With Love from DK to AA P53 Part - 2 Pg70 - Page 55

Part 52......... Karva Chauth ........ Part 1

Aryaa woke up a little earlier than usual. In fact she had passed a disturbed night after visiting the hospital and now Ram Gopalji was beyond even the stage of recognising her. Soon slipping into a coma. she hated doing this to him... trying a losing battle fighting with time and trying to keep him alive and going.... But alas it was only human for her to do so... and this debt.... no she owed it to him... she had to try...harder.....

She sighed with a heavy heart and pushed herself to wake up as she had to again report early today. This was all getting too much. Bhaiya had informed her for the time being the therapy was being administered... but the results would be dependant on the long-term therapy... and that meant more funds... the toll was too much but she had to keep going... keep going.....

She reached Radiocity and was informed again by the security to see the waiting MD in his cabin. "Gosh did he not sleep? Or is it that the tyrant resided in the office..." Again the name made her smile a bit faintly and she heaved in a big sigh and taking a deeep breath knocked on the door waiting for him to reply... He barked an impatient "YES?" and she entered slowly .... and stopped right inside the closed door. He looked up from the file and stared at her a total contrast today all in white..... wondering in awe was she pshychic or something or telepathic? Both of them were in the same shades again complimenting their dress codes. He in a Creamy white suit with a soft caramel coloured shirt and she in a creamy white suit. She was always so simply dressed... no makeup .... just a hint of Kaajjal in her eyes and a faint lip colour... wondering again whether it was a natural colur and not lip-stick.. he pushed those thoughts away chiding himself 'Aman you will never find out right? she is married don't forget that!!' Out aloud he murmured "Sit down Aryaa." Remembering she had pleaded him to call her Aryaa and not Mrs. kapadia.. 'Damn... where is this Mr. Kapadia... can he not see how attractive his wife is?' I will explain to you shortly... just give me a minute..."

She sat down opposite him and watched with shuttered eyes through her lashes how he poured over the file in his hand.. his one hand holding the file and the other holding the pen in his fingers twisting it round and back and round and back again. His eyes reading unblinkingly and his forehead creased with those three lines which she felt the urge to smoothen away... He looked criminally handsome and remembered his hazel gaze that had the power to send shivers down her spine.... Feel the electric tingles through her jangling nerves at his nearness. His fragrance.. the expensive Woody aftershave...everything about his presence.... He looked up suddenly and she dropped her gaze to her twisted fingers in her lap... he shut the file as suddenly and extended his hand to drop the pe in the holder.... knowing full well of her dissecting eyes.... He smiles a little mockingly and spoke ...

"So are you ready for this new job? It pays more than the previous one and you were wasted there. Thought to make you more useful and so here we are... Radiocity is expanding its horizons and we are thinking of taking over another radio station in the city itself as well as one in Mussourie. So this office will become the Head Office and the other staton will become its subsidiary or a branch.... Now here comes you in the picture. you will be responsible for the organizing and managing and setting up of this new branch in the head office. The co-ordinating and all that goes along with it will be your main responsibility. that will entail..longer working hours and of course making sure of the minutest details and plannings and costings and etc...etc...etc... So if you have any questions... go ahead and clear all your doubts..." she looked with eyes like huge saucers.. and squeaked out with difficulty..."Me? You want me to look after everything... I..I...I.. don't know if I am capable.. all by myself.. i don't have that much experience..." He cut her off and shocked her to a gaping silence.."Oh, did I not mention that you will be assissting me? Oh, I thought I said it.. that means you will be with me by my side till I work..."

What followed was a pin-drop silence and he stared daring her to refuse and she was like with a 'are-you-mad? kind of a disbelieving look. Trying hard to really think if she heard right or not? By his side all the time.. late working hours with him... next to him.. almost close quarters at all times... is all she was thinking of. The work was not her worry..that she was sure she could manage...no she was worried about being at work in close quarters with him... She sighes ultimately...her chin rose up a few fractions and she got that stubborn mutiny-ready-for-action kind of look in her eyes and she met his hazel gaze steadily. 'Okay tit-for-tat... if thats what you want.. I am ready for it. Lets see who bats their eyes first... She did literally as she felt that hazel gaze stripping her soul and she dropped her gaze and murmured, "Okay sir, I hope you are right in thinking I am capable. I will not let you down, sir. But am i allowed to occassionally go home and rest as I am a very down-to-earth human being..." and she was cut off from speaking the rest as it drowned in his amused laughter. This was the first time she was listeneing to him laughing like that. It reveberated through the room deep and renating... barritone almost.. but she felt a sharp thrill of pleasure by it.

"So you know how to be funny too. Hmmm I like it Aryaa. I like the fighting spirit... You know your husband is sure a lucky man..." and with that statement the smile on her face wiped itself off and there was this bleak stubborn look of mutiny once again.. she whispered softly, "Please sir, leave my husband out of this .. please..." He raised his hand and bit out "Okay... now getting back to work..." He pushed a few folders towards her and asked her to go through them. He pointed for her to sit at a desk in the far corner in the room towards the entrance and said "That will be your seat. Go through these and then before you read sign these contracts too. All paperwork necessary. You will follow it as you read through. Let me know and come to me should you need to calrify any doubts. And yes another very important thing, Aryaa where is the cell phone?" So she bit her lip and mumbled "In my desk in my cabin sir..." he closed his eyes in frustration and sighed "Aryaa please this is necessary in today's world of communication. Please go and get it and if you don't know how to use it.." She mutters, "Of course I know how to use a cell phine sir, its just that i have not yet found the need so,...." She gets up and leaves the room.... In her cabin she closes the door first and rests for a tiny bit against the door breathing normally. Feeling her heart beats levelling and slowing down to normal... Phew.. working under his nose is going to have a gruelling effect on her nerves.. but she had made up her mind.. battle she will with whatever comes.. she will never let go.. never say die...

The rest of the day passed in a haze. She poured over files and getting to know the entire Business Plan and making notes of a great manyb things. She was actually enjoying this challenge and also learning a lot from him. He was really good. Inspite of his age he was as good as an experienced businessman. Kuckily at lunchtime, he was away at a meeting so when he returned she was pouring over the files and they worked together sorting out the various jobs and loose ends that needed to be tied up.... Kiran peeped her head around around tea-time and asked "Am I disturbing?" Both looked up from where they were pouring over the files mindless of how close they really were to each other. She hadn't really rwealised till Kiran arrived suddenly feeling self-conscious of his hands resting on the table as he had propped himself on her desk partly leaning on the desk with one hip and hand on the table and the other hand holding the file that was open. She was keying in the data into the computer at the other end..... and they were both peerin into the screen. She moved back a teeny little bit and Kiran didn't miss that. 'Hmm so you are at a new post I heard! congrats Aryaa. Are we allowed a tea-break or is he too bad a taskmaster? I know he loves coffee! so how about a cuppa bhai?" Aman's face nreaks into a warm smile and he welcomes his sister and murmurs 'Hey.. anytime for you sweety.. coffee?" So she nods her head and then he turns to Aryaa.."Tea or coffee?" So she shakes her head and murmurs "Oh, I am good, nothing for me!" and she returns to her typing...

Aman thinks 'did she even drink water? gosh she never ceases to amaze me... at this rate she will disappear!' He sighs and shakes his head a little tiny bit pleading to Kiran..'Do something...she will disappear..' out loud he buzzes on the intercom for 2 coffees. The phone rings and Aman gets busy.. Kiran saunters casually upto Aryaa... and speaks softly, "So are you ready for tonight? Can I pick you up at 6.00 in the evening?" So Aryaa looks dubiously towards him and points as if asking who is going to tell him? So Kiran smiles as if replying Main Hoon na...

She over coffee speaks softly to Aman... 'Bhai, errrmmm I have some work, can i borrow aryaa for the rest of the eveing... I can come for her at 6.00. Please bhai? Bahut zaroori kaam hain. And then I am sure you wont work later than 6.00, remember Ma had said she wants you home early today.. pooja hain..." So Aman touches his forehead..shoot he almost forgot C-ma had warned him not to be late for the pooja... so he nods his head and murmurs to her okay...

At sharp 6.00 Kiran again peeps inside to find Aryaa busy typing furiously over the keys and aman by her side again pouring his head over some figures and changes to those figures. They make such a nice perfect couple. Each complimenting the other... sigh but not just yet... she is married too... not yet.. but yes... soon, bhai...soon she will be my bhabhi... "Knock-knock.... its 6.00... ready to go Aryaa? Bhai aap bhi aa rahe ho na?" So he glances at the clock and sighs.. "No you go ahead, I will finish this and then go home. Tell C-ma i shall be there soon before 7.00... " He looks at Aryaa... 'So much for today.. tomorrow, I hope to get more done. but you can leave for today....." She looks dubiously and speaks softly, "I could wait and finish this..." But he sighs and waves his hand.."No you go ahead. i shall finish it... Go on... " and he returns to his computer... making aryaa's heart go out to him. He is very sincere and hard-working. That makes him so successfull. she feels a pride within her and that brings a glow on her face and her eyes light up and he looks up at that moment and is enthralled by that jeweled look on her face. Kiran sighs and she even curses herself that she has to break this moment.... But she prods aryaa and the moment is lost......

Preview : Nandini finally meets the mysterious Aryaa.....

Part 52.......... Nandini loves our mysterious Aryaa.....

Karva chauth ---- Part - 2

Kiran parks the car and pulls a hesitant Aryaa out of the car. "Come on so much to be done before the pooja...." So aryaa slowly and tentatively moves her feet. As soon as they enter the Singh Mansion... there in the huge hall on the wall opposite are huge big garlanded portraits of DK and NT mom. Among other smaller portraits of the family..... She stops as soon as she sees the eyes of DPS and Kaajjal. She drops her gaze in remorse and can't bring herself to look. She feels jittery, while all the time Kiran gently yet firmly holds her hand and walks her through the hall. At the huge staircase they meet a graceful lady well in her late forties with her hair in a beautiful chignon and glasses on her eyes. Draped in an expensive silk saree in a deep maroon shade... "Kiran, kitni der kar di... yeh koi waqt hain ghar aane ka? kitna saara kaam bhi padaa hain... kahaan thi tum?" and the she spots Aryaa and stops to a complete silence and is mesmerised by aryaa's soft gaze and simple yet ethereal beauty. she questionigly looks at Kiran and then Kiran smiles softly with a strange look in her eyes.. "Ma, this is Aryaa Kapadia.... remember maine kal aapse kahaan tha.. meri nayi friend.. jo rC mein abhi abhi join hui hain!" and the NB realises 'Adi was talking about this new girl... whose praises Aman was singing to him... now that is strange... why do i feel there is something... hmmm Aman ko aaj dhyaan se dekhna padega... kitni khoobsurat hain.. bilkul koi pari jaisi... Seedhe saadhe libas mein bhi maano raajkumaari jaisi lag rahi hain... Yeh mere Aman ke liye bilkul fit hain.. kya kehti ho Kaajjal?' and out aloud she smiles and speaks "Mere paas aao beti.." and Aryaa walks as if in a trance gelling and liking this woman who is Kiran's mom and his C-ma... to yeh hain C-ma.... NB walks around her and looks at her and finds her nervously looking down.... NB softly takes her chin and raises it gently looking into her soft brown depths..... "Bilkul ek pari.. mere raajkumaar ki raajkumaari jaisi..." and Aryaa looks shocked trying to figure what C-ma meant by that and Kiran hurriedly covers by saying 'Chalo Aryaa tumhe main apna kamraa dikhaon.." and NB stops her, "Jaldi karna, aur Aryaa ko bhi taiyaar kar dena... pooja ka time ho rahaa hain... Aur Aman kahaan hain.. Aditya to aa gaye..." then Kiran smiles and speaks "Woh, he said he shall be home in time.. ma you know him. something came up and he will be a nit late... bt he will get here in time for the pooja don't worry.... " So NB smiles knowing sighing...' yes she knows Aman... bilkul apne papa par gayaa hain.. kaam..kaam... har waqt kaam... chahe phir pooja ho ya.. kuch aur..' she gets wistful and stares at DK's portrait with a faint sheen in her eyes... when Adi meets Aryaa and Kiran at the top of the stairs.. "Arre Aryaa?" surprised to find her there and Aryaa gets very self-conscious feeling very alien in this place... so Kiran speaks "Papa!! Hi, papa, I invited Aryaa. She has become ny best friend... " So Adi smiles a bit knowingly... best friend my foot.. I know you my dear daughter.. I know why you have her here.. hmmm playing Cupid.. just like your chachu.... he played cupid and the result is I have your mom... yes... ' He smiles a welcome at aryaa and makes her feels instantly welcomed and a warmth begins to surround her. sigh it is going to be very difficult to stay away from this family... 'Sigh but she will have to summon full force and restrain from involving herself any more than this... '

Aman sighs and completes the last of the entires and checks his watch..swearing softly.."Damn!! already 6.30... C-ma will kill me if I am not there by 7.00 latest.. Phew... okay for now Aman Dev Pratap singh.. good work done... He sighs and closes his eyes for a bit massaging his aching temples only to get a floating vision of her smiling... and gently laughing eyesing him with her warm brown gaze and then suddenly the picture changes to that of her and Suraj hugging and he opens his eyes swiftly, fast his brows creasing and he scowls and mutters "Damn, damn you Aryaa. You are under my skin! And I can't do anything about it! He closes his eyes again opening them swiftly so that no picture can float again. but he needn't as her picture is etched in his heart. He sighs and picks up his laptop and switches off the lights to leave....

"NO! Kiran... please NO!" and Kiraan murmurs cajolingly.."Come on Aryaa, aaj pooja hain. Not that you don't look pretty but pooja ke liye we have to right? Please Aryaa, ma aur papa pe sahi impression jamaana hain, please.... " So Aryaa resignedly gives in and Kiran's face brightens.

Aman parks the car and sees Kiran's car and sighs.. wondering where Kiran had taken Aryaa. She is dominating his thoughts, dreams and every waking and sleeping moments of his life. He sighs and whispers "Why aryaa, why did you have to be married? Why are you doing this to me? I can't stop myself from moving towards you.. I know it is wrong.. but then what is this you have going on between Suraj and you? " He sighs shaking the thoughts and the troubled questions pushing them away for later... and he whistles and walks towards the entrance... He gets in and blows a kiss at DK's protrait and whispers "Love you beautiful.. love you dad!" and bangs right into a waiting C-ma who has her hands on her hips! 'To janaab ko waqt mil gayaa, ghar aane ka? Time kya hua hain? Maine 6.00 baje kahaan tha na? " So Aman bites his tongue and smiles very cajolingly and eyes ful of amul butter... "C-ma pataah hain, aaj aap kitni khoobsurat lag rahin hain... Hai, man karta hain aapki nazar utaarloon..." So saying he raises his knuckles as if to do just that.. and she slaps his hands knowing full well that he is trying to butter her up... "Bas, bas, tumhaare chonchle main khoob jaanti hoon... ab jao aur jaldi se fresh ho kar neeche aao.. phir naashta kar lena.. tumhaari chai main upar hi bhijwaati hoon... Jao ab...." So he winks and whispers "Love you C-ma..." and runs up the stairs two at a time...

She pulls Aryaa's hands and tries to push her out. But Aryaa murmurs "please Kiran..., is this necessary?" so Kiran sighs and speaks softly, "Tum kitni acchi lag rahi ho, meri pyaari si gudiya ab jaldi se bahar aao..." So aryaa very shyly walks out of the dressing room and Kiran blows out a soft wolf whistle... 'Hai... Aryaa you look stunningly beautifulll... this colour suits you soo much... she then turns her around and around again embarrasing Aryaa and Kiran again gently raises her face with her fingers and sighs softly whispering.. "Aryaa yeh bhagwaan aisi pareeksha kyun lete hain? Sigh so much beauty and ...." she sighs her words unspoken yet loud and clear.... Both of them look eyes down and touch their foreheads in vain.. as destiny..fate is playing these games.. both have this sweet comforting silence and yet this storm brewing within....

C-Ma catches them both like this and wonders 'Now what did Kiran mean by that.. hmm there is a lot than meets the eyes... but not now... time for some work...' "Okay ho gayin tum donon taiyaar ya nahin.. and she sighs in mock resignation to see only Aryaa ready and she looks at horror at the clock... "Yeh kya Kiran tum abhi bhi taiyaar..." she trails off as her eyes take in Aryaa for the first time.. she looks ... looks beautiful..... All dressed and the only thing missing is a bit more jewellery... hmmm now that can be easily rectified... So NB takes things in her hands... Pushes kiran towards the dressing room, snapping orders and letting the girls know who was in charge! She soflty and intently looks at Aryaa and walks her towards her own rooms screaming out her instructions to Kiran and lets her know that Aryaa is with her...

ently at first aryaa reluctantly agrees and that too when NB physically pushes her into it. She walks softly her payal making a soft musical sound bringing even more mystery and an ethereal aura about her. NB smiles. And that smile speaks volumes... she carries it so naturally, that dress she was in and now this.. both as if it were her routine everyday attire... Yes she was a natural.. born with it... there is a lot of mystery yet to be unearthed... but now.. Tea time.... yes tea-time.. it was and she just the person for that little job!

Aman whistles and gets dressed. C-ma had removed his attire for the day and he sighs. 'C-ma... just like my beautiful.. always thinks of eveything..spoils me so much.. love you too much C-ma and he smiles seeing the kurta and pyjama and rushes to the washroom fighting with time as he races to win against the scrambling hands of the clock.... The soft music playing a little loudly as he intended showering first...speakers fitted inside the washroom too.....

And she walked in softly tentively, hearing the blaring music and feeling very shy and apprehensive, but she could really not avoid this as C-ma insisted she carry the tray for her and C-ma knocked loudly banging on the door. Just then the music softened a bit and he spoke "aa jao..." A soft shudder ran through her, rattling the cup in the saucer when she heard the sound of his barritone voice and immediately checked herself, calming her jangling nerves.. his very thought was capable of sending the alarm bells ringing.. Chin up Aryaa there atta-girl... and she walked in and put the tray at the corner table while C-ma went inside the room and further and walked into another smaller room which was apparently the bedroom of sorts.. this was a whole suite....

She placed the tray gently onto the table and was about to straighten when she heard his soft wolf whistle... "Hmmm Kiran!!! Wow, you look stunning.!!" She froze not daring to turn, hoping C-ma would correct him but then she felt his arms on her shoulders as if to turn her and she shivered at the feel of his touch on her almost bare shoulders.... murmuring meri gudiya kitni badi lag rahi hain.. aaj kitne dino bad tumhe aise dekha, and he softly touches his chin to her shoulder, and also feels this strange tingly feeling...as if something is amiss.... and hears a soft gasp as his chin reaches her shoulder his cheek brushing with her warm skin... but she is stunned to a silence.. rooted to the spot.. as if cat got her tongue... He then finding something gravely wrong as mixed up signals reach his brain.... he too creases his brow and turns her a bit too swiftly and she is shocked and almost loses her balance and grabs his arms to prevent herself from falling.... 'You!" his eyes meets hers.. a series of emotions passing in them.. first shock at discovering her, then accusingly, and then finally travelling down slowly down her entire length from head to toe..... and is broken by C-ma's soft giggling from behind... then he flusters and turns to C-ma... who is now almost in splits.. "Kah gaye na tum bhi dhoka! Kiran taiyaar ho rahi hain. To maine socha, Aryaa tumhe chai de, hmmm bahut acche... jaa rahe ho Aman, mistaking another girl to be your Kiran..."

He swiftly runs his hair sheepishly and feeling raw emotions within tearing his insides on seeing her.. the last pesron he had expected to see... and that too dressd like this..... He is flabbergasted and then with C-Ma facing him looking with dissecting eyes... those too all-knowing keen eyes... and he smiles his appology a bit strained to Aryaa who is still shivering from his touch.... Shaking almost like a leaf. Kiran enters softly and puts a comforting arm around her ans she sighs in relief.... very thankful to her for that arm...

C-ma moves forward and commands in her endearing fashion for him to hurry up with his dressing and to come down for the pooja and then the festivities and fun that will follow.... She leaves with both of them following her like some twins... one whom he loves protectively like a brother and the other... whom he loves to death but can't have ........ He meets her eyes over Kiran's shoulder and she drops her gaze too quickly... but has seen the pleasure of his appreciative hazel gaze.......She can feel his gaze still boring a hole in her back and she glances up again and meets his gaze a bit unflinchingly till Kiran's soft voice breaks the moment and they go out.... He closes his eyes for a moment trying to get a grip on his shaken nerves.. still remembering that shudder that had passed through her... reminding him over nad over... No its wrong for him to feel so... she is married.. out of bounds... get a grip!!! and Suraj!!... He rushes himself and hurriedly puts on the kurta and smiles as it is again in co-ordination with her colours.......... Cream-gold..... looking at his kurta in similar cream-gold.....

Preview: Part -3 Karva Chuath pooja.....

Part - 52.............. The Karva Chauth Pooja.....

Part -3 ---- Sweet introduction......... Surprise.....

Aman closes his eyes tightly shut, trying hard to get her out of his mind...but loses a useless battle... She is inside his very skin and blood. He gulps down his tea, which he normally loves piping hot... but even this cold cuppa tastes like sweet nectar. He finally sees himself in his dressing mirror and finds a stranger peeping back. He stops and asks "Aman, are you doing the right thing... Suddenly there is a smile on his features... Yes, why do I feel there is nothing between her and Suraj... only a angle which was wrong... maybe I looked froma bad angle.. I promise tomorrow I will speak to Suraj.. but tongiht I will forget..everything... she looks so beautiful... and then i am ready to forgive her.. I know she is married, but today there is no stopping... I will tell her I love her... yes I will... I have to let her know..."

Aryaa softly walks cringing almost behind Kiran. Wishing this attire Kiran lent her didn't expose so much. she felt almost naked... especially after his Hazel gaze burnt what was there too... Feeling his heated stare still in her back... and his chin where his cheek brushed her shoulder still tingled from it ..... Sigh how was she going to keep sane.. And a small voice spoke inside..'And how are you going to break this vrat that you have decided to keep for him? Are you going to flaunt it his face? Are you bold enough to do it and then how will you explain this to Suraj bhaiya... to Kiran... she will have to be very discreet... but she will break it yes... she will rpay for Ram Gopalji, but she knows in the heart of her hearts there is only one name.... only one that matters to her but so unreachable.. so unattainable he is.... Like the moon... love it yes.. but you can't have it...

Just then there is a nudge from Kiran and she looks up to see Suraj entering and she sighs and smiles at Kiran, who is suddenly blushing and looking the shade of her rose coloured Ghaghraa choli.... She walks upto Suraj who simply stands with his mouth open gaping at her.."Aryaa? Oh my God I didn't recognise you!" So she feels shy suddenly and smiles looking down and consciously tucking a strand of her hair behind her ears.... "Bhaiya, ...please..' she softly whispers while he laughs and puts a brotherly arm around her shoulders..... luaghing quite loudly. Kiran walks topwards them with a smile and thats how Aman walks down the stairs to see them.. stopping halfway and the smile on his face changing to a dark scowl..'How dare she! How dare she do it right in front of Kiran, and what is wrong with Kiran, why is she not saying at Suraj's carefree display.... What is going on here? And she has a smile on her face.... His hand is touching her bare skin on her shoulders..... How dare he? and what was he doing here anyways... questions.. galore..." He simply freezes... a black fury soon forming and showing on his otherwise handsome features.........

Kiran softly speaks to Suraj whose head is now bent towards her but that arm is still very much around Aryaa.... And Aryaa laughs as soon as he mumbles something making Kiran go a shade redder and while laughing she throws her head back and gets his attantion. She notices him as suddenly and stops laughing the expression changing from happy mirht to that os horror. Realising Suraj has his arm around her still. She cringes by the cold fury and distaste in his almost dark hazel stare... his eyes like chips of ice... his lips shaping to form a distasteful churlish look.... his teeth gritting grinding with each other..... and those lines on his forehead... she sighs and looks down. Kiran and Suraj are too immersed in each other and don't notice her delimma...

Kiran soon grabs NB's hand and stops her. "Ma... Ma please I would like you to meet another guest... woh... maine kahaa.. tha naa.... woh ..." so taking pity on Kiran Aryaa kind of pushes Suraj forward and speaks very softly but clearly... Aunty, this is Dr. Suraj Khanna, my brother....."

BOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM.............

What did she say? My brother... only the word brother still ringing in his ears... 'stupid...crass.... Aman... you are nothing but a low...stupid fool... absolutely brainless twit.... he cringed closing his eyes...mentally riling and berating himself for his folly. Such a bad and serious folly.. a grave mistake had occured .... How could he even think that inspite of being married she would have anything to do with another man... Now even with him..she was like... restrained.. she had never.... ' he was still sahking himself riling himself when Adi came down and caught him shaking and running his hand through his hair... clutching the balustrade... else he would have toppled... had gone white.. a dull grey pallour had come with the pain of his undesrved accusations..... distaste he felt for himself.... 'aman! Aman bete tum theek ho? Aman..." he felt rather than heard chachu's voice and he shook his head and closed his eyes.... and then he did what he had never done in his entire life... he collapsed in chachu's arms... only his creased and concerned face swimming in front of his eyes.. alongwith another face a very sweet smiling and warm brown eyed face of her's.... smiling... and that was the last of it all....

As soon as she heard AG's voice her eyes shifted to the stairs above where minutes brfore she had met his cold stare... and now she saw him slump against uncle... her jeart lept in fear and she clutched bhaiya's arm in alarm.. her voice lost.. and all NB, Kiran, Suraj all rushed to the slumped figure of Aman Dev Pratap Singh.... Suraj and Aditya carried him upstairs to his room and Suraj quickly checked him over. Nothing seemed apparently wrong. A very pale looking Kiran was holding on to a distraught C-ma... and aryaa... was standing outsode the room... worry and fright paling her face to a white pallour.... Suraj asked for some ice water and with a soft towel, he sponged Aman's fae. She stood holding onto the back of the chair near the table outside the bedroom.... fear gnawing her insides... No God if anythign happens to him, I will die.. yes God.. I will die....

After a few moments his eyelids flickered and he saw a soft smiling face of Suraj. his eyes crowed in shame and suddenlt Suraj knew what the reason for his collapse was. He very softly spoke to him "Are you okay? Guess you must have eaten or drunk something too soon... Well it okay. you can slowly get up.... there and very slowly... okay?" Then he helped him up against the pillows... Aryaa could hear his soft "yes I am ok!" and she breathed a sigh of relief.. realising then that her face was wet with silent tears that she might have shed.... She slowly slinked away to the corner of the room, sinking into another chair there, he rhead grasped in her head and she felt weak and faint.

C-ma hugged Aman, worried an dSuraj assured her that he was fine... Suraj managed to convince them all and Kiran and Aditya took a really worried C-ma out to pacify her... Suraj slowly got up and walked to the window... knwoing full well that Aman needed the space and time for everything to sink in....... He heard his soft voice.."Please Suraj, how am I going to ask forgiveness.. You will forgive me even, but how am I going to face her... How Suraj...? So crass I have been... 'Remorse and pain ringing in his voice.... Suraj turned and swiftly walked over to Aman, gently touching his shoulder as if already granting appology.... "please Aman that you have to work out yourself... as from me.. I already forgave you that very moment. I knew there was nothing and I also know that you really love her.. I am sure love will find a way... it will... Rest if you wish, else come down wheenever you want... it was just the shock that did this... You are fine pal..." Aman took Suraj's hand and pressed it hard in gratitude, which Suraj too returned and softly left the room.. oblivious of the fact that she had fainted there in the corner... sitting with her head against the wall and eyes closed.....

Outside....

Kiran introduced Suraj to Aditya very tentative, but Aditya already had a great respect for Suraj instantly liking him, making Kiran heave a huge sigh of relief. She was searching for Aryaa.... where was she.. in all this commotion of bhai collapsing, I didn't see her anywhere? So she went in search for her...

Aman slowly got up. Forcing himself to prepare to face her. He owed it to her... He walked to the outer room and softly waled towards the alcove where she sat, and now it was quite dark so he bent forward to the small lamp at the base near the chair when he suddenly felt someone. He flicked on the switch to find her sitting there, her paalour still a bit pale.. "Aryaa!!! He immediately took her unmoving form in his arms and picked her up... She weighed too light.. dammit... noticing that she had not eaten anything at all in his presence at the office.. then suddenly a thought crossed his mind.. Karva Chauth... she must be fasting then... He felt a small jealous twinge, but managed to curse himself...'there you do it again...dammit, she is married not you nor her can change that for now... and you hadn't even met her then... But what worried him was her pale pallour..he placed her on his bed and softly gently shook her.... "Aryaa...Aryaa... utho, aryaa kya hua...Aryaa God sake please get up dammit... Aryaa!!!" He softly sponged her face with the cold towel used minutes before for him... and she woke up.... gently stirring her eyes flying open when she felt those familiar tingles... She jerked into a sitting postion, her odhni falling down exposing her chest... rising and falling now from breathing hard...... her eyes falling to where his arms have encircled around her on the bed, not touching her but he was close... too close for comfort...

"Are you okay? You passed out there on the chair. Should i call Sur.. your brother? " and then she looked up. Realising suddenly why he collapsed.. her features softening suddenly feeling curiously elated... happy that his misunderstanding was cleared.... she spoke very gently softly..whsipered almost.... "Its okay... its okay... you dont have to say anything..." He looked with awe into her soft brown gaze... like a gazelle's eyes.. trusting...loving... yes he could see something shining in them.... Here she was lying on his bed in a very compromising position... but yet looking so serene..calm... beautiful... The Cream - Gold ghaghra choli, covering all her curves as if the dress was made for her only... perfectly moulding her shape and making her look dazzlingly beautiful... The creamy skin it exposed far from indecent.. like some fairy.. apsara from the Heavens.... Inspite of himself he couldn't stop himself... His gaze flickered to her soft trembling lips.... he started bending forwards towards the sweet nectar he was sure of finding... his breathing coming out in ragged gasps... his heart thudding against his chest wall threatening to jump out.... Her eyes like as if hypnotised by his hazel burning gaze... passion written in that moment...screaming to satisfy this burning need in their eyes.... forgetting all truth for the time being.. Only they existed.. Nothing else seems to matter... he closed near her... his arms supporting him upright close to her on either side of her on the bed... her arms clutching the bedclothes tightly in expectation of a fire.... her face raised up fractionally to meet his promising lips... their breaths clashing with each other... so near they were to each other... when a soft knock stopped him and made them jump apart.

Kiran softly peeped inside to find Aman near the table and Aryaa lying on the bed.. "What happened?" Kiran asked in a shocked voice...worried now for Aryaa... So softly Aman explained how he found her.... Kiran understood, and gently took Aryaa's hand and took her downstairs for the pooja.... asking Aman to follow as C-ma was waiting for him....

Preview : The vrat broken and the moon as witness ...........

Coming up......... Desparations.... longings of the voice of sweet love.... The needs yet the controls to be exercised......

Beautifully written story, Autumn. I've been a silent reader so far, but I really look forward to your updates. Thanks!

Originally posted by: namelesssr

Beautifully written story, Autumn. I've been a silent reader so far, but I really look forward to your updates. Thanks!

Awww thanks to you for revealing that you like it. Breaking your silence is the the best compliment I consider. Thanks and glad that you like it. Enjoy....😊

Part 53 .......... The Pooja....

Aman stayed back inside clamouring and struggling to get some control over his emotions.... He shut his eyes closed to erase everything..blank out, but her face kept swimming back...etched in his heart and soul... those warm brown eyes..haunted him..lit up like two bright jewels.... He opened his eyes resigned... smiling a bit faintly...shaking his head as if asking himself..'Who are you kidding Aman Dev Pratap Singh.' He softly walked towards DK's portrait and looked wistfully at them.."Beautiful-Dad... aap ko bahu kaisi lagi? I miss you most today... but yes I know you are looking and showering all your blessings... Give us strength, please give us strength..."

Aryaa walks slowly behind Kiran and thinks about him. About that kiss that never happened. Her cheeks grow warm and pink in memory bringing this glow to her face. 'God, what would have happened!?!?' She closes her eyes shut mometarily but his smiling dimpled face appears and her eyes fly open again... looking around quickly making sure no one noticed her malady... They walk around with Kiran introducing her to he rfriends and they finally reach Suraj. He asks Aryaa "Are you okay? You look a bit flushed!" So she turns a shade darker and he then sees Aman walking down form the stairs and follows her gaze and realises the reason for her colour.. and smiles faintly... She mumbles.. Yes I am fine....

Kiran pulls her off to do some work organizing for the pooja. Guruji asks the family to step forward and they all sit with Aman doing the pooja. Kiran too sits but a little away.... C-ma sits in right angles with Aman. Adi before sitting, asks Guruji to stop a bit. C-ma is surprised but he smiles at her. Aman waits puzzled and looks up questioningly, while Adi walks over to Suraj and whispers something in his ears.. and Suraj looks up stunned! Adi smiles at him and pulls him by his arm towards the hawan kund and seats him next ot a blushing Kiran. C-ma smiles approvingly and Aman too smiles a welcoming smile at Suraj... Then slowly he walks towards Aryaa.... she is aghast...'No, I can't please Kiran...do something...bhaiya...please.....' her pleading eyes..... convey the message and suddenly Kiran speaks "Papa pooja ka waqt ho rahaa hain... and simultaneously, guruji asks for something..... C-ma notices that she forgot and she sighs. She goes to get up, but Guruji stops her saying now you can't get up after sitting down... so she asks "Aryaa beti, please do me this favour... come here laado..." So with relief she walks towards C-ma and Adi has no choice but to sit... Relief flooding within all three... Suraj-Kiran-Aman... but most of all Aryaa....

She swiftly went inside to get the thaali from the pooja room and encountered the garlanded photo of DK and all.... she averted her gaze swiftly and went out... A little pinch she felt and placed the thaali in front of Guruji. Guruji suddenly looked at her "Beti tum nahin baithogi pooja mein." So she looks at guruji stunned... and then there is a series of emotions on his face... and at last he smiles after those worried lines as if reading her forehead... and he smilingly asks her "Tum kaun ho kanya?" Aryaa is perplexed, C-ma smiles and replies... "Yeh Aryaa hain... hamaare hone waale damaad ki mooh-boli-behen..." So Guruji smiles and says "Beti tumhaara haq banta hain. Is ghar ke damaad ki behen ki haisiyat se, tumhe bhi pooja mein bethna hoga... " So Aryaa with a heavy heart softly walks over to Suraj's side as she doesn't have a choice. Now as they are sitting in Right angles.... First C-ma... Adi next to her on her left..... and Kiran next to Adi to his left.... and Suraj next to her to her left..... and Aman is sitting opposite Guruji in right angles to Suraj. Now there is only one place ..the corner between Suraj and Aman for her to sit next to Suraj as his sister... but that brings her close to Aman to her left.... But alas she has no choice so she sits down close to Suraj as possible a little behind.. so guruji asks her to move forward a bit as she will need to hold the thaali at times... and she is forced to do so and that way she comes next to him. He feels the tension within her. Her hand at her side and her legs crossed in a padmasan.... Her fingers are nervously opening and closing on the carpet... so he very gently takes his hand and puts it reassuringly over her's. She is shocked as tingles shoot up her arm.. .... She looks sideways at him shocked and he reassures her with his eyes... its okay.... its all okay..... as if telling her consider it God's will..... So she looks down suddenly feeling warm and elated... All eyes are on guruji but for one... C-ma notices it and smiles... knwoing... hmmm mere raajkumaar ki raajkumaari... Kaajjal dekho tumhaari bahu..... with a faint sheen and she smiles happily closing her eyes as guruji chants the mantras....."Om......" They all pray with their hands joined..... eyes closed... and the pooja begins....

All the time during the pooja, his arm keeps brushing her side as he raises it many times to do the aaraadhnas and arpans.... She mentally heaves a heavy sigh and asks God 'Aur kitni pareeksha loge bhagwan....' but she prays for Ram Gopalji... asking God to free his soul from misery... Kiran too prays for her bright future and softly as an afterthought she prays for his brother's happiness who is none other than Aryaa... Suraj too prays for the same.. his sister's happiness... and Adi-NB too pray for their children's well-being and happy future.... Aman closes his eyes joins his hands and prays..'God, this is the first time I sincerely ask from you.. You took my parents away from me... but I believe that if you take away with one hand..you give twofold with the other... You gave me C-ma-chachu and such a beautiful loving sister... And now you gave me love.... All I ask, is that whatever troubles trouble her... come upon me... I love her very much.... so all I ask is for her happiness... whatever it is that is falling upon her... please God take that away so that she can be happy... is all I ask. I know she is beyond my bounds, but her happiness will make me happy... So God let all her wishes be fulfilled....'

All guests mingle about and the ladies form a group of their own.. the youngsters having some fun.. and general fun and laughter going around till the real festivities could begin.. waiting for the moon to appear... so that the ladies could perform the actual ritual of breaking the vrat. Kiran is floating around happily sometimes with Aryaa in tow... and Aman follows her around with his eyes....walking in her payal adorned feet. Hearing its rhythmic tread and knowing that she is there.... Suraj close to him... and Adi introducing his damaad-to-be to all the guests and men in general... C-ma catches hold of Kiran and sends her on an errand and stops Aryaa and takes her with her.... introducing her to some ladies.... All of them coo around her appreciating her beautiful looks.. Aman feels a thrill and feels a warm desrie through him.. He shuts his eyes momentarily... but her face swims as usual... he smiles and Suraj whispers..."Beautiful isn't she? What are we going to do Aman?" So Aman looks into his serious gaze and shakes his head as if saying ...'I don't know, but I know this much.. I love her to death.. and nothing not even the hard truth and facts can change that....' out loud he speaks ... 'I dont know... dont know...Suraj..."

Just then someone yells "Arre chaand nikal aayaa....." and C-ma alongwith the ladies rush in a general commotion to move towards the terrace.... Aryaa very softly retreats backwards. All of them walk out for the ritual performance and slowly she slinks away walking towards the corridoor and into the garden. She slowly sits on the bench.. the pooja thaali in her hand. Wondering how she will break her fast..... From below she can see the terrace and how the ladies break their fast.... Even Kiran had fasted and Suraj broke the fast by making her sip water from a small glass....

She sighs sadly almost.... but decides that she doesn't need him to be present as his face is etched within her heart in her mind..her soul.... and she does the aarti of the chaand. Prays first shortly for Ram Gopalji, then slowly raises the chalni through which she glances at the chaand. Immediately she closes her eyes and sighs as his face smiling with those dimples, swims in front of her eyes.... she doesn't want to open her eyes as the face smiles at her and she feels this strange but familiar thrill and tingle of pleasure. She turns knowing the bench is behind her, to place the thaali down on the bench when suddenly she feels his hands on her hands holding the thali and her eyes fly open to find him close to her...... She gasps softly... thinking at this strange help she is getting from destiny.... His eyes are enigmatic.. all knowing... no questions asked today... no derisions... just an admiring look and something else... there shining in his hazel gaze.. soft yet electric.... She gulps down suddenly and it goes the wrong way and splutters coughing all of a sudden. He is flustered and grabs the glass of water from the thali and puts it to her lips making her sip some water......😳

She drinks and he whispers "Slowly... there... its okay.. went down the wrong way... sip slowly..now..." and she sips till she is ok. Suddenly they both realise what happens and the glass slips from his hands to the grass below with a dull thud....... he looks shocked into her saucer-wide eyes... with her too thinking of the same thing... She is breathing hard... happy in a way that God helped her but also scared what does God mean by this... and he was stunned as to how a simple action but a grave mistake on his part could have occured... she is still married... no matter what... but where is her husband? She fasted, that means it was for her husband... where is he? And she draws a gasping breath and runs from there.. "Aryaa...wait...stop..." he calls out to her retreating back.... He lets her go... knowing the need in giving her those rightful private moments.. But they need to talk...soon.... She is distraught... and blindly runs tears clouding her eyes and her vision blurs.....

She reaches the dimly lit corridoor not knowing where she is running and finds a door. She rushes inside to find it is a den.... with a table and chair and an array of books... she sits in the armchair in the dimly lit room and bursts out crying... softly.. with hiccups... at her plight...sad as to where will this raod lead her... Her destiny.. her pain... She must tell him.. she owes it to him.... yes she must.... Her sobs slowly reduced to pained tears and she sat there on the chair head bent and cried softly.. In pain for her delimma.. helpless for her situation.... and thats how he spotted her... head bent with those tears which he distastefully hated flowing down her cheeks... pale and looking almost white with pain....

Softly he closed the door and locked it, lest someone would walk in and find them.... He waited for a moment to admire her beauty and sighed softly walking to where she sat... head bent in dejection.... "Aryaa.... " His soft whisper jerked her head up in surprise and time stood still. His eyes taking in the pained agony in them...the desparation... the sadness.. the gloom... the despair.... but he also saw a soft strange light... beckoning him.. prodding him to move closer to her... Fresh tears rolled down and she gasped softly... He sighed and went in front of her on his hunches and softly whispered her name again.."Aryaa....." He cupped her face gently as if she were a china doll and raised her face and with the pads of his thumbs wiped the two rivulets that refused to stop. She could feel his warm breath fanning her face and the whiff of his drink reached her nostrils giving her a sharp thrill of pleasure.... yet she knew she was not allowed this very thrill of feeling those lips on her's.....

She hiccuped as fresh tears flowed down making her cup her face a bit more with pressure making her gaze into his warm dark hazel depths as sternly looking at her asking her to stop crying... All he wants to do is gather her in his arms... wipe away the pain... Just envelop her and protect her from any more pain and this cruel world.... but alas this very pain stops him... her married stature stops his arms... but her keeps wiping those damned tears with his thumbs and shales his head asking her to stop crying... "Please Aryaa, tumhaari aankhon mein yeh aansoon ache nahin lagte... please God dammit I hate tears.. Stop crying...." His vehement statrement calms her a bit... she feels shattered... and speaks softly, 'I am tired.. tired of this.. this pretence... I am a fialure... falied at everything..." He cuts her by cupping her face and making her look into his eyes... now gentle and that is her undoing bringing a fresh flow... "Sh... na na na na na, don't say such things. I know it you are not a coward.. No, the Aryaa I know is very strong... kaun kehta hain ke tum haar gayien... nahin tum haarna nahin jaanti. Kyun ki tum hameshaa jeetna jaanti ho... No you have not lost anything... YOU ARE NOT A LOSER... dammit Aryaa look at me!" His soft rasp stems the tears and makes her look in awe at this powerful man who means the whole world to her suddenly....

As he gets her complete attention he continues... "I know Aryaa there is a lot of pain, but I have seen you struggle and face it headlong... yes the pain is too intense but I have seen you fight and overcome all these hurdles without batting an eye-lid. No my Aryaa is strong. she is not some weak soul, who will crumble like this.. No dammit Aryaa you are strong... very strong.. and you have to keep this strength up like this.. fight and let the world know.. let destiny know that it can't let you down...it can't get you... No matter what...Who says you have lost... no, you have won... won against all odds..."

She is awe of his soft gently soothing voice... the tears as if magically at the commanding voice have stopped..... She looks up and sees a new light shining in his eyes.... Entranced as if by his barritone soothing rasp... soothing her frayed nerves and as if applying this salve on her raw wounds... She feels his nearness now and feels his breath fanning her face. Her eyes lower for a moment to his lips and then fly back to his eyes... which have caught that small gesture. He sighs and speaks again "Please Aryaa promise me one thing, you will never weep again.... never, I hate these tears please aryaa promise me!" And so she softly whispers "Yes..." and nods he head. he then smiles... and gentle smile and yet she sees something as he is about to tell and say something...but she softly speaks "Woh... main aaj aapse kuch kehna chachti hoon... Unke baarein mein... " but he cuts her off with his finger on her lips..."Sh.... kuch mat kaho Aryaa..." Softly yet gently his finger touches her lips and she feels warm and a fire burns within in the pit of her stomach... bringing a rosy colour to her face. Her eyes shine like jewels agian and she looks mesmerised into his hazel gaze that has now deepend two shades in colour and he speaks again his voice soft as ever... as if hypnotising her... holding her gaze as he is about to bare his heart.... "Aryaa, I now trust you completely, I know you have a past, but it doesn't matter to me. Yes I know my limitations, those boundaries which I will never cross, but this will not change either... I love you Aryaa. No truths or relations in this world will be able to change this fact. Nothing not even your... marriage... nothing will change this fact. It shall remain so... I love you and will till death..." She then softly but swiftly puts her fingers to his lips cutting off his statement, shutting her eyes.... not even wanting to imagine him with death... No!...

He shuts his eyes... savouring the feel of her fingers against his lips and gently tocuhes her hand and sighs.... eyeing her with the pain and love in his eyes as he knows he can't .... what he wants to do but does not have the rights too. She opens her eyes shyly looking with a clear look in them. He can see her answer... but still she remians silent.. and then he softly speaks looking with loving eyes into her's "I will wait Aryaa.. till the end of this world I will wait for your answer... But till then no-one or nothing can stop me from loving you...remember that!" and he swiftly gets up before the love and passion makes his control go weak... he walks out leaving her sitting there his admission ringing in her ears like a sweet soothing salve and like a sweet music....

And this song comes to her mind.....

Saathiya yeh tune kya kiya
Beliyaa... oh tune kya kiya...
Miane kiyaa...teraa intezaar...
Itna karo na mujhe pyaaaaarr... Itna karo na mujhe pyaar...

Dil ke chaman ka hansna to dekho,
Jaagi nazar ka sapna to dekho...
Aise bane hum..ek jaan ek dil...
tu hain ke main hoon...
kehna hain mushkil...

Jhonka basanti hain tu... Rang gulaabi mera...
Do rang milne ke baad... Hote nahin hian juda....

She smiles at the picture this daydream has woven and smiles again... stopping those tears from spilling as she had promised him... yes she too will wait for that day when she can openly reply to him... yes Wait they willl.... knowing deep inside her soul, that the day will come... but then again there is this dark past of her's... which brings the shadows back into her eyes.... She doesn't ever want to hurt him... Alas, this is all she can give him... those shadows seem to taunt her evilly.. laugh at her and she is distressed again..........

Preview : Their malady continues.........

Part 53......... part -2 continued..... Revelations more revelations....

Aryaa sighs and leaves the study and goes out quietly to see a flustered Suraj looking for her and she gets a bit alarmed..fearing the worst... 'Bhaiya? Kya hospital se..." and he softly assures her yes from the hospital bu t another emergency and he has to rush. aman reaches them just as he speaks out the last atatement and asks 'Sab kuch theek hain Suraj?" so then Suraj explains that he has to leave and rush so he thinks if they leave now, then maybe he will be able to drop Aryaa home before rushing back to the hospital... so C-ma suggests... "Suraj beta, yeh bhi ghar hi hain naa... aur phir Aryaa ne abhi tak khaana bhi nahi khaya, ek kaam karte hain, tum jao apni emergency attend karo, Aryaa yahin pe reh jaayengi.... Aur phir kal office Aman ke saath ja sakti hain..." Much to aryaa's horror and to a surprised Aman... suraj is in a fix as he looks at Aryaa... comeon say something.. she squeaks slowly first... almost like babbling... and then Kiran gently suggests.."Woh ma, maybe Aryaa has some work at home... but we can do one thing, maybe bhai can drop aryaa later on... after dinner... that way Suraj can relax and go to the hospital... Now does that sound fine..." Suraj seems to have no option but to agree and Aryaa is dumbfounded. As all are deciding for her and then she sees the faint look of pleasure in Aman's eyes and she looks down as if in assent nodding her head...

Kiran walks Suraj out and Aryaa follows C-ma into the terrace. The terrace is empty as the guest have filed away to the dining area and some making a moveto take their leave.... She is standing at the edge and leaning on the railing and looking out in the darkness at the sky... in general when she hears a soft giggle.... and looks down to see Suraj and Kiran in each other's arms... she turns away shyly realising both are in an armorous position..kissing and a soft sigh escapes.... at least feeling happy that somewhere love has found love.... He softly enters the terrace and sees her there standing staring wistfully arms wrapped around herself... as if hugging herself.. protecting her body from the cold draft of air.... her hair open flying , whipping her face.... Her eyes looking wistfully up at the moon as if asking God when will her woes end.... Her odhni flying around and the skirt of her ghaghra whipping about her legs and her jhoomkas jingling ever so faintly as they swing with the wind....

His heart goes out to her as he watches her form the other end... his hands curl into fists as if fighting the urge to walk towards her in two strides and crush her into his warm reassuring embrace and soothe all the woes and worries away... "Aryaa?" she turns suddenly whipping around at the sound of his soft voice.... and just then the odhni flies past slipping from her shoulders to cover his face. He closes his eyes as her fragrance reaches his nostrils through her odhni and he sighs softly... He grabs the soft fabric in his hands and peels it slowly looking into her shocked and shy eyes. she is shivering not only from the cold, but also from the fire she sees burning in his eyes... He walks slowly ever so slowly towards her and blocks her from anyone's eyes who would enter the terrace... Suddenly the lights ar eput off by someone below and envelops them in a complete darkness only the light coming is from the moon....

She shyly looks down as she feels exposed and his eyes are stripping the clothing from her slim form... Suddenly she feels apprehensive and closes her eyes expecting him to reach out to capture her in his strong arms... remembering from the past how they feel... her head raised just a tiny bit as if in expectation and a bit in tremulous fear.... but it never comes. She just feels the cool brush of the odhni as he drapes it around her.. the fragrance of hhis woody aftershave whipping up her nostrils. Her eyes fly open and he looks lovingly with a lot of frustration too but mostly control and hands her the edges of the odhni so that it doesn't escape again. she looks up with a lot of respect and love for him now and smiles almost tremulously. he smiles and says "Chalein..khaana khaane?" She smiles and then suddenly grabs his hand to stop him... she owes it to him... now or never... and he is surprised and stops but waits for her to say something. So she drops his hand and then softly looks at the moon and starts to speak...

"I was married to him under circumstances which I might revela some other time... but I got married at the age of 18... 9 months ago.. I met Surajbhaiya as a doctor who took great pains in treating a particular patient. Yes that patient is Ram Gopalji, my husband who is suffering from a terminal disease... Cancer of the lungs.... for whom i am working earning money so that I can give him therapy...so that he doesn't suffer...." There is a dull pain in her voice, but she remembers the promise and doesn't let a single tear slip by.... She hears the sharp intake of his breath at every revelation and then feels his strong hands on her shoulders. she shuts her eyes at the feel of his skin against her's and he turns her. His eyes are so gentle... so full of grim sadness yet they feel so soothing like a balm on her raw wounds... she feels like hugging him, but restrains herself with great effort. He cups her face and raises it and comes close to almost kissing her lips but he too stops and tocuhes his forehead to her's and looks deeply love spilling from those hazwel depths... promising to be at her side whenever she needed...whenever she needed.... and they savour this closeness shutting their eyes... shutting out the world.... just being with each other... He feels her pain and through just his hands cupping her face conveys his deep soothing love for her and she draws strength from him....

To an onlooker it might look as if they were kissing almost and thats what C-ma feels too. Inside from the terrace room she finds them in this passionate yet soothing embrace and yet her hands are at her sides and his cupping her face.... The faint coughing noise she makes jerks them apart and she walks out on the terrace "Aman? Aryaa tumhaare saath hain kya? oh..yahaan ho tum dono, aur mujhe lagaa, ke tum khaana kha rahe ho, chalo bahut der ho gayi hain,... Na dlooking at aryaa she speaks softly, "Chalo laado, tumhe khaana khaake phir ghar bhi to jaana hain na? come lets eat..." So the moment is lost and she looks with eyes queastoning towards him and he smiles as saying its okay.. I am with you remember always.. hameshaa.....

All the time throughout dinner he can't concentrate on the food hardly eating anything and its the same with her... C-ma manages between herself and Kiran to feed the two love-birds and then soon its time to leave... quickly Aryaa goes up to Kiran

s room and changes into her own clothes. She removes the jewellery and puts it safely into a box and takes the box down leaving the dress neatly on the hanger. apprehensive as he was going to drop her. She finds that he too has changed into a polo necked cream T-shirt and fawn coloured trousers.... waiting for her to come down. She walks over to C-ma and touches her feet first and C-ma is overwhelmed with emotions and hugs her speaking softly "Laado you are like my Kiran, call me ma and hug me dearie... and eat more... God girl you are thinner than my thin Kiran... " she chides a smiling Aryaa and then places the small box into C-ma's hands. She asks "Yeh kya hain?" so Aryaa replies.."Woh jewellery.." and C-ma looks angrily hurt, "Kya tum meri Kiran jaisi nahin ho kya? Agar main Kiran ko kcuh doongi to kya use waapas loongi... yeh tumhaara hi hain..... " Aryaa protests but Adi and Kiran murmur overriding her protests and she reluctantly keeps it... and then she turns with a last hug given to Kiran who whisper "Aaj ka mauka ghumaana mat aryaa.. Kal ki kal dekhi jaayegi..." and aryaa smiles at Kiran..sweet Kiran.. and she nods...

They sit in the car and she waves to them for the last time and he drives. "Okay I need the directiosn, where..." and she softly directs him and on reaching there he asks "HERE!?!?!? YOU LIVE HERE?" He almost shouts in horror and she softly but proudly raises her chin and speaks, "A roof on my head is the most important thing sir, that matters the most!" She heaves from bristling suddenly and then sighs as suddenly as he too relaises his over reaction and sighs.. both of them end up smiling and then gently laughing... all the day's tensions as if magically disappearing into thin air...poof...... she sighs and turns to leave... "Thank you...." So he turns and speaks "There are no Thank you and No Sorry necessaryt where there is love...... remember that..." So she smiles a very beautiful enchanting smile and his heart stops... he captures that smile in his soul and heart... and his nostrils flare from the control that he exercising on himself. she too realises the thin control, soon wearing down and turns to clip the seat belt off. It won't bdge. She tries once, second time..... but that damned thing was stuck.

She sighs in frustration when he asks "Kya hua?" And on her reply he speaks "Here let me check....." and his fingers brush her fumbling ones, his face close to hers, she shrinks back into the seat as much as she can, and his fingers get to the snap of the seat belt. She can feel his warm breath and the faint smell of the champaigne... and his woody after shave...but most of all she can feel his eyes to burning a hole where they are gazing now.... into her very soul.. her heart... her entire body is ablaze with this longing.. this craving.. this need... this fire.. this thirst... which they both know can't be perched.. doused... fulfilled... satisfied....His profile then turns to a mask of rigid features, his teeth gritting from control and the pulse beating at the jaw all showing how much control he is exercising all for her....

Finally with a snap the belt opens much to the relief of both of them. He leans back into his seat and she turns both speaking at the same time "Good Night.." and he smiles and speaks softly, "I will dream of you Aryaa... only you... " and so she smiles tremulously and sadly too and opens the door and walks towards her room on the ground floor. He waits till she reaches the door and then after she opens the door, pausing and turning to look once at him, when he raises his hand as if waving ... he drives off only after she has securely closed the door.........

Preview : A New Beginning at RC.................

dear autumn, kya kahoo yaar you people are really very good yaar kaise main aap logoka shukria ada karo can'tunderstand only how i wish you people were the writers then we could have get to see all these romantic scenes and the kajjal show would have been a hit.

i know autumn, you must be very busy with your work, your child & Husband and this festive season then also don't forget your friends on FF's. who wait for your FF.

Do Continue soon.

Thanks once again.

aaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwww u r just superb 👏 👏 i missed so many parts and didn't even comment on them but all the parts were superb 👏 👏 i was soo bzy with my studies tht i didn't get time to come here sry 4 not commenting 😭 😭 awwwwwwwwww aman confessed his fellings 4 aryaa 😳 soo good 😃 i hope aryaa too confess her fellings 4 aman soon 😳 😃