Part III (last part)
In midst of all this Naina's & shikhar friends started arguing. The argument was on the number of roses each one got on rose day. The police came, and suddenly all turned silent. The police said that within a little time they will be allowed to go home, as the area is safer. Just a last round patrolling will ensure the situation. Everyone was happy to hear that. Naina & shikhar smiled looking at each other. At that time Shikhar friend said, "Rose Day, College, we r going to miss everything."
Naina recollected at every rose day, she knew nobody will send her roses. She wished to send Shikhar a nice card seeing the cards & roses all girls would get, but then she knew she would never be able to tell him. Shikhar got large amount of roses & cards. Naina was always happy that though Shikhar got so many roses, he never sent any roses to anyone, that little thought always made her happy, on every Rose day.
Friends: Shikhar, why didn't u send anyone any roses. I mean so many liked u, just for friendship sake. Just to make them feel good.
Shikhar looked at Naina, who was so keen to hear what he will say.
Shikhar: If I ever want to show my love or affection, I won't ever use this gimmick. For me I will announce the whole world but what I want to give her as my token of love is something I would only want her to be the first person to know. If she wants she can share her happiness with the whole world. If I ever want to send her flowers that too red rose I would hand over it myself & be there to see her accepting with love through her eyes.
Naina & Shikhar were in their dreams thinking as if Shikhar with those words was actually coming and presenting her with the bouquet of Red roses. She holding them and kissing those flowers and Shikhar holding her hand and lovingly kissing her hand. They came back to reality where they were upset nothing like this is going to happen. They both would go their ways. Where, they will be lost in their struggle with life.
Soon, the police informed that the train may take few more minutes to come. Shikhar & Naina were thinking about these last few minutes with each other. All jumped into the train when it came, Shikhar & Naina were the last to enter in it. Shikhar suddenly got down, Naina saw him from the ladies compartment, she was taken aback. She too got down, within sec the train began. She went towards Shikhar & Shikhar came forward.
Naina: Shikhar what happen? Why did u got down?
Shikhar: why did u miss the train.?
Naina: First u tell me what happen?
Shikhar: Just felt like not going back home. Felt I was missing something. (Naina was thinking what he had in mind.)
Naina: I didn't get u, Is something wrong Shikhar?
Shikhar: I told u what happen to me. Why did u miss this train? Ur parents will get worried. This circumstances, tense situation, u should have boarded the train.
Naina: I felt the same when I saw u. I thought u had to board the train for those reason as well. Felt like asking u out.
Naina was a bit shy because she wasn't able to explain, she was tensed for his safety and wanted to be with him. They just walked along the waiting area, sat on the bench.
Shikhar: I want a lot of things from life Naina. Do u think I will get them.
Naina: Surely u deserve the best to come ur way. How? I don't know. I myself am caught in struggle with life. U feel I will ever be able to get what I wish from life.
Shikhar: I wish, I could be any good to make a difference and support u to achieve it Naina.
As, they were chatting they got to know that the train which had just left was burnt by the angry protestors. They were horrified by the news when the police gave them. They rushed into the police area inside. Naina thought about their friends in the train. They tried to call up, but no answers. They entered the police Jeep but they said that there were huge number of protestors and police is going with their unit with tear gas and ammunitions. They can't go to that area now. Naina was crying thinking about their friend's condition.
Naina: Shikhar, what happen? R they safe? Nothing should happen to them.
Shikhar: I don't know, we have to pray for their saftey Naina. They r in trouble. Police r taking charge to safeguard them,ambulance have taken the injured to hospital.
Naina: Injured! Oh GOD! If u would have not got down from the train we would also be there. U never know what life has in store next minute.
Her eyes were red with tears and the atmosphere was tensed. She prayed to God.
He wiped her tears & made her calm. They stood close holding each other's hands. Trying to get every bit of information from the police. Police told them none were killed all have luckily survived.
Naina & Shikhar sat in one corner of the Police Van. Shikhar took off Naina hands from his fist….. He thought over. Naina too started realizing how cozy they were sitting holding hands.
Shikhar: Naina, Life is so unpredictable, any moment anything can happen. I realised if I was in that train & if something had happen, I would have died without even confessing u my feelings.
Naina looked into his eyes which had so much love & emotions, his eyes were wet. Naina's eyes had tears filled looking at his emotional state. She hugged him and said,
Naina: How could u even think of dying without me? She scolded him…and punched him on his chest. Whether I know ur feelings or not, but I know u will always remain in my heart, & I will never let anything happen to u.
Shikhar: I ……..U……Know……I …(He looked into her eyes, and it seemed some strength had built up in him..)
Shikhar: I want to confess today…Naina… I am madly in love with u. I want to be with u. I miss u so much. From last few months I kept thinking abt u.( Naina looked down, a bit shy and a bit shaky ….)
Naina: I too will confess Shikhar. For me as well u r a dear, close friend. Whom I love, whom I always think about. I know, u r too special to me. I missed u a lot these days. I thought u may never even think about me, but I prayed everyday for u.
(She said & tears started flowing, she hugged him and he held her tightly. They both just cried out the pain that was inside them from time)
Shikhar: Naina….u know about my career and my family.
Naina:U also know about my family, my dad's decision. He won't agree.
Shikhar: Life means nothing without u. What should we do? U tell me..
Naina: I … I … I don't know…..Shikhar but I can't marry anyone else. I want to be with u (and she kept herself close to his shoulder. )
Shikhar: I don't believe in running away …
Naina: Me too…We should let our parents know about our decision, our love for each other. Let's face them….
Shikhar: I am ready to face, whatever come, we will be together.This togetherness gave us the strength to pour our heart out. This feeling of strength and belonging is love. Nothing can be more beautiful than this feeling of love. Nothing can be more painful than seeing u going far away from me.
Naina: Yes, This moment even I can feel the strength and u besides me makes me feel I am complete, I feel like really knowing what love is all about but can't express. (She smiled …) who told u I am far, I m here in ur arms…(they were deeply in love & their confession made them realize its depth…they were swimming in the ocean of love)
Shikhar: I …love u ….Naina and I always will…..(he cuddled her)
Naina: I …love u ….Shikhar and I don't fear anyone or anything now.
The Police driver puts the Van into gear and it started. With few others it took them to a safer place. Shikhar and Naina now had no fears, they knew they will be together forever come what may.
Shikhar & Naina had taken a lot of family pressure but they didn't bow down after their disclosure of their Love. Shikhar worked in his father's factory in Delhi and Naina at Dhaarpur but both had told their parents they would marry only their chosen partners. They compromised on few things but not for long term. Soon Shikhar dad's had a major Stock share crashing with a fire in the Mumbai factory. Shikhar took over the whole company responsibilities & came back to Mumbai. Naina on the other hand, came back after her mother was ill with arthritis. She took care of the house. Shikhar would come in to help with doctor inquires and Naina would look into the share stocks accounts and help Shikhar at office. It wasn't late enough for both the families to know that Naina & Shikhar were made for each other and both families now in their crisis situation had realised that they need to shower their blessing and get them married. They agreed and soon, the time came when Naina & Shikhar had not to exchange Red Rose Bouquet but Garland made of Red roses to each other. Their confession of love had given them the strength and also space for their Love to Blossom. With this who knows their hidden dreams n aspirations may also be in the process of making.
All are cordially invited to attend the Happy Wedding Occasion of
"Naina Weds Shikhar "
On 19th May
At Readers Heart
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You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back.
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Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Cricket
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