The Chaotic Madness

Chapter 2

Ahana's POV:

I felt a sharp pain in the back of my neck. I felt something on my lap; I glanced down and saw my brother sleeping peacefully. Placing a small kiss on his head, I gently pulled his head and placed a pillow beneath it. I quickly took a shower.

Usually, I don’t wake up this late; it was almost 8:30.

I wore a red kurti and blue flared jeans. I decided not to wake Bhaiya up as he seemed exhausted yesterday. I opened the door of my room, slowly closed it, and made my way downstairs.

Papa was sitting at the dining table with my grandmother. I smiled at her and in return, she passed me a glare. I don’t understand why she behaves so rudely with me. I always obey her and try to make her happy but she acts so differently with me as if I’m not her granddaughter.

“Good morning Dadda,” I said and sat beside him. “Good morning Ahana. I was waiting for you.” He smiled at me. “Here, have your breakfast.” He passed me the coffee and a plate full of fruits.

“Thank you, Dadda,” I said sipping my coffee. “So, do you have any plans today?” Papa asked me. I nodded.

“Maybe I have. Sakshi told me yesterday that she wanted to go somewhere and needed my help with something. So, I might go with her.” I said.

Sakshi is my best friend. We’ve been together since we were in kindergarten. We laughed together, cried together, and celebrated together. She is more of a sister to me. She always encouraged me to do something for myself. She is my support system. We both support each other in any situation. After my mother's death, she was the only person I could rely on. If she hadn’t told me to chase my dreams, I would have never achieved what I have now. I am a full-time artist. Sakshi encouraged me to post my work on social media. People started liking my artwork and they wanted to buy my paintings.

My Papa arranged an exhibition for my artwork. At first, I thought it wouldn’t work. But by the end of the exhibition, only 1 painting was left. Every painting was sold out. Papa was so proud of me. If Mumma had been there she would have been so happy.

“Okay great. But where is Neil? It’s too late; he should be up by now.” Papa’s voice dragged me out of my thoughts. “Yes Dadda I know, but he is too tired let him sleep.” I pouted. “I know Beta that he must be tired, but if he won’t wake up he will be late for work.” Papa sighed. I understand his concern but I didn’t want to wake him up. But Papa is right; he will be late for work. “Ok Dadda, I’ll go and tell him to wake up ok?” I said standing up. I took his coffee and went upstairs.

I opened the door. Bhai was not there. So he woke up. He might be in his room. I went towards his room and heard him talking on his phone. I knocked and opened the door slowly. “I’ll be there shortly. Tell everyone to gather in the meeting room after 10 minutes.” He said and hung up. “Good morning pumpkin.” Bhaiya smiled at me. “Good morning Bhaiya. Did you sleep well? Is your head still hurting?” I uttered as I handed him the coffee. He placed the coffee on the table and said. “Yes, my dear sister, I did sleep well. Now stop worrying about me ok?” he said and kissed my forehead. I nodded.

“Someone’s birthday is coming right?” he said grinning at me. I raised my brows. “So you remember huh?” I tease him. He always remembers my birthday. He placed his hand on his heart pretending to be hurt. “I always remembered your birthday pumpkin. How dare you say that!” he frowned at me. I laughed when he passed me a glare. I couldn’t help but laugh more. He joined too and we both laughed at each other. It’s always fun with him. He is the best brother. “OK, ok. Now stop laughing and get ready or you’ll be late.” I said pointing at him. “Yes. Thanks for the coffee. Now shoo go away.” He teased me again. This is how we’ve always been. Teasing and taunting each other every time we get a chance to. I chuckled and went to my room.

Before I could open the door I heard Papa

“Ahana come here. I want to talk to you about something.” “Yes Dadda coming,” I said going downstairs.

I entered the living room and saw Papa sitting on the couch. He gestured for me to sit beside him. I did.

“Your brother and I have decided to organize a party for your birthday. We only invited our close friends. I invited some of my friends as I wanted you to meet them. I know you don’t like social gatherings beta but there are not many people so don’t worry.” He said as I nodded.

“Dadda you don’t have to do this. It’s just my birthday. Also, Bhaiya has a lot of-

“Yes, Ahana I have work. But that doesn’t stop me from celebrating my pumpkin’s birthday.” Bhaiya said entering the living room. He kneeled in front of me and took my hands in his.

“I know you don’t like parties and that’s why I have decided the names of people we have invited. You must be thinking that this would be a waste of time but trust me Ahana you will enjoy it. Please, for this once let me do something for you. Papa and I have been thinking about this for so long. I have noticed that you’ve been off lately and I just want to make you happy.” He said in a tone he only uses with me.

How did he know what I was thinking?

I gave him a small nod not knowing what to say. He smiled at me and stood up. “YES! That’s my sister!” he passed me a big smile.

“Beta, see the names. If you want to add someone to the list just let me know. Ok?” Papa handed me the paper. I nodded and checked the names. There were only 15-20 names. But I caught one name.

Malhotra family.

Wait. Hold on. Malhotra? It sounded so familiar. I couldn’t figure out why.

Oh. Harsh Malhotra and Papa were childhood best friends. So the entire family is invited. Does it mean I will finally meet him after 8 years? I don’t think he remembers me. We were best friends until he went abroad for studies. I never saw him after that.

Now he is one of the most successful businessmen in India. Rehaan Malhotra owns the biggest security company in India.

But the question is will he show up?