#5 – Dilemmas, Dramas And The Rise Of Memories

5 years ago

InToTheUnknown

@InToTheUnknown

#5 – Dilemmas, Dramas And The Rise Of Memories

 Next morning. It’s nearly 8:30 in the morning when Roli finishes off with a quick shower and steps out of her room. Her eyes are still red and puffy from all the tears last night, though her eye makeup manages to conceal them to an extent. But unlike the last night, she’s much more determined and strong now. She has taken a decision and that’s on her face. Her papa’s room- that’s where she’s headed to. No matter what happen, today I’ve to stop this marriage. I’ve to tell Papa that I can’t marry Siddhant, Roli decides in her mind as she walks through the corridor. In no time, her attention falls to the hall downstairs where her Papa is seated with few other men. Looks like they are in a serious talk pointing here and there in the mansion.The servants are already at work too, dusting the pillars and accessories.  What’s going on, she thinks with bated breath as she descends the stairs. 

 “Papa!’ she calls as she walks towards him, her heart thudding heavily. God! Give me strength to face anything, she prays silently. Anand, who has just taken some file to go through, raises his head from it as he hears Roli’s call. 

 “Roli beta!’ He calls cheerfully as he gets up and walks towards her. “My daughter Roli!’ he introduces her to the men in the hall putting a protective arm around her shoulder.  Roli nods at them with a smile and turns to her father again. 

 “Roli!!!’ Anand is now startled as her reddish eyes fall in to his notice. “What’s with these red eyes? You look so dull!’ he questions tensely.

“ Ahh papa…’ Roli rubs her forehead as she searches for an excuse. “Headache! I had a severe headache last night.’

 “Oh oh!You okay no?’ he questions as he checks her temperature. “Wait...I’ll call the doc.’ he says as he almost picks up the phone to dial up their family doctor. But he’s stopped by Roli, who holds his hand nodding no.

 “No need papa! I’m perfectly fine now.’  

 “But look at your eyes. It’s…’ Anand begins but obviously, Roli doesn’t let him complete. 

 “Papa, told you no? I’m alright. Don’t worry.’ she consoles. 

 “Alright then.Anyway, if you’re having anymore of headache, make sure you see a doc. Okay?’ 

 “Okay papa’ Roli agrees.

 “Kids!’ he sighs as he turns to the men. “They never get it when we say how tensed we get seeing them in the tiniest trouble. It’s only when they grow up, get married and have their own little ones when they finally get to know how we feel.’

 “That’s something absolutely true Anandji. Even I say it often to my daughter.’ agrees a middle aged man looking rather grim with small freckles on his face. Meanwhile Roli just listens, waiting to ask her father to give her a few minutes to talk in private. 

 “Well Roli’ Anand begins again, “This is Mr. Sharma and these, his assistants. They’re a famous event management company here in jaipur and as you may very well guess, they’re looking after all the arrangements for your engagement.’ 

 Now this comes as another shock for Roli. Arrangements for the engagement???!!!She gets it now; the men in the hall, the servants already at work- all starts to make sense. But this early? She didn’t expect this at all. Here she’s up to break the engagement while her Papa has already started working for it.

 “But Papa, don’t you think it’s early?’ Roli asks trying to be normal while Anand nods his head in despair looking at the event teamwho is all smiles as if they had heard some big joke. 

 “See, this is how you think?” he questions as he turns to Roli while she just looks at him puzzled. “My goodness! Roli, it’s your engagement. Anand Dwivedi’s youngest daughter’s engagement,and that with Rishab Bharadwaj’s son! Do you have any idea of how huge the function is going to be? All the biggies of the business world are gonna be here! We’ve to make the arrangements to make sure that nothing falls short. So in that case, it’s already late!’ Anand says as a matter of fact.  Roli feels that she’s indeed in a fix now. The way things are going, she can’t hope for the desired closure anytime soon. 

 “Besides,’ Anand continues, “I’ve already mailed to all my special guests yesterday. I’m sure they won’t turn down my invitation.’ 

 Shock after shockcomes in for Roli. One side, the arrangements for the engagement begun, other side all important guests invited and here she’s gonna stop the engagement- all the three couldn’t have synchronized better!  Just then she hears her papa’s voice again; this time a little croaky as if he’s emotional-

 “It’s been a dream you know,’ he says to Mr. Sharma as Roli watches him startled. “This little girl of mine getting married to someone truly worth her, someone so perfect in every aspect and trust me, I’ve chosen someone who exactly fits to the bill. Siddhant Bharadwaj, you know him?’ he queries. 

 “Ya, I know him. Worked with the Bharadwajs once for a huge event. He’s really sweet and gentle.’ replies Sharma with a warm smile. 

 Anand holds on to the good comment instantly- “He really is. A very witty guy too. Must be really lucky to have someone like him for my daughter.’ he holds Roli by her shoulder as his voice gets heavy again. “I just hope all goes well here. Having a fire inside me already; it’ll settle only when I give her hands in to Siddhant’s.’ 

 That’s a last straw for Roli. She simply can’t hold her tears. You’re wrong Papa. Very very wrong. That guy is a wolf in disguise of a lamb. He has tricked you to trust him! But how will I tell these to you, Roli thinks sadly. The big smile on Anand’s face and the enormous excitement in his talks about his daughter’s upcoming engagement weakens her. This morning, she had woke up with an apparent sense of determination to end all the dramas but what dilemma she’s stuck now? Neither can she say the truth to her Papa who’s all excited and emotional about her engagement nor can she can let it happen with the guy who had once destroyed her from deep inside.No, I can’t, I can’t say it to him, she decides as her will melts in to nothing. It might be foolish, but saying it to her Papa, looking straight in to his eyes and seeing his happiness get replaced by extreme sadness and fury- she can’t even think of it. 

 “Roli?’ her Papa’s voice brings her to the reality again.

 “haan Papa,’ she replies quickly, trying to hide her feelings from him.

 “You alright?Is there anything you want to tell me?’ questions Anand, noticing the traces on uneasiness on her face. Of course Roli has a lot to say. But she simply fakes a smile and nods in negative. Fortunately, Anand just shoves off the matter there and looks in to the file momentarily before he remembers something.

 “Roli listen!’ he begins as he looks up from the file.“We’ll have to leave for your engagement shopping by afternoon. Siddhant and family will join us in the shopping mall. So be ready.’ 

 “This quick Papa? Why not a couple of days later?’ asks Roli as she clearly doesn’t like the idea. I couldn’t stand him yesterday itself and looks like I’ve to face him today too, thinks Roli as she realizes that she has to meet Siddhant again. 

 “No Roli.’ Anand clearly denies.“You see these guys have to fix the theme and colors of decoration and that has to be in sync with your outfits, which means we can’t delay the purchases at all. So be ready and yes, make a good list of all you need. Don’t compromise with anything.’ 

 “Hmm.’ Roli nods halfheartedly.

 “Okay then, go and sit for breakfast. I’ll join you in a while.’ Anand says to Roli and turns to the event team again. 

 Roli walks away wondering what to do. The way things are, it won’t be a great idea to disclose anything to her Papa. Maybe I’ve to clearly think what to do and then act, she decides. But right now, what stings her more is the upcoming shopping. Siddhant’s acts the last day had given her a clear idea- that he’s gonna utilize every situation to trouble her and so the shopping is gonna serve as a golden chance for him. I’ve to make myself strong to deal with him, she firmly decides.

 Six hours later had Roli sitting in the counter of the wedding centre watching her relatives rummaging through the tons of clothing spread on the table. Ideally, she should have been the most excited one in all these situations but all she feels is an uncomfortable sensation down her gut. How can these moments be special to her when this marriage itself is a nightmare to her? 

 There Siddhant is, like salt to her wounds, watching her every move with uncompromised attention as he waits with the men. Though she notices it, all she does is to pay no heed to it. 

 “Roli’ beams one of her aunts as she keeps a yellow lehenga over her. “This one is looking so good on her right?’ 

 “no, no’ denies another aunt, “I think red will suit her better.’ 

 “But red would obviously be needed for the wedding. So I think we should choose something different and beautiful. Why not neon or purple?’ suggests one of her elder cousins. 

 This is it. Roli is fed up, like crazy! The way everyone is behaving, the shopping isn’t likely to conclude anytime soon.Ragini who sits by her understands her state and keeps a consoling arm over her.

 “Roli dear, now tell us.’ Ragini urges as she points at the lehengas.“Which one is your choice? Of course, that’s more important than anyone’s.’ 

 Roli simply lifts and drops couple of lehengas in response and finally replies  “Anything. I can’t decide.’

 “Areey!’ Ragini is amused now.”Usually it’s you who selects for everyone even for the tiniest occasion and now it’s your engagement and you’re saying you can’t decide. This is something crazy!’ 

 “Maybe she’s just confused. Take your own time beta. No worries.’ Sunitha says lovingly as she strokes Roli’s hair. Roli gives her a small smile and pretends to check out the dresses until she feels a presence right behind her. She quickly turns wondering who it is and finds Siddhant standing behind her with his arms crossed with a super cool expression.  Beside him is Laksh, sporting a mischievous smile. 

 “Looks like someone is confused. Maybe, I can help!’  he says to Laksh with a naughty grin while Roli grits her teeth in anger. 

 “Siddhant!’Sunitha is super surprised. “I don’t believe this. You’re gonna help? I tell you, he hates shopping for women. He says it’s time consuming and now see!’she says to the other women with widened eyes.

 "Areyy aunty...’ begins Laksh as he leisurely puts an arm on Sid's shoulder.  "This is just a trailer. Wait and watch,  now Siddhant will have a long list of surprises ready for you. He'll start doing things that he might have loathed earlier. What to do, love makes man mad. No, Siddhant? '

 "Ya...What to do man? May be it's just the first stage of shaadi ki side effects.' jokes Sid with a wink.Roli is in a state where she would literally burst with anger.  God, please give me enough patience to bear all these crap, she prays for the umpteenth time before looking away from him in disgust. Siddhant notices it but responds in nothing more than a contemptuous smirk.  But soon the smirk turns to a mischievous smile as he gets a brilliant idea. 

 "Well... ' he begins,  getting everyone's attention including Roli's.  Now what new sugar coated stuff is he gonna say, wonders Roli as she pretends to scrutinize the clothes while listening to him carefully. 

 "I think Roli is little bored out here. ' continues Siddhant.  "why don't we just walk out for a coffee? Meanwhile you guys can finish all your shopping.  We'll comeback and choose for us.'

 Roli looks up at him at shock while he still has that perpetual victorious grin on his face. Now what more to say than that Roli doesn’t have any other choice than abiding to him, with the volley of relatives around? Ultimately she has to give in. 

 *********************************

 Roli and Siddhant occupy a table in a lonely corner of the cafeteria. The spot is almost secluded but looks prettiest of all being in the window side. Roli pays no attention to Siddhant but keeps looking at the fancy vase with a bunch of yellow roses and the money plants grown outside the window. Of course, had she had a choice, she would have never come with him for this stupid coffee date. 

 “Armm...’ Siddhant clears his throat to get her attention which Roli very well notices, but she chooses not to give him a damn.  Siddhant on the other hand understands that she’s clearly avoiding him but doesn’t make any move to talk to her. The extra bit of confidence he carried all the while, the jokes he cracked, all stops. The uncomfortable atmosphere of silence prevails for a while with Roli into her own world and Siddhant just gazing at her. 

 A while later.  Roli softly strokes a rose from the vase as she finally looks at Siddhant and when she does her eyes just stick to him with a neutral expression. Siddhant too notices that and guesses that she may be thinking about them only, but not the good things anyway. By now, she almost starts crushing the rosebud between her fingers too, giving Siddhant an idea that it’s the symbolization of what she actually wants to do with him. Her probing gaze had it all and that makes Siddhant a little uncomfortable. 

 “wanna say something?’ he finally asks her finding her eyes not moving from him. 

 “ya, get lost!’ she says barely opening her lips in the process and her eyes still on him calling out hatred. 

 “I knew it!’ Siddhant says as he taps on the table slightly and sits up straight. “But you know what, that’s not happening.’ he concludes in a challenging tone gaining back his composure that seemed to have gone for a vacation a while ago. Roli gives him a sarcastic grin and looks away while Siddhant finds the waitress approaching them to get their order. 

 “What would you like to have sir?’ asks the waitress, a slim girl probably in her early twenties as she pauses near them. 

 Siddhant looks at Roli for a second but finds her neutral and so decides to order for them both. 

 “Armm…may be two cold…’ he pauses abruptly as he remembers something. His lips instantly curl to a smile which Roli too notices.  She wonders of what it could be while he continues, “Not two, but one cold coffee.’ 

 Roli’s eyes widen as she gets a clear idea of what he meant and an incident from the past flashes right before her eyes. 

 ***** Nearly three years back in the college canteen of St. Louis.

 Siddhant is seated in one of the chairs in the almost deserted canteen as he keeps tapping away on his phone. Fresh, delicious, and chilled cold coffee in a glass misted with tiny water droplets rests on the table before him. He continues to be engaged with his phone when Roli enters the canteen looking for him. Her eyes run all over the area and finally find him in their usual table.  She sighs and rolls her eyes as she walks up to him.  Siddhant notices her near him and gives her a look but turns to his phone again. Roli is puzzled now. 

 “Areyy! You were sitting here? Do you have any clue of how much I searched you? And above that you weren’t attending my calls too!’ she complains as she begins to sit opposite to him. That’s when her eyes fall on the glass of cold coffee on the table. 

 “Oh! So you placed the order too! Cold coffee! My favorite!’ says her as she’s all smiles. “Just one? You don’t need or what?’ asks her as she sits on a chair keeping her bag on the adjacent one.  Siddhant, who has been hooked to his phone till now, seemingly paying no heeds to her, raises his head and looks as Roli almost picks up the glass. He quickly holds her hand, getting the glass from her while Roli looks at him puzzled.

 “Well...That’s mine!’ he says with a smug smile. 

 “Hawww!’ Roli is left open mouthed now. “And how’s that?’ she questions with a pout. 

 “It’s like that only.’ he says with a hidden smile. 

 “Then where’s mine? I too need it!’ Roli demands in a childish voice. 

 “For a change, we’re not ordering for you today.’ he declares. Roli is furious now. She just can’t take the `discrimination’. 

 “Acchaa! Then let me see how? I’m gonna order not one, but whole two for myself!’ she boasts as she turns around on her chair and gestures the waiter to come towards her.  The waiter almost reaches to take her order but Siddhant quickly stops him with the wave of a hand. Roli is irritated now. 

 “Bhaiyya! I need…’ she almost begins but Siddhant stops her again with a sharp look and a negative nod enough to make her silent.  

 “you leave.’ he says to the waiter while Roli’s face falls. 

 “ja cutty! You’re very bad!’ she taunts as she gets up with a cranky face and picks up her bag to leave. But soon she’s pulled back in to her chair in a strong tug.

 “Now what?’ she asks Siddhant who’s watching her with a naughty smile.   

 “I said not to order for you. But maybe, I can share mine with you. I don’t mind!’ he says with a wink as he flashes a dual straw before her eyes. Roli’s eyes and mouth both widen alike and she turns her face blushing red. 

 “Come now!’ he says quietly as he pulls his chair close to hers and puts the dual straw in the glass. Roli smiles and looks away as he inches closer and slides the glass to her. In no time, they sit close to each other and sip away the drink from the same glass **** 

 Siddhant looks into Roli’s eyes as he guesses that she might have remembered the incident too.  Two years, of course, is a long time, but not too long to forget all those moments they’ve once shared.  Roli too looks up at him, only to see him already gazing at her. The realization makes her look away in a second. She sighs, just wipes her face and turns to the waitress. 

 “Yes, one cold coffee.’ she says while an amused yet happy smile breaks across Siddhant’s face. He just can’t believe it! Roli too smiles while Siddhant almost extends his hand to hold hers in the gush of happiness.  

 However, the words that she speaks next pauses his move. “But that’s for him. For me a cappuccino.’she says coldly, giving him challenging look. 

 Siddhant’s smile fades away in an instant. He could guess that she is giving him a chance to taste his own medicine.  

 “but you love cold coffee than cappuccino?’ he questions with a mixed expression.

 “That was the old story. I no longer love many things I used to love in the past. Loving is too far, they’re not even in my priority list. So, cappuccino.’  Roli says turning to the waitress while she leaves nodding. Siddhant could clearly perceive that she’s actually hinting at him with her words.  But he isn’t affected. He just sits straight, taps on the table metrically and waits for the order. 

 Much later. Roli and Siddhant are done with their drink. Siddhant almost takes the bill book but is taken aback as Roli snatches it from him.

 “I know to pay my bills.’ she says grimly as she opens her bag and pays for her cappuccino. "And trust me,  I'll decide my life just like I paid by bills. So you better burst the bubble of misconception you're in.' 

 Siddhant chuckles at her words and inches a step closer while Roli takes a step back to maintain the distance. 

 "Roli...I love this new side of yours. Challenging and confident. I wouldn't want you to fail anywhere else...' he pauses as he tucks a loose strand of her silky hair behind her soft earlobe. "...But sorry I'll have to defeat you. I can fight with the whole world for getting you back and I'll '

  Now it is obvious that Roli hates his response. "Try your luck but you'll never win! " she replies and turns around,  only to walk away with heavy steps. 

  "Expected reaction beta Siddhant but after all she's your Roli. If not today,  she'll definitely give in one day!  he says to himself and placing the whole bill in the bill book  , walks towards Roli. 

A/N : Took nearly two years to write this one update. So this can actually have the record. What I've been doing all the while,  studying,  filling my quota, being with my best friends,  chit chatting,  going out and what not?  Anyhow,   I think it's really long , hope you guys can be patient enough