The Second Chances upd Epilogue pg63 on 22thFeb - Page 11

very nice update 😛😛😛

Ch6: Pyar Ke Side Effects

Present Day: 24^th December 2009,9.30AM

Dutta was never the one to give in easily but that didn't mean that he didn't give in. In fact, Nakkusha was the ultimate weapon that had been used by his own mother to get things done her way when the man in question refused to see things her way. So when she insisted that they had to go Christmas shopping, he had to give in. But he did fight like a true warrior in front of the best woman wiles ever. He had tried to mete out as many reasons to stay away from her as possible.

Dutta- I have a bank meeting at 11. Nakkusha- we can go to Eternity mall directly after your meeting. As a matter of fact, we can have the famous Saoji thaali for lunch at that Taapri, like we used to in school. It's a stone throw away from the SBI.

Dutta- I have to go to my hotel and shower and change as haven't brought anything here. Nakkusha- You are staying at Tuli's right. Awesome! I have never been inside that hotel. Atleast , I'll get to see it from inside. You take your bath and I'll just look around. Did you know that the owner's son married that ex-Miss World? No, not Priyanka Chopra. Your pig-gy chops is still single and no dostana. It's the other one you didn't like-Yukta Mookhey. Arey, she was that long one!

Dutta ' I might have to return some calls to the institute about my resuming the guest lecture job. Nakkusha- say no more, say no more. I'll just sit down and surf through channels till you get them fixed up. You can use my cell if you want. I have a post paid scheme. It's quiet cheap these days. I'll just pull up my denims. You get the keys from dad.

By the time she had closed her room's door, he had felt like bashing his head on a wall for sanity. How could he have forgotten her manipulative, talk-a-mile, see-no- block, head-for-the-home-run-see-no-fielder kind of streak? He had felt like strangling her when she had blithely ignored all his reasons to stay away from each other. He heard her calling from her room- Tuduuuuu, can you please ask daddy to pack my wedding dress in the boot? Here, come here and take it. Dutta shook his head and went and took the dress in plastic holder extended by a slim arm from the crack of her door. She was still chattering like a bird inside. He caught a few words like 'practical', 'dress', 'exchange'. He knew, he was about to know first- hand, what all his male friends called torture at female shopping spree. But the fool that his heart was, it was jumping with glee at the mere thought of being tortured by her. He could hear the little Nakkusha laughing at his failing attempts and pointing at him shouting,"Sucker!"

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Nine years ago: 27^th December 2000

Liberty cinema, Nagpur.

Nakkusha was so excited. Ashrita said he was the handsomest guy in school. The perfect mix of Mr.Darcy, Hrithik and Tom Cruise. Well, she didn't think that he could take that much credit at such young age but she was ready let him give a try. Of course, she was ready to beat the crap out of him if he tried crossing his limits. He should also know about her guardian angel by now. Though she prayed that the angel in question would never get to know about this situation.

She wore her denim short skirt and pink flyod tee, with long knee length boots. She still liked jeans but her friends said she looked too"HOT" in skirts. And her first ever date with Arun Chougley, the Head Boy called for super "HOT" dress code. She peeped at Dutta's window, he was nowhere around. Not surprising!

Nakkusha felt that for past two years they were drifting apart. He had topped the SSC exam, not that she was surprised. Now he was going to appear for his IIT-JEE this year. Since, he had become a junior college student, they were having less and less time to spend. Earlier he used to be there at all times. In school, at home. For playing, for studying. But now he had so much going on around him. She loathed his airy college dude act. She hated his new hairstyle, his clothes, his friends, his fast-biking,his swagger, his earrings. His earrings! Ugh! Jesus Christ! She couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the hole in the upper earlid. She had asked him and he had shushed her rudely pointing at his mom. She felt alone like she had lost her only friend. She had started doing things she wanted to do as well. She had long supressed herself from behaving like all her other girlfriends for so long to get his approval. Now as he was hardly there to approve or not, she did what she wanted. Soon, she had discovered that she was the most sought out girl in the school, a real Miss.Popular at Fifteen. She was going to pass out school next year. She wanted to enjoy her time of limelight. Hence, this movie date.

Arun came to pick her up on his sister's Scooty. She begged him to let her drive once, but he arrogantly said that she was,too young for it. Mentally she counted-strike one Mr. Arun, two more to go. She sat behind him and held the seat at the back. He told her to sit comfortably which interpreted as 'hold me tight'. She smiked behind his back "dream on, you chimppy!" He tried the ag-old sudden braking tactics. It might have worked on the high-power monster Dutta drove but on scooty it was laughable. They arrived at Liberty theater where Charlie's Angels was being screened. She had choosen the movie and he had been so happy that it was almost insulting as if he believed that girls could never like action films. He got them the tickets and they were waiting for the matinee show to end when she saw him sitting in the parking on his bike with his friends. She felt a sudden tightening inside. Has he seen her? If he has, why didn't he come to her asking what she was doing with Arun? No, he didn't see her. Else, he definitely would have come to talk to her. Why wasn't he looking this side? Doesn't he feel protective anymore? Did she need protecting? No, she was a big girl now. She didn't need him. But didn't he care anymore? Fine, she didn't care either. Let him rot!

As the movie started, Nakkusha tried in vain to locate his seats. But in the dark, she couldn't see anything. She decided to forget about him and enjoy the movie because she didn't find her date that exciting.Arun was one of those audiences who liked to whisper the track beforehand in their neighbour's ears. Nakkusha quietly counted Strike two as she fought unsuccessfully to get her share of popcorn from the tub. She mumbled to herself,"One more to go, Chimppy! Just one more!"

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Present day

Tuli international hotels, Nagpur

Nakkusha was suddenly jerked from her reverie when Dutta halted the car in front of the gates of the hotel. He handed over the keys to the valet for parking and went in the foyer without looking at her. She stopped at the entrance and looked at the old almost empty building beside the Tuli's. The groW*H of multiplexes was causing so many independent cinema halls to close. Liberty Cinema was affected, too. But she had had such amazing memories there. That day was a mark in her relation with Dutta. That first date had been an indication of turn of events. She had just missed those signs. Dutta handed her the keys, distractedly shifting through the incoming phone messages at the reception.

"Dutta SriRam Patil? Dr.Dutta Patil!" They both turned simultaneously at the voice. A beautiful brunette with brown eyes stared at them in amazement. Nakkusha whispered,"Shireen?" Shireen came,closer her eyes flickering between them. Shireen- Nakkusha? Dutta? you guys together? But I heard y nakkusha was getting married. Oh! She clasped a hand on her mouth, smiling broadly. Shireen- you guys finally got married! That's so great. I can't tell you how happy I am? You know what? Everyone in school thought your friendship was too good to be true. I mean, come on who does the kind of things you did for each other? Some people did say that you were like extended family and all. But seriously, I have three brothers and I know, that brothers don't behave the way dutta behaved towards you. She winked at Nakkusha. Dutta and Nakkusha looked at each other trying to set Shireen right but she was in a world of her own, chatting one to many. Shireen- I got married,too. Last year. My husband is investment banker. We had a lunch here. I didn't want to come but I am so glad I did. I met you guyz. Nakkusha darling, please don't worry about my stupid date with Dutta, in school. I mean, we were kids. And he was such a gentleman. But he is hell of a kisser. But I am sure you know.

This time when she winked Nakkusha wanted to poke her with the key in her hand. She glared at Dutta who had turned a shade of plum with apprehension. Dutta- Shireen,we are not married. Shireen- Not Married? But'Well, it doesn't matter. You will soon hook up right? Anyways I always felt that anyone else other then Nakkusha would always be worried about the close bond you guyz share. I mean, you are so much..She brought her hands together in a tight gesture and continued,"You know, close. That it is threatening to other person."

Dutta- you are wrong. We are not together. Infact, I am going back tomorrow. We just came to pick my stuff. Anyways, it was nice meeting you. Bye. He walked towards the elevator leaving a shocked Shireen staring after him.

Shireen turned to nakkusha- Did I'Did I say something out of line? I really thought that you guys had something going. Was I really that wrong?

Nakkusha- please, don't mind him. He is still jet-lagged. I am so glad we met here. So how is life?

She chatted for some time with her catching up on all the friends. Shireen was in Dutta's class hence, Nakkusha knew many of his common friends. It was easy to steer her clear of any topic about their relation. Nakkusha bid goodbye to her, promising to keep in touch by mail. She smiled as she thought of Dutta. He still reacted blindly when put in tight corners. She looked at her watch,"My god! I have been talking for half hour."

As she stepped in the corridor turning to the Indigo suite which he had booked, she saw him pacing infront of the door like a caged beast. Feeling her presence he stiffened and turned to look at her. Dutta said grimly- I forgot that you have the keys. She cracked smile,at his glum features. A smile that turned to grin and ultimately gave way to full bodied laughter. Dutta looked at her annoyed and tried to grab the keys. AS he turned to open his door, he began to shake with laughter, too.

And that's how they entered together. Holding each other's hands breaking out in peals of laughter.

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Nine years ago: 27^th December 2000

Liberty cinema, Nagpur.

He saw her standing near the entrance of the theater with a tall lean guy, he vaguely recalled from school. He surreptitiously looked at them together. When did she start dating? How did uncle even allow this? Maybe she had not told at home. But it was a 6-9 show. In winter's it will be quite dark by the time she got home. What the hell did she think she was playing at? He didn't like the way the faggot was leaning towards her. He was ready to go there and tan his hide but he stopped himself. Ever since the incidence last Christmas, he felt uneasy around her. He felt that things were changing too fast. He needed to stay away from her for her sake. But that didn't mean that she would act like a fool. Well, not while he was around and breathing. He walked in the dark theater and glanced around. He could see them sitting together in a cozy side seat, preferred by couples who wanted enact their own versions of the movies rather than watching the one already playing. He kept glancing back, Cameron diaz completely forgotten as he saw the activity going on at B1 and B2.

What he saw inspite of the dark, made him laugh. He needn't have worried. His Naksh was smart enough to deflect unwanted advances. The little minx was ready to strangle her date. He almost felt pity for the guy, almost. Everytime he tried to make a move, she would stuff her mouth with popcorn and start munching and talking simultaneously. Dutta felt relived and he turned back to the movie. But what when the popcorns got over? What when they were returning back home? What did he care? She was growing up and he was not her keeper. Even if this date sucked, there'll others and then someday she will find the perfect date. He knew that. He wanted that for her. But the thought gave a pang in his heart. His head started throbbing and he wanted to scream. He closed his eyes shut and breathed in deep, trying to control his turmoil. He slowly turned back to look at them. She was looking bored and was leaning far away from the pig. Well, maybe she'll find the perfect guy tomorrow but today she needed saving from this perfect disaster of a date.

At interval, he saw her sending the guy out. Probably for more popcorn. He wanted to stay put but agreed after some arguments. Dutta followed him out to the popcorn corner. He bought a Cold drink glass and kept his eye on his prey. As soon as he turned back towards the hall, Dutta started towards him. He purposely crashed into him soaking him with the cold drink on his light blue denim crotch. "andha, dekh ke nahi chal sakta! Bewakoof!" Dutta mumbled his apologies and pointed to the washroom. He glared at Dutta and made his way to clean off the mess. Dutta followed behind.

The movie had started. Nakkusha wondered where was Arun. Couldn't the fool even grab some popcorns? She felt the seat beside her taken and she shook her head in derision."What took you so long?" She turned to look at her companion and her eyes went round."You!"

Dutta- it took me longer than expected to scare some sense in that punk. Where did you find that piece? He offered her the popcorn tub. Nakkusha took the tub and turned back to the screen."You scared him.Why am I not surprised? You just have to ruin everything in my life, don't you? You just barged in and ruined my first date."

Dutta- my apologies. But in my defence, from where I was looking it didn't look like a whooping hot date either.In fact, your expressions where begging for rescue. Nakkusha- my expressions! How can you even see my expressions in this dark. Well?

Dutta- I was further down and the screen light was on you. Anyway. None of my dates ever get a chance to taste the popcorns in the movies, forget asking for refills. He pointed at the tub in her hand .Nakkusha- Oh, really! So what do they taste? Dutta grinned and danced his eyebrows outrageously at her- Me.

Nakkusha made a face at him and turned back. He tried to get some corns ans she swatted his hand away. He pulled back and glared at her mouthing a silent 'Aaww'. She ignored him for some time. Then she turned back to him angrily.

Nakkusha- you know what? I hate you. I have to lose everything because of you. You don't have time for me anymore. You are not there when I need to ask you about Arun. And when I did come for my first date, you scared him away. You may just have ruined my chance to fall in love. A romance of lifetime.

Dutta snorted- please'you were itching make him bald by pulling his hair. Romance my ass?

Nakkusha huffed- ok! Not romance. But definitely my first kiss.

Dutta grabbed her head and turned her towards him,pulling her close. Dutta- he would not have been the first to kiss you. I was the first. Remember? They stared at each other silently. He pulled her hairbreadth away from him looking at her lips and then at her eyes. Dutta- of course! If you don't remember, I would be glad to provide a refresher.

He closed the gap between them and took her lips in a deep kiss. She was not ready for it. She was clueless as to what to do? She wondered if she should keep her mouth open or close. Should she hold him tight or push him away? But in few seconds the matter was taken off her hands. She melted in his arms like chocolate left in the sun. He was invading her sense in full raged war whereas she was not even sure of her weapons.

He had wondered if the last time was his imagination. How can anything be this beautiful, so fulfilling? He had almost succeeded writing off the last time as specter of his over active teenage imagination but today he was dusting off that theory as rubbish. It was just as he remembered. No. this was better. He could taste her response this time, a hesitant but curious response whereas last time there was shock and submission. This time there was equality and insanity on both sides. Last time he had been the invader and she had simply followed like she always did, blindly. He tasted the salt of the popcorn on her soft lips and the pepper of her spunk.

A sudden laughter from all the audience broke into their haze and they moved apart. Dutta looked at her bemused eyes and called himself a thousand vile names.Dutta- Get up. You are going home. NOW.

''''''''..To be continued.

Reserved...