Memories of a Lifetime
I am Nupur. Mrs. Nupur Mayank Sharma. The better half of Mr. Mayank Sharma, the sole owner of The Sharma's business empire. I entered into his life, or I should say, he entered into my life exactly one year back. Yes, today is the first anniversary of our marriage. Mayank has promised to take me out in the evening. Since there is still an hour or two remaining for him to return from his office, (he's a workaholic you see) I will tell you all a story. The story of my life, no mine and Mayank's.
I was born in this world 25 years ago, in a middle class family. I was the youngest among the three children, with two boys and a girl. Being the only girl, my parents and brothers pampered me a lot. But I never turned out to be a spoilt child. Rather I was a silent girl, who loved to spend my day reading books, tending to my mom's garden and learning music. I did not have many friends because I was always shy to talk to others. I had two best friends-Dia and Suhaani. They were my class friends as well as neighbors. We grew up together and joined the same college. Hence we are very close to each other.
Even during my college days, I did not mingle easily with everyone. I was an Arts student and my ambition was to become a teacher. I spent most of my time in library. Dia and Suhaani still remained close to me, although I had made friends with a few others like Benji, Uday and Samrat. I hated partying, dating and the so-called socializing events and always declined such invitations. Dia and Suhaani always scolded me for my introvert nature. They said that I didn't know how to enjoy life. Due to their persistence, I finally went for a blind date. That was how I met Aadhi for the first time. He was a friend of Samrat, not very close, and they considered him ideal to fix me up with because he was a jovial person, the exact opposite of me. I was very nervous and uncomfortable to talk to him initially and listened to his talks silently. Understanding my dilemma he told me to treat him as a friend and talk freely. I was really amused and admired his character. We talked loads, about our family, friends, interests and ambitions. Unknowingly, I was opening up to him. I enjoyed his company and we decided to meet again. Thus it started and we frequently met each other and spent time together. My friends thought we were in a serious relationship and constantly teased me. I tried to ignore it but with passing days I realized that I was getting attracted to him. I tried my best not to make it obvious but I couldn't hide my feelings so easily. One day, to my surprise, he confessed to me. I was overjoyed and without any delay accepted it. We enjoyed the bliss of first love. He was always gentle and sweet to me and treated me like a princess. After my graduation, my parents decided to get me married. I confided about our relationship to them. Though initially apprehensive about it, later they agreed for the sake of my happiness. I was ecstatic and wanted to inform Adhi about my parents' acceptance. But fate had other plans for me.
I expected Adhi to respond happily and talk to his parents about our marriage. But he laughed at me as if I had said the biggest joke in my life. He said that our relationship was a time pass for him and sooner or later he was going to end it because his parents were looking for a girl from a rich and sophisticated family. I was completely shattered with his words. He had broken my faith in love. Anger and shame burned inside me. I cried for days and my family's consoling words increased the pain because I had brought them pain. I recovered gradually from the trauma and started working as a teacher in a school. My parents started looking for an alliance for me, but I rejected each of them. Adhi made a big wound in my heart. I felt myself hollow of emotions. I didn't want to marry someone and ruin his life because I could never fall in love again. My parents were getting worried about my life and future. That was when Mayank's proposal came. I rejected it plainly as usual, but he constantly contacted my parents and he said that he wanted to talk to me. I could sense that my parents had liked him and wanted me to marry him. Finally I conceded to his request. When he asked me for the reason for rejecting him, I told the whole story. I thought that he would back off from this proposal when he comes to know that I may never love him. But he was different. He told me that whatever has happened in the past is just a bad experience and I should move on. He told me that he fell in love with me at the first sight itself and he is ready to wait for me. He told me to treat him as a good friend after the marriage. My excuses didn't satisfy him. He was determined to marry me. Finally I thought to give it a chance, at least for the sake of my parents' happiness.
We got married soon. Initially I was hesitant to adjust to this change. I wanted to go back to my home. But slowly I started liking my new home and family. Mayank's mom treated me like her own daughter and I felt my pain and unease evaporating soon. Mayank also kept his promise. He always talked to me like a good friend and never tried to pry in my privacy. He gave me ample space and time. Not even once did he try to assume power as my husband or made a wrong move to me. I was actually amazed that such men do exist in today's world. My admiration for Adhi was just a misunderstanding but Mayank was a living example of gentleness and perfection. I felt sorry for Mayank since I was ruining his life. He loved me dearly expecting nothing in return. I was grateful to him. I was determined to change my decision and attitude for Mayank. He deserved all happiness in the world. But I didn't know how to take the first step. I was fearful of the consequences. I was unsure of my feelings for him. I couldn't distinguish love from gratitude. But I didn't have to wait longer. Mayank removed all my apprehensions. He made me realize my love him that day. It was July 25th, my birthday, a day that changed my life for the best.
It was a Sunday morning. Sharma household was silent compared to the usual bustling activities during the other days attributed to the absence of Shilpa Sharma who had gone for a marriage. Nupur was still sleeping when the phone rang. Grumbling at being disturbed at such an early hour she took the phone. She was surprised to hear Mayank's good morning wishes from the other side and immediately checked onto her right side to see an empty bed.
"Mayank, where are you? Why did you go out so early without informing me?" Nupur asked in a worried tone.
"Nupur, I have some urgent work to complete in the office. So I had to come early. You slept very late yesterday night na…so I thought not to disturb you."
"When will you be back? I thought I'll cook something special for you today."
"Sorry Nupur, I don't know when I'll be back. There are some important deals which I need to complete today."
"Oh…that's ok. I'll wait. Bye." She kept the phone disappointedly. She had planned to cook his favorite dishes and surprise him with her cooking skills. Normally it was Shilpa or their maid who cooks for the family and Nupur never got the chance. Today she had conveniently sent the maid back home planning to spend some time with Mayank. It was her birthday and she wanted to make it special for both of them.
"When will Mayank get freedom from his hectic schedule? He didn't even wish me. I have no idea if he even knows that it's my birthday today. Now what am I supposed to do here all alone?" Sulking to herself she got ready and went downstairs. She was amazed to see the hall decorated. In the middle of the room, on the table, lay a big chocolate cake. The frown on her face was immediately replaced by a smile. As she came down, someone closed her eyes from behind. It took her barely a few seconds to recognize the person.
"Mayank! You knew it!" She removed his hands and turned to him, her smile becoming wider.
"I wanted to give you a surprise. Happy Birthday Nupur." Mayank said with a warm smile.
"Thank you Mayank. I was upset that you won't be here with me today."
"Really? You missed me?" Mayank gazed at her grinning. Nupur was embarrassed suddenly and kept staring at the floor.
"Uhmm...so what are we waiting for? Let's cut the cake." Mayank said, coming out of his dream land.
Nupur cut the cake and they fed each other. Nupur's face was glowing with happiness.
"Thanks Mayank. This is the best birthday I've had in my life."
"You are welcome Mrs. Sharma. I love to pamper my wife."
Nupur was hesitant to share a hug. Taking big steps in a relationship was never her forte. Especially one that still needs a well-defined name.
"Earth to Mrs. Sharma. What are you thinking so deeply?" Mayank asked in an amused tone.
"Nothing. I will go and start preparing lunch."
"No ways Nupur. I am not going to let the birthday girl work and tire herself out. Today I will take charge of the kitchen."
"Please Mayank. Let me do it. I had plans to make a hearty meal for both of us. And I sent the maid away for this purpose. Pretty please Mayank."
Mayank chuckled at her cute request. "Okay. I grant you permission. But on one condition. I will help you with the cooking."
"Yeah sure".
The whole morning passed by soon with Mr. and Mrs. Sharma brandishing their cooking skills, after which they enjoyed the lunch, enjoying each other's company. Nupur did most of the talking, as she went on describing how she celebrated her birthdays with her family, while Mayank listened keenly. He was happy to see the happy and cheerful side of his wife, which he feared he might never see.
In the evening they watched Nupur's favorite movie. Mayank was amused to see tears forming in Nupur's eyes when the heroine's father, in the role of villain, tried to separate the couple, and the cute smile that formed on her face when the lovebirds where united at the end of the movie.
The rest of the evening passed on uneventfully. After having dinner, Mayank was watching his favorite news channel, while Nupur was sitting on the other side of the couch, lost in her thoughts. After a while Mayank noticed her.
"Nupur…" he tapped on her shoulder.
"Huh…what is it, Mayank?" Nupur looked at Mayank, suddenly out of her trance.
"I might as well ask you the same. Are you okay?" he asked worried.
"Yeah, I am fine."
"Why don't you get some sleep now? You got up quite early today."
"Mayank, can we go out for a walk?" Nupur asked all of a sudden, surprising Mayank.
"But Nupur…why do you want to go out in this night?"
"Because I feel like going out. The air will be so cool and it will be very peaceful now. It will be refreshing. Please Mayank." Nupur sounded excited.
"Okay. We will go." Mayank replied with a smile.
Half an hour later Mayank and Nupur were walking on the roadside. The area was deserted. Both of them were silent. Finally Mayank broke the silence.
"Wow!!It really feels good. Everything is so calm and serene. I…" Mayank stopped midway while Nupur waited for him to complete.
Suddenly Mayank felt tiny droplets of water on his face.
"It's raining! Nupur let's go back home now. You will catch cold." Mayank hurried.
Suddenly Nupur caught hold of his wrist and stopped him. "Mayank it's just drizzling. I am not going to catch cold. I love rain. It's the best phase of the season. I love the smell of the earth after the first rain. Don't you love rains?"
Mayank gazed at Nupur for a second, and then started walking forward.
"I have always failed to realize the beauty of nature. But now I feel that I missed out so much in these years." He stood for a second absorbing the cool breeze. They continued walking for some time. Silence prevailed.
Nupur took a deep breath and started talking. "Mayank, you made me feel special today. I have never felt so good for a long time." She paused for a moment. "I have been waiting to tell you something for a few days. I think it's time to confess my feelings for you." Mayank looked at her face, his mind fluttering with happiness.
"I love you Mayank. You made me realize the real meaning of love. What I feel for you and what I felt for Adhi was entirely different. I promise to become an ideal wife for you."
"Thank you Nupur for accepting me and my love. You graced my life with your inevitable presence. And you are already an ideal wife. The best. Always be like this. I love you too." Saying this he kissed her forehead. A simple gesture of love that exchanged several emotions.
That was the beginning of our love story. Every day I thank God for sending Mayank into my life. He made my life complete. He is my destiny. My true love.
Edited by mayur_eternal - 14 years ago
ruchi di ke various emotions🤣🤣
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