PART 3
As Ram came back to Kapoor Mansion, he saw Vikram, Neha and the kids had already arrived.
Vikram: Where were you buddy? We planned to meet up at 6 and here, its beyond 7.30 already! And where on earth is your phone?
Ram: Calm down buddy! The inauguration took time. And then got caught up in traffic. The battery is dead. That's why the phone is off.
Neha: Since when did you start goin for inaugurations and giving speeches? That's so unlike you!
Ram: The principal requested a lot of times and I didn't have the heart to refuse.
"Now, im glad i went!", he muttered under his breath
Neha: What?
Ram: Nothing! You tell me bandariya. How are you doing?
Been long since we spoke last! Looks like someone is very busy these days!
Neha: Look who's talkin! Huh! Remember i planned the meal Ram? You forget me so easily when you have Vikram and work around! That's exactly why i call him your wife!
While Ram and Neha were bickering, Vikram was sitting with Krishna Kapoor, Rams mother, and nuts, his sister.
Vikram: Dekha maa, they forget the world so easily when they get together. And there's no end to their fight!
Nuts: Yaa bhai. I pity you. Hats off for handling both of them throughout the day.
They chuckled!
Vikram: By the way maa, there's something i wanted to tell you guys.
He narrated what happened last evening at the cafe.
Vikram: This is the first time a woman has his attention so long.
Krishna: That's good news beta. I really wish and pray practically all day and night that i get a bahu suitable for Ram. Someone who can love him and not his wealth and fame. He deserves the best.
Nuts: Of course maa. If bhai ever agrees to marry, she has to have something in her. I know my bhai's choice.
They enjoyed the whole evening.
A few days had passed and Ram was still unable to get Priya out of his mind. He debated 100 times a day if he should contact her in some way, and always decided against it.
Finally, a week later, he decided to go to the NGO to know more about her, or maybe, chance upon meeting her. He so desperately wanted to see her.
"Gosh Ram! U've lost it buddy!", his inner voice told him. "You going GaGa over a woman is so againt your nature! What has she done to you?"
Sighing to himself, he got into his car and drove off towards the NGO. Reaching there, he went in and started looking around if he could catch a glimpse of Priya anywhere. As he was walking around, he felt someone calling out his name. He turned around to see a lady behind him.
Lady: Hi, Mr.Kapoor, we are so honored to see you here. Im Annie, a member here. Is there anything I can help you with?
Ram: Hi, Ms.Annie. I saw the NGO while passing by and decided to come in. Would you like to show me around?
Annie: Oh of course sir. That's very kind of you. Please come with me.
Annie showed the place to Ram and also gave him details about the various activities and programmes for the welfare of children. She also gave him details about a few members who came there to teach the kids, one of them being Priya. She taught the kids dance.
He suddenly felt proud in his heart that Priya was doing something for these kids. He wondered why!
After some time, Annie left him alone to explore the place. As Ram was walking around, he saw a little girl sitting sad under a tree. She was the same kid with Priya when he saw her first. Ram walked towards her and kneeled down in front of her.
Ram: Hello baby!
The kid just looked up at Ram blankly.
Ram: Im new here. I don't have a friends also. Will you be my friend?
The kid just blinked her big eyes at Ram
Kid: But you are not a child na. Then why are you here?
"Hmm.." Ram said and sat up next to her.
Ram: Actually na, i had no friends when I was younger. But i like friends. So im here to make friends. Will you be my first friend?
The Lil kid smiled a but and extended her baby hands. Ram followed her act and placed his palms on her tiny ones.
"Friends", the kid said. "Friends", Ram repeated. He pulled out a chocolate from his pocket and handed it over to her. She was delighted at the sight of it.
Ram: So, now that we are friends, we should know each others names no? Im Ram.
Kid: Im Peehu. Can i call you Ram uncle?
Ram: You can call me Ram.
Kid: Priya aunty always says we should address elders with respect!
Priya's name brought a spark on Rams face and sadness on Peehu's.
Ram: What's wrong Peehu? Why are you sad?
Peehu:Annie aunty was telling someone that my Priya aunty wont be coming here once she is ma.. Mar.. married. What is married uncle? And will she not miss me? She told me once that whenever i think of her from the bottom of my heart, she will come to meet me. I miss her uncle. Will she leave me and go?
Ram was about to reply but before he could, someone else did. Ram looked up to see Priya standing there. Peehu squealed in delight and jumped into her arms.
Priya: Im not leaving you Princess! Never! I promised you right i will never leave you and go! Im not getting married!
She was hugging Peehu with all her might, tears flowing from her eyes.
Peehu pulled back from the hug and cutely wiped off tears from Priya's eyes.
Peehu: Don't cry aunty. Peehu hates to see you cry.
Priya wiped her tears and smiled at the little bundle of joy in her arms. She kissed Peehu on the cheeks. Ram just stood a little away and witnessed the two. He really liked the kid and he anyways was always thinking about Priya all the time.
He felt as though there was a string that tied him to Priya. He was drawn by every act of hers.
Peehu jumped off Priya's arms and ran towards Ram. She held his fingers and pulled him towards Priya. Priya was pleasantly surprised to see Ram there. Peehu and Ram came and stood in front of Priya. Ram picked up Peehu in his arms.
Peehu: Priya aunty, this is my new friend, Ram uncle. You know, he is new here and im his first friend. And Ram uncle, this is Priya aunty,my best friend.
Priya just smiled at Peehu and turned towards Ram.
Priya extended her hand towards Ram.
Priya: Hi, Im Priya Sharma.
"I know. I haven't lost my memory yet" Ram smirked.
Priya blushed hard at that. She was hoping that Ram would've forgotten about her silly reaction the other day.
"Shit, he remembers", she thought!
Some of the kids called out to Peehu and she went away to play with them after giving a kiss to Ram on the cheek..
"Bye Ram uncle, Bye Priya aunty" she yelled, waving out to them.
Ram and Priya looked here and there for sometime, not able to understand what to say.
"So do you come here often", Ram asked to begin the conversation, knowing very well her role in the NGO.
Priya: Yes. I do come here frequently. This place gives me peace and happiness like no other place can. But I've never seen you here.
Priya was a completely different person today. She was calm and mature. But, that was just on the outside. Inside, she was the same Priya who adored Ram Kapoor and her heart was thumping with happiness and excitement.
Ram: Yea, its the first time I've come here. So what do you teach?
Priya: Its dance here and accounts and financial management at the institute.
Ram: Oh really! Thats awesome!
As Ram and Priya were talking, Peehu came back.
Peehu: Ram uncle, Priya aunty, are u also friends now?
Priya didnt know what to reply. She looked at Ram for the answer. Ram smiled at her and kneeled down to reach Peehu's level.
Ram: Of course Rockstar! Me and your Priya aunty are friends as well now.
Priya smiled at Peehu and then at Ram.
The Ram Kapoor was her friend! She pinched herself to see if she was dreaming!
Love Friendship Dating and Relationships
