Still Waiting(OS), AR, MAYUR n SAJAN versions pg 8

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Pooja

@kweetrockstar

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Posted: 15 years ago

Hey guys, welcome to my short stories and one shots gallery, well, some of u do know me. I'm Pooja, here with a very few (uptil now) stories and one shots of mine. There is AR, Mayur, and Sajan as well. Hope u like it, plz do comment, or press the like button.

INDEX

The Secret Love(Mayur)- https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/27609095

The Secret Love(AR)- https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/27609165

The Hidden Truth(Sajan)- https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/27609202

The Hidden Truth(AR)- https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/27609226

A Love Story(Mayur)- https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/27715551

A Love Story(Sajan)- https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/27715678

A Love Story(AR)- https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/27715775

Still Waiting (AR) - https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/28926478

Still Waiting (Sajan) - https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/28926646

Still Waiting (Mayur) - https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/28926656

Edited by kweetrockstar - 15 years ago

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Pooja

@kweetrockstar

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Posted: 15 years ago

THE SECRET LOVE (MAYUR)

Hi guys, as u can see, u are talking to the editor of the famous magazine "The Rockstar", on her personal handicam "cammy". Well, me, "Nupur Bhushan", is a known name all over the newspapers. Having famous parents as well as a successful career surely helps u to be the centre of attraction of the media. The world considers me to be a pampered princess of her dad, "Shiv Bhushan", the famous industrialist, and her mom, "Rati Bhushan", the owner of "The Rockstar". Actually, even u might take me to be a spoilt brat, but i've worked hard for my success. Mum was allowed to buy the magazine, only after i had bagged the position of the editor, coz i wanted my own identity. Basically, i handle the whole work, mum loves to spend her time either working on the laptop, or watching me. Earlier mum used to help dad in the business, but now she's usually with me, and works with dad just through her laptop. Its always a tough fight b|w dad and me, as to who gets mum for more time, and i am always the victorious one, to add to dad's grumbles. But, i never saw dad actually being angry at mum for neglecting him, coz she never did, I've no idea how does she manage everything, she's a wonderful wife, businesswoman, mom and an awesome person. I'm proud to be the daughter of such a wonderful couple, the most romantic people uptil yet, i've ever met. Being the busy people as they are, my parents never neglected me, result being, i am the epitome of fusion of indian as well as western culture. For the people outside, i am a person of bold nature, independent and a strict boss. But the ones who know me personally can tell u how quiet and shy i am. These are just two faces of my personality.

I am really sorry, i just get carried away when it comes to my family. Now, where was i going, of course, i am driving my new merc from mumbai to panchgani, to the farmhouse of the "Shergill's". I have been spending my every holi there, since long back. "Kartik Shergill", the big businessman, is dad's childhood friend, and "Smriti Shergill", his wife, is mum's best friend. I love the whole family too much, "Samrat Shergill" followed his dad on the path of business, where as "Gunjan Gupta Shergill", has a boutique of her own. "Diya Shergill Jain", wife of "Benji Jain", is a board member with her husband at Excel College, whose trustee is Benji's dad. I totally love Kittu (kartik) uncle, sim aanty, Sam bhai, Gujju bhabhs, Diya di and Benji jijs. They all take me to be youngest kid of their family.

My friends cum employees, "Adhiraj Kapoor", the leading photographer, and his girlfriend, "Suhaani Sehgal", a witty and spontaneous writer, shall reach there tomorrow morning. They both are my best friends, and the only secret keepers of the person i love so deeply. We three share each others life strongly, hence making us bestest buddies.

Its late night, but i've reached the place, so a temporary gud nite cammy, ha, only a person like me cud spend her journey listening to songs or talking to her cammy, while driving. Hey, the electricity has just gone off, it'll take a few minutes to switch on the generators. I'll have to be careful, carefully Noor, oh yeah! By the way, Noor is a name only i use for myself, and so does my cammy. Top secret, i luv the name Noor, referred to aura around a person, coz the person i love has this very special aura around him. And guess what, i can just love him, but never get him, the big reason, he HATES me. The love of my life hates me, so, i've never had the guts to tell him about it.

Oh Noor, oh no, u've hit the pot u so surely knew was there. Now fall to the floor, get hit hard, and wait helplessly for some help. But guess what? Falling doesnt hurt, luks like nothing ever happened. I then open my eyes which i had closed on the way to my fall, just to look into those deep black eyes, in the presence of the dim silver moonlight. The green ones had found the blue ones, which for sure didnt seem cold at all, unlike the other days. His stare held me captivated, my heart skipped a beat, then beating at the highest rate. I felt like reaching my hand forward, just to feel the warmth of his skin. Suddenly a shiver ran down my spine, a low voice escaping my lips, "Mayank".

It all started when i was 13. I had come for holi, as always to Kittu uncle's place. But this time, there was a new guy, about 14, present in the gardens, on the benches. I had a distant view, and enquired about him. He was the son of "Mihir Sharma" and "Shilpa Sharma", extremely close to kittu uncle. His parents and his younger sister "Shaila Sharma"(12), had passed away in a plane crash, leaving Mayank to live with the Shergills. Sharma's too had an extremely flourishing chains of hotels, to be handled by Mayank when he wished to. I was shocked to know that he had already started to learn the tacts of business (no wonder he has the leading chains of hotels at present). My first meeting with him took place the same night, i was enjoying the beauty of the stars on the terrace, sitting in the room made of glass. The room was made specially for me. The walls, the decors, and every possible thing was made of glass. I switched off the lights, and was about to move down, that i hit the small settee, unable to see in the dark, and was immediately engulfed into a pair of strong arms. I was suprised to stare in those black eyes, and this close contact of his skin with my bare arms sent 10000 watt shock messages to my body. I cud feel the goosebumps forming all over my body, but hoped he cudn't, thankfully he didnt or maybe chose not to.

"Who are you and what are u doing here?", he asked in a tone that didnt display any of his emotions.

"Noor..., umm, Nupur, Nupur Bhushan. And I always spend my time in this room, it has been designed as such for me, but i wont mind if u wanna be here too, we cud be friends, u c", i said as i fumbled with the answer due to my present thoughts status full of his deep charm.

"Oh, so u r the *pappa's priceless spoiled princess*, enjoying her parents' wealth, who thinks everybody has to live just to bid her orders. I've heard the servants talk about u, they think u r pampered too much. But i am not one of them, so dont expect me to do the puppy walk behind u. As for this room, Kartik dad has told me i cud use it. So no point if u mind or no, get it."

"How dare u, how dare u speak to me like that?", i suddenly emerged out of his hold, shouting at the top of my voice.

"Look, i dont care....", he started, but i cut him,

"Dont u try going there, Mr. Mayank Mihir Sharma, who on earth gave u the right to accuse me of all those things. What do u know about me, huh, what do u know? I know i am pampered by my family as well as Kittu uncle and all, but i never asked for it, and i seriously dont regret it. I dont think there was any day people who know me called me a spoilt child, coz i am proud of my parents' upbringing. The people who dont know me, are jealous of my luck, ur so called informers. But why am i telling u all this, u just dont deserve my friendship. (I paused for a sec, abt to comment on the death of his family, but thought the better of it). As for the room, i'm locking it and taking the keys with me. I'd love to c u get them without my approval, try as hard as u can. Humph!"

For a flash of second i saw agony in his eyes, but it had gone as soon as it had come, leaving me confused if it had been there or not.

This was my first meeting with Mayank, which had been enough to tell me how much he hated me. I kept my mind working to realise the reality of his words.The real reason, I worked out later, to satisfy myself, was that after losing his family, Mayank saw me as an intruder in his relations. He had wanted to be the most loved one here, but i was the apple of everyone's eye, which unfortunately he cudn't deny.

It was actually Mayank's attitude towards me, that gave me a pushoff towards working hard for a career. It was as if, i wanted to prove myself capable to him. Bright as i already was, it didnt take me long to choose myself a career. Initially i shouted about my successs to everyone even through the phone, to make sure he heard me loud and clear. But later, i skipped doing that. I avoided Mayank at every step, the urge to prove him wrong melted down as i realised i had lost my heart to him, the first night of our meeting. His behavior with everyone except me, his nature and his love for the family, all made me love him more. I had created a relation between us of the cat and the dog fighting in front of everyone, so that there was no place of doubt in anyone's heart. He equally participated in fighting with me, resulting in my victory in the end. I thought he let me win deliberately, but then thought otherwise. As much as i denied it, i realised i loved him more and more. I finally gave up fighting with myself, admitting my love, and hence avoiding him, lest he realised my feelings. My biggest fear was his rejection.

BACK TO PRESENT:
As soon as the name escaped my lips, i heard him sigh. His breath felt hot on my face, warming me enough even on that chill night. Suddenly the lights came back, bringing out everyone to welcome their successful princess. I was clutched by everyone turn by turn, and when i turned back, he had left.

NEXT DAY, ITS HOLI:
(Midnight)
U know what cammy, every year these siblings of mine, they paint my face with colours, when i am asleep, before the others. Every year i try to stay awake to stop them, but aghast, i fail. Hope i can do it this time.

(Morning)
"Hey guys, happy holi to u all", i mutter in a sleepy voice, as i move down the stairs. But, everyone of them burst out laughing.

"Oh no, not again!" My guess was too true, i had come down with a painted face. I asked them to click a pic, and strode off to add that to the previous ones.

The holi party was in full swings. People, young and old, along with kids, were running in every possible direction. Just then i saw Adhiraj coming in, i reached him as he enveloped me in a hug.

"Hey dude what took u so long, hope u found the place easily, are u tired, need something to eat or drink, oh by the way, Hapy Holi, and where is my third muskeeter?", i showered a bunch of questions on him.

"Wait princess, give me a break. (He paused for a second). Now, Happy Holi (again giving a hug), i am totally fine, found the place easily, everyone seems to know u guys, i am not hungry or thirsty at present, ur third so called muskeeter Suhaani is in bed right now, with high temperature and bad cold." He continued at my shocked expressions,

"Madame wanted to celebrate holi with water even before the day itself, giving her such a cold. Before u ask, doc says she'll be fine by tomorrow, nothing serious. This was the reason of my delay. And a good newz for u, "Rockstar" has been chosen as the best magazine at the International Awards in Paris, u need to be there to collect the award and so many other awards on our behalf, they've sent u ticket. By the way, more than half of those awards are in our bag."

This time i engulfed him in a hug, tight as one that choked his throat. Our ongoing didnt escape the others and i introduced them to Adhiraj, telling them about the awards thing. As expected, they all celebrated heartily, but i felt, something amiss.
Mayank was nowhere to be seen.

I finally bade farewell to Adhiraj after the party ended,

"Buddy, book two tickets for urself as well as Suhaani. The three muskeeteers do everything together, 'One for All, All for One'. Add the bill to my account."

"But Nupur..."

"No ifs and buts, it is an anniversary gift to u guys"

"What????"

"Yeah Adi, i think its time u tell her about it. I think she's waiting for it, and what wud be a better place than Paris to tell each other that u love each other"

"Nupur, thanx for everything. I guess i cant delay it anymore, Paris is just the place"

"Hey stop this thanx and all, none of these in friendship, buddy. And remember this gift, so that i am allowed to forget any of ur oncoming anniversaries", we burst out laughing,

"Nupur, try telling him, maybe theres some hope. Plz Nupur, give urself a chance, or u may loose him forever. Plz, for me, for Suhaani and for ur self. Promise me u will"

I had to do it, i knew that, i cudnt just let him go, i loved Mayank, so i promised, and we parted with a final hug. I then moved inside, oblivious to a pair of eyes witnessing my give and take with Adhiraj.

That night, mum and dad told me that we were to leave for Mumbai early morning, so i'd better be ready. I knew it was my last chance, so i packed my things, checked that everyone was downstairs, and hurried off to Mayank's room. Nobody in the house went to his room, not even uncle and aanty. I knocked at his door, no answer. I again knocked, this time a bit harder. No answer again. I fished out the cell from my pocket, abt to call him, when i opened the pictures. There were so many of them of Mayank, all of them at the moment he was busy enough to ignore my presence. Then i hit the 'call' button. He finally picked up after some time,

"Yes, Mayank here!", his voice sounded different.

"Mayank, i need a favour, i need to talk to u, i'm outside ur room"

''I'll just come", few seconds passed and he was there, standing in his army tracks and black and white t-shirt. Wearing a pink tank top with black capree, i was too nervous too look at his face that i stared everywhere but his face.

"Cud we go and talk in the balcony?", he followed me as quietly.

"Ummmm.... Mayank, i, i wanted to tell u something, about u, no about us, no, i mean about me." Hell, i was fidgeting with my cell.

"Please Nupur, dont..."

I raised my eyes to look at him and was shocked to see him. The pain which had made me look up at him was so visible, his eyes were red, as if he had been crying. He seemed to be in so much pain. I cudnt see him like that. I was suddenly missing his smile and his cute face.

"Please dont say something that i wont be able to hear, please Nupur"

The way he said my name, it felt as if he was begging to me. I cudnt give him and myself more pain, the pain of rejection i feared, the pain of loosing him.
But, i dont know what came over me, i suddenly exclaimed,

"Mayank, if u care for me, then please meet me at the terrace, after everyone is asleep. Please Mayu, if u care, then please come. And i promise i'll never trouble u again"

I rushed from there saying this, hence did not see him fall on his knees, broken and hurt, crying his heart out.
I thumped on my bed crying badly,

"Why God, i had finally taken a step towards him, but u've taken him miles away from me. I dont think he will ever come there to me, he doesnt care, does he? More than that God, he was hurt. I've got no idea why was that, but if it was related to me, i promise Mayank, u'll never be hurt because of me. I'll leave ur life the next instant"

An hour later, when i was sure, that everyone was sleeping, i got out of my room and climbed the stairs with some hope that he might come. I hadnt realised i wud require a jacket, but it was chilling cold. I was broken, to find an empty terrace, i opened my favourite room, with thoughts of collecting the pieces of my broken heart there. As i was about to enter, I heard footsteps. My heart told me, it was Mayank. He was at a distance, i chose to speak to his body rather than face him. I started,

"Mayank, i m sorry for all what has happened between us in the past. I know i cannot ammend it, and i promise to never trouble u again. I have decided that i'll shift to Paris, never to come back in ur life, but there's one thing i want u to know, i am in love, Mayank, i am in love with someone who made me look at my life and find its meaning, he made me what i am today, i love him since i entered the age related to attraction, but it just grew stronger with time, i love him since last 10 years, capturing his every precious smile, hiding from him just to get a glimpse of his michief or his smile, i decorated this glass room with his accessories, his belongings and anything related to him. Yes Mr. Mayank Mihir Sharma, I, Nupur Shiv Bhushan, is hopelessly in love with you. I really love u"

With this i shut my eyes, waiting for him to depart from there, leaving me with my broken heart, when,

"Nupur...."

I opened my eyes to see him standing there with his arms wide open and a big smile playing on his lips.
I ran and drowned myself in his arms, i didnt need any jacket right now, the world had stopped for me, i wanted to take every part of this moment into my heart, i wanted our hearts to feel connected, so that i cud take all his pains and give him only happiness, so that he cud reciprocate my feelings too, i wanted...

"I love u too Noor,
I love u too"

With that, we shifted to the room, where he tried to give me his jacket.

"No Mayu, just dont let me out of ur hold, i feel so safe here"

"My princess, i so love u"

"Mayu, i dont believe it, u also love me, i mean u always showed that u hated me, and where did u get that Noor, and why were u so sad today, had i hurt u, or was it someone else, tell me Mayank, plz tell..."

He pressed her lips with his fingers, making her silent. She was brought to a sudden silence.

"Relax sweetheart, my angel, lets start right from the beginning. I had lost my family, and with that, i had lost my ability to trust God. I knew he wud take away everyone i loved, so despite loving Kartik dad and Smriti mom, and the whole family, i tried not to connect too much with them. Then, i heard about your arrival, as to how much the people here love u, even the servants. I was jealous of ur fate, so i decided to be a pain for u by making u feel guilty of ur behaviour. That night, i was coming up, to spend some time, and realised someone falling. I jumped to ur rescue, and fell in love with the green eyed angel. Just then i realised i cudnt let u get hurt by allowing u to come closer to me. I made up all the reasons i cud think of at that moment. I knew i was doing just the right thing. Then i luvd it when i heard of any of ur success. As for Noor, i used to climb up ur bedroom at the night of holi, i wanted to colour u first of all"

"And u managed without any doubts from bhai and di?'

"Well, i told them that the other one had done it, hence keeping them off the trail. Thats when i downloaded all the data from ur cammy to my laptop. It felt nice to see as if u were talking to me. Thats where i got Noor. As for today, i saw u with that punk from ur office, the closeness u guys shared ripped me apart. I know i'd lost u seeing u guys so close."

"He's my best buddy Mayu, him and Suhaani, both. Moreover they are a couple too."

"I realised i was wrong a few minutes ago, but telling me he's already committed surely makes my day sweety. (I giggled) So, now what are the plans, who shall tell the family?"

"I dont think we need to go there actually, coz i heard uncle n aanty talking to mum n dad at the party as to how much they love me, how they'll miss me if i'm gone. They finally concluded that they cud keep me here for the rest of the life, using u as a bait."

"Are u saying what i think u r saying?"

"Yes, (i added softly) they want us to get married"

I was again engulfed in his arms, but this time for a tighter hug. Although i was in his arms from the time we were here, but this seemed just so different. With that, we spent the night or morning u cud say, talking our hearts out to each other. We both had found our love, truly ours. With that i got up with him, entering his room, only to find it full of my posters. He had decorated it according to my choices. I realised how alike we were as i planned to ask mum n dad to let me stay here with the Shergill's for a few days, i already had an answer ready to their questions. But before that i had Adhiraj n Suhaani to call, to tell them about us going to Paris on a double date, as i lost myself again in Mayank.

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

Edited by kweetrockstar - 15 years ago

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Pooja

@kweetrockstar

Rocker

+ 4

Posted: 15 years ago

THE SECRET LOVE (AR)

Hi guys, as u can see, u are talking to the editor of the famous magazine "The Rockstar", on her personal handicam "cammy". Well, me, "Riddhima Gupta", is a known name all over the newspapers. Having famous parents as well as a successful career surely helps u to be the centre of attraction of the media. The world considers me to be a pampered princess of her dad, "Shashank Gupta", the famous industrialist, and her mom, "Padma Gupta", the owner of "The Rockstar". Actually, even u might take me to be a spoilt brat, but i've worked hard for my success. Mum was allowed to buy the magazine, only after i had bagged the position of the editor, coz i wanted my own identity. Basically, i handle the whole work, mum loves to spend her time either working on the laptop, or watching me. Earlier mum used to help dad in the business, but now she's usually with me, and works with dad just through her laptop. Its always a tough fight b|w dad and me, as to who gets mum for more time, and i am always the victorious one, to add to dad's grumbles. But, i never saw dad actually being angry at mum for neglecting him, coz she never did, I've no idea how does she manage everything, she's a wonderful wife, businesswoman, mom and an awesome person. I'm proud to be the daughter of such a wonderful couple, the most romantic people uptil yet, i've ever met. Being the busy people as they are, my parents never neglected me, reult being, i am the epitome of fusion of indian as well as western culture. For the people outside, i am a person of bold nature, independent and a strict boss. But the ones who know me personally can tell u how quiet and shy i am. These are just two faces of my personality.

I am really sorry, i just get carried away when it comes to my family. Now, where was i going, off course, i am driving my new merc from mumbai to panchgani, to the farmhouse of the "Modi's". I have been spending my every holi there, since long back. "Kartik Modi", the big businessman, is dad's childhood friend, and "Smriti Modi", his wife, is mum's best friend. I love the whole family too much, "Abhimanyu Modi" followed his dad on the path of business, where as "Nikita Malhotra Modi", has a boutique of her own. "Dr Anjali Modi Joshi", wife of "Dr Atul Joshi", is a senior doctor with her husband at sanjeevani, whose dean is Atul's dad. I totally love Kittu (kartik) uncle, sim aanty, abhi bhai, nikki bhabhs, anji di and atul jij. They all take me to be youngest kid of their family.

My friends cum employees, "Rahul Grewal", the leading photographer, and his girlfriend, "Muskaan Chadhha", a witty and spontaneous writer, shall reach there tomorrow morning. They both are my best friends, and the only secret keepers of the person i love so deeply. We three share each others life strongly, hence making us bestest buddies.

Its late night, but i've reached the place, so a temporary gud nite cammy, ha, only a person like me cud spend her journey listening to songs or talking to her cammy, while driving. Hey, the electricity has just gone off, it'll take a few minutes to switch on the generators. I'll have to be careful, carefully Radhi, oh yeah! By the way, Radhi is a name only i use for myself, and so does my cammy. Top secret, i luv the name radhika, referred to goddess Radha, coz the person i love is the God Krishna of my life. I can just love him, but never get him, the big reason, he HATES me. The love of my life hates me, so, i've never had the guts to tell him about it.

Oh Radhi, oh no, u've hit the pot u so surely knew was there. Now fall to the floor, get hit hard, and wait helplessly for some help. But guess what? Falling doesnt hurt, luks like nothing ever happened. I then open my eyes which i had closed on the way to my fall, just to look into those bluish-grey eyes, in the presence of the dim silver moonlight. The green ones had found the blue ones, which for sure didnt seem cold at all, unlike the other days. His stare held me captivated, my heart skipped a beat, then beating at the highest rate. I felt like reaching my hand forward, just to feel the warmth of his skin. Suddenly a shiver ran down my spine, a low voice escaping my lips, "Armaan".

It all started when i was 13. I had come for holi, as always to Kittu uncle's place. But this time, there was a new guy, about 14, present in the gardens, on the benches. I had a distant view, and enquired about him. He was the son of "Rihaan Mallik" and "Armi Mallik", extremely close to kittu uncle. His parents and his younger sister "Arhi Mallik"(12), had passed away in a plane crash, leaving Armaan to live with the Modis. Malliks too had an extremely flourishing chains of hotels, to be handled by Armaan when he wished to. I was shocked to know that he had already started to learn the tacts of business (no wonder he has the leading chains of hotels at present). My first meeting with him took place the same night, i was enjoying the beauty of the stars on the terrace, sitting in the room made of glass. The room was made specially for me. The walls, the decors, and every possible thing was made of glass. I switched off the lights, and was about to move down, that i hit the small settee, unable to see in the dark, and was immediately engulfed into a pair of strong arms. I was suprised to stare in those blui-grey eyes, and this close contact of his skin with my bare arms sent 10000 watt shock messages to my body. I cud feel the goosebumps forming all over my body, but hoped he cudn't, thankfully he didnt or maybe chose not to.

"Who are you and what are u doing here?", he asked in a tone that didnt display any of his emotions.

"Radh..., umm, Riddhima, Riddhima Gupta. And I always spend my time in this room, it has been designed as such for me, but i wont mind if u wanna be here too, we cud be friends, u c", i said as i fumbled with the answer due to my present thoughts status full of his deep charm.

"How dare u, how dare u speak to me like that?", i suddenly emerged out of his hold, shouting at the top of my voice.

"Look, i dont care....", he started, but i cut him,

"Dont u try going there, Mr. Armaan Rihaan Mallik, who on earth gave u the right to accuse me of all those things. What do u know about me, huh, what do u know? I know i am pampered by my family as well as kittu uncle and all, but i never asked for it, and i seriously dont regret it. I dont think there was any day people who know me called me a spoilt child, coz i am proud of my parents' upbringing. The people who dont know me, are jealous of my luck, ur so called informers. But why am i telling u all this, u just dont deserve my friendship. (I paused for a sec, abt to comment on the death of his family, but thought the better of it). As for the room, i'm locking it and taking the keys with me. I'd love to c u get them without my approval, try as hard as u can. Hmph!"

For a flash of second i saw agony in his eyes, but it had gone as soon as it had come, leaving me confused if it had been there or not.

This was my first meeting with Armaan, which had been enough to tell me how much he hated me. I kept my mind working to realise the reality of his words.The real reason, I worked out later, to satisfy myself, was that after losing his family, Armaan saw me as an intruder in his relations. He had wanted to be the most loved one here, but i was the apple of everyone's eye, which unfortunately he cudn't deny.

It was actuall Armaan's attitude towards me, that gave me a pushoff towards working hard for a career. It was as if, i wanted to prove myself capable to him. Bright as i already was, it didnt take me long to choose myself a career. Initially i shouted about my successs to everyone even through the phone, to make sure he heard me loud and clear. But later, i skipped doing that. I avoided Armaan at every step, the urge to prove him wrong melted down as i realised i had lost my heart to him, the first night of our meeting. His behavior with everyone except me, his nature and his love for the family, all made me love him more. I had created a relation between us of the cat and the dog fighting in front of everyone, so that there was no place of doubt in anyone's heart. He equally participated in fighting with me, resulting in my victory in the end. I thought he let me win deliberately, but then thought otherwise. As much as i denied it, i realised i loved him more and more. I finally gave up fighting with myself, admitting my love, and hence avoiding him, lest he realised my feelings. My biggest fear was his rejection.

(Morning)
"Hey guys, happy holi to u all", i mutter in a sleepy voice, as i move down the stairs. But, everyone of them burst out laughing.

"Oh no, not again!" My guess was too true, i had come down with a painted face. I asked them to click a pic, and strode off to add that to the previous ones.

The holi party was in full swings. People, young and old, along with kids, were running in every possible direction. Just then i saw Rahul coming in, i reached him as he enveloped me in a hug.

"Wait princess, give me a break. (He paused for a second). Now, Happy Holi (again giving a hug), i am totally fine, found the place easily, everyone seems to know u guys, i am not hungry or thirsty at present, ur third so called muskeeter muski is in bed right now, with high temperature and bad cold." He continued at my shocked expressions,

This time i engulfed him in a hug, tight as one that choked his throat. Our ongoing didnt escape the others and i introduced them to Rahul, telling them about the awards hing. As expeced, they all celebrated heartily, but i felt, something amiss.
Armaan was nowhere to be seen.

I finally bade farewell to Rahul after the party ended,

"Buddy, book two tickets for urself as well as muski. The three muskeeteers do everything together, 'One for All, All for One'. Add the bill to my account."

"But Ridzi..."

"No ifs and buts, it is an anniversary gift to u guys"

"What????"

"Yeah Rahul, i think its time u tell her about it. I think she's waiting for it, and what wud be a better place than Paris to tell each other that u love each other"

"Ridzi, thanx for everything. I guess i cant delay it anymore, Paris is just the place"

"Hey stop this thanx and all, none of these in friendship, buddy. And remember this gift, so that i am allowed to forget any of ur oncoming anniversaries", we burst out laughing,

"Ridzi, try telling him, maybe theres some hope. Plz Ridzi, give urself a chance, or u may loose him forever. Plz, for me, for Muskaan and for ur self. Promise me u will"

I had to do it, i knew that, i cudnt just let him go, i loved Armaan, so i promised, and we parted with a final hug. I then moved inside, oblivious to a pair of eyes witnessing my give and take with Rahul.

That night, mum and dad told me that we were to leave for Mumbai early morning, so i'd better be ready. I knew it was my last chance, so i packed my things, checked that everyone was downstairs, and hurried off to Armaan's room. Nobody in the house went to his room, not even uncle and aanty. I knocked at his door, no answer. I again knocked, this time a bit harder. No answer again. I fished out the cell from my pocket, abt to call him, when i opened the pictures. There were so many of them of Armaan, all of them at the moment he was busy enough to ignore my presence. Then i hit the 'call' button. He finally picked up after some time,

"Yes, Armaan here!", his voice sounded different.

"Armaan, i need a favour, i need to talk to u, i'm outside ur room"

''I'll just come", few seconds passed and he was there, standing in his army 3|4 ths and black and white t-shirt. Wearing a red tank top with black capree, i was too nervous too look at his face that i stared everywhere but his face.

"Cud we go and talk in the balcony?", he followed me as quietly.

"Ummmm.... Armaan, i, i wanted to tell u something, about u, no about us, no, i mean about me." Hell, i was fidgeting with my cell.

"Please Riddhima, dont..."

"Please dont say something that i wont be able to hear, please Riddhima"

"Armaan, if u care for me, then please meet me at the terrace, after everyone is asleep. Please Amu, if u care, then please come. And i promise i'll never trouble u again"

I rushed from there saying this, hence did not see him fall on his knees, broken and hurt, crying his heart out.
I thumped on my bed crying badly,

"Why God, i had finally taken a step towards him, but u've taken him miles away from me. I dont think he will ever come there to me, he doesnt care,does he? More than that God, he was hurt. I've got no idea why was that, but if it was related to me, i promise Armaan, u'll never be hurt because of me. I'll leave ur life the next instant"

An hour later, when i was sure, that everyone was sleeping, i got out of my room and climbed the stairs with some hope that he might come. I hadnt realised i wud require a jacket,it was chilling cold. I was broken to find an empty terrace, i opened my favourite room, with thoughts of collecting the pieces of my broken heart there. As i was about to enter, I heard footsteps. My heart told me, it was Armaan. He was at a distance, i chose to speak to his body rather than face him. I started,

"Armaan, i m sorry for all what has happened between us in the past. I know i cannot ammend it, and i promise to never trouble u again. I have deccided that i'll shift to Paris, never to come back in ur life, but there's one thing i want u to know, i am in love, Armaan, i am in love with someone who made me look at my life and find its meaning, he made me what i am today, i love him since i entered the age related to attraction, but it just grew stronger with time, i love him since last 10 years, capturing his every precious smile, hiding from him just to get a glimpse of his michief or his smile, i decorated this glass room with his accessories, his belongings and anything related to him. Yes Mr. Armaan Ridhaan Mallik, I, Riddhima Shashank Gupta, is hopelessly in love with you. I really love u"

With this i shut my eyes, waiting for him to depart from there, leaving me with my brokrn heart, when,

"Riddhima...."

"I love u too Radhi,
I luv u too Riddhima"

With that, we shifted to the room, where he tried to give me his white jacket.

"No Amu, just dont let me out of ur hold, i feel so safe here"

"My princess, i so love u"

"Amu, idont believe it, u also love me, i mean u always showed that u hated me, and where did u get that Radhi, and why were u so sad today, had i hurt u, or was it someone else, tell me Armaan, plz tell..."

He pressed her lips with his fingers, making her silent. She was brought to a sudden silence.

"Relax sweetheart, my angel,lets start right from the beginning. I had lost my family, and with that, i had lost my ability to trust God. I knew he wud take away everyone i loved, so despite loving Kartik dad and Smriti mom, and the whole family, i tried not to connect too much with them. Then, i heard about your arrival, as to how much the people here love u, even the servants. I was jealous of ur fate, so i decided to be a pain for u by making u feel guilty of ur behaviour. That night, i was coming up, to spend some time, and realised someone falling. I jumped to ur rescue, and fell in love with the green eyed angel. Just then i realised i cudnt let u get hurt by allowing u to come closer to me. I made up all the reasons i cud think of at that moment. I knew i was doing just the right thing. Then i luvd it when i heard of any of ur success. As for Radhi, i used to climb up ur bedroom at the night of holi, i wanted to colour u first of all.

"And u managed without any doubts from bhai and di?'

"Well, i told them that the other one had done it, hence keeping them off the trail. Thats when i downloaded all the data from ur cammy to my laptop. It felt nice to see as if u were talking to me. Thats where i got Radhi. As for today, i saw u with that punk from ur office, the closeness u guys shared ripped me apart. I know i'd lost u seeing u guys so close."

"He's my best buddy Amu, him and Muski, both. Moreover they are a couple too."

"I realised i was wrong a few minutes ago, but telling me he's already committed surely makes my day sweety. (I giggled) So, now what are the plans, who shall tell the family?"

"Are u saying what i think u r saying?"

"Yes, (i added softly) they want us to get married"

I was again engulfed in his arms, but this time for a tighter hug. Although i was in his arms from the time we were here, but this seemed just so different. With that, we spent the night or morning u cud say, talking our hearts out to each other. We both had found our love, truly ours. With that i got up him, entering his room, only to find it full of my posters. He had decorated it according to my choices. I realised how alike we were as i planned to ask mum n dad to let me stay here with the Modi's for a few days, i already had an answer ready to their questions. But before that i had Rahul n Muski to call, to tell them about us going to Paris on a double date, as i lost myself again in Armaan.

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

Edited by kweetrockstar - 15 years ago

Quote

Pooja

@kweetrockstar

Rocker

+ 4

Posted: 15 years ago

THE HIDDEN TRUTH (SAJAN)

It is the big night, everyone from the college is present here. Well, after all this is my party, the hottest hunk of the college. Yes, this is Samrat Shergill's b'day party, and, my twin brother, Mayank Shergill, just a minute older to me, his too. I have to call it his too, otherways my mum's lecture is just around the road. But, i've noticed mum doesn't asks me to hang around with Mayank anymore, and i guess the curiosity made me throw this party in his name too. To be honest, there's something that has happened with Mayank, he doesn't follow me anywhere now, doesn't wants to be involved in my activities, mum doesn't ask me to be there for him all the time. He's changed so much. If truth be told, i'm so used to his nosy and caring behaviour tht i miss him. I miss my bro when he's still there, confusing isnt it?

Finally Mayank has come, what took him so long? He's usually the punctual one, and why has every1 gone so silent? Oho! This crowd isnt allowing me to have a proper look,

"buddy, side plz, its my party remember?",

"oh, sorry Sammy!",

Yes now tht i can see him, wow, Mayank is looking soo different, in tht designer white suit. His specks are gone, i guess he must be using lens. And the girl with him, oh my God, how beautiful can someone look? She looks like a princess, in tht body hugging white n red anarkali suit. Even the silverish white work isnt glowing as much as her skin. I never knew a girl cud look so beautiful in a suit, i mean she doesn't luk like a behenji, but more like a fairy, an angel to be precise. She looks so familiar, wait, i know her, what was her name again? Garima, no, Ginni, nope, was it Gitu, nah, cant be, then Gayatri maybe, no no, too aanty types, i know it starts with a 'G', what was it? My chain of thoughts was broken, when the guy on my side exclaimed, "Gunjan!"

Off course, 'Gunjan Bhushan', i remember and i am drifted into my childhood memories, too smoothly.

It all started with my birth, ours actually. I've already told u, Mayank is like a minute older, but as we grew up, there seemed to be a generation gap b/w him and me. Dad had been the fun loving one, whereas mom was the serious types. I still dont know how do they get on so well with each other. My good luks made me a toy which dad cud brag abt, but mom's stored love was more for Mayank rather than me. I guess tht balanced dad's partial love towards me. I too, had made my distances with mom. Under dad's protection, i became an arrogant person, extremely popular and proud of his personality and his charm. Being the dude of the school helped add the spice. I was always out luking for a new challenge or adventure. I'd realised it soon tht i was a charmer in case of girls, unfortunately for them. I think u can guess how i must've spent my years at school and high school and college too. Mayank, on the other hand, took after mom, same seriousness, same personality, kind and loving. He always wanted to be with me, to enjoy the goodness of a twin younger brother. But i always ignored him, i was ashamed to introduce the bookworm with thick spectacles, as my twin. So i usually avoided him, moreover, he wud lecture me with everything, be it bike racing, basket ball, car racing or a bet on one of the girls. It was b'coz of mom tht i tolerated him, coz i wanted mom to treat me the same as Mayank.

Then, when we were 14, at our 1st day in school, i made a new group of friends. I always chose my friends carefully, they had to be good, no, actually the best. My new group included Chitra Jain, or CJ, the beautiful doll of the school. Favourite of most of the teachers, being the daughter of the principal, she had the perfect attitude. Adhiraj Kapoor, or Adi, my kindergarden buddy, a close family friend, into the same sports as me. Finally, Nups, as in Nupur Bhushan, the new girl, she had the perfect tall body, her face spoke of the arrogance in her heart, and a sharp mind too. I was proud to hang out with my group, competing with tht Uday Mittal, another dude of the school, but 2nd in the rank.

What i didnt realise during this time was tht, Mayank too, had found sumone, who was his friend for wht he was. I'd known abt it, bt too full of myself, to care abt this. Moreover i was happy not to find reasons to avoid him. His new friend was actually, Nupur's younger sister, Gunjan Bhushan, or Gunnu, as Mayank called her. Nups had told me tht Gunjan was actually her cousin, after her parents' death, Nup's dad and mum had adopted her. Nups too felt the same for her, as i felt for Mayank, so i too tried to avoid Gunjan. Actually, i hadn't ever noticed her.

I usually heard Mayank chatter happily abt his friends to mom, i used to be so busy staring at mom feed him so lovingly, i never cared to properly listen to him. After we grew up, dad became busy with the business, leaving no option for me other than mom, bt i guess i was responsible for her distance with me. She did everything for me, same as Mayank, but her eyes shone only for Mayank. Now tht i remember properly, this Gunjan girl was also ignored by her sister. Her new parents fulfilled her every wish, except for love. Their love was for Nups only. So, my mom decided to mother the child who was a gem for her older son. At my home, Gunjan found her family in Mayank and mom. His other friend was some Suhaani Sehgal, Sona for short. I'd heard of her, total chatterbox, and a real weirdo at times.

The real shock came to me the day, when the whole school was talking abt Sammy's bro being friends with Uday Mittal. I held a junior, and asked for details. He blurted out the whole incident.

Uday, at the first bell of the lunch break, had held Mayank, his friends and some juniors to bully them. They had taken it all, but when it was Mayank's turn, Uday asked him to write "Samrat is a '!@#$%', he is an '^&*()%$#@!&*' and so on" at the notice board outside princi's office. At his refusal to do so, they were about to hit him, when one of his friend hit a punch at Uday, straight on the face. There were so many complaints against him already, tht when taken to princi, Mayank and his friends wud have got a clean chit, and Uday, a sureshot rustication. When princi enquired, to every1's surprise, it was the same girl speaking, who had earlier hit Uday. She told him tht while coming from the stairs, she slipped and her plate hit Uday in the face hard, and she was extremely sorry for tht. The principal saw her with a look of utter shock and disbelief. Finally Uday was spared, but no one knew wht awaited tht girl outside the office. They knew she was in big trouble, perhaps she knew it too, oterwise tht lie in the office........

"Hey u! why did u lie, when u cud've easily told the truth and have me kicked out of here", his voice didnt reveal his emotions.

"Well, ur exit wud have finished off the competition here, and the punch on ur handsome face was just the right punishment. Its the charity ball next week, i'm sure u'll look too good dancing the right moves with ur lovely face. Moreover, ur career wud've ruined", she added.

Uday had to give this girl a high salute for her boldness. He had noticed her always the shy types, but today was something new. He was surprised as well as flattered by her way of praising him with insults. Her every remark had double meaning, but her last words were added softly, with sincerity in her eyes. He surely had to do it, people imagined him hitting the girl as he raised his hand,

"Friends?", people around them were shocked, and more shocked to the reply,

"Forever", as she too raised her hand.

I had been too busy running and shouting at Mayank to break off this new friendship with Uday to which he gave a sureshot no, tht i totally forgot the girl and her extreme power. I was so shocked with Mayank's response, tht i changed my direction everytime i saw him.
Now i realise tht it cud've only been Gunjan, Suhaani is not the one to bring these big changes. And the biggest change was, Uday Mittal. He was never seen with his old friends again. He was one of Mayank's gang, or Gunjan's gang to be precise. News was tht he was there at the ball with Gunjan, and they both had rocked the party. My group hadn't attended the ball, we were busy at Adi's b'day party. I am feeling so angry as to why cudnt Gunjan have gone to the party with me. I mean, she chose Uday, yuccckkkk!!! But what do i care, or do i??????????"

College went by in the same way like school. Our 2 groups had taken admissions in the same college, bt sumhow our paths never crossed. I guess it was all Gunjan's planning to keep us as far as possible. But ways did meet, during our cultural activities, their same interests brought Adi & Suhaani and CJ & Uday close. We had never realised this, until they announced this after the main function to us. I was happy for them, but worried too. I didnt want my friends to be hurt. With this our groups were intermixed, but sumhow either Nups & Me wud be missing, or Mayank & Gunjan, so, we eigth were never together. It was never planned, atleast not by us both, but sumhow this doesnt seem to be just a coincidence. None of our friends knew abt us being siblings, so, they too, considered it a coincidence.

Now tht i am trying, its easier to remember it all. I dont know why, but i wish i cud be a part of their group too. I feel i've missed so many things in my friends' and Mayank's life when i was so full of myself, tht i cannot get it back whatever i do. I come back to the present when a hand shakes me,

"Sammy, u never told us Mayank was ur brother, atleast Gunjan and Nups are just cousins, but u guys r twins?", this was CJ, yelling at the top of her lungs.

"Woh, CJ, actually, its just tht, umm, actually, woh.......", i was short of words. To my relief, Uday made an entry,

"Hey CJ, baad mein. Right now, every1's waiting for the cake to be cut. Come Sammy"

I went away only to see her standing with Mayank, clasping his arm tightly. I cud feel the warmth she was passing to Mayank to cover up his nervousness. Shouldn't it have been vice versa, i mean she was the all quiet types and all? Despite all tht, why did i want the warmth for myself, did i want every one tht loved Mayank to be mine, was it all to satisfy my ego? My mind answered a yes, unfortunately, my heart disagreed.

The cake cutting and the party went quite well. I just wish Gunjan had wished me too, i mean a present, or a card, or simple wishes wud've done it too. Suddenly my eyes move to a gift wrapped in the same coloured paper as Gunjan's dress. I read the card "Happy B'day Samrat Shergil - Gunjan Bhushan. It sounded so formal, but i opened the gift so cautiously, trying hard not to tear the wrapper or the ribbon or the wishing card. I opened the box to find a small tray, divided in different sections, each one with a different background and a different couple. I pressed on the start switch, and the 1st couple danced followed by the other couples like two cute teddy bears, two cupids, romeo and juliet and many others. The background helped him figure out the couple. After every couple finished, all of them danced together on "Every night in my dreams (from titanic)". He loved the gift so full of love and wished she had given it to him herself. But why am i, all of a sudden, cursing the lack of interaction b/w us. Hadn't she extended me a hand of friendship, along with Nups. I had remarked "Not my types" and walked off. I am used to sending away the people i love, Mom, Mayank and Gunjan. Wait! Did i just say love, no, it isnt love, it cud be just attraction, infatuation u c, not love, not at all. One doesnt fall in love at once, but then.................

From the next day, i tried every possible chance to spend time with Gunjan and her group. But again, Gunjan wudnt be there, Mayank was there sumtimes, but not once was she there. I had come to a decision tht she avoided me, but the question was why?

It was friendship's day tomorrow, and i had planned to confront Gunjan. What better day than tomorrow. I was in my happy thoughts, when i heard some commotion from the opposite room. I thought Mayank needed some help, so i rushed off to his room. I entered his room for the first time, there were numerous pics of him and Gunjan all over the room, some of them with Suhaani and Uday too. At his bedside wall, there was a huge poster of mom, with Mayank and Suhaani on one side, Gunjan and Uday on the other. They all lukd so perfect. I suddenly remembered the reason for coming here and headed towards the open balcony door. I was shocked to see the incident there.

"Hey Gunnu, u, how did u climb the pipeline up til here."

"Mayu give me ur hand idiot, my other hand is full"

"Oh yeah, so sorry! Now tell, why and how come?"

"Being the leader of Girls Scouts Team has helped, including the captainship of girls and boys basketball team of college. As for the reason, its friendship day. I had to wish u first of all. Lets cut the cake, my favourite hand made, chocolate."

"Our favourite"

Samrat saw them cutting the cake, eating some and putting most of it for their facial. Samrat was surprised to see her in a pink hoodie and black tight shorts with matching black shoes. She lukd so different, so 'cool', he didnt realise he'd just started liking cool rather than hot.

"Why r the others down?"

"They wanted me to wish u first"

"No i mean, shudnt they be with Adi and CJ"

"No Mayu, its friendship day, not valentines day. Get ready and come down, we're going to rock this day"

He saw Mayank go instantly with her in his same dress. He was shocked and hurt. During these days, Gunjan's presence had made him realise tht he was in love with her. His heart had told him the same on the night of his b'day. His questions had been answered. He fell in love with her as he drifted through his memories and recalled everything.

He didnt know when he fell off to sleep. He woke up to his mom's and Mayank's laughter. He headed towards the kitchen where Mayank was having his breakfast.

"Mom, last night they all forced me to propose her. Uday n Sona said tht Gunnu wanted it too. So i asked and she said 'yes'. I am so happy, i still cant believe it."

"I can believe it, she had no reason to say no, and i must add, u have an awesome choice. U have my approval."

"Awww, thanks mom, thank u so much. Love u", with tht he rushed off, leaving a heartbroken Samrat. He went up to his room, and cried over all that he had lost. His mom and Mayank just seemed too small a price compared to Gunjan. He cud do anything, to get her back, but he knew he had lost her, forever.

His mom entered his room in the evening, she knew something was wrong. He had refused to have any meals of the day, he hadnt gone to college, whereas it was friendship day today. His cell had been ringing constantly. 100 missed calls and 50 messages. She saw him lay asleep, but not peacefully. His pillow had traces of wetness. She tried waking him up,

"Samrat, Sammy beta"

He slowly stirred hearing her beautiful voice, slightly opening his eyes he saw her there, ever so lovingly. But remembering todays events, he hugged her tightly and cried his heart out.

"What happened Sammy, tell me na?"

He narrated each and every incident abt him and Gunjan, oblivious to Mayank's presence on his door. He saw Mayank and rushed off to hug him, no words were needed then. He knew Mayank wud understand, whereas his mom had tears seeing the understanding in the hearts of sons.

"I love her Sammy, but not the way u think."

Seeing Samrat's confused expressions, he continued,

"I love Gunjan, more than anyone, even more than mom, but not as in tht way. We are bestest of friends, lot more than that, but nothing more. She's always been a sisterly figure, but i wont name our friendship as brother sister relation, coz tht wud be an insult to our friendship, naming it just to satisfy the others, i wont do it. I actually proposed Nupur, we both came close during our project together. Yesterday, i went with my gang to her house n proposed her in front of her parents, she agreed with her parents' approval too. As for Gunjan, she's in love with someone since she entered her teens, sum1 who never noticed her, sumone whose image was of a playboy for the world, bt she loved the inner beauty if him. How he always helped his friends, how he was possessive about them and how he cudnt see them hurt. How he cud go to any extent for them and to gain the love of his mother. Despite the fact tht he's hurt her so bad, she still loves him"

Realisation hit Samrat, that somebody was him.

"I m sorry bhai, u must hate me, i am sure u already do. I mean how can she love me, i dont deserve her. Ask her to hate me na"

"To be honest, i never thought u were worth her love, but seeing u today, i realise she wasnt wrong in her choice, her heart did the right thing. As for hating u, i cud never do tht, even if i wanted to. Thats a thing she made me promise, i'll never hate u. Go get her buddy"

"She's at her house?"

"Nope, its her parents death anniversary today. She's at the cemetry"

"Death anniversary? She lukd perfect at night?"

"U shud've realised by now she can hide her emotions too well. Stop this chit chat, i'll tell u more abt her later, now hurry, go and get her"

Samrat hugged Mayank, then his mom and rushed off just to pause at his door, his dad had been standing there, shredding off the tears which had dried on his mom's face. He saw the approval in his eyes, hugged him and ran off taking the bike keys. His dad came in and engulfed Mayank in a tight hug. Tears flowed from his eyes too. She was crying to see her family happily united.

Samrat avoided many cars on the way in his great rush to reach the cemetry, not to say avoiding close calls by death. He finally reached there, the cemetry had been built on a cliff top, and.............

She stood there, dressed in the black 3/4ths, and a baby blue hoodie, hugging her body, to protect herself from the cold, or the loneliness, she guessed. She opened her arms to take in the pleasure of the small water droplets tht had started to fall from the sky. Suddenly her foot tripped and she was abt to fall when a strong hand clasped her wrist. She hadn't seen the person, but she knew she was in safe hands. Then things happened all of a sudden, there was a huge thunder, she was pulled up and she put her hands around him, burrying her face in his chest. She knew no one on earth cud harm her where she was, she was in his arms, the one she loved.

"I love u Gunjan"

He knew this was enough for right now, explanations cud come later on. Now, all he had to do was to wait for an answer. As if she knew wht he was thinking, he heard her "I love u too", but softly.

"Too soft", he didnt want to spoil the moment, but cudnt resist adding this.

He knew she was smiling, within these few seconds, their hearts and souls had become one. He recognised her body language, which said "listen to my heart".

She put his hand in between them on her heart, but he lifted it and put it on his heart.

"Its here, with me". She smiled at this, still burried in his arms.

"It is beating too loudly. I guess it wants to yell at its topmost volume and tell everyone tht we both love each other", she blushed at this.

"Oh ho......."

Mayank saw his mom's worried expressions, and her eyes moving from her phone to the door back and forth. "Mom, there's no use waiting, i'm sure they'll be late. After all, she wont be able to tell him any another day tht the punch Uday got on his face was for using those words for Samrat. Maybe they both've got many beans to spill. Lets enjoy ourselves, dad just got out the dvds as well as some popcorn. C'mon lets race, winner gets to choose the movie."

As she rushed off, he sent a text to Nupur, asking her not to be worried for Gunnu. Nupur had started to care for Gunjan the same time she had come closer to Mayank. After all, thanx to Gunjan, he was able to make his childhood crush as the love of his lfe. He then forwarded a msg to all his friends to meet Sammy, Gunjan and Him, in the morning tomorrow, for an awesomely breaking happy news. Then he too retired to watch off some emotional drama selected by his mom, he shudnt have let her win, poor dad!!!!!

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

Edited by kweetrockstar - 15 years ago

Quote

Pooja

@kweetrockstar

Rocker

+ 4

Posted: 15 years ago

THE HIDDEN TRUTH (AR)

It is the big night, everyone from the college is present here. Well, after all this is my party, the hottest hunk of the college. Yes, this is Armaan Mallik's b'day party, and, my twin brother, Atul Mallik, just a minute older to me, his too. I have to call it his too, otherways my mum's lecture is just around the road. But, i've noticed mum doesn't asks me to hang around with atul anymore, and i guess the curiosity made me throw this party in his name too. To be honest, there's something that has happened with Atul, he doesn't follow me anywhere now, doesn't wants to be involved in my activities, mum doesn't ask me to be there for him all the time. He's changed so much. If truth be told, i'm so used to his nosy and caring behaviour tht i miss him. I miss my bro when he's still there, confusing isnt it?

Finally Atul has come, what took him so long? He's usually the punctual one, and why has every1 gone so silent? Oho! This crowd isnt allowing me to have a proper look,

"buddy, side plz, its my party remember?",

"oh, sorry ammy!",

Yes now tht i can see him, wow, Atul is looking soo different, in tht designer white suit. His specks are gone, i guess he must be using lens. And the girl with him, oh my God, how beautiful can someone look? She looks like a princess, in tht body hugging pink anarkali suit. Even the silverish white work isnt glowing as much as her skin. I never knew a girl cud look so beautiful in a suit, i mean she doesn't luk like a behenji, but more like a fairy, an angel to be precise. She looks so familiar, wait, i know her, what was her name again? Radhika, no, Rashmi, nope, was it Roshni, nah, cant be, then Rani maybe, no no, too queenly, i know it starts with an 'R', what was it? My chain of thoughts was broken, when the guy on my side exclaimed, "Riddhima!"

Off course, 'Riddhima Gupta', i remember and i am drifted into my childhood memories, too smoothly.

It all started with my birth, ours actually. I've already told u, Atul is like a minute older, but as we grew up, there seemed to be a generation gap b/w him and me. Dad had been the fun loving one, whereas mom was the serious types. I still dont know how do they get on so well with each other. My extremely good luks made me a toy which dad cud brag abt, but mom's stored love was more for Atul rather than me. I guess tht balanced dad's partial love towards me. I too, had made my distances with mom. Under dad's protection, i became an arrogant person, extremely popular and proud of his personality and his charm. Being the dude of the school helped add the spice. I was always out luking for a new challenge or adventure. I'd realised it soon tht i was a charmer in case of girls, unfortunately for them. I think u can guess how i must've spent my years at school and high school and college too. Atul, on the other hand, took after mom, same seriousness, same personality, kind and loving. He always wanted to be with me, to enjoy the goodness of a twin younger brother. But i always ignored him, i was ashamed to introduce the bookworm with thick spectacles, as my twin. So i usually avoided him, moreover, he wud lecture me with everything, be it bike racing, kick boxing, car racing or a bet on one of the girls. It was b'coz of mom tht i tolerated him, coz i wanted mom to treat me the same as Atul.

Then, when we were 14, at our 1st day in school, i made a new group of friends. I always chose my friends carefully, they had to be good, no, actually the best. My new group included Nikita Malhotra, or Nikki, the beautiful doll of the school. Favourite of most of the teachers, being the daughter of the principal, she had the perfect attitude. Rahul Grewal, my kindergarden buddy, a close family friend, into the same sports as me, except tht i kick box too. Finally, Anjie, as in Anjali Gupta, the new girl, she had the perfect tall body, her face spoke of the arrogance in her heart, and a sharp mind too. I was proud to hang out with my group, competing with tht Abhimanyu Modi, another dude of the school, but 2nd in the rank.

What i didnt realise during this time was tht, Atul too, had found sum1, who was his friend for wht he was. I'd known abt it, bt too full of myself, to care abt this. Moreover i was happy not to find reasons to avoid him. His new friend was actually, Anjie's younger sister, Riddhima Gupta, or Ridzi, as Atul called her. Anjie had told me tht Riddhima was actually her cousin, after her parents' death, Anjie's dad and mum had adopted her. Anjie too felt the same for her, as i felt for Atul, so i too tried to avoid Riddhima. Actually, i hadn't ever noticed her.

I usually heard Atul chatter happily abt his friends to mom, i used to be so busy staring at mom feed him so lovingly, i never cared to properly listen to him. After we grew up, dad became busy with the business, leaving no option for me other than mom, bt i guess i was responsible for her distance with me. She did everything for me, same as Atul, but her eyes shone only for Atul. Now tht i remember properly, this Riddhima girl was also ignored by her sister. Her new parents fulfilled her every wish, except for love. Their love was for Anjie only. So, my mom decided to mother the child who was a gem for her older son. At my home, Riddhima found her family in Atul and mom. His other friend was some Muskaan Chadhdha, Muski for short. I'd heard of her, total chatterbox, and a real weirdo at times.

The real shock came to me the day, when the whole school was talking abt Ammy's bro being friends with Abhimanyu Modi. I held a junior, and asked for details. He blurted out the whole incident.

Abhimanyu, at the first bell of the lunch break, had held Atul, his friends and some juniors to bully them. They had taken it all, but when it was Atul's turn, Modi asked him to write "Armaan is a '!@#$%', he is an '^&*()%$#@!&*' and so on" at the notice board outside princi's office. At his refusal to do so, they were about to hit him, when one of his friend hit a punch at Modi, straight on the face. There were so many complaints against him already, tht when taken to princi, Atul and his friends wud have got a clean chit, and Modi, a sureshot rustication. When princi enquired, to every1's surprise, it was the girl same girl speaking, who had earlier hit Modi. She told him tht while coming from the stairs, she slipped and her plate hit Modi in the face hard, and she was extremely sorry for tht. The principal saw her with a look of utter shock and disbelief. Finally Modi was spared, but no one knew wht awaited tht girl outside the office. They knew she was in big trouble, perhaps she knew it too, oterwise tht lie in the office........

"Hey u! why did u lie, when u cud've easily told the truth and have me kicked out of here", his voice didnt reveal his emotions.

Abhi had to give this girl a high salute for her boldness. He had noticed her always the shy types, but today was something new. He was surprised as well as flattered by her way of praising him with insults. Her every remark had double meaning, but her last words were added softly, with sincerity in her eyes. He surely had to do it, people imagined him hitting the girl as he raised his hand,

"Friends?", people around them were shocked, and more shocked to the reply,

"Forever", as she too raised her hand.

I had been too busy running and shouting at Atul to break off this new friendship with Modi to which he gave a sureshot no, tht i totally forgot the girl and her extreme power. I was so shocked with Atul's response, tht i changed my direction everytime i saw him.
Now i realise tht it cud've only been Riddhima, Muskaan is not the one to bring these big changes. And the biggest change was, Abhimanyu Modi, or Abhi for his friends. He was never seen with his old friends again. He was one of Atul's gang, or Riddhima's gang to be precise. News was tht he was there at the ball with Riddhima, and they both had rocked the party. My group hadn't attended the ball, we were busy at rahul's b'day party. I am feeling so angry as to why cudnt Ridz had gone to the party with me. I mean, she chose Abhi, yuccckkkk!!! But what do i care, or do i??????????"

College went by in the same way like school. Our 2 groups had taken admissions in the same college, bt sumhow our paths never crossed. I guess it was all Riddhima's planning to keep us as far as possible. But ways did meet, during our cultural activities, their same interests brought Rahul & Muskaan and Nikki & Abhi close. We had never realised this, until they announced this after the main function to us. I was happy for them, but worried too. I didnt want my friends to be hurt. With this our groups were intermixed, but sumhow either Anjie & Me wud be missing, or Atul & Riddhima, so, we eigth were never together. It was never planned, atleast not by us both, but sumhow this doesnt seem to be just a coincidence. None of our friends knew abt us being siblings, so, they too, considered it a coincidence.

Now tht i am trying, its easier to remember it all. I dont know why, but i wish i cud be a part of their group too. I feel i've missed so many things in my friends' and Atul's life when i was so full of myself, tht i cannot get it back whatever i do. I come back to the present when a hand shakes me,

"Ammy, u never told us Atul was ur brother, atleast Ridzi and Anjie r just cousins, but u guys r twins?", this was Nikki, yelling at the top of her lungs.

"Woh, Nikki, actually, its just tht, umm, actually, woh.......", i was short of words. To my relief, Abhi made an entry,

"Hey Nikki, baad mein. Right now, every1's waiting for the cake to be cut. Come Ammy"

I went away only to see her standing with Atul, clasping his arm tightly. I cud feel the warmth she was passing to Atul to cover up his nervousness. Shouldn't it have been vice versa, i mean she was the all quiet types and all? Despite all tht, why did i want the warmth for myself, did i want every one tht loved Atul to be mine, was it all to satisfy my ego? My mind answered a yes, unfortunately, my heart disagreed.

The cake cutting and the party went quite well. I just wish Riddhima had wished me too, i mean a present, or a card, or simple wishes wud've done it too. Suddenly my eyes move to a gift wrapped in the same coloured paper as Riddhima's dress. I read the card "Happy B'day Armaan Mallik - Riddhima Gupta. It sounded so formal, but i opened the gift so cautiously, trying hard not to tear the wrapper or the ribbon or the wishing card. I opened the box to find a small tray, divided in different sections, each one with a different background and a different couple. I pressed on the start switch, and the 1st couple danced followed by the other couples like two cute teddy bears, two cupids, romeo and juliet and many others. The background helped him figure out the couple. After every couple finished, all of them danced together on "Every night in my dreams (from titanic)". He loved the gift so full of love and wished she had given it to him herself. But why am i, all of a sudden, cursing the lack of interaction b/w us. Hadn't she extended me a hand of friendship, along with Anjie. I had remarked "Not my types" and walked off. I am used to sending away the people i love, Mom, Atul and Ridz. Wait! Did i just say love, no, it isnt love, it cud be just attraction, infatuation u c, not love, not at all. One doesnt fall in love at once, but then.................

From the next day, i tried every possible chance to spend time with Riddhima and her group. But again, Riddhima wudnt be there, Atul was there sumtimes, but not once was she there. I had come to a decision tht she avoided me, but the question was why?

It was friendship's day tomorrow, and i had planned to confront Riddhima. What better day than tomorrow. I was in my happy thoughts, when i heard some commotion from the opposite room. I thought Atul needed some help, so i rushed off to his room. I entered his room for the first time, there were numerous pics of him and Riddhima all over the room, some of them with Muskaan and Abhi too. At his bedside wall, there was a huge poster of mom, with Atul and Muskaan on one side, Riddhima and Abhi on the other. They all lukd so perfect. I suddenly remembered the reason for coming here and headed towards the open balcony door. I was shocked to see the incident there.

"Hey Ridzi, u, how did u climb the pipeline up til here."

"Atul give me ur hand idiot, my other hand is full"

"Oh yeah, so sorry! Now tell, why and how come?"

"Our favourite"

Armaan saw them cutting the cake, eating some and putting most of it for their facial. Armaan was surprised to see her in a pink hoodie and black tight shorts with matching black shoes. She lukd so different, so 'cool', he didnt realise he'd just started liking cool rather than hot.

"Why r the others down?"

"They wanted me to wish u first"

"No i mean, shudnt they be with Rahul and Nikki"

"No Atul, its friendship day, not valentines day. Get ready and come down, we're going to rock this day"

He saw Atul go instantly with her in his same dress. He was shocked and hurt. During these days, Riddhima's presence had made him realise tht he was in love with her. His heart had told him the same on the night of his b'day. His questions had been answered. He fell in love with her as he drifted through his memories and recalled everything.

He didnt know when he fell off to sleep. He woke up to his mom's and Atul's laughter. He headed towards the kitchen where Atul was having his breakfast.

"Mom, last night they all forced me to propose her. Abhi n Muski said tht Ridzi wanted it too. So i asked and she said 'yes'. I am so happy, i still cant believe it."

"I can believe it, she had no reason to say no, and i must add, u have an awesome choice. U have my approval."

"Awww, thanks mom, thank u so much. Love u", with tht he rushed off, leaving a heartbroken Armaan. He went up to his room, and cried over all that he had lost. His mom and Atul just seemed too small a price compared to Riddhima. He cud do anything, to get her back, but he knew he had lost her, forever.

"Armaan, Ammy beta"

He slowly stirred hearing her beautiful voice, slightly opening his eyes he saw her there, ever so lovingly. But remembering todays events, he hugged her tightly and cried his heart out.

"What happened Ammy, tell me na?"

He narrated each and every incident abt him and Riddhima, oblivious to Atul's presence on his door. He saw Atul and rushed off to hug him, no words were needed then. He knew Atul wud understand, whereas his mom had tears seeing the understanding in the hearts of sons.

"I love her Ammy, but not the way u think."

Seeing Armaan's confused expressions, he continued,

"I love Riddhima, more than anyone, even more than mom, but not as in tht way. We are bestest of friends, lot more than that, but nothing more. She's always been a sisterly figure, but i wont name our friendship as brother sister relation, coz tht wud be an insult to our friendship, naming it just to satisfy the others, i wont do it. I actually proposed Anjie, we both came close during our project together. Yesterday, i went with my gang to her house n proposed her in front of her parents, she agreed with her parents' approval too. As for Ridzi, she's in love with someone since she entered her teens, sum1 who never noticed her, sum1 whose image was of a playboy for the world, bt she loved the inner beauty if him. How he always helped his friends, how he was possessive about them and how he cudnt see them hurt. How he cud go to any extent for them and to gain the love of his mother. Despite the fact tht he's hurt her so bad, she still loves him"

Realisation hit Armaan, that somebody was him.

"I m sorry bhai, u must hate me, i am sure u already do. I mean how can she love me, i dont deserve her. Ask her to hate me na"

"She's at her house?"

"Nope, its her parents death anniversary today. She's at the cemetry"

"Death anniversary? She lukd perfect at night?"

"U shud've realised by now she can hide her emotions too well. Stop this chit chat, i'll tell u more abt her later, now hurry, go and get her"

Armaan hugged Atul, then his mom and rushed off just to pause at his door, his dad had been standing there, shredding off the tears which had dried on his mom's face. He saw the approval in his eyes, hugged him and ran off taking the bike keys. His dad came in and engulfed Atul in a tight hug. Tears flowed from his eyes too. She was crying to see her family happily united.

Armaan avoided many cars on the way in his great rush to reach the cemetry, not to say avoiding close calls by death. He finally reached there, the cemetry had been built on a cliff top, and.............

She stood there, dressed in the same black shorts, but a baby blue and red hoodie, hugging her body, to protect herself from the cold, or the loneliness, she guessed. She opened her arms to take in the pleasure of the small water droplets tht had started to fall from the sky. Suddenly her foot tripped and she was abt to fall when a strong hand clasped her wrist. She hadn't seen the person, but she knew she was in safe hands. Then things happened all of a sudden, there was a huge thunder, she was pulled up and she put her hands around him, burrying her face in his chest. She knew no one on earth cud harm her where she was, she was in his arms, the one she loved.

"I love u Riddhima"

"Too soft", he didnt want to spoil the moment, but cudnt resist adding this.

He knew she was smiling, within these few seconds, their hearts and souls had become one. He recognised her body language, which said "listen to my heart".

She put his hand in between them on her heart, but he lifted it and put it on his heart.

"Its here, with me". She smiled at this, still burried in his arms.

"It is beating too loudly. I guess it wants to yell at its topmost volume and tell everyone tht we both love each other", she blushed at this.

"Oye hoye"

Atul saw his mom's worried expressions, and her eyes moving from her phone to the door back and forth. "Mom, there's no use waiting, i'm sure they'll be late. After all, she wont be able to tell him any another day tht the punch Abhi got on his face was for using those words for Armaan. Maybe they both've got many beans to spill. Lets enjoy ourselves, dad just got out the dvds as well as some popcorn. C'mon lets race, winner gets to choose the movie."

As she rushed off, he sent a text to Anjie, asking her not to be worried for Ridzi. Anjie had started to care for Ridzi the same time she had come closer to Atul. After all, thanx to Ridzi, he was able to make his childhood crush as the love of his lfe. He then forwarded a msg to all his friends to meet Ammy, Ridzi and Him, in the morning tomorrow, for an awesomely breaking happy news. Then he too retired to watch off some emotional drama selected by his mom, he shudnt have let her win, poor dad!!!!!

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Edited by kweetrockstar - 15 years ago