Posted:
Hello!! The most anticipated meeting of the lead couple is here!! I hope I didn't disappoint you! Enjoy!
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Chapter 3
My alarm was ringing away in my ears, reminding my lazy brain that it was 7.30am. I shut the buzzing phone, resisting the urge to send it flying out the window. Robin had come with my coffee, and I sipped it quietly taking in the beautiful aroma. Daadi and Daasi were up, and Daasi joined Daadi on her routine early morning walk. Bhai and Purab were still in dreamland.
I had a lunch appointment with Pragya Di! Smacking my head for thinking of returning to my sweet slumber, I jumped out of bed and headed for my shower. An hour later, as I made my way down the stairs, I found Daadi and Daasi siting on the sofa, reading the papers while enjoying some hot green tea. Giving them each, a kiss on the cheek, I entered the kitchen to make Bhai's cinnamon coffee and Purab's jasmine tea.
Robin didn't interfere when I took the mugs upstairs. He knew that I always did this whenever I was home. Deciding to give Bhai an extra few minutes of sleep, I entered Purab's room.
"Good morning Purab!!", I said in a loud voice.
"Aa-li-ya...let me sleep na! Go and wake up Bhai!!", he complained refusing to budge.
Realizing the dire situation, I did what I had so dearly missed doing while I was away. I set the jasmine tea on the table and slowly crept up behind him. Positioning myself, I took my aim and kicked hard. Bullseye! Purab rolled off the bed and landed on the floor with a loud thud. In all these years, I have never missed my target!
He glared at me from the floor and his hair looked liked a bird's nest. I roared in laughter and sat on the bed, tears brimming in my eyes. Something snapped in him. The next moment, he had jumped on the bed and was strangling me, while I pulled on his hair. We struggled and our childish rumbles filled the room.
Our important fight was broken by Robin, who relayed the message that Daadi wanted us down for breakfast. He wasn't the least alarmed by our fight, he witnessed it many times in the past and had developed a blind eye. I knocked Purab off and hopped out of the bed.
"Your jasmine tea is here sleepy head.", I chuckled.
"Thanks Aaliya. I'll be down soon Robin.", he said rubbing his sore head.
I headed off in the direction of Bhai's room and found him sleeping peacefully. Bhai always reminded me of a cute baby when he slept. I pulled the sheets away and he grumbled under his breath. Not satisfied, I started dragging him by his ankles. God, was he heavy, I thought to myself. He sprung from the bed and in turn yanked my hands, causing me to topple onto him.
"Hahahaha!! Good morning Bhai!!", I giggled away.
"Good morning my sweet princess.", he said kissing my forehead.
"Accha, please get up na. You have a recording at 10.30am Daadi has already called us down for breakfast.", I said pinching his cheeks.
"My cinnamon coffee?", he said with a pout.
"It's right over there.", I said pointing to his side table.
"Thanks Aaliya. I'll be down in a jiffy after my workout.", he said giving me a kiss on the cheek and helping me off the bed.
We had our breakfast and I sent Bhai and Purab off. I had some time to kill before meeting Pragya Di and decided to hang around at home. Bhai had wanted to drop me off for my lunch date, but I insisted he go for his recording.
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In the heart of Mumbai city
Pragya Di and I had agreed on a cafe for our lunch. It was peak lunch hour and the traffic was crazy. I parked my car across the road and spotted Pragya Di on the other side. She saw me and waved. I waved back, motioning that I was about to cross. The traffic was mayhem and motorists were speeding away blindly.
I almost reached the opposite side, when an oncoming motorist knocked me. I spun and fell, hitting my head on the tarmac. I didn't know what happened next as I felt my my world darken. All I could hear was Pragya Di's voice.
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"Aaliya!! Aaliya!!", I screamed her name patting her cheeks.
I took my water bottle out and splashed her face, but she didn't open her eyes. Only then, I noticed dark blood oozing from the side of her forehead. Not wanting to waste time, I asked a few people passing by to help me lift her into an auto which had stopped in front of us due to the commotion. The driver was kind enough to bring us to the nearest hospital.
On reaching City hospital, I admitted her and they brought her in for treatment. I searched Aaliya's bag which was with me for her phone. I scrolled through her speed dial list and found a contact, Bhaiya. Sensing that it was probably her brother, I called immediately.
"Hello my princess!", came an enlivening voice.
"Hello, are you Aaliya Mehra's brother?", I asked trying to keep calm.
"Yes, who is this? Why do you have my sister's phone?", the person asked in confusion.
"My name is Pragya. Your sister has been involved in a minor accident. Can you please come to City Hospital now?", I told him immediately.
"I'll be there in 10 minutes!", he said before hanging up.
I sat outside, praying that she would be fine.
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My heart was beating wildly in my chest, nearly breaking through my rib cage. Aaliya was in hospital and I was stuck in this darn traffic. Every minute that passed, my fear doubled in magnitude. I imagined the worse, but kept hoping that my princess was safe.
Cursing myself for not dropping her off, I drove like a maniac, maneuvering through the roads of Mumbai till I reached the hospital. I rushed in and asked the receptionist for a patient by the name of Aaliya Mehra. She looked through her computer screen and said Room 212.
Not waiting for the lift which was working at a snail's pace, I ran up the stairs to the second floor and began searching for the room. As I approached towards the end, I saw a lady sitting on one of the chairs outside. She got up as I walked towards her, and I noticed Aaliya's bag in her hands.
"Are you Pragya?", I asked nearly breathless.
"Yes, are you Aaliya's brother?", she asked.
"Yes! What happened to my sister?", I asked sounding frenzied.
"She was crossing the road and a motorist knocked her down. I tried to wake her up, but she lost consciousness. So, I immediately brought her to the hospital and admitted her.", she explained to me.
"The doctor is inside with her now.", she finished.
"Oh no...Aaliya..", I said in a split voice, dropping on the chair.
The tears were threatening to fall and I covered my face trying to control them. Just then, I felt a soft yet firm grasp on my shoulder. Looking up, I saw Pragya watching me with a gentle expression. Something about her face calmed my nerves. Even though, she wore spectacles, her eyes were mesmerizing and I found myself lost in them.
"Aaliya will be fine. Don't worry.", she said rubbing my shoulder, comforting me.
"This is all my fault. I should have dropped her off.", I said making a fist.
"The doctor is in with her. I am sure it is nothing serious. She will be alright in no time.", she said in a tranquil voice as she took a seat next to me.
"What if something happens to her? I can never forgive myself.", I said while holding my fisted hands near my trembling lips. The unforgiving tears escaped my control.
"Nothing will happen to her. Don't worry. I am sure she wouldn't want to see her Bhai so upset like this.", she consoled me and I felt her delicate hands tenderly rubbing my back.
Her voice, actions and mere presence sent an unusual tranquility throughout my mind and body. Her undeterred confidence that nothing would happen to Aaliya touched my heart. Just then, the doctor came out of the room.
"Are you related to the patient?", he asked putting his stethoscope around his neck.
"Yes, I am her brother. How is she doctor?", I asked.
"Your sister is fine. She lost consciousness as she hit her head. There is a small cut on her forehead, but other than that, she is perfectly okay.", he reassured bringing me much needed relief.
"Can we go in and see her?", Pragya asked.
"Sure, she is awake. You can collect her medicines in the pharmacy and bring her home today.", he said.
"Thank you doctor.", I said and shook his hands.
"Aaliya!!", I exclaimed when we entered the room.
She was awake, but her forehead was bandaged and she had an IV drip on her left hand. I sat on the bed and she flung her arms around my neck. I clutched her close and whispered to her "It's okay my princess. I am right here". She looked pale, but at least she was fine.
"I am so sorry princess. I should have dropped you off.", I told her.
"No Bhai, why are you saying sorry? It's not your fault. I am the one who forced you to attend your recording na.", she sputtered.
"But I should have known better. How are you feeling now?", I asked her tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.
"I am fine Bhai. My head hurts, but I am okay. Are you alright?", she asked me as if I was the one who had the accident.
"You crazy girl. Mein theek hoon.", I replied her and pinched her nose.
"Pragya Di, I heard your voice before I blacked out.", she blurted out looking at Pragya who was standing on the opposite side of the bed.
"Haan Aaliya, I tried waking you, but you fainted. So I rushed you to the hospital and called your Bhaiya.", she said with a smile.
"Your Bhaiya loves you very much. Do you know how worried he was while waiting outside?", she asked as she sat down on the bed.
"I could have guessed it Di. I am my Bhai's world.", Aaliya said proudly holding onto my hand.
"So, I think you two would have officially met, but just to make myself useful. Bhai, this is Pragya Di. Pragya Di, this is my Bhai, Abhishek Prem Mehra aka Rockstar Abhi!", Aaliya cheerfully introduced us.
We started laughing at my sister's cute behavior. Pragya had a hearty laugh, just like my Mum. It surprised me and I watched her from the corner of my eye. Aaliya wouldn't have known the similarity. She was still a toddler when Mum and Dad passed away.
"I know Aaliya. Your Bhai is a really famous Rockstar.", Pragya said genuinely.
"You know me? Do you listen to my songs?", I asked her cocking my head.
"Of course I know you. Who wouldn't? I don't listen to your songs. But I have two younger sisters who go mental over them. Happy love isn't it? Your latest hit?", she said looking at me.
"Please don't mind me asking. But if you knew who I was, why didn't you acknowledge it while we were outside? I mean any other person would have asked me for an autograph or a selfie, regardless of the situation I was in.", I asked her curiously.
"That's because, I just saw you as a brother who was worried sick about his sister. You being a famous celebrity comes in second. Firstly, and most importantly, you are Aaliya's bhaiya.", she said which actually shocked me.
No wonder Aaliya was excited about her. I realized that she was different. Pragya was just an ordinary girl, but she was an extraordinary person and there was definitely something special about her.
"Oh! So now both of you have become friends and are ignoring me.", came an angry voice and we turned to look at Aaliya.
"Hahaha!! Yes Aaliya. Are you jealous?", Pragya asked.
"Pfft!! Of course not!! Just feeling left out!!", she said waving her hand.
We chatted for some time and I left Aaliya in Pragya's care, while I went to settle the bill and collect her medicines. I returned to the room to find them laughing away happily. It filled me with a sense of peace, but I didn't know why.
"Okay Pragya, thank you for everything.", I said while carrying Aaliya in my arms to the car.
"It's no problem at all Mr. Abhishek", she said and the way she addressed me didn't feel right.
"Mr. Abhishek? You are making me feel old Pragya!", I told her and that had set Aaliya off with her infectious laughter.
"Okay then, how about Abhishek?!", she asked beaming at me.
"Much better!", I said as I placed Aaliya in the front seat.
"Pragya Di!! Thank you!!", Aaliya said while holding out both of her arms to Pragya.
"No problem sweetheart. I would have done the same for my chote behen.", she said bending down to envelope her into a bear hug.
I smiled at their growing bond and closed the door soon after. Walking over to the driver's side, I turned to look at Pragya who came to stand beside me.
"Can I drop you home Pragya?", I asked her politely.
"No Abhishek, it's okay. I have some shopping to do and I live close by. You should get going. Aaliya needs to rest.", she said placing her hand on my arm.
"Thank you once again. And please, do stay in touch.", I told her, and subtly placed my hand over hers which was still on my arm.
"No worries Abhishek. I will be in touch. Aaliya has my number.", she said and lightly shook my arm.
We said our goodbyes and I drove home with Aaliya who was soundly asleep. I had my driver pick her car up and bring it back. As I was driving, my mind wondered again to the events that happened today and inevitably to Pragya.
I touched my arm to the spot where Pragya had placed her hand. Her fingers and palm were so supple, yet it was the same hand which grasped me strongly, giving me the belief that my princess would be save. It unknowingly brought a smile to my face.
I had a small urge, a tiny voice nagging in my brain, to know even more about her. But, how on earth was I supposed to get her number from Aaliya without raising suspicions of my true intention? I turned to look at my princess, and imagined seeing two pointed horns sticking out from her head. The little devil inside her will blow the news into Daadi's and Daasi's ears making headlines in no time!
There were many girls I knew being in the music industry. They had the slim figure, with the porcelain skin and perfect hair, unfortunately most of them were airheads. They didn't have any essence.
You can say I am weird, being the nation's Rockstar, and being in the same industry. I am a guy who is driven with determination to reach the top, to be the best. I am the best. Being on the streets after my parents' passing made me change my outlook on life.
I met many people along my tough journey. People who discouraged me, played me out and downright betrayed me. Why? Because they had the power and money to do so. My perception and thinking changed. Money and fame were important, and I strove hard to achieve it.
Then again, I had my conscience with me. My Daadi. She raised us with traditions, which I often forgot, or chose to forget. I didn't pray as she did. I didn't believe in God. My reason? My Mum and Dad were taken from me. I was fighting for myself and what was left of my family. I failed many times before I became who I am now. No one helped me. Every time I fell, I told myself to get back up stronger.
Daadi and Aaliya were my inspiration and motivation. They were the reason. My driving force. I didn't show them my sufferings and hardships. They deserved only happiness and love which I made my goal in life. I found a brother in Purab and shared my hardships with him, which kept me sane throughout the years.
I valued money and fame, devoured it like a beast. But underneath all that, my family came first beyond everything. I couldn't bring in a girl who prioritized her career, looks and weight instead of Daadi's well being and Aaliya's happiness. Heck, even me for that matter.
I didn't want that sort of a bimbo in my life. You can ask, isn't it fair that they too, think about money and career like I do. Well, that's their own perception. Being in the industry for so long, I learned the union of career driven and money minded people wasn't always a bed of roses, thorns were bound to be present. Simple, like poles didn't attract, at least for me.
My wish was to have a girl who valued bonds and family. I didn't pray, but that didn't mean she wasn't allowed. I didn't follow traditions and rituals, but that didn't mean she couldn't. I never expressed this to anyone, but I always wished for a girl who would not only be my life partner, but also my best friend, my soundboard, my pillar and if it wasn't too much to ask, a mother, not only for me, but also for my princess.
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Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
Fan Fictions
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