Meera stood by the windowsill. , brushing her hair. It was pouring rain. She saw a young girl and boy walking hunched up trying to escape the rain and it's wrath. They seemed to be having fun and enjoying themselves, but they suddenly stood still and alert ' the eyes of an elderly lady having spoiled the mood with her stern glare. The moment her back had turned, they ran away giggling.
Her mind went back a few years to another such boy and girl. It was a modern city but the people still had their narrow-minded views ' unwilling to let the people around be.
The boy and girl had just been friends - the best of friends rather. Sharing their joys and pains, their love stories and crushes with each other ' enjoying each other's company. They knew they would never date each other-they were way too companionable for that. But that didn't stop the gossip in the town. After that, the girl was tainted, she was subjected to judgemental glares, ill humour, caustic comments, inhuman behaviour. It didn't matter that she was dying a slow death- trapped in a life she never identified with, branded by her family and friends, shunned by one and all. The friendship didn't make it...but then again, the girl hadn't let it.
It was not a wonder she ran away. Away from the quagmire she had been subjected to since she had become aware of the big bad world around her. Away was anywhere ...the place she found solace... the peace she looked for. She was never lonely...it was just herself and her life. She could do as she pleased, run her life as she liked and do the kind of work she wanted.
Yes, Meera knew her decision had been right!
She turned away from the rain and looked at the sleeping Ajay. A smile came involuntarily as she saw him. She quietly went and sat next to him.
Meera stroked her hand across Ajay's head as he slept. There was a serene look on his face. A gentle wind wafted through the window and Ajay turned towards her and hugged her hand. She sighed and pulled him closer.
Ajay was her only source of comfort. She never thought she could be there for anybody - ever again. But Ajay had made her realize the value of people through his sweet innocent nature. She knew she didn't love anybody in the world, as much as she loved him. It was strange how people who were thoroughly unconnected with each other, could become so close.
She had found him as a small kid running around on the pavement outside her flat. On finding that he was a street urchin, she had brushed him off...Until the day she had seen him collect waste paper and old pencils and struggle to hold the pencil and scribble. He heart had gone out to him. She had beckoned him and had gifted him a book and a pencil set. The rewarding smile had been just the thing to melt her heart.
She had taken it her duty to fund his education. Which she did. Did everything she could to take care of him ' so what if he was not kin.
After leaving her town, she had worked hard to gain ground with the world around her. He freedom was liberating. She was happy'but it was at a price. Gone was the Meera Shergill who would smile and laugh. The city had taught her that he tough survived. Her job had given her recognition, respect and a life. She had learnt it the hard way. Being a single woman, alone in the city had been difficult. Adopting their methods and cultures had been tougher. But, she had had inspiration. Her boss Mr. Khurana had been her ideal. She had followed his upwards graph stealthily''and had idolized him to an extent. Her work had been worship to her. She never gave less than a 100%. Her work, her clients, and mostly her boss deserved it.
And now that strong persona was replaced by this excuse for a boss.!! She grimaced, thinking about it.
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Geet opened her eyes blearily. The cold hard floor was the first thing that reached her senses. She shifted and twisted, looking around. The ceiling of the studio came into focus. A movement caught her eye as she realized it was her own reflection.
The Studio...!!
Yes. She had returned. She pushed Nik's blanket off her and sat up. A sense of peace returned, as she thought back to the events of the previous night. Was it the hand of Providence? She wasn't one who believed in God ' but then, it couldn't be coincidence could it? No... one door had shut itself on her but she had found another one. Another place, she could dwell in, one that was filled with his memories. The one place they had gone through so much in. The first kiss they shared, the place they dreamed, the choreographies they composed, the bond that had only strengthened. A lone tear escaped her eye.
He wrist watch beeped, pulling her out of her thoughts. She had spent the night at the studio...Nanima!!!
She quickly called her and informed her that she was alright. It was 7am...her neck hurt from the awkward manner in which she had slept. No one came to the studio that early...even Farhan didn't. She went off to take a quick shower.
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Maan walked into Studio 77. He was pepped up and a focussed about his plan for the day. He felt confident about all that he had read in the sign language book - it couldn't be as bad as that, could it?
He was about to walk into his cabin, when he heard running water. He walked towards the wash rooms only to bump into somebody. A waft of a frsh dewy smell emanated from the said person. He steadied himself to look - and his eyes fell on Geet. His expression turned sour immediately.
''What are you doing here?'', he bit out immediately.
''In case you'd forgotten, I work here.'' She retorted.
''Oh'', he said sneeringly,'' Are you trying to tell me that you came here that early?''
''Why do you find it so hard to believe?'', she said her eyes narrowing.
''You don't seem the type who'd do that, Handa. But, I'll believe you if that's what you say. Why is your hair wet?''
''I prefer to shower after I've practiced. The idea might be alien to you.''
Saying this she walked off, towards the door.
''Where are you going now?'' he asked irritably?
Classes begin at 10am. If I'm late, feel free to question.''
With that she walked out.
Maan stared at the door, thinking something didn't quite add up. He had his doubts about her behaviour. She mostly ignored him and answered in monosyllables. But today she took the effort to reply...And explain herself. Why? His guard was up.
''Handa''...he whispered to himself, '' what were you upto?''
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Precap?? - any guesses??
Chapter 30 - What Just Happened - Page 54
Big apologies for the short update. Have been swamped with work. Hopefully I'll get time this saturday to give another short update.
What do you think leads up next??
Keep the comments coming! - shall PM tomo.
Cheers
Amruta
Ishaani
