So it appears I missed an anniversary and so my humble apologies Jhilly Bean.
Happy belated anniversary.
PV OS - The right love at the wrong time.
Part 1
Yash was changing the channel on his radio station. When he looked up he saw someone walking in front of his car. He applied brakes hastily and veered to the side to avoid hitting her. She came to a halt in front of the car. She just stood there and stared. He saw that her face was tear stained.
He got out the car.
"Miss, are you ok?
She didn't respond.
"Miss?
She just stared at him. Then she turned around and ran away.
He stared after her totally confused. He wanted to go after to make sure but then he didn't know her. She looked totally distraught. He would probably just spook her some more. He turned to get back to his car when he saw a small bag, where she had probably dropped it in shock. He picked it up and put in his car, he would see if there was a phone number that he could contract her, but for now he just wanted to get home. Finally he was home again. He wanted to surprise his family. He was only supposed to be home the following week.
A couple of minutes later he drove in the driveway of his home. A car came driving out as he entered. It was not anyone that he knew. He just caught a brief glimpse of the people. It was an older couple, about bauji's age. They looked a bit stressed he thought to himself.
"Hello he shouted.
The first to come running out was his aunt Maya.
"Beta, you are home. You were only expected next week.
"I know, but I missed my favourite aunt so much.
"Oh you with your silver tongue. Come give your aunt a hug.
He did.
"Where is Bauji and Pari and Palak?
"They are inside.
But before he could go to them his 15 year old twin sisters came running out.
"Bhayia!! they hugged him.
"I see I was missed. he said as he squeezed them tightly.
"How could you not let us know that you were coming? We planned a whole welcome home party and now your ruined it. said Pari the talker.
"Yes, bhayia said Palak the quiet one.
"Now what are we going to do with all the things we bought and ordered for next week. Continued Pari
"Exactly bhaiya said Palak.
"We don't need an excuse for the party. We can still have it.
"Ok, what did you bring us? said Pari
"Yes, what bhayia?
"Go and look in the boot of my car. You can bring all the gifts inside.
They squealed and took his car keys and ran outside.
"Still spoiling those two I see He looked up to see his father smiling at him.
He went to take his father's blessings and they hugged.
"Welcome back son. We missed you.
"I missed you too.
"We have much to discuss. But first you relax. Maya, get Naina to get him something to eat and drink.
"Will do bhaiya. she smiled.
The girls came running back with the presents and made a mess of the living area with unpacking everything. He had been working in the USA for 4 years and now was back home to start at the company business. They loved all the gifts he brought. Not that he normally didn't send them gifts anyway. He also brought gifts for his aunt that was more of a mother to him since his own mother passed away at childbirth 15 years ago. She could have had a life of her own but she chose to look after them instead. She was only 20 when his mother passed away. His parents married at 17 and had him 9 months later. Then his mother struggled to fall pregnant again and died when the twins were born. He loved his family to bits. Even though he lived abroad for 4 years, they were a close knit family. He was going to be so happy to be home.
He was finally settled in his bed and he thought about the girl he saw earlier. He went through her bag and found a sketchpad. She had amazing talent. And her cell phone was in the bag but it was switched off and the battery was flat. But there was a name and address in her sketchpad. He would take it to her the next day.
He pulled up in front of the house. It was in a less than affluent neighbourhood but not completely poor. He knocked on the door and waited. It was her that opened the door. She has obviously been crying again.
"Yes?
He held out her bag.
"Oh, where did you find it?
"You dropped yesterday. You know, when you nearly became roadkill.
"Oh. Thank you. she turned around to close the door.
He put his hand at the door and stopped her from closing it.
"I know this might seem forward but yesterday you were crying and it seems that you've been crying now too. Are you ok Miss Dubey?
"How do you know my name?
"The same way I knew your address. Your sketchpad.
"Oh she said again. She was like someone in a trance. A very beautiful someone in a trance.
"So are you ok.
"Fine.
"You're not fine. Do you like ice-cream?
"What?
"Ice-cream? Do you like it?
"Yes.
"It always cheers my sisters up when they are sad. Can I take you for some?
She smiled.
"You don't have to do that.
"I want to. He really wanted to. He wanted to see her smile more.
"Ok. she said. Just give me a minute. Wait here.
She came back in about 5 minutes. Obviously washed her face and brushed her hair that was in a ponytail before and now hung loose. Now she looked even more beautiful. She had also put on another top with the jeans.
"I'm ready.
He walked to his car.
"No, let's walk. There is a vendor at the park nearby.
"What's you name.
"Yash.
"I'm Aarti.
"I know.
"I know you know. What I meant is that you don't have to call me Miss Dubey.
He smiled.
"So Aarti, what do you do when you don't walk in front of approaching vehicles.
"I am a graphic designer. I just got a permanent position after my internship.
"And do you like your job.
"Love it.
"Can I ask what it is that is making you so sad?
She shook her head.
"Ok, then at least tell me what your favourite flavour ice-cream is.
"It's simple. A mixture of chocolate and vanilla.
"Mine is totally different. It's a mixture of vanilla and chocolate.
She giggled.
He bought her ice-cream and they went to sit on bench nearby.
"So what do you do?
"Nothing at the moment. I will be starting my new job in 2 weeks.
"As what?
"I am an events co-ordinator.
"That's interesting.
Suddenly there was a bee. He frantically waved it away from her and dropped his ice-cream.
"Sorry she said.
"No worries. I will get another.
"No, let's share.
"Great idea.
She fed him and herself alternately.
"Mmm. Chocolate and vanilla is so much better than vanilla and chocolate. she giggled.
"You must be a great big brother.
"How did you know I was a big brother?
"I don't know. You just seem like one.
"Well, you are right. And those prima donna's use and abuse me at will he laughed.
"How many sisters do you have?
"2. Do you have any siblings?
"I also have a younger sister but I would have loved having a big brother like you. She smiled.
He looked at her and smiled back.
"I am glad I am not your big brother.
She looked away shyly.
His phone beeped.
"Well, I have to go. Madam 1 & Madam 2 have summoned. I have to take them shopping. Want to tag along?
"I would have loved to have met them, but I can't today.
"Ok, maybe next time.
"Maybe, she said.
He walked her back home.
"Are you feeling at least a little bit better?
"Yes she smiled again.
"I love your smile.
She looked away again.
"May I have you number?
He took out his phone and saved her number.
"Now you need to charge you phone for when I call you.
"I will. Enjoy your shopping. Good bye.
She went inside and put her phone on charge.
"Aarti beta, where were you? said her mother.
"I went for ice-cream.
"Oh, Beta. You need to make a decision about the proposal beta. The Scindiyas won't wait forever. You won't get a better match. And I don't want to put pressure on you but this a good alliance in more ways than one. Your fathers business has been suffering of late. They are an influential family. It could good for all of us. Even when it comes time for Vidhi to get married as well.
"So I am to be the sacrificial lamb.
"No beta, you will have a good life. You will be rich. You won't even have to work.
"But I want to work Ma. I want to choose my own husband. I don't want this. Please don't make me do this.
"Aarti, you are being selfish. You are only thinking about your own wants and needs. We have been good parents to you, we let you study and you are already 25. You even turned away proposals, but this is one we cannot refuse. So you better get used to the idea. We have been invited to a party at their house this Friday. Make sure you look your best.
Her mother walked away. The moments that she shared before was forgotten and she wanted to cry again.
When her phone was charged, there was a message from him.
"Loved sharing an ice-cream with you. I enjoyed the company more than the ice-cream. I hope I can keep the tears from your eyes always.
This message made her want to cry even more. She really liked him and he was not option for her at all. She didn't respond. But he called later.
"I see you got my message.
"Yes
"How are you now?'
"Fine.
"No more tears?'
"Not when I speak to you.
"Good.
"How was the shopping?
"Crazy. They drive me insane he laughed.
"But you love it
"I really missed them when I was gone. They are planning a welcome home party for me this Friday. Will you be able to join us?
"I would have loved to but I can't
"Oh
She heard the disappointment in his voice.
"Ok, see you around then.
"Yash, my parents have already committed to something this Friday. Otherwise I would have come. I promise.
"Ok, so Saturday movies then?
"With or without the madams?'
"Just us for now. I don't want them to scare you off just yet. he laughed.
"I am a tough cookie. I will tell you why I have been crying on Saturday, ok. she knew it would be the last time she would see him.
"I will let you know what time.
"See you then.
Aarti was dressed in her sarree and her head covered as expected of her. Her parents had confirmed the proposal. And tomorrow she would have to tell him that she can't see him anymore. She only saw him once and they had been talking and texting since then, and she was busy falling in love with him. And she was losing him before she even knew him.
She entered the house with the family when he party was already in full swing.
"Come Aarti, there is Suraj Pratapji and Mayaji.
"Welcome Dubeyj, Shobaji, Aarti.
She greeted them.
"I must introduce you to my son.
She stood with her head bent, the pallu covering her face. He gestured to someone to come to them.
"Shobaji, Dubeyji, this is my son Yash. he head shot up. And their eyes met, both confused.
"Yash, this is Mr and Mrs Dubey and their daughter Aarti. Aarti has agreed to marry me. She will be your stepmother.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
