Chapter 34

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As all good things come to an end the show ended too…. But all good fortune was as yet not over for Sujal….

The special closeness which S & K  had shared had left a pinkish glow on K's face and increased heartbeat inside Sujal.

Sujal(pulling a hand through his hair in slight embarrassment)-"So what next?"

Kashish smiled but looked down. Somehow she was unable to meet his eyes again. Not coz they were judging her or pitying her, but coz she knew she wud turn beetroot red if she looks at him now. "Ummm… I don't know.. Why don't  u say.."(most gentlest, low tones)

Sujal too smiled, he knew that K was feeling embarrassed too, for she had finally told him the importance he had in her and her families life, even if she had pretended otherwise all this while.

S-"Well.. how about…. There?"

k shrugged her shoulder in indifference and started walking along with him. As long they were together it didn't matter where they were.

Soon they stopped at a little stall.<<I don't know the name.. but it's the game where u  bang the base with all ur strength using a huge hammer and a ball inside a meter in front of it rises. The harder u hit, higher the ball rises..>>

Enough of sentiments and brains, time for some brawn. To impress her I shall leave no stone unturned…

S-"Ok give me the hammer. U better concentrate on the top Kashish. This ball is gonna shoot up there so fast that u wouldn't even see it coming."

K-"There is absolutely no chance that happening, not atleast if u keep bragging around like that.(teasing now) Infact I don't think it would even rise halfway…"

S-"Hah!", U think I don't have enough strength to  break that Piyush's jaw then perhaps this is just the thing to prove u wrong.

Sujal struck the platform with all his might and will and as expected the ball did touch the top of the meter

Kashish clapped her hands happily and smiled-"Well the ball wasn't that fast but it got there all right. Good job!"

Sujal made a graceful bow and then chose a price for himself.

S(offering her the chosen price)-"Here u go princess. A small token, for ur inspiring me to win this…"

Sujal made such a great pomp and show of giving her the gift, that the whole act was truly comical. For the same reason kashish didn't feel too shy, embarrassed or uncomfortable to accept his gift. Had he given it simply, she wud have refused flatly.

K-"Thank you!!!!!!"

The price was a golden colored metal ring with green plastic crystal as a stone.

K (Showing of the ring on her finger)-"How does it look? Pretty good huh? My fingers look slimmer I think. Thank you sujal it's really veryy beautiful.."

Kashish looked ecstatic, she actually was on cloud 9 upon receiving a revolting piece of jewelry.

She looks so delighted with a cheap, shabby ring with a green plastic blob in it as an excuse. Why? She has so much better things to wear… doesn't she? Come to think of it, I have actually never seen her wearing any sort of jewelry at all. Not even a plain gold chain around her neck.. Why? Is this the first bit of adornment she as ever owned? If it is, then I am a fool to have given it to her. She deserves the best rocks and crystals in the world. One day I'll give 'em to her. But I am sure no matter how fine an emerald I buy I wud never outshine the glow in her pretty eyes right now. I must remember her like this. Who knows what future holds. Atleast I wud be able to always look back and think of how happy I had made her tonight.

Kashish was beaming like a contended child now. She was sooo happy. Oh! She knew that the wrecked ring wasn't even worth half a buck, but it was her most precious possession. Firstly coz Sujal had given it. Secondly coz it was the only one she owned, her dad and brothers never bought her one and she was too much busy and a miser to go splurging.

S-"Hey, u want eat ice-cream?"

K-"Sure!"  I wud even eat slugs right now if u offer them…..

S-"Which flavor?"

K-"Ah -"

S-"Wait let me guess… Hmmmm….. My psychic powers are telling me….. Chocolate chip scoop with lots of hot dark chocolate poured over it.. right?"

K(smiling and blushing simultaneously)-"How did u know!!!!!!!!!!!?????"

S-"I told u, my psychic powers…. U wait here I'll go get the ices"

Sujal went and quickly came back with two deliciously looking cones, one of which kashish greedily started licking.

S—What is with her and food. She eats every bite with so mch relish and pleasure as if she is hasn't eaten anything for years and perhaps she won't again eat anything from 2mmorow. I wonder if her ice cream is more tastier than mine... the way she eats  I am sure I wud gladly exchange my pudding with her porridge, since she wud make it look so tasty…. Sujal though while licking his own ice cream and staring at Kashish.

BLOP!

And down went his ice cream…That's what I deserve for not concentrating on my own food-"Oh!"

K-"OH!"

S-"Damn"

K-"Hmmm"

S-"Uhhhh… C'mon hurry up and eat yours quickly." No use buying another 1 she has eaten half of hers and it wud look rude if I eat alone, as it is she doesn't share food.

K-"Here", extending her ice cream to him, "U can have some from mine."

Sujal looked at her amazed.. What happened to her? She didn't share her candy. Then why this? Perhaps it was the talk we had earlier…must be it.

S-"Thanks"

Sujal accepted the cone and took a small bite from it and returned it to her. Perhaps she is just being polite I mustn't take chances

K—He looks so funny!! Why is he afraid to eat from mine.. I am not poison ivy from Batman movie.. Strange guy..

K took back her cone and then after taking a bite offered it again to him to show the sincerity of her offer and her true willingness to share.

S truly surprised by her second offer accepted the ice graciously and took a hearty bite.. I mustn't finish it to soon… This way we will slowly share the whole of it.

And so they shared the entire ice-cream one bite each alternatively… To all the ppl who passed them, they looked like a love struck, lovy dovy couple. Unfortunately the only ppl who didn't realize it were themselves.

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Sujal and Kashish walked around the whole carnival in a contented , jubilant mood. They wud stop at various stalls. Try their skill and luck at various games. Sometimes winning sometimes losing but always laughing. Kashish had finally banished her armor against Sujal. For the night was so innocent and the gestures so unadulterated that to twist them into something sick and conspiring was not possible. So there they were, behaving like two 15 yr. old teenagers. Young enough to enjoy silly carnival games and activities.. Old enough to feel the attraction and spark b/w them.

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After wandering around for hours, finally exhausted they sat under a tree away from the hustle bustle of the crowd.

K-"Uuffff. I am tired. My feet hurt."

"Shall I carry u in my arms then, my princess?", Sujal asked in good humor. He knew that she no longer took big offence at his little teasing so he wasn't afraid of saying it and spoiling the fun.

K-"WHAT!!(extremely serious tone, eyes flashing anger) U want to carry me in ur arms? How dare u say such a thing!!??? "

Here we go again.. just when everything was going fine. She loses some screw in her head and becomes mad-"No! No! It's nothing like that .. I mean I was just joking Kashish I wasn't being serious I-"

Sujal stopped in mid sentence as he saw tears coming out of her eyes, her hands in front of her mouth.

S-"Hey.. Don't cry.. Please, I didn't want to hurt u in any manner. Please.."

k finally controlled her shuddering and closed his mouth with hands and burst out in peels of laughter…This guy has no understanding of practical jokes.. What a sissy

Sujal slowly removed her hands from his mouth and stared at her. I can't believe miss prim and proper duped me. Why you!!!

K sobering a bit to speak-"How dare a lowly peasant like u think, that he can touch a princess and carry her? Only a prince has that right." Kashish laughed uncontrollably again falling on his arm holding her stomach, wiping her tears.

Sujal smirked and slid a hand around her waist-"What do u know princess.. perhaps I am a prince disguised as a peasant. And if u give me a magical kiss I shall appear in my true form.". Sujal pulled her close and looked down on her with sudden, deep passionate eyes. Take this.. let's see hw u get out of this one.

Kashish tensed up at the sudden shift in his attitude. Her breath caught in her throat and she stayed speechless for some time as she stared back at him…

K-"T.. That is .. not… possible… I ..can't kiss.. any1 b4 marriage…"Kashish blushingly gave a broken ans, her voice hardly a whisper. She was under his spell. This always happened to her. As soon as he wud get this close to her, look at her with his stormy, smothering black eyes, she wud lose sense of reality and just feel like closing her eyes and giving up herself to him completely.

S-"Hmmm a minor problem… We can get married right now and then we can find out…" moving her closer to him. Kashish now sat cradled in his lap, encircled by his arms, staring stupidly at his face…

K-"Umhmm... We..", Snap out of it. Don't make a fool of urself. He is just joking, see the smirk on his face. Don't look in his eyes! They are lying! C'mon wake up!!!

K-"Umm… We can't.. I can't…. We… don't have a priest here.."

kashish placed her hands at  his chest to push him away, but as soon as they came in contact with his strong, well toned chest, all the strength to push him away drained out of her hands.

Sujal cupped her face and caressed her cheek with his thumb, tightening his hold on her waist.  He gently pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.

S-"No priest can make two ppl husband and wife until their souls and hearts really want to be united." this is so insane… what am I doing? What the hell am I saying? I should stop. But I can't!! Why am I wishing that there was a priest here. I don't want to get married. Why am I proposing her. What am I saying? Why can't I distance myself from her? Why do I wish to hold her this close to me for the whole night….?

Kashish looked blankly and nodded her head in agreement with  his last statement. She did totally believed in what he had just said but it didn't mean that they ought to get married!!! This is insanity….

Sujal rubbed his knuckles against her now blushing cheeks.. The joke had gone too far I have to end it, I cant. This joke's fantasy is so much sweeter than reality….

S(very sober voice)-"I vow 2nite under this tree with the crescent moon and billions of stars as my witness that I…"Ok time to STOP the JOKE say something very funny now ,"Shall take care of u and cherish u till my last breath."

K clutched his shirt slightly and completely forgot to speak or breathe. She did open her mouth but after uttering some indistinguishable sounds closed it again and slowly placed her hand on his cheek.

Sujal kissed her eyes and said in a slightly hoarse voice-"Ur turn."

K gulped hard and said in a barely audible shaky murmur-"I vow to be at ur side and be ur family till my last breath"

'Be ur family…' sujal hugged kashish tightly crushing her to him, 'till my last breath…' Sujal didn't want to let her go. He clutched her close to him as if clutching a log in midst of flood…

K could hardly breathe. So tight was his hold. Her arms ached a little, but that pain was ecstasy to her. She rested her head in the crook of his neck and hugged him back as tightly she cud. Perhaps this was how they were sealing their promise to each other.

They sat like this for the longest time. Sujal slackened his hold but still held her so securely as if she wud suddenly disappear in thin air. Kashish closed her eyes and felt so happy that she was finding it hard not to cry… Sujal kept playing with a strand of her hair, wrapping it around his finger again and again. While kashish dwindled with the top button of his shirt.

Sujal and kashish were unable to break away from each other. The longer they sat like this, the stupider and embarrassing it felt and harder it got for them to let go of the comfort which they were finding in each others arm. Sujal more in control of his emotions, as he knew where the situation cud go from there, finally keeping a stone over his heart decided to stop this fantasy before it became too dangerous.

S-"Kashish…"

K shifting her head into a more comfortable position-"Hmmm….?"

S-"I.. I don't… think…"

A million thoughts were running through K's mind but she was too deep sunk in the feel of his body, his manly smell to ponder over the significant or intelligible thoughts, only the silly ones were examined

K-"It was the day mom died… Right?"

S (completely confused b her question) when will I ever be able to predict what is going on in her mind..-"What of that day?"

K-"It was that day.. u took me out for lunch, every1 was so engrossed in the funeral and their own grief that they didn't see me there. U took care of me then too"

K tilts her head so that she cud now look into his eyes. She had bared her soul to him. Now she had no reason to look away or hide anything from him.

K-"It was at that time u found out about all my likes and dislikes… U made me talk of my favorite things so I cud forget my pain for sometime.. "

Sujal looked down at her and smiled…Perhaps this is it.. There is still that small 13 yr old girl inside her somewhere. Who is lost and pretends to be grown up while she has no idea what to pretend. That is the reason she lets no1 else other then her family members to see that little girl side of her.

S-"It's nothing like this…. It was like I had said at that time… Mujhe pata hona chahiya ki mere best frnd ki behen ko kya pasand hai(I should know about my best friend's sister likes and dislikes.)…. And I must say the information is quite useful too(pulling her nose jokingly)"

K looked at him with merry eyes-"I never thanked u for that day, did I?"

Sujal slowly shook his head-"U don't have to thank me for anything Kashish.. I wasn't doing a favor or anyth-"

sujal felt something soft and light touching his jaw briefly

K-"Thank you."

K settled back comfortably in his arms again. Exhaling a long a long breath.

Sujal smiled and stroked her hair lovingly-"Not that I am complaining, but I really didn't do it for myself or for a thanks… Although if there are anymore thank yous left u can give them now…"

Kashish lightly punched his shoulder and muttered-"Vulgar Jerk" without moving away an inch from him.

Sujal's smile widened.. She is such a kid.. She wud criticize eating chocolates as they spoil teeth and wud keep on eating them at the same time saying that one should not waste food. It is so easy to make her happy, make her laugh. She derives pleasure from such simple things. I was such a fool to think of her as a scheming shrewd woman.. All thanks to her big brother..

Beep Beep Beep Beep…

Sujal's wrist watch beeped as it showed the time 12 a.m.

K(straightens up and moving away)-"What was that?"

S(cursing the stupid watch inside his head)-"Oh nothing, nothing at all. Just my watch.."

K-"Ur watch? Why did it beep? What time is it?"

S-"Umm 12.."

Kashish sat up with a start-"12!!!! When did it strike 11? Or 10?!  It's so late!"

S-"Hmmm(heartbroken)… U r right, c'mon lets go. Do ur feet still hurt? Should I-"

Sujal stopped in mid sentence, stopping just in time not to repeat the words which had brought them so close. It wasn't that he felt it was wrong, it was quite nice and right on the contrary but he knew to what limits he had self control and he had come pretty close to losing it, at that time.

K got up with  a naughty smile on her face-"Should u what? Should u carry me to my golden gilded carriage? But what if I accept ur offer and ask u to carry me to my palace too in front of all my subjects?"

Sujal looked at her alarmed-"I… I.. don't.. think that wud be.. umm… Wise.. u... ur highness(ur brother's wud break my bones, all 206 of 'em)… Ur subjects may not be to pleased with the sight of poor peasant holding a princess, even though it was just a simple gesture of help. They might mistake it for something else…"

K-"Oh but u are not. U r my prince charming and unless u meet them how shall v ever be together?"

Kashish smiled at his alarm struck face—This is so much fun… I loooove pulling his leg. He is so afraid of every1 back home, Oh yes he has a good reason to be. But to see him acting so gallant, pretending as if he is not afraid it so ultimately comical. Next time he teases me by calling me a princess all I wud have to do is act as a helpless, damsel in distress and call him my prince.. Hahaha.. Wouldn't that be funny?

S-"Uh… um… I … we….."Sujal scratched his head to find the right words. He can't tell her how afraid he was of every1's reaction, she wud thing he is a spineless slug. But he also didn't dare do something as bold as this.. Slowly through time, yes. But definitely not so suddenly like this.

K-"C'mon lets go. We are getting late. I have a meeting early in the morning tomorrow", walking towards the car, pulling him by his elbow.

Sujal shook his head to clear it. She cracks dangerous jokes.. I ought to stop falling for her act.

********

Sujal drove Kashish home slowly and all through the way they chatted about the evening and the various rides they sat on, both carefully avoiding the giant wheel.

S-"Here we are." upon reaching home.

K-"yes… Umm bye then. U don't have to come in." Hand on the car door.

S-"Why not?"

K-"Let's just say… My subjects don't know of ur help and for the time being maybe it is better this way only.."

S nodding his head conspiringly smiles at K-"So do I get a kiss so that I might turn into a handsome charming prince?"

K shook her head with a resigned grin… This is what I need to avoid and not think twice about. His Flirting. "How about first u make arrangements for that priest and fight the deadly battle with a 4 headed monster to become eligible…"

S-"That wud take me a long time…. How about a good night kiss for this poor date of ur's?"

K -"Poor?? U took me to a carnival…. Any other location couldn't have been cheaper Mr. Scrooge."

Sujal looked down a bit disappointed… How can I ever get better of her. She has all the ready ans.

At that time kashish bent forward and held his hand. "But I do thanku for 2nite."

Sujal(smiling back at her)-"Yes, tonight was exceptional. I'll never forget it… Kashish.."

K –"Me too."

S –"Hey I was just wondering something…"

K –"What?"

S –"Umm well.. Since we got along pretty well together 2nite. What r u doing sat-"

Tring Tring- Tring Tring

Both fumbled with their phones.K's's was ringing

K –"Hello? Oh! Nick!!!! Yah…....Hmm……. When? Day after tomorrow!! Really??..... Ok. Will tell…..I am so happyyyyyyyyyyyyy, this is gonna be so much fun!!! What abt sanskriti?..... That's great news……. ok …… alrite.. Byeeeeee............ love you."

K-"Nick's coming back day after 2mmorow!!!! I am so excited!"

K bounced up and down inside the car. Her overexcitement clearly visible. Sujal too was very happy it wud be almost 2 months after which he wud be meting his best friend again.

S-"That's great!!! What was he saying about Sanskriti?"

K(clutching his hands tightly)-"Oh Sujal!!! She is coming 5 days later too!!!! Can u believe that. I think I am gonna burst with joy."

S –"Relax princess. That won't do at all, after all u r the groom's sister."

Princess.. How nice it sounds when he says it…

K –"Wait! What were u saying b4 Nick called?"

S –"Oh … Nothing.. I was just wondering … If u were.."

 K –"If I were?"

S –"Well as I was recollecting that 2nite went rather nicely. So if ur not too busy next Sa-"

Tring Tring- Tring Tring

Both fumbled with their ph.s again. This time it was S's

S –"Hello?.. Nick? Hey!! what's up man?.......... Day after tomorrow? Yah I know…………..How do I know? Well I was..was at ur place and u had called some1 there……………….. U just called home and I wasn't there………. Yah I wasn't, what I mean is that I was on ph. with ur dad just now and he told me. I can't wait to meet Sanskriti…………….… How do I know Sanskriti is coming? Well isn't she?........... I know u didn't tell any1 at home, it was just a guess. I just thought that she wud be coming soon too……… NO….. Of course not……… Don't be an ass dude……………. Why wud I hide anything from u?................... No way u know who it's like b/w me and her. Why wud u think that I am with her?............. Jeez u've lost complete sense of reality since u have been away..................... Alright, alright. Yah I'll talk to u later….. …… Sure I'll pick u from airport.................. Ok bye. Come back soon bro.."

S –"That was umm.. nick. Close call."

K –"Yah.. umm so I guess I'll go now... Bye.."starts to leave

S –"No Kashish wait! I have to ask u something."

K –"Well is it very imp. can't it wait till 2mmorow?"

S –"It won't take a minute. I just wanted to know if u were free on sat-"

Tring Tring! Tring Tring

Damn these wretched mobiles!! The word 'Saturday' it self is cursed. Damn it all.

K –"Hello Piyush?... Hi. Why are u calling me so late? Is everything ok?...."

Sujal sat silent with his hands in a ball he was going to break that wring that worms neck pretty soon….. How dare he call her so late in night and why hell is she suddenly acting so concerned about. Did she just forget that we came back from a date? Humph..

K –"yes I am free this Saturday. Why?......... Can't we talk about it in the meeting 2morow…….. Well how about lunch on Friday then?............. C'mon(giggle) u know it's nothing like that……..…. Yah me too…………..… Hmm, yah, Ok, I understand………….. Ok Saturday 8 pm it is then……………... Ok bye and best of luck for ur case tomorrow byeeee. SD."

She is going out with him!!!!! She just came back with me. How can she say yes to him. Whatever made her think that she is cool enough to 2 time me in front of me!!!!! To hell with her and words 2nitw. She is just a scheming actress and nothing more. F*** you!!!!!

K –"Hfff! Alrite u were asking me if I was free when?"

S (icy cold tone)–"If u were free day after 2mmorow to and pick up nick from airport. I may be a bit busy"

K –"Yah sure ok.. I will… umm u alright?"

S –"Of course I am fine… What cud have wrong with me. Well then gudite Kashish. It's pretty late.  Ought to get going now.."

K –"Yah.. Ok. Bye"

Kashish got out o the car and silently slipped inside the house…. What happened to him so suddenly. I am sure, picking up Nick wasn't what he wanted to ask… He didn't even wait till I had reached the front door. He had zoomed as soon as I had stepped out of car. That was a bit rude.. Maybe he remembered something imp. or maybe he is just fooling around… Well, I'll find out what it is tomorrow,(BIG yawn)good night Sujal.. Thank You for the most wonderful night of my life….

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