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Pride and Prejudice - Part 1 : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1666662&TPN=2
Pride and Prejudice - Part 2&3 : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/rang-badalti-odhani/1666662/ff-p-and-p-epilogue-pg-138-thank-u-note-pg-140?pn=4
Pride and Prejudice - Part 4 : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/rang-badalti-odhani/1666662/ff-p-and-p-epilogue-pg-138-thank-u-note-pg-140?pn=6
Pride and Prejudice - Part 5 & 6: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/rang-badalti-odhani/1666662/ff-p-and-p-epilogue-pg-138-thank-u-note-pg-140?pn=9
Pride and Prejudice - Part 7 : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/42018282
Pride and Prejudice - Part 8 & 9: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/rang-badalti-odhani/1666662/ff-p-and-p-epilogue-pg-138-thank-u-note-pg-140?pn=15
Pride and Prejudice - Part 10 : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/42178803
Pride and Prejudice - Part 11: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/42214438
Pride and Prejudice - Part 13: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/42453936
Part 12
As she followed him out he jerked to a stop, literally making her bump into him... He steadied her as he murmured... "Oh I forgot, I have to collect some papers... I will be right back..." She nodded steadying her heart as she smiled and he stopped for just a baffling second as he slid her a strange look... she lowered her head not at all prepared as of their own volition his fingers gently tipped her chin up and spoke "Jingles... you.. have changed so much... everything about you.. is different... " She was afraid to take even the smallest of breaths... she felt a roaring in her heart.. like a storm had descended.. as she remembered being in his arms earlier in the evening.. remembering the blazing trail of his kiss...she had lost herself in that stormy vortex of emotions... making her eyes shine like two bright jewels... as he remembered too... and it felt like this was a moment for them.. She felt his fingers suddenly move at her chin as the grip tightened and as if it was the most natural thing to do.. was to lean over and take her lips again in a soft kiss... but some where sanity prevailed as he suddenly gulped...
She saw the movement of his Adam's apple and the moment broke as she managed to tear her eyes away from his deep unfathomable magnetic hold... that brought the curl to slide out to her face playing truant from behind her ear as usual... as he suddenly felt an odd light tenderness and gently took the curl and placed it back making her shudder with a strange pleasure... "Be right back.. okay?" She nodded and looked around... at the music system, where some CD's lay.. something to do with her trembling fingers... flicking through the choice that was so much like Dr. Shantanu Khandelwal... He returned with a bright yellow folder and she quickly preceded him to the door as he flicked a series of switches turning off all the lights before locking up behind him...
The trip back to the ground floor was another little story as she firmly this time wanted to use the stairs and he did not refute her plea this time round. Promising himself that he will work on trying to cure her from this phobia she was suffering from... She heaved a soft sigh as she sat inside the car as climbing down the stairs took a good few minutes... and he complied without any argument... He hid a smile and that irked her and she defied that with an adamant expression in her eyes as he sat inside the car and he revved the engine to life as he reversed out of the garage... Just as he turned onto the road, his pager buzzed again and he swore softly before parking on the side of the road and took out his cell phone...
"Yes?" He barked into the phone as she shook her head... 'Typical... no hello, no greeting,, yes.. bite.. Is that all you know Doc!?' But she heard him frown and murmur.. "But then if not today then we can't schedule the surgery till after next week then... as we can judge only after the fever has subsided and taking note of the ESR count" He spoke for a bit and then murmured about touching base with someone else and rang off... He turned to her and said, "The surgery has been rescheduled as the patient was found to have temperature... so... want to go out for dinner? That will give us more time to talk..." She did not want to but knew that it could not be avoided and nodded and then thought that she should tell him that it was not a good idea after all... this sham that they were about to pretend...
He drove towards the Radio Club and handed his keys to the valet as he held the door open for her to step out... She loved this place as it was restricted to members only and it was usually quiet too... It was early for Mumbai night birds and the club would definitely be empty.. and she was right as Shantanu flashed a smile at the receptionist protruding his card... She blatantly batted her eyes at him and that made Khanak want to rap her smartly across her cheek.. Shantanu felt her ire next to him as he suppressed a grin... she was like an open book at times and at times, unfathomable like the deep sea... He nodded his thanks to the receptionist who batted her false eyes lashes again and Khanak snickered as she could not help muttering... "False they are as that smile pasted there!!" As he almost laughed out loudly and grinning at her spoke.. "Jingles... you are simply stupendous!!! Lets go..." To an onlooker they portrayed a picture of a perfect made for each other couple in love.. as she looked up stunned to see that grin on his face... and a sheepish smile appeared on her face as she held her heart and bit her lip... and he saw the devil dancing in her black pools.. They walked again and this time he placed a prerogative hand at her elbow to guide her towards the outdoor dining area... overlooking the sea...
They were seated onto a table there and he studied the menu.. she pretended too to look into the menu but her heart and head were not on the menu at all.. the words seemed to dance and were mocking her... his touch had seared her elbow where he had held her... as if leaving his brand on her and she felt his aftershave still around her nose... 'God Khanak you must be stark raving mad!!' Her second track spoke but she wanted to poke her tongue out at it and defy it.. hell with you.. it is not everyday the man of your dreams asks you to marry him and takes you out on a dinner date... she jerked as he softly asked.. "What would you like to have Jingles.." They mutually decided on something light.. and settled on Risotto.. as she soon learned that he had a passion too for Italian food and loved any ingredient that Italian dishes had... Her heart seemed to soar with every little thing that she learned more about him and she at the same time refused to feel the elation... He had ordered the appetizers... non alcoholic drinks as he knew he had to drive and was responsible and waited for the drinks to be placed in front of them.. She delighted at her lovely tall Pina Colada while his was Iced tea with a sprig of mint on it... No sooner had the waiter left she spoke softly...
"Shantanu, I.. I think this is all a bad idea after all... I.. I am not at all comfortable in deceiving our families.." He looked stunned into her face... Outwardly not showing his inner agitation. He felt like someone had hit his core and ripped it apart... he grappled... But all she saw was a calm look with those three furrows deepening on his forehead as his unfathomable eyes pierced her very soul as if searching... She breathed softly.. as he calmly lifted his tall glass of Iced Tea and murmured.. "We can talk that out Jingles... and I can understand this worry you have... but believe me.. this is for the best.." To her his voice felt calm and she crossed her arms and straightened them again in agitation.. "How the hell can you stay so calm? And whose best? Yours!? It is insane!!!" His arms were folded on the table when she exasperated that... All he did was, he leaned forward and spoke in a soft husky baritone.. "Who the hell gave you the impression that I am calm... here.. feel this..." And in a flash he took her palm in one hand and placed it against his heart which drummed like a staccato... his eyes searing through her layers of skin.. peeking into her very soul... His heart felt like it would drum its way out of the cardiac cage... and instantly feeling threatened herself, pulled her hand back resorting to irritation.. "Oh grow up Shantanu!!! You know what I mean?"
To which he merely smiled and inhaled deeply and spoke... "I think you owe me one Jingles... so you have to agree to my proposal..." she stared at him suddenly dumbfounded.. Not wanting to believe that he just said that... "What?!! You don't mean it ... no.. ooohh... you wouldn't... Oh.. you do.. you mean it... omg.." As his face stayed impassive and he looked in her baffled eyes... as if telling her he will use anything to get her to agree... As she suddenly lost her cool again and firming her lips gathered her purse and rose.. his fingers simply clamped around her wrist bringing her back down with a thud on her chair as he spoke through his gritting teeth.. "Sit down dammit!! God you are so obstinate!!" And she hissed at him.. "And you are the most in despicable.. incorrigible.. distasteful, assuming... conceited.. arrogant.. pig aannnd.. a bully and.. aan.. and.. " He stopped her tirade by placing his hand on her clenched fingers and spoke ever so softly.. "I am asking you to do this because I trust you Jingles.. and I can not or won't trust anyone else... How could I even think of asking a stranger and trust her with my life?"
His eyes held hers and she could only gaze into those depths lost till the waiter came with their appetizers... his fingers let her soft hand go... though he had this strange urge to hang on to them... he had ordered some bruschetta with olives and grilled goat cheese.. She sighed as she believed him somehow... and as the waiter palced the dish she looked in appreciation.. but kept quiet till the waiter had departed and then sighing spoke.. "Shantanu, I... I really don't know if we would be doing the right thing.. it is deceiving that I don't like I.." He took a bruschetta off from the plate and interrupted "Aah, so I take that you have nothing against me..." She firmed her lips at his joking slanting him a look as if warning "Shantanu!!!" But he smiled and threw her completely by saying.. "Gosh this is so good..." She shook her head and spoke "You are impossible..." knowing that he was trying to lighten the situation.. ease her ire... After that he spoke on varied topics ranging from her work to his not even once giving her a chance to bring out the topic and at the same time entrancing her with his intelligent voice.. After the meal she excused herself to make a trip to the restroom.. He gallantly rose as she did and then smiled as she passed him...
She felt a little flustered by his attention and warmth knowing that he was trying to ease things for her so that she would agree to his proposal.. she was not born yesterday and neither was he... but he was also trying to subtly convey to her that she feel assured that she will be in safe hands.. She never even once doubted that but how could she tell him that it was no him she did not trust but herself... as she loved him senselessly... She sighed as she straightened after washing her hands and returned to find him speaking into his cell phone.. "No.. we just had dinner.. aah here she is.." So speaking he nudged his cell mouthing 'Ma' and she took the cell speaking a little breathlessly.. "Ma.. haan bolo.." Ma simply wanted to know of their dinner plans and was happy that they had already had their dinner so it was okay... and rang off... She placed the cell back on the table towards him.. and he spoke brusquely.. "Dessert?" She shook her head.. "No.. I am stuffed.. no way can I eat anything else..." So he nodded and looked at a hovering waiter signalling him to get the cheque...
They had decided to take a stroll along the bay and reached the Gateway of India... It was pretty crowded and he spoke as he leaned against the parapet the sea violent and rough as the waves lashed on the stone... "Its too crowded here.. we can't talk here.. how about we go to the beach.. and it is getting late too.. we can head for home after..." She turned to look at his hard profile and spoke softly.."Shantanu we.. already discussed this and we are not getting anywhere.. you say its okay and I say its not.. I.." But he stopped her saying.. "No.. not here.. lets go.." He propelled her with his hand at her elbow and guided her through the throngs of tourists and people walking, towards their car parked nearby... He sat quietly as he focused on steering the car through the traffic and then on it was hardly a right time to discuss... as the traffic was still heavy...
He then spoke as the traffic thinned "Want to go to Juhu.. it is quieter there we could go to the private beach.." She sighed and spoke "I.. I am rather tired Shantanu... lets skip that tonight.. please could you.. drop me home?" He turned for a second and then as if deciding that today was enough he nodded and drove on.. Not saying anything till they reached her house.. The music played some instrumental piano... soothing her frayed nerves... as he turned into the long driveway and braked to a stop... She sat there just for just a few seconds wishing for this to never end, but she knew she had to move... And before she knew he was out and waiting near the hood of the car at her side.. leaning indulgently against the car, arms folded across his chest... She closed the door and neared him and spoke softly... "The... dinner was good... I.. enjoyed a good Risotto after a long time... I.." But was completely thrown off when his hand snaked out and he grabbed her wrist to pull her against his chest... With his other free hand he caressed her cheek as she looked shocked into his eyes.. he leaned forward as if to kiss her and he whispered.. "Ma is watching from the window.. " Her heart raced as she did not have to act anything there.. and felt the soft the warm rush of his breath as it scraped the silk of her cheek.. his nose breathing in her fragrance... while she clung to his chest with her hands as well as her sanity...
He started something like an innocent play act but was least prepared as a spark flared within him.. he wanted to kiss her again and taste her and feel her warmth.. he wanted to hug her to him... he suddenly wanted her to himself.. he felt her rushing gasp as his lips reached the soft upturned corners of her quivering lips... his hands now in the nape of her neck, getting an handful of the silk and gently increasing the pressure bringing her closer... playing a havoc of their own... she shuddered as he felt it too.. and as if a goading helplessness edged him on.. he pulled her closer into him as his lips travelled to the silk at her jaw and he heard himself hoarsely murmur... "Jingles..." his nose breathing in her rose fragrance and breathing out the warmth which sent those millions of tingles rushing down the length of her spine... as his nose was now buried in the warm recess of her soft curvy neck... She could hardly breathe... her eyes closed as she felt a myriad of emotions sending thrills in her nerves... her whole body now under his command... she merely clung to the broad breadth of his shoulders as he assaulted her very senses... till she heard a familiar voice through a haze...
"KANKS.. surprise surprise..." They both froze.. his hands clutched her hard showing his displeasure at the untimely intrusion... whereas she could simply not move even if she wanted to... But suddenly she was free of his hold as she willed to bring strength to stand on her jelly like feet... she managed to as she weakly turned a flushed face to look at Manu who had come out of the house and had noticed their intimate hug but had chosen to remain silent... as he smiled at her and opened his arms for his usual hug... She cleared her throat in a daze from the assault as she smiled and felt the displeasure at her side as she squeaked in surprise "Manu!!?" She walked nevertheless to where Manu stood at the base of the steps in the veranda... and lightly hugged him feeling the blaze burn a hole in her back.. Manu kissed her gently and she squirmed out of his bear hug as she cleared her throat and squeaked again.. "Manu.. wh.. when did .. did you.. come?" He smiled assuring her with a soft squeeze at her arm... "Oh just a while ago.. and aunty told me that you were out on a dinner date.. So I believe Congratulations are in order?" The rest was directed at Shantanu who stood there impassive hard face, as if he were made of stone... arms folded across his chest... as he waited...
She pleaded at Manu and he as if magically understood... heard him speak softly... "Aunty told me of the 'GOOD NEWS'.. that is... if they are that..." But before she could speak anything as explanation he spoke in a hard voice loud enough for them to hear... with a false smile pasted on his face for Ma's benefit who was still watching.. "You don't want to utter anything rash just yet Mehra... better you first hear her out... and I will not tolerate any one... I mean it, any one speak like that to Jingles..." Manu was now near him... and Khanak was now in genuine worry if either tried to use their hands.. she would scream... She held Manu back with her hand as he almost growled at Shantanu and he asked "You stay out of this SK... this is between me and Kanks.. and nothing to do with your... Jingles!!" At the same time he proferred his hand smiling with glinting hazels shooting warnings. She closed her eyes and interrupted, smiling yet in a soft sharp voice, cutting them both off.. "Stop it both of you!! Ma is probably still watching.. and I am warning you.. any scenes and I will whack you both!!!" She threatened..
Manu backed off instantly but Shantanu merely disdainfully looked away from Manu and gently grabbed her wrist and pulled her close as she tried to dissuade him but to no avail.. "I.. I will speak to you tomorrow.. okay.. take care..." He tucked her errant curl back behind her ear... She could only nod in a daze... and as if sealing his promise grabbed her chin and leaned forward.. whispering to her shocked countenance.. "Ma is still watching..." Softly kissed her cheek and turned to walk to the other side of the car to sit inside and rev the engine and reverse out as if the devils were after him... leaving her standing there trembling with one hand to her lips and the other at her side with her nails digging into the palm of her hand... Manu grimly closed his eyes and moving to her gently squeezed her shoulders in a friendly squeeze and she turned to him and with soft tears tried to speak her back to the window where Ma stood.. She did not want to take any chances... but no words would come as he murmured... "Relax, there is always a way out.. but first you need to spill Kanks... lets go inside... and mind you aunty is still watching... so control shuntrol yaar..." That made her giggle and he smiled and they walked in...
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Manu chewed softly on the information as she finished speaking on a sigh.. She had left out the tiny details from her end feeling that it was not necessary for him to know of that... their cups of coffee gone cold.. as he looked a silly smile in his face... as she turned and spoke softly... "Why are you smiling now?" At that Manu just barked out his laughter... "Kanks.. he kissed you.. wow... and also asked you to marry him... Hmmm.. Amazing... and what did you say? He thinks I.. you and me an item...?" That was the last straw as she looked into his face and he burst out laughing.. she thought that he had lost it as he laughed heartily and loudly.. she poked her elbow in his ribs, jabbing him hard to remind him that his parents might hear him and he snickered to a softer one.. as he hugged her... "Gosh girl.. me thinks there is no smoke ever without fire.. You are nuts... this is what I feel... Listen to me Miss Khanak Khanna.. soon-to-be Mrs. Khanak Shantanu Khandelwal... Dr. Khandelwal... your Doc.. is in love with you..." Khanak firmed her lips and glared at him as he laughed and said.. "What.. You don't believe me do you? Okay... tube light this is how I see it..." He walked towards the small fountain there playing with the tiny pebbles creating tiny ripples as he lifted one and threw them back in... and continued...
"1. He sees you after so many years changed.. transformed... 2. His lady love is no more... 3. That makes less competition for you and he finally has the eyes to properly look at you... so here it is.. Kanks.. he is jealous that you love me.. and in short he is in love with you..." She shook her head and muttered.. "I always knew you were dense and now it is confirmed you jerk.. fool.. bllleeepphh.. loves me.. yeah like black loves white, like a spider loves the fly... yeah sure.. dummy!! Now I expect you to help get me? Kuppish?!?! Not fool around and have fun.. and You have still not told me what are you doing here?" At that Manu sighed out a long sigh and said.. "Tell me something... does this obstinacy gene run in your family by any chance... or is it that all the Khanna girls are rigid and irritatingly oblivious, to compound it even obstinate?!!! Not to mention hard to get... anddd..."
He ducked at the last bit as a cushion came flying to him from her from the swing.. as he laughed and ran around as she followed him swearing as he tittered softly "Tch tch.. language lady... mind your language.." But she finally caught him and he hugged her first as she smiled and spoke softly.. "I missed you so much.." He hugged her back and said.. "Me too.. but I need help yaar... your stupid sister.." She cut him off with a glare and he sheepishly looked at her and spoke.. "Okay.. your.. great sister is giving me a hard time!!! Is Mahi really so obstinate or puts up a front for me?! Tell!!!" As her lips twitched to a giggle, knowing that Manu loved Mahi and she had to still find out if the feeling as mutual and she murmured.. "Okay then deal time.. I help you... you help me..." And Manu smiled shaking his head as if it was useless... as he contemplated and then said.. "Okay.. chaddo yaara.. main hoon aap ke vaaste.. dasso ki karna haiga... mainu apni jaan bhi dena hain tere vaaste..." She squealed at his Punjabi and smacking him on the back muttered.. " Chup.. Nautanki... "
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Shantanu could not sleep... he tossed as he avoided looking out into the terrace.. he could not get her damned eyes out of his mind.. the feel of her lips, her fragrance... He swore softly as he reprimanded himself.. "Damn you SK... focus here!!!" As he thumped on his pillow for the third time and tried to fall asleep... only to think of the feel of her satiny skin... Grimly he rose and sat raking his hair... glancing at the digital clock that displayed 3.00 am.. He breathed in deeply as he glared at the number as if daring it to change faster... and the he jerked as he heard the soft beep of the pager. Thankfully as if it were a lifeline he grabbed it and skimmed through reaching automatically for his cell... barking into the cell.. "Yes Dr. Khandelwal here... I want the OR ready.. I should be there in 15 minutes..."
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Manu smiled over his cup of coffee as Ma droned on about making preparations as she looked saucer eyed at his face in a plea.. for help... but he merely winked at her and said.. "Arre Ma, what is the rush? They are both here.. and now that the proposals are out in the open, take your time.. enjoy... engagement aur shaadi baadmein hoti rahengi, pehle let them find out if they are compatible... you know aaj kal.. Live in arrangement... vagairaah... " Radha looked at his face shocked and Khanak let out her breath like a deflated balloon and slapped her hand to her head... as he burst out laughing... Radha frowned disapprovingly... as he sheepishly rose and hugged her still disapproving petite self... and said.. "Ma.. meri pyaari Ma... joke hato baba.. saaru.. kaan pakdu chu... you know Main hoon na... sab ho jaayega... bas? Abhi take a chill pill and bol, naasta ma shu che? bhook laagi che yaar?" Radha slapped his shoulder playfully now giggling knowing that he was just jesting.. and shaking her head murmured.. "Dhokla... khawaa che?" He nodded licking his lips and Khanak grit her teeth and showed him her fist as he winked at her and they heard Papa enter.. "Phew... it is getting hot there..." He was returning from his morning walk as Radha looked in concern "Vindu..?" He looked up from wiping his brow and smiled looking pink after his walk.. "Arre Radha Rani, ek cup cha" And she plumped her lips up at him in relief and sighing smiled nodding her head as Manu spoke.. "Papa, I have a suggestion... about the contract.. Kanks told me about it.. You should go for the law suit..." Papa smiled his approval at Manu and said.. "Yes, that is what I said too..." Radha humphed, interrupting before they could enter a discussion.. "I said, no talk shop on my table!! Vindu, tamaari cha, Manu chal have khaine, kaame laago.. fatafat" Khanak suppressed a giggle at the mastery of Ma's whip lash of a tongue.. and took a dhokla and rose to get a refill of the coffee... as the phone rang and Radha walked to answer it...
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Khanak straightened her curl which was already tucked behind her ear as Manu whispered... "God Kanks, they are stinking rich too.. see no more worries for you either.. and that butler.. wow makes me feel like I am in a Victorian era!!! what did you call him.. Alby? " she shushed him as they entered the foyer and daadi turned.. "Khanak tum aa gayi.. aa jao meri bacchi..." A soft genuine smile lit her face making her look even more pretty in the soft shell pink figure hugging kurta that she had on.. It was a simple one with tiny self designed roses spattered all over and a matching off white slim chudidaar and odhani... that was edged with a lace of printed rose buds.. Daadi's kangans still adorning her wrists... as she leaned forward to touch daadi's feet who was busy smiling and yet could not contain the curiosity about her friend... Khanak smiled at daadi who first touched her cheek and murmured.. "Nazar na lage kissiki... aur yeh kaun hain laado?" Khanak turned to introduce Manu but before she could say anything he moved towards daadi and murmured taking her slim hands into his, raising them to his head in respect... "Oh my God!!! Arre, I should say nazar na lage kissiki aapko!! Beautiful... breath taking... wow.. am a goner!! By the way I am Manav Mehra.. a long time standing friend of this silly girl.. mind you I allow only very few people to call me Manu.. and you are one of them... And I will call you beautiful!? Chalega?"
Khanak was staring her mouth forming an "O" and daadi's eyes glinted with amusement and something else... but she suddenly laughed out loud and spoke in a firm voice.. "No.. you will not call me beautiful..." Manu frowned theatrically... and in a small whinny voice asked.. "Why not!!?" So daadi spoke.. "That right has already been taken but you can call me anything else you wish... Maniya..." Manu's eyes sparkled as he warmed to daadi instantly and hugging her said.. "Arre wah.. to Dadiya kaisa rahega?! Perfect me Maniya to your Dadiya... accha hain?" So daadi smiled and nodded and turning to Khanak spoke.. "Shaan, ghar pe nahin hain... abhi aayega.. hospital se phone aaya tha, subah hi 3.00 baje chalaa gayaa.. ab tum hi bolo.. tum kehti nahi kya usse... ab aaye tab khoob daantna.. theek hain.. abhi aao, I need you to select something.. Maniya tum bhi aao..." And so saying she led a blushing Khanak and an amused Manu inside to another room which looked like a study...
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