Authors Note
Happy New year to everyone here. 🤗Have been missing from forum on and off. I do try to read posts, discussions and ofcourse the wonderful OS and SS you all share here. Most of them I do. I try to post reply too but often I get busy or just too tired to write. But this place is so so beautiful and so much fun.
I had started this OS when the christmas pics were out. As usual took time to complete but finally done. A small token of love for all you lovely people out here. Be blessed all ❤
*******************************************
OS: Aur paas...
Putting down the scans and looking absolutely pleased with the test reports the doctor looked from Anuj's sulky expression to Anu's anxious one and said, 'All is well Mr. Kapadia. You are fit as a fiddle now. I will sign up your fitness certificate which means you are off all medications and no further need for assistance or tests remain. Ab aap bilkul pehle ki tarah apni routine life jee sakte hai.'
"Routine life...", the doctors words had a bitter sweet ring to it. Both Anu and Anuj felt happy but it also pinched that routine meant Anu would have to go back to her house and Anuj will be left alone all over again.
"Thank you", both said in a flat tone. Neither looking pleased about such a positive review of patient's health.
The doctor looked confused and said, "Aap khush nahi lag rahi hai Anupamaa ji. Aap ne din daar seva karke inhe theek kar diya...ye to khushi ki baat hai. Aapki duwa aur seva dono rang laayi."
Anuj noticed her embarassed expressions and her futile attempt in covering it up with a fake cheerful smile, "mein...mein bahut bahut khush hu doctor. Anuj pehle jaise independent ho sakte hai...", she glanced at Anuj nervously and found him confused as much, "...bina kisi sahare ke aur...aur kya chahiye mujhe."
She began collecting the reports from the table and bunched them neatly looking absolutely disturbed. Without giving another look at either the doctor or Anuj, she turned to the door and said, "chalein?"
Anuj warily shook hands with the confused doctor and was unsure if he heard a sniff but he did notice her hands holding her pallu that wiped off something on her face.
'Anu is crying? Par kyu?'
Anuj hastily covered the distance between him and Anu and caught her teary eyed.
Was he being a sadist, why were her tears secretly making him happy than disturbing him? He was upset because it meant Anu would have to go home but why was she upset? Did she not want to go back too? If not, did she feel differently?
`Anu', he held her wrist and stopped her. She turned around and began, 'Wo...ye hospital..I hate the time we spent here when you were brought in that terrible condition, is liye thoda disturbed hu...am ok...', she said and hastily wiped her tears and plastered yet another fake smile and said, 'I am very happy that you are perfectly fine.'
Anuj by now knew how Anu never lied and if she ever did, she never looked into his eyes. She was escaping his eyes yet again. He cupped her face gently in his warm palms, thumbs wiped away the tears and tenderly he raised her head to meet her eyes. While he studied her face, her eyes mirrored her out of place emotions so clearly. She was feeling something different. For him? He wasn't sure.
She looked into his eyes for a brief second as if studying his face up close one final time. His eyes mirrored his kindness that warmed her heart. She had to say it. It killed her to keep him in this 'in between doomed space.'
She opened her mouth determined, 'Anuj...I... '
Just then Anuj's phone rang. He sighed deeply in frustration and closed his eyes anticipating the rings to die, instead it seemed like it rang louder each time raising its urgency.
`It must be urgent. Please take the call', she sniffed wiping the last of tears with the back of her hand and composed herself.
'It's Mukku', Anuj declared and as much as he wanted to continue his conversation with Anu he rushed out to take the call.
Anu followed a step slower in silence to let the moment pass.
Anuj's baby sister — had returned to his life for good. She took instant liking for Anupamaa not just because she was her brother`s friend and love interest but even personally, she felt her warmth and affection in the very first meeting. Yet she did feel insecure of having to share her one and only favourite member of the family — her brother with her.
Anu considered it to be very valid and genuine given to the fact that she had been orphaned very early in life. Anuj was her only support and family. Her elder brother who was nothing less than a father figure to her. She didn't want Anuj to be distracted by her hence the delay in confession of her love.
Anuj had tried persuading her to return and stay with him but she insisted on being less of his responsibility than family by staying put with the Shahs.
Anu knew Anuj wasn't comfortable with the idea of his kid sister staying at Shah house. Especially after Kavya had voiced her insecurity loud and tried everything to make her feel unwelcome.
Yet when Anu granted her permission on his behalf he let her be, trusting that Anu would not decide anything against her betterment.
Anu wanted to help clear the roadblocks the siblings shared over past misunderstandings and without being one at that. She was cautious and constantly warned Anuj to be mindful of what he spoke to Malvika especially about her.
Anuj believing Anu is always right tried to follow her instructions almost always. He answered the call hesitantly.
'Haa Mukku', he said.
'Bhai, kaha ho aap? '
Just coming out of the hospital. Today was the final-up post treatment'
'Oh yesl GK had told me about it all. I am sure Anupama is with you?', she asked softly.
Anuj's eyes scanned Anuj's face yet again and as if always reading his mind she slightly nodded her head persuading him to talk to Mukku without any hesitation or worry.
She pressed the button to unlock, the car and deposited all the files, folders and her purse at the back seat and pointed at the passenger seat to Anuj indicating she would drive him home.
'Haa, wo mere saath hi hai. And we are returning home.', Anuj sounded confused.
'Why are you sounding so dull? Is there any problem? Aur tumhara tone aise doubtful kyun hai?', she fired questions one after another.
Anu took a minute to make a call to someone while he sat impatiently inside wondering if she summoned Samar to pick her up already?
'Bhai? Are you there?'
`Yes...yes', he rubbed his face in desperation.
'I asked you something? Sab theek hai?'
'Haa, sab theek hai. In fact, doctor said that I am off all medications now and has signed off the fitness certificate too. Independent enough to go back to normal... routine...life', he finished like it was a life sentence.
`That's great news. But tumhari awaz se aisa lag raha hai jaise tum khush nahi ho...'
'No...I am good', he tried.
'Jhooth.'
Anuj remained silent.
'You are upset ki Anupama ko ab apne ghar wapas jana hoga and ab tumhe uske saath rehneki...uske haatho se bane khane ki...uski fikar ki...daant ki...aur sabse zyada important uske pyaar ki... adat pad gayi hai'
'Pyaar...Mukku...aisa kuch nahi hai', he began his endless monotonous explanations yet again. These days he felt he wasn't convinced himself when he clarified anyone who cared to listen that Anu and he were just friends.
'Bhai...You are blind, can't you see that she is in love with you? I haven't known her for long but whatever little I have seen of her she seems to be at peace with you. I don't know how to put it but I sense she feels differently for you. Don't let her go this time bhai.'
`But Mukku tum...' Anuj felt a sense of relief talking to her yet scared if all this would distance him from her.
`I know I haven't behaved well. I don't like it when you give more importance to anyone else than me but I also know that your happiness lies with her. I want you to be happy', she insisted.
Anu suddenly opened the door and settled into the seat, looking a lot in control of her emotions. She ignited the engine and carefully pulled out of the hospital's car parking.
'Thanks, Mukku...I'll think about it. Waise tune call kyu kiya tha?', he changed the topic, his eyes still darting towards Anu.
'I d called to invite you to the Christmas Party this evening Anu and GK ko bhi saath le ana. I've already invited her by the way. Tumhe abhi bate rahi hu. Anyways keep in mind jo meine kaha ok. Bye', she said and hung up.
Anu's demeanour looked a lot calmer and worry lines that had covered her forehead a while back seemed to have vanished. But something had occupied her mind.
' ...Anuj ne jo gaiti ki wo tum mat karna Anu. Apne dil ki baat kehne mein ab aur waqt zaya mat karo. Agar tumhare dil ko lagta hai ki ye sahi hai...to sahi hai...Ab der mat karna Anu...'
'Anu...'
`ANUUUU', Anuj had to literally shake her to bring her back from her reverie.
`Kya hua? Chalo', he said. Along with his voice all the honking and angry stares from the passers-by surfaced that had all faded when she cut the engine at the signal.
Anu swiftly shifted the gears and got going without much ado.
She was completely consumed by Devika's last conversation. Without even uttering a word, just her tone of voice had conveyed her apprehensions and worries to her dearest friend. Devika didn't listen to any of her arguments and had outright put her thoughts to rest by suggesting to not delay any further. There is never a perfect time. Everyone said that. Anuj himself took an opportunity to express his love again because he felt there was never going to be a perfect time.
She looked at him sideways, he was scrolling through his phone and then out of the window as if searching for reasons, something he is missing out.
Her heart beat fast and she felt fluttering in her stomach sensing that finally she was going to tell him what she had been dying to say and held it back much to her annoyance.
She blushed crimson just at the thought of his reactions, 'Would he be happy? Or very happy? Jump in excitement or shout out in ecstasy. One thing she knew for sure he'd treasure her for he always wanted to.
When Anu crossed the turn that would take her to her apartment Anuj sighed with relief that at least for now Anu was corning back home with him.
Guessing Anuj's doubt, she looked at him and explained, 'wo shaam ko Mukku ne Christmas party ke bye bulaya hai to saath mein chalenge... fir laut te waqt mein...', Anu paused and Anuj blurted out cutting her in between, '...laut te waqt tum mere saath hi wapas ghar aaogi.' He said that authoritatively. Neither did he look awkward nor did he feel wrong about being so assertive.
Anu read his tensed expressions and decided to not debate instead nodded in approval. She didn't feel oppressed or forced rather felt his own and claimed.
He let her be while he concluded mentally to finally confront Anu about her changed behaviour. He knew it was nothing short of risking his 'more than friendship less than love' relationship but he had to. Not just for himself but also because he noticed Anu was stressed about this equation too.
'Maybe she would be comfortable talking if I brought the topic up. I need to put her stress to rest even if it costs me my only relationship with her.'
They pulled into the parking lot and walked slowly towards the elevator. Anuj dragged his feet as he took steps towards home while Anu seemed to be floating. When the lift doors opened with a ding, she saw him not move, she took a step back, slipped her hand into his and squeezed it gently as If assuring this was not their last.
He followed allowing her to lead. She stepped in, pressed the button to their floor not once leaving his hand. He kept searching for her eyes but she kept them downcast but her body language was surprisingly more confident. When their floor came, she proudly walked them both out and unlocked the door using her thumb impression. It was her home too.
Once inside, she let go of his hand and said, 'get some rest Anuj. And be ready by 7.
`Tum kaha...', he held her hand stopping her.
'I am right here.'
She covered his hand with hers and said, 'Relax Anuj. Mein aapko chodke kahi nahi jaungi.'
The smile that flashed on his face after was a sight to behold. She couldn't tear her eyes away from his. It had all his heart and love. She had to say it. She couldn't keep him so desperate and anxious. He has waited enough. Not anymore.
******************
18:50:00 , Terrace
Anuj skipped rest and dressed up for the party. Nothing extraordinary just his signature black suit and trousers and the blood red shirt with a matching tie. He wore his usual smell and his rimless frames. Yet he was dressed to kill. He stood in the dark in the open terrace adjoining his bedroom. With his hands stuffed in the pockets, he stood silently looking down from 14 floors up at the glittering busy streets of Ahmedabad feeling the serene breeze cooling his senses. Despite the cluster of unnerving people, towering buildings, endless traffic at odd hours and unpleasant noise, this place had some tranquility and peace to offer. He ran away from Ahm edabad years ago to escape his ill fate but seems like it brought him back for good.
`Anuj', Anu called out reluctantly. She came looking for him after searching for him in his study.
'Hmmm...am here', he said and involuntarily took a deep breath when she appeared in the dark holding out a candle.
Her face glowed like an angel holding the flame. He loved Anupama yes, worshipped her rather but always from a distance. He'd expressed his love for her, admired her but never...never desired her. Never when she was married to someone else and not even when she was single after her divorce.
He had always maintained his distance and never thought of crossing boundaries to ever make her feel uncomfortable. Probably that was why she stayed back to take care of him and nurse him back to health.
He looked away instantly out of guilt. For the first time ever, he craved to hold her in his arms and kiss her insanely till she gasped for breath. To cage her firmly in his embrace in a bone crushing hug and never let go of her.
Yet his eyes doubled back in her direction when she said, 'Power failure! I think it will be up in few minutes.
She was dressed in a chiffon velvet red and black saree and looked so ethereal and enigmatic. Even in the semi-darkness her curves hidden normally behind those cotton sarees stood accentuated today. She didn't let her hair lose instead rolled them into a nice bun that hung low at the nape of her slender neck giving her a fresh and sexy look altogether.
`Waise, aap yaha andhere mein kya kar rahe hai', she asked from distance.
Anuj smirked reprimanding his intentions.
'Bol du?', he asked in a husky voice and took a step towards her. She shivered slightly under his gaze and involuntarily took a step forward yet stayed closer to her side of the wall to lean upon.
'Haan...', she said hesitantly. He always did this to her and then fooled her by saying something stupid. But this time his voice sounded firm and his eyes lingered longer on her, meaning business. She felt super conscious and short of breath would have been an understatement. She felt warmth seeping through her and fluttering in her stomach for the way he looked at her was something different.
'Bol du?', he repeated and took another casual step forward and reached the wall on which she leaned.
'Haan'
'paas aao...fir bolunga...', he said taking her by surprise. It sounded more like an order than request and whatever it was, Anu abided.
She deposited the candle holder on the little stone meant for pots on the side and took a step or two towards him yet maintained distance and said, 'haan..'
'Aur paas', he demanded. His eyes piercing through hers now that she was closer than before.
She trembled and knotted her fingers nervously yet braved another step closer. At an arm's length he appeared brawny and virile. His gaze never left hers and she felt attracted to him like a moth to flame.
'Aur paas', he whispered not blinking even once.
She covered the little distance that was left between them unmindful of the proximity. His fingers touched hers and she knew there was no more room left. The slight burning touch is all it took.
Anuj pinned her urgently against the wall in that brief second while his fingers knotted with hers. He leaned in dangerously close to her side and deeply inhaled her feminine scent almost burying his head in the crook of her neck. The sexual tension at an all-time high and palpable.
He heard her loud gasp and her body going limp in his arms.The rise and fall of her chest were too fast and her breaths shallow. He lifted his head and studied her face.
The loss of warmth made her tentatively raise her head and slowly she opened her eyes to meet his. She gulped unknowingly in an attempt to catch some breath. She had never seen this side of Anuj before. And she'd be lying if she thought it didn't drive her crazy. His eyes burned with - Desire? She tried to put a word.
Finding no fear or sign of objection from her he went on, `I am sorry but I think I am going to cross some boundaries today Anu.'
He breathed heavily and closed his eyes in frustration as he failed to caln his raging heart beats and up surged desire that was strongly pushing him to do all that was inappropriate.
How could he calm down? She was finally in his arms. Damn it!
`Anuj...',she tried. But her voice failed. 'Say it Anu...speak up...'
Her calling out his name in desperation was not helping either. Yet having collected his thoughts he reopened his eyes, 'Pichle kuch dino mein.... tum bahut badIi si nazar aa rahi ho Anu...', he began.
'Anuj...suniye...', she tried again.
`Tumhe kya lagta hai... ye tum jo meri choti choti chezon ka dhyaan rakhti ho, mere kehne se pehle meri baat samajh leti ho, meri itni fikar karti ho....mere aas paas tum...aise... he sighed recollecting her blushing innocent face in last few days...sab samajhta hu mein...'
He took a deep breath and lowered his eyes and said, Meine tumse kaha tha ki umeed meine chod di hai... par aaj...'
And she felt him shiver in fright. She knew he was gathering courage to break a promise he once made to her and this too he was doing for her sake.
'I am sorry Anu. I am sorry...Please...mujhe maaf karna par aaj... he paused, 'kya mein umeed...', he faltered.
She clasped his mouth shut with her palm. It was her turn now to take back her words and give her man some respite.
'aapne sahi kaha...mein badal gayi hu...jab se aap se mili hu tab se...ek nayi pehchan, ek naya atmavishwas ye sab aap se hi seekha aur aapke saath se hi mila hai...'
He waited for her to proceed. He knew she had been waiting to say something for the longest time and finally she found the courage to do so.
'Meine bhi kaha tha ki mein fir kabhi pyaar nahi kar paungi. Kabhi aise rishte ko mauka nahi de paungi.'
She looked down nervously, 'Dar lagta tha...ki forse agar chot khai to sambhal nahi paungi...'
She looked into his eyes and said, 'Par aapke pyaar ne wo darr mere mann se hata diya....mujhe pyaar karna bhi sikha diya Anuj',
‘Aapse', she finished.
She felt him wheezing for air against her palm. His tensed features relaxed and so did his body. She cupped his cheek lovingly and said, 'aur aaj mein umeed karti hu ji mujhe aapka jeevan bhar ka saath mile... Kya Anupama ko Anuj ye #MaAn denge?...Kya mein ye umeed...'
Her words died in her mouth as he pulled her into a strong, never ending tight hug almost crushing her in between his arms.
'Anuuuu...oh Anuuuuu,' he roared cheerfully and just then he entire terrace lit up as the power was restored. She indeed took away all the looming darkness not just from around him but also from his life. She was his sunshine. His torch of light. His light at the end of the tunnel.
'Anuj', she screamed nervously in excitement when she felt him lift her off the ground and twirled around. She firmed her grip around his neck fearing a fall.
'Utaro ne Anuj...please', she begged.
'Aaj nahiii Anuuu...aaj mat roko mujhe....oh my god Anuuuuu....', Anuj screamed in mad excitement still twirling.
'Aapko meri kasam Anuj,..please', she played the trick.
He had to drop her back on her feet. The distance never reduced though. She blushed crimson as he neared her and her back touched the wall, his eyes screaming love for her and aroused with an unseen mad passion.
Her eyes shimmered with the flickering of the fairy lights adorning the terrace railing, her flaming red colored lips parted slightly to take deep breaths looked very inviting.
26 years was enough time wasted. He clasped her hand and pinned against the wall beside her head, leaned in closer and gently pressed a soft kiss on her tender lips. He felt her smile shyly, but she surprised herself and him and kissed him back. In the quieter part of the evening the moon that shone brightly hid shyly behind the clouds allowing some privacy to the parched souls.
After what seemed like a Iifetime anuj broke the silence as he collected her in his arms and said, 'I am the happiest man on this earth today Anu. Thank you.'
She remained nestled in his embrace, still recovering from her most intimate moment ever.
When Anuj tried to pull her apart to read her face, she buried her head further in his chest refusing to look up making him chuckle. He was amused and absolutely smitten by Anu being so shy and cutely coy.
'Dekhu to....tumhare cheeks firse pink huye hai kya', he teased and pulled her back.
'Anuj...aap...", she covered her face with her palms just not ready to face him yet.
He knotted his fingers on her back and swayed her gently and said, 'mujhe nahi pata tha ki is hamesha daantne wali Anupama ko itna sharmana bhi aata hai...'
His cheeky comment had got her to look back sternly at him and then just like that both threw their heads back and laughed together. This was it. The two best friends were never going to be any different.
It was not that hard to be herself with this man. He was Anuj who knew how she was and what she was. She could be a tanteum throwing chile, a teenager crazily in love with her live-in partner or a mature woman who wanted to make her man happy eveeyway she could. All with Anuj Kapadia. The man who completes her. The man who holds her ground. The man who shows her the endless sky to fly. The man who defined LOVE for her in truest and the moat complete sense.
Both walked hand in hand back to the room as they were running late for the party. As much as Anuj wanted to avoid going to the party for all the wrong reasons, Anu persuaded him to go for all the right reasons.
Not that she didn't like the sudden boldness in display of his affection but there were a lot of other people to be spoken to, people to be consented with and people to be informed. So, first things first and in order.
He saw her collecting her luggage and almost snatching it away he said, 'Ye kya hai Anu...meine kaha na tum kahi nahi jaogi...mere saath hi wapas ghar aaogi ..fir ye sab?'
'Anuj, aapke saath hi wapas aungi... apne isee ghar mein aungi...par aise nahi...'
He looked quizzically, `To kaise?'
She snaked her arms around his neck and raised a little on her toes to reach his height and meet his eyes and said, 'Mrs. Anupama Anuj Kapadia banke aaungi.'
Anuj's face bloomed in glory like a flower. He already liked the ring of it. It sounded so beautiful. He knew this was the beginning of her guiding him as his anchor, his life partner, his better half.
`I cannot wait for that day Anu. That day my name will finally find its true value.'
'Me Neither', she comfirmed blushing pink. She held his hand firmly and walked out of the door one last time as Ms. Anupama Joshi.
End.
PS: Thank you for reading. Someone tag other folks pls, I really dont remember names except few.. to do it. 😊
Music Corner
