Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 26 July 2025 EDT
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MG SS - ||Incensed Passions|| CH1-10 Pg 1
Touch Of Love
Arnave slumped on the seat … sweating, breathing heavily. He was wearing a blue jeans and black shirt, which little damped for sweat. Removing his goggles, he closed his eyes and smile, he's just on time, he had boarded the flight just in last announcement. Now he is going to Goa. He quickly called RV, before the attendant request him to switch off the mobile …
After second ring RV picked up the call, "hey, dude, where's she??"
"She's right beside you"
Arnave looked around and saw two girl beside him, one was his right side, looking through window, he tried, but couldn't saw her face and another girl was his left side, but she looks like a teen. He flashed a foolish smile at her with an awful expression, "dude, she is a kid, I think, she's just 12."
"I am 13" the girl answered, glancing at him.
"But you look like a kid" Arnave shrugged. "do you want my birth certificate or want to ask my parents?" she lifted her brows, made him more awful expression, "no thanks." He turned a little that he can speak to RV, "dude, she is just 13!!" he horrified.
"don't talk rubbish Arnave" RV hushed, "her name is Geet and she is 22."
"oky, thanks buddy" Arnave smiled and switched off the phone, as the plain takes off in next minute.
He looked his right side, that girl still looking through the window. "Geet?!" he called and she turned towards him. "you Geet?" she nodded in his question. She is really beautiful …. He never seen such beauty in his life. Arnave scanned her with lustful eyes, she wore simple salwar kameez, She had no makeup on, no jewelry, but still looking gorgeous, a lock of her silky hair touching her cheek lightly, now that's call real beauty! He thought, he was so engroced into her that he never noticed her properly. Her face was glowing, but emotionless, somewhere sad …. her eyes were beautiful, but empty, she looks like a body without soul. But Arnave's disgusting desires over took him and he missed all those things.
"hi, I am Arnave" he forward his hand, "and I haired you for next one month."
"hmm" she shook his hand. Arnave felt her hand so soft and cold and sweaty. May be she was nervous, Arnave chuckled at his thought.
Being Arnave Sigh Raizada, he never say no for girls …. They are his biggest weakness. Everyone knew of his nature, Arnave Sigh Raizada, the millioner, is a big womanizer…. A Casanova in town, he keep changing his girlfriends like flipping the book. In personal life her has no one but uncle and his so Ranvijay, RV in short. He is like brother for him. Arnave was 13, when his father died in an accident, leaving behind his second wife Shilpa and daughter Diya, who was only 4 yr of age. After his father's death Shilpa shifted in London with her daughter, she tried to took him with her, but he was adamant not go there with them as he hates them so much. Though she loved him like her real son, but Arnave couldn't imagine her as her mother. He hates them most, so he is living in Mumbai since then and JD supports him, he was not his real uncle, but his father's friend, but he and his only son RV became a family member of Raizada family. RV and Arnave becomes best buddy.
**
@ Goa.
@ hotel room.
They arranged their things properly. It was the best suit of the best five star hotel in Goa. Originally Arnave was here for a business deal, but RV told him about the real fun of Goa, suggest to spend few more days with some hot cheeks, but being Arnave Raizada, he cant go out with random girls, so RV haired Geet for a month for him.
After ate their dinner, Arnave pour some hard drinks … it was his alltime habit.
"so, Geet, what do you prefer? Champagne or Vodka?"
"I don't drink." Geet answered in low tone. She was sitting on the sofa, buried her head on her hands … she's looking lost …
AUR KITNE DIN, HAMARE UPAR BOJH BANKER RAHEGI TU???" her step-mother holding her hair tightly, shaking vigorously, "TERA BAAP TO MAAR GAYA, TUJHE MERE UPAR DAAL KE GAYA!!!" she slaps her hard, "TU AUR PADNA CHATI HAI KAMINI?? HAAN!!!!" she continuously beating Geet … she's crying in pain. it was her everydays routine, but today was extreme. Today she passed her graduation with first class and also got 80% scholarship for further studies …
She was beating Geet till death, and suddenly an unknown man rescued her. before lose her complete sense, she notice her mother talk to that man and grinning broadly.
And after sixth months of that incident she was here … in Goa, in a hotel room with an unknown lusty person.
Geet was lost in her past, she remember that day, when she got unconscious and opened her eyes in dark room, away from her home, which was never been a peaceful place for her, but not nightmare either. And now she was in original nightmare …. Her whole life ruined just in few days. Her dream, her study, her everything gone down in dirt. She was no longer a normal girl with normal dream, she has become a call girl and Arnave is her first customer. How cruel her life is??? She remember the day, when her project approved by Raizada Industries and she got 80% of personal scholarship.
She startled as she felt a strong grip on her wrist, Arnave was holding her wrist tightly. Now, Geet was back to complete sense. She were numb, when she heard, her mother sold her for just fifty thousand. Her mind was stopped reacting, she couldn't believe that, although she was her step-mother, but Geet couldn't imagine her to stoop so low!!!!!
Geet struggled to freed herself from his tight grip as he pulled her closer. She felt disgusting, her woman self didn't die yet ….. but all in vein ….. he was stronger … finally he got what he wanted.
**
Arnave open his eyes in morning, saw Geet standing front of window, looking outside, her open hair waving lightly according to direction of breeze … but she was lost somewhere, maybe in last night. Arnave hugged her from behind, only to make her startled, "Good morning." He kissed her cheek deeply.
"Morning .." she greeted, but couldn't react by his touch, It seems her every feelings drained away…
"its your first time. Right?"
Geet nodded …… "don't worry, you used to it quickly."
After freshen up Arnave quickly dressed and left from meeting. He was too professional when it comes to his business.
**
"dekhna Parul, mera rajkumar safed ghode(horse)me baith kar ayega … aur uske aate hi chaorn taraf violin bajenge … phulon(flowers) ki barish hogi …." Geet said dreamily.
"chal hatt!!" Parul said, "aisa hota hai kya?"
"kyun nahi hota?" Geet putting her hands on her hips … "Shahrukh k picture me to hota hai!!!"
"haan, par hum jaise gareeb(poor) ladkiyon ko aisa sapna dekhne ka haq nahi hai!" Parul said with pain.
"par dekhna, mera sapna jarur pura hoga …" Geet claps her hands, "mera Raj jarur ayega!!"
Geet wake up with a jerk. Her dream seems so real, she and her friend always chated about their love, and Geet was the daydreamer of her group. She breathe deeply to clam her heartbeat ….. it was morning, the tiny rays of sunlight coming through in beween two heavy curtains. She saw, Arnave sleeping beside him, when his hand around waist lightly.
She sighed again before removed his hands and headed to washroom.
Another night passed!!!
*
"isn't it beautiful?" Arnave asked, gulping some beer.
"hmm" Geet nodded. She finally accepted her fate. Buried all her dreams, she became a girl without soul …. She has nothing but obey her master.
They are standing in the beach … it was so beautiful … clear blue sky with some white clouds … the sun was radiating so much heat, but the cool air coming from sea, decreasing the temperature. Coconut trees are tossing their heads … this was the most beautiful beach in Goa, full with crowed.
Geet removed her tears, she always dreaming about Goa to spend her honeymoon with her dream-man. But now, she didn't allow for any dream … she couldn't dream anymore ….
Arnave looked around and found some girls playing on water ….. he grinned and walked to them. But no one notice two men standing a corner of the beach, whispering each other.
"Boss, yehi Arnave Raizada hai … 100%" a guy said, rubbing his chin with his finger.
"hmm" another guy agreed, he holding a snap of Arnave in his hand.
"lets go ..."
"par bhai, itni bheed(crowed) me!!!" he was scared, "agar pakde gaye to?"
"daar math" second guy said, "agar kaam nahi hua to JD sir aur RV sir hum dono ko maar dalenge! Samjha?"
First guy nodded … they slowly approach near Arnave.
Arnave is in the water … Geet was sitting under a tree, Arnave was in little deeper, as he's a good swimmer.
Those two men are pretending themselves as tourist and reaching down the same water level as Arnave's. on the other hand Arnave was busy in throwing water to other girls and giggles …
Suddenly his giggles converted into a shout in pain … "AAAHHH ……." Breathing heavily he holding his stomach tightly, in second the water turned reddish in color. Those girls whom were plyaing with Arnave, now run for their life, no one can help him to get out from salty ocean water.
Geet run towards him, holding his hand she tried to get him out from water, but he was too heavy for her. Finally help of two volunteer, Geet finally succeed, but she just horrified to saw him bleeding profusely from stomach.
Someone stabbed him!!!!
**
"Arnave isn't a better condition, the knife hit directly on his lever. We need to operate him ASAP." the doctor informed Geet hurriedly, taking him to OT, "you please, deposit four lakhs, while we start the operation!"
"four lakhs??" her eyes widened. She dumbfounded, didn't know how to arranged this huge amount. She has only few thousand in her hand!! Suddenly, she remember her cheque, just yesterday night, Arnave handed her rest of her amount and that was exactly four lakhs.
Thanking God for a second she rushed towards their hotel room …. she literally emptied her suitcase on the bed and searching the cheeque ..… tear rolling down from her eyes. She thrown each and every clothes, didn't care where they are going!! Finally she got her cheque, removing her tear she again run to hospital …. She herself taken aback of her reaction. She is crying for a lusty person?? Why??
But, who give her answer?? No one, not even God!!
She surprised by her own act, but couldn't forget her priority, its Arnave. Its time to save his life first!!!
**
After three days, Arnave gained consciousness, slowly open his eyes. He goaned as sharp light hit his eyes, made him closed his eyes again.
"Arnave"
Someone call him in very sweet voice. Who?? He wonder. He has no girl in his life to call his that sweetly yet concerly. He again open his eyes, blinked twice to adjust the light ….. he wonder at first, where is he?? The machines, dripping blood from bottle, he saw a Doctor holding his hand. He frowned, "why I am here!!!"
"you got stabbed on your stomach!" Doctor said, checking his pulse. Arnave gasped in shock, this news was out of his wits. The doctor assured, "don't worry, operation was successful. Your fianc is really caring!"
"my fiance?!!" Arnave frowned more, not even understand abit.
"yes, she really loves you" the doctor leaved form there, leaving a sheepish Arnave behind, 'she?' who is she? Geet??
**
"I am sorry, I lied to doctor …. I told that we are engaged, either no one admit you." Geet lowered her eyes, standing beside Arnave bed in hospital.
"its okay" Arnave smiled, "its all for mine … so don't be sorry-"
"but-but …" Geet fumbled. "ac-actually, I also called some JD uncle and RV, you caller list shows most of this two names, but-"
"but what?"
"They didn't know you! … and I didn't find your parents number-" Geet stopped in middle as she looked at him dumbfounded. "they didn't know me?" he whishpered, she nodded.
"give me the phone" he hissed dengoursly, made Geet chilled down her spine in horror, she hurriedly handed it.
"hello, JD uncle .. its me Arnave."
"who is Arnave? I really don't know you son!" JD replied with a smirk.
"JD uncle, its me Arnave Raizada, MD of Raizada Industries. I -"
"you were the MD Arnave!! But now, we, JD and RV, the new MD of Raizada Industries. bdw, I also changed its name to Devraj Industries … isn't sound good!!" he laughs out loud along with RV.
"JD UNCLE, HOW DARE YOU-" the phone got disconnect, Arnave threw his phone in anger, breaking into pieces, "I'll KILL THOSE BUSTURDS" tear of anger rolling down from his eyes, his breathe was uneven …. unconsciously Geet hold his hand, "relax Arnave … please clam down .. please .. its not good for you health" she rubbed his chest to clam his heart down, removing his tears …
Suddenly Arnave took her hand and placed on his cheek, "Geet" His voice chocked, eyes are brimming down, breaking all the barriers, "they betred me? How?? They were my family, I considered them as our own … trusted them" Arnave sobbing, "but they bettered me?!!"
Geet brushed his hair lightly, she could see his pain in his eyes. Holding his hand tightly, giving him assurance she allowed him to overcome this sudden betrayal. She rubbed his arm to clam him … but the truth is, she was surprised by his sudden reaction. Arnave looked so vulnerable. She had seen him before, but right now he totally different person. she felt content in his arms …. His presence made her forgot even about her identity.
On the other hand, Arnave too felt good in her arms. The pain in his heart was lessened. He found peace in her embrace, he slowly pulled her closer, hide his face on her neck, tighten his arms around her, closed his eyes as he feel complete bliss. She leant on his shoulder, closed her eyes before sighed peacefully.
The time stopped there … the world has vanished …
**
"this is my flat. May be you've problem to stay here, but seriously I cant afford more than this." Geet said, helped him to lied on the bed. Its 1BKH flat, small, but beautifully decorated. Arnave just starred at her, he was touched by Geet's behavior … she is just a call girl, but right now, she is more than an Angel for him. Arnave could see the sweet caring friendly nature of her. she wasn't the same girl whom he spend nights …. She is his savior, he would have die if she wasn't there!! He sighed!! This Goa trip was very memorable, he never ever forget!!
But one thing was bothering his so much, that he started feeling something for her. He couldn't stop himself smiling foolishly for unknown reason, he always felt good when she is around, even he started missing her when she was working, not giving him attention he felt bad. Its weird, but he loved his feelings, which he never felt for any other girls … and he want to carried away ….
Ore Manwa tu to Bawra hai
Tu hi jane tu kya sochta hai
Their relation now much more closer than before, not physically but mentally. Arnave laid on the bed, admiring the beautiful simplicity of the room. It was so simple, only primary needs were there, not very costly, but very well decorated. She has a nice choice.
"she is different …." A smile played on his lips, he was thinking about her, "she isn't like other girls!"
Tu hi jane tu kya sochta hai bawre
Kyun dikhye sapne tu sote jagte
Geet working in kitchen, making dinner for them, while Arnave getting boar. He isn't liking the way, she busy in kitchen. He felt left out, though she came to him twice check him, but he wanted her to with him.
He again called her as he still in bed rest and Geet couldn't allow him to get down even for a second. Switching off the tv, he again called her, and this time she was fully prepared, entering in room with some books, "Arnave!" she called cutely before handed him books, "read these books, they are so enjoyable!"
Arnave give a disgusting looks towards those thick books, before pulled the blanket over his face, "Good Night, Geet."
Sleep is far better than reading books!! Hump!!
Geet chuckled.
Jo barshe sapne bundh bundh
Naino ko mundh mundh
Naino ko mundh mundh(2)
After few minutes, he walked towards kitchen with help of walking stick.
Geet making mix vegetable, she tossed vegetables lightly and covered it, Arnave starred at her with so much affection, her hair made in a tight bun, but a loose locks falling on her face, touching her cheek lightly and she tried to pushed behind her ear as every time it comes back again. He silently admiring her, she looks so cute. "Kya kar rahi ho? Can I help you?" he entred into kitchen, lightly bending over his stick, he wasn't completely cure.
"Arnave!" she gasped, "why did you come here?? You need to take rest" she said, while supporting him, making him sit on the stool.
Arnave held her hand tightly, before pulled her closer, before slowly hugged her waist, made her startle, "main boar ho raha hu!" he pouted in such a cute way that she melted right there. He looks like a child. Geet ruffled his hair, "bus khana ready ho jaye, phir hum baat karenge."
Arnave groaned annoyingly before press his face on her waist, made her smile affectionately.
Kaise main chalun
dekh na saku
anjane raste
"yuck yuck!!" he made a pucking face, "I don't like it and you know that." He was hell annoyed of her. She knew he don't like vegetable soup, but still almost everyday she made it for him.
"shut up and open your mouth" Geet ordered him sternly. "this is not done …. You are forcing me." He cried and she tried to hide her chuckle, lifting the tray , she herself sat down beside her, and he peeped forward to see, "yuck, mujhe nahi pina ye." He made a disgusted face. "acha thik hai, ek kaam karte hai … ek spoon tum aur ek spoon main, phir to thik hai na?" she smiled, making him smile too.
Gunja sa hai koi iktara iktara
Gunja sa hai koi iktara(2)
Dheme bole koi iktara iktara
Dheme bole koi iktara
Gunja sa hai koi iktara iktara
Gunja sa hai koi iktara(2)
Days passes … they become closer. Arnave was completely forgot about their past. He was happily living in present, with Geet. He cant imagine his life without her … Arnave now very much aware of his own feelings .. he knows, he starts loving her truly and now, he wanted to tell her about his feelings, but he don't know that she loves him or not. Because he didn't want to ruin their friendship.
Geet also starts feeling for him, but she locked it inside her heart …. It isn't good for both of them. "this is bad Geet, you cant love someone, as you are become a dirt."
"but his eyes shows so much love for you"
"NO NO … its wrong. SHUT UP …. JUST SHUT UP!!!!"
Sun rahi hun sudh budh khoke
Koi main kahani
Puri kahani hai kya kisse hai pata
Arnave adjusted himself on Geet's lap, she placed her hand on his head, slowly brushes his hair. He smiled at her before closed his eyes, he loves to be pampered by her. He never felt this way for anyone and he too loves to pamper her. Soon he fast asleep, holding her free hand … but Geet continuously look at him. The love, which she bottled up from days slowly coming down from her eyes …..
Main to kisiki ho ke yeh bhi na jaani
Ruth hai yeh do pal ki ya rahegi sada
His sleep disturbed as warm tears fell on his forehead. He moaned in annoyance, but he jolted up from sleep as more tear fall on him. He was surprised to see her crying; what happened to her?? … cupping her face with both of his hand, "don't cry Geet." He removed her tears with help of his thumbs, "I cant see your tears." He whispered, "what happen Geet?? Why are you crying?"
She caught Arnave's hands tightly and break down into tears, "one month is over Arnave. Your one month contract has ended." she manage to say in between her sobs …..
Kisse hai pata
kisse hai pata
Arnave was shocked by her statement, this was the last thing he wanted to remember. Suddenly a horrified feeling crept on his heart, the fear of leaving her, but he didn't want to. He pulled her closer, hugged her tightly, "shhh, kuch nahi hoga, trust me … kuch nahi hoga." He brushed her back to clam her down; but the truth is, he too fearing of loosing her. Geet rest her head on his shoulder, holding him tight … still sobbing.
He gather some courage before kissed her forehead, "do you love me Geet?" he asked looking directly in her teary eyes …. That was her past. Would she allow him to be her present … and future?
Geet looked into his eyes, in the soft light that fell on his face she saw the eyes of a man whose whole life depended on one answer.
"Yes" she said as heart her glowed with happiness. The teary smile on her face reflected in his eyes and she noticed that it had a glittering tear too. She put her arms around him as his arms enclosed her.
He pressed his face in the nape of her shoulder, his heart filling up with her fragrance. He could just hold on to her…… he kissed her softly on her neck and she responded by pressing herself closer to him. "I love you … I love you Geet" he breathed.
She closed her eyes as Arnave give a sweet peak on her lips … "I love you too"
Jo barsen sapne bundh bundh
Nainon ko mundh mundh
Nainon ko mundh mundh
Geet tried to remove his hand form her waist, but he held it too possessively.
"mmm …" he moaned, made no effort to remove either his arm or his face that was pressed against her neck, "don't leave me Geet." his voice muffled by pillow. She craned her neck to him and her heart filled with so much affection, she kissed his cheek, "Arnave, I need to get up."
"no!"
"please Arnave"said Geet, "your mother and sister are coming today."
"what!!!" Arnave get up with a jerk, "I told you, I don't like them, then why did you call them??" he was hell angry, "what do you want to do??"
"I want your happiness Arnave." She cupped his face lovingly.
"and my happiness laid on you!" he replied while kissed her hand before pulling into a tight hug, "I don't want them … I want only you."
"please, meet them once …. For my sake."
He sighed before nodded in affirmation.
Jo barsein sapne bundh bundh
Nainon ko mundh mundh
After an era Arnave saw them again. Shilpa was looking older than before ..even she had few gray hair, but Arnave's eyes caught a beautiful face of a teenage girl, she's wearing jeans and top, nervous smile pasted on her lips. She has big brown eyes like he had, even her face little similar to him.
Following his gaze, Shilpa pushed her towards him and the girl nervously crossed the distance between them. Arnave noticed that she was hell nervous under his gaze and surprisingly she made crossed finger in her left hand ….. this is his habit too, he too doing the same when he feel nervous.
"Ma-yan-k!!" her voice was so sweet.
"Diya!!" Shilpa scold lightly.
"sorry " Diya whispered, before touches his finger lightly with her, "Bhai !!!" she looked at him with so much love.
Arnave overwhelmed by her sweet gesture ..… "Diya" he first time utter her name before hugged her tightly, only to feel a pure brotherly love for her … he kissed her head lovingly.
"why didn't you come London, Bhai? I missed you so much!!" Diya partly separated from him, looked into his eyes. He saw her eyes filled in tears … he too felt pain for her.
He wipped off her tears, "I am sorry kiddo!" he whisper before, send a silent thanks to Geet and smiled at Shilpa at first time in his life.
Kaise main chaloon
Dekh na sakoon
Anjaane raaste
"Geet, tera bag kahan hai?" Shilpa asked. She hurriedly cross checking entire luggage, they are moving back to London and this time Arnave too with them.
Geet was speechless, she looked at her in wide eyes; "kyun tu nahi chalegi? Pyar nahi karti Arnave se?" she smile.
"haan, par main …" she fumbled, she wasn't sure about it, her still fearing of disclosing her identity, and Shilpa sensed it, "Arnave ne mujhe sab bata diya hai" she smiled, "aur mujhe lagta hai tu hi Arnave k liye perfect hai!"
"aunty.." Geet hugged her .. she smiled through her tears …..
"aunty nahi Maa bol."
"Maa!"
Goonja sa hai koi ektara iktara
Goonja sa hai koi Iktara
Goonja sa hai koi Iktara Iktara(2)
Dheme bole koi iktara iktara
Dheme bole koi iktara
Goonja sa hai koi ektara iktara
Goonja sa hai koi ektara(2)
Geet stretched her arms to feel the cold breeze of London … her long hair ruffled by wind, she was enjoying her freedom. She always wanted a nice lovestory in her life, but she never thought that it would come this way!!
Suddenly pair of hand caught her waist and twirled her on the air. Geet was shocked first, but she knew, who it was!
He made her stand, "love you wifey" he kissed her shoulder.
"humari shadi kal hai Arnave!"
"I hate you .. tum mujhe hamesha tokti ho!" he pouted childishly, slightly swinging his head.
Geet smiled and kissed on his nose.
After few moment of silence, Geet asked, "Arnave, tumne JD aur RV ko saja kyun nahi diya?"
"I forgive them, kyunki unlogon ki wajah sehi tum mere sath ho .." Arnave turned her to faced, "I don't want anything. Tumne mujhe sabkuch diya hai … tumare wajah se aaj mera family hai … jisme Mom hai, Diya hai aur meri sweet si wifey hai …" he pulled her cheek.
Geet smile shyly .. "Arnave -"
"oh no, I forgot .." Arnave hit his head before he out a small box from pocket.
It was a beautiful heart shaped pendent, Arnave aside her hair … put the chain on her neck …
"beautiful …" Geet whisper.
"par tumse jaida nahi …" he smile.
"Happy Valentine Day Geet!" Arnave kissed her cheek before pressed his lips with hers … She closed her eyes allowing him to express all those unsaid feelings in kisses as the heaven watched over them …..
THE BEGINNING OF LOVE
[Here Raichands are humans,not vampires]
Raichand Empire and Raizaada Group of Industries are the two largest and the best business houses of Delhi.Both are well known for their brilliant techniques of business strategies.Another thing for which they were more famous in the market was their rivalry.All the time they had tough competition regarding grabbing contracts.If one wins at any time,the other grabs the next opportunity.Both their success percentages are equal.The other business groups earlier used to fight but getting defeated again and again,they lost their hopes as the win of one of them was obvious and so they concentrated more on small contracts.
Abhay Raichand (Vivian D Sena) and Anjali Singh Raizaada (Daljeet Bhanot) are respectively the Managing Directors of Raichand Empire and Raizaada Group of Industries.Though they possess the same attitude regarding each other in business,but,the handsome hunk,Abhay,likes actually,truly speaking,loves Anjali very much,not because she is tremendously beautiful,but also because of her attitude and confidence regarding handling the business.The most important quality,which Abhay likes the most in her,is her anger.He likes to irritate her and flirt with her to the core whenever he got a chance because according to him,the anger and irritation on her face makes her more adorable.Anjali,on the other hand,is totally devoted in the business.She doesn't know anything beyond her business nor she was interested in knowing.
Now a very big company of London wanted to make a deal with one of these business houses for the purpose of flourishing their business in India.They invited both the MD's of the respective companies to London.The night before the journey,in Raizaada Mansion,Anjali was packing her luggage in a very bad mood.Aradhna,her mom came to help her.She felt that Anjali was disturbed due to some reason and as usual she enquired about it.All her irritation,she bursted it on Aradhna.She barked,"You don't know?How can you not know?You are my mom.You must and of course you have to know about all my problems.Its your duty."Anjali was frowning in anger.Aradhna made her sit in the bed and lovingly rubbed her head and said,"That's what I want to know,whats bothering you beta?"Anjali cooled down a bit but still,with an irritating expression replied,"Mom Raichand Empire has also got the proposal from that company of London like us.I want this contract desperately and I know,they will definitely try to create some obstacles in my way to get that contract.Above all,that freak Abhay is coming to represent his company."Out of anger,she grinned,"I just can't tolerate him."Aradhna understood the whole situation.She smiled and said,"So,whats your problem?Both of you are doing a business.Both of you will fight for a deal.Its nothing new."Anjali replied,"I know,but the fact is that I don't like him."Aradhna smiled,"I don't understand the reason of your hatred.Though,I didn't see him much but I like that boy.He has a kind of descency which separates him from others."Anjali made a face.Aradhna indirectly taunted,"You don't like him or he is too attractive and handsome which disturbs your concentration?"Anjali made a confusing expression.Aradhna took Anjali's hand in hers and said,"Baby,I know,business is your passion but for that,you must not forget that you are a girl too.You have raised a strong wall in front of you and you don't want to see the beautiful and colourful world on the other side of it.Beta don't do it.Dont mess your life with your own hands.Iam your mom and I can understand the feeling which you have at this moment for him and this is just because he is slowly shattering that wall and entering in your heart."She took a pause and then continued,"I know Abhay is the heir of our rival company,but the few times I met him,I have clearly seen the love in his eyes shielded by his mocking looks towards you.He loves you beta and I can guarantee that he'll be the best life partner for you."Anjali got very annoyed and got up from the bed and said,"Stop irritating me mom.All this things are rubbish."She closed her eyes annoyingly said,"Just go now mom and let me do my work."Aradhna,with a taunted look,got up from the bed and while closing the door from outside,she said,"You know what Anjali,you hate him because he is awakening the girl inside you against your will."Saying so she left Anjali alone in her room leaving her in a confused state and Anjali too,after rewinding her mom's words,after a few minutes,brushed away her thoughts and concentrated in her packing.
In Raichand Palace,the picture was a little bit different.Abhay was packing his luggage listening to music and tapping his feet alongwith its rhythm.Haseena came with a cup of black coffee for him in her hand.Haseena said,"Wow,my son,for the first time is so happy in going abroad for a business deal."Abhay,taking the coffee,said,"Hey mom,thanks,I desperately needed it now."She said,"By the way I came here to say you one thing that'.."Abhay looked at her.She came to him and put her hands on his shoulder and said,"Well,if you want to make Anjali our Daughter-in-Law,I don't know about others but I'll definitely accept her because I know my son's choice is the best and out of the world.Anjali is very beautiful and she suits beside you a lot and you know what,I have already accepted her."Abhay moved a bit away from her and asked,"What are you talking mom?"Haseena slapped lightly on his cheek and replied,"Now don't lie to me sweetheart,I know,this time,for this tour you are happy because Anjali is also going."Abhay didn't reply.Haseena said,"You can hide your feelings from everyone,but not from me,I know you love her very much."This time Abhay blushed and then said,"You understood but who must understand first,she didn't."Haseena said,"I know my son very well,whatever he wants,he always have it and I know,you will definitely be successful in winning her heart."Abhay replied,"I don't know mom."Haseena said,"Never loose your heart son,I don't know why but I do have a gut feeling that this journey is going to bring a new turn in both of your lives.May be through this God have some plans in bringing both of you together."Abhay said looking outside the window,"I,too,hope so."
In the airport,Anjali was reading a magazine and was waiting for the flight announcement.Suddenly a hand forwarded with a cup of coffee.Anjali was shocked to see it and when she looked upward,she was absolutely stunned to find that it was Abhay.He politely said,"Coffee please."She,with a disgust,closed her magazine and turned her head on the other side and rejected it.Abhay sat beside her and said,"A simple cup of coffee won't harm you and moreover its not made by me."Anjali turned her head towards him and grinned,"Don't you understand,I said I don't need it."Abhay made a baby face,"Iam requesting you with all my heart and you are rejecting it in such a saddist manner.Thats not fair."Anjali got up from her sit and said,"What kind of fun you get by irritating me?"Abhay put one of his leg on the other in a cool manner,but with a naughty attitude,replied,"Because you look tremendously ravishing when you are angry,that's it."Anjali was simply speechless at his blunt answer.Her heart was beating fast.Looking at her expression,Abhay said,"I know your heart is beating very fast,so just calm down."Anjali gave disbelief look to him and he looked at him in a way as if it means,"I know each and every beat of your heart."She was just about to make a harsh statement,but at that moment,the flight was announced and the passengers were requested to proceed for their formalities.
The Flight reported at Hethro airport at the right time.Now Abhay collected the information from his source about the hotel in which Anjali was residing.He,too,booked the same hotel.On seeing him,standing beside her in the hotel while checking in,Anjali asked,"What the hell are you doing here?"Abhay,too,asked in the same manner,"What you think people do in the hotel?"Anjali grinned,"I just wanted to know what the hell are you doing in the hotel where Iam boarding?"Abhay replied,"Well I don't find any board tagged here showing this as your personal hotel."Anjali found it useless arguing with Abhay,so she muttered,"Disgusting!"and left.Abhay laughed for a while and said,"Your anger always makes me more mad and stubborn for you,sweetheart and I promise you that,one day I'll make you mine forever,you'll only be Mrs Anjali Abhay Raichand."
Next day,Anjali reached the company,"THE FRANCIS CORPORATIONS",15 minutes before the meeting. It was a very big company and contained almost 15 floors.She took a deep breath as this was a very important contract for her company.Anjali asked the receptionist where the chairman Mr Francis' cabin is.She told her that its on the top,that is on the 15th floor and showed her the way to the lift.Now Anjali had lift fobia.Once during her childhood,she got stuck into the lift of their office and due to lack of oxygen,she was about to die but was saved at the crucial moment.This fear still haunted her and that's why,she shifted her cabin into the ground floor and if she had to go to other companies,she goes into the lift,with the liftman.There,in front of the stairs she was standing with a worried expression in her face since she can't afford to go to 15th floor using stairs.She was standing like a statue and lost in her own confusion,when,someone's voice broke the chain of her thoughts."Are you thinking of going to the 15th floor using stairs?"She turned and found Abhay standing and smiling at her.She turned her face against him and moved towards the lift.She pressed the lift button,but the door didn't open.Abhay came behind her and said,"Why are you showing my anger to this bichaara lift.It can't tolerate your anger."Saying so,covering Anjali from her back and almost leaning on her,giving a seducing smile and with the soft touch of his finger,pressed the button and the door opened.During that period,Anjali made a fist and closed her eyes.This time she was not angry,actually his closeness was making her nerves go crazy.Abhay understood her condition and felt very happy,that his presence do affect her.Abhay said,"See it also needs a bit love just like'.."and gave a meaningful smile.She opened her eyes and looked at him like a demon.He requested her to get inside the lift.
When she got inside the lift,Abhay pressed the button of the 15th floor.As soon as the lift door closed,Anjali closed her eyes and joined her hands and started praying to God.Abhay was constantly staring at her and was confused at her act,but one thing he understood that Anjali is scared of lift.Anjali was standing by leaning her back on the wall and Abhay was standing opposite to her on the other side.While the lift was going upward,Abhay mocked looking at her,"Well I didn't know that such a big business tycoon,Anjali Singh Raizaada,is scared of lift."Anjali slowly opened her eyes and looked with anger at Abhay and said,"Iam not scared of anything."Abhay again taunted by folding his arms,"So by joining hands were you reciting a poem?"Anjali forwarded a bit with rage,"Whatever I do,that should be none of your business."Abhay muttered to himself,"Everything about you is my personal business baby."Anjali conjested her brows and asked,"Did you say anything about me?"Abhay sarcastically replied,"Do you want me to say?Well if you want I can say many things about you."Anjali raised her finger on him and said,"Listen Abhay,Iam totally not in the mood to fight today,at least with you.So please I request stop bothering me and don't spoil my mood."Abhay narrowed his eyes and in a challenging way said,"I,too,want something to make very clear to you and that is you have to fight with me."At that moment the lift door opened and he completed with a teasing smile,"Forever."He looked at Anjali and showed her the way outside the lift.Anjali was so confused with his last words that he didn't even realize that they reached the desired floor.When Abhay went out of the lift and called her outside,she became surprised at the thought that after the incident of the childhood,this was the first time when she was in the lift and she was not at all scared or truly speaking she didn't get that time.She kept on staring at Abhay confusingly as they were walking to the Chairman's room.Abhay noticed that she was looking at him.He clapped in front of her face and said,"Hello Miss Raizaada,don't you stare at me like that,otherwise you may fall in love with me."Anjali immediately removed her eyes from him.They reached the Chairman's cabin.Holding the handle of the door,he leaned a bit over Anjali and said,"By the way you'll get enough time in future to stare."Saying so,he pulled the door and both entered inside.
The Chairman Mr Francis' gave them a warm welcome and requested them to take their seat.He praised both of their efforts for well handling the business and increasing its market reputation,that too,at such a tender age.Both Abhay and Anjali thanked him.After that without wasting one more second,they started the discussion for the project.After discussing for a long time,Mr Francis requested them to make a presentation regarding their views on this project.He also requested them to make it within 4 hours and present it before them in the conference room before other members.He apologized for this rush as it was his dream project and he didn't want to late in that.Anjali and Abhay nodded their head and assured him,they will be totally ready with their presentation within that allotted time.Mr Francis provided them a vacant room where they can do their work without any disturbance.When they arrived in that room,both immediately started their work.Abhay,too,was very serious in his job,so he concentrated completely on his work and didn't disturb or flirt with Anjali.
Within 4 hours,they completed their presentation.Anjali gave a sarcastic smile and wished Abhay best of luck.He smirked and said,"You worry about yourself because I'll win at all costs."When he reached the conference room.Mr Francis at first requested Anjali to give the presentation.When she gives her presentation,her concentration always used to be in her work but that day her attention was deviated at equal intervals,due to the staring act of Abhay at her with that killer smile.Anjali was feeling embarrassed to hell.Unknowingly,every time she decides not to look at him,the more her eyes are attracted towards him.After her presentation was done,all praised her but she sat on the chair with a disappointed face,as she herself was not satisfied with her presentation and gave a firy look to Abhay.Now it was Abhay's turn to present.Before starting his presentation he gave a smile to her.He gave his presentation without any diificulties and after he was done,he too was praised.
Mr Francis was terribly impressed by both of their presentation,so,with the consent of all the members,they decided to give the project,to both the companies.Anjali jumped up from his seat and said,"No Mr Francis,I won't do the project with the collaboration of Raichand Empire.Its impossible."On the other hand,Abhay said just the opposite.He told,"I have no problem in working with them."His motto behind that was to see Anjali everytime.Anjali tightened her jaws and was about to say something very harsh to him but at the next moment controlled herself.Mr Francis told that,if they work together then only they will get the contract otherwise not and if they agree,then they will increase the investment amount.She dashed on the chair and thought over it.She thought about the fame they will get in international business if the project is successful.After fighting for a long time with herself,she agreed on the desired condition.So Mr Francis requested them to come tomorrow and they will sign the contract.After shaking their hands,with other members both Abhay and Anjali left the conference room.
While walking towards the lift,Anjali asked,"Why the hell were you staring at me?"Abhay,in tururn asked,"Who told you this?"Anjali replied,with a straight face,"I have watched you,now just answer my question."Abhay stopped and smiled at her.He taunted,"Oh so you were concentrating on me rather than on your presentation.So sweet."Anjali gave a disgusting look to him.He continued,"By the way for your question my anwer is that,if your favourate thing is placed in front of you,your eyes are bound to fall on it.I don't know about others but I'll do it again and again,as Iam not that saint."Anjali was about to go when Abhay pulled her and cornered her into the wall.She was very shocked at this sudden act.He blocked her way on both sides with his hands and came very close to her.He whispered,"You are too much attractive for me to avoid you,Honey.Your attitude always makes me more and more crazy about you."He took his face more close to her.Feeling,she was badly trapped,Anjali closed her eyes out of fear.At the right moment,Abhay moved away from her and continued,"Moreover God gave us eyes to admire beautiful things."Anjali opened her eyes to look at him.She took a deep breath and immediately ran into the lift.
In her suite,the whole night,she could not sleep properly.Today Abhay appeared to be a little bit different to her.She never expected this attitude from him.She was having a strange feeling,which she never felt before.She was very surprised at her own attitude as nothing ever broke her concentration but today,mere a look of him made her world upside down.Abhay flirted with her many times but today when she looked into his eyes while being cornered by him,she could clearly see the intensity of his words.The look which he gave her at that moment making her restless.She was herself confused at her own feelings.She questioned herself again and again and in that process,she fall asleep.
Next day,they went to THE FRANCIS CORPORATION and signed the deal.While returning,in the lift,Abhay continued staring at her with a teasing smile.She,for a second,didn't dare to look at him,not because she didn't trust Abhay but because after the last days' incident she lost confidence on herself.When they were on the 10th floor,suddenly the lift with a strong bump,stopped in the middle.Both of them were shocked.Abhay pressed several button but it didn't work.At that time,via intercom,which was also there inside the lift,an announcement was made that the lift is jammed due to some reasons and will take about half an hour to function properly.On hearing this Anjali was scared.The incident of her childhood flashed before her eyes.Her throat dried from inside.She slowly started sweating.Unable to stand anymore,she dashed on the lift floor.Abhay was confused at her behaviour.With concern,he moved towards Anjali and sat on his feet,in front of her.He put his right hand on her shoulder and asked,"What happened Anjali?Are you feeling sick?"Out of fear,she forgot that its Abhay and she grabbed his hand.She cried and stammered,"I I I'll die now.I I I do don't wanna die.Please s s save m m me."Abhay rubbed her head and lovingly asked,"Tell me whats bothering you?"She slowly told him about her childhood incident.He understood her fear and slowly helped her to stand up.As soon as she stood,the lift made another bump and she with a scream hugged Abhay tightly.Abhay became spellbound at this act.He too slowly hugged her and patted her back to make her feel better.The lift was moving down slowly.While rubbing her head,he said,"Close your eyes Anjali and slowly take deep breaths."She closed her eyes.He continued,"I promise I'll never let anything happen to you and I'll always protect you from all evil."She opened her eyes as these were the same words which her father told her after that incident.To her surprise,she felt the same kind of protectiveness in Abhay's arms just like her father.She slowly raised her head from his chest and looked into his eyes.She got lost into it and Abhay slowly wiped her tears.They were still in each others arms when the lift door opened.Suddenly realizing the situation between them,they both broke their hug and came out of the lift.Abhay asked her to sit on the sofa in the reception lounge and requested at the reception for a glass of water.He gave the water to Anjali and asked her to drink it slowly.After that,when Anjali felt a bit better,both left for their hotel.While on their way,she was so shocked that she didn't utter a single word.
Next day,they went to the airport together to catch the flight to Delhi.While coming out of the cab,in front of the airport,Abhay at first got down from the seat beside the driver and opened the passengers' sit door for Anjali.After coming out,she went to the cab's back to take out her luggage,Abhay stopped her and he,himself took out her luggage alonwith hers.She wanted to thank him but was unable to find words.On her way inside,at last she gathered strength and hesitantly said,"Uh-Abhay I I want to thank you for yesterday for helping me inside the lift."Abhay stopped and looked at her with a shocking attitude.He said,"Miss Anjali Singh Raizaada is thanking me???Is it a dream or reality?"Anjali disgustingly nodded her head and continued her way inside when Abhay stopped her.He said,"Ok ok ok jokes apart."He,with a smile,said,"No need to thank me Anjali.It was my duty.The pleasure is all mine."Saying this,both entered inside.
After completing all the formalities they were waiting for the final call,when,Anjali suddenly asked,"Won't you offer me coffee today?"Abhay looked at her with a jerk and found Anjali giving a fade smile to him.He stared at her for sometime and asked,"Are you asking me?"Anjali,in Abhay's style replied,"Well I don't know anyone else here."Abhay gave his usual smile and said,"Sure."He brought two cups of coffee and handed one over to her.After taking a sip from the coffee,she asked,"Well you said that,you will win the contract at any case,but its tied,now what you have to say about it?"Abhay replied,"Well if I had lost the contract to you then also I have won because your win is also a kind of win for me."Anjali stared at him for sometime and then slowly removed her eyes from his face to her coffee cup.Holding the cup with two hands,she asked,"Why did you want to do business with me?"Abhay asked,"Do you want to hear the truth?"Anjali nodded her head.He bluntly replied,"So that can see you and be with you everyday."She looked at him with a jerk and slowly lowered her eyes.She blushed like a new teenaged girl for the first time.Abhay mesmerizingly looked at her and said,"I never had the idea that a girl can look so heavenly beautiful when she blushes and truly speaking I never imagined that you can do so."This time Anjali got angry and asked,"Now what did you mean by that?"Abhay raised both his hands in his defence and said,"Don't misunderstand me actually I have always seen you in a devil avatar that's why.Iam really sorry."At his act of saying sorry Anjali couldnot control herself and burst out into laughing.Abhay felt like out of the world as the sound of her laugh was so musical and rhythmic.He,with a hypnotized attitude,asked,"How many shocks you want to give me in a single day?"In order to stop laughing,she turned her face against him.She again turned her face towards him and said,"When we first went into that office,I think seeing my gestures you have already understood a bit about my fear for lift,so you deliberately fought with me so that my attention gets diverted and I don't get scared.Isn't it?"In reply,he just smiled and lowered his head and then looking at her,replied,"Some things do not need words.Do they?"They continued their stare when at that moment,there was an announcement of Delhi passengers to proceed for their flight.Anjali got up from her seat and said to Abhay,"Let's go."Abhay replied,"You proceed I'll join you in a moment."Anjali moved forward and when she was out of sight,Abhay took her coffee cup which was kept at the handle of her chair.He looked at the lipstick print on the cup and smiled.He then touched the cup with his lips exactly where Anjali's lipstick mark was made and took the last sip and then both threw his and her cup into the dustbin and proceeded towards the flight.But he didn't knew that Anjali watched him drinking coffee from her cup.That time,with a smile,she blushed to her heart's core.
When they sat beside each other in the flight,Abhay said very seriously,"You know Anjali,all the time,earlier,whatever I used to say was just for the sake of irritating you,but whatever I told you inside the lift,each and every word of it was the truth,I really meant that."Anjali could easily read the true concern for her in his eyes.They stared at each other for quiet a long time.Feeling the situation,to be very sensitive,he changed the topic and said,"Well I know that we are business rivals,but I have a proposal,that if we maintain this rivalry to our business only and become friends,would you mind?"Anjali,on hearing this turned a bit towards him and taunted,"I just say you sorry and you are proposing for friendship.You are very fast forward."Abhay understood the meaning and corrected,"If I had been really fast forward,I would have directly proposed you for marriage."Anjali gave a disbelief look but before she could say anything,Abhay continued,"Its just pure and simple friendship nothing else."Without giving reply,she turned her head towards the window.Abhay fearfully forwarded his hands and asked,"So,can we be friends?"She didn't turn her head and so disappointedly,he closed his eyes.He was about to remove his hand when Anjali turned and grabbed his hand with a sign of agreeing to his proposal.She warned,"Its just friendship,don't dare to think about anything else."Saying so,she again turned her head towards the window.Abhay gave a meaningful smile and said to himself,"I promise that I'll soon turn this friendship into lifetime commitment of love."Saying so,he leaned on his seat and closed his eyes and after a few minutes,the flight took off to Delhi.
This tour started their journey of friendship which will soon mark the beginning of their LOVE.
THE END.
He had fallen in love with her, the second he had entered that small room in the basement of her crumbling apartment huddled into the Ballygunge Road of Kolkata, for the very first time. The room had almost always scented of sandalwood incense sticks. Her hair always falling in waves of soft curls, were tied up into a messy plait that evening, the tiny plastic black clips failing to restrain the fifty or so tendrils, a few sticking on to her face, and a few clinging on to the swanlike curve of her neck. A faint sheen of sweat glimmered softly over her dusky skin, which spoke of an unheard golden hue. Her eyes, those mesmerizing hazel depths, held an extremely attentive, enthralled audience, even, in him. Those eyes would portray a colorful riot of a range of thoughts, expressions, each complimenting the way her hands would move, to the beat of her ghunghru adorned feet. And as she would move, a new song, an unheard melody would be created, especially for his ears. The tinkle of those silver jhumkis bobbing up and down, with the faint clunking sound that single pair of green glass bangles sliding over those slender arms, mixed hypnotically with the chan chan of those ghunghrus. That pair of ghunghrus, a thick band of maroon nylon, and golden bells, embossed on them...they had been special to her, gifted to her by late mother. They had broken once, and he had bought her a new pair from the local mela at the Park Street. She had planted a kiss on his cheek then, which had fortunately been the first of the many to come.
---
He would watch her dance, every evening, after he rushed back from college. He would make sure to drive his creaking old bicycle, extra fast, than those worn out tyres would essentially allow. At times, he would get lucky, because her routine would start a little late in the evening, as she would get caught up in preparing dinner for her father and me. But she never missed her Kathak routine, not a single day, at least for the brief period, he had known her. She would begin it with the Vandana, which would be an invocation to the Gods, and end it with the Tihai, that spilled over effortless grace, ending the routine, with a dazzling smile on her face, and an upbeat atmosphere hovering over the house the rest of the night.
Initially, he used to hide behind those crotchet curtains that covered the amber yellow walls, and inhale the faint mixture of jasmine, intermingling with the sandalwood emanated from the agarbattis she would light up in the room, every evening. He was caught, a week later by her, and none too mildly. The consequences had been severe, resulting in no dinner for him for the next two nights. But the third night she had seen him feasting on plates of kebabs, rolled in paranthas, and gobbling down over two rasgollas after that, she had promptly complied to dinner the next night. And since then, she had let him watch happily, having found herself a devoted audience in him. Amidst that, and when she began to love him, even she couldn't recollect.
How they had met, was an entirely different story, however.
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"We have found the new tenant Disha!" Her father's voice streamed into the kitchen as she brushed back the tears stinging her eyes, overwhelmed by the heady scent of the onions, dunked into the bubbling oil, the kitchen a plethora of smells ranging from cardamom to turmeric.
"He'll be having your didi's room beta; will you be okay with it?" Of course she wouldn't be okay with it. She had dreamt of moving into the comparatively spacious room of Richa's, ever since she had got married last week. She had dreamt of lying down under the only air-conditioner in the whole house, hanging on the walls of her sister's bedroom, but, it was not supposed to be, she thought resignedly. And they needed the money, for the basic necessities oh the house, and if she was to ever enrol herself into the famous Sarojini Nritya Academy of Park Street. Hence, Disha replied in the affirmative.
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"You should know, that this was supposed to be my room, had you not shown up magically out of nowhere!" Disha rattled on admonishingly at the unsuspecting and now, startled tenant, a little taken aback by the tall intimidating figure standing in one corner of her elder sister's room, with an halfway buttoned up black shirt and ripped blue jeans. He of course didn't satisfy her expectations of the innocent-looking-fat-man who she had assumed Oniket, as pronounced by her father, to be. He had turned out to be Aniket Sen, beholding an unnerving gaze, and an uptight, aristocratic face, that demanded attention, in every possible manner.
He had then asked her, if this is how she talked to all the men that had the privilege of entering her apartment. She had snorted, in an extremely unladylike manner, recited to him about the timings of the daily meals and then attempted to exit the room, only to trip down a stair, and fall haphazardly in front of his new room. Not being able to hide the laugh that had slipped into the alcoves of his face, he had watched her struggling with her dupatta, before she finally stood up, glaring at him in annoyance, and scuttled off to the ground floor, her jootis slapping over the loose floorboards, as he watched the magenta of her dupatta flying behind her.
She had, months later admitted to herself, that it was that laugh, infectious, in all its nature, that had drawn her towards him, in the very first place.
---
It was the last week of October, the scorching sun almost permanently invading the skies during the day, whilst the Durga Puja celebration were in full swing. He had carelessly, entered her room in the ground floor, without knocking, only to stop short at the exquisite site greeting his eyes. She had just finished tying the doris of her green tussar blouse, when he had entered abruptly. She had been too shocked too turn away from the mirror and face him, but, he stood rooted, a few feet away from her back. Those silky curls dancing at the edge of her hair were swept to the left gingerly. That arousing image of those tiny silver ghunghrus hanging from the green doris resting against the silky expanse of her back, enhancing the whole image of the maroon banarasi she was wrapped in then.
Somehow, evoked by that scintillating image, he had let his feet walk towards her, till they stopped right behind her bare feet. The only sounds reverberating through their minds would have been the faint ticking of the old grandfather clock and their rhythmic shallow breaths. He had bent then, his senses infused with the strong scent of fresh jasmine and his mind buzzing with the sound of his blood throbbing against his ears, and planted a lingering kiss on the place where those ghunghrus hung from the green silk of her blouse. His lips had moved, almost in a soporific stance, skimming over her the dusky skin, over her shoulder and had then, pressed his lips just below her ear, on the bend of her neck, as her jhumkis softly nudged his nose. All this while, her eyes had been clenched shut, absorbing, etching in her mind, these new sensations, coursing through her body, settling in the recesses of all her senses as tingling pinpoints of an insatiable fire. Her hands had fisted up the pallu of her saree, the golden work on the edges, creasing up, as his lips once again moved, grazing her cheek and parting with a tender pressure right at the corner of her lips, smudging the vermilion of the lipstick a little.
He had placed a soft, hesitant kiss on her mouth, the second, her father had bellowed from downstairs for them to hurry up. But those few long minutes had changed the course of their lives, forever, maybe.
---
They had fallen into an easy routine a few days after. She woke up an hour before him, showered and found herself in the kitchen, frying the usual morning batch of puris a little too enthusiastically than before. By the time the egg-plants she would be frying, would turn a deeper shade of mustard, he would be sauntering into the kitchen, with his wet hair sticking to his forehead and pull her into a warm embrace. When time permitted, they sought out a few stolen moments during the period between when her father would wake up and demand for breakfast. He would kiss her then, long and lingering, never wanting to let go of her taste, an intoxicating plethora of things he didn't recognize well enough, to put forth in enough words.
---
That summer went by, the days pleasantly cooler than before, bringing forth the monsoons, drenching the city in all its humungous glory. The last year of his college ended, and he was offered a well-paying placement with an automotive firm, in Delhi.
He had showed Disha, when they had whiled away their weekends strolling on the shores of the Hooghly river, the designs he had been working on throughout his course of automotive engineering at college. He had wanted to be a designer, designing cars, motorbikes and what not.
Aniket had looked at the stray strands of her hair beating against her face, at the force of the rustic winds coursing through the shoreline, as she flipped through his beaten down sketchbook, her crimson-painted nails grazing over each stroke of his graphite pencil, as her eyes lit up wondrously with every passing sketch of the many cars he had designed.
So when the new of his job had registered her mind, she had been deliriously happy, only later to realize that it meant that he would too be leaving, if he took up the job. That forlorn, morose expression marring her beautiful eyes had snapped something inside Aniket. A few hours later, he had promptly asked her father for her hand, to which he had complied, hesitantly, but still.
And so they had got married, her father being the only other person present in the tranquil surroundings of the small temple, amidst the soft chants muttered on by an old priest, a soothing song cascading through the first rays of sunlight filtering itself through the grey skies of dawn.
---
Delhi in all its jaded beauty somehow changed the exciting innocence of their relationship, leaving in its wake something monotonous, a dull ache. Not that any of them realised it at first.
He would return back from work at around nine. And since the time he would leave for office, and return in the late evening, she would while away her time, boring her eyes onto the television screen or whipping up new dishes from the magazines scattered away in their house.
She had, tried to look for a calm vicinity that she could adopt too, and vent the restless energy building up in her, dancing till her feet would stop. But, somehow that one-bedroom apartment, fitted in the suffocating street facing the Lajpat Nagar Market, refused to give her the serenity she sought.
But, all the restlessness would soon disappear the second, he would return, gathering her in his arms and falling asleep into a peaceful slumber, listing to her breathe, letting himself get lost, once again in the scents of jasmine.
That life lasted for a bare three months before he was recruited by Honda Motors, beckoning him to move to America. The company had only; however funded his visit and stay. Disha had not given him a chance to voice his opinion, for she knew exactly where his dreams were destined. So she let him go, willing her mind to stay strong, and not breakdown before him.
---
The few initial weeks since his departure to America, he would call, a minimum of three times a day, some days, even more. They used to video chat, sent each other pictures, and he would fall asleep listening to her voice on the phone. But as his assignments increased, he travelled to new towns, met new people, the number of calls decreased, and at a fairly steady rate. She would make it a point to call him, every day, at least once, letting the void of her dull days, pass by listening to his voice. But, his tone seemed different, more clipped, more distant with each passing day. She would slowly realize when she was being dismissed whilst talking to him. So she stopped trying, acknowledging the fact the he was just busy.
The days went by. She missed him, missed waking up to those lingering embraces and his husky whispers of sweet nothings. She would engage all her time in looking through the few pictures she had of him, wallowing in the memories of their summer in Kolkata.
One day she accidentally stumbled across a small dance workshop being held at the open air theatre surrounding the town library. She slipped in through the creaking doors, as a matter of hesitant choice, and found reason and a glimmering hope of happiness in her life, again.
---
Aniket had missed the sight of her face, her eyes, that seemed to look more tired with every passing day, or hearing her voice every single moment in that one year. But each time he thought of calling her, something or the other would spring up, taking him away from her, her thoughts, momentarily.
That day when he when he finally took leave for a month, to visit India, he didn't call her up, wanting to look at the delirious delight that would envelop her face. He returned home, to however an empty house, with no sight of the woman he loved. Thinking that she might have gone to the local market, he went into their bedroom, only to be greeted with her scent from every corner. He opened their wardrobe, and gently grazed his hand over her sarees drinking in the sight of the pastels; he had missed far more than he could account for. He heard the main door open, and he held his breath, whilst walking out of the room and into the dining area.
She looked radiant. Her cheeks flushed, lips playing out into a hesitant smile as her eyes finally landed on him. Her feet were still throbbing from the last dance routine, Amish had made her do, but she still willed them to move forwards before she slumped against Aniket's chest, unconscious of the silent tears streaming down her face. His arms, enveloped her, drawing her in, resting his face, against her cheek, as his hands combed her hair, his fingers still shaking.
---
"Where were you?" Aniket asked softly, as his taste buds relished his wife's cooking, the aromas, he had missed for long since feeding on the Ready-To-Eats America had bestowed him with.
"Oh, with Amish..." Disha didn't notice his eyes dart to her face immediately, as she continued further. "...he is helping me with my Kathak routine, the one I'm going to perform towards the end of this month," she spoke on, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm and a sense of rejuvenated excitement at Aniket's return.
"It doesn't matter now Disha, I want you to come to America with me, when I'll be leaving at the end of this month, we'll finally be together!" Aniket spoke, failing to understand why his breathing suddenly became slow, hitched in anticipation of her answer.
He watched her face, slowly lose all its earlier flush, leaving behind its flaxen residues. Then something, he had never seen in her eyes before, erupted, its flames rising slowly.
"I can't. I can't Aniket...come with you to America...because; finally...finally after we left Kolkata I have found a life here. I have found my dream, my love for the dance. I left it then, for your dreams, and I don't regret it for a moment, but I can't...I will not leave Delhi now. I can't leave this only chance I have got to fulfil my dreams. I...I'm sorry Aniket." She had got up from the table then, the tears stinging her eyes, falling with any holds onto her lap, as Aniket looked on.
He felt angry. Hurt, even, but somehow in that state of mind he refused to acknowledge the rightness of her voiced thoughts. Booking the next flight back to America, he felt that night, without glancing back towards their room.
But as a week passed, and then the next, that tear streaked face of Disha haunted his mornings and his nights. Her memories made him realize, that all the money, all his dreams had their brightness dulled the instant they would feel the absence of Disha in them. They meant nothing, those dreams gave him no joy, if he didn't have that one person in his life to share them with.
---
He had loved her. He had seen his dreams with her. He had fallen in love watching her work towards her dreams, watching her dance. His heartbeats fell into tune with that unsung melody he had last heard at that room in the basement of her apartment at Kolkata.
As he stepped into the theatre, he found himself in the backstage, his feet taking him towards the green room as another familiar sight greeted him.
This time, she was in the process of tying the doris of her zardosi choli, as her midnight blue lehenga sashayed behind her. Her hands stilled as she saw him behind her, through the mirror. But only this time, she turned away from the mirror and found herself pressed against his chest in a matter of few seconds. She mumbled a few incoherent Sorrys. "I don't know what came over me...please forgive me Aniket..." He had shushed her with a genteel tenderness, and showered her face with ephemeral kisses. The last one had him coursing through the treasures of her lips, and drawing in the source of strength, the energy he needed back in his life.
---
A while later, about ten minutes before her performance was to commence, her fingers worked through tying up the doris of her choli.
"Will you stop crying Disha? Those beautiful eyes will be needed on the stage for your dance. Shh, don't stop me today. I...I have taken up a job at Delhi, its nothing attractive, but still satisfying. No buts Disha, I'm not leaving you again. Me and you, we will fulfil all our dreams, but together. I...you, we can't live without each other. Get it?" She had embraced him in between his rambling tirade of words, and sobbed, yet again. He had lifted up her face and wiped away her tears and somehow with a skill he didn't know he had before, lined the hazel eyes he had fallen in love with hopelessly, with the kohl pencil. She had smiled up at him, her lips moist, before he continued, pressing his lips against her forehead, "...go, give the performance of your life, Disha!"
---
Cricket
