Look Through my EYES last part+epilog pg 50 - Page 17

CHAPTER 16

Kashish was a wreck. Her life was a wreck; her wardrobe was a wreck, her hair were a wreck and hr ability to think straight was also wrecked.

She had been lying in the tub for 1 hr. and was still unable to decide and predict in which direction her date was heading.

2nite was not just any night. It's.. It's a Date. He? he had said it.. Not dinner, not causal meeting, but a DATE! Yes, a Date! Ooh! The sound of these words? like water on parched drought ridden soil? like music greater than Beethoven's? lik- NO! Just a word. A word coz of which I have been unable to concentrate on my work for last 2 days and am lying here in complete disarray for last 2 hours. Uufff! Kya karoon mein is ladke ka?(what do I make of this guy?) Uski chodo, mein khud ka kya karoon?!(Leave him, what do I do with my stupid self?!)

Kashish finally decided to get ready and choose her clothes for 2nite with great care?.. I have an uneasy feeling as if something big.. different is gonna happen tonight.. I must b up to it. I don't have to impress him any more, Infact it's better if he thinks of me once more as a plain Jane? Yes that is it. Dress simply.

And so Kashish finally decided on her 2 yr. old, well worn jeans and a simple white t-shirt? Hair pulled back in a tight pony and no trance of makeup whatsoever?

**********

kashish waited impatiently.... it was already 7.45 and her "DATE" was late.
i Swear to god! if that man is trying any hanky-panky business with me then he is dead!!! why is he late?? he is never late for his court trials. if is he is ditching me then i'll poison him at breakfast tomorow morning! after all the agitation and tention i have been through for his "DATE" he has made a very BIG mistake by being late-

TING!!! TONG!!

K rushes to open the door and see's a casually dressed Sujal in front of her
What is he up to now?! why is he in in jeans and tee's? not tht he looks bad ... but why? and why is he grinning at my clothes like this?

s-"AH! U are ready on time. good. i se tht u r dressed appropriatly too."

S offers his hand to her so tht they can leave immidiatly.

On time!! u r late, and where is my apology for tht? What does he mean appropriatly dressed? jeans and top is apropriate dress for which darn date location?!?

s-"Princess shall we? i dont want us to b late.."

Kashish hesitantly places her hand in his still confused by his behaviour..

K-"Where are we going?"

S(smiling smugly at her)-"Have patience my dear princess. Patience is the greatest of all virtues..."

K grew more irritatled but maintained her outward cool... " Have patince my princes " my a**, if he keeps up with this sh*t for anotherr 5 min, i'll strangle him!! he better tell me soon where he is taking me....

*********

S-"Ah! Here v r! Finally. So what do you think?"

Kashish stared down the road ahead of h unable to believe her eyes.. No I am dreaming, imagining!!! This cant b true! No way! Just no freaking way!! He couldn't have actually? Kashish rubbed her eyes and stared to and forth b/w sujal and the big flashy sign ahead of her? he is actually serious!!!! What the heck is he thinkin????!!!!! Bring me for a date to a bl**dy Carnival!!!!!!!!

K-"________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________"

s-"I knew u wud be speechless, coz u absolutely love this."

Sujal smiled magnanimously while kashish just continued staring at him unbelievingly.

K?SEE??!!! This is where he has brought u. This is all he thinks of me! Going out with me is nothing but a good, hearty joke for him. He has no regards for my feelings what so ever. Bast***? why don't I just stab him with a knife and b over with everything?

Sujal drags kashish inside the carnival/fate and felt really smug with his clever thinking.

S-"So what do u wanna try out first?"

K gives him a cold polite smile. She was trying her best not to push him in front of a fire conjurer showing off his skills nearby?

K (with gritted teeth)-"Whatever u say."

S suddenly felt a bit apprehensive? He cud feel the change in her attitude.. Maybe I should have taken her someplace else?.

S-"Hmmm? How about the???(scoring around for a nice activity)?Look! Over there! That's Judge Oberoi! He's volunteering for the 'hit the mark, drown the man'(A man sits on a platform which makes him fall in a tub placed under it whenever any1 hits the bonsai)?. I wonder how many times he has fallen in the tub already? Should v go there? "

K shrugs her shoulder and starts walking towards that stall, without even bothering to see if S was coming with her or not? She was soooo mad and hurt, that she cud actually imagine S sitting on the platform instead of the judge and the pool of water was filled with sharks and piranhas? and she was aiming for the bonsai?

S-"Hey! Where r u lost??" waving a hand in front of her..

K-"Nothing I was just imagining how fun it wud b to make some1 fall in that tub? Give me the balls. I wanna try it first"

S handed her the target balls, but he had a feeling that making a man fall wasn't all she was imagining. She had an aggressive, devilish glint in her eye.. Maybe she was imagining me falling in that tub ? <sigh>.. Princess? U just have to ask, I'll jump in the tub my self.

Kashish diverting the full fury of her anger on hitting the target, made the judge fall 4 times out of her 5 chances. Sujal just stood there unable to understand whether the smirk on her face was of happiness or cruel enjoyment..

After her chance was over the judge dripping in water came over to them..

J-"Sujal! What are u doing here? And who is this young girl with u, who made me fall so many times?"

S grinned at him and said-"This is Kashish sir."

J (jokingly.. pretending to look strict)-"Well well. Young lady.. It's not very funny, what u did to this old man.. U know if u ever, by mistake, get into a hearing I cud get easily biased.. And let me assure u, ur good lawyer friend here may not b of any help too.."

K-"Sir all I can say is that if u r afraid of water then u shouldn't have volunteered and Mr. Grewal here is no good friend of mine. He wud b the last person I wud ask of help."

Ouch that hurt? S just stopped himself from giving kashish a hurt look.

Judge looked confused ..

J-"I am sorry Miss perhaps I assumed wrongly of ur relationship? But I wud suggest u go to him. A fine young lawyer he is, the best infact!"

K smiled thinly-"For me no one is better than my dad, Mr. Ashok Sinha and even Mr. Grewal here agrees on that."

J (opening his eyes wide) -"Oh!!! U r kashish Sinha!! Why didn't u say so before!? Dear girl u can put me in water as many times as u like? Ur father has saved so many innocent lives that it compensates for everything!"

Kashish smiled graciously at the judge and then moved on to some other stall with s. She was happy with what the judge had said and that S was being unusually quite right now? It was helping her curb her temper and channel it into winning gifts and prices at many stalls.

Sujal was dumbfound coz he has never seen her like this .. She showed no sign of happiness at winning a teddy or a fish. She was concentrating 100% on whatever game she was playing and he cud feel an undercurrent of anger in her actions and so decided to stay cautious and observe her from a distance.

S-"Ummm.. How about the scary tunnel next?"

K-"What?! The scary tunnel? Are u serious?"

S-"Yah.. I heard it was pretty scary. But u don't have to if u r too scared princess.. I don't want u having nightmares?"

K-"I am not scared."

S-"Hey! Kashish really its ok u don't havta pretend, it's usual for a girl to feel sca-"

K-"Are u getting in this boat or should I go alone?", while sujal was teasing k, she had went on ahead and sat inside a tiny boat for two..

Sujal too went and sat besides kashish?. He felt a bit disappointed and uncomfortable? Firstly kids are afraid of such rides and if she is eager to sit in it then something is very wrong with her? and secondly he didn't want his over worked mind to have any more idea for a nightmare? the ones he were already having were scary enough-

WHAM!!!!!! AAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! WELCOM TO THE TUNNEL OF DEATH AND DOOM

S looked around in the dark narrow tunnel through which their boat was gently sailing.. For a moment he felt he was living his nightmare when a lady in dark red dress turned towards them, her head in a platter in her hands in front of her? Sujal edged a little close to kashish?.. he stared hard at her and realized that she wasn't disturbed in the least.. Wait a min!! Is that a yawn?? Is she feeling bored in this sick, horrendous, revolting tunnel?? How in the world is that possible.

Finally as they came out of the tunnel both got out and sujal looked at kashish curiously? is she really a psychopath?

K stretching her legs a little after the cramped boat ride-"u called that scary? Huh?. U haven't seen the morgue in my college? man? to go there after dark.. Woooo.. Totally creepy?."

K gave a shiver and a serious look to S.

K-"U interested in going there? I can arrange it if u want.."

S-"Umm.. No thanks.. Maybe some other time.." So that's it!!! Of course! I am such an idiot. She has spent 7 years dissecting grossest of dead bodies? a few distorted looking wax models can't scare her? what was I thinking? No, actually I wasn't thinking at all, as usual. When I am around her I seem to lose that mental facility of mine?.

S went and brought a stick of cotton candy next? since I haven't been able to understand her childhood. It's time to move in closer to her, find out more of her likes & dislikes and try a bit of mushy stuff.

S-"Here go. I hope u like cotton candy"

K-"Thank you.. " K had started feeling much better now.. her anger had resided and after winning so many prices she had a feel good factor working hard for her?+ the tunnel reminded her of good old college days and she absolutely luuuved cotton candy? she mom always use to buy it for her.. Maybe this carnival wasn't such a bad idea after all? he may have brought me here as a big joke which he can boast about to his frnds but I am gonna enjoy myself here. It's been such a long time since I had cotton candy ? YUMMMMM.

K started munching on her candy stick rather greedily? seeing this sujal decided to grab some from it before she ate it all.

K-"HEY!!", moving her stick out of his reach, "where's ur's? Eat from ur own. U ain't getting nothing from mine."

K turned around with a cute kid's pouting face and eagerly consumed all her candy.

S?where's mine????? We were supposed to share it! That's how we were supposed to come closer. U r so selfish and?. so cute. Awww she looks like naughty 5 yr. old who just got a treat for being a good girl? aaah! That adorable scowl is back to? this IS wonderful? reallly good.

S-"U want some more?"

K looked at him a bit of anger still shimmering in her eyes and then suddenly nodded her head vigorously with a smile on her lips.

Wonderful. Sujal thought while handing her another stick..

S-"So where do u wanna go next?"

K shrugged her shoulders first but then took a look around for the first time taking an interest in the place..

K-"Lefs waft fe puppef fow" K said with her mouth stuffed and dragged him to a puppet show going on?

It was full of music, beautifully painted puppets and excellent puppetry.

After completing her candy K tugged S's elbow and asks in the middle of the show.

K-"Can we go on a ride?"

S hiding his surprise and outburst of happiness simply shook his head in a yes with a polite smile

YES YES YES!!!!! She is talking to me again!!!! She just came forward and asked me for something!! She talked to me!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!

S-"So which ride u wanna go on?"

S-"So which ride u wanna go on?"

K-"That one!"

K points to this:-

A HUGEEEEE giant wheel. It didn't have 4 seats like this one, just 2 and they too were on the same side ?. So if one tilts just a little in the front, the entire trolley rocks dangerously.. Although it has a safety rod.. Ppl who aren't so comfortable with heights don't prefer this ride?? And Sujal Didn't Prefer It?.

S-"That one??!! Are u sure.. It seems too.. too"

k-"Yes!! Positive. Imagine what a view it must be having at the top.. It is soo tall.. I can't wait to get there, c'mon!"

S and K both sat in the trolley and S gripped the safety bar tight. His knuckles turning white. K looked around like a busy, little, pesky bird; unable to sit still in her place.

S-"Quit squirming wouldya!? It's dangerous!"

K looks at Sujal carefully, he seemed kind of pale and stiff? He couldn't be.. He is always so courageous.. No, no, it's not possible I am just imagining this?

K leaned a bit to get a better view of the circus lights (now their trolley was in the hour hand position of 9'o' clock).

S-"I said stop it!! Sit still!"

K stares at S again? No I am definitely not imagining this! He actually is scared!!! Mr. high and mighty lawyer is actually scarred out of his skin!!!! Wow! What an eye opener?

K-"Umm Sujal, if u r so afraid, then why did u come?"

S(barring his teeth at her)-"I am not afraid! I just don't trust this rickety old iron trolley to hold both our weights, so just sit still and stop rocking it!!"

K-"So u r afraid of heights?."

S(eyes closed now)-"Am not!"

K(amused, teasing tone)-"Well then why don't u open ur eyes and see the pretty city lights?"

Damm her... if this thing wasn't so rickety I really wouldn't b so afraid.. why do they have to make this darn thing so huge?? Damm them all!!

S-"I am fine stop bugging me!!"

He looks so adorably handsome and cute!!! How cud any1 look both at the same time? That's him, he can?? I must be careful not to drool over him.

K whispering softly-"Sujal?"

S(gripping the railing tighter)-"WHAT!!!??? Cant u just sit-"

Sujal felt something soft touching the edge of his lips suddenly.. He opened his eyes just a little to see what it was and realized that K's face was in front of her and she was staring at him.

Sujal slammed his eyes shut again. If this is a dream in which kashish is kissing me then I don't wanna wake up ever.

In wild unstoppable impulse just to get close to him, ease his anxiety, smoothen that line of tension from b/w his eyes Kashish leaned towards him a bit and placed her lips at the edge of his.

She kissed him with her eyes staring at the transforming expressions of his face. She had never been so close to him? Close enough to inhale his heady aftershave, which emptied her brain of all thoughts... Close enough to see a small scar just above his left eye, it was covered by his brow.. She hadn't known about it before.. She also hadn't know the sheer, pure, sensual pleasure of just being so close to him, of feeling his breath on her face and hearing two wild well matched heartbeats?

Kashish finally closed eyes to savor the moment and capture the image of his face in some deep recess of her mind forever. We will never be like this again. But one day when I am old, I'll remember his face like this and feel no regrets?

Sujal was defiantly sure this was dream. A wild, crazy, sweet dream. He was having this dream right now as a compensation for his nightmares. But it felt so real. Her soft lips felt so real. Her scent was real. The pressure of her hand on his shoulder was real.

I have to know if it's a reality. Sujal opened his eyes to see kashish face in front of his. Her eyes closed and serene happiness on her face.

It can't be true!!! Sujal let go of the safety rod with one hand and slowly moved it over to hold her waist.

That defiantly felt real. The presence of her warm, narrow waste was too strong to be rejected as a part of dream. Sujal closed his eyes and turned his head slightly so that he cud kiss her properly and not just feel her lips touching his.

Just then kashish retreated and sat back in her place. The first rotation was coming to an end, and they were barely 10 feet above the ground, every1 wud be watching and if she didn't break away now, she had no idea where this ride wud take the two of them to? It wud be better for both of us to get off now.

Sujal was so confused at her sudden movement that he again had serious doubts about him hallucinating.

They both got of thee wheel then and s looked at kashish closely. Only her expressions cud tell if anything had happened on the ride or not?

K(chattering to hide her blush and to pretend as if nothing unusual had happened)-"Wow the view at the top was a beauty(that's right nothing as beautiful and as mesmerizing as ur face up close)?? But u kept ur eyes closed and didn't see anything"

S-"Aah.. Yah.. The trolley was in a real bad condition. I feared that v both might fall from it."

K(Pinching Sujal's cheek)-"Oh Sujal u are such a cute scardy cat"(giggle)

S-"I am so not. Stop it!" dodging K's hand.

K-"Are too"

S-"Am not"

K-"Are too"

S-"Kashish, I said I am not. Stop it."

K(dolefully)-"Ok. Ok. Fine u don't wanna admit it, its fine.. Ur disagreeing doesn't change the truth"

S-"Kashish I am warning u to sto-"

K(changing topic instantly)-"So what shud we do next?"

S-"U pick."

She suddenly looks so happy and excited as if she has just won an Olympic medal. I don't know what happened up there. Which part was real, which was a part of my fantasy? But I sure am glad that I sat on that damnable thing?. Sujal thought and smiled at K

Kashish was astounded herself at what she had done. Where did I get that courage from? What if he says anything about it? What wud I say. Most importantly why d hell did I do it???? I guess, I was jus trying some distraction psychology. Yes that seems a valid logical reason.

Next S & K went to satisfy their hungered stomachs and Sujal not risking a repeat of the candy incident for the sake of his growling stomach, brought 2 pieces of everything.

K with her mouth half full of food suddenly started jumping and swallowed her food in a hurry-"Sujal look!!!! Look! Over there! A snake charmer!!!"

S(calmly)-"Yeh.. so?"

k-"He's got a real snake look! Lets go and check it out! I think he's got a python!!! C'mon hurry up!"

K dragged Sujal and made him discard his half eaten hot dog.

K-"Is ur snake a python?"

Snake Charmer-"Yes it is. U interested in snakes, beautiful miss?"

S?'Beautiful Miss'?? This is my date back off!

S(stepping close to her)-"Yes she has some vague interest."

K-"Actually I once did a short course on their types, poison and remedies for snake bite."

S?It's official now. Kashish has weird interests and I don't have the vaguest idea abt 'em and I am still intrigued by her.

Snake charmer got up from his place the huge python coiled around his body. He was a young man of abt 24-26. With rugged gypsy look, ears pierced a various points and a strong built, he had sort of an animal magnetism on him. Unlike other people of his gang, he was clean shaven and bathed.

Basically which an image which was bothering Sujal and made him feel threatened in his own territory.

Snake Charmer-"Wow! In this gruesome era of ignorance, it's such a virtuous fortune to meet a real Cleopatra.(Gracefully bows in front of K). Your humble servant- Leonid Danilovich, or if the lady prefers just Leo.(A dashing smile, with dimpled cheeks accompanied the last line)"

Kashish giggled at the blatant flirting. And couldn't stop from smiling back at him.

While sujal frowned. He didn't much liking for this Leo- lepricon, smooth talking guy. Why his nose even pinched from this snaki boy's revolting, rotten smell. Can't she smell it too?

K-"Nice to meet u Leo, I am no Cleopatra. So where did u catch this snake from."

Leo-"Ah! U r too modest.. Or u haven't as yet met men who have eyes.(glancing slyly at S)"

S-"Hey why don't u just ans her ques."

K looked at sujal?. what's with him? Why is he giving Leo a menacing look. He is weird. I know he just can't be jealous over me.. then why?

Leo smirked slightly at sujal-"Our band moved through Africa once when I was 15. We encountered a lot of wild animals and tribals in Zaire. There one day, our chief, my father(with pride) got bitten by a snake and I pledged to find it and kill it. I killed that black mamba(the most poisonous snake) with my bare hands and found this little thing fighting with it. I brought it back with me and have been studying abt snakes since."

K-"Oh that was awfully courageous of u. To kill a black mamba at just 15 yrs of age."

S-"It was wonderfully stupid to"

K nudges Sujal a bit with her elbow and whispers to him-"Why r behaving like a jerk?"

Leo-"It was for honor and then anyways I had to prove my manhood"

Sujal crossed his arms and continued frowning angrily at Leo.

K-"Can I touch it? Does it have a name?"

Leo-"Touch!? Oh no! That wud be an insult to u and my snake- D'ordinaire? u must hold him completely my lady. That wud be the only way to do full justice to both ur dignities."

S-"I think a touch wud be just fine"

Leo-"Utter nonsense"

K-"Sujal I wanna hold it. I know I'll never get such a chance ever again in my life"

Leo stepped forward and carefully started draping the python around k. He covered her shoulders and her arms with the coldblooded crawler.. While Sujal watched helplessly

K-"So how did u remove its fangs?"

Leo-"I didn't"

S-"WHAT!!?? Are u mad? What if it bites her? U fool!! U crazy fre-"

Leo coldly ?"Please remain calm or u will agitate D'ordinaire. It's difficult to explain this to a suburban man like u. But Miss u see, we gypsies never strip any living being of their dignity. Either we kill them or learn to adjust with them, but never do we try to turn them into our slaves."

K-"Its ok Leo I understand. Wow it's so big and beautiful. "

S?What a bucket full of crap. That thing stinks.

S-"And dangerous why don't u take it off her now, snake boy."

K-"Oh! Wait! I want a pic. Sujal please wud u? Leo here stand next to me please."

Sujal pursed his lips in unbelievable surprise. He quickly took their pic as he particularly didn't like the way that snake boy was standing near her. That young, loud, whipper-snapper is standing too close to kashish. Maybe I cud put him in jail for cruelty on animals?.

K-"Thanks Sujal. U wanna hold d'ordinaire?"

S-"I think I'll pas-"

Leo-"I don't think D'ordinaire wud be comfortable near a person who doesn't respect it. No offence miss."

K(a bit sad)-"Oh.. Ok. Well then I guess we shud move now(dropping some money in Leo's hat, half filled with coins). See u next year Leo. U wud be here right?"

Leo-"I believe that such chance meeting happen only once miss?. Me being a gypsy, cannot make any promises of my whereabouts?"

S-"That's perfectly ok.(satisfactory, contented smile) C'mon we shud hurry now.." holding K's hand and dragging her away.

K-"Wait Sujal.(jerking her hand away, turning to Leo)I understand. It was a pleasure meeting u and D'ordinaire. Thank you for letting me hold him"

Leo made a graceful bow and kissed Kashish's hand in a regal manner.

Leo-"The pleasure is all mine."

Sujal's lips thinned into a line and the sides of his mouth grew white, his teeth clenched automatically along with his fist. One more word and this snake boy wud truly wish he never came back from Africa.

K nodded at Leo and laughed-"Mr. Leonid u have a way with women. I wonder how ur wife handles it."

S?Married??? Now why didn't she tell me that b4? Here I was making plans to get convicted for a 1^st degree murder.

Leo gave a distraught smile-"And from where did my Cleopatra get such an idea of my being married from?"

S?He is not??!! Pity, he wud die a bachelor(cracking his knuckles)

K-"Well u are the band leader and u r around 25. If my knowledge is correct u should have been married atleast 4 yrs. ago with 2 kids sleeping safely in ur caravan right now."

Leo-"I see that nothing is hidden from u. My wonderful wife understands that I have to be like this for business. She doesn't mind and acts as my pillar of strength."

s-"I wonder what ur wife does when some accompanying man punches ur nose for ur flirting.."

Leo-"U shud consider urself lucky sir; for being with such a woman and for being in my good books. Coz gypsy women know some terrible ancient magic, which they do not hesitate to practice from time to time in order to protect their family."

K (hurriedly)-"Well that's an interesting fact to know. C'mon lets go sujal. Bye Leo."

K dragged away s from Leo and his snake. She was not superstitious; neither did she believe in black magic. Yet Leo's warning had made her worried. She didn't wanna risk anything with sujal, no matter how stupid it sounded. So decided it was best to get away from there.

K-"Why were u so rude to Leo?"

S-"I wasn't. I think I gave him all the respect which he deserved" which was nothing.

K-"U are so impossible sometimes Sujal. I don't understand u at all."

S?Same here.

K-"Well did the cat get ur tongue now? Do u know how dangerous these gypsies are?"its not about who made who look bad, u idiot! I am worried about u! I am not superstitious and neither do I believe in black magic stuff, but when it comes to u, I don't wanna take any chances. How do I get this inside ur head?

Sujal stopped and turned towards Kashish. Holding her shoulders he gives her an exasperated look.

S-"I don't want to argue with u Kashish. Can't we just not discuss about u snake charmer right now"

K-"MINE snake charmer(here he goes again!!)?? What r u getting at? Sujal this is getting really-"

"Shhhhhh"-Sujal placing a finger on her lips, taking a step closer to her.

I won't let a silly snake boy ruin my hard earned date. I'll just apologize if it ends the fight here?

S-"U enjoyed being with the snake right? I took ur pic with it too. That's all that matters for now. Ok"

K silently nodded her head in a yes. HALT! What just happened right now? How come he suddenly shifted from insulting Leo to wooing me? What in blizzards is WRONG with him?

First of all he acted as if he was jealous, which he couldn't have been. Now he says he doesn't wanna fight? On top of everything he is acting mushy with me! Maybe tonight Is partly a Dream.. That's the only way to explain it all.

S-"If u really want, I'll go and apologize to him.", removing his finger from her lips, "Would u like me to do that?"

K-"Nn..No. No, he was rude to u too?"

APLOGIZE!!!!!! My ears are defiantly ringing! He really doesn't want to fight with me and now apologize to a stranger just coz I said so!!? Why?.

S-"Maybe, he acted that way coz I was rude in the beginning?", looking deep in her eyes.

Sujal really wanted to make something out of this magical evening. It wud be an utter waste it they spend bickering over some guy with a snake dangling from his neck?.

K shook her head in denial and looked down. Unable to look back in his clear, honest eyes with her own turmoil filled ones. A turmoil which caused a tremble in her voice when said, "N.. No.. It'ss Ok?".

'Jealous' ?? Why did I think that? He wants to go and Apologize for god's sake. Which man burning up with jealous wud do that?? He is doing it probably coz he understands Leo threat or coz he cares enough for the evening and does not want to ruin it?. He was just being protective. Had any of my brothers been here with me instead of him, their behaviour wud have been more uncivilized. Here like a nave fool? I wantingly believed that he was jealous.. He Is Not. He Never Wud Be. He was just acting like good step brother or some1 like that. Definitely not like a boyfriend or lover. His calling tonight a date doesn't actually just make it one? and h has dropped ample hints for me to understand that. First the location, then the silence, then the mute acceptance of everything and finally the sincere offer for apology? He is offering nothing more than friendship through tonight's date, and I mustn't fantasize it into something slightest bit romantic.

Kashish looking away from his searching eyes-"Let's go over there.. Forget about it. U were both equally bad mannered. U don't have to go and apologize.(smiling brightly at him now) That wud be against ur basic rude personality"

Sujal a bit confused by her sudden change of mood returned her smile, spoke in a teasing, naughty tone.

S-"For u my princess I can make a few alterations there too."

Kashish giving him a semi glare broke out in giggles?.. Friendship is all he is offering and I think I'll gladly accept it. His natural flirting will always pop up at times. I'll simply have to learn to ignore it and stop taking his words that seriously.

Sujal too was happy to see kashish giggling and smiling with him without any inhibitions. I have no idea which ride, which moment, which action or which word did it. But kashish is finally opening up to me. For the first time since she has come back home from college she is comfortable around me. Thank you god I couldn't have asked u for me?Now that I am over hurdle one. I should start making a mental note of her likes and dislikes for future references.

Sujal and kashish walked through various game stalls maintaining a casual, light banter between them.

As they walked kashish paused for a sec and then started walking as if nothing at all was wrong with the whole world. Sujal who was secretly noticing her every movement with an hawk's eye, stopped and asked-

"What's the matter?"

K very much surprised that he noticed her slight hesitation went for a quick cover up-"what? Which matter?"

S (wagging a finger in front of her)-"U want to go somewhere, but u are suddenly too shy to ask. So don't pretend and act otherwise."

What is the matter with him. Can't he just let go? Why does he have to b so observant?

K-"Nowhere?"

S-"Don't say that. (Teasing tone which gets on her nerves)U are actually feeling shy of me.."

K-"Ohhhh! Fine! I was thinking of going for crazy cars."

S-"What? That's so childish.."

K-"Well I automatically did reject the idea then. Didn't I? So no need for the bromide", looking away with a sulk.

Sujal (pursing his lips hard, so as not to laugh on her)-"Well it's not that bad an idea either.."

Kashish looking sharply at sujal with a pulse of excitement beating on her neck-"What do u mean. We can go?"

S(grinning at kashish)-"Well it really hasn't got an age limit to it. Right?"

Kashish nodded, her eyes glimmering with kiddish joy-"Let's hurry then!"

K pulls Sujal towards the ride. They both sit in the different cars, quickly becoming a topic of discussion for some kids who were waiting in queue for the same ride. K grips the wheel of her toy car tightly and rushes forth as the engines spring life.

WHAM!!! BUMP!!! Her first big jolt- to Sujal.

Kashish laughs at his furious face. Here she was banging her car against his and he wasn't having enough leg space to direct his car in any direction.

S(shouting at K)-"Just u wait little vixen. I'll get u!!!"

CRASH!! There! I got her now!

Sujal had finally managed to bump K's car from behind so forcefully that she almost fell out of it, her hair scattering on her face in a mess.

K-"You're so gonna regret this Mr. Ferrari."

K quickly turned her car and went far a head on collision with Sujal's car. The bumped so hard that even the game control guy got a bit worried. Actually this time, all the other cars had zeroed on S and K. every one had bumped them at almost the same time.

Now it was S & K against all the other kids present.

If Kashish got the front then Sujal would crash the rear of the same car. Both wud come and attack at the same time with great coordination of professionals. Soon it was a very bumpy-grumpy, crazy cars ultimate battle round, full of curses and swears. Freaking out the game control guy even more. All the cars wud defiantly need servicing after this round. CRASH!!!!

This time sujal got ambushed by 3 other teenagers. They drove his car too a corner and made it impossible to get out of there. Kashish in the middle of thrashing a 9 year olds car shouted angrily at Sujal to get out of the fix and come over to help her. But Sujal was unable to back his car and get out of there. B4 any more harm could be done to the cars, the round got over and the guy at controlled begged every1 especially Sujal and Kashish to never come again.

But the two were to busy splitting their sides from laughter to actually hear a word.

Sujal couldn't remember the last time he had so much freedom and fun of crashing and banging into things. Sometimes it just feels good to be wild and out of control.

Wiping the water from her eyes and straightening her hair out of tangles Kashish lightly hit sujal on his arm-"Why didn't u get out of the corner during the end?"

S-"I couldn't. That girl with pigtails had me grounded there."

Kashish in a very serious tone, the type a 11 year old team leader takes when her team losses in match-"Don't make excuses. That wimp of a kid couldn't jam u there. U are just a lame driver.. And had u listened to my instructions, u wud have out of that spot in a jiffy."(frowning and cringing her nose)

Sujal looked at her wide eyed?man she is so serious about such a little thing. It's not as if I lost grand prix.. I guess this is her competitive side. So she was like this from her childhood only?

Hmmmm she is frowning again, that means looking super cute again and that means me wanting to kiss her nose again, specially with her hair blowing her face like that?.<sigh> An action which wud nullify all the gains of 2nite.

Sujal stared at K while she delivered her spirited speech and then unable to control his heart any more cupped her face and kissed her nose.

Muah!

Now Kashish stared at Sujal in complete shock. Quickly then, Sujal hooking his elbow around her neck, pulled her and ruffled her just straightened hair, in a 'buddy-buddy' manner. A cover up for his impetuous kiss.

S-"Don't worry Miss Schumacher, u can train me well and next time those skinny, little, rascals wud regret even buying tickets for the game. Ok?"

K regaining a bit of her maturity -"No. That training won't be of any use. The ride owner won't let us inside the game again"<<<<<<Oops!!! did I say maturity. I meant her mature, logical appearance and voice. Not her thinking..>>>>>>

sujal laughed in his deep voice, which made slight crow feet near his eyes. He ruffled her hair again (I have got to keep my hands to my self, They are getting to much outa control) ?"U know what? I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard."

K (smiling widely)-"Yeh.. It was superb. I always like coming to carnivals and fates.. When we were young, mom wud bring all 4 of us here. Sam and Sid bhai wud always act reluctant in the beginning but wud disappear into stalls as soon as we arrived. Nick wud always grumble when mom insisted on making me sit with him in crazy cars?"

S glanced at k with a look of deep longing in his eyes-"That wud have been so much fun. All 4 of u together with ur mom.."

K(sighing)-"Yes it was. But since mom passed away, it all ended. Our family outings, picnics, having movies or drives together.. All of it"

They were standing near a railing now, watching some fire conjurers perform various acts. Sujal placed his hand on top of K's ?

"Atleast u had all those years with ur mom to cherish Kashish. And even though the outings stopped, all of u are still so much a close family. U live together, have meals together. U have still have ur dad and brothers.. now bhabhi's (sisters in law) too. They count too."

K-"I know. It's just.. Every1 grew up so suddenly when mom passed away and everything changed so suddenly.. we all became so serious, we stopped doing kiddish stuff after that.."

K felt comforted by S's words, she already knew what S was saying was right and this actually was the first time she had complained of not having a mother to any1.

K glanced at S and saw his grim, faraway sad eyes? here I am whining of having such considerate brothers and father to a guy who has none. And yet he is the one who is giving me solace. I am so pathetic.

K slipped her hand away from Sujal's and rubbed his back. He turned, masking his expressions with a smile, devoiding his eyes of all the expressions which K had already seen.

K-"U know? In all that, which happened when mom died, I was glad that u were around. U were a great support to Nick at first and to dad later. U brought back a little color to all our lives after mom's death."

Kashish looked away then, at the fire conjurers.. Stepping a little closer to him.

"I don't know how we wud have managed without u? You've become a part of this house, this family, as much as anyone else."

Her words were an elixir of life for Sujal. For so many years he had the yearning of having a family, calling the Sinha's his own ??. Of Belonging, living in a home not a house. He knew that in last couple of years he had achieved it all, but her sacred words 2nite had made his reality more real. Her acceptance had made the reality more complete. If some1 wud ever ask Sujal in future about the most precious words he had heard, the most magical night in his life. Then in his ans, her words wud be it and 2nite wud be it.

Thank you??. Kashishhh?. Sujal placed his arm around Kashish's shoulder and pulled her closer?.after all that u have told me 2nite princess? u have no idea what it means to me. Right now, I want to hold so very tight and close to me, I want to feel ur body perfectly molded to mine, I want to kiss ur angelic lips which had uttered such divine words. I wish right now I cud do all this instead of just putting an arm around u? But I know that I have to content my self with this only. U may still not feel what I feel for u?

Kashish slightly surprised, a whole lot delighted to feel his arm tugging her close to him, rested her head on his broad, reliable shoulders. She felt secure? protected maybe.. cared for too in his arms?..

S?Perhaps it is wise to take things slow like this. Perhaps she grew a bit vary of all the attraction b/w us the last time?. Sujal taking a deep sigh gently rubbed her shoulder and wished for the fire conjurer to show to never come to an end.

********

********

As all good things come to an end the show ended too…. But all good fortune was as yet not over for Sujal….

The special closeness which S & K had shared had left a pinkish glow on K's face and increased heartbeat inside Sujal.

Sujal(pulling a hand through his hair in slight embarrassment)-"So what next?"

Kashish smiled but looked down. Somehow she was unable to meet his eyes again. Not coz they were judging her or pitying her, but coz she knew she wud turn beetroot red if she looks at him now. "Ummm… I don't know.. Why don't u say.."(most gentlest, low tones)

Sujal too smiled, he knew that K was feeling embarrassed too, for she had finally told him the importance he had in her and her families life, even if she had pretended otherwise all this while.

S-"Well.. how about…. There?"

k shrugged her shoulder in indifference and started walking along with him. As long they were together it didn't matter where they were.

Soon they stopped at a little stall.<<I don't know the name.. but it's the game where u bang the base with all ur strength using a huge hammer and a ball inside a meter in front of it rises. The harder u hit, higher the ball rises..>>

Enough of sentiments and brains, time for some brawn. To impress her I shall leave no stone unturned…

S-"Ok give me the hammer. U better concentrate on the top Kashish. This ball is gonna shoot up there so fast that u wouldn't even see it coming."

K-"There is absolutely no chance that happening, not atleast if u keep bragging around like that.(teasing now) Infact I don't think it would even rise halfway…"

S-"Hah!", U think I don't have enough strength to break that Piyush's jaw then perhaps this is just the thing to prove u wrong.

Sujal struck the platform with all his might and will and as expected the ball did touch the top of the meter

Kashish clapped her hands happily and smiled-"Well the ball wasn't that fast but it got there all right. Good job!"

Sujal made a graceful bow and then chose a price for himself.

S(offering her the chosen price)-"Here u go princess. A small token, for ur inspiring me to win this…"

Sujal made such a great pomp and show of giving her the gift, that the whole act was truly comical. For the same reason kashish didn't feel too shy, embarrassed or uncomfortable to accept his gift. Had he given it simply, she wud have refused flatly.

K-"Thank you!!!!!!"

The price was a golden colored metal ring with green plastic crystal as a stone.

K (Showing of the ring on her finger)-"How does it look? Pretty good huh? My fingers look slimmer I think. Thank you sujal it's really veryy beautiful.."

Kashish looked ecstatic, she actually was on cloud 9 upon receiving a revolting piece of jewelry.

She looks so delighted with a cheap, shabby ring with a green plastic blob in it as an excuse. Why? She has so much better things to wear… doesn't she? Come to think of it, I have actually never seen her wearing any sort of jewelry at all. Not even a plain gold chain around her neck.. Why? Is this the first bit of adornment she as ever owned? If it is, then I am a fool to have given it to her. She deserves the best rocks and crystals in the world. One day I'll give 'em to her. But I am sure no matter how fine an emerald I buy I wud never outshine the glow in her pretty eyes right now. I must remember her like this. Who knows what future holds. Atleast I wud be able to always look back and think of how happy I had made her tonight.

Kashish was beaming like a contended child now. She was sooo happy. Oh! She knew that the wrecked ring wasn't even worth half a buck, but it was her most precious possession. Firstly coz Sujal had given it. Secondly coz it was the only one she owned, her dad and brothers never bought her one and she was too much busy and a miser to go splurging.

S-"Hey, u want eat ice-cream?"

K-"Sure!" I wud even eat slugs right now if u offer them…..

S-"Which flavor?"

K-"Ah -"

S-"Wait let me guess… Hmmmm….. My psychic powers are telling me….. Chocolate chip scoop with lots of hot dark chocolate poured over it.. right?"

K(smiling and blushing simultaneously)-"How did u know!!!!!!!!!!!?????"

S-"I told u, my psychic powers…. U wait here I'll go get the ices"

Sujal went and quickly came back with two deliciously looking cones, one of which kashish greedily started licking.

S—What is with her and food. She eats every bite with so mch relish and pleasure as if she is hasn't eaten anything for years and perhaps she won't again eat anything from 2mmorow. I wonder if her ice cream is more tastier than mine... the way she eats I am sure I wud gladly exchange my pudding with her porridge, since she wud make it look so tasty…. Sujal though while licking his own ice cream and staring at Kashish.

BLOP!

And down went his ice cream…That's what I deserve for not concentrating on my own food-"Oh!"

K-"OH!"

S-"Damn"

K-"Hmmm"

S-"Uhhhh… C'mon hurry up and eat yours quickly." No use buying another 1 she has eaten half of hers and it wud look rude if I eat alone, as it is she doesn't share food.

K-"Here", extending her ice cream to him, "U can have some from mine."

Sujal looked at her amazed.. What happened to her? She didn't share her candy. Then why this? Perhaps it was the talk we had earlier…must be it.

S-"Thanks"

Sujal accepted the cone and took a small bite from it and returned it to her. Perhaps she is just being polite I mustn't take chances

K—He looks so funny!! Why is he afraid to eat from mine.. I am not poison ivy from Batman movie.. Strange guy..

K took back her cone and then after taking a bite offered it again to him to show the sincerity of her offer and her true willingness to share.

S truly surprised by her second offer accepted the ice graciously and took a hearty bite.. I mustn't finish it to soon… This way we will slowly share the whole of it.

And so they shared the entire ice-cream one bite each alternatively… To all the ppl who passed them, they looked like a love struck, lovy dovy couple. Unfortunately the only ppl who didn't realize it were themselves.

********

Sujal and Kashish walked around the whole carnival in a contented , jubilant mood. They wud stop at various stalls. Try their skill and luck at various games. Sometimes winning sometimes losing but always laughing. Kashish had finally banished her armor against Sujal. For the night was so innocent and the gestures so unadulterated that to twist them into something sick and conspiring was not possible. So there they were, behaving like two 15 yr. old teenagers. Young enough to enjoy silly carnival games and activities.. Old enough to feel the attraction and spark b/w them.

********

After wandering around for hours, finally exhausted they sat under a tree away from the hustle bustle of the crowd.

K-"Uuffff. I am tired. My feet hurt."

"Shall I carry u in my arms then, my princess?", Sujal asked in good humor. He knew that she no longer took big offence at his little teasing so he wasn't afraid of saying it and spoiling the fun.

K-"WHAT!!(extremely serious tone, eyes flashing anger) U want to carry me in ur arms? How dare u say such a thing!!??? "

Here we go again.. just when everything was going fine. She loses some screw in her head and becomes mad-"No! No! It's nothing like that .. I mean I was just joking Kashish I wasn't being serious I-"

Sujal stopped in mid sentence as he saw tears coming out of her eyes, her hands in front of her mouth.

S-"Hey.. Don't cry.. Please, I didn't want to hurt u in any manner. Please.."

k finally controlled her shuddering and closed his mouth with hands and burst out in peels of laughter…This guy has no understanding of practical jokes.. What a sissy

Sujal slowly removed her hands from his mouth and stared at her. I can't believe miss prim and proper duped me. Why you!!!

K sobering a bit to speak-"How dare a lowly peasant like u think, that he can touch a princess and carry her? Only a prince has that right." Kashish laughed uncontrollably again falling on his arm holding her stomach, wiping her tears.

Sujal smirked and slid a hand around her waist-"What do u know princess.. perhaps I am a prince disguised as a peasant. And if u give me a magical kiss I shall appear in my true form.". Sujal pulled her close and looked down on her with sudden, deep passionate eyes. Take this.. let's see hw u get out of this one.

Kashish tensed up at the sudden shift in his attitude. Her breath caught in her throat and she stayed speechless for some time as she stared back at him…

K-"T.. That is .. not… possible… I ..can't kiss.. any1 b4 marriage…"Kashish blushingly gave a broken ans, her voice hardly a whisper. She was under his spell. This always happened to her. As soon as he wud get this close to her, look at her with his stormy, smothering black eyes, she wud lose sense of reality and just feel like closing her eyes and giving up herself to him completely.

S-"Hmmm a minor problem… We can get married right now and then we can find out…" moving her closer to him. Kashish now sat cradled in his lap, encircled by his arms, staring stupidly at his face…

K-"Umhmm... We..", Snap out of it. Don't make a fool of urself. He is just joking, see the smirk on his face. Don't look in his eyes! They are lying! C'mon wake up!!!

K-"Umm… We can't.. I can't…. We… don't have a priest here.."

kashish placed her hands at his chest to push him away, but as soon as they came in contact with his strong, well toned chest, all the strength to push him away drained out of her hands.

Sujal cupped her face and caressed her cheek with his thumb, tightening his hold on her waist. He gently pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.

S-"No priest can make two ppl husband and wife until their souls and hearts really want to be united." this is so insane… what am I doing? What the hell am I saying? I should stop. But I can't!! Why am I wishing that there was a priest here. I don't want to get married. Why am I proposing her. What am I saying? Why can't I distance myself from her? Why do I wish to hold her this close to me for the whole night….?

Kashish looked blankly and nodded her head in agreement with his last statement. She did totally believed in what he had just said but it didn't mean that they ought to get married!!! This is insanity….

Sujal rubbed his knuckles against her now blushing cheeks.. The joke had gone too far I have to end it, I cant. This joke's fantasy is so much sweeter than reality….

S(very sober voice)-"I vow 2nite under this tree with the crescent moon and billions of stars as my witness that I…"Ok time to STOP the JOKE say something very funny now ,"Shall take care of u and cherish u till my last breath."

K clutched his shirt slightly and completely forgot to speak or breathe. She did open her mouth but after uttering some indistinguishable sounds closed it again and slowly placed her hand on his cheek.

Sujal kissed her eyes and said in a slightly hoarse voice-"Ur turn."

K gulped hard and said in a barely audible shaky murmur-"I vow to be at ur side and be ur family till my last breath"

'Be ur family…' sujal hugged kashish tightly crushing her to him, 'till my last breath…' Sujal didn't want to let her go. He clutched her close to him as if clutching a log in midst of flood…

K could hardly breathe. So tight was his hold. Her arms ached a little, but that pain was ecstasy to her. She rested her head in the crook of his neck and hugged him back as tightly she cud. Perhaps this was how they were sealing their promise to each other.

They sat like this for the longest time. Sujal slackened his hold but still held her so securely as if she wud suddenly disappear in thin air. Kashish closed her eyes and felt so happy that she was finding it hard not to cry… Sujal kept playing with a strand of her hair, wrapping it around his finger again and again. While kashish dwindled with the top button of his shirt.

Sujal and kashish were unable to break away from each other. The longer they sat like this, the stupider and embarrassing it felt and harder it got for them to let go of the comfort which they were finding in each others arm. Sujal more in control of his emotions, as he knew where the situation cud go from there, finally keeping a stone over his heart decided to stop this fantasy before it became too dangerous.

S-"Kashish…"

K shifting her head into a more comfortable position-"Hmmm….?"

S-"I.. I don't… think…"

A million thoughts were running through K's mind but she was too deep sunk in the feel of his body, his manly smell to ponder over the significant or intelligible thoughts, only the silly ones were examined

K-"It was the day mom died… Right?"

S (completely confused b her question) when will I ever be able to predict what is going on in her mind..-"What of that day?"

K-"It was that day.. u took me out for lunch, every1 was so engrossed in the funeral and their own grief that they didn't see me there. U took care of me then too"

K tilts her head so that she cud now look into his eyes. She had bared her soul to him. Now she had no reason to look away or hide anything from him.

K-"It was at that time u found out about all my likes and dislikes… U made me talk of my favorite things so I cud forget my pain for sometime.. "

Sujal looked down at her and smiled…Perhaps this is it.. There is still that small 13 yr old girl inside her somewhere. Who is lost and pretends to be grown up while she has no idea what to pretend. That is the reason she lets no1 else other then her family members to see that little girl side of her.

S-"It's nothing like this…. It was like I had said at that time… Mujhe pata hona chahiya ki mere best frnd ki behen ko kya pasand hai(I should know about my best friend's sister likes and dislikes.)…. And I must say the information is quite useful too(pulling her nose jokingly)"

K looked at him with merry eyes-"I never thanked u for that day, did I?"

Sujal slowly shook his head-"U don't have to thank me for anything Kashish.. I wasn't doing a favor or anyth-"

sujal felt something soft and light touching his jaw briefly

K-"Thank you."

K settled back comfortably in his arms again. Exhaling a long a long breath.

Sujal smiled and stroked her hair lovingly-"Not that I am complaining, but I really didn't do it for myself or for a thanks… Although if there are anymore thank yous left u can give them now…"

Kashish lightly punched his shoulder and muttered-"Vulgar Jerk" without moving away an inch from him.

Sujal's smile widened.. She is such a kid.. She wud criticize eating chocolates as they spoil teeth and wud keep on eating them at the same time saying that one should not waste food. It is so easy to make her happy, make her laugh. She derives pleasure from such simple things. I was such a fool to think of her as a scheming shrewd woman.. All thanks to her big brother..

Beep Beep Beep Beep…

Sujal's wrist watch beeped as it showed the time 12 a.m.

K(straightens up and moving away)-"What was that?"

S(cursing the stupid watch inside his head)-"Oh nothing, nothing at all. Just my watch.."

K-"Ur watch? Why did it beep? What time is it?"

S-"Umm 12.."

Kashish sat up with a start-"12!!!! When did it strike 11? Or 10?! It's so late!"

S-"Hmmm(heartbroken)… U r right, c'mon lets go. Do ur feet still hurt? Should I-"

Sujal stopped in mid sentence, stopping just in time not to repeat the words which had brought them so close. It wasn't that he felt it was wrong, it was quite nice and right on the contrary but he knew to what limits he had self control and he had come pretty close to losing it, at that time.

K got up with a naughty smile on her face-"Should u what? Should u carry me to my golden gilded carriage? But what if I accept ur offer and ask u to carry me to my palace too in front of all my subjects?"

Sujal looked at her alarmed-"I… I.. don't.. think that wud be.. umm… Wise.. u... ur highness(ur brother's wud break my bones, all 206 of 'em)… Ur subjects may not be to pleased with the sight of poor peasant holding a princess, even though it was just a simple gesture of help. They might mistake it for something else…"

K-"Oh but u are not. U r my prince charming and unless u meet them how shall v ever be together?"

Kashish smiled at his alarm struck face—This is so much fun… I loooove pulling his leg. He is so afraid of every1 back home, Oh yes he has a good reason to be. But to see him acting so gallant, pretending as if he is not afraid it so ultimately comical. Next time he teases me by calling me a princess all I wud have to do is act as a helpless, damsel in distress and call him my prince.. Hahaha.. Wouldn't that be funny?

S-"Uh… um… I … we….."Sujal scratched his head to find the right words. He can't tell her how afraid he was of every1's reaction, she wud thing he is a spineless slug. But he also didn't dare do something as bold as this.. Slowly through time, yes. But definitely not so suddenly like this.

K-"C'mon lets go. We are getting late. I have a meeting early in the morning tomorrow", walking towards the car, pulling him by his elbow.

Sujal shook his head to clear it. She cracks dangerous jokes.. I ought to stop falling for her act.

********

Sujal drove Kashish home slowly and all through the way they chatted about the evening and the various rides they sat on, both carefully avoiding the giant wheel.

S-"Here we are." upon reaching home.

K-"yes… Umm bye then. U don't have to come in." Hand on the car door.

S-"Why not?"

K-"Let's just say… My subjects don't know of ur help and for the time being maybe it is better this way only.."

S nodding his head conspiringly smiles at K-"So do I get a kiss so that I might turn into a handsome charming prince?"

K shook her head with a resigned grin… This is what I need to avoid and not think twice about. His Flirting. "How about first u make arrangements for that priest and fight the deadly battle with a 4 headed monster to become eligible…"

S-"That wud take me a long time…. How about a good night kiss for this poor date of ur's?"

K -"Poor?? U took me to a carnival…. Any other location couldn't have been cheaper Mr. Scrooge."

Sujal looked down a bit disappointed… How can I ever get better of her. She has all the ready ans.

At that time kashish bent forward and held his hand. "But I do thanku for 2nite."

Sujal(smiling back at her)-"Yes, tonight was exceptional. I'll never forget it… Kashish.."

K –"Me too."

S –"Hey I was just wondering something…"

K –"What?"

S –"Umm well.. Since we got along pretty well together 2nite. What r u doing sat-"

Tring Tring- Tring Tring

Both fumbled with their phones.K's's was ringing

K –"Hello? Oh! Nick!!!! Yah…....Hmm……. When? Day after tomorrow!! Really??..... Ok. Will tell…..I am so happyyyyyyyyyyyyy, this is gonna be so much fun!!! What abt sanskriti?..... That's great news……. ok …… alrite.. Byeeeeee............ love you."

K-"Nick's coming back day after 2mmorow!!!! I am so excited!"

K bounced up and down inside the car. Her overexcitement clearly visible. Sujal too was very happy it wud be almost 2 months after which he wud be meting his best friend again.

S-"That's great!!! What was he saying about Sanskriti?"

K(clutching his hands tightly)-"Oh Sujal!!! She is coming 5 days later too!!!! Can u believe that. I think I am gonna burst with joy."

S –"Relax princess. That won't do at all, after all u r the groom's sister."

Princess.. How nice it sounds when he says it…

K –"Wait! What were u saying b4 Nick called?"

S –"Oh … Nothing.. I was just wondering … If u were.."

K –"If I were?"

S –"Well as I was recollecting that 2nite went rather nicely. So if ur not too busy next Sa-"

Tring Tring- Tring Tring

Both fumbled with their ph.s again. This time it was S's

S –"Hello?.. Nick? Hey!! what's up man?.......... Day after tomorrow? Yah I know…………..How do I know? Well I was..was at ur place and u had called some1 there……………….. U just called home and I wasn't there………. Yah I wasn't, what I mean is that I was on ph. with ur dad just now and he told me. I can't wait to meet Sanskriti…………….… How do I know Sanskriti is coming? Well isn't she?........... I know u didn't tell any1 at home, it was just a guess. I just thought that she wud be coming soon too……… NO….. Of course not……… Don't be an ass dude……………. Why wud I hide anything from u?................... No way u know who it's like b/w me and her. Why wud u think that I am with her?............. Jeez u've lost complete sense of reality since u have been away..................... Alright, alright. Yah I'll talk to u later….. …… Sure I'll pick u from airport.................. Ok bye. Come back soon bro.."

S –"That was umm.. nick. Close call."

K –"Yah.. umm so I guess I'll go now... Bye.."starts to leave

S –"No Kashish wait! I have to ask u something."

K –"Well is it very imp. can't it wait till 2mmorow?"

S –"It won't take a minute. I just wanted to know if u were free on sat-"

Tring Tring! Tring Tring

Damn these wretched mobiles!! The word 'Saturday' it self is cursed. Damn it all.

K –"Hello Piyush?... Hi. Why are u calling me so late? Is everything ok?...."

Sujal sat silent with his hands in a ball he was going to break that wring that worms neck pretty soon….. How dare he call her so late in night and why hell is she suddenly acting so concerned about. Did she just forget that we came back from a date? Humph..

K –"yes I am free this Saturday. Why?......... Can't we talk about it in the meeting 2morow…….. Well how about lunch on Friday then?............. C'mon(giggle) u know it's nothing like that……..…. Yah me too…………..… Hmm, yah, Ok, I understand………….. Ok Saturday 8 pm it is then……………... Ok bye and best of luck for ur case tomorrow byeeee. SD."

She is going out with him!!!!! She just came back with me. How can she say yes to him. Whatever made her think that she is cool enough to 2 time me in front of me!!!!! To hell with her and words 2nitw. She is just a scheming actress and nothing more. F*** you!!!!!

K –"Hfff! Alrite u were asking me if I was free when?"

S (icy cold tone)–"If u were free day after 2mmorow to and pick up nick from airport. I may be a bit busy"

K –"Yah sure ok.. I will… umm u alright?"

S –"Of course I am fine… What cud have wrong with me. Well then gudite Kashish. It's pretty late. Ought to get going now.."

K –"Yah.. Ok. Bye"

Kashish got out o the car and silently slipped inside the house…. What happened to him so suddenly. I am sure, picking up Nick wasn't what he wanted to ask… He didn't even wait till I had reached the front door. He had zoomed as soon as I had stepped out of car. That was a bit rude.. Maybe he remembered something imp. or maybe he is just fooling around… Well, I'll find out what it is tomorrow,(BIG yawn)good night Sujal.. Thank You for the most wonderful night of my life….

*****************************************************************

Dear friend I can't explain to you
How much you mean to me
If it weren't for you I can't imagine
Where I'd even be

You've made me laugh and smile
More than I can bear
You've helped me through the hardest times
When I was in despair

You kept me up when I was down
And I was feeling blue
You helped me turn my life around
And become somebody new

Thank you friend for everything
I'm glad you really cared
Thanks for never leaving me
Thank you for being there