Here is an OS penned as Shreya dared me to write on ViBha. So here you go. Please leave behind your precious comments...
I have such a busy week ahead so penned in a hurry. Leaving you with OS to imagine it happening at New Year's
New Year's Resolution!
Shobha tried to get her Mom to let her stay back with the kids during their slumber party.
But Shardha insisted, "No Shobha, you go on...Naani and myself are around to handle the kids pyjama party. I insist you must attend your company New Year's Eve event."
"VIkram has held this event for the first time. So many important people coming, Shobha he depends on you to be there. As marketing head how can you say no?"
"But Mom!"
"No buts and ifs...and yes no sari...no Indian outfit...wear your black gown with the silver motifs work, it looks great on you Shobha! Come on, you have people from overseas attending," insisted her Mom-in-law...who had become her strength, support and guide during these testing times.
The older woman saw Shobha for what she was. A giver, of herself to her children, her as a mother, the breadwinner and the shoulder to cry on for the rest of her children. Shobha was their Rock! Their pillar of strength. They together were like a Sisterhood.
So Shobha pulled out the gown and held it against her. Yes it was perfect to wear something like this. Full length, full sleeved, elegant and stylish, the back was a little low but just like her sari blouses. She hurried and quickly got herself ready for the party. Gosh she had to call Mahesh to check if the event management company had issues or not and if all was good! The party was important for Pinnacle Industries.
Fixing her hair all pinned up and the large crystal drops on her ears, Shobha got hold of her clutch and rushed out. Shardha smiled looking at the woman and crossed her fingers, hoping against hope. Naani and she together had hoped.
Shobha had requested Mahesh to send her a car to take her to the hotel. And suddenly thought, "Oh Lord no" She had told Vikram she would not be attending because of the kids slumber party. He did look disappointed in the morning a bit, but then had told her he would try to manage without her.
Anyways, she was needed there. It was for Pinnacle after all...hope she would make it on time...there was so much to do! She had to make sure the party was a super success.
Vikram was busy explaining things to Mahesh, when his yes fell on the most elegant beautiful woman. He stared and his heart skipped a beat! The tall, gorgeous stunning woman was an epitome of grace and regality in the black long flowing grey, silver black gown. It looked like the night sky had exploded on the dress and her!
Mahesh smiled seeing his Boss's reaction to Shobha. These days it was becoming pretty obvious the way Mr. Ahuja was floored by the woman who not so long along had stumbled into their lives to fix her broken shoe. And here she was mending their broken lives in every little way. Mahesh moved away.
'Sorry Sir!" came Shobha rushing towards him.
"For what, now that you are here. You did finally realize you are the most important person at Pinnacle? You landed up here like a shooting star!"
"Well...no...I mean yes...I mean...I'll be back sir," Shobha smiled and the apology reached her gorgeous glowing eyes.
"Wait! Shobha."
She turned, "Yes?"
He moved closer, hands in his dark trousers, she could smell him. The divine woodsy musky scent she always wanted Samarth to wear but he hated it. Her eyes sparkled...He whispered, "Can you do me a favour and not call me Sir now onwards...just Vikram will do?"
She looked into his eyes and saw a twinkle, a tiny smile at the corner of his lips.."You have been my marketing head for the past one year. You don't work under me, you work with me."
He frowned, "Stop being so formal will you...for heaven's sake!" and with his signature style he looked up to the ceiling...shaking his head.
Her glowing amber eyes smiling, she whispered back, "Fine...I'll try not to."
She could feel his gaze on her bare back as she turned and walked away. She had seen him dressed in a tie and suit for the first time. Gosh he looked dapper than ever! Oh damn their clothes were color coordinated. Black suit, silver grey shirt!
She tugged at Mahesh's arm and pulled out her checklist and went on to discuss various things. ensuring everything was picture perfect. The event was not just a social one, their top most clients and business partners were meeting under one roof.
Shobha moved around, meeting and coordinating with the Event Manager and their team, making sure everything was sorted. The Menu, hostesses, the planned programme etc. The live music etc.
Yes and the best part of it all the calling in the New Year!
Vikram's eyes never left Shobha. He noticed the effervescent beauty even from the corner of his eyes. Actually he could feel her presence and vibrancy in the ballroom. The swoosh of her skirt fabric, the tendrils of her hair sticking out of her pinned up hairdo, those earlobes clutched with large swarovski drops, kissing her cheekbone every time she turned her head.
He observed her minutely from afar. In a few hours they would be ringing in the new year and Vikram Ahuja had made his decision, his resolution for the coming year was decided upon. He only needed a stamp. He smiled to himself and straightened his tie.
The party was in full swing. Shobha made sure all their clients were well looked after, especially the fussy ones. She knew every clients weaknesses and likes. The party had that extra touch. That of an amazing hostess, HIS Lady in black!
They were standing together when Vikram introduced their Middle Eastern client, Nabil Salem, a notorious flirt. Shobha'es eyes pleaded with him to come to her rescue. The man was holding onto her hand for way too long. And she was getting uncomfortable.
Vikram as always her knight in shining armour came to her rescue. Holding her wrist, he pulled her away saying, "Excuse us gentlemen, Shobha I need you to meet Mrs. Talreja."
She looked at him gratefully, "Thanks a lot, the guy is such a..."
"I know...I know...the idiot...I would not mind breaking his jaw" and she saw him frowning in anger.
"Sir...Vikram...calm down...the creep was simply trying his luck." The grip around her palm had tightened.
He had not yet let go of her wrist...in fact it had slipped to her palm now. It was almost as if they were walking hand in hand.
She looked at their hands entwined. He followed her gaze. Realizing what he had done, he let go of her, "Sorry I might have hurt you."
"Oh no, these hands are strong...don't you worry a thing...and please just ignore the guy."
"Fine, only this time, but if I meet him elsewhere, he would end up on a hospital bed, the moron. She giggled like a kid...those eyes again sparkling with laughter...and all he wanted to was drown in them...he looked at her adoringly...she saw the look in his eyes so moved on to greet another associate. She mingled and again rushed around, playing the perfect ever gracious hostess.
The party was in full swing. People laughing and having a gala time. Everyone was all praise for the arrangements. She was busy filling her plate with some salad at the buffet counter, when Vikram came from behind and said, "You haven't eaten, come on serve yourself some proper food."
"Oh Si...Vikram...show bring your plate forward, let me serve you."
He willing let her do it for him and watched whilst she placed morsels of food on his platter. They both then walked to a table and sat to finish their meal. It was about half an hour away from midnight.
She was digging into her desert when he offered his hand and asked, "May I, come lets ring in the New Year."
"Oh no Vikram, I am too tired.."
"Now come on don't be a spoilt sport...come on quick quick."
She got up reluctantly and went along joining him on the dance floor. Everyone around them were revelling into the music...
The lights were dimmed, the countdown began. She smiled gleefully like a child and he watched her face glow in the dark. They could hear the DJ shout out, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 ,5, 4, 3,2,1...but Vikram was oblivious to every sound around him...there was just one loud sound ringing in his heart. He truly, completely madly loved the woman standing right there next to him. A woman who had the sweetest smile and softest eyes, yet the most determined spirit he had ever known. He gulped hard..."Happy New Year Shobha." His hand was on her shoulder, and then he pulled her in his arms and hugged her. She brought her arms around him and hugged him back with the same warmth. They moved apart. "To new beginnings.' they said in unison.
"My feet are hurting I need to sit...I need to get out of these shoes, and was turning to go away. When he held her hand and stopped her. "Wait...you are not going anywhere," She looked at the man in front of her. His mesmerising warm eyes held her captive...she simply stared back...he knelt down and gently lifted her foot and was in the process of taking off her shoe, when she exclaimed, "Gosh! what are you doing," and tried to pull back her foot.
"We'll taking off Cinderella's shoe...come on take them off." He tugged them off and handed them over to her standing up again.
"You are acting really weird."
"No, and yes before you accuse me further, I haven't had a sip of alcohol, though all evening I have been holding a glass."
"But yes I feel different and happy tonight and it's amazing to have the most beautiful woman right beside you. You look a million bucks and I would like to dance with you. So please May I?"
She smiled again, "Vikram! What nonsense, so many good looking women around here."
"I am being honest and blunt as always. You are the yummiest mommy I know! I saved you from Nabil so you owe me this dance. Shobha for once forget all your worries and enjoy yourself will you? Just dance with me, and let your hair down," and then raising his hand to her hair he pulled out the pins. Her long tresses cascaded down her back, and he whispered softly, extending his hand..."That's better...I love it when you leave them loose." She gulped hard. What was wrong with him today? She had never seen this flirtatious side of him. She looked away.
"Are you afraid?" he whispered.
She shook her head, "No"...there was nothing wrong in a dance. Had Mahesh too asked her, she would have said yes. So why could she not dance with him?
She gulped, she would just enjoy the moment, sway and dance her heart out. She was not answerable to anyone. A single woman...simply enjoying a happy moment with someone she admired, respected and cared for. There was nothing to be afraid of. But why was her heart pounding, her hands felt warm against his grasp. She was never this close to him, yet it felt so right. She looked away, what if he could read her thoughts. Suddenly she heard his ask, "So have you made your New Year's resolution?"
"Yes, kind of...what you about?"
"Yup, I am going to change my status from single to being married this year?"
She looked up in shock, "What? Really! I mean that is very good...so who is the lucky woman, anyone I know?"
He smiled seeing her creased forehead, "Yes you do, will introduce you to her tomorrow, at our luncheon party."
"Oh ok, fine...can we please sit, I am tired," and tried to get out of his hold.
"Sure, you ok Shobha." and they both walked up to their table.
"Yes...yes I'm fine...I think it's late, I would like to leave now."
"I would have loved to take you home, but I need to stay back until our guests all leave. You go on with the driver."
After making the arrangements to ensure she was dropped home, Vikram bid her bye at the lobby saying, "See you tomorrow at home with the kids, it's an important day for me."
She fumbled, "Sure Vik...Sir...I mean Vikram...see you goodnight."
On her way back home, Shobha mulled over Vikram's words. he wasn't seeing anyone, or maybe he was. How would she know. She did not keep a track of what he did after work. He would make a great husband and father. Sometimes he was hot headed, but that was Vikram. Honest, sincere, hardworking, good looking...well he deserved someone really amazing...
Strangely a weird feeling crept inside of her. A kind of restlessness and uneasiness. She blamed it on the hectic evening and reached home. Changed and hugged her kids who were fast asleep.
Sleep evaded her. Shobha tossed and turned, hit the pillow and dozed off to sleep in the early morning hours of the first day of the New Year.
Next day after wishing everyone a Happy New Year and saying a pray in thanksgiving for all the blessings of the previous year. They all hugged and held each other tight. Jiyu, Rehaan, Shardha and Shobha. She was grateful for them all. Her eyes welled up with tears, but her Mom-in-law scolded her, "Now now Shobha...no tears...it's been a good year, despite everything that has happened. Don't dwell on the negatives...we are together hale and hearty, that is all that matters. And I am proud of you my girl. Your positive attitude towards life, your courage, your strength is simply amazing. Bless You and I wish that you find love again."
"Mom!"...she sighed..."I am happy the way I am." And turned her face away, "Come on let's go to Bhoothnath Uncle's house...or else Naani will come screaming down at us for being late...chalo chalo." And they all rushed up to the 14th floor.
The anticipation of meeting the woman he planned to settle down with was just killing. Shobha was waiting to see and meet the woman. She must be one of a kind thought Shobha. Vikram would never settle for anything less. And why must he, he was one of the most eligible bachelors in town as they would call it.
They reached the Ahuja home and it was time to greet everyone a Happy New Year. Vikram was smiling all the time, he looked extremely handsome in a maroon pullover and scarf thrown around his neck. The house was filled with people, and Shobha's eyes kept seeking out a woman she had not met before or maybe someone she knew.
"What happened who are you looking for?"
"Oh no one, Garu is not here yet?"
He cleared his throat, knowing quite well and hoping that she was as anxious as he was to know who that woman was. "They will be here any minute."
Saurabh's wife had brought her younger sister along. A pretty girl who had just come from Calcutta. A dentist by profession. Yes it must be her thought Shobha.
Lunch was served and after everyone sat with their coffee mugs in hand, chatting and exchanging pleasantries, Shobha found that Jiyu, Rehann and Vikram were missing. She went looking for her kids and found them all huddled together in his bedroom. She knocked, he looked up and invited her in.
She kept twirling her fingers, anxious and a bit irritated. 'Come on kids lets go home."
"Wait, glad you finally landed up here. Please take a seat" and indicated to the chaise lounge. She sat and then instructed Jiyu and Rehann to sit next to their mom.
"So is it Saurabh's sister-in-law" she blurted and regretted saying it aloud.
He was startled by her question. "Well, I am not interested in a Bong girl but a pure thoroughbred Punjabi gorgeous woman who has the most expressive eyes."
"What Punjabi girl?"asked Shobha.
"Now shut up and listen to what I have to say."
He stood in front of all of them. The three loves of his life, cleared his throat and said, "Jiyu, Shobha and Rehaan. I love you all, and I would like to make you all a permanent and official part of my life."
Shobha was shocked, Jiyu and Rehaan looked wide-eyed, mouth open at their Uncle whom they were longing to call Daddy V. A name they had conjured up a thousand times during their make-believe bed time stories. They simply ran upto him and wound their arms around his waist.
Vikram could not take his eyes off her, and continued looking at her shell-shocked face, saying in a soft husky voice, "I love your mother Shobha and would like to marry her and make her Mrs. Vikram Ahuja."
She stood up, "Sir...I mean Vikram...this...this can't happen."
Vikram bent down and spoke to the elated kids, "I would like to speak to your mommy alone" and winked at them. They both kissed him on his cheeks, "we love you Daddy V" and ran out calling out to Naani and Daadi. His eyes welled up with tears. The kids gave him their consent in the most beautiful way he could ever imagine.
She walked behind them, when Vikram stopped her and shut the door. "Wait Shobha."
"Vikram please! This is ridiculous."
"What? Is falling in love with you Shobha ridiculous?"
"It's not funny anymore Vikram...I know you love the kids a lot. And if they have pushed you into this, I mean it's all just impossible."
She tried to leave the room, when he held her hand and pulled her back. "You are not going anywhere Madam."
"What is impossible Shobha and why do you say it's ridiculous.?" he demanded.
"You deserve someone better, not me, a woman saddled with two kids! No!" Shobha tried explaining.
"Can you explain what someone better means? And is having two kids your flaw? Is Jiyu and Rehaan your flaws?"
"No, they are a blessing to me, my life! but!"
"But what? You don't love me? Do you still love Samarth? And you don't want to give me the right to love your kids?"
"No, he is my ugly past...I care for you, I admire you, I respect you Vikram...but I..." She hesitated to say the words.
"You are afraid to say it? Isn't it? You are scared of being hurt again, you are afraid of giving yourself completely to me."
She was weeping but she did not know why, the tears flowed...her shoulders shook and then she found herself gathered in his arms.
"Shhh...it will be ok Shob...I promise you My Love," she heard his soothing words and felt the warmth of his arms. It felt so good and right to be there.
Kissing her forehead he whispered, "We all deserve happiness. You, me, the children. Our little world...together we will make it happen...and yes I'd like to take all of you to Paris soon."
She looked up at him through the tears, "Why me?"
"You are one amazing gorgeous woman and ask Destiny that question will you? We were meant to be together...the four of us...and if you can come to love a sadu khadoos guy like me, I mean you have to be extraordinary isn't it."
She gave him her best smile and then raising her head she kissed him softly on his lips. The New Year Resolution was signed, stamped and sealed whilst he pulled her closer to him.
The consistent knocking forced them to pull apart and Vikram opened the door not letting go of Shobha's hand.
Naani, Shardha and everyone stood there wondering, waiting with baited breath...a huge question mark written on every face they could see!
Shobha cleared her throat and placing her head in the crook of Vikram's shoulder she said, "I love your khadoos grandson and promise to make sure he never worries about his hair ever again!"
And amidst the uproar of laughter, hugs and wishes...their eyes met across the room...and they both Vikram and Shobha mouthed softly to each other "Love You...Happy New Year! "
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