TATTOO & CAKE 2.3
🖥 Screen detective game Season 2 || Unmask the Movie / Tv show || 🖥
Lets be Honest
I Love You Armaan
Coming Soon - Official Trailer - Dhurandhar The Revenge
HOLIKA DAHAN 3.3
Happy Holi- celebrity pictures /videos
Thank you soooooooooooooooooo much for all the comments! I am posting the next two parts 😃
Happy Reading! 😛
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Part 9 - New Year's Party
The party had started in full swing. She entered the party looking extremely beautiful and stunning. For what felt like the first time in her life she had left her hair loose. Besides that she had taken out three hours to select a perfect dress, and had finally picked a black strapless dress.
Clutching the cell more tightly in her hand she made her way across the hall only to hear someone call out her name. The voice sounded familiar.
"Gauri" yelled out the person again. She stopped dead in her tracks and turned around. Only to face Josh Kapoor, introduction to Josh, well he was the same age as Gauri. They were extremely good friends in college, but had lost contact after college and hadn't seen each other in two years.
With a warm smile she ran and hugged him. He lifted her in his arms and replied, "Oh Boy! Gauri still dieting, are we?".
She lightly punched on his shoulder as she called out his name "Josh,"
"Is that a wedding ring?" he asked as he noticed a ring
"Yah," she replied with a smile
"Who is the unlucky guy?" he asked with a smile.
Before she could answer her eyes wandered off towards the door, and in came into sight the man of her dreams, Shiv Kapoor.
She smiled, leaving Josh behind she ran towards him only to stop barely a few meters away from him, as she noticed this lady along with him, and to her horror Shiv allowed the lady to put her arm around his.
She felt herself burn from the inside. She stood there fuming on the spot cursing the lady. And, in her curses she forgot to notice where they were heading.
They were heading towards her, and by the time she realized this it was too late. There was no place to hide, so she decided to just wait there for her husband, and he would certainly pay for walking in late, and that too with another lady on their one month anniversary. Yes, today it would be a month in their marriage, and he had neither wished her, nor even shown the slight desire to meet her. She formulated a plan to take a revenge on him within a matter of seconds.
Except, her plan flopped as Shiv walked right past her with that *****, who had thrown herself completely at him, and he had done nothing what so ever to even move away from her, and to top it all he had mysteriously failed to notice her.
She felt helpless and angry, as she turned around and saw them walking away. She had spent three hours trying to dress up only to look nice for him. Only so that she looked like his wife, and he had not even noticed her.
All the excitement and nervousness she had regarding Shiv 's reaction to her outlook vanished as anger now replaced it. Oh and Shiv Kapoor would certainly pay a very heavy price for this mistake.
***************
"Hiding?" said a voice from behind her, "You still haven't changed, Gauri" and now she could bet her two cents it was Josh Kapoor.
She did not even turn around to look at him. She was too angry to even think.
"What happened?" he asked, as he turned her around so that he could see her.
"Nothing" she replied lamely
"There must be something" he replied "or why else would you be hiding?"
"Josh, leave me alone" she said as she turned around.
He was starting to irritate her. And, since when did she expect Josh Kapoor to speak rationally the guy was a nutcase. Much Worst than her Shiv .
Her Shiv ? 'God, Gauri get a hold of yourself,' screamed her mind
"I won't leave until you tell me what happened?" he replied
She sighed, the guy was like Kaya, and they both wouldn't leave anyone until the person blabbered out everything. This was the major problem with having friends like them. When you are in some sort of dilemma trust these two to make your life even more miserable.
Gauri cleared her throat, and narrated Josh the entire incident. And, how she had not seen Shiv the entire day, and was dying to look at him, except he had showed up with some *****.
Once she was done she looked for his reaction, she noticed he had a surprised look.
"What?" she asked
"That's it?" he replied
"What do you mean by that's it?" she questioned with her hands on her waist
"That's nothing. I expected the matter to be much worse," he replied with a smile
"Josh, you are not helping you know?" she replied
"This is simply the case of jealousy", he said, and before she could respond he added, "Why do all women love to jump to the wrong conclusion?"
"What do you mean?" she asked
"I mean the guy must have walked in with a colleague or his cousin or his friend or someone." He said, "Tell me Gauri, if he was really into this girl he wouldn't bring the girl to a party where his in-laws and wife were present. He would "hide" the relation"
Josh was right. He had a point! Shiv was surely not involved with the girl, and she found herself feeling much better, but she still felt angry. Why?
"I didn't say he was into another girl" she replied "the matter is entirely different"
"I don't understand your matter, Gauri." He responded, "You are nothing like the Gauri I knew. You are not on PMS or on drugs, are you?" he whispered
"You are a shameless creature," she replied and began to walk away
He replied jokingly, "You are not pregnant, are you?"
And, as he noticed the colour disappear from her face he screamed, "Gauri, why didn't you inform me?"
"There is nothing to inform" she responded from the door
"How many months?"
She came near him, and whispered, "Two & half months"
"What?" he screamed, "But, you said you married a month ago"
She blushed.
"Oh my! You naughty little girl...." he joked around "Wait, till your parents hear this"
"JOSH!" she yelled, "Please DON'T tell my parents they don't know anything"
"You didn't tell them?" his eyes widened
"No," she replied staring at the floor
"You are giving me too many shocks, Gauri. You sure you don't have any other shocking 'thing' left?"
Time to get away from Josh...
"No," she replied, "And, if you excuse me I would like to meet my husband," she stated as she pushed him away, and began to walk
"Now, that's the girl I know" he replied as she walked away
***************
The scene, which met her eyes killed her. She felt like someone had stabbed her in the heart. She walked away immediately to the bar, and noticed a glass on the table without once caring about what was in there she gulped the bitter liquid down her throat in one go. She felt a bit uneasy, but whatever she ordered for another glass, and from then on there was no stopping.
She drank four straight glasses of the bitter liquid, and when she felt she could no longer take any more she walked across to the dance floor. If Shiv was going to go around kissing anyone.. she would go around dancing with any man.
She shook one leg, and then other, and from there on, she started to dance around... putting her full energy into it... It was mainly an attempt to get rid of the image of her husband kissing that girl, but no matter how much she danced the image didn't go. She danced harder, and then harder, and more harder except the image did not once disappear, and before she could dance with more energy someone caught her and turned her around.
"What the ****" she screamed at the person, who she could quite see due to the dim lights.
And, then she felt the tight grip of that person on her wrist, and the person was dragging her away from the dance floor.
"Josh?" she said, still not sure whether she was hallucinating or not
"You are drunk? Gauri, you can never handle drinks, then why did you drink?" he said, "And, what's up with the dancing?"
She just stared blankly at him, still not understanding what the guy meant.
"He waz jus A annoyinsd pooadsig," her heart screamed
"You are pregnant, Gauri" he whispered in her ears
Oh YAA!
"Why should I care about the child? Shiv is having fun, and I will TOOO" she replied
"Gauri, you are not your senses to know what you are saying..." he replied, "Common lets go"
"Where?" she asked trying to remove her hand from his hold
"To Shiv ," he replied
"NUH!!" she replied, "The guy is a freak, let him have fun, and so will I..." she paused before she added with a cute face, "jo-----ss---hhhhhhhh I wannntooo danceeee"
"No," he replied dragging her away
"I WANT TO DANCE! YOU EDIOTTTT," she yelled, and that's when she noticed Shiv
C----r----A-----p
She immediately stood behind Josh, except Shiv caught sight her.
She pushed Josh away, and she heard him bump into some girl, who yelled at him, but she did not care, and she began to walk away as quickly as possible.
She felt Shiv call her name, and he was catching upto her as he sounded closer to her, so she broke into a run, and that only caused Shiv to scream out her name aloud. She could feel thousands of eyes on her, but she did not care all she wanted to do was run away from Shiv . Not caring once about anything she ran down the steps, across the parking lot, and before she could reach the car – Shiv had grabbed her round the waist and twirled her around.
"What the hell is wrong with you Gauri? You are NOT supposed to run", he yelled in her ears
"You *******" she responded, "Put me down"
"Woohhh, mind your language, Gauri" he responded as he put her around, but still held her in his arms
"Hey!" she pointed her finger at him, and said, "Don't you dare tell me what to do or what not to Kapoor"
He coughed, and replied, "Did you drink?"
For a second she was a bit afraid, but what was there to be afraid about... He had kissed some girl... he had to be afraid NOT her.
"Yah...So?" she responded
He pulled her closer to her, and spat out, "What's your problem, Gauri?"
"My problem is YOU!" she replied looking at him angrily
She noticed him close his eyes, and his hands rolled into a fist.
A second later he looked at her, but she stared at the floor as she found it much more fascinating than his face. Then, she felt him lift her chin up, "What's wrong?" he asked
"Ohh what's wrong? Haaaaaa lets see today is our one-month anniversary, and you FORGET to wish me. To top it all you walk in the party with some horrible girl, and walk right past me without once noticing me. And, then you go around kissing some ***** no problem, Kapoor. My life is perfect, and it couldn't get more perfect" she responded
"Gauri, you got it wro---"
She interrupted him, and asked, "Where is your wedding ring?" as she noticed his hand
"What?" he replied, and then he looked at his hand.
"You are NOT wearing your wedding ring on purpose"
"Gauri, what's your problem?" he asked getting angry now
Angrily she yelled out, "ANY WIFE WOULD HAVE A PROBLEM IF HER HUSBAND GOES AROUND KISSING OTHER WOMEN AND NOT HER"
Ooopssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
"I swear I din't me------"
But, Shiv interrupted her, and replied, "Good, then don't blame me because you totally asked for it"
Before she could even think about his words or try to even understand them... she felt his lips on hers...
And, from behind she heard someone cheer, "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
***************
Part 10 – Cravings
She had never kissed anyone in her entire life, so she had no experience in this department, but the rush of feelings that she was feeling presently were scary. Her knees were weakening with his one kiss, and she felt completely weak, completely at his mercy as he kissed her like he meant it, as if she were the most beautiful creature on the planet, and he only desired to be with her, and her only. With his one kiss she felt like she had been swept off her feet, gotten everything she desired, and if this were the way she would die, then she would be happy & content with it.
She had never wanted someone this badly, but now she did. She needed this man, as without him her life would be nothing, she couldn't even imagine life without Shiv , as he was her soul mate, her other half, and her everything. He meant the world to her, and with him she would gladly even walk in the hands of death.
She was scared about death, it was the one major fear she had, apart from animals. Death scared the hell out of her, maybe because she had never ever lost anyone close to her, and day after day she would fear for the worst, but with Shiv by her side she would not be even fear death.
Her heart was beating rapidly and without once caring about their surroundings or without once thinking about anything. She just lived in the moment. She felt like she was in heaven, it was so pure, so blissful, so complete.
These feelings within her what were they? They had to be happiness. She felt really happy perhaps the happiest she had ever been, this made her happy, this man made her happy, and she would forever live with him as his friend, as his wife and as his child's mother.
In the beginning, she could not imagine her life within him as she thought there were a mismatch, but now she was aware that they were a perfect match. And, she would forever be thankful to god for making her meet this noble man.
As she kissed him with all her strength, for the first time in her life she gave herself completely to him, her heart was no longer shielded – she broke the shield she had placed around her self, and gave herself to him. Somehow she was falling for him day after day. In the light rain, she felt her heart dance in delight at this newfound realization.
She loved him. She loved Shiv Kapoor. She had fallen in love within a month only, but then since when did love need time?
It could happen anywhere, to anyone and at any time.
She did not need time to love him nor did she need a reason.
She would continue to love him till her very last breath. That's how powerful this feeling was. As she stood there kissing him, with the light rain falling on her, she realized the difference between love and crush right then, the most important being that love lasted forever and her love for Shiv would last forever as well.
She had permanently lost herself to him, but that didn't scare her, as she trusted him with all her heart. No matter what he did, she would still continue to love and worship h---
"Yo Shiv " said a voice
At those words instantly Shiv released his hold on her and moved away, while she just groaned in disappointment. They both turned around to face the person who had ruined this important breakthrough in their relationship.
She stared in horror from behind Shiv at Josh Kapoor.
He realized his blunder, as he smiled, and said, "oooh I am really sorry"
"Yes," she heard Shiv say to Josh
"Gauri left her cell" Josh replied handing the cell out in his hand.
Shiv took the cell from him with a frown.
"I am Josh Kapoor" stated Josh with his hand held out this time, and he noticed Shiv still hadn't taken the courtesy to put his forth to have a hand shake, thus he said, "Gauri's friend – uh, college friend"
Shiv nodded his head, and replied, "o nice to meet you" but he didn't quite sound like he meant it.
"Okay, then I will catch you later Krips" Josh replied scratching his head, "Bye. And, have fun" he winked and walked away
Gauri turned red at his words, and just turned around to walk towards the car.
"Since, when do you know him?" questioned Shiv from behind her.
"Umm... since four years" she replied, though she doubted whether he heard it, since she could not even bring her voice up.
"I don't like him," Shiv remarked as he opened his door.
She did not care where this conversation was heading, as all she could remember was that kiss. How could this guy kiss her? And, then make it seem like nothing had happened. Honestly, was Josh this important to Shiv ? While, here she was going to die after that kiss, and all she felt like doing was to run away & hide under the bed or under the car seat... hide anywhere just so that she would not be anywhere near Shiv Kapoor.
"He looks like a flirt," she heard Shiv say as he turned the ignition.
She felt like asking who, but no words came out of her mouth, and instead she just focused on the road ahead, as they drove out of the parking lot.
****************
The ringing of the cell forced her to open her eyes, and she looked around to notice they were nearing home now.
She stared at the screen to read Hospital.
"Hello"
"Ma'am," remarked a nurse from the other hand, "you have to come right now. A case just came up"
Gauri glanced at her watch, it was about 1-00 am, "But, Jen I can't make it tonight. Its too late," she replied
"No, Ma'am it's really urgent – the man's eye is badly damaged"
"okay. I will be there within a minute. Call up Ed as well"
"He is away Ma'am, but I left him a message on his cell"
"Just wait for me. I will be right there"
Gauri just hung up, and turned to look at Shiv – he didn't look happy at all. In order to avoid talking to Shiv she had pretended to be asleep, except the ringing of the cell had ruined everything. She made a fake yawn, and said, "Shiv , take me to the hospital"
"You are drunk, Gauri" he argued
"So what? That does not stop me from operating someone"
"Are you telling me all doctors are allowed to operate even when they are drunk?" he asked looking at her
"Hey! I am not DRUNK. I am perfectly fine. I just had two to three glasses" and as she saw him open his mouth to argue back she added, "And, stop pretending as if you care too much about the patient. I know you don't want me to go since its LATE blah blah"
Angrily he pressed down hard on the accelerator and turned the car around.
****************
Gauri got down from the car, and thanked Anita for giving her a ride. After waving at her she turned around and made her way towards the gate recollecting the incident earlier.
She had barely entered the hospital when a worried Jen had come into sight. Jen had informed her about the case, while Gauri had made her way to her cabin, and changed within a matter of a few minutes. By the time she was done Ed had stepped in her room, and as soon as she had greeted him.
She heard him yell at her for coming at the hospital, and asked her to go home and rest. As she had protested he had realized she had taken a few drinks, and then he had simply barked at her, "Get out Gauri,"
After that no matter how hard she had tried to convince him to let her stay he had absolutely refused to listen to her, and shut the door on her face. In disappointment she had no other choice, but to leave.
It was all due to Shiv , if only he hadn't stopped her in the first place. She kicked the stone hard, and tried hard to understand the reason for her happiness, when she recollected about the other incident of that day – the incident which instantly brought a smile on her face, and made her do a happy dance as she day dreamed about that moment again.
****************
The pain in her head was severe, and she felt like hammering her head – to make the pain go away. She opened both her eyes slowly, and instantly got up, but soon regretted it, as the pain in her head became unbearable. Holding her head in her hands she groaned, and closed her eyes as she couldn't even bear the bright light falling on her from the window on the side.
Headache! Headache! But, why?
She tried to look up, but again looked down, and shut her eyes, oh! I can't even bear the light.
"Awaawwwww" she screamed with her hand pressed on her forehead, and eyes slightly opened as she felt severe pain on the left portion of her head and her eyes started to water in pain.
"Here have some tea," said a voice, "you will feel much better,"
When he noticed her confused look, he stated, "you took a few drinks last night"
It was Shiv with a tray in his hand.
"No," Gauri replied pushing the tray aside, and she noticed it spills a bit on the side, but she didn't care.
"Common Gauri" Shiv remarked, "Have it" he was almost putting it to her lips.
She grabbed the cup, and took a sip, "Ughhh... no sugar" she replied placing the cup on the side and holding her head again.
"Gauri, you won't die without sugar" He replied angrily, "Now, common drink it"
"I DON'T WANNA DRINK I ---" she screamed, "AWWW" she put her hand on the head again and closed her eyes.
"Fine, I will be right back," he replied as he left the room.
Once she heard him go down the stairs, she opened one of her eye, then the other, and sighed.
Cursing herself she picked up her purse from the side, and opened it. After a few minutes of searching through it, she emptied its contents on the bed, and finally spotted Aspirin.
Picking up the tea from the side in one hand, and the Aspirin in the other, which she was about to toss it in her mouth when someone caught her hand, and stopped her.
She looked up to see Shiv , who cooly replied, "You are not eating that,"
"Why?" she asked rubbing her eyes
"What if it affects the baby?" he said in a concerned tone
"It won't" she replied still eyeing that Aspirin
"I am not taking any chances, so I am calling Nisha" he replied lifting the phone from the side
"WTH MAN Let me eat it! You are such a MORON! I am suffering in pain and your acting so smart... oh Mr. knoe-it-all oh-something-may-go-wrong! Just leave my hand & let me eat it"
Holding the receiver he took his own sweet time before replying, "You were much better last night"
"What do you mean?" she asked taking a sip of the tea
"you were murmuring in your sleep"
"W...hat.. diddd I saayy?" she asked nervously gulping down the tea
"You said, you thought I was the cutest, sweetest & best guy you ever met, and you also admitted that I am cuter than that Kovac + Michael guy"
"IDID NOT! YOU R LYING!" she yelled as she got up, but instantly felt the severe pain in her head, so she put her hand up on her head.
She did not hear a response from him, but only saw him smirk, and that irritated her even more, before she could respond she heard him speak to Nisha.
She closed her eyes, and put her head in her laps for a while with the hope that might help, when it didn't she had no other option, but to rely on Mr. knoe it all.
Once he placed the phone down. She looked up, and asked, "What did she say?"
"You can eat it," he replied sounding a bit defeated
"SEE! Jerk face" she yelled punching her hand in the air
He ignored her, and said, "Where was I?" and she noticed that mischievous tone was back.
"Gauri, you want to know what happened to your clothes?"
"My clothes – what happened to them?" she asked looking at them
"Umm... Who changed your clothes?"
"Obviously me" she replied, until a second later her eyes widened and she went, "who changed my clothes?"
"oh" he replied with a smile, "me of course"
"You what?" she yelled as she got up
"changed your clothes" he replied with that smile still
"B---ut that's impossible... "
His smile gave it all away. And, she hated that smile – she felt like ripping that smile right off his face it was starting to irritate her.
"HOW DARE YOU?" she screamed as she pointed a finger at him, and went close to him, "HOW DARE YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ME?" she was pulling his collar now.
He cooly replied, "oh la la the drunk Gauri is so much more better – she talks about me in the night – allows me to change her clothes & the best part of all even does happy dances" with the smile still there on his face
If there was one thing she realized was that Shiv had never changed her clothes. He had the sense of not doing that. Then, why she had gone all-hyper for no reason? Why did she love to jump to conclusions right away?
The colour losing from her face she replied, "best part what?" still not sure if she had heard it right
"Happy Dance," he replied picking up the towel
"I don't believe you," she replied placing her one hand on the other, "You are a liar"
"Want me to give you a demonstration of your happy dance?" he asked
She just looked at him not bothering to answer, but daring him to do it through her eyes.
And, to her horror he did the happy dance right in front of her singing her favourite tune forcing her mouth drop open in shock.
She was completely embarrassed by the time he was done, but still she firmly replied, "Everyone does their happy dances like that – no BIG deal! You are just making it up"
"Honey, I can prove it," he replied looking at her
"Oh ya? And, what's your proof you goof"
He threw something at her, and a second later she realized it was his cell, she heard him say, "Check the videos"
Holding her breath she went to videos, and clicked it only to see herself do a happy dance! Completely embarrassed by now she felt like hiding under the bed or running away.
Satisfied with her look Shiv entered the washroom and closed the door behind him.
****************
Was it any wonder that she swore never to drink again?
She sat in the hospital cabin unable to concentrate on a single thing as her mind kept replaying the incident from earlier today. The first thing she had done as soon as Shiv had gone to take a shower was to run out of that house, and so she had come to the hospital, hopefully to do something, but now thanks to him she could not do anything.
Why did he have to come and haunt her everywhere?
Besides, that dream she had been quite disturbing in the dream apparently she had realized she had fallen in love with Shiv , and then they were kissing in a parking lot.
This was getting completely out of hand! Of course as soon as she had woken up she had barely any time to even think about that dream, since her headache had been killing her, and once she had taken Aspirin and come out of the house that's when she had remembered about it.
She could not dream about kissing Shiv . God, was she that desperate?
"Hell No", screamed her mind, satisfied with its answer she got up to walk around and examine a few patients.
By the time she was almost done through about a hundred people she heard the nurse call out for her.
"Yes, Jen what did you want?"
"Ma'am phone"
"For me?" she frowned
"Yah"
"Who is it?" she asked as she approached the nurse
"Hmm... I asked and the guy said your boy friend"
"MYY WHAT?"
"Umm ma'am boy friend" she whispered in Gauri's ear
A bit confused she answered the phone only to hear her "boy friend"
"Hi Honey!" replied to her so-called "boyfriend"
"Hello Jaan," Gauri teased
"So, how are you?"
"Fine... just a bit of a headache"
"I am sure you will be fine..." he replied, "Gauri, what was up with Shiv yesterday?"
"What do you mean?"
"He doesn't seem like a nice guy"
"Why?"
"You saw how he was behaving with me. He didn't even shake my hand"
"oh common Josh... wa...it.. what?"
"You know after you were making out"
"WE WERE WHAT?"
"Gauri, making out"
Gauri's eyes instantly widened, as she just replied, "josh i got to go. I will talk-to-you-later" and put the phone down in shock.
After two painful hours of cursing herself and calming down of her nerves she picked up the phone, and dialed Kaya's number.
Gauri was now practically sweating, as she did not know what to do mainly because so much had changed after that one kiss. She sat painfully listening to the voice at the other end, she paused for a while, then with certain amount of hesitation she muttered, "Ccconnect me to Kaya please"
She had to take this out of her system or else she would die. And, the best way was Kaya, as it is the girl had not shown up to work today.
She heard the ringing of the phone... once... twice... thrice... and after twenty times she slammed down in frustration.
She was pacing up and down in her cabin unable to think of anything. She quickly picked up the phone and decided it was best to leave a message, she dialed the number and waited as she heard a female's voice at the other end, then she muttered "Connect me to Kaya please". She heard a beep at the other end and the line was connected, but again it went to the answering machine, she heard a voice that said, "This is Kaya. I am unable to answer your call leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible" then there was a beep, Gauri hesitated before she said, "Mish--- you ok..ay? umm... I want to talk to you about something important," she could her breathing as she said, "please call me back as soon as possible".
After that was done she sat down on her chair, and put her down. A few minutes later she had a distant ringing of the phone only to realize it was the phone beside her instantly without a thought she picked up the phone, and said, "You totally won't believe what happened yesterday Mish. We KISSED last night" she added quickly, "And, hayeeeeeee he is a damn good kisserrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr" she squealed in delight
"Gee thanks, Gauri" said a male voice.
It was Shiv !
****And, Gauri dropped the phone from her hands...
****************
Gauri went home that night, and sat in the couch reading a book in order to take her mind off things, by the time she was done it was almost 8-00 pm.
She placed the book on the side, tied her hair in a ponytail, and made her way down the stairs.
She entered the kitchen and greeted Rosy only when the front door flew open, and in stepped Shiv loosening his tie. She took the glass of water from Rosy's hand, and entered the living room to give it to him.
She placed her hand in front only to hear him say, "I didn't know you wore glasses"
"I don't wear them often, since my number is only –1"
"Hmmm" he replied drinking the water
She was about to take the glass back when he caught her hand, and pulled her in front.
Run Gauri Run! Screamed her brain, but she had no energy to even move with his tight grip, and his touch which was weakening her, so instead she replied, "oyee! Mister get your hands off me" as she pushed him lightly away except he didn't get pushed, and just looked at her.
"What was the hospi----" he replied in that teasing tone, and dangerously advancing towards her.
"Oyee!" she hit him and said, "We need to first settle things about yesterday"
"What?"
"Who was that ugly little ***** you were kissing?"
She noticed his eyes turn black, as he replied, "My cousin, Aliyya Kapoor"
She closed her eyes out of embarrassment and worry. God, what was wrong with her?
"And, I wasn't kissing her. In our family we have a tendency to hug each other & kiss each other's cheeks – you know like Iraqi people"
Oh my God! If only the earth would crack open, and she would fall right into at the moment or just run away from here. This was so embarrassing! She had made a complete fool out of herself today.
"Next time it might be a good idea to look carefully... not just assume things & run away" he replied coming towards her.
He came & stood right in front of her, and prepared herself for a slap – maybe not, but at least... ummmm.... a kiss this one in her proper senses except it didn't happen as Shiv simply shrugged his shoulders, and said, "As far as the happy dance is concerned. You and I both know the reason for your happy dance" and as she blushed he smiled at her and walked away.
****************
After that remark of his... he had not spotted her at all... She had royally managed to disappear, and now she was no where to be found. He noticed the door to the guestroom closed, and he knocked on it a couple of times after which he heard, Gauri scream, "Go to sleep man"
"Gauri, what are you doing in there? Now come out & sleep in our room"
"Just leave man. We will discuss this tomorrow"
He yelled, "Gauri" a couple of times, but she never answered.
Angrily he went to their room, and shut the door behind him. He tried to keep his eyes open in case Gauri woke up in the middle of the night, and had trouble or something, but sleep overcame him in the end, and he fell asleep on the couch.
The next morning Gauri woke up feeling fresh and walked out of the room. The first thing she did was to go and check on Shiv , except when she didn't spot him on the bed she got confused about where he could be, until her eyes fell on the couch, where he had fallen asleep. Smiling brightly she entered the room, and put the covers on him when she noticed pictures on the side.
She had gone through them already, except she hadn't seen his childhood pictures, and she had asked him about it a few days back, and he had mentioned them to be in the black cabinet.
After glancing at Shiv once she tiptoed towards the cabinet, and carefully opened it. She located the album, and quickly opened it right there in excitement.
The first picture showed a lady with a small kid in her hand. It definitely looked like Shiv , and he looked so CUTE! He was this cute chubby little baby! Awww!! If only their child went in looks department on Shiv , and in brains department on both of them, in sensible department totally on Shiv & in stubbornness department on both of them.
She looked through the album with a smile on her face, as some pictures were really, while some were extremely funny especially one in which Shiv was completely bald, and he was sitting angrily with his arms folded. He looked like he would go and make the barber bald.
She heard Shiv moving on the side, hastily she placed the album back in the cabinet, and literally ran out of the room.
****************
Shiv walked out of the room wearing his dress feeling a bit proud of his accomplishment of removing the lock from the guestroom, which he had done a few minutes ago, and now he was eagerly waiting to see the face of his beautiful wife.
He entered the kitchen to spot Rosy, he said, "Rosy, where is Gauri?" as he picked up the apple and took the first bit, "She didn't go to work today did she?"
"No, Shiv baba. She is outside"
"She has an appointment with Nisha today" he lifts two more apples as he walked out of the kitchen.
Gauri sat with a chair by the pool with her new friends. She couldn't wait to see Shiv 's face when he saw her friends, and that's when she spotted him come out.
He threw an apple at her, while she asked, "what's this for?"
"Eat its good for yo-----" he moved aside as something came in the middle. It was more like someone came in the middle, and that's when he looked to the side to notice a bunch of them.
"What the...? Since, when did we open a pre-school?" he asked looking at Gauri
She smiled brightly and replied, "oh I love them" as she picked one of the little ones up.
"What are you baby sitting?" he asked
"Yah, to escape from the clutches of my evil husband" with a smile
"Oh ya? Really? Where is my morning kiss honey?" he asked dangerously advancing towards her.
"Shiv , these are little kids" she yelled, but his words had no affect on him as he came closer to her, until the kid on her lap yelled, "Aap aunty ke nazdik nahin aa sakte/ You can't come near aunty" as he lifted the googles from the side, and put it on - Shiv realized the kid was trying to copy him.
"Why is that?" Shiv yelled, "I am Uncle, so I can go to Aunty"
"Nahin aap aunty ke paas nahin aa sakte... chalejayeea yahan seh aap/ No, you can't come near Aunty... leave this place"
Shiv angrily walked out of the place giving the kid an angry look, and he even motioned his hand in a way so that it made it seem, as he would slap the kid. The kid immediately pointed fingers at him and started to cry out loud, and complained to Gauri, who just kissed his cheek, and he stopped crying. The kid barely looked 3 years old, but he seemed smarter than that.
****************
As soon as Gauri entered the party someone caught her hand from behind, and she turned around to notice Shiv .
He looked really angry.
"Hey!" she greeted in a sweet tone
"Where the hell were you?" he said angrily keeping his tone low
"I went to doctor's appointment" she replied looking at him.
"Why did you go alone?" he questioned
"Relax Shiv , I went with Josh"
"WHAT? THAT FLIRT!" he yelled
"Yah--- what? Shiv !"
"What did I say yesterday?"
"What?"
"I don't like that guy! And, I don't want to hear you going anywhere with Josh! Especially, doctor's appointment since I have every right to go there with you – i am the kid's father okay? I need to be there – not some flirt – you better stay away from him"
"Shiv , why are you so HYPER?" she asked angrily
"HYPER MY FOOTT! I DON'T LIKE THAT GUY! GAURI, BEFORE I COME AND KNOCK HIM DOWN TELL HIM TO LEAVE YOU ALONE"
"But, Shiv he is such a nice guy"
"OHHH DON'T YOU GO AROUND PRAISING HIM!"
"He is a jaan, Shiv " and when Shiv looked angrily at her, she explained, "he calls me honey, and I call him jaan"
"He called you HONEY! I don't like that guy one bit, and you better say away from him"
Gauri just ignored him. Shiv had lost it! The guy definitely needed some anger management classes.
They walked around talking to people from the colony when Shiv spotted that kid again. Instantly he flung his arms around Gauri's waist, and looked at the kid, who gave him an angry glare.
Unable to understand why Shiv had held her tight Gauri looked at him, and then the place where he was looking... only to spot Adi.
"Adi" she said in delight, "come here" she waved her hand indicating him to come near
Except, the kid stood there frozen the spot glancing at Shiv . She looked at Shiv 's angry face, and said, "Shiv woh sirf ek bacha hain/ Shiv , he is only a kid" Gauri remarked
"Bacha?/ Kid?" Shiv frowned as he looked at her, "Its not normal for a kid to behave this way" looking at the kid angrily
"Shiv , he is not your age! Okay? He is a three year old"
"He sure does not look like one" replied Shiv looking at the kid
"And, what makes you say that?"
"He likes you & hates me! He wishes I just disappear from here"
"Oh please!" she replied rolling her eyes.
Shiv was jealous of a three-year-old. It sure sounded a bit too stupid!
****************
A month later
Their usual arguments continued, and nothing major happened between them. Josh had found a girl friend, and Shiv was highly pleased with that. Meanwhile, Adi continued to ruin Shiv 's every day as he kept copying Shiv , in fact one day he showed up wearing a suit similar to Shiv 's.
Shiv was so furious that he literally complained to Adi's mother, who in turn found it highly amusing - she & Gauri spent a good five minutes sitting & laughing over Adi's competition with Shiv .
Meanwhile, Gauri had started to get these weird cravings, and quite recently only she was dying to eat chocolate cakes. However, Shiv was not familiar she had these cravings, so one fine day as he fell asleep on the couch reading a book.
Gauri sneaked out of the room, and ran to the kitchen to eat that delicious chocolate cake. The image itself forced her mouth to water. She ran to the kitchen & opened the fridge - just for one piece, but one piece was soon over - and, she was onto her second one, soon it was her third one, fourth one, and fifth slice - and by the time she could go to her sixth slice. She heard Shiv calling out her name.
As Shiv entered the room the first thing he noticed the lid of the box - the cake box sitting on the counter top. It meant only one thing there was some burglar in the house stealing a chocolate cake - and, he was very well familiar with that person. He called out Gauri's name again, until he noticed a thin fabric sticking out of the cupboard.
He smiled as he opened the cupboard to see the sight of his wife with a entire slice stuffed in her mouth with her nose & mouth smudged with chocolate cake, and she stared in horror back at him.
****************
I want to thank youuuu alll for your comments and your patience with my late updates. Part 12 is the last part of this FF and I am posting it now. Hope you all like it! 😛 A big thanks to Sumana and Mansi for encouraging me to post this FF in this forum 🤗🤗🤗
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Part 11 - Darkness
The sun spread like a bird across the vast blue sky, and the rays slowly made their way into the room openly approving the couple sleeping on the bed locked in each other's arms.
He opened his eyes as the rays of the bright sun fell his eyes, but that didn't disturb him. The thing that disturbed him the most was that he had his hands wrapped tightly around someone, and he had a clear idea who that someone was.
He looked around to notice Gauri sleeping peacefully in his arms looking like a complete angel. And, he really didn't want to remove his hands from her, but he was forced, since what if he hurt her by mistake as it is he was way too strong than her. She was way too weak, and he didn't want to take his chances, so he tried to remove his hand from her waist.... but it was nearly impossible since Gauri was holding onto him so tightly, as if holding onto for her dear life.
He pulled his hand, and that forced her to wake up. He groaned in disappointment, as he noticed her open eyes slowly – look at him, then close them again, but a second later she opened her eyes quickly, as she realized this was not her dream, but the reality.
They both got up at the same time, both looking a bit awkward, since they had been so close – holding onto to each other. Shiv looked away as he scratched his head, while Gauri had her eyes lowered out of shyness.
"ummm....." Shiv said trying to initiate a conversation, "you want to use the washroom"
He noticed she had her eyes lowered, and he was pretty sure that she was smiling within herself, but not quite expressing it, as she nodded.
"okay.... then" he replied as he got up from the bed, and then said, "i will go get the paper," as he walked out of the room
She took a deep breath as the reality sinked in. They had been so close... way to close to each other...
Gauri instantly smiled and blushed at that thought... when she noticed Shiv at the front door as he called out to her, "Gauri" she looked up and instantly lowered her eyes, as she realized he had seen her smiling by his expressions she could surely make that out.
"I ......." out of the corner of her eye she could notice he was scratching his head, "i.. ii....." he said it again, and now she was starting to get annoyed, and without a thought she blurted out loud, "Shiv, spit it out man its NOT like you are telling me you love me or something".
She bit her tongue, as she realized how that must have sounded, and looked at him. He was completely red, and apart from the redness she could not quite make out what he was thinking.
Cursing herself she turned around and pretended to tidy up the bed, in order to avoid any awkward incidents, but she knew Shiv was still at the door.
She heard him clear his throat, but she just stayed the same with her back facing him, and she heard him say, "I want to takeyououtfordinnertonight"
"What?" she replied turning around on her heels
"I want to take you out for dinner tonight," he said staring at the floor
This was getting extremely hard for him, especially since they had been so close to each other before, which had lead him to be unsure how to ask Gauri out for dinner.
And, then she had blurted out about revealing feelings, which had caused him more difficulty as he could think of nothing, but that love you bit.
And, all that remained on his mind was that did she love him? Did she really love him? What about him? Did he love her?
"i had like that," he heard her say
And, he scratched his head, and smiled, as he walked out the door wondering why it had been so hard to him for asking her out.
************
As Gauri looked out the window she had no idea about the incident earlier that day. Why they both were all tongue tied in the morning? They had never been like that before especially Shiv was always open, and up front about everything. Then, what had happened today to make him all tongue-tied?
Did he feel something for her? Had he just realized that he had fallen in love with her? But, why had he pulled away? Is it because he didn't like it one bit? She surely liked it how they were so close to each other, but what about him? Did he feel the same?
A part of her knew that she loved him, and that was her heart, but her brain instantly dismissed that thought, but at times even her brain betrayed her.
"Gauri," she heard Shiv say, instantly she looked at him, "we are here" he said
"Ooo...," she glanced out the window to notice the new chinese restaurant welcoming them in.
She opened the door, got out, and closed the door behind her... when suddenly she heard someone yelling... She turned around at that noise to notice this man came out of no where running right at her. He was holding something in his hand, by the time she realized he was coming with great speed towards her it was too late... he looked really violent... and she could see police behind running to catch him.
She prepared herself for the worst until a second later someone pushed her roughly to the side, and pinned against her with her back railing onto the truck behind her.
Gauri glanced up in fear to notice Shiv looking back at the man, with his hand around her, basically he was covering her entirely. From this close she could notice that he had not shaved this morning and those tiny strands of hair on his face were giving him this hot sexy look.
She heard screaming, and that forced her to look up only to notice that man was now holding this woman, and threatening the cops that if they didn't leave him alone... he would kill the lady... she gasped in shock...
She had been so close to being in place of that lady, if it weren't for Shiv - she wouldn't even get the opportunity to admire him as she would be standing in fear of being killed.
"Shiv," she said holding onto him more tightly, "why can't she just push him?"
"incase you haven't noticed Gauri he is holding a gun," he replied still looking at the back of the man
"No! He is surely holding a knife," she replied trying to glance at his weapon
She noticed he opened his mouth to speak, but shut it again, and a second later he said, "Gauri, wait here"
"say what?" she asked pulling him more closer
"I will be right back," he replied
"No," she literally yelled as she knew exactly what was on his mind, "you are not going......" then she looked down in fear and holding him she cried, "what if something happens to you?" as put her hand on his shoulder hugging him now.
"Gauri," he replied patting on her head, "trust me..." he held her chin up to make her look at him as he said that.
She looked deeply in his eyes... she did trust him... But, the matter was not of trust now...
"No, you are not going," she protested hugging him again
"Gauri," he whispered, "please try to understand... I can definitely do something here... see if something happens to that lady... I will never forgive myself for not helping her out when I had the opportunity to"
"But...."
"Nothing will happen to me... okay?" he said, as he pulled away and then he kissed her forehead, as he walked away.
She held her breath as she saw Shiv walk away from her.... it was too late to stop him now.... And, all she could do was pray that Shiv would be right...
A second later she gasped, as she noticed Shiv pull something out and roll it, and then he pushed the lady to the side, while holding onto the man tightly with his one hand, and that roll of paper on the man's back.
The lady fell onto their car, while the police rushed in from the front, and handcuffed the man, while they thanked Shiv for helping them out.
She immediately rushed to his side and hugged him from the back. He turned around smiling at her, while she asked, "what was the paper for?" as she looked deeply in his eyes
"i was going to say hands up"
"oo" she smiled
"see that was nothing," he remarked
"You have no idea how those thirty seconds were for me,"
He just laughed out loud, when Gauri noticed this lady come towards them, and mutter, "thank you!"
Shiv just hugged her instantly, while the lady cried on his shoulder and thanked him a lot. They spent quite a few minutes trying to calm the lady down, who was completely terrified, even as two policemen tried to comfort her.
As they waved a goodbye, and started to walk into the restaurant. They heard a huge round of applause, as they noticed a bunch of people had assembled, and they were cheering Shiv for his act of bravery.
Gauri just beamed in happiness and walked by Shiv's side feeling proud for being his wife.
************
The atmosphere had suddenly changed and Shiv was aware of that. Everything was going just fine, until Gauri had walked into the restroom... And, a completely different Gauri had walked out. Though she kept denying he was aware that something was just not right...
"you cried," he asked finally saying out what was on his mind
"no" she replied looking down... And, he realized it was a weak no, more like a defeated no.
"you sound different, and I can notice your face you know... that makeup is not going to fool me... you get it?"
He was expecting her to yell out loud, and deny that, but instead all he heard was, "no"
Her eyes were completely dull, and she looked down too. What had happened? If only he could know what had happened in the rest room.
"you are not helping in making me believe that you are telling the truth,"
For the first time in five minutes she looked at him dully... And, he realized she remotely resembled someone, who had just lost something.
He placed his hand on top of hers, and he noticed her jump in her seat.
"Gauri, tell me what happened?" he asked the question for the third time since she had been back
Before he could get an answer he felt someone touch his back, instantly he turned around to notice Gauri's parents.
"Mumma" he turned around to notice Gauri rise from her seat and hug her mother instantly.
And, as Gayatri pulled Gauri out of her hold to glance at her... Shiv noticed Gauri had her head down, and he knew more like feel that she was crying now...
"Beta, what happened?" asked a worried Gayatri pulling Gauri's chin up
"kuch nahin mumma/ its nothing mumma" replied Gauri with her head down, "hum baas aapko bahut miss kar rahe the/ I was just missing you"
Gayatri just hugged her, while a confused Surya and Shiv glanced at each other. But, Shiv was more confused, since Gauri was perfectly fine before walking in the restroom, in fact he was aware that Gauri spoke to her parents on a regular basis, surely it couldn't be only that she was missing them. It was some other reason, but what could it be?
What had hurt her this badly? What?
And, he didn't even get a chance to get the answer as Gayatri asked him a minute later, "Shiv, if its fine with you can we take Gauri with us for a few days?"
He just wanted to refuse to that, surely he couldn't let Gauri leave him, so he just waited Gauri to refuse to that question, but all he got was silence.
She did not even reply to that question. Did her silence mean she wanted to go?
So, he decided to call out to her, "Gauri?" and that's when she turned around.... And, it pained him greatly to see her look completely depressed and defeated.
"Shiv, if its fine with you I want to go"
She noticed at the end of her words he looked really hurt, but she was sure that she just imagined it.
They looked at each other for a while. Shiv just tried to search for the answers in her eyes, while she just waited for his approval.
After a few seconds of staring, Shiv looked away, and replied, "ye.... yeah... sure"
He could feel all the emotions in his throat, and he was extremely hurt that Gauri was going to leave him... Couldn't she see that he needed her? How could she leave him like this?
He heard Surya clear his throat and say, "We promise she will come back soon Shiv"
Shiv just looked up at them and gave a smile as they walked out leaving him alone – it was a fake smile, but he would give it, since he didn't want Gauri to see him hurt. Perhaps, she really wanted to be away... just because he wanted to be with her... it didn't mean that she wanted to be with him too...
If her happiness lied in being away from him... then, he would surely stay away from her, even it meant forever.
************
A month later
There was a drastic change in the weather. All the leaves had wilted and dried almost turned a deep shade of brown, and were fallen on the streets. The dryness and the chill cold cast nothing, but darkness in the city. But, the change in the weather was nothing compared to the change in Shiv Kapoor's life.
His life had turned completely upside down... there was no mistaking the dark circles under his eyes, which reflected his inner feelings... he slept and dark work... He looked defeated, depressed, and at times his employees had to endure his bad temper.
Not one person had imagined that the charming Shiv Kapoor would take such a drastic change, and everyone wondered as the reason behind his change. Some speculated that Shiv's wife had died, while others muttered that his wife had cheated on him or something.
This month long separation had been painful for Shiv, extremely painful. And, he had understood one thing he was not interested in Gauri, but he had fallen in love with her. He loved her with all his heart, and that's why it hurt him to not see her around... He couldn't even remember an hour that had passed by when he hadn't remembered her... she would always remain of his mind occupying his thoughts. And, he constantly regretted for letting her get away from him.... if only he could go back in time and not let her leave him...
Any phone ring made him jump, and he would literally run to answer it, hoping that it was from her... but she never called... there was not one call her... no email... nothing... did she not care about him? Didn't she miss him? Like, he missed her. Here he was dying to even see her, but apparently that wasn't the case with her. She had not once called, nor attempted to even speak to him. Why?
He had bottled up all the emotions inside him to the point he had fallen sick. He was having a loss of appetite, migraines, very moody times, and he could barely even sleep these days. Not that he didn't try, he did try to sleep, but failed miserably as soon as he closed his eyes his mind would be captured in thoughts about Gauri. And, even if he fell asleep by mistake he would dream about her... dream that they got back together, except all the happiness did not last once he woke up as he would realize that she was gone... and, then would come disappointment and pain...
He tried to make his sickness go away, but failed miserably at times he would end up walking up to the Ghosh mansion, hoping to get a glimpse of Gauri, but he never saw her.
This whole separation was getting completely ridiculous. He wanted her back in his life. He just couldn't bear to live without her... he would go to the Ghosh Mansion and try to persuade her to come back, but if she didn't.... then he would force her... yes, he would drag her out of that place, because this was getting completely out of hand, and it was time to put a stop to this nonsense.
Cursing Gauri, he got up from his chair, and walked out of the room with a determined look on his face.
************
If Shiv thought that Gauri did not feel anything, then he was highly mistaken.
All day long she would sit alone in her room doing nothing... just lost in thoughts about Shiv. At times, she would even call him and then hang up as soon as she would hear his voice, as that's all she wanted to hear... his voice.
And, she would keep replaying the time they spent together in her head in order to help her survive. She was in a terrible state... she could neither cry nor be too sad, as she didn't want to inflict any harm on their kid, so she would try to distract herself every day, but would fail to get distracted, as her heart would ache only for him... During the day she would to put a cheerful face up for her parents, but as soon as night fell she would sit in the darkness by her balcony crying in moonlight.
He was the only solution to make her pain go away, but she couldn't go to him... she couldn't be selfish enough to control his life. From day one, she had spoken to him as if she had some right on him, but now realized that was such a big mistake.... she had no right on him...
A tear slide down her cheek, as she remembered the promise she had made to her self a month ago, the promise that she would stay away from him forever... she would never enter his life, and just leave him alone for his happiness.
She gasped as she heard the sound of thunder outside. She ran upto the balcony and closed the door, as the heavy wind was blowing all the curtains away nearly tearing them apart, and all the papers were running around in the room. She stared outside to notice heavy rain falling, and lightening in the night sky. Then, she heard sounds of thunder again, and that's when the lights went out.
She sat there by the balcony with only a small light coming from the moon on the floor, and stared in the darkness wondering about Shiv. That's exactly when she felt her baby kick, so she immediately put her hand on her stomach, and spoke to their kid.
"I am going to tell you a story today," she said, with tears coming in her eyes, "the story of your mommy and daddy..." she paused for a second wiping her tears, and smiled as she began, "your mommy and daddy met a few months ago in a Las Vegas casino, ofcourse I don't remember anything about that meeting except that we both were completely drunk" she laughed at that, but instead choked on her tears, "soo.... daddy was this really nice guy, he was all serious and everything" when the tears were uncontrollable she decided to stop the story, and said, "i m sorry, but i can't continue this story.... let me tell you some other one... i promise it will be much better... okay?" so she sat there closing her eyes, and wiping her tears, once she thought she could start... she began, "once in a land there was this princess, she was nice, but a bit mean, and she never believed in things like love as she believed they were nothing, but a lie... She was very selfish, and just focused on her life, but all that changed when a prince came by...." she paused as she felt another kick, "glad your liking it" she whispered touching her stomach, then she continued, "the prince changed everything... he brought all the world's happiness on her steps... he cared so much for, perhaps no one had cared that much for her, and she was happy very happy, she had literally never felt such happy. Unknowingly, she started to fall for him... she started to care for him, and she started to place his happiness above her to the point that she had to ---".
She heard another sound of thunder, this one was much louder than the previous one, and then she heard a noise. At first she thought she just imagined it, but when she heard it again she straightened up.
Holding on to the floor she decided to get up, and call her parents, but changed her mind when she realized that she was old enough now, why should be scared?
Putting up a brave front with one hand on her stomach she pushed the curtains aside to notice no one, but that was impossible...
She had heard someone for sure, maybe it was downstairs or something... so she decided to walk to the door, until she heard the noise again, and this time she heard it clearly.
Taking god's name she opened the balcony door, and stepped outside. The heavy rain fell on her making her completely wet she went to the other side only to feel someone cover her mouth.
Oh my god! How could she be so stupid? Why did she have to come out? That's it she was going to get killed! She was going to die here without even seeing Shiv...
The person pushed the balcony door, and forced her inside... And, then they closed the door behind them still holding to her tightly... she struggled to get out of their hold, but failed miserably as their hold was tight, and then she heard them whisper in her ear, "its me"
At first she thought she had imagined.... it surely couldn't be... it just couldn't be...
And, then the person lifted their hand out, and she turned around to face Shiv.
But, how could it be Shiv? This was just a dream... this had to be a dream... how could Shiv be here? As it is she kept imagining him everywhere, this had to be her imagination...
She closed her eyes, then opened them again. And, at one point even pinched herself, but when she still continued to see Shiv she became confused, and that's when she heard him speak, "you are not imagining me, Gauri"
She gasped in delight. It was really Shiv... it was really him.... her Shiv was standing right in front of her, and he was completely wet..... o if only she could tell him how much she had longed to see him, and be with him... She really wanted to hug him... she really did....
But, suddenly that nasty voice inside her brain spoke "remember your promise, Gauri", and that was the end of everything... She turned around, and said, "go away, Shiv" feeling herself chock as she said that.
She wiped her eyes, and that's when she felt him turn her around. He looked at her, while she just stared at the floor... she couldn't bear to look in his eyes... they always made her forget everything... actually, he made her forget everything....
"why Gauri?" she heard him say, and she could sense pain in his voice
But, surely it couldn't be pain!
she was just imagining it... in fact, he looked much more happier she told her self, but her heart screamed at her and told her to look at him... he had grown so weak now – he had definitely lost a good chunk of weight, and the dark circles under his eye----
"why did you leave me Gauri?" he was holding her and shaking her now
Tears formed in her eyes as she realized his condition. He had turned miserable all due to her... he had grown attached to her.... damn!
"just leave Shiv!" she screamed as she moved back, "go away... okay... just leave me alone... i don't like you okay?" and she cried as she said that..
"And, do you think I like you? Do you think i care for you or something?" he screamed back at her as he moved in front...
O it hurt! It hurt so badly as he admitted that to her!
She cried even more, but firmly replied, "just get lost! Okay, I hate you... you get it... i just hate you" the words she thought she would never have to tell him... she was telling them now... more like forcing herself to say them...
"O ya?" he replied as he walked in front, and pinned her to the wall, "you hate me do you Gauri?" he asked
They were so close now... way too close, and she could barely even move... he had placed his hands on the side to make sure she didn't escape... she helplessly looked at him...
She managed to muster up the courage and looked up and found herself looking into his bewitching eyes again... She immediately melted... all her complaints drained away... everything just vanished.... the only thing that mattered was him and only him.
"yeah," she replied biting her lips
"well, i will prove you wrong!" he answered as he captured her lips with his.
And, was it any surprise that all her complains fell apart? Her brain entirely betrayed her?
She weakened at his one touch, and went completely at his mercy. She had missed him, and she could sense that he did too.
They kissed for a while, until they were forced to stop in order to catch their breath, but a minute he was kissing her again.... And, before she knew it he had lifted her in his strong arms, and carried her to the bed.
************
"Shiv, I want my ice-cream," screamed Gauri a while later
"since, when did you start eating a ice-cream?" questioned a amused Shiv staring at her face
"Shiv, go now! And, get me some" she yelled
"okay okay," he replied as he reluctantly got up and put his shirt on, "give me a minute, okay?"
"****" Gauri muttered as she got up
"What?" asked Shiv
"You can't go" she replied as she got up, "my parents... what if they see you?"
"sweety, we are married you know? I am not your boy friend" replied Shiv with a smile
"But, still" she replied putting her robe on and slipping on her slippers, "what if they see you?"
"Look Gauri, they won't care.... Honestly, they won't, so don't you worry... now get back into bed its cold out here" he replied as he walked out of the room closing the door behind him.
Gauri sat there for a while staring at the space blankly with a smile on her face, and she blushed, as she remembered what had just happened a while ago.
And, then she spotted something on the ground... she bent down and picked up only to notice it was a wallet... it was Shiv's wallet, and it was open.... There was some lady's picture in it, but she couldn't quite make out whose the picture was until she switched on the table lamp, and that's when she stared at the picture in surprise.
It was her picture... oh god! How could she have been so stupid? Why would he carry her picture unless she meant something to him? And, here she had believed it to be something else...
Tears came in her eyes... these ones for entirely different reasons... out of happiness more like...
She looked at the picture again through her tears... it was a old picture of hers... this picture was taken two or three years, and Shiv had stolen it out of her album.
She smiled as she realized it, taking out a pen from the drawer, she made all sorts of marks on the picture when she was satisfied with her work she closed the wallet, and put the pen away.
"here you go," said Shiv walking into the room
He frooze in the spot when he noticed her face...
"what?" she questioned
"you were crying again, weren't you?" he asked sitting beside her placing the ice-cream bowl on the side.
"no, i wasn't" she replied wiping off her tears with a smile
"Gauri, we really need to sort out a few things out" he said, "I need to know why you left me?"
"Shiv, i was missing my parents," Gauri replied picking the ice-cream bowl
"liar," Shiv muttered as he pulled onto his lap
"i m not lying," replied Gauri taking the first bite
"Gauri, you better spit everything out or else I will force you" he said seriously
"o ya? And, how can you force me Kapoor?" asked Gauri looking in his eyes as he took another bite
"Want to welcome tickling again," he replied with a grin
"you won't dare," yelled Gauri as she tried to get out of his hold
"o i can do anything honey" he replied in that teasing tone of his "now spit it out b/c you are starting to really PISS me off"
"Shiv, can it wait?" she asked making a cute puppy face
"NO!" he stated firmly, "i have had enough torture.."
"okay, then" she replied, "let me finish this first"
"No! Gauri, I am very well aware that you will come up with any excuse to escape, so how about we start talking now? Something happened in the restroom tell me what it was"
"ahhhh!" she yelled as he pulled out the bowl from her hands, "You have to give that back to me once I am done.... Anyways, so I went to the restroom"
"And?" asked Shiv eagerly looking at her
"I saw these two girls, and they gave me this look, but I ignored them... And, then I over heard them talking...." she paused, "They were talking about you.... They said that you and this girl Tania looked so cute together, and how you guys loved each other (at this point Shiv looked amused) and you were planning to even get married to her, and then they were like how I came between you two..."
Shiv burst out laughing...
"What's so funny?"
"You are sooo innocent, Gauri" he stated pulling her cheeks
"What do you mean?"
"That was a whole pile of crap, Gauri..." he laughed again, as he said, "And, I can't believe you fell for it ms. tv-addict"
"Are you serious?" asked Gauri
"Gauri, haven't you seen in movies when someone hates you... they make something up to hurt you... Its all the time in tv shows & movies, so how could you fall for it?" he replied
"There was no Tania?" asked Gauri feeling delighted
"There was a Tania" replied Shiv, but once he noticed her look, he immediately answered, "But, not like your thinking... Tania had feelings for me, but I never did... It was only one sided... it was nothing, Gauri"
"Why didn't you have feelings for Tania?" asked Gauri
"Gauri! What? Now, you are feeling bad for her... You want me to have feelings for her or something?" he asked with his teasing tone back
"no, I dont mean that" said Gauri looking a bit lost
"I can't believe you left me for such a stupid reason. You could have come to me and asked me for the reality... see we wasted a entire month in this"
"Hey! Mister, it wasn't only my fault... You could have come after me as well right? Or stopped me from leaving!"
"And, you would have stopped at my words?"
"Ye," she replied as she saw him lift his wallet, "Don't take it!"
"Why?" he questioned looking at her
"Dont!" she replied trying to pull it out of his hold, but he managed to open it up..
"GAURI!" he yelled, "what did you do?"
She smiled as she replied, "your punishment for stealing,"
"And, now this your punishment for drawing marks on this beautiful picture" he replied taking out his cell
"What are you doing?" she questioned
"Taking our picture!" he replied
"No, Shiv! I hate taking pictures! Besides, this is not Kasamh Se!"
"What's Kasamh Se?" asked Shiv
"Its a Ekta Kapoor Show, and I heard from my nurses that in one of the episodes they showed that they had pictures of their "night" together as well"
"Ahhhh! Excellent idea!"
"No!" screamed Gauri trying to get out his hold, but it was too late, since Shiv had already taken their picture together.
************
Background music started.... instrumental at first.....and with that Alka Yagnik's melodious voice sang 'Hum Tum'...
Shiv walked on the beach to notice Gauri on the side looking at the vast blue ocean. She had a cute smile playing on her beautiful lips.... As he glanced at her he realized she was the most beautiful girl, he had ever layed his eyes open... beautiful from both the inside and out.. And, especially these days she had this glow on her face...
SAANSON KO SAANSON MAIN DALNE DO ZARA
SAANSON KO SAANSON MAIN DALNE DO ZARA
Dheemi Si Dhadkan Ko Badne Do Zara....
He stared at her for a long time.... He couldn't take his eyes off her, she looked extremely beautiful and sexy in that baby pink salwaar kameez... the kammez showed the size of her legs, which appeared to be skinny.. while, the salwaar was quite short.. with a white-pink dupatta swayed on her neck....
She had hazel eyes, thick long eyelashes, eyebrows that were small and just required a bit of cleaning.... straight hair that were a bit more than shoulder length, but thick with shiny texture falling from the sides, while the earrings dangled as she shook her head....... her small lips were tempting due to their colour and texture, and her cheeks were so adorableee.... he wondered why he hadn't noticed them before...
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye.....
The only thing that he disapproved about her... was the nose, which was perfect in length wise but a little bit huge (not extremely) but the tip of her nose appeared like a small ball... The top was straight and perfect, it was only the tip that he had a problem with.... but soon he did start to like it... as although, it looked different, it appeared cute and did suit her... He couldn't picture her with long straight thin nose.... and just smiled as he tried to picture her with different types of 'noses' in his mind...
And that was when she looked at him...deep into his eyes and their eyes met....
Hum... Hum Tum...
Tum... Hum Tum...
------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------
Aankhon Mein Humko Utharne Do Zara.....
Their eyes met.... in search for answers...time stopped.. everything stopped... nothing mattered to her except him... him... she did not even realize anything.. while, for Shiv he was just amused by watching this 'miss-perfect' created by God.....and he just wanted her... oo.. he just wanted her once..... he only knew the condition of his crazy heart at the sight of her... he had never felt these feelings for any girl before... feelings like these... he had never imagined that he would become like this in front of any girl.. totally helpless.. he only knew how his insane heart ached & craved for her........
Baahon Mein Humko Pighalne Do Zara
while, for Gauri her entire soul was open in front of him... open like a book.. her eyes reflected the apparent reality.....
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye
Hum... Hum Tum...
Tum... Hum Tum...
Saanson Ko Saanson Mein Dalne Do Zara
Salvatein Kahin Karwatein Kahin
Phel Jaaye Kajal Bhi Tera
As Shiv looked in her beautiful hazel eyes to found a innocent girl hidden in them, a girl afraid of the world......
Nazron Mein Ho Guzar Tha Hua
Khwabon Ka Koi Khafila
Jismo Ko Ruho Ko Jale Do Zara
Sharmo Khaya Ko Machalne Do Zara
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye
Hum... Hum Tum...
Tum... Hum Tum...
She got up from her place and started to make her way towards him... She felt her body shaking and felt herself turning extremely weak to walk through..... that too past him, while he just stared at her....... Nevertheless, she dragged herself at his spot, as soon as she reached the place where he was standing, she felt all her energy being drained, she stopped breathing.... and her heart beat wass fastttt.... and unable to carry herself further...
Saanson Ko Saanson Mein Dalne Do Zara
Choolon Badan Magar Iss Tarah
Jaisa Surila Saaz Ho
Hum Hai Re Chupe Tere Zulf Mein
Kholo Ke Raat Azaad Ho
Aanchal Ko Seene Se Dhalne Do Zara
Shabnam Ki Boondein Phisalne Do Zara
While, Shiv cooly looked at her and accessed her expressions... one look at her.... and he knew she was going through a lot...... he knew that she felt something for him too.... And, perhaps tonight was the night of making confessions.
Lamho Ki Guzarish Hai Yeh Paas Aa Jaaye
Hum... Hum Tum...
Tum... Hum Tum...
------------------------------------------------------------
Part 12 – Perfect Match (Last Part)
Life. What is life? What's the point of life? These were only a few questions that always remained in my mind unanswered until now - this moment when I could define myself, define life and also define my happiness.
I am not going to sit here all day writing down everything, but I will definitely give you a glimpse of the ending. So, here we go sit up straight bring along a glass of water for the super long part, which will certainly leave you wanting for more or at least I hope so. Besides, bring along some tissues just in case, well it's a sad ending ---- just kidding! Relax, I was just kidding - I swear!
********
Sitting in the moonlight under the stars with the ocean facing her, along with her soul mate by her side was a dream come true for Gauri Ghosh.
Life couldn't be more perfect than this, in about three months she would give birth to her child, and now she felt complete as a wife – technically, she already had been complete, but that was a drunk case (hope you are aware what I am referring to). Talking about that drunken night reminded her of her disappointment - that they both could NOT even recollect their first meeting. It was sad, but true, and no matter what - that wish of hers would always remain unfulfilled.
But, at the moment all her heart was screaming was the fact that her husband still had not confessed those three sacred words, okay not really three words.
The three words she was dying to hear from his mouth were apparently never going to come. And, all that remained on her mind were those three words, why hadn't he said it out loud yet? It was not like he didn't feel anything – he surely did right? Then, why... o why, was he remaining silent?
She could not just assume that it was a one sided affair, because she could clearly see feelings in his eyes – those dark brown eyes, which spoke everything, besides she had already made a mistake once by leaving, and she was not going to misunderstand things again.
Eyes of his, which were a window to his heart, yet his lips remained to seem stubborn and firmly kept themselves shut, if only she could go and kiss them, suck out all the stubbornness & silence they had.
"Why are you staring at my lips?"
It was his voice that forced her out of her thoughts, and literally made her jump. She hadn't heard a word he had said, so putting up a confused look, she muttered, "I beg your pardon"
Instantly she noticed the irritated look on his face, he replied, "Gauri, you better be lost in my thoughts" whether he was joking or being serious, she could not quite make out, since his expressions pointed out the latter so she choose to remain silent.
When he heard no answer from her, and noticed her stare at the vast ocean in front of her, he repeated his words, "Why were you staring at my lips?"
She looked at him instantly with a panic struck look, and quickly answered, "I was NOT"
"Liar," he replied looking at her, and instantly he touched her lips, and said, "That mouth of yours will lie, but this..." kissing her closed eyelids he added, "may never lie..."
"Kapoor, if you think you can manage to make me forgive you, then you are absolutely ......" He wouldn't understand forgive, well she was angry since he still hadn't confessed.
With those words she almost got up and bent in front to almost kiss him, but instantly ran away screaming completing her sentence, "Wrong. You are absolutely wrong!"
"K-Gauria, wai..i..t..t" he screamed, but it was too late she was running like P.T Usha that it literally surprised him, putting his best foot forward he ran behind her as fast as a cheetah.
He caught up with her, and he noticed her turn around – the next instant she tripped on something, but as usual he managed to catch her, and forced her to sit down for which she protested, and tried to pull away. But, he wouldn't let her escape now – he was tired of these games of hiding and running. Gauri was an expert in them.
Besides, this silence and boring conversations were heading nowhere.
Pulling her down on his lap he spoke up, "Haven't we been through this already on New Year's Eve? Then, why are you so stubborn to repeat the same mistakes over and over again?"
"ME? I am the one making a mistake?" she looked at him angrily, "Ohhh wait, you are Mr. Right, oh-i-am-so-right, Mr. Know-it-all"
"The first time I heard it" (he paused trying to find the right words) "it was different, but now I am sick and tired of those names, if you use them again – watch me punish you"
"You are not my teacher & I am not your student for you to punish me." she answered firmly.
He chose to ignore her words, "Before I forget – no more Kapoor permitted as well. I don't go around calling you Ghosh." he didn't allow her to answer and added as a later thought, "I have a name, Gauri. The name is Shiv.... Shiv"
She just stared at him not believing her ears – was this Shiv? Or was it some guy wearing Shiv's mask – which could be possible, she had seen it in some serial, but she was having trouble trying to figure the name out.
Instantly, without a thought she touched his cheeks, and tried to pull them, "Oowwww" followed by a slap on her hand, and now she was pretty sure it was Shiv.
"What was that for?" he asked
"I was just checking, if it was you"
"Oh, so its going to be someone with my mask or something on" he replied sarcastically
"Exactly!" she answered happily, pleased that he was learning to figure out her thoughts
But, the next words from his mouth forced her to literally strangle him, as she heard him say, "Gauri," he wondered, "Where do you get such retard thoughts from?"
After a thirty-second delay... that is after her brain registered his words, she began to literally strangle him, while he just laughed making her temper rise. When she couldn't take it anymore she took her hands off his neck, but a second later she would regret it, as he caught hold of her hands, and looked at her.
"Let's play a game," he said
Wait. Did she hear it right? Did he say game? What type of a game? Wait, she was not supposed to say that.
Game. They were not kids or teenagers to play games, well even the teenagers these days wouldn't play and resorted to other things. Besides, the past of couple of months had been a game right? I mean all she and Shiv did was argue or just make sure the other retaliates, no all she did was try to prove that he is a loser, and she was the winner. But, now she realized that they just couldn't move on with these little games, they had a child to think about.
"I am not interested in playing games anymore, Shiv" she replied as she got up from his lap, lifting her sandals up, she began to walk away.
For a second he just sat there not quite understanding her actions, but as he saw her walk away he realized he wanted to be by her side. And, no matter what he would make sure she agrees to the game – their last game, after this one there would be no complains nothing, and everything will be all clear all out in open.
"Gauri," he said catching up to her now, "Please this will be the last game" observing her expressions, "I am serious. Dead serious."
She looked at him trying to figure out what he wanted. Out of everything, how did the idea of a game pop into her husband's head? But, her mind failed to come up with an answer to this question, so she waited until she was further into the game, then she would give it further thought.
"You better have a good reason for playing this game" she said, nodding her head to show her participation.
"Good, then" he replied, "Now, here is how you play the game... you must first say everything nice about me and I will do the same for you. Get it?"
"But—"
"No, Gauri I am serious we have never quite complimented each other before, so maybe this will be your opportunity to compliment me, and same with me"
He was playing a game to compliment each other. He wanted to hear good things about him. What they were in kindergarten now? What was wrong with Shiv?
God, he was acting worse than a baby, and she just hoped that from tomorrow he wouldn't start watching shows like Cailou, Arthur, Tellytubbies or Dora, the explorer.
But, of course she didn't say all this to him. She was making an effort to be nice, and not jump to conclusions right away, so she replied, "I don't understand"
"Look, Gauri" he began in that sensible tone of his, "Lets start with I love your eyes, and you can't repeat what I say – your goal is to make me stop, so that I have nothing further to say, and you win. Okay?"
Oh No, this wasn't kindergarten game... this was more like a lovey-dovey type game. Worse than kindergarten game. She had rather have Shiv watch Tellytubbies than play this game.
"No," she groaned, "I am not playing this stupid game"
She was backing out now. What was her problem? Why couldn't she ever make an effort to understand him? Understand that he had a reason behind this game.
"You can't back out now it's too late"
"Whatever"
"I love your eyes," he began, "I love the way they look at me, as if they are worshipping me"
She blushed.
"I love the way you blush," he smiled as he said that
She had to play this game or else all she would do here was blush, blush and only blush. At least if she played the game her mind would be into something, so she said, "I love your voice... its sounds deep, different, and really sexy"
Now, it was his turn to blush. And, she was pleased to see him blush for once, his first time, if only she had a camera with her right now, he looked so cute while he was blushing.
"I love the way you smile," he muttered recovering from her words.
Damn! That was supposed to be her next words to him. God, how did he manage to steal that way.
"I love the way you look angry," she said
"Girl, get your facts straight. When did I get angry?" he questioned
She smiled, "you may not remember it, but I do." now she had a evil look
"I never get angry. Okay? So, this one doesn't count" he replied
"Ummm... who was angry when I went to the hospital with Josh? Who was angry when I walked in the rain once?" she paused to see the effect on him, once she was pleased she added, "oh wait, that wasn't my husband, who was angry... it was the next door neighbour"
He had turned different shades now, she couldn't quite point out whether he was red, blue, or black – mixture of all these colours were visible on his face.
And, when she thought the game was over – he proved her wrong by saying, "I love how you express things"
"I don't" she defended
"You are very expressive, Gauri"
"I am not" she answered
"Trust me, when I say you are the most expressive person I have ever met, and I love it. I love it how you express everything. I can clearly see anger, frustration, sorrow, happiness, and love on your face"
Did he just love? Did he? If before she was feeling a bit hot, it was nothing compared to how hot this place was now turning out to be.
"It's your turn, Gauri, hurry up" he said after a few minutes, which took forever.
"Umm" she thought, "I love the way you look with glasses on"
He just looked at her going, what- was-that-type-of-look? But, a second later he had accepted that answer as he said, "I love how I find everything beautiful on you whether it's just a T-shirt, or a tank top or a salwaar or even if you were wearing a garbage bag. You still manage to look beautiful, sexy, elegant, stunning & totally angel type."
She blushed again. God, he would find her good even in a garbage bag, now that was something she had never imagined. He honestly thought she looked good. Really?
Recovering, she said, "I love the way you walk. There is something graceful & appealing about your posture"
He looked surprised with her words. Like he had never expected her to notice his posture.
But, a second later he was back on track, "I love the way you speak... the way you say things innocently or how at times you don't think before you speak, well to be honest you do it all the time" he was now grinning
"I always think before I speak" she answered angrily
"Oh yeah? What about the time on New Year's Eve when you blabbered out that I go around kissing other women and not my wife"
Damn. He remembered that. And, she had thought it was a dream only to realize later, it was the reality, but she had to admit the guy had a good memory.
Right then she came up with something she knew he couldn't beat, "I love the way you look when you are sleeping. So cute! Totally like a teddy bear" and she meant it.
For a second he looked totally stunned, unable to say anything.
Just when she thought she beat him at his own game, he took out his trump card, and said, "I love everything about you. I love the way you look, I love the way you speak, I love everything about you, Gauri, and there is nothing about you that I would wish to change. I love you Gauri, I really love you"
"That's cheea ----"
She stopped midway, as she realized he meant what he said.
There it was. The words she had waited to hear for so long were now said and she was left completely speechless. She had never expected him to say these words right now.
"Aren't you going to say anything?" he said
She looked at him for a second, then she smiled, and answered, "I love you too, Shiv. I love you too"
And, with those words she ran in his arms, and gave him quick peck on the lips. It was the first time she had ever initiated any contact, and it wouldn't be her last time.
*******
Six months later
Darkness greeted her, and she was not at all pleased with it. Walking carefully around she made her way inside, there was pin drop silence, no sound, nothing and all she could hear were the clicking of her heels as she walked around, and she did not like it one bit.
Fear grabbed her. Darkness, no sound, no one except her, it sure coincided with the scary movies right?
Of course there are sounds in scary movies, those stupid sounds, which drive you crazy, and at times literally force you to press the mute option on your remote, but before those sounds, everything is normal isn't it?
Well, not quite normal. You see a girl entering a scary looking place with no one around except her, and you hear her say, "hellooo! Anyone here" and that's what she said.
Except, she shook off the scary movies thought, she had watched too much of them, and such things never happened in reality. They never did.
A second later, she would think about her words again, as she heard the door closing behind her. With her heart jumping right down in her throat she turned around only to notice the door closed.
She ran towards it, and tried to pull the knob, do anything to it, to break it or something, but failed miserably, yet she continued pulling it with the hope that now it will come out.
It was only a minute later, but it felt like hours had passed by... that she heard sound of someone walking. Turning around she glanced around the dark room, almost everywhere her eyes moving quickly, and then the sound stopped.
Relieved she put her hand up on her forehead, to feel sweat, she was sweating, in fear she had barely even realized that she was sweating.
The lights switched on and off now. She gasped, as she noticed a figure on the staircase.
That's it. She was going to die here. Die without meeting her husband, and son.
The figure was now descending down the stairs, and she turned around frantically trying to pull the knob.
When the figure was close to her. She ran around screaming trying to pull all the doors. Tears formulating in her eyes, as she remembered her son and husband for the last time.
What was supposed to be one of the best days of her life would turn out to be the day she would die....
She felt the person's hands on hers, and she screamed louder this time. The screams could be heard echoing the long halls of the haunted mansion.
"Please don't kill me" she begged, "please don't kill me... I have a son and husband waiting for me back home. Pl..ease Please pleasee spare my life" as she collapsed down on the floor she begged with her hands folded, and cried.
She opened her eyes a second later to notice that the lights were no longer flickering. And, the figure in front of her was none other than her husband, who broke down laughing.
When she took in the reality. The reality that this was not a scary movie or anything, this was a freaking place and her husband had set this up to fool her.
"God, Gauri... you are hilarious" he laughed with tears coming in his eyes
"Stupid, idiot, duffer, dumbo" she said hitting him hard, "this was not funny. So not funny. Shiv, how could you find this funny? This setup of yours literally gave me a heart-attack"
He laughed a bit more holding to his stomach, and then he stopped, "I thought you weren't scared with scary movies" and he began laughing again.
"I am not," she remarked yelling at him
"You should have seen your face in the mirror, Gauri. It was hilarious"
"Oh ya? You find this funny? Huh? Fine, I am walking away. If you find giving me a heart-attack funny, then you are disgusting Shiv Kapoor" with those words she turned around swiftly
"Wait," he said grabbing hold of her waist, "I want to take you somewhere"
"I am not coming anywhere with you," but as usual her words had no effect on him, as he caught hold of her wrist, and dragged her up the stairs.
Once they were up on the top level. She noticed it was much more cleaner, neater and less spooky looking. They walked down the long hallway turned to the right, her curiously got her the better, as she asked him the content of the other rooms, to which he just shrugged his shoulders and murmured something along the lines old junk.
"Here you go Princess" he said opening the door, and she screamed in delight as she noticed the entire room was decorated nicely.
Anger flew down the window, as she hugged him saying, "you remembered"
"Of course I would. How could you think I wouldn't?"
"But, Shiv what was the point of the whole setup downstairs"
"Oh, it was just a personal wish. I just wanted you to admit that you are a scary cat. Do you think I wouldn't notice when you snuggle up to me during any scary movies? And, then put up a face as you realize I am looking at you, that it's amusing."
"You make me sick at times. Regardless of that I love you"
"I know you do" he winked
Holding her hand in his, they walked into the room, which was beautifully decorated with balloons, candles, and dim lights. But, the main thing Gauri loved about the room was the banner in the center, which said, Happy Anniversary.
She couldn't believe a year had passed by so fast. It felt like just a month. But, so many incidents had taken place that she could barely even remember them all there was so much they had, so many memories, all the good times they shared, and she hoped they would share more wonderful times in the future.
Looking in the mirror at her reflection. She smiled. A year ago, she would have killed her self had she known that one-day she would be ready to scream to the world that she loved Shiv Kapoor. But, now the case was different. Now, a different Gauri Ghosh stood in front of her. Shiv had managed to bring out a totally different side of her, a total child like side of her, which she never knew whether it even existed, but now she was aware it did.
"What are you looking at?" Shiv questioned from behind her
"Nothing," she said, as she turned around with a smile
"You know we look so perfect together." He said as he looked in the mirror with his hands placed on her waist.
She glanced back at the mirror, and agreed with him. "Yeah, we complement each other." She replied looking at his reflection
"We are so full of praises about our self" he replied as he walked away to get the cake.
"Shiv," she said looking at his back
"hmmm" he replied, as he reached the table
"Do you ever get the feeling that someone is writing this out?"
He turned around instantly, "Yeah. Sometimes I get the distinct feeling that this girl is typing this all up on her laptop. And, I can tell you she is really stupid."
Gauri smiled at his words, "You are right. I mean we can't be this stupid. She is just making up appear so stupid."
Lifting the cake up, he said, "Mark my words, Gauri, I will make sure that in another story she makes our characters better" (not related to ff - i just made it up so don't take it seriously)
*******
Much later, after having a cake fight, in which they smudged each other's faces with cake they sat down on the couch.
"Care to dance, Gauri"
"huh?" asked a lost Gauri. She was too tired, and was almost on the verge of falling asleep.
"Come on" Shiv said, as he took her hand in his
She got up from the couch, and stood up, as he walked by, and switched on the music.
lamha lamha doori yun pighalti hai
jaane kis aag mein yeh shabnam jalti hai
ho lamha lamha doori yun pighalti hai
jaane kis aag mein yeh shabnam jalti hai
khwaahishon ki shaam dhalti hain (* 2)
jaane kis aag mein yeh shabnam jalti hai
la la la ...
They danced around swiftly with the music in the background. With their bodies fitting perfectly together, as if they were made for each other. Gauri was forced to recollect her earlier words that they complemented each other, and they really did.
teri aankhen dikhati hai
hamein sapanen sitaaron ke
ho ho ho
tere hothon pe likha hai
jo tum bole ishaaron mein
ho ho ho
khwaabon ke karwaan mein raat chalti hai
jaane kis aag mein yeh shabnam jalti hain
la la la...
behakti shaam aayi hai
tujhe lekar ke baahon mein
tujhe chhu loon ke rakhu main
chhupakar ke nigaahon mein
Ghoshti ithlaati hai machalti hai
jaane kis aag mein yeh shabnam jalti hain
ho lamha lamha doori yun pighalti hai
jaane kis aag mein yeh shabnam jalti hai
khwaahishon ki shaam dhalti hain (*2)
jaane kis aag mein yeh shabnam jalti hai
la la la ...
Once the music was over, she got out of his hold, and walked back to the couch. Her feet were hurting a lot, and she was having a slight headache, and now all she wished was just to go to bed.
"Gauri, I have something for you"
"What?" she said with her back facing him sitting on the bed now.
"You know how you always complained that we both don't even remember our first meeting"
"Yah, what about it?"
"Well with some of my connections I managed to get a tape of the night we first met"
"WHAT?" asked Gauri completed shocked with his words, and now losing her sleep
"You know how there are cameras in night clubs, and they record everyone's movement. Well, lets just say I managed to track the tape on which we are seen talking"
"Are you serious? Shiv" still unconvinced whether Shiv had actually managed to get the meeting.
"Dead serious, Gauri" he replied, but before he could say anything further she had literally thrown herself in his arms. She kissed him all over the face screaming in delight.
When finally Gauri had managed to calm down a bit, he had taken her to the couch, and now they both sat on it waiting for the tape to start.
"Oh my god, Shiv, there we are" replied Gauri pointing to the screen.
More than herself, she was looking at a 23 year old Shiv sitting along with his friends, who were forcing him to drink, while he shook his head, and pushed the glass aside.
But, a few seconds later they had managed to pour the drink down his throat with some falling on his shirt.
"Wooh, you have some friends" she remarked
"Yeah, they are a bit spoiled..."
And, then she noticed herself completely drunk making a complete fool out of her self. God, this was so embarrassing. Slipping beneath the covers she looked at the screen, and hoped that Shiv hadn't noticed her.
Apparently he had, as she heard him say, "Wow, you go wild when you get drunk"
"Gimme the remote" she said trying to pull it from him
"Why?"
"Give it to me" she said literally jumping on him trying to grab it
"We are not switching it off, Gauri. I am totally watching it" he said pulling her down on his lap.
"And, you are too" he whispered in her eyes, that's exactly when she heard a scream, and she turned to look at the screen only to notice herself screaming on top of her lungs, jumping on the dance floor like one of those ******.
She buried herself in Shiv's shirt, as it was way too embarrassing to watch herself, she had already sworn before that she would never to get drunk, but now looking at the video she wouldn't even come ten feet near the drinks or near any bar.
"I love the wild Gauri" Shiv teased, and tried to force her to look, but she rather have her face in his shirt rather than see that video. The meeting, which she was dying to watch, would now be the last thing she ever wanted to watch.
"Come on, Gauri" Shiv said lifting her chin up, "you have to look or else you are going to miss out on everything" when he saw no sign of interest on her behalf, he immediately said, "at least for me"
That's when she looked up in his eyes, and for a second he thought she would sincerely turn around and watch it, but when he heard the words, "that's not fair" he realized he was dealing with Gauri here. The stubborn Gauri Ghosh, who would take out all his energy to persuade her, she was princess, more like a spoiled one, literally not meaning spoiled, but spoiled as per him.
"Please Gauri, I brought this video so lovingly for you, but now you don't want to watch it, so what do we do with it?"
She understood what he was saying, so half-heartedly she agreed, and turned her face around, and regretted it, as right then Shiv (who was sitting with his friends) had noticed the wild Gauri.
She could only imagine what he must have been thinking of her. Despite wanting to hide she forced her self to look at the screen hoping to get over with this video.
Gauri was now making her way to the bar, as Shiv looked at her. A second later, she was sitting beside Shiv, as that was only spot that was empty, but she still hadn't noticed him. She ordered a drink.
"Having a good day," said Shiv
She turned around to face him, and brightly smiled. Putting her hand in front she said, "Gauri Ghosh"
Gauri was completely surprised with her own gesture. She had always been so shy type, but looking at the video she totally did not appear shy.
"Shiv Kapoor" replied Shiv, "Nice to meet you"
By that time the bartender had served Gauri's drink, while she took the first sip. Shiv asked, "where are you from?"
"I beg your pardon" said Gauri, as she couldn't hear anything from the loud music
"Where are you from?" yelled Shiv
"New York" Gauri screamed, "How about you?"
"New York"
"Oh... that's wonderful" replied Gauri, and she sounded pleased too.
But, the one thing Gauri had become aware about, and the Shiv and Gauri in the video had too was that there was some sort of attraction between the two of them. They both looked a bit awkward, yet they smiled, and stole glances away from each other when the other wasn't looking.
And, then they started speaking again, except due to all the noises Gauri couldn't hear what they were saying.
"Isn't there anything you can do about the sound?" asked Gauri to Shiv
"I can try, but I doubt it will work" answer Shiv
He was right. He tried, but nothing worked, and the sound never went. Gauri just stared at herself and Shiv in the video as they laughed, and chatted.
"Shiv, look you just asked me for a dance" said Gauri as she saw Shiv say something to her, while she just blushed, and walked with him to the dance floor.
"Oh you never stop blushing do you? Even, when you are drunk" teased Shiv, but he noticed Gauri wasn't listening rather she was staring at them in the video.
Shiv was now saying something to Gauri, and she was just laughing and lightly hitting him.
"Wooh, mister you weren't flirting with me... were you?" asked Gauri
"I don't know, but it surely looks like it. At least you have the look, and with the way your lips are moving... it surely is visible that you are saying that too" answered Shiv
The music changed, as the lights suddenly became dim. A few minutes the two of them moved closer together, kissed, and walked away from the dance floor.
Instantly, Gauri looked away, while Shiv switched off the video.
"Gauri, you remember the hospital time"
"That was random... but ya I do remember that time... why?"
"You remember your words as you went into OT"
"What words?"
"You said, Shiv, if something happens to me... then"
"Honestly, Shiv I don't want to be reminded of that"
"And, you remember what I did?"
"Obviously burst out laughing. Besides, laughing, is there anything you even do?"
"More importantly I said, 'You watch too much of tv Gauri"
"Shiv, where is this heading?" replied Gauri getting irritated now
"No where, its just in the video you reminded me of Preity Zinta of Kal Ho Na Ho"
"You watched that movie?"
"Of course I did"
"When?"
"I was very curious when you cried your eyes out before your delivery, so I watched it"
"And?" she asked expecting him to say more, "how did you find it?"
"It was full of crap"
"What was I even expecting from you?" replied Gauri pulling the sheet over
*******
Gayatri and Suryaben entered the mansion along with their grandson. They called out Shiv and Gauri's name out loud, but when they got no answer they decided to look for them.
After a few minutes of searching, Gayatri finally located Shiv and Gauri. She called out Suryaben, and pointed him towards the couch. There were Shiv and Gauri sleeping with Gauri's head on Shiv's shoulder, and Shiv's head on top of Gauri's. Apparently, both had fallen asleep while watching television, Gayatri instantly switched off the television on which as it is nothing was coming on.
"Grandma" said her grandson
"Nani" Gayatri reminding him
"Nani, can I sleep with them?"
"No, no sweety you come with me. Let your parents sleep. They must be really tired."
But, it was too late, for Gayatri to take him away as his words had already woken up Gauri. A confused Gauri looked at her mother, then she said, "Dev, you okay?" looking at her son when he simply nodded her head.
Then, she looked at Shiv closing her eyes she fell asleep on his shoulder.
*******
Of course that was not the end of the story. Me and Shiv continued with our silly arguments almost every day, which mostly were due to my hospital, my dream was to build my own hospital, and I fulfilled my dream with the help of my family.
Now, I know you are going how were the arguments related to hospital? Since, I was a doctor I would have to rush to the hospital almost every day in the middle of the night, as usual Shiv would complain and not let me go, in fact one day he went too far by even disconnecting the phone, and throwing my cell away.
A few months later, we got another good news, I was pregnant for the second time, and this time we sincerely hoped and prayed it would be a girl.
As far Mishty and Karan were concerned they got married just a few months later. Shashank remained single, while Anu continued to stalk him.
If there is one thing that I can never get enough of, it's my family. And, I will always be thankful to god, for blessing me with such a wonderful family, and I always wish that in every birth I would be blessed with Shiv Kapoor as a husband.
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Original link to this FF: http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=467476&T PN=1
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