Chapter 18

LoveYourself

@LoveYourself

PART 18

Sanyukta was in the balcony talking to her mother. Her family was tensed as they had seen the news of the riots on the highway. Sanyukta lied to her mother, by saying that she is staying in her friend's place, whose house is en'route to Roorkee. There were a thousand questions raised by them. Somehow, she was successful in ensuring her family that she's fine. She bid good bye to them. Vardaan stood at the door of the balcony and listened to the conversation.

Vardaan: "So, Ms Agarwal, why did you lie?"

Sanyukta: (With a serious look on her face) "Had no choice. Agar main unhe bata deti ke main apne professor ke ghar ruki hu, toh papa mujhe pick karne yaha aa jaate. And, I have seen the conditions of the highways yesterday. It's not at all safe to travel long distances now. I don't want him to go through the same trouble that I had gone through. That's why!"

Vardaan was amazed at her reply. "Man, sometimes she throws these little bombs of maturity, which makes me confused", he thought. She was standing resting her hands on the railing and looking at the road ahead. Vardaan came and stood next to her.

Vardaan: (With hands folded) "You really love your family?"

Sanyukta: "Who doesn't? I can go to extent to defend my family. I mean if at all in future, I land in a situation, where I would have to choose between my family and umm...something else, then I would any day choose my family."

There was complete silence between them for some minutes.

Sanyukta: (Looking at him) "Umm...Sir? Can I ask you something?"

Vardaan nodded.

Sanyukta: "Where is your family? I mean your parents, siblings..."

She was about to say wife, when she was interrupted by Vardaan.

Vardaan: "I don't have a family."

Sanyukta was surprised hearing this. She wanted to ponder more into this stuff, but then she thought that may be Vardaan won't like it. He's always been an introvert since the day she met him. May be she's crossing the limit. She didn't ask anything further. But, she was surprised to hear, that Vardaan was taking the conversation regarding his family further.

Vardaan: (Breathing heavily) "You know, in that elevator, you had spoken about your brother. I was really jealous of you. Hmm...I've always been an orphan. I mean I don't know who and where my family is. I spent my 22 years of life in an orphanage. I did my studies from the various scholarships that I received, some from the government and some from rich people who were frequent visitors at the orphanage. After I got a job, my days started improving. I did my masters from FITE and there was no looking back. Living conditions improved. Life got some new colors. Every day, I used to think, that this might be a dream. And one day, fate actually proved that it indeed was a dream. Even after achieving everything, my hands are still empty. My life is hollow. Back to square one. Back to being an orphan. (After a pause)There was this gi..."

He was about to open up everything about Niharika, when he looked at her. She was looking at him with so much intensity and pain in her eyes. He abruptly closed the topic.

Vardaan: "Aah...I think I should call the dean and ask him, when the college is gonna reopen."

He excused himself from there. Sanyukta still stood there.

Sanyukta: (Thinking) "What was that? So much trouble and pain behind this stern demeanour? He is actually not that khadoos as the students think he is. He is just a normal person who has a heart and feelings too. I am such a fool to ponder into such things. It might have caused him more pain."

She came into the living room. Vardaan was on the phone, talking to the Dean. Even the Dean was unsure when the situation would improve. He said that he would be sending a mail to all the CR's of all the classes advising students to be in their homes.

Sanyukta: "What happened Sir? What did Dean Sir say?"

Vardaan: "Even he is unsure. He is advising students to be in their homes."

He switched on the TV to see the news. The same news of the riots was displayed. Now, there was a curfew as well. He was tensed. He thought that he has a girl living with him, in his house, not just any girl, Sanyukta Agarwal. All their past meetings were filled with something awkward, not normal, which most of the times left both of them embarrassed. Vardaan offered to go out and check the situation. Sanyukta got scared and pleaded him to not go outside, as it is not safe. But still, he went out. Meanwhile, Sanyukta was getting bored sitting and roaming in the living room. She thought of watching TV. She switched it ON, took the remote. She kept changing channels after channels, and was surprised to find only news channels. No entertainment or movies channel.

Sanyukta: "Shyaa...kitne boring insaan hai yeh!"

She switched off the TV and threw the remote on the couch. Wind blew from the balcony. Newspapers fell from the dining table in the entire area. Some papers flew from his bedroom as well. She went to collect them and one by started sorting it. She saw a pic lying upside down. She picked it up and was stunned to see, 3 people standing. Prof Vardaan, a beautiful girl of approximately Vardaan's age standing next to him, and an old man standing next to the girl. All of them were grinning from ear to ear. They looked really happy. Moreover, she was surprised to see, Vardaan smiling. Her lips curved into a smile. Suddenly, she heard the sound of Vardaan's bike. Quickly, she placed the newspapers on the table and ran inside his bedroom to keep the picture on his study table, hiding it between some books.

He opened the door with the keys he had, and was surprised to find Sanyukta sitting on the couch. "As far as I know her, she is not a person who will sit at one place in a guest's house", he thought.

Vardaan: "I am sorry. You might be getting bored. You can switch on the TV and see anything that you like."

Sanyukta switched it on, just to make him believe that she has not touched anything in his absence. She started changing channel after channel. "Sir, I can't find any movies or entertainment or any cartoons channel", she told him. He replied, "That's because I don't have them. You see, I don't watch such channels. By the way, it's good. If you are getting bored, open your books and start studying." Sanyukta knew he will definitely make this statement. She immediately responded with a smirk, "But, I don't have my books with me. All my books are in the hostel room." He was prepared to win this argument and he replied, "Don't worry, I have many books of your curriculum with me. Wait I'll get them." Saying so, he walked towards his bedroom. This was the first time she regretted staying at a professor's house. She hit her palm with her palm. Vardaan got her books of various subjects.

Vardaan: "Here you go. See, this is Cost Management. I hope you remember that I have finished teaching you all chapter 4 and 5. Prepare these chapters thoroughly. I will ask you questions in the evening and also take a test. And yea...you'll require a notepad for solving sums. Here, take this. If you have any doubts, feel free to ask me."

Sanyukta was astonished. She couldn't believe that this man is actually acting like her tuition teacher. Vardaan was having a good time, seeing the look on her face. Sanyukta pouted her face and took the books from his hands. Slowly, she opened the book, and turned the pages. Vardaan turned back to go and was having a tough time controlling his laughter. He went to his bedroom and was doing what he was best at"studying for the upcoming lectures and brooding. Sanyukta started studying the chapters. She was physically with the book, but mentally her mind wanted to explore this place. She could see that his house had 2 extra rooms which were locked. After a few hours, Vardaan came. He looked at her and smiled seeing her engrossed in studying. She was reading, making important markings and simultaneously playing with her flicks. She raised her head up and saw Vardaan going to the kitchen. She immediately called out,

Sanyukta: "Sir, I have a few questions to ask."

Vardaan was nervous. He recollected the morning incident; how only a single question raised by her, he felt necessary to open up his entire life to her. Sanyukta further continued, "Sir, I have a few doubts regarding marginal consting." He heaved a sigh of relief and proceeded towards the couch. He sat besides her and peeped in the book, she was holding.

Sanyukta: "Sir, see here it is written..."

And so she was firing question after question.

Vardaan: "Sanyukta, can I take one question at a time? OK, so see..."

He started teaching Sanyukta. After some minutes, he inhaled a similar fragrance--vanilla. "Oh yeah, that's her scent. It's so intoxicating", he thought. By mistake, Sanyukta dropped a pencil and bent to pick it up. Her hair fell on her face when she got up. He felt like feeling those lustrous hair and getting lost in them. Suddenly, Sanyukta's hand brushed his hand a lil bit. That was enough for Vardaan to lose his senses. He felt like a shockwave pass through him. His mind and ears were now closed to whatever she was blaberring. His eyes were on her face. He wanted to feel her soft skin. The next thing that he was focussed on, were her red juicy lips, opening and closing as she spoke. He wanted to kiss them, taste them, lick them, bite them, gobble her up completely. He was brought back to reality when Sanyukta called him loud, "Sir!"

Vardaan: "Huhh...yess...I am sorry, can you please repeat your statement."

Sanyukta: (In thoughts) "Poori ram katha suna di, aur pooch rahe hai ram kaun hai? Dhyaan kaha hai inka?"

She again repeated her lengthy question. Vardaan patiently explained to her, where she was going wrong and what should be the correct approach.

Vardaan: "OK. I think I've solved all your doubts."

He got up from the couch thinking that he has to stay far from her. He might lose self control. He left to the kitchen to cook something for lunch; after all he has a guest at his place. He has to cook something that she likes. He wore his apron, and in typical chef's style, bent down, put his one hand behind him and asked, "Welcome to my restaurant Madame. So, what would you like to have for lunch today?" Sanyukta laughed looking at him. He was lost in her childlike laugh. She was excited hearing this question. She thought as if she has really entered a restaurant and immediately closed her book. She playfully replied,

Sanyukta: "Thank you. Ahh...OK... For starter, I would like Corn soup. And for the main course mutton biryani and for the dessert, umm...gulab jamun".

Vardaan dropped his jaw hearing her long list. Sanyukta enjoyed looking at his face and was now smirking.

Vardaan: "Well Madame, we are a lil bit short on resources as well as on talent. So, I can only provide you Biryani and that too vegetarian."

Sanyukta: (Trying to control her laughter) "Chalo, it's OK. But, it should be tasty. Else, I won't pay a single penny of the bill."

Vardaan laughed at this. It gave Sanyukta immense satisfaction that she could manage to make him laugh. "Oh man, he gets dimples when he laughs", she thought. He picked up all the vegetables required, washed them and started cutting them. "Chalo isi bahaane, biryani khaane ka mauka mila. Akele ke liye toh kabhi nahi banaata", he thought. Sanyukta proceeded to the kitchen, rested her hands on the kitchen counter and asked him,

Sanyukta: "Sir, do you need any help?"

Vardaan: (In full attitude) "Huhh...yaa..here cut these onions. And throw the skin in the dustbin. There it is. And please don't make the place untidy."

He kept the onions on a plate, provided her a chopping board and a knife. Sanyukta was surprised hearing this.

Sanyukta: (pouting her face) "Maine toh sirf formality ke liye puch liya. Mujhe kya pata tha, ke sach much kaam de denge. Life mein kabhi sabzi nahi kaati hai. Pyaaz kaise kaatu?"

She slowly peeled the skin of the onion, picked the knife and started cutting it; slowly and steadily. She finished cutting one onion. It was not at all cut in perfect sizes. Some pieces were too big and some too small. Nevertheless, she was happy that she could cut it. In this manner she went on. After few minutes, her eyes were burning. Every few seconds, she randomly closed and opened her eyes, twitching her eyebrows. Her nose was also watering. She picked a tissue and blew her nose. Vardaan observed her, and smiled and smirked looking at her condition. She did not see him nor did she see where she was placing her knife. All of a sudden, she screamed, "Aahh...ouch..mummy!!" Vardaan ran to her. Her finger was oozing blood. The cut was deep. He quickly took her to the kitchen sink and placed her finger under running water. It was irritating her wound more and she hissed. She tried to remove her finger, but forcefully Vardaan again kept it back there. "Just wait for a second", he screamed. She got scared and did not utter a word. "Wait, I'll get the first aid box", saying so he moved to get it. Meanwhile, she sat on the kitchen counter. Tears dropped on her face. He came back with the first aid and dressed her wound carefully.

Vardaan: "Is it OK now? Is it paining?"

Sanyukta carefully looked at the dressing and nodded her head indicating no. Her gaze was fixed on the ground. Vardaan saw some tears on her cheeks. He raised his thumb and wiped her tears from each of the cheeks carefully and said, "Don't worry, it will be alright." She raised her eyelids to look at him and bent forward. Vardaan felt like getting a heart attack after what she had done. It was as if his heart beats stopped all of a sudden. His eyes shot open. His lips opened up. He felt like he's losing balance. He kept his hand on the beam to absorb the shock, shock of getting a peck on a cheek by Sanyukta. Her lips felt so soft. Sanyukta then in a low voice uttered, "Thank you!"