Posted:
Hello everyone!
As the title suggests, another one shot on Arjun - Anjali.
Do let me know if it is any good through your wonderful comments.
Oh, pls ignore typos.
-May 😊
...
Os ~ A Chance
Her insane act of deciding to climb Everest alone didn't go uncredited. In a very dangerous situation, she felt satisfied that she could save all of them from death and naturally elated to be part of the rescue mission. It was a dream come true.
Aakash was all praise of her as Chaand quipped in. " Seriously! We all would have been dead if it wasn't you Anjali! You saved our lives.. "
" Yes, ofcourse. Thank you Anjali! " Abhyankar added. She smiled. ,"No really!.. "
She was waiting for him to say his thanks, though she least expected it.
She trudged along with others in fresh snow, her mind pondering over a certain conflicting personality she knew rather than on the snow. Her eyes constantly gazed over him.
He had opened up bits and pieces of his past to her during various instances. Why? Famous and rich, arrogant Arjun suddenly transformed into an emotional wretch as he apologized to her. His expressions she minutely remembered. Pain filled eyes, yearning for something he never had a chance to experience. That something was love. Love of parents, being loved by siblings, father's guidance, mother's love and care. He never had a chance to experience these simple yet out worldly moments.
He was the one who comforted her when she remembered her parents. His emotions at that moment, were too painful and sad, oozing out his self, she could almost feel it.
She could fathom his immense efforts to mask his emotions. To her, he always seemed in a state of trepidation, an unwanted fear following him like a dark shadow, haunting his innocent heart.
She realised he had a troubled childhood, worse than anyone can imagine of. She stared at him, her eyes witnessing a very different perception. His every little movement looked like a facade, the image he had created of himself for others to believe. She got easily fooled once, but not now.
By a close observation of his behavior since the start of their expedition, she was sure he hadn't really spoken or engaged himself in a conversation with anyone other than her.
Her heart asked her to help him. Both had their own stories to tell. A strong affinity she felt towards him. Why so? She didn't know.
Maybe, she hoped he'd talk to her. Maybe not.
She took a chance.
Walking up fast to match up his pace, she said in a low voice only he could hear.
"You should stop faking as a arrogant jerk. "
He stopped dead in his tracks. Composing himself a moment later he shrugged, his face inscrutable.
"You know nothing, Anjali. Better leave me alone.. "
"I suppose I do."
He turned to face her.
"Really?"
"Try me.. " They started walking again.
He whispered. "Know what Anjali, life isn't always fair and definitely not rosy always. You have a perfect life, I don't. Discussion over. "
"Who told you I have a perfect life? Brigadier Rawat always wanted a son, a son who would make him family proud by joining army. Make him a proud father. Much to his dismay, he got a naive girl for whom a father's love is non-existent." She smiled sadly.
He looked shocked at her revelation. " Hey, I didn't mean.."
"Don't worry, Arjun. Its alright. It was his dream to summit Everest.. "
He couldn't help but feel mesmerized by her determination to win back her father's love.
He chuckled, with a tinge of sadness. " So much for loved ones! Why Anjali?"
"Simply because you love them unconditionally, care for them without any expectations, harbor concern through times, share your deepest fears and loveliest joys with them... " she trailed off.
They were now some distance behind others. He took off his glasses, looking straight in her eyes. With a serious expressions, he said.
" I never had them or anyone around. I grew up amidst a very difficult atmosphere. Arjun Sabbrawal is a huge facade, a different identity altogether. You know better. Everything is still like water. Why create ripples by digging out past? "
Tears clouded his brown orbs, blurring his vision.
His behavior always intrigued her. She always felt a deep connection with him. Yes, she cared for him. A lot.
"You have another chance to live your life, anew. Why don't you take it? Why run away?"
"What chance are you talking about?"
"Don't you see? Look around, everyone cares for you. "
A tear broke free, flowing down his cheek, lightly tracing his jawline and finally falling into the snow.
She herself felt like crying. He held too much pain inside him. She shivered thinking about how a person can bear so much.
A moment later, he laughed. A heartbreaking laugh that reverberated in the utter silence that surrounded them.
She could feel others'eyes on her and Arjun.
"You are damn funny Anjali!!
Chaand shouted " Why are you laughing? I want to know the joke too!"
She could feel her face change color. She playfully punched Arjun's arm and shouted back. "No, its nothing, really!"
"Oh God!" Arjun continued, "Your face like a ripe, red tomato! " he burst out laughing again.
She took a handful of snow and threw at him, the snowball landing straight on his grinning face. His smile turned to a scowl as he heard a victorious shriek and giggle.
He joined her, his husky, low chuckle melting along hers.
"You two. Stop fooling around. And hurry! " Colonel Abhyankar's voice resounded.
" Yes. Right. I am sorry.. " both profusely apologized increasing their pace to reach others.
" I suppose, I can be myself only around you... Thank you.. " he whispered, with a twinkle in his eyes.
She smiled and extended her hand towards him. He took it.
He had to agree, she understood him better than anyone he'd ever known. She mattered a lot.
"Let's go. "
...
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
