FF: [SG] Dare You To Move- Last Part P.143 - Page 107

Last Part

It can't be. They're in France.

I calm myself down. It's not them I tell myself over and over again, but something at the back of my mind tells me otherwise.

Just to prove to myself that it's not who I think it is, I look behind me... but BOY am I ever wrong. It is them; both of them standing right in front of me.

I've never been so shocked in my life.

"Samrat!" she squeals, clasping her hands together like she's dreaming.

"My baby's growing up so fast!" she exchanges a gleeful look with Unit 1.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, not believing the sight before my eyes, "don't you have some meeting you should be attending?"

Never in these nineteen years have the Units attended any of my school functions. Not on the first day of preschool, not during the parent-teacher conferences, and not even on graduation day. So what's so special about a damn play?

"And stop making a scene," I warn them, "and why exactly are you here? I'm doing what you both begged me to do. 'Extra-curricular activities.'" I put a nasty emphasis on the last three words.

Unit 2: We know, and we're so proud!

I roll my eyes. Ha, proud? That's a word I never thought would escape out of her mouth.

"Yeah, whatever." And I start to walk away.

Unit 1: Samrat- wait.

I stop.

See, the thing with the Units is that they're words are always written on stone, meaning that what they say goes. There's a certain command in their tone whenever they speak, one of those 'chill down spine,' ones.

They walk over to me.

Unit 2: We have to talk to you Samrat.

"Yeah, well maybe later. I have other things to do now."

Unit 2: Please.

I want to tell her NO, but there's a pleading look in her eyes.

"Fine, but not here." I look around, making sure that nobody watches as I lead the Units into the change room.

"Make it quick," I say while locking the door, "I have things to do."

Unit 2: Sweetheart, we just want you to know that we're both so proud of you!

Uhuh. Sure you are.

Unit one shifts uncomfortably. I don't blame him. I mean, its one thing to be standing a few feet away from them... and it's another listening to them actually praise me.

There's an awkward silence- my queue to leave.

"Uh...well, I'm gonna go now. See you around... I guess."

I 'm about to turn the door knob when Unit 1 grabs my shoulder.

Unit 1: Son, wait... we're not done yet.

Son. That echoes in my ears a few times before I let it sink in. Who knows when I'll ever hear it again?

Unit 2: Samrat, we... we're sorry.

"For what?" I ask, more angry than confused, "seriously, I have no time for this."

Unit 1: Look, we know you're upset with us and our parenting skills, but we've always wanted the best for you-

"Upset?" I let out a cold laugh, "who told you I was upset? Why don't you both just go back into your own little world and let me live in mine?"

"Samrat," Unit 2 says, reaching out to me. I stop her midway.

"Just leave me alone." I mutter under my breath.

Unit 1: Do you realize how much we've done for you? We've always given you everything, and in return- we asked that you focus on your studies. Is it that hard Samrat? Is it that hard to make us feel a sense of pride in you?

I clench my fists. Cool it dude.

Unit 1: We forgave you every step of the way. You made so many mistakes, but we didn't take it to heart. And this one time we ask you to get your life back on track and you don't have any time for us anymore?

"Whoa, excuse me- time? I don't have time for you?" I stare at them in amazement. "HAHA that's like the joke of the century."

Unit 2: Speak to your father with respect Samrat! Or-

"Or what?" I snap, "You'll freeze my bank accounts? Kick me out of your lives? Is that it? You know what- go right ahead, because I've disowned both of you a really long time ago."

Unit 1: Disowned? You can't do that to your own parents!

"Yeah? Well sorry to burst your bubble, but I already have."

Unit 2 starts to tear up. Women I tell you. "What have we done to make you hate us so much?"

Hate would be letting this off too easily- this is what I should be saying, but instead, I say, "I don't hate you."

Remind me to remind Benji to smack me for this later.

Unit 2 reaches out to touch my shoulder again, but she recoils halfway.

Unit 1: Then tell us where we've gone wrong in our upbringing Samrat. Tell us why you never talk to us, why you never find it important to let us know what's going on in your life. We care about you Samrat.

"Do you? Do you really care about me? Did you ever care about me...or what went on in my life all these years? Did you two ever even bother to sit down next to me and get to know who your son was? No- you didn't, because you both were always so preoccupied with getting rich. That's always been your first priority- not me." I can't believe I actually summarized nineteen years of my life in this one paragraph, but since I'm on a roll, why should I stop?

"Oh, and you tell me to talk to you both right? WHEN can I talk to you? You guys are never home!You know, I can't even remember the last time either of you made it home for my birthday. Heck- I don't even think that you remembered any of them." I take a deep breath. I never told anyone this before, but it still hurts that my parents never remembered my birthday. These little things add up a great amount.

The Units exchange a knowing look.

Unit 2 gets teary again, and I swear to God, Unit 1 isn't too far from it either. Good, I think to myself. This is something I've always wished for- a day that I tell the Units how much I loathe them... but for some reason, it doesn't feel so right.

Unit 2: We're so sorry... we didn't think you were building so much up inside of you like this. We're so so sorry Samrat.

"Sorry?" I laugh bitterly, "You're sorry? HA! Mr. And Mrs. Sehgal are apologizing? For what exactly, may I ask?" I spit out, not being able to hide the hurt in my tone.

"Samrat," Unit 1 looks into my eyes. I can't remember the last time he's ever done that. Look into my eyes with regret of what he's done. "Please forgive us... son."

I shove my hands into my pockets and search through them trying to distract myself from the potential emotional moment I'm about to face. Do not show emotion. Do not show them that you still care about what they think.

He places his hand on my shoulder and holds onto it firmly. "Son," he says again, "we believe in you. And we're sorry if for a moment, we made you doubt that. We're proud of you Samrat. We're proud of the man you're becoming."

We believe in you Samrat. We're proud of you.

They're proud of me. I blink a few times, not believing what's going on. Have I gone deaf?

Unit 2 walks up to the both of us, tears pouring from her eyes. "Sweetheart, your father and I love you very much... and we know that we can't make up for those nineteen years, but we can start to amend those wrongs now. We want to be a part of your present... and your future, that is, if you let us."

She touches my face, and for that one millisecond, I forget all those years that I've craved for that reassuring touch. I forget all those years I looked out the window, hoping that they'd make it home in time for dinner. All I can feel now is the warmth of a loved one. The warmth of... my mother.

I feel an empty feeling at the pit of my stomach.

No Samrat! Do. Not. Cry.

Guys do NOT cry right? Then why the hell do I feel something wet trickle down my cheek?

Unit 2: Oh baby...

Before I know it, she wraps her arms around me and starts crying. She cries, and I try not to, and then Unit 1 joins in.

It's funny how something so stupid like a family hug can make nineteen years of void go away. I mean, yeah- that's something you can never forget, but it's something that you just end up forgiving eventually.

"Dude, you're on in a few minutes. Samrat? You're in there right?"

I hear Uday knock on the door, interrupting the 'oh-so-special' family moment.

"Yeah, I'll be out in a bit."

I let go of the Units and smile towards them. "Uhm, I kind of have to go now."

They both nod, smiling widely like they've just won a lottery. "We'll be out there cheering you on."

I laugh, "Don't cheer too loudly okay? I still have an image here." I begin to walk out the door when I remember something.

"Oh, thanks for dropping by..." I pause and take a deep breath, "mom and dad."

Unit 2- I mean mom gets all teary again (I guess it's a girl thing) while dad winks in my direction.

I'm halfway out the door when they call out to me.

"Yeah?" I ask, turning to face them.

Unit 1: Please thank Gunjan for us okay?

"Gunjan?"

Mom: Didn't she tell you?

"Tell me what?" I actually feel nervous as I wait for her to answer my question.

Did I say nervous? No...I'm not nervous. Samrat Sehgal is never nervous.

Dad: Samrat, she's the one who called us up a few weeks ago, asking us to attend the play.

Mom interrupts, "she's the one who told us about how you felt Samrat. At first, we didn't believe her, but there's something about that girl you know? You just know that she isn't lying."

There's an uncomfortable silence. "How I felt?" I let the words slip out of my mouth.

Mom frowns as her eyes turn a dark shade of blue, "she asked us to be a part of your life Samrat." She pauses, bringing an emphasis on all her words.

Mom: I didn't know what to say to that. There were so many things I wanted to ask her, like "what do you mean be part of his life? We're his parents!" but the funny thing is, I knew what she meant.

She pauses again, and then continues on to say, "she cares about you Samrat. She really does."

They look at me, waiting for a reply, but I can't talk right now. There's too much on my mind.

"Yeah, uhmm, I gotta go." I open the door and head out as fast as I can. I run my hand through my hair, trying to make sense of what's going on.

Gunjan called the units here.

Why? Because she wanted my family to be here. She wanted me to be... happy.

Suddenly, I feel sick. I feel sick knowing that this is the girl whom I've constantly tried to get away from; because she saw past the person I wanted everyone to see. This is the girl who I was ashamed to be seen with because she didn't fit into what society calls the "cool" category.

I've hurt her in more ways than one, yet she tried to sew my life back together. Without words, she understood how empty I really was. She knew that I had everything, that I could get anything- but she gave me what I always wanted- my parents.

What have I given her in return? Hurt? Pain? Sorrow?

Every step of the way, she helped me. She was there for me, she understood me... but have I ever understood her? Did I ever look past her outer appearance... and accept who she really was?

No.

(Song: You-Switch foot starts playing. Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b4LXThmSWA)

I walk outside for a moment, letting the cool breeze blow through. I listen to the cars as they drive past me. Everybody has somewhere to go, but for me, it seems like time has stopped ticking. I'm at a still point, and I don't know what to do.

Gunjan.

I can't get her out of my thoughts. I want to see her, to feel her presence. I want her to know that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for not being there for her when she needed me. I'm sorry for hiding our friendship from everybody else.

I'm sorry, Gunjan, for everything.

Right now, I have everything that I've always wanted... everyone is on my side, but I've never felt more alone in my life.

Alone because I just lost the person who cared about me the most... a person who meant the most... to me.

I put my hands in my pockets and stare up at the sky, searching for an answer- a solution...anything.

The wind picks up, and a piece of paper blows past my face and onto the ground. I pick it up, and read it. It's the play pamphlet, I've seen it only about a hundred times already, but for some reason, something sticks out.

'Dare you to move.'

All the answers to my questions... they were in front of me the whole time, and I never noticed.

I scrunch up the paper in my hands.

I knowwhat to do.

Gunjan:

"PAPA!" I run over towards my dad and wrap my arms around him, "I can't believe you came!"

Papa hugs me back tightly, "of course beta, I wouldn't miss this for the world!" He kisses me on the cheek and tells me how proud he is.

Di: Uhm... if you haven't noticed, you have another daughter too papa.

The two of them burst out laughing.

They're so happy, and I want so bad to take part in that happiness. I want to feel happy, I want to be happy.

Papa: Come here!

He pulls all three of us into a group hug. I feel so safe in papa's arms. I feel like a little girl again, the one who always felt protected in her dad's presence. There's so much that I want to tell him, but I can't bring myself to it. I've never been vocal about my feelings like di has.

We break free of the hug and di starts telling papa about what he missed out on in the play. The whole time, Papa nods, but his eyes stay fixed on me. I play around with my glasses and duppatta, feeling guilty under his gaze.

Di: OH!!!!! And Mr. And Mrs. Sehgal arrived today!

Di makes a shocked face, "can you believe it? The last time I've ever seen them at a school function was like..." she thinks for a while, her eyes widening, "Oh my god! They've never been to a school function before!"

Papa nods in agreement. "They're busy people, but I'm glad they took out the time to attend the play. You should've seen the look on that boy's face. What's his name?

"Samrat." Di replies, her face beaming.

Papa: Ah, that's right, Samrat. He's a nice boy once you get to know him.

He winks at me.

I let out a nervous laugh, "Yeah... you know, if you're friends with him or something. Not that I ever was or anything..." I start fidgeting with my duppatta again. Way to make it obvious Gunjan.

Di: Papa! We need to get you a front row seat!

She yanks on his arm, "c'mon!" Di gives papa directions to the auditorium and hands him a play ticket.

We both watch him leave.

"It's so nice to have him back na?" Di asks, looking fondly towards the crowds of people.

"It is," I reply, "I really missed him."

"Hmm." I can tell di's slightly distracted.

"What's wrong di? Did Mayank say anything?"

She sighs. "That's the thing Gunjan! He doesn't say anything. I mean, how many more hints do I have to give him?" She turns to me as she says this.

"Di!" I gasp, "You and Mayank?"

Di: Oh don't act like an airhead now. I know you know how I feel about him. Mayank's one of the best things that has ever happened to me... but I'm not sure if he feels the same way.

Di actually looks upset.

"Oh di!" I say as I hug her. "He loves you di, Mayank loves you a lot. You know how guys are, they don't realize someone's worth until later."

Di raises an eyebrow. "You seem to know a lot about boys 'eh?" And starts to laugh. "I'm just kidding. Thank you Gunjan, really. OH! Stupid me, I forgot to give you this."

She rummages through her bag and pulls out a small box and hands it to me.

I give her a confused look.

"Open it!" she urges, and I do as she says.

My eyes widen. "No... di? I can't..." I look up at her, shocked, surprised, and all these feelings that flutter through my head.

Inside lays mum's favourite bracelet. It's the one her mother gave her. I remember fighting over it with di when we were little. Eventually, I gave up and let di keep it, but never in my dreams had I imagined that di would give it to me.

Di: Gunjan, I think that more than me, you deserve this. Mamma is so proud of you, you know?

She points outside of the window and towards the sky. "See? Her smile is brightening up the entire sky for you Gunjan."

Di puts her hand to my cheek. "You can't even imagine how proud I am of you. And don't think it's just because of this play, no- I've always been proud of you. You're my ray of sunshine Gunjan, and the way you hold yourself together through everything... even I couldn't do that. You're the strongest and bravest person I know, and I know that whatever decision you take in life... it'll take you to greater highs. But, I am your big sister, so I want you to always think twice before whatever you do... but most importantly, follow your heart. Your heart is never wrong Gunjan, never."

Both of us have tears in our eyes. "Thank you di...for everything." We both hug each other tightly.

Uday bhaiya: Gunjan, you're going on in ten seconds! HURRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He grabs di's arm. "You are needed backstage! And you" he looks at me, "are on in two minutes."

Uday bhaiya pushes me towards the stage and mutters something about irresponsible crew members not doing what their supposed to be doing.

Uday bhaiya: Okay behna, do your best!

He leaves me alone on the stage, and I watch as the lights begin to fade out yet again, and the curtains begin to rise.

I hold onto the bracelet in my hands. I feel a new confidence build up inside of me.

"Khushi!" I turn around, startled.

"Oh hey Dev." I forge a smile.

RV winks at me; I can tell he loves the spotlight.

RV: Scared you didn't I?

I nod, "very much."

I stare off into the crowd, searching, searching for him.

NO Gunjan. FOCUS.

I close my eyes, take a deep breath and open them up again. "Samrat?"

He walks over to me, his hand brushing against my cheek. I hold onto his hand, breathing in his scent. My lips automatically form a smile as I look into his eyes.

I fall deep

Deep

Deeper

Into them.

"Hey," I feel a hand touch my shoulder, "so tomorrow?"

Tomorrow? I look over to find RV standing there shrugging his shoulders.

It takes me a few seconds to realize that I was just imagining things.

"You okay?" RV whispers into my ears as the scene wraps up.

I smile and nod, trying to convince him that I'm fine, but how am I supposed to convince myself of that too?

---Final Scene

I watch Tamana ma'am pace herself back and forth.

"Where is he?" she asks, tapping her feet and staring at her watch.

She looks at me. I shrug, "sorry, I have no idea." I say, feeling tensed myself. Our final scene is about to start, and Samrat is nowhere to be seen.

Uday bhaiya runs in and out of the building, his stress level building up every second. "WHAT DO WE DO?" He waves his hands in the air.

Mayank: There's only one thing we can do.

We all look at him, hope gleaming in our eyes.

Mayank: Last minute story changes... or we replace Samrat's character with somebody else...

Di smacks Mayank on the arm. "We can't do that! You might be the types who don't notice CHARACTER CHANGES, but I doubt the audience are like you."

Mayank: Then why don't you come up with something better?

Di and Mayank are on a roll when Ms. Tamana interrupts them. "No, I think Mayank's right. The show must go on right?"

RV: But nobody else knows Samrat's lines...

Benji: I do, but I'm already playing Gunjan's brother in the play.

Tamana ma'am exchanges a helpless look with the rest of us. "Benji, you're going to have to play Anmol's role too then."

Benji agrees, and we both head to the stage. Ms. Tamana makes an announcement about the last minute changes so that there's no confusion once we start.

Benji pats my shoulder, "Don't worry Gunjan, you'll do great."

How many times have I heard that today?

Ms. Tamana mouths the words Start.

Benji: Khushi, I have to tell you something.

"Yeah? Well I really don't want to hear anything right now Anmol."

Benji: I need to tell you before its too late Khushi. Please?

"It's already too late...sorry." I'm about to walk off (as per the script) when a voice calls out behind me.

"Please." The word echoes through the auditorium. I hear people from the audience gasp and I hear myself doing the same when I turn around to see Samrat standing before me.

He and Benji exchange a nod- as if without words, they know what's going on. Benji pats Samrat on the back before turning to the audience.

Benji: Ladies and Gentlemen, our Anmol!

Everyone claps as Benji bows and walks off the stage.

I stare at him, confused. What's going on?

I can hear whispers growing louder in the audience. They're probably wondering about the same thing.

Within a few minutes, everyone grows quiet. I guess they can sense that powerful presence coming from Samrat. He does that to people- stun them without even doing or saying anything.

I sense his hesitation as he looks at me and then at the audience. For a long time, he stays silent as if he's having an internal debate with himself. He closes his eyes for a few seconds as if he's thinking really hard about something.

Samrat: Why?

I didn't think he would be the one asking me questions, that's my job for this scene. I'm supposed to ask him why he's here. He isn't supposed to ask me anything.

Samrat: Why did you do it? Why would you do it?

His eyes stay locked into mine.

Samrat: I've hurt you, and in return, you've always wanted the best for me. It's not fair.

He looks like he's disgusted with himself. He puts his hands in his pockets and looks down to the ground.

"I thought I had you all figured out- Plain Jane, a goody good... but I was wrong. I realized that I never knew you, and it bothered me that I could never figure you out. I wanted to figure you out... to understand why you didn't care about what others thought. Why you didn't react the way everybody did when I approached them." He pauses for a minute, his eyes fixated to the ground. "I've hurt you so much...." I watch him closely. I can't explain this in words, but there's something different about him...his voice...his eyes...his posture. I can't see the confidence in him. I can't see the cockiness or the "I'm the best and you know it" attitude he always carries around.

I listen to the silence, it's so calm and serene, but it's one of those silences that you wish could end. It's like the silence that's often used in horror movies. Quiet...quiet...quiet... and before you know it, there's an expected unexpected BOOM!

Samrat: I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for hurting you the way I did, the way I continue to do. I'm sorry...

"Don't be." The words come out of my mouth automatically.

He looks up at me, his eyes red and watery.

Samrat's been... crying. I feel something tug at the corners of my heart. I've never seen Samrat cry before.

Samrat: Stop that.

"Stop what?" I force the words out of me.

Samrat: Stop forgiving me all the time. I don't deserve it.

There's a silence.

He takes a step closer..

"You're different... you're not like the other girls who I've met. You don't like me for who I am, you like me for what I am...and that scared me. For the first time, somebody understood me... somebody wanted to understand me." He looks into my eyes. I can tell that a thousand things are going through his head right now. "I've known you my entire life, but haven't known you at all at the same time."

He continues, "But I want to know you."

"Do you?" the words slip out of my mouth.

"Yes." His answer is immediate. I don't want to believe him; I can't let him do this to me, to my heart.

He looks at me again, his eyes as red as red can be. I see so much hurt and regret in those eyes that I forget about everything and everyone else.

I want to reach out and touch his face, to wipe away the tears. "Don't cry," I want to tell him.

"No," I look away, embarrassed... ashamed for not being able to control myself and my thoughts.

He walks closer, so close that I can barely breathe.

He lifts my chin and makes me look him in the eye. "Yes, I do."

If only he knew how my heart is melting with just this simple touch. How my stomach is doing cartwheels and summersaults as he looks at me.

I try not to believe him; I try with all my might. But it doesn't work.

Samrat: You make me wantto be a better person... you make me believe that I can be one. And you know what's strange? I was always so focused on your outer appearance that I never took the time out to see your inner one. You're so pure and real.

"And beautiful. Inside and out."

I feel my insides churn.

"And I'm sorry for letting all that get in the way of this."

He takes my hand in his and places it on his chest. I can feel the rhythm of his heart beat. We both look at each other, unable to move or talk. We stay silent for a long time, but this silence speaks volumes. Without saying anything, he's saying everything.

I can feel a lump in my throat. NO GUNJAN! The voice in my head screams! But this is just a play. Not reality.

Samrat:

"And I'm sorry for letting all that get in the way of this." I say, as I place her hand to my heart. We both stay silent for a long time. I watch Gunjan's eyes flicker back and forth between me and a bracelet that she's holding.

She squeezes her eyes shut. It's time. I tell myself.

It's finally time I tell her.

I take a deep breath. "I."

I feel my heart skip a few beats. Suddenly, I feel hot. Really hot.

Try again.

I take another breath. "I..."

She opens her eyes. Gunjan pulls her hand back and I see tears in her eyes. She nods like she expected this to happen. "I've gotta go." She says as she makes her way off the stage.

"Don't! Wait!" I call out, but she doesn't listen.

Gunjan walks faster. In a few steps she'll be off the stage. Out of the play, and out of my life.

No Gunjan means going back to being the old Samrat. No Gunjan means no more complications. No more hiding, no more lying. No Gunjan means everything going back to normal.

But do I want normal?

No Gunjan means no more being myself. No more happiness...no more genuine smiles. No more cooking meals to impress her, no more using the "car" excuse to walk her home, no more watching her expressions when she's nervous, no more bike rides...

No Gunjan means going back to before. I don't want that.

I look at her. She takes a step towards the exit door. I see her hand turn the door knob. She opens the door. She takes a step. She's half way out the door.

"I love you Gunjan." I feel a million pounds lighter as I let the words escape my lips.

The words echo throughout the entire auditorium. The crowd is so silent that you wouldn't even believe it unless you were there.

Gunjan stops dead on her tracks.

I love her. I love my Chashmish...

I can't help but break into a huge grin. I LOVE Gunjan.

I walk over to her, feeling both ecstatic and nervous at the same time.

Gunjan doesn't turn around. She's frozen still, and that makes my heart speed up.

I grab her shoulder and turn her around. She's not crying, but rather smiling- and not just your everyday smile, but full out TEETHY smile.

"Gunjan, I really love you."

She looks at me, half amused and half surprised. "And what makes you think I feel the same way?"

I feel a lump in my throat. "I-"

Gunjan: I'm kidding Samrat! I... I love you too...

This time, I can't help the smile that takes up half of my face. This feeling... it's indescribable.

I wrap my arms around her and pull her as close as I can. She doesn't hesitate either. We both hold onto each other for what seems like an eternity, and to be honest, I want this moment to stay like this forever.

The crowds erupt into applause! They all stand up and cheer. I can see some couples hug and some teachers and parents dance around in celebration.

All the cast members and backstage crew join us on the stage and take a bow. Gunjan buries her face into my chest and I hug her even tighter.

Tamana ma'am takes hold of the mike. "Ladies and gentlemen, staff and students. Thank you all so very much for joining us today to make this play possible. What started off as a vision ended off with reality. Tonight, my- no, our dreams came true, and-"

She looks at us and smiles. "The start of something so beautiful has begun."

Gunjan and I let go of each other. She looks at me, her cheeks turning the darkest shade of red.

"The start of forever." I mouth to her.

--- 7 days later, Spring Dance

Gunjan:

"I'll take two raffle tickets."

"For sure! Thank you for supporting the cause."

It's been seven days since the play. Many things have happened since then. Uday bhaiya proposed to Tamana ma'am shortly after the end performance, and surprise surprise! She said yes. Turns out, she felt the same way about him too. We all felt kind of awkward with her being our teacher and all, but Uday bhaiya has now taken his last year at college very seriously. It's like he's a whole new person minus the food jokes and occasional "Uday" moments that he has.

Yesterday, Mayank came over to our house and asked Papa for di's hand. Not in marriage of course, but on a date. Di says that he's coming around. After their date, di transformed from the loud, violent Nupur to a blushing bride. (Just for 5 minutes though.) Apparently, Mayank told her how much he loved her and she did the same, and now, they're a happy couple.

Well, as happy as di and Mayank can get. Unfortunately, they still fight like cats and dogs, but at the end of the day, you can tell just how much they love being each other's company. Plus, Mayank is the best jiju I could ever ask for!

Benji's been trying ever since to find a girlfriend. Fortunately for him, Sheena was still around and was more than happy to be his "date" for the dance.

And then there's us. Samrat and me. Me and Samrat. Can you believe it? Whoever thought that we would end up together? Him being the coolest guy on the planet, and me being the girl next door.

It's funny how things like these happen no? Just a few months ago, I would never have imagined that Samrat Sehgal was my boyfriend. But it feels right. It's like this was meant to happen, and he's the best boyfriend I could ever have asked for.

"I'd like to take all the tickets you have left please."

I look up to see Samrat standing before me, a huge smile spread across his face.

I smile back. "All of them? Why so?"

Samrat: So that I can ask my beautiful girlfriend to join me on the dance floor before someone else does.

I raise an eyebrow. "First of all"

Samrat: I know! I know... you promised to stick with this fundraiser, and you absolutely cannot dance to save your life.

I grin, "You know me well."

"Oh c'mon Gunjan!" He sits on the table and starts playing with the pens and raffle tickets.

"Samrat! Stop it!" I grab his hands and try to get the pens from him.

"Uhum..." Both of us look at Dia who is standing before us, arms crossed.

I let go of Samrat, and we both exchange a worried look. After the play, Dia hasn't talked to either of us. She didn't even acknowledge our existence all week... and I felt- and still feel SO terrible. She's my sister and I love her so much. I can't see her like this.

Dia looks at Samrat and then at me. She sighs, and I feel Samrat take hold of my hand an squeeze it as if to tell me that he's here for me.

Dia: Look you guys. I've done a lot of thinking, and I've come to the conclusion that Sammy didn't even deserve me in the first place. And... I'm really happy for you both. Honest.

I hear her voice crack. Samrat jumps off the table and hugs Dia.

Samrat: Candy, you deserve someone better than me.

"Like me?" RV says as he walks over to us. His usual obnoxious smile is held perfectly on his face.

He takes Dia's hands and goes on his knees.

"Dia Bhushan, do you take me, Ran Vijay Rathore to be your lawfully dated boyfriend?"

My eyes widen and I can tell that Samrat and Dia are all as shocked as I am.

Dia: That took you a while, now didn't it?

RV shrugs. "Better late than never. Shall we Princess?" They link arms and head inside Excel.

After everyone leaves, Samrat turns to me.

"Samrat, I can't dance!" I say. "And there is NO way that I'm going to make a fool of myself in front of all those people."

There's a slow song playing. We can hear it from outside.

Samrat grins. I can tell what he's thinking.

"No!" I begin to protest, but before I can say anything, he takes my hands and puts them around his shoulder, and slides his hands around my waist.

Samrat: Now you just sway back and forth.

In a few seconds, it starts to rain. At first, it's a light spray, but then it starts to really pour!

I try to let go of him, but his grip is firm.

To any normal person, seeing two people in love standing outside of a College building, swaying back and forth to a slow song in the middle of a rain stormmay seem kind of crazy, but to us, it was our first dance together. It was our moment.

Epilogue:

---5 years later

"That's the end right mama?"

"No Siddhant. There's never an end to love. Samrat and Gunjan's story will always carry on through all of us."

"If it wasn't for your chachu and chachi Sid, your mom and I wouldn't have gotten together."

"Uday!"

"Tammy, he's gonna have to learn someday. What Samrat and Gunjan have is what people spend a lifetime looking for. And Sid, when you grow up, and you fall in love, you'll realize just how important this story really is. Dare you to move, not an end, but a new beginning."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hey mimi !!

I'm first !!! *dances* *Takes out my school umbrella and with it dances ,jumping on bed* [LOL] [LOL]

I cant believe it.You updated 😲.Just when I was sure you wouldn't😲.

Ok.I tell you this update was (and still is) the most awesome+lovely+greatest+mind-blowing+superb+fantastic+fantabulous+Breathtaking+sentimental+marvellous+wizard+Well worth the wait+bestest+excellent+wonderful+smashing+incredible+first-clss+grand+super+outstanding+peerless+aced+unsurpassed=crams the dictionary for more words [LOL] + falls dead on spot.

This FF was a dear to all of us too.And we'll miss it too.I had asked if there will be a sequel.But now I guess not.

this si really the most prized update till now.the emotional scenes.the confession scenes and the relationship scenes were describled awesomely.

Now for the update in detail [LOL]

'Never in these nineteen years have the Units attended any of my school functions. Not on the first day of preschool, not during the parent-teacher conferences, and not even on graduation day. So what's so special about a damn play?'

Firstly I loved the comparision of parents to units. it was thoughtful. This line is Great.It carries many emotions.That fact brought tears.

'See, the thing with the Units is that they're words are always written on stone, meaning that what they say goes. There's a certain command in their tone whenever they speak, one of those 'chill down spine,' ones.'

This is right ! Parents always do that.that moment.it's just too great to describe.

Those parental lines and that conversation was heart-touching.You went deep down the feelings of a lovedeprived 19 year old boy and described them very beautifully.The words ,The pain..All was very well described and wetted my eyes.Kudos for that.

It really is suffocating if parents dont remember birthdays.It is them who gave birth and arrgh. [LOL]

'She touches my face, and for that one millisecond, I forget all those years that I've craved for that reassuring touch. I forget all those years I looked out the window, hoping that they'd make it home in time for dinner. All I can feel now is the warmth of a loved one. The warmth of... my mother.'

These lines melted me. These are awesome lines and very very touching. Mother's Warmth *sighs*

And the lines describing Gunjan are awesome too.They depicted So great.Lovely.

And I loved the way you introduced this FF's title and that made him realize.too cute <33

--

Gunjan-Those Gun-nup-papa scenes are awesome.her papa seemed to haveknown something about her.I love that line.Cause parents do often know whats happening before we realize it ourselves.

And that Nups giving that bracelet was real touching.It portrayed a perfect symbol. [:)]

'Di puts her hand to my cheek. "You can't even imagine how proud I am of you. And don't think it's just because of this play, no- I've always been proud of you. You're my ray of sunshine Gunjan, and the way you hold yourself together through everything... even I couldn't do that. You're the strongest and bravest person I know, and I know that whatever decision you take in life... it'll take you to greater highs. But, I am your big sister, so I want you to always think twice before whatever you do... but most importantly, follow your heart. Your heart is never wrong Gunjan, never." '

The touching-est line in the part.It was awesome and immediately remindied me of my couin sister.She's just like nupur and guides me whenever she comes home.This line was great !

and those Gunjan imagining samrat lines were good too.

And samrat missing.I thought only he must have been somewhere like To make a dashing entry =))

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The confession was great ! i wanted it to happen like this in the show too.benji is a great friend.The confession ! haila mein mar jawan.This was great and the feelings we greatly described !Perfect.I want you to be the creative of MJHT *wails*

It was seriously a lovely confession When he 'I love you Gunjan' ,I could imagine Gunjan's perplexion and her turning.Everything was great.I litterally shouted YES !! [LOL] [LOL]

' Gunjan means going back to being the old Samrat. No Gunjan means no more complications. No more hiding, no more lying. No Gunjan means everything going back to normal.No Gunjan means no more being myself. No more happiness...no more genuine smiles. No more cooking meals to impress her, no more using the "car" excuse to walk her home, no more watching her expressions when she's nervous, no more bike rides...No Gunjan means going back to before. I don't want that. '

This line is very romantic :).I wish samrat had said this to gunjan in hindi ,a little alteration here and there.

And that teethy smile I rolfed.[=))].And that teasing.I really rolfed.

And the play audience is toooo cute for words. Imagine seeing a live confession.and I love taam maam too.

--

Spring dance---

Uday and taam-So sid is their son [LOL] [LOL] [LOL] .I always wanted that.They make such a cuteee Couple.I always wanted uday to be a little sensible too :)

And mayank and Nupur .glad you atleast told their Story :).It was sweet

And benji-sheena.I would dread that in real.But it's cute in your ff knowing that sheena is good :)

And samrat-Gunjan i rest my case.

I loved the teasing and that mention of the beutiful girlfriend made me go awww.

That dia-Rv thing was cute too.I loved The way Gunji was cioncerned for her.Rv was royal and phunny [=))] [=))]

And the dance.i want one for SG I demand one....I loved the way you described it !but was taam maam seeing them??😕😆

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It was a great.I'll miss ur ff *gets emotional* But I say You have done a pretty great job.I love it.And I cant tell you haw I love this FF

Ps.I think I HAVE written a LONG comment.So you better reply to it [=))] [=))] [=))]

~Lipsa