Ariya OS contest(3ed prompt given) - Page 4

Love Doesn’t Scare

The mansion of Damsingh Rathore was abuzz with activity. After all, it was the day of the engagement of their beloved daughter, Roshni. Sameer was running around, wanting it all to be perfect for his little sister. The in-laws too were present, helping out with the preparations.

The bride was the happiest person on the planet. She kept checking her dress and jewellery every two minutes much to the amusement of her mother and to be mother-in-law.

The Rawte’s and Rathore’s had been family friends since 25 years now. Living in the same neighbourhood,the three children were the best of friends which was a result of their parent’s relations and had also led to the alliance.

Amongst all this chaos, Arjun was in the garden sitting alone on a bench. A million thoughts were running in his mind. He was to be engaged in the evening yet he did not have an ounce of happiness on his face or in his heart despite him and Roshni being close friends.

His phone pinged with a message bringing him out of his thoughts. He reluctantly checked it. Arjun stared at the screen for a few minutes, his mind racing again. Gathering all the courage he could at the moment, he stood up and went towards the gate.

His father called out to him from behind: are Arjun!!!

He stopped in his tracks and turned: ha papa?

Suryakant: kaha jaa rahe ho? Roshni ki ring kaha par rakhi hai?

Arjun: maa ke paas hai

Suryakant: Naina ko nahi mil rahi, usne kaha ki tumhare paas hai

Arjun: mere paas?…(thoughtfully)ha woh maine safe mein rakhi thi

Suryakant gave him a look: tum ghar par bhul aaye?

Arjun: Papa please ab….

Suryakant: jao jaldi lekar aao

Arjun: aap kisi aur ko bhej dijiye, mujhe zaroori kaam hai

Suryakant: kya bol rahe ho? abhi kaunsa…

Arjun: papa mein aata hun, bye!

Before Suryakant could protest further, Arjun ran out.

Police Training Academy-

Arjun hopped out of the cab and ran inside. Their IPS had been cleared, interviews had happened a few days before. Classes were happening for namesake due to which he had no idea where she would be. He ran around the academy trying to find her. He was going towards the canteen when he almost crashed into his mentor.

Arjun(balancing himself): sorry sir!!!

Raghu smiled: sambhal ke Arjun, abhi tak toh placement bhi nahi hui, abhi se haath-pao todne ka plan hai?

Arjun smiled half-heartedly: sorry sir, jaldi mein tha isliye

Raghu: koi baat nahi 4 din se aaye kyun nahi?

Arjun somehow controlled the disappointment: woh sir…ghar pe thoda achanak kaam aa gaya tha

Raghu chuckled: oh….waise tum galat disha mein jaa rahe ho

Arjun: ji?

Raghu: Riya apne doston ke saath ground ke side par time pass kar rahe hai

Arjun(relieved): thank you so much sir!! you’re the best!

He ran off leaving behind an amused Raghu. He shook his head, well aware of the duo’s antics.

A group of friends were sitting below the trees by the training ground, laughing and joking around. Arjun marched upto them and grabbed Riya’s arm.

Riya(surprised): tum aaj aaye ho?

Arjun: mujhe tumse baat karni hai, chalo!

He was about to take her when Vivek spoke up.

Vivek: are Arjun dheere, tumhari Riya kahi nahi bhaag rahi hai

Riya blushed and the rest of them laughed.

Arjun: shut up Vivek, dimag mat kha!

He dragged Riya along with him away from them and deeper into the trees. A tint appeared on Riya’s face recalling all their intimacy in the same place.

Riya: oho Arjun, kya hua? Batao bhi

Arjun(his courage suddenly vanished): Riya main….main…(closing his eyes in frustration) Dammit!

Riya took his hands in hers: Arjun relax, kya hua?

Arjun hung his head, gripping her hands. He collected himself and looked up.

Arjun: Riya I….we…we have to break-up

Of all things that she was expecting, this was nowhere on the list. She was completely thrown off-guard.

Riya: kya?...tum kya bol rahe ho?

Arjun: wahi jo sach hai

Riya(hurt): you…ye…what….kyun?!? aise kya ho gaya? kya tum mujhse pyaar…

Arjun cupped her face: I love you Riya, main tumse bahot pyaar karta hun but…ye, we have to…please,don’t make this more difficult than it already is

She pushed his hands off(angrily): difficult for you? Arjun Suryakant Rawte Meri Bhi Feelings Hai!!!(Grabbing His Collar) Teen Saal Ke Rishte Ko Teen Second Mein Khatam Karte Hue Sharam Nahi Aati Tumhe? YOU OWE ME A GODDAMN EXPLANATION!! SAMJHE YA SAMJHAU?!?!

Arjun: Riya mera woh matlab….

Riya: Toh Kya Matlab Tha?!?!

Arjun(distressed): Riya Meri Shaadi Honewaali Hai!

She got hit by another bolt: What?!?!

Arjun ran a hand over his hair in frustration: sab milkar Roshni se meri shaadi karwa rahe hai aur mujhe karni pad rahi hai…

Riya: Karni Pad Rahi Hai Ka Kya Matlab Hai? Tumhari Marzi Ke Khilaaf Woh Tumhari Shaadi Kaise Karwa Sakte Hai?!!? You Lying Ba…

Arjun: Riya Mujhe Nahi Karni Hai Usse Shaadi!! Usne Suicide Attempt Kiya Mujhse Rishta Jodne Ke Liye!!

Riya was completely taken aback now: su…suicide? Hold on! Tum puri baat bataoge mujhe?!!?

Arjun sighed: tumhe yaad hai pichle hafte academy ke baad main Roshni ke saath baahar jaane waala tha and then tumhe use milwaane waala tha?

Riya: ha?

Arjun: tumhe toh jaana pada lekin she still saw us

Flashback

Arjun and Riya were walking away from the academy after their classes to a café nearby. Their handswere tightly entwined as they walked leisurely.

Arjun: you know, jab hum chote the na toh Sam Rosh ko bahot pareshaan karta tha, humesha bada bhai hone ka rob jamata rehta hai, toh humesha main hi uski side lekar use Sam se badla lene mein help karta hai

Riya giggled: dost ko chod kar dost ki behen ki side lete the?

Arjun: are yaar, mujhe us par daya aati thi, faaltu mein bichari ko tang karta rehta tha woh. Dheere-dheere humari bhi dosti kaafi gehri ho gayi, I’m sure woh tumse mil kar bahot khush hogi

Riya was about to say something when her phone rang. They stopped as she picked it up.

Riya: hello?....ha main Riya hu…ji?....oh….abhi?....main 10 minute ke andar aati hu…ok, bye!

Arjun: kya hua?

Riya: are admin office se phone tha, placement ke liye documents diye the na humne? (Arjun nodded) toh usme use kuch confusion hai, mujhe jaana padega

Arjun: abhi?

Riya: ha yaar

Arjun: chal theek hai, tu nipta le use, tujhe kisi aur din milwa dunga use

Riya smiled: woh toh tumhe milana hi padega

He chuckled as he hugged her: kal milte hai

Riya: ya

He kissed her forehead making her blush. She bid goodbye and headed back to the academy. Both of them were unaware of a pair of eyes that were watching them through the glass wall of the café.

She couldn't believe her eyes, the man she has always loved was hugging someone else. Tears flew out of her eyes at the feeling jealousy and betrayal but most of all hurt. His affectionate kiss only added fuel to the fire. She saw her going back and Arjun moving towards the café. She quickly wiped her tears and sat straight as he entered.

Flashback Ends

Arjun: woh tab bilcul normal thi, usne kuch pucha bhi nahi hai lekin fir agle din jab main academy se ghar gaya toh uski family bhi wahi thi, maine seriously nahi liya, ye sochkar ki yun hi free time mein mil rahe honge lekin fir…

Flashback

Arjun freshened up and skipped downstairs where everyone was chatting. He sat beside Sameer.

Sameer: hey, tere placement ka kya hua?

Arjun: are aaj toh khaali interview tha, woh bhi sirf aadhi class ka hua but acha tha, I just hope ki pehli posting interior mein na kar de

Sameer was about to say something when his mother, Sheetal spoke up.

Sheetal: ko baat nahi beta, posting kahi bhi ho, akele nahi jaoge

Arjun: kyun kaki? Aap mere liye ghevar banane mere saath aayenge?

She laughed: nahi beta, main nahi aaungi lekin ghevar tumhe zaroor milenge

Arjun made a face: are kaki mujhe aapke haath ke ghevar khaane hai

Naina: ha, ha yaha hoge toh bana legi, damad ki itni khaatir toh banti hai

Everyone laughed but Arjun was confused.

Arjun: damad? Matlab?

Suryakant: hey bhagwan, ye aaj kal ke bache, are tumhari agar Roshni se shadi hogi toh tum unke damad hi toh hue

Everyone burst into laughter as Roshni blushed. Arjun took a moment to process the information and then…

Arjun: WHAT??!?! SHAADI?!?! Meri aur Roshni ki?!?!

Damsingh: are ha baba tumhari aur Roshni ki

Arjun straightened immediately: lekin…ye sab achanak kyun? Aur…

Naina: are tum dono bachpan ke dost ho, Roshni tumhe pasand karti hai aur tum bhi, isse zyaada aur kya chahiye?

The laughter returned but Arjun froze. He didn’t how to react. He got up and went into the kitchen to grab a glass of water. However, it did nothing to soothe his senses mv “shaadi?Roshni se? no way! Mujhe usse baat karni hogi, isse pehli ki uska dil tute.”

He called out to her: Roshni!!!

Sheetal: lo ye toh abhi se shuru ho gaye

Roshni blushed as they teased her.

Sameer: are khadi kyun ho ab, jao warna tumhe lene yaha tak aa jaayega

Roshni(going inside): bhai shut up!

Arjun was pacing up and down when she came.

Roshni: Arjun

He stopped to look at her: Rosh woh, mujhe tumse baat karni hai

She lowered her eyes: ha bolo na

Arjun: Rosh main, main tumse shaadi nahi kar sakta, please is rishte ke liye mana kar do, main bhi kahunga par…

Roshni: main mana nahi karungi

Arjun(taken aback): sorry?

Roshni: main tumse shaadi karna chahti hu, toh mana kyun karu?

Arjun: Rosh, dekho samajhne ki koshish karo, main kisi aur se pyaar karta hun, in fact main tumhe use milane bhi waala tha kal lekin use…

Fire erupted in her eyes: wahi ladki jise tum beech sadak par kiss kar rahe the, right?

Arjun(surprised): tumhe pata tha? (she didn’t respond, but that gave him the answer) Fir Bhi Tumne Ha Kaha?

Roshni: maine ha nahi kaha Arjun, main ha karwayi hai

Arjun(shocked): tum…tumne jaan buchkar ye sab kiya? (angrily) How Could You?!?

Roshni: because I love you!(he was stunned) humesha se tumse pyaar kiya hai aur main tumhe kisi kal ki aayi hui ladki ka nahi hone dungi!

Arjun: ROSHNI HO KYA GAYA HAI TUMHE?!? SAB KUCH JAANTE HUE BHI TUM MERE SAATH AISA KAISE KAR SAKTI HO??!!? Dost ho tum meri!!

Hearing the commotion, the elders turned up there to see Arjun fuming in anger and fists balled up.

Suryakant: Arjun kya hua? Kyun chilla rahe ho?

He somehow managed to tame the tone of his voice a little: papa, maa , I’m sorry main Roshni se shaadi nahi kar sakta

His declaration shocked all of them. Roshni stared at him in shock, she hadn’t thought he would actually refuse their parents.

Sheetal: Arjun ye tum kya keh rahe ho?

Naina: dekho Arjun, agar koi jhagda hua hai toh shaanti se…

Arjun: hal sirf ek hai, main ye shaadi nahi karunga, nahi karni mujhe, sorry kaka, sorry kaki but mujhse nahi hoga, acha hoga agar aap Roshni ke liye koi aur acha ladka dhundhe

He left to his room without giving anyone else a chance to reason with him leaving Roshni to shed tears.

He remained in his room the rest of the night and left early in the morning without interacting with his parents. He thought of telling this to Riya but refrained not wanting to disturb her preparation. She was still in the interview when a call from home shocked him and he rushed to the hospital.

Roshni had gulped down sleeping pills. Fortunately, she was discovered soon by Sameer and he had alerted the house. The doctor was able to easily treat her and she was declared out of danger. The two families heaved a sigh of relief but the doctor warned them to not let her take stress lest she attempted suicide again.

Arjun went into the room with a heavy heart. He still couldn’t believe she had tried to commit suicide.Though nobody blamed him, he was filled with guilt for being responsible of the state of his childhood friend.

Arjun: Rosh?

She slowly opened her eyes: Arjun? (trying to get up) tum..

Arjun: leti raho (she obeyed) Roshni kyun kiya aisa?

Roshni teared up: because I love you, nahi jeena mujhe tumhare bina

Arjun sighed: Roshni please baat ko samajhne ki koshish karo, I love someone else

Roshni: kya main tumhare liye koi maayine nahi rakhti?

Arjun: of course mayine rakhti ho Rosh, tum meri best friend ho (holding her hand) and main chahta hunki tumhe zindgi ki har khushi mile lekin…woh khushi main nahi de sakta tumhe

Roshni: meri khushi tum ho…please Arjun, maan jao

Arjun: Roshni I can’t do this, please try to understand

She looked away, tears dripping from her eyes. Arjun sighed and stood up to leave.

Arjun: I’m sorry Rosh, I really am

Saying so, he went outside. He wasn’t able to make eye contact with anyone. Sameer looked at their parents. They were all worried but didn’t know how to address the issue and to who? He walked upto Arjun.

Sameer: Arjun (forget answering he could barely look back at him) dekh, main ye nahi jaanta ki tum dono ke beech kya problem hai lekin…

Arjun: Sam…

Sameer: nahi Arjun ruk! Tumhe jo karna hai karo, usse shaadi karo ya nahi, use na karne ke liye manao but please (cracking) main apni behen ko marte hue nahi dekh sakta…please Arjun

Arjun: Sameer!!

A lump formed in his throat as he hugged him tightly. They had barely gotten a few minutes to comfort each other when a nurse came running out of the room.

Nurse: Doctor!! Mr. Rathore!!! Doctor!!

Damsingh: kya hua?

Nurse: aapki beti firse suicide karne ki koshish kar rahi hai

The statement swept the ground from beneath everyone’s feet. They ran inside. Roshni had grabbed a scalpel and had placed it to her wrist.

Sheetal: Roshni!! Kya kar rahi ho tum?

Roshni(crying): maa please…mat rokiye mujhe, nahi jeena mujhe

Suryakant: Roshni beta, dekho, tum use neeche rakh do, hum…hum baat kar sakte hai

Sameer: ha Rosh…please tu…

Roshni: nahi!! mujhe koi baat nahi karni, agar Arjun mujhse shaadi nahi kar sakta toh mere jeene ka koi matlab nahi

Arjun went numb. Their brains were firing at an enormous speed.

Damsingh: Beta dekho, aise zid nahi karte, tum….tum pehle chaku neeche…

Roshni: NAHII!!!

She started cutting and Arjun screamed.

Arjun: ROSHNI MAIN TUMSE SHAADI KARUNGA!!! (all of them stared at him, Roshni stopped) please…just…just stop…scalpel neeche rakh do

Roshni: sach?

His eyes were fixed on the blood dripping from her hand: ha…please use neeche rakh do, main…main tumse shaadi karunga

Flashback Ends

Arjun slumped to the ground:I love you Riya…(hanging his hand in his hands) but I can’t let her die…I can’t!!

Riya’s anger had vanished by now. His vulnerability made her heart ache. She slowly went on her knees and took his hands in his. Her eyes moistened seeing him in tears.

Riya: Arjun please sambhalo khud ko

He wiped his tears and gripped her hands: I’m sorry, main tumhe….

Riya: Arjun relax, please sorry mat kaho…tumhari koi galti nahi hai

Arjun took a deep breath and somehow controlled himself: uske baad, Roshni ne kaha ki woh engagement kar dena chahti hai taaki…taaki

Riya(angrily): taaki tum back out na kar sako aur ye suicide? ye toh sarasar blackmail hai

He nodded and hung his head: mujhe kuch samaj mein nahi aa raha tha ki sab kuch itna jaldi ho raha hai, isliye 4 din yaha bhi nahi aaya aur tumhe adhure message bhej raha tha

Riya: toh…(fearfully) tumhari…tumhari sagayi ho gayi?

Arjun nodded negatively: nahi…aaj shaam ko hai (he sighed) ghar pe sab log normal ho gaye hai, bas mujhechod kar, unhe nahi pata ki maine kyun mana kiya tha bas ye lagta hai ki main generally hi usse shaadi nahi karna chahta tha isliye na bol raha tha aur fir maan gaya….Sam ko bhi, maa se bhi kuch kehne ki himmat nahi hui

They sat in silence for a few moments. He was feeling even more guilty for breaking her heart while she was trying to make sense of the entire thing.

Riya: Arjun? (he looked up)kya koi raasta nahi hai? main tumhe nahi khona chahti (tearing up) kya hum ek aakhri koshish nahi kar sakte?

Arjun: par kya karenge Riya? mujhe bhi tumse alag nahi hona lekin hum aisa kya kare ki woh firse suicide na kare?

Riya: socho na, kuch toh socho, koi toh tareeka hoga

He ran a hand through his hair: itne din se wahi karne ki koshish kar raha hun, lekin aisa lagta hai jaise dimag hi band ho gaya hai mera

Her mind raced for a solution: agar…agar hum bhaag jaaye toh?

Arjun gave her a look: humare peeche woh suicide karegi aur hum dono par abetment to suicide ka charge lagega aur either way, woh meri dost hai, main use aise marte hue nahi dekhsakta

She went back to her thoughts. Arjun mv “hold on, abetment to suicide”

Arjun: Riya! agar hum…hum police complaint kare toh? Blackmail is punishable by law woh bhi aise jaan ki dhamki dena

Riya: puri family ko involve karoge khamakha? Aur kya gurantee hai police station mein suicide nahi karegi? Waha toh gun ka bhi access milega use

Arjun: ha woh bhi hai

Riya: ek minute!

Arjun: kya?

Riya: complaint nahi lekin…tumhe pata hai blackmail ke case study mein aksar hum ye dekhte hai ki woh sirf dar ko apna hatyar banata hai

Arjun gave her a look: dar ko hatyar banane ko hi blackmail kehta hai Riya

Riya: are shut up! Mere paas ek idea hai

Arjun: kya?

She smiled and filled him in on her details. He looked at her as if she was crazy.

Arjun: isse toh better hai ki hum police complaint kare

Riya squinted at him: gurantee kaun dega?

Arjun(tensed): lekin Riya isme risk hai

Riya: kya risk hai? kuch nahi hoga (she stood up and dragged him along) chalo!!

Rathore Mansion-

Naina and Sheetal were laying the table for lunch as the men sat to eat. Roshni came out of the kitchen with the plates and realised Arjun was nowhere to be seen….quite for some time now.

Roshni: Arjun kaha hai?

Naina: are ha, dekha hi nahi, ghar par hai kya? Sameer?

Sameer was clueless: nahi kaki, main toh decoration wagera dekh raha tha, subah mila tha but fir nahi

Suryakant: are woh thoda baahar gaya hai

Roshni: kaha?

Suryakant: ye toh nahi bataya, kaha ki kuch zaroori kaam hai lekin ab tak toh aa jaana chahiye tha, mera bhi dhyaan nahi gaya, mail call karta hun

A female voice intervened: uski zaroorat nahi hai

All eyes turned to the door.A girl in her early twenties stepped in. Roshni froze seeing her. She recognized her instantly. Fury raged through her veins but she calmed herself.

Sameer: excuse me?

The girl came forward and talked straight to Roshni: tum Arjun ki mangetar ho na?

Roshni: ha…ha kyun?

Girl: sorry to inform lekin woh nahi aayega

Naina snapped at her: nahi aayega ka kya matlab hai? Aur Tum Kaun Ho?

Girl: Riya, uski girlfriend

They were shocked. Something started to make sense about Arjun’s refusal but they didn’t know whether to trust her or not.

Sameer: what nonsense! Arjun ki koi girlfriend nahi hai! agar hoti toh mujhe zaroor batata

Riya: woh tum usse pucho,agar zindgi mein kabhi mile toh

Damsingh: ho kya raha hai ye sab?!?! Tum yaha kyun aayi ho? aur Arjun kaha hai?

Riya: uncle Arjun nahi aayega (staring at Roshni) use Roshni pe vishwas nahi hai

Roshni(angrily): Kya Bakwas Kar Rahi Ho? Tum Hoti Kaun Ho Humare Beech Bolne Waali?

Riya: main wahi bol rahi hu jo sach hai aur agar aap sab ko mujh par bharosa nahi hai toh khud phone karke dekh lijiye, uske phone band hoga

They exchanged glances amongst themselves. Roshni glared at her and immediately grabbed her phone. She dialled Arjun’s number and put it to her ear. Riya’s eyes fell on her hand.Anger rose in her as she saw the mark of the scalpel. The operator greeted her with the information that the phone was off. Her eyes widened as she stared at Riya.

Riya: kya hua? Band haina? Maine toh pehle hi kaha tha… mila tha woh mujhse, keh raha tha ki tum naatak kar rahi ho, tum usse pyaar karti hi nahi aur woh zabardasti shaadi nahi kar sakta isliye shehar chod kar jaa raha hai, woh kisi se milna bhi nahi chahta isliye main aayi hun aapko inform karne

Her words stunned them. Roshni started feeling insecure.

Sheetal(astonished): shehar chod kar?!?!

Roshni: nahi…Arjun aisa nahi kar sakta, usne mujhse waada kiya tha ki woh mujhse shaadi karega, (tearing up)woh aise kaise keh sakta hai ki main usse pyaar nahi karti? woh kabhi apna waada nahi tod ta….Tum Jhoot Bol Rahi Ho!!

Naina placed a comforting hand on her shoulder in an effort to calm her trying to ignore her own inner turmoil.

Riya: main sach keh rahi hu, usne khud mujhse kaha ki tum usse pyaar hi nahi karti

Roshni: Ye Jhoot Hai! woh aisa kaise soch sakta hai? Kaise Soch Sakta Hai Ki Main…main usse pyaar nahi karti? main toh…

Riya(sympathetically): tumne toh suicide bhi karne ki koshish ki haina? (Roshni stared at her) main bhi chouk gayi thi, lekin woh kehna laga ki, agar tum sach mein uske liye suicide karti toh aise chote-mote tareeke nahi apnati, chaar tablet khaane se kuch nahi hota aur naahi haath katne se, kaatna hi tha toh gala kaat deti

Suryakant(infuriated): BAS!! BAHOT HUA!! Woh Aisa Soch Bhi Kaise Sakta Hai? kisi ki jaan ki koi parwah hai ya nahi?!?! Kaha Hai Woh?!?! Abhi Do Thapad Laga Kar Seedha Karta Hun!!

Roshni’s tears were flowing freely now.

Riya: pata nahi uncle, woh bolkar kahi chala gaya

Sameer(shocked): maine kabhi socha nahi tha ki Arjun aise bol sakta hai lekin woh…woh aise kyun

He slumped into the chair not knowing what was right anymore. Riya took advantage of everyone’s shock.She turned to Roshni.

Riya: you know, mujhe bhi bahot bura laga jab usne aise kaha (lowering her eyes) ek ladki ke dil mein pyaar ki kya ehmiyat hoti hai ye sirf ek ladki hi jaan sakti hai, mujhe bahot gussa aaya us par fir socha ki aise admi se baat karke koi faayda nahi

She stepped forward and hugged her. Roshni hesitated for a second but then gave in. He mind could barely think straight. Riya whispered into her ear.

Riya: agar tum sach mein Arjun ko paana chahti ho toh ek tareeka hai

She separated a little, with a question mark on her face. Riya smiled lightly and shifted her jacket to reveal a gun. Roshni’s eyes widened in shock.

Riya: agar isse suicide karogi toh Arjun ko zaroor yakeen ho jaayega ki tum usse sacha pyaar karti ho,ye tablet ya scalpel ki tarah chance nahi hai, sure shot maut hai

Roshni jumped away: TUMPAAGAL HO GAYI HO?!?!?!?! GUN SE SUICIDE KARNE KI KOSHISH KARUNGI TOH MAR JAUNGI!!!

All eyes and ears snapped to them in surprise. They had barely comprehended what Roshni said.

Riya: main toh tumhari bhalayi ke liye keh rahi thi, Arjun ko zaroor vishwas ho jaayega ki tum…

Roshni: BHAAD MEIN JAAYE USKA BHAROSA!!! Agar Mujhe Suicide Karna Hi Hota Toh Bhai Ke Ghar Aane Ke Time Tablets Nahi Khaati!!!

Sameer: ROSHNI?!!

She froze. Riya smirked as Roshni realized what she had uttered.

Naina: tumne jaan buchkar, sirf Arjun ko darane ke liye naatak kiya?

She turned defensive: na…nahi kaki…woh…main…

Riya took her hand and held it up for everyone to see: aur sirf woh nahi, dekhiye scalpel ka nishaan kaha hai? kalayi ke paas bhi nahi hai, kam se kam 5 inch door hai

Roshni jerked her hand away(angrily): How Dare You!!

Damsingh marched forward: SHUT UP ROSHNI!! HOW DARE YOU?!?! Tumhe Ye Sab Karne Se Pehle Thodi Si Bhi Sharam Nahi Aayi?!!?

He raised his hand to slap her when a man came rushing inside the house.

Arjun: Kaka Nahi!!! (they were shocked yet relieved to see Arjun) please….us par haath mat uthaiye

Damsingh: Ye Tum Keh Rahe Ho Arjun? Usne Tumhare Saath Itna Ganda Khel Khela, Fir Bhi?!?!

Arjun: ha main keh raha hun,main bas…main bas Roshni ko uski galti ka ehsaas dilana chahta tha

Sheetal(angrily): Aur Galti Ki Hai Toh Saza Bhi Milegi!!

Naina: Hum Sab Tumhare Liye Itne Pareshaan The Aur Tum…Tum Hum Sab Ki Feelings Ka Faayda Utha Rahi Thi?!?!

Arjun: maa, kaki please aap dono shaant ho jayiye, maine kaha na main sirf use apni galti ka ehsaas dilana chahta tha

Suryakant: toh…ye...ye sab tum dono ka naatak tha?

Arjun: ha papa, ye sab naatak tha

Sameer: aur ye gun?

Arjun: are ye bhi mere saath academy mein hai, uski training gun hai

Sameer: Arjun, agar tumhe sab pata tha toh mujhe kyun nahi bataya?

Arjun lowered his gaze: mujhe…exactly pata nahi tha

Sheetal: kya matlab?

Arjun: woh darasal main…uh, Roshni ko mere aur Riya ke baare mein pata tha, toh hume laga ki shayad woh sirf hume darane ki koshish kar rahi hai toh humne ye plan banaya

Riya: jab Roshni ne Arjun ko phone kiya tab mera dhyaan uski chot par gaya aur use dekhkar mera shak yakeen mein badal gaya

Suryakant: matlab…ye sach mein tumhari girlfriend hai?

Arjun and Riya looked at each other and then at him. She shied away, refusing to make eye contact with him.

Arjun: woh…uh…ha

Sheetal: Arjun, tumne kaha ki Roshni ko tum dono ke baare mein pata tha?

Arjun looked at Roshni. Her head was hung in shame with tears flowing down her face.

Arjun: kaki, rehne dijiyena, ab sab theek hai toh kyun khamakha baat ko kheenchna

Damsingh: sab theek kaise ho sakta hai beta? (ashamed) humari beti ki wajah se tumhe itna kuch sehna pada(he tried to join his hands) please hume…

Alarmed, Arjun immediately held his hands: kaka aap kya kar rahe hai? main aapse chota hun aur waise bhi is sab mein aapki kya galti? Please is baat ko yahi khatam kijiye, (turning to his father for help) papa

He sighed but accepted: ha Damsingh, jo hua so hua, sachayi sabke saamne hai aur ek murde ke liye humari saalon ki dosti par aanch nahi aa sakti (staring at Roshni) kisi ek ki nadaani ki wajah se humare beech shikwe kyun aaye?

Damsingh glared at Roshni: tum sahi keh rahe ho, itne bhi kamzor nahi hai hum

They hugged each other and Arjun heaved a sigh of relief. He glanced at Riya with an appreciative nod. She smiled lightly.

Riya cleared her throat: toh uh…main…(avoiding eye contact) main chalti hu, class ka time ho raha hai

Arjun: main...uh tumhe baahar tak chod deta hu

She nodded and almost ran off. Arjun picked up after her much to the amusement of the elders.

Suryakant: hum bhi ghar jaate hai

Sameer: main bhi aata hun kaka, Arjun se baat karni hai

Suryakant nods. Roshni tries to speak.

Roshni: bhai…

Sameer stops her by showing his hand: Don’t You Dare!!!

He leaves with Suryakant and Naina as Roshni runs to her room crying. Only this time, no one went behind her.

Outside-

She let out a deep breath glad to be out of everyone’s scrutinizing gaze. Arjun ran upto her. She had barely turned when he bent to wrap his arms around her legs, picking her up in the air and twirling her.

Riya(shocked): Arjun!!!

Arjun: Oh My God Riya!! I Love You! I Love You! I Love You! I Love You! I Love You! I Love You! I Love You So Much!!!! Tumne Toh Sach Mein Kamaal Kar Diya!!!

Riya: Arjun mujhe chakkar aa rahe hai, neeche utaro

He laughed and placed her feet back on the ground.

Riya: Arjun tum bhi na…

He cupped her face and kissed her cheek repeatedly: I love you yaar!!! You’re the best!! Kya hota mera tumhare bagair? You’re such a darling!!! I just love you!!!

She giggled and decided to pull his leg: bas kya? Tumhari toh setting ho gayi, mera kya?

Arjun: tumhara kya hua?

Riya: kya hua? Kaun apne boyfriend ke parents se pehli baar aise milta hai? pata nahi woh kya soch rahe honge mere baare mein

Arjun happily pulled her into his arms: are yaar chodo tum woh sab, usme kya sochna? Agar na bola toh bhaag ke shaadi kar lenge uske baad kaun na bolega? Faaltu mein tension leti rehti ho

He leaned in and was about to kiss her when a loud cough made them jump apart. They were astonished to see Suryakant, Naina and Sameer standing behind them. Riya wanted the ground to swallow her whole.

Arjun fumbled for words: pa…pa…woh…(clearing his throat) main….uh…

Riya (in one breath): Arjun do din baad interview ke result hai, main class ke liye ja rahi hu, bye!

Without wasting another millisecond, she ran out of the gate.

Arjun mv “dhokebaaz! Bhaag gayi mujhe chodkar, tumhe toh main academy mein dekh lunga!”

Naina: ghar chale?

Arjun came out of his shock:huh?? Ha…ha!

The four of them went to Rawte mansion and had lunch. Sameer tried to apologize to Arjun but he shook it off and told him to not bother about it anymore. It was all over and he intended to keep it that way. Sameer smiled and continued eating.

Suryakant: beta waise agar tumhe bhaagkar shaadi karne mein interest ho toh pehle se bata dena

Arjun stared at him in astonishment.

Naina: ha, ab hum budhe ho rahe hai toh baar-baar tumhari is tarah chinta nahi kar sakte, waise bhi acha hai, register marriage mein jo kharcha bachega usse ghumne chale jaana

Arjun was about to defend himself when Sameer popped in.

Sameer: are nahi kaki, register kyun? Usme witness ka jhamela bhi toh hota hai, (keeping a hand on Arjun’s shoulder) tu mandir mein shaadi kar lena, main taiyaari karwa dunga par ha ek do din ka time dena uske liye

Arjun blushed red now: main…mujhe academy jaana hai, class hai, bye!

Naina: are suno toh…

But Arjun rushed out the door, not caring to turn back at the laughter that erupted behind him.

Police Training Academy-

Raghu was addressing the batch in the classroom. The modules having being completed, they were all having a general discussion about the cases he was sharing with them. Riya was sitting on the first bench with three others.

Arjun came to the class.Easily spotting her, he entered and slipped beside her. She glared at him for disrupting them.

Raghu(sternly): Arjun ye kya time hai class mein aane ka?

Arjun: are sir, class toh khatam ho gaye na?

Riya: Arjun, hum case review kar rahe hai aur use bhi class hi bolte hai

Arjun teased her back: are iske peeche kyun padi ho? review karna hai toh mera kar do, waise bhi meri life ek case review ho gayi hai

The students burst into laughter.

Riya(sarcastically): bina case ka case?

Arjun: are FIR nahi toh kya hua? Case toh case hota hai, victims ke beech kabhi discriminate nahi karna chahiye samjhi ya samjhau?

Riya rolled her eyes: bullshit Arjun tum….

Raghu: silence! Tum dono ki bak-bak mere class mein nahi chalegi niklo baahar!

Arjun(stood up): haina sir? main bhi toh yahi keh raha hu (taking Riya’s hand) chalo hum baahar jaate hai

She was about to protest when Raghu spoke up.

Raghu: woh kahi nahi jaayegi, baahar tum akele hi jaoge!

Arjun sat back: fir kya faayda sir? aap bolte raho!

Riya gave him a fake glare hiding her blush as the students laughed. Raghu shook his head in disbelief and continued the discussion. 10 minutes later, the bell rang. Arjun jumped out of his seat before anyone could process what was happening.

Arjun: class khatam!!! (grabbing Riya’s hand) bye, sir!!

He dragged her outside along with him, leaving a chuckling Raghu behind.

Riya: Arjun tum kya kar raheho? pagal ho gaye ho? aisa kaun karta hai? sir ke saamne…

Arjun: are Raghu sir hi toh hai, woh kabhi kuch nahi bolte

Riya: Arjun mujhe lagta hai tumhare sar par chot lagi hai, jaa kar check-up karwao dimag ka (he pulled her deep into the trees) subah se dimag kharab kar rahe ho mera

Arjun: are jaan, itni fikar mat karo, puri academy ko pata hai ki humara affair hai

Riya raised her eyebrow: affair? Tumhari jaankaari ke liye bata dun ki jo biwi ya pati ko dhoka dekar pyaar karte haina, use affair kehte hai

Arjun: are jo bhi ho! I don’t give a damn!

He pinned her to a tree and caressed her cheek.

Arjun(sadly): chaar din se theek se baat bhi nahi hui tumse, I missed you

She giggled: oh isliye breakup karne waale the?

Arjun(sheepishly): sorry na, maaf bhi kar do, mera dimag sach mein band ho gaya tha

Riya wound her hands around his neck: jao maaf kiya…lekin

Arjun: lekin kya?

Riya: ek shart hai

Arjun: kaisi shart?

Riya: agli baar, musibat mein pado toh problem batana, break up ka solution mat nikalna, samjhe ya samjhau?

Arjun smiled: promise, dobara aisa kabhi nahi karunga

Riya kissed his cheek: ye hui na mere Arjun waali baat

Arjun: woh toh main tumhara hi rahunga! Humesha ke liye!

She blushed and he kissed her making another memory underneath the tree.

The End………………….

Here is my entry.

It's too long.

Genre: Romance

-Old School Love-

"She couldn't believe her eyes... The man she has always loved was hugging someone else... Tears flew out of her eyes at the feeling jealousy and betrayal but most of all hurt.. " And she decided she had had enough. Enough of holding onto scrap when she can have a better life, away from this man who doesn’t want her, never wanted her. And never will.

Riya silently made her way out of the restaurant without letting a slightest hint that she was there. That she had seen them together and in each other’s arms. She hated herself. She hated herself for feeling so hurt by him because there is no one except her who brought it upon herself. She knows the suffering she’s undergoing is self inflicted.

That sight pinched Riya. Not because he was with another woman but because she put her trust upon him. She was hurt because he tricked her again. She should have known before. This man is never going to change. Why almighty why? She asked herself. Why did she give him another chance? Why did she risk her heart again for this man?

She had only ever asked him one thing. That is to stay away from that woman. And he couldn’t do that single thing for her. A tight knot formed in her stomach as she felt nauseated. Dinner was the last thing she wanted right now. She should be driving herself home. Or call Aisha and tell her everything. She could even crash at Shree's place. He could fix her something Italian. But this time, she just wanted to go far and far away from everyone. She drove towards Raven, her favourite club. And she realized she was very much dressed for a club tonight. That black bodycon dress adorned every curve of her body. The deep chocolate brown lipstick was just looking more than alluring. Her coal black eyes could drown anyone. The only thing that spoiled her was the tears brimming in her eyes. She pulled out a wet tissue from her purse and fixed her face making her way through the crowd raging with noise.

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

“Where the hell is he?” he cursed as he stared at his cell phone for the last time. He should be here by now, but there is no sign of him. ACP Arjun Rawte doesn’t like his informers keep him waiting. Damn the informer! He cursed again as he grabbed another drink from the counter and took a sip.

He realized he’s become frustrated and annoyed for most of the things lately and he couldn’t blame anyone but himself. You risked your heart at the wrong place Arjun. You deserved the suffering. He closed his eyes hoping for a little peace but didn’t he know? He had just entered into chaos only. Even with closed eyes he couldn’t avoid thinking about her. Her? Is she even the woman, he fell for? He, ACP Arjun Rawte, the second in command of ETF have never expected that he’d ever fall in love with someone like a nerdy, calculative research specialist. But he is! And man, didn’t that make him all too helpless with his feelings? And he does know why! He gulped from the glass once again brushing her thoughts aside. But can he really avoid her?

And that’s how he noticed her looking lost in a crowd, looking too aloof to be around. Her appearance shocked him beyond anything and her being at a club rattled him. Gone were those plain shirts and loose trousers. Instead she was wearing a bodycon dress that wasshaping each of her curves, hair open and heels! He’d never seen this woman without anything but flats. He realised if he’s imagining someone else as her. He hasn’t even started with his drinks. He kept staring at her with astonishment. Seeing the senior research specialist of ETF at Raven, dressed to slay was just not what he was expecting himself to see tonight.

He stared some more minutes before realizing he was not the only one. And he knew what he had to do. He looked around in a haze, in hope to find that shithead ex husband of hers but he wasn’t around. He sighed.

Is it good or is it more trouble in his way? There were many things running in his mind. But the least of all, he wasn’t up for thinking about probabilities. He knew someday he had to say to her. That how maddeningly attracted he is to her. How everyday he just tested his self control. Not touch her when she’s just too close to him at the office. Not to embrace her when she’d be crying her heart out in her cubicle, and most of all, how hard it was for him to stay silent and not confess. Confess that she’s all over his mind and all over his heart.

Within the short period of knowing her, he was aware about bits and pieces of her life. It wasn’t long before he realised why she was holding her feelings away. She was married to the love of her life. Sweet old school love, who just cheated on her and there was a bad divorce she went through. He understood why she’s cautious about laying her heart out. He always knew there’s some spark to her. And that spark got him too. He was almost there, confessing his feelings to her when he saw her at the brink of losing her life. He was never been this frightened in his entire life to lose someone. She wasn’t just someone. She was taken to the hospital. He was always by her side. He was shit scared to lose her.

But soon another fear started grappling him, the fear of losing her to another man. Her ex husband Karan, that man came and hugged her tight telling her how he couldn’t live without her. That was hurting him, but what hurt him the most was when he saw Riya melting in that embrace. He kept looking at them, their embracing form and left with an empty heart. None in the team were happy about her giving that man another chance. But she wanted to give it a chance. And he accepted her decision because he just wanted her to be happy. What he couldn’t imagine was how hurtful it would be for him to see her with another man.

Arjun moved through the crowd and stood in front of her. Their eyes met and he knew sparks flew. He noticed her fluffy eyes. Maybe she was crying. Again. He’d often see her cry always hiding from everyone at the office. He found himself with an instant rage as he couldn’t anymore control the aloofness of her and pulled her to himself. She was simply brought back to the reality and stared at the person pulling her towards him.

Arjun.

ACP Arjun Rawte.

Second in command of ETF and her almost... She didn’t know what to name what they had. He's too simple for a man and without complication in life. on top of that he's a total flirt. she remembered how he flirted with her everyday. Picking on her hygienic obsession or mimicking her statistics rant. He is all what every woman in ETF dream of, well except her. Apart from the uncomplicated life he's too carefree. Taking unwanted risks always thrilled him. With that casual exterior of his face she knew there is something so intense bubbling inside for her. But didn't she ignore him?

Karan can just go fcuk anyone he likes. I am just so done with him. She thought with finality.“Arjun.” She whispered in a rugged voice. Maybe she just cried too much. She didn’t ask where he was taking her but just followed where he was leading her. He led her to the counter and asked for breezer?

“I’d need something stronger tonight”. She said from behind with a tainted sharpness in her voice. He just replaced the breezer with a devils spring.

“You are all alone?” he asked her cautiously.

“Did you see anyone tagging behind?”

“Not really!” he said. What’s wrong Riya? Why were you crying?

“What’s wrong? You look...er..”! He didn’t know how to put it. She was looking as if she’s breaking from inside.

“I look?” she asked to herself. “I was dinner ready for someone.”

“And?” so she just ran out of a dinner date?

“He found someone else.” She said in an almost bland expression. With her words she didn’t sound disappointed with the fact that she’s been cheated or betrayed. It looked like she was disappointed with herself.

“I am sorry.” He whispered not knowing what else to say.

“Don’t be.” She replied and pulled the bottle from his hand. She almost downed half from the bottle when he snatched that away from her.

“This really won’t help you Riya.”

“Did I ask you what will help me?” Now she was being edgy. She was always edgy. But today she wasn’t sounding like herself.

“No. But...”

“You really want to help me?” she asked not giving herself much thought.

“Yeah.” His positive reply came stunning her.

“Then take me away where they can’t find me.”

“They?”

“My nightmares, my mistakes, my hopelessness...” He had never seen her broken before and his heart ached seeing her this way. He held her left hand and dragged her through the crowd. Just like before, she followed his lead both of them holding a bottle of the devils spring. When they reached outside, she noticed his red and silver bike. Hungover was what set her mood right. She’d seen it a few times. And she also remembered secretly wishing to ride this beauty sometime. A smiled tugged at her lips. But then her smile faded. He noticed her initial excitement and then saw it fade quickly. He couldn’t quite grasp her quick transformation.

“No. No. No. It’s all too wrong.” She said as she took another gulp from the bottle.

“What’s wrong?”

“My dress. This bike. This night. That bas*ard. My life decisions. Everything is all too

wrong.”

“I didn’t know you fret this much. Come on.” Then he took a look at her dress. The bodycon dress indeed is a problem but he couldn’t control his urge to make her sit behind him and take her far away just as she had asked him to do. Then he noticed something else in that dress. It had a slit, neatly clipped with some buttons. With a little hesitation bubbling inside, he inched closer. She held his gaze, the same inexplicable feeling making a home in her heart. She found her heart racing.

“The dress isn’t a problem.” She stared at him with confusion.

“Do you mind if I...” she liked it when he asks permission. She feels it’s a form of showing respect. She just shrugged.

His nervous hands worked lightly on the first clipped button of her dress that just ended below her left thigh. The light touch of his bare fingers on her thighs jostled her from her aloofness once again and she knew the trouble is on the way. But for the first time, she wasn’t being calculative. She let him open all the clipped buttons that ended below her knee. She felt somewhat relived. He drew his hands away instantly and pulled the helmet over his head. Then he sat on his bike. She placed her hand over his shoulder for support and settled herself behind him. All thanks to the slit which didn’t give her much trouble.

“Are you comfortable?” He asked.

“Mmm.” She said.

And he accelerated his motor. As soon as his bike picked up speed she was a hit by a fresh wave of air that played with her hair. She still didn’t know where he was taking her but she trusts him. There was no denying in that she trusts him. Maybe they could have been something, if not her ex of a husband made an appearance in her life after breaking her into pieces in the past. She knew there is something between her and Arjun and she deliberately ignored it. She knew she felt something inexplicable every time her hand brushed with his occasionally. Or every time he brought her coffee in the middle of an interrogation. Or every time he offered her to drop her at her home to safety. She knew there was something from his side. She remembered how frightened and worried he was at the hospital when she was shot. He almost threatened the doctor who was treating her because she was out of consciousness for more than an hour. Shree told her how worried he was for her. And that was the day everything changed between them.

Because her ex husband walked back into her life, claiming that he couldn’t any more apart from her. That he loves her beyond anything. Riya thought she was in a hazy dream when Karan said all those things. But she wasn’t dreaming. The man who she loved her entire life came back for her. And she didn’t want anything from life anymore. Or she thought so. She didn’t forget how he filed for their divorce or how he cheated upon her. But she thought she could still give him a chance. Still give herself a chance to see if anything in her is still left for human feelings. But today she has nothing apart from regret only. Regret for letting that man come back to her life once again and for letting herself hope...

“Can you just hold me tightly”, she was brought back from her thinking by his voice. And she focused on Arjun. Why is he being so generous tonight? The thought crossed her mind. She was totally very rough with him since the past few months because she was aware of his feelings. She was aware how badly he was attracted to her. She hadn’t missed the hurt in his eyes when she finally introduced her ex husband to her team at a party. She was sure he left the party just because he couldn’t see her with someone else. Yet she let him wallow in his suffering because giving up wasn’t easy for her. She snaked her arms around his chest and held tightly onto him resting her head over his shoulder. She knew what she was doing. She knew she shouldn’t be doing this. But right now he was the only awkward comfort that soothed her senses.

“Is it good now?” she asked Arjun.

“Way better”. He said and she could sense him smile.

After like some thirty minutes of riding, the bike came to a halt. The furious winds stopped flapping her hair and she was welcomed to a soothing breeze of the fresh night. She got down from the bike to take a look at where they were. The sight in front of her took her breathaway. She realised they were at the edge of a ground, way above the sea level and she could see the whole city from that location. She was mesmerized with the beauty of it. Her eyes darted up to look at the sky. And god, this is some view she just wanted so desperately. The endless sky looked ever so bright in contrast to the dimming city lights.

“Like what you see?” he asked seeing the smile tugging at her lips.

“Very much.” She said as she finally looked at him. “How did you find this place? I mean where are we?”

“I am not telling you.” He smirked.

“Really now?” she asked. He was being playful. She liked it too. She just likes everything about him tonight. She didn’t know if it’s because of the booze or the fact that she terribly needed something to be getting distracted with. She didn’t wait for an answer as she started marching towards the edge. He followed behind, taking off his helmet.

“You wouldn’t want to step down there with those Eiffel Tower heels of yours.” He shouted back at her.

“Well then alright.” She yelled back, kicked her heels away that landed right in front of him.

“I didn’t expect you to throw anything more than your tantrums tonight.” He said seeing her heels now at his feet. “You underestimate me too much ACP”, she giggled and he ran behind her to match with her place. She stopped at the extreme edge of the ground and lifted her arms up and wide letting the breeze cool her off. He hesitated just before her as he saw how close she was to the edge. Her drunken state and her tipsy talks made him worried. He saw her legs shake at the dim moonlight and he swiftly positioned himself exactly behind her, holding her sides.

She felt him touch her. She didn’t care. All she could feel was the serenity of this night that was slowly filling her with bliss she was craving ever since. And for a split second she thought, being here with Arjun, made everything feel ethereal. She brushed aside those thoughts. Right now you’re a mess Riya!

“This is just too beautiful and too peaceful Arjun. Thank you so much for bringing me here.”

“Someone’s showing gratitude.” He said blandly. She found the cold undertone in his voice directly pointed at her. She turned to him at that jibe he made. She knew she wasn’t being nice to him since the past week. She knew she was avoiding him. Or rather she realised she was avoiding herself to give into his feelings. He was looking her in the eye and she felt as if he was unnerving her.

“I... I am sorry for how I was with you since the past month.” She finally blurted out.

“Why are you sorry? You were just having a life out there, with your ex husband.” His words again felt like a slash across her already bleeding wounds.

“I..I don’t know. I felt as if I just ignored you.”

“You are not entitled to give me any attention more than professionally. Aren’t you?” he said in a tight voice. And she sensed it right, he was hurt. She had hurt him. Suddenly the pain she felt seeing that Karan with another woman felt nothing when she saw the hurt in his eyes. Her own feelings rattled her. She completely turned her body, now facing him. His hands slide down from her sides to hold securely at her lower back. Her body went stiff with the touch. She slowly encircled her hands around his nape for better support.

“I guess you are right” she murmured and slides her hands off him. He got the hint and slowly moved them back to safety, away from the edge and finally let go of her body. Even though he never confessed, he was sure she feels something for him. But he was shattered when she just gave into her old relation once again, let herself suffer once again. He didn’t hate her. He thought he could accept her decision. But that didn’t work for long. Rather he became enraged with her decision and started jibing her which she didn’t take quietly. Afterwards she was bitter with him. But what else could he do? See her going out with another man right in front of his eyes. No. he couldn’t do that. She turned back once again, “can we just go back”? She asked him. He wondered if his retreating hurt her. Well she was sad and hurt even before so he quite couldn’t tell what hurt her.

“Minutes before you wanted to stay!” he said slowly.

“I wanted? I don’t know what I want anymore!” she said with despair. He didn’t know what he could do to help her. She’s the strongest in the team and she always appears as if she’d never need help. Professionally she’s spotless. But personally, he couldn’t really count the shades of her reality.

“What you really want is to save yourself from that regret chant and accept that shit happens. Don’t wallow over it.”

“You sound like you really know how that feels!”

“I don’t think right now you are ready to listen what my feelings are Riya and how I felt. So just cut the chase, let’s talk about what happened.” He loosened the first two buttons of his shirt and stretched his hands before settling himself on the grass cross-legged. She hesitated for a moment but gave in finally as she sat down right beside him.

“I am not a woman who gives up easily.”

“I know”.

“And that spirit still stays with me even after I am broken. It’s difficult you know? To let go. Even if the person doesn’t want you or love you anymore.” She said with a pang of pain. He looked at her closely and realised how right she is. Did he let her go? Even if he knew she’s out of his reach now. That she is giving herself a chance with another man. No he didn’t. He couldn’t and he wouldn’t give up on her by any chance.

“When my marriage broke, I kind of broke too. I didn’t know what failed! Or why he cheated. I kept waiting for him to come back to me one day and tell me that he couldn’t anymore live without me. And that day at the hospital he did came back. He did say what I wanted him to say.”

“Is this why accepted him in?” he asked.

She just nodded her head in a yes.

“And today I saw him with another woman. We were about to have our dinner date. We had a fight last night. He wanted to make it up to me.”

“That bi*ch?? Want to talk about the fight?”

“I want to talk about many things Arjun. Why do you care to listen?” she asked him looking straight in the eye. He broke the eye contact and leaned over the grass, completely on his back now facing the starry night sky.

“You didn’t answer?” she asked again.

“Someone has to be generous tonight!” and she practically laughed at his statement.

“Lately I realised I was compromising with everything, with my feelings being the first of the things. It’s true that I wanted him to come back. But it doesn’t anymore make me happy Arjun. It’s like I kind of knew he would never change yet I gave into his false promises. Canlove make you this stupid?”

“I can’t say what love makes people do Riya.”

“Why? Haven’t you ever been in love?” and she realised what she had asked him. She knew she shouldn’t have. And she wondered why she wasn’t happy about being with Karan. Is it because she doesn’t anymore love him? She didn’t want to know the reality of the answer. In her mind she reanalysed everything. She picked up a fight with Karan every time she was bitter to Arjun in the office. Riya just couldn’t accept the fact that hurting Arjun could hurt too. And she always lived in the conflicting questions about what makes her happy and what she wants for real. Till now she doesn’t have her answer. She faced Arjun under the moonlight, lying sideways now. His face was too calm that she felt his aura radiating right through her. She felt her soul being filled with the ethereal energy that only and only strengthened her spirit.

“I think you should just find out what makes you happy Riya”! He whispered in their close proximity. She saw the honesty in his eyes. The concern over his face for her and maybe she just know what makes her happy or what made her happy always. Suddenly her eyes travelled to his lips. And without any thought she closed the distance between their lips.

A shiver ran down his body at the instant he felt her lips over his. She was so sudden with her moves that she just caught him off guard and when he got back from the shock, he felt her lips moving against him slowly yet with an urgency that tempted him. He felt stupid for not reacting when she just nibbled at his lower lip. He could gather she was being frustrated with his unresponsiveness. So he moved a little forward pressing her more on the ground, his whole body shifting over her as he finally gave into the kiss. Both of his hands were stiff on the ground supporting his body weight while all he wanted to do was touch her. Not this annoying prickly grass. She arched forward giving him more access to her lips as she ran her fingers in his hair making it a wild mess. Once into the kiss he realised she was more demanding and that surged a wave of desire in him.

So he kissed her senseless and when she stopped for some air, he travelled down to her neck. She froze as her heart beat against her chest in an abnormal speed. He shouldn’t have kissed her there. Neck kisses always made her weak in the knee. She inhaled sharply as a slow moan escaped from her lips which drove him crazy. He dug his face more into her neck, planting soft kisses on her collar bone. She didn’t know what else to do apart from surrendering to this sweet torture he was inflicting upon her neck. She moaned heavily gasping for air. She doesn’t really realise what her moans are making to his body. Her free hands moved slowly across his chest, travelled down his tummy and stopped over the metal his belt.

He froze for a moment, stunned at her actions. He should have known what was coming next. And as much as he wanted it to happen, he knew he shouldn’t give into this. She had been hurt before on top of that she’s drunk. Anything that will happen between them will bring disaster to both of them. It took him his entire self control to push her hand away and move his face away from her neck.

He pulled himself up to see her stunned face.

“I don’t think you really want to give into this.”

“But you want it!”

“Damn!” he exclaimed as he knew she’s reading through him. Reading the desire in his eyes for her and sensing his arousal.

“Don’t you?” she repeated herself.

“You can’t imagine how badly I want you Riya”! He finally let his words out. But what he said next made her feel ashamed of herself. “But I just don’t want to be a rebound to Karan”! She closed her eyes at his words. She found herself asking if he’s right. She felt disgusted for taking advantage of his kindness. She felt so ugly from inside and uglier for making him feel like she’s just using him as a distraction only. But in reality, was she? She didn’t know.

In a swift moment she sat upright, pushing his body slightly away from his. “I.. I am sorry if you feel that way Arjun. This shouldn’t have happened.” She cursed herself for making her life this complicated. Arjun clearly saw her retreating as an aftermath of his own words to her and regret started sinking in him deeply. He brought her to make her feel better, to offer her comfort and all he did was made her sad all over again. He sat upright as she got up to leave.

Just as she turned to leave, he grabbed her hand. He didn’t know why he said what he said but he knew one thing for sure, his words had hurt her. And things will never be same with her again.

“Riya stop.”

“Why Arjun? Please... don’t make me feel any more disgusted with myself.”

“You are getting me wrong. I ...I just want you to be clear with your feelings. What you really want! And whatever happened right now, right here... trust me Riya, it is one of the best things that have happened to me. I don’t regret an ounce of whatever transpired.” He blurted out in a single breath. And she believed him. She believed whatever he said because she just felt he of all people wouldn’t lie to her, or cheat on her or break her trust.

“okay.” She said in reply. She didn’t intend to say anything anymore. All she craved right now is peace and away from everything.

“Umm...do you mind dropping me at my place? I won’t ask you to stay.” She said and realized how pathetic that sounded.

“oh Riya... don’t be ridiculous. Let’s... let’s just go.”

She just went towards the bike and stood there realizing where did she kicked off her heels.

“Your heels.” She saw him holding the pair of her heels as he placed them on the ground. The journey back to her home was silent. He still asked her to hold him tight. And she did. He let her rest her head over his shoulder, without a trace of hesitation. She knew he was still trying to make her feel better. He stopped right in front of her home, outside the gate. She got down carefully tucking the devils spring with her one hand. Tonight was full of surprises. She expected him leave as soon as possible but he stayed. He was silent for a moment. She didn’t know what to make out of his silence. So she started towards the gate.

“Riya...”! He called out.

She didn’t turn.

“Just remember one thing, whatever your decisions, whatever it is that you want or whatever you chose, I will be with you...” she froze at the intensity of the words. She just wanted to run back to him immediately and embrace him forever. But she knew she has crossed enough of her limits tonight.

“Just never stop counting on me...”! His last words brought tears in her eyes and she knew if she will turn, all the boundaries he’s guarding just for her sanity will break at the blink of an eye.

“Good night Arjun.” She said in a tight voice, not letting him know how she’s breaking inside. She heard the bike roared with acceleration and the noise soon faded. She sighed and entered inside.

She changed quickly and gave herself a long steaming shower. She smiled at herself as she noticed the marks on her neck and collarbone. Her face changed colour as she blushed. He was oddly gentle with her. Never in her wildest thoughts had she ever imagined that someone like her would make someone like ACP Arjun Rawte fall heads over heel in love with her. She cursed herself for being confused with her life decisions. For letting Karan use her once again and for hurting Arjun, despite knowing his feelings.

After tonight, her insides were bubbling with a great sense of admiration and respect for the man. He had all the chance to take advantage of her tonight. She was literally asking for it. But he didn’t... which is what made her feel so small in her own eyes.

She decided one thing. She’d bring clarity to her life. And for that she’d have to choose. She knew whom she had chosen. First of all she had chosen herself. She had chosen to give herself all the happiness she deserves. Her doorbell rang constantly. She pulled on her robe and made her way towards the door. She just knew whoever’s at the door will never made it inside. When she opened the door, she was welcomed to a tired and disappointed face of Karan who was now looking at her with hopeful eyes.

“Why didn’t you come for dinner Riya? Are you still angry?” He asked.

“No I am not angry anymore Karan.” She said calmly. A smiled touched his lips as he started moving inside.

“Ah! Wait, we have to talk.” She said and made him stand outside the door.

“Yeah we can just talk inside.”

“No Karan, I don’t think you’d want to come inside after whatever we are going to talk.”

“Okay. Just tell me what is it?”

“You have to stop seeing me.” She said finally.

“Like why? You said you aren’t angry.”

“I am just not concerned about anything that relates you anymore Karan. In simple words,

leave me alone. I did a mistake giving you a second chance.”

Karan looked confused with whatever she was saying. His pretense only had managed to annoy her further.

“For God’s sake Karan stop playing with my life, I have had enough of your bullshit. Now just get the fcuk out of here.” She shouted on top of her voice. “And yes tell that bitch that she can keep you forever. You both just deserve each other.” With that she banged the door on his face. She didn’t care if he’s standing outside. She was just too tired that she didn’t know when she got to her bedroom slipped into deep slumber.

One month later...

“I bet she killed him out of jealousy as she found out he’s having an affair.” Sakshi Anand said, fairly doing any justice to the victim’s body. Arjun ignored her speculations. And mostly speculations like this, a referral that includes cheating or betrayal. His eyes travelled towards the head of research division of ETF. She looked like she least cared what Sakshi just said and resumed reading some papers she found from the crime scene. She looked like she’s at peace. He bet she is. Since past one month he did nothing but studied her only. She doesn’t anymore get angry with little things. She doesn’t anymore wait till late night to cry her heart out in her cubicle and of course without any mention of that shithead ex husband of hers. Certain things about her are changing. And he liked that change. He just hoped she now knows what she wants.

“I have to confirm what’s in this file. Care to drop me off... I mean obviously if you are free.” She said looking at him. It sounded too normal to the team. But he knows, after that night there is some sort of awkwardness between them.

“Can you just stop being this formal?” he asked her once they were out of the crime scene and marched towards the SUV.

“Well you draw the lines. Remember...?” she said.

He stopped at her words and registered what she just said. Does she think he is holding himself? And here he was waiting for her to make the first move. He knows, if Riya Mukherjee wants anything she will ask for it without hesitation. And that night she did ask him... and he was the one who turned her down. He also knows one more thing that Riya Mukherjee never begs for anything. He saw her moving ahead and followed.

He’ll have to talk to her because if he wouldn’t do it now, he might lose her forever. He got into the driving seat as she set the GPS for location. He started the SUV in silence. But he knew he was looking at anywhere but at the road. “Are you planning on getting someone killed? I can hire a hitman for that. You don’t have to run over” Her voice brought him out of the trance. “What?” “Why you are so out of focus Arjun?” she finally asked.

“I was just thinking about what you’ve said earlier.”

“What did I say?”

“You know that I wasn’t drawing lines.” She remained silent to that. “I am sorry... um... to make you uncomfortable that night. Can we be just normal like old times without feeling awkward?” She said after some minutes. What normal is she talking about? He was never normal with her! She always set him in a fit of inexplicable feelings. Nothing about his feelings for her is normal.

They never really talked about what happened between them that night. He didn’t ask her again what she chooses. She didn’t tell him either. But the awkwardness prevailed in an alarming manner that was hard to defer for both of them. Hence both of them knew that how important this conversation is.

“Uncomfortable? That’s the best you could come up with?” he was anything but uncomfortable that night. And she should have known. But isn’t he the one who sent her to that guilt trip? “I was anything but uncomfortable that night.”

“I understand.” She said.

“No you don’t. You don’t know why I did that. I know how difficult it’s for you to give up on something. I didn’t want you to get into something with a half heart. I didn’t want you get into something that will suffocate you later. I didn’t want you to regret once again Riya...” he said hoping she will understand.

“I always thought, there is nothing that can kill an old school love.” He silently listens to her.

“But you forgot you aren’t anymore in school right?” he asked.

“Yeah! Kind of. I also thought there is only one true love...”

“Well it depends you know who you love. There is nothing true or wrong in love...it’s always about people and the people we choose...” she mulled over what he said and he wasn’t saying anything wrong.

“Remember you asked me something?” she asked him.

“Yeah what?”

“What makes you happy Arjun?” And finally he knew what she meant.

“You really want to know?” he asked her and abruptly stopped the SUV.

“This is not the right location.” Riya said looking confused.

“They say a loyal man who’s in love can never kiss and drive at the same time.” He said with utmost honesty in his voice making her think deep as to what he really meant. And before she could register what he meant, he captured her lips, desperately getting off the seat belt. And this time she knew, he wasn’t planning on to stop. Location be damned! Her mind screamed as she realised she’s on the verge of losing all her bottled up emotions. Her hands loosened the seat belt as she felt free. Finally free as her heart taking a free fall for this man who’s kissing her senseless. Long before she had realised what she wanted. And she can say proudly she wanted him for life. There is no denial to it anymore.

“You are indeed very loyal Arjun.” She winked at him when he finally looked at her after breaking the kiss. And damn that blush. Did he ever see her blushing like this?

“You didn’t notice I said a loyal man in love Riya!”

“I noticed that too...”

“Any comments on that?”

The colours on her face took a deeper shade.

“You are not the shy type. Don’t even try that with me.” He scoffed.

“Well it’s mutual and why dear? As a human I am allowed to blush.” She asked playfully.

“Not when you look like this. Blushing should be illegal”! He said in a strained voice.

“Look like?”

“I can’t wait till we...”!

“We get to the back seat...?” and he laughed too hard with her reply. She joined in. They both laughed till their stomach hurt. Of all other things he didn’t expect such a comeback from her.

“Let’s meet at Ravens tonight", he proposed as he started the SUV.

“Sure.”

“And Riya...”!

“What Arjun?”

“Please don’t come wearing those Eiffel Tower heels of yours.”

“In one condition Arjun.”

“Condition?”

“Yeah!”

“What?”

“You will let me ride.”

“Are you sure we are talking about my bike.”

“Hell yeah.” She said and they burst into another fit of laughter. She looked at Arjun with a new found feeling after so long. A feeling that made her feel she deserve everything. He makes her feel worthy of things she didn’t think she deserve. And that made her happy. Lately she came to the realization that things don’t last forever. There is no one true love. Letting go could bring peace too. She started living in the moment. She and Arjun never promised any forever. They just remained with each other...