Love With Benefits

LOVE WITH BENEFITS

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***

ARCHISHA

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I was walking home from the market when suddenly a car running on full speed splashed me mud all over my dress.

mother just got me this dress yesterday and now it's ruined thanks to the idiot who just couldn't drive properly. I gently dropped the bag containing the foodstuffs on the ground as I stared at my dress wondering what next to do. I bit my lips in anger trying to process what just happened and how I'm supposed to continue the rest of the journey home looking like someone who just danced in the mud.

The car came to a halt few metres from where I stood and the door flew open only to reveal a man probably in his Mid-forties. staring at him, I could tell that he looks somehow sorry and terrified at the same time.

"I'm so sorry miss. I didn't mean to ruin your dress. Master told me to drive really fast and I was only following the instructions given to me" he explained with both hands clasped together. I felt my anger subside as I took pity on him.

"It's okay sir. I will be fine. don't worry about me" I said trying to sound as calm as I can possibly be.

"Maybe I should pay for the dress" he said pulling out some money from his shirt.

"No you don't have to do that" I gently pushed his hand away "you are an older person and you've already apologized so there's no need for that"

"thank you–"

"What are you still doing there?" a voice startled us making the man yelp in fear. "I'm supposed to be home and you're there exchanging pleasantries. what if I fire you this instant" he yelled

The man quickly got on his knees pleading for mercy "please don't fire me sir"

"How rude" I found myself saying. he darted his eyes at me

"Excuse me?"

"How can you be so mean? he already apologized and you don't want to hear any of it. is this how you were raised?" I raised my voice a bit louder so he can hear me.

"maybe you didn't grow up in India but every Indian child knows that it's a duty of a child to respect an elder" I yelled

"just keep quiet. I wasn't talking to you so you don't have to interfere"

"oh really, we weren't talking to you either. you were the one who put him in this mess in the first place. if you hadn't told him to drive faster then maybe he won't be here apologising for your mistakes." I rant on.

"Listen to me miss. you don't know who I am"

"and I don't care to know either. it's not like you can change the law with your money. and it's not like you can keep my mouth shut with it either." I say picking up my groceries from the ground.

"Is this how Indian women are raised?" he muttered to himself but loud enough for me to hear

"If speaking the truth and putting a rascal in his place is called disrespect in your books then yes, that's how we are raised and I am very disrespectful and if you try to fire this man, I will file a complaint in the station and get you arrested" I threatened

he shot me a deadly stare

"Are you threatening me?"

"yes" I replied "and don't you think I don't have proof. I will simply show this dress to the police and tell them that you ran me over with your car. then we'll see who gets the last laugh" I smirked. feeling defeated, he rushed inside his car and closed the door.

"thank you my child. may the Almighty bless you." he said gently patting my head.

"You should go. he won't try anything stupid" I assured him and he left with a smile. I walked away catching a glimpse of his face again as the car drove away.

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SHAURYA

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"Mr K, we're home" the driver said startling me from my thoughts. I glanced at my watch and it's past sixteen hours.

I couldn't stop thinking about all she said, she dared to threaten me. I will show her who I am. she should pray to God that I never see her again or she will regret it.

I step down and my eyes wandered round the house. for twenty years that I've been away, everything looks exactly the same. Our house in Narela, the garden, everything. I never wanted to leave but dad said it'll be best if I studied in Singapore before coming home to take over the family business. But right now, that's the least of my worries, I can't wait to find her again.

"mother shaurya is home" my little sister Avni yells immediately she sees me. she rushes into my arms giving me a big hug.

"Avni, you're looking good" I say with a smile

"and you're looking very handsome. I can't wait to brag about you to all my friends. they'll be so jealous" she says and I laugh.

"Let him be Avni. my son is back after twenty long years. Manish, please bring the offering tray so we can welcome him inside" she orders and after some minutes, it was brought to her. she did the ritual and gave me some sweets. I bent down to touch her feet but she stopped me halfway. "bless you my child" she said before giving me a big hug.

"How was Singapore? can you tell me all about it?" Avni inquires but was shushed by mother.

"First let him have his bath and eat his meal, then you can ask him as many questions as you want okay?"

"Alright mom" Avni replied feeling sad so I ruffled her hair with my hands.

"Brother. it took me two hours to make it look like this" she whined

I rolled my eyes at her and she giggled

"Go upstairs and have your bath, Manish will take care of the luggage. then you can have dinner with the rest of the family. I already called your father and he will be back soon" she said

"Alright mom" I kissed her cheeks and headed upstairs.

I quickly had my bath and changed my clothes then went downstairs to have my dinner.

"Shaurya my son"

"Granny" I kissed her cheeks "How are you?"

"As you can see I'm looking beautiful unlike your mother Simran." she said and we all laughed

"Welcome back my son" dad greeted

"it's good to be back dad"

"Finally you can take over from me and the company will be very successful"

"Raj, do well to talk to Simran so that we can find a bride for my grandson, I'm not getting any younger"

"Oh granny, not now please. I just got back" I protest

"you children of these generation, always delay in everything. in my days a bride will be married for you before you even get back"

"Don't worry mother. shaurya will get married. let's give him some time okay" mother said and I smiled

"whatever you say but he's not getting younger as well."

"I know mother but we can't force these things. my son will get married when he is ready"

"Thanks mom"

she kissed my cheeks

"Eat up before your food gets cold" she said before taking her seat.

I will definitely get married, once I find her...

LOVE WITH BENEFITS

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*.*

"Oh my goodness. what happened Archisha" my mother asked, immediately she saw me walk through the door. she has an offering plate on her hand which means she just got back from the temple. she she stood there, staring at me with shock written all over her face.

"Oh wow, she must have done something bad in the market and that's why this happened. I don't know what you've done this time. you always seem to enjoy giving us problems" my aunt said earning a glare from me.

"Arkisha?" my mother called again but I simply walked past them.

"it's nothing. a car splashed me mud on my way back but it's okay I took care of it" I said putting the items on the kitchen counter.

Just thinking about it makes my blood boil and I feel like slapping him so hard on his cheeks.

"You mean you fought him?"

"no mother i–" I stopped halfway when I noticed my two siblings walk up to me.

"who did it" Kuhu, the eldest asked

"I don't want to talk about it now please let me go change" I said walking upstairs to my bedroom.

"Seema, you have better find a suitor for Archisha, so she'll learn to be matured. she's already twenty but still acts like a child" i overheard my aunt telling my mom but I simply ignored.

I don't want to get married, at least not yet. I want to work and help my family, marriage is the last thing on my mind right now. and I want to get married to a family where I'll not only be a house wife but a working woman as well. my dream is to be a successful businesswoman and help my husband too.

I quickly put out the dirty dress and wear a new one. I tie my hair in a ponytail and wear my slippers. I was about to walk out of my room when I glance over at my desk and my eyes lits up. a smile makes its way on my face as I walk towards the desk.

there it was lying there. safely put away in my jewelry box.

My most priced possession. a gold bracelet embedded with silver stones. I smile as my hands caress it all over. The memories of that day flooding through my head like it were yesterday.

*

"I'll be leaving tomorrow." he tells me. we were sitting on the stairs during lunch time and he just said it.

"but where are you going? you said you wouldn't go" I sniffed

"I'm leaving the country. at least that's what dad told me. he wants me to study abroad and come back when I'm of age to take over the business. I don't want to go but he said it's whats best for everybody" he said sadly

I was already crying

"but I promise I'll come back and then I'll make sure that I look for you I promise. we'll be friends forever" he assures me but that didn't stop me from pouring my eyes out.

"and what if you don't recognize me. you'll be gone for a very long time right?"

he didn't respond but brought out a bracelet from his pockets and placed in front for me to see.

"I don't know when I'll be leaving but I want you to have this" he said putting it on my hand "it's our family's crest. it's one of a kind. just like you. if I see you wearing this then I'll definitely know it's you"

"But isn't this stealing?" I ask

"everyone in my family has one so I'm giving you mine. I know it's safe with you" he tells me and I smile.

"here" I say removing my pin from my hair and giving it to him "it's not fancy or expensive but I want you to have it" I tell him and we smile giving ourselves a bone crushing hug.

*

And that was the last I saw him.

I never wear the bracelet cause I don't want to be reminded of him. but I really do miss him a lot. most times I wish he was still here with me but I would never see him if I wanted to cause firstly we've moved from Narela after our house got demolished and we live in a small village in Najafgarh. I mostly go into town when I have something to take care of.

and I don't think he'll ever want to see me again as well.

"Arrrggghhh"

I heard someone scream and I quickly put the bracelet back in the box and headed downstairs.

"What's going on? why are you screaming?" I ask feeling concerned.

"Your sisters, that's whats going on. they put cockroaches on my bed and when I tried to rest, it went under my Sari and I was so scared" she explained, sweating like someone who's just got out of the shower.

I turn to look at my sisters. they had a grin on their faces and I knew that they were the ones who did it.

"Dayal I'm so scared. please don't take me inside that room again" she shivered

"Apologize right now" I yell at the both of them

"We're sorry aunt"

"no you're not you silly little rascals. that's what you say everytime. even the time when you put frogs inside my jewelry box" she yelled but they only find it amusing.

"I'm sorry Aunt on their behalf' I say and walk away to the kitchen to make dinner.

Pihu and Kuhu are only eighteen but they keep acting like kids.

they were born pranksters. if you insult them or any member of our family then you have yourself to deal with. that's their motto.

but I can't condone any more of their behavior and childishness.

I am angry and I guess they know it too.

"we're sorry Arkisha" they hold their ears and apologize but I pretend not to hear.

"Set up the table so we can serve dinner" I tell them.

they do as I say but I didn't spare them a single glance.

"Sister please don't get mad at us."

"you should have at least thought of that before stuffing her bed with cockroaches. what were you both thinking. I know aunt isn't the nicest person on earth but I thought I raised you better than that"

"we didn't like the way she spoke to you and that's why we did it" Kuhu says

"and I never asked you to help me out either" I say walking past them but they held me in a hug.

"we're really sorry. please don't be mad at us"

"ok fine" I sighed after giving it more thought. I couldn't stay mad at them even if I wanted to.

"I forgive you now serve dinner" I order and they simply nod.

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"Arkisha, the priest is inviting you to the temple so you can dance for the festival tomorrow." my mother tells me

I nod.

"Can we come?" pihu and kuhu asks

"yes you can. It'll keep you out of mischief anyway" I tell them.

"it's not like they're paying you to dance. I wonder why you waste your time dancing in the temple anyway" my aunt say in between meals

"I'm not doing it for the money. I love dancing in the temple, especially for the Almighty. he does so much for us so what better way to repay him" I smile "And besides its not like we're paying him for all the sacrifices he makes for us so why not do it." I tell her

"whatever you say. it's not like anyone can win an argument against you" she says but I only smile

"this food is delicious Archisha. you always know how to make great meals"

"thanks Arav"

I take my seat and dish out for myself. After the temple, I go in search of a job so that I can help the family too.

Oh Almighty please help me. Make everything happen the way it's supposed to.

LOVE WITH BENEFITS

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Episode 3

**

ADI

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"But what if your parents don't like me Adi? what if they don't approve of our relationship. what if they think that I'm not good enough for you?" I asked for the umpteenth time.

"Samaria–"

"Just call me Sam" I interrupts

"Fine. Sam it doesn't matter what they think because I love you and that's all that matters" he assures me

"Of course it matters what they think. they're your parents and they practically have a say in your life and plus I need their blessings on our marriage. that's the more reason I decided to follow you down here to India. damn I've never been this nervous in my entire life" I shut my eyes trying to process everything.

OMG what am I going to do if they don't accept me as Adi's fiancee. I really love Adi and I can't bear the thought of being away from him.

He snakes his hand around my waist and pulls me closer to himself as I place my head on his chest.

"trust me, everything will be fine. just think happy thoughts" he whispers into my hair and kissed me.

Adi And I come a long way back.

I met him in London after I left Singapore to continue my studies.

I was born in India but I was raised abroad so I've never been to my hometown or should I say country in a while.

We met in college and I fell hard in love with him. I don't know if it was the looks or probably the fact that he was Indian.

He swept me off my feet and I didn't waste a second to say yes when he asked me to be his girlfriend.

I was caught in the web of love, of his love actually.

We dated for six months before he asked me to marry him.

I simply said yes but when he told me that he'd like to have the wedding with his family, I simply lost it. not that I was mad but my mind kept wandering.

don't get me wrong, I really wanted to go to my country but I was scared because most Indian women would love to have their son married to a proper, cultured Indian girl and believe me I was far from it.

I couldn't even boil water properly so how am I going to manage?

I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn't even notice that we are already at the airport in India.

OMG

we boarded a cab and headed straight to Adi's house.

"Do I look okay? how is my outfit?" I asked Adi who I guess was feeling exhausted from my unending questions.

"you look great Sam trust me" he gave my palm a light squeeze

"OK" was all I managed to say

*

We arrived home and everyone came outside to greet us. it was like we were being welcomed by the entire village. it was such a warm welcome.

"Adityababu" an old woman who I assumed was his grandma came to hug him.

"Grandma" he screams and hugs her.

"Adi my son" another lady who I assumed was his mom came to hug him as well.

"Aditya" another called him again

"Uncle Kushaan, Payal" he bent down to touch their feet.

"Bless you my child. welcome home"

I looked around and noticed that it was a full house. I've heard from numerous foreigners in London that Indian families live together and I doubted it but seeing them together like this, I believe every word. although I don't like crowded families cause anyone can meddle in your business but seeing the love they share, I could give that a second thought.

I feel someone's gaze on me. I turn around to see his mom staring at me. I smile "Hi" I say waving my hands at them.

"I'm Sam"

"Um mother, this is Samaria and Samaria this is my family, that's my mother Ganga, my grandma Gauri, Uncle Kushaan and his wife Payal" he introduced them to me.

"it's so nice to meet you all. Adi has told me a lot about you" I said with a smile.

"Adi who is this?" his mother finally asks, glaring at me in the process

He holds her hands "let's go inside mother and I will explain everything to you okay" he adds and pulls them all inside

"so how is London?"

"very nice uncle. you should've see it yourself." he responds with a smile

**

ADI

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"We're so glad to have you back Adi" My uncle tells me again and I only smile.

It's really good to be back home. Aunt Payal came out of the kitchen holding a try containing food, tea and sweets I guess.

"Maharaj, please bring some juice for Adi" She instructed the a man who I assume was the help. He shook his head and left to do as he was told.

I looked at Mom and grandma only for me to see that their eyes were all on Sam while she shifted uncomfortably on her seat. She felt nervous and insecure at the same time.

"Adi could you please show me the restroom" She requests holding my hand. I looked at her pleading eyes and they told me everything.

"Sure I'll take you" I say but my mother stops me.

"Adi sit down. Maharaj will show you to the restroom" Mother said stopping me in my tracks.

Maharaj placed the juice on the table and mother instructed him to show our guest the restroom which he quickly did. Sam stood up and quickly followed him.

"Now are you finally ready to tell us who she is?" My mother asked immediately Sam was out of sight.

"Sure, Sam is my fiancee" I blurt out and I saw mom's face go sour.

"you were already engaged and you didn't bother to tell us? What if we were against it?" She asked

"I simply followed my heart. I love Sam so I did the needful and it was her idea for us to come and see you so that you would bless our Union. Because it wouldn't be right to get married without your consent" I told her and mom scoffed. Anger visible in her eyes.

"Adi there are other girls that you could've chosen from here in India, why her?"

"Because I love her mother. And dad could've chosen any other woman but he chose you too" I tell her

"I do not accept this union and you won't have my blessings for this shameless act–" Mom stopped talking when her eyes caught Sam standing there. She has been listening to our conversation.

She came and sat down next to me. She was feeling sad and disappointed at the same time. I hated seeing her sad.

I noticed mom take a glance at her from head to toe and shook her head disapprovingly.

"Why are you dressed like this?" Mom asked again

"Um...i didn't know–"

"Oh forget it" Mom cuts her short

"Why do you keep doing this ma" I asked suddenly feeling angry for every single thing she says about Sam.

I mean it's not even up to an hour that we got here and now this?

"You know what, I think it's a mistake that I had to come back here so Sam and I are leaving. We're going back to London. I can't be in a house where she won't be treated nicely" I rant

"adityababu listen to your mother, she only wants what's best for you"

"No granny. You only want what's best for yourself and your reputation. If anyone cared the slightest about my feelings then you would at least give me this. I'm leaving" I said standing up as I took out my phone to make a phone call. I walked outside the house only to be stopped by Sam.

"Adi please... " Sam begs holding my hand "don't go. We just got here"

"I know but I feel like we're not welcomed here either"

"Listen to me" She cups my face in her hands "you can't just expect her to agree on a matter this sensitive. You'll have to give her some time to think it through. And that's why we came here in the first place right? To make them see reason. I don't think what she said there was wrong. She doesn't know me and she obviously wants what's best for her only son. She doesn't want him making mistakes and regretting them. And besides marriage is such a long time commitment. And if you leave now then you'll break her heart so please " She pouts giving me puppy eyes.

"But what if she still doesn't accept you?"

"have faith. Someone once told me to be positive" She said with a smile and I laugh.

"OK. But if she doesn't accept then we are leaving. No questions asked"

"Alright then"

***

We both walked back inside holding hands.

"Adi my son" Mom said as she rushed to hold me. "I got so scared. I thought you left"

"Well Sam stopped me otherwise I could've gone" he replied and her eyes fell on our locked hands.

"OK then." She said and turns to me "I'll accept your marriage to my son but only one condition" She said and my insides started shaking

"You'll have to stay in this house for thirty days, that is one month and if you are able to learn the core values of a proper and cultured traditional Indian girl then I'll bless your marriage and the both of you will get married but if you can't learn the values then you'll have to leave my son after thirty days" Mom said and Adi almost said something but i stopped him.

"OK aunt. I accept your challenge. I love Adi and I will do anything for him" I said utterly shocked not knowing where this courage is coming from.

She gave a half smile before extending her hands at me "So do we have a deal?" She asked. Everyone looked on to see what Sam's answer will be and I foolishly said " Yes Aunt. We do " taking her hands in a handshake much to Adi's surprise.