51.

                                    

                                          
"I will keep her safe." Karan said breaking the silence. 
"I will respect her privacy and I will never ever let the negativity around me affect her, I promise. "
"Felt close enough to reciting vows , isn't it" Kirti said to release the tension.
That was followed by a few chuckles and then Teja's mother asked Karan's parents "If you have any questions about us or Teju..."
"Oh no...we are content." Karan's father said with a big smile and patted Teja's head "she's my daughter ."
Teja's eyes welled up with tears but she quickly recovered before anyone could notice and said, "okay so should we have our lunch now."
"Please, I am so hungry." Sameer said.
"I have a few calls to make, so you guys countinue , I will join you soon." Saying this Karan left . 
.
.
.
"Didn't I ask you guys to get rid of these news , talk to her PR , the news agency or anyone, I don't care, but end this clownery as soon as possible."
"Sir we checked, it's no longer her PR. But .... actually the rumour on its own has created an audience for itself. So now the news channels are publishing articles on their own for engagement."
 
"Is there no way to stop them." Karan said raising his voice, clearly frustrated.
"Right now the most sensible option would be giving out a statement clarifying the rumours." One of the member of Karan's PR team suggested.
"Okay."
"Sir , but to be honest, it's not really a big deal, people will forget about it soon. And most importantly it has helped your social media engagement to multiply many folds " other member said.
"Do hell with you and your social media engagement." Karan scowled. "Just do what I ask you to."
"Yes sir."
"I will put a story by evening clarifying the rumours. You guys will handle the rest , I hope I'm clear. "
"Yes sir". The team said in union.
Karan cut the call and turned , and saw Teja waiting for him by the door of the gallery.
She came near him and poked his arm and instantly retreated, "Damn! Hot." She said.
He chuckled and said "Am I ?"
 
"Yeah." She crossed her hands behind his neck while he pulled her closer by her waist.
He kissed her forehead and said, "Happy Birthday."
"This is the fourth time you are wishing me since morning."
 
"Why do you have a problem with me wishing my girlfriend on her birthday. Are you salty as your boyfriend didn't do anything special."
"Not a word against my boyfriend mister. He gave me the best surprise and is going to give an amazing gift too."
"Right... about the gift, he told me to ask you if you could meet him on the terrace  ....alone "
"Is he planning to throw me off the building. "
Karan instantly let go of her and said, "eww... that's absurd."
Teja laughed , held his hand and said, "let's go inside now . Everyone is waiting for us."
.
.
.
' Maybe I'm not single, but I'm definitely not dating someone you think I am. 
We are mere acquaintance ( not even friends) , and I would like to keep it that way in the future too.
Also I do not appreciate the news channels who spread such rumours.
I'm a cricketer and would want only my cricket to be discussed. '
.
.
 "Good work Karan" Sameer said and patted Karan's back.
"But you are being too polite." Kirti said as they sat together in the living room. 
Karan and Teja's mother were discussing some show while having their evening tea. 
Teja and Karan's father were playing chess after long, and they both seemed to enjoy it a lot as they were on their third game. 
Tarun was doing his work from home and Niti was busy seeing the arrangements for Teja's birthday. 
"I didn't want to give her a lot of my energy. I just hope it ends here ". Karan said.
"If she does anything further we will directly file a case of harassment against her". Kirti said.
"Okay" Karan said a bit absent mindedly as he was busy watching Teja laugh.
Kirti noticed it and called him, "Karan".
He hummed.
"Time hi nahi mil raha n tum dono ko sath."
"Haan na." He said instantly and made a sad face. 
"She was with you watching movie from the past three hours and when finally I thought that I would get a bit of her time , my father decided to interrupt. Soon her friends will arrive and you know what that means." He ranted .
"You can have all her time after that. "
"I don't expect much now, but I should atleast get an hour right. From 11 to 12 , that's all I ask for."
"Done. I will make sure no one disturbs you both during this time. You only need to take permission of her brother." Kirti mocked him.
"Hahaha... very funny "Karan fake laughed. 
"What happened." Niti said joining the three.
Karan quickly shifted near her and said, "Bhabhi can you please do me a favour."
"Which is ?"
"Can you please convince Tarun Bhai to let me take Teja out."
"At 11 pm" Kirti quickly added.
"Why so late" Niti asked.
"Do you think her friends will leave her before that." Karan answered.
"Oh..yeah , they won't. But where are you going to take her. "
"Terrace. Teja once told me that she loves being there."
"Yes , it is her favourite spot. But why do you need permission for that" Niti then whispered "you can always sneak out."
Karan whispered back "Do you promise to help us sneak out without your husband getting any idea about it."
"I can. But you know what, he won't mind if you will tell him too . He is not as strict as you think he is. He is very cool. "
"Yes I totally believe that" Karan said awkwardly.
"Yes, it was only once, when he got to know about your relationship, that he said about breaking your limbs if you hurt Teju."
Kirti and Sameer broke into fits of laughter while Karan sat their horrified.
_____________________________________
I'm so sick and tired..
Of following the light of stars that already died..
Am I just chasing anything that shines?..
🤍
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