After the shaadi announcement and small celebration, Anuj insisted that he will stay back and help Anu pack things in dressing room while others can go home to relax as it has been a long day for all. Hence Shahs left the auditorium and Devika also left with GK so that Anuj and Anu can have some time alone.
Anu and Anuj’s happiness was unparalleled after the announcement of marriage and they walked hand in hand to the dressing room. Their hearts were racing with this new found happiness and closeness. Even though they knew and had accepted each other yet this public announcement gave a different thrill altogether. They both were trying to have a glance at other without letting the other know while being equally aware of the desire both of them had which reflected in their eyes. The tension between them was palpable and could be cut through by a knife.
As they reached the dressing room, Anu remembered her imagination and felt a tinge of guilt creep in her. She didn’t want any of those to remain as they are about to begin a new journey from now on.
With that in mind, Anu stood facing him and took his left palm in her hands. Taking a deep breath and looking into his eyes as if determined to rectify her mistake, she said “Anujj… woh mai aapse kuch kehna chahti hoon…. Woh mai… mai..kal raat ke liye bahut bahut surri hoon… surrri surri surri… mai aapse naraz nahi thi bas dukhi thi. Aur mai janti hoon ki mujhe aapse baat karni chahie thi….lekin mai kar nahi paayi.. mai ne kabhi aisa baat kiya nahi… toh nahi kar payi… surri surri suri Anujj.”
Overwhelmed in emotion and guilt, her eyes had lowered and a lone tear escaped from her eyes which she had tried hard not to let it fall. Just like water flows from a dam, tears starts flowing down her cheeks uncontrollably after the first one escapes without her permission.
He was listening intently to her all the while felt like something piercing his heart to see her crying. This was their best day ever and he didn’t want any stains of tear from sadness and guilt on this day. He wanted to erase all those pain and fill it with some good memories. As these thoughts were racing in his mind, involuntarily his right hand reached to her cheek to wipe off those tears. It was as if his hand knew its destination and duty. Wiping her tears gently as ever, he called out , “Anu”
But before he could say anything further , Anu continued pouring out, “Mai aage se khayaal rakhoongi ki aapse har choti si choti baat bhi kehne ki, chahe acchi ho buri ho sab kuch share karoongi aapse. Aaj toh laga meri saans hi rukh gayi ho jab aapse baat nahi ho pa rahi thi…Bas aap mujhse naraz mat hona.. nahi aap naraz hoyiye lekin aap mujhse aise door mat jaana.. chahe jo sazaa dijiye…. Lekin aise door kabhi mat rahiye..”
Listening to her, he knew she was going deep in guilt and was apologetic about it. He did not want to make it worse by saying something rather wanted to pull her out of this guilt back into cheerful mood and gift her something special on this occasion. Listening to the last lines, a tiny idea glowed in his mind.
Wearing a half smirk on his face and tilting his face sideways, he tipped her chin up with his right hand. Inching closer to her as if invading into her space, he stood as close as possible to her that they could feel their warm breath on each other. Looking into her dark deep kohl lined eyes, he asked in a deep husky voice, “Pass aake sazaa doon kya?”
That moment, she forgot everything else and looked dazed at him. She felt her legs have turned into jelly and would melt into puddle. Her eyes closed and lips parted as if it was a consent to bear any punishment he could give by coming this close. Knowing the effect he was having on her, he moved closer to her lips. Barely grazing her lips with his, he moved past and placed a chaste kiss on her cheeks. Her eyes flung open in disappointment and he let out a little chuckle at this.
Once again with the intent of tormenting her, he moved closer. This time, while slightly tracing her lips with his left thumb, he whispered in her ears in a low tone, “Itni sazaa kaafi hai ya aur chahie?”
Hearing that, she pulled him into a hug , embracing with her hands around his waist and her nose digging deep into his chest so that she could hide the flush he has caused in her cheeks. As she was busy settling into her home, he placed a kiss on her head and then rested his chin. He was happy and content to have achieved his all intentions.
Unaware of the time, they continued in that embrace for long… only to be brought back to reality by a knock on the door of dressing room.
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Taking inspiration from all the wonderful writers here, I am attempting a little something. I am not sure whether I am able to do justice with the writing as compared to how the scene has played out in my mind. If the scene felt as intense and emotional while you read. Hope you all enjoyed and apologies if you got disappointed.
Indian Idol 15
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