Likhavat 2.0- Read, Feel, Vote.. ( TM's NOTE @ Pg 1..Peep in guys!!!)

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Nik03

@Nik03

Rocker

Posted: 7 years ago

Banner Credit: Animagus_Sirius

Hello Everyone and Welcome to Likhavat 2.0.

This is an immense pleasure for Saleha and Me to finally put forth the beautiful entries we received from you'll. Reconciliation and Winter night, the theme that you'll loved.To write on a theme that too in a word limit isn't an easy task but you'll did a complete justice to it.

So firstly we would like to Congratulate each writer that participated. Thank you guys for participating. We all are the winners for participating.❤️

And now all the pieces are open to all, to read , decide and vote. What they are ot open to is plagiarism. We understand that letting your work speak for yourself has its own perks but it also brings with it issues.Saleha and Me know very well which piece belongs to whom.Each entry will carry a separate plagiarism warning. So please do not resort to wrongful means.Plagiarism is a punishable offence!!

Now before you guys go on to read the entries, please read the following Rules carefully.Failure to abide by them will lead to disqualification of your vote. So please do give them a read.!!

1)Please like all the pieces because a lot of work has gone into it.We would like all the pieces to have a similar "like" structure. The Writers deserve it.

2)Read ALL the pieces before deciding on your favourite ones.You have until the 25th of October 2017 to read them all and vote.So there is plenty of time.

3)Having made up your mind on which pieces you like the most, you can now vote for 3 pieces.

4)For voting, there is a separate thread. Please vote on that thread only.Here is the link.

Voting Thread

5)You may write a separate comment praising the pieces.But only on this thread and not on Voting thread. Voting thread is for voting purpose only.

6)DO NOT under any condition advertise any piece.

7)DO NOT vote for your own piece.

8)Please vote unbiased.

9)Read and decide carefully and then vote on the Voting thread.

10)In case of a tie, Saleha and I will use our votes, unbiased, to declare a winner.

11)In Likhavat 1.0, we had a guessing game.It is concluded this time too. Those who dont know about it, here is how it works..

Pieces are unnamed.So you guys can guess who you think is the writer of the piece from the members of our Forum!Send your guesses only as a PM to either Saleha or me and the person who gets most right, wins!

********

Now, writers, once the results are declared, I request you'll to please publish your works.Please do give your pieces your names as we can handle plagiarism, but, not for long.Publish them but after results are declared.

Right so that's it from us for now folks.

Enjoy the beautiful pieces, appreciate the works and vote unbiased!

Love and Hugs,

Saleha and Nik!

#Read

#Feel

#Vote

#25th October

#Appreciate

#Enjoy

#Cheers

P.S. Writers, if you find any issues with your piece, editing or otherwise, please know it was IF that did it, we tried our best to maintain the integrity of your piece.Please PM Saleha or Me, whoever has posted your piece with grievances, if any.

P. P. S Likhavat is a Legacy that Zoya And Sara handed over to us ❤️

And we cant be happier that finally Likhavat 2.0 is here!

Now that Likhavat 2.0 is here, How about Likhavat 3.0?

Am sure you'll are excited much!

So want to take the reigns?

In that case, Send a PM to either Sal or Me and we will decide whom to handover Likhavat 3.0.

Will be waiting guys!

😊

NOTE- Guys there is something to tell you'll. Something had been brought to our notice today regarding a piece titled 'A Misunderstanding' that it wasn't written exclusively for Likhavat #2. Upon asking, the writer accepted that it wasn't. The piece was written and posted on Wattpad long before and she took it down from there sometimes back and forwarded to us as Likhavat entry.

This is really disappointing!

When in rules, it was clearly mentioned that entry should be written exclusively for the competition.

There is no place for cheating in Likhavat. So we took that piece down from here. It is no longer a part of the competition. We apologise for the inconvenience though.

There are 19 pieces in total now.

Edited by Nik03 - 7 years ago

Quote

Frequent Posters

Nik03

@Nik03

Rocker

Posted: 7 years ago

A car made its way over a mildly steep incline emitting crunching noises as it trudged over an unpaved path. Soft breaths were the only sound apart from the occasional muttering from the driver. The other person on the front seat peered in a futile bid to see the road ahead but the darkness was too engulfing. The vehicle was quickly running out of gas. The frenzied wife blamed her man for their predicament. She claimed she would die in wilderness owing to his callousness. His brother had made arrangements for a secluded honeymoon in the virgin regions of Ladakh. "What a sham!" She exclaimed.

The car came to a screeching halt and swerved a little as it lost traction. He turned to look at her, dismay evident in his deep orbs. "Why do you keep saying that? It hurts..."

"Really?" She raised her brow. "You brought us here, you did this to us Shravan so please don't pretend to salvage this now."

Looking away, he let out a pained breath, "You won't die, I'm your husband, and it's my responsibility to keep you safe." Saying he saw the GPS reroute for the Nth time. Driving down the path he thought back at the precise moment when he destroyed their relationship. Suman had been complaining about how they were married but were not man and wife in the truest sense. One of his acquaintances had flirted with her at a party that night and a scuffle had erupted, the acquaintance had a broken nose and Shravan was left with bruised knuckles. Upon returning home Suman had questioned him about his behaviour. He affirmed they were married and she had laughed it off saying it was only on paper. He had grabbed her by the arm and dragged her to their bed stating he would promptly make her his wife since that was her desire. He had earned a crisp slap in response. She cried at what they had come to. It was that night and this; nothing ever was the same between them.

Qurbat ki chahat mai,

Na jaane kya keh gaye,

Maanga tha faqak unko,

Ruswayi ki saugaat de gaye.

Wishing for propinquity,

What did I do?

Hoping for uniquity,

I lost you.

He saw a stone house in the distance and turned sharply. Suman jolted at the sudden change of direction. She saw a decent sized tastefully made bungalow. They made their way to the habitation, multiple knocks later they realized the home was deserted. He took his stance and decided to break open the door. He knew they needed rest; it was late and the temperature was falling.

The abode looked like it had been empty for at least a few months. It had bare minimum furniture and huge windows. It overlooked a river, the moon reflected from the water into the home giving it an alluring look. Shravan made his way upstairs, finding a blanket he returned to see Suman taking off the dusty sheets covering the sofas. He wrapped the blanket around her. "Its cold." He said.

Suman threw it off, "Don't feign that you care."

Shravan gathered the blanket and put it around her calmly, "The winters here are cruel, please."

She laughed sarcastically, "So are you!"

Mohobbat ki talaash mai,

Gham ki chaadar oodh li,

Ishq ki ghair-haazri mai,

Ashq ki chaadar oodh li.

Looking for love,

Sorrow engulfed us,

In the absence of warmth,

Tears engulfed us.

He sighed making his way towards the door, "I saw a shed outside, I'll go find something to burn."

Fear seeped into her being, "Don't leave me alone .. I'm scared." She confessed.

Khafa hai tumse,

Khata tumhari thi,

Tanha chodd jaaoge tum,

Iss ehsaas ki rehayi thi.

I'm unsettled by you,

You hurt my soul,

But I knew you,

You'd never leave me alone.

He smiled wryly, "It's started to drizzle, stay here." Turning to look at her, "Sumo, close your eyes and think of the most happy moments of your life, I'll be back in no time." She obliged and seeing a faint smile on her face he left.

Suman tried to change the direction of her thoughts but try as she may; the most comforting memories were the ones with the brute who she was now married to.

Shikvey kiye tumse,

Ghutan ki shikan tum the,

Aashnaayi hai tumse,

Aashiqi ki inteha tum the.

I was tormented by you,

Hurt; at it's finest,

But my home is with you,

Love; at it's purest.

She opened her eyes as she felt him. He walked in with a stack of hay and wood, his hair was messed owing to the strong winds. He kneeled near the fireplace and concentrated on lighting the fire. Suman couldn't help but notice his striking features stand out in the soft luminescence of the flame. His expressive eyes, his Grecian nose and those full lips. He was a very handsome man and he was hers.

Shravan stood up to find her ogling at him; her soft eyes a blazing inferno of passion. "Sumo?" He called out.

She walked towards him and started unbuttoning his shirt. The contact of her cold fingers against his bare chest made his breathing hitch. "Tum.. Kya..?" hoarseness evident in his voice.

"You're drenched." She shrugged.

Shravan allowed her to do as she pleased for he would be lying if he said he didn't want this. She pulled out his neatly tucked shirt and slid it off his torso. He looked on intently, noticing her stance had shifted. Biting her lower lip slightly; with nimble fingers she played with the hair peppered on his upper body. He felt the air being knocked out of his lungs. She inspected him as though he was a sculpture, a dream. He reveled under her soft touches. Slowly, holding on to her waist he whispered her name, which sounded more like a prayer, "Sumo?"

Chuan se tumhari,

Chubhan si seene mai uthti hai,

Mohobaat se tumhari,

Rooh meri sulaghti hai.

Your touch,

Evokes sweet torture,

Your love,

Is my soul's scorcher.

She looked into his eyes and asked, "What do you wish for Shravan?"

"You." He answered in a heartbeat.

She went on her toes as he bent to give her access, kissing his forehead gently she hushed in his ear, "What do you wish for?"

Poochti ho tum,

Chahat kya hai humari?

Kaise kahe tumse se?

Saanse tum ho humari.

You beseech me,

What is our love?

How don't you see?

You are my life from Him above.

Any resolve he had, diminished. He strongly pulled her into himself and captured her petals. Drinking from her the love that he always desired, he slowly moved his lips over hers. Breaking away he asked, "Do you really want this my love?" Not wanting to repeat any mistake of the past.

She smiled, pecked his cheek, blushing she replied, "You are all my cherished memories Shravan. You are my life. Whatever happened in the past, is just that, the past. I want to be yours as much as I want you to be mine."

Firaaq mai the umr bhar,

Mazil na mili,

Talaash tamam hui aakhir,

Aaghosh mai teri.

Life long quest,

Never yielding,

The search finally rests,

At the behest of your shielding.

Shravan let out the breath he was holding, "I love you Suman. I promise I will never hurt you again. For when you hurt, my heart bleeds. I can't live without you." His honest confession made her heart well up. He carried her in his arms and laid her on the sofa. He caressed her face with love. The look his eyes held made Suman warm all over. The love that shone would burn her to oblivion.

Jaan nisaar meri,

Teri ek nigaah par,

Umr-e-daraaz meri,

Waar di tere ek lams par.

I renounce my existence,

For your gaze,

I accept senescence,

If only you'd set me ablaze.

He smiled and took her into a voracious kiss; the cold winter night was rapidly turning into one that would scorch their existence. Moving lower towards her neck, he massaged her head with one hand, nuzzling into the valley of her bosom. She pulled at his hair moaning his name as he bit her at a particularly soft spot of her neck. He moved his knuckles over her collarbone eliciting another moan. Suman felt as though she was having an outer body experience. His each ministration made her clay in his hands. He could do as he pleased and all she could do was unabashedly shamelessly shiver with desire.

Khairaat kiya karte the bohot,

Sadqa har waqt denge ab,

Teri ulfat ka makaam aaisa hai,

Khauff-e-tarq mai rahenge ab.

Charity was a way of life,

Benevolence will now be,

Your endearment is so rife,

Termination scares me.

The embers of passion burned stronger each passing moment casting paced shadows on the walls. Their hunger, their love, their lust, their longing was at its pinnacle. This fervent night was to mark the beginning of their journey. A fire had once borne witness to their holy matrimony. A fire now bore witness to their union. Unification so tender, so irrevocably consuming that it filled the crevices of their hearts, mended their broken souls and bonded them in a secure link, which would never come undone.

Teri saason mai jo ghuli meri saasen,

Teri rooh se jo judi meri rooh,

Teri qurbat se jo aarzo meri tamam hui,

Sajdon ka noor mila,

Ibaadat jo meri qubool hui.

The blending of our breaths,

The merging of our souls,

My yearnings are quenched,

My devotion now exemplified,

My prayers stand beautified.

Aazmaish ke silsle jo khatam hue,

Mohobbat ke silsle jo hue shuru,

Ilahi ab bas ek dua hai tujhse,

Bas ek woh rahe aur bas ek mai rahoon.

Penance stands vanquished,

Hurt is now languished,

Ilahi all I ask,

Is for us to bask.

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

Edited by Nik03 - 7 years ago

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KitkitMkb

@KitkitMkb

Rocker

+ 2

Posted: 7 years ago

"I love you so much Sumo" I said rubbing my nose slightly over her warm cheek. I know she likes it. Her lips stretch into a smile while she lowers her eyes.

I love it when she gets shy. When she finally has no more retorts than to just smile and go with the flow of her emotions.No more walls that I need to break.

I was leaning towards her soft inviting lips when the familiar sound of a loud engine woke me out of my dream. I realize I was sleeping hunched over my office desk. Its almost midnight!

I quickly followed her. "Gussa to hamesha naak pe rehta hai madam ke"

"Ek vishesh suchna. Mausam Vibhaag ki chethavni ke anusar aaj raat ka taapmaan shunya se do degree centigrade tak jane ki sambhaavna hai. Bhaari Varsha ya sambhavit ole padne ke chalte aap sabhi se nivedan hai ke jaroorat na hone par ghar se na niklein. Vishesh suchna samaapt hui."

"Argh! Yaar kuch dikhayi bhi nahi de raha." heavy sleet is blinding my vision while I try to find the dying taillights of her Jaan.

BAMM!!

"Aah" her cry echoed in the silent night.

"Sh** Sumo!"

Taking hurried steps to her now damaged "Jaan" I quickly pry open the door to see my angry wife glaring at me.

"Dikhayi nahi deta kya?" she hisses holding her forehead.

"Aur tumhe sunai nahi deta? Weather statement ab tak chal rahi hai tumhare radio me" this woman is incorrigible! Phew Thankfully there are no injuries.

"Wo bhi tumhari hi tarah hain. Unreliable!" she scoffs. There is no winning this argument anymore. But its not a pressing issue currently. Thankfully we aren't too far from my office so I pick her up in spite of her protests and start taking safe but brisk steps towards my office.

"Chhodo! Utaaro mujhe! Mai waha nahi aungi" she throws a glare towards my office and again tries to get down from my arms.

"What?"

"Mai PCT me rukungi!"

"Thand me marna hai tumhe? Waha heater hai chalo" I try to make her see reason. But Sumo, nature and apparently the electricity board also were not on my side as we have a blackout the exact second.
With a victorious smirk she slides down from my hands and walks inside the other door.

"Yahin khade raho" she commands as I stand freezing under the small awning over the door, out of the freezing rain. God knows isko kya dikhayi de raha hai andhere me.

I hear a few fumbling sounds and in seconds a light flickers few steps away from me and then a few more tiny lights glow as she sets up candles and quickly moves about to setup a stove with coals in it like a campfire in the open space in the kitchen.

"Sar geela hai ponch lo. Aur ye kapde pehno" she hands me a towel and wait a second... My lost pajamas!

"Chor"

"Excuse me!"

"Mere kapde kab chori kiye tumne!"

Like the queen that she is, who never owes me an explanation she quickly moves behind a partition herself then semi-shouts from there, "Jaldi kapde badlo warna bimar ho jaoge" and I catch a glimpse of her bare back for a fraction of a second in the candle light before she covers it up.

1, 2, 3... I count and shake the image away. I am currently not in her favorite person list!
The embers are dimming so I ask her an innocent question "Lakdiyaan hain?"

"Ladkiyaan? Unke baare me to tumhe pata hoga" she taunts me. I choose to ignore and go inside the storeroom in search of something to keep the fire burning. Its getting cold in here.

By the time I find a few wooden pieces and stoke the fire, she walks up to me and hands a cup of hot ginger tea. She is wearing another one of my 'lost' sweatshirts over a pair of her pajamas. Makes me wonder how much of my wardrobe is shifted to PCT already.Although I have to admit she looks adorable wearing my clothes, her wet hair falling in waves over her shoulders which look even more dainty in my over sized clothes.

I think my eyes gave away my emotions. Madam went to sit on the opposite side of the fire now. She wont even look at me! Stubborn woman.

"Itni raat tak kyu ruki thi?"

"Tum kyu ruke the?"

"Mai to tum..." Great Shravan Malhotra. Years of training to be a lawyer and you can't win one argument leave alone a full fledged fight with her! No need to talk she has understood already!

"Staff to tumhara 7 baje chala gaya tha"

"Tum kya meri jasoosi karne ruke the yahaan?"

"Haan...Nahi!Mujhe bhi kaam tha"

"Ya fir kisika intezar karte hue ruke the?" she asks slowly, it pricks still.

"Sumo yaar kitni baar kahu mai, koi aur nahi hai, kya kahu ki tumhari samajh me a jaye that it was just a bad angle to take a pic!"

She rolls her eyes and sits there sipping her tea.

Its ridiculous, this has been the only conversation we are having for a week since I decided on a doomed Friday night to go to a social event alone since she was feeling under the weather and the next morning she woke up to a Page 3 picture of me dancing with a fellow lawyer. Although the dance was formal the way the picture was taken just made it look intimate.

"I don't care jo karna hai karo" she spoke into the silence and it cut like a knife.

Aaj ya to ladai khatam hogi ya fir...

...ladai khatam hogi! I get up from my place on the floor and kneel down in front of her.

"You don't care...once again?" I ask and regret immediately seeing her pained expression.

I touch her cold fingertips with mine tentatively "Kya tumhe mujhpe jara bhi bharosa nahi hai?"

We have been through so much already that I really don't want these fights, these days away from each other, her indifference anymore.

She might have read my eyes, a few minutes of silence later, she shook her head then held my hands which were desperately seeking hers till now and sighs.

"Dar lagta hai..." she whispers.

"Kaisa darr Sumo?" I pull her into my lap and rub her back as she settles her cheek next to mine. Oh I missed her so much!

"Kisi din tumhe lage ki...all this, me...its not worth the effort. Mere bina hi tumhari life better hai..." a warm tear touched my cheek and I know its not mine but could have come from my own heart nonetheless.

I don't know when she will get past this guilt that she has drowned herself into. Its high time we move on from our mistakes, both of our mistakes.

I pull her closer to my heart engulfing in her warmth, feeling the warmth of her cheek on the tip of my nose once again "There can be no one else for me Sumo. I have spent my entire life seeking you and I will always seek you and only you. Please trust me Sumo" I don't know what more to say with words so I try to show her just how much she means to me without them...On the cold floor of PCT, in the light of a few dying candles and the diminishing warmth of weak embers over a set of stolen sweatshirts. I love her.

Edited by KitkitMkb - 7 years ago

Quote

Nik03

@Nik03

Rocker

Posted: 7 years ago

Disclaimer : I have taken inspiration for the plot but not copied, cross my heart. Also few things are fictional but i tried to keep this as much as realistic as possible in terms of actual terms and knowledge used. You may start reading.

----------------------------------------------------

She stared at his picture for the longest time , like she did every other night since months.

Sighing, she looks outside as snowflakes fell on the window pavement and drank her cup of frappe. As high the temperature gets in Syria during summers, it snows the same harsh way during winters but it used to feel good back then, cozying up with him gave her warmth, feel of belonging , home and she missed that feeling. She missed him, she missed them.

"Dr. Tiwari, there's this letter for you." Suman turned around and looked at the source of voice, there stood a peacekeeper.

"Oh, thank you. Have a great day and do get your injuries treated." She smiled at him and walked away and then turned again, " also if you want to talk , i am all here."

"I guess you should read that letter first. I'll be going." And he gave a soft sad smile to her and left. Suman opened that letter which read -

JUST TRY & WAIT. WILL YOU ? A YEAR MAYBE. YOU CAN MOVE FURTHER IN YOUR LIFE AFTER THEN.

Love, Sergeant Malhotra

"It's been almost year and you aren't here yet. How do you expect me to move forward like that? You are alive and we all know that, stop playing your games! Come, back home? " Suman spoke as a tear fell down her eyes as she talked to his photograph.

She was a psychiatrist working with United Nations under their Peacekeeping programme. She wasn't courageous to be the part of Army but she was strong enough to be part of the Mission and was proud to be best friend and girlfriend of Sergeant Shravan Malhotra. They met first time when she was in the 4 month doctors training period and he was best friend of another peacekeeper who was also her trainer. They easily clicked, joked around. They were two professionals at work, she was his person to talk with about his issues but his best friend and confidant after working hours. In the field no one was senior or junior and she surely was strong, to him. She was the one who was fearless and even if frighten a little bit, she helped all of them fight their own demons. The conflicts left them exhausted and after them being together, there was no other person but her who he wanted to go and lay his head in her lap.

She returned to Istanbul Base last night and quickly came to hospital, where they were treating one of the soldiers who was injured both physically and emotionally. She tried calling him as he was wary of her leaving and didn't want her to come but he didn't pick. There was a conflict as she heard about in the morning , in few interior parts of Syria which was said to be intense and she only hoped no one dies or even injure themselves.

How she hoped to never leave that day, she would have had knew at least what happened. All she knew was he was stuck or captured somewhere and wasn't dead but him gone away with no whereabouts wasn't much different than him being dead. She held her shawl closer and drew the curtains down except for one window. She brought her laptop and sat on a chair near the window as hearth had burning fuel which provided her the warmth she needed and worked on her case.

She looked up to see a pinpoint source of light and quickly got up keeping her laptop on the chair and called out "Hello, who's there?" and looked as a voice came into the speakers which were there for emergency announcements and soon a message popped on her mobile phone and she got out of the small wooden house.

She ran towards the light source and felt the ground swept off her feet. There he was with hairs a little longer than before, he never had a long hair growth anyways and had a stubble which made him look sexy definitely, she thought and cringed later at her thoughts. He had few cuts on his face and he walked to her stumbling and she saw his uniform torn from from few places and had traces of blood.

She quickly gave him her support and took him inside the hut as two of the officers came along with a doctor and got inside Rick who was lost with Shravan. Suman sighed and thanked god for giving the love of her life back to her.

They were all treated and everyone left with Rick while Shravan stayed with her. He felt like he started living then, not caring about his injuries he hugged her from waist as she was cleaning, picking up used gauge to throw away. He felt home, he felt peace and so did she but she tried to push him away as a tear left her eyes and she hit him on shoulders with her fist as a cry broke from her mouth.

"Koi aise jata hai kya? Chodo, mujhe nahi baat karni. Aaage badh jao,itni aasani se keh diya Shravan?" // "Does anyone say like that ? Leave, i don't want to talk to you. Move forward, you said it so easily, Shravan." Suman whispered and tried to free her from his grip as felt his tears as well.

"I also said to wait for me Sumo." He mumbled.

"Till one year, what if you wouldn't have had return." Suman held his hair and pulled them to which he laughed and shouted.

"I had this promise to myself and you that i will return and that, after one year was a possibility Sumo and now stop pulling my hairs, you'll get my skin of my head." Shravan pulled her down in his lap as she snuggled into his chest and he pulled up the thick blanket over them. Shravan rested his head in the crook of her neck and Suman held him close as she felt him shaking as he cried.

"You know Sumo i was scared if I wouldn't be able to come back or at least see you when I die. All I wanted was to come back here, home; to be here with you and drink frappe from the same cup. I wanted to be in your arms and I knew you wanted the same, knew you were scared shitless too but I knew you were stronger than me, something i'll ever be." Shravan mumbled and Suman caressed his head as tears left her eyes. As a psychiatrist she knew what he was going through and being his partner, she even felt it.

"I was weak too Shravan but i knew you would keep your promise." Suman whispered and both of them got up and went outside as it snowed. She liked it now, how it was. She would never ask him to leave it all, because it made him happy and even if it takes her to bear the pain of losing him almost everyday, she would do that for him to be happy.

It was morning and the temperature even went down more but they didn't care as it was their favourite activity, watching sunrise in winters. She hugged him and held the blanket more tightly that was wrapped around them.

Edited by Nik03 - 7 years ago

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KitkitMkb

@KitkitMkb

Rocker

+ 2

Posted: 7 years ago

She smiled as her family waved at her from the audience. The Chamber of business had arranged for a function to confer her with the 'The most promising Entrepreneur' award. The same award, she smiled ruefully as she thought, that had triggered off a blazing reaction from her husband in front of the media and consequently her own exit from his house.

Why was it then that her own hard work and it's appreciation seemed meaningless to her? Why did every smile that she gave for the world seemed like a chore? There was a certain hollowness inside her that begged to disappear, a void that was filled with despair. She had slogged to achieve this success, why was it then that she felt like an ultimate loser?

Her heart answered even as her mind refused to decipher...she missed Shravan..just as she had been missing him all these years. And she wanted more from life for them.

"Suman Ma'am, request you to speak a few words for us" the presenter said as she invited Suman to the podium. Suman took over the mike from her with a smile and took a deep sigh before she spoke "Good evening everyone! I haven't prepared any speech , so pardon me if I put you to sleep." Soft chuckles could be heard in the audience as they geared up to hear her speak.

"I am an ordinary woman, with extraordinary dreams. Like everyone else, my dreams often comprised of what I was yet to achieve, what my heart craved for. When I was in school, it used to be the acceptance of this cool group that I so badly wanted to be a part of, during graduation it was to start a business of my own to ensure financial independence and when I did that, I strived to expand my business as much as I could. But there was this one person throughout these phases who pushed me to excel in all my endeavors, either by his presence or by the yearning that his absence created. From cycling to academics, from love to lessons of life, he taught me everything. I haven't ever been a grateful student though. I was a good student yes but never a grateful student. I learnt but I never acknowledged. So today, when I stand here to accept the award for my success, I would like to thank the person who was my first inspiration and my forever succour..the first one to push me to fly, the guy whose one phrase lit up my darkest hours and wiped out every trace of self doubt 'Tum Sumo ho aur Sumo kuch bhi kar sakti hai.' My propeller, my best friend and my husband Shravan Malhotra. Thank you for never giving up on me, even as I never confessed that you were my mainstay. I owe this one and a lot more to you. That would be all.Thank you."
As the audience erupted into an applause, Suman's eyes didn't miss the tall figure standing at the very end all this while, making a quick exit.
...
As she sat on the swing outside in Tiwari killa, Suman looked intently at the bonfire that she had lit to keep the winter chill at bay. Delhi was experiencing a terrible cold wave this winter and tonight the chill was harsh. Her eyes kept darting towards the gate expecting the silver Mercedes to appear any second.

"Bhaiya is leaving for London tomorrow Sumo"a sullen Pushkar had informed her.

Shravan would definitely come tonight, Sumo knew her guy well and soon enough she saw a glint of silver making a quiet entry.

"Bonfire? Raat ko picnic manaa rahi ho kya?" Shravan spoke with his trademark sarcasm and she laughed. Who would imagine that they were an acrimonious warring couple and hadn't been talking for a month?

There was an easy camediere between them that no amount of bitterness could devour.

Sumo just shifted to a side of the swing gesturing at him to occupy the space next to her which he did instantly.

"Jaanti thi ki mai aaonga?" He questioned as those dark orbs penetrated deep in to her soul.

"Jaanti thi ki mujhse mile bagair jaaoge nahin Shravan." She smiled as he nodded in agreement.

"Sumo. .jaane se pehle. ..I wanted to apologise for the media fiasco. I was blinded by my rage then. Please forgive me and know this that I am extremely proud of you. I'm so happy to see you soar Sumo. ." His eyes glistened with unvarnished pain even as he tried to frame coherent sentences while looking at her.

"Hmmm...Shravan..mera speech kaisa tha?"Sumo asked as she masked her own grief.

"Speech? woh ..main. ..tum ne dekh liya tha mujhe?" Shravan squeezed his eyes in embarrassment.

"Padosi mulk ka radar bhi tumko detect kar leta hoga Shravan. Apna size dekha hai?"

Shravan broke out laughing and so endearing was the sight that Sumo had to look sideways to avoid the tears that were flowing down her cheeks.

"I missed this Sumo. ..I missed us" He sounded wistfully broken as he glanced at her.

"Shravan, all these years, I dreamt, you would propose me, then a big fat wedding, a blissful honeymoon, family dinners, then pregnancy, my 2 am cravings...bahut kuch. Jahan itna kiya hai mere liye, yeh sapna bhi poora kar do."

"Sumo..."

"Kabhi bhool paaoge muhje?"She challenged him.

"Never" came his emphatic reply.

"Toh jab alag hokar bhi alag na ho paaye, phir alag ho hi kyun?"

"Sumo. ..I will falter."

"We will try..take me out on dates , woo me...marry me."

"Matlab...ticket cancel? Aise hi maaf kar diya?"

"Hmmm...ab jaao." Suman stood up and pushed him towards his car while she stayed put near her swing. He had just neared his car when she shouted..

"Shravan.."

He turned back and looked at her quizzically.

"Kal 6 am sharp at Tom uncle's tea stall."

He nodded with a smile and turned to leave.

"Shravan. .."

"Phir India gate ki kulfi, lunch and then a movie."

He laughed this time and nodded again while he opened his car door.

"Shravan..."

As he turned, he saw her walking towards him. Shravan pulled together the lapels of his jacket as the chill was growing with the night.

Suman reached him and stood so close that their breaths met.

"Thodi garmi mujhe bhi de do. she said looking up to him with a love unprecedented.

Shravan smiled as he pulled her deep into his embrace and stretched his jacket over both of them. She raised her head to meet his eyes and spoke her heart "Shravan...tum ne poocha tha na ki itni aasani se kaise maaf kar diya maine tumhe? I learnt it from you..to forgive in love."

Suman then cupped his face in her hands and brought him closer to hers "This is our home tonight. Anywhere with you is my home. This...us together..this is my favourite place to be."

As Shravan bent down to show her just how overwhelmed he was, he knew no winter wind could now douse the flame of their love.

Tere bina jeena kya,
Tere bina jeena kyun,
Tujhe kaise bataoon yaara,
Tere bin mujhpe kya guzare,
Woh zindagi hai hi nahi
Tere bina jo guzare.
Dhal jaaon main tujhme,
Ghul jaaon main tujhme,
Dhal jaaon main tujhme, yaara.

Edited by KitkitMkb - 7 years ago

Quote

Nik03

@Nik03

Rocker

Posted: 7 years ago

The Touch of Love

It was a cold moonless night of Delhi when a little girl was found at the doorstep of an orphanage wrapped up in a pink blanket. It was a common happening for Orphanage takes these babies with open arms almost everyday, but it changed everything for a three-year-old boy who came there a week ago after he lost his Parents in an accident. With no extended family, he had nowhere to go but this orphanage.That little princess as he would call her, became his best friend.The boy who became all silent, started living with the arrival of this angel.She became a reason to smile and a will to live for him.He was her protector and she was his light. Suman was his Sumo and he was her Chashmish. With no one as their own, Shravan and Suman found a home in each other. As years passed, their bond became stronger with each passing day. Inseparable they were.

Whenever a child was being adopted, Suman would ask him, " When we will go to our home Shravan?..Where is our home?".

And he would answer with a smile, "I'll make one for you just how you want...One day."

And that was their little world, full of happiness and laughter.But for how long?

Only God knows!

******

And the day came,when life tore them apart for their Love to conquer the distance.A fire accident in Orphanage didnt only burn their shelter but their home too.Screams and cries were heard, Fear gripped every soul that witnessed the angest of the fire.

Children were send to orphanages in different cities, wherever they could find a roof .Little Shravan and Suman were separated without even a goodbye.Both cried and begged but nothing could be done.Where Shravan lost his reason to live, Suman lost her sight as well.

A new Life awaited them, new surroundings and new challenges.But they conquered every obstacle, in a hope to meet the other..one day.

******

The screeching of tyres brought him back from his memory lane as the driver applied brakes.A sigh escaped his mouth and he ran his fingers through his silky hair. When I didnt have anything of my own but I had you and I had everything.Today I have everything , but I dont have you by my side Sumo n it all seems worthless.

Coming out, there he stood infront of a building carrying a board "Sunshine- A Place Called Love" an orphanage. They say visiting an orphanage leaves an empty n hollow feeling within you but it always made him feel closer to 'her'.It gives him peace.

Pushkar, one of the staff members of the place welcomed him and led him straight to the office of the Director of the Orphanage, Mr. Raghuwar Tiwari.The old man has been running this place for over 15 years now.He wanted to have a new building in a better locality.

Shravan ,An Arctitect and the MD of SS Constructions, met Pushkar in a social gathering a year ago.Shravan offered to help when Pushkar discussed the issue.So here he was, to discuss the plan. After initial greetings , Shravan with Pushkar sat on the chairs in front of Mr. Tiwari.

"Shravan can we wait for a while?. Actually I wanted Suman to be present here too.She will be here anytime." Asked Mr. Tiwari.

Suman...He heard the name n his mind went straight to 'her'. Shravan Suman naam ki naa jaane kitni ladkiyan hongi. Har Suman teri Sumo nahi ho sakti.

"Ya sure Sir.No Problem."

Just then a girl in her early twenties entered with a sweet smile playing on her lips.

"Hello Suman, nice to meet you." Shravan extended his hand to shake, but she simply nodded her head and greeted him back with a soft hello. How Rude!

"Please dont take me as rude person.Its not me, its my eyes.As pretty as they may seem, all they have to give is darkness." Suman replied with a smile leaving Shravan stunned.

"Am so sorry."

"Please dont be...N am sorry for making you wait. Shall we discuss."

"No problem and ya sure."

And the four sat there and discussed everything needed.In all this, what Shravan got to know was that Suman was an orphan too but was like a daughter to Mr. Tiwari and she is a sculptor.Impressed he was with her character strength.

After completing the formalities, he requested to stay there for the night as he would love to spend time with children there and Mr. Tiwari agreed happily.

*******

It was dark and the air was thick.What was happening?...He saw here and there but couldn't see anything.And suddenly he felt an unbearable heat.And in a split second, there was an ocean of Fire that surrounded him.Fear gripped his being and he screamed but nobody came.Sumo...Where is she. He tried searching for her and saw her standing in a corner, alone and crying. As try as he may, he couldn't reach her.The fire was approaching her quickly and it engulfed her whole and he found himself just staring at her...helplessly!

"SUMO!!!!!..."

He sprang up on his bed all dripping in sweat.It was a nightmare...again.

His companion of years.But it still has the power to shake his very being.And he being the helpless couldnt do anything than to shudder and cry...for her.

Please be safe Sumo.Wherever you are, please be safe..for me.I will come for you.I will!

Where are you Shravan..Please come back.Please...

Both were calling out to each other, one in a room n other sitting in the garden...Both unaware of other's presence.

*****

*The following morning*

"Hey princess, you know where Suman will be?" Shravan asked a girl as he had to leave and wanted to see her once.Why, he didnt know.

"She will be in her studio.Go straight and take left, second room."

After thanking her, he went inside but found it empty.He was about to turn back when something caught his eyes.A sculpture of a boy.It looked familiar so he went near to have a better look and It looked like...him?!!

And it hit him...hard. Suman, Orphan, n now this.A realization n he found himself unable to breathe.With blurry vision he found himself taking a step back.Taking support of the wall behind, he whispered , "Sumo"

"Who are you?" She came out washroom n heard him.Shock and a relief was what she felt.

Shravan took slow steps towards her n cupped her face.

"Sumo its me, your Chashmish."He whispered.

"Shravan you came." Holding onto his hands, she cried.

And the hell broke.Both cried and smiled at the same time.No words exchanged, their feelings were enough to speak.Feelings that were buried deep for so long.

"I waited for you Shravan.All these years..I cried , shouted, complained to this sculpture cause you were not there with me."

His complaining Princess was back.

"Am sorry...Am so sorry..."

*****

Both were sitting on a bench in the garden wrapped in each other's embrace.

"Sumo, Apne ghar chale?" He said suddenly surprising her.

"Tumhe yaad tha?"

"I promised my princess, didnt I?"He replied with so much love that it brought tears in her eyes.

"Shh...no Sumo.I cant see you crying."And that made her realize something.

"I wont be able to see you Shravan nor your love." She replied sadly.

"I will make you feel..every day, every hour, every moment...You know how?"

"My touch of Love..felt it?" He said kissing her forehead lovingly and she nodded with closed eyes smiling bathing in his love.

Suman touched his face with her fingers as if to imprint the image in her mind and heart..forever.And Shravan felt it...Her Touch of Love.

Two broken , lonely souls met and both were home again.

Love is a touch of Friendship and a handful of dreams...

Edited by Nik03 - 7 years ago

Quote

KitkitMkb

@KitkitMkb

Rocker

+ 2

Posted: 7 years ago

Copyright to this piece is held by the writer. All rights reserved. This writing or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever. Plagiarism is a punishable offence.

Octopus

Suman was getting married to Aditya today. A dejected Shravan had vowed to never step into Delhi again, leaving for London forever.

Much to his chagrin, he was forced to return barely a fortnight later, when Ramnath suffered a mild heart attack. Ramnath had chosen the moment to wash his hands off the guilt that had been eating him up since the wedding fiasco. He told Shravan everything, about his mother as well as Sumo. Shravan was undoubtedly shattered.

----------------

"She refused to marry Aditya, on the day of their wedding. She said she couldn't give up on her love for you. She wanted to sort things out with you at the park, but you never showed up"

Noticing a distraught Shravan, Pushkar continued, "She never betrayed you Bhaiyya. Couldn't you see it in her eyes? I don't understand how you refuse to believe that she freaking loved you, loves you."

Shravan felt the ground disappear beneath his feet, yet again. He recollected her outlandish behaviour towards him ever since Preekar's wedding had been fixed; how he had befriended alcohol. He only wanted to see what his mind knew, not what his heart felt. He had taken away her only friend. He remembered how he had disconnected her calls that day and vanished, because he had had enough.

"Why didn't you tell me Chotte?"

"I had promised her. She had forbidden me from divulging any information, unless you ask directly, which unfortunately, you never did. She left Delhi, for good, saying she couldn't bear the humiliation. Nanu was the only one who stood by her decision."
Shravan gave him a questioning look.

"She's fine Bhaiyya. After handing over charge to Preeta, she is gradually settling down in Manali, a nice tiffin center for orphaned kids. Preeti speaks with her regularly. She tries to sound happy, but clearly, she's not. She turns a deaf ear to all our pleas. Please Bhaiyya, bring her back. Only you can."

So with a newfound determination, Shravan set out to bring back the love of his life. Finding her was not a problem, what with Preeti-Pushkar being such darlings.

He reached her doorstep that cold night, only to be greeted by a cute toddler, pointing towards the kids and Sumo in the garden. His world stopped right there, seeing Sumo, his Sumo. He did not even realize when he felt a lonesome tear trickle down his face.

She was trying to gather all the kids back under the roof.
"Come on hurry up kids! It's snowing heavily. She turned to see who was at the door, and the color drained from her face in an instant.

"Why are you here Shravan? There is nothing left to say or do now."

"Please Sumo, let me talk. There has been a misunderstanding. Please hear me out". She had nothing to lose anymore. She nodded.

"I couldn't take it Sumo, the cold shoulder you gave me ever since Pushkar-Preeti's alliance got fixed. And then you accepted PCT from that...Aditya, and before I realized, his proposal. I couldn't bear the thought of seeing you marrying someone else. He took everything away from me, my mother, you. I decided to leave and put an end to all of this. I was convinced that 'we were done'. I tried so hard Sumo, to let go of you, your thoughts, but everything just kept coming back. I was living in my own bubble, I failed to see what you were going through. Papa has told me all about Ma, and what he did to you. Please forgive me Sumo. I was wrong, but my love for you was never wrong. I remember you told me once, friends come and go, like the waves of the ocean. But the real ones stay, like an octopus, on your face. And this time, I need my octopus back with me, forever."

"What? Are you here to tell me about a goddamn octopus? And please decide if you want an octopus for a friend or a wife". She said, vexed. Shravan was glad she was talking to him, at least.

"You got only that out of the whole thing? Sorry, my bad. You know, ten years back, I was so intimidated by you. I wanted to get back at you when I returned". He sighed, smiling.

"But I guess some things never change. I'm still the same old apprehensive Chashmish, your Chashmish. No matter how towering your Qutub Minar grows, you still manage to scare the sh*t out of me."

"So, my dear octopus!..." That earned him another glare, but he was determined to finish his ten-year-old wait today. The kids were enjoying this entertaining conversation, what with the snow and popcorn Sumo had made.

"Sumo, the dialogues might sound outdated, given that it has been 17 days, 19 hours and 35 minutes since I last saw you, but the feelings are not. I wanted to tell you this the other day over coffee".

He smiled, "I love you Sumo. I love the way you keep looking at me with all the love that you have kept locked deep in the chambers of your heart. I love the way you get flustered when I catch you staring at me and immediately remember some odd job that you had to finish. I love that dazzling smile on your lips, and that cherry red blush on your cheeks, when I pull your legs. I love the way you care for me and check on me, if I've had my lunch, if I'll be working late, if I've had a bad day. I love the way you feed me to death, without me having to ask for it. I love that you know me better than I know myself. I need you. You do not understand that your mere presence is enough to brighten the dullest and darkest moments of my life. It is only you who can keep me sane Sumo. Please come back. Please!".

"Enough! Not another word from you. Don't you think you talk way too much?"
This time Shravan was irritated.

"I got speechless there for a moment Shravan Malhotra. I admit, I can never make such a heartfelt speech".

"Not exactly the answer I was looking for". He said with a weak smile. The giggly kids decided to go fetch more popcorn. This was way beyond entertaining.

"Shh, you not only talk more, but you are also extremely impatient". She pulled him down by his collar. Their lips were mere inches apart. "You said such nice things about me, but I have nothing nice to say about you. You know why?"

Shravan gulped nervously. Sumo smiled as she recalled her conversation with Ramnath that morning. He had asked for forgiveness for all his doings, for taking so long to accept the truth and had demanded that she return right away so he could get the two married.

"Because I believe, actions speak louder than words."

And with that, she crashed her lips onto Shravan's, before his brain could even process what was happening.

"And that's how we roll! I love you too my Octopus!"
A woman sure knows how to surprise her man.

Edited by KitkitMkb - 7 years ago

Quote

Nik03

@Nik03

Rocker

Posted: 7 years ago

Past And Promises

Suman backed out of the crowd of women gathered around Preethi, singing and dancing each of them.

She needed to get away for a minute, before the fake smile on her face withered away for the depressing thoughts in her heart grew stronger.

While stalking over towards the balcony, she admired the beauty of the house but still dreading every moment in it.

Tonight, Malhotra mansion shone with bright lights. Fragrance of roses made the ambiance serene. It was Preethi's baby shower.

Her sister was pregnant, blissfully married and unequivocally loved. Suman was happy for Preethi, truly, but she also couldn't help but feel empty as well.

It wasn't like she hadn't tried to fill her own life with happiness. She did.

She'd tried reconciling her friendship with Shravan after he returned from London. Over and over again, she had tried fixing her errs. And in the end, with the thirst of love, had gotten married to him.

But what a fool she'd been!

She, out of all people, should have known the incessant nature of her ill fate.

To run from one emptiness, she stepped into another out at the balcony.

Noises of people blurred behind. Relentless calls of bugs and birds of darkness surrounded her. She leaned against the carved railing and shivered at the coldness of the concrete. As a gust of wind hit her skin, she let out a shuddering, cloud alike breath.

She regretted forgetting to bring her shawl.

The next moment though, she found a warm body enveloping her from behind. Gasping in surprise she arched forward to move away, but then the body persistently followed. Moreover, two large arms wounded around her entire form, making her feel covered, if not conquered. It didn't help that she knew who had so scandalously wrapped her up in his arms.

She could never forget his touch, even though they had never made love. She could never forget his scent, even though the scoundrel had turned into a drunkard when they lived under one roof.

"Shravan...,"

"You've come," he cut in.

She swallowed, trying hard to resist the temptation their closeness created. "It's Preethi's baby shower, of course, I would come for her."

"Not for me though." His chin rested on her shoulder and she gripped the railing tighter.

Feeling the undercurrent of sadness in his voice, her heart twisted and all the walls she had built around them threatened to fall, shattered to the ground.

No. That she could not let happen.

Therefore, she squirmed, trying to get out of his embrace. "Let me go," she pleaded.

His arms loosened enough for her to slide out of them. But seemed like he clearly wasn't in the mood to release her completely. Not this time around.

Last time, he'd literally begged before her at Tiwari house, but to no avail. She'd forgiven him but had refused to return.

She'd seen the tears in his eyes then, but her wounds were still very much fresh from his many strikes of hatred, and so, she'd ignored the demands of her heart and had decided the distance between them.

Eight months had passed since then, after she'd watched him defeatedly leave. But now, he seemed unwilling to accept defeat. Grabbing her upper arms, he looked similar to a child holding onto his one last playmate.

"Let me go," she said again. Trembling as his touch filled her with the warmth that nothing could take away, not even the misty breeze of a November night, not the dew drops that fell on her shoulder from the leaves of the tree snug next to the balcony.

"I can't." he stared at her so vulnerably. "I simply can't. Not anymore."

Her eyes filled with tears and his did too.

"I need to..." she stammered. "Go back inside."

"Stay." he said desperately.

She knew this 'stay' meant a lot more than just staying in the balcony for some time more and it was the one thing she was scared of giving him.

So she shook her head, and the look that crossed his face was as though he was shot in the chest, point blank.

"It's been long enough, Sumo." he finally took the name that never failed to melt her with the memories and emotions coated all over it. "I can't bear not seeing you anymore, not hearing you calling me names. Your laughter, your smiles, these eyes. And the food you cook and the banters that we used to have, I can't live without all these," he paused to take in a shaky breath. "I can't live without you, I don't wish to. So if you still want to stay away from me, you better stab a knife through my heart and get it done with once and for all...,"

"Shravan!" she protested loudly.

He leaned in to rest his forehead on hers, and as the lashes of his eyes brushed against hers, the wetness of their tears mingled. "Give me another chance, Sumo," he asked desperately. "One last chance."

And she wanted to, in her heart she wished to give all that he wanted from her, of her.

But what would be the consequences of that leap? Was she going to find her feet landing on hard ground or another path of thrones?

"But what if the bitterness owns you once again? What then?" she chose to voice her fear and it was the same as before. "I've seen you despise me, Shravan, I've seen you blindly trusting the opinions of others and ruining what we could have been."

Their issues were always the same, complicated was how they reacted on them.

"Haven't I told you that it would never happen again?" he asked miserably. "Haven't I promised you that? So set on self-preservation, my Sumo, that you refuse to see all the light I'm so resolute in giving you after an era of darkness. See for once, Sumo, look into my eyes!"

She choked on a sob, flashes of sour memories attacking full-force. "That is the thing, Shravan. How can I look into your eyes and not remember the hatred I've seen in them, so much hatred... for me!"

He sucked in a breath harshly.

And she felt his heart pounding as he suddenly grabbed her by the waist and hurled her into his chest, into the most fierce hug she'd ever heard of.

It was her body's instinct that every inch of it rejoiced being so close to him.

"But have you seen the love in my eyes, for you?Oh, you haven't. And it's my fault, after all," his voice was an octave lowered. He whispered in her ear--more than words--promises, "Not anymore though, you will not look into my eyes ever again and not see how much I love you. Let me replace those dark memories that so torments you with new, beautiful ones. I'll make you come back to me one day, Sumo, and you'll never be allowed to leave me again."

Not knowing how to reply to that, she remained in silence, soaking in the warmth of his embrace. She stood shivering, dreading his promise, but yet awaiting the fulfillment of it, ardently.

Edited by Nik03 - 7 years ago

Quote

KitkitMkb

@KitkitMkb

Rocker

+ 2

Posted: 7 years ago

Copyright to this piece is held by the writer. All rights reserved. This writing or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever. Plagiarism is a punishable offence.

ORHNI

A new day of shivers raised. Cold breeze made it's way dodging and drifting through curtains all the way reaching a sleepy soul, embraced in warmth of a comfy quilt. Setting its freezing tingles over her bare skin, stirring the sleeping beauty out of slumber.

As cold breeze kissed her face Suman eased more into comforter. Slowly as drowsinessess started slipping away she felt her head throbbing.

"Aagghh...my head..!!"...Suman winced in terrible pain. Adjusting herself against headrest she glanced around to find a glass of juice and medicines resting on her bed side-table along with a note saying "Drink & eat them...you'll feel better! :)" A smile adored her face. It wasn't difficult for her to guess the deeder. She picked up the glass and gulped down her medicines with it.

As her nerves started relaxing she began to recall last nights events which brought a look of sheer astonishment on her face making her blush and elated profusely.

*Last Night*

Youngsters of MalhotraMansion were gathered to spend some quality time and enjoy the wintery night having coffee with some gup-shup. Everyone was busy chitchatting while Shravan choose to be interested in his drinking being least participating, much to Suman's dismay. Everytime she glanced his way only to see his brokenself. All she wanted to do was throw away his bottle and sheild him from all his demons embracing him in blanket of her projective arms in which he could find his much needed comfort. And stand like a steady wall against his greif and sworrows letting nothing but sheer happiness and Love pass through her to reach him.

Shravan poured himself another glass and that was it for Suman!
"I think its late enough to call it a night!"

"Yea Dii you are right I feel tired..."...Preeti agreed.

"I also have an early meeting with Guppta jee."...Varun remembered.

"Sick and tired of your 'Co-wife'!"...whined Vandy making everyone laugh.

Soon everyone bid their Goodnights. Left were Shraman, alone. Suman patiently waited for him to leave but he kept busy with his drinking making her fume.

"Enough drinking for today Shravan! Ab utho aur room mein chalo!"...ordered Suman. Expression of surprise glistened on his face for mere seconds before he masked it and gave her a 'Are you for real' look. She kept glaring at him.

"Suman stop glaring at me...it won't effect me! Tum soo jao...mjhy jab ana hoga mein aajaonga!"...and proceeded to pour himself another glass but Suman was faster grabbing bottle first. Astonishing him.

"Suman yeh kya mazak hai? Hand be back that bottle!"

"No.I.Won't"

"Suman don't test my paitence!"

"Warna???"

"SuMan!...I'll be back once i finish my drink!"

"Yeh bottle finish honay par tum room mein chaloy gay?"

"...Han!"

"Paka?"

"Paka!...now hand me the bottle!"...But Suman had other plans. Not thinking much she gulped leftover alcohol in one go enduring the burning sensation in her throat forcefully.

"SUMO!!!"...He called her in profound astonishment witnessing what she just did.

"Agah ahem...loo hogae khatam! Ab chalo room mein!"...Shravan kept staring her in disbelieve..."NOW!"... alcohol started to creep up into her system as she started to sway.

"After you Madam."...Shravan challenged knowing she won't be able to make it as he didn't felt half as much drunk as her. Suman stumbled even tripped twice but his strong arms encircled her in protective embrace preventing her fall. And soon she was carried bridal style.

"SHRAVAN!!!...Put me down! I can walk by myself!"

"I saw that a few seconds ago!"

"Shravan..."..Intensely staring down he shush-ed her making her lost in his hypnotizing orbs. Stupefied she kept mum and leaned into his soothing warmth nuzzling against his neck as she felt a rush of cold air on her face.Voluntarily his hold tightened.

Shravan gentely shook her telling they were now in their room but he got no respose other than further tightening of her grip on him.

"Sumo we are in our room...go get yourself changed."...whispered Shravan not wanting to leave her already. So did Suman as she didn't let go him and he didn't pressed further.

Settling himself on bed with her in his embrace he fetched a glass of water from his side-table and made her drink that. After drinking Suman resumed to her previous position. Shrvan adjusted himself into a more comfortable position on bed with her. Savouring their moment till it lasts.

Few seconds later Shravan felt wetness near his neck and glanced at Suman only to find her weeping.

"Sumo kya hoa??"...he asked cupping her face. Concern laced through his voice.

"Gham mein hon...takleef ho rahi hai...yeh sooch kar k humara yeh pal kuch lamhay baad khatam ho jaayga...aur tum phir akro ban jao gay." Suman admited surprising him with her confession. "Tumhein andaza bhi hai tumhari yeh berukhi mjhy kitni takleef daiti hai...tum ek bar moun mor kar jatay ho tu mein sau bar tutti hon...tumhein andaza bhi hai!...Zara sa bhi?

Do you know how much it breaks me to see 'you' like this! Every night getting drunk, losing yourself, your confidence and turning into a cold-monster! Yes! A gigantic drinking monster jiski akal ghutnon say bhi neechay hai!"

"Heyy!!..."...Shravan tried protesting but she quitened him.

"DONT 'HEY' ME TODAY!...Mana k meiny tumhein takleefein dein hain...unginat dein hain par is ka mtlb yeh tu nhi k meiny tumse bilkul pyaar nhi kia!...Tumne ek baar bhi mjhpar...humari dosti par bharosa nhi kia! Bas moun utha kar apna jawab sunaay chal detay thay!..." Alcohol was indeed working its way through her system giving bewildering shocks to Shravan making him spellbounded.

"...hum apni ego ki waja say sab barbad karty chalay gaay Shravan...tumhara pheli bar mjhyse moun phir kar jana hi mjhy meri zindagi ka sab say bara sabak sikha gaya! Aur sath sath mera yeh bewakoof dil tumharay naam hogaya! Bachpan say mohabat ki hai tumse...kehnay ki koshish karti tu kabhu halaa majboor kardety tu kabhi apnay...par aaj mein keh hi daiti hon!...Mr Shravan Malhotra mein tumse bepanha pyaar karti thi karti hon aur karti rahongi jab tak sanson nay ijazat di."...Atlast Suman opened her heart in front of him.

He was overwhelemed hearing her confession might be an understatement. He felt every emotion...agony, guilt, happiness...profoundly!

Tightening and pulling her closer he finally said..."Sumo I love you too par mein apni mohabat ka izhar abhi nhi karonga...jo kuch mein kehna chahta hon uskay leay tumhari mujodgi ka hona zaroori hai takay meri har baat tumhary dil mein ghar karlay...By the way i love this drunk version of yours alot!"...Shravan told her but by that time Suman was fast asleep.

"Sumo...meri mohabbat ki ordhni mein samtnay k leay tiyaar hojao coz mein tumhein isbar kahein nhi janay donga!"...saying so he gently layed her down and encased her in his warm embrace before gentely kissing her temple.

A cold mist blanketed the night with. Though their bodies felt its coldness but their heart warm.

*Flashback Ends*

Shraman indeed were planning to create warm memories in cold of winter. Confessions were partially made.Now was left to make it more memorable!

Edited by KitkitMkb - 7 years ago

Quote

Nik03

@Nik03

Rocker

Posted: 7 years ago

#10

A Winter Not Too Cold

Weren't they the intended to be' pair? She was certain, not too long ago. But, what had happened? She'll never know. Only thing she knew was they weren't happy, absolutely not. They looked at each other in the eye as they recalled the long-gone and then the not-no-beautiful present.

For him, it was the first time they had met, along corridors a chirpy girl who walked right into him. One reason he couldn't talk around her was that he never was able to tear his eyes off her face let alone utter a coherent sentence. Then, the time they met again as adults; he wanted to say that she had grown up to be admirable women but his ego kept him mum. The last was when Mr. Ramnath Malhotra as he called him now told him the truth. About her yet again choosing another and not him. Despite the bitterness he harbored, never did his love waver.

For her, the first was nothing but a fleet of memories of her talking and him quietly listening. The reason why she talked so much around him was that she had none but him. Not family, none of the bogusfriends' she had. Then, the time when they rekindled their dosti', she wanted to tell him that it wasn't only his friendship she craved for, but her fear of rejection kept her shut. The last was when he came to PCT and off was the tag of best friends. But none of his words made her love falter. Conclusively, they were his way of conveying his pain.

There were two things, undeniable; the two loved each other...still and also that they couldn't restore what they were.

They stood at a distance of mere steps ...yet so distant with expression of two defeated people. She wrapped her arms around herself as cold winds blew with might. She looked over to the setting sun, downing after completing its round around the Earth. Maybe that's where their relation had come to, a point where there was only frost and doomed darkness. But, no winter lasts forever.

Mohabbat Aisi Thi Ke Unko Batayi Na Gayi,

Chot Dil Par Thi Iss Liye Dikhayi Na Gayi,

Chahte Nahi The Unse Dur Hona Par,
Doorie Itni Thi Ke Mitaayi Na Gayi.

"Suman!" A voice called from behind.

"Kaho."

"Suman, chalo. It's getting late and cold too. You don't handle cold well either." He said looking at her back as she stared onward.

"I'll come. Tum jao." She said in a monotone voice still looking ahead.

"Can you listen to me for once? You know that this is last place where I'd leave you alone at this hour. You insisted hum party ke baad yahaan aaye, I complied, ab meri baat maano aur chalo." If being around her and not letting the mask of indifference slip was difficult, coming to the park too familiar with memories of them together was excruciating.

She looked at him for a long second and then back at the lake."Chalo." She complied as she walked towards him but went ahead towards the car not even looking up at him.

Shravan breathed a sigh thinking, from a phase where the two craved each other's company they had now ceased to even exchanging looks.

"Let's walk then." The party tonight went finer than expected. They were civil...had to be. Pretending like a newlywed couple wasn't the most difficult task. After all, you need only so much practice to learn. Testing part was, keeping one's emotion on the bay, every time their wedding became a topic, beautiful lies they spoke.

Exactly how they wished life for them was.

But as they headed out of the park, their car broke down which left them with no option but to walk under the stars. On the coldest night of the season, Suman's flowy sarree did nothing to keep her warm and hence, his oversized coat had found its way onto her shoulders. They walked in silence.

"Maaf kar paoge mujhe?" She asked not looking at him. As they paused in the walk, her fingers began fidgeting.

"What makes you ask so?" Not out of curiosity, it was his guilt that made him ask. She wasn't yet aware, not of his sins.

"Because I'm too tired of lying." Tears pooled in her eyes. "Thak gai hu pretend karte hue that we are a happy couple so in love with each other when we are not and you clearly don't want me in your vicinity. So tell me at once, will you forgive me ya phir should I quit lying, because I no longer can." His eyes widened at her response. "I know, maine galat kiya. Lekin tum to mujhe samajhne ka daava karte the na? Samajhna kya tumne to meri explanation tak nahi suni. Ek baar puccha mujhse ki maine Aditya ko kyun chuna? Kyun maine Preeti ko tumse aage rakha? Socha ki Aditya se jo kuch bhi tumne kaha mujhe kaise affect karega. Nahi. Apni assumptions banaakar beth gaye, aur mera point of view kabhi sunna hi nahi chaaha." She brushed away her angry tears by the back of her palm.

Her accusations were powerful and sorely true, but there was a certain line which caught his attention,the one mentioning Aditya. "Tumhe pata hai?" Indirect the question was, but she knew him way too well to not guess.

She smiled humorlessly. "That's all what matters to you?" registering the shocked expression on his face she continued. "Yes, I do. Tumne nahi bataya, that's all what hurts." Her tears had no bondage now.

"Kyun kiya?" he shouted back. "Kyun intezaar kiya mere tutne ka? Tinka-tinka karke pura khatam kar diya." With bloodshot eyes and an inflamed look, he was epitome of vulnerability. "Why did you make me stoop a level so low that I'd have to taint our friendship to prove that there was a relation amidst us? Kisi dusre ke saamne you abridged me to just an acquaintance. And I? I couldn't watch you, the love of my life being snatched away. Nahi, seh paaya main." She had damaged him, she knew. How big of damage? His reply countered.

"Kyunki main tumhe apni family se aage nahi rakh pai. Unke ehsaano tale, bojh ban kar jee rahi thi main. Unke aage tumhe nahi chun pai main." Her voice no longer accusing it was calm as death, short and snappy. "Tum rakhte mujhe apni family ke aage? Apne dad ke? Nahi, you had been perspicuous enough the last time I tried to tell you the truth. Aur phirse, I couldn't watch you hate me. But the sardonicism is that you do. Main kuch bhi karoon, na bhi karoon, I'll be hated. either by you or someone else." Her weeping no longer remained silent.

"I can never hate you." He emphasized on each word. Had he tried to understand her then, none of them would've gone through agony they did. "Even after running all I could, life brings me back to you." He spoke with earnestness in his eyes but Suman was too wounded herself to decipher.

"Lie as you may." Shutting her eyes, she inhaled deeply. "But this one, I desperately want to believe, I really do." She began to lower as the sobs weighed her down but before she could collapse, he held her in his arms and pulled her to chest as tears soaked his shirt.

"This one's true Sumo. It is." He mumbled as he kissed on top of her head.

Too many things were to be dealt with. The loopholes were many. Only thing firm was, that the broken two were back to make a whole. Given that they had each other, there was nothing they couldn't make up to. They didn't need to go back to what they were; maybe they could start over and build something better.

Maybe the winters this time weren't that icy.

Pyaar agar sacha ho to kabhi nahi badalta,

Na waqt ke saath, Na haalaat ke saath...

Edited by Nik03 - 7 years ago