Breathe Anew: Chapter 3: Heating Up

Title: Breathe Anew
Author: Roshni & KC
Rating: PG-13
Pairings: Aariyan/Sehrish, Vikram/Shweta, Si-won/Amaya, Chad/Sally, Aedan/Hana
Word Count: 4,617
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

Chapter 3: Heating Up

As Aedan walked into his house, he noticed his parents sitting in the living room discussing something important. He realized that they were definitely talking about him. He tried to get to his room before they noticed his presence. As soon as he was about to the open the door to his room he heard, "Aedan, come to the living room."

He flinched at the steely command in his father's voice. "I have work to finish father."

"You can do your work later. Now come and listen to what your mother and I have to say."

Aedan walked into the living room muttering about bombshells being dropped in his life. Unfortunately, for Aedan his mom heard this and replied to him by saying it was only one bombshell. At his mom's response a blush spreads on his cheeks. He turned towards his mother and with sarcasm lacing his voice says, "Thanks mom!" However the sarcasm was lost on his mother who sincerely replied to his thanks with you're welcome.

Aedan sat there looking at his father expectantly.

"As you ran out the last time we were talking. Your mother and I would like to finish that conversation."

A feeling of dread passed through him making him want to run in the other direction.

"Do we have to have this conversation at this moment? I have not had the chance to digest what you told me last night. Can we postpone this I don't know until maybe…. forever?"

He noticed his father trying to hide his amusement and look as stern as possible. Finally when his father believed he had control over voice he continues the discussion.

"Do you understand what I told you last time? What do you think about it?"

"Dad, Why me? Why does it have to be me who fulfills this wish?"

"It would allow your great-grandfather's soul rest in peace." With a response like that he felt as if he has no choice. "Since, I have no choice I just want to ask, does this poor girl have knowledge that her marriage has been decided."

This time it was his mother who responded while studying her hands as if the answer to everything can be found there. "No, and she still hasn't been told." He felt anger run through his veins at this response. "Brilliant… Why hasn't she been informed of this? If you guys can tell me surely her parents can tell her or are we not supposed to meet until our wedding day?"

His father looked at him in surprise at his question. "No you guys can meet. She is going to turn 18 in a few months."

Hearing these words leave his father's mouth, Aedan felt ice running through his veins. Of its own violation his voices raised as he looked at his parents in astonishment at this revelation. He started to laugh hysterically. His mother's voice telling him to calm down and not to raise his voice finally manages to make it to his brain.

His brain still had not gotten over her age when his father informed him that she was also attending the same college. When he inquiried as to when she was going to find out, he learned that they were waiting for Aedan's yes or no before they tell her.

"Who is this girl anyway?" His mother tells him that the girls name is Hana Aleha and that she is a nice girl. A snort escapes his lips as he can't help but think that even if she were the worst girl around, his mom would still say that she is a nice girl. "I've never heard of her mom." His father replies, "Well soon you will know who she is."

A sensation of uneasiness runs down Aedan's spine and he can't help but want to get away from the living room. He makes his excuse to finish his homework. After his mothers consent, he goes to his room.

Meanwhile, at the Suri Palace, Vikram and Aariyan are having a conversation over an early dinner.

"How stubborn can she be?"

Vikram looks at Aariyan with a what-do-you-think look. "She can be very Stubborn, my dear friend."

"Come on She should feel honored that I came here to see her work"

Vikram chuckled at the whine in his friend's voice. "Man you know she is the best. She even beat your old friend here. Have you seen her client list? I don't think that Rogue Perfumeries can compare to that list. You would be put to shame."

Aariyan runs a finger through his hair in frustration complaining about how he can't even charm her.

A laugh escaped Vikram's mouth. "Yeah that is true. What happens to your charm when you are around her? All you two seem to do is bare your teeth at each other. I have never seen her like this and you Ari, this is not your style." Just as Aariyan is about to answer; Shweta walks in and heads for their table. "Now I know where you are from handsome. You are the owner of the most famous and prestigious Rogue Empire."

Aariyan smiles at the conviction in Shweta's voice. "My secret is out… but shhh don't tell anyone. Why don't you join us? I need help. You're lovely friend Sehrish is stubborn and I need to soften her a bit to wrap up this deal." Shweta looks at Aariyan really uncomfortably. "Please don't ask this of me. Sehri is my friend and this is business. I wouldn't want to interfere besides you have Vikram. He can tell you all of Sehri's weak points." Vikram look up at both of them as if they have lost their marbles. "I don't sell my friends. Besides Aariyan I believe you have to get to know Sehrish and then you will know what makes her tick. Just be your charming self." I wonder whose body I will find first was said under his breath and ignored by Aariyan.

Shweta adds her input by advising Aariyan not to lay it on too thick and the first thing to do is apologize for the road accident. Aariyan looks outraged at the latter tidbit of advice.

"In your dreams…that girl does not know how to drive. Why should I apologize?"

Shweta shaking her head at Aariyan's ignorance, "Have you ever heard the saying that you attract more flies with honey than vinegar? I suggest you ponder over that. Sweetness might just melt her if it doesn't, I don't know what will. Anyways, I better go. Sehrish is making eyes at me. Take care." Aariyan thanked her for her advice. Shweta looked at Vikram, while telling Aariyan, you are welcome anytime and maybe your good manners will rub off on your best friend here. She smiled at Aariyan. "See you later."

Shweta walked away leaving Vikram shocked and Aariyan laughing. Sehrish waited impatiently at the counter for Shweta.

As soon as Shweta reached the counter, Sehrish started her third degree.

"What did he want?"

"Who?"

"The idiot, Rogue."

"Oh, you mean Mr. Handsome. Well he was asking how to soften you up?"

Sehrish with an I-am-going-to-murder-him look in her eyes, "Why that no good rascal."

Shweta laughs at Sehrish. "Sehri, what is up? You are never like this especially when it comes to business. Didn't you tell me that being professional was the most important thing in your business?" Sehrish covered her face with her hands and sighs, "aaaaaaaahhhhhhh" After a few seconds she looked up to see Shweta looking at her curiously.

"He bleh... He... ugh …He just irritates me."

Shweta looked at Sehrish with understanding in her eyes. "He reminds you of Devlin doesn't he?"

All of a sudden Sehrish's eyes light up with anger and there is a hint of hatred in her voice. "Devlin was a creep and a jerk but yeah Rogue reminds me of him. I don't know why but I feel like he's out to bleed me dry and then look for new talent. Devlin tried to do that and you know how long it took me to recover. The good thing at that time was that I was still a student and I didn't have my own business. Now the risk is bigger."

Shweta looked at Sehrish helpless. "I don't know anything about your business but you trust Vikram and I am sure he would not have recommended you to Aariyan if he thought he wasn't trust worthy. Besides what's the harm in actually listening to what he has to say?"

Sehrish thinking, yeah that's true... Viky would not do this to me but still.

As Shweta is watching Sehrish think, a brilliant plan comes to her mind. "Idea... why don't you start over? Forget about the road incident and like a professional; set up a meeting here at Suri Palace and I'll be around. If you need a diversion I'll help out and I'll bring Amaya too that way that rascal monkey face Aariyan won't be able to pull the wool on your eyes."

Sehrish can't help but laugh at Shweta's brilliant idea and goes around the counter to hug the life out of Shweta. "I think that's a good idea. You don't know how much having you as a friend means to be. I am going for a ride on my bike. Do you want to join me?"

Shweta wrinkles her nose at the idea of a ride on Sehrish's bike at the moment after she had spent two hours on her hair. "No I have had the day from hell and my hair will get messed up. I think I shall go and relax in your mom's kitchen and maybe have some soup and buns."

Sehrish looked at Shweta with concern. "Are you alright?" Shweta shook her head in the affirmative." Sehrish looked at Shweta for a few minutes longer before accepting her response. She picks up her helmet from the back counter and walks out to her bike. Halfway to her bike she realizes that she is being followed. She keeps walking and when she reaches the bike she turns around suddenly. "I know self-defense and I can and will hurt you!

Aariyan looks at Sehrish shocked until amusement flows in his eyes. "It is just me, but if you want to hurt me please go ahead. I know for definite you can't bring me down,"

Sehrish outraged, "Rascal monkey face… what do you want Rogue?"

Aariyan keeps walking closer to Sehrish. "I was walking to my bike. I am going to Vicky's to sleep." Sehrish raised her eyebrows and looks around her. "Bike? I don't see any bike here except mine."

Aariyan standing right in front of Sehrish raises his hand and rubs his knuckles on her cheek, "You are not the only one who can ride a bike sweetheart. Want to show me the sites?" This gentle and charming Aariyan mesmerized Sehrish. "S...S...Si...Sites?"

"Yeah you know the quiet places where I can go and think as well as the clubs to check out the social scene."

"I don't know I was just going to ride until I cleared my head." As Sehrish was speaking Aariyan had leaned in closer to Sehrish. Now when he spoke his breath glided over her skin. "Come on you know you want to." Sehrish leaned even closer bringing their lips centimeters apart, while their eyes are locked. "How do you know I want to? I might want to do something else." Both of them are lost to everything around them. Aariyan can see the attraction in Sehrish's eyes and she can see the want in his eyes.

Aariyan not able to resist any longer grabs Sehrish by the waist pulling her into his embrace and kisses her with the all the pent up passion in him. Sehrish stiffens at first but the tenderness of Aariyan's kiss makes her melt into his arms and she returns his kiss with just as much passion. The kiss turns hot after seconds, lighting both Sehrish and Aariyan's bodies' on fire. Hands start to roam. Sehrish has her hands under Aariyan's shirt while Aariyan's hands are pulling the hair pins from Sehrish's head letting her hair down.

Aariyan whispering against Sehrish's lips, "I... want... want... you... now. Your place or mine?"

Sehrish who is busy biting the exposed skin from Aariyan's shirt, "mine is nearer..."

Aariyan picks Sehrish up and places her on the back of the bike. He gets on the front and follows her directions to her apartment. Meanwhile, Sehrish nibbles his ear and whispers sweet naughty suggestions while giving him directions. They get to her apartment and she punches in the code to get through to her apartment. As soon as the door slams shut Aariyan puts her down and traps her against the wall.

Aariyan places both of his hands at either side of her head and whispers seductively, "What were you saying about me wearing nothing but my helmet?"

Sehrish leans over to his ear and whispers, "It went something like this...."

Aariyan doesn't give Sehrish time to finish; he pulls her head back and brings his lips back to hers.

"You talk too much."

"You have way too many things on."

"That shouldn't be a problem." Aariyan removes his shirt and throws it not caring where it lands.

Sehrish licks her lips and touches his chest gently rubbing her fingers across. They go back to kissing and are so engrossed in their passion that they don't hear the first knock. However Sehrish feels the second Knock, which is a lot louder.

"Sehri you in there or what?"

Sehrish feels as if a cold bucket of water has been thrown at her and she looks up at Aariyan with big eyes. "Its Shweta…hide…you have to hide…," she whispered.

Aariyan looked around and sees the kitchen. He picked his coat and walks into the kitchen finding a suitable place to hide. Sehrish looked at herself in the mirror and tried to compose herself. She then quickly goes to the door and opens it.

Shweta turns around and looks at Sehrish and her eyes widen in shock. "What the heck happened to you?"

Sehrish nervously, "uhhhh nothing... what's up?"

Shweta narrowed her eyes. "Are you hiding something from me?"

Sehrish tried to look innocent. "Hiding? What would I hide from you?"

At that moment a sneeze issues from the kitchen and Shweta's eyes start dancing with mischief.

"Hiding nothing huh?"

A bit of sweat appears on Sehrish's forehead, "uhhhh... I have a guest..."

Shweta eyes start to roam around the room and her gaze lands on something, "a guest who is hiding without his shirt on... How do you explain that Ms Suri?"

Sehrish looked to where Shweta is looking, "oh…that's my shirt... You know how messy I can be... so tell me what brings you here?"

Shweta raised her left eyebrow," I did not know you owned a men's shirt which is the same color and has been dipped in the cologne that I faintly remember Mr. Rogue wearing earlier today."

Sehrish looked defeated and shouted, "You can come out." She looked at Shweta threateningly, "If I hear one word about this you are dead meat!"

Shweta's eyes go wider than possible as a shirtless Aariyan steps out from the kitchen BLUSHING.

________________________________________

At Hana’s house, the Aleha's are sitting on the dinner table having their dinner.

Mr. Aleha, "How is everything Hana?"

Hana who is starting to feel a bit uncomfortable as her dad usually does not talk to her. "It's alright."

"We have something we'd like to tell you," her mother started to say.

When her mother started speaking she knows for a fact something is up and that she has to get out of it somehow.

At that moment the phone rings and Hana runs to get it

"Hello"

"Hey, guess what happened?"

Hana rolled her eyes at the excitement in her friend's voice, "Calm down Sally I can feel you jumping up and down. How are you and what's got you so excited?"

"You have to come with me. I demand it…"

"Where are we going?"

"Shweta called and said her, Amaya, Sehrish, Aariyan and Vikram are getting together to eat. Then, she invited me and since I don't want to be alone... You HAVE to come. Don't leave me alone."

"Sally I just ate."

"I DON"T care! You are coming with me and that's FINAL!"

Hana knows there is no convincing Sally otherwise. "I will get ready. Where are we meeting up?"

"I think Vikram is taking everyone out to eat. Just come over here and Shweta can pick both of us up."

"I'll see you in like half an hour." Hana goes to the dining room and tells her parents that she's going out with Sally. Her parents try to protest but she tells them she will see them later and walks out the house wearing her Jersey, blue jeans and black sandals.

Hana walked to Sally's house in 25 minutes.

Sally who is standing outside waiting for Hana, "I am so excited. This is going to be so much fun!"

Hana looked at sally with fondness in her eyes, "what has got you so excited? It's not like Chad is going to be there."

Sally looked a bit crossly at Hana, "who said I am excited because of Chad? Hana, Aariyan Rogue is going to be there! He's like... He's like soooooooo famous...and so handsome and sooo…." Sally trailed off into her own little world and starts to drool a bit.

Hana shakes her head, "you and men."

"Right, tell me how I look?"

Hana snorts "compared to me princess you look like a superstar."

Sally looked dubious. "Really? Thanks Hana... they'll be here any min!"

In a minute, a car stops in front of Sally's house and out comes Shweta. She talks to Sally's parents letting them know that Sally was going out with her.

Sally talking to Shweta, "I hope you don't mind that Hana coming with us."

Hana looked at Sally in surprise, "You didn't even tell her that you were going to make me come?"

Shweta interferes before Sally can reply, "it's no problem. The more the merrier!"

Hana asks, "Where exactly are we going?"


"We are going to the light house club."

Sally rolled her eyes at Hana and Shweta, "Let's go then!" She takes Hana and Shweta's hand and started to drag them to the car. They sit in the car and drive off to the light house club.

Hana looked at Sally with irritation, "Sally your movements will not make the car go faster so please sit still princess."

Sally ignored Hana. "So Shweta, is Aariyan Rogue as good looking as he is on the net?"

Shweta whistled. "He's sexier in real life sweetie."

Sally with stars in her eyes, "wow... so do you know is he has any girlfriends or a wife?"

Shweta rolled her eyes at Sally with affection. "Sally dear I just met the man. I have not been his best buddy since we were in diapers."

Sally turned to Hana, "do you thinks he's hot?"

"I haven't seen the guy Sally dear."

Shweta decided to soften the blow for later. "I hate to break it to you but I think he might be interested in someone." Sally looked heartbroken until Hana puts her arm around her shoulder and gently reminds her that Chad is still available. Sally looked at Shweta hopefully, "is Chad going to be there? Shweta feels terrible at being the one to take away the hopefully and bright eyed look from Sally's eyes.

Sally with a sad look in her eyes, "Just my luck isn't it?"After a few minutes of silence they finally reach the club. At the club loud music is being blasted through the roof. They walk in to see the drinks being poured. After a few minutes Shweta spots Aariyan, Sehrish and Vikram sitting in one of the booths in the back of the club. Shweta starts to walk towards them. In the middle of the dance floor Sally bumped into someone. She looked up to see Chad looking at her.

"Chad"

"Blind Mouse"

Sally can't help but smile at Chad. "I told you not to call me that"

Chad looked at Sally with innocent eyes, "How can I not call you that when you have never told me your name? It also seems a bit unfair as you know mine."

Sally's cheeks turn pink as blood rushes to her face. "My name is Sally." Chad takes Sally's hand and brings it to his mouth. He places a soft kiss on the back of her hand. "It's a pleasure to finally know you Sally."

Sally's face turned even redder at Chad's charming antics. At that moment Shweta snatched Sally's hand out of Chad's and gives him her most withering glare. If looks could kill Chad would have died hundred times over by now. "Leave her alone" Sally looked at Shweta with sad eyes, "Why are you telling him to leave me alone?"

Chad looked at Shweta's face and sees a serious warning in her eyes. He looked ahead of her to see Aedan and Si-won looking at him. "My friends are waiting, I will see you later."

He walked towards their booth and sits down facing them. He winks at Sally and then gets absorbed in Si-won's conversation missing the calculating look in Aedan's eyes.

Shweta in the meantime pulled Sally to the booth where the rest are sitting. Already there is a heated discussion going on between Aariyan and Sehrish. Shweta looks at them with a knowing look in her eyes and slides in the booth next to Sehrish with a sigh. She elbows Sehrish who doubles over. "Ouch... what did you do that for?"

Sehrish then noticed Sally standing next to the booth. Next to her is a girl whom Sehrish had seen but never talked to. "Hi Sally."

Sally looks at Sehrish with curious eyes. "Are you Sehrish, Mrs. Suri's rebellious daughter?" Sehrish laughs, "I guess my reputation precedes me; the one and only Sehrish right in front of you. I have heard a lot about you Sally. It is a pleasure to finally get to meet you." She then turns to the girl standing next to Sally looking a bit uncomfortable in her jersey and jeans. "I don't think we've met before. Hi, I am Sehrish."

The girl looked at Sehrish with wariness in her eyes. "I am Hana." Sehrish moved over to make space for Hana. "Sit here that way I can get to know you better!"

"There isn't much to know."

Sehrish laughs "there is always something to find out. Don't worry Hana I won't bite and if you have any trouble with guys just tell me I have a black belt."

Hana smiled a little at the offer. "I can take care of myself. Thank you for the offer though."

Vikram and Aariyan who are listening with interest burst out laughing. Sehrish turns to glare at them. "Come on Sehrish... this is the first time I have seen you being refused for your nonexistent black belt... its funny ok"

Sehrish looked at them with an irritated look and started to murmur about boys being idiots. Vikram notices the three guys in the booth across from them and waves them over. Sally looks in the direction of Vikram's wave and sees Chad. A smile blooms on her face which everyone notices.

Shweta turned to Vikram "No... Don't invite them... Vikram... No..." Vikram turned to Shweta, "What's up? Why don't you want them to come over... those are my boys..."

A snort escaped Shweta, "no wonder, you are such a jerk!"

Aariyan laughed, "Now now children play nice."

Shweta looked at him, "The same way you and Sehrish were?"

A blush spreads on Sehrish's cheek and Aariyan looks like a cat that got cream.

Vikram who caught both reactions looks suspiciously at Shweta, "Is there something I am missing here? You know something I don't?"

At that moment the guys reach their booth saving Shweta from having to answer. Chad immediately slides in next to Sally. "We meet again blind mouse"

Sally blushes and looks down, "hey Chad."

Si-won looked around and his face falls as he doesn't notice Amaya.

Sehrish smirked at him, "she'll be here Si-won. Just be patient... Guys I think love is in the air... what say Shweta?"

"Definitely"

Sally interrupted the silence that follows, "are we here to sit around or eat and dance?"

Aariyan gets up and offers his hand to Sally "will you dance with me my lady?"

Sally looks at him with stars in her eyes. "Yes!!!!!!! I love you"

Shweta shakes her head "go easy on her Aariyan she's still only a kid"

Sally looks at Shweta with annoyance. "I am not a kid"

Sehrish gets up and grabs Vikram's hand "let's get this party started"

Sehrish turns to go but then thinks better of it and grabs Shweta's hand too. "I don't want world war III to start while we have fun."

"There won't be a war. I am just protective of the kid she is too gullible and might get hurt" Vikram turns to face Shweta with anger in his eyes and steel laced in his cold voice "Aariyan is my best friend and he doesn't go around hurting girls ok... so give him a break Miss Man hater." With this Sehrish drags the two of them to the dance floor leaving Hana and the three guys.

Hana sits back. Chad on the other hand curious about her offers her his hand "Hi I am Chad"

Hana looked at the hand for a few minutes and as Chad is about to put his hand down, she puts her hand in Chad's. "Hana."

Aedan's body stiffens at her name and he looks at her for the first time.

"This is Si-won and Aedan. So do you know Sally?"

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't know her would I?"

Si-won can't help but laugh at the sarcasm in her voice. Chad however continues to make his bed in the middle of the lake and ready to sink. "So what can you tell me about her?"

"The only thing I think you need to know is that she is a long term relationship type of girl and if you hurt her at all I will make you rue the day you even thought about her."

Just as Hana is about to sit back and relax Sally comes back and drags her onto the dance floor leaving the three guys with no option but to join the rest.

Si-won looks at Aedan with concern in his eyes. "You alright dude?"

Aedan gives Si-won a small smile. "Yes, fine" Si-won looks at him skeptically. "You don't look it."

Aedan looked at Si-won, "I am fine. So are we going to sit here or hit the floor?"

At that Chad whispered to them he is going to the bathroom. Si-won gets up and followed him leaving Aedan to walk to the dance floor alone. He notices a guy dancing with Sally moving closer and closer then appropriate. The guys hand moves to Sally's hip who tries to get out of his grip but he would not relent. Aedan walked faster towards them and pulled Sally out of the guy's hold. At that moment Hana also reached them.

Aedan handed Sally to Hana then turned to face the guy. "Get out or I will throw you out!"

Originally Posted on May 5, 2009 at I-F