MJHT: |: One Shots' Gallery :| (Here only please) - Page 9

Ek ladki thi diwani si, Ek ladke pe who marti thi,

Nazre zuka ke, Sharma ke, Galiyo se gujarti thi...

Nupur was sitting in her classroom. Her eyes which were wet and puffy, said she had been crying continuously. She was in 11^th Standard. She had chosen Science stream. So she had to come to this school, in which she didn't know any one. Her old school had no Science stream. She was a bright student. But still she was sitting there with her mark sheet of internal examination which showed that she had very less percentage. "Just 62%" She thought. "What will mom-dad say? They will be angry. They will never understand why I got such less marks. Even I can't understand it. I mean, how is this possible for me?" Nupur Bhushan, who always got more than 80% in all the exams. She wanted to make a strong career, to support her family. She always thought, "Why do people fall in love? They waste their time. Just marry a person whom your parents choose for you when you are of age for marriage." But that was before she lost control over her own heart. True, she wanted to marry, but she was too young to think about marriage. Then why? Whenever she saw him, she can't control herself. She just keep staring at him. When she hears him speaking, she just wants the moments to freeze. "Mayank", She thought, "Mayank Sharma, Why can't I concentrate on my studies. It's all because of him. I just think about him day and night. I dream him only. He is so intelligent. Yes, more than me. But, may be he does not even know my surname. What is this feeling?" For almost an hour she sat there. Then she went home. That night, she decided not to think about Mayank and just concentrate on her studies.

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Time passed by. Two years really passed like two days. Her 12^th standard results are going to be announced today. It was mostly the last time all the classmates are meeting each other. She saw him, but didn't go to meet him. She asked her cousin to just know his result. Her cousin Gunjan, who knew she had a soft corner for Mayank asked Mayank's sister, when Mayank was not there. That's it. She came home. She took admission in Computer Engineering. She always remembered Mayank. There was not even a single day, when she did not remember him. He was so intelligent, yet mischievous, still so adorable. He had everything a girl would want in her boyfriend. Her friends, Diya and Suhani knew about her first and last crush Mayank. But she didn't know where he is? In which college he is studying? Anyways, she was very realistic to hope for him. Because she knew very well that may be Mayank will not even remember her name when they will meet each other in future. She completed her engineering. She got placement in one of the best companies in IT industry. She went to Pune, to work in Infosys. She always dreamt about working in this company.

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It was 5 o' clock in the evening of January month. It was too cold. She was sitting at the table in her cabin just hoping to drink some hot coffee in the canteen, when her phone rang. It was his project leader, Samrat Shergil. He wanted her in his cabin right now. (Sigh! No rest). She went without delay. She knocked and Samrat called her to come inside. There was someone on the visitor's chair. She went inside and greeted "Good evening" to Samrat.

Samrat said, "Hey! Come Miss Nupur Bhushan", at her name she thought she noticed some movement in the chair. She was standing behind it, so she couldn't see the person sitting there.

"This is your new project manager, Mayank Sharma", said Samrat. She couldn't believe her ears. "Am I dreaming or is it really happening?" she thought. Then he slowly stood up and after 4 years, she was watching him again.

"Hello, Nice to meet you, Miss Nupur Bhushan", he extended his hand when she just stared at him and didn't greet him for 1 long minute. She controlled herself and shook hands with him.

"Nice to meet you, too."

"Mr. Shergil, It seems like Miss Bhushan is not happy with this change. Hadn't you told her earlier?" he asked Samrat.

"No, I told her that I would be here for 2 or 3 days only, and I am transferring to Bangalore branch." Samrat was not aware of anything. He again got busy in some files which Mayank gave him and suddenly he realized that they were not saying anything and just staring at him. Then he told Nupur to continue her work in her cabin.

She went in her cabin. It was 5:30 PM. "Still 1 hour at office? How will I bear it? Why did he come here? I was happy. True, I have no any special friend in boys that can be my boyfriend in future. But I was satisfied with my career. I could concentrate on my work. And now? He is here, with the same smile on his face. He seems so similar, yet so much matured than he was in 12^th Standard. Of course, even I had changed somewhat." Suddenly there was a knock on the door, and she saw him entering her cabin.

"So, remember me? We were together in school for two years and also some coaching classes." Said Mayank in a polite tone so that they would feel comfortable in working with each other.

"Ummm.. ya , of course, the topper of the class, How can anyone forget you? But I am surprised; I thought I will have to remind you that I was in your class." She knew she sounded rude or weird but she couldn't help herself.

"Nupur, my friends Chirag and Aniket who knew you since 9^th Standard had told me that you were really intelligent, clever, and outspoken girl. Surely something would have gone wrong, otherwise you would also be in the toppers of the class. Any ways, since when are you here?" He said in attempt to cheer her up though he couldn't understand why she sounded angry on him.

She told to herself, "Oh God? How can I resist his so much nice and polite nature? Why are you making it more difficult for me?" Then she realized that there wasn't his mistake in this entire situation. He has no idea about her feelings. She has to forget about her one sided love or attraction or crush, whatever it was. But he still remembered what those Chirag and Aniket told him about her in just formal discussion? How was it possible? She thought he had never noticed her much.

"Nupur???" Exclaimed Mayank.

"Hmm.. Oh, sorry, I am here since 4 months. So tell me. Where were you before this?" She asked continuing just friendly discussion.

"I was in Bangalore, but wanted a transfer here. I couldn't get it in past 3 months. But Mr. Samrat wanted to shift in Bangalore because of some personal problems. So I got a transfer letter before 5 days only. Any ways, It would be fun working together because we know each other, right?" He asked.

"Ya." She replied. She watched the time. It was 6:30 PM. "Listen, I will have to go now. See you tomorrow. Bye"

Some weeks passed after Mayank joined the office. Nupur and Mayank both couldn't manage their feeling well, but they worked well together. She could express her problems while testing a software in front of him better than any one else. Even Gunjan, Suhani or Diya would not have understood her mistakes or problems in this way. He always helped her. He helped others, too. But still Nupur's heart kept telling her that there was something else in their relation than it was being seen. Or may be she wanted that. She tried to concentrate on her work.

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"Nupur, I want you in my cabin for an important meeting in 5 minutes." She got a message on her intercom.

She went in Mayank's cabin. There were also other members of the team, Sonam, Nilam, Rajiv and Hiren. She took her seat.

"Miss Bhushan, Have you prepared the report on the last project?" He asked her.

"Yes, Sir, here it is." She handed him the report on which she was working for last 4 nights. Because no matter she was preparing it for months, it always took last sleepless nights to be completely correct. Her eyes were saying that she was tired. But still she had to attend the meeting. It was a rule. All the team members were now handing their reports. He bade farewell to all of them except Nupur.

"Nupur, what's the matter, You are looking very much tired. Are you alright?" He said with the concern in his eyes and voice.

"Yes. Don't worry, Mayank. It's just because I could not get enough sleep in last 4 days. I was finalizing the report. So?" She replied. She was now used to him in the office and around him. No one in their team knew that they already knew each other. They just thought they were from the same city. So just were comfortable with each other. Mayank and Nupur were formal when there was anyone with them Otherwise they talked to each other as old friends only.

"OK. Then please get some proper sleep today, and do you want to go to the doctor for checkup? Should I take you to the clinic? He asked.

"Oh no, Mayank. Thanks. But I am fine. I will manage. Umm.. Can I go now?"She felt herself being uncomfortable by his constant gaze and concern for her.

"No wait, It is Holi next week and 4 holidays are combined because of Saturday, Sunday and Eid. Don't you want to go home?" He asked her.

"Oh, yes, indeed I am missing home much. I forgot about 4 holidays at all. I will think about it. Are you going, too?" She asked to know.

"Actually, I am also thinking to go, Shall we go together? It is travelling of 6 hours. We will be bored if we go alone." He said somewhat slowly.

She was dumbfounded. "Oh no, I has to stay away from him. A journey with him? I would deny him."

But what she said loudly was, "Ok. Sure. Now I am leaving, Bye." She started to walk towards the door but Mayank grabbed her hand from behind. She stopped and looked back. Her breathing was fast suddenly.

"Nupur, please call me if you need to go to the doctor or if you want any medicines from the store. Bye, Take care." He left her hand and she went quickly from there.

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Nupur was thinking hard. She was in her bed. She wanted to sleep badly. But still her eyes wouldn't close. She just thought of Mayank. Why did he do this? Or was it normal for him? No, his eyes were saying something. But her mind said that she would be hurt. This is not possible. Mayank and HER? He was just too good for her. He is handsome, intelligent, smart, helpful, and the list will just continue. For how long her mind and heart argued with each other, she could not know. The next morning she woke up fresh.

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Mayank went home, took a hot shower and came to his bed. He lay awake for some time thinking about his own action of today. How could he do it on impulse like that? She really drives me out of my mind. Is this love or first attraction of my life? I was very shy in school and even in college. I never flirted with girls. If it was some work, I would talk to them, but Nupur was somewhat different. I always get a feeling of protecting her from each and every problem she may be facing. I am protective for her. But why should I be protective for her? And very soon, he was in his dreamland.

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Though it was difficult for both of them, they reacted as if nothing had happened yesterday. They talked in their usual tone. They decided to go by a train of 10 o' clock in the morning. So they will reach home at 4:30 PM. They met on the station at around 9:00.

"Hey, Right on time?" Mayank asked Nupur.

"No, I am before time. Come we have to buy tickets, too." She reminded him. They bought the tickets and ate the sandwiches in the shop on the station. They waited for the train sitting on the empty bench. Suddenly one guy comes out of blue and runs away stealing Nupur's mobile. Mayank notices that and telling Nupur to sit there, he follows him desperately. He finally grabs him and takes the phone back. He comes to her and gives her the phone. He was all sweaty and patting.

"Thanks." Nupur said. How would have she tackled this situation if he would not be there.

"It's okay. But be careful. May be you were somewhere else mentally. Hey, the train is here. Come; give me one of your bags." He took the heavy bag and left a small light bag for her.

"Oh God, how can he know her this well? She was indeed somewhere else mentally. She was thinking about the day of the meeting only. He is such a caring man. A sweet lovable gentleman."

She followed her in the compartment without saying anything and they sat on the window seats opposite to each other. They stared out of the window for some time but kept glancing at each other on some intervals. Then on the next station, the people started to climb in that compartment. There was a sudden crowd. And the crowd was not too friendly. Some men were behaving very odd. Before anyone had sat on her seat Nupur just wished Mayank would come and sit beside her. May be Mayank was thinking the same, he suddenly got up and sat besides her. "Thanks", she muttered. "It's okay." He smiled at her reassuringly. That smile was to die for.

They talked for some time about their office, home, family members, old friends, college, dreams and desires. And then Nupur felt like sleeping. She closed her eyes.

Mayank was just sitting there, thinking about his life and trying to make out his feelings and emotions for Nupur. He looked at her. She was looking cute while sleeping. Her hair were coming on her face because of the wind and moving train. He stretched his hands out. And slightly, such as she doesn't wake up, he set her hair back. After some time her head was leaning on his shoulder. He felt heat rising in his body and sudden sparking inside his body. "Why am I feeling like this?"

She woke up after an hour or so. She noticed that her head was resting on his shoulder. She sat straight soon. She felt awkward.

"Good morning, madam" He grinned at her as usual.

"Good morning? At 1 in the afternoon?" She watched the time and commented.

Both of them laughed and the uneasiness was removed suddenly. Mayank asked, "Aren't you hungry? Because I am."

She nodded, and said, "Yes, I have something to eat in my lunch box." And she took her lunch box out. As soon as she opened it, "Wow, Paneer Manchurian, I can't believe. You made it?"

"Yes. I am a good cook, Mr. Mayank Sharma." She was in a very good mood now.

"Ok, then Miss Nupur Bhushan, I will give you marks after I taste it."He copied her formal tone.

They enjoyed Paneer Manchurian and laughed at funny things they remembered. After they had eaten, Mayank said, "Nupur, I really didn't know you can cook so much well."

"Actually I can cook Gujarati and Chinese very well. Even South Indian, But I don't like Punjabi food very much. I can cook that, too. But I just don't like it too much." She said.

"You know what? Chinese is my favorite. And I can do anything for Manchurian. We are so alike, isn't it?" He added the last sentence on purpose.

"Mmmm.. y ya actually I?," But she could just stammer.

He smiled to himself, but she didn't notice. Before she could manage to answer, her cell phone rang. It was her best friend, Suhani.

"Hey, Suhani, how are you?" She picked up the phone with relief.

"Are, I am fine. Are you coming for Holi or enjoying in Pune only?" Came Suhani's voice.

"Actually I am on my way to home. In 2 hours, I will be at home. Listen, I am coming to your place in the evening. Missing you and Diya. Just call Diya and tell her to come to your place at 6:30 ? 7:00, oK? I will come with Gunjan." She said in one breath.

"OK, Ok, I also want to talk to you about my life. Let's meet. Bye, take care."

"Bye" She hung up the phone and smiled to herself as her mind filled up with the old memories of college.

"Hmm? college friends?" Mayank asked taking her back in present.

"Oh, yes. Diya and Suhani are my best friends, and Gunjan is my cousin. We are like a mmm?"

"Family gang?" Mayank completed her sentence.

"Yes. You are an understanding person." She said giving a nod and a sweet smile.

"Or I just understand what ever you say, or even you don't say." He told himself in his mind. "But why? Was this love?" He needed to confirm. May be he was too much habitual to her presence in last two months at office. When ever he was confused, she came to his cabin by some co-incidence and after she would go, he always found that he was not confused any more. He never discussed his problems in project with her, but her smile always soothed him. It was a smile just reserved for him. He thought when she was with him, her smile reached her eyes, and otherwise it was mostly pretention. May be?.

"Mayank, what happened? Mayank?" He came to his senses by Nupur's voice. "We have to get down. Get up."

"Oh, did they reach already?" He had hoped the journey to continue for some more time. They came on the station as the train stopped.

"Nupur, my home is near station. Let's go there first. I will take my bike, and drop you your home." He said.

"Mayank, you hadn't slept for even a minute. I will go in the auto. Don't take tension. I will reach in 10 minutes only. And I will? " She was interrupted by his finger on her mouth.

"Nupur, you have so heavy luggage with you. And don't argue now. I am coming to drop you home. That is final." He told and both were lost in each other's eyes. Suddenly both of them realized that his finger was still on her mouth. He took his hand back, and she felt heat rising on her cheek. They were on the station in with so much public there. She looked everywhere but not at Mayank.

They walked towards Mayank's home silently. They went inside. His mom and sister were sitting in the drawing room.

"Mom, Rinny, how are you?" He greeted his mom and hugged his sister.

"Fine" Both replied and his mom looked at Nupur questioningly.

She touched his mom's feet and said "Hi" to Rinny.

"Mom, she is Nupur. She is in my office. We were classmates in school. Nupur, this is my mom, and this is my younger sister Rinny. Any ways, I will be right back. I am going to drop her at her home. Do you want any thing from the market, Mom?" He asked picking up the key of his bike.

"No. Beta, but wait. Let Nupur sit for 5 minutes at least. Sit, Nupur, and Rinny, talk to Nupur. I am coming back in 5 minutes." She went inside the kitchen and called Mayank to come in.

Mayank went inside and his mom asked him with love. "Beta, Nupur tumhe bahot pasand he na?"

"Mom, aap bhi na, She is only a very good friend of mine. Nothing else. Aap bhi khamakha hi kuchh bhi sochti rehti ho?.?"

"Beta, main tumhe achche se janti hu. Kuchh to baat hai jot um chhupane ki koshish karte ho." His mom said teasingly.

"Mom, main jaa raha hu. Who apne ghar pe late ho jayegi. Please." He pleaded his mom.

Mayank's mom takes bowls of ice-cream and comes outside. She serves ice-cream for all.

"Ye lo, beta, Mayank to pani ke liye bhi puchhna bhul gaya. Thoda buddhu he."

"Mom," He felt embarrassed. They ate ice-cream and Nupur was talking about her family with Mayank's mom. Then they finally stood up and Mayank's mom told Nupur to come again.

Mayank started the bike and asked, "Mom, main thodi der me aata hoon."

"Haan, Mayu beta, koi baat nahi." His mom had a small smile on her face.

"To choice to acchhi he mere bete ki. I liked Nupur." She talked to herself. She would talk to her son at night. She watched the bike until it disappeared.

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Promo of part 3:

At Nupur's place, Gunjan & Mayank intro.

Mayank's mom helps Mayank to make him realize their love, and Gunjan helps Nupur. After long separation of 3 days, Return journey starts, but will it take them to their actual destiny? Or will it create confusion???