Link to the start of the FF:
http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=572837&T PN=1
I'm going to continue it from part 8 (where I last left you all with)
-------------------------------------------------
Part 8 C
"Oh dear..." said Shiv calmly noting the expression on Gauri's face, "you're angry aren't you?" he questioned, as he jogged towards her. For completely unknown reasons, he was actually gaining delight in teasing Gauri. It was a strange, but it was fun to trouble her. Fun to watch that annoyed expression on her face, fun to watch that angry look, fun to irritate her, fun to watch her make a fool out of herself, bottom line it was just fun to be with her. She was turning out to be a wonderful company, a completely package of entertainment with all the right masala anger, tears, excitement, and who could forget that beautiful smile of hers.
"Of course I am" answered a surprised Gauri, as she looked back at him. She was hoping he would follow her, but she didn't expect him to follow her this quickly. Now, if only he would quickly apologize for his lousy words from earlier, and they would sit down to light a fire. A part of her was regretting this decision to walk away, but her stubborn side was not willing to go back.
"Here..." he said as he caught up to her, "I will car---"
"What are you doing?" she snapped, as he lifted her in his arms, "And, where are we going?" she said eyeing the surroundings not once liking the look on his face. Especially, the grin, the "evil" grin on the corners of his mouth was sickening.
"To get rid of your temper!" he replied seriously sounding in control, as if he had planned all this from before and she did not like his response one bit. It was freaking her out by every second.
"Shiv, put me down!" she replied not at all liking his tone, "Shiv!!" she yelled punching him hard, "put me down now!!" she said angrily, "or else I am going to kill you!"
"Relax" he replied grimly still walking, and maintaining his hold on her.
"How the hell can I relax with you?" she asked raising her eyebrow when he cast her a ghostly look, "I don't trust you" she justified back in turn calmly, "now, would you care to put me down?"
"No"
"Shiv!!!" she continued punching his shoulders, "Shiv!!" she said struggling from his hold, "Let go me"
But, he continued to royally ignore all her protests, as he carried her in his arms through the dark dense patch of trees, until she could finally hear the sound of the water again.
"Oh my god!!" she screamed, "What are you up to?" In her mind all sorts of scary possibilities crept through like what if he was planning to throw her in the water, so that she would freeze to death. What if this was going to turn into a romantic moment?
Even, though the second possibility was exciting, she quickly shut it away, she wasn't supposed to think like that! Actually, in the first place itself, she shouldn't have gotten this close to this man. She was to remain professional, but of course she completely forgot about everything, when it came to this man, she lost her good senses in front of him. The question was why though?
This had never happened before, then why was this happening now?
Before she could think about it, they were near the water back again, the sounds of tiny waves splashing back and forth on Shiv's feet brought her out of her thoughts. He bent forward to throw her down, but she caught his neck in the last second pleading silently in his ears, "I am sorry! Please" she begged, "please please" with tears rolling from the corners of her eyes, "don't throw me in the water!"
"Too bad" he said removing one of her hands from his neck, and then moving on to the next, "S—h--iv" she begged, "Everything will go as per your way" she cried, "I swear!"
"You sure?" he asked looking at her deeply in her eyes. If she looked away, it meant she was lying, if she continued looking, then she would stay true to her word. In either case, he was not planning to drop her in the water. This was all fun. Just light fun.
"Yes!" she screamed, "I swear!" She was just so exhausted, and annoyed with this man. Just so furious that she would kill him now. It would be much better to be stuck in a prison for a life sentence or be hanged to death rather than deal with this idiotic insane moron.
The word 'insane' it self tempted her to do one thing, to declare that he was mental, a completely insane person to the world, that thought was rather very tempting. No one could prove her wrong, the guy had issues, he was a bit psychologically ill, he couldn't exactly be categorized as insane, but one look at that temper of his and any sane would declare him insane. But, she knew better.
She knew his history, all his problems, and his horrific past. That past of his, which perfectly matched along with hers.
"You won't threaten to leave"
"Yes. I won't"
"You won't argue"
"Yes. I won't."
"You won't give me lectures"
"Yes."
"You will kiss me"
"Yes ----" frowning she found her self asking "WHAT?"
But, by that time he had dumped her on the ice, and started walking away leaving her in a completely dazed state. Had he just asked her to kiss him? Even, if he had, it was completely hilarious, well she found it highly amusing, maybe she was losing her good mind stuck in this island for what, a good 28 hours at the least.
"He—ey, you" she said rising on her feet, and wiping the snow off her pants, "What did you just say?" she asked, as she started walking towards him. But, he continued to walk on without once sparing her a glance, nor responding to her question.
"Shiv," she yelled, "I am talking to you... not the trees." But he again continued to ignore her. Annoyed by his ignorance she decided to have a little fun of her own. Tapping her heels on the snow lightly at first, but when he ignored again, she decided to pick up the snow from the floor. Lifting it in her hands she managed to roll it in a ball, then taking aim of his back she threw it right at it.
The next instant the ball hit him in the back, and he stopped dead in his tracks. Smiling from ear to ear she was just about to jump up and down, but when he turned around, and she was met with that deadly scowl, all she could do was scream her head off, and run for her life.
"Cheap trick," Shiv said with tight lips, and the next instant he came dashing in her direction, while she ran yelling, "I am so---ry. I am really so---ryyy Shiv" but when he continued chasing her around all she could do was run as fast as she could. Not at all having an athletic build, nor being athletic and proudly bragging about her laziness for any physical activity proved to be very costly when he caught her in the circle of his arms. Time stopped still. Everything came to a halt, including her heartbeat, as she wondered the consequences of her actions.
While somewhere in the confines of her heart there was a secret hope for a kiss.
****
Assume: There is a house on the Island! And, Shiv & Gauri have lost their good senses!
PART 9
"Shiv..." she called out softly, "Be careful, it's quite slippery today..." as soon as the words were out of her mouth she slipped on the ice, and fell hard on the floor landing hard on her face.
The next second she felt a stabbing pain in her knee & nose, as she made her hands to her nose she noticed blood oozing out. The sight of blood made her slightly sick, and uneasy. Before she knew it, she was lifted off the ice, and made to stand on the floor.
"Walk..." pestered Shiv holding her hands, she looked at him helplessly, and noticed that he was busy staring at her knee, she stared down at it, and noticed her pants had ripped.
Somehow she gathered the courage to take a step, when she had, she instantly regretted it, since she could still feel the pain in her knee, and could swear she was losing half her blood trying to walk with it. "I-I can't walk" she said to Shiv gently, catching hold of his hand tightly, as he looked at her for a second in disbelief, "Come on... let's do it again" he whispered, as he give her hand a light squeeze just to assure her that he was present.
"I-I can't" she announced without moving from the spot, as he continued to study her face. Before she knew it, he had turned to her right, and continued walking, as if nothing had happened.
Turning around, she furiously asked, "Are you just going to leave me here?" as she stared at her pants, which she noticed now were filled with blood.
"yes" he answered calmly, as he continued walking, "but..." she asked in fear, "why?" "Because, you will never grant me the permission to lift you..." "oh, you are so totally not getting that one!" she replied back stubbornly, lifting her chin up, "excellent, then... you can freeze to death, as I sleep peacefully on a bed" "bed?" "yes, in case, you haven't noticed, Gauri, I'm heading towards a home" with that he had disappeared out of sight, while she continued calling out, "Shiv... Shiv... please.... please...pease pease peasee... come back... your permission is granted" "too late" he answered back... A minute later, Gauri was seen limping towards the house cursing him under her breath.
****
"Sir..." pleaded the secretary turning red when her boss turned to face her, "Can I please head home?"
"I do not see any reason as to why you are still waiting here?" he replied cordially gazing off in the distance.
"A--are youuu suure?" she stammered.
"I am not a two year old, for you to sit here, and baby sit me" he snapped angrily, "Now get out, before I push you out of the cabin. Out Now!" he screamed loudly, while the secretary ran out with her little heels clicking around.
Remaining in the shadows, the man sipped the bitter liquid, as he gazed into the moonlight. Tonight would be the last time he would contemplate on that one topic pressing his mind. The real deal would start tomorrow....
****
"Do you mind addressing the matter that is disturbing you?" asked Shiv leaning against the doorframe, as he watched Gauri fidget with the gloves.
"I fail to understand your words, my lord," she chuckled lifting the glasses, and heading towards the sink
"I am not a fool!" he snapped following her into the kitchen, as she switched on the tap.
"Did I say you were?" she threw him a skeptical look, before taking out the soap, and gathering a sponge in her hands, as she scrubbed it on the glasses.
"I have given you enough space to think about that rather dazzling problem of yours..."
"You have?" she looked in disbelief
"Yes..." he replied, "Now, however, I feel that's enough time you needed..."
"And, just who are you to decide that?" she asked rolling her eyes, "My lord..."
"You are rather brilliant at pissing me off!" he said furiously pulling her in the circle of his arms, and placing the glasses aside. She winced in pain, with the tight grip of his hands, as she tried to struggle, "look at me, Gauri" he ordered, but she ignored his words, as she continued wrestling him.
"Gauri, look at me" he ordered again his voice louder than before now, "Leave my hand!" she replied in return.
Grabbing her face in his arms he lifted it to level with his, "What are you hiding from me, Gauri?" he asked staring down her chocolate brown eyes, while she shivered in his hold, and shifted her gaze to somewhere else. She was shocked with his sudden words. Couldn't he beat around the bush and come to the point? She had rather have that, than deal with this...
Bringing her face closer to his, he whispered against her cheeks, "Are you afraid of me Gauri?" she looked at him in complete fear he noticed, even though she snapped, "of course not!" she had carefully avoided his gaze, and tried to pull away.
"You are afraid aren't you?" he asked pulling her more closer now.
"I am not" she whispered with her eyes closed. This was getting so difficult, she realized. It was taking every ounce of her energy to prevent her self from pulling away from his arms and running away, "I do not like waiting, darling, now, open that beautiful mouth of yours, and start the talking..." he ordered, as he outlined her high cheekbone with his finger.
"I-I am not hiding anything," she replied weakly again.
"You are going to talk" he replied firmly
"I am not!"
She felt him slap her cheek as she heard him say, "Breathe", while she tilted her face to the other side. A minute ago, she had been slammed into the wall with his body against her for some reason had made her hold her breath.
"Leave me!" she protested weakly
"shhh" he whispered seductively in her ears, which immediately made her feel all dizzy. Her heart jumped right in her throat, as he continued to whisper in her ears, "What are you hiding from me Gauri?"
His breath against her skin, made her feel all uneasy and weak
"I... I ammm notttttt hiding anything Shiv"
She intended to say those words loudly, but it came out all huskily.
"Bull ****" he replied slamming his hand on the wall, as his hand came crushing down on her even harder, "Bull ****" he said again, "I am not leaving you till you spill everything that's going on in here"
"What are you talking?" she asked innocently with her head pressed against the wall. Pressing the left side of his face to her cheeks in frustration, he noticed her shiver completely, as she took a deep breath.
"Well, too bad then, till you get everything right out. I'll do everything as per my own will" he said furiously, as he twisted her hand, "Sh----
"Answer me Gauri" he said arrogantly, as he studied her face, her expressions, the fear evident in her eyes, the confusion, everything, "I don't know what you are talking about" she replied, stamping hard on his feet, she pushed him quickly, and managed to walk away.
"It's incredible how you accuse me for things"
"I said I was sorry"
"Apologizing does not change ---"
"I am trying at least!"
"Why do you always have to believe that I am out there to get you killed or something?"
"Who said I believe that?"
"For heaven's sake!" he cried, "Gauri, you threw a big tantrum because I threw you down the plane"
"That was because I fell in the water. Water, which happens to be -----"
"Your biggest fear.. let's not get started there..." he finished as he rolled his eyes, "But, do you see something beyond that?"
"What is beyond that?"
"That perhaps I tried to save your life"
"You threw me in the water!" she scoffed bitterly
"My dear Gauri," he replied patiently, "didn't you see the blast?"
"I would rather have that, than be dumped in water"
"Well, then you are just too pathetic ----"
"Hey! It's easy for you to say things, but anybody in my place would prefer staying in the plane than be down in the water"
"Will you let me finish, Gauri?"
"Allow me to remind you, Mr. Kapoor, I have already apologized for my words on... if-we- were-faced-with-a-situation-when-someone-was-about-to-kill-u s. You-would-throw-me-in their-hands-and-run-away." she snapped back, "Now, I would really appreciate it, if you don't keep bringing it up!"
"The main thing, Ms. Chatterjee is that you CANNOT trust me!"
"I trust you!"
"Sure" he mocked, "Just, who the hell are you kidding" he replied walking out of the room.
****
"aree Mrs. Bose kaisi hain aap?" asked Gauri's chachi faking a smile, which was returned by Shashank's mother as well.
"main bilkul theek hoon ji. aap sunayee?" she asked pulling her saree pallu together, "kaisa chal raha hain Gauri bitiya ka kaam?" she said surprisingly in a rather sweet tone
"bhagwaan ki Gauri seh toh bilkul acha chal raha hain..." said chachi smiling, while Shashank sat on the corner staring at Gauri's cousin, who appeared rather too nervous at his sight.
"phir toh hamhe shaddi ki date jald se jald fix karni chahiye..."
"bilkul..." yelped Ram Chatterjee from the door looking rather too pleased to Mrs. Bose, but under the gaze of his wife, it was otherwise.
She was well accustomed with her husband's sweet behavior. It only came at the odd times. He always went along with everyone's wishes, but when the time came to put everything into action he always went with his own thoughts.
Very strange man, that husband of hers, standing at the door smiling at her for the first time in twenty years. Something was cooking up in that head of his, she noted, as she took in his pleased face with disbelief.
****
Both Gauri and Shiv lifted their stubborn chin, with their noses held high. They sat on the dinner table silently fiddling around with the food. The clicking of the stainless fork and knife could be heard occasionally every now and then.
Gauri refused to speak, since she did not want him to gain the pleasure that he-was-earlier-right, and she ought to share her-problems with him, which she was not willing to part with. And, unless she was mistaken, there was a time when Shiv himself had royally declared 'it's none of your business' when she had asked him some personal question, so why was he poking his nose in her problems?
She could have answered in the same tone, "mind your own business, Mr.
Kapoor" but he would have been greatly angered with her answer. He could do everything as per his own wishes, but when it came to others, why should they listen to him?
Finally having enough of this silence, Gauri cleared her throat to speak, but it took her a while to formulate the question, which would start off the conversation.
"Shiv" she said softly, yet clearly trying not to give him the impression that she wasn't in need of him, "Why don't we ever have any decent conversation?"
He shrugged his shoulders in response, and just when she thought that was the only response she would get, he proved her wrong, as he muttered, "Because, we do not share any common ground"
"That's simply an excuse!" she snapped furiously, "The real deal is that we do not wish to get along"
"Because, you are stubborn enough to stick to your own opinion, which always happens to be opposite to the one, I have, it's as if you gain pleasure by fighting on the opposite side. You refuse to part with it, and hey" he added catching sight of her furious expression, "even I can be the same, but I can be very reasonable at times too"
"Reasonable?" she said raising her eyebrow in disbelief
"That explains the reason I haven't strangled you yet!"
She giggled lightly at his statement, which surprised him to no end, as he watched her grimly, trying to figure out her state of mind, he replied indignantly, "I am afraid something is in your pasta, Gauri"
She laughed out loudly this time with his comical expressions, as she caught his hand, unable to control her self, as tears almost came in her eyes.
"Honestly, Gauri, now it wasn't funny at all!" he replied with a straight face emphasizing on the word 'that' to which she threw him a skeptical look.
"Oh god!" she cried, "You are funny!" she cried yet again, unable to control her laughter, as the words, "That explains the reason I haven't strangled you yet" kept replaying in her mind.
He was forced to rethink about the previous times when she hid her smile on purpose, and fought him like wild cat.
"You have gone mad!" he declared eating his pasta, while she continued laughing for no reason. A part of him felt that she was purposely laughing in order to lighten the environment, and to erase his strong belief that "she feared him"
But, if he wasn't mistaken, she very much enjoyed arguing with him. And, those were the only times when she didn't have that fear in her eyes. She would be so lost, and engrossed in her arguments that she would lose sight of that fear, which was a good thing, in a way...
All of a sudden the beautiful smile greeting her lips lighting up her entire face froze as she distinctly remembered that they were stuck in an unknown place, and they both were about to die. Within a matter of seconds, tears formed in her eyes, as she thought more about it.
Her family, her job, her future, all was a distinct dream now...
Shiv instantly became aware of the mood change, as the expressions on her face changed within a matter of seconds.
"Gauri," he said catching hold of her hand, "Are you alright?"
She watched him from beneath her eyelashes, as she took in his appearance. For a few minutes, she did not say anything, and just sat there looking at him. And, Shiv was aware that this wasn't the right time to press for more. He had realized earlier that by pressurizing she would never ever relent, she was extremely stubborn, like a child. She was still yet to grow up, and face life. She still believed that everyone was so sweet, and nice.
He could still remember her words from earlier, "I believe everyone is nice, Shiv. Somewhere there is good side hidden in everyone, some chose to bring it out, while others hide it. It's all a matter of choices, Shiv!" it had sounded cheesy back then, and still did now. He wanted to throw his head back, and laugh at her silly words, but he hadn't, in fear of that temper of hers...
"I miss my family, Shiv" she said finally, as he noted the softness in her tone, "I love them, Shiv, they are my life"
He couldn't prevent his next words from coming, "Now, surely, Gauri you do not mean that" he said grimly, to which he was met with a confused look, which soon turned into an icy glare.
"Of course I mean it, Shiv!" she snapped furiously, as she shook his hand off, and arose from the chair.
"You love that chachi of yours, who has been anything, but kind to you" he replied in a matter of fact tone, which ticked her off, turning around on her heels, she yelled back, "But, deep inside, she loves me, Shiv, which is why I still live in that house. She had the power to kick me out, send me to an orphanage, but she chose to bring me up..."
"That explains the reason you've bruises all over your body" he replied straightly, "And, also the weight she has put on"
"Weight has nothing to do with this!" she yelled back, "And, hey you leave her weight out of this"
He chuckled at her words, as he got up with his plate, "You're nothing, but the servant of that house, while her highness sits all day ordering you..."
"So what?" she asked, placing her plate in the sink, as she stood there facing him, "I love her, and she loves me. And, that's all that matters!"
"Love?" he said shaking his head in disbelief, "darling, it's only a delusion!"
"It is the most beautiful thing in the world!" she yelled back, unable to understand where this silly discussion was heading.
"A selfish feeling"
"Selfish?"
"It is." He said softly, pulling out a chair for her to sit, as he took a seat beside her "A girl falls in love with a guy based on his looks or his personality. She wants the most perfect man in the world. Definition of perfect of course varies from girl to girl, but for the most part, all of them have those silly dreams of their prince charming riding on a horse sweeping them off their feet. Now, don't even get me started on those "sexy bad boys" transforming fairytale...
"I don't see where we are heading with this, Shiv"
"A girl only loves a guy for his looks & personality. Good looks + Good personality so that she could boast around in public how nice of a husband she has, and also because she wants to be treated nicely.
"You are an idiot!" yelled Gauri, "Which girl in her right mind would say, 'I want a husband that beats me up!'? we all wish for a husband, who will treat us nicely, and if it is selfish, then selfish it is, I don't care! Goodness, don't you date girls for their face, and umm...something something" she repeated his words from earlier using the same tone "now, don't even get me started there!" placing the glasses in the sink, she added, "And, where there is love, there is need!"
"Wrong." He retorted calmly, "Love is just something so ridiculously made up – all based on movies – a fantasy held by girls mainly – thanks to all the movies & those romantic novels"
"But, guys believe in it as well"
"Those aren't guys my dear"
Her hands resting on her waist, her nose held air, she asked him grimly, "And, how do you know?"
He ignored her question. "It's just a hopeless piece of shit made up over the years."
She felt her blood freeze at his words, "How dare you suggest such outrageous things about love?" she screamed at the top of her lungs.
"my my Gauri, darling, you are not in love are you?" he asked softly his expressions changing from amusement to something unrecognizable
"I don't know" she blabbered looking at the floor lost, "I don't know what love is ------"
"And, yet, you are about to lecture me on it!" he asked incredibly
She ignored his words "The only thing I am aware is that it exists – love exists in the world." Love she whispered softly in her mind "is the most beautiful thing in the world – to be loved or to love is a sheer joy that only some lucky people are blessed with" retorting angrily, "which sadly is not the case with you Mr. Kapoor"
"Thank god!" he sighed, chuckling he asked, "And, what was that last sentence with 'sheer joy'?" amusement was visible in his eyes.
"And, that's why you will remain ultimately the loser & loner you were in the past, are at the present, and will remain forever."
"So, tell me who is this guy who are in love with?"
"I told you" she snapped angrily, "I don't know what it is!"
"I will tell you," he said in that arrogant voice of his, "it's attraction that's what it is."
"It's love" she replied back stubbornly
"Bull shit!"
"Love is Life"
"Money is life."
"It's love"
"My dear Gauri, money is key to everything."
"I don't believe that!" she replied furiously, "Mr. Money Man"
"Why do you think Gauri everyone is busy in their own life? Everyone is busy earning money, either educating to earn money, setting up a career to earn money or on a lookout for a job to earn money. I haven't met one soul till date, who doesn't have a desire to earn money. People educate to earn money. Money is the key to life. Money is everything in the world. And, if you don't have money, you are finished, you are a nobody in today's world, money offers you everything, luxury, happiness, and even your love"
"What does busy have to do with money?" she asked, unable to understand his words, "You have lost your mind today, Shiv. How can your money offer love?" she asked in disbelief
"I can buy your "love" any time with my wealth. I just have to throw notes around, and girls will be claiming to be in "love" with me, I can buy anyone anytime"
"No offense or anything, but that sounded really cheap" she answered bluntly, "And, will you honestly stop insulting love? What do you know about love? Huh? What do you know? Have you ever loved someone to know the power it holds?"
"As I mentioned earlier, Gauri, it's only something made up in the society. Love does not exist. It's a joke. A complete ridiculous piece of ****"
"And, oh, my, how on earth are you absolutely sure that it does NOT exist?"
"It doesn't exist, means it doesn't, Gauri. No arguments there!"
"I will tell you one thing Mr. Kapoor. All this wealth thing has gone up above your head to the point that you do not see the most simplest things ---"
"Hun, I am being practical here!"
"Oh & I am being very unrealistic. Am I now Shiv? We all feel we are right about our own opinion, it's actually completely pointless to sit here and argue with you about this, because I am sure you are not going to change your stand ---"
"Which makes me wonder how I became the most successful businessman that I am today"
"Shrewd"
"I am sorry"
"You forgot to add the word 'Shrewd'. You only know how to inflict your own opinion upon others"
"I do not!"
"When was the last time you felt the front person was right, Mr. Kapoor?"
"Honestly, Gauri, what is up with you and your silly questions?"
"Forget it! You cannot answer them, Mr. Kapoor." Picking up the fork, she continued, "As I was talking about your massive wealth, before which you rudely interrupted me" at her words Shiv choked on his bread piece, "Let me point out that money is the reason people loose out on their friendships & family, basically all the relationships. It is the reason for the increasing crime rate; it is reason certain individuals of our society turn into monsters, people kill for money, people die for money, people even sell themselves for money. You can surely buy things with money, and even if you manage to buy someone's 'love' it's fake, completely temporary, and tomorrow if your massive wealth falls short, and you turn bankrupt, everything will be gone in a flash ---
"Thanks for pointing that out, Gauri! But, that sure will not happen with m-"
"On the other hand, the "love" which I claim exists will be present, even if you went bankrupt, if I loved you Shiv Kapoor, I would not ditch you"
"Words are much easier, than actions Ms. Chatterjee," he said sipping on his wine.
"And, before I forget you cannot buy the power of "love" with money"
"Of course I can!" he answered confidently
"You just cannot"
"How about I buy that lover of yours?"
Gauri flushed a deep shade of pink
Picking her self up, "hey," she replied defensively, "leave him out of this!"
"Gauri, how about you start embracing the reality?"
"What if someone falls in love with you Shiv?"
He turned stiff, and silent for a moment, as he hesitated for a bit, before answering calmly, "I don't beli----"
"I gathered that much already" replied Gauri, as she tossed the napkin away.
"I would ensure they fall out of it."
"But, why?" screamed Gauri, as she threw her hands in the air
"I have seen life, Gauri. And, life is not at all pleasant" when Gauri looked like she would interrupt him, he added on "her life with me won't be a rosy goody goody picture."
"Who said she would dream about the good things? She will be prepared for the struggle as well."
"I didn't say that," replied Shiv, "but there will be certain expectations she will have from me i.e. I will love her back, she will be the main person in my life, my love, my life, and finally it will turn to wife"
"Not necessarily Shiv. If she loves you, then she won't force you to settle down with her"
"It's easier than done, Gauri" he replied, "those words of yours will last only a month or two, maximum a year. I cannot see them lasting for long. Besides, girls tend to have the constant hope in their mind that he will marry me one day, and that will be the ultimate killer of the relationship. I won't really blame her, after all how long can she wait for me?"
"Not all relationships head to marriage, Shiv." replied Gauri, as she played around with her hair, "You can still be in a relationship without marriage"
"Will you, Gauri?"
She dropped the porridge on the floor, screaming god lord, she bent down to clean it, while Shiv went, "Gauri?" to which she looked up hesitantly gazed at the white cabinet before turning her eyes on him, and finally came up with, "No--No."
"There you are, similar to you most girls demand marriage, Gauri, they all want to be secure about their future. And, marriage provides that security."
"Let's assume that this girl agrees with your anti-marriage stand, then?"
"She will expect me to remain committed to her. She will hate to see me with some other lady"
"And, you plan on remaining unfaithful?" she asked raising her eyebrow
"It's more like I cannot imagine myself with one girl forever."
"And, why is that?"
"You do remember that I do not believe in the concept of love, do you?"
"Yes, I'm very certain, even if you happen to wake me up in the middle of the night I will be able to tell you that now!"
"My lifestyle is different, Gauri. Now, since we are stuck here, I am unable to do a lot of things, but once I return back to my life, I will once again begin my routine"
"And, what if we get stuck here forever Shiv? Then, your lifestyle will change won't it?"
"You cannot predict anything, Gauri"
"So, can't you! How can you be so sure that you will not fall in love with anybody?"
"Experience changes things, Gauri, and as per my experiences, I can very well assure that I will not all in love."
"And, what have you been ditched by some girl or something?"
"No" he replied silently, "That's not the case. It's something else"
"What is it?"
"I do not wish to speak about it!"
"And, may I dare to ask the reason"
"No!"
Throwing the napkin off, she walked out furiously, "You are just pathetic Shiv! Totally pathetic! You are not willing to share any goddamn thing... but, you want to everything about others!" changing her bitter tone to a sarcastic one, she said, "Remind me again, the reason I am wasting my precious time having this discussion with you when it will not enter in that thick head of yours?"
"Because, you lubeeeeee me" was the response she heard, and a short chuckle followed with it, as she threw the bowl in the sink and walked out.
****
Part 10 – Tit for Tat
By the time Gauri had placed all the vessels in the sink, and rinsed them thoroughly it was past midnight. Sighing, she made her way across to the bathroom to take a quick shower before she would head off to the warm comfort of the bed.
'Gauri' called out Shiv Kapoor from the hallway, 'yes' she answered turning around to catch him in a pair of shorts, and a black shirt that said, 'fcuk'. For some reason, she found him incredibly much more handsome, than the last time she had gotten sight of him, which was a few hours ago, when he had pulled out all the novels from the shabby looking cupboard, and flipped through them, after that he had conveniently disappeared behind them, only to resurface now.
'Did you wash the wound?' he asked gently, as he casually leaned against the drywall watching her. She nodded her head in response, and also replied, 'yes' softly, 'a long time back' giving him a small smile she quickly made her way past him, and hastily traced her steps into the bathroom.
She closed the door behind her, and leaned against it, as she sighed. With his face still stuck in her head she made her way to the shower, completely forgetting to lock the door behind her, as she switched on the tap, pulling her pants up slightly, she stared at the nasty wound. The cut had conveniently spread it self halfway across her knee, she could trace her blood all the way up to her socks. She removed them, and threw them in the sink.
Turning on the tap, she placed her leg underneath it to wash it. The door flew open. She turned side way to catch Shiv Kapoor stepping in.
'It was the socks, wasn't it?' she asked, as he made his way towards her, 'You didn't wash it, did you?' he demanded gritting his teeth, 'no' she replied turning her gaze down towards the wound.
In her guilt, she failed to notice that he had turned the tap to hot. She winced, and backed away from the tap when the boiling hot water fell on her right feet burning it. However, Shiv caught hold of her wrist, and pulled her forward near the tap, yet she managed to stay slightly away from the burning hot water), 'what are you doing?' she asked, not liking that fire in his eyes.
He turned around, as he pushed the cupboard open, and threw bottles down that came in his way as he searched for something. She took this opportunity to turn the tap on to normal, as she took a handful of water in her hands, and dropped it on her wound.
Pleased with its appearance, she started to place her left feet out of the tub when she heard him say, 'don't move' with great authority, which took her by surprise, since she had completely forgotten about his not so pleasant side, which she had come to face with in their first meeting.
In the meanwhile, Shiv Kapoor pulled a bottle out, tossed its lid open, and started to bring it closer to her knee, 'Shiv' she said backing away, 'pleasee' she pleaded, 'don-don't!'. He grabbed her roughly, and pulled her forward, 'Shiv' she begged, 'noo' as tears started falling on her cheeks at the thought of that liquid coming in touch with her cut.
But, neither her words nor her tears failed to affect the man standing in front of her. He pulled out a cotton ball, opened the lid of the bottle, placed the cotton ball in place of the lid, and tumbled the bottle down half way.
Gauri noticed the cotton ball turn slightly brown. Holding her breath she pushed the bottle from his hands, it flew midway through the air before it landed on the floor. The entire liquid splashed across the white tiles. She heard him say, '*****' under her breath, as he pulled her forward roughly by her hair.
Gauri Chatterjee's patience vanished in thin air.
Infuriated by the word he used for her, and his hold on her, she snapped angrily, 'Don't you dare use that word on me Shiv Kapoor!' pulling him by his collar, 'Lay your hands off my shirt' he ordered, 'Lay your hands off my hair' she answer back, 'I will not have you abusing my hair!'
She heard him swear again under his breath, before which he pulled her hair even more tightly, she pulled him by his collar even more tightly, he swore again for the next three consecutive times before which he finally released his hold on her, and the next instant she removed her hands as well.
He left the bathroom closing the door loudly behind him. Month's later history would repeat itself.
****
Miles away…
A man stood in the darkness sipping the bitter liquid lost in his own thoughts about the past, the present and the future.
'Sir' called out the timid looking butler, 'There is a phone call for you'. The man turned around.
The butler almost gasped with his master's appearance.
The once fine looking man now resembled one of the monsters of Halloween.
Eyes that were blood shot red – the most striking feature - his hair were a complete mess sitting on his head like a bird's nest, and small stubble was appearing on his once fine looking jaw, but nothing could spark the fear, except for the eyes
As if sensing that his master wanted to know the caller, the butler answered, 'it's someone called Kaya Melhotra' the butler saw his master frown, 'What does she want?'
'She wishes to speak to you'
'Inform her I'm busy'
'She claims it's urgent'
Taking slow, but long strides, Vivan Raichand left the room dismissing his butler, unaware that once his back was turned small whispers could be heard chanted through the hallways, as they passed from one servant to another.
'Something greatly troubles our master'
****
Ram Chatterjee stood patiently at his door waving at the Bose family with a fake smile on his lips, while his wife giggled much to Mrs. Bose's delight.
Once the Bose's had conveniently disappeared out of sight he turned to face his wife, who grinned widely, following her gaze he noticed the brat of Bose family touching his feet, 'I will take my leave now chachaji' he said politely, 'certainly' replied Ram politely, as he tried to hold back his instant dismissal of the boy.
With his mind dilemma of Gauri's answer he failed to catch sight of Shashank stealing a glance to the bedroom door where his younger daughter was present. She had nicely hidden herself behind the wall, occasionally peeping to catch sight of this arrogant rich handsome boy, which she had read of only in novels standing now in front of her. It was like a dream come true for her…
'Beta' Mrs. Chatterjee (Gauri's chachiji) smiled at Shashank, 'Now, all I wish for is a boy like you for my gudiya' she said sweetly glancing towards the bedroom. Her daughter immediately disappeared from sight.
'It's my honor' replied Shashank bowing with a smile, as he stole a glance to the bedroom. Winking at gudiya he did 'namaste' to the Chatterjee's as he took leave, while 'gudiya' leaned against the bedroom wall, and blushed remembering her prince charming's wink.
****
Minutes later…
She had barely managed to take a second to gather her self when the door flew open again, 'what is it now?' she asked defeated, looking at Shiv.
'Did you cry?' he asked softly looking at her wet cheeks, she shook her head negatively in response, smiling, he walked closer to her, 'liar' he said lifting her chin up, 'beautiful liar'
For a second he saw a small smile appear on her lips, but the next instant it vanished, as she angrily dismissed his words, 'I've had enough of this nonsense!' she replied standing on her feet, 'This is all so god damn fake!' she added truthfully.
'What is fake?' he asked grimly, 'Once we reach back home we are parting ways, Shiv' she replied seriously, 'Who said we are merging ways?' he joked, only to realize later that as far as Gauri was concerned dating was not an option. 'sorry' he added later when he caught her furious expression, 'I meant we're not planning to get married, right?' he said gently, 'No offense Gauri, but you are so annoying, like really no guy in his right mind would marry you'
He was taken aback by the faint smile on her lips. 'Did I ever wish a desire to marry you Mr. Kapoor?' she asked innocently, yet very sarcastically.
There was a mysterious glint in her eyes. He could swear her eyes twinkled in delight like diamonds.
****
Part 11 – Starlit Sky
Wrapped in a blue velvet robe, Gauri Chatterjee lay awake on the high poster bed staring at the circular ceiling above. Her curly black hair lazily fell across her shoulders; her lips curved in slight confusion at the crisis in front of her, while her chocolate brown eyes sparkled like diamonds.
In all Gauri Chatterjee provided an excellent picture of a black haired pretty damsel in distress - by the fear and pain smoldered in her expressive eyes.
Unable to erase that face which haunted her vision she turned around to stare out the window at the snowy hills engulfing the island. This time, however, the last scene with Shiv Kapoor sprang in her mind. She tried to shake it off, yet for some reason she could still picture the bitter way he had looked at her before he had finally walked out of the room.
Pushing the lock of hair falling on her left eye, she decided to reflect over the entire scene for one last time. In the past few minutes of thinking... she had come to deduce a few things.
It was perfectly clear to her that he had walked in with the intention to clean her cut. However, since she had "lied" to him, he had been furious with her – she could deduce that fact since he had mentioned earlier once that he disliked liars. But...
For one, it was completely ridiculous on his behalf to get "angry" over Gauri lying to him. She lied. Big deal! It wasn't the end of the world. There was no reason to become so violent over it! And, there had been several instances in the past in which she had lied to him, and he had perfectly been aware of it (later on) yet he had never given a harsh time over her lie, as he now had. So the 'lying led to anger' scenario was out of question!
And, if there were a second reason for his anger, which could be that she had been so "carefree" about the cut... now, this one was slightly tricky, it would hold true for any guy except him.
Why would he care whether she sterilized her cut or not? It was only a cut. It's not like she would catch some "disease" through it. And, Shiv Kapoor was intelligent enough to understand it!
For a second, even if she assumed that he did care, then he wouldn't in the first place pull her hair so roughly for a stupid damn cut! Which sane person in his right mind would do that?
The caring scenario just did not make sense! The man that never ever gave a damn about anybody would never give a damn about her. Really now, it was too early for his highness to care about anybody.
Frustrated over this whole puzzle, Gauri turned on the other side, as the final thought of something amiss somewhere strayed off her mind, and she finally fell into a blissful sleep in the warm comfort of her quilt.
****
Miles away...
Vivan picked up the receiver, as his face tightened with distaste, "I'm sorry Ma'am, but I've no idea who you are." For one fleeting second he had the impression that this happened to be one of Shiv's ex flames.
"Er- sorry- But, I'm Kaya Melhotra" whispered the lady softly in her sweet melodious voice, "Gauri's friend"
"Gauri's friend?" asked Vivan, his expressions instantly softening within seconds, "what is it Kaya?" he asked, as guilt tugged in his heart, since he had chosen not to contact Shiv nor Gauri. He noted down mentally that he would contact them, as soon as this conversation was over.
"If my memory serves me right" Kaya announced politely, "Gauri was supposed to return two days back..."
"Yes"
"Then, why isn't she back yet?" asked a worried Kaya.
"Actually, I've been unable to contact anybody in Mexico yet..."
"How come?"
"Kaya, I apologize. I really do." replied Vivan gently, "But, it's just that – er- I've been extremely busy lately"
"Busy?" said Kaya in disbelief, "If my information is right, your friend Shiv Kapoor also happens to be with my friend"
"yes" answered Vivan in a guilty tone
"And, you've been busy enough to the point that you cannot even spare a few minutes to talk to your friend?"
"listen Ms. Melh-----"
"Noo!" exploded Kaya, "You listen to me! It's been almost four days since they left from here, and you have not even contacted them yet!"
"Ms. Melh----"
"I'm not willing to listen to any of your excuses, Mr. Raichand! How could you be so --"
"But----" interrupted Vivan
"Unlike you Mr. Raichand, I happen to have all the spare time in the world for my friend, so kindly give me the number now!"
"Number?"
"Yes, number, as in telephone number!" snapped Kaya
Vivan excused himself for a few seconds called the head office, and noted down the number, once he had done that he passed the information to Kaya.
"Now, if you will excuse me I would like to contact my friend." She said patiently, yet he noticed, she failed to leave out the bitterness in her tone, "Goodbye for now Mr. Raichand!"
The butler froze, as his master dropped the phone, and strode to the cabinet. Vivan picked up a bottle of whiskey, pouring some in the glass, he drank all of it in one gulp, then he refilled it again, and drank it again, he continued do this, until he lost his good senses on the table. But not before muttering a silent apology to his friend.
****
"Good morning" said Gauri a little too cheerfully, as she greeted the tall man sitting a little too casually on the high rise chair. He turned around once he heard her, she noticed that his gaze lingered on her wet hair a little too longer, than it should have, as if he disproved it.
"You shouldn't have taken a shower" he pointed out grimly watching her, but she refused to face him, instead she forced all her attention on the can, lifting the can up, she asked innocently, "What is this?" trying to start off a conversation on a different note.
"Chick food" he replied straightly, she giggled lightly at his reply, pouring some of it in the bowl, she started to rise for a spoon when he stopped her, "I already got it for you" he said tonelessly. She looked at him for the first time with a genuine smile, he noted, after last night.
"Thanks!" she said politely, unable to believe that he had the sense to at least remember her, "I'm heading to the study" he paused, as she continued to click around with the spoons, as if she could care less, "if you need anything let me know"
"Why are you leaving?" she asked softly taking him by complete surprise with her question. She looked at him, while he hesitated to come up with a suitable answer, shrugging off, he answered bluntly instead, "Because, there is very little point in us pretending that we get along"
"Do we need to get along?" she asked innocently, "no" he answered seriously, "not necessarily. But, at least, if I can, make it a point to avoid arguments with you, then I most certainly will!"
"I understand." she said softly with her lips twitched in a gentle smile. He shrugged his shoulders in response, and wordlessly, he strolled out of the room leaving her alone to fight control over her tears.
****
The next two days passed by with the blink of an eye. Neither Shiv nor Gauri spoke to each other. For the most part they avoided each other, in fact Gauri had made it her pattern to stay awake all night, and sleep during the day just so she could avoid him.
But, the most touching thing about this whole 'not-talking' routine was that Shiv left food for Gauri every day – he cooked not only for him self, but also for her. It was quite sweet of him, even though they weren't on best terms, at least he had the sense to cook food for her, something even she (herself)... but he did. She had to admit, the guy could be damn nice at times...
That night Gauri woke up shivering, but as usual she first listened for any sounds of movement, when almost five whole minutes had passed, and no moment could be heard – she naturally assumed Shiv had fallen asleep. Stretching her hands, and yawning out loud she made her way to the bathroom to take a quick shower.
Wrapping a purple robe around her self she walked out, and switched on the lights in the kitchen, as usual Shiv had left something for her. Smiling at his ability to cook, she pulled out a plate, grabbing the vessel she sat down on the table to eat.
"I was wondering when you would be here," said a voice from behind her. She swore she had jumped a mile. Turning around she noticed his eyes flicker on her hair again, he really needed to stop doing that.
"How are you?" she asked genuinely, as she poured some water for her self. She noticed he looked much better than before – more devilishly handsome, no, it was just her she hadn't seen him in days, and that was reason she was thinking in this way.
He shrugged his shoulders, and took a seat beside her.
"I see you have washed your hair again" he pointed out to her, as if she wasn't aware of it. Annoyed with his words and his "genuine concern" she asked tersely, "Are you quite finished?" when he chose not to answer she decided to get everything out in the open, "And, why does that matter to you if I washed my hair or not?" she asked bluntly.
His lips twitched.
"Hold on..." he replied grimly, "you don't think that I care for you, do you?" he inquired in a low, amused voice, which completely annoyed Gauri. The guy was damn quick, Gauri noted. Raising the wineglass to his lips, he watched her. She was extremely furious, he noticed, but more with her self than with him.
"You know..." she started, feeling that awful lump in her throat, "I always made it a point to overlook your mistakes. For instance let's go back to the other night - you yelled at me, swore, even went to the extent of pulling my hair, yet I justified that action of yours by thinking that perhaps you did care for me... It sounded so silly at that point, but really, I felt maybe you did care, and that was the reason you yelled at me."
He threw his head back and started laughing like a maniac. Furious with his rudeness, she rose from the table with the plate in her right hand, and glass in the other.
"I'm sorry" he said in between the laughter, but if truth be told, Gauri was perfectly aware he was indeed not at all sorry, "Gauri, let me make something perfectly clear" he began once he was finished laughing, "I do not care about anybody. And, that includes even you!"
"I'm so glad you decided to bring that out in open today!" she replied quickly, "Because, if you hadn't done that, then I would be under a MAJOR misconception that you indeed did care about others. Now, at least that would make you HUMAN." Once she had finished, she almost regretted her words. It wasn't right to reveal her own feelings in the heat of the argument, if there was one thing she had learnt earlier on in life it was that.
He chuckled at her words, "human? You mean to say, Gauri, the individuals that do not care about anybody aren't human?"
"I'm not getting into that!" she replied walking away from the dining room, "My whole point was the mistakes you did – I always justified them by saying – humans aren't perfect, and there in lied my mistake! You are a callous cold arrogant monster with no feelings whatsoever! No girl in her right mind would be ready to marry you ---"
"Why are we on marriage? Yes, I'm not human, Gauri, haven't you realized that already? I'm a descendant of Satan!" he announced in an amused tone.
"Because your stupid damn words 'i-do-not-believe-in-marriage' are still stuck in my mind!" she announced angrily, "And, for the Satan thing - Absolutely!" she scoffed throwing the plate in the sink, she walked away.
****
By the time Gauri entered the confines of her bedroom she was extremely annoyed with her self for making a complete fool out of her self in front of that man.
But, if there was one thing, she was aware, it was that he cared. Shiv Kapoor cared for her. He wouldn't admit it, but he did care. And, even though she didn't have sufficient proof for her statement, her heart said he did, and she acknowledged that.
Just as she lay down on the bed staring at the ceiling above, something popped in her head, it almost made her dizzy with excitement, instantly she got back up, throwing the covers off, she rose. Positively beaming she left the room. It was about time she learnt some swimming!
****
Wearing only a petticoat and a pair of shorts she had stolen from the cupboard, but she had rather call it borrowed than stolen, borrowed, of course, without the permission of the owner. She crept down in the lower level of the house, on the first day it self, Shiv and her had come across a indoor swimming pool in the house, as they were exploring the house.
Now, she was getting the impression that the owner of this house was the owner of the entire island. She found it quite fascinating, and cool that a person owned this entire piece of land, all to him self. It was incredible and amazing. He could get his entire family here. They could have this place all to them self. Except, the not so cool part crept in when you were freezing to death in here.
The basement she realized was much wider and a lot better furnished than the upper level. It consisted of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious long living room with a fireplace, and a small, but beautiful kitchen, she noted. But, a slight disadvantage came with it – it was a lot cooler down in here. She almost froze to death in that little petticoat of hers.
Walking swiftly she made her way to the swimming pool, and glanced at the side. It was about seven feet deep – she read off the black marking on the tiles. Shallow end would do a lot better for her. Dipping her leg in, she realized, the water was way too cold – it was partly frozen, almost.
Damn, she had to switch on the hot water...
****
Shiv Kapoor sat down in the confines of his room engrossed in reading. Once he was finished with the novel, he decided to call it a night off, rising, he lifted the empty jug and went to refill it.
The house was dead silent, he realized, as he walked out. He felt like an intruder. Switching on the light, he took swift long strides to the kitchen. When he was finished refilling the jug, he decided to go, and check on Gauri one last time before he would head off to bed. That little brat must be still fuming, and sulking over his earlier words.
Maybe, just maybe, if things were too bad, then he might apologize a bit for his words, at least matters would calm down then. He certainly wasn't looking forward to her vanishing act again. Not that he missed her or anything, books were definitely a better company, but really he was starting to like her too. Annoying that she maybe, she was still a beautiful girl with a beautiful heart.
****
Gauri Chatterjee waited patiently for a few minutes until the hot water filled in the entire pool. There were a couple of times in the past few minutes when she actually regretted coming down in here, and was on the verge of running back up, but since she had decided to pull out this thing. She had to do it. She couldn't back down now no matter what!
And, if this whole thing blew up on her face – that is if Shiv Kapoor did not show up at all or even if he did and he did not pull her out. Then, she would just go back, and strangle him, because he would be the most insensitive jerk she had come across – well, not really, she would just give up on the proving "he cares" mission! But, for now, if he could be stubborn, then she could be damn stubborn too.
Now... if only, someone came, and knocked some sense in that big fat head of his... Months later, she would realize, she was meant to be that person.
****
Gauri,' Shiv called out again, and again. Yet, there was no response from her. The bedroom was empty, bathroom empty as well, living room, kitchen all vacant.
Where the hell was she?
He almost ran out of the house to look for her, but once he went a few feet he realized there was no footprints other than his leading out of the house. Panting, he walked back inside, closing the door tightly shut, he stood leaning against it.
And, that's when he heard the unmistakable sound of some sort of water running coming from the basement. Flinging the door open, he broke into a run down the stairs, his heart beat racing, he ran all the way to the door, pulling it open, he ran inside screaming with alarm, "Gauri?"
The bathroom was empty. Damn! Where the hell was she? That sound was certainly not from here. And, then it dawned upon him. Not the swimming pool... God no...
****
Gauri walked around a bit for a few minutes in the shallow end, she realized it was too boring. She desperately wanted to jump in the pool, and the shallow end was not the place to do that.
She could quite float, so she was fine in the deep end. Getting out of the pool, she walked to the other side. Nothing could possibly go wrong...
****
Shiv Kapoor had never in his life run so quickly, as he did when he rushed towards the other door. He threw the door open, while an image of Gauri sinking down flashed in his mind – he felt his blood freeze, he immediately dismissed it, as he ran inside calling out her name.
And, that's when he spotted her – in the god damn deep end, there she was sinking down – out of his grip – in a state of panic he almost jumped in the shallow end. Immediately rushing to the other end of the pool, he jumped in without hesitation, and those mere seconds it took him to get her almost took his life. There she was in front of him, yet so far away, he felt, she was fine, he told him self, she was alive, it was all alright!
****
Gripping her waist, he finally brought her up. She coughed the whole time he took to bring her to the surface, once there, also he kept his grip on her hand, and waist firmly, as if she was so delicate – she would melt, and slip out, He asked her to get out first. Stumbling, she made her way out, while he followed her. She almost fell down on the floor, but he managed to catch her in the nick of time.
His panic gave way to anger, as soon as he realized her foolish act, "What the bloody hell was that?" he barked. While, she continued coughing, "you could have drowned!" he screamed, "if you were that interested in dying, then you should have let me known earlier!" pulling her closer he patted her back. The coughing slowly came to a stop, "You foolish girl! Why the hell did you start with the deep end?" he scoffed, "I- I wanted to learn how to swim" she said hiccuping, "And, I jumped in the deep end, but something went wrong – and I couldn't come up". Her frank innocent confession touched him, and that's the reason all he did was stare at her for a few seconds. Then, he pulled her out of the room, he dragged her up the stairs, closing the basement door tightly shut. They marched up to the bedroom, "his", not "hers".
****
Minutes later...
"I'm sorry for scaring you, Shiv" Gauri began in an apologetic tone, as she trembled due to the cold.
"I don't care what it is, but you're not staying out of sight ---" he announced pulling the covers up on her.
"Why?" Gauri was completely at a loss at the way he was behaving. Not staying out of his sight? What was that all about?
"You lost out on all your freedom – when you decided to do that foolish act!" he pointed out seriously, as he got a towel out.
"I will have that" she replied pointing to the towel, he ignored her, "No" "I'm quite capable of wiping my own hair Mr. Kapoor" "Common Gauri don't be too shy I'm only wiping your hair" "shut up" she hissed, "Now, what was that lost out on freedom thing? You mean to say – you'll follow me in the bathroom as well?" she asked in surprise, while he started to wipe her hair with the towel "How shameless of you!" she hissed
"Yes, thank you for pointing out that I have no shame whatsoever. I'll be ready to even walking in the bathroom, provided that there is a window to the bathroom, but since there is none, all I have to do is stand guard outside the door"
She was slightly surprised as he wiped her hair. The other day was this the same guy pulling her hair? It was so unbelievable because he was wiping her hair so gently now.
"Thank god!" she sighed throwing her hands up in the air "So, what exactly are our sleeping arrangements?"
He raised his eyebrow, "From what I can see, Gauri, you did not have a problem with me sleeping beside you – when we were stranded outside in the snow storm, so I don't see any problem, if I sleep in the same room as you!"
"Goodness Shiv! Have you lost all your good senses? I'm a female. What will people say if they learnt I was in the same room with a stranger?"
"Do not under any circumstances bring those 18th century principles to me!"
"Right, I totally forgot, you have no principles whatsoever Mr. Kapoor"
"Now, if we are done with my character assassination, you can drink this!" he said raising a glass of wine to her.
"I don't drink that!" she scoffed, "And, I don't plan to as well!"
"Gauri, for the last time, I am asking you to drink it" he said patiently
"I will not drink that – no matter what-----" he raised the glass to her lips, "what do you think you're doing?" she asked pushing his chest.
"This will go right down your throat!"
"No way!" she replied turning her face away
"Certainly" he replied squeezing her nose, while she pushed him away, "what the hell was that?" she asked impertinently.
"What do you think it was?" he asked calmly noting the way a flame ignited in her eyes, as she cursed him, "You're not going to let me go, until I have that are you?" she asked. "What do you think?" he asked in turn, pulling the glass towards her she made a face at him, raising the glass to her lips she took a sip, and then in one gulp she was finished.
"Good!" he remarked, "Now, that's a lot better!"
Minutes later, Gauri Chatterjee lay on the floor holding the empty bottle to her head, she had remarkably taken down four straight glasses.
"I heard you are engaged with Shilpa Shetty!" she said quietly, as she sipped on the brandy. Out of the corner of her eye she watched Shiv's gaze over her questionably.
He was annoyed, she realized later, "Gauri, didn't we have a discussion about this the other day?"
"Discussion about what?" she asked innocently
"Are you suffering from amnesia?" he asked, a slow lazy smile drawing on his face, as he sat up.
"You see Shiv" she started, "I suffer from short term memory loss!" as she put the bottle down.
She quickly expected him to reply 'short term memory loss my foot' but when he didn't she was satisfied with her acting skills. She ought to take up acting. Really, she was good. Damn good.
"Well, let me remind you, I do not plan to marry anybody!"
She immediately wanted to point out something, but she bit her tongue refraining from bringing it up, since her mind warned her. Be careful, Gauri, any move on your side could jeopardize this entire thing. That matter would be stored for later. For now, it would be something light.
"What if someone nice comes along?" she asked brightly
"I haven't come across anyone nice yet!" he replied
"You mean to say all the women you have met, that includes me are bad?"
"Well yes- er- no" he hesitated, "I mean you can be nice, Gauri, and by nice I do not mean literally nice. And, no, I do not have any expectations – such as a perfect girl or anything, so don't even get started on that, but really, I'm least interested in marriage - basically just involving my self with one girl forever"
"Are you scared with the forever thing?" she asked in a concerned tone
"I beg your pardon"
"Nice to see I can make you beg Mr. Kapoor" she said with a grin, "I asked earlier are you scared with the forever thing"
"Well, no."
"Then, why don't you accept it?"
"Gauri, we have been through this before, and I'm least interested in going through this again"
"Okay, so let's assume for a second someone nice comes along?"
"It's not possible!"
"There is no harm in assuming." She announced in an irritated tone, "Then?"
"Well, too bad, I'm not marrying her!"
"Why?" she asked in horror
"Has anyone ever mentioned to you? That you can be very annoying, and not to mention nosy!"
What completely surprised him was the way she smiled at him when he said that, as if she had purposely chosen to be annoying.
"Shouldn't you be angry with that?" he asked
"Why should I be angry?" she asked lightly, "I'm aware of it already"
"Yet, you chose to be annoying?" he asked in disbelief
She chuckled at his words.
"I like the sound of that!" she announced.
For minutes they sat in silence. He watched the mysterious smile on her face. Something told him he was now very close to the thing she was hiding. He watched her finish her fifth glass, and rise to take the next one.
"Stop" he commanded quickly holding her wrist.
"What?" she asked her eyes widening, as she searched his handsome face.
"That's enough for the night!" he announced, throwing the wineglass from her hand on the other side.
"Why?" she whined, "I want MORE!" effects of the wine were starting to appear now finally – it was almost about time, he noted, "you get that mister, I want more!" she stubbornly commanded lifting her chin
"no" he replied, "too bad you're not getting anymore"
"oh yeah?"
"oh yeah!"
"Now, let's strike a deal" she replied in a business like tone, "uh-oh" he responded, she ignored him and continued, "if you wish to stop me from drinking, then entertain me!"
"Entertain you?" he asked raising his eyebrow, "you want me to jump around like a chimpanzee or make those kooooookoooo kaaakkaa sounds"
He noticed her laugh at his words.
"I like the sound of that!" she replied
"I swear to god, Gauri, if you are doing any of this on purpose to blackmail me later on, then I will kill you. I swear!"
"That is not very seemly to think Mr. Kapoor" she informed him with a slow lazy smile, as she chuckled at his expression.
"Since you love talking, let's do that, alright?"
"Yes!" she said brightly, "that sounds rather nice"
"And, you are to swear on me that you will forget everything I say when the night is over"
She gave him a mysterious smile. "How about I swear on myself?" she asked, when he looked like he would dismiss that, she immediately added, "I mean, since I'm so eager to kill you, I can swear on you to get you killed on purpose! Now, swearing on myself on the other hand would mean that I'm not LYING because obviously I do not wish to die na?"
"Alright" he replied grimly
While, she beamed again. This was the second time that night when Shiv Kapoor had been fooled by her words. Not that he hadn't been fooled before.
"Ok, so you ready to reveal everything to me?"
"Everything?" he asked in confusion
"All your SECRETS SILLY!" it was amazing to see the effects of the brandy, he thought, as he looked at her. She had announced it all in a pleasant tone, and at the word silly she hit his head, like she was his friend.
"Secrets?" he asked in confusion
"SECRETSSS! DON'T YOU HAVE ANY SECRETS?"
"No" he said seriously, "And, why are we back in grade two to start on secrets."
She giggled at his words. And, he realized something then he loved it when she smiled – her entire face lit up with her beautiful smile, and when she laughed, well for one thing, that laughter of hers was contagious.
Shaking out those thoughts, he turned his attention to her, "of course you do" she replied in a silly tone, "Remember you said you had some bad experiences the other night?" she almost bit her tongue once the words were out of her mouth. Hopefully, he wouldn't realize she had been lying earlier about having short-term memory.
"yes..."
"Now, what are they?"
"I'm afraid I'm not willing to part from them yet!"
"Alright then" she replied in disappointment, "And, I'm not willing to pressurize you to reveal everything, Shiv"
"Thank you!" he responded lightly sipping his wine. She wasn't as nosy, as he thought she was.
"When you're ready, Shiv, which I expect, one day you will be. Then, you will reveal everything about your past to me, and I promise you, Shiv, no matter what happens between us next – even if we are on the verge of strangling each other – no matter what... I will be there!"
"I like the sound of that!" he replied in turn smiling tenderly. She had to force her self to stop that self-conscious giggle from breaking, smiling lightly she shook her head, and turned away. He wasn't too bad.
****
Minutes later
"So, how is that lover of yours?"
"Lover?" Gauri asked almost foolishly
"The guy you are in love with" he pointed out grimly.
Gauri had to kick her self mentally for forgetting about that, "ohoo" she said pleasantly, "you mean him!"
"Yes," he replied grimly, "does he have a name?"
"Yes, but let's rename him to Mr. nice okay?"
"Yes, Mr. Nice," he said his eyes darkening, "what is he like? Apart from nice, that is" he prodded
A faint smile appeared on Gauri's lips. Time to make up! "He is" she started with the smile growing wider, "the best person I ever met"
"Really?" asked Shiv his eyes darkening again
"Yes, he is intelligent, considerate, gentle, kind, basically very sweet ------"
"I get the point!" interrupted Shiv, "But, surely now, Gauri, you're sensible enough to realize that he cannot be all that! No body is that perfect!"
"Just because you do not happen to be that way Mr. Kapoor does not mean no man isn't, okay?" she replied in a annoyed tone. How dare he crush the type of guy she wanted? Surely, guys like these existed!
"That was rather foolish of you, Gauri, do you have any idea how rude was that?"
"I thought you didn't care about anybody's words!"
"I don't!"
"Then, why are you angry?"
"I'm not angry!" scoffed Shiv
"Shiv, if you aren't angry, then I must admit, you are doing a rather poor job in looking like you aren't affected"
"Do you have any idea how annoying you can be?" he said instead.
"Yes, I do have an idea" she replied patiently
"Then, why don't you keep your mouth shut for god's sake?"
She remained silent. Something told her to remain silent. She liked the unexpected way their discussion took its course, it was always so unpredictable, well, it was mainly Shiv, who was so unpredictable. Thrilled with her victory. She was right! He was so god damn jealous about that "guy" someone who didn't even exist, and she had made up in the heat of the argument. But, it had sounded so good to be true! She was good, damn good at acting!
"Let me finish my point!" he stated finally, "Forget the guy!"
"WHAT?" asked Gauri in disbelief
"Yes, forget him"
"Now, why would I do that?" Gauri was starting to really enjoy this conversation.
"I'm willing to bet my every last cent – the way you have described the guy's picture – it appears too good to be true! You'd be wise to move on"
"Thank you for the rather brilliant advice Mr Kapoor" said Gauri in an "angry" tone, as she clamped her teeth together, "but, for now I plan on marrying him! Goodnight!"
She did not stop back to see the affect her last words had on Shiv Kapoor. If she had, then it would have given her a bit of a head start on the upcoming future.
****
Fan Fictions
Health and Fitness
Jhanak
