IshVeer FF: Of The Soulmates Chapter 53(Page 144) - Page 88

Originally posted by: -.Neha.-

Wow lovely chapter dear👏uff that saree draping scene☺️

waiting eagerly for next update😳

Originally posted by: LadyMeringue

Aha! And like the useless yapping I do every time about being regular with the reviews, it goes for a toss. Meh.

But ignore my cribbing and let's get back to your chapter. It was a quick paced one for me because I honestly thought that the wedding theme might go up for three-four chapters but I'm glad you wrapped up most of the things so well.

From the beginning with Ranveer and Ishaani's light conversation on the plane to their awkward moment with the saree, you've penned it all so beautifully. Nobody knows more than I how apprehensive you've been about this particular chapter and I can safely say that you've done justice to the wait.

Coming back to the respective conversations, you know what I liked best about the airplane one? The ending where Ishaani seeks happiness from the fact that she is perfect to Ranveer. Ishaani is a person who has lived far too much under the societal and emotional pressures of her family and she's been too hard upon herself to believe that anything good could ever befall her. And now that she has, its hard for her to believe that any such thing could happen to her or that the Lord had suddenly become benevolent upon her. She thinks it to be a temporary gift until its to be rudely stolen away from her, so she prefers to keep herself away from the tempt that's cracking through now, rather than simply accept. She bound by a lot of other things too, but from what I view her psychology, this is the most pronounced observation that I can make.

Mighty might, this got long. Ahem, moving on to the next conversation with the saree, this I found was fulfilling in another way altogether. Ranveer's moral values have always been above all and his refusing Ishaani to wear her saree in a lehenga style was evident enough. And Ishaani is such an oblivious girl at times, it hurts. Didn't she know what she was putting the poor fellow through when asking him to do up her saree? Best friend or not, I hope that she does remember that he still loves her. If she ever knew anything about love, she should know that he does still love her the same way. But the only difference is that he always saw her as the moon that could never be his.

Damn it, what wrong with me? I've started doing psychological profiles now. Great. And then moving on once again, I like the simplicity with which you've written about the wedding. The concept of getting married in Scotland and the compromise the two of them drew was something I loved a lot. But the marriage rituals came to an end with a rude realization for Ranveer that he could never imagine getting to the mandap with the woman he loves even though he senses her changed emotions towards him. It's not going to be easy at all. and he'd prefer to come into touch with the solitude than her presence in that moment.

Wow, I've gone super philosophical, right? Well, that's what you get when I review this late. Super job on the update, sweetie and do update the next chapter soon enough!

Loads of love,

LM

Ps. I'll update the emos later.

Originally posted by: Elvish_Hobbit

Heya! Oh, it's alright. Don't I always tell you that too? Thank you so much.

Jeez!! Weddings in our show aren't enough that I had to carry this one for several chapters? ;) No, it was meant to get finished in this one only and I'm glad it did. xD

You've got the part why she seeks solace in Ranveer absolutely right. Out of all the people she knew only Ranveer is the one who loved her for who she was and she cannot deny the fact. Deep down she loves the feeling that he loves her but her past experience is so bitter with the things that it's taking time for her to come on the terms with what she feels for him and why. Let's hope she gets over that insecurity very soon and lets Ranveer know that she'll be there all the time for him.

Ow! Let me defend Ishani here a bit. You can say she knows and she loves his attention that is something she does not want to deny. But her own disoriented thoughts and feelings keep her from admitting the obvious. Though with each moment she spends with him she's getting closer to realize everything. And personally I cannot wait ti write that.

I love this philosophical LM. Truly. ❤️

Thanks once again. ❤️❤️
PS. Of course. I miss them a lot.

Originally posted by: ShaktiLuvsRadhu

I m really really Sorry Jigyasa. I m replying sooo lateI was busy promoting the show everywhere..

Just finished your chapter and as always Its Flawless👏👏👏

Thank u thank u very very much for giving the sari scene..😊😊😊Its one of my best scenes in the show and sari draping scene after their marriage is my most favourite one.😊😊😊I can watch that scene for whole day.. the expressions of Ranveer and the background song is just awesome.👏👏

Finally Puneet got married and in Indian style.😊The couple was really happy for their special day and so our IshVeer were happy for them. But yes Ranveer... My poor guy don't make him suffer now😭😭😭That pain is killing him inside. Plzz now I can't wait for Ishani's confession.

Do write it soon but this time plzzz update it soon.😊😊

Loads of love❤️and hugs🤗Stay blessed😊😛

Originally posted by: Sania03337

Sorry dear for a late reply. It's fabulous😳

Chapter 45

Ranveer walked past the brightly lit corridor towards his room, his mind fazed with the thoughts he could not understand. The last such event he had attended was two years ago and today he could not help but play the same events in his head again and again. Ishani getting engaged to Chirag would have to be the moment he had found himself having lost the meaning to his life and tonight again the same feeling enveloped him like a thick blanket of a memory. It was not that that he was unhappy or taking those around him for granted but something smothered him and he could not guess what. Unnecessary weariness did no good as he threw himself on the bed, hoping to find some easiness in his sleep. But slumber did not welcome him and he found himself wandering in lanes of his own deserted heart.

Ranveer sat up; realizing it was no use of pretending to sleep he came out of the room in the fresh air and headed towards the garden on the backside of the hotel building. Passing though the swimming pool nearby his eyes fell on the couple of people that seemed to enjoy the evening on their own. The water in the pool seemed fresh and cool and a calm breeze blew generously. Stars overhead shone brilliantly with no moon visible tonight; and the place was quiet and occasional sounds of the vehicles were heard from the outside. They did not disturb Ranveer as he continued to walk further until a familiar voice made him stop in his tracks.

"I know," he heard the voice say, and it did not take him any moment to realize he had heard Ishani's voice. His feet involuntarily took him to the place her voice came from and Ranveer could hear a ring, an enthusiasm in her voice he had never heard before (or so he assumed). He wondered who she was talking to that she was so happy; he could not keep envy from creeping in his heart.

"I know, Chirag," Ishani repeated again. "It's awesome and I'm happy for you. But I cannot meet you until next two days since I'm out of town for a while."

Ranveer could not understand why Chirag would want Ishani in London when he lived in India. Was he in London these days? Had he come just to meet Ishani? Had he decided to marry her? Was Ishani happy with his decision? All the questions as well as their answers came with a painful possibility. "And what is that?" Ishani asked in surprise. Chirag from the other side said something to which Ishani replied with a little laugh, "What is it, Chirag..." But before Ishani would say anything else Ranveer slipped away quietly, trying not to disturb anyone with his presence.

He could not continue eavesdropping like this to know what Ishani was talking to her fianc. It was her personal matter and she was the one to decide on that. He shook his head in disapproval of the thoughts that crawled in his head, and walked away. The night was shrouded with the light curtains of the dark and here and there bulbs gleamed faintly. Even the late cold night had not dampened the enthusiasm of the visitors and Ranveer himself did not mind going in the shelter of a lonely place somewhere beyond the pool. He made his way further out of the curved railing of the hotel's grey borders and passed quietly towards the entrance of the large garden. An old fashioned iron gate with thick bars welcomed him as the sight of yellow coloured trilliums filled his vision, its marbled leaves glistening in the evening dew and delicate yellow-white petals blooming graciously across them. He wondered how it had been brought to grow in such a cold place with such generosity. Across the hedge of the fence beside the entrance right beyond the peach trees, inside stood a tall and defiant flagstone, purple lilacs and green grass wetted with fresh dew clustered around it like pearls deliberately placed around an oyster. Ranveer looked about him but no one was seen and he sat under the shade of a bare fern. Having no flowers or leaves in it they were not a threat in the cold night. The spot Ranveer sat was quiet and no one would be able to invade here until he wished; the sound of the people had been muzzled in this part and the silence was broken by only the delightful noise of the water coming from the another corner of the garden.

Ranveer sighed. It had been such an eventful journey and wondered what more could next few hours bring in for him.

Ishani returned to her room around 3 in the morning and changed into her usual shorts. Although it was cold outside it did not trouble her, though she often carried a warm shawl with her. She was not tired and decided to take a stroll outside. Ishani came out of the hotel lobby and sat on a bench beside a brick pathway leading towards the exit of the hotel. The place not providing much comfort led Ishani towards the swimming pool but as soon as she reached there, her phone rang softly. It was a call from a new number. She felt disgruntled for no one was supposed to disturb her while she was away from her professional life for a day or two.

"Hello," she said, however, not forgetting her manners.

"Hey, Ishani," came Chirag's enthusiastic voice. "How are you, baby?"

"Chirag!" Ishani fumbled, "so, it is you."

"Of course. And guess what? There is a good news."

"Good news? What is that about?" Ishani said, trying to sound normal and smiling in between.

"I have cracked a deal with Mr. Gupta. You told me about him, you remember?"

"Yes."

"He has invited me to come to London and I'm coming soon. Isn't that great?"

"I know," Ishani said, and fell silent.

"You there?" Chirag said when Ishani did not reply anything.

"I know, Chirag," Ishani repeated again, coming out of her thoughts. "It's awesome and I'm happy for you. But I cannot meet you until next two days since I'm out of town for a while." She laughed a little, as though not knowing how to react to the news.

Ishani for a moment felt a little sound of footsteps coming from behind the corner but coming forward she found no one.

"Well, there's more of it," Chirag said, now more jubilant.

"What is that?"

"Promise me you are ready for the surprise and would not get mad."

"What is it, Chirag?"

"Promise me."

"If it makes me mad how am I supposed to promise?"

"You never know!"

"All right. Tell me what is it?"

"Today mom and dad met Baa and told her about the deal and our marriage plans as well. Baa was happy and said she would talk to Falguni aunty. I can't wait for the day, Ishani. Finally we will be together! We are getting married!"

"No!" Ishani cried in disapproval. "It's too early, Chirag."

"What early, babes? Your projects that had kept you away from me are towards their end. What is it that keeps you still glued to that stranger's place?"

Ishani shook her head. "I can't come," she said slowly.

"But why, Ishani? Is anything wrong?"

"Please, Chirag, can't we..."

"No delays, sweetheart," Chirag interrupted. "I love you and you love me. You have achieved a lot in these two years and now it's time we settle down."

Her heart broke as she heard Chirag say those words. She wasn't ready. She couldn't leave this place. She wished she could make Chirag realize this but he wouldn't listen to her.

"I'm sorry, Chirag, can we talk later?"

"But I need to talk, Ishani," he said but before he could finish Ishani had disconnected the call. Tears of painful agony burned in her eyes as she headed towards her room but stopped at the lighted entrance of the canteen. She walked in and snapped at a waiter, not knowing if she was to say what she did.

"Hey," she called a waiter and as he stood before her she added, "I need the strongest scotch that you have right now. Get me one."

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but we are told not to serve you any. Please cooperate."

Ishani glared at the man, wondering who could have asked him not to serve her any kind of alcohol to her and why? "And who asked you to do the honors for me?"

"We're not told his name but he has strictly ordered us not to serve any kind of whisky or any intoxicating beverage to you. And now it's the matter of our job too."

The term his' was enough to make her a guess and the name that popped in her head was that of Ranveer's.

"Do you know who I am? Ishani Parekh," Ishani started pompously, though she did not mean to be rude. "Now, come on, get me one. Make it quick."

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. We can't."

"You have to. It's your duty!"

"I'm really sorry."

"I can get you fired if I want to right away."

"Of course you can't, Miss Parekh." The waiter smiled.

"I feel cold and I need it right away," Ishani said, raising her voice.

"My answer is still the same. It is not going to change, and you are not going to get it anywhere in this hotel," the waiter answered politely.

Annoyed, Ishani took a seat in the corner and looked around her. The room wasn't too big but to her it seemed crammed with people, and suffocating from all ends. She didn't want to be alone but so many people did no good to her. She wanted to talk to Ranveer but couldn't bring herself to dial his number in phone. What would she say and why? He would simply ask her to take the right decision and confuse her more. Despite the thoughts that struck her, one was the most prominent: she couldn't leave him. Leaving this city would mean never returning here again and she would rather die than stay away from this place that had given her a new life, light after the darkness that once had seemed impossible to end. Ishani was lost in her thoughts when a young waiter came to her.

"How may I help you, ma'am?"

Ishani made her face. "Help?" she said softly, "Get me a glass of whiskey and don't make any excuses."

"Sure, ma'am." The waiter left with a confused smile and returned with a glass full of whiskey.

"Thank you," Ishani said, taking it in her hands. "Wait, are you new here?" she added as the man turned back.

"Yes."

"Oh, thank you. But let's not anyone know you just served me the drink." Ishani took her first sip and felt the grief in her heart melting for the first time in the evening. Only one glass made her feel giddy as well as better and she did not need anymore, but she somehow managed to make her way to the counter and paid the bill with a generous "thank you" and left staggering. It was not long when Ishani started feeling drowsy as she exited the canteen, and her feet trembled. She caught hold of a dangling branch of the tree and rubbed her eyes. "I can't see anything," she said to herself and continued to walk, unaware of the path. Where her feet led her she could not tell. As Ishani came forward she began seeing things in pairs as she stopped for a while and looked around: everything came in two pairs and confused her. "What is happening to me?" she said to herself, expecting no answer. Even in such drowsy state she could make a way for herself and walk towards the exit and then the garden on the backside. She did not at first like the idea of going towards the place like that but she had already wished to go there a day before and now for some reasons she did not fear any danger and headed towards it bravely. She had not come too far away when her eyes fell on a familiar figure, vaguely visible in the dim lights, as she came to him and sat beside him on the stony ground.

"Hey, Ranveer," Ishani said, trying to appear happy that she was not. He stirred lightly but did not say anything. Her eyes fell on a bottle, with a sticker of Blue Label' on his left side. "Good heavens! You've been drinking here!" Ishani exclaimed, her own voice came little surprised as though she had seen him drinking the first time.

"So? Why are you so surprised?" Ranveer said, still looking in front of himself and not taking a look at Ishani.

"You'd promised you wouldn't drink," Ishani said. Ranveer looked at her; his eyes burned like a blazing sun. Ishani saw hurt in them and deep down wished she wasn't the cause of his hurt. In these months she had come to realize she could both make and break him. The thought often gave her chills and current moment was one of them.

"I did promise," he said with a little hesitating smile. "But it wasn't going to harm anyone if I began drinking again."

"What about me?"

"You are clever who fooled someone very easily, I suppose?" Ranveer said, shifting the topic towards Ishani.

"I did not fool anyone," Ishani answered defensively; "he was new in staff and did not know you had ordered others not to serve me the drink."

"I knew you would be upto this mischief; and you have proved me right."

"Just like you proved me wrong," Ishani said.

"You shouldn't have drunk. It will do you no good."

"I'm following your footsteps," Ishani said, smiling.

"I have nothing to say, really." Ranveer shrugged his shoulders and both fell silent.

"I'm afraid," Ishani said after a while. "Something frightens me."

"Everything will be alright. Don't worry."

"It's not that easy. And you don't understand."

Ranveer smiled. "Probably. But I know you. You will fight through this arduous test. Whatever it is I don't know but you will win for sure."

"Don't you want to know?" Ishani said, coming closer to him.

"I don't know." In the tone he said made Ishani quiver. She could feel herself drowning in an ocean of emotions spluttering with all the answers and questions she held in her mind, but she afraid and wouldn't think much of the matter.

"You know, today Chirag called me," she said, not daring to look at him while Ranveer brought his keen eyes on her. "He said it's time for me to go." Ishani finished, flinching.

"Congrats!" Ranveer said silently. He might have pretended to be happy but he was not. Had Ishani dared to look at him she would have seen a quiet trickle of tears escaping his eyes. Ranveer wiped them softly. "Why are you upset? You should be happy."

Ishani assumed herself shaking her head but she did not. "I don't know. I can't leave..."

"You have a life there back in India. Your family, your friends, your..."

"I can't leave you. I need my friend by my side always."

"Probably that is one thing you might not get. Do you remember you once had said you have Chirag and you wouldn't need me anymore?"

Ishani recalled the incident and a gush of guilt hit her once again and her eyes dropped to the ground. She hated herself for having said that once.

"But it's different now." Ishani whispered, and moving closer to Ranveer she put her head on his shoulder. What force brought her so close to him was a mystery to her and him not pushing her away a comfort. She liked being around him like this: when nothing was said but they could still spend hours as though fighting with all the troubles together. She hated the times she was away from him and spending an entire lifetime without him was as impossible as bringing the moon to live on the earth. "What will you do once I'm gone?"

"I'll die," said Ranveer in a lost voice. Ishani, surprised, separated herself from him and looked at him.

"Don't say that," she cried angrily, and slapped lightly on his arm. Ranveer seemed to have been brought back to reality as he looked apologetically at her.

"I'm sorry. I meant I'll miss you."

Ishani did not know whether this was what she wanted to hear or not but it felt better than his previous answer.

"You'll marry once I'm gone, won't you?" Ishani said.

"I don't know. It's stupidity to marry the person you don't love."

"And it's not stupidity to go on with a broken heart?"

"I'm not afraid of that. Love is never about expectations; but making others burn in the agony of your heartbreak is cruel."

"Having someone by your side that cares for you is kindness towards yourself."

"I don't want that kindness. I'm happy as I am."

"That's stupidity."

"It is not. Let me be the way I am," Ranveer said fiercely, as though offended by her remarks. She didn't know anything to make such comments on him or preach him. He stood up and Ishani followed him.

"You have to answer my questions."

"There are none," Ranveer cried from the distance.

"There are," Ishani said as she grasped him by shoulder and made him turn towards her. His eyes were burning and the fire in them seemed to have ignited a fierce longing in her own heart. She was lost and words melted in her head like a midnight dream. For a moment she gazed into his eyes as though afraid of uttering a word with the fear of something priceless getting lost. Her eyes slid into his gaze deep, deep inside as if scrutinizing his every thought; yet she remained as clueless as ever. Ranveer's unfaltering eyes only made her long for a comfort that she knew was with him only and for the first time there were no second thoughts about it. Words still failed to express her feelings and the last thing she did was move towards him closer and closer until her face was inches away from his. For a while she thought Ranveer knew what she wanted as he tried to withdraw his eyes and move away but it was too late now. She felt drawn towards him like a moth to a flame and within second she pressed her lips against his, gently clutching him by shoulders while Ranveer slid one arm around her waist and pulled her closer whilst his other hand went upto her cheek. She could smell alcohol in his breath, the taste of it on his lips felt intoxicating. He kissed her deeply again and again while her heart raced wildly as though threatening to burst any moment of happiness she felt. Wanting the moment to last forever she caught hold of him tightly, as if there would be no tomorrow. The time seemed lost until they heard voices in the near distance and Ranveer pulled himself out from her embrace, looking aghast, embarrassed and shocked.

"What is it, Ishani?" he yelled while Ishani looked at him, shocked before the truth dawned upon her as a pleasant spell broken.

"I'm sorry," Ishani whispered, tears streaming in her eyes. "I didn't mean to..."

Ranveer shook his head. "It's wrong," he said, looking downwards and shaking his head in shame. "Everything...you and I share. This is wrong!"

Ishani gulped and a part of her screamed no but he felt too guilty.

"I'm sorry," she said, coming closer to him while Ranveer retreated back.

"Don't come close," he said, taking two steps back. "Why don't you get it, Ishani?"

"Listen to me, Ranveer, please," she tried to say but Ranveer interrupted her again.

"No," he shouted, turning away from her so that his back was on her side. "Why are you doing this?" His muffled voice showed a broken resignation.

"I...I didn't mean..." Ishani said but fell silent. Nothing she said would have any impact on him and she could not bear his silence; she wasn't used to this. Ishani quietly slipped out of the garden patch and hurried towards her hotel room, running as fast as her tired feet could carry. The wind as cold as clod bit her nerves mercilessly while hot tears burned in her eyes vehemently. Ishani shut the door behind her as soon as she reached her room and wept. Wept for hours, or eternity, she could not tell. How could she think of going that way with Ranveer? What made her so vulnerable that she forgot they were two different people meant to tread on different paths? He would hate her for this. She had no explanations to give and he wouldn't listen to any. Ishani sat on the bed staring helplessly at the smooth windowpane as cold air whistled away grimly. She did not feel like sleeping anymore; the feeling of Ranveer being so close to her was still as fresh as ever, their wild heartbeats breaking the silence of the surroundings, the feeling of his lips on hers still made her shiver and sent electric ripples across her skin with the same intensity as the first time moments ago. She lay down and covered herself with the warm sheet and closed her eyes. Her closed eyes took her back to the same moment and she snapped them open. She wanted to apologize to him but somewhere deep down it felt right. However, if she was promised the answers she would have asked someone why she felt so. Why she never wanted to escape from his embrace? Ishani shook her head as though trying to chase away all the thoughts that disturbed her sleep. But tonight there were no answers.

"What did just happen?" Ranveer said to himself, unable to forget any moment of the incident that had occurred between him and Ishani. How could he go so weak to take advantage of her in such a vulnerable state of hers? Ranveer kicked the foot of the brick wall with all his strength and screamed. It was wrong. He shuddered at the thought of reciprocating her kiss. Ishani was stupid, unaware what she should have done, and broken by the thought of living the town. He knew she could do no good when drunk but only she knew what made her do that tonight again. He would not be able to meet his eyes with her anymore. When she would wake tomorrow, probably she would be in her senses and things would not be the same. How he had done the things he promised he would never do!

So much had changed, Ranveer thought to himself. Ishani was to leave but how could he let her go? He had always hoped Chirag should have loved Ishani truly in the times she was not in India, but wondered if it was true. Could people like Chirag really change? Love does change people; could someone like Chirag change as well? He dared not think of the possibility. The way Ishani once had told him about her love, Ranveer hoped for better so that her life would not be the mess he had always feared. It would break her completely if Chirag turned out to be the fraud he had been the last time they met. Ranveer did not know what would he do if his fears came true this time. He had seen Ishani break, hurt and suffer at the hands of those she loved and she would never be able to fight the betrayal that somewhere waited her. As for Ishani, she deserved someone who would love her truly for who she was.