Love Is Like A Sweet Dream

No Entry Card

Everything was ready for the business party. Aadrika has done already that was needed and hired caters to handle the food.

Aadrika was sitting in front of her vanity table and styling her hair in a top knot. Her hair is chocolate colored tinted with wine and purple colour. She wore a jeans pinafore and long-sleeved red T shirt with black flip flops.

Dev knock on her door and came him. He looked immaculate in his smart wine red tuxedo with white shirt and black oxfords. His caramel brown hair was gel back to emphasize his gleaming hazel brown eyes, high cheekbones and a full lips.

"Aadrika, tell me how do I look?" Dev asked his sister. Aadrika stood up and inspect his dressing to her satisfaction. He indeed look handsome like the perfect gentleman.

"Not bad", Aadrika told him.

"That's not possible, I can tell I look my best". Dev argued.

He looks nice but maybe his girlfriend is coming, that's the reason. Aadrika thought in her head and smirked.

"Hey, tell me, krpya". Dev implored.

"I think maybe your girlfriend is coming, right?" Aadrika crooked her lips mischievously.

"Nahin, It's Tara, actually I have meet her twice and she is lovely, so I'm trying to look my best". Dev has a big smile on his face.

"Oh!" Aadrika muttered placing her hand under her chin and thought. Dev was in love with Tara.

Aadrika went downstairs after Dev left her room and entered the kitchen. All the decorations for Dev party was ready as she has paid people to do the job. Their living room was big enough to accommodate all the guest that was invited there was no need to use the family hall.

The Sharma's were a joint family and they live together in a beautiful, mansion in a convenient environment at Bangalore. Aadrika father, Mr Iraj Sharma was a successful business man and has a clothes manufacturing company and this made the family wealthy.

Aadrika went to the kitchen island and collect a china mug. She boiled water in the kettle and poured it into the mug before adding four spoonful of chocolate powder and a sugar-lump.

She sat at the kitchen bar and sip her drink while thinking of new ideas for her book. Aadrika was fond of writting romantic story and was a real dreamer.

Maybe writing about Cinderella and her Prince Charming won't be bad. It would be as romantic as ever and they would be a happy ever after.

Aadrika smiled at her thought it wouldn't be a bad idea. It would be perfect!

"Drika", Dev called coming inside the kitchen.

"Haan, What's it?" Aadrika asked as she drown the last of her hot chocolate.

"I need your help, you have to help me do this". Dev told her and Aadrika furrowed her eyebrows.

"Dev, kya hua? What's happened?"

"See", Dev came to her and sat at the other breakfast bar. "I need you help with the guest. Actually, I gave out entry card to everyone attending the party and they are to show the card before entering the house".

"And", Aadrika prompted and raised a eyebrow.

"You will help me sort out the card, just stand outside the main entrance and smile at them, then, ask them to show their entry and it's done". Dev explained.

"I see, but what if someone doesn't have the entry card. What happens?"

"He or She shouldn't be allowed inside, thanks, bahan". Dev smiled.

"Ek sekand ruko, what will you give me for this job?"

"Don't worry, I'll get you something you like, dhanyavaad". Dev touch her cheek softly.

"You are welcome", Aadrika smiled and followed him out of the kitchen.

Standing at the main entrance to do the job was easy. Frist, smile at them, second, ask their names and last, demand to see the entry card.

Aadrika yawned and looked at her wristwatch, it showed 8:10 and the guest were still arriving. She stood and await them when a sleek fast car drove inside the house. A tall handsome gentleman wearing a black leather biker jacket, jeans and combat boots came out. He strolled towards her and she could see he looked different.

His hair was tousle and he has a confident trait about him even in his walking style. When he came to the entrance, he completely ignored her but Aadrika spread out her arms to stop him.

Shiv raised his eyes and looked down at the girl in front of him. "Excuse me?"

Aadrika tried to smile at him but it wasn't possible. "What's your name?" She requested.

"Why do you want to know my name?" Shiv asked instead.

"You are here as a guest and you will do as I say. What's your name and produce your entering card". Aadrika told him seriously.

"You gotta be kidding me, I don't have a entry card". Shiv told her.

"Sorry, but no, you are not welcome here without your name and entry card". Aadrika saw his coal black eyes with gold flecks glowed. His name was raven and glossy, it has been cut shorter at his nape.

"Meree baat suno, miss security guard, I don't have your time". Shiv said, he might have lived in the US for a long time but he was perfect in hindi, his native language.

"Bhagavaan ka shukr hai, Thank God you speak hindi. I was beginning to wonder if you belong here". Aadrika scoffed at him.

Shiv was peeved, how could he fly out form US and come here humiliated. Who was this lady by the way? "I'm Shiv Khurana but call me SK, and who are you?" Shiv asked as he inspect the lady in front of him. Who even wears Pinafore at night? It was dawned hot inside of him.

She could be in her early twenties with an average height and chocolate wavy hair tinted purple and wine red.

"I'm not a security guard, My name is Aadrika Sharma and I'm Aadidev sister, twin sister". Aadrika added the last part on impulse. She doesn't even have a twin.

Shiv laughed, when did his friend suddenly has a twin sister? This was ridiculous! "How sure I am that you are not a hypocrite?" He question and saw fury flashed on her face. He crooked his mouth amused.

Aadrika was shocked he called her an hypocrite!

"How dare you call me names?!" She raged.

"How dare you stop me from entering the house". Shiv respond, he actually whispered but Aadrika heard him and her breathing was now shallow because she was mad, irate.

"Ja raha?"

It was Dev smooth deep voice as he came to the entrance. Aadrika grinned and turned to her brother.

"We have an hypocrite here", She said, with a smug look on her face. Shiv was already steaming until he saw Dev.

"SK, you have finally arrived". Dev said as he took Shiv in a bear hug leaving Drika frowning.

"Actually", Shiv release himself from the embrace and glance at Aadrika. "I arrived early but she kept me here, what's the fuss about entering card?" Shiv asked. He had now dug his hands into his jeans pockets.

"Meere baat suno, listen to me, he doesn't even have an entering card". Aadrika rant. Her face was now red, this was humiliating for her.

"Bahan priy, he doesn't need an entering card. Shiv is welcome to our house anytime". Dev told his sister. "Come on guy, the party had begin". He took the lead and Dev followed him instead the house.

Aadrika let out a hiss and said a quiet insult. "Foolish party, bevakooph". She turned and also walked inside.

Shiv and Dev were seated on high stool by the bar talking about old times and their business.

"I am thinking of establishing a new hotel here in Bangalore". Shiv said as he took a swig of his beer.

"Really?" Dev prompted, "Are you having any problems?"

"Of course not, things are going smoothly as planned". Shiv respond.

"That's good, badhaee ho, Bangalore is a beautiful city". Dev said, he was very ready to help his friend over with any problem.

"I can see that and you know I like to grab any opportunity to expand my business". Shiv told his friend. He look back at the crowd of people gathered, eating and drinking as they talk business and negotiate deals.

"The billionaire hotel magnate, Shiv Khurana, SK". Dev teased as he raised his bottle of beer to his lip.

"Yeah, that's life for me". Shiv shook his head and took a gulp of his drink. "How is Badi ma'am?"

"She went on a vacation with the family". Dev answered.

"I really miss her, I shouldn't be drinking so much today". Shiv said.

"Hey, mama's boy". Dev teased. "Tonight is to business".

"You should drink more beer". Dev was already opening another bottle.

"What? tum paagal ho gae ho". Shiv said.

"Come on", Dev laughed.

"You are already getting drunk, remember I'm flying back home tonight".

Dev shook his head, "Yeah, yeah, now drink and stop complaining".

••••••••••••••••

Aadrika was wearing her flannel pajamas and her hair was held in a hairnet. She had been in her room waiting for the party to end so she could read for her upcoming exams.

She was going to the kitchen when someone bumped into her and swore quietly. Aadrika knew it was him.

"Hey, you, can't you walk properly?" She questioned. Shiv was holding his black leather jacket on his hand exposing his open necked dress shirt. His hair was tousle as if he had just dug his fingers into them.

"Hi, it was a mistake". Shiv said, he was already feeling tipsy.

"Whatever", Aadrika sighed. "I don't want to see your face". She fold her arms around her chest and made a face.

Shiv crooked a smile, "I'm already leaving".

"That's good because you are the most arrogant man I've ever meant".

"Oh...", Shiv word was slur and he gave her another of his smile at irritate her.

"Get going, alarida". She waved him away and he walked away in a proud gait.

"Vah mookh", Aadrika muttered as she entered the kitchen.

•••••••••••

Aadrika came out of the lecture hall and breath in relief. Professor Leema history classes were always boring and tiring with all her long talk about things that are never useful and always deviating from the actual topic. She walked down the corridor with students hanging around and chatting but she stood different in her yellow kurti, blue jeans and black cut out heels. Her net dupatta was wrapped around her head in a single loop style and as she walked majestically, someone called out her name.

Aadrika paused and turned to see Kaartik smiling at her.

"Hi Aadrika", He greeted.

"Hi Kaartik", she returned.

"Did you just finished your class?" He asked.

Kaartik was one of the popular guys in university. He was tall, handsome with a charming smile. Today he was wearing a red and black flannel shirt over a white tee shirt, jeans and low sneakers. His dusty brown hair was cut shorter and he stood straight like a statue.

"Yes, it was just literature". Aadrika answered, she won't have been standing here and chatting with Kaartik if he were a stranger but no, he was Aunt Saavi son. Aunt Saavi was her mother best friend.

"Where are you heading to?" He asked politely.

"To the cafeteria", Aadrika respond.

"Do you mind if I buy you lunch?" Kaartik inquired.

Aadrika was silent, she couldn't say no to free lunch. "I don't mind". She replied and Kaartik grinned.

The Cafeteria was almost empty except for few students occupied with eating and texting on their phones. Aadrika chose a table close to the wall and sat down while Kaartik went to get their order from food counter.

Minutes passed, they began eating their lunch of chicken tikka masala and crisp papadum.

"How is university this year?" Kaartik asked as they ate.

"Tedious, just so many assessment and little time to do everything". Drika answered as she tuck into her food.

"What are you majoring in?"

"Languages and writing, I'm in my final year". She stuffed her mouth and began to chew.

"Lucky you".

"Oh, I don't feel lucky. Final years is a mess". She said. She raised her face to look at him and he saw her eyes, those velvety brown eyes twinkle.

"You won't be in university after this year". Kaartik state the fact.

"Haan, what are you studying?" Drika asked him as she drank water.

"Mechanical engineering, I have a year left".

"Too bad, bhagavaan ka shukr hai. I would soon be out of university".

"Do you feel sorry for me?" Kaartik asked as he bite into his crisp papadum.

"Of course I don't, bas chupraho, just shut up". Aadrika said, her voice in a whisper and Kaartik shook his head. It was fun to be with Aadrika Sharma.

••••••••••••••••

Aadrika was sitting crossed leg on the couch with a cone of popcorn on her lap. She was watching a movie and was so engrossed in it, she didn't notice Harini came into the house and sneak into the drawing room.

Harini gave startle her as she almost jump out of the couch.

"You frightened the living daylights out of me, my poor soul". Aadrika said and placed her right hand on her chest dramatically.

"Please, don't start with me". Harini rolled her eyes at Aadrika and sat down on the couch.

"What are you watching?" Harini gesture to the TV.

"Twice I fell in love". Drika answered as she stuffed her mouth with a handful of popcorn.

"Another sloppy romantic movie", Harini shook her head. Her caramel hair was held in a high ponytail.

"You will like it, I didn't see in college today".

"I came and I saw you with Kaartik". Harini said.

"I didn't see you", Drika flash her friend a look.

"You were talking with Kaartik and it would seem intrusive".

"Come on, I would have love to have you around". Drika said.

"What's on with Kaartik and you?" Harini enquired tentatively.

"So-so", Drika rolled her eyes.

"Tell me, I don't trust that boy".

"What happened, kya hua?" Aadrika paused her movie and focus on Harini.

They says he is the use 'em and leave 'em type". Harini voice was laden with so much concern.

"Oh Harini,app jhooth hai". Aadrika wanted to laughed.

"I'm not lying".

"Bevakooph, you worry too much. I should tell you something". Aadrika eyes gleamed mischievously.

"What again? You are such a drama queen". Harini groaned and hit the side of Aadrika head playfully.

"That hurt". Aadrika rubbed the spot on her head. "I was gonna tell you something". She protested.

"Tell me everything, I'm listening". Harini lean closer.

"Have you heard of one Shiv Khurana, dunno know where he came from but obviously a long time friend of Dev but I don't care. He is handsome, arrogant, domineering, and so bossy. I don't like him, he is too..." Drika paused as she realised she almost said the word "handsome".

"I mean he is too much trouble". She completed.

"Where did you meet this guy?" Harini asked

"In Dev foolish business party". Drika muttered and turned back to her TV. She let Harini run through her thoughts and muse over her description of Shiv.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Manhattan 14:12pm

Shiv took his espresso shots from the table and drank a large gulp of the dark liquid. He got up from his study desk and stretch himself to release all his tense muscles. He had been working hard since his return from Indian and really needed a good rest.

He out all the files laid out on his desk together and kept them in the holder. His manager at the The Stars Hotel would come pick them up by three o'clock. MS. Keely was going a great job for him.

Shiv took another gulp of his coffee and strolled to the floor-to-ceiling glass window. He stood and look down at the beautiful city below, yes, he could see Central Park, the beautiful green grass, the busy streets, cars on the roads and the streets alive with so many people. This was his city, this was were he belong, he had stayed her for more than ten years and this place mark the beginning of his business life.

Shiv felt restless, he had been avoiding his girlfriend since his return from Bangalore. Tanvi had wanted them to take their relationship further but he wasn't ready to move on to that stage. He didn't love Tanvi, he never did but it seems he had got little or no choice at all.

Tanvi was a girl any man would desire as a wife, she was the only daughter of Mr and Mrs Ranbir. She was the only child of her parent, loved and pampered to a fault. Tanvi now worked as a model in her father jewellery manufacturing company in The States.

Shiv grimaced as he remembered his late date with Tanvi, it had been horrible.

The door of his study room burst open and Tanvi stomped in. Her six inches high heels making a click sound on the mabel floor. She was dressed in a black mini gown belted at the waist and showing off her thighs and long legs. Shiv sighed as he turned away from the window.

"Welcome back home, finally, you are back". She spat out. Her face flush with anger.

"Tanvi", He tried to call her name softly but it came out sour through as he gritted teeth.

"Don't you call my name". She yelled at him

"Calm down, shaant ho jao". Shiv walked towards her but halt few meters away.

"Mujhe aap par vishvass nahin hai". She was now almost screaming and Shiv was grateful his study room was soundproofed.

"Krpya, please what do you want?" He asked directly, he couldn't deal with a lady throwing tantrums.

"I want a break from this damned relationship". Tanvi said, her voice still high and shill.

"A break?"

"haan, yes, I need a break. Everything is suffocating me".

"Well since you want a break, break you have it. I will give will enough time". Shiv said as she eyed him.

"I hate you, main tumase nafarat karata hoon". She said and flounced out of the room. Shiv grimaced and swore.

"Dammit!"