Chapter 3

[NOCOPY]

Here's the first chapter. Hope you like it.

He stood before her photograph placed carefully on his desk ... a cold figure with no expressions on his face. Sharp features adorned his handsome face. His jet-black, gelled hair was now cropped, unlike the old mane of college days. His eyes, chocolaty brown, bore a sense of maturity. His unshaved chin with a slight moustache showed his internal misery. Tall, with a strong built, he was no less than a Greek god. Yet life has become altogether different for him. The transition from being the stud to a magnate has been quite rapid. Well, he was least bothered about that now. Dressed in a three piece suit, Samrat Shergill looked every bit a shrewd, hard-hearted businessman. Just like his dad. Life had definitely dealt a hard blow on him. Everyone left him. The ones he had truly loved. And he cares for none but his best friend. Her memories haunted him the most.

"Chashmish ..." he sighed.

*********

Gunjan Bhushan's excitement was out of bounds today. She was returning to her homeland after three long years. Lost in her world of thoughts, she was gazing onto the sky outside. She was busy reminiscing about her life back in India when suddenly a voice stirred her out of her thoughts.

"Ma'am, we would like you to fill up this feedback form ... We hope you had a comfortable journey with us." The air-hostess had a smile on her face.

Gunjan nodded, with a smile. "Sure ... I haven't faced any discomfort as of now."

She went in for the formality without any trace of fear or anxiety. She smiled at herself remembering how once she used to get intimidated by strangers so easily. But things have changed now.

She is no more the scaredy cat. These three years have changed her for good. The simple demure girl of yesterday was now a confident woman of today ... all ready to face the world. Her introvert nature was replaced by a newly found confidence. Though her innate shyness and simplicity were very much intact. People still loved her sugary sweet and gentle nature.

Such a massive change. How it could happen at all? She wondered. Only one name came to her mind.

Samrat.

Had it not been him, she wouldn't have been what she has become today. It was him who had brought out her real self. The real Gunjan. The girl who wanted to achieve something in her life. He showed her that there was a world beyond her books. He made her see the beauty of her mind, body and soul. He was her only best friend. And only love. Yet he wasn't hers.

"He loves Sheena, not me." A lone tear escaped her eyes as she muttered those words.

And she reminded herself of that promise. No, Gunjan. You're not supposed to cry over this. You have to stay happy for him. And you will. Remember his roses? Weren't they lovely? Still treasured in those notebooks, no?

A smile crept up on her face as soon as a wave of sweet memories took over her mind.