You're Invited. It's Lashy's Birthday! DivyaM OS Updated in P1 - Page 17

Originally posted by: divyavm

Dear writer-e-khaas aka Lashy aka Shraddha,

Happy Birthday once again! I wrote this story as it was you who always encouraged and inspired me to write. It is very simple, likely a bit naive fairy tale. My characters are not based on Jodha / Akbar, but hopefully you will still enjoy.

And, on your insistence, I post here.

Best,

Divya

The Music of Silence

A Silent Excitement: "Chup Tum Raho Chup Hum Rahe" (You are silent, I am silent)

I found my thoughts startled by the new shine coming from my hand- the ring, I had not quite gotten used to. My engagement ring.

It was a "perfect" engagement to a family friend I had known for years. There could really be no one nicer, hardworking, and respectable than Mahesh. "Everything is perfect, I will have a dream marriage", I assured myself for the umpteenth time. "Or, at least it should be," rumbled a distant, yet growing misgiving.

As I sat on my usual seat on the 442 bus, I felt a shadow return, that had been with me for a full 2 years. I looked up and around but found nothing close to those twinkling, humorous eyes. I felt I knew everything about him. His laughter, that entertained many a fellow commuter that travelled along the same bumps of life every day. His hearty yet gentle voice. His smile. The way his hair curled on a rainy day. I knew everything about him. Except his name, except where he lived, except where he was now. And, why did any of that matter now?

Yet, that day, 3 years ago was still vivid. My first day of college Delhi University. Maybe I had always gotten my emotions confused from that day- was it the excitement of going to a great Chemistry program on scholarship or did my heart really flutter when I first saw him? As I looked up from the din and busy landscape outside my window, there he was. What made him stand out? Was it the crisp white shirt? His pleasant demeanor? The way he chatted away with the tired old man next to him as if they were long lost friends? Something very touching about it, to me at least.

And as fate would have it, for the next year, almost every day we were on the same bus. Usually, I got on at the earlier stop and always had a seat. He was standing at a distance, as by the time he got on the bus it was literally overflowing with passengers. I often noticed myself smiling at him- faintly overhearing his joke, seeing him help an elderly lady get on board, and in general trying to spread cheer where most others looked half-awake in their dreary morning commute. I called him Mr. Nice. And who cannot like a Mr. Nice?

And what did this Mr. Nice do other than just be nice? One day, I was in closer view of his badge and squinted a bit as I tried to get a view. He was turned the other way, or so it seemed. His badge was caught on the side of his laptop bag and turned towards me. "Inform ... " were the first few letters I saw, as the handle of his bag came in the way. And slowly the handle moved out of the way, and I could see the full name - "Informatica." Interesting name. When I later looked it up, I would find it was an interesting company as well, a rapidly growing software start-up. However, his name eluded me; my eyesight was not that sharp to see the smaller letters of his name from such a distance.

I had been tracing the letters on the badge so intently, that I had failed to see that his grinning face had been observing me. He had noticed me staring at his badge. Not only that, he had moved the bag handle to give me full view of the company name. As I realized I had been caught, my face turned a shade of pink, or maybe it was completely red. I tried turning away to the company of the window, but it was too late to completely ignore. I returned a weak smile. He mouthed a "Hi" as we were too far apart for a true conversation. He seemed to say his name too - "Hi, I am ..." Rajan, Rohan, Soham? What was it that followed? I couldn't understand the most important part of what he was saying- his name. And so Mr. Nice was the name that remained as his bus stop arrived soon after.

And, then who could forget the next day. It was an extremely crowded day on the bus, more than usual. Even I couldn't find a seat, though I boarded the bus at one of the earlier stops. I was standing on one side and he entered. There were only five people standing between us. Five. The old lady was offered a seat. A special thanks to that teenager that offered her the seat as he got off the bus. Four. The distracted student got down at another college stop. Three. The warm old professor also got down. At least his glasses made him seem like a professor. Two. An anticipation arose within me as another young woman departed. There was a man yapping away on his cell phone between us. Was there a way to start a conversation around him? Not really. Finally, he had some had phone reception issues and squeezed through closer to the window. And I was in front of him. I cleared my throat thinking of just saying "Hi."

Screech. Halt. Jerk. Instead, I screamed "Aaah" as I began to fall to my side as the driver slammed the brakes suddenly. As I had moved closer towards Mr. Nice, I didn't realize how precariously close I had come to the entry steps of the bus. A shock rushed through me. I felt I would not only fall out of the bus myself but also push the folks on the steps off. They were trying to hold me up as well. Suddenly, I was on stable ground. Deep breath, sigh of relief. His hand pulled me up. In a split second, everything was back to where it was except I was still a bit shaken. Two ladies hovered around me, making sure I was okay. I wish I could have pushed them aside as I saw him get off the bus for his stop. As he got off, I hoped he would turn - a faint hope that the "Palat" moment of DDLJ (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge) may come true here. And, it did. I saw those warm eyes look back at me for an instant. A smile erupted on my face and I mouthed a "Thank You." But, I wished to say so much more. He nodded, smiled, and turned to continue with his day. That smile was the last I saw of Mr. Nice. He never came on that bus again for close to two years.

A Silent Sadness: "Kitni Baatein Yaad Aati Hain" (So many moments come to my memory)

He was somewhere lost to me in the hustle and bustle of Delhi - one of the crores around me. Where would I ever find him again? A few weeks after his sudden disappearance, I had an uneasy feeling. A knot somewhere inside that something bad had happened to him. Later that day, I googled "Informatica"- the only clue I had about him. Immediately, I got my answer. The company had shut down! That explained it. He had lost his job! I felt terrible but helpless. What could I do? I had no clue who he was, how he was, and what he was going through. How did such things happen to nice, cheerful person like him him. A sadness lingered.

But soon it dispersed, at least on the surface, with the hustle and bustle of college days. Chemistry lab, Annual Cultural Programs, dinners with friends, tension of exams, and what little free time I had, I spent with family. And now, I was embarking on my senior and final year.

I also found myself embarking on another new facet of life. A visit of family friends, turned quickly into a marriage proposal, turned quickly into an engagement. I had known Mahesh for years. There was little reason to say no to marry him. My parents were also keen. He was a computer engineer doing well for himself. He was extremely nice as well. He had always encouraged me- I still remember my first Cultural Programme, I had been very nervous to sing in front of a large crowd. It was Mahesh who had encouraged me then. He knew how I sang since a kid and knew my talent. He also was very supportive of me doing my masters in Chemistry after I graduated. It was indeed perfect in every way.

Yet, there was the "what if" that tormented me. "What if" I had had the chance to talk to him? "What if" I had seen his name? "What if?" I knew it was ridiculous. So, what if he had been a familiar face for a year? I barely knew him. Then, why was I still stuck in his thoughts and his memories? Why had he left such an impression on me?

Screech. Halt. Jerk. The bus braked again. My face slightly colored as I remembered how he had held my hand that day. Now, as the bus suddenly stopped, I just jolted forward slightly in my seat. My thoughts and memories may have been jolted more.

There was a bustle of whispers across the bus as we continued to be stopped. But, why? Usually, the bus stayed at the stop for a minute or two. The traffic didn't seem to be so abnormally bad that the driver had to slam his brakes. Finally, the news traveled from a passenger reporting from the front. A car had stopped in front of the bus blocking the way. As I peeked at the car, it was a brand new BMW- the same color as my favorite blue, a color I wore often.

In the jerk, my notebook had slipped away and I bent to grab it. Instead another hand reached for it. It looked familiar. And, I didn't have a habit of remembering hands. So, how? My puzzled thoughts startled me as I looked up. And there was that smile, as infectious as ever. The hand that had reached out to me then, was now reaching for my notebook. Soon, I was glowing with the same smile as if I had found a long lost ... now, what was the word?

And what was the sudden world I was lost in? That was until the normal world returned- an exasperated driver honking, a conductor blowing his whistle, and an impatient buzz amongst my fellow passengers. My face flustered red.

I had very rarely heard his voice in close quarters- that may have been the first time. He gently asked, "If it is okay, can you step out of the bus for a moment?"

No, I would be late for a chemistry lab face-off, my team would be livid. No, I had never gone with a stranger anywhere. No, I had never gotten off anywhere except my bus stop. No, I had never gone alone with a guy, not even Mahesh. That was my usual mind chatter. But now, all that was brushed aside. With a slight nod, I followed him off the bus. What was I possibly expecting? I don't know. Neither did the poor delayed passengers of the 442 bus, who watched with a mix of curiousity and raised eyebrows. After all, their mornings may have been completely disrupted. The bus and their faces soon departed.

Finally, only I was there and he was there. An awkward silence followed, finally he started, "I don't know how to start." What a start. But, at that moment I smiled and my smile must have told him something. It gave him a slight shot of confidence to continue, "I don't know how to quite say this, but for some reason I have not forgotten your face since the first day I noticed it." A blush forced my eyes to the ground. How could I say that I felt exactly the same. I probably didn't have to.

He continued, "I know it probably sounds ridiculous, but somehow those few moments I saw you every day ended up being very special. You might remember that day, when you almost fell ..."

Oh, did I remember and my face clearly showed it as he said. "I was planning to talk to you the next day. But, then suddenly I lost everything, my ..."

As his voice trailed off at the painful memory, mine had to come back with an assurance. I whispered,"I know." It was his turn to be surprised- very pleasantly. That I had cared enough to know, it meant something. It said even more.

"I don't know how to explain it, but it felt like I really had nothing left. How do I explain ...," he paused. He didn't really have to and I shook my head showing that I needed no explanation. So, not dwelling on that phase anymore he moved on, "It took a while, but finally I found an amazing gig. Even better than my old one. It some ways, it was meant to be I think."

I could only smile in his happiness, but a question lingered, "Where were you all this while?" I quietly asked. He shook his head, "I know. I did do a disappearing act. But, I didn't really know what I was doing or what I would say."

A question remained in my eyes, which he answered, "After I got my job, I was tempted to come on the bus and meet you. But to be honest, and you may think me weak for this, I still wasn't sure of myself or where I was going."

And one final question from me, "And now?" His signature smile got even broader, "Today, is a special day. You could say I hit a jackpot of sorts. My company did an IPO. I happened to be one of the early shareholders and it paid off. More than I would have ever imagined."

Of course, I always knew that nice things should happen to nice people. It wasn't too surprising, but seeing his happiness, my smiles also knew no bounds. He shared something even more special," When I joined my new job I told to myself, I will come meet you the day I could bring you out of the hustle and bustle of the bus. When I had a car of my own."

He had noticed how I had always been smiling and cheerful, no matter how hot and stuffy the bus was. How I would offer the seat to the old Parsi woman whenever she came to meet her grandson. How I would sometimes get pushed around by some less-than-polite fellow traveler. "Yet, your smile and laugh was aways there. Though there was one guy who provoked me enough that I wanted to give him a little punch," he admitted.

Wow. I never had never felt so beautiful before. As special as how he described me those few minutes.

Wow, before anything else sunk in I wanted to cherish that moment. It felt beautiful- that he had wished, persevered, and worked so hard to get a car with the hope that I would one day ride in it.

That he wanted to be able to bring that comfort and luxury into my life. Could anything feel more beautiful? Could anything be more touching? And all, for a girl whose smiles and cheer he had noticed on the bus? Was this real?

And slowly my attention went to the car standing next to him. The BMW! Of course, it was his! And the color? He answered again before I could ask, "I was wondering what color to buy, but then everytime I pictured you, I saw only this blue." Of course, why wouldn't he? I wore it almost every other day.

Oops, an important question I had forgotten,"I meant to ask, what is your name?"

"Rohan. The name is Rohan. You missed it that day didn't you Meera." We both remembered with a laugh the day I had tried so hard to stare at his badge. Rohan. It had been one of the names I had guessed.

Wait, how did he know? How did he know my name? I looked in surprise. He seemed to know everything. Well, I may have missed seeing his name badge, but he had caught my college card one day. Meera Rajvanshi , Delhi University. Those clues seemed to be enough, and he had figured out quite a bit about me courtesy of Facebook, Google, and he had even read my "Women in Chemistry" blog.

Now it was my turn, I had to find out about him. I had it a bit simpler, I could just ask him directly. No online investigations needed. Rohan Mehra, Product Lead at Pyramid. Ah Pyramid, even my dad had mentioned the IPO yesterday. He had bought a few shares. If he knew, I knew an early shareholder ...

But, yes, Rohan also knew about the engagement. I hadn't posted the picture, but Mahesh had. Still, something made Rohan come to talk to me when he had gotten his first car. He had told himself he would and decided to come, knowing very well nothing may come out of it. He had decided to take a chance on something he had read in my silence. It was the same thing I had read in his silence as well. As he would often say, "Sometimes you just know."

A Silent Happiness: "Khamoshiyan Gungunaane Lagi" (Silence Begins Singing / Humming)

And so began a ride, in his BMW to begin with. I still had to get to college, I reminded myself, no matter what new silliness had taken over me.

You may wonder what happened to next? It was a bit complex- but after a few weeks, I first told Mahesh. It wasn't easy but it had to be done. Somehow, or maybe I shouldn't have been surprised, he understood. Mahesh knew we had always just been friends. The parents were a bit of a different story, but they eventually came around after a few months. The Pyramid name, or rather the aura around it, may have had a role in getting my father to come around as well. Jokes apart, all's well that end's well.

And who said silence is not musical? It was the most magical music that ever came into my life and brought Rohan into my life with it. For me, there couldn't be a more beautiful melody than that music of silence.

Glossary of Songs (Inspired to include a glossary): As with all my stories, this story is inspired by music, a medley of songs. The three songs are:

1. "Chup tum raho, Chup hum rahe" from the Movie: Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin

2. "Kitni Baatein Yaad Aati Hain" from the Movie: Lakshya

3. "Khamoshiyan Gungunaane Lagi" from the Movie: One Two Ka Four

Originally posted by: lashy

@ Shruthi

I am the center of her IF world... she says (not Azeez, apparently) I'll take her word for it and celebrate!!!! Whooppie!!!

Your story and characters,they are a part of me now.Not only your stories,but your mere presence lightens my day❤️.

Oh my oh my... what adorable tareef! Thank you my dear... thank you so so so much!

Originally posted by: Kalgi22

Mitu, Rose, Shruti, Harshu, Manasi, Bindi, Savindi, Adwitiya, Akanksha, Bullet Queen and Payal 🤗 Thank you so much dearies for all the support and beautiful works. I've already complimented all in secret way. So I'm not repeating here. 😉😆 But without you all, I knew, this thread would be dull!! Thank you!! 😳
>>>And without you, this thread wouldn't even exist. Thank you

Periamma and Sinna Periamma... Thanks for dropping-in. It's really a blessing. 😳

And all IFians, Ex-Banjaras😉 and all Baisas... Thank you so much for dropping-in, liking each and every post and encouraging words. It's really mean to us. You all made this party floor rocked. Thank you!! 😳🤗 A small gift for you all!!

Originally posted by: Kalgi22

When I started to write, I also thought the same.😆 But seriously I don't have anything for expensive car.😆 What interesting is when I searched about BMW sports car.. One of my colleague caught me and asked 'What you're going to buy BMW?😲' His expression is priceless!! 🤣

>>>Really!! See I guessed right 😆. Can imagine your colleague's face🤣

Why you're worrying when Azeez is here. He'll be turning as everything to you and protect you!! Thank you so much dear... I'm so glad you enjoyed it. 🤗

>>>ooh Ook.. If you say so...

Originally posted by: Kuki715