CHAPTER-26
STRANGE FEELINGS?!
PriRu were following SHIVIKA but suddenly their car came to stop after making a weird sound.
Priyanka---- Gaadi kyo rok rakhi hai Rudra? Chala na! Shivaay aur Anika ki car aage jaa rahi hai!
Rudra---- Areee... Ye car start hi nahi ho rahi!
Priyanka---- KYA? Start nahi ho rahi? Tu engine check kar!
Rudra got out of the car and opened the bonnet. He tried to fix it up but was not able to do so. Priyanka also got out of the car.
Priyanka---- Kya hua? Car start kyo nahi ho rahi? Shivaay aur Anika ki car to pata nahi kitni aage nikal gayi hogi ab tak! (she complained)
Rudra---- Mujhe kuch samjh nahi aa raha! Shayad ye car kharab ho chuki hai! (he said with a confused look)
Priyanka---- Kya? Car kharab ho gayi hai! Ab ham kya karenge? Ab Shivaay aur Anika ka peecha kaise karenge?
Rudra---- I think we should abort this mission kyonki ab kuch nahi ho sakta!
Priyanka---- Ghatiya car! (she kicked the tire of car) Ye sab na teri galti hai! Tujhse na kuch nahi ho sakta! (she glared at him)
Rudra---- Meri galti hai! Acha ji? Plan kiska tha? Tera! Aur galti meri ho gayi!
Priyanka---- Par car to teri hai na!
They started bickering on whose fault it is. But on having not any possible outcome, they gave up. They called up Sid to pick them up as now they could not continue their 'JASOOSI MISSION' because they lost track of SHIVIKA.
...
After leaving The Gateway Of India Shivaay showed some more places to Anika like:Worli fort
The centuries-old fort is very rarely frequented by tourists owing to its inconvenient location. Yet the fort which still stands tall and majestic and its surrounding neighborhood are gratifying sites to visit. As Anika was taking interest in Mumbai's cultural history so, Shivaay thought she might like this fort as well. They passed over the Bandra-Worli Sea Link which offers a spectacular view of the sea and nearby villages. Anika was at all the time glued to the window and Shivaay smiled to himself seeing her behaving like a little kid who just got her candy.
Taraporewala Aquarium
It is the oldest Aquarium in all of the India and the most famous tourist attraction in Mumbai. The aquarium has a 12-feet long and 180 degree acrylic glass tunnel which has no light and only the glass tanks in which fishes are kept are lighten up dimly. Anika when travelling through the same tunnel at first got a little scared because it was dark inside and held Shivaay's hand but later when the large fish tanks came into the view lighten beautifully, she relaxed and was pulling Shivaay everywhere out of excitement and fascination on watching so many different types and varieties of fishes. Shivaay just let her enjoy without any complaints and enjoyed along with her.
Elephanta Caves
SHIVIKA are once again in the car. Shivaay stopped the car. Anika saw that they were again at The Gateway Of India. He had already shown her this than why again? After parking the car, they both got out of it.
Anika---- Billu ji, agar aap ko yaad na ho to ham sabse pehle yahi par aye the! Fir dobara kyo? (she asked with a confused expression)
Shivaay---- Vo tumhe abhi pata chal jayega! Abhi tum mere saath chalo.
Anika was confused but she did as Shivaay said. Both of them were heading towards the backside of monument. When theu reached their, Anika could see large amount of ships and some people. It looked like they were in some harbour. And her guess was confirmed when she saw 'MUMBAI HARBOUR' written on a board there.
Anika---- Ham yaha kyo aye hai?
Shivaay---- Because our next stop is an island.
Anika---- Ham kisis island par jaa rahe hai? Kaunse? (she said getting a little excited)
Shivaay---- Tum abhi chalo ham late ho rahe hai badme bataunga! (he held her hand and pulled her alongside him towards a small ship)
Anika---- Acha ye to bataiye ki pahochne mai kitna time lagega?
Shivaay----- Maximum it will take 1 hour.
They boarded into the ship. Not many people were present there. Ship was really small and having small cabins where only some can sit. After 15 minutes the ship departed from the port and they were in the Arabian sea. It was a cloudy day so, sun was nowhere in sight. Anika and Shivaay stood leaning on the railing of the ship looking at the sea, the small wave currents forming and clashing back into the sea. The sound of flowing water and birds chirping and flying. Shivaay closed his eyes and took in the fresh air, breathing deeply. All of it was so lively and he felt good. Anika turned to look at him and she was surprised. He stood there with closed eyes, his hair blowing lightly because of the wind. He was enjoying the weather and looked so tranquil. Anika had never seen him so quit and calm. She herself didn't know she was starring at him. Shivaay opened his eyes a little while later and found Anika looking at him.
Shivaay---- Kya hua?
Anika---- Kuch nahi...! Kuch bhi to nahi! (she said hesitantly)
Shivaay---- Are you sure Paanika?
Anika---- Haa vo bas mujhe bhuk lag rahi hai. Abhi 3:20 ho rahe hai aur maine sirf breakfast kara hua hai! (she said to change the topic and she was feeling hungry also)
Shivaay---- Chalo fir lunch karte hai!
Anika---- Lekin main lunch yaha nahi lekar ayi, vo car mai hi hoga.
Shivaay---- Main to lekar aya tha. Mujhe pata tha ki tum zyada der tak bina khaye nahi reh sakti!
Anika---- Lagta hai mere saath reh rehkar apka dimag sahi se kaam karne lag gaya hai! Aur aap thode hoshiyar hote jaa rahe ho! (she chuckled)
Shivaay---- Agar indirectly apni taareef katne se tumhara man bhar gaya ho to khana kha le?
They went to one of the cabins and took seats apposite to each other. Shivaay kept the lunch in between and started opening it. Inside the lunch, it was bhindi, 5 chapatis wrapped into the foil and raita.
Anika---- Aree.. Waah! Bhindi! Mughe bhindi bahot pasand hai!
Shivaay---- Tumhe bhi?
Anika---- Yani apko bhi?
Shivaay---- Haa! Bhindi meri favourite sabji hai.
Anika---- Chalo iss duniya mai ek to aisi cheez hai jo ham DONO ko pasand hai!
She quickly took a bite and smiled with satisfaction. She picked up the container filled with bhindi, took another bite and starred eating hungrily, licking her finger in between. Shivaay rolled his eyes at her this habit which he yet hasn't got used to.
Anika---- Kya bhindi banayi hai Ishana ne! Mazaa hi aa gaya!
Shivaay---- Tum saara khana khud kha logi ya mere liye bhi kuch chodogi?
He snatched the container from her hand while she glared at him and he took his first bite. Then second, then third and so on.
Shivaay---- You know what? You were right! Ye bhindi bahot tasty hai! (he said with his mouth filled with food)
Anika---- Aap akele akele hi khaa lenge kya? Mujhe bhi dijiye!
Now, she tried to snatch it from his hands but he held it with a tight grip. Both of their hands on the container and they were trying to snatch it. First Anika held it near her and glared at Shivaay. Shivaay then held it near him, snatching it from Anika's hand and glared at her. Then Anika snatched it, then Shivaay, then Anika and then again Shivaay. This game continued on and on for several minutes until the bhindi fell from their hands and raita which was kept right in between spilled all over the table. And SHIVIKA looked at each other with a weird expression.
Anika----Dekhiye! PHAIL GAYA NA RAITA! Aur saari bhindi bhi gir gayi! Ye sab hai na apki vajah se hua hai! (she pointed her finger at him and threw a glare)
Shivaay---- Meri vajah se? Really Paanika? Ye na tumhari galti hai! Tum hi mujhse ye cheen rahi thi! Ab gir gaya! Isme meri koi galti nahi hai!
Anika---- Aap hi ki galti hai!
Shivaay---- Tumhari galti hai!
Anika---- Apki hai!
Shivaay---- Tumhari hai!
Anika---- Maine kaha na aap ki hai!
Shivaay---- Aur maine kaha tumhari hai!
They both glared at each other not leaving each other's eyes.
Shivaay---- Ab ladne ka koi fayeda nahi hai Paanika! Ab kuch nahi ho sakta!
Anika glared at him again but then sighed.
Anika---- Lekin mujhe bahot bhuk lag rahi hai! Ab kya kare?
Shivaay---- Ham abhi thodi der mai island par pahoch jayenge tab dekhte hai! Aur vaise bhi maine suna hai ki vaha par bahot saare aur bahot ache restaurants hai.
Anika---- Thik hai! (she said with slight angry face)
Shivaay---- Come on, Paanika! Itni si baat par apna mood kharab karo!
Anika---- Ok fiiine! Lekin fir apko mujhe kahi aur lunch karana padega! (she said with folded hands and a little pout)
Shivaay---- Done! (he said with a smile)
After sometime, they reached their. Firstly they saw the caves. The Elephanta Caves consists of two groups of caves. First one is a larger group of caves having Hindu lord carvings, mainly of Lord Shiva. Second one is a smaller group of Buddhist caves. These caves are one of the World Heritage sites. Shivaay had earlier heard that these caves are masterpiece of Indian art but he had never actually seen it. Anika was really surprised on seeing all the carvings and even some wall paintings. SHIVIKA were amazed seeing the cave's architecture. Anika even clicked some pictures of the carvings.
Later, they started searching for some good restaurant. Anika saw a restaurant named VIG Refreshment.They went to try out the food there. Waiter showed them their seats and gave them the menu. Anika peeped inside it. It was having variety of dishes and even North Indian food like tikki, chaat, lassi, chole bhature and more. But she thought of trying some local dish of Mumbai. After discussing it with Shivaay, they decided on "DAL PAKWAN".
Shivaay---- So, shall we order it?
Anika---- Billu ji! Aisa karte hai pehle ek plate order karte hai, agar pasand nahi aya to!
Shivaay---- Tumne pehli baar koi sahi baat boli hai!
Shivaay called out for waiter and ordered one plate of DAL PAKWAN. They talked about light things until their food arrived.
Anika---- Dekhne mai to acha lag raha hai.
Shivaay---- Fir khane mai bhi acha hi hoga!
They shared from a single plate and liked it. In fact, they find it extremely tasty. They ordered another plate also. After eating, when their stomach was filled, Shivaay payed the bill and they left. Shivaay glanced at the time, it was 5:15 pm and their ship departs at 5:30 pm. SHIVIKA rushed to the harbour and were just in time. After a 1 hour sea journey, they reached back to the main land.
Siddhivinayak Temple
SHIVIKA walked till the parking where the car was parked. They both settled inside and Shivaay started the car. A little while later, they were stuck in traffic. Shivaay saw that the time was 7:15 pm. He was continuously blowing the horn. And when the jam got cleared, he increased the speed of car to more than usual. His face expression showed that he was in hurry.
Anika---- Kya hua Billu ji? Itni jaldi mai kyo hai?
Shivaay---- Kyonki hame 7:30 tak Siddhivinaya Mandir pahochna hai! That means only in 15 minutes!
Anika---- 7:30 tak pahochna zaruri hai?
Shivaay---- Haa, kyonki ussi time aarti shuru hoti hai na. Aur hame hi to aaj ki aarti karni hai!
Anika---- KYA? HAME? (she was shocked)
Shivaay---- Haa! Hame!
Anika---- Lekin, Vo itna bada mandir hai! Vaha par itne saare log aate hai fir koi hame kyo aarti karne dega? (she asked with a very confused expression)
Shivaay---- Paanika, vaha par jo bade pandit ji aarti karte hai, unhe Dadi jaanti hai kyonki ham aksar aarti par jaate hai. To dadi ne unse specially kaha tha ki aaj shaam ki aarti ham kare kyonki tum pehli baar Mumbai aayi ho na isliye.
They reached the temple exactly at 7:30 and rushed inside the temple. Temple was really crowded. Like hundreds of people were present inside it. Shivaay made way for them till they reached the front. A Pandit Ji was holding the maha aarti and standing in front of the murti of Lord Ganesha. When SHIVIKA reached at the front, Shivaay bended and touched the Pandit Ji's feet. Seeing this Anika also bended and touched his feet.
Pandit Ji---- TUM DONO KI JODI SADA SALAMAT RAHE. (he blessed them)
Pandit Ji kept his hand on their heads. SHIVIKA were still touching his feet and they looked at each other.
They lofted up their heads but before they could clear his misunderstanding, he handed them the maha aarti. They held the maha aarti together. They looked at each other for a second. Both of their hands were on the aarti such that Shivaay's hand were on Anika's hand. Pandit Ji began to sing. SHIVIKA did the aarti together.
[BACKGROUND TUNE:
Deva Shree Ganesha
Deva Shree Ganesha
(repeat more than 15 times)
Jwala si chalti hai
Aankhon mein jiske bhi
Dil mein tera naam hai
Parwah hi kya uska
Aarambh kaisa hai
Aur kaisa parinam hai.. ye..
Dharti ambar sitar
Uski nazare utaare
Dar bhi usse dara re
Jiski rakhwaliya re...
Karta saya tera
Jai deva Shri Ganesha
Deva Shri Ganesha
Deva Shri Ganesha...]
After sometime, the aarti came to end, SHIVIKA handed the aarti back to Pandit Ji and closed their eyes and bended their foreheads in front of the Lord Ganesha with folded hands. After the aarti they left from the temple towards their next stop. They were sitting in the car. Anika was looking outside the window. Suddenly, she saw a street vendor selling VADA PAV.
Anika---- Billu ji! Car rokiye!
Shivaay---- Kya hua Paanika?
Anika---- Maine kaha car rokiye!
Shivaay was confused but he stopped the car. Anika stepped out of it and went and stood in front of the stall. Shivaay followed her.
Anika---- Bhaiya! Ek plate VADA PAV dena! (she said to the vendor)
Shivaay---- Seriously Paanika? Tumne ye VADA PAV khane ke liye car rukvayi?
Anika---- Haa, to? Maine window se ye banta dekha aur mujhe khane ka man kar gaya!
Shivaay rolled his eyes. The vendor handed her the VADA PAV. She found it tasty and finished with a second and ordered a second one. Shivaay looked at him wide eyed and shook his head with disbelief. The vendor handed her the second VADA PAV.
Anika---- Aap bhi khayenge?
Shivaay---- No, thanks!
Anika---- Aree... Ek baar khake to dekhiye! Bahot tasty hai!
Shivaay---- Maine bola na nahi khana!
Anika---- Acha ek bite lijiye! Sirf ek!
She placed the VADA PAV near his mouth and on seeing her stubbornness, he took a bite reluctantly. She also took a bite and then made him eat the second time. Shivaay liked it this time. They both shared from the same VADA PAV. When they were finished, Shivaay payed for it. He turned to Anika. A tiny bite of food was stuck just below her lip. Shivaay moved closer to her and placed her hand on her cheek. Anika's heartbeat quickened. Shivaay caressed her cheeks and took that bite on his finger. Anika's breath got hitched. She was confused by Shivaay's this action. Shivaay showed that bite to Anika and then threw it away, still looking into Anika's eyes and she looked back. They were lost in each other. Anika was the first one to realise that and she looked away. Shivaay came back to the real world. After standing there for sometime, they both went to sit in the car.
Juhu Beach
The most famous beach in Mumbai was their last stop for the day. After 20 minutes drive, they reached the beach. Time was 9:30 pm. Usually, the beach is crowded all day long but right now not many people were there. Maybe because, it was a little late or maybe because it wasn't a tourist season now in Mumbai. Anika ran till the sea shore after getting out of the car while Shivaay walked till there smiling on seeing her this much excited. When Anika reached the shore, she stood still. Shivaay came and stood beside her. He intertwined his fingers with her. She looked at him a little surprise but let him hold her hand. They shared a smile. Waves were clashing at their feet making a melodious sound with every fall and the waves seemed to sparkle because of the reflecting moonlight. Moon was shining as bright as ever and looked magnificent. The environment was tranquil and both of them felt calm.
Anika was lost in the nature, she closed her eyes feeling the cool breeze on her face which made her hair blow. Shivaay didn't know what he was feeling and nor could he express it. Standing here, with her by his side, holding his hand. He felt soothed, calm and... He felt COMPLETE. At this moment, he felt that he needed nothing else but just her standing beside him. He felt that he was complete and needed nothing more from the world. "Why am I having this KIND OF FEELING?" "WHY?" "WHY DO I HAVE STRANGE FEELINGS WHEN I AM WITH HER?" "DO I... " "DO I...LOVE HER??" He was shocked at what he just thought and gulped. "No, IT CAN'T BE POSSIBLE!" said his mind. "BUT WHY NOT?" questioned his heart. "BECAUSE IT HAVE BEEN ONLY FEW MONTHS SINCE I HAVE KNOWN HER" answered back his mind. "BUT FOR YOUR INFORMATION IT TAKES ONLY 4 MINUTES TO FALL IN LOVE AND IN YOUR CASE IT'S BEEN MONTHS SINCE YOU KNOW HER" argued his heart making his mind shut on having no other reply. Anika opened her eyes and found Shivaay deep in thought. She freed her hand from his hold and bent down. She dipped her hands in the sea and filled it with water. She then splashed that water on Shivaay's face making him come out of his thoughts. And she laughed.
Shivaay---- Tum kabhi nahi sudharne wali na Paanika! Ruko tum! (he gave her a playful look and splashed some water on her face)
Soon they got into a water fight and were throwing water at each other while grinning and laughing. Their laughs were echoing all over the beach in the silence. Anika got a wicked idea and she pushed Shivaay in the water and started running away from him. Shivaay quickly maintained his composure and chased behind her. He holds her from behind, scooping her in his arms such that his front was touching her back and his hands wrapped around her waist. He lifted her off her feet and spun her around. He started moving towards the shore with her in the same position. She knew what was to come and tried to get free from his hold but her efforts went in vain. He threw her in the sea and laughed. Anika looked at him angrily and got out of the sea glaring at him.
Anika---- Shivaay Singh Oberoi! You are so dead now! Main choddungi nahi apko! (she said with enraged voice)
Shivaay---- Pehle pakad kar to dikhao! (he said in a challenging tone)
Shivaay started running away from her while she followed him. And they were running around the whole beach just like little kids playing the game of 'PAKDAM PAKDAI'. Suddenly, Anika stepped on a rock and lost her balance. She fell on the ground. On hearing Anika's scream, Shivaay stopped in his track and turned back, only to find Anika sitting on the ground while holding her left leg. He ran towards her. He sat beside her. She was holding her leg and seemed in state of pain.
Shivaay---- Kya hua Anika? (his face showed concern)
Anika---- Lagta hai... mere paer mai moch aa gayi. (her voice was slightly trembling because of the pain)
Shivaay took her leg in his hand and tried to move it in circular motion but Anika screamed in pain and Shivaay stopped.
Shivaay---- Kyo bhaag rahi thi itna? Lagwa li na khud ko chot! Ab dard ho raha hoga! (he said in a serious tone and his expressions showed how much concerned he was)
Anika looked at him with a sad face and then looked down. "EK TO USSE CHOT LAGI HAI AUR MAI USSE DAANT DANT RAHA HU!", thought Shivaay and then sighed.
Shivaay----Zyada dard ho raha hai kya?
Anika nodded.
Shivaay---- Aisa karte hai ham seedha ghar jaate hai main vahi par doctor ko call karke bula lunga. Aur tum khade hone ki koshish karo. I'll help you!
Shivaay stood up first and them gave his hand to Anika which she held. He then kept his hand on her shoulder to support her weight. Anika tried to stand but her leg was paining badly and she could not handle her weight. She stumbled but Shivaay held her more tightly. She tried to walk and take a step forward but she just couldn't. It was hurting badly. Shivaay saw her struggling to even take a step forward and her painful expression. But she continued to take a step forward even if it was paining her to do so. Shivaay couldn't see her like this and he picked her up in his arms. He walked till they reached the car and all this time they starred into each others eyes. Shivaay opened the door of car and made her sit there cautiously. He took the driving seat and started the car.
...
They reached outside the Oberoi Mansion. And Shivaay got out of the car and rushed to Anika's side. He opened the door and picked her up again. They entered inside the mansion while Shivaay was still holding Anika in his arms.
Everyone which includes Priyanka, Om, Rudra, Sid, Ishana, Dadi, Mr. And Mrs. Tej Singh Oberoi and Mr. And Mrs. Shakti Singh Oberoi were sitting on the sofa and talking happily. Priyanka saw Shivaay entering with Anika in his arms and she was shocked.
Priyanka---- SHIVAAY BHAIYA? ANIKA?
Everyone's attention diverted at the main door towards which Priyanka was looking. It would be an understatement to say that everyone was shocked and specially Pinky. Her expression showed that 'OH MY MATAA' was about to be come out of her mouth. While IshSid exchanged some knowing looks and grinned.
HEY GUYS! REALLY SORRY FOR A LATE UPDATE! I AM REALLY BUSY RIGHT NOW AND CAN'T PM ANY OF YOU. I WILL TRY TO PM SOME TIME LATER THOUGH! MAYBE AT NIGHT!
~MYSTRY GIRL
196