Posted:
I always feel guilty for not being able to update my stories regularly.
|| Chaahat ||
Thus I banked up this three short!😃
Part 1:- In Your Love
Aakhon ki hai yeh khwahishein ke chere se tere naa hate!
Her eyes din't leave him for a moment. She had been working under him for more than a year now. She hadn't realised when and how she had fallen for him. But she knew- she loved him very much.
Gone was that lazy Anika who preferred sleeping late, she would now wake up early put all the efforts to be her presentable best, finish her work before time and be at the office before him. That was how productive her growing fondness for her boss had made him. At nights when she was in her balcony she would only think about him, and reflect on the fact that how much his mere presence in her life had changed her.
Today was the festival of lights, Deepawali. The Oberois had as usual organized a big party at their Mansion, in the lawn to be specific. The Oberois were lovely people, she had grown close to most of them. One year of being Shivaay Singh Oberoi's personal secretary wasn't easy. Initially she hates his ways, hated his ego, hated his air of self importance. But slowly with time she had effectively learned his ways, started understanding his actions and thought process.
Today she felt her heart resemble the lamps. That burned. Her heart burned in the flames of love for him. Like the light of the lamps her eyes shone. And just like the warmth of the lamps disappeared in the cold night her love also to its destination remained unreachable. She had no complaints.
Since he worked from home frequently, Anika also made frequent visits to the Mansion. It was during these work visits she had developed fondness for the family. They were bunch of happy, at times crancky, but kind people. This wasn't one sided! For the Family too loved Shivaay's new assistant. A year gone by and she was like a part of the family.
Rudra and Omkara specifically, his brothers, were people who enjoyed her company and looked forward to it. Omkara had found a friend in her with whom he could have light conversations which he barely did with anyone. While Rudra had found a partner in crime.
Coming back to her center of attraction-Shivaay! He looked like a Prince out from a fairytale today. Dressed in a crisp black embroidered sherwani, and brooch that went well with it. His eyes like ever shining in pride and charm. She couldn't take her eyes off him.
She felt as though a lighting flashed when suddenly his eyes met hers. She smiled and blinked her eyes away. She was scared her yes would give away her secret that she had embedded in the depth of her heart for so long.
She clutched on to her duppatta when she felt his figure moving towards her. She took a deep breath and quickly wore the formal smile, a little unsuccessfully though. He looked to handsome for her to not be enchanted by him.
"Hi!" He spoke with a soft swift smile. He was never quite informal with the people he worked with. But , she was a clear exception. He had worked with many people, many had worked under him. She was different. With time she had quickly picked up his ways. He dint have to tell her everything explicitly. Some things would be done before hand, and for few remaining others, just a look would be enough to convey. She had supported him without complaints, when he had literally included her in his workaholic schedule during a recent project. Not to miss out, his brothers always had something to tell about her every time she left the mansion. But he found it pretty strange. She was quite normal and professional to him. He barely got to see her bubbly, carefree, and humorous side which his brothers always witnessed. Little did he know that every time he was before her, she would polish her ways and make herself professional as possible. There was no chance she wanted to take, such that he knows what she felt. For she knew she wasn't of his match. She did not want to loose the little she had. She was a dreamer, a believer but also practical at the same time. She at times found herself wondering whether she was strong enough to keep those strong feelings she had for him buried in herself.
"Happy Diwali!" He spoke before she could respond to his 'Hi'.
"Happy Diwali Sir!" She smiled.
Her smile was surely infectious, for he smiled back without thinking.
"Happy Diwali!" Two voices greeted from behind Shivaay. He turned and before he knew his brothers were beside her giving her a side hug. He looked rather surprised at the gesture. "Happy Diwali!" She greeted them much more cheerfully than she greeted him. Which he did notice and found rather strange.
"I have something for you both! " she said excitedly.
His surprise din't disappear. Rudra asked her what was it, excitedly.
She brought out a cased watch and extended it to Rudra, who accepted it happily. Next she brought out a book and handed it to Omkara.
"Galib!" He said with shining eyes.
She smiled, nodding.
While the two were busy with their newly acquired gifts, Anika happened to looked up at Shivaay, only to find his smiling eyes looking at her. She looked away quickly.
She did feel a little out of place among the gathering. But every time his brothers or his younger brother's friend Saumya noted it, they would quickly be by her side to give her company.
She stood aside, when his grandmother walked up to her. She greeted her cheerfully. The older lady whispered something into her ears and her face brightened up amused. She nodded and disappeared. His eyes dint miss this small scene. In fact he was rather curious to know what was up between the two women.
He followed and walked up to her. Slightly leaning over her frame from behind he shout out a quick, " Caught you!"
She was taken aback and turned suddenly. She was startled to find him so close.
His eyebrows danced asking her what she was up to.
She smiled slightly. She was first of all caught red handed to add, he was so so close. His cologne hitting her nostrils.
She gulped."Nothing! "
He titled his head and looked behind her at the jalebis being served.
She pressed her lips together to come up with something, anything to disappear.
"Daadi huh?"
Her eyes widened. How did he know?
"Nahi...nahi toh!" She said trying to sound casual.
He broke into an adorable smile. And instantly a smile curved up all the way to her cheeks.
"Tell her I don't know! But just two, not more!"
Her smile just got wider. How could this man be strict, adorable, cute, concerned and loving all at the same time. She wanted to just freeze there like that and keep looking at him forever.
"Go!" He said stepping away. She nodded.
With every step she took away, she wanted to turn back and look at him. No. She reminded herself. She din't want to wound her dear heart. Why would someone as special as him fall for someone like her?
The regret of not turning back added to her many regrets.
***
The atmosphere was filled with the aromas of the tasty food and burning oil lamps. There was a unrhythmic sound of cutlery mixing from all directions.
She finally decided to leave. She searched the place and ultimately her eyes once again rested on him.
Neendo mein meri ab Tere,
Khwaabon ne li hai karwate.
Her dreams were about him, thoughts were about him. She was nothing but things that summed up to him. He was talking away to his brothers laughing and joking about something. He was never that way at office. But at home he transformed into someone so different, so loving, so caring, so lovable. She shook her head. Her feelings were growing uncontrollable by the day. Especially today, he looked so handsome and that smile that was on his face ever since the evening.
She had honestly burned when that stupid Tia his good family friend had arrived. She was like glue stuck to him. She was tempted to go and pull her away. But then what right did she have?
She was very much relieved when Tia had to leave to attend another Diwali party.
She sighed. Slowly making her way to inform him that she was leaving. Her feet din't seem to comply with the decision of her mind.
He threw his head behind laughing at another shrewd yet sarcastic comment his brother had made on Tia. His younger brother, Rudra seemed to have a serious problem with Tia around him.
It was in the slip of a moment that he noticed her walking towards him. She looked a little more beautiful today in the simple lehenga choli. Her hair gently swaying in the breeze.
Suddenly the grace was replaced by anxiety in her eyes. Her slow angelic steps transformed into a wild run. She was darting towards him. He blinked baffled. Before the knew she pushed him, and was over him. At the same time he felt something swift passing them. Her eyes wide looked at him in worry.
Few seconds passed by, and he felt something wet on his neck. His hands held her, and he was breathing hard. She was entirely over him. His heart skipped a beat. Her eyes were slowly closing.
"Anika!?"
Before he could comprehend his brothers were by his side and had helped the two. He saw blood on her skin as the dupatta moved slightly. His hands reached his own neck. The wetness was blood!
Was he shot? He was shocked.
No he wasn't. She was. Shot!
-------------------
Scroll down for next parts! ::)
Book Talk
Anupamaa
