Intertwined Fates -- An IPKKND FanFic

Bear #5

Arnav had gone to sleep that night with an idea half-formed in his head. It had continued taking shape in his dreams and subconscious and by the time he awoke the following morning, it was full-fledged and ready for execution.

He sprung out of bed and strode over to the bathroom to shower and brush his teeth. There was no time to waste.

Anjali saw him as he was about to leave. "Chote? Where are you going?"

He smirked mischievously. Anjali knew that look, though she hadn't seen it in years. Narrowing her eyes, she asked, "Who are you pranking?"

"Pranking? And me? Don't be silly, Di. I'm just going out for...yoga!"

"Yoga?"

"Yeah. Don't worry; I'll be back soon."

True to his word, he returned within the hour but promptly locked himself in his room.

"What's wrong with him?" Akash asked Di.

"I wouldn't worry about him. I'd be more concerned with whoever he's pranking."

Akash shuddered. "We'd better sleep with one eye open."

Arnav came out a couple of hours later, shortly before Madhubala Ji was due to arrive for their third dance practice. He noted that both Anjali and Akash were watching him closely, which made it difficult to carry out his next part of the plan. Nevertheless, he stayed alert, ready for any opportunity.

He got his chance when Payal went to get a glass of water. He counted to sixty so as not be obvious, then excused himself to use the restroom before tracking down his almost sister-in-law in the kitchen.

Just in time, too. He bumped into her just as she was about to leave. "Payal, I need a favor."

"Of course. What is it?"

"I need to borrow your house-keys."

"Sorry?"

"Your house-keys, please."

"Uh...why?"

This wasn't working like he thought it would. Time to switch tactics. "Ms. Pansare, you seem to be forgetting that I'm your boss. Give me the keys or you're fired."

She paled but rallied herself. "If you do that, Sir, I'll have Khushi sue you."

Damn it. Even unintentionally, Khushi was throwing a wrench in his plans.

"Fine. If you must know, I'm planning a surprise for Khushi."

"What sort of surprise?"

He smiled. "I can't tell you that, but trust me. It'll be amazing."

If Payal had known him as well as Anjali or Akash, she would have recognized his I-am-an-evil-genius-about-to-take-over-the-world smile. But alas, she didn't and thought his smile was only a smile and that perhaps he was going to do something sweet for Khushi.

And so, for the sake of Mission Arshi, she agreed.

The second Madhubala JI said it was time for break, Arnav headed out.

"Where are you going, Chote?" Anjali asked suspiciously.

"I have something to take care of," he said. "I'll be back in an hour."

"You seem to be forgetting that the break is only for fifteen minutes," an offended Madhubala told him.

"My apologies, Ma'am. If it wasn't important, I would never waste even a second of the valuable time we have with you."