At First Sight
"Palak, Nunie. Wait." Aarti shouted after her lightning fast 2 year old as she was running as soon as she got out of the pool.
"You're wet!" she kept running. Aarti was right behind pulling her short beach kaftan over her head.
"Amaan Mama!" she shouted and launched onto her uncle.
He hugged her tightly.
"You are making me so wet. Why don't you listen to mummy, you naughty nunie." said Amaan pinchin her nose.
She giggled.
"Because you encourage her." Aarti said in mock anger.
Aarti had to smile. Palak loved the water and they had gone for a swim. And when she saw her uncle, Palak had gotten so excited that she just starting running as soon as she got out of the pool before Aarti could dry her. And of course Aarti came after her, also still wet.
"Aarti, I told you we were having guests! And this is how you appear." her mother said.
Aarti looked around the room. Her family had obviously just sat down to lunch with the guests. It was the family of a prospective groom for her sister. She heard of the family before. They were very well known and wealthy. They were here for a business and pleasure trip. There was an elderly couple and 2 younger men and a young lady with a smile that reached her eyes. The younger of the two men gave her a once over and smiled. She was amused at him. He was a couple of years younger than her.
She was not expected to be there. She was the family's shame hence the lack of introduction. And she was ok with that. It's been long since she tried to live up to the perfection that was their first born daughter, Arpita. But she was not rude.
"Sorry Ma. Namaste she greeted the guests. My apologies. It's just ..." she indicated to her daughter.
"Yes, yes we all know she wanted to go for a swim. And what the princess wants the princess gets. No matter what. Spoilt brat." her sister spat out with her usual amount of venom.
Aarti's ire rose and the anger was clear in her eyes. But she thought better of the full on confrontation she felt coming on.
"Come on sweetie." she said lifting up her little girl.
"I know your aunty is dying to talk about her area of expertise. After all who knows more about being a brat then her, but we have to get dressed and we will go and have lunch with Mansi Aunty and Sashni. Ok?"
"Yeah", she clapped her chubby little hands.
Aarti started to walk off but slipped on the water Palak deposited in her haste to hug her uncle. She closed her eyes and held onto her baby, her biggest fear was that she would be hurt. She was about to scream when she felt a pair of strong arms enfold her. She finally opened her eyes to behold her rescuer.
Her breath caught in her throat. He was gorgeous. Such amazing eyes. Such an amazing fragrance. Such an amazing presence. Almost God like. She liked the feel of his arms and did not immediately move to get out of it. Neither did he make a move to release her.
"Mummy? We are finished falling."
She got up and moved out of his arms and moved away slightly.
"S ... Sorry." she said shyly.
He shrugged and gave Palak a beautiful smile.
"Thank you." she said.
"Fank you" Palak said.
"Pleasure" he replied with a brilliant smile at Palak and she beamed.
She walked away but she could not resist just a peak back at him and he was still watching her walk to the bedroom. He waved to Palak and she waved back giggling. For the first time she realised that her heart was hammering in her chest. She had to calm herself down. She suspected he was the one that her sister was to be betrothed to and so off limits.
"Yash. Yash!"
"Yes" he said finally heeding his mother.
"Please can you greet the Dubey's?"
"Oh, sorry" he said. "Namaste."
"Namaste, Yashji. Please sit." said Mrs. Dubey. "I am sorry about Aarti. I really don't know where she gets her uncouthness from. I mean she was raised in the same home as Arpita and she is so cultured and sweet." She looked at her daughter adoringly.
"She is not joining us for lunch?"
"No, she doesn't eat with us normal human beings. She is off to one of her wild friends with the brat." said Arpita.
"I bet she will be having more fun than we are having." said Amaan angrily.
"Amaan!" his father warned.
He bent his head but Yash did not miss how he rolled his eyes.
"She was very cute. She sure loves her mama." said Vidhi.
Amaan looked up and smiled.
"Yes, she is the cutest Smarty pants ever. Just like her mom." he responded.
"Where is her dad?" asked Vidhi.
The table got suddenly silent.
"Well my sister studied in the UK and came back pregnant. No one knows who the father of the brat is. We are not sure if she even knows."
Yash was getting really irritated at her calling that beautiful child a brat. Just as he was about to say something Prateek spoke.
"She reminds me of Vedhika isn't it Bhabhi. Just as cute. And our Vedhika is not a brat at all." he said having seen the look in his brothers eyes.
"No, my baby is not a brat at all. But she can be very cheeky." affirmed Vidhi.
"Just like Palak" laughed Amaan. And then he was silenced again by the looks of his parents and sister.
Again this did not go unnoticed by Yash.
"G3-ji and SP-ji, I am can assure you our other children are not like Aarti. She is a huge disappointment to us and we certainly don't condone her behaviour."
"We understand." said SP.
"So, Arpita, tell me more about yourself." he carried on.
Yash stopped listening. All he could think about was the two beauties that he had the pleasure of having in his arms a while ago. The mother was beyond beautiful and sexy and the little angel was just too adorable. And you could tell that she was loved if not by her aunt and possibly her grandparents. He looked in the direction that they disappeared. He hoped to see them again.
He knew why he was here. He came willingly. He was ready for it. After all he would be 30 soon and it was time for him to get married. They received the proposal from a family that had moved to South-Africa a few years ago. They were of the same status as the Scindiya's and Arpita was the perfect match on paper. She was well educated, beautiful and she was happy to be the stay at home wife that his mother preferred her bahus to be. He did not have the time to choose, he was too busy now that his father was busy stepping down from his position of being CEO of Scindiya Inc. He would accept whoever his mother chose. Or so he thought until a few minutes ago when two angels fell into his arms.
"Aaru, where are you?" they were sitting at a restaurant at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
"Sorry, Manu. I promise I was listening."
"Liar! Are you thinking of him again." She knew Mansi was referring to Palak's father.
"No."
"Aaru?"
"No really this time."
She took a deep sigh.
"I met a guy today."
"And!!!!?"
"Remember I told you that the witch had someone coming from India for a possible proposal."
"Yes."
"Well, he came. And he is so ... so ...Ugh. So gorgeous."
Mansi burst out laughing.
"Oh my word. You sound like a love sick teenager. And always finding ways to endear the Dubey's to you, hey Aaru. Falling in love with the witches betrothed, that is a new level even for you."
"Well they are not betrothed yet."
"Excuse me!"
"Yes, yes, I know. I was just saying. He is very hot."
"What is his name? Let's google him."
And they did.
"Oh my freaking word. No wonder you are in love.
"See, see. He is so ...uhg. And I am not in love. I am just appreciating a thing of beauty."
"Oh my dearest friend. Can you feel it because I can? The wind, the thunder and lightning. I feel a storm coming. And it is headed straight for you. And I am happy. This means you are finally over him.
"You're wrong. I don't get invited along with the Dubey's and their guests. They are too ashamed of the black sheep."
"Oh but what a beautiful black sheep. That is why madam witch is so jealous of you."
"I don't have time for her cattiness. I have a job and a daughter to raise. I hope she finds a man and moves back to India so I don't have to put with her anymore."
"Even this man?"
She shrugged and they both giggled liked teens.
Aarti met Mansi at the gynae's office when they were both pregnant. She met her husband while he was in India on vacation. Her parents were more liberal and allowed her to marry and move to S-A. Mansi loved her husband but she also missed home terribly and she loved having someone to speak to about home in her native language. They hit it off and their daughters were each other's first friends. Aarti loved spending weekends with Mansi, just to get away from the constant stress and criticism she was under at home. The only thing she didn't like was that they were constantly trying to set her up. She tried so many times to explain to Mansi that she still had not forgotten Palak's father but she couldn't understand why. Aarti herself questioned her feelings for the man even after 3 years.
Aarti only went home the Monday after she collected Palak from playschool. Palak as usual went straight to her Amaan Mama's room while Aarti went to take off her work clothes so that she could get dinner ready for them. They ate in their room as she did not like the atmosphere at the dinner table when she was there. She put on tights and a t-shirt and tied her hair in a bun. Then she heard a soft knock on the door. She smiled as she knew that knock but she didn't know why she came from her Mama's room so quickly.
"Coming Nunie."
"Mummy Open"
She rushed to the door.
"Open" she shouted again. Aarti opened and said.
"Always so impatient." she smiled but the smile left her face immediately. It was Palak in Yash's arms.
"Oh." She said. "What are you doing here? I mean ... Umm" she immediately fumbled with her hair to feel that it was all in place. She felt so frumpy. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a white shirt and a navy blue blazer. He looked like he stepped out of a fashion magazine and here she was all plane Jane with her sweats.
"Your parents invited us to stay here while we are here in Cape Town."
"Oh" she said again.
"I was invited." he continued.
"What?"
"Well, I was invited by Miss Palak to have dinner with you. She said that you always eat in you room."
"No, you can't"
"Oh" he said now quite taken aback.
He looked disappointed. Why was she behaving like a bumbling idiot in front of this man always? She could hardly string a sentence together.
"Mummy please. Let Yash Uncle come eat with us. He's my friend."
"Sorry, that was rude. I just meant that my parents will not approve."
"Then have dinner with us in the dining room."
"No."
"Why not."
"It's just how it is in our home."
"You don't get along with your sister?"
"She doesn't get along with me and neither does my mother or father. And if we are alone in the room they will have a freak out. So please understand."
"Then I insist in joining you here. I promised my cute friend over here that I will eat with her."
"Yes, mummy. Uncle promised. He promised."
"Ok, I have a suggestion. Why don't we have a picnic in the garden? That way won't be "alone'.
"No, they will still be angry."
"Ok, I will get Amaan and Chote to join us. Better."
"Not really. But if you insist. I will get the food from kitchen and get the things for the picnic."
Then she addressed Palak.
"Come with me, baby."
"No, we are going to get our other guests and help you set up the picnic. Isn't that right, Sweetie?"
"Yes." she beamed.
They had a nice picnic. The guys had a lovely banter going and Palak was in her element. The men all doted on her. Aarti didn't say much even though they tried to engage her in the conversation. She could not remember ever being so nervous. She enjoyed herself though. Yash was sitting right next to her and she was not sure if she was imagining it but his hand brushing against hers seemed less than accidental. And she liked it. She totally ignored the stares that came from inside the house. She knew there was going to be hell to pay. But she was used to it.
He was the one that led the conversation in the direction of them staying at the Dubey's and made it seem like it was their idea. He wanted to see more of her. He wanted to try and figure out what these feelings were that she made him feel that first day. But she left and didn't come home for 2 days. He befriended Amaan and he got the gist of the Dubey family dynamics from him. He actually felt sorry for her. Again he was sitting in Amaan's room after work and he was playing computer games when Palak came running into the room. He smiled at the sight of her. She was so precious. And also he knew that her mother was at home. Amaan hugged her, but he suggested that he continue the game and he kept Palak company, asking her about the weekend. They got on the subject of dinner and Palak was the one to say they don't eat at the table, only in their room. And the she asked him to join them. He jumped at the chance.
Yash spent most of his time observing her. She only spoke when spoken to. Her brother teased her quite a bit. But she just laughed. She dished their food. And Palak was sitting on his lap and he was feeding her. Aarti ate as little as she spoke. Finally she wanted to clear everything up, as it was time to get Palak bathed and into bed. He offered to clear up and offered the services of Prateek as well.
"Night Night, Yashu uncle. Night night Chote Uncle, Night night Mamu" she gave them all a kissy on the cheek. Aarti picked her up and took her to the room. Again he stared after them till they were out of sight.
He could not wait till morning, till he would see her again. He was surprised that he would feel like this about a woman. It was only the second time he saw her and yet he couldn't imagine life without her. And he knew she came as a package deal and he was more than willing to accept both of them. He felt this way once before and he never thought he could again.
He knew this would not go down well with his parents. They would not approve a match with an unwed mother. After all the Scindiya's had certain standards to uphold. But right now he didn't care about their idea of a perfect match. He knew he had found his perfect match. He didn't know how this could happen in such a short time but he knew it to be true.
The house was finally quiet and the lights were out. It was her time now. This was her therapy. She loved this time of the day. After Palak fell asleep she would work and wait for everyone to settle down and go for a swim. The house had an indoor heated swimming pool so she could swim anytime. She took the baby monitor and went down the pool. She took off her towel and jumped and swam a lap to the other side of the pool. She came up for air and stood preparing to swim back to the other side.
"If this was the beach I'd swear you were a mermaid."
She let out a scream as she got the fright of her life. He closed her mouth with his hand.
"Shhh, do you want the whole house to wake up."
She shook her head. He let her go.
"What are you doing here?'
"Again the same question. The same as you."
"Oh."
"I am starting to think you have a very limited vocabulary. But I am sure that is not true."
"It's not."
"Do I make you nervous?"
"Yes" she said now shivering.
"Are you cold?"
"No"
"Then why are you shivering."
"You."
"Relax Aarti. I won't bite. Unless you want me to."
Now she was really nervous. She swam to the other side of the pool. But when she got there he was already there."
"How ..."
"Swimming is kind of my thing. I competed for my school and University. I could have done it professionally but you know, there was a company to run."
"I have to go."
"Why?"
She closed her eyes. She didn't want to play games.
"Yash-ji, you came here for my sister, so I don't understand what you are doing now."
"The thing with your sister was never set in stone. And truth be told I myself don't understand what I am doing. But I know I want to be with you all the time."
"Yashji, I have a child. She is my first priority. I don't date and I have not entertained any idea of a relationship since I found out I was pregnant. My parents tried to get me to marry someone then and I refused. So now we are on a self-imposed exile to Africa because I brought shame on my family. And just so you know, I don't consider my daughter an object of shame. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love her more than anything. She is only a blessing to me. I don't care who judges me for that."
"I am not judging you. But I feel that in a marriage the husband must be the wife's priority and children only after that. And I agree with you, Palak is a blessing. She beautiful and sweet and just a joy to be around. Just like her mother."
He pulled her closer. So close that their lips nearly touched.
"You are so beautiful Aarti. I can't get you out of my mind."
"Please, Yash" she whispered.
"What I am feeling is not one sided. I know it."
"It can't be. This is not right."
"How can this be wrong, Aarti?"
He brought his lips down on hers. The kiss was intense and passionate. It was too long since she had been touched like this. She wrapped her arms around his neck and responded to him passionately. It brought back memories of her past and she suddenly pushed him away.
She shook her head and made her way out of the pool. Grabbed her towel and ran to her room and locked the door.
He hit the water with his flat hand. He was stupid. He should have been more sensitive to her feelings. He knew she reciprocated but she was not ready to accept her feelings. He knew it was too fast, but he only had a little time before they left again. And she must be his before they left.
"Control, Yash. Control."
He had to control himself, his feelings, and his desire if he was to succeed in winning her. She had a lot of issues to work through, he knew that. First and foremost there would be family issues to deal with on both sides. But he would fight for her. He was not about to lose another woman that he loved. He would not live with that regret ever again. This time he would take his happiness and keep it. And he knew his happiness was with the woman inside that house and the little princess. And not the one that he thought he came for.
She avoided him where possible. It was not difficult as she did not partake of any family activities. Then Amaan told her they were all going on a week's safari the Kruger National Park. She was so glad. She was wound up so tight and now she could not even swim for fear of him being there. What she saw in his eyes mirrored what she felt. His words resonated to her very core. But she couldn't do this. Her parents would think she did it deliberately to hurt them, just like they insinuated with her pregnancy. Her life was tough enough as is without this added complication. And if it somehow didn't work out like the first time, what about her baby. She had to focus on that. Palak needed to be protected at all cost. Already she had the disadvantage of not having a father and a family that didn't care for her besides Amaan, she could not have her hurt and feel abandonment like she did by people that she should have loved her. So their departure could not come fast enough for her.
When they were gone, she felt at peace and also not. She gave all the helpers off just to enjoy time on her own. She even invited Mansi and her husband for supper in the week. Something she was never able to do, because he parents did not like Mansi. Firstly because they did not approve of interracial marriage and secondly she had to be a bad person to be friends with their wayward daughter. But they meant so much to her and they were always there for her so she often treated them to a meal at a restaurant or cooked for them at their house. She never cooked at home. She was not even aware if her family knew she could cook. She used to spend hours in the kitchen with their domestic workers as a child as they were more affectionate to her than her parents and she helped them prepare meals. She liked to try out new recipes and cooked for herself when she lived away from home. Now she only had the opportunity when she was at Mansi's house.
It was the third day after they had left and she made her way to the swimming pool. She always looked around now, hoping, yet knowing that he would not be there. Yet the tinge of disappointment was still there. She dived in and swam to the other side of the pool. She stood up as she got to the other side and she saw a form in the dark in pool. She smiled, knowing instinctively that it was him. She swam towards him, to the middle of the pool. He was waiting for her there.
"What are doing here?" she asked again with a huge smile.
"How did I know you were going to ask that?"
"Then answer."
I missed you?"
"So you just left the safari and came back here?"
"Well I had a meeting to go to."
"One that couldn't wait?"
"No."he said and grabbed her to him and kissed her.
"I missed you too." she said when she could breathe again. She had decided that she was going to grab her happiness with both hands never mind the consequences.
"Do you believe in love at first sight?" he whispered in her ear.
She looked at him strangely.
"Say that again?"
"Do you believe in love at first sight?"
"No, like you said the first time."
He whispered in her ear again.
"Just like Ram and Sita" she said.
"No like ... like you and I" he said as realisation set in.
"Yes, yes I do."
He moved to embrace her tightly as tears streamed down both their eyes.
"It was you?"
Flashback 3 years ago:
It was New Year's Eve and Aarti was at a fancy dress party at a prestigious hotel in London. She had been fascinated with the story of Ram and Sita since she was a child. He nanny used to tell it to her the story often, so she decided to dress up as Sita. She was having a good time and dancing with her friends when she felt someone watching her. She looked in that direction and couldn't tear her gaze away from him. He looked every bit the image of Ram that she had always built up in her mind. She was unable to move as he made his way towards her. He took her her in his arms and started dancing with her. They were both wearing masks but they held each other eyes. They were dancing close together for a while. The music had changed to fast paced but they were oblivious to anything but each other as they kept moving slowly in each other's embrace. Finally he whispered in her ear.
"Do you believe in love at first sight?"
"Like Ram and Sita?" she replied.
"No, like you and I. Do you believe?"
"Yes" she whispered back.
He kissed her and then led her to his room in the hotel.
The night was magical. And to retain the magic, she insisted that they keep on their masks and the lights off. She was never afraid of him. They fact that it was her first time and that they were not using protection was immaterial. It felt so right. He was gentle yet passionate and she felt loved him. But as the morning sun crept into the hotel room, so did sanity. She quietly dressed in one of his shirts. He was much taller than her so it reached to her knees. She had a chain belt with her outfit that she put around the shirt. With one last glance at the man she fell in love with instantly, she left. She was sure of her love, but she felt embarrassed. Most likely he was used to this kind of thing. And the things that he said were probably just lines that he used, she needed to keep this memory pure and good. If she was being used. She didn't want to know.
He woke up that morning. He was still wearing his mask, so he knew that it wasn't a dream. He couldn't believe that she was gone. He dressed quickly in sweats and ran outside. Hoping. He was not sure for what. He didn't even have a picture of her. He didn't even know if he would recognise her if he saw her dressed in normal clothes. He asked the hotel workers. He tried to describe her as best he could but to no avail. He only realised later that she had taken one of his shirts. He finally stood outside the hotel for a long time as he finally gave up and realising that she was gone.
He had called for cctv footage from the hotel management to see if he could find out something. But it was as if she just disappeared into the nothingness. He never felt a connection to anyone until he came here, with her, again.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Back to present:
"Sweetheart, why did you leave, I looked all over for you?"
"Because it was too much of a dream. I couldn't believe that you could have fallen in love me like that. And I was embarrassed that you would think I was a .. a ..."
"Honey, how? I was you first. How could I think that?"
"Well, my family does not think that I am particularly love worthy, why would a stranger."
"I love you. I fell in love with you the very first moment I laid eye on you. Twice."
She hugged him.
"Sorry" she said lifting her head to look into her eyes.
"It doesn't matter anymore. I have you now and I will never let you go. Not your or our daughter. Will you marry me?" he asked.
"Yes, yes I will" she said through her tears. He picked her up and twirled her around in the pool. They were unbelievably happy. He kissed her and carried her to the bedroom.
The next few days, they spent together happily. They were a real family. Palak and her daddy just loved each other. They were inseparable. She introduced him to her friends, though Mansi was a bit sad as she knew Aarti would be moving back to india soon.
They were sitting on the patio having lunch after their swim. She was now no longer surprised that her nunie loved to swim so much as both her mom and dad loved it. As usual Palak was in her father's lap and being fed by her mother when the family came back home.
The family was absolutely shocked at the sight. Only Amaan and Prateek were smiling. Their parents and her sister were of course beyond livid.
"Yash, what is the meaning of this?" asked his father.
He calmly got up and said:
"Good afternoon everyone. Bauji, we came here for a bride and we found one. Mr. & Mrs. Dubey, please may I have Aarti's hands in marriage."
"Absolutely not. You came here for Arpita."
"Sorry Arpita, that I gave you the wrong impression. I came here to make my parents happy and I found my own happiness. I found the love of my life and my daughter."
"What?"
"Yes, she is my own daughter. Aarti and I met in London 3 years ago and Palak was conceived. We fell in love then and we are still in love."
"Why didn't you say anything." his mother asked.
"Well, because we needed to figure some things out first. On our own." They did not need to know the finer details.
"Well then in this case, I suppose they have to get married. I'm sorry Dubeyji, this was not planned but our children seemed to have made plans of her own. We will get the marriage done as soon as possible."
"Ma, how did this happen. He was supposed to be my husband. Now she gets him. And she is nothing but a s**t. I hate you. I hate you, bitch." Arpita screamed.
"Arpita, baby. Stay calm. We will get you another groom.
"But I have told everyone that I was marrying Yash Scindiya already."
"Whose problem is that then Didi?" Amaan asked, having no sympathy for his eldest sister.
Aarti felt slightly sorry for her though. But only slightly.
"I am sorry didi, but this is how it was meant to be. Yash has always been mine. I am sure you will get someone even more suitable. But look at this in a positive light. I will be out of the house soon and out of your life very soon."
She came forward to slap Aarti, but Yash stepped in-between. You don't want to do that Arpitaji. No one lifts a hand to my wife." he said dangerously.
She stopped in her tracks. It was clear to everyone nothing could change what was happening.
The wedding was held with much pomp and fanfare as befits a Scindiya wedding. After a week the newly weds went on their honeymoon. Mrs. Scindiya was overjoyed when she realised that the honeymoon destination was the very hotel, the very room that they first shared their love the first time. It was just perfect. The first night they arrived, she went to the shower and he came out wearing the shirt that she wore the morning she left him 3 years ago.
"Recognise this." she said as she stood at the bathroom door.
"Hmm" he said walking towards her. "I have been looking for that. For more than 3 years. You kept it?" he said embracing her.
"Yes. It reminded me of you. I've never even washed it. It still smells of you. I thought your fragrance was familiar that first day at my parents' home. I could just not place it."
"You look so sexy, if I had seen you in this that morning I would have kept you here the whole day. In fact forever." he said unbuttoning the shirt.
"But now you are taking if off." she smiled up at him.
"Not completely" When the shirt was completely open, he lifted her and she wrapped her legs around him as he carried her to bed, their lips never leaving each other. He put her down on the bed and got rid of his clothes and joined her.
"I love you, baby." she said.
"I love you too."
There was no time for foreplay as he entered her with a hard thrust. They could not wait to be joined. This time was as perfect as the first, only this time there was a sure tomorrow.
They fell in love with each other at first sight. Not once, but twice. What happened in a moment, they were determined to have last for a last time. Now Palak was loved and accepted by her paternal family, which made Aarti ecstatically happy. She still had to be accepted completely by her in laws and she realised that it would not be easy but it would worth it when it did happen. Even her own family was more accepting of her now that she was Mrs. Yash Scindiya. But she recognised their superficial approval for what it was and it didn't really bother her that much. With him at her side she could face anything. She even took a break from work to find out what she really wanted to do. She did not have a choice before and now she was happy to be figuring out what she wanted to do with her future. For now she was happy to be a wife and mother. And the love that she shared with her husband was deeper and more passionate than she could ever have imagined. And with him at her side she could face anything. He supported her in everything she did. He was not at all shy to be affectionate towards her in public and although she was a little shy when it happened, she loved it. She felt like Cinderella that finally got the prince. And she loved her prince with all that was within her, and he loved her back just the same. And this love was timeless. It started at first sight and would last to infinity.
Edited by B-onesie - 8 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Anupamaa
Fan Fictions
