She had been a mystery from the beginning, then she became this complex puzzle & now she was a complete enigma.
First he tried being polite, then he tried mud slinging on her boyfriend, and now he even started taunting her at every opportunity…. Nothing worked!!!! Was she even hearing him? Or had her ears gone Sujal deaf!!!!
Let's see, so far all my plans to get her proper attention have crashed and received 3rd degree burns. I still don't have a clue what is going on with her. How I wish Nick was here, instead of wooing his fianc in Greece.. Sujal thought sitting on the kitchen porch leading to the backyard garden. His hands holding his gloomy, frowning face..
Voice-"Girl trouble?"
S-"Sidhart bhaiya aap?"
Sid-"Yup. Me. But where r u my bro? U seem really distracted and distressed about something these days.. And I get a feeling that it's got something to do with a girl."
S nodded his head in a yes. Staring off into space..
Sid-"Well what's the trouble. Did she refused to go out with the most successful and dashing bachelor in the town?"(Settling down besides S)
S-"We already went out once… It had been great.. Since then she has been ignoring me like hell.. Sometimes I am not even sure I exist around her."
Sid-"Are u sure the date went well?"
S nodded again
Sid-"Not from ur side.. Did she enjoy it? Wanted to go out again?"
S nodded again
Sid-"Maybe her family has restricted her to meet u.."
S shrugged his shoulder and said-"Highly unlikely.. Even if they don't want her to date she can at least talk."
Sid-"So she brushes u off and gives u a cold shoulder?"
S-"She acts darn politely, as if I am a stranger in her town asking for directions."
Sid struggled to keep a straight face at this last statement. He had never seen sujal so worried by a girl. If a girl had ever proved to b a little trouble, she wud b dropped like hot iron.. But this one seemed to have had him under some spell. Well he was almost like a younger brother. It was his duty to share some girl wisdom with him.
Sid-"Maybe she liked the date but has lost interest in u.. So now she is just trying to b polite and keeps ignoring u"
S-"That is a possibility, but then why wouldn't she say so or get angry if I insult her?"
Sid-"Hmm that's in interesting.. Maybe she turned lesbian"
S-"She is going out with some one else."
Sid-"And u r still after her?!"
S nodded gloomily.. Realizing his hopeless condition deeper
Sid-"and she hasn't hidden the fact from u???!!"
S-"No."
Sid looked at sujal amazed. Here was one guy who had never let anything except this family and his career matter to him more than a dime. Yet here he was today sitting on his porch steps mourning after a girl, who was apparently, not only full of herself but was also cheating on him with his full knowledge.. Hadn't he known Sujal better he wud have instantly concluded that Sujal was in love. But he wasn't this emotional fool. He was one of the most cold, analytical, flirtatious person he had met. His falling in love was like Sherlock Holmes writing poetry.
Sid pondered over the whole situation and wished he can just for once meet the girl who had the cool, sensible Sujal wrapped around her little finger.
Sid suddenly clapped sujal on his back and grinned widely at him.
Sid-"Of Course! That's it!!!"
S tried to look a bit enthusiastic. He clearly didn't believe that her brother wud know what's inside her head..
S-"What is it?"
Sid-"She's playing hard to get u fool!!!!! Probably u didn't appreciate her enough on ur first date. So to make u realize, that she deserves more… she is now playing the old game of showing off, ignoring, dating some1 else just to make u jealous.. I am sure she has no emotions for that guy.."
S coming out of his reverie looked at Sid, a small grin breaking on his handsome face. A storm stirring up in his dark brooding eyes.
S-"Yes! That's it!! Why didn't I realize it! Yes u r right . She actually doesn't give a fickle for the guy she is dating and she is dating the person who I hate the most. It all makes perfect sense now."
Sid-"I am glad I was of help."
S-"Thank you so much Sid bhaiya u don't know, what a great puzzle u have solved for me."
Sid-"So what do u intend to do about it?"
S-"I'll play her game back at her. I've followed her around enough. Sujal grewal doesn't give a damn for a girl who likes to play such stupid parlor tricks. Now she can go to hell and repent not accepting the amount of appreciation I already had showered on her. She crossed the line and now she'll pay"
Sid-"Hmm sounds interesting.. U gonna go out with some 1 too?"
S-"Sure… But before that I'll just give her a dose of her own indifference pill and make her see how it hurts."
Sid-"I see… I'll go now. U make ur plans.."
S-"Hmm thanks once again"
Sid left with an 'Anytime' thrown over his shoulder.. Maybe I was wrong… Sujal had said that he had been hurt.. Was he exaggerating or did he really feel that bad?… I can't wait to find out who this mystery girl is.
**********
O.k. my princess. Enough of ur high handed attitude and ur sweet polite behavior. Now u'll realize that u have crossed the wrong man to play ur dirty mind games this is payback time!
Plan – XXX :--Ignore her. Make her realize her concern or ignorance doesn't mean a bit to u. She is just another girl whom u come across everyday. And then when she sees this make the final cut by going out with a Beautiful girl in front of her.
Plan- 'Kashish Sinha going down' is now in action!
*********
Saturday night (exactly 2 weeks since S & K's dinner date)
Dinner
Sujal deliberately sat next to k. generally they both were seated at the opposite corners so that fight b/w the remained minimum. Every1 was surprised at his action except k
I just don't understand what he wants he has been trying so hard to fight with me, insult me, b with me… it's all so confusing. First he says he doesn't like me then he tries to get me alone.. Then when he does he does nothing other than insult me while I have been trying to b nice and calm with him.. I wish he won't try and create a scene coz I don't think I can hold back any longer… God please give me strength to resist him. Please.
S-"Kashish wud pass the salt please?"
K looked at s and then at every1 else… no 1 seems to think that anything out of ordinary had happened. But sujal had just talked politely to me. Instead of just ordering me, he had actually said 'PLEASE'! He looks like as if he is waiting for me to do something.. Oh! The Salt! It means I wasn't dreaming! Pass the salt Idiot!
K-"Hm."(Passing the salt, observing him from the corner of her eye.)
Throughout the dinner Sujal acted extra polite to Kashish, making her feel like an esteemed guest in her own home…. This behavior left Kashish confused and bemused… No matter how he badly had hurt her.. No matter how scornful she felt.. Sujal Grewal acting nice, polite and caring towards her still sent tingles up her back.
******
S –I think the plan is working. She looks at me with shuttered glances when she thinks I am not noticing… heheheee…. That is what u get for driving me to the edge. Now its ur turn sweetie… Just wait and watch what all happens next.
K –I just can't understand! What goes around in his mind. I guess I never would. Till now I just thought he was selfish, pompous, greedy jerk. But this nice attitude doesn't fit in. I know he is up to something. But what? I must watch out, I just can't allow my self to fall for him deeper.
******
Lunch… a few days later..
S-"Um…. Kashish."
K(jumping a bit)-"Yah?"
S-"I know it sounds extremely selfish and unprofessional… But umm… Can u do me a favor, please?"
K nods her head frowning.
S-"Well u see there is this case coming up.. And it's related to a lot to ur field of expertise.. Can u please just look into it a bit..? I mean it's a very interesting case but it is going to take a lot of pondering and time. So I was just wondering if u cud come this evening, it wud b a very big help.. Please? I wouldn't have asked, but I have got a lot on my plate and I cud really do with another brain.."
YES! YES! YES, I'll come! If u ask me so nicely how can I refuse? Oh I'll come, defiantly I'll come. I'd looove to come…. K looked away to hide the gleam in her eyes and the smile on her lips.
K-"I'll see…. I cannot say 4 sure"
S-"I am happy to know that u will at least consider.. I have to rush now. Thanks kashish"
Sid looked at S curiously….. What's wrong with him why a sudden change towards kashish?
Sam smirked at the scene and thought if he should tell what he thinks to every1 else…
****
Evening
This is insanity… I have a choice! In fact I am not bound by anything at all. I really don't have to here. I can still turn around and walk out. Nobody wud know I came here and nobody wud question me latter. If I stay I'll only end up loosing whatever self control I have gained. I shouldn't take this step if I care to preserve my self…… a slow hand crept towards the handle and pushed open the door.
S-"Kashish u are here! Thank God!!"
A very relived and happy looking Sujal greeted a hesitant, doubtful, confused Kashish inside her father's study.
K managed to dim the smile which came to her lips when sujal had greeted her. She was close to forgetting all her misgivings if he kept up like this.
A-"A good think u came beta. Now let's start."
After offering kashish some coffee and asking her about her day politely. S gave her a very short but in depth summary of the case during the next hour.
S-"So what do u think Kashish?"
K-"Hmm it is a really interesting case"
Kashish smiles involuntarily towards S and then quickly turns her face around in a frown
Control!!
K-"I think.. thaaaatt… it was the-"
TING!!!! TONG!!!
S-" Just a minute Kashish. Somebody's at the door. I'll just go and see. Excuse me"
S got up and came back after 5 minutes with a beautiful, elegant lady.
The woman was dressed in a crisp black skirt, with a deep necked pearl colored blouse and a pitch black blazer to match the skirt . She had smoked eyes and hair in a perfect carelessly tied bun with a stick. Kashish felt like a street rag in front of her, in her crumpled clothes, work tiered eyes and a messy braid.
S-"Uncle, Kashish this is Sneha. And Sneha this is kashish. And her father, my mentor, inspiration and boss."
Sneha gave a charming smile and shook hands with both of them.
S-"Umm.. I am.. a.. sorry Kashish, but.. a.. I gotta go now.. I am sure u can handle everything here. Bye."
S rushed out with Sneha b4 K cud even blink her eyes from the shock.
He is dating her!! He is going on a date with her tonight!!! He is going when he called me here!! Am I his assistant to look after his case while he fraternizes with women??!! I can't believe I fought with my boss today to come home to this! And who is that women any way?? I am sure she is a bl**dy witch who is @$%&@
A-"Nice girl. Don't u think so? I think she is perfect for our Sujal."
K-"What!! No! I mean.. No way cud he have, found some1 better.. Yah.. Dad I think u r right"
What was I thinking right now? I hardly know that girl. How cud I think I badly of her? I sure as hell hope I am not jealous. That wud disrupt everything. Control. Deep breaths. Go to ur happy place. Think of something else..
K-"Lets forget about them dad and talk about the case it's more important and interesting" than imagining them dancing closely.
A-"Yes it is more important."
Night
As kashish slept that nite she had the most uncomfortable and unhappy thoughts…
What was I thinking? That he won't go out with any1 ever? He is a man isn't he? He has his needs… I had always known that he is never without a girlfriend for more than 5 days, then why am I thinking about him and his date so much. I shouldn't. It's not right and it's not good for me. There is no use feeling jealous coz he was never mine to lose now….
I should b happy that is going out with some1 else. Yes that is how I need to feel. Once I begin to feel that way I know that I wud b over him totally. Then his words wud stop having any effect on me. Let me just imagine him happy with this girl. Perhaps they wud b eating out of each others plates right now. Some days later .. Perhaps he wud b showing around a ring which he wud give to her. Then they'll b married with lots of kids and he wud be 1 happy family man. I need to picture this image and feel nice and happy about it. Yes. I should happy. Perhaps if I keep repeating this line I wud stop feeling so frustrated and murderous.
*********************
With great difficulty and some excellent acting kashish managed to put up a happy unaffected, so glad for sujal front. Nobody suspected anything and Kashish too seeing how happy how Sujal was these days realized that perhaps her imagination hadn't been completely wrong. Maybe he felt all that for Sneha which K had once wanted him to feel for her. And if he really felt that way then…. Even with a heavy heart she truly was happy for him.
Dinner
Sid-"To Sujal.. Kya baat hai? Aaj kal to tum kashish se bhi jyada busy rehne laga hai<what's up sujal? these days u r even more busy than kashish>… are u and Sneha that serious about each other?"
S-"Well…we do like each other a lot…."
S looked happy and left his sentence deliberately unfinished so tht ppl, especially kashish, wud complete it on their own.
Sam-"So wud v be hearing wedding bells soon?"
Sam looked at sujal doubtfully. Somehow he felt that Sujal was just pretending to b happy about this girl, he still seemed hung up on some mystery girl Sid had told him about.
Sujal-"We haven't thought about it but…. U never know what the future holds."
K-"That's great then u and nick cud get married together!! It wud b so much fun don't u think so?" mustering al her enthusiasm and her goodness.
She was ready to feel tiny prickles in her heart as long as Sujal was terribly happy with this girl. Why she had even decided to b Sneha's best friend!
S muttered-"I don't think so…. " and looked at kashish closely. She seemed to b genuinely happy with his being together with Sneha.. Didn't she really feel any thing for him? Not a slightest bit of jealousy, anger or sadness? Was he really so unwanted and useless in her life?
S-"Excuse me, I gotta go call Sneha."
Sujal left abruptly.. As abruptly a certain feeling of despair engulfed him.
Maybe all my plans are useless. She doesn't wan to b with me loud and clear. Why didn't I understand that from the beginning? She had just wanted to settle our differences and live civilly. I was the only stupid one who read to much in her actions and heard her unsaid words… sighhhhhhh.
*******************************
A week or so later Sujal suddenly announced that he had broken up with her.
Its not that she wasn't a nice. His heart was just not into seeing anyone. After giving up on kashish he had tried taking interest in Sneha, tried to like her but he couldn't feel a spark. He felt that he was betraying both Sneha and himself by trying to pursue this relation. So he simply apologized to her and told her that he was not as yet ready to b with another women. Seemed like he was truly and royally hung up on kashish for the rest of his life.
Kashish to had got used his talking abt Sneha and praising her all the time. She had been amazed to hear abt his breakup. She hoped she wasn't in anyways responsible and felt a betraying flicker of happiness in some deep corner of her heart upon hearing the news of his breakup.
***************************
Sid-"I don't think there any thing cud b done. This is stalement."
S-"Hmmm…. I guess then I should offer a draw."
Sid-"I was talking about ur life man… But I guess this game of chess is at stalement too.."
S-"Huh.. I guess u r right on both accounts maybe I should offer a draw in my life too then."
Sid-"How do u do that?"
S-"I don't know… It's better than making stupid plans.."
Sid-"Hey! Come on don't give me that long face. It' unbecoming of u, it's just a game, sometimes u lose…"
S gave a small smile-"Thanks for understanding bro… Don't worry I'll b alright."
*****************
More than a month had passed since sujal and kashish had went out for dinner.
Everyone had forgotten it had ever happened. Except sujal and kashish, the two ppl who valiantly tried to forget it.
K was finally feeling as if she was over Sujal… perhaps a few weeks more I wud forget that we ever went on that magical date.
While S was finally starting to see things beyond K again. He followed every method and step which K had already adopted related to him….. Perhaps forgetting that night is going to b the hardest lesson of my life.
*****
Nick was coming back in a 2 weeks. His fianc wasn't coming but, he was going to b married pretty soon. All the ppl in Sinha household were gathered in the living room discussing about the appropriate date for the marriage..
Kaveri-"I think that 3 months is too soon.. There are so many things to b done, so many preparations to b made, so much shopping to do!"
Sam-"Yah.. Such little time to splurge so much money…"
K-"Hey!! Bhabhi is right. We need to shop a lot. U men wud never understand."
Sid-"No ways. I can't wait for more than 3 months.. Let's get him married as soon as possible"
A-"Maybe we should ask Nick first"
S-"Oh uncle really!! U know Nick. It's a surprise in itself that he chose a wife , when he is incapable of deciding which side of his toast he should butter.."
Sam-"Sujal's right! Let's get him married as soon as he comes. Sanskriti (name of nick's fianc ) cud come along with him."
Kaveri -"Nooooooooooooooooooo"
Sam-"Yah!!!"
K-"No.. Bhaiya!! No no no no nooo"
Sid-"Yessss yesss yes!!!"
And evry1 starts shouting all at once. K jumping on Sid to close his moth while trying the same with her husband Sam.
WHISTLEEE!!!!!
S-"All right1 stop behaving like a bunch of sissies."
K opens her mouth for a quick rebound but closes it again just as quickly. Let some1 else reply, it wasn't only me whom he called a sissy.
Sam-"Oh yah! Who r u? Tragic king Lear?"
S-"Hey! I meant no offence. Let's just say… Who ever wins will have his say. The winner decides the date and we all wud agree with him or her and try and convince Nick together for that date."
Every1-"Ok!!"
Every one sat in a circle and decided to play 'Bluff'<also called 420, Cheat, bullsh**(in movie 'how to loose a guy in ten days.')>
Sid-"All of u have no chance. I am gonna win this"
A-"Let's have a best of 3"
K-"I'll make coffee 4 every1"getting up
Sam-"What!!! U r not playing?"
K-"No."
K came back after 15 min with all the coffees. The game was in a full swing and it seemed like Sujal was gonna win.
Kaveri-"Kashish u also play in the next round"
K-"No Bhabhi. I don't feel like playing"
Sam-"Why not? Most of the times u r unbeatable at this game"
Sid-"U are such a perfect little liar.."
K-"I just don't believe that any1 of us cud actually persuade Nick to get married on the date we want. Plus Sanskriti has a say in this too. And my dear Siddharth bhaiya lets just say tht I am trying to mend my ways, so I don't think I wanna lie.."
A-"As u wish.. But I think that u wud have been unbeatable. Next to sujal u r the best one a this game"
K…..—exactly the point dad.. I don't want to enjoy this game and then feel remorse on losing to him. That wud make me fight with him and call him names and that wud lead to interaction which I have successful avoided for more than a month
K-"Thanks dad but I'll pass the offer"
The game continued with enthusiasm and excitement.. Like kashish her brothers were also not very good losers especially since Sujal had beaten them in 2 straight games…
S stretching his hands..-"Well people. I think there is no need for the 3rd match, since I have already won these two. I will b the one now who decides the date of Nick's marriage"
Every1 whined in protest to this and to settle every1 sujal says
"Ok! Ok! The rule remains the same… lets just change it to a best of five. I have already won two and if u can stop me from winning even 1 more game.. Then u all can have whatever u want"
Every1 agrees to this and a fresh set of hands is delt.
Kashish was silently all the commotion from her seat in the sofa. She sat like a curled Cheshire cat watching every1 with powerful observant eyes. And yes she had been watching Sujal too.. By now she had made out the pattern in which he bluffed(lied, threw a false card).
Sam-"Common dad, Sid u can beat Sujal. I never had any luck in card games"
Kaveri-"Where did u learn to play? It's almost as if u r a professional liar. U keep such a poker face."
S-"Ah! U all can keep worrying and wondering. I am still going to win. Just 10 more cards to discard."
Sid-"10!!! I have 25! When did u lose so many?"
S just gave a magicians smile and continued to discard cards rapidly. With only 4 left in his hands S says
"2 aces"
"BULLS***!!!" kashish shouted from her seat. She was sitting on tender hooks by now.. So lost she was in observing Sujal- his charisma, his charm, arrogance, intelligence, body language; that she didn't even realized that she had voiced her last thought out loud, until every1 stared at her.
Sid-"Are u sure?"
K-"Uhhh.. Umm.. Yah. I am."
Kaveri-"How do u know it's a bluff?"
K-"I just do… I was watching Sujal(Don't tell him that u were looking at him silly!!!) .… what I mean is tht I was… I was just seeing how many cards he had… only two are left in his hand, so he has to b bluffing(good bluffing)"
S looked at K thoughtfully, 100 thoughts raiding his mind. She was observing me? How does she know? Why is she looking away? Is she blushing?!? Something's damn wrong and fishy.
S-"Well I can wait for for my turn to dispose the remaining 2. as it is I can catch every1's bluff easily."
K getting up and getting out fast-"I don't know! Do whatever u want! All I know is that it's a bluff." And she was out of the room.
S-"Come on Sid bhai it's ur decision.. U can believe on some 1 who is not even confident enough to play the game or u can trust ur experienced instinct…"
Sid-"Umm.. Ahh…Wellllll…aa…. Ok I'll not open. Another Ace."
Kaveri, Sam, A-"Pass"
S-"2 more aces and thts the game. I win. And I get to decide the date."
Sid-"What? But.. buutt.."
S getting up with a triumphant smile and walks out too-"Guess u should have listened to ur sis.. Maybe she does have more brains than u hahahaa.."
Every1 sighed and tried to quarrel with S abt it, but he was already out of the room, looking for K.
K was standing at the balcony looking the stars… ruminating on her stupid, mindless outburst.
"So how exactly did u know that I was bluffing?" Sujal said from behind.
K gripped the railing hard and momentarily closed her eyes.
Serves me right for the little slip. This is what happens for the slightest mistake. Now grin and bear the consequences.
K-"I told u. U just had 2 more cards left. It was obvious."
S-"If my bluff was caught I wud have received 10 more cards. It was a big risk… How were u so sure?"
K turned around with a frown and looked at him annoyed.
K-"It was just a guess then. Happy?"
Sujal couldn't help but smile. She looked adorable in her frowning, crinkled nose and it was almost 1 month since he had seen it.
S-"It's the first time u have done anything to make me happy.. How can I say no?"
K knew that her calm temperance was slipping, Sujal was getting to her. I need to get away. Quick.
K-"I didn't do anything for u." K started to move, predicting her movement Sujal moved in front to block her.
S-"But it does mean that u were observing me to know how many cards I had. Right?"
sujal was bursting with excitement, he had not felt this great for such a long time
K looked here and there, trying to get out of that place. Only if he wud move a little. He had her blocked exit completely. She was caught between him and the railing. If tries to she move, she wud come in physical contact with him and that was an absolute no no.
K-"Is it a crime to look at u?" Looking him straight in the eye now. No use trying to avoid the topic he knew u were looking. Denying it wud only prolong the conversation.
S-"Only if u don't admit it."
K-"Well I did. Now let me go."
S-"U can go. When did I stop u?"
K-"U r blocking my way! Move!"
S-"What if I say no?"
S looked at K with gleaming eyes and smirking lips.
He stepped closer to k-"What will u do then?"
k looked mighty uncomfortable and took a big gulp of air. K felt it difficult to breath and her heart beat accelerated to 120. Drawing on her last bit of strength she said shakily.
K-"What is this nonsense Sujal? Move."
It was windy as usual and K's hair was open. S raised one hand and slowly tucked a strand, which was blowing on her face, behind her ear.
S-"Ok I'll move. I don't want my princess getting that angry at me."
S moves slightty to 1 side just giving her enough space to squeeze through. While k seemed to b rooted to the spot her cheeks slightly flushed. Just as she started to get away Sujal said
"I am happy u kept ur hair long."
K-"Huh?", Stopping in her path again. Every word which Sujal was whispering to her right now was affecting her deeply. His each glance at her face, her lips, neck was making her more nervous, his each little movement making her palms swetty and mouth dry.
S-"It's still the fine quality, it was a few years back..", his hand still hovering behind her ear. Gently touching her hair.
K turned a deeper shade of red and opened her mouth only to close it again, for she didn't know how to react or what to say…
K-"_________"
They both stood there like this for endless moments. When kashish finally managed to break the spell and tried to leave again.
S-"Kashish r u free this Saturday?", in a very serious voice, all the gayness, teasing and laughter gone from his voice… Sounding thoroughly professional.
K nodded her head in affirmation and S gave a tight cursory smile.
S-"Good. Then b ready by 7.30"
K-"WHAT!!!!!!"
S-"We'll go out. So b ready by 7.30"
K looked at Sujal completely bewildered. Was he asking her out again. Why? He only said he barely likes me to Sid…. Why????
K-"Umm.. O.K. I'll b ready. But if u wanna discuss some case only, then why not use dad's study? Why go out?"
S looked at her disappointedly as a teacher looks towards a student who couldn't tell 2+2. He slowly raised her face by pushing her chin up with a finger. Now she was looking up at him straight in the eyes. And he was looking down upon her. Sujal dipped his glance to her lips and couldn't stop the smile forming on his lips. He slowly bent towards her bringing them closer.
Their faces millimeters apart S whispers in a sexy seductive tone-"Coz it's a date princess"
Then straightening abruptly he turned around and left a confused, dizzy K behind this time.
**********************************************************************
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