||Bon Voyage OS Competition|| Results : P 16

Hola People!

It had been an overwhelming response from some of the finest talent of the forum. Here I present you the gems written by our dearest writers.

I invite your support for these beautiful works. Have a great time reading the stories and vote for the best. All the very best to all the participants!

Last day for your voting is 27^th July.

Scroll down for rules and regulations.

Rules & Announcements:

1. Non-disclosure of participant writers is requested to give everybody a fair platform. Any writer who discloses their story to garner likes will automatically be disqualified from the competition.
2. Votes from newbies aren't counted. Any MID's created for voting, if found out will lead to disqualification of all the entries of the writer.
3. Comments on the stories are welcome but request everybody to mention the story title for the benefit of everybody while commenting.
4. Avoid chatting in the thread (A request)
5. Everybody is requested to share the links as much as possible to spread the word and generate more traffic and appreciation to all the wonderful writers who participated.
6. Results will be announced on 28^th of July.
7. Final winning OS will be of two categories:

• b) Critic's choice: A panel consisting three famous writers will judge based on various parameters. (Panel will be disclosed after the voting lines are closed)

Check out this space for more announcements.

Index

Entry #1: The Chef's special

Entry #2: Captured through the Viewfinder

Entry #3: Bolna Mahi Bolna

Entry #4: Serendipity

Entry #5: Dilwale Dulhaniya Lejayenge...Lekin Kaha?

Entry #6: Through thee eyes

Entry #7: Remember Me

Entry #8: Carpe Diem

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and Heaven hath no rage like a wife angered! And angered she was like no devil had ever been as she boarded the Bernina Express with heavy steps. She held her pass securely and was directed to her reserved cabin by the person-in waiting. She took her seat and looked out of the huge windows, reaching the ceiling, and waited for the train to start its journey. Her darling of a husband had brought her to Italy for a holiday only after she had thrown a fit over the very little time he had for her. And she was the happiest when he had got her to this piece of paradise on earth but who knew all this was only to hide the fact that he had a conference here! They fought! She fought! And she had stormed off!


The whistle brought her back from the river of thoughts she had flowed along with, making her sigh. She didn't want to see his face! Not now. Not when she was this angry.


The Bernina Express is one of the world's most beautiful rail journey that spans the beautiful stretches of Italy and Switzerland, cutting through the snow capped alps and the alpine forests. She watched the signboard pass her; it read Tirano; as the train glided, leaving behind waving people and picking up speed. A faint music played via the train's radio system post the announcements and she recognized it very well. It was Chopin- Spring Waltz, perfect music to the perfect weather; a masterpiece straight from the lilt of the heaven's holy river. She enjoyed classical romantic compositions and though the soft notes played around her like little fairies, she couldn't be pacified. She was still very much upset, very much angry and she hated her husband for being such an inconsiderate of a person.
She rested her head against the cold glass of the window and watched the town fade away, giving way to greener pastures. the sight was lovely.
The train jerked and the cabin door flew open. The last thing she wanted was the see anyone right now but it couldn't be helped.


"hey.


She heard the breathless baritone of a man who now took a seat in front of her and scanned him quickly from the corner of her eyes. The man seemed well built, dressed in casuals with light stubble and dark hair. He gave her a friendly smile and she looked away uninterested.

"ah, excuse me.

She looked at the man, still giving her a grin. She was in no mood to even talk.

"what is it?, she snapped.

"Can I know where you will be getting off? Am new here.


He sounded earnest but her irritation was at its peak. She felt like a wife who only has the job to wait for her husband till late nights and sleep off on the couch. She checked the Bernina Express route map and looked at the man, waiting for her to answer. He had that irritating aura that irked her.

"St. Moritz., and she got back to her sightseeing. The mountains were beautiful, the curvy tracks meandering like a serpent through the alpine trees were breathtaking.


"thats great. Am headed towards St. Moritz too. By the way, am Maan Khurana.


She shot a glare to the person who seemed so unfazed with her cold behaviour and looked at his extended hand, waiting for a shake. She shook her head and looked away.


"well am waiting miss..., he spoke politely, completely unfazed by her demeanour.


"I don't talk to strangers., she snapped.

He chuckled and leaned closer to her, his hand still extended.


"well then, Its Ms Stranger then. Hello Miss. How do you do?


He was charming she admitted and that smile was contagious but she kept up her air. She placed her hand in his

"Well then, Hello Mr. Stranger.

"it's a pleasure to meet you ma'am., he brought her hand closer and placed a kiss at the back of her palm. She was indeed a beauty, with dark hairs cascading down one side of her shoulder and those hazel eyes, questioning him at his gesture and those plump lips, curved close as if she were upset, well she seemed to be!


She quickly pulled away her hand and looked outside, now the express crossing a bridge sidelining a beautiful lake.

"this place is beautiful Ms Stranger, have you visited it before?

She sighed, this man, not helping her mood at all but she found herself being pulled into his dazzling smile and those charming eyes that held mischief.


"No Mr Stranger, am as new as you are here.


"Isn't it awesome, two strangers meeting on a beautiful train journey, almost like DDLJ but quite not.

She rolled her eyes, "I don't like that movie.

His eyes widened, "you don't? Is there any specific reason? I mean who doesn't like DDLJ? The classic bollywood romance!


"well, my tastes are very different Mr. Stranger.


He was definitely curious to get to talk to her now. She wore a white printed knee length frock, with a grey cardigan over and grey wellington boots. She was cute, he admitted.


"how exactly different Ms Stranger?, he asked her in the same tone as hers.


"why should I reveal so many things to a stranger in the first place?

His lips curved into a grin as he relaxed back in the seat, "well, we are not strangers exactly.


She crossed her arms across her chest, "how so?


"I know your name, Ms Stranger at that and you know mine, we boarded from the same station and our destinations are same and we have struck a conversation and we belong to the same country I presume and I know you have got different tastes and that you don't like DDLJ...so we are not strangers at all Miss.


"its silly.


"Well, we are going to spend the next 2h30min together so there is nothing silly. It would help if we made this journey a bit more tolerable.

"and why do you think this journey isn't tolerable as of yet?

"because you seem unhappy about something.

She raised her brows at him.

"Hey, that frown on your pretty face is so very obvious Ms Stranger.

She rolled her eyes, "I am not unhappy about anything.

"Yes You are. Else you wouldn't have been alone and upset simultaneously in this beautiful journey.

"you are assuming things., she spoke arrogantly.


"I have had enough experiences with ladies, and you my pretty woman ARE upset about something.


She didn't want to talk about that now. She wouldn't even think of her husband now. She would rather enjoy the view here. The person-in waiting served their respective coffees and left. The weather was turning cooler as the train took to climbing the higher altitude.


"so, what do you Mr. Stranger?


He shrugged, "I work in a local diner ma'am.


She held her cup in both her hands and took a long sip of her piping hot drink.


"now that we are making a conversation, he spoke between his sips, "what do you do?


"I work for a software company.


Silence prevailed for a few minutes as they took time to enjoy their coffee and the view outside.


"ye chaand sa roshan chehra, zulfon ka rang sunehra, ye jheel si neeli aankhein, koi raaz hain inme gehra...


She heard him sing the song faintly and glared at him when their eyes met and he winked at her. he pretended as if it were nothing and whistled the tune, looking out.

"Tareef karun kya uski, jisne tumhe banaya...


She bit her lips to hold her irritation. This stranger was getting on her nerves now. Why in the whole world did he have to sing when all she wanted a bit of peace in her life! As such, her stupid husband was always into irritating her. she opened her mouth to say something but then his song halted her.


"kisi shayar ki ghazal, Dream Girl. Kisi jheel ka kamal, dream girl. Kahin to milegi, kabhi to milegi, aaj nahin to kal... Dream girl...


She bit her lips to stop herself from verbally and physically abusing her because that man was giving her weird flirty looks and singing damn songs. Probably he didn't realize how mad she was right now.
He perhaps caught her gaze and his smile widened.


"and this one is for you my pretty lady., and he winked.

"ek mein aur ek tu... dono mile iss tarah... aur jo tan man mein ho raha hain, ye to hona hi tha..


Firstly, she had fought with her husband. Secondly, she was stuck with a handsome but annoying stranger and thirdly, this stranger turned out to be one hell of a jerk. Worst, the songs and the situation were not helping her at all. she wasn't liking the stranger being so over friendly. And she was a very straight forward person at that.


"could you please stop singing Mr. Stranger?

He placed his coffee mug down and looked at her intently, "fought with your boyfriend eh?

That took her off guard. She wasn't expecting him to read her so openly.
"err...eh no. I don't have a boyfriend.


"A fianc then, pretty stranger?

"its none of your business.

"Ohh the wrath of a pretty woman..., he sighed dreamily, putting his hand over his chest, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day, Pretty Stranger? Thou art more lovely and more temperate..


She held her irritation, "Are you trying to flirt with me Mr Stranger?


"Ohh I certainly am Ma'am. A man in his senses would deem a fool if he forgoes the chance to woo a pretty lady who is alone with him, in this beautiful country.


She felt like going ahead and slapping this man for his audacity. She was one hell of a no-nonsense person and this man irked her to no ends.

"I am not alone. Get that straight Mister. , she pointed a finger at him.


"You certainly are Miss. You denied having a boyfriend or a fianc and you are travelling alone in this beautiful place, what more could have I wished for!


She gulped down her anger and raised her hand, "sorry to burst your bubble but I am married.


There sat the beautiful platinum wedding band on her ring finger, shining like a star in the bright daylight. She smirked, watching his smile fade as he looked carefully at the ring. And the next moment, his shoulders were shaking with a suppressed laughter.


She bit her lips angrily, "whats funny?

"I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would so love to flirt with a married woman.


"Do you intend to stop all this silly stuffs now Mr. Stranger?,she snapped.


"I dare not ma'am, it really doesn't matter to me whether you are married or not. As such I can see that you had a tiff with your husband and that's the exact reason why you are here alone and grumpy.


Ohh how she wished she could just go ahead and slap this moron of a person.


"Listen Mister, if you don't stop all this nonsense now, I am going to change my seat.


He raised his hands in defeat, "Ohh I never intended to offend you Ms Stranger. Please calm down.


She gritted her teeth and looked away, trying to calm herself.

"So, where is your husband?

She looked at him, ready to slap for starting all over again but he seemed genuine, his eyes held no more mischief and no smile.


"I don't know!

"You don't know where your husband is?, he stated, surprised.

"No I don't. And I don't want to talk about that jerk,

"hey hey... anger is not a good thing Ms Stranger. You could share if you want to!

She looked at him from the corner of her eyes and then sighed. She might as well vent out.


"he is one hell of an inconsiderate prick!

"Ouch!!! That was mean!

"well I intend to be mean.

He was all into the conversation now. It was taking an interesting turn.

"Wouldn't he feel bad, you calling him names?

"Ohh I want him to. And i wouldn't forgive him easily.

He could literally see fire in her eyes...well, figuratively! But this pretty stranger had rattled him. he wanted to know more.


"What did that poor guy do to such a pretty woman as you Ms Stranger?


"Ohh him, he brought me out on a holiday and left me all alone to enjoy.

"and where was he?

"Attending some conference. This whole trip was just a facade. In reality, it was all about his meeting...it has always been. His work, his meetings, his clients then where in the world is my time?


He watched her keenly, thinking something and then leaned closer, "may be he also feels the same. And thats why he got you here, on this lovely trip!

"ohh forget it. you wouldn't understand what I go through!

"What does he do?

"ohh he is some big shot chef in some stupid high end restaurant, with his so called Michelin Stars. So much for marrying a chef. Huh!


"hey, don't call his work stupid!

She shot him a murderous look and he gulped hard.

"wh..what I mean is he must be really passionate about his work!

"ohh yeah... even i am..but do i give my time with him to my work? Tell me...do I?

"Umm...may be this conference was important!

"and am I not?

Women!! He sighed. You really can't argue with them. He empathized with her poor husband. She was really really mad! So, the best option was to divert the topic.


"So, who cooks at home? You or him?


She kept looking outside the window, with a childlike anger

"Him obviously. That man knows nothing else!

"well, you are lucky miss. Women wish for husbands who could spare them from the cooking torture.

"Only when they help. He has taken over my kitchen. MY kitchen, mind you and he is always busy experimenting with stuffs!

"so, he doesn't let you cook?

"I cook but he takes over half of the time. We both are working so we cannot have lunch together. So when I prepare dinner, he comes in and whoosh! Takes over! And I absolutely hate it!


"Ohh dear. Thats really sad!


It was as if someone had keyed her and she was on!


"and you know what, he uses those stupid jargons every time we are together, it kills the fun!

She was speaking animatedly and he thought this was going to be a long list from her. she was totally lost in her own world with her husband. If she was performing theatrics, he might as well take the first seat!


"he was making something one evening and asked me to cut the carrots. Instead of saying simply to cut the carrots into thin strips, he says Honey, can you cut the carrots in Julienne... who in the world tells like this? And how am I supposed to know what the hell a Julienne cut is??


She was fuming like volcano ready to erupt. And she continued rambling.
"and then once he tells me, when guests were to come over, we will serve potatoes au gratin with the chicken' and i had no clue what he was talking about. Tell me Mr Stranger, wouldn't I be mad? He talks languages I don't understand. So should I start talking in C and C++ and Java?


He gulped hard, taking in all the outburst. She seemed like she was ready to kill anyone now and he must step out carefully. Weighing on his words, he chose to play safe.

"did you tell him that?

"I tried but he never listens!

He could hear dejection in her voice. Great! Just great! He has found a new species of woman here.

"May be, he thinks you are tired and that's why he takes over!

"Well, I feel the same for him too. But does he care?!

He was tongue tied. He really didn't have answer to that. One thing he realized she loved her husband a lot.


"are you hungry?

"huh?

"i said, are you hungry? Lets eat something.


She sat playing with her sandwich. Since the journey was a short one, so there is no catering car. You can order refreshments though.


"I really like the cheese here... ummm yummy, I guess it goat milk!, he spoke, stuffing the food in his mouth.


When she didn't reply, he realized she was looking outside, with wonder and joy written all over her face. the sudden change in her expression made him look out at the scenery outside and no wonder what he saw took his breath away.


They were now crossing the Landwasser viaduct, the marvel that it was, majestic and tall, it stood at 213ft high from the ground. It was build with dark limestone and stretched 446ft in length. He smiled watching her expressions. They changed every second as the train crossed the bridge,
slowly.

The Landwasser Viaduct

She felt her tummy summersault as she looked down at the ground, hundreds of feet below and let her amazement take over. The snow capped mountains cut down to make way with the deep gorge down below took her breath away. They were in the middle of heaven above and hell below it seemed and it was one hell of an experience. She, the curious cat, stood up and took out her camera to take the photograph of the scenic beauty of that place when the movement of the train disrupted her balance and she fell straight into the arms of her Mr. Stranger!

He caught her by her waist and cocooned her in his arms.

"Careful!

She stilled for a while and clutched his shoulder for support. She sighed when she realized he had pulled her onto his lap to avoid her getting injured. She raised her head and like a strike of lightening, their eyes met. Dark ones met the hazel eyes, that seemed a little scared, a little relaxed and a little surprised. He watched her sweet face, she was one amazing woman who had taken his heart away on their first meet itself. She was feisty yet she had this tenderness about her that made him wonder at the time the gods had taken to make her.


As naturally it came to him, lost in those beautiful depths of her eyes, he gently raised his fingers and softly caressed those rosy cheeks, suddenly wanting to recite something in praise of the beauty she was.


"Oh how should I praise the Lord for bestowing thy beauty in my arms... thy smile so tender as the winter sun...thy eyes dancing to the tunes of the summer birds... thy beauty only compared to the heavens... how did a man like me get so lucky, how did a man like me get so blessed...


She looked at him in awe as his every word sunk deep into her soul. No one perhaps had praised her so till today, not even her inconsiderate husband. She felt lost with his baritone pouring honey, flattering her ego and she held her breath for the next!


"my beautiful goddess...my sweet angel...my creamy mascarpone!


Ohh she was a goddess...she was an angel...she was Masca-WHAT? she looked at him shocked as he continued reciting away, oblivious to his surroundings


"my sweet sweet mascarpone...you fill richness in my life like the creamy gooey mascarpone does to the tiramisu... so soft that i can feel you melting into me...


Her mouth literally touched the floor...well, figuratively. It took her some time to get into her senses and her jerk off him. she held him by his collar, fuming, jerked him to her and shook him violently, not that she could though!


"STOP this nonsense immediately mister. One more word from your mouth and i am going to slap you dead!

He seemed so clueless about everything that she actually felt like slapping him to death. What in the world has she got herself in? She missed her husband now. So much for fighting him!

It took him some time to realize that she was really mad at him for she sat right opposite to him, her hands folded over her chest defensively and her face marred with a frown. She looked outside but she seethed in anger.

"Ms Stranger?, he tried to undo the damage, realizing what has he gone and done.

"Shut up.

"Listen to me please.

"I don't want to.

"Please. I meant no offence.

"I don't care.

"You see I love mascarpone cheese the best. So i just didn't realize what i had spoken.

She shot him a murderous glare and only if looks could kill!

"Ohh really? Should I start speaking? Did I try to compare you the Unknown Error I get in my 500+ line Java program and tell how menacingly worse you are, just like the error?

"No., he spoke meekly, the context bouncing over his head.

"Then SHUT UP and leave me alone.

"hey hey.. Am sorry I didn't mean to upset you...

She would hear none. She put on her earplugs and increased the volume of the music on her phone. She was so angry on her husband all over again to have left her like this. Had he not been a jerk, she wouldn't have been in this terrible situation now.


Maan looked at her red face and sighed. He wasn't letting this chance slip away. He leaned forward and pulled away her ear plug, when she didn't listen to him anymore. She shrieked in horror, more of anger.

"What the hell are you doing?

"I am trying to apologize here. You should at least listen!

"I don't want your apology.

"But I owe you one.

"Arrghhh leave me alone.

She stood up and walked out of her cabin. She really needed to take a leak and freshen up. The day was tiring. He made the day tiring.

"Ms. Stranger, wait! Where are you going?

She rolled her eyes. why doesn't he leave her alone?

"Go Away!

"No. You will be getting off at the wrong station.

He rushed and held her hand.

"hey, its the wrong station.

She wriggled, "ahh let go of me.

"no. You better come back.

She was wriggling violently now for he wasn't letting her go to the goddamn washroom.

"Just-Leave-Me-Alone.


With all her force, she jerked her hand away, hitting his cheek in the process. And the accidental slap got him stunned! She gasped at first watching his reaction and wanted to apologize but ohh well, she had better things to concentrate on.

He watched her vanish into the washroom and sighed. He got slapped for nothing. Well, this was embarrassing. He stood there for a while when his saviour, his phone rang and he got busy. Their destination was just 5 minutes away.


She sighed in relief that he wasn't there when she came back to their cabin. She collected her stuffs now that she'd be getting off. The beautiful train journey came to a halt at St. Moritz, Switzerland and a notable chill surrounded her. she pulled her cardigan closer and climbed down the train.


He finished his call and watched her walk out, looking at the itinerary. He ran his finger through his hair and sighed- this was too much. He had to get her back. He rushed down the train and after.


"Geet...stop now please., he called out.

She stopped, turned back only to see him following her and then walked ahead haughtily. Why should she listen to him anyways!


"Geet...Geet... come on now jaan. Can we stop this stranger game!! Its too much.

"bye Mr. Stranger. Hope to never see you again., she spoke caustically and walked out of the station.

He sighed as he walked faster, trying to match her.

"Stranger? We are married for two years now jaan. Come on. Can't you forgive me?, he raised his hands in defeat. An angry wife is like bitter gourd, though good for your health but bad for your taste!


"pfft! , she twisted her lips and walked towards their hotel, which was a good walking distance.


He finally matched her steps but she refused to look at him.

"Jaan please yaar, talk to me.

"Oh am sorry, but who did you say you were?, she bit back.

He sighed, "Please Geet. Don't be mean. I will make your favourite Baklava!

"am on a diet. No Sugar for me. Thank you chef!, she ignored him, though tempted to eat the famous syrupy Turkish sweet dish.



"I...I will make you Ravioli., he tried to bargain.

"I don't like pasta!

He sighed, "But i do love them.

She wasn't even listening. She had walked ahead, making him go crazy. He
quickly thought of something and rushed to her.


"I will make you quesadilla.

"I hate cheese, especially after you compared me to one.


"ohh jaan.. I will make you Paella.

"I hate sea food.

"since when?

She couldn't care less.


"Umm..Ceviche!! yes ceviche it is then!, he spoke thinking for a while.

"I DO NOT eat raw fish.

"hey its not raw. It gets cooked in the acid of the vinegar and lime., he would not hear any complains about food.

She didn't bother replying. Over the years she had come in terms with the jargons he used in his daily life.

"Fine, I will make you Chole bhature, your favourite.

He knew this would work. She could never say no to the spicy tangry chole bhature. She was a sucker for spicy and oily food.

She looked at him coldly, "Am sorry chef, like I said I am on diet. My doctor has strictly asked me not to eat anything spicy or oily.

She walked into their hotel and checked in. He stood there, wondering what should he do! the moment she was gone, he asked the manager to send a vintage red wine to their room. He knew she would melt, that was her favourite.


He had taken a while to come to their room and she had lazily fallen on the soft bed, watching TV, her boots thrown at a corner of the warm room and her cardigan hanging on the coat stand. He walked in, taking off his watch and looked at her, lovingly. She, very conveniently ignored him making him sigh in defeat. Women! They were more complicated than food. In fact, foods were easy to handle. Women, especially his woman, were not!
The door bell came alive and he received the bottle of wine from the room service. She watched him from the corner of her eyes as he quietly poured the beautiful liquid in two flute glasses. She wasn't going to give in this easily.


He walked to her and forwarded her a glass, "Come on now Geet, I am sorry. I really am. Can we end this?

She sipped that sinful wine, revelling in its taste, ignoring him completely. He gulped down the wine in defeat and walked to fish out a change of clothes form their suitcase. She changed channels only to stick to a Hindi channel, talking of Bollywood couples. That piqued her interest when it talked of Ranvir Singh and Deepika, her favourite couple.

He watched her sigh as he pulled away his shirt, she had that dreamy look on her face that he completely hated. She had this huge crush on Ranvir that always made him jealous. He felt like puking when she passed a flying kiss to that monkey in the name of an actor. He was on the verge of attaining a mental disorder and she here was all praises for Ranvir.


"oh how beautiful. I love Ranvir, so hot, so handsome. How I wish I weren't married, I'd have eloped and secretly married him. he always has time for Deepika. He treats her like she is her world...unlike certain someone., she taunted and made sure he heard her right and clear.


But that was the limit for Maan. She wanted to marry that monkey of an actor? And her calling him hot and handsome was really rubbing the wrong side of him. His eyes narrowed at her as she turned off the TV and walked towards the washroom. He took the wine bottle and gulped down the contents.


"Hey, don't get drunk on me., she shouted.

He walked to her, and pulled her close, holding her hand and before she could even ask him what he was doing, he poured the entire bottle of wine on her, making her shriek.


"Ahhh what are you...


He didn't even let her complete, rather took the opportunity to press his mouth to hers, shutting her up conveniently. He had had enough of her drama. She wriggled in his arms but he held her firm, taking in her full mouth into his, not even letting her breathe.


It took her some time to cease the struggle, defeated and he left her. she glared at him, seething, panting furiously. he had that proud smirk plastered on his face


"So, what were you saying about Ranvir?, he challenged her.


She jerked away her hand walked towards the washroom, cursing him. but he was far from being done with her. he lifted her up in a sudden surprise and threw on her bed. She was shocked to see him grin so evilly.

"what the hell are you doing, you jerk!

"Ohh the Jerk I am Love.., he smirked.


He pulled off his vest, baring his godly figure all to her view and fell on her, pinning her hands on both her side. The carpet was soaked with wine and the air reeked of the same.

"Let me go Maan. Get off me., she struggled, "you ruined my dress!


"You have spoken way too much Love.. plus we wont be needing any dresses now., he whispered in her ear, huskily. She shivered, still attempting to get away from him. his tongue darted out to trace the curve of cheek. She hissed in pleasure as her heartbeat notched up.


"Maan... please., she whispered. Her heart beats echoed in her ears, too loud, too fast. She realized there was no escape now.


"Please what hmm?, his low whisper almost made her breathless. And he continued, trailing his hot tongue down her throat, making her moan.


"Please you like this?, he bit that soft skin on her neck, making her sigh.

Her fingers laced with his as her body jolted with the ripples his words created in the pit of her stomach.


"ahh..No., she could feel her eyes closing, giving into him, "let go.,
though her body demanded something else.


"Not so soon Love, for the trouble you put me in today, Mrs Stranger, you are going to pay!

He dipped his head in the valley of her curves, gently pulling away the straps of her frock with his teeth.


"P...pay?, her lips trembled.


"Yes...you my dear are going to taste the chef's special.


She knew not what happened next for his words had weaved a maze around her. she was sucked into a spiral of bliss that he created with his touches and sighs. It was much later that he lay down satiated with whatever he had done to her and pulled her up into his arms. She was sleepy for the day was indeed tiring. She wanted to protest and get back to him for being so mean to her but she didn't have anymore energy to put up a fight all over again. she felt him kiss her forehead and smiled recalling his promise of making her chole bhature, somewhere in the middle of their love making.


"you are a very mean chef., she mumbled groggily.

"and you love, are a very feisty woman!

"I hate you, she giggled, half asleep, half awake.

"and I hate Ranvir Singh., he taunted , earning a whack on his chest. She was tired and sleepy but still she had it in her to pay him back for insulting her Ranvir.


"Don't you dare!

He ran his finger on her bare back, setting tingles down her spine.


"You do know I hate Ranvir coming between us!

"And You do know I love him so much., she mimicked him, though drowsy.


She found herself pinned on the bed beneath him, her soft breasts crushing his under his hard chest.


"Geet, who do you love more? Me or Ranvir?, he asked seriously.

She gulped seeing that intensity in his eyes but she was a different species of woman altogether.


"Ranvir., she spoke honestly and earnestly with all her heart.

He sighed in defeat. Was she really clueless about his feelings or was she pretending to be mean? Whatever the case was, she was at the receiving end now and he wasn't done yet.


"fine Lady! You test my patience and am going to test yours!!


She moaned out loud with the ministrations his mouth did to her body as she writhed in pleasure. When he left her mouth and reached down below where she was most sensitive, she knew the torture would not end soon. In a desperate bid to avoid the inevitable, she tried her last.


"Maan, i want to eat chole bhature now, am hungry., she spoke, panting.

He raised his head and smirked, "ohh really? I met a pretty stranger on the train who complained that she was mad at her husband to have left her alone on their holiday and was busy with his Michelin Stars. Do you have anything to say about that?


She gulped hard, regretting now to have made him so mean to her. but he was devil himself, with pointy horns and...a chef! and she was indeed getting a taste of the chef's special!

Captured through the viewfinder

He focused the zoom lens on his Nikon to capture the beauty of Dudhsagar Falls and she walked into his viewfinder.

The white frothy waters of the falls were overshadowed by the dark clouds of curls that billowed around her face. Her profile was imprinted on the eye of the camera and through it, he watched her. A gentle smile lit the corner of those curved lips and reached up to the eyes lined with thick lashes. Her nose wrinkled as a gust of breeze carried with it a wet mist from the falling water that settled on her face. The next instant she laughed in exhilaration, extended her arms and embraced the wetness.

She looked like a goddess calling out to the heavens.

His finger automatically pressed the shutter down and released it, capturing her image for eternity into his camera.

"Oye crazy woman" A voice yelled from the train that was behind them and she turned towards it.

"Stop daydreaming and come get on. The train is leaving." Even as she hurried forward, it whistled once, let out a huge cloud of smoke and started moving forward. She started racing towards it and just as she was about to get on her sandal strap snapped and she tripped forward.

"Careful." A deep voice behind her called out. She bent down to get rid of the sandal and a panicked sob left her throat at the fear of being left behind.

"Shhh. It's alright. Here let me help you. Please excuse me." The same voice behind her called out and before she realized what was happening he wrapped his hands around her waist and lifted her up onto the train where her friends were waiting anxiously for her.

She gasped and turned around, only to see the back of a tall man racing towards the next compartment, where a couple of guys were literally hanging out the door to give him a hand up.

Over the sound of the train, she heard them yelling out,

"Oye Pandit, this is not the time to be chivalrous. Hurry up yaar." He jumped on and his friends grabbed and held on to him.

She waited anxiously to see his face and maybe wave a thanks at him if possible. However, before she could do so the dark clouds that had been hanging low all afternoon burst open and rain started pouring. The door was slammed shut and she returned to her seat, a vague sense of disappointment lingering inside her.

"Geet did you catch a glimpse of your savior? What a dreamboat!!!" Piyu called out.

"Was he really? I was too busy checking out those bulging biceps. And did you check out those buns of steel when he was running? Oooh." Nina who was fixing her makeup looked at her and grinned wickedly.

"Tch Tch Tch, get your mind of the gutter Nina and stop slathering that war paint on your face. There is no one to impress here." Myra adjusted her glasses and put down her copy of, Spring Chicken: Stay Young Forever (or Die Trying)'

Nina raised her eyebrow and looked at her.

"Oh shut up Myra and for heaven's sake what are you reading!! You are 21. Why the hell are you reading a book about staying forever young at this age? Live a little before you start rusting woman."

Piyu rolled her eyes at the two and pulled Geet next to her.

"Sit next to me Miss. Sparrow and ignore these two fools. Now tell Piyu aunty all about how you felt when Mr. Pandit lifted you up."

Light as a feather. Like an exotic bird for once in my life. The thoughts crossed her mind, though she did not say it. She looked at the three women before her who were staring at her with undisguised curiosity.

They were all tall, flawlessly gorgeous women, who were confident in their attractiveness. They were her classmates, roommates and the dearest friends she had, which was strange since she was nothing like them. If they were exotic peacocks, then she could only be called a sparrow. A short, plain looking, slightly plump sparrow who had never in her life gotten a second glance from any guy that walked past her.

She had met them in the first year of college and all hailed from different parts of the country. Educational destiny had brought them together in the city of Pune.

They were travelling on the Konkan Railway from Mumbai to the temple town of Udupi in Karnataka. Piyu's family had been caretakers of one of the famous temples in town for generations. The temple was having its annual festival and Piyu had invited her friends along to her ancestral home for the festivities.

"So how did it feel Geet? Spill the beans Sparrow." Nina urged.

She just shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. She remembered the broad back of the man who had helped her up and a red hue tinted her cheeks.

"Would you look at that? Our sparrow is actually blushing. Aww." Myra squeezed her cheeks and hugged her.

"I know what. Let's go to their compartment and introduce ourselves. That way Geet can have a good look at her knight in tight jeans." Nina smiled smugly at her ingenious idea.

"No!!!! Please stop it Nina. He was just a good Samaritan who helped me when I needed it. Please let's not trouble them unnecessarily. Please...please don't do this." Geet's panicked voice rang out.

"Shhh. Hey Geet. It's alright. We won't do anything okay. Now calm down." Piyu patted her back gently.

Vivid splashes of green danced against Geet's eyes as she stared out the window.

According to her friends, she was the peacemaker and the glue that held their group together. However, the truth was far more shameful than that. She was a coward and just did not like to create waves and always looked for ways to diffuse situations that made her uncomfortable.

She was glad she had not seen his face after all. She was not going to go looking for him either. She did not want to build castles in the air, only to be slammed to earth with the reality that was her own dumpy self.

Two hours before they reached Udupi they hit the station of Bhatkal, a town famous for its Jasmine flowers. The temple they were visiting had the tradition of decorating the whole interior with those flowers. It was believed that the Goddess who resided there fulfilled the wishes of the devotees who brought in the garlands and tied it to the lines of threads that were laid out in the hallway that led from the inner sanctum to the main doorway.

As the train pulled into the station, Geet saw a long line of flower vendors sitting with basket after basket of jasmines to sell off to the travelers visiting the temple. She glanced over and saw that all the other 3 girls were taking a nap. She grabbed her purse, wore Myra's sandals and got down to get the flowers for all of them. She walked in the direction opposite to the one she had seen Mr. Pandit go. They were just two passing trains after all and there was no need for them to meet again, coincidentally or otherwise.

She walked over to an old vendor who was weaving the flowers on a thread with gnarled fingers. All the flowers were unevenly paced and the garlands were not the prettiest to look at. She felt an instant affinity to the misshaped flower arrangement and thought the goddess of the temple would not mind an imperfect garland from an imperfect woman. The old woman thanked her profusely and handed her four garlands. Geet thought for a moment and on impulse bought the whole basket from the lady. She was sure there were going to be many people who would not find flowers in town the next day and if she could help a few fulfill their wishes then so be it. The vendor thanked her with tears in her eyes and patted her twisted fingers on Geet's head in blessing.

*******

He stretched his arms above his head and gave a lazy yawn. He had caught a nap after getting on at Dudhsagar. A soft smiled stretched his lips as he remembered the encounter with the girl at the Falls. He reached for his camera and zoomed in on the picture he had captured of her. There had been something about the joy and serenity on her face that had turned an otherwise ordinary face into magical. And it was that magic that he had been compelled to capture.

"Pandit. What are you looking at that is making you smile so secretively?" Eddie slapped him hard on his back and snatched the camera from him.

"It's none of your business Eddie. My smiles and my secrets are my own. Don't pry."

He glared at Eddie, calmly taking back his back his camera and went to the doorway of their compartment.

Ved smirked at Eddie with a told you so' look and joined Pandit.

Ved looked at his unusually restless friend and narrowed his eyes on him. Pandit was usually calm as a placid lake, but Ved knew very well that the smooth exterior hid turbulent depths. After all he had known Pandit since they were both 10 and living in the same neighborhood.

"What is it Pandit? Is everything okay?" Ved put his hand his friend's shoulder.

Pandit shook his head in denial and as he gazed outside at the platform a sudden arrested look came onto his face. Ved followed his gaze only to see a girl carrying a basket of flowers back to her compartment.

"It's the same girl you helped isn't it?" Ved enquired casually, even as his sharp eyes noticed the fascinated look on his friend's face.

"Should we go buy some flowers to tie tomorrow at the temple?" He encouraged Pandit.

Pandit shook his head in denial. She was going to Udupi and he knew where he was getting his garland from. He smiled and pressed the camera shutter down, capturing the girl and her basket of flowers.

*******

The next morning Geet woke up very early They were all sharing Piyu's room and the other three were still fast asleep. She completed her morning ablution and headed out quietly. She wanted to pray peacefully and tie her flowers before the throngs of crowds started pouring in. Piyu's house was very close to the temple and Geet decided to carry the basket of flowers with her after leaving three garlands behind for her friends.

The sun was just rising in the eastern skies and the rays were hitting the carved temple doorway breathing life into the intricate wooden figures on the door. She was some distance away when the doors swung open outwards. It seemed the Goddess of the temple was welcoming Geet into her abode. She smiled at her fanciful thoughts and picked up her pace keen on stepping inside. Just as she reached the first step she collided into somebody who had come in from the other side. The basket in her hand tilted and a garland dropped from it onto the other person's feet.

She gasped and apologized, her gaze traveling slowly upwards from the flowers at the bare feet to a white silk dhoti lined with a gold border. Her eyes continued higher to a washboard stomach and the sacred ceremonial thread that was the only covering across a deep bare chest. He was a tall man and seemed especially taller to her short, barely five feet stature. She looked at his face and was mesmerized. The rays of the sun fell directly on an excruciatingly handsome face with a light beard that framed his square jaw and a pair of deep penetrating eyes that stared down at her intensely. His hair was wet and glistening water drops trailed down his chest and disappeared into the waistline of his dhoti. She blushed furiously and stepped back hastily.

"I..I am very sorry Pandit ji." She mumbled and looked anywhere, but at him. Geet you idiot, stop staring at the temple priest' she scolded herself mentally. And weren't temple priests supposed to be old and pot-bellied?Why then was this one the exception and so drool worthy? She took another step further back and tripped over the edge of the step. He grabbed the basket and her wrist reflexively.

"Careful." A familiar deep voice called out.

Her head snapped up and she stared at him in wide-eyed shock. It was the same voice from yesterday.

Pandit'...his friends had called him. She and her friends had all assumed it was his last name. It seemed though that it was his profession.

He smiled down at her and arched an eyebrow at the huge flower basket.

"That is a huge basket of wishes Miss..." He enquired.

"I am Geet...Panditji and only one of these garlands holds my wish. The rest is for anybody who comes to the temple and needs one."

"Geet" He repeated in a husky tone, savoring her name on his tongue. "Then Geet can you grant me a wish?"

She shook her head at him.

"I can't grant wishes Panditji. I can only give you the means to an end, which is this garland and let the goddess do her job." She smiled at him mischievously and handed him a garland from the basket.

"But then again, should I really tie this garland I wonder. She has already granted me my wish after all." His eyes held hers captive as he made the enigmatic statement. Then he bent down and picked up the flowers at his feet and held it in his other hand.

Was he...did he mean what she thought he meant? And what did she think he meant? Her racing heart and confused mind were throwing a million answers at her, but as was her habit in complicated situations, she turned tail and ran. Only this time even as she ran away---the situation--- or rather the man was right behind her.

She stepped inside the temple and placed the flower basket beside the doorway and jumped up and down a couple of times to reach the bell that was placed at the entrance. With great difficulty, her hand reached the ringer that was hanging inside the bell and the sound that came out was barely audible and she mentally apologized to the goddess for the weak greeting.

She had hardly taken two steps towards the deity when the whole interior of the temple rang with the loud sound of the bell as the tall man behind her made his presence known. A shiver raced down her spine as she the resonant melody pierced her being and settled somewhere deep inside her. She walked to the doorway of the inner sanctum and look at the beautiful idol of the goddess for a long moment. She wondered if it was mischief that she saw in the deity's eyes.

She shook her head at the nonsensical idea, closing her eyes to prayer earnestly for her parents, their families and for her three dearest friends. As an afterthought, she added that whatever the man behind her wished for in life the most, she hoped he got it.

She opened one eye and peeked at the goddess and swore the mischief in her eyes gleamed brighter.

"It is only because he helped me out yesterday. She argued silently with the goddess. After her prayers she opened her eyes and through her peripheral vision saw him standing right beside her, hands folded, and eyes closed. It was a foreign feeling praying in sync with a man next to her and although he was practically a stranger, it was the most peaceful feeling she had ever experienced.

She went ahead and started circling along the corridors placed around the goddess and heard his silent footfall behind her. She increased her speed and thought she heard a soft chuckle from the back. Also no matter how fast she raced ahead the distance between them never increased. After the fifth and the final round she was out of breath and sat down with a thump. She leaned against one of the pillars upfront and closed her eyes. His lean image danced before her eyes and she popped them open to find him staring at her with unabashed curiosity, while leaning against a pillar that was on the opposite end.

She stood up and headed to the basket to grab a garland and then looked up at the lines of threads laid above head and groaned in frustration. They were way too high and she was never going to reach them. Still, she was determined and jumped up and down a few times and gave up. She looked towards the idol of the goddess.

If there was really one wish in life that I would have asked for, if possible, was to give me a few more inches in height.'

She had barely let the thought form in her mind when two familiar hands lifted her from behind until the thread was easily within reach.

The instant gratification of her wish and the unusual way in which it had been fulfilled freaked her out and she gave a small screech.

"Please!! Panditji put me down." She called out anxiously.

Without a word he continued to hold her up silently and waited for her to tie the garland.

"Do you suppose I get to be a part of your wish since I am helping you with it?" His voice vibrated against her back.

Geet was at her wits end and after hastily tying the garland she wriggled out of his arms.

"That was done way too fast. Did you even make a wish?" She nodded vigorously.

"I wonder what is it that you wished for. If it were me who was wishing for you, then I would wish a tall life partner for you who would stand behind your back and lift you over every obstacle that came your way." He rasped out the statement to her back.

After that she beat a hasty retreat down the steps and raced away from there her heart pounding in her chest and his words ringing in her ears.

She had after all desperately wished for a family of her own and his words about her life partner had been so close to what she had wished that it had rattled her deeply.

She had walked away some distance from the temple when she remembered that she had not thanked him for helping her get on the train, neither had she thanked him just now. Her conscience poked at her viciously, so groaning in frustration, she turned and headed back to the temple. She climbed the steps warily and just as she approached the topmost step she saw him and her eyes widened to their fullest extent in shock. The man she had left behind was entwining his garland with hers and tying the two ends together.

*******

It was dusk when all the four girls walked into the temple premises decked in beautiful sarees. A hand full of bangles clinked on their wrists and the bindis on their forehead winked at anyone who glanced their way. They were gorgeous and they drew attention wherever they went. The other three had ganged up on Geet and literally dressed her up from head to toe and for once, she thought she did not look all too bad.

The temple was packed to the gills with throngs of people. Lamps burnt all over and the fragrance of incense and arti karpur permeated everywhere. Geet's eyes darted anxiously all over and saw a bunch of priests handing out holy water and the holy fire to people, but he was not amongst them. She felt momentary relief, but it was soon replaced by a keen sense of disappointment and realized only then how much she had been looking forward to seeing him again. That scared her very much and she blocked all thoughts of him with a fierce determination and focused on her friends who she noticed were tying their garlands.

After taking the blessings of the goddess they moved on to the large hall attached to the temple where prashad was being served on banana leaves. Piyu had told them that one was supposed to sit as soon as a bell was rung and finish whatever was put on the leaf and not a grain was to be left behind within the five minutes that was allotted. Then another bell went off and everybody was to get up and make way for the next batch of devotees.

"Geet you are a slow eater so you better hurry up and finish everything if you are to receive the full blessings of the deity. Do you understand?" Piyu warned her.

Geet nodded obediently as they waited their turn to sit down.

Individual banana leaves were placed before a long line of carpets and the girls squeezed in next to each other giggling and excited to be partaking in this custom of the five-minute prashad.

The bell went off and a slew of priests in dhotis and some men in regular wear walked in with huge vessels. A ladleful of rice was served, topped with dal and ghee. A small serving of vegetables on the side and a sweet completed the meal.

Geet's group was sitting at the far corner and she noticed him first. He was carrying a huge vat of rice effortlessly and moving down the line swiftly. With every step that brought him closer, the pounding of her heart increased exponentially.

"OMG!!!. Geet it's your knight...in...in dhoti? OMG!! He is a priest. No wonder his friends were calling him Pandit." Nina's shocked voice reached her ears and a foreboding sense of impending doom slithered along her nerves.

"What?!!!! Who...Where? OMG!! OMG!! OMG!! It is him." Piyu and Myra whispered awestruck.

Then three pairs of eyes turned to her, trapping her under their scrutiny and she felt heat rising in her cheeks.

"Geet you rat!! You don't look surprised at all. You met him again didn't you...and don't bother denying it. You better share each and every detail do you get me?" Piyu glared at her.

However, before she could formulate a reply he was standing before them sweat glistening on his body and muscles bulging in his arms as he held the rice vat aloft.

His gaze fell on Geet and he came to a standstill. His gaze roved all over her face and a look of deep appreciation lit his eyes. Nina, Myra and Piyu watched the wordless exchange in fascination.

The two guys who were behind the priest were dressed in regular clothes and moved closer after serving the previous group.

"Pandit what the hell is wrong with you!!! Have you gone nuts? Look at what you have done? How the hell is she going to finish it in the next five minutes?" Eddie's sharp voice broke the trance that he was in and he glanced down to see that he had unconsciously piled a mountain of rice on her leaf.

All the eyes were fixed on the huge pile and then looked up at him and then they looked at her.

"Oh it's the Dudhsagar damsel in distress." It was Ved's voice sounding like he had found the answers to all of life's mysteries.

Eddie smiled widely and opened his mouth to retort, only to find his lips squeezed tightly shut by Pandit's fingers.

"Zip it Eddie. Not now." His eyes were focused on Geet who was staring at the rice before her with growing horror.

"Geet look at me. It's okay. Start eating. Trust me. I will not allow even a single blessing meant to come your way go to waste." Then he looked at his best buddies.

"Cover me as best as you can." They nodded simultaneously and stood behind him. He quickly served spoonful of rice along with the dal to the other three women and then knelt down before Geet.

Geet started pushing the morsels of rice into her mouth, the next instant his large hand joined hers onto the pile and he started shoveling rice in his mouth at record speed.

He ignored the gasps around him and continued at his task. While the others were still working on their spoonful he had decimated the pile to just a spoonful.

"Now you can finish that right?" He asked Geet gently. She nodded absently still shocked at what had just happened.

He picked up the vat and started walking towards the exit.

Nina called out from behind.

"Panditji I hope you know this is not over." She needed answers and she needed to know the intentions of this man towards her best buddy.

"I too...hope not." He looked over his shoulder his gaze fixed on Geet and then he walked out followed by his friends.

*******

He was born with an above average intelligence and his whole life had gone by buried in any and every book he could lay his hands on. He had been very young when he had started studying the scriptures and had been fascinated by them. It was through them that he had found his true calling in life. The brain tingling excitement of holding a new book in hand and studying it cover to cover was nothing new to him. However, he had never in the entirety of his life experienced this restless feeling that was taking deep root inside him and although it was a foreign feeling he loved the way he felt around her.

He saw Geet's friends approaching him.

"Panditji we respect you for what you do, but that is not your character certification. Are you by any chance stalking our Geet?" It was Nina who ventured forward boldly.

He raised his eyebrow at that and laughed out loudly, while shaking his head negatively.

"If there is anybody that is stalking both of us, then it is destiny."

"My grandfather was six when he decided he was going to marry the girl next door. He got married to her on the day she turned sixteen which was the legal age for marriage back in those days. My father proposed to my mother on the day he met her. I know... it is an inherent flaw. It takes us just one moment to make the decision for an entire lifetime" He shrugged and grinned.

The three women stared at him slack-jawed.

"Are you serious Panditji"

"All I can say is I have never felt anything close to what I feel for her for anybody ever."

"Oh boy...opposites do attract don't they?" Piyu sighed looking at him with heartfelt sympathy.

After that, he shared with them as much as he could about himself putting their minds at rest completely.

She was their Sparrow and they knew she thought that they called her sparrow coz she was very plain looking. She did not understand what she meant to them. The truth was she was the most adorable, unselfish little thing. Tiny in stature, but with a heart as big as the wide-open skies. She had nurtured and soothed them through bouts of homesickness, countless heartbreaks and every and any failure that had come their way.

She deserved a life partner that was worthy of her. She deserved a love story of her own that was larger than life and this man and she had looked so right together sharing that mountain of rice.

"It is not our place to share, but in the circumstances and given the fact that we want her to be happy we are going to tell you some things about her." Myra who was the most intelligent of the group made the statement after calculating the risks.

"She comes from a broken family. Oh her parents have families of their own now. Her father is married and has 2 kids with his second wife and so is her mother. She has one child with her new husband. Neither of the new spouses wanted the burden of a child from a former marriage and so Geet was shuttled off to boarding schools and hostels. Her holidays, birthdays, summer vacations all were spent in those places. However, she never complained about it. She thought if she was on her best behavior and never created any sort of waves, she would be accepted as a part of their families. Her dream has always been to be part of a family."

*******

She was waiting for her friends impatiently, looking around for them. They had disappeared in the crowd some time ago.

"For she has trapped the night in her tresses,

And beckoned the stars down from the skies."

She whirled around at the familiar voice, her stomach somersaulting in waves.

He held out his palm and tiny star-shaped hair clips glimmered in his hand. He lifted her hand and transferred the clips to it and pointed to her hair.

"Go on. Nightfall without stars isn't complete."

"I...I can't accept these Panditji."

"Of course, you can. If you must, then think of them as a payback for the garland you gave me this morning."

She closed her fist around the clips feeling them bite into the soft skin of her palm. Just then her phone rang, it was Nina. She put it on speaker and took it close to her ear to hear Nina over the loud noise around her.

"Hey Ms Sparrow. Just wanted to let you know that we will be there soon. In the meanwhile, you enjoy."

"Huh!! But Nina...?" The call had already dropped.

"Sparrow?" Pandit's eyebrow arched and an amused smile tilted his lips.

"It's their nickname for me. If you take a real good look at me then you would realize why I am called sparrow." She mocked herself.

"I am looking Geet." Just four simple words but the heat behind them turned her ear tips red and she looked away hastily.

"Did you know that the sparrow was a favored bird of the goddess of love, Aphrodite and it symbolizes true love along with a deep spiritual connection."

"I...I am not a sp-sparrow in that sense." She stumbled.

"Then perhaps you are Aphrodite herself." His husky undertones raised goosebumps on her arms.

"Goodbye Panditji." She called out abruptly.

"Goodnight goddess. I do believe it is not yet time for goodbyes." He called out mysteriously and walked away in the opposite direction, leaving her behind, a bundle of nerves and shivering bliss.

"Whoa that must have been some conversation sparrow. Though we could not hear it we could see your blush from a mile away." It was Piyu's teasing voice that fell on Geet's ears and she whirled around, her face scrunched up into a teary mess.

"He..he..he gave me stars and...and...and he made a po..poem for my hair and he called m...me a goddess and...and he t...ti...tied our garlands together." She wailed out loudly.

"So is that a good thing or a bad thing Geet? Myra asked warily.

"I don't know. I really don't know what to believe anymore. She hiccupped.

"Oh Geet. Whatever this is between you two give it a chance. You do like him don't you?" The girls surrounded her and hugged her tightly.

Like' was too dull a word to explain what was churning inside her. She felt like she was standing in the eye of the storm every time she was around him. Waves of emotional turbulence crashed inside her violently raising and then dashing her hopes against the shores of self-doubt and insecurity.

*******

The next morning the girls woke up early and set out to explore the town of Udupi. Geet's broken sandal was fixed by a roadside cobbler and they were on their way to visit the hanging bridge in Kemmannu, that was a twenty-minute ride from Piyu's place in Udupi. The hired cab dropped them off at the end of the road and the girls hiked some distance and arrived at the bridge over the Suvarna river. It was a lush green paradise with coconut palms swaying in the breeze and dense mangrove bushes clinging tightly to the shallow shores aided by their aerial roots. Nina decided they could all do with a break and they sat down. The nail in Geet's repaired sandal had been bothering her for some time and she drew it off to see the irritated and reddened sole of her foot. She grimaced and wondered if she would have to call off her expedition over the bridge and wait for her friends to return.

Long elegant fingers reached out and cupped her foot for a closer look. Geet's heart leapt to her throat as her gaze fell on the thick glossy-haired head bent over her foot and she immediately tried to whip her foot out of his grasp.

"Shh. Sit still and let me take a proper look at it. The skin does not seem to be broken and so there might not be a need for a Tetanus shot, but just in case when we go back to town I will give you one." Pandit smoothed his thumb over the reddened area and then stood up looking down at her.

Tight jeans encased his long legs today and a huge camera was hanging from his neck.

"Panditji!! What a surprise to see you and your friends here." The three girls called out in unison looking at him and his friends.

Eddie who was looking at Pandit with suspicion, narrowed his eyes and looked at the girls with equally doubtful eyes.

"And I smell a rat." He voiced loudly.

Pandit glared at him and Ved slapped his hand over the ever fat mouth of his friend Eddie.

"Shut up if you don't want Pandit to throw you over the bridge." Ved whispered.

"My suspicion was right then. This was the reason Pandit vetoed my idea of going to the beach and dragged us over her." Eddie grinned wickedly.

Geet looked on wide-eyed as Pandit drew the sandals from his own feet and placed them before her.

"Wear these. They are probably a bit too large in size for you, but it is still better than going bare feet."

"Oh no!! I couldn't possibly do that." She argued back.

He shrugged and walked off towards the bridge. "Okay guys let's go."

Geet slowly got up and let her feet slide into his sandals. They still bore a lingering warmth from his feet and the soft insole soothed her injury. She smiled and walked carefully towards the bridge glancing at the oversized, ill-fitting sandals on her tiny feet. Nothing she had ever worn had felt more perfect.

He was waiting at the bridge, his bare feet firmly planted on the ground. She looked at them doubtfully and before she could say anything he gestured her to walk ahead. It was a narrow bridge and they had to walk in a single straight line. The others had started walking ahead and Geet stepped gingerly on the swaying bridge. She was very conscious of the man behind her. Why was he always standing behind her she wondered?

"Twinkle Twinkle little star

Day or night how bright you are."

His voice sang out and she remembered belatedly the star pins that she was wearing and her hand went to them consciously.

"Let them be. They are perfect." His voice was closer now.

She had almost reached the center when a gust of wind shook the bridge violently and she stumbled forward. Large hands reached from behind her and covered her own anchoring hers to the side rail and his back was plastered against hers.

She felt the pounding of his heart against her back and her own started beating in rhythm to its beat.

"Be careful goddess. I wouldn't want to lose you, not when it's taken me so long to find you." His voice rumbled against her ear and her whole being was set ablaze.

"The bridge will end all too soon, but I don't want to let go of these hands." His grip around her hands tightened almost painfully and then he turned her around slowly. There was a faint color on his cheekbones and nervous sweat lined his forehead.

"I was not going to do this here, but I can't hold back any longer. I am leaving tomorrow, but I don't want this to be the end of our journey together. I know that we hardly know each other, but it will take me a lifetime anyways to learn all that makes you...uniquely you. Do you want to know more about me Geet?"

"I saw you through my viewfinder at Dudhsagar Falls and you captured my heart for eternity in that instant. Will you not surrender yours to me? Don't you feel it Geet, this live wire that connects us?"

"I have a family. Parents, grandparents a younger sister a brother-in-law, an older brother, a sister-in-law, niece, nephews. I am offering you my family Geet and they will all welcome you with open arms."

"Give me a chance Geet. We can take this as slowly as you want, but please don't walk away from me."

She hung her head, tears pooling in her eyes, her mind a chaotic mess. All her life even after trying so hard her parents and their families had not wanted her. And here he was, this wonderful man who barely knew her and he was offering himself and his world to her on a platter. She desperately wanted to reciprocate to his earnest feelings, but fear held her tight in its grip and refused to let go.

"I -I am sorry. This is not possible for me." She squeezed past him and hastened back down the bridge in the direction she had stepped on. She could hear her friends call out to her but she ignored them all and continued walking until she hit a busy street. She hired a cab and went back to Piyu's home. She went to the shared room, buried her head in the pillow and sobbed her heart out. After a long time, she went and sat out in the balcony letting the sun bathe her in its golden light. She looked down at the sandals that were on her feet and tears flowed down her eyes again. It was late evening when she stepped out of the room, to find her friends sprawled out in the corridors. They had been giving her time on her own, she realized. She went and laid her head in Piyu's lap. For once she wanted to be pampered and cosseted. Piyu caressed her hair gently and slowly Nina and Myra wrapped their arms around her and all four lay there quietly, and the only sound in the air was their soft breaths.

One of his sandals slid off her foot and she saw that the sun had left marks on her upper foot where the straps had been. She stared at them and then slowly got up. She slid off the other sandal and saw the similar marks there. She reached out and gently caressed the marks. They would fade with time she knew, but what of the marks he had left on her heart. Time was only going to groove them in deeper, she knew that for a fact.

"I am a fool am I not?" Three heads nodded in agreement.

"He is a once in a lifetime miracle that was offered to me isn't he?" They nodded again.

"And you are his miracle Geet. We have all seen it in his eyes and so have you."

This time, it was her turn to agree.

She took a deep breath and stood up resolutely and a wide grin lit her face.

"Wish me luck my peacocks."

She raced to the temple, bare feet slapping against the pavement and stopped abruptly when she saw him heading in her direction a medical kit in hand.

He looked up, saw her and his eyes slid away from hers.

"I was coming to your friend's house to administer the tetanus shot."

The strange turn of conversation had her momentarily confused. "You mean you are going to administer it personally?"

"Yes. I think as a doctor, I am qualified to do that?"

"A..a...doctor? Are you not a temple priest then?"

"No I am not. Though I have studied the scriptures I do not perform the duties of a priest, only my grandfather dos that in our family"

"Oh. Why are you called Pandit then?"

It's a nickname given to me by my friend Ved. It's his way of calling me a nerd for being a voracious reader. And somehow the name stuck and everybody around me calls me Pandit, even my own family. I have practically forgotten my own name." He spoke matter-of-factly.

She digested the information he had just given her.

"Well Mr.Pandit, I have a question for you? Well, two questions actually."

"Go ahead." He looked in her general direction, but again his gaze did not meet her eyes.

"What is your real name?" She walked a step closer to him.

"Maan. My name is Maan." A ghost of a smile touched his lips.

"Now for the second question?" She stood on her tiptoes, slid her palms gently against his cheeks and cupped his face. Startled eyes underlaid with deep pain looked back at her and tears pricked her eyes for having caused him undue pain.

"Maan will you be the tall man who stands behind this short woman called Geet and helps her over life's obstacles? Will you be the life partner who lifts her up and helps her tie their garlands together right at this temple every year? Will you join Maan and Geet's name together and become my family? Will you let me love you for an eternity?"

Tears of relief burned his eyes and he crushed her tiny frame to his larger ones and whirled her around. Their joyous laughter rang out loudly, intermingled in perfect harmony with the sounds of the melodious temple bell.

Bolna Mahi Bolna

'Uff its so hot i just hate this summer God knows why i agree with Geet to travel by bus i shouldnt give those air tickets to that Uncle and Aunty...' Maan cursed himself for agree to his wife's idea to go Delhi by bus .

He looks at her beautiful wife who is also sweating in this hot summer day... but surprisingly she is not looking irritate at all infact she is enjoying this ride, she is so busy to talk to others that may be she forgets about her husband. Her talking are the musical sound for his ear... He was missing this for so long.

Its six months since they got married but he never saw her talking like this... She is so reserve around him but he also noticed that she is very free with his family then why just with him . He is still searcing for an answer but never asked her...'may be this journey wont be that bad ...'Maan thought to himself. Maan again look at her she was smiling with a small girl name cahat .

Ah that beautiful smile for which he can die. Seeing that smile he actually fallen for her at first sight... He was at 10th grade and Geet was 8th both studied at same school but never noticed her. Maan still remembered when he first met her. He went to meet his friend Adi when he was about to enter the house he heared a cute voice ''no no vaiya that one , that one is big' he truned and saw a cute girl asking Adi to pick that big kadom(a flower) for her...

Adi was trying hard to pick that but couldnt ''sorry Geetu that one is very far i cant...' Geet's face instant became sad dont know why Maan couldnt bear that . At once he climbed that big tree to pick that flower and he gave that to Geet . She gave him a big smile that just stole Maan's heart... from that day he couldnt forget that smile.

First he thought its must be a mere crush but it didnt he fallen more hard for Geet... Even they went to same college but he was her senior so their class was not at same time. Because of higher studies he had to leave London ... He so much wanted to confess but couldnt as she didnt came to his farewell party. After come back to India the first thing he did was conviced his parents to marry her and they were ever ready to fullfill their son's wish...

He still remember that day she was looking so beautiful as his bride but something was missing he could feel it looking at her eyes... and from that day he is still searching something in her eyes.

The bus horns bring him back to present. He notices his wife who is now giving her faviourite chocolate to that cute girl 'lucky girl' Maan thought. Soon bus stop at a dhaba . Maan didnt want to eat there but seeing his wife's eager eyes couldnt say no and also their first dinner date (for Maan that was date) was at a dhaba ... First time he got to know what his lady love like although those foods were too spicy for him but he couldnt say no just like now also he cant say no... That day was really lucky for him he was alone with her for three hours. First time and also last time they talked freely , they danced in rain together... there he realised his one side madness was not just one side .

Suddenly a song playing nearby, not just a song but now a days his faviourite song bolna mahi bolna . Just like this song he also want his wife to say something and that desire never fullfilled but he has full faith in his love someday she will surely confess wich he read four years earlier in her eyes... They again start their journey after sometime he heared "thank you Maan , i know you are not comfortable going like this but still you agree " atlast his wife said something to him... "how can i refuse you Geet never foget your wish is command for me" Geet first surprised hearing him then give him a shy smile Maan thought she would say more but she again get busy with other passenger without seeing any option he starts humming his favourite song bolna mahi bolna...

Serendipity

He disembarks from his SUV and hefting his travel pack over his shoulder he studies the quaint cottage like guest house. It had been recommended on one of the travel blogs which had claimed for it all the facilities that other places usually lacked- situated away from the common din it offered a panoramic view, excellent cuisine with charming hosts.

He is greeted by a middle aged woman draped in carmine cotton, her tresses pulled back in a chignon. She has an attractive face, all cheekbones and pleasant smiles. Her husband, a tall and lean man gives him instructions about his room. They have a small talk about his sojourn over a cup of coffee after which he is shown to his room by the affable host.

"Mr.Khurana would you like the dinner to be served in your room or would you prefer joining us in the dining hall?"

"I'll join you all and please call me Maan," he says.

Loneliness, his only constant companion sulks in a corner at being ditched at the first available opportunity. As he enters his room loneliness stealthily comes to him and very surreptitiously whispers in his ears, "Just a few days reprieve it is,and goes on to settle itself in another corner.

The room is spacious and cozy. He walks to a window; there are two, each of them opening to a bucolic view. The zephyr touches his face and ruffles his hair and whispers something in a language unknown to him. He turns, the journey through the crooked roads has robbed him off energy and the sight of bed calls out to him. He decides to take a nap; there are still a few hours for the dinner.

The food is as ambrosial as the aroma floating to his room had promised it to be. The conversation has come to a standstill after a short discussion over his next day's itinerary. The silence is interrupted by the clunking of the spoons against the china and his hostess' occasional would you like some more this and that'. They make an amiable company but he isn't a conversationalist and he would rather listen than talk. His interest is particularly drawn to the son of his hosts, Mrinal. His long feral, curly hair frames his cherubic face. He is sitting next to him and eating more from Maan's plate than his own. The child's mother has admonished him but the boy remains undeterred. At last Maan intervenes, "It is okay. I don't mind. He has tried befriending the child but the boy has rejected all his friendly overtures and has made it clear he is interested only in his plate and nothing else.

"I'm so sorry... I slept in and didn't realize it was time..."

He is enjoying Lwang latta, the dessert ,when that voice stalls his hands midway. It is familiar, the voice. A flash of fuchsia crosses him and a chair next to Mrinal is pulled back and she seats herself on it.

"I hope some food is left. I'm starving. Hey kiddo! Eating alone huh?" she says and then without any warning she turns her face and looks straight at him.

A second passes. Then two. The room goes still. The contraction of the cardiac muscles, the flowing of blood, these processes have never been so conspicuous. It is a reminder that somewhere in the cavity of his chest that hollow, muscular fist sized organ still exists.

"Oh!" she utters, the surprise flickering in her honey brown irises. "Hello," she adds as an afterthought.

She remembers him. He hadn't expected her to. Joy mixes with the blood that thrums in his veins.

"It's ...it's been a long time. How have you been?" He asks when the initial surprise at finding her here fades and another emotion replaces it.

"A long time indeed," she says to his shirt's collar and then very slowly raises her eyes, "Well, I'm good .What about you?"

"I'm fine too," he says meeting her eyes before resting them on some other safe spot, "Vacationing?"

"Sort of. And you? Business trip?"

"No," he says. And then after a few moments he whispers in cryptic words, "Escaping."

"Ms.Pathak we knocked twice but since you didn't answer we thought you wanted to rest so we did not disturb you," says their hostess.

Ms.Pathak? His eyes inadvertently move to that finger, the one that's believed to be associated with vena amoris. Million questions swirl in his mind, crossing barriers in milliseconds they reach the tip of his tongue, he suppresses the desire to give them a free rein. He brings his gaze to his own finger. There is a mark around his ring finger that is still to fade.

"Oh! I sleep like a zombie," she says smiling at Mr. and Mrs.Aggarwal, their host.

"When did you come here?" she asks him as she serves herself some Pilaf (pulao with peas and carrot), the speciality of the dinner tonight.

"A few hours ago," he answers.

"I reached here in the afternoon."

"You took train?" he asks her.

"Yup. Took me around eight hours. Have you visited Panchmarhi before?"

"No. Have you?"

"I visited this place two years ago. It's beautiful. It's like discovering a hidden treasure. I'm sure you'd enjoy it."

"I'll take your word for it."

"This tastes like heaven. Pray tell me,Mrs. Aggarwal how did you make this?" she asks their hostess. Mrs.Aggarwal blushes before she proceeds to share her secret recipe.

"Ms.Pathak you would want to go sightseeing tomorrow. There's a honeymoon couple staying here. They've booked a gypsy, you can hitch a ride with them."

He watches her as she contemplates for few minutes. Her hair is twisted into a loose bun and he wishes to know if her hair still is short and wild as it used to be.

"Mr.Aggarwal, I can't travel with a honeymoon couple. I don't find myself comfortable around them. It feels like I'm intruding their privacy. Don't we have any other option?"

Mrs.Aggarwal looks at him and asks," Mr.Khurana, What are your plans? Will you need a gypsy?"

"I have my SUV. I plan to drive around myself."

"Great!" she exclaims and then turns to Ms.Pathak, "I presume you both know each other. So Ms.Pathak why don't you both go together. Since you have visited this place before you have an idea of this place as well and thus you can guide him."

He waits for her response with bated breath.

"It's a good idea but," she drawls out and then looks at him, "Do you mind?" she asks hesitantly.

"No."

A small smile graces her lips. " Good. So we leave at eight tomorrow morning. First Chauragarh then..."

His heart beating hard against his chest he listens as she lists the places that they must visit tomorrow.

"Thank you for the wonderful dinner," he says pushing his chair back, "Good night."

He then turns and catches her eyes, "It was nice talking to you. See you tomorrow morning." She whispers back a soft good night to him.

The night is dark; the room is illuminated by moonlight that filters through the windows. He is searching his heart, joining dots, it takes a few minutes. Earlier it used to take just a few seconds. The memories covering the distance of years came floating to him.

His first sight of hers had been six years ago at Delhi School of Management.

When he'd first stepped inside the college, adrenaline had kicked in. It was an embarking of a new journey that was to take him a step closer to his dream. Excitement and enthusiasm both had been bubbling inside him.

In the orientation program, the eager and happy students sitting inside the amphitheatre like classroom were busy conversing about new classes and adventures that lay ahead of them. That's when he'd first seen her.

Olive skin, soul seizing eyes and dark hair tied up in a knot on the top of her head. She had been wearing a T-shirt that hung loosely over her petite frame paired with light wash denims and sneakers. Her careless way of dressing had contrasted well with the sea of immaculately dressed first year MBA students. He had been sitting right at the front; Front seats had been a habit inculcated long back in school and it had followed him here as well; the seat next to him had been vacant. She had walked past him and his seat and settled herself right at the back. Moments after another girl in a white sequined dress had walked in. She was tall and beautiful, and with coal black eyes and straight hair that reached past her waist, she certainly was a head turner. Flaunting her dazzling smile, she had sat next to him.

" Hi, I am Srinidhi Cyriac from Kerala", she had said in a chirpy voice.

While he'd lend ears to the girl sitting next to him, his thoughts were focused on a certain pair of soul seizing eyes. He had wanted to know her name.

And he'd come to know soon.

GP, that's what her friends called her. But he didn't understand their need to shorten an already short and sweet name, a canorous four letter word - Geet. Geet Pathak.

The college elections were near. Campaigns and speeches were in full swing. Promises were made and favors drawn. The votes of first years carried a lot of weight. Since they were new, no matter how old they were, they were impressionable. He was trying to avoid a senior who was hell bent on taking a precious hour of his in exchange of long lecture he'd to give about the changes his party would bring in. "Gymkhana needs an overhaul. Sports are neglected. No facilities. Vote for Anil. He's the guy who can bring changes. He has it in him the makings of a leader." Just insert a new name every time but the promises and lectures, they were all the same. He was walking fast checking on his back that's when he collided with someone. Too clich? Now that he thought about it, his life did have some moments borrowed from Bollywood.

"I'm sorry," she'd said.

Yes. His story had started with a sorry.

"No please I am sorry. I wasn't looking."

"If you say so", she said and was ready to leave.

"Hi. I'm Maan Khurana."

"I know."

"You do?"

"Of course."

And she had walked away.

~~**~~**~~

It had been raining one evening. He was leaving for his hostel after his classes when he had spotted her in the portico. She was once again wearing one of her baggy T-shirt and knee length jeans with her hair tied up in a knot on the top of her head and then how could he forget those blue sneakers. She was struggling to open her umbrella. After a few moments of hesitation, he'd walked to her.

"May I?

Her friend standing next to her had gaped at him while Geet had silently handed him the umbrella. It had taken a few attempts before the umbrella had given in.

"Here, he'd said.

"Thanks. And she'd walked away once again.

~~**~~**~~

A month had passed in his new college and he was still busy exploring his college campus trying to find spots of solitude. He'd had soon found one behind the staircase that led to the old building. The next day during the free hours he'd reached the spot and sat there, his books spread in front of him.

"Hey, this is my secret place. I found it first", he heard a female voice. He'd looked up to find Geet.

"I didn't know," he'd said while picking up his books.

"Hold on... wait a sec. Where are you going?"

"To find another place."

She had smiled. And everything had faded in the background. And he'd simply stood there not knowing what to say. Your smile is hypnotic, would it be the right thing to say he'd wondered.

"Aren't you too polite?! Now sit down and if you promise not to disturb we can share this place".

And thus had begun their silent study sessions. He never spoke much to her. Neither did she. But he would be lying if he said that he didn't enjoy those stolen hours. For the time being he was content with the few blessings he had. She was near to him and he could steal a few glances of her when she wasn't watching.

~~**~~**~~

One day they'd been sitting at their hide out place. He was reading as usual when she'd asked, "Do you like traveling?"

"I don't know. I haven't thought about it."

Then she'd closed her book and scooted closer to him and his heart had picked up pace.

In her mellifluous voice she'd said, "I'll tell you a secret. I'm not interested in this corporate job. Once I complete my MBA and I get a placement, I'll start saving money; once I have saved enough I'm going on a world tour."

"So you want to become a globetrotter?" He'd asked trying to hide his smile.

"Yes," had been her simple answer.

~~**~~**~~

Then another day, she'd asked him, "Do you want to see something?"

And some very indecent thoughts had crossed his mind. And he had nodded. She had rolled the full sleeves of her button-down shirt and had shown him her arm. Surprised, he'd asked, "A dragon tattoo?"

She'd nodded like a child, the joy swimming in her eyes.

"Did you by any chance get this idea from The girl with the dragon tattoo?"

"Yes. yes...have you read it?"

"No mystery book escapes my radar Ms.Pathak", he'd boasted.

"Hi five, "she had said. They were slowly falling in an easy camaraderie.

~~**~~**~~

It had been a lovely afternoon when he'd found her in the cafeteria. She had been sitting alone sipping her cold coffee. Her face shining in the sun light streaming from the window, she'd made quite a fetching picture. And he was not the only one to notice that. The senior that sat on the table right across her, his eyes had been busy taking in her beauty. He had strolled to her table, pulled a chair and sat in front of her blocking the senior's view. She had smiled at him. And he'd smiled back. No words spoken. Nothing said.

~~**~~**~~

On a Friday afternoon, he was as usual reading a book when his friend Srinidhi had plopped next to him.

"Maan! You are sitting here and I've been looking for you everywhere."

"Did you need anything?"

"No. Umm...yes. We've planned to go out for drinks. Want to come?"

His eyes sought out Geet. Her hands busy making notes, she was oblivious to her surroundings.

"I think I'll pass."

Srinidhi pouted. "Come on. Don't be a spoil sport. We'll have fun. Please. If you consider me as your friend then you're coming." And he had to acquiesce.

A few months had passed. Srinidhi had become his close friend. There were a lot of men, both seniors and juniors wanting to go out with her, asking her on dates but she used to decline all offers and kept to his side. He'd become an object of envy. Many a times he'd asked her the reason but she'd simply shrugged her shoulders and kept quiet. And then he hadn't given those thoughts much of his time. His mind had been primarily occupied by a woman whose smiles made his day brighter; whose eyes gave him restless nights.

~~**~~**~~

It was Basant Panchmi. His friends had pulled him out of his room and had dragged him to the recreation room. The exams were approaching. He'd been burning midnight oil and really didn't want to be disturbed in his morning sleep.

"Saraswati Puja, Sarees and Sexy girls! Man you aren't allowed to miss such a chance."

He hardly gave a damn. So he'd been in a grumpy mood and not paid attention to Srinidhi or any other girl flaunting their curves in the silk and benarasi or cotton for that matter. But then every man has his exceptions. And Geet was his.

He had heard the chiming of her anklets before he'd seen her. She had walked in white silk with golden border. It was the first time when she had let her hair down. Her dark and wild curls, were short and barely reached her shoulders. Kohl lined eyes and natural blushing cheeks accentuated her lovely face.

Someone among the girls had asked her to sing a song. That day he'd come to know that her voice was as melodious as her name.

"Dekh ke tumko hosh me aana bhool gaye

Yaad rahe tum aur zamana bhool gaye

Jab saamne tum aa jate ho kya janiye kya ho jata hai

Kuch mil jata hai kuch kho jata hai

Kya janiye kya ho jata hai...

Chaha the ye kahenge socha tha who kahenge

Aaye who saamne toh kuch bhi na keh saken bas dekha kiye unko"

The destiny must be playing games with him. Or else how could she have chosen a song that echoed his heart's sentiments?! Could she have known his heart? That was highly unlikely because she had hardly spared him a glance during her performance. Her eyes were fixed on a spot on the ground. While she had been singing, an epiphany had hit him.

He was falling for her. Hard. And. Fast.

The occasional silent walks with her down the pedestrian roads that connected the two buildings of the college, the pretending to study in the lawns while she sat with her friends, the long hours spent in libraries while she made her notes, this was becoming a habit. Something he wasn't ready to let go of. He didn't know if she felt something for him. He didn't know if there was something between them. All he knew was that he liked her or may be more than that.

~~**~~**~~

Valentine's Day.

The ebullience among students was palpable. His friend who was single had been sulking and rambling about the uselessness of the day while they'd entered the class. And suddenly everything had fell into silence. All eyes had focused on him. He'd found it weird. And then everything had happened too fast for his mind to process. Srinidhi had come to stand in front of him and the next moment she was sitting on her knees, her hands full of roses stretched in front of her. Amidst wolf calls and whistles he had heard her, "I love you. Will you be my Valentine? He had been shocked. Never had he in his wildest dreams, he'd thought that she liked him. Friends, Yes they were but this? He hadn't known what to do. Should he tell her that his heart was already taken? But she was watching him with hopeful eyes. And everyone's gaze was fixed on them. If he said no, it would be humiliating for Srinidhi. He'd been lost in his thoughts when someone had pushed him towards Srinidhi and his hands had touched the roses and he didn't know if he had actually said yes or it was just an assumption. Srinidhi had stood up and hugged him. And others had cheered them. In her arms, , his eyes, as their habit was had sought Geet. She hadn't looked at him.

Soon exams had come. Every other thought had taken a backseat. The days had passed in a blur. And then had come, the much awaited vacations. He'd got no time to clear the air. Srinidhi and he were the official couple for others. And Geet, it was as if she'd found an invisible cloak for herself. Notwithstanding the few times in the examination hall, he hardly saw her. He never got a chance to explain. But then what was there to explain. He didn't know how she felt for him. Or maybe he did know and that's why the restlessness.

The vacations had done nothing to soothe his restless heart. He'd found solace in a certain song about getting speechless in the presence of their lovers.

When the college had started again, she had gone missing for days. When three weeks had passed he'd started getting agitated. What could have happened to her? Did the sky caved in on her or did the earth gobble her up? When he thought that he would go mad with the questions, he'd approached her friend.

"Why isn't Geet coming to college?"

"Her father expired."

"I am sorry. Is...is she fine? When is she coming back?"

"She isn't coming back. She'll be continuing her studies through correspondence course."

And his heart had felt heavy. She wasn't coming back. She was gone.

No silent studies under staircase, no more stealing glances, no more talks of globetrotting and no more discussions on mystery books, no waiting for rains and praying for umbrellas to get stuck. That day he'd lost a part of him. A part that he'd never recovered.

Later on, the pain that comes with heartbreak had faded but...

He had confessed to Srinidhi that he didn't love her.

"It doesn't matter; you'll someday "she'd said, "For now my love is enough for both of us.

She had been naive to say so and he'd been a fool to believe her.

~~**~~**~~**~~

"Wait...wait," she says and he stops in his tracks. He looks around and sees the mountains covered in blankets of lush green. "Just one more photo," she says sheepishly and starts clicking pictures. He smiles to himself.

Today morning he had found her leaning against his SUV waiting for him. He'd taken his time to walk to her, slowly covering the distance between them. T-shirt, quarter length jeans and those sneakers, her hair, she had let them loose. They were still curly and short, barely reaching her shoulders. Nothing much had changed except for that camera that hung around her neck and those aviators and...extra piercing on her ear lobes, he noticed as she pushed a few wild strands behind her ears.

"Do you know we call Panchmarhi..." she is about to complete her sentence but he beats her at it.

"Satpura Ki Rani...," he finishes and a second later he adds, "It's also known as Walker's Paradise.

"Ahaan...Not bad so you've done your homework," she praises him.

"Do you know why Panchmarhi is different from other hill stations?" she asks while checking out the clicked photos.

"No," he answers as he resumes climbing the mountains. They had been allowed to take their car through the narrow bending roads ,flanked by the Sal trees, up to Mahadeo Temple which is nine kilometers from the main town Panchmarhi and is the main attraction of this place during Shivratri. From there, it's all about trekking.

It's the first time he's climbing mountains. It is a thrilling experience and with her on his side it makes the experience a different one. They have covered a kilometer of the trek which consisted of climbing a few small hills, the click click of her camera, her sharing the history of the place and drinking lemon water. They have brought their own water but she'd insisted on drinking nimboo paani that the tribal shops were selling.

"I know you must have drunk lemon water before but this is different because they use lemons that grow in wild and it's really tasty different from our daily nimboo paani." And a sip of it and he'd known she was right.

"Panchmarhi is special because of its untainted beauty. It being a military cantonment, it has a strong presence of army base and thus unlike other hill stations it hasn't been commercialized yet. It's secluded and is like a verdant jewel hidden in between these mountains," she continues.

A verdant jewel, definitely it is he thinks to himself as his eyes drink in the beauty of this quaint hill station located in Madhya Pradesh.

When Geet had said that Chauragarh Temple was located at an altitude of 1330 m and they would have to cover 3.6 km line trek he hadn't given it much of a thought but as they keep trudging higher and higher it starts getting difficult. After crossing a cave with Lord Shiva's idol, the track starts winding upwards and they see the stunning green scenery unfold in front of them. His daily workouts prove to be beneficial because climbing the last ladder like hills is really tough, the reason why not many people choose to trek. And after endlessly climbing, they finally cover the last few steps and enter the courtyard of temple which is stacked with weapon of Lord Shiva- the trishuls.

It's like achieving a feat. He feels the same satisfaction on reaching the temple crowning the hills that he feels after cracking a tough deal. He rings the bells that hang in the courtyard. Geet does the same. He mentally admires her zeal and energy. Not once she complained about the height or difficulty of the trek. Well, now he knows the reason behind those shapely legs.

Next they drive to Dhoopgarh, the highest point of the hill station. It's evening time and the sun makes an enchanting view as it is setting down in the western sky. While returning to its home, it paints the blue sky in spectacular hues of orange, violet and pink. They sit there for a long time. After a few minutes of silence, she turns to him and says in a low voice,"I heard about you and Srinidhi.

Not knowing what to say he just nods his head.

"My friend is a cousin of Ritvik, she speaks further, "I came to know through her."

Ritvik, husband of Srinidhi. She'd married Ritvik ,a year after their divorce.

"Sometimes things aren't meant to be and if you force it to happen it is bound to have an unhappy end," he explains.

It is a very simple way to sum up the last few years of his life. He likes to keep the details to himself. When Srinidhi had fallen in love with him she was expecting a dark, brooding of some novel while he'd turned out to be a simple man. They were like opposite poles and the romanticized theory that opposites attract didn't hold true in his case. In their two years of marriage they had tried a lot. Adjustments, compromises, and sacrifices, everything had been invested. He'd loved her but never more than a friend. Resentments had found their way into their hearts. When the reasons of splitting apart had outnumbered the reasons of living together, they had decided to separate. He was glad that she'd found her soulmate in Ritvik.

"You almost disappeared from the college without any notice," he asks trying to change the topic.

"After Dad's sudden death, my mother was broken. Bhabhi, she was pregnant and Bhai didn't know what to do. There was lot to take care of."

"How is your family now?"

"They are fine. My brother looks after the family business and my sister in law and my mother helps him with it. And I have the world's cutest niece."

A happy family.

"When you used to talk about globetrotting I thought you were joking."

She laughs.

"Most of them thought I was joking when I said I left my job. But I had to answer my heart's calling. My grandmother lives in Kasauli and every time I would visit her I would look at the huge mountains and wonder what treasures lay behind them. It was like the mountains, those seas they were calling me. As I started growing up, I would read about places and would note down their names. My feet were itching to reach new places, learn new experiences, culture. And now that I travel I feel like I'm living my dream." He looks at her face that is glowing in the setting sun. There is a sense of satisfaction in her voice. He realizes this is her passion.

"So are you a lone traveler?

"Yes. Sometimes my friends accompany me but usually I travel alone."

"I must say you're quite brave."

"Thank you but then I've always been a daring person," she boasts.

The next day they visit Ramya kund- a beautiful pond, that's what the name means. They walk through the forests, the thickets of trees. The cool breeze rising from the shrubs ruffles her hair and then move to the other trees. He finds his eyes arrested on her face. She raises an eyebrow.

"You look beautiful."

"Oh. Umm... Thanks."

He looks away but not before seeing the red creeping her neck and tainting her cheeks. He can hear the chirping of birds and can smell the green grass. They meet the obstreperous brooks on the way. And when they finally reach the kund, he gasps. The sight before him is mesmerizing, beautiful, enchanting and so much more. They spend hours sitting by the pond in silence, each lost in the scenic beauty. She extracts two apples from her bag and offers him one. He accepts. He is about to bite into his apple when his gaze meets a pair of eyes peering through the branches of jamun tree. He suddenly gets worried. He hopes that it isn't some unfriendly, blood hungry animal.

"Geet what's that?"

She looks up and then answers, "That must be a langur. Don't worry. It isn't going to harm us."

"You're stating it as if it's your friend."

"Langurs are sweet just like you are."

"I am not sweet."

"You are, she scoots closer to him to pull his cheeks when he moves away, "Don't you dare Geet."

She laughs. "Eat your apple."

"Okay," he says but he feels strange to eat something while someone is staring down at him. He keeps the apple away from him. In a jiffy, the langur climbs down and then steals away his apple. Geet starts laughing. Her laugh is the same as it used to be. Wild, free , where she throws her head back and her body shakes in the process. He stares at her with a smile on his lips before moving his gaze away to admire the beauty of the place.

He has never come across such an unobtrusive beauty. It's mystical, this place. The nature has such an amazing way to express itself through the mountains embracing the green whereas the brown peeps in between and down the heights cascades the blue conversing with stones and hills, singing its own song.

On the way back to the cottage house he asks her,"So you haven't married yet?" His voice is low and hesitant.

"No."

"Why?"

"I haven't found a suitable man yet."

"You've been traveling places and haven't found a single suitable man? I can't believe this."

"I'm not traveling places in search of a suitable man now am I? But that doesn't mean that I didn't come across some very handsome and interesting men. "

"Of course you must have. The world is full of handsome and interesting men," he mutters, his gaze fixed on the sight ahead of him.

Not paying attention to him, she adds "And then I'm also waiting to fall in love."

"Not yet fallen in love?"

She keeps silent for a long time. And he doesn't press her for an answer.

The third and the last day they visit Pandav Caves, the caves that's believed to provide shelter to the five Pandavas. The name Panchmarhi is derived from these caves.

Next they hit the magnificent and tranquilizing waterfalls. The first waterfall being the Jamuna Prapat- the bee fall. It cascades down from a height of fifty meters and divulges into three different spectacular colors- red, green and brown.

"This is so mesmerizing...," she says as she takes pictures of it. Turning her camera to him she clicks his picture and then asks a tourist to take their pictures. Him and her and the gasconading waters in the background. His heart thumps loudly in his chest, louder than the buzzing of the Bee falls as she slides her arm around his waist and puts his hand around her shoulder.

They reach Rajat Pratap, which when seen from above, true to its name, it looks like a river of silver (rajat) cascading down the mountain from a great height.

"It is such a blissful experience. I understand now why you love this so much," he tells her.

Together they walk to Jalwataran located three kilometers from Belle view where three distinct waterfall tumbles down.

The next and the last spot on their list are churches.

"This Catholic church was built by British in 1892. And Maan your deft architect eyes must have recognized the amazing conflation of French and Irish architecture used here."

"Yes that's the first thing I noticed. Did you also study architecture?"

"No but after traveling so much and reading a few books I do have an idea now."

"Impressive."

"Thank you," She says airily.

They are strolling around the cemetery that's attached to the church when she whispers into his ears, "Although this is a nice place but don't you think the atmosphere is little eerie. Even the tombstones date back to 1859. We better get going."

"Yes ,we should get going before some ghost decides to drop by to say Hello," he says in a serious tone.

" Yeah right...,"" She walks to the exit and stops and turns to him, " Wait a sec... are you by any chance making fun of me!?

"Of course not. Unlike some people I'm not so daring."

She slaps him on his shoulder and walks away. He smiles at her childlike behavior and follows her.

They drive to the Christ church. These churches, it's a must visit for any architecture aficionado, he thinks.

As she is taking the pictures he looks at her. She has a train reservation in the evening. They will be a parting soon. When he'd been driving to Panchmarhi, it had been just an escape from his monotonous life. But finding her here was a fortunate happenstance. She has turned this escape into a memorable journey, a journey whose end he didn't want to reach. But the end has come. And again his heart feels heavy. He doesn't want to return to his empty house where's nobody waiting for him. Life in this innocent and pristine hill must an Elysian sort of life.

He still feels for her. In fact he'd never stopped feeling for her. But what about her? Should he let her go once again? This could be a second chance that nature has offered him.

~~**~~**~~

"This is for you, a kind of souvenir so that you remember me, she says as she hands him a small gift. If only he could tell her that he does not need any gifts to remember her.

He accepts it and then says, "Can I get your number as a souvenir? It'll be more helpful if you want me to remember you.

"Yes...yes how silly of me to not exchange numbers."

"When is your next trip?" he asks her

"Haven't planned yet."

"Do you mind if I want to join you?" he asks afraid that she might decline.

" Of course not but your work?"

"It's my company. I'll manage," he answers immediately.

The train blows out a whistle.

"Okay then bye."

"Bye until the next time," he tells her.

She is about to turn and walk away when she calls out his name, "Maan"

Her eyes staring intently at him she says, "We travel not to escape our life but so that life does not escape us."

She extends her hand for a handshake.

Her fingers are small and soft against his big callused rough hands.

"Until the next time." And then she walks away.

~~**~~**~~

She looks outside the window of train compartment. A melodious rendition is on repeat on her media player. The silken voice plays in her ears,"Aa kar chale na jana, Aise nahi satana...dena na bekarari dil ka karaar ban ke... aankhon mein bas na jana intezaar ban ke..."

As he drives to Delhi, a bird of Hope has found its nest inside his chest and perches there refusing to fly away.

An old familiar song is playing on the radio.

"Bhool kar tumko na jee payenge...jab bulaogi chale aayenge...hum koi waqt nahi jaana"

This time he isn't letting her go.

~~**~~**~~**~~

A few months later they find themselves sitting on the banks of the river after a boat ride on the Ganges. This is their last day in Varanasi.

"Have you ever thought about the color blue?" She questions.

"What about it?"

"We never pay attention to these small details. Have you noticed that everything dynamic is blue-the mighty sky, the vast oceans,Saawre Shyam, Neelkantha Shiva..."

He nods.

"Geet...Do you want to see something?"

"What? She asks, her eyes watching him intently. He turns and starts pulling up the hem of his shirt.

"Umm...Maan as much as I would love to have a look at those abs but don't you think this is improper...Ah...you got a tattoo..."

"A Phoenix...this is so beautiful," she says as her hesitant finger comes to rest on his back.

She stays silent for a while as if going down the memory lane. "Did you by any chance get this idea from Harry Potter?"

"You read that book?"

"Well a good book never escapes my eye," she whispers.

"High Five," he whispers back.

~~**~~**~~**~~

"What does Sosgado or susegad means?" He knows the answer and yet he asks her. He likes to listen her talking.

"It is a Portuguese colonial-era term. Laid-backness can pass as a rough translation of the word."

She is lying on the silver sands of a Goa beach enjoying the languid ambience of the place. He is lying next to her, his head propped up on his arm. She watches the inky sky. While the moon is her cynosure, she is his.

He takes her soft hand and entwines them into his own. Her honey brown irises meet his melting brown .

"Geet," he speaks in an unusual husky tone.

"Hmm..."

"Do you want to know a secret ?"

Her eyes locked to his, she simply nods her head.

He brings his face close to her and feels her breathing go shallow, with his lips close to her ears he whispers,

" I love you as certain dark things are to be loved..." She gasps and her hold on his hand tightens,

"... In secret, in between the shadow and the soul

I love you without knowing how, Or when, or from where.

I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;

So I love you because I know no other way than this; where I does not exist, nor you,

So close that your hand on my chest is my hand,

So close that your eyes close as I fall asleep."

As he meets her lachrymose eyes, she speaks, "I...I thought you were never going to tell me," and then very slowly she closes the distance between their lips.

~~**~~**~~**~~

Brijesh watches his sister Geet from the window of his room as she runs behind his daughter before picking her up in her arms and twirling around. There is a bounce in her curls, twinkle in her eyes, and spring in her steps. She looks like a fresh spring flower dancing with joy as the wind brings it a missive from her lover. A serene smile spreads on his face as he turns away from the window.

Geet is sitting under the lime tree as her eyes move to the ring that that sparkles in the light of the sun. Her bosom swells in pride and she picks up a pen and paper. After a long time she is writing something.

"Years ago, I'd almost allowed my heart to fall.

Had almost allowed you to become my all

An almost heartache that I managed to survive

Before my fingers could feel the texture of yours,

I had to let go of them

But the longings I did not let go,

In my heart they did thrive.

Then came the learning curves- everything is transient,

Every moment fleeting by,

I was finally becoming wise,

I was ready to live with zemblanity

No more searching in the woods for serenity

Then you come again, again you smile at me

Again my heart flutters,

This thing between us is semipternal

The wind whispers and the river murmurs,

"Here, they say, "He is your serendipity.""

Geet Pov

It was a happy anniversary indeed, a very happy ever after that she couldn't even dream of, andthat made her smile just a little bit more.

Remember Me

Geet's pov started

It was a flight into beauty almost every inch of the way.

"We will soon be flying past the Bay of Orham, which is 48 km from Veltmonte, said our super cool pilot Rishabh Kundra, a few minutes after we took off in a tiny helicopter from Raytown. I gazed down at the breathtaking aerial views of mountains and forests 2000 ft below us.

Our destination was Veltmonte, one of the beautiful places in the world, known for spooky incidents. It was a circular piece of land that sticks out of the South Pacific Ocean, covered with active marine volcanoes. The land was of our great ancestor King Rudrapratap, but sadly, my great great grandfather King Harshvardhan had to sell it to the royal family of Khuranas in haste. It has been said that one night in 1960 all the people in Veltmonte palace and nearby 3383 citizens vanished in dark; all of a sudden and without any warning, immediately after the sudden mysterious death of King Rudrapratap. It is believed that the spirit of one restless soul, lurking around in the palace, took his revenge on King Rudrapratap.Only family found alive among the Handa royals at that time were King Harshvardhan (father of King Rudrapratap) and his little son Rajvardhan.

Rishabh, my husband had heard of it from Madhu and right at that moment he took a crazy decision of taking me to that place after we got married. Madhu, my twin sister, who was a crazy fan of spooky places, immediately decided to book this place for my honeymoon. As decided, once all the marriage rituals were over, we including Madhu, decided to visit this place.

After nearly 15 minutes of being in the tiny helicopter, stuck between the clear blue hues of the sky above and the South Pacific Ocean underneath, we spotted the roughly circular island, rising out of the ocean.

Rishabh gave the helicopter a 45 degree twirl so that we were right over the huge palace of King Rudrapratap Handa. Madhu, my twin sister and I were told to get ready and gradually the helicopter landed in the huge helipad. He held out his hands and helped Madhu and me to get out. Some helpers rushed to us and went busy in getting out our luggage while we followed Rishabh closely as he led us to the palace.

"Marvellous, isn't it? Madhu gasped in surprise as we stopped near the huge door.

"Yeah, not bad... I looked up at the palace taking it in with cool appraisal.

"Nothing seems to impress u, isn't it? she asked me with a frown.

"What? I told its good... I replied her as she shook her head and walked inside. As I entered, my breath was taken away by splendour spread out before me. Overhead was the enormous glass dome, with a crystal chandelier at its centre. Sweeping up six stories was the Grand staircase, the epitome of opulent royal architecture of that time.

A petite well-dressed receptionist welcomed us with a warm smile and asked the hotel boy to take us to our rooms. He led us along a lengthy hallway past several suites of rooms. We continued to the end of the corridor in front of a large pair of mahogany doors. The rooms were impressive, with all the modern amenities and costly antique pieces of furniture. Since we were tired of the long journey, we decided to freshen up and have lunch before heading to the bed for the rest of the day.

In morning

Rishabh's pov started

The following morning Geet and I were up early. I looked at Geet and could not help thinking how beautiful she looked, even in her puffy sleep deprived eyes.

"Haven't u slept at night? I asked her as my fingers stroked her velvety soft cheek. But she removed my fingers and got up from bed.

"Yes, I haven't been able to sleep for more than 2 hrs... she sighed deeply.

"Why didn't u tell me? I asked her in an anxiety-ridden voice.

"If I did, what would u have done? Would u have lulled me to sleep? she cocked an eyebrow at me.

"Why are u talking like that? I asked her in a slight angered tone.

I took a pause and then continued with a sad tone, "Why u always talk like that?

"U know the reason... she said sternly.

"It was a mistake... I replied her as angry tears formed in my eyes.

"Mistake? Ur mistake destroyed my life...U are in love with my sister, still u married me...And for what? Just because she is manglik, ur parents decided to ask for my hands instead of her, and u...U just stood there like a freaking puppet... she threw her hands in air.

"I didn't have a choice... I said weakly as again my buried emotions for Madhu came up.

"U had a choice...But u did nothing... she hissed and dashed to the washroom banging the door behind her.

We proceeded to downstairs for Madhu and were pleasantly surprised to see her giggling with someone.

"Madhu... I called her. She faced us excitedly and chirped, "Jeeju, meet the owner of the palace, Prince Maan Singh Khurana... As we entered, he rotated his head to acknowledge our presence. His eyes sparkled in excitement. With a probing, his eyes scanned momentarily from Geet to me and then stopped at Geet, as he gazed at her from top to bottom, before walking around the huge dining table and extending his hands in a warm gesture towards Geet. She also took the opportunity to look at him closely. I could make out that her eyes were dancing in something unrecognizable as she noticed his every feature with utmost attention. He was a tall handsome man. His dark hair, big hazel eyes and rugged features were an attractive contrast to his pearl white skin. He appeared to be friendly, but in contrast to his cocky smile, his eyes were deep, intense, and experienced as if he had seen a lot in his life.

I coughed a little to break their eye-lock session.

"Please sit down, he invited.

Geet and I sat down in two chairs in front of the table while Madhu sat beside him, opposite to us.

Mr. Khurana leaned himself casually against the table directly in front of us. His gaze turned directly towards Geet.

"What can I order for u, Miss Geet? he smiled charmingly at her.

"Mrs. Geet... I corrected him, but he chose to ignore me.

"Coffee with no sugar... she smiled brightly.

"Mr. Khurana, our great great grandfather was the former owner of this island including this palace...I know many places has been locked , still can we see those places closely? an excited Madhu smiled cutely at him.

"Off course, Miss Madhu...Infact I would myself be ur guide to show u around the place... he promised.

"Thank you, she acknowledged and looked at me with childlike excitement.

"Such a baby... I shook my head.

In the afternoon

Maan's pov started

I was in my room, lying lazily on my bed, as my thoughts continuously went back to the beautiful lady whom I met in the morning. I closed my eyes and saw her running on the white beach, her honey-coloured tresses blowing in the wind. Her voice was slightly broken, slightly husky as she took my name. Her eyes were sensual yet innocent, inviting yet guarded.Her infectious giggle that she gave every time when she heard my jokes made my heart beat raise. Everytime she flashed that adorably dimpled smile, I went crazy. My eyes never left her mouth, especially when she licked her lips in thirst, making my throat parched. And lastly when my eyes fell on her oh-so-perfect belly buttons and her shapely midriffs, it was enough for me to go cold sweat.

"Ur highness, the arrangements are done...They got the invitation for the party... one of my servants informed me, pulling me out of my dreamland.

"And did u give her my gifts? I asked him.

"Yes, ur highness... he nodded his head and left, making me smile in satisfaction.

"What are u doing to me, Geet? Why I feel like u are meant only for me? I said. As I turned around, I saw her again in front of me, but this time she was dressed in a stunning black and red outfit.

"Am I dreaming again? I asked her with a teary smile.

She smiled, "Tell her about ur dreams...She will follow u...Then she turned around and vanished in air.

"Wait!! Don't go...Please...There is lot to ask u... I said loudly. But she was gone.

At night (party hall)

I studied myself in front of the mirror and decided that tonight was the night when I would make her mine. I was crazy nervous as it was the 1st time I was making an effort for a girl whom I just met , but my heart said that I knew her forever. I peered into the mirror and couldn't help but to fall in love with myself.

"No way she could ignore me tonight... I smirked.

I made my way to the elevator and proceeded to the 20th floor where my senorita was staying. I stopped outside Geet's room and found it closed. I rapped on it. There was no response. I rapped again, this time a little more firmly and louder. Again there was no response.Then I heard a sound coming from inside the room and stood very quietly to listen .I heard another sound; a moaning sound. I placed my ear against the door to hear what was going on at the other side of the wooden barrier. What I heard was a mixture of heavy breathings misted with soft growling.

"Geet, Geet, are u all right? I called out.

There was a fleeting pause before the door clicked open. I entered inside.There she was standing, only wrapped in a thin sheet. She smiled as the sheet slid down revealing her naked breasts.

"Why are u standing there? Come to me... she raised her one arm.

"Maan, what are u doing here? a voice startled me.I turned around and found Geet staring at me in confusion.

"U here? I asked her in shock.

"Yeah, I forgot my mobile... she replied. I turned around and gazed at the room again, but there was no one. I sighed. Her dreams were again teasing me.

"So, u came for me? she asked me after a pause with a slight blush.

"How do u know? I asked her, admiring her rosy cheeks.

"I loved the dress u send me... she blushed again, without replying me. Her face glowed.

"Thanks... my cheeks turned red. I felt like a teenager who was caught while staring at a girl he had been crushing on.

"So? she asked.

"So, where are others? I asked her.

"Well, they are in the party.., she replied. I nodded my head and was about to say something when I again saw her in a blue gown.

"Geetakshi? I whispered.

"Maan, what happen? Geet asked me following my gaze , but saw no one.

"Nothing... I mumbled absent-mindedly. I followed Geetakshi who led me to the storeroom and stopped near a safe.My eyes widened and I knew what's inside it.

"Maan, can we go now? she asked me with a nervous smile. She looked around feeling a little scared in the dim light of the room. I nodded my head and locked my arms around her waist and walked away to the party.

Veltmonte (1926)

A white sedan pulled away to the driveway and a driver scurried to open the door for a young girl dressed in a stunning white gown with an enormous feathered hat. She was stunning, curvy with a piercing gaze. She was Queen Geetakshi Handa, the 4th wife of King Rudrapratap Handa. Butterflies started in her stomach at the thought of meeting him, the man she loves.

Cars lined in front of the palace, and Queen Geetakshi could see people spilling out on to the lawn. The women were in their floor-length dresses with elaborate hairstyles and abundant jewelleries. The gentlemen were in their evening suits with one hand in the small of the back, talking quietly and the other hand holding wine glass. Festive lights decorated the front of the grand palace, and everywhere she looked, there were couples, arm in arm. And here she was solo.

In the sea of people, her eyes searched for her man of dreams Manveer Singh. Frowning to herself, she pushed her long heavy black curls off her shoulder and turned around. She walked towards the bartender and ordered a drink for herself.

"Keep coming... she whispered and ordered more for herself.

"May be u can help me...I am looking for Manveer Singh, the magician...Have u seen him? she asked him.

"I am looking at him... he grinned at her. She turned around and saw him at last. Their eyes met and it seemed time froze.

"Where have u been all this time? she whispered and walked slowly towards him. Her heart told her to look away, but she couldn't do so. He was everything she ever wanted.

Veltmonte (2016)

"Talk about slice of history, excitement, juicy scandals, u will find everything in Vetlmonte... Maan grinned as they all waited for their drinks to be served by the bartenders.

"This is the place where the love story of Queen Geetakshi, the 4th wife of King Rudrapratap , and great magician Manveer Singh started...This walls are the witnesses of their love... he added.

"But there is no mention of Queen Geetakshi's love affair with someone else out of wedlock... Geet frowned.

"Sometimes great love stories lay buried in diaries, love letters and tragedy... he replied her.

"How can someone love apart from their spouse? It's a sin... Madhu said in disgust while RK just stared at her silently.

"That's why it's love...It never follows logic, rules or the society... Maan replied as he gulped down the entire drink.

"So, what do u know about them? Geet asked him.

Veltmonte (1926)

Manveer's pov started

It was the month of June. The day began like every other. I woke up with a banging headache and throat parched for a drop of whisky. My pocket was empty. I had no shelter over my head and no job to feed me. Only thing that I had was my magic tricks with exceptional talent of smooth talking.

I began to roam lazily and at last slumped on the dusty ground feeling tired. I began to play with the cards in my hand, and started some magic tricks. Soon, a crowd formed around me, all mesmerized with my talent. Some went away and some threw coins at me, before walking away impressed.

As I decided to call it a day, my eyes drifted up at the palace building wondering whose intense eyes were caressing me from behind the curtains.

"Hey u! Our queen has summoned u... someone suddenly stood before me.

"What for? I asked him.

"U are meant to follow orders, not to question it... he replied.

"f**k!! This place is so huge.

My eyes widened as I looked around the palace. I followed the man heading to a room where a younger woman was standing in front of a huge painting, staring at me with her piercing gaze. As I came closer, all I could say was what a doll she was?

She looked up at me and smiled. I smiled nervously, not knowing how to respond to her.

"I saw ur performance from my room...U are exceptionally talented, Mr... she said with her husky voice.

"Mr Maan Singh, my lady... I introduced myself.

"Take a seat" she gestured with a wave of her hand, looking at me straight. I walked over to her and pulled a chair for her. She seemed impressed by my chivalry.

"Thank u... she smiled.

"So, Mr. Manveer, can u perform before me, if u are not too tired, off course... she asked me. Her eyes were sparkling in anticipation.

"Offcourse, my lady... I whispered. I dropped a coin into a bowl of water and then dipped my hands to retrieve it.

"Feel it... I extended my hand to her. She touched it and found it dry.

"Oh my god! How did u do it? she squealed.

"Magic tricks... I chuckled at her.

"Show me more... she said excitedly. I gazed and smiled at her charmingly.

I grabbed some yellow flowers from the vase and covered them lightly with my hands. When I removed my hands, the flowers were red. She squealed again and clapped excitedly.

"Marvellous...

I walked up to her and gave her one of the red flowers.

"Thank u... she took the flower and blushed red.

"Ur highness...Master is waiting? an old lady walked inside the room without the need of permission.

"Oh, Mrs Kapoor...See, he is Mr.. she rushed to her.

"Are u ready? she asked her, ignoring my presence.

"I am not going... her face became hard.

"I know master was rude and insensitive, last night...But he had the tough task of ruling over his kingdom...U should understand that. Right? she said to her. As they talked more, I came to know that the old lady was her hairdresser and was very close to her, just like a mother. She looked at me with a stern expression as my eyes just stared at Queen Geetakshi.

"Who is he, my lady? she asked her.

"My friend... she smiled at me.

"U know that master doesn't like such people... she said with a disapproved look to her.

"But...

"Let's go... she said and dragged her along while she turned back to see me for a last time.

Manveer's pov ended

Back to the party hall

Veltmonte (2016)

"So , that's how they met for the 1st time...So cute... Madhu said dreamily while Geet rolled her eyes.

"Wasn't she the one who was giving lecture about adultery? Geet whispered near Maan's ear while he pressed his lips to suppress his smile.

"Then what happened? How did King Rudrapratap find out? Madhu asked again with an eager voice.

Veltmonte (1926)

Geetakshi's pov started

"Love is mad... I heard it somewhere but now I know. I say this because I did not know what's happening to me when I was with him. I did not know what power he had over me almost from the moment I met him. I used to wonder how falling in love-real love-worked for people who didn't have to worry about madness. They probably didn't have to try as hard as humanely possible not to fall into it in the first place. I had never opened up to anyone but with him I could not resist his desire to see inside me. His fearlessness scared me a little. I was falling for him; but it seemed like a bad idea. The thought of losing him overwhelmed me. I tried to save him from a life with me, but he never blinked. Sometimes I couldn't help but think "Was I using him to fill a dark place in myself?But again, like always, he would hold my face and made me to look at him.

"It's okay to be scared...but I want u to take some time...Let all this uncertainty about us settle down. He would kiss my nose and smile at me.

King Rudrapratap himself called him once to perform in one of his parties, but we didn't know that he had a hint of our love affair. It was a trap. That's why King was quiet and was waiting for the right time.

On the other hand, I came rushing to the party only to get his glimpse, but I couldn't locate him in the crowd. As I became frustrated, my eyes fell on him, standing there looking at me with his usual charm.

"Where have u been all this time? I whispered and walked slowly towards him. I told myself to look away, but I couldn't do so. He was everything I ever wanted. As I approached him, he imitated gentlemen's stance, hand behind his back. I extended my gloved hand and he took it, kissing the backs of my fingers. I flushed, beaming noticeably. He was looking extremely handsome and I couldn't take my eyes off him.

King sent two of his most trusted men to keep an eye on us, unknown to us. We, lost in our small world, ditched the party and went away to steal a moment together. I dragged him in the corner of the hall and hid ourselves behind the long curtains. As we stared at each other, my heart quickened. And as we were just about to kiss, I felt someone's eyes over me.

I took his hands in mine and began to pull him through the party. As I stopped abruptly to look over his shoulders, he bumped over me.

"Whoa there..., he murmured, and pulled me back against him. I felt his arousal against me, and was shocked...excited.With a slight grin , I deliberately halted again and glanced over his shoulders , brushing my breasts to him.

"U are just being a tease tonight, aren't u? he grinned. He put his bare arms around me and rubbed them, and as he did I pressed up against him again feeling his arousal.

"Geet, King's men can see us...It could be dangerous, he whispered as he looked down at me with full of love and passion.

"I am not scared of him anymore... I whispered back, looking at his deep intense eyes.

"Me too...I was just worried for u... he sighed. His hands went to my waist and pulled me closer.

"So where are u leading me, my lady? he whispered in my ears , pulling my earlobes between his teeth.

"Depends... I teased him.

"Where do u want me to lead u? I said, biting my lower lips.

"Anywhere, my lady... he said with a naughty grin. My heart pounded. I just wanted him and nothing else.

His hands went to the straps holding my dress and began to play as he gave me his best naughty smile. I blushed in a shade of deep beetroot. As he leaned in, I tip toed. A moment later his mouth descended on mine, and his tongue pushed into my mouth. He tasted like whiskey, just intoxicating like he really was. As I found myself breathless, he pulled away to let me grasp some air.

"Let's go somewhere else...only u and me... he murmured into my ear, and then nibbled my earlobe , sending shocks of pleasure through my body. We came out of the party. Only the orchestra wafted gently.

The stars blazed overhead, so bright and clear that u can see the Milky Way. The night breeze was cool, making me shiver. He pulled away and made me wear his coat.

"Are u fine, now? he asked me in a worried tone.

"I am fine...Thanks I smiled at him. I didn't want to go inside when we were alone together, so close. I guided him to a large set of steps into the expansive, complex gardens surrounding the palace.

"Where are we going, my lady? he asked me.

"To the maze... I replied him briefly. "That place will give us needed privacy, Maan...

We could see small lanterns providing enough light to lead our way through the maze. After turning a few corners, we found a bench. We sat there, catching our ragged breaths. Then he held my two hands and kissed my knuckles. Then he licked my fingers one by one and looked straight into my eyes.

"I love u, Geet... he confessed.

"I know... I whispered. He bent forward and fisted my hair in a small bunch and pushed it back to expose my long swan like throat to him. His mouth moved to my neck and he began to give soft kisses. Gradually he moved down to my shoulders, collarbone and chest. Ripples of pleasures moved through my body as his mouth moved over my skin. His hand moved to one of my strap and pulled it down to expose my breasts to the night air. Then His fingers inched farther along the smoothness of my skin. Deeper. Lower. I gasped in anticipation.

"Are u sure, my lady? he asked me through his eyes. I nodded my head, indicating my submission to the most amazing person I had ever met. As he bent forward I felt the kiss expanded beyond our bodies, whirling us round, swirling us into the stars. There was no stopping, and under the stars and before our god, we became one.

Back to the party hall

Veltmonte (2016)

"WOW!! So, they made love in the open...under the starry sky? Madhu asked Maan with twinkling eyes.

"Yup...They did...It was just 3 weeks and they fell in love with each other so much... Maan said with a deep dreamy sigh.

"She just slept with him, the man whom she knew just for 3 weeks? Come on... RK said with an unbelievable expression.

"Yes, why not? If ur feelings are true, then why holding urself back and waste time...Just go ahead... Maan replied him strongly.

"How do u know so much about them? RK asked him changing the topic.

"He doesn't RK...He was just entertaining us with his own version of Queen Geetakshi and Magician Manveer's love story... Geet rolled her eyes.

"No. I am not lying. Every word is true in this story, Maan said offended.

"Really? How? Geet grinned at him; her brown eyes dancing with mischief.

"I saw them in my dreams... Maan replied her, making her cracked up immediately.

"Really? I thought u were smarter enough to give us some believable excuse... she said leaning the counter holding her stomach. RK giggled uncontrollably as he wiped his eyes while Madhu and Maan frowned at them.

"Don't worry Maan...I believe u... Madhu said ignoring them while he smiled at her.

"Tell me, did they get caught? she asked him, biting her bottom lip in excitement.

"Yes, they did. Maan replied.

Veltmonte (1960)

Maanveer's pov started

Geetakshi was lost in thoughts as she stared at her marriage ring.

"What are u thinking, my lady? I asked her.

"About us... she mumbled.

"And? I asked again.

"I want us to be like this forever...But have I done anything good to deserve such bliss in my life? she said. Her eyes were moist with tears.

"What if something happens to you... I'll want to be dead, her lips trembled.

"Hush," I said, alarmed. "Don't talk like that. Things will work out."

"You don't know that!" She cried, then, as I held her and tried to comfort her, we both wondered about our future.

"Look! A shooting star... I pointed suddenly.

"Close ur eyes, and wish for something... I said and closed her eyes as I closed mine too.

After some time,

"What u wish for? I asked her excitedly.

"Something that I can't have... she smiled sadly and then looked away.

"Goodnight, manveer...See u later... she said and hurried through the lanes in maze.

"Geet... I whispered as I saw her disappear in the dark.

Maanveer's pov ended

Geetakshi's pov started

I was watering the plants when Mrs Kapoor came running down the stairs.

"Ur highness, Mr. Manveer is arrested on the charges of sedition... she panted heavily.

"What? I asked her in disbelief.

"Yes, ur highness. He would be hanged soon, she said again.

The water can fell from my hands, but I cared less. I dashed out of the room, straight towards king's study.

"King Rudra, did u arrest Manveer? I dashed inside the room without his permission.I ignored the shocked gazes of other officers and asked him again.

"We will discuss the matter later...Dismiss... King said to his officers and soon they left us alone , except his two most trusted men.

"I can see u have forgotten the minimum decency as my Queen...not that I am surprised, but it's humiliating... he said sternly.

"Why did u arrest manveer? I asked him again.

"He was found inciting people to rebel against us... he replied; his attention was back to his files.

"I don't believe him capable of doing any wrong... I said strongly.

"This is because u are in love with him... he said calmly. I stiffened hearing his words. So, this was all about. He knew about us. And he was punishing me through him.

"I see u had followed me... I hissed in anger; my eyes darted towards those expressionless faces of his men.

"U will never behave like that with me...Do u understand? he looked at me with a frosted expression.

"I am not ur mistress that u can command to fulfil ur needs... I argued back.

He exploded, sweeping the files and the glass from the table with a crash. He moved to me one shocking moment, glowering over me , making me to fall on the chair behind me. He gripped the sides of the chair, trapping me in between.

"Yes, u are! U are my wife by law...So, u will honour me and follow my command like a good wife...otherwise there will be much worse consequences...Am I clear? he yelled. I shrinked back into the chair in horror. I saw Mrs Kapoor standing outside the room with a sad worried expression. Seeing her, King straightened up and stalked past her, leaving the room.

"Ur highness... Mrs Kapoor rushed to my sides and engulfed my weak, trembling body in her arms.

"I love him, Savitri maa...I love him... I cried, repeating myself again and again.

Geetakshi's pov ended

Maanveer's pov started

"I don't want money...I just want to meet Geet... I said again for the umpteenth time.

"I must say, u have some balls to say this again and again... the assassinator said with a lopsided grin.

"I need to speak to her once... I said ignoring his remarks.

Suddenly the prison door opened. I looked over him to see her walking towards me.

"Privacy, please... she said to the assassinator with a straight face. He nodded his head and left us alone.

"I don't have much time left...So, let it be quick... she said and then took a deep breath and closed her eyes. After a while, she opened them.

"Manveer, this is impossible...I can't see u anymore... she said, but her eyes betrayed her.

"Okay...Go ahead... I said; my eyes never left her face.

"We are two different people from two different worlds... We are like two ends of a river that can never meet...U are better off me, Manveer... she said again. But all I could see was her eyes full of unspoken love.

"U are making this really hard...Please, say something...please... she said. Her tears came to her eyes. I could see that she was trying to quiet the emotional turmoil rising inside her.

"U will die without me, Geet... I said at last. Tears rolled down my eyes.

"I will be fine...Don't worry...she smiled at me and then untied me completely.

"Go away from me...Fall in love with a nice girl...Have kids...Live a life full of love and passion...and never ever think about me...never come back...Forget that u ever knew a girl named Geetakshi... she gave me a teary painful smile. I nodded my head and walked out of the prison.

Manveer's pov ended

Back to the party hall

Veltmonte (2016)

"So what happen? Did they really separate? Geet asked Maan. Her eyes were restless. Heart was pounding heavily.

"No... he replied. "When two people love each other truly, they always find a way to reach each other... he said again.

Veltmonte (1960)

Manveer's pov started

It had been 2 months. Still nothing changed in our lives. Still, I wanted her so badly. That was the worst part about everything in this situation: how much I wanted her. I wanted to love her, to hold her and reassure her that everything would be all right. I wanted to be the one that she would talk about her day. I wanted to be the one that she came to when she was in distress. But I couldn't become that.

I stood idly as King spoke with her. The dark outside, at the corner behind the trunk of the tree was a comfortable place for me. I could hide myself in its darkness and no one would notice my real emotion, hiding it from everyone and no one would know unless they asked. I listened to her laugh. But I could clearly see the tears sparkling in her eyes. She was faking her happiness. And she was faking everything she said to me that day too.

He saw her deliberately turning her teacup over , spilling tea all over her dress.

"Oh, look what have I done? she exclaimed. As she neared me , I followed her inside.Walking along the corridor , I lost her trace.

"Where is she? I asked myself.

Fearing that I could draw suspicion, I hid myself inside a spare room. Shortly, the door opened and someone entered. I turned around to find her standing there, beautiful as ever.

"U didn't left... she whispered.

"I couldn't... I replied. I stared at her without a blink.

"Oh! How much I missed her?My eyes drinking her in; overflowing emotions clogged my throat.

"Why? she asked me.

"Because a river can't exist without its sides too...It's all about the way u see things... I smiled at her.

"I never wanted to say those words...He threatened me with ur life... she whispered. Her eyes were lowered in guilt.

"Ssshhh...Come here... I called her. Her cheeks turned red and her eyes sparkled. I put my hands on her waist and pulled her close. And then I tipped my face forward. She closed her eyes and opened her mouth to let me take his lips into mine. We kissed, slowly and tremulously, and then with building passion. As she pulled away, she said, "Take me with u...

"I will... I smiled at her.

We heard a door opening. We stared at each other in shock and quickly went to the other room, through another room. At last, we came out of the suite from another side, closing the door behind us.She led me quickly along the corridor towards the back side of the palace.

"Whose clothes did u steal? she asked me as her eyes saw me from top to bottom.

"One of steward's clothes... I winked at her.

"And that moustache? she cocked her eyebrows at me.

"Well it was my creation... I chuckled.

We were halfway across the open space when the sitting room door opened in the corridor and one of King's trusted men came out.He saw us together and hustled after us.She and I broke into a run , pushing everyone along the way.She led me past the stairs to the elevators.

"I can manage... she said to the operator. The King's man ran to our direction as the lift started to descend. She winked at him and laughed seeing his priceless expressions while the operator gaped at us. He ran towards another lift to follow us. As we came out of the elevator hurriedly, she stopped for a moment, and drew a sword from a statue and then ran again towards the end of the corridor, holding my hand with her spare hand.

"Stop her! the king's men yelled from behind us. "Guards! Stop her!

The doorman opened the door, shocked to see us sprinting towards him.

"Stop her! bellowed King, who was perhaps informed about our escape.

Before the guards could react, we crashed into them aside and raced down the main corridor. We could still hear the screams of King Rudrapratap to stop us.

"We had to go to my horse...It could easily speed past all the guards... she said as she breathed heavily.

"Stop the Queen! screamed a guard from behind.

We saw an army of guards blocking our way.

"Can u swim? she asked me suddenly.

"Yes, I can...Infact , I am the best swi... I couldn't finish my words as she pulled me by collar and then pushed me down the railings, right into the river.

After a long battle with the water, we reached the banks of the river on the other side. I pulled her out of water and dragged her with me to the open. As we reached the forest on the banks of the river, we saw hundreds of masked assassins. As we neared them, we saw King standing with a furious expression.

"U are leaving me, for that gutter rat? he hissed at her, pointing his sword at me.He walked and inched his face closer to me. "What are u? Nothing... he spat at me.Without taking his eyes off me, he stepped back and pointed at me and turned to his men, "Behead this son of a bitch.

Suddenly, Geetakshi straightened up and shouted loudly, "Fight me. King stopped in his tracks, stunned for a moment. He looked at her unsure.

"Geet, no... I gasped in shock. "U run...I will keep them busy... she said. "No...Not without u...I said. We stared at each other; our hearts bled to think that might be it was our last moments together. King watched the emotion between us. His jaws clenched.

She pulled out a sword from one of the assassin and walked in the middle of the open space, and stood tall, drew her sword and held it high. Ready. Waiting.

King approached in the middle position too and held the sword forward in his right hand. As he neared her , he started swinging the sword around , puzzling her vision. He moved towards her with an incredible faster speed while she stepped back slowly avoiding his blows.She suddenly thrust her sword forward quickly , deep into the ring of death made by him, inflicting a deep cut on his chest.She pulled back her sword just as rapidly , before he could deflect the sword from her hands.The wounds didn't made him flinch a bit.He stepped forward , swinging viciously , from the left side , but she bent low to avoid his blow.But he was too fast , causing her a serious wound on her shoulder.He didn't stop and stepped further left and kept on swinging again and again.She twisted to the right and swung her blade in a great arc from her left , but he was expecting that , making him easily block the blow.At the same time , he brought his sword up in a low , brutal jab , cutting her abdomen , ripping almost all her vital organs.The blade fell from her hand and she collapsed on the ground.

"G-E-E-T-T-T... I screamed and ran towards her, and pulled her body up, holding it tight in my arms. Her body was shivering as dark blood began to drench my clothes.

"Maan... she whispered.

"Don't talk, please...Relax... I cried before removing my shirt and tearing it to wrap it around her wounds.

"Maan... she whispered again.

"Please be quiet... I cried loudly.

"Maan , my time has come... she smiled amidst of her pain.

"No! No! Nothing will happen to u... I shook my head frantically.

"Maan, please...Listen to me... she rasped, staring up at me with wide eyes.I sobbed again.

She hardened her jaw as pain rocked through her, "It's my time to go. Promise me...promise me that u will find me...

"Yes, yes. I promise. I said. Her breathings slowed down. She had heard what she needed to. She rested her head in my lap and looked at me with a smile. A lone tear escaped her eyes. At that moment I knew that she was no more.

"GEETTT...

I sat there immobile, shivering due to cold and grief, stunned into absolute silence, staring into nothingness, holding my Geet's lifeless body in my arms. I looked around with my cold , expressionless eyes. I looked down at her again and pulled her closer to me. Caressing her forehead gently, I stood up taking her in my arms and walked back to the river.

"Death must be so beautiful , Geet , where I can hold u , kiss u , stroke ur face and gaze into ur eyes , with no fear of being watched , being caught , just u and me and our world of love...and listen to silence , to have no yesterday , no tomorrow.To forget time , to forgive life , to be at peace... I whispered to her.

"May be mother river has place for lonely souls like us... I thought sadly as I looked into her calm pale face.

An assassin tried to block me, but King stopped him.

"Let them go... he whispered as a tear drop escaped his one eye. He looked away and instructed his men to return to the palace. As he turned around to see us for the final time, he saw only bubbles of air forming on the surface of the river.

Maanveer's pov ended

Back to the party hall

Veltmonte (2016)

"They died? RK asked Maan with a blank look.

"Yes, they did. But their love became immortal... Maan smiled faintly.

"This part is never mentioned in the history...According to the documented part, Queen Geetakshi drowned in the river while escaping and Manveer escaped...He was never found...

"That's a lie... Maan said with a deep frown.

"Do u think he kept his promise? Geet suddenly asked him.

"Yes. He replied looking at her straight intensely , making her shiver.

"Do they have any picture? I wish I could see how they looked... Madhu whispered to herself.

"I know how they looked... Maan grinned at her.

"Manveer looked like me and Geetakshi looked like ur di... he said again, putting a serious face.

"Liar... Madhu frowned, hitting him playfully while RK & Geet sat there silently.

"It's late...Let's call it a night... RK suddenly stood up, startling others.

Geet's pov started

While heading towards our room, RK suddenly stopped and held my hands.

"What happen? I asked him in confusion.

"I want to fight for my love... RK said. His face clearly indicated that his decision was strong and firm.

"I want to win Madhu properly... he said again.

"And? I cocked an eyebrow at him.

"And I will set u free...May be one day u will also get someone who will love u madly like Manveer loved his Geetakshi... he smiled at me. I nodded my head and wished for his success. He was my best friend and he deserved all happiness in life. As he stepped inside our room, I heard a sound coming from downstairs.

I descended down the stairs following the music, passing along the floral decorated walls.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIj07LL57RA

I stopped near Maan's room and found him sitting at the edge of the railing of his room's balcony, dangling his legs as he played a guitar and stared far away.

Heart beats fast
Colors and promises
How to be brave?
How can I love when I'm afraid to fall?
But watching you stand alone,
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow.

One step closer

An image flashed into my mind, vivid and inconsistent. I tried to ignore it but it appeared again. I saw a nervous Maan approaching me while I stood away near a huge painting, watching him with a piercing gaze. I ignored the image.

I have died every day waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Time stands still
Beauty in all she is
I will be brave
I will not let anything take away
What's standing in front of me
Every breath
Every hour has come to this

One step closer

It flashed in my mind again and I saw myself playing a piano, teaching him how to play it, and I was singing the same song. I pushed it out of my mind.

I have died every day waiting for you
Darling, don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

I again saw some flashes. I saw myself walking along the huge parlour as stewards and stewardess move across the hall. Two maids and a personal bodyguard followed me as I walked. Suddenly I stopped as my eyes fall on Maan watching me from behind the curtains.

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more
Another image flashed in my mind. I was standing under the rain, my hands stretched to feel the raindrops, when Maan came from behind and wrapped his arms around me.
One step closer
One step closer

Another image flashed into my mind, more beautiful than the last. It seemed to be inside the room given to me in the palace, with the cool evening, light blazing through the huge glass windows. I could see Maan holding me in his arms as we lay on the bed; my whole body filled with his warmth and love .I jerked at the image and came back to reality.

I have died every day waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Out of the darkness, like a ghostly apparition, the walls changed into wooden walls covered with carvings. The carvings were intricate works of art depicting mountains, dragons, waterfalls etc. The borders surrounding each carving glinted with gold and the front wall of the palace seemed to stretch on forever. The railings of the steps were interrupted periodically by bronze statues.

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

Suddenly the song stopped and with it stopped strange flashes in my mind too. He turned his neck to look at me and then he smiled.

Our gazes met and locked, sweeping me back to reality on a tidal wave of emotion, like always.

"U followed me? he whispered.

"That's a beautiful song... I said without replying him. My heart was still pounding with sudden fear, anxiety and excitement. My whole body was shaking.

"I agree... he said strumming the strings of guitar. "I found the lyrics in the diary of Queen Geetakshi...

"Oh! I said. "And here I felt like I knew this song forever... I whispered as tears rolled down my eyes.

"Me too... he mumbled, suddenly lost somewhere.

"Did u really see them in ur dreams? I asked him at last which I wanted to know badly since I heard about them. Stepping close to him, I leaned front over the railings as our elbows brushed.

"Yes. He replied.

"Do u believe me?he asked after a pause, looking straight into my eyes.

"I do... I mumbled back. My eyes were drinking his beautiful facial features.

Suddenly he pointed at something in the sky. "Look! A shooting star...

"Close ur eyes, and wish for something... he said and closed my eyes as he closed his eyes too.

After some time,

"What u wish for? I asked him.

"I hope Manveer finds his Geetakshi soon and they get united... he mumbled.

"And u? he asked me.

"I just want Manveer of my life to come soon and find me... I whispered and turned back.

"Goodnight Maan... I said and left his room.

"Goodnight... he whispered as he watched me go, but only for a while.

Geet's pov ended