FF: Pyar Ho To Aisa - Page 3

~Four Years Old~

It was the first day of school. A four year old Antara was standing with her brother Ishaan and her friend Nikita. She was excited to meet new people and make new friends as she was a bubbly and loud child. While standing there she noticed a boy with big brown eyes which were filled with sadness.There was another boy and a girl with a really pretty dress playing next to him. Antara was confused. Why was he so sad? She decided that she would go ask him. She walked towards the other side of the playground ignoring Nikita who was calling her back. She went right up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. The boy turned around shocked. Hi, my name is Antara. Do you want to be my friend? She smiled at him and noticed that he didn't look sad anymore. I am Raghu. He said shyly, Okay. Antara dragged him to the swingset and they took turns pushing each other. She learned that the other two kids were Satya and Rukhsana, his brother and sister. That was the day Raghu and Antara became best friends.

~Five Years Old~

Antara was sitting in the corner of the room all by herself because she had pushed Chiku, an annoying little kid because he called Raghu stupid. So the teacher gave her a timeout in a small room with no toys to play with or anything. Her face slipped into a pout and her chin was quivering. She crossed her little arms over her chest. Antara, kya hua? asked Raghu as he ran to Antara. I'm in timeout, she pouted. Kyun? Meine Chiku ko push kiya. Raghu smiled his crooked grin, his dimples showing and ran off. Antara was sad that he left. She watched him run over to Chiku and knock over his block tower. Chiku started crying. The teacher ran over to Raghu and scolded him, pointing a finger in his face. She picked him up under the shoulders and carrying him over to the timeout room. Antara stayed silent until Raghu had been placed next to him and the teacher left. Tumne aisa kyun kiya? Antara asked. So I could be in timeout with you, Raghu explained and took Antara's little hand in his. Tum akeli bored ho jaati aur phir sad ho jaati. Antara smiled and rested her head on his shoulder and he rested his head on her head. Raghu, what's marriage? Antara asked remembering my hearing it on tv. Jab Mommy and a Daddy same ghar mein rehty hai aur have kids, hamesha sath khelte hai, like best friends explained Raghu. You have to do it when you're old Really? Yup. So hamari shaadi howe hai? Antara asked, confused. Hum hamesha sath khelte hai, No, Raghu laughed, We're too little. How old do you have to be to be married?" Antara asked. Raghu thought about it for a minute. Old, How old? Seven. Raghu ?Yeah? Jab hum 7 saal ke ho jayenge will you marry me? Antara asked. If Antara had to be married with someone then she wanted that someone to be Raghu. Sure Antara. You're my bestest friend Raghu, she told him. You're my bestest friend Antara , he replied. Really?Really, really.

~Six Years Old~

Raghu and Antara were walking home with Rukhsana, Satya and Antara's two older cousins, Machmach and Rajveer. Raghu had moved in to the house next to Antara's they lived with their grandma who was Antara's grandma's best friend. Raghu's parents were always busy so they sent Raghu, Satya and Rukhsana to live with his grandmother. Rukhsana and Satya weren't Raghu's real siblings, they were cousins. Raghu's parents had died when he was really young. But he didn't like to talk about it so Antara never asked. Antara was at Raghu's house in the garden. They were both laying on the grass making pictures with the stars, Raghu found it boring but it made Antara happy, and Raghu always wanted Antara to be happy. There's a smiley face, Antara said lifting her hand to trace the outline in the sky. There's a rocket ship, Raghu said. There's a flower, Antara said. You keep seeing girl things, Raghu complained. Raghu, mein ek larki hoon, toh mein girl things hee dekhoongi na Antara hit Raghu in the arm. Oh yeah said Raghu. Raghu, upar taaron mein kya hota hai? Antara asked because she knew Raghu was smart and always knew the right answer. Heaven. Planets. Aliens, he said in a spooky voice. What else?Dead people. Dead people? Antara said. Yeah. Jab meri mom or dad mar gaye thai tab mujhe dadi ne bataya tha ki jab koi mar jata hai toh voh taara ban jata hai. I don't get it though. Agar voh asman mein hai toh woh wapis kyun nahi aate? I miss them."Antara hugged Raghu around his belly. His eyes were watering and he looked like he was going to cry. Antara knew that Raghu barely ever cried, so she knew he was really upset and hugged him tighter. Maybe ek din hum dono waha jakar tumhare mom or dad se milenge? Antara suggested. She would love to go to the stars with Raghu. She loved going anywhere with Raghu. I'd like that. We can take a rocket ship and fly around.. He had a smile on his face and he looked happier. Let's play rocket ship! Antara yelled and started running around with her arms out to her side, making rocket noises. Raghu instantly forgot why he was sad and chased his best friend around.

Seven Years Old

Raghu, humari shaadi kab hai? Antara had turned 7 two days ago and was anxious to get married. Raghu was sitting next to Rukhsana who was playing in her big doll house. Tumhe ab bhi shaadi karni hai? He asked. Antara nodded and smiled. OOO. Can me and Machmach plan your wedding? asked Rukhsana. Sure said Antara. Machmach and Rukhsana dragged her upstairs and when they came back Antara was wearing a red chuni like it was a saree. Ab kya karna hai asked Raghu. Ab tum dono mere samne betho aur mein mantra padunga aur tum dono uth kar saat bar circle mein ghoomna Rajveer said. Okay said Antara laughing. Rajveer started to mumble and say words which no one understood, Raghu knew he was making them up. Raghu held Antara's hand and ran around the doll house 7 times and stopped. Ab hamari shaadi hogayi? asked Antara. YES said Rukhsana, Machmach and Rajveer. Raghu! Ab hum hamesha sath khel sakte hain! Antara and Raghu were both grinning happily. RAGHUUU yelled Aaji from the next room. Yeh kya shor machaye ja rehe ho? she asked walking into the room. She stopped when she saw Antara wearing a red chuni. Aaji, Raghu bhaiya or Antara ki shaadi ho gayi Machmach said. DJ followed Aaji into the room and laughed when Machmach said that. Yeh dekho, yeh dono to abhi se hi shaadi kar ke beth gaye. Koi baat nahi 15-20 saal baad phir se kara deyge Aaji said to DJ. Antara just smiled because she was married to Raghu. The two of them ran off to play.

~16 Years Old~

High School is horrible. Thought Antara. All the girls were mean to her because Raghu was her bestfriend and they all liked him. He was the cutest boy in school. All my friends started being mean to Rita, Mona and Navi. He's like my Brother, Why are they so jealous? Thought Antara. There was one girl, Gauri, who was really mean to her. She moved to their school last month from England and decided she was in love with Raghu. Hello Antara said Gauri. Hi, Antara replied wishing she would leave. How's Raghu today? she asked. Fine, Antara answered. You know, he told me otherwise, she said slowly. She looked at Antara and her eyes were full of pity and sadness. What are you talking about? Antara asked her, frustrated. You mean, he hasn't told you yet? she asked, her eyebrows shooting up into her bangs. Told me what? I don't know if I should be the one to tell you this. I mean, it's kind of personal between the two of you, she whispered Just tell me, I said. Okay, she said uncertainly. Well Raghu's been telling everyone that you two aren't friends anymore and that he hates you. He thinks you're ugly and look like a boy and that he never wants to see you again. Antara's eyes widened. She couldn't be serious'could she? You're lying Antara said but her voice sounded unsure. I wish I was. I'm sorry. I wish I didn't have to tell you such hard news, she said sympathetically. Antara felt tears sting her eyes. Hold them back, she commanded myself. She's probably lying. You and Raghu are best friends. Just then Rita came up to us. I'm sorry to hear about you and Raghu, she said and she smiled apologetically. Oh no! It is true. Thought Antara. The teacher came into the room then and Antara ran up to her. Ma'am can I go to the nurse? I'm not feeling too well, she whispered. As soon as Antara was out of the classroom, the tears fell down her cheeks. Why would Raghu say those things? I thought we were best friends! She ran to the bathroom and sank onto the floor, still sobbing quietly. Raghu my best friend, had turned against me, just like everyone else. It was only a matter of time, I thought bitterly. He'll probably end up dating Gauri or someone like her. Just the thought of Raghu with one of those girls brought the tears on faster. Then suddenly the door was opening. I didn't have enough time to hide myself. Antara the person shouted. It was Rukhsana. She sunk onto the floor next to Antara and wrapped her arms around her. Antara, kya howa? she asked. Raghu -hates m-me, Antara, Rukhsana sighed. You can't believe everything you hear honey. Tumhe kya lagta hai, would it even be possible for Raghu to hate you? she asked. I don't know Because aisa ho hi nahi sakta. Jab hum apne mom and dad ke paas rehne gaye thai he was miserable. Woh tumse bohat pyaar karta hai aur koi bhi yeh badal nahi sakta, not even Raghu. Okay? But what if he does hate me Antara asked in barely a whisper. Wait right here, she said before jumping up. Antara sat there for a few minutes, not quite sure what to do. Then she heard a soft knock on the bathroom door. Antara. The voice was soft but Antara would know it anywhere. It was like velvet, like music to herears. Come out. Mein andar nahi aa sakta. Go away Raghu, Antara mumbled pathetically. It was bad enough for Rukhsana to see her like this but for Raghu to see it would be a hundred times worse. Antara please, he said. I sighed. No, I will come in there Antara, he said in a warning tone. I don't want to, but if you don't come out then I will. Antara knew Raghu would, he always did what he said. She sighed and stood up slowly. She opened the door to see his cute smile God Mein to dar hi gaya tha mujhe laga mujhe andar jaana hi pareyga, he said with a slight chuckle. But he saw Antara's tear stained cheeks and red puffy eyes and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest. He had gotten taller now. Antara felt dwarfed next to him, Antara, kya hua? Gauri, she answered simply. Ab uss bhootni ne kya kiya? he sighed. She said you hated me, Antara whispered. And that everyone was going to hate me. Raghu gently placed his hands on her face and lifted her head up to look at him. Aur tumne usko believe kar liya? he said, his tone clear and firm. I will never hate you. You're my best friend and I love you. No one can ever change that. We'll be best friends forever. I promise. He was looking her right in the eyes and her face broke into a watery smile. Thanks Raghu. I love you too. You're like the brother I never had, she said, leaning into his chest again. Your brother. Of course, Raghu said softly.

~21 Years Old~

Antara's cousin was coming from Canada today, Rajveer and her dad went to get her from the airport. Antara was glad that she was coming and decided to invite Rukhsana , Raghu and Satya to meet her. Hey Rukhsana, Guess what? she said into the phone. You finally realized you're in love with Raghu aur tum chahti ho ki mein tumhari dusri shaadi bhi plan karu she guessed, half joking, half serious. Everyone thought that Raghu and Antara were in love but Antara always knew that Raghu only loved her like a sister. Ha ha ha, no, she said. Meri cousin, Simmi, Canada se arahi hai, aur mujhe lagta hai ki tum sab yaha akar usse milo. Rukhsana agreed excited to meet her and brought Raghu and Satya with her. Antara's mom had made a cake for her that said Welcome Simmi, Rukhsana was excited and was jumping up and down.Oye, ms. Bunny rabbit. Pehle Antara ko toh usse mil lene dena then hum usko milenge gain a, kahi who darke bhaag hi na jaye ye sochkar ki Antara ke dost thode zyaada hi pagal hai Raghu teased Rukhsana. Shut up. Rukhsana said. She's here Rajveer and Antara's dad came in with a girl following. The whole family hugged her and welcomed her. After introducing herself Antara introduced her to her friends.

"Hi! It's so nice to meet you! You look just a lot like Antara. We have to go shopping sometime! Your clothes are adorable I love that dress!" Rukhsana said rapidly."Excuse her, she's a little hyper." Raghu's velvet voice cut Rukhsana off. "I'm Raghu," he said, holding out his hand. Simmi ignored it and kissed his cheeks instead."He's my best friend," Antara added. "Oh?" she said curiously. "He's hot," she whispered to Antara. "Oh." Antara said, she didn't like the way she was looking at Raghu. She looked dazzled and impressed. "Um, that's Satya, Rukhsana, Machmach, Rajveer and Nikita" Antara said pointing them out.

"It's very nice to meet all of you," she said."You too" Rukhsana said sweetly.Where's the bathroom? she asked, turning to Antara. Upstairs, middle door,she said.Thank you, she said gratefully before hurrying up the stairs. Raghu came over and leaned down to whisper in Antara's ear. What do you think of her? he whispered, sending shivers down Antara's spine. She seems nice, Antara said. She's very pretty, Raghu said. Suddenly Antara felt a stab of jealousy, but pushed it away. She always said she wanted Raghu to get a girlfriend. "She looks a lot like you."

Did he just say I was very pretty? Or did he just mean she was a prettier version of me? Antara thought rapidly. He straightened up and Antara noticed Simmi coming back downstairs. She came back up to Antara and Raghu. Are you two together? she asked curiously. Antara blushed furiously. No, we're just friends," Raghu answered. Simmi looked surprised Oh. I just thought'I mean the way you look at each other, she trailed off awkwardly. We've been best friends basically since we were born, Antara explained. Oh. Where are you from in England? Raghu asked changing the subject. London, Do you miss it? he asked sympathetically. Yeah. But India has it's perks too she said, raising her eyebrows slightly, her voice seductive. Yes, although I'm sure London has some perks as well Raghu murmured, smirking back at her. Antara's jaw literally hit the floor. They were flirting. Simmi was flirting with Raghu. Raghu was flirting with Simmi. Well maybe you could show me some of these Indian perks?" she asked. Antara was instantly jealous of her alluring voice and accent. She waited for Raghu to politely decline, like he did with every other girl. I'd like that, he said. Antara stared at him in shock. Raghu looked at Antara and his smirk grew more pronounced. Antara wrapped her hand around his and squeezed his fingers, getting him to look at her. Raghu, can we talk? she asked. He nodded. Excuse me, he said to Simmi, who was watching Antara with curious eyes. She dragged him away from her. What the hell do you think you're doing! she whisper shouted. He looked taken aback, but Antara thought she saw some smugness flash in his eyes. I am talking to your cousin, he replied. Nahi, tum besharmo ki tarah uske saath flirt kar rahe ho. Antara snapped. So? Tum hi to hamesha kehti ho ki mujhe girlfriend dhoond lenee chahiye. Maybe mujhe Simmi pasand hai. Antara narrowed her eyes at him, she didn't notice the smug look in Raghu's eyes. Fine. Theek hai. But how would you like it if I dated your cousin? she asked. I wouldn't like it. I wouldn't like it if you date anyone Antara, he said quietly. Antara was about to ask him what that meant when they were interrupted. Antara, Simmi said timidly. Yeah, Your mom is looking for you. She said. Okay. Thanks. Antara said walking to her mom. When she turned around she saw Raghu talking to Simmi. For some odd reason it bothered her. Kya hua mama? Antara mene Simmi ka samaan tere kamre me rakhwa diya hai. Agar usse kisi bhi cheez ki zaroorat ho toh uski help kar dena. She said. Okay. Antara said walking towards Raghu when Rukhsana and Machmach stopped her. So, mujhe lagta hai ki Simmi or Raghu ki bahut ban rahi hai, Rukhsana said casuslly. Nahi, woh sirf friends hai. Waise bhi mujhe kya fark parta hai. Antara said. Antu ofcourse tumhe fark nahi parta hai. Itna toh hame bhi dikhta hai Machmach said laughing.

You guys are so'ugh. Mein chali. Soon after dinner everyone left and Simmi followed Antara up to their room. Antara, Simmi asked suddenly. "Do you..like Raghu? More than a friend I mean? No, Antara answered too quickly. We're just friends. Is he single? she asked eagerly. Um, yeah Antara mumbled. She could feel myself getting angry, but didn't know why. He's very good looking,she giggled. Yeah. But he doesn't really date, Antara said. It was the truth, but she had a feeling that Raghu thought Simmi was very good looking too. The thought hurt her much more than it should. Oh. Well I can try, she decided finally. Right. Well goodnight Simmi, Antara said, ending the subject.

Needless to say, Antara didn't get much sleep that night. She was up wondering why she was jealous if Raghu liked Simmi. She wasn't sure why she felt that way, it wasn't