Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Sumer had been waiting in his car, for the last fifteen minutes, fingers tapping impatiently at the steering wheel. Payal was supposed to be out any moment. Although she had promised to leave office at sharp seven, he had reached there, much before time. He did not want to start off their evening on a bad note. Everything about her, made him cautious and concerned. There was something about her attitude, her talent and her spunk... that drew him to her. Sumer had known her for a couple of years now... working in the same industry; it was inevitable that they would often bump into each other.
He still remembered their first meeting at Payal's office. He was there to shoot the latest collection of clothes, amidst the glamorous models, instructing them on the poise and attitude required for the shoot. While talking to a model, he had banged into a much-harried, lost in work, Ms. Payal Sharma... who had been running around, putting the finishing touches to the clothes and accessories. The next few hours had made him notice a lot of things about her. First of all, her dedication to her work was impressive and he had quickly recognized how talented she was. However, the most important thing was that she was extremely unaffected by him... which did throw him off a little...at first. His flirtatious manner could make even the hottest of the models swoon, and there she was, unmoved by his compliments... or his teasing comments.
From that day, had begun, their love-hate journey. The more she tried to ignore him, the more he was attracted to her. He could never understand her aloofness or her indifference. With time they had gotten accustomed to each other's behavior and had managed to work together on various occasions. He had gone to great lengths to get her to notice him -like flirting with other girls in front of her, just to get a reaction from her... but alas, other than anger and sarcastic remarks, he had got nothing else. Today after months of unknown frustration and confusion, he would get his answers... and would know what his scumbag of a cousin, had done to this beautiful woman.
Sumer heard a tap on his window, and turned to see the anxious face of Payal peering inside. He unlocked the door to let her in, as an uncomfortable silence engulfed the car. It wasn't going to be easy to break the constant tension that had been building between them steadily, for the last couple of years. Like Arnav, Hauz Khas Village was his favourite place too, and he had decided to take her to an open-air restaurant... the open skies would possibly give them the much-required freedom to breathe. Mia Bella' was one of his favourite Italian joints, with a stunning view of the huge water reservoir. It always gave him a sense of calm, and he hoped to share this with Payal... unknowing as to the reason for feeling this sudden closeness towards her.
The cafeteria was particularly small, and the location made it not easily accessible. Payal noticed that barely a few tables were occupied, and they seemed to be seated at a secluded corner, overlooking the beautiful lake. "Payal, what would you like to have?" Sumer asked courteously, knowing the discomfort Payal was going through. He knew she disliked him, and sharing a deep secret with one's enemy, was going to be tough for her. He admired the courage and faith that she had shown, to actually be even agreeing to have coffee with him. As they placed their orders, the uneasy silence was back amidst them... both wondering, how to begin this grim conversation!
It was Payal who took the initiative to speak, a relief it was, after so many years of having suppressed emotions and memories that had left her uneasy for a long time. "Shyam studied in the same college as Akash, Khushi and me. He was a year senior to us, and frankly, I had not even bothered to know him, until my second year. I was happy with my own group of friends, college activities, studies and my part-time designing job. When he was in his last year... he was elected as the General Secretary of the college, and I, being a year junior, was voted by the students as his assistant." Sumer noticed the pain that was etched on her face, as she relived the past. He moved his hand forward to place on hers, that lay limp on the table... but better sense prevailed and he held himself back. She needed to let everything out, before he could make her see that he was anything like Shyam.
Payal continued as if in a trance... "At first, I had noticed how Shyam used to flirt around with most of the girls from his batch. The girls would cling to him too... he being from a very rich family - his striking looks and intelligence would draw girls to him like a magnet. I had my reservations though, and hence, maintained a healthy distance from him. He had not spoken to me about anything other than work either. But slowly and steadily, I started realizing his flirty remarks, his teasing comments... the slight touches, the hugs and the innuendos...towards me. The college fest had begun, and we had to work together for longer hours. Khushi and Akash only knew about our working relationship. I had not been able to express my changing feeling towards him to anyone. He would make me feel special; solve my every little problem... he had even started ignoring those other girls, when he would be with me. In just a matter of few weeks, we had bonded wonderfully... and I guess that was my biggest mistake."
Sumer saw the fighter Payal, sitting in front of him with shoulders slumped, her lips quivering, as if she would cry any moment. His heart constricted with sorrow to see her in so much pain... along with an immense anger and hatred towards his cousin. She had not even reached the part, that would probably be very difficult for her to talk about - yet he could not stop himself from placing his hand on hers, anymore. She jerked her hand away, as if burnt and looked up at him. The concern she saw in his eyes was so genuine, that she could not help telling him that she was fine... she was probably much more than fine. Reliving her past was difficult, but the tight strings that had been coiled around her heart, seemed to be slowly loosening and giving her room to breathe. However, there was still a very long way to go.
Gathering herself, she continued, "Unknown to my two best friends, I used to go out for coffee dates with Shyam, after which, he would drop me home. His charming talk, his always caring and sweet behavior and his words of love for me, made me feel like Cinderella. It was a fairytale, where my Prince Charming looked at no one else, but me - this poor, average girl... and was head over heels in love with me. I had failed to notice however, the way he would behave with me, in front of his friends, hiding what was between us. Naively, I thought him to be just like me... taking a little time to know and trust each other, before I could finally tell everything to Khushi. What I did not know, were the true intentions of the man in question..."
Payal paused for a few minutes, going through that horrific day, mentally. Sumer let her gather her thoughts, while he noticed for the first time, how beautiful she really was. Her eyes twinkling in the yellow lights, the cool breeze making a few loose tendrils of hair flutter... around her beautiful face. Why hadn't he noticed her innocence and naivete before? She might seem like a tough cookie from the outside... however; he was finally noticing her childlike purity today. He felt an intense urge to protect her against this horrible world, possibly even himself. She had started talking again, which brought him out of his own thoughts.
"Shyam had called me to college on a Sunday, citing the need for preparations for an inter-college competition. I had to lie to Khushi, saying that I had to go and meet a cousin. I had decided on telling Akash and Khushi about Shyam the following week, in spite of him warning me strictly to not do so. Even though we had gotten quite close emotionally, I was uncomfortable about the physical closeness. He had understood that initially, but for a while now, he had been annoyed by it. With chaos building up in my mind, I entered an almost deserted college campus, not thinking logically about the situation. My trust in him was beyond reason by then. I called him up and he requested me to come to the music room, which was in a remote corner of the building. I ran in excitement... just to be able to spend some time with Shyam... but that day shattered my heart into a million pieces."
By now, tears were flowing freely from her eyes, and Sumer controlled the urge to wipe them away. He needed to give her the space she required. The food lay untouched in front of her, as she continued... collecting the courage to tell him what had happened after she had entered the music room. "As soon as I entered the room, Shyam pulled me into his embrace. Even though I was shocked at this gesture, being in his arms felt just so right. I was in love... truly, madly, deeply... and that was where I was wrong. He started kissing my cheeks, each kiss driving me insane and then he was almost about to kiss me when I heard the window bang against each other. It took me a few seconds to register what I saw... my mind dazed with our intimacy. I was shocked to see his gang of friends, with cameras in their hands, chuckling and looking at me greedily, as if I was some piece of meat. I pushed Shyam away, to be harshly pulled back again. I looked into his eyes... eyes that had been shining with love a few minutes ago, only to see them filled with mocking lust."
Payal shuddered at the horrible memory and heard Sumer speak softly, "Payal... if you don't want to continue... it is fine. I do not want you to feel uncomfortable in sharing this with me... I know it is personal... and I am related to that f*****g ass." His anger went up a notch higher with every word that she uttered. He had always hated Shyam... since childhood. However, nothing had prepared him for this... to hear Payal go through such a traumatic experience with him. On the other hand, Payal wanted to get it out of her system... Sumer being Shyam's cousin was not even in her distant thoughts anymore, as she had been noticing a completely different side of him. He might be having a back-story himself, she thought...
Payal looked at him directly, for the first time noticing his stiff posture, his hands balled into fists and said, "I am fine Sumer... let me just finish what I have begun to tell you. You may not realize this, but I am feeling much lighter, talking about this incident." She paused for a brief while and continued, "I started screaming for help, knowing his real intentions by now. I begged him to spare me, I pleaded for our so called' love... and all I got was his scornful laughter. Those words, that his vile mouth had spoken... have scarred me for a lifetime... You think I loved you? Ms. Payal Sharma!!! Don't fool yourself into believing that the rich and handsome Shyam Diwan, would fall in love with a poor, foolish girl like you. You are a mere challenge for me. Your initial ignorance had just pissed me off... and I had accepted the challenge my friends threw at me... to make you fall in love with me. And like the fool that you are, you conveniently fell into my trap. Girls like you can only dream of getting hitched to boys like me... Now come on and stop being a spoilt-sport and kiss me. Let these boys get a kick out of our intimacy.'"
Payal got up and walked around to stand by the railing of the cafeteria... taking in huge gulps of fresh air, to stop the sobs that were wracking her body. Sumer was rooted to his seat... not knowing how to even comfort this distraught Payal. He felt anger, hatred, frustration and helplessness surge inside him. How he wished he could strangle his own cousin... when he heard her speak again, "I was scared, terrified at the greedy look on his face... listening to the jeering and taunting of his friends. I knew, that somehow I had to get out of this place. With all the strength I could gather, I kicked him hard... where it would hurt the most and ran through the door... not once stopping to look back. I heard the gang following me, yet I knew the short-cut to get out of the dingy corridor. I sprinted right outside the campus... on the road... till my feet could not go any further. I hailed an auto to my favourite destination... a small-secluded temple, where I would go to find some solace. That night, I never went home... I cried and cried till my tears dried up. I informed Khushi, that I was spending the night with my cousin... and I just stayed back at the temple, cursing the Gods for my misery."
Payal walked back towards the table and sat down once again, a new determination in her eyes. Sumer admired the strength and resolve of this girl... he was awestruck by her persona. Even after going through a disturbing experience, she hadn't turned bitter towards the entire world. She had taken everything in her stride and was out in the field, taking up new challenges. All he could feel was... respect! For the first time since the food had arrived, she took a spoonful and gulped it down. Something had changed... she looked more relaxed than ever, as she said, "I wanted to complain about Shyam to the college authorities, however, he cornered me, the next day itself. He threatened me that he would use all his power and money, if I so much as told Khushi about it. I would never have wanted Khushi or Akash to know about it, anyway. It had been the biggest mistake of my life and I don't know how I would ever let them know. Things were really bad for the rest of the year, with the continuous taunts and snide remarks of his whole gang. I had gone into a shell and it took a lot of effort for me, to be able to get back my confidence."
Payal gulped down the cold glass of water, soothing her parched throat... her heart beating fast... as she recounted those awful months of her life. She looked at Sumer and smiled, "When I first met you, someone in the office had already mentioned your connection to Shyam. I had a pre-conceived notion about you and you helped a lot to strengthen my beliefs. You flirtatious behavior reminded me of Shyam in many ways. I may have misjudged you, but you being Shyam's cousin just added to my opinion. I am sorry... Now that Khushi and Arnav are seriously dating, we will have to keep bumping into each other often. So let's start over, and try to get to know each other... without any bias, what say?"
Sumer smiled for the first time in the last hour. He was mesmerized by Payal's positive attitude and her initiating this friendship, was a pleasant surprise. There was no chance that he would let go of this opportunity. He would make sure that she would see the person, he really was. "Payal, I really am so furious with whatever Shyam did to you... but I would have expected nothing better from that loser. His behavior has infuriated me since childhood; hence, I had told you about my own hatred towards him. However, it's a long story... and I would prefer to keep that for some other time. We have had too much of drama for the day, so let's begin this friendship... that I am sure is going to last forever, with some thandi thandi kulfi!" Payal looked at him questioningly, as he grabbed her hand and pulled her up to take her out of the caf.
Soon they were relishing the delicious matka kulfi, at a roadside stall, one which Sumer and Arnav would frequently stop at. He looked at the content face of Payal, relishing the cool malai with a smile on her face... and it thrilled him to see that he was indirectly, the reason for her smile. The evening wound up in a beautiful manner, with him driving her back to Dilerganj in a comfortable silence, unlike the one, that they had begun the evening with. As he waved her off and wished her a quick goodnight, he himself felt light-hearted and happy to have begun a new friendship... that he secretly wished, would progress to something more. As he drove away from her house, he noticed Arnav's red Ferrari just ahead of his car and he shook his head in annoyance... it was going to be pay-back time. He was sure Arnav had seen him, and there was no getting around his interrogation... not this time. He hummed the song that was playing on his system, as followed Arnav's car towards their respective homes.
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Khushi was seated in the car comfortably, as they drove towards his home. It was Wednesday afternoon; with him leaving early from work and making Khushi request her boss, to relieve her early too. After what he had discussed with her boss, who could refuse Khushi Kumari Gupta... the star girlfriend! Khushi had an argument with Arnav for taking this kind of brash decision, but he had told her his views on the matter. What was she going to do with a man, who loved her so passionately? Her every argument was countered and trashed professionally, by the Arnav Singh Raizada the world knew of. They were headed to his home, as Naniji and his mother wanted her to come over. She wondered why they would want to meet her in the first place. Had his behavior towards her in the last few weeks, given them a hint of his intentions? She wondered if they suspected what was brewing between the two of them. Sigh!! Only time would tell.
PRECAP:
"Akash, why have you been ignoring me for weeks now? I had initially thought that something was bothering you... maybe it was your work pressure or something that I had said unintentionally. But now I think you are upset with me for some other reason. Kya hua hai AR?" Khushi's pleading voiced stunned him, and he looked over at his friend. The concern and sadness in her eyes shook him to the core. What the hell was he doing? Why could he just not let go... see her happy with Arnav? How could he have been so selfish? He had to make things right between them. She was extremely important to him and he also knew his own significance in her life. Finally it was time to tell her...
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I know! I know!! No Arhi in this update... but this chapter was required for the story to move forward. I hope I have kept it entertaining enough...
This chapter is dedicated to SPraba and PhoenixTears. Prabha, our over one year friendship has been a hell of a ride. I am so thankful for your constant support, encouragement and love. And Vidhi... even though I got to know you only recently, I can't tell you how attached I feel to you. Your words of appreciation are so genuine... that you always make me smile. Muah to you girls!! 🤗
You can send me a buddy request if you want PM's for future updates.
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