I am back, sooner this time.

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Chapter-24

Ranveer now slowly wore his black sweatshirt simultaneously looking at the time. It was already nine forty five and there was no sign of Ishani. Wearing his watch and taking his backpack, he now looked through the balcony. The clouds were nowhere to be seen as the Sun now took the lead, spreading its best of light everywhere. Paris was no Loire Valley, he thought as he looked the cars which swung through the roads of the street swiftly, racing against time. His phone now buzzed as he glanced at the beam. It was the alarm for his day as it displayed the day's agenda. Looking at the screen, he decided to call for her. Walking to the right side of the room, he slowly tapped the door, calling her name. Within an instant, she opened the door, a cheerful smile appearing on her face.

"Good Morning!" she squeaked as he simply gazed at her. Somewhere he felt that he was never ever happier like he was now. He looked at her dress now; she was simply dressed in a black pantaloons and a white blouse, her hair set free with a sunglass above her forehead. Her face was fresh and clear, an enchanting guise emanating from her eyes as he still scrutinized at her like an infant gazing everything with an amusement.

She once again snapped her painted nails at him as he now stepped aside from his reverie, his eyes glistening at her mere sight.

"H-Hey, Morning," he muttered, almost to himself as both of them smiled, in coy.

"I-I am sorry, just got late, a tad bit late," she bit her lip as he impressed, "A tad bit, yeah," he coughed slowly as Ishani cheered, "So, shall we?"

"Yeah, sure," he paved way for Ishani as she now departed from the room, striding to the lobby after which he locked the main door, tautly.

Both of them now sat inside the white coloured Acura, making themselves comfortable as the chauffer now revved the car, asking for the destination.

"So, where shall we go?" Ranveer posed, as she now gave him a 'how-do-I-know' look. Ranveer gave her an awkward smile before he asked, "How about the Eiffel Tower?" She nodded in understanding as the car now headed to the Eiffel Tower, one of the most important and famous destinations in Paris.

The next one hour went in travelling, talking about trivial matters, gazing at the roads and admiring the scenic beauty of the city as they now reached the 137 feet tall Eiffel Tower, shadowing their height.

"Whoa! This is…huge," Ishani exhaled in awe as he saw her solely, his eyes reflecting an enigmatic love for her.

"Let's get seated somewhere," he whispered slowly and strode, gazing at the tall tower as he sat on an ivory coloured bench followed by her. Minutes passed seeing the tower and the massive population in the place, after Ishani decided to break the silence.

"So…"

"So?" Ranveer looked at her puzzled when she continued, "Say something, won't you?"

"Hmm…let me ask you something."

"Ask what?"

"Like don't get offended. But I saw a diary in your safe the other day," Ranveer dragged as she looked at him shaken, the mere word diary sounding aloof for her.

"D-Diary?" she stuttered, her line of thoughts drifting uncannily. She was dead now, her brain now lead into her. She was already sweating.

"Hey, why do I see this perspires? Don't fret!" Ranveer calmed her down, rubbing her palms softly and continued, "It's not a diary, actually. A notebook…kind of a notebook."

"Notebook? Wh-What sort of a notebook?" she asked, her lips quivering. Though she still has his personal diary with her, the inner fear was evident and she couldn't help but only panic.

"Like it had only notes…or scribbles, if you ask me. It had two names, Veronica and Ryan. May I know something about it?" Ranveer asked whilst she heaved out a huge sigh of relief, tears ebbing away from her eyes.

"Oh, so you saw the notebook, eh?" she sniffed as he nodded affirmatively, gazing at her warily, waiting for the answer.

"It's about two forbidden seeds which fall from the tree of life only to reap the best out of life."

"About the lives of two lovers, you mean to say?"

"That's about the lives of two childhood friends. I don't know…however this story has been in my mind for the past one decade now. I am penning this story and hoping that I would publish it as a novel someday."

"A novel?" Ranveer exclaimed, "That's something really great, Ishani. Tell me something about them; I want to hear it badly."

Ishani chuckled faintly before replying, "Ryan and Veronica are the best of friends, childhood friends. Ryan is the son of a domestic help in a mansion while Veronica is a girl born with a silver spoon, from the same mansion though she was termed as an illegitimate child. Well, it is love at first sight for Ryan, back when he was nine." Ishani sighed as he saw her with an anxiety.

"Ryan is a selfless lover. A good friend, mentor, aide, everything for Veronica. He was just…just the whole enchilada for Veronica…until,"

"Until?"

"She met Harold, her fiancé. Harold was just the opposite of Ryan and Veronica was too innocent that she got manipulated by Harold, without her own knowledge. And Ryan to prove his loyalty makes her fall in love with Harold. Somehow, Ryan finds about Harold being a cheat and he tries to save his ladylove from him. Having said that he was a selfless lover, the pain he faces is innumerable. It is…unfathomable. And on a fine day, Ryan confesses his love for Veronica in front of the whole family only to get ousted from the house, beaten up brutally, blood trickling all over his form. He comes back as a rich man as the tables get turned. He now meets Veronica, who was then a no one. Neither she has got a good house to live in nor a good relationship. She then explains how she was ditched by Harold, a cheat, philanderer. Ryan then consoles her and love blossoms between them after a long hassle. They decide to get married when Veronica meets the fate of her life: death in an accident. Consequently, Ryan dies, too."

"Somehow, this story is really close to my heart…very close. I sometimes feel that it all happened with me, too. The incidents I decided to write sometimes looked like nothing but a déjà vu. It then got galvanized and it just…just happened."

Ishani's eyes were moist now, tears gushing out from her eyes unwillingly as she now looked at him, his eyes reproducing the same.

"Ranveer…are you, hey! Why are you crying?" she clasped his hands in tension as he sniffed, "This sounds magical, you know? Something that has happened with me, earlier."

"Earlier?"

"Like I mean," he coughed slowly, "The story is so poignant that it just tore my heart. I can feel for Ryan. It's as though me going through all the pain, Ishani," the corner of eyes had tears as her grip over his hand grew stronger.

"So what say? Should I continue this?"

"I'll be the publisher, go on," he kissed her hand, smiling at her with a glee, his eyes glistening.

"So how about going to the Fête now?" Ranveer rubbed his hands and gritted his teeth in elation as Ishani gave him a positive nod before questioning him.

"Fête?"

"It's a fair happening to collect funds for an exhibition by one of the companies here. I just read it yesterday in the newspaper."

"Let's go," Ishani ejaculated as they now walked to the Fête before relieving their chauffer for the day. It was already noon when they entered the carnival. Balloons and poppers hung out everywhere as they strode alcoholically, being drugged by the arrangements. The entire carnival had around four hundred populaces, as they roughly calculated, each one frolicking and gambling with the tokens and money. Come what may go, they cashed in their salaries in the stalls and kiosks, indulging themselves in the best of everything.

"This place is mesmerizing," Ishani muttered in awe as he replicated her expression, getting their entrance tickets from the counter.

"I am going to have the time of my life," he expostulated and jogged to the arena, as Ishani followed him to the ring, joining him in playing as her phone buzzed. She looked the screen and looked at Ranveer, making sure that he wasn't noticing.

"Ranveer, I'll be back," she excused herself but he never paid heed to her words and continued playing, and gamble the game.

Moving to a corner, she picked up the phone and spoke, "Hello."

"Miss Ishani?" came the voice from the medical centre.

"Yes."

"Ma'am, when can we expect the patient for the appointment? You had told us that he'll be coming for the check-up by the weekend."

"Um, well…how about the 9th of this month? Possible?" she dragged she heard the latter speak, "The psychiatrist will not be available on the 9th, ma'am."

"Oh. Can I have his number?"

"Sure ma'am, I'll send a message soon. He's Mr. Yvon, hope you know that."

"Yeah, I know. Thank you!" she hung up the phone and within seconds, she received the message and it was from the medical centre.

Quickly dialling for the number, she waited for the doctor to pick the phone as she now heard the voice, "Hello."

"Doctor, this is Ishani. I had met you a few days back regarding a patient's behavioural changes and mood swings, remember?"

"Yes, what should I do for you, Miss?"

"Sir, sir, this is just to confirm his appointment with you this Sunday. Will it be possible?"

"Er, I am sorry but I am on an off this Sunday. How about meeting at a public place?"

"White Stag leas, the park just near the hospital, will it be fine? But one thing, please don't disclose the fact that you are his doctor. He doesn't know about his disorder."

"Sure, miss. I'll not," he said softly and continued, "So at 11 in the morning, will that be fine?"

"Sure sir, he'll be there. Thank you so much."

"Anytime," he muttered and hung up the phone as Ishani now sighed in tension, praying that everything should turn out well. She now walked back to the carnival, searching for Ranveer where her eyes met at his face. It was different, according to her. It was not the normal expression of his. This face of his was different. It was happy, cheerful, and pleasant and she wished him to be the same, all the time. She now tapped him over his shoulders, calling his name as loud as possible as he now turned back, looking at her with a glee on his face, a smile in mirth.

"What?" he exhaled tired of playing. Little did he realise that he has played for an hour now.

"The time is 1.30 already. Do you have any idea to come back?"

"Come back? Hey, we just came here and I still have to have a look at so many stalls!" he now looked at the stalls which he was yet to step in as she sighed silently.

"Oh Ranveer, I am tired already!" she wailed as he snickered, "Okay, sit here then. I'll go and have my fun."

Ranveer now ran through the stalls, just like a kid, giggling and enjoying his time as she sat down, opening her clutch to start her favourite pastime: to look at the ring which he had gifted her.

"You will never know of how much you mean to me, Ranveer. Never. Even if someone says not to marry you because of any reason, I won't stop or reverse my decision. Let 12'o clock come soon and you'll realize my love for you. I know, you were waiting for the three words all while."

The day had come to an end as they now walked away which currency notes and gifts, winning big in the carnival. Though the full day was wasted in all the games without paying heed to their hunger and thirst, somehow both of them felt that the day was fruitfully spent. Ranveer now looked at a stall outside the carnival which challenged the people of France for a Tequila Shot competition. Gawking at it, he walked sluggishly to the stall when Ishani stopped him, "Ranveer, let's get back. We have the inauguration tomorrow and we have to set everything in place."

"The arrangements are perfect already, Ishani. Don't worry and please, don't stop me from the competition." He continued to walk as she looked baffled. She has to stop him from drinking and she wondered how.

"Ranveer, it's not good for health, you know," she warned him but was cut, "Oh hello, you shouldn't say that, understand? If you are so decent, then please get back and I know you aren't."

"Excuse me?"

"What? You cannot win the challenge, I bet you."

"You are challenging me?" she looked at him with a rucked up brow as he stood erect, boasting about his drinking skills.

"Challenge accepted," she placed all the bags on a bench nearby and stood, her hands folded. Walking steadily to the stall owner, Ishani remarked, "I am ready for the challenge, how much should I pay?"

"You don't have to pay any, Madame. You have to challenge another person and whoever wins can take it for free. The loser will have to pay for his bill and also his opponent's. Whom are you going to challenge?" He asked as Ishani now stared at the entire stall with each one holding three and four tequilas at one go. "This guy," she pointed towards Ranveer who was already ready standing with the glasses.

"All the best, both of you," the stall owner smiled as the competition started between them, each one grabbing the shots like maniacs, drinking everything in a gulp. Well, having said that it was tequila shot competition, drinking in a gulp will not be tough. And the best part was, the shots were too boozy.

A few minutes later, one of the competitors gave up with four shots, sitting on the chair nearby and resting quietly and it was him. He now saw Ishani drinking still, at a rapid succession as he gave her a stunned look. She was the one who asked him to stay away from alcohol. She was the one who asked him to get away from his bad habit. Seeing her beating him left him shocked and surprized but he was never happier than this. Completing four shots more than him, she walked drugged, hiccups stopping her from talking anything.

"Didn't I twell you?" she walked crooked, her tongue rolling as she now fell over Ranveer who had just stood up. She now fell over him when he needed support. Both of them couldn't hold each other properly when the ground claimed them, both of them almost falling.

"Hey, d-don't leave me," Ishani shouted goofily as he rolled his eyes and said, his words jumbling, "I never lweft you!"

"Aw, how shweet!" she pulled his brasses and kissed him on his right cheek as they now decided to get up and leave the place before anyone would catch them. Walking was difficult task for them now. But, even after the whole fiasco, she did not forget to take her bags.

Both of them reached their room with the help of the stewards in the hotel as Ranveer slowly grasped the handle of the door closing it, tightly. Ishani, on the other hand, managed to clutch his sweatshirt and continue with her hiccup game.

"I twold you, right?" Ishani's words swirled, "Shee, I won the game." Ranveer looked her with a shameful look, shameful that he lost the competition.

"I k-know, Ish…Ish," he even struggled to say her name.

"ani…Ishani," she giggled shamelessly as she limped. Ranveer, though wasn't in his senses, managed to grab her waist, saving her from falling. He now looked into her eyes soulfully, his grip on her waist tightening with seconds as she felt her nerves tickling.

"Ooo! Sholly," she clicked her tongue out and slowly raised back, her arms now curling over his neck as her face now tilted. Advancing towards him, she slowly closed her eyes and asked, "Do you know something?"

"What?" Ranveer asked her as she opened her eyes slowly, giggling, "I-I…I l..lo," she stuttered, her hiccups now increasing in number as she slowly rested her head over his chest. As a result, Ranveer lost his balance as they now swirled over the steps to fall on the bed, both of them banging on the cot.

"Oopish!" Ishani exclaimed as Ranveer made awkward faces, separating himself from her as Ishani now turned towards him, looking into his eyes deeply. Giving her a strange expression, he asked, "What are you loo…king at?"

"You. I am looking at you," she smiled goofily and clenched his palm, her grasp growing harder and harder as she came forward and muffled herself in his sweatshirt.

"What are you doing, sweetie?" he asked her softly, his voice subdued as she looked at him soulfully, though there was a mischievous twinkle in her eyes hidden.

"Sweetie! Did you call me, shweetie?" she exclaimed and arched her body upward as she now came very close to him, their alcoholic breathes heard by each other.

"I did," he replied, his voice turning husky as she squeaked shamelessly, "Oh my Goshiee! You are sho cute!" she buttoned her lips against his as he savoured her lips, though he was shocked with the sudden advancement. He let go off the slightest of distance between them as he now grabbed her by her waist which made Ishani pounce upon Ranveer, their bodies hitting each other. She slowly let her hands get inside his sweatshirt, whereas his hands were tightly secured over her waist, her milky skin already exposed. Their lips now sucked each other's drivel as both of them explored their inner lining of their orifices, each one grousing higher than the other. Ranveer's hands now travelled to her thighs and then to her feet as he removed her stilettos and grabbed rubbed circles all over feet which made Ishani giggle, however she did not dare to break their canoodle session. The mere touch of his made her stirred as her nails now smashed his spinal muscles, her pointed nails leaving a slight mark over his skin. Ranveer now separated his lips from hers for some air as both of their breathes started to go irregular, each one breathing out heavily after the three minute passionate lock before Ranveer decided to kiss her again, this time more passionate as his hands cupped her cheeks now, his lips only sucking the best out of hers and vice-versa. Ishani, on the other hand interlocked her hands into his hair, dragging it gently which made him groan. The sexual tension between the two made both of them crave for more and more as Ishani now separated for air, her body claiming the place beside his.

Ishani now took this chance to cuddle with him, her playing with the zip of his sweatshirt as he kissed her hair, tucking her into him by hugging her tightly.

"Do you love me, Wanveel?" she asked, her voice muffled as he came out from his hug and looked into her eyes which were glowing in the moonlight.

A kiss was enough to tell her what he meant for her. May be that was the end for the night before they drifted to sleep or may be just the start of their night.

Done! Constructive Criticism will be more than welcome and sorry for typos. :D :D