Posted:
For the sweetest Jhilly Bean on her birthday.
I believe that you have 2 birthday celebrations (Thank you for that info Nikki) so I have decided to post an OS in 2 parts. So for your Bengali Birthday celebration, I will post Chapter 1 today. Have an awesome Birthday Jelly Bean.
Jelly Bean Kisses
Yash was dragged to the party by his bosses son and co-worker. This was not really his scene. All he knew for most of his life was work, work and more work. He was not in the position like the crowd here. Almost all of them were born with the proverbial silver spoon in their mouths. He knew this going in but even if he didn't, it was evident. The way they dressed, spoke, in fact their whole demeanour was that of privilege.
He was wasn't poor. Well not anymore. He was 30 and a successful lawyer. In fact he was a partner in one of the biggest law firms in India. They were based in Mumbai. But he didn't get there by chance. What he had he earned. He was ambitious and hardworking. The best combination for success. And today he was considered one of them. Part of the in crowd of Mumbai society.
"Let me to introduce you to my friend and future brother in law" Prashant said as he walked to a tall attractive young man. Yash followed
.
"Hey, Amaan. Nice to see you here. Whenever I hear you are flying around the world."
"That's the nature of the job, and I love every minute of it. How the heck are you, Dubey?"
"Always good. Let me introduce you to the newest partner at Dubey and Partners. Yash Scindiya, Amaan Khuranna."
The two men greeted each other. They immediately had a liking in each other.
"Where is your sister?" Prashant asked Amaan
.
"Who the heck knows? Probably still doing her hair or choosing her outfit or jewellery. You know she gets distracted so easily by shiny objects." they laughed.
Suddenly Aaman was hit upside the head.
"Is this the way to talk about your favourite sister?'
"Ouch, Aarti! Stop hitting me. You know I love you my favourite and only sister."
"You'd better." she said threateningly.
"Anyway, where is your entourage? We have some new blood for them."
"Still titivating in the bathroom. I am getting sick and tired of all the girls wanting to be my friend to get to you."
"Oh well, what I can say. If you've got it, you've got it."
Aarti gave him an annoyed look.
"Where is this new blood?" Aarti asked
"Right behind you. Aarti this is..."
"Yash Scindiya" Aarti finished looking quite shocked.
"You know him?" asked Prashant.
"Yes." she looked at him intently. She didn't notice him standing there quietly before.
"How are you Aarti?"
"Fine and you?"
"Good. I can't believe that you still remember me." Yash said.
"How can a girl forget her first crush or the man that broke her heart the first time?"
He was surprised that she would say that in front of the other two men. But it was exactly the way she was then. Outspoken and free spirited.
"You have changed quite a bit. You were handsome then. But now you are quite hot. My brother will definitely have some competition tonight. It will be fun to watch. Don't you think so Prashant?"
"Yes, babe. Luckily we are done with that kind of thing. Let's go dance."
"Yes lets. We will catch up later Yash."
"Yash, you will be ok right?" Asked Prashant.
"I'm fine" he said. But he battled to tear his eyes off her. She was still the most beautiful woman that he knew. He hadn't seen her in 10 years and she had exactly the same effect on him that the 17 year old girl did then.
Flashback 10 years
Yash was a 20 year old college student. He would have been voted the most likely to succeed at school and college had there been such an award. He was extremely bright and hardworking. He had been awarded scholarships throughout his school and tertiary years. His biggest motivator was Mr. Dubey. He was a law professor at his college. He was highly qualified and had a successful practice, but gave it up to teach. And he soon saw the potential in Yash. His referrals went a long way and now Yash had to decide what he had to do. Does he go abroad and complete his studies there or does he stay in India and accept the scholarship from the local law firm.
Mr. Dubey not only taught, he also started a holiday camp for kids. The facilitators were handpicked by him. They were all college kids that he trusted and had leadership abilities. Yash had been a facilitators of 3 years now and since Mr. Dubey and his wife had a holiday abroad planned, he was put in charge of the facilitators for the 2 weeks of school holiday. Most of them were there before and there were a few new ones. He studied their profiles. There was only one that he didn't know much about. Mr. Dubey only said that she was the daughter of a close friend, she a very mature 17 year old girl and she loved children. Her name was Aarti.
He was already addressing the facilitators about the expectations that Mr. Dubey had of them when their wards arrived the following day. She came in there like an angel. She was wearing a white sundress and her hair was loose, with the top tied in a clamp. But some strands had escaped and were falling over her beautiful face.
He stopped talking and stared at her.
"Sorry I'm late." Her beautiful husky voice brought him back to reality. She pushed her hair back behind her ears and smiled.
"No problem. You can find a seat" he continued his talk and tried as best he could not t be distracted by her. Then they all went to the dorms and they would come back out to do some activities before supper.
He blew the whistle and the leaders did some activities with the rest of the facilitators. She was wearing tights and a t-shirt. He once again tried to focus on the task at hand. When the activities were over, they had some free time before supper and could mingle and get to know each other.
Like bees around a hive, the guys all gravitated to her. He knew he didn't stand a chance. He left to sort out supper with the cooks, the lyrical sound of her laughter still ringing in his ears.
He went to shower and changed and he went to blow the whistle again for supper. They all come to the dining hall to have supper. He sat down to eat, she was still not there. He noticed immediately when she came in. He pretended to be occupied with his supper. He was surprised that she made her way straight to his table and sat next to him.
"Sorry, late again." she smiled.
He nodded and they ate. She was very talkative at the table but he hardly said 2 words. He was glad when dinner was over. After dinner some of them went to sleep and some of them went to sit around a fire. Once again she came and sat right next to him. She smiled at him and pushed her hair out of her face with her hands. She was really very beautiful. He started to get more comfortable around her and they had a good time talking and laughing with the rest of the gang. She knew no one but she made friends so easily. A few times their hands grazed each other, but she didn't pull away. Finally he just left his hand next to hers for the rest of the night. Till she left for bed.
The next day the children came. Their ages were from 8 to 13. There would be 2 groups that would stay a week each. They settled the children in dorms, started activities and then lunch. She was only 17 but she was so good with the children. Very mature as mister Dubey said and they loved her.
He had her in his team and that way he could be closer to her. And in the evening when the kids went to bed they sat at the camp fire. The second night, she came to sit next to him. Their hands grazed again, but this time he took her hand in his and she once again gave him one of her gorgeous smiles. It progressed from there. They would go sit on their own and talk. Still in full view of the rest. She was very interested in him. She asked so many questions and told her everything. Only on the day that she left did her realise that he should have asked more questions.
The first week ended and the kids left. She was so sad to see them go. She was quite teary that night. They were sitting on their own again. Finally he realised that everyone else had gone to bed. He moved closer to her and took her in his arms.
"You have softest heart in the world" he said. "Crying over children that you have only known for a week" he smiled and he now pushed her hair back behind her ear.
"That's what daddy always says. But I can't help it."
"Never change, my angel."
"I'll try. Everyone else has gone to bed Yash. We should go too."
"Let me walk you to your dorm."
The walked hand in hand to the dorm. She took something out of her pocket and started eating.
"What is that?"
"Jelly beans, I always keep some in my pocket. I love them, they're my favourite. Would you like some? But they are loose though, not in a packet."
He smiled and said.
"Yes, I like to taste your jelly beans."
He pulled her close and kissed her tenderly.
"Now they're my favourite too. Good night sweet Jelly bean"
She smiled again and made her way into the dorm.
That was the way the rest of the 2nd week was spent. Sitting around the fire with everyone, then moving out on their own and then sharing a few jelly bean kisses when everyone else has gone to bed. But sadly the 2 weeks came to an end. She was in tears again.
"Yash, when am I going to see you again?"
"I don't know. We can make a plan. I have been offered a scholarship by a company in Mumbai to complete my studies there. I will take that and at least we will be in the same city if I go to university there."
"But you wanted to take the USA option. That is so much better for you. That will open more doors for you. I don't want hold you back."
"Jelly Bean, nothing means more to me than you. I will still qualify as a lawyer. I can still be successful if I study locally."
"Are you sure?"
"110%. I love you, sweet Jelly Bean."
"I love you too" she grabbed him and kissed him.
That night they spent sleeping in each other's arms in the hammock outside. She woke up early the morning. Gave him a kiss and asked him not to come say good bye to her cause it would be too hard. And he agreed. They would skype each other and soon he would be in Mumbai.
Present day
Amaan introduced him to a bevy of beauties, the previously mentioned entourage. But his only interest was the one that was already on the dance floor.
"Care to dance" the one name Arpita said.
He looked at her. She was also quite beautiful. He liked her. And he said
"Yes"
She led him to the dance floor. And after they danced they went to sit down and had a chat. She had her own PR Company and seemed to be very interesting. They hit it off immediately but his eyes were never off Aarti for very long.
"So you're him?"
"Who?"
"The guy that she stopped eating jelly beans over."
"She stopped eating jelly beans. They were her favourites."
"Yes, but when you didn't contact her again she was heartbroken and the jelly beans reminded her of you. When she came back from camp, she was so happy. She only told me about you. But when you didn't respond to her calls and messages she was devastated. She cried many tears over you."
He stared at her on the dance floor. He knew she would be hurt. He felt so guilty.
"That was long ago. She is betrothed. There can be nothing between us anymore."
"Please, Yash. You can hardly keep your eyes off her. It has always been the case. Everyone always falls in love with Aarti. And I can understand why. She is beautiful inside and out."
"And now she has fallen in love with Prashant."
"Well I don't know about that."
"What do you mean?"
"It is an arranged marriage"
"But they seem so happy."
"Like the perfect couple right?"
"Right"
"I suppose that's how it seems."
"But you think differently."
"Well, Aarti is daddy's little girl. She will do anything to make him happy. And he chose Prashant Gupta for her."
"I see." Said Yash.
"And what's your story. I see that you can't keep your eyes off her brother."
"Is it that obvious?"
"I don't think to everybody. But I think we are sort of kindred spirits in this. Do you have a history with him?"
"Yes, we dated for a while. I love him and want marriage and he wants sex and doesn't want to settle down. So we broke up. He hasn't exactly been pining away for me as you can see. He has so many women after him all the time." Arpita said sadly.
"We are really a sad pair aren't we?" Yash said.
"Indeed we are" they laughed.
Aarti stepped outside for some fresh air. She enjoyed the breeze. It cooled her down physically and the also helped suppress the feelings raging within her. She had been dancing since she arrived. She had tried to forget that he was here. After 10 years, she walked into him at a party. And he was with her intended husband. They were not yet engaged but the date had been chosen for 2 months from now. Apparently he was a partner in their Law firm now. So she would probably see him often, so she had to get over this feeling. It was just shock, she was sure that was all.
"Getting fresh air"'
She turned her head and looked at him but didn't say anything. Her hair was blowing in the breeze making her look delectable.
"I can say the same you know. Back then you were beautiful but now you are simply stunning."
"And Arpita. Is she simply stunning too?" She regretted saying that as soon as it was out of her mouth. Arpita was her best friend. The only one that she confided in. And she was stunning.
"She is quite beautiful. So what have you been up to for the past 10 years?"
"Nothing much. And you?"
"Studying, working. I've only come back to India 3 months ago. So nothing much is being a renowned fashion designer and stylist to the rich and famous?"
"Ho do you know what I do?"
He ignored the question.
"So you are engaged."
"Almost"
"Do you love him?"
She turned around fully now. She wanted to say something but Amaan came out.
"Sis, I am going now. I have an early flight tomorrow. Are you coming with me or Prashant?"
"I'm ready to go. Good night Yash"
She left him standing there. He was disappointed. He wished he had an opportunity to speak to her for longer. Soon afterwards he left too.
"So did you like the gang?"
"They are nice."
"So you know Aarti?"
"Yes, we met about 10 years ago on a camp. But we haven't seen each other again."
"And you and Arpita hit it off."
"Yes, she is a great girl."
"Are you falling in love with her? I didn't think that you are the type to fall in love."
"Is there a type."
"I am certainly not the type."
"And Aarti?"
"Yeah, she is ok. She is certainly beautiful. And bauji and her father wanted the merger to take place so that that to two firms become one."
"Merger?"
"Merger, marriage same thing.
"
"Does she know that?"
"I don't know. It's not exactly like she is head over hills in love with me. Heck, she won't even kiss me."
Yash's heart leapt at this.
"So for you this is just another business transaction."
"I suppose you could say that? Anyway, I have a meeting. See you later."
This conversation disturbed Yash to the core. From what he remembered, she had so much love to give. A relationship like that would kill her. But what could he do...
Aarti was in a sarree shop of all places. She hardly dressed traditionally and her designs were all western. But she had an idea for her new line. She wanted to a western and eastern fusion. So she went to a sarree shop to look at various fabrics and designs for inspiration.
She saw an older lady looking lost.
"Auntyji, do you need help."
"Do you work here beta?'
"No, but you look so lost, Auntyji."
"It's that son of mine. I told him that I don't need new clothes. I told him that what I have is more than enough. But no, he has money to waste. Now he left me here in this mall thing and I have to come home with new clothes. Look at me beta, I am almost 60. What do I need to look fashionable for?
"Auntyji, you are never too old to be fashionable. I will help and by the time you come out of here, your son will not recognise you."
"But beta..."
"How much money do you have?"
She mentioned the amount.
"Wow, your son is very generous. Call him and tell him you have a lift home. We are going shopping."
She called her son and Aarti took her under her wing. They bought beautiful sarrees, there was even enough to buy jewellery and Aarti took her to the hair salon to have her hair done, and she paid for it herself. The she dropped her at home with all the bags.
"Auntyji, you have a beautiful home."
"Thank you beta, my son just bought it 6 months ago. It seems he wants to surround himself with new and expensive things."
"Come inside and have some tea. The servant will make it. We have servants now. I am not even allowed to work in my own home. He won't allow it. He says I worked hard all my life." Then she whispered "But they don't clean as good as I do."
Aarti giggled.[
BR]"I will have the tea, Auntyji"
She called for the tea.
"Beta are you married?"
"No"
"Good, I think you will like my son. He needs a good girl like you to be his wife."
"Auntyji ..."
"Ma, where have you been so long?"
Aarti's head shot up.
"Yash"
"Aarti" They said in unison.
"You know each other?"
"Yes, ma"
"Good, she is lovely Yash. You should marry her."
"Ma!"
"She isn't married yet either."
"Ma, Aarti is practically engaged to my boss's son."
"Is this true?"
"Yes, auntyji"
"But you are not married yet."
"No, but daddy and mummy arranged it some time ago. I will get engaged in less than 2 months and then the marriage will take place 6 months after that. The dates have been set."
"Anything can happen bahu. As long as you are not married yet there is hope."
"I have to go now Auntyji."
"Your tea?"
"Sorry, I forgot I have to meet up with some friends. Good bye."
Yash followed her out.
"Sorry about Ma."
"It's fine"
"But she's right you know, Jelly Bean, anything can happen."
She turned around angrily and said
"Don't call me that! Nothing will happen between us, Yash. You had your chance and you broke my heart."
She got into her car and sped off. He was saddened by her words, but glad that he got a reaction out of her. She was definitely not indifferent to him
I believe that you have 2 birthday celebrations (Thank you for that info Nikki) so I have decided to post an OS in 2 parts. So for your Bengali Birthday celebration, I will post Chapter 1 today. Have an awesome Birthday Jelly Bean.
Jelly Bean Kisses
Yash was dragged to the party by his bosses son and co-worker. This was not really his scene. All he knew for most of his life was work, work and more work. He was not in the position like the crowd here. Almost all of them were born with the proverbial silver spoon in their mouths. He knew this going in but even if he didn't, it was evident. The way they dressed, spoke, in fact their whole demeanour was that of privilege.
He was wasn't poor. Well not anymore. He was 30 and a successful lawyer. In fact he was a partner in one of the biggest law firms in India. They were based in Mumbai. But he didn't get there by chance. What he had he earned. He was ambitious and hardworking. The best combination for success. And today he was considered one of them. Part of the in crowd of Mumbai society.
"Let me to introduce you to my friend and future brother in law" Prashant said as he walked to a tall attractive young man. Yash followed
.
"Hey, Amaan. Nice to see you here. Whenever I hear you are flying around the world."
"That's the nature of the job, and I love every minute of it. How the heck are you, Dubey?"
"Always good. Let me introduce you to the newest partner at Dubey and Partners. Yash Scindiya, Amaan Khuranna."
The two men greeted each other. They immediately had a liking in each other.
"Where is your sister?" Prashant asked Amaan
.
"Who the heck knows? Probably still doing her hair or choosing her outfit or jewellery. You know she gets distracted so easily by shiny objects." they laughed.
Suddenly Aaman was hit upside the head.
"Is this the way to talk about your favourite sister?'
"Ouch, Aarti! Stop hitting me. You know I love you my favourite and only sister."
"You'd better." she said threateningly.
"Anyway, where is your entourage? We have some new blood for them."
"Still titivating in the bathroom. I am getting sick and tired of all the girls wanting to be my friend to get to you."
"Oh well, what I can say. If you've got it, you've got it."
Aarti gave him an annoyed look.
"Where is this new blood?" Aarti asked
"Right behind you. Aarti this is..."
"Yash Scindiya" Aarti finished looking quite shocked.
"You know him?" asked Prashant.
"Yes." she looked at him intently. She didn't notice him standing there quietly before.
"How are you Aarti?"
"Fine and you?"
"Good. I can't believe that you still remember me." Yash said.
"How can a girl forget her first crush or the man that broke her heart the first time?"
He was surprised that she would say that in front of the other two men. But it was exactly the way she was then. Outspoken and free spirited.
"You have changed quite a bit. You were handsome then. But now you are quite hot. My brother will definitely have some competition tonight. It will be fun to watch. Don't you think so Prashant?"
"Yes, babe. Luckily we are done with that kind of thing. Let's go dance."
"Yes lets. We will catch up later Yash."
"Yash, you will be ok right?" Asked Prashant.
"I'm fine" he said. But he battled to tear his eyes off her. She was still the most beautiful woman that he knew. He hadn't seen her in 10 years and she had exactly the same effect on him that the 17 year old girl did then.
Flashback 10 years
Yash was a 20 year old college student. He would have been voted the most likely to succeed at school and college had there been such an award. He was extremely bright and hardworking. He had been awarded scholarships throughout his school and tertiary years. His biggest motivator was Mr. Dubey. He was a law professor at his college. He was highly qualified and had a successful practice, but gave it up to teach. And he soon saw the potential in Yash. His referrals went a long way and now Yash had to decide what he had to do. Does he go abroad and complete his studies there or does he stay in India and accept the scholarship from the local law firm.
Mr. Dubey not only taught, he also started a holiday camp for kids. The facilitators were handpicked by him. They were all college kids that he trusted and had leadership abilities. Yash had been a facilitators of 3 years now and since Mr. Dubey and his wife had a holiday abroad planned, he was put in charge of the facilitators for the 2 weeks of school holiday. Most of them were there before and there were a few new ones. He studied their profiles. There was only one that he didn't know much about. Mr. Dubey only said that she was the daughter of a close friend, she a very mature 17 year old girl and she loved children. Her name was Aarti.
He was already addressing the facilitators about the expectations that Mr. Dubey had of them when their wards arrived the following day. She came in there like an angel. She was wearing a white sundress and her hair was loose, with the top tied in a clamp. But some strands had escaped and were falling over her beautiful face.
He stopped talking and stared at her.
"Sorry I'm late." Her beautiful husky voice brought him back to reality. She pushed her hair back behind her ears and smiled.
"No problem. You can find a seat" he continued his talk and tried as best he could not t be distracted by her. Then they all went to the dorms and they would come back out to do some activities before supper.
He blew the whistle and the leaders did some activities with the rest of the facilitators. She was wearing tights and a t-shirt. He once again tried to focus on the task at hand. When the activities were over, they had some free time before supper and could mingle and get to know each other.
Like bees around a hive, the guys all gravitated to her. He knew he didn't stand a chance. He left to sort out supper with the cooks, the lyrical sound of her laughter still ringing in his ears.
He went to shower and changed and he went to blow the whistle again for supper. They all come to the dining hall to have supper. He sat down to eat, she was still not there. He noticed immediately when she came in. He pretended to be occupied with his supper. He was surprised that she made her way straight to his table and sat next to him.
"Sorry, late again." she smiled.
He nodded and they ate. She was very talkative at the table but he hardly said 2 words. He was glad when dinner was over. After dinner some of them went to sleep and some of them went to sit around a fire. Once again she came and sat right next to him. She smiled at him and pushed her hair out of her face with her hands. She was really very beautiful. He started to get more comfortable around her and they had a good time talking and laughing with the rest of the gang. She knew no one but she made friends so easily. A few times their hands grazed each other, but she didn't pull away. Finally he just left his hand next to hers for the rest of the night. Till she left for bed.
The next day the children came. Their ages were from 8 to 13. There would be 2 groups that would stay a week each. They settled the children in dorms, started activities and then lunch. She was only 17 but she was so good with the children. Very mature as mister Dubey said and they loved her.
He had her in his team and that way he could be closer to her. And in the evening when the kids went to bed they sat at the camp fire. The second night, she came to sit next to him. Their hands grazed again, but this time he took her hand in his and she once again gave him one of her gorgeous smiles. It progressed from there. They would go sit on their own and talk. Still in full view of the rest. She was very interested in him. She asked so many questions and told her everything. Only on the day that she left did her realise that he should have asked more questions.
The first week ended and the kids left. She was so sad to see them go. She was quite teary that night. They were sitting on their own again. Finally he realised that everyone else had gone to bed. He moved closer to her and took her in his arms.
"You have softest heart in the world" he said. "Crying over children that you have only known for a week" he smiled and he now pushed her hair back behind her ear.
"That's what daddy always says. But I can't help it."
"Never change, my angel."
"I'll try. Everyone else has gone to bed Yash. We should go too."
"Let me walk you to your dorm."
The walked hand in hand to the dorm. She took something out of her pocket and started eating.
"What is that?"
"Jelly beans, I always keep some in my pocket. I love them, they're my favourite. Would you like some? But they are loose though, not in a packet."
He smiled and said.
"Yes, I like to taste your jelly beans."
He pulled her close and kissed her tenderly.
"Now they're my favourite too. Good night sweet Jelly bean"
She smiled again and made her way into the dorm.
That was the way the rest of the 2nd week was spent. Sitting around the fire with everyone, then moving out on their own and then sharing a few jelly bean kisses when everyone else has gone to bed. But sadly the 2 weeks came to an end. She was in tears again.
"Yash, when am I going to see you again?"
"I don't know. We can make a plan. I have been offered a scholarship by a company in Mumbai to complete my studies there. I will take that and at least we will be in the same city if I go to university there."
"But you wanted to take the USA option. That is so much better for you. That will open more doors for you. I don't want hold you back."
"Jelly Bean, nothing means more to me than you. I will still qualify as a lawyer. I can still be successful if I study locally."
"Are you sure?"
"110%. I love you, sweet Jelly Bean."
"I love you too" she grabbed him and kissed him.
That night they spent sleeping in each other's arms in the hammock outside. She woke up early the morning. Gave him a kiss and asked him not to come say good bye to her cause it would be too hard. And he agreed. They would skype each other and soon he would be in Mumbai.
Present day
Amaan introduced him to a bevy of beauties, the previously mentioned entourage. But his only interest was the one that was already on the dance floor.
"Care to dance" the one name Arpita said.
He looked at her. She was also quite beautiful. He liked her. And he said
"Yes"
She led him to the dance floor. And after they danced they went to sit down and had a chat. She had her own PR Company and seemed to be very interesting. They hit it off immediately but his eyes were never off Aarti for very long.
"So you're him?"
"Who?"
"The guy that she stopped eating jelly beans over."
"She stopped eating jelly beans. They were her favourites."
"Yes, but when you didn't contact her again she was heartbroken and the jelly beans reminded her of you. When she came back from camp, she was so happy. She only told me about you. But when you didn't respond to her calls and messages she was devastated. She cried many tears over you."
He stared at her on the dance floor. He knew she would be hurt. He felt so guilty.
"That was long ago. She is betrothed. There can be nothing between us anymore."
"Please, Yash. You can hardly keep your eyes off her. It has always been the case. Everyone always falls in love with Aarti. And I can understand why. She is beautiful inside and out."
"And now she has fallen in love with Prashant."
"Well I don't know about that."
"What do you mean?"
"It is an arranged marriage"
"But they seem so happy."
"Like the perfect couple right?"
"Right"
"I suppose that's how it seems."
"But you think differently."
"Well, Aarti is daddy's little girl. She will do anything to make him happy. And he chose Prashant Gupta for her."
"I see." Said Yash.
"And what's your story. I see that you can't keep your eyes off her brother."
"Is it that obvious?"
"I don't think to everybody. But I think we are sort of kindred spirits in this. Do you have a history with him?"
"Yes, we dated for a while. I love him and want marriage and he wants sex and doesn't want to settle down. So we broke up. He hasn't exactly been pining away for me as you can see. He has so many women after him all the time." Arpita said sadly.
"We are really a sad pair aren't we?" Yash said.
"Indeed we are" they laughed.
Aarti stepped outside for some fresh air. She enjoyed the breeze. It cooled her down physically and the also helped suppress the feelings raging within her. She had been dancing since she arrived. She had tried to forget that he was here. After 10 years, she walked into him at a party. And he was with her intended husband. They were not yet engaged but the date had been chosen for 2 months from now. Apparently he was a partner in their Law firm now. So she would probably see him often, so she had to get over this feeling. It was just shock, she was sure that was all.
"Getting fresh air"'
She turned her head and looked at him but didn't say anything. Her hair was blowing in the breeze making her look delectable.
"I can say the same you know. Back then you were beautiful but now you are simply stunning."
"And Arpita. Is she simply stunning too?" She regretted saying that as soon as it was out of her mouth. Arpita was her best friend. The only one that she confided in. And she was stunning.
"She is quite beautiful. So what have you been up to for the past 10 years?"
"Nothing much. And you?"
"Studying, working. I've only come back to India 3 months ago. So nothing much is being a renowned fashion designer and stylist to the rich and famous?"
"Ho do you know what I do?"
He ignored the question.
"So you are engaged."
"Almost"
"Do you love him?"
She turned around fully now. She wanted to say something but Amaan came out.
"Sis, I am going now. I have an early flight tomorrow. Are you coming with me or Prashant?"
"I'm ready to go. Good night Yash"
She left him standing there. He was disappointed. He wished he had an opportunity to speak to her for longer. Soon afterwards he left too.
"So did you like the gang?"
"They are nice."
"So you know Aarti?"
"Yes, we met about 10 years ago on a camp. But we haven't seen each other again."
"And you and Arpita hit it off."
"Yes, she is a great girl."
"Are you falling in love with her? I didn't think that you are the type to fall in love."
"Is there a type."
"I am certainly not the type."
"And Aarti?"
"Yeah, she is ok. She is certainly beautiful. And bauji and her father wanted the merger to take place so that that to two firms become one."
"Merger?"
"Merger, marriage same thing.
"
"Does she know that?"
"I don't know. It's not exactly like she is head over hills in love with me. Heck, she won't even kiss me."
Yash's heart leapt at this.
"So for you this is just another business transaction."
"I suppose you could say that? Anyway, I have a meeting. See you later."
This conversation disturbed Yash to the core. From what he remembered, she had so much love to give. A relationship like that would kill her. But what could he do...
Aarti was in a sarree shop of all places. She hardly dressed traditionally and her designs were all western. But she had an idea for her new line. She wanted to a western and eastern fusion. So she went to a sarree shop to look at various fabrics and designs for inspiration.
She saw an older lady looking lost.
"Auntyji, do you need help."
"Do you work here beta?'
"No, but you look so lost, Auntyji."
"It's that son of mine. I told him that I don't need new clothes. I told him that what I have is more than enough. But no, he has money to waste. Now he left me here in this mall thing and I have to come home with new clothes. Look at me beta, I am almost 60. What do I need to look fashionable for?
"Auntyji, you are never too old to be fashionable. I will help and by the time you come out of here, your son will not recognise you."
"But beta..."
"How much money do you have?"
She mentioned the amount.
"Wow, your son is very generous. Call him and tell him you have a lift home. We are going shopping."
She called her son and Aarti took her under her wing. They bought beautiful sarrees, there was even enough to buy jewellery and Aarti took her to the hair salon to have her hair done, and she paid for it herself. The she dropped her at home with all the bags.
"Auntyji, you have a beautiful home."
"Thank you beta, my son just bought it 6 months ago. It seems he wants to surround himself with new and expensive things."
"Come inside and have some tea. The servant will make it. We have servants now. I am not even allowed to work in my own home. He won't allow it. He says I worked hard all my life." Then she whispered "But they don't clean as good as I do."
Aarti giggled.[
BR]"I will have the tea, Auntyji"
She called for the tea.
"Beta are you married?"
"No"
"Good, I think you will like my son. He needs a good girl like you to be his wife."
"Auntyji ..."
"Ma, where have you been so long?"
Aarti's head shot up.
"Yash"
"Aarti" They said in unison.
"You know each other?"
"Yes, ma"
"Good, she is lovely Yash. You should marry her."
"Ma!"
"She isn't married yet either."
"Ma, Aarti is practically engaged to my boss's son."
"Is this true?"
"Yes, auntyji"
"But you are not married yet."
"No, but daddy and mummy arranged it some time ago. I will get engaged in less than 2 months and then the marriage will take place 6 months after that. The dates have been set."
"Anything can happen bahu. As long as you are not married yet there is hope."
"I have to go now Auntyji."
"Your tea?"
"Sorry, I forgot I have to meet up with some friends. Good bye."
Yash followed her out.
"Sorry about Ma."
"It's fine"
"But she's right you know, Jelly Bean, anything can happen."
She turned around angrily and said
"Don't call me that! Nothing will happen between us, Yash. You had your chance and you broke my heart."
She got into her car and sped off. He was saddened by her words, but glad that he got a reaction out of her. She was definitely not indifferent to him
Current Affairs
Fan Fictions
![RiKara SS ~ Safed [15/03]](https://img.indiaforums.com/userimages/12/8782-899662.jpg)
Cricket
