Text 📲 BOOK CLUB 📖

Raj: So I just got off the phone with Shreya and she said that she could put in an extra order for Frankenstein for our October read. I guess a bunch of high schoolers have been coming in asking for it too.

Raj: We're still doing that next month right?

Raj: Also, they're playing Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Rio the third weekend of October I think. Is that something we might be interested in doing? I've always wanted to attend one of those interactive showings.

status: closed for @shreycs

location: Shreya’s family place

Rajveer got out of work at a decent time today. Actually, he had to force himself away from work because his mother insisted that she needed him to accompany her to some family friend’s house. She wouldn’t say who it was or where they were going, but Raj shrugged it off. The main point was that he arrived at his childhood home just in time to see his mom locking the door behind her. She excitedly made her way up to the edge of the curb, her light blue kurta flowing slightly in the summer breeze. “Wah mom, don’t you look nice. Aaj koi special din hai kya?” The older woman simply tsk’ed at her younger son. “It’s nothing. I just have some business to attend to with my friend. They haven’t seen you in so long either. I thought you might like to come along and say hello. It sounded a little too good to be true, but Raj went along with it, plugging in the address she provided into his car’s navigation and driving off.

He was still under the impression this was just a friendly little visit with an old friend of his ma’s as they pulled into the driveway, helping her out of the car and walking up to the front door in step with her. “Nice, I’m glad you didn’t change out of your suit,” she smiled, patting down the collar of his blazer. He could hear the ring of the doorbell echoing on the interior of the home. “Yeah well I didn’t have any surgeries tod-” Before he could finish that sentence the door flung open, his hands immediately coming together to greet the aunty who answered.

alicechcung​:

—

“That’s a fair point. That came out of nowhere.” Alice had been shocked when she’d seen the warning and heard the siren and despite it having been enough time to get herself to safety, the same couldn’t be said about half of her belongings in her apartment. “You didn’t have to buy it just for me. I don’t discriminate when it comes to ice cream.” Though he seemed to be the same way. Taking another spoonful, she nodded her head. “I’ve always loved soft-serve more so this is… a lot softer than I prefer but it’s good when it feels like the eat is out to murder us.” She laughed and took another scoop. “Do you always buy the favorite flavors of the girl’s you’re hooking up with?”

He tucked a lock of her dark tresses behind her ear, smiling as they dug into the still cold sweet treat. “Like I said, I enjoyed it. Plus, you come over so often that I wanted to make sure there was something here for you to enjoy. Besides me of course.” Raj looked down at the spook in his hand and cleared his throat at her question, shaking his head in an attempt to be honest. “Not really, no. This was kind of a first for me.” He occupied the vacant moment by scooping up more ice cream onto his spoon. Despite the heat, Raj drew her into him, his hand snaking around her waist. He kissed her without so much as another word, his tongue flicking out to clean off the small smudge of ice cream on the corner of her mouth. He hummed in approval at the taste, “Is that okay with you?”

evamcrales​:

**

“I didn’t know you scared so easily, Raj.” For a brief second she felt bad for startling him, though that quickly subsided when she fell into the ease that always came with their interactions. He had been a staple in her life for years, sometimes during her most difficult times, and she was grateful that their presence in Vancouver overlapped. “If you’re going to buy me the first, I also expect the rest of them. What’s she written now…ten? I mean she’s got endless material there.” Eva took a moment to skim the shelves, running her index finger along a row of books as her eyes fleeted shut. “Tell me when to stop…that’ll be our first book.”

“You’re actually quite frightening. Has nobody told you that yet? I mean, how did you find me here anyway? You stalking me or something?” How simple it was to joke around and tease her like this. The doctor shook his head, “Yeah see, I would if I thought Fifty Shades was even worth spending money on. I’m sure you can find it on the internet, but there’s probably way better porn to be watched than reading that toxic excuse for a book.” He didn’t know if she was actually serious, but he let her keep going, his eyes following her finger as it ran across the shelf of books. “Stop,” he randomly said, stepping up beside her to see what she’d landed on. “So? What’s it gonna be?”

arminxkhan​:

Armin nodded his head along to Raj’s words. It was true, he didn’t know what Raj had been through that evening. Hell, he didn’t know what a lot of people had been through. “Shit, yeah, I can’t imagine what the hospital was like.” He shook his head, “Obviously, you’re more than welcome,” he paused, “at least know that we both know neither of us are breaking into my place.” Armin chuckled. The two of them would have a laugh about it for time to come. It seemed that even in the midst of chaos in the city, there was a hint of humor that could come out. It was what kept him sane not being able to check in with people. 

“Chaos. Literal chaos.” Not that the rest of the city wasn’t in shambles tonight, but the fact of the matter was that there were patients who were healing and dependent on various medical equipment which just weren’t working tonight. Until the generators were started up, things were really up in the air for a while. “I’ll just be glad when this blackout’s over.” Rajveer ran a hand over his tired features and sighed, looking around as he suddenly realized that Armin was right. His fiancé wasn’t here. “Where is Maya anyway?”

abhimanyu-vohra​:

~

“Wow, when did you confuse me with yourself?” Abhimanyu mumbled rolling his eyes at his younger brother. They may be each other’s best friends but that didn’t mean Abhi didn’t find pleasure in annoying the other. “But yes you’re so important Raj, saving people’s lives while I put out the actual fires in their homes.” Still he happily led his mother to the living room and remained with his head in her lap as they spoke about other things happening around the community when he heard Rajveer’s quick interjection. “Arre koi nahi–hum karenge maybe iss saal, call all the neighbourhood aunties over to Rajveer’s place for Diwali–oh and their daughters too. Haina Ma?” He chuckled with his mother as he knew his younger brother would definitely have something to say about that. Sure enough, Abhi watched as he made his way over to them while he waited patiently to see what the other man would say.

“Yeah and when you save those people from the literal fires where do you and your buddies bring those people? To the hospital.” The Vohra brothers could have probably mock-argued all evening about whose work was more important, but the truth of the matter was that what they both did was equally important and appreciated by others in the community. “Acha acha, that actually reminds me that I need to take time off from work for Diwali so I can actually be here that day. If we host anyone for a get-together then I need to know now so I can help with the prep and stuff okay?” His older brother’s comments only made him scoff. “Excuse me, aren’t you the one nearing 40?” The smell of their dinner which had permeated every corner of the house only made his stomach grumble. “Ma, can we please eat. I’m starving.” It was also a good excuse to not talk about his love life.

@abhimanyu-vohra

rohan: tell the whole world we’re bros abhi: *whispers* we’re bros rohan: why’d you whisper ? abhi: because you’re my whole world bro rohan: bro …

“Some relationships are like debt. You don’t fulfill them, you repay them.”

alicechcung​:

—

Alice liked the ability to see Raj and let off some much needed steam. They were friends who enjoyed one another inside and outside of the bedroom; evident by how much he’d paid attention to her when she’d least suspected. “Psychic, huh? I think ice cream might be a waste of those talents. I appreciate it, though.” She did because she couldn’t think of anything better in this heat than ice cream even if it was melting by the second. Plunging her spoon into the opened container, she paused momentarily at his story and felt her cheeks redden. “I didn’t know that was memorable but I remember.” She said with a laugh before leaning forward and pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I hope you got it because you enjoy the flavor too and not just for me.”

“Clearly they’re not that great if I couldn’t predict a fucking tsunami warning that would shut down the whole city.” Yeah, those powers would have been really convenient right about now. The ice cream was in that perfect soft serve state when she opened up the container, not quite having melted into a bowl of cold milk quite yet. “I tried some when I bought it, don’t worry. Not my favorite, but still pretty good.” To prove that he didn’t find it disgusting, Raveer dipped his own spoon into the pint of half-melted ice cream and scooped a bit up before closing his lips around it and licking it clean. “Yum. I don’t know if it’s the heat or what, but that tastes even better than I remember.” 

abhimanyu-vohra​:

~

“You’re so insecure about your position as the saviour of the city huh? I’m sure you do enough at the hospital, you can leave some stuff to me. I am your elder brother.” Did Abhimanyu intend on having that statement come out sounding a little patronizing? Perhaps. By the time they were both in the kitchen, he’d asked politely if their mother wanted any help but of course–Rajveer had to one up him there as well which left him rolling his eyes before wrapping his arm around his mother’s shoulder. “Chalo, isse kaam karne dete hai. We can catch up.” He led his mother back out to the family room and made sure she sat down before he too relaxed, his head in her lap as he looked up at her. “So–tell me, how’s everything been with you? All good? All the aunties doing well? I’ve missed the get togethers this summer. Oh hey–are we all doing a big Diwali this year?” Their mother of course just shook her head. “Bas bas bas, kitna bolte ho tum…” “I’ve missed you Ma, that’s all..” Abhimanyu may have only been gone for a week, but he had definitely missed his mother quite a bit and wanted her to know it.

“Well considering that fact that you’ve taken over as the biggest momma’s boy in the city, somebody’s gotta actually do some work and save people’s lives.” Raj didn’t make the most perfectly circled rotis in the world, but his mother had taught him enough that he wouldn’t starve while he was living on his own. Some were more like squares than anything and others were oblong and oval-like, but the important thing was that there were no holes or tears and none of them were burnt. He overheard their conversation and interjected almost immediately. “What? Why not?” Deep down he knew that his mother just didn’t have it in her to host Diwali celebrations without their dad around, but even he wouldn’t have wanted them to wallow for so long. He shut off the stove and rinsed off his hands, wiping them on a kitchen towel before joining them in the family room.

shreycs​:

~

Since she was a childhood, Shreya had been told by her parents never to read the books or magazines in waiting rooms because more often than not–they were never cleaned. And yet right now–she was getting bored out of her mind and so last week’s People Magazine would just have to do. She was just desperately trying to stay awake at this point given how exhausted she felt from everything that had happened in the last 6/7 hours. She’d just finished the magazine when she heard the familiar voice and glanced up. “Nope…broken ankle.” She gave him a weak smile, honestly pretty surprised that he’d shown up to check in on her even though she’d been sure he’d be preoccupied given how many patients he must have to take care of. The sudden Hindi did catch her off guard and a part of her blamed the fact that she was exhausted and tired. “Uh–no it’s okay. He said it was broken, and that I’d need this for now…” she gestured to the brace around her foot. “And I’m waiting for crutches, since I don’t have anyone with me who can go buy them from the store on the other end of the hospital. They said another half an hour or something. Jab bhi woh crutches denge, I’ll take a taxi home. You should…head back. You look really tired, and you’ve definitely done enough for me tonight.”

Raj wished there was more he could do for her, but he felt reassured by the fact that she was helped by some of the best ER doctors and nurses in Vancouver. “It’ll be okay. I know it sucks hardcore right now, but take it easy for a couple of weeks and you should be back to slinging those books around in no time. You have other employees who can help you out at the bookstore right?” Now that Raj was a valued and returning customer at her shop he hoped she and the store would be well taken care of while she rests up. “I will, but I’m going to get you home tonight before I get back to mine. I’m not leaving you here like this. Unho ne diya pain ke liye?” As if on cue, a nurse came by to do one last check in with Shreya, demonstrating how to put her weight on and maneuver around with her crutches before giving her an orange bottle of pills that they slipped back inside a hospital bag. “Once the power is back and everything is back to normal be sure to get in touch with your doctor okay, Miss Sehgal? Thanks for bringing her in Dr. Vohra.” Raj simply nodded, “No problem. Let’s get you home, Shreya.”

@abhimanyu-vohra

isla-chastain​:

…

Isla wanted to tell him he didn’t have to fake it, so well, Manon wouldn’t. She didn’t, and Isla pressed her side closer to Rajveer, hoping her mother would give him a break. She was prepared for almost anything cruel to fall from her mothers lips. Anxiety gripped her tight in the chest while she watched Rajveer look at her mother as if she was the size of an ant and not this beast of a woman who commanded more than respect. Listening to him speak Isla couldn’t help but smile, pride. She was beaming with pride at how well he was handling Manon’s rudeness that she’d nearly missed the brief flash on Manon’s face as she seemed to lose her train of thought. She recovered quickly however, “How…admirable. The debt alone must be astronomical.” Manon replied and Isla poked her mother in her ribs, “Maman.” She clipped, “He’s worked hard and is very succesful I doubt the tuition for literal medical school is any of your business. Is it?” Isla warned her mother with a sharp cut of green eyes.

This woman disapproved of him when he was a young man, somehow not good enough to date her precious daughter. Rajveer had fallen for Isla only for her to break up with him right when they were about to embark on perhaps the most crucial journey of their lives. He couldn’t be too disappointed since things ended up turning out alright, but the way he would always been seen as inferior even now when he’d clearly made something of himself was honestly astounding. “Wow, that’s... very characteristic of you actually. It’s wonderful to see you haven’t changed one bit.” Sarcasm oozed from every word that came out of his mouth. “I’m not surprised that the money was what you decided to focus on, ma’am.” No, not surprised in the slightest. “Some parents are happy to support their children during those times. I don’t mean you. Just you know, other people.” Perhaps he was being a bit harsh and if his mother had heard him say that she would have probably smacked him upside the head and demanded that he apologize, but thankfully for him she wasn’t here to do that. 

 Varun Dhawan working out 💪🏽

abhimanyu-vohra​:

~

“Sounds good to me. You can be in Hawaii and I can take pride in being the Vohra saviour once again.” He grinned at his younger brother, honestly just glad he was around when this all happened. Not only was he able to check up on their mother, but he’d been there to help the general public and that made him proud. Abhi inched closer to the kitchen, rummaging through the refrigerator and pulling out some fruit before hearing his brother and mother having a little bantering. “Arre Rajveer, she loves cooking for us, you know this.” And when he heard his mother say that, he felt a pang of realization because even he hadn’t come by in some time and was beginning to feel guilty about it as well. “And we’re happy to be here with you,” he inched closer and kissed his mother’s cheek before heading to the hallway bathroom and going ahead to wash his hands, drying them on the towel before he stepped out and glanced back at the picture frames adorning the hallway, memories of his parents and their childhood floating around before he re-entered the kitchen. “Can I help you at all?” 

“As if I’d ever let you get the honor and glory.” He rolled his eyes at his brother’s response. Their mother was going to make sure they ate until their stomachs were about to burst and then she was going to make sure they both went home with a whole lot of leftovers. They were sure to last him the rest of the week at least. It worked for him considering how busy he was. As much as Raj liked to put his mother’s recipes to the test, he either didn’t have the time or the energy to put something together from scratch. Getting fresh, home cooked meals from mom everyday was definitely something he missed about being young. “Yeah ma. You don’t think we’re happy to see you? What kind of sons do you think we are?” He nudged her aside playfully, “Okay, let me make the roti tonight. Let me show off my skills a little bit.”