Breathe Anew: Chapeter 2: Kisses

Title: Breathe Anew
Author: Roshni & KC
Rating: PG
Pairings: Aariyan/Sehrish, Vikram/Shweta, Si-won/Amaya, Chad/Sally, Aedan/Hana
Word Count: 4,211
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. This was written for fun. No profit is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.

Introduction , Chapter 1: Old Friends & New Acquaintances

Chapter 2: Kisses

Suri Palace was quiet. Inside Amaya was quietly enjoying her coffee while reading Edgar Allan Poe, when the bells on the door jingled. Amaya looked up to see who was up as early as her. Her eyes came to rest on a person also carrying a copy of a story by Edgar Allan Poe and reading it while walking into the Palace.

Amaya smirking whispers under her breath, "It looks like one from the rich trio actually has some brain cells."

Si-won looked up to see the whole place empty except for a single person and his gaze zeroes onto the paper she is reading and his eyes light up. He walked up to Amaya's table. " You like?" points to the name Edgar Allan Poe on his book.

Amaya does not look away from her paper at the intruder who has decided to destroy her peace. "Did I allow you to sit on my table?" Amaya thinking that tone should have gotten across that I want to be left alone. However, Si-won had other things in mind and replied, "No not really, but I don't think Edgar Allan Poe would mind."

Amaya thinks how ignorant or oblivious can this boy be and tried to be as blunt as she can while still reading. "Look rich boy, I like my peace hence I am here before the breakfast crowd." She paused to let that sink into his thick brain. "Now if you value your life you will leave my table."

Si-won not wanting to leave yet, when he has finally found someone to talk to about his idol. "Well Ms. I love peace and quiet, it’s not like I am going to talk and anyways you are in the table I usually sit at." Amaya finally getting tired of his presence, put down her paper and in a starkly voice, "Well Si-won, I don't see your name written on this table, so I guess you must be at the wrong table."

Si-won trying not to look too smug, "actually my name is carved on the underside of the table." Amaya narrowed her eyes at him, clearly not believing him, yet she traced her fingers on the underside of the table and feels the etching of his name carved on the table. She stood up picking up her coffee, papers, bag and moved to another table. Si-won gets up and followed her sitting across from her at the new table as well. Amaya gives a frustrated sigh. What the hell is this guy’s problem?

"Why are you following me?" She asked irritated.

"I like Edgar Allan Poe and I don't have anyone else I can talk to about him. What do you say; would you be my friend, so we can talk about the greatest writer of all times?" His voice sounded so hopeful that Amaya can't help but feel a bit of pain go through her as she replied, "What about the other two from your group?"

"They don't take this class with me, so they don't have to read. I need someone to give me his or her opinions. His reply doesn't really surprise her but she couldn't help but ask, “Why are you taking this class? I though all three of you always take classes together?" Si-won can't help but be surprised at her way of thinking and replied, "You think we only take classes together? That's not true you know. I take this class because I like literature. So what if the other two don't like it. They are not going to stop me from going after my dreams and fighting for them."

Amaya can't help but be confused by what he has revealed. "'And what makes you think I am going to talk to you kiddo?" Si-won can't help but let his instincts from his drama class take over. He puts his hand on his chest and in a hurt and teary voice, “aah the 'fair lady’ wounds me so deep the dagger has pierced into my heart." He opened his eyes and took a peak at Amaya who snorted in response to his theatrics. "I don't have time for your dramatics." Si-won thinks about trying his last option; making her angry. "Please aunty...take pity on a lowly college student and help him with his work. Amaya fell right into his trap replying, "Whom are you calling aunty? Do I look like an aunty to you?"

Sehrish who had been watching this scene unfold from the kitchen finally decided to make her presence known to the two fighting. She walked up to them but gets no reaction from the fighting duo. She cleared her throat, "Hey Amaya, Si-won, what are you guys up to so early in the day? They both look at her startled as if she just appeared out of nowhere.

"Paying homage to Mr. Poe." Si-won replied.

While at the same time Amaya started to say, "Thank God you're here to save me Sehrish. You should ban children before 8:30 a.m. That way at least mature adults like me can enjoy the peace and quiet atmosphere this palace has to offer." Si-won looked at Amaya as if she had lost her marbles, "I don't think you are that much older than me. Sehrish you should ban below 25."

Sehrish looking at them amused, "Sorry Si-won dear that would mean that I will be banned as well. Then who would make your latte? Si-won looked frightened at the loss of his favorite latte maker, "No banning, I can't lose you. Can I have the usual please if you don't mind? I didn't have any dinner last night." Amaya can't help but say, "Serves you right for disturbing the adults in the house." Si-won looked at curiously, "How old are you exactly?" Amaya is shocked at Si-won's audacity to ask such a question.

"Shameless child! Did your mother never teach you to never ask a lady her age? It is quite rude!" Amaya shrieked.

Si-won's eyes were twinkling with mischief. "Lady?' He looked around as if searching for something. "What lady I don't see a lady anywhere." Amaya outraged by Si-won's manner grabbed him by his shirt collar, pulled him closer and narrowed her eyes at him.

"You better run rich boy, otherwise I can't guarantee you will leave here in one piece." She said through clenched teeth.

Si-won nonchalantly ignored her threat and says, "There is no need to run yet."

"Yet?" Amaya narrows her eyes at him.

He looked up into Amaya's eyes and she noticed his resolve to do something. All of a sudden he leaned in and kissed Amaya on the cheek. "Now it is time for me to run, if I want to get out of here in one piece." He runs out of there.

"You cheeky…” She got up and ran after him.. Sehrish meanwhile was holding her stomach from laughing so hard and thinking that they matched each other perfectly. As this thought is going through her head, the door of the Palace opened and the bell jingled. She turned her head around to see Vikram and Aariyan entering the restaurant. Vikram looked at Sehrish's red cheeks and laughter in her eyes,

What's going on? What's got you laughing so hard? Sehrish who still hasn't gotten her breath back. "Si-won 'kissed' Amaya.” She continued laughing uncontrollably. Vikram's eyes become the size of saucers. "Wow' I want to see what Amaya does to him." He looked at Sehrish, "coming?" "I wouldn't miss this for anything in the world." She replied.

Vikram grabbed Sehrish's hand and ran out the door. Aariyan who is looking at them running towards the door of the palace feels something move in his chest. "Okay' so leave me to fend for myself." Sehrish's voice floats back into the palace from the doorway, " or you could come with us and have a blast." Aariyan irritated replies, "I don't have time for this. Who serves the coffee in this place?" Silence is the only response as he looks around the Palace and see's the coffee maker on the back counter. He lets out a big sigh as he started to move towards it, "I guess I'll just have to do it myself."

" No you won't. Sometimes I forget I have an adult daughter and not a teenager I am still raising." There is fondness in the eyes of the elderly beautiful woman who just came out in the counter area from the back. "Tell me, how would you like your coffee?"

"Black. Thank you. It's a pleasure meeting you. I am guessing you are Sehrish's mom."

"You must be new here." Sehrish’s mom asked.

"Yes I am. My name is Aariyan Rogue. I am here on a business trip and Vikram is my best friend. However, I seriously should reconsider that sometime." The elderly women can't help but laugh at Aariyan's last thought. "I am Sunaina Suri, mother of Sehrish Suri; the one who just ran out."

"She is quite a character. We met by accident yesterday." Sunaina raised her eyebrows, "accident.." Her eyes light up as recognition comes. "So you are the rascal idiot monkey face she was ranting about in her room yesterday."

"..Rascal idiot monkey face.. I've never been described like that before." Aariyan said surprised.

"I have to say this is the first time she has described a handsome guy as rascal idiot monkey face. What in the world did you to get her so mad at you?" Sehrish’s mom asked.

"We sort of had an accident." Aariyan clarified.

At that moment Vikram, Amaya and Sehrish walked into the Palace looking energized with their cheeks red and out of breath.

"Wow, we've never had a monkey in our palace before." Sehrish teased.

"SEHRISH'. We don't treat our customers like that." Sehrish’s mom yelled.

With a pout on her face Sehrish presented her argument. "But MOM, He hit MY HARLEY."

"One day that bike will kill you. I don't understand how Vikram convinced your father to buy that killing machine for you." Sunaina muttered.

Aariyan looked at Vikraam as if he has stabbed Aariyan in the back. "You got her that killing machine. How many innocent lives must be on your hands. Don't you just feel guilty."

"Oi Monkey face, I convinced him… Besides what does it matter to you? If I did have a killing machine, it will be on reserve only to be used on you." Sehrish replied heatedly.

"What an acid tongue, I sure wouldn't miss that." Aariyan moved closer to Sehrish. “It would be such a waste to lose a beautiful face though."

Everyone's eyes turned to the entrance of the Palace as the bells jingle. Aedan and Chad walk into the Palace. Chad looks around at everyone questioningly. "What happened to Si-won? We just saw him speeding away on his Silver Mercedes-Benz SLR."

Sehrish, Vikram and Aariyan turn towards Amaya trying to hide the smile or laughter from their faces, while Amaya just looks outraged.

"He paid the price of kissing a classy woman."

Chad looks up at Amaya surprised, "he finally worked up the courage to kiss you?"

"I have to say, he has guts. I would never be able to approach Sehrish. I probably would faint." Aedan said, trying to make a point about the age difference between Amaya and Si-won.

"So should we be getting ready to accept the first girlfriend? Chad asked seriously.

"In my nightmares because that is the only place it would come true. Your rich friend can dream all he likes but this woman is too classy for him." Amaya answered looking appalled.

Aedan raised his eyebrows, looking surprised at the contempt he hears in Amaya's voice when she says rich friend.

"You do know that you are rich as well. You say it like being a rich is a disease when it comes to the three of us. You don't even know us, so please don't presume things about us." Aedan stated.

"You boys just never learn do you? You think just because your rich, you can do anything. Not everyone is rich like us. Some people actually work hard to get where they are like Sehrish and her parents. We're not handed down money unlike you guys. You think you're all that just because you have the most money." Amaya feels out of breath after her rant. However she freezes when she hears the cold words that come out of Aedan's icy voice.

"You have no right to presume that about us. Maybe you should get to know us before coming to judgments about us through gossip and newspaper. You may be smart and bright but at the moment you sound like a fool."

Amaya feels the anger building up in her veins. "My judgments do not come from gossip but from what Chad did yesterday."

Aedan turned to look at Chad questioningly. Amaya smirked, “you can't even remember what happened yesterday. Chad offered to buy spectacles for someone. Remember?”


Aedan snorted and rolled his eyes, "Chad is always offering to buy something for everyone and most of the time it is from the bottom of his heart. However, that does not mean that you can make views based on one event. If I did that I would think you're a prejudiced person."

Amaya refused to back down, "There is offering and then there is being mocking. I think in this case, Chad was being mocking, How come I don't see you hanging out with middle class boys. All your friends are from the rich circle and you only hang out with Chad and Si-won."

"I don't see you being friends with middle class girls either. You hang out with Sehrish and Shweta, they are rich. The three of us are always together because we are brothers." Aedan replied angrily.

Amaya let out a deep breath. "I give up. The next time you see your rich boy friend tell him he better not cross my path. Otherwise'" She grabbed her stuff and left the palace leaving the threat hanging in the air.

"what's her problem?" Chad asked aggravated.

Aedan looked at Chad warningly. "Shut it you."

"What will you guys have for breakfast?" Sehrish tried to break the tension in the Palace.

"I am not hungry anymore. I am going to head in first to College. I'll see you there during first period Chad." With that he turned and walked out of the Palace. Everyone in the Palace looked at each other with shock on their faces as Aedan leaves.

"I think something's wrong." Every can hear the worry in Chad's voice.

Sehrish agreed with Chad, while Vikram asked what could be wrong?

Aariyan who had been sipping his coffee while watching all of this becomes tired of the silence. "If you two detectives have decided that there is a problem, can we get down to business?

Chad looked back forth between the three of them before deciding that he does not want to listen to a boring meeting. He grabbed a latte and muffin from the counter that Ms. Suri just set up and started to walk towards the door. "I'll leave you guys to it."

Aedan's black Lamborghini Murcielago glides on the road to Ananta College. All of a sudden he slammed the breaks as a figure becomes frozen on the road. He ran his hands over his face. Why today? WHY ME? He gets out of the car and runs up to the girl. He noticed that she was wearing his college's uniform and shaking. He doesn't think she'd be able to walk. "If you want to stand please stand on the pathway, not on the road. The girl looked up at Aedan. He sees the fear in her eyes. He takes a deep breath knowing he was going to hit himself over the head later. "You're going to Ananta College?" The girl's reply of yes is a mere whisper.

Aedan knew he was going to regret this later, "Get in the car; I am going there as well." The girl looked like she was going to refuse. However, Aedan doesn't let her get the refusal in and tells her to get in the car again. The girl gets into the car and Aedan drives off. Once he gets to the university he parked his car and took the girl to the infirmary.

The infirmary was empty until a girl stepped out from nurse's office carrying a bagel and hot chocolate. Her hair was in a ponytail and she was wearing specs. The sweater she was wearing was two three sizes too big for her. Hana set her breakfast on the table and turned towards the two people who had interrupted her quiet breakfast, "what's wrong?" She asked concerned.

The guy pointed at the girl saying that she almost got his by a car and going into shock.

Hana could see right through the shaking within a few moments. She rolled her eyes and walked up to the girl, "Well, let's see what's wrong? Why don't you lay down in one of the beds? What's your name?"

"My name is Rusty."

Hana took out the pen flashlight to look at Rusty's pupil. She also took her temperature just to be sure that her eyes were not playing a trick on her. She was pretty sure of the fact that Rusty was faking all this. "Well it looks like nothing is wrong. Not even a scratch. Why don't you go grab something to eat?” Hana suggested. Rusty glued on a fake small smile and turned towards the guy asking in a small voice if he could take her.

Hana noticed the irritation in his eyes, so she smiled at him and pointed for him to sit in a chair. He looked a bit confused but sat on the chair at her urging. Hana turned to Rusty, "Why don't you go on, I need to talk to him." Rusty refused to leave, "I want to hear this if it's about me."

Hana closed her eyes asking God to give her more patience, "It has nothing to do with you. I want to talk to him about himself and I don't think he wants you to listen to his personal information." Aedan finally lost his patience and looked at Rusty. "I don't take pampered brats for meals and as for speaking to her I don't think it is any of your business. Now please take yourself out and don't forget to close the door on your way out."

Rusty slammed the door on her way out.

Hana looked at the guy noticing his tired eyes and she could tell that he had a headache. Softly as not to disturb him, "rough night?" Aedan who was looking in a distance, "What did you want to tell me? I don't have time to waste."

"I don't really have anything to say to you. I was just getting her out of here. Do you want to talk about it?" Hana asked quietly.

"Do you always barge into other people's business?" Aedan replied irritated.

"Sorry" She walked over to her tray and sat down on the other side of the desk where Aedan was and started to eat. After contemplating for a few seconds, she broke off half of her bagel and held it out to Aedan. One of Aedan's eyebrows goes up as if asking what?

"You look like you could use something to eat." She held out the bagel again until he finally took it. She walked into the nurse's office in the back and came out with an empty cup. She poured half of her hot chocolate in the cup and hands it to him. She then picked up her hot chocolate and started to walk out. As she walked by his seat, she placed a painkiller near his hand. "For the headache." A few seconds later, Aedan found himself alone in the infirmary.

At the cafe, Aariyan and Vikram were enjoying a hearty breakfast made by Mrs. Suri while Sehrish is still getting over the telling off her mother gave her when Shweta entered and walked straight to the counter.

"Hey Sehrish, can I have my usual?" She asked.

"Yeah just give me a few minutes. You should have been here earlier. You missed it all." Sehrish said animatedly.

"Missed what?" Shweta asked with interest.

"The best thing that has ever taken place at this Palace." Sehrish answered excitedly.

"Si-won kissed Amaya." Vikram who had been listening to their conversation answered Shweta's question.

"WHAT???? I bet that really ticked Amaya off. Is the poor boy still alive?" Shweta asked in surprise.

"He escaped her wrath for now." Sehrish replied laughing at the memory.

"You also missed Sehrish getting boxed in her ears for being rude to the guests." Aariyan spoke up from behind Shweta.

Sehrish looks outraged but speaks in a controlled voice, "oi monkey face shut your gob."

Shweta looked between Aariyan and Sehrish and observed the chemistry bubbling over.

Vikram also looked between the two of them.

"Sehri come on, you k now I can't choose between the two of you. Just try to be nice for my sake." Vikram asked.

Shweta finally turned around to look at the other two customers present in the Palace.

"YOUUUU…oh so you got your eyes fixed?" She pointed at Vikram.

"No. I thought you were going to get your eyes fixed." Vikram replied.

"You were the one who was blind when you dropped your breakfast all over me, monkey face." Shweta said crossly.

"Sorry sexy wrong name. I think you are referring to Sehri's latest crush and my best friend Aariyan." Vikram retorted.

"'Well in that case' chimp face. Best friend humm. He's hot. Where have I seen him before?" Shweta thinks out loud.

Sehrish looks at Shweta as if she has gone mental.

"Hot? Shweta you have better taste than this monkey face. His name is Aariyan Rogue." Sehrish said disgusted.

"Rogue, Where have I heard that name before? Maybe we can hang out sometime?" Shweta asked.

“Hang out?? The guy doesn't even know how to have fun."” Sehrish said sourly.

"How long have you known him?" Shweta patiently asked Sehrish.

"Long enough to know that he is a party pooper." Sehrish sulked.

"Just like you thought your friend Vicky was a party pooper? When are you going to introduce him to me? You always talk about him but you haven't introduced us face to face." Shweta asked.

"I think you have already met him." Sehrish said uncomfortably.

"No I haven't. Are you okay?” Shweta asked confused and worried.

Vikram looked at Sehrish amused, "You have been talking about me to this sexy lady. Sehri you are the best ever."

Shweta's mouth dropped open. She looked around at the arrogant bas***d and narrowed her eyes at him.

"HIM!!!" She screamed.

"Yes this chimp face is my best friend Vikram." Sehrish says amused.

"I need to sit down. No you know what? I need to get to the studio; they're waiting for me before the shooting starts. Yeah I think that's what I am going to do." Shweta said in a rush.

"You okay? You don't look so good?" Sehrish asked concerned.

Shweta gives no response.

Sehrish narrowed her eyes and moved closer to Shweta."You don't look so good. Wait two minutes and I will drop you off. I don't think you can drive and shouldn't be alone. Please don't say no. I need to calm down, so I can do business with the monkey face." Sehrish whispered. Shweta couldn't help but agree to her request. Vikram and Aariyan narrowed their eyes at both of them

Meanwhile in the college, Chad and Sally come across each other again and sparks start flying. Sally noticed him first as he is reading and walking. Sarcastically she says, "Why if it isn't one of the three blind mice."

Chad looked at her pleasantly, "Oh hello, How are you? Seeing all right?

"I can see a mouse like you so obviously I can see perfectly fine." Sally stated the obvious.

"Someone seems to have found their tongue today." Chad grinned.

"I always had it. Do you want me to show it to you?" Sally asked innocently.

"Yes please." Chad replied agreeably.

Sally sticks her tongue out at Chad

Chad looked at her with a smile on his face, "Now let’s see if we can put it to good use."

He leaned forward and slanted his lips over hers.

Sally shocked, "umm'.errr"

Chad who has stars in his eyes, "WOW"

They both catch each other's eyes and turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Sally shocked touches her lips thinking about the kiss. "He kissed me' the mouse kissed me." Sally in her dazed state slams into Hana who looks at her worried.

"What happened?"

"'He kissed me" She replied.

Meanwhile Aedan comes across a dazed looking Chad.

"What happened?" He asked

"She's such a good kisser. Wow I never expected'" He gets lost in his own world once again.

Aedan looks confused. "Who is?"

"Blind mouse."

He looks at Chad vexed. "Have you lost your marbles?"

"I think I love her." Chad states.

Originally Posted on February 19, 2009 at I-F

Chapter 3: Heating Up