his chest "This is it, can you be an actress for few hours?"
Priyanka was surprised. Was he going to take her to the acting industry? If yes, this was a dream come true. She wanted to become an actress since when she was a child.
"Yes sir. I will love to" Her hands clapped together as she danced in excitement.
He was confused as to why she was dancing like a lottery winner "Okay, I think you are taking this to the next level. Calm down and listen to the offer."
She smiled and listened to him attentively.
"I want you to act as my girlfriend in the presence of my family."