(Note: Flashbacks are in italics)
CHAPTER 1:
Present day: New york
The cab screeched and stopped..waking Sona up.At last she was here..in the New York City..her dream city after she started dreaming big.
Who would have thought that a shy,low self esteemed girl who had always led a sheltered life would dare to take decision of going for higher studies outside India. It was not an easy decision but needed to be taken. Last two years went by in a blur. The need to be par excellence was so high that all she did was study. But after two years of mind grueling schedule she decided that the time is right to move to New York city in search of good career, afterall..it was a place where dream gets fulfilled!
She was just 26 years old ,attractive and matured girl with an Engineering degree in Electronics from India and master's degree from Virginia.
Sona was not surprised to see Elina waiting for her down the street. Her cousin was her support system and she knew she is always welcome at Elina's home .
How was the journey Sona???Did u eat anything???I am about to cook some Bengali food for lunch. Let me know if you have any preference..."..Elina rambled on.
Sona smiled...she was glad that few things can never change. Her talkative cousin has switched on to the protective mode.
"I am fine..everything is fine.. and yes I did eat something..for god sake calm down and let me enter your apartment and then we will talk properly", Sona replied.
"Oh sorry sorry..let me help you with your luggage..By the way I am still very angry with you..you moved to US two years back and forgot all about us...imagine my shock when you called me last week to inform that you are shifting to New York City." Elina continued.
Sona explained"Well yeah, I needed some change...And you know Elina I was busy with my studies...wanted to do something really good with my life. This is the first time I have taken my studies so seriously. I will try finding my own accommodation soon..."
Elina interrupted:"Are you kidding me?? Your own accommodation?? Am I a stranger to you??Enough of your bullshit... you are going to stay with me till the time you are in New York..Am I clear??"
"Ok ok my darling stranger, your wish is my command" Smiled Sona.
"Fine... now tell me about everything you did in the last two years, and I mean EVERYTHING!"probed Elina.
Sona burst into laughter "There is nothing to tell...I did well ...my grades are excellent and I am here looking for a good internship which I hope I get pretty soon. I want to be independent first and after that will call Maa,Papa here as well..."
Elina:"Sona...i know u did good...but apart from studies etc what else is new??? Any boyfriend???Tell me something naa"
It is difficult to render Sonakshi Bose speechless...but Elina did it. Frankly speaking since past two years she did not even think about making friends..forget boyfriend. Something inside her is still hopeful...but hopeful for what???And why??Especially when she moved all the way to different continent to run away from the memories.
Sensing her discomfort Elina stopped. She mentally cursed herself for spoiling the mood of her beloved sister."I am sorry Sona...I did not mean to make you sad"
Sona:" Oh shut up..i am not sad..just a little tired..your house is pretty Elina."
Elina:"Thanks...this is because I cleaned my home for you :P...you really thought I have mended my ways and become neatness freak like you??"
Sona smiles :" I knew it...you will never change..but don't worry..ab main aa gayi hu naa."
Elina:"Ok ..so what is your plan?"
Sona:"Nothing much..I have applied to this company.I have cleared all their interviews. There is this last HR round tomorrow which is mostly a formality. Once I am done with it we will go explore this city tomorrow. And you will be my guide.
Elina"Sure thing mam..i will drop you tomorrow"
After unpacking her stuff Sona gazed out of the window to admire the view. She still could not believe that she is in New York City. She was excited and nervous at the same time... Finally...
" New York...one chance...and I will just run to New York"..he used to say.
"why you hate Delhi so much Dev??"Sona asked genuinely.
"I don't hate Delhi Sona...but New York is my dream", Dev replied.
"And what about me...you will run to your precious New York leaving me here then why don't you just leave me now...make it easy for me...", Sona replied tearing up.
"It's a city Sona..not any girl that you are so jealous...and who told you that I will leave you here..you will also come with me..."
"Really??"
"Of course" Replied Dev wiping her tears.
The mobile ring brought Sona back to the reality. It was her parents.After talking to them she hung up .Its been seven years and everything is still fresh in her mind. She tried her best but could just not get rid of his memories.
"Sona ki bacchi...from tomorrow a new chapter will start in your life. Stop thinking about past and start living your life ."She muttered to herself angriliy and went to sleep.
The next day Elina woke her up and strictly instructed her to dress up well as these things are taken seriously in the work place.
"I will eat something after the interview Elina..right now my appetite has vanished. Just drop me at this address and I will give you a call after the interview...ok?"
"Ok Sona...all the very best..I know you will rock it.." Elina chirped.
They arrived at the venue. Sona got down and bade Elina goodbye.She was about to enter the building when Elina called from behind.
Elina:"Arey waise which company are you interviewing for??I forgot to ask".
Sona:"Well it's a new company but has become very successful in short span of time. This was what interested me the most"
Elina:"ok..name?"
Sona:"Ishwari Enetrprises...now I have to run..chalo catch you later..bye bye".And she ran inside the building to catch the elevator right on time.