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Chapter 5 - Enigma
Only four of them from the original party were now left at the Olive lounge. Arjun had been sitting quietly at the table since last few minutes, as Neil and Sam went on about their bizarre travel stories. He noticed from the corner of his eye, Radhika glancing at him every so often. Unlike the rest of them, she had only been drinking ginger ale or water.
"What about you, Arjun?" asked Neil, "Do you like travelling?" trying to engage him in their discussion.
"Yeah, when I get the time to"
"That's good ... any particular places you like visiting?"
"I like Europe a lot - just with the history and culture; it has a lot to offer."
"What about the Americas?"
"Well, I haven't done much travelling there - but I do visit Montreal, Canada when I get a chance."
"Oh, Montreal?"
"Yeah ... my Mausi lives there."
"You know Radhika is from Montreal - her entire family lives there - maybe your Aunt knows them."
"Maybe", he said glancing at Radhika, "She runs an event management company - they do weddings, galas, fashion shows... So, Mausi has a lot of social contacts, it's likely their paths may have crossed."
"Oh speaking of," interrupted Sam "Radhika, I heard about your guys' shopping endeavors for the wedding... Congrats!! Are you excited?"
"Umm, thanks! Yeah I guess... It's the second wedding in our family. But I take it, Neil informed you on how much he loathed tagging along," she replied with a smile.
Stunned by the news Sam just shared, Arjun simply stared at Radhika as his brain tried to process it all. He had a hunch there was something brewing between Neil and her, but definitely not wedding. This was the same girl who was always focused on academics and career, it never dawned on Arjun she could actually be married or want to be in a relationship.
"Oh please... I only shared that my Chashni has great taste in clothes. And also that she chose the most beautiful sari for my mom!" added Neil with a wink.
"Good Lord... you are such a nautanki" replied Radhika laughingly.
"That I am!! And just for that ... Let's have a round of shots."
"I'm in!" stated Sam.
"I'm okay... I've had enough for one night," added Arjun curtly as the server came over to get their drinks order.
"Ok, so 2 shots of tequila, 2 of vodka," Neil asked the server, and then smiling at Radhika, he added "can we also get 7-Up or Sprite in 2 shot glasses?"
Their orders were brought out fairly quickly, with Neil and Sam grimacing as they downed the hard liquor. Radhika just smiled and shook her head. She had never been a fan of anything alcohol. Perhaps it ran in her family, only her siblings were social drinkers but even they didn't like the taste or feel of it. She looked at her watch and knew it was getting late, "Uhh Neil... shouldn't we..."
"Oh ... Hah, it's my song!!!" Neil cut her off as the DJ put Slow Motion Angreza on full blast. He started bobbing his head with eyes closed as he felt the music.
"You want to dance?" asked Sam, enjoying the mood and company.
"Neil... umm, can we leave soon?!"
"Chashni, the party just started... I really want to dance... Please!" he replied with a childish pout.
"But I am tired..." Radhika pleaded softly.
"Maybe Arjun can give you a ride to the hotel?!" Neil said smiling, getting up from the table as he held out his hand to Sam for the dance.
Radhika looked in said person's direction, and asked plainly "Can you?!"
"Yeah... I need to leave anyway."
"Great!! Done deal! Arjun, I'm entrusting you with my Chashni! Also, Radz, text me when you reach the hotel. And alas, before this song gets over... come on Sam!!!"
Arjun watched Sam and Neil rush off to the dance floor enjoying and swaying to the music. "I am done here, shall we?!" he said.
"Yeah"
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Radhika was first to break silence in the car as he drove her back to the hotel. She had wanted to have a normal conversation with Arjun the entire evening but couldn't bring herself up to it with others around. Now that they were alone, it was much easier to talk to him about everything that had been on her mind.
"So, how have you been?" she asked sincerely.
"I am ok"
"When did you move to Mumbai?"
"Five years ago"
"Oh ... Do you like it here?"
"It's alright"
"Wow!" she said rolling her eyes.
Noticing her sarcastic expression, he asked "What?"
"I don't know ... you tell me?"
"Huh?! That sprite gone to your head or something?!" asked an annoyed Arjun.
Sighing in frustration, she replied "No... What's wrong with you? I mean yes you were always reserved but you were still capable of good conversation before. What changed?! You're either only angry when you speak or just plain rude. What happened to the TA from Montreal?"
"Life and people change, Radhika!" he added in his usual stoic manner.
"Well, yes circumstances do change... but you don't lose yourself either!"
"Oh please ..."
"I'm sorry?!" she said, not quite understanding his reason for being infuriated with her.
"Always career focused - no interest in men or relationships."
"What are you talking about?!" enquired an even more confused Radhika.
"Really... you don't get it?" he said irately.
She just looked at him quizzically, and Arjun couldn't resist asking "Is this Neil an ok guy?"
Not quite understanding the shift in topic, she replied "More than okay - he is one of the nicest people I know."
"Do you trust him? I mean he is alone with Sam, dancing and drinking!"
"Oh... Sam is absolutely safe with him... he can be this crazy party person, but he never forgets that line one shouldn't cross... even when he is drinking or dancing."
"How long have you known him?"
"A little over 2 years ago, when I moved to New York for this job... And what's with this 20-20 on Neil, anyway?"
"Just curious, that's all."
"Look I know he can be stern when it comes to business but he's a perfect gentleman outside of work. Don't worry about it... Sam is perfectly safe."
He didn't understand how she could be so trusting of her fiance. Either Neil was really as stellar of a guy as Radhika thought he was, or he was completely abusing her trust. "If you say so" he stated curtly.
"That's it?"
"What?"
"I can't seem to understand you... I mean at work I can chalk up the reason for your behavior because it's a professional environment, but here and now ... I don't understand. What have I ever done to you?! You're always rude and short. When I found out you were the same Arjun from Montreal, I was actually happy. It was nice to know that there would be a familiar face here. I thought maybe, we could be friends this time around and keep in touch. After graduation, I did wonder time and again where you'd be. This may come as a surprise to you but I actually enjoyed running into you every now and then in Montreal."
It was the second time tonight Arjun was stunned. Her admission of enjoying his company in their younger years and wanting to be friends with him outside of work made him feel like a complete oaf, considering the way he had treated her this entire week. "We are here..." said Arjun softly as he drove to the hotel entrance.
"Umm, look I know you don't like me for whatever reason... but can you just..."
Interrupting her, he simply said "I know the drill... I'll walk you inside. Just let me park the car."
Giving a slight smile, she replied "Thank you!"
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The hotel itself was quite safe, but after the stalking incident earlier, Radhika didn't want to deal with a similar situation. She had only wanted that he accompany her to the elevator, but Arjun insisted on walking her to the room. And further, he made sure she secured her room door by closing the lock-latch. They didn't talk much during their short walk, but it felt nice to finally see him smile as he wished her goodbye. His expressions had softened too, confusing Radhika even more. She was still not sure what made Arjun so irate. She had meant everything she told him in the car but he was turning out to be quite an enigma.
Radhika received the reply text from Neil informing her that they were leaving and he would be dropping Sam off at her place, before returning to the hotel. She knew Neil would do just that, no matter how late or tired he was. Contrary to Arjun's perception about him, she knew he was a perfect gentleman - who was starting to develop a small crush on Sam.
As she sat in the hotel bed watching TV, her mind couldn't stop thinking about Arjun's words regarding how people and life change. Radhika knew he was correct, but only to an extent. He was much older than her and had more experience, but his outlook on life made him close off from the world completely. He may have been reserved and quiet in his younger days but now he seemed devoid of any happiness.
Bothered by these thoughts, Radhika took out her journal and scribbled down her incoherent feelings.
There is no point living in the past, dwelling on the what-ifs ... it only makes us sad. It's okay to reflect on all our experiences, hold on to the memories that have made us the person we are today, and move on in life with an open mind and an open heart. Life is never too short for anything good.
I believe I have always lived life like a free spirit. I enjoy taking things in stride as I walk the line and looking at events in life as an experience, be it good or bad. At the end of the day, these experiences shape us into who we are. We cannot bury ourselves under the burden of our past. We cannot stop living.
The truth is life will always be confusing. There will be uncertainty with everything we do. Perhaps it is time we think of tearing down walls and boundaries created by fear and sorrow. It only prevents us from understanding and helping one another, and at times from being happy. Let's see where this life takes us...
Dating her entry, Radhika closed the journal keeping it beside and curled up in bed letting sleep take over her.
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Year 2008
Two months had passed since her recovery from cancer. The chemotherapy treatment worked and Arjun's mom was doing better. It was her wish to watch a Hindi movie in theatre so they were both at Cineplex Forum to watch the afternoon show of "Welcome to Sajjanpur". He had gone out the hall to get some water, when he collided into someone as he turned the corner.
Noticing the 2 bags of popcorn and tray of pop fall down, along with the girl he had bumped into, Arjun immediately apologized "Oh I am so sorry. Umm, let me help you with that." As she peered up at him with a sad frown on her face, he realized it was none other than Radhika Mishra, from university. "What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Well, I was here to watch a movie with Maa and Dada-ji, but right now I need to clean up this mess. And then I will go back in line to buy everything again, and hopefully if there is time I can still watch part of the movie."
Chuckling to himself, he said "Don't worry... I'll help you clean up here. And since it's my fault I'll pay for your stuff."
"You don't need to pay..."
"I was going to get bottled water anyway... I'd feel bad if I don't."
"It was an accident ... I can't take your money."
"Can I at least pay for half of your order? Just so you know, I won't take no for an answer."
"Hmm... you can pay for my order only - small popcorn. I'll still buy for Maa and Dada-ji."
"That's it?"
"Yeah"
"Ok." He paused and added, "By the way, I think some of the pop spilled on your shirt... Sorry", handing her a stack of napkins to wipe her clothes.
They had managed to clear up the mess and Arjun called the cinema staff to further clean the floor. As they stood in line to get their snack items, he asked smiling at her, "Which movie are you here to watch?"
"Welcome to Sajjanpur ... it was my Dada-ji's pick. But I love Bollywood movies in general. What about you?"
"Same, actually"
"Oh... I didn't think you would be interested in Hindi movies."
"I am not... but am here with family too."
As he grabbed part of her order along with bottled water for his mom, he asked her plainly "We are going to the same hall; I could just carry this to where you are seated?"
"There is no need... you already helped me clean up and even paid for this popcorn."
"Hmm... you sure?"
"Yeah," she replied, as they walked to hall 7 "Alright... I hope you enjoy the movie."
"You too."
"And thanks for the popcorn!"
"No problem."
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Arjun sat on the bench after his run and scanned the beach area to see if Radhika was there this morning. It was a long shot considering she didn't go anywhere without Neil, and her fiance was probably fast asleep considering the late party last night. He still couldn't believe she was engaged to be married. He didn't quite understand why the news affected him so.
Thinking back to Radhika's words about being friends and keeping in touch, Arjun couldn't help but smile. If he was completely honest with himself, there was no harm in her proposition. It's not like he didn't enjoy her company in Montreal - as brief as it was. She always had a way of making him smile, even laugh. The time she had asked him about being an axe murderer, though he never told her but rather than offended he found her comment absolutely hilarious. He knew then just how sheltered she was. Bronfman Ball was one of his fondest memories of her.
She always had this warmth in her smile that lit up the room when she entered. Radhika may not have known but a few guys in university had wanted to date her. It didn't help that her ever-smiling face was the cause of many boys to take it the wrong way and misconstrue her gesture to think that she was interested. That is where her friends came in - making sure no one would even dare come near Radhika. Less friends, he used to consider them her bodyguards.
Contemplating how life does change, he realized it did for Radhika too. The girl who once had no interest in dating or relationship was now soon to be married. Arjun simply couldn't let go of that thought; it didn't feel right. But truth be told, if she was happy then nothing else mattered.
As he took in the serene views, Arjun figured this "friends" thing she suggested may not be such a bad idea. If anything, the next couple of weeks might actually turn out to be interesting, hanging out with the one and only Radhika Mishra.
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Year 2008
"That was a really good movie."
"Yeah I didn't mind it either," replied Arjun as he saw Radhika leaving the theatre with her family.
"Hmm... someone is distracted!"
"I am not" he stated softly.
"Who is she?"
"Who?" asked Arjun, trying to act all causal in front of his mother.
"The reason you are trying to hide your smile from me this moment. I am not as tall as you but your eyes seem to be glued to that girl in blue shirt."
"Uhh, that girl?" he replied pointing to a random old lady hoping his Maa won't pester him further.
"Very funny Arjun... you are forgetting that I am your mother, and you can't hide anything from me - no matter how hard you try. I noticed the change when you brought the bottled water back and how you kept glancing at the seat few rows below us. I can't see her face, but she looks young, Ms. Blue Shirt with Printed Scarf."
"It's nothing, Maa"
"I never said it was something... so, are you going to tell me?"
Realizing his mother won't let him off the hook; Arjun figured it was best to be honest, "She is an undergrad student at the university... I am the TA for some of her management and marketing courses. That's it."
"Hmmm..."
"What hmmm'?"
"Oh nothing... just that I think you like her."
"Maa!" he whined like a child.
"What's the big deal if you like her ... it's only natural, baba. Fine, I won't bug you on this topic further... now just smile."
Smiling at his mom's comment, he added "And yes she is very young."
"Well, I like her..."
"Just like that!? What if she was cross-eyed or something..." he said jokingly.
"Any girl who can make you smile the way you just did... I'd like her very much."
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She was at the hotel cafe having their Sunday brunch. They had a good mix of continental and Indian cuisine. Taking it slowly, Radhika just finished her plate of Aloo puri and Halwa, as she waited for Neil. The late night party had him running behind schedule and since hunger got the best of her, she came down to start on food while he got ready. As she contemplated on what to eat next, someone tapped on her shoulder, causing her to jump.
"I didn't mean to scare you... but, Ms. Mishra, right?!"
"Uh yes..." replied Radhika, as she tried to recall the man's name.
"Remember me? Saral Singhal from Future Media"
"Oh yes..."
"Fancy running into you here... Small world!"
Radhika smiled at him politely. There was not much to talk about as he hardly spoke in their meeting with Future Media, and considering the Lancome account was won by Bird Song, this was all very awkward.
"Are you here for brunch?! Where is Mr. Malhotra?"
"He should be here shortly. We stay at this hotel so brunch is convenient."
"Oh ok... I am here with a few friends just enjoying the Sunday morning. They do an amazing buffet here."
"Yes, it seems alright"
"Look I know we didn't get the account but if you need anything, I wouldn't mind showing you around Mumbai. This is your first time here right?!"
"That's very nice of you. But that won't be necessary... thanks though."
"Oh, you're welcome. Well, I should get going... maybe I'll see you around."
With a short smile, Radhika replied "Maybe... Goodbye."
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"Who was she?"
"The reason Future Media didn't get the Lancome account. And the reason why I am not the Creative Director anymore," stated Saral to his group of friends.
"She seems sweet. And you were being awfully nice to her."
"Yeah well ... I was trying to be polite. The worst part is Bird Song got that account. Ever since this Arjun Mehra took over as Partner there, things aren't going right for me."
"Isn't he the one who rejected your application at Bird Song four years ago?"
"Yeah ... he's an egoistic man ... just full of himself."
"I have heard he was educated abroad, so he has a lot of connections."
"Yeah it's true."
"Do you think that's why Lancome went with Bird Song... perhaps there is some connect there?"
"Maybe..." replied Saral contemplating if there was a personal connect between the Lancome team visiting India and Arjun Mehra.
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Intro / Index
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Seher Hone Ko Hai
