My First FF- YEH VAADA RAHA(chp 19 pg147) - Page 96

CHAPTER 17 BIRTHDAY SURPRISE

After performing live for 3 weeks at different places NewYork has been selected as the current location by the organizers of the show.

AT THE CONCERT VENUE

Some other band was performing and audience were going crazy. From the sound of claps, cheers, shouting anybody could tell that audience were enjoying a lot and they really liked the performance. The band was performing a highly energetic peppy numbers and by the expressions of judges, they seemed pleased with performance. Hurricane's performance was lined up after 20 minutes so they were just waiting for their turn on back stage. All were quite nervous as their competitors were performing really well and they have to perform even better from them in order to win the heart of audience n judges. Angad was biting nails in nervousness, Danish n Ruhi were just busy in sneaking out from back stage n noticing the expression of judges to get the hint how much they are liking the ongoing performance n what comments they will give. Kabir was all tensed as he was still not sure about their song selection.

But abhay, even though he was there physically but was all lost in the thoughts….thoughts of pia. Ever since they left Mumbai he was missing her but today he was missing her terribly because today was his birthday and was also a festival of love, i.e. Valentines day….their first valentines day together….n they were not together. He was feeling so lonely. The fact that she has not called him since morning n not wished him neither for birthday nor for valentines day, making him sad n a little bit angry on her.

Away from all the tension of the show n their upcoming performance his mind was busy in remembering his lovely moments with pia….different questions were raising in his mind as to why she didn't wish him yet? Has she forgotten? Is she angry with me, but why? Or her exams didn't go well n she is upset. His mind replayed the memory when he told pia about his birthday……

FLASHBACK…….

They were sitting in a caf sipping their cold coffee and occasionally staring into each others' eyes and holding each others' hand when suddenly pia asked him – "abhay what is your birth date".

Abhay- its 14the feb

Pia (excited like a child)- 14^th feb….you mean valentines day

Abhay (smiling on her childish behaviour)- yes, but what is so exciting about it?

Pia (voice full of excitement)-of course its exciting….i mean your birthday on valentines day…..wow…its like….its like (looking into his eyes with her loved filled brown innocent eyes)…..you were born on this day of love only for me…to make me understand what true love is n to shower me with your love.

Abhay(smiling at her thoughts)- you are so cute pia.

Pia (giggling)- dekhna…hum tumhare birthday special way mein celebrate karenge….your first birthday with me n our first valentines day.

Abhay(kissing her hands for assurance)- of course love.

FLASHBACK ENDS……….

Pia's words echoed in abhay's ears again" we will celebrate it in a special way". He sighed n thought" ya…what a special way….we are far way from each other n you didn't even wish me". At battle of conflicting feelings of sadness, anger an a strange despair which was stinging his heart when kabir patted on his shoulder bringing him back form his thoughts n giving momentary relief to him.

Kabir (tensed)- abhay, where are you lost. We'll be performing in next 5 minutes.

Abhay (sighed, coming back to reality)- don't worry kabir, I am fine.

Kabir (frowning)- AR do you think we took a wrong decision to perform a slow rock song today. I mean…look all the others are performing hard core fast rock songs and audience an judges seems to enjoy it very much. I hope they will not get bore in our performance.

Abhay (placing a hand on kabir's shoulder)- don't worry dude. Our performance will be good. And I feel good music doesn't have anything to do with fast or slow pace. It should come straight form the heart so that it will reach straight to the heart of audience.

Kabir was about to say something when there name was announced and they went on stage to give their performance.

Everyone took hi/her position. Abhay came in front with his guitar n took a deep breath to clam down. Though somewhere his feelings were still messing up his head but he knew he had to give his best performance so he decided to pour his heart n all the feelings into his song. He addressed the audience- "hey guys….hope you all are enjoying…..having great time…huh…(scream n shouts from audience told him that this is indeed a very active n fun loving audience) happy valentines day to all. I know all of you must have come with your love to enjoy this evening but those who don't……don't be sad. I dedicate this song to all of them who have been in love n are apart from their loved ones" ….n he began his song—

Doesn't matter how far I am from you

Doesn't matter if I can't talk to you

Doesn't matter if I can't hold you, touch you, kiss you

What matters to me is that, your love resides deep inside my heart

So you see, we can never really be apart

I can feel you in my soul and I am sure you will never leave me alone

But…..baby…..sometimes I just go crazy…stupid heart refuse to rest, cravings for you puts me in mess.

So just come to me, I wanna see you….wanna love you…for a lifetime….for a lifetime.

Doesn't matter if world is against our love

Doesn't matter if destiny raise walls between us

Doesn't matter if circumstances test our love

what matters to me is that our love will pass every test

cause I know its pure and passionate and I can feel you in my soul n I am sure…you will never leave me alone

but….baby…sometimes I just go crazy…stupid heart refuse to rest, cravings for you put me in mess

So just come to me, I wanna see you….wanna love you…for a lifetime….for a lifetime.

After finishing the song abhay looked at the audience n them threw a quick look at the judges. All were quiet. He couldn't understand….what they were thinking? Why everyone was super quiet. He looked at his friends who were equally confused. What went wrong? was kabir right? They didn't like the song. He again looked at judges with those confused looks but was happily shocked to see all of them giving standing ovation to them. They he looked at the audience who gave thunderous rounds of applause. He could see how much all of them liked the performance. Some people from audience were even crying may be they remembered their loved ones. All the judges gave encouraging n wonderful comments n lots of praises while audience went crazy with the screams of "once more"

All of them came back form stage all excited and happy.

Kabir (super excited)- whoa!!! You are genius AR….nice song dude…I think that was our best performance….you saw the reaction….standing ovation man…I can't believe it….wow.

Abhay (hugging all of them in a group hug)- yes it was great performance…..all the credit goes to our team work but our best performance is yet to come….we have to win this competition guys.

Angad(all smiley, all nervousness gone)- yes of course buddy but for now lets go and celebrate your birthday yaar.

Abhay (sad expression returning on his face)- no ….i am not in a mood to celebrate.

Danish (convincing him)- come on yaar its your birthday. Party toh banti hai aur phir hamara performance bhi toh itna achcha tha…lets celebrate.

Abhay (trying to avoid them)- you guys can go….i m really not in a mood.

Kabir(mischievious smile on his face)- are you sure AR? Think again….because you gonna regret it.

Abhay (confused, trying to decipher the sudden mischievous glint in kabir's eyes)- what…..why?...i am sure I don't want to go.

Kabir (shrugs)- ok your loss……because we are going to have really nice time specially when pia is with us.

Abhay(surprised)-what….who….pia…she…she is here?

Kabir(laughing at his reaction)-yes you heard it right. (went n brought pia with him who was hiding behind the curtain)

Abhay(rubbing his eyes to make sure he is not hallucinating)-pia….you are really here?

Pia(controlling her giggles at his reaction)- no abhay…I m not here …you are hallucinating (abhay again gave her a confused look after which she couldn't control her laughter)- off course I m here abhay.

Abhay (giving his best smile)- pia….i can't believe it….(almost throwing his guitar on one side he ran to her n took her in warm and passionate hug)…I missed you so much…I still can't believe that you came….came for me.

Pia (hugging him back with same intensity)- I had to come abhay…..i promised you….remember….n I told you, I never break my promise. (they parted a little to have a proper look at each other quenching the thirst of their eyes n longing of their hearts).. you liked my surprise abhay?

Abhay (holding n kissing her both hands)- like….i loved it pia (both shared intense eyelock for few seconds only to be disturbed by kabir)

Kabir (clearing his throat)- ahem ahem….guys don't forget we are also here.

Angad (smirking)- so AR I am sure now you have changed your mind n coming with us.

Abhay (excitedly)- yes off course what are we waiting for lets go n enjoy.

All of them went to famous disc of the city and grooved to the tune of music forgetting all their worries for a while. They were enjoying themselves when pia's phone rang and she excused herself. Abhay watched her while she was talking on the phone n she looked worried all of a sudden.

Abhay(voice full of concern)- pia kiska phone tha? Whats wrong?

Pia(assuring him)- nothing abhay….mumma ka phone tha…she was asking whether I have reached safely.

Abhay (still concerned)- then why are you worried?

Pia (tensed)- its about shona abhay….mom told me she is ill…AGAIN….we all are worried for her now….she falls ill every now n then these days…she has become quite weak. Doctors have also asked to do some check ups.

Abhay (he too become worried for shona but didn't show it on face as he wanted to console pia)- pia….don't worry. She is quite fragile…and children of her age have lots of pressure of exams n studies these days. But she will be fine soon.

Pia(bit relaxed after his assurance)-hmmm….i hope so.

Abhay (hesitantingly)- pia you came here….your parents….i mean they…didn't stop you? I mean you came to meet your boyfriend all the way to newyork….to celebrate his birthday n they allowed you? (he looked in her eyes with his loved n concerned filled eyes)…I mean I hope you didn't argue with them just because of me.

Pia (love n slight amusement in her eyes as he thought how abhay can be so selfless he is not thinking about his happiness but worried about her family's happiness)- abhay, to be honest when I told them…they were quite reluctant about it infact mumma was totally against it. But when I told them I had promised you. Papa n shona convinced mom saying that I m grown up now…intelligent enough to understand right n wrong n they should trust me.

Abhay(hugging her with one arm)- you are lucky to have such loving family.

Pia (feeling the pain in his voice n his longing for family's love)- did haseena aunty call you?

Abhay (a small smile crept on his lips)- yes mom called n wished me in the morning but dad…..

Pia(interrupting him in between as she didn't want him to be sad on his birthday)- come on abhay lets have something….i am thirsty.

They went to the counter to order some drink n found rest of their friends gulping down tequila shots one after another and seemed to enjoy it a lot. Abhay as usual threw a disgusted look at them and ordered a soft drink for himself n pia but he noticed pia was constantly looking in their direction all amused and curious.

Abhay(as if reading her thoughts)- you wanna try that thing?

Pia (nervous n shocked as if caught red handed)- oh no…no way…why would i…what made you think that…..i was…was just watching them….i mean how much they are enjoying while having it….but me….no…I know how much you HATE alcohol….then how could i…

Abhay(understanding her dilemma, holding her from shoulders)- its ok pia…..i have my own reasons to hate it, you know that. But if you wish to try it…I won't stop you. Although I would advise you to stay away from it….but I can understand everyone at some point of time have such desire….so if you just wanna try it once then…then don't worry about me…you can go for it.

Pia (child like excitement in her voice)- really abhay…you won't mind…..i can try it….oh you are such a sweetheart (kissed him quickly on both cheeks n went to join others while abhay shouted from back-"just once…n be careful")

Ruhi (welcoming pia n giving one arm hug)- hey pia come on, have some fun. (hands her a tequila shot)

Kabir(reading the nervousness on pia's face)- don't worry pia, I'll show you how to have it (he gulped down his drink n then licked some salt n lemon from other hand)

Pia(carefully observed him and drank her shot in one go in same manner but after that there was horrible expression on her face as if she wants to puke)- yuck!!! It was so yucky….how can you guys drink it.

Angad (handing her another drink)- that's because you had it for the first time, try it once more, you'll like it.

Pia(doubtfully)- are you sure this thing will taste better this time? (angad nodded in response n pia somehow gathered courage to try it again. This time she felt it was less yucky n something kicked in her nervous system making her feel light)

Danish- so how was it?

Pia- well….it was quite better this time.

Ruhi(giving another drink to pia)- it will be much better after this.

Abhay (holding pia's hand when she was about to gulp down third drink)- ok….thats enough, pia you only wanted to try n now you are getting drunk. How will you handle yourself?

Ruhi(rolling her eyes)- oh come on AR let her have some fun.

Pia(assuringly)-don't worry abhay, see nothing has happened to me till now….i think I can handle few more drinks n why I have to worry if you are there to handle me (she winked at him, making him smile n others teased them.)

Pia went on having some more in excitement n finally ended up getting drunk. All of them spent some more time in disc then left for their hotel. After seeing pia's condition abhay realized he is going to have a tough time in handling her n decided to take her to her hotel. All the way pia kept blabbering something n wishing him happy birthday every now n then. Abhay was quite frustrated n a little bit angry too but he decided not to sulk about it now as pia was not in the condition to understand plus she was looking so cutely innocent in this state. He managed to open the door of her room somehow while holding her n made her sit on the bed.

Pia(holding his hands n trying to look sincere but failing miserably)- abhay I want to say something really important to you (he already knew what she wanted to say but still kept his pateince)-"what pia?"

Pia (smiling sheepishly)- happy birthday abhay

Aabhay (plastering a fake tight smile on his face as now he really started loosing his patience)- I know sweetheart….you have already wished me 100 times since evening.

Pia(acting like she is in deep thought n counting how many times she really wished him)- oh really….then happy birthday abhay for 101th time (she started giggling)

Abhay (while removing her sandals)- ok, thank you, now PLZ be quiet.

Pia (pouting)- no, (putting her hands around his neck) I didn't bring any gift for you……so…(her eyes shining with excitement n mischievousness ) you can demand anything from me.

Abhay (raising his eyebrow, trying to read whats on her mind)- I don't want anything pia.

Pia(that mischievousness turned into something more strong n eyes turning dark with desire. She pulled him closer)- but I want you to want me.

Before abhay could react she put her lips on his. First abhay was little surprised to react but then he gave in, how could he have stopped himself, he was missing her like hell. He kissed her back n kissed her hard. All his anxiety since morning n the terrible feeling he went through when he was missing her, the excitement seeing her here….all was going in his mind n he poured it all into their intense n passionate kiss while she kept pulling him close n close. When they parted both of them were breathless. He hungrily captured her lips once more nibbling her lower lip n enjoying the taste of it. He didn't stop there n nuzzled in her throat n all over her neck. Pia felt little ticklish n started giggling and again wished him happy birthday between her giggles. This made abhay stop in his track. He abruptly parted himself from her when reality dawned upon him. He closed his eyes to calm down his growing desires n his thumping heart, he sighed after few moments n finally open his eyes n thought what was he doing. He ran his hands through his hair felt a little guilty of being carried away. She was all his. She was in front of him after so many days. She was all eager to give herself to him but…..but….she was DRUNK…she is not in her sane mine n probably she will freak out about it in the morning. NO….he can't let this happen…no matter how much he wants her now but he can't let this happen now.

Gathering all his will power he stood up and asked her to sleep.

Pia (giggling)- you mean sleep with you.

Abhay (couldn't help but smile at her playful mood)- no, sleep quietly like a good girl.

Pia(pouting)-but how can I sleep in this dress.

Abhay (located her suitcase n handed her lower n T shirt from it)- here, go n change (pushed her into bathroom while he waited there still trying to control his urge to grab her n make love to her insanely)

Pia (came out wearing only T shirt n struggling with lowers in her hands)- abhay what is this stupid thing….how can I wear it when I only have two legs n there is a place of four legs in it. (she was accentuating each word more than necessary because of alcohol effect)

Abhay couldn't help but laugh at her tone but when he concentrated on the beautiful view in front of him he almost forget to breathe. There she was standing in only T shirt, looking breathtakingly cute n hot at the same time, pouting her lips at him. He ran his hands through his hair one more time n took a deep breath again to rein his feelings. "oh God!!! This girl is hell bent on testing my will power today", he thought. He went towards her n threw lowers on one side after snatching it from her n lift her in his strong arms. He put her in bed n covered her deliciously alluring figure with duvet. Pia struggled to get out of bed but didn't let her n kissed her goodnight on her forehead forcing her eyes to shutdown. He kept stroking her forehead until she was asleep. He sighed, a sigh of relief n decided to take the couch as he was not sure he will be able to control himself anymore with pia on the same bed.

NEXT MORNING

Abhay got up first his mind still reeling from the events of last night. He threw a quick look at pia who was still asleep. He admired his sleeping beauty for few seconds but then he noticed she was stirring in her sleep means she will be awake any moment. Suddenly he got a mischievous idea n smiled his wicked, oh- so sexy grin. "You tried my patience last night….huh…now it's a payback time baby", he thought. He removed his shirt n slowly got into her bed under the duvet. Pia opened her eyes n yawned. She tried to process where she was n why her head is aching so badly. Then she turned aside n looked at abhay who was pretending to be in deep sleep. First she smiled at him then when reality dawned upon her she jumped from the bed feeling shocked. "what is abhay doing in my bed", she thought. Then she took in the other details, " oh- he is shirtless n wait a minute….where is my lowers". She panicked at the possibility of what might have happened between them. She ran to the bed n shook abhay vigorously to wake him up.

Abhay (acting as he was in deep sleep)- whats so urgent baby, let me sleep you didn't let me rest the whole night"

Pia(her mouth drop open with shock)- abhay get up….what are you saying….what happened last night…GET UP.

Abhay (trying hard to control his laughter n pretending to be tired)- what is it pia? Can't you see how tired I am n what about you? Still there is any energy left in you after whole night of…..(he knowing left his sentence incomplete)

Pia(apprehensive look)- after whole night of….what?

Abhay (teasing her)- oh come on now, don't pretend….you know what I mean.

Pia(almost shouting)- no I don't know what you mean. Will you plz EXPLAIN.

Abhay (started melting looking her shocked n nervous state but continued to play a little more)- ok, so….you don't remember anything…well ok…what do you wanna know?

Pia(nervous n stammering)- last night….i mean…last night we…(abhay was trying hard to control his laughter while pia was getting more n more nervous n feeling awkward about how to ask him. She finally got frustrated n took a deep breath gathering courage n said it out loud)- did we have sex last night.

Abhay(couldn't control his laughter anymore n started laughing like a maniac. He was quite surprised at her blatant question n choice of words)- oh pia, plz….sex….sounds so crude n materialistic….can't you ask "did we make love last night"

Pia(angry n panic)- what difference does it make? N plz abhay stop laughing….its not a joke…I need to know.

Abhay(finally took pity on her condition but still smiling)- sorry pia, I was just teasing you. Don't worry nothing happened last night.

Pia (confused)- then why you were saying that….n you like this (pointing to his shirt which layed on the floor) on my bed n me like this….i mean…(hung her head down feeling embarrased) where are my lowers?

Abhay (cupping her face affectionately)- pia, I said I was just kidding….n about your lowers….well you was too drunk to change in your night dress properly. N inspite of your attempts to SEDUCE me….(he raised an eyebrow looking intentionally at her) you should thank me that I have strong will power n I managed to sleep alone on the couch. And plz it makes a huge difference (pia looked at him confused so he clarified that he was talking about her choice of words). Though both words means same thing but calling it just sex….you make it sound like a carnal pleasure devoid of any emotions….dont insult my love like that. Its true that nothing happened last night but we will get intimate at some point of time in our relationship and that will not be a mere physical relation of two bodies….it will be more for me….union of two souls deeply in love, complete surrender ….n I want you to feel my love in it. Infact that's the reason why I stopped myself from going further last night cause I knew the next morning you will wake up and won't remember anything n will get panic.

Pia(feeling relaxed at revelation of truth n admiration for him)- thank you abhay….for understanding me. And you know you are really different from other guys who just wait for an opportunity to get physical with their girlfriends. That's why I love you so much.

Abhay(caressing her face)- now you know, why I hate alcohol, it makes us forget not only bad memories but ruin for happy moments too. And I don't want this. Pia I have never hide anything from you….its not that I don't want you…(bringing her face closer to his),…you have no idea how much I crave for me…how much I need you(brushing his lips lightly with hers) but I am not in a hurry. I will wait for the time when you are ready for this in your completely sane mind. When you will be comfortable about it and don't regret it later. I want us to cherish those memories forever instead of considering it some mistake done under the influence of alcohol.

Pia was overwhelmed by his words, his love she just hugged him tight as if he was her lifeline n she will not survive if she let him go. After sometime they broke apart and abhay asked her to get ready. They spent the whole day in admiring New york city.

NEXT DAY AT AIRPORT

Pia(hugged him last time as she was about to leave for mumbai)- good bye abhay. Only two weeks left n you will be back soon….and I hope….no I know you will return as the winner of the show.

Abhay (sighed after releasing her from his strong grip)- ya, I hope so.

Pia – I am still surprised you came to airport with me, last time you did't allow me to come at airport with you saying that you can't say goodbye to me.

Abhay (smiling)- ya, I don't know why but suddenly I m more confident about our relationship, about everything…I think distances make you realize the importance of relationship n makes it more strong…..n I think something good is going to happen.

Pia(apprhensively)- I wish I could feel the same way….but ever since I met you there is an unknown fear in y heart…fear of loosing you. I know its completely irrational but….i think I love you too much.

Abhay (kissing her forehead)- don't worry….just two weeks…when we will win I will win my challenge with dad…n I will talk about us. We will get married soon. Now go before I keep you here only. Bye love.

PRECAP- WORLD AT MY FEET

i will try to update soon this time...before you guys forget the story😆