.Romantic OS Contest || Voting Round.

^^A lovely siggie by Shona<3 Thank you Shona..muah!

• You have to vote for 5 entries each. Separately for the OS and the Title!
• Each entry is numbered. Mention the number in order to vote.
  
• 3 things you have to keep in mind while voting- the story, scenes, creativity..Since a lot of thought goes into it!
• Thing that you shouldn't vote on the basis of-your friends' entry! I know most of you'll would recognize your favorite writers' works but VOTE for the OS's and not for your friends😉
• Contestants can vote too, same Rules apply! You can vote for your own work too😉
  
• Last date to vote | 13-05-13.

3.

Hale Dil

Last day of the college, everybody enjoying the party of last day with their friends, the fab party music, loud noise and laughs... but two people present here are not at all happy... they are feeling a killing silence around them... arjun was standing with some friends but not enjoying the ball, same thing happening with arohi, she was standing alone and starring him from far with moist eyes, when he turned to her and their eyes met, both lost in their own thoughts...

Arohi: last day of the college, pta nhi iske bad hum kabhi mil payenge bhi ya nhi...kash ye pal yahin ruk jaye aur tum hamesha mere samne raho, lekin me janti hu ki ye possible nhi hai... one tear rolled on her cheeks...

Arjun: kyon arohi, kyon tum jab bhi meri taraf dekhti ho, me inme kho sa jata hu, kyon itna sab hone ke bad bhi tumhe apne dil se nikal nhi pa rha hu... lekin bas aaj hum akhiri bar ek dusre ke samne hain, par kyon dil ye chahta hai ki ye pal kabhi na guzre, bas yahin tham jaye.

Someone screamed arjun's name and their eyes contact have broken; she turned her face to wipe her tears and moved out from there.

Flashback

First day in the College after vacations, new class, new faces, some new and old friends... but the masti and fun remains the same, no change in it.

The famous collage of Delhi 'St Aloysius', where only few lucky people gets chance to study, in this reputed college some other are who got admission by their high contacts n money but some are getting this opportunity by their talent, intelligence and hard work, college has a rule that all students who obtain above 80% will pay only half amount of the fees and who obtained 90, their study will be completely free by the college. They were calling scholarship students, rich students of the college not looking at their talent and capabilities they were seeing only their cloths and class, that's why rich students always treats them very low, it is a insult to them even talking with scholar students.

Here comes the heartthrob of the collage vikram Mittal, in his BMW. All eyes stopped at him, the richest and spoilt boy of the collage, he is handsome, charming and the most arrogant & heartless guy, who only thinks of himself, always want to win at any cost, the most egoistic person. He stepped out from his car, took off his shades and gave a look of attitude, he handed over the key to the another student and ordered to park in his particular parking area, then his friends came to him, asked: hey Vicky where were you? You know na today is the day of having fun, we have to welcome the new students of the college in our style, then gave a high five to vrishali, she replied yes Vicky, how can you be late today... Vicky winked and said kya kahun kal ki rat thi hi itni rocking... just then riya said oh it's ok, because you are not alone who is late, your dear friend arohi is still not arrived, so chill... we have to wait for her.

Vicky asked surprisingly, what? She is not here? Oh dam! just hope she'll not miss today's fun then another friend asked so who will be our today's first bakra? Vicky replied obviously someone from the scholar side, they think themselves so intelligent, we will show them their real place. Then vrishali said oh thankfully arohi came before we start anything, the gorgeous girl of the collage miss arohi ahluwalia, daughter of biggest steal king sudhir ahluwalia. The girl who got everything, style, charm, beauty, smartness, but she also have a pure heart, which is full of love and kindness but being the part of these spoilt rich gang, she lost her own self and became one of them, arrogant and mean, who have so proud of being rich, being beautiful, she knows that she is dream of every guy, they can do anything for just getting one smile from her, but she is just too tough to handle, her pink car stopped, the moment she came out nobody winking their eyes, she was diva... white chiffon thigh length dress which was giving her dam good look, talking on phone she was walking towards the canteen... all boys present their looking at her with dreamy eyes and all girls with so much jealousy.

She reached to the canteen, waved hand to her friends, then came near them. Vicky hugged her and asked: why you are so late? you know na I miss you around me, arohi gave a fake smile and said don't lie, if you really miss me then why you not came for pick me today? I told you we will go together, I m sure you forgot, ek din mujhe bhi mat bhul jana. Oh! Come on arohi, tumhe me kabhi bhul sakta hoon? now smile, don't upset with me, then again riya screamed, hey guys we got our bakra, one boy said no guys ragging is banned here, if principal come to know we have to face major punishment, Tushar hit him on his head, chup kar sale fattu, it's not ragging, we are just being friendly with new bies, Rohit said ya hum bas thoda intro lenge.

Vrishali said ok ok now stop your discussion, just call him, Vicky shouted, hey... hello... but he was not paying attention towards them, he again shouted oye listen you chashmish, he turned to them a tall, fair and handsome guy with perfect physique. He has specs on his eyes, wearing simple light blue shirt with black jeans and black shoes, they ordered him to come, he moved ahead and stood front of them, everyone present at the canteen desperately watching this and waiting to see some more fun, Vicky was looking at him toes to head, asked so you are new?? He nodded. So aapka shubh naam? he replied arjun, riya asked arjun? wohi karan ke bhai arjun, everyone laughed. Vicky said no riya that was old, and look at him he is looking quite young, He asked again so...whats your marks in last year, he replied 97, tushar said oh scholarship student... hmm... chal bata Sunday ke bad Monday kyon aata hai? Arjun was making confused face, said I don't know, then Vicky replied abe idiot kyoki Monday ke pahle Sunday aata hai, they again started laughing, arjun was not liking being tamasha front of everyone, their every word was carrying offense, he angrily said: agar aap logo ko sab kuch pta hi hai toh mujhse kyon puchh rhe hain, vrishali said in sarcastic tone oh ise achha nhi laga humne isse sawal kiya, Vicky: toh kya kar lega?? Han? arjun gave them a angry look, which nobody likes from their group, Vicky: oye don't you dare look at me like this, lower your eyes, I said lower your eyes, arjun thought it's better not to stretch this incident, because he is here for making his career not for any stupid fight, so he did, Vicky kept his hand on his shoulder, good boy.

Then tushar said no vickey hume aankhe dikhane ki saza toh ise milegi, aaj jane diya toh kal phir yahi galati dohrayega, arohi said oh come on guys let him go, then Vicky said ok meri arohi ki bat me kaise taal sakta hu, chal ja tu bhi kya yaad karega.

Then all girls moved towards girl's locker room for touch up their makeup and hair before class. Rohit said to Vicky, no Vicky you should not let him go like this, kitna attitude tha usme? Vicky: take it easy boys, sirf jaane diya hai, chhoda nhi... I will teach him his lesson soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In between the class Vicky threw one paper boll on arohi, which have written- you are looking Dam sexy today, when she turned at the back, she saw arjun was sitting there, he passed a small smiled to see her, but just then she slapped him hard on cheeks, the whole class started laughing to see this, but three boys enjoyed this the most who are Vicky, Rohit and Tushar. Vicky: so the new boy got his welcome gift.

Arjun was so shocked why she slapped him front of whole class... is she did this coz of that smile... how weird she is. Well why not after all she is arohi ahluwalia... whatever I heard about her was so true, when I saw her in canteen I thought she is not like them but she is.

He got up from his place after class and proceed to library, then one girl came near him, wearing simple jeans and kurti, forwarded her hand: hi m shefali, m also a scholar student, you are new right? He nodded and shook hand said hi m arjun, nice to meet you, shefali : are going to library, he said yes, I m going to prepare some notes about today's lecture, she said oh grt, m also going there. They both left for library together.

Next day in class, shefali took place beside him and passed a cute smile, arjun smiled back to her, Vicky and gang started singing song aankhon hi aankhon me ishara ho gaya baithe baithe jeene ka sahara ho gaya and whole class smiling, making noise ooo... he was getting angry about to answer them but shefali stopped him, pls let it go, in logo ka yahi kaam hai.

After class as usual arjun was making his notes in library, arohi was searching some books there, she has one list in her hands but due to not coming here often, she could not find them, arjun saw her list positioned on the table, she was busy in searching, arjun too started searching and got whole in few minutes, he placed them near her list on table and started going, when she turned, found all books on the table, which she was finding from the last half an hour, she called him from behind to say thanks but when he turned, she stood quite, he replied your welcome and left from there, Arohi also left taking her books.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Riya: you remember na arohi today is welcome party for new students, so what you gonna wear? arohi replied I hv some dresses from the new collection of MM bas usme se hi kuchh'.

The awesome party started, as usual arohi was looking stunning...and arjun's eyes stopped at her again and again. when shefali was going to take drink, she bumped with vrishali, vrishali's whole drink spread on shefali's dress, then her whole gang came to see this, divya said oh what u done vrish? you spoilt her dress, waise bhi bechari ke pass total mila ke do chaar hi toh dresses hain ab kya karegi becahi! riya said right div, if m not mistaken last year party me bhi tumne yahi dress pahni thi na? vrishali said in sarcastic style yeah I remember, I think bohot mahangi hogi kahan se li? Fashion street se? aur ye earrings?? all laughed loud on her including arohi, they all enjoying making fun on her, shefali's eyes filled with tears, she turned to ran from there, but arjun came and stopped her, he said to shefali why you crying shefali, they are right you don't have costly collection of dress, because tumhe inki koi zarurat hi nhi hai, they need designer dresses to look beautiful but you don't, because you are already the most gorgeous girl, you have a beautiful heart, may be they are good looking from their outside attire but you are beautiful inside, so don't waste your precious tears. Come let's go. Everyone present there just watching them going with silent mouth, they were surprised, first time someone gave them the 'muh tod jawab' which is boiling their blood.

Arjun and shefali came out from the party, shefali said thanks arjun, arjun replied come on, we are friends, so no need of this, shefali said I m saying thanks kyoki meri vajah se tumne un logo ko jawab diya jisme ek shaks hai jise tum like karte ho. Arjun raised his eyebrow in question, she replied I know you like arohi mene dekha hai tumhe use library me chhup chhup ke dekhte huye, arjun felt embarrassed being caught. He said in defense no it's not like that; I was looking at her because she was finding something from very long time so I was thinking to help her or not, that's it.

Shefali shook her head smilingly, he said in a convincing pleading tone: me sach kah rha hu.

Next day in college Vicky, Rohan and Tushar waiting for him for taking revenge of last night, they stopped him and said, we are so sorry arjun we didn't give you the worm welcome you deserve aur jab tak new and old students ke beeck thoda masti na ho tab tak bonding nhi banti, so U have to do whatever we will order, Tushar poiting towards a girl: look at her kya maal hai ja usse puchhkar aana ki uska figure kya hai? Vickey: suna nhi, go... arjun turned to that girl and again turned to them said ager aap logo ko itna interest hai toh khud hi kyon nhi puchh lete, to hear this their anger was not in control, Vicky was about to punch him but stopped himself to see principal coming, they said tujhe toh hum bad me dekh lenge.

In the common room arjun was reading his book, just then arohi and riya came and took place beside his table, riya was starring him, after few minutes said- waise arohi, this new boy arjun is quite hot, nhi? Arohi looked at him and again at her: whatever! Riya: are dekh na uski chocolate brown eyes, uski perfect body, soch shirt me hi itne cuts dikhte hain toh bina shirt ke toh... arohi interrupted in middle stop it riya, I don't like this cheap boy, riya asked cheap? Oh are you talking about that paper boll! no no that was not him, vic done that to rag him, vic knows that you don't like these kind of cheap comments so he used your anger for giving him his welcome gift, arohi stood up asked angrily what?? Toh ye sab inn logo ka kiya dhara hai, then she angrily left from there, sitting alone at the garden, try not to think about him but her stubborn heart not listening to her. Should I say sorry to him? No! Why? I have a reputation here if anybody come to know then? After all I am arohi ahluwalia. that day in party he insulted us, arohi was not accepting but somewhere in heart, she likes whatever he said, she likes how he came to protect his friends... trying hard to not think about him, but again and again his thoughts ruling over her mind, his first sight, first time in class when she looked at him and he passed a smile to her, regretting to slap him without any fault. But instead of all that he helped me in finding books; finally she decided to apologize with him, ha kal class me jab koi nhi hoga I will say sorry and thanks both.

Next day in class arohi was waiting everyone to leave after class, everybody left accept arohi, arjun and shefali, she said- excuse me arjun, I want to talk to u? shefali winked at him said arjun me tumse library me milti hu. Now arjun and arohi are alone here. She said- arjun vo me... actually, I wanted to apologize for my behavior that day, someone threw a paper ball on me and I thought that was you, I m very sorry, and thanks for helping me in finding books, he replied it's ok, after hearing this she quickly forwarded her hand, friends? He stood quite, looking at her surprisingly... she felt embarrassed, first she herself didn't understand why she offered her hand, and second his no response, she was about to pull her hand back, but he shook hand with her said friends with a sweet dimple smile.

From the next day they started passing smile to each other, after some days, arohi not even care for being rich, being diva of the collage, she likes to spend time with him so she doing that, his knowledgeable talking's, she learn everyday a new thing from them, they are not talking about cars, shopping, pubs, night clubs, not making fun of anybody, they spending time in library, he usually help her in study, arjun, arohi and shefali three of them enjoying this new friendship bond, they enjoying ice gola of roadside stalls together, being daughter of a busy business man she usually feeling lonely, this new friendship gave her true reason of smile, whenever she felt lonely, she called arjun and they talking with each other for the long time, arohi was with lots of friends around before this but didn't felt happiness like this, but her growing friendship with them didn't liked by her friends Vicky and gang. Vicky was jealous with arjun that arohi is being impress by him day by day and to add fuel on fire tushar and rohit always in a job of provoking him... bas vic tu dekh raha hai na vo do caudi ka ladka, teri arohi ko tujhse door kar rha hai, har waqt vo usi ke sath rahti hai aur tujhse bat karna tak kitna kum kar diya hai, hume ise iski aukat dikhani hogi, Vicky said you are right, arohi sirf meri hai, sirf meri! me sari zindagi uska dost ban kar nhi rah sakta, aur ek do take ka ladka mujhse mera haq chheen le, ye me kabhi bardasht nhi kar sakta, aur waise bhi isse purana hisab bhi chukana hai, ise mere raste se hatna hi hoga...

Vic made a plan when arohi was busy in study, they took her phone for a minute n messaged to ajun-'hiii arjun, can you meet me tonight at Cliff' and quickly deleted from the outbox.

They all were waiting for him with hockey sticks, when arjun reached there, he felt strange to not found arohi there, he called her name- arohi... arohi... are u here??

Vic and gang came front of him, arohi nhi toh kya hua, hum toh hai, kyon be bohot par nikal aaye hain tere... they started beating him, they broke his legs, hit on head, shoulders... he was bleeding badly, each part of his body colored from blood, one of them said ye sabak hamesha yaad rakhna, you bloody down-market.

Arjun's eyes were heavy, only one face flashing front of his eyes... arohi, why you do this to me, then closed them.

When arohi got to know about this she reached to the hospital, she was very tensed... entering to his room, but shefali stopped her said- ab kya dekhne aayi ho arohi, ki vo zinda hai ya nhi, arohi was shocked to hear this: what are you saying shefali, me aisa kyon sochungi, shefali: jyada bholi banne ka natak mat karo arohi ye sab tumhari vajah se hua hai, kyon arohi, kyon kiya tumne aisa? badla hi lena tha toh ye dosti ka natak kyon? Arohi was still not understanding anything, then shefali showed her arjun's mobile- ye dekho arohi ye tumhara hi msg hai na, tumne hi use cliff pe bulaya tha, jahan tumhare dosto ne uski ye halat ki. Arohi: nhi shefali mene ye nhi... shefali showed her palm to stop: pls arohi bas, pls jao yahan se...

Arohi can't see her friend arjun like this, maybe he was more than a friend for her. She reached home threw herself on bed, tightly holding pillow and cried whole night...

Next day at the collage Arohi was very angry, not in mood of listening anything, came to Vicky and slapped hard on face, he stood there like a statue with lowered eyes, of course whatever he done, he has nothing to say in his own favor or defense.

After few days arjun recovered completely, he entered to the class; many students welcomed him and asked about his health. When he saw arohi, she was standing quite, both talking to each other with silent mouth but speaking heart.

Arjun: kyon arohi, tum ek baar mujhse milne tak nhi aayi, iska toh yahi matlab ho sakta hai ki tumhari friendship ek jhut thi...

Arohi: nhi arjun, you misunderstanding me, I can't even think to hurt you, aana chahti thi tumhare pass, rahna chahti thi tumhare pass, par shayad mujhme himmat hi nhi thi, kyoki ye sab meri vajah se hi hua tha, mere dosto ne hi kiya tha.

Arjun went to professor's room to ask for some more time to complete his assignments due to his accident, but he told to arjun that his assignments have already submitted. He thought perhaps shefali done this.

Final exams started and everyone got busy in that, after exams time came for result and no surprise arjun got the first rank with 96%.

The annual function of the year, which was the time of praising outstanding students of the collage. Everyone excited, because the biggest industrialist Mr. Rudra pratap singhania coming as a chief guest.

The function start, many students got their prizes, arohi got prize for her cultural events, shefali got prize for her outstanding performance in quiz competition on national level. At the end, time came for giving the prize for the topper of the year, none other than arjun singhania, RP Singhania handed over the trophy and said- nothing can be the proud moment for the father than this, I m giving trophy to my own son arjun singhania, I remember he always wanted to make his name by his own, that's why he chosen to study on his scholarship not with my money, I m very proud of you son u have done it today again you got scholarship for your further studies, he said thanks dad, mere liye bhi isse jyada proud moment nhi ho sakta jahan mujhe meri inspiration, mere dad se ye trophy mil rhi hai.

Everyone present there were shocked and surprised including arohi and shefali, nobody knows that he is actually arjun singhania, son of mr. RP Singhania... all clapped for them.

Flashback end...

she moved out from the party at the dark place controlling her tears, then shefali came- arohi tum arjun se baat kyo nhi karti, use apne dil ki baat bol do, arohi breaking the eye contact said tum kya bol rhi ho? Shefali:Pls arohi tumhari aankho me dikhayi deta hai, how much you love him mujhe pta chal gaya hai arohi jo kuchh bhi hua usme tumhari koi galti nhi thi, aur vo tum hi thi jo arjun ke liye assingment likhti thi, uske liye notes banati thi, jo tumne nilesh ke through arjun ko diye the.

Arohi:Lekin ab in sab ka kya fayda, he hates me aur ab ager mene use apne dil ki baat kahi toh use lagega ki shayad me uski hasiyat janne ke bad ye sab bol rhi hu, I love him because he is arjun singhania, he will not believe on me, everything is finished shefali, it's not a movie or a story, its real life aur real life me happy endings nhi hote. Arohi moved ahead to go, when she lifted her head up found arjun front of her, shefali smiled and left from there. Arjun came near, held her face gently and gave a soft kiss on lips, real life me happy endings hoti hain arohi. Arohi wrapped her hands around him, held for a tight hug, I love you arjun...I love you too arohi, arjun me... he kept his finger on her lips kuchh kahne ki zarurat nhi hai, mene sab sun liya hai. I m sorry arohi, why I misunderstand you, this time she kept her finger on his lips, bas ab aur kuchh nhi, hum sath hain mujhe aur kuchh nhi chahiye and again hugged him, after breaking the hug, she looked at his eyes asked you are without specs? he said yes today I used lances, she said riya was right your eyes are chocolaty, he asked surprisingly, toh tumne kya first time notice kiya? Arohi: kya karu tumhare specs ki vajah se samjh hi nhi aya, then she laughed out no stupid, bas aaj jyada pass se dekha hai.. arjun: aur pass se dekhna chahogi?? Arohi: hmm...haan but not now... both entered in the party holding hands, dancing with each other, she kept her head on his chest and closed her eyes, both slowly moving with the music, in the whole party this new dazzling couples were the centre of attention. After the party arjun was going to drop her, she said in between wow arjun your car is very nice, he said why not after all I m arjun singhania, she smiled han han me toh bhul hi gyi thi, toh phir mr. singhania kab aa rhe ho mere ghar mera hath mangne, arjun: tumhare hath ka me kya karunga, mujhe toh puri arohi chahiye, one peace. She hit his chest, jerk... he smiled bohot jald arohi, tumhe kya batau ki me tumhe apna banane ke liye kitna batab hu, then wrapped his both hands around her, she shouted howwws... arjun drive karo romance baad me karna warna accident ho jayega, ok toh chalo car side me rokkar romance kar lete hain and winked to her, she smilingly said... don't be such a besharam. He stopped his car at her house, peeked out said oh toh ye hai mera sasural, she replied yes... then arohi gave him kiss on cheeks and trying to open the door, but that was lock, she looked at him surprisingly, he said in a husky tone jab tum mujhe thik se bye nhi karti tab tak ye door nhi khulega, she smilingly shook her head, then both lost in a feverish kiss...

*****

RENEWED PROMISES

"And here I inaugurate the Canadian branch of AS group of industries. It gives me immense pleasure to announce that AS group has made double the profit from last year." Said Arjun Singhania during the press conference for the inauguration of 6^th branch of AS group throughout the world.

Arjun Singhania, one of the top billionaire, the owner of AS group, the top software company. The man had his own way in doing everything. A workaholic, firm to his rules and a man of discipline. He was famous for his thorough professional attitude. It was even said that work was his first and last love.

This young business tycoon had charms that any girl would go down on her knees for him. But it was always his work and HER that were important for him. Always? This was the question he himself didn't have answer to.

Arjun sat in his chauffeur driven car on his way back to his hotel room. Tomorrow he would have to leave back to London to his house near DJ, his only family left with him. He reached the place and entered in the hotel. There was a different aroma around him there or only he was feeling it. Feeling of her presence that pinched his heart .He checked around for her but could see her nowhere. Disappointed he left from there and told the driver to take the car to the bungalow. He could not stay there anymore. So he decided to go the house he had bought for arohi. But after she left him he never went there because the place was haunted with her memories. But today was missing her too much.

He entered into the house only to find it already lit with candles and roses just the way he liked it. Just the way she used to decorate it for him. They had spend some of the best memories in that house. He went inside to be greeted with pictures of their first meet. His heart skipped a beat knowing that she was there. He went in further to find more of their pictures . And there stood his lady love, the love of his life, the light of his house, the woman around whom his whole universe revolved. She was wearing a red sari, his favorite.

As she turned around, and their eyes met they could see the same love and affection for each other as before. It was never lost but her was to busy to notice. But today he found something else too. Pain and longing for him. His happiness knew no bounds seeing her. They did no know for how long they stood there seeing each other. They needed no explanation from each other. All they needed now was to be with each other.

And at lat she spoke what seemed like hearing her voice after ages."I love you arjun" was all she could say. "I love you too and always had" and they hugged each other. He held her so tightly with fear that she will leave him again. He wanted to assure himself that she was with him back in his world, back to their world. They broke the hug after a long time. "you will not leave me again na arohi. I am sorry. I know it was all my fault. I was too busy in achieving my dreams that I took you for granted because I knew you will be with me. But got so busier in reaching new heights that I forgot that someone was waiting for me with her arms open, calling me back to her with all her love. I am really sorry arohi. I promise that I will never do that again. You are the reason of my survival.

Seeing the moisture in her eyes he got worried. He could not see tears in her eyes though he knew that he was the reason of her pain. seeing the worry on her face she understood the reason."I waited for so long to hear this arjun. So long you got so busy that I could not find the way to save our marriage. I tried arjun. I did not give up on us and never will. But I needed space and time to think. I knew you would be back to me someday. I had that faith in us but my patience gave up.I could not see you getting away from me. So I went away so that both of us can get another chance to think and save his marriage.so I came here in Canada. Last six months I was staying here. But this three days of your visit made me realize that you are going through worst. I saw you entering the hotel and also saw only my presence there could affect you to what extent. I could see in your eyes the pain you were going through. I never doubted your love arjun but its only that we were getting apart. But now I know that you will give hundred percent to this relationship and I have no doubts regarding that. so i knew where you would go after leaving from the hotel. So i rushed here to our house and you being late to reach here was my gain as i got more time to decorate the house.

"Why do you know me better that me arohi." "because we are not different individuals arjun. We are one. Its only that you never saw yourself deeply. You your self don't know what are your likes and dislikes. Its only you and your business always" "and now its you too. " and with that their lips crushed against each other making a new start of a new beginning of journey of newly made promises and a journey of love. The kiss was tendor caring yet full of passion. their thirst for each other could not be fullfilled with this one kiss. yet it assured both of them that they are going to be one forever from now.

"Don' you think we need to renew our promises to mark this reunion" his voice brought her out of her trance. She looked in his eyes and could see him smirking. what you wanna say arjun? "come with me" and he took her to the center of the room. He took some candles and lit them together in the center. he held her hand and started renewing their wedding wows. The seven pheras reminded them their each and every promise made to each other.

And now was the time for the next step after marriage. He picked her up and headed towards their room to be one with his beloved wiffy all over again for a HAPPILY EVERAFTER''''.

*****

5.

Lift me Up!!

*****

10.

Home is where you are...

Arohi clutched the sides of her sari, just to have something to hold on to in her nervousness. Her wide brown eyes followed the slowly moving figure, who was scanning her humble abode at leisure. When she had opened the front door a few minutes back, the last thing that she had expected was her past, to be staring back at her. In between getting the dinner ready and attending to household work, her mind had been completely preoccupied and hence seeing 'him' on her doorstep had shocked her.

He stopped his steady walk in front of the numerous photo frames that she had kept on her chest of drawers. A few of them being new, many of them also gave a glimpse of her old life' the life that she had left behind her, almost two years ago. Hazelnut irises danced from picture to picture till they came to a steady halt on one very particular snap. It looked like it was taken years ago at the beach. Arohi in her light blue shorts and white tank top was laughing away as a young man had picked her up from behind, with his arms tightly wrapped around her waist.

"Arohi' please smile. I'm sorry bola na' Kaan bhi pakad liye maine. Ab please gussa chodo and smile for the camera' and for me' please'"

Shefali left out a breath, tired of standing in the sun, waiting for him to make Arohi smile.

"Dekho Arohi' ab tumne smile nahi kiya na' toh mein' tumhe gudgudi karunga."

Arohi turned her face away not taking his words seriously. In the next moment, she let out a shriek as she was picked up from behind and tickled on her waist. She was laughing and kicking in the air, till the tickling stopped and then she was whirled around. When they came to a stop, Arohi was still laughing' still in the air' and Shefali pressed the 'click' button.

Arjuns hand went involuntarily to the edge of the rustic frame of this particular memory, which looked as old as the snap itself. He smiled, with the same love and warmth that was displayed in front of him. He turned around, to find Arohi staring at him, her hands clutching her sari and her teeth biting her lower lip. He walked towards her and Arohis heart started beating faster. Her eyebrows jumped up, and then scrunched in confusion when he walked past her, and headed towards the kitchen. Shaking herself out of her trance, she followed him hastily.

Arjun removed a water bottle from the fridge and drank from it. The casual and familiar way in which he was moving in her house made Arohi more nervous. But not more than the fact that he was ignoring her completely. Straightening her shoulders, she decided to end this dumb charades and to be the first one among the both of them, to speak' in two long years. But as usual, Arjun beat her to it.

"Pack your bags. You're coming with me!"

Arohis strong confident demeanour melted into a puddle in an instant as she heard his crude raspy voice after a long time. For a minute she lost focus of what she was about to say or do, until Arjun pushed past her and moved back to the living room. Nervousness and irritation returned and she followed him again, stopping him with her words.

"Excuse me! What do you mean by pack your bags? Coming with you where? Im not going anywhere!!!"

Arjuns eyebrows raised slightly at the defiant tone in her voice. He could not help but smile seeing her in her tigress mode after such a long time. Well, there was a lot that he had not seen for so long, but that would have to wait' till he got her back home. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he strolled slowly towards her. He could easily make out how much he still affected her with just a smile on his lips and twinkle in his eyes.

Arohi refused to budge from her place, no matter how close he came, and how much ever weak she felt in the knees. She was a strong independent woman, and he could not just walk in to her life after two years and bully her into agreeing to anything.

"Coming with me home' your home' our home!"

"This. Is. My. Home! In case you haven't noticed, please go out and read the name plate on the door."

Arjun pressed his lips at her sense of humor. She knew very well what he was talking about, and yet she will hold on to her anger' that was his Arohi.

"Oh I read the name plate on the door. But it belongs to some Arohi Ahluwalia. Im here to pick up Arohi Singhania' my wife."

Arohi breathed in sharply. The possessiveness in his voice when he said 'my wife' was very evident, and it brought a warmth in her nerves, even in the cold weather of Vancouver. She had craved and longed for this warmth for two whole years, crying and waiting, till her eyes dried out and her vision became foggy. Slapping herself mentally for being weak, Arohi drew the chill from the air, and freezed her next words with it, and spoke in her cold voice.

"She doesn't live here anymore. You killed her two years ago' remember!"

The humor was instantly lost in Arjuns eyes. A painful and almost helpless look crept in them, misting his gaze with tears. Arohis cutting tone crashed him down, almost cruelly. He should have been begging and grovelling over here to get her back home, but his ego had disallowed it. He knew that she still loved him and he was banking on that fact to get her to agree, but looked like two years had turned her heart into stone' and his fun-loving, full-of-life Arohi, was lost.

"NO! She's still here. I just need to get her back. Aur mien yahi larne yaha aaya noon. Jab bhi Arjun Arohi ko pukaarega, tab Arohi ko aana hi hoga."

Arjun saw Arohis confusion return. Seeing him and hearing such things from him was making her heart beat again, but the frost of the last two years, clenched her soul, paining her as it started to thaw. Before Arohi, embraced the cold again, Arjun took quick strides towards her and grabbed her hands in his. Pulling her to his chest, he looked deep into her surprised eyes.

"Please ghar chalo Arohi. Mein tumhe lene aaya hoon." Arohi looked into Arjuns eyes, drowning in to the love that he was pouring out to her. She smiled slowly, realising how much she missed him, mentally, emotionally and even physically. Fighting the urge to touch his face with her hands, Arohi gulped.

"Tumne bohat der kardi Arjun. Ab hamare beech kuch nahi raha."

After two years of separation, love and need for Arohi had pushed him to the edge now. Anger returned and he tightened his hold on her wrists and pulled her closer, as if that was even possible.

"I don't rememeber signing the divorce papers wifey. So as far as I, and the Governement of India knows, we are still married."

"But as far as your heart knows, we are as good as strangers' haina?"

Arohis soft words shot an arrow through Arjuns heart and the pain flashed in his eyes. His brain was getting desperate, in trying to make her understand that she was still his wife and he needed her back with him. But for that he had to apologise and clear out whatever had happened two years ago.

"Kya hua Arohi???"

Arjun had come from office and was shedding off his clothes. His wife came from behind and wrapped her hands around his waist. When she dug her face in his back, Arjuns brain panicked, thinking that something was wrong. But when he pulled her hands and turned around, Arohi was smiling and even blushing a bit. Confused, Arjun held her chin and pulled her face up, but she crashed into him and hugged him tightly.

Arjun smiled and hugged her back. "Lagta hai kisine aaj mujhe bohat miss kiya."

Arohi just nodded her head in the same position.

"Lekin maine tumhe itna miss nahi kiya!" Arohis head snapped up and her soft and bashful eyes were now filled with anger. "Arre tum miss karne dogi toh miss karunga na! Din mein kamsekam 10 phone calls' har 5 minute mein ek sms' ab aise mein mera kaam mein dhyaan kaise lagega? Bas tumhare hi khayaalon mein khoya hua tha poora din'"

Arohi playfully hit Arjuns chest, and smiling away, hugged him back.

"Arohi' aaj tumhara maun vrat hai kya? Waise achhha hai' tum auraton ko karwa chauth ke vrat ki bajai maun vrat rakhna chahiye' Iss vrat se hum mardon ki umar jaroor badhegi!"

Arohi pinched Arjun hard on his waist and Arjun yelled. In retaliation, he started tickling her and Arohi laughed uncontrollably. Running around the entire room, Arohi and Arjun fell on the bed, laughing, and completely out of breath. Panting hard, Arjun pulled Arohis hand and cradled her head on his chest.

"Arjun'"

"Hmm'"

"Tumhe pata hai' uss din hamari baat hui thi'"

"Arohi, hum roz hazaaron baatein karte hain' especially tum. What are you talking about exactly?"

Arohi came up on one elbow to look at her gorgerous husbands face. "Har cheez mein, mein kitna bolti hu, ye jataana jaruri hai?" Arjuns chest rumbled with laughter.

"Mein bachhe ki baat karrahi hu."

Arjuns smile faded away. "Didn't we discuss this that day? We both are too young Aru. Infact agar tumne zid naa ki hoti, toh humari shaadi bhi 2-3 saal baad hoti. I feel guilty, ki hamari shaadi ki wajah se you could not go abroad and do your masters' or work for a while. Abhi hum dono ki umar hi kya hai. This is the time to work and build a future for ourselves' to give our parents back for the fabulous education and upbringing they gave us."

"Uffo Arjun! I was never interested in a masters degree' nor in working in any office. Mujhe pehlese dad ka business sambhalna tha, jo mein karrahi hu. And having you by my side makes me feel stronger to handle everything. So don't feel guilty' I wanted to get married and so we did! And trust me, we ARE making our parents proud."

"Ok fine. So then where does a baby come in this equation? I think we have too much on our plate right now to have a baby. Na mere paas time hai usse dene ke liye naa tumhare paas. So lets please hold on to that for a couple of years more."

Arohi twisted her nose and turned her head away in irritation. There were certain things that Arjun would just not listen to, once he made up his mind. And a baby was one of them. But she needed to prepare him' just in case. "Lekin Arjun'"

With the swiftness of a cheetah, Arjun turned Arohi on her back and covered his body with his own. "Arohi' abhi mein khud bachha hu! Pehle mera thik se dhyaan rakho' usske baad bachhe ke baare mein sochenge'"

Arohi looked up at Arjun as he gathered her in his arms and swooped down to kiss her lips. Past experience said, that Arohis brain ceased to think in situations like this, and they eventually ended up with passionate lovemaking.

Arjun could still remember the taste of Arohis lips on his. For two weeks the topic had been untouched. Arjun had gotten very busy in these two weeks, resulting in minimal communication with his wife and maximum with his partners daughter, Natasha. Days ended with late night working in the office and Arohi waiting up on the dinner table at home, only to eventually eat by herself' alone. She was getting irritable and moody by the day and it had become almost impossible to rationalise with her. But with the impending deadline on his head, Arjun had left the gap to be brigded with his wife for later' but that later never came.

Almost after a month, Arjun and Arohi had a huge fight over time being spend together. Everytime Arohi called up Arjun, Natasha answered his phone. The conversations left Arohi fuming and Arjun thinking that his wife was pmsing. Finally frustration and anger burst out of its dam and the trigger was the infamous 'baby topic' that came up again. With Arjuns family out of town, the fight went out of hands, resulting in Arohi leaving the house.

And that was the last that Arjun saw her.

Today, after two years, seeing her in front of him, made him want to drink in her every feature, her every emotion. The flick of her hair, the dark circles of her tired eyes, the pout of her defeated mouth, lost roundness of her cheeks the sharp angle of her jaw' Looking at her made him feel that she had been fighting a battle for the past two years' probably with herself. If only she had waited for a few more days, then she would have been back with him' and not so far away.

"We will never be strangers Arohi. Even if I lose my memory someday' my heart will still recognise yours. We are made for each other and nothing can separate us'"

"Except we, ourselves'"

"Arohi' please'"

"Its too late Arjun'" Arohi started struggling in his grip, trying to free her wrists from his hold.

"It is never too late."

"It is now! I have moved on' I don't' I dont love you anymore!!!" Arohi continued the struggle, her eyes on their joined hands as she lied through her teeth. But Arjun held on.

"Liar! Agar himmat hain toh meri aankhon mein dekhke ye baat kaho. Tum ab bhi sirf mujhse pyaar karti ho. Aur mein bhi sirf tumse'"

"AGAR ITNA HI PYAAR THA TOH MUJHE LENE KYU NAHI AAYE!!!" Arohi grabbed Arjuns collar and shook him hard. Arjuns hands lost grip on hers and his breath got locked in his throat. He had finally broken through the ice' and the water formed with his warmth, flowed freely from her eyes.

Now was the time for clarifications. Arjun freed her one hand to wipe away the tears from her pale face. But his hand stopped mid way hearing a baby cry.

Arohi pushed him instantly, wiped her tears and ran to the bedroom inside. Arjun followed her like a robot in his confused haze. He saw Arohi bend down in a huge crib and pick up an infant, almost 6 months old' and pat him on his' or her back. The baby immediately calmed down by his mothers touch and her soothing voice. But the next moment it jerked awake hearing another baby scream.

Arohi panicked and Arjun slowly walked up to the crib to check exactly how many babies were inside it! Shifting the almost sleepy baby in his hands, she bend down again and picked up another cuddly ball and started pacifying him' or her! Arjun stood there' with the first baby in his hands, held at an arms length' staring at it and its twin.

"Hold her closer!" Arohi command jerked him into action and he placed the baby in the crook of his arms as she slowly went back to sleep. Arjun stared in wonderment when the baby cuddled herself to him and held his forefinger in her tiny chubby fist. Arjun looked up in awe and his eyes met Arohis. At that instant he knew' that he was' a father!

Placing the now sleepy babies back in their cribs, Arohi grabbed Arjuns hand and pulled him out of the nursery, almost pushing him in the living room. A lot of things had fogged Arjuns mind. Babies' twins! He was the father' but then why did the looked not more than 6 months old? Did Arohi'??? NO! Arohi was his and will always be his' but then'?

Arohi could read all the questions because of the moronic look on Arjuns face. For the nth time that day, Arohi panicked again.

"Ye bachhe' they' they are not yours!"

Arjun took a while, but eventually he came back to being Arjun Singhania again. And amongst all the things that Arjun Singhania enjoyed' making his wife admit to something, topped the list!

"Achha? Toh tum inn bachhon ki maa ho lekin' inka baap mein nahi' koi aur hai!?"

Arjun looked as Arohi nodded, her face turned away from him.

"So then you wont object if we have a DNA test right???"

"I object! Voh mere bachhe hain' sirf mere! Tumhara' tumhara unpe koi haq nahi hai."

"Jaha tak mujhe pata hai, insaan ne ab tak itni tarakki nahi karli ki ek aurat apneaap bachhe paida kar sakey. Uss kaam ke liye mard aur aurat dono ki jaroorat hoti hai! And I know that you will not let any other man touch you Arohi' so save yourself the explaination!" Arjun walked upto Arohi again, piercing her eyes with his sharp gaze.

"Tumne apna haq ussi din kho diya, jiss din tumne unhe aur unki maa ko akela choda tha... Saat din! Saat din maine tumhara intezaar kiya Arjun' lekin tum nahi aaye. Fir bhi maine tumhe phone kiya' lekin phone tumhari uss' uss Natasha ne uthaaya! Keh rahi thi ki tum kitne khush ho, ab tumhe nag karne wali aas paas nahi hai' ab tum apni zindagi'"

"Woh jhoot bol rahi thi!!! Im sorry Arohi' I should've realised'"

"Par sach bolne ke liye tum kaha they??? You were never around Arjun! Har baar maine tumse kaha ki voh tum dono ke baare mein bakwaas karti hai lekin tumne mujhe kabhi seriously nahi liya. Maine phir bhi tumhara intezaar kiya Arjun' for 7 days. And when on the 7^th day I spoke to her' I could not stay. I had to leave Chandigarh. Because if you had to come then you would've come in those 7 days' but you didn't! Why Arjun Why???"

Arjun knew he had to answer' and it would hurt her. But that was the only way she would understand. He had already lost two precious years of their lives, and now he wouldnt wait for even one day. Arjun held Arohis shoulders softly, his one hand touching her cheeks to wipe away her tears, and only one word came out of his lips.

"Dadi."

Arohis eyes widened as she realised what Arjun was trying to tell her. Grabbing his hand, she placed it between her palms.

"Kya hua dadi ko? Voh thik toh hain??? Dadi kaha hai? Bolo na Arjun'"

"Voh thik hai' Tumhare jaane ke baad, ek ghanta mein apne aap se jhagadta raha. Apne ego ki sunta raha. When finally I could not take it anymore, I grabbed my car keys and went after you. Lekin beech raste mein mujhe dad ka phone aaya ki' ki dadi ko achanak paralysis ka attack aaya hai aur voh unhe by air wapas leke aarahe they. Mujhe hospital jaake saare arrangements karne ko bola aur ambulance leke mein airport gaya."

Arohis grip tightened on Arjuns hand. She could see him relive the pain that it must have caused him. Arjun was very attached to his grandmother and that was one of the things that made her adore him more. She realised that it must have been hell for him' if only she had kept patience and waited some more. The realisation brought a fresh batch of tears to Arohis eyes' tears of guilt and repenetance!

"Dus din tak dadi ko ICU mein rakha tha. She had slipped into coma. But she was strong, and fighting to come out of it. I was lost in looking after her and hunting for you. To avoid anymore heart ache, I told everyone that' you were on a business trip and' out of the country. Everyone was preoccupied with dadi's health and they accepted my excuse. Dus din Arohi' mujhe aise laga tha ki mein poori tarah pagal ho jaaunga!!!"

Arohis hands lifted up and cupped Arjuns face. She could make out the vulnerable scared child, peeking from behind the mask of a strong and ruthless businessman, that was Arjun Singhania. Arjun placed his hands over hers, seeking love and warmth from them.

"Jab dadi ko hosh aaya tab unhone sabse pehle tumhe pukaara' mujhe nahi! I felt as if' as if I've failed everyone' you, dadi, my family, even myself!!! Dadi ke ghar aane ke baad maine unhe sab kuch bataya. She still cant talk you know' she writes what she wants to say. And she told me to leave her and go look for you. And since then, I've just been looking' everywhere."

Arohi gasped at Arjuns confession. She had been a fool! If only, she had more faith in her love and her Arjun, then she would've known that he would always come for her. But Arohi was young and vulnerable. In those seven days she found out that she was pregnant. Her juvenile mind told her that even if Arjun did come for her, he would make her give up the baby, or he would just give both of them up! And in that fear of losing her child or her husband, Arohi ran away' from everything that meant everything to her.

Arjun had felt that she had gone to London, back to her family. But when Dadi came around and he called up his in-laws, he was stunned to realise that Arohi had not even informed them, forget going to them. Arohi could have been anywhere in the world' alone' and he did not know where to start looking! When he saw her open the door to him today, he had felt like grabbing her there and then, never to let go again ever.

Arjun turned his face and dropped a kiss in Arohis palm. When his warm lips touched her skin Arohi could not take it anymore. She hugged Arjun tightly, her hands going around his neck, standing on her tiptoes, straining her legs to keep up with his tall height. Arjun grabbed her immediately and buried his face in the sweet smell of her neck. He felt like he had come home after years. As his hands went around her exposed waist, a small gasp escaped Arohis lips. Arjuns touch on her skin after such a long time, gave her goosebumps and a blush crept on her entire body.

After what seemed like endless minutes, their grip loosened and Arohi pulled back to look at her husbands face. She could now make out the worry lines that had developed at the corner of his eyes, in this past two years. He had gotten a few silver strands on his side buns and his face had hollowed out because of the weight he had lost. And despite of all this, he still managed to take her breath away.

Arohis scrutiny was disturbed by small hiccup that came from the nursery. Both of their heads turned immediately in that direction, and when silence followed, back to each other.

"They look so much like you, but Preet has my hair and height." Arohi watched surprisingly as Arjun commented and grinned like a boy. "Unke naam Aman aur Preet haina???" Arohi smiled and nodded. "I know' ki voh hamare bachhe hain. Lekin' why do they look so small? When did you deliver??"

"I found out two days after i left your' our house. They look small because they are premature babies. I had a stressful pregnancy and hence I delivered early."

Arjun looked at her in pain again. "You had to do it all by yourself' alone! I was not with you when you needed me the most..."

Arohi bit her lower lip, trying to stop herself from crying. It was not entirely his fault, she was equally guilty.

"' and I was not with you when you needed me the most Arjun. When dadi went through so much and just wanted to see me' If only I had been more patient' or more'"

"Ssshhh'"

Arjun kept his finger on Arohis lips. The contact snapped Arohis eyes to his, and she just revelled in the touch.

"Hum dono ki galti hai' aur haalat ki bhi! But don't blame yourself Aru' I donot want to think about what happened. Im just glad that I found you and you're here' with me' in my arms! Come home Aru' tumhare bina voh ghar, ghar nahi lagta. Sab tumhara intezaar karrahe hain, us ghar ke log' dadi' saare naukar' yaha tak ki ped paudhe tak tumhare bina khilna nahi chahte. Please come home. I beg of you Arohi'"

Before Arjun could complete his sentence, Arohi silenced him, by placing her lips against his. For a few seconds Arjun froze, scared that it might break this beautiful dream that he had been dreaming for such a long time. But when the touch of her lips stayed, his heart bloomed to realise that she was for real and his lips moved against hers to show her how much he missed her. His hands did the same on her body, familiarising them with her new found curves and her old sensuality.

Arjuns grip tightened on her as passion took over and Arohi kissed him more deeply. Revelling in the joy of kissing each other after a long time again, they both eventually became breathless due to the lack of oxygen. Gasping for air, they broke apart, looking at each other, drinking in the sight, taking in their fill. Arjun dropped a deep kiss on Arohis forehead and touched his forehead to hers. Brushing his nose against hers, he asked her that one question that he had been wanting to ask since two years.

"Ghar chaley'?"

*****

11.

SAJNA' VAADA NIBHAANA

"Haan baba' mein vaada karta hoon'"

"Pakka waala? Pata haina jo log vaada todte hain unhe bhagwaanji kya punishment dete hain???"

"Nahi' kya punishment dete hain?"

"Jo apna pakka wala vaada todte hain unhe... bhagwanji bohat saari hichki dete hain!"

"Achha? Lekin mujhe toh lagta tha ki jab koi kisiko yaad karta hai tab hichki aati hai'?"

"Voh chheenk hoti hai' hichki nahi! Lekin tum agar apna promise nahi todoge toh tumhe bhagwanji kuch nahi karenge."

"Pagli' bhagwanji apne sab bachhon se pyaar karte hain. Issliye voh kuch nahi karte. Lekin humey apna promise yaad dilaane ke liye humey hichki dete hain' samjhi?"

"Achha? Ok. Toh agar tum apna promise todoge toh mein tumhe itna yaad karungi itna yaad karungi' ki tum kuch bol nahi paaoge itni hichki tumhe aayegi'"

Sudden laughter burst out of innocent hearts, oblivious to their young minds the journey that they had to embark on' the journey of 18 years of painful separation'

Arjun laughed in a similar way again' only his laughter more controlled, his voice more deeper and his heart more yearning. The memories of the last day that he had met Arohi in person, flashed in his mind when they had promised to stay in touch. Even though he had not been more than 9 years old himself, he had still felt the pain and helplessness of not being able to see her for a very long time.

It had been a pleasant summer day that had introduced him to this 7-year old, cheerful and bubbly girl. But the first day had been traumatic for her. Being a girl from Shimla, she was not used to hot and humid climates. She had been visiting her distant relatives, when her parents had enrolled her in a two-week long summer camp in Mumbai. The change of weather and separation from family in a strange city, both had traumatised the young Arohi who could not stop crying.

Arjun had seen her from far off and shook his head. Kids! From the day he had entered the camp, he had seen many small children enrol after him. Some of them were happy, some of them crying and a lot many were confused' probably deciding whether they should be happy with this change or not. But he had never found himself feeling sorry for any of them like he felt for this girl.

After a couple of minutes when he could not stand her tears anymore, he went and sat next to her. Speaking was never his area of expertise, and so he reached inside his pocket, pulled out his favourite chocolate' and offered it to her. She immediately stopped crying and looked up at him, with wide unbelievable eyes. When she saw him looking at her with kindness, she gave a toothy grin and took the chocolate. Wiping her tears in a hurry, she popped it in her mouth and smiled at him again. Arjun had never felt so content in his life before.

From that day on, they were inseparable. Arohi followed Arjun like a shadow, listened to his every word like a prophecy, following it like an order. He was her idol, her guide, her protector. With him around, she was not even scared of the dark. She was the most naughtiest child in the camp, but with Arjun as her bodyguard, none of the kids dared to complain against her or take revenge. Arjun always protected her, taking her side, despite knowing that she was behind all the mischief that happened around.

There was a time when she pulled a prank on one of the teachers and to save her, Arjun took the blame. As a result, he got punished for it, which he beared without uttering a single word against her. And that broke Arohi. She cried again' only this time for Arjun and for the punishment that he was bearing on her behalf. After that day, she swore never again to do mischief and Arjun didn't know why, but he felt proud.

He brushed his hand through his wind-borne hair. The memories that he had cherished for all these years came back to him now, stronger' as the day that he had been waiting for, had finally come. Till date, Arjun could not understand why he felt so protective towards Arohi so instinctively. There were many other children in the camp, of his age and younger too' but he had not found anyone look so adorable even though they were crying their guts out!

This thought had returned back to Arjun, time and again' but he had never found the answer. He looked at the watch' it was 11am. Desperate to divert his attention for the next hour, he turned on the radio at 93.5 Red fm. The RJ, Malishka was busy making a bakra out of someone on-air. He loved her segment. Partly because she had creative humour and partly because her pranks reminded him of Arohi. Arjun smiled at the stuttering guy, who had just been played at when Malishka disguised herself as a fake IT officer and was scaring him that his office was just about to be raided.

Things were cleared out, everyone laughed and Malishka turned her attention to announcing the song. This week she was playing all her favourite songs from the nineties. Arjun was pleasantly surprised. That was the time when he had been at camp with Arohi. And this particular song reminded him of the exact day when they had parted. Young Arjun had imagined himself singing this song someday in the future' for her. His hand automatically went towards the volume button.

Deewana, dil deewana

Deewana, tera deewana

Kabse karey hain tera intezaar

Kab aayegi meri jaane bahaar,

Ke jitna hee behlaau... ye utna hi machalta hai dil'

Deewana, dil deewana

Deewana, tera deewana

The melodious music filled in the car. The heat and humidity vanished in a second as Arjuns heart drifted in the pleasant breeze of his memories.

25th July 1994

Dear Arjun,

How are you? I am fine. I miss you a lot. I miss camp a lot too. The only thing i don't miss is the heat. It is cold in Shimla. I can't write more because i am only 7 years old and these are the only words i know. My nanny says that this is all i am allowed to write.

Waiting for your reply,

Arohi

That was the first letter that he had received from her. They had promised to write to each other and keep in touch and she had written the first letter to him. Even though her nanny had helped her write it, he could still feel the warmth of her feelings in the simple words that she had handwritten. Initially her writing had made it difficult for him to read, but the smile on his face stayed as he read the letter over and over again. Not wanting to keep her waiting, he had immediately responded. Thus the series of writing to each other had started and Arjun-Arohi became each others pen pals.

Andaaz dikhlaati sau sau tarah ke, jalwe lutaati hui

Andaaz dikhlaati sau sau tarah ke, jalwe lutaati hui

Aati hogi' mausam ke saath' gulshan khilaati hui'

Aa bhi jaa' ab jaanejaa'

Deewana, dil deewana

Deewana, tera deewana

Years passed on and young's hearts blossomed into teenagers. Hormones and feelings started acting up but their letters to each other kept them grounded. That one handwritten letter every month became Arjuns lifeline. If for any reason, one of them could not write to the other, they ensured that they send across a one liner, mentioning the reason and apologising for the same. But the letters didn't stop. And a point came when they had to answer questions about their relationship.

14th February, 2003

Arjun,

I want to meet you. I know that we had decided that we will wait till we had completed our studies and were financially independent before we see each other again' but i want to break that pact! Why did we make such a stupid one in the first place???

Atleast we should start emailing each other instead of these old-fashioned hand written letters. I have access to a net cafe in our area now. I really need to see you! I am 16 and you are 18' I think this is old enough for childhood friends to meet up. Let me know the time and place and I will be there. I am not small anymore' I will come!

I could wait till the end of the month so writing early. I want an immediate response.

Arohi

That one letter, ten years back had stunned him. Arohi had always been more impulsive and edgy between the two of them, but this was downright crazy' even by her standards. She had mentioned a couple of times how she wished they could meet up sooner in her letters, but mostly they had been content updating each other about themselves and even sharing problems and offering solutions. But such a commanding authoritative summon, had been the first of its kind. Arjun had immediately responded without wasting any time.

His gentle soothing reply had calmed her down and for the first time that month in that year, Arohi wrote more than one letter. One of her friends had spilled the beans about her having a pen pal and a mean group of boys decided to play a trick. On 8th february, rose day, they got a friend from another college and presented him as 'Arjun' in front of Arohi. This fake Arjun charmed her with a red rose and even though for a few minutes, Arohi was over the moon. It was potrayed to her like he wanted to surprise her but talking to him for not more than 30 seconds, and Arohi knew he was not her Arjun.

The incident had left her enraged. She had slugged the boy for faking as 'him', but the first initial moments of having her Arjun stand in front of her had made Arohi realise how much she wanted to see him. She knew every tiny detail about him but didn't know how he looked now because they had decided against sharing photographs too. Arohi had controlled herself for almost a week but on Valentines day, when those boys teased her about Arjun and her reaction to the fake one' she couldn't take it anymore' and for the first time, she broke their rule of one letter at the end of the month.

Arjun had never hated himself so much before. When Arohi poured her heart out in the second letter, he wanted to forget everything and go meet her. But he controlled himself and tried to explain her in his next letter. In this day and age where it was difficult for people to remember who they met yesterday, Arohi-Arjun had the gift of still having a friend from their childhood. Children do not make friends because you are popular or you look good, because you are intelligent or you are hardworking. They make friends purely based on instinct, accepting the person with his/her faults, and those friendships last for a lifetime.

As usual, Arjuns words had been like a command for Arohi and she had understood and accepted them. He had explained to her the power of writing something with your own hands, and how it helped express yourself better. He managed to convince her, however, she insisted on writing to him as and when she wished and wanted, thus dissolving the once a month letter agreement. And again, as usual, Arjun gave in to Arohis demands' anything to make her happy.

Dil se lagaakar ke, rakhha hai ab tak

Resham ka tera rumaal

Aage kahoon' kya jaaneman' aa dekh jaa mera haal

Aa bhi jaa, ab jaanejaa

Deewana, dil deewana

Patience and calmness was never Arohis forte' and that reflected through her letters. The words vibrated with joy, whenever she was very happy or had something very exciting to share. And they were damped with her tears, whenever she was feeling low or had to face any tragedy. Like the time when her dog died.

Arohi had been extremely fond of her dog, Bunny. Her second best friend after Arjun, who listened to her patiently' even when she went about ranting, regarding her feelings for Arjun. And when he fell sick, Arohi felt lost' alone. She prayed day and night for him to be better, but he had grown old and there was nothing much that she could do. In such difficult time, Arjuns letters were her constant support. He made her understand, due to which she was able to say goodbye to Bunny when the time came.

He had wished that he could be with her then. Hugging her and wiping her tears, making her feel better when she was so miserable. But destiny had tied his hands and Arjun had to fly out of the country for his dadi who fell sick in the US. Arjun took it as a sign' a sign that they had to fight their own battles, and emerge victorious. That they could not use each other to lean on and derive strength, but be the strongest pillar support to each other, without actually being together.

28th October 2008,

Dear Arjun,

Please remember that I am always with you. In mind and in spirit. I hope that your dadi feels well soon. I don't know if my letters make you feel as much better as yours make me, but i do hope so. I cannot say i understand your pain, because I never got to meet my grandparents, but i know that they are the most special people in a persons life.

Please do cry if you feel like, it really makes you feel lighter. For the first time, I am sending something with this letter. Years ago, we were told in our home science class to make something for someone as a gift, and i had embroidered this handkerchief. I had wanted to give it to you but then we had decided on a no-gifts policy and noone uses handkerchiefs nowadays. But i feel like sending it to you today, just so that you can have something that belongs to me.

You cannot deny it' i accepted the flowers you sent me to make me feel better.

I am just a letter away if you need me' or even if you want to meet.

My prayers are with your grandmother.

Love

Arohi

That was the first time she had closed the letter with 'love'. Arjuns heart had skipped a beat at the term of endearment. Over the years he had finally figured out what Arohi meant to him and why. And he had only one answer for that' Destiny.

Him meeting Arohi and falling for her big watery black eyes had been nothing but fate' something that bound him to her whether he accepted it or not. His nine year old self could not digest the concept of love at first sight but the 27-year old young man who was going to meet the love of his life after 18 long years, had finally come to terms with it. The question ,'why', did not bother him much after this realisation. He simply didn't care. All he knew was that Arohi was his life and he was going to make her his' forever.

Present day' 2013

Arjun parked the car in the parking lot and removed the key from the ignition. Stepping out and locking his car, he moved towards platform no 11 where August Kranti Express was arriving from Delhi into Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. Arjun skipped a little as he walked with a wide grin on his face, much to everyones amazement.

Today was the day that he had been waiting for for 18 years. He had dashed Arohis hopes and wishes a couple of times to meet, under the name of their 'pact'. But the real reason was different. Arjun had figured that he loved Arohi, but he did not know if she felt the same and his heart didn't allow him to ask her. If he was not the one for her, then he did not want her to feel guilty or pressurised into acknowledging his feelings. If she fell in love with someone else, then he would just have to let her go. Arjun had been fully prepared for it a couple of years ago, but from the last five years his resolve and belief about their entwined destinies had grown stronger.

Dadi had come out of her illness, just to see him get his Arohi home. So when she had written to him about job offers in Delhi and Mumbai, he had selfishly told her to take up the Mumbai offer. It had been 18 years and now it was time for them to meet. Today, nothing could make Arjun stop from getting what he wanted' the only thing that he had always wanted.

His grin slowly vanished as he saw the train standing already at the platform' empty. Arjun frowned and looked around. Very few last people with loads of luggage were disembarking the train' but none of them was a 25 year old, young woman. Arjun started checking all the compartments one by one, peeking through the windows, trying to see if Arohi was still in the train looking for him. He stopped a passenger getting down from the train.

"Bhaisaahab' train ko aake kitna time hogaya?"

"Aadha ghanta."

The passenger who was obviously in a hurry rushed away leaving Arjun astonished. He gripped his car keys tightly in his hands, crumpling alongwith the delicately embroidered handkerchief tied to it. His anxious gaze again danced from door to door unbelievingly, still hoping to catch his Arohi, standing there, waiting for him. Did she miss the train? Or he read the details wrongly? If not then why didn't she wait for him??? Arjun cursed himself for not checking the latest timing on the train as per the scheduled. But where did she go? Did someone else pick her up???

The TC got down from one end of a compartment and Arjun rushed towards him.

"Excuse me' Iss train se ek ladki aayi thi' Arohi Ahluwalia' Can you please check that she boarded the train or not?"

The TC had his head down, busy checking something on the chart in his hands. Arjun was growing impatient by the minute, why did he feel that she was around? Completely frustrated, he knocked on the board with the chart in the TC's hands.

"Excuse me Sir' mein kuch pooch raha hoon."

The TC looked up sharply. "Ma'm' mein Sir nahi hoon. Aur haan, Miss Arohi Ahluwalia iss train mein thi, lekin voh ek station pehle utar gayi."

Arjuns face whitened. Did she panic upon the idea of meeting him? Did she change her mind? No' his Arohi would never do that. He followed the TC as she entered the compartment.

"Utar gayi? Lekin aapko kaise pataa ki voh utar gayi'?"

The TC turned around to look at a frowning Arjun. She pointed inside a coupe where a letter was kept on the berth seat' with his name on the envelope.

"Kyuki ussne mujhse kaha ye chithhi tumhe dene ke liye. Tum Arjun ho, right?"

Arjun slowly nodded and bend down to retrieve the letter. With shaking hands, he opened the envelope and removed the letter to read it.

01st April 2013'

Arjun,

Exactly one month after today, was the day that we had met for the first time 18 years ago. It had been a hot humid day then too' almost like today, and it had been in Mumbai. But today when the time has come for us to meet again, i've realised that I'm not so sure about this.

All these years you were right, in waiting for the right time for us to meet. I did not agree with you before, but now i understand why you did so. I am very attached to my memories of you and the letters that we have shared for so many years. They have been the most precious thing in my life and meeting you in person will be taking that away from me. So I believe that we should wait for another few years, till i can come to terms with both of us coming face-to-face.

I am sorry to disappoint you but i had no other choice. I am sure that the day will come soon, when we will finally meet. Till then, please keep writing.

Regards,

Arohi

Arjun closed his eyes tightly and crumpled the letter in his fist. His brain shut down and his heart jump started into panic mode. Not believing himself, he opened the letter and read it again. He had always thought that he was doing the right thing, now suddenly, he was not sure of himself. Confusion, anxiety and frustration filled tears in his eyes and he took a deep breath to get a hold of himself. Throwing the letter away, Arjun turned around. He waited for 10 seconds before he grabbed the TC's hand and pulled her in the coupe and shut the door behind her.

Pinning the TC against the door, Arjun pulled the cap on her head, spilling out the thick mass of auburn hair that cascaded on her shoulders and below. Her wide shocked black eyes, danced with humor as his expressions changed from annoyed to amazement. Arjun traced her face and jawline with his fingers, finally cupping her chin in his palm. He gulped, trying to get out the words, but his tormented voice did not come out more than a whisper.

"Ye sab natak karna jaruri tha???"

Arjuns eyes widened in surprise when she slowly nodded. He could see the same innocence in her gaze that had pulled him to her 18 years ago.

"Itne saal tumne mere milne ke itne requests thukraa diye' ye usska badla tha."

Arjun smirked' grinned' and finally smiled. Arohi bit her lower lip watching the dimple appear on his boyish grin, which completely blew her senses away. Arjun brought his other hand up and cradled Arohis face in his hands, his gaze roaming hungrily over every inch of her face, familiarising it' and searching for similarities from the 7-year old Arohi in his memory.

"Mein bhool hi gaya tha' ki Arohi Ahluwalia kitni sharaarti hai."

"Ab zindagi bhar yaad rakhoge, ki mujhe kisi cheez ke liye manaa karne ka anjaam kya hota hai."

Arjun chuckled. She sounded just like the Arohi in her letters. Only much more beautiful' much more adorable' and much more that he had ever expected. His heart bloomed and pinched at the same time with the bittersweet pain of ending his 18 year old vanvaas.

Arjun reached up and kissed Arohi on her forehead.

"Happy fools day Arohi'"

Arohi smiled and looked into Arjuns eyes.

"I love you too Arjun'"

Toota sitara toh maanga tha rab se' tujhko hi jaane wafa

Jo toot jaaye' taare tamaam' maangu wahi ek dua...

*****

" Arohi! Alarm clock is late."

No you can not! Not again.
I dreamed again, and the most terrible thing is that my father cut me off on the most beautiful dammit!
" Good morning sleepyhead, do you sleep well? " My dad is leaning against the door frame, and looks at me with an amused smile and at the same time irritating.
" Fine, dad" It would be better not to stop my dream though. " You like never home today? Free day? "
"It's my day off, feel Arohi. But you and Arjun are together? "

I feel so much the heat on my cheeks, I'll definitely went up in flames. Why on earth does he ask?!
" Dad what are you saying? He is Rashi's brother, and then we're just good friends. Why do you ask?"

" I understand, mm no nothing I was just curious. And listen, but both you consider good friends, or just him? "

Damn! Did I really say "Arjun kiss me"? For more in front of my father? Okay it was he who enter my room but it's the same thing. What a fool!


7:45 a.m. Sharma's House,

After twenty minutes I'm ready.
I take the bag and put on my books while I take the bag on the desk my eyes are captured by a picture. When I was a little girl with my tutu and my mom.
I feel my eyes fill with tears, but I try to hold them back.
It has been nearly eight months since she left us.
I miss her so much.
I moved with my father after the death of my mother, it is amazing to think how my life has changed so much from day to day.
" Arohi! Rashi and Khushi have arrived. "
"Thanks Dad, get out immediately. " I take a deep breath and get out heading to the High School.

As soon as you arrive at school known hearts and balloons attached everywhere.
" What's going on? " I turn to Rashi and Khushi, who look at me like I was crazy.
" Arohi, today is February 14. Valentine's Day Valentine's Day you know? " Rashi and Khushi responds with theatrically, shakes her head saying "how do you don't , how do you?"
"Oh yeah, I forgot about" As always, we stop first at my locker, and then head to that of Khushi and then to Rashi, and then go to class and give us lunch date.
While they speculate what they could organize their boyfriend, I open the cabinet to put down books.
But as soon as I open it I find a red envelope inside.
" What's this? " Rashi ask seeing the envelope.
"Oh, it's a letter! Do you have a lover and we do not know anything? Open it and tell us what it says. "

Oh my God, these two nosy do not know never mind their own business.
I laugh at their impatience and I open the envelope and read it.

"From the window glass, you stop to look at a cloud. You spend hours in the memories, in vain I try to decipher your looks and your words a sense that perhaps do not have it.
For everyone arrives the happiness, just have to wait for it... Happy Valentine's Day my angel! "

"Wow, I did not understand much, but it's still cute."
"Rashi, but I do not know who he is. It was not even signed."
" It's okay, if he has not signed it means that he wants to remain anonymous.
So it's pointless for us to think, let's go to class rather if we do not want to peck a note." Khushi is right. He doesn't want to reveal who he is, so why think about it?
Yes, why think about it. The truth is that I wanted Arjun to be.
Well a little I was hoping for.

12:17 p.m. lunchroom, High School

For heaven's sake I'm flattered by so much attention, but I do not like to be "The topic of the day." All do nothing but stare at me, who out of curiosity, who out of envy.

After school I greet all quickly, and I put in the car to go home immediately.
Today I will not go anywhere, I will leave the couples alone. I will stay at home to see a good movie and eating junk food.
Who knows what Arjun will do tonight, now that I think about it, he did not come to school.
Perhaps he is organizing the evening for someone, to that thought, I feel a lump in my throat.
Just stop thinking about him, he is not mine, I can not pretend he does not go with a girl because I fell in love.
I get home and park the car in the driveway, Dad isn't at home. As I climb the stairs of the house, I see a huge bouquet of white roses at the door with another letter. Again? But he isn't still tired?
Puffing, I opened the door and bring the bouquet of roses in, I jump on the couch and read the letter.

You'll take me for a fool, I have done nothing but fill you with roses and cards all day, and I do not seem to get enough to make you understand why you are important and special to me, and now you find yourself another deck and another letter in front your home.
I state that I am not a stalker, but I'm a guy that you know very well.
I want to make you happy, I want this to be a memorable day for you.
Please do not tell me no! Comfortable clothes, jeans and a sweater will be just fine. Done? Well, now meet me at the beach promise you will not regret it.
A.

A.? Oh Arjun! No it can not be ... or maybe yes? O hell! And if it is him? No, ok.
Arohi, calm, reason with calmness. It's a guy that you know well and its name starts with "A" How many people do you know with which their name starts with A?

Arnav, but he is relation with Khushi.

Aryan! Yes, but I can not stand him and he has spoke with me, yes and no, two words. The only is Arjun. But is it really him or do I want this guy to be him?

Oh to hell! I'm going to find out right away.
I do not change either, I take the car keys and I go to the beach.
I'm nervous, too nervous. What does he want to tell me? Why today? Oh but why I do these problems? Soon I will see him.
I came at the beach but I do not see anyone. I get off the car and go on the other side where there is the road.
" I thought I wouldn't see you come. "
I turn toward the voice and finally see him.

Arjun is resting on a black motorcycle and he is wearing on the jacket, and hands me a helmet.
"So, What do you do? You'll join me >>
" Uhm..Arjun, you know how to drive it?" As a response I get his laughter.
I put the helmet and go up behind him And we runs fast, very fast.
After half an hour, he stopped in a parking lot.
"Come down"

I do as he tells me, and after me he did the same. I see him fumble close to the bike, then turns to me with that smile on his face that I love so much and took my hand.
"Come " He starts running and I follow him, we laugh for no reason.
We run for a few more yards, until he stops near a gate where there is a sign saying "Luna Park".
" You brought me to the carnival? Oh God, I adore you! !" I jump to his neck, laughing as I did not for some time.
"Let's go " he said

"It's beautiful here. You can observed all over here. "

We have traveled all over the amusement park, and now we are on the ferries wheel. I like to stay up here, it gives me a sense of peace and tranquility.
I also got a huge teddy bear with the words "You're important to me." I really like it, I like being here with him, but I would really like to know what all this means.
" Beautiful. But when never as you." A whisper in my ear makes my skin crawl.
I turn toward him, and I wished I had never done. We're so close that our breaths mingle. Our lips almost touching, as in my dream.
"Arjun...I"
"Shhh, do not say anything"

" Haha no it's not a dream. It 's the reality. " We continue to kiss, but suddenly he comes off.
" I love you Arohi. Happy Valentine's Day. "

I smile happily, eyes full of tears.
"I love you too Arjun. Happy Valentine's Day. "
And from this day a love story started.

*****

Radio was playing in the background and she was looking out of the window, with her sad eyes. Her hair was flowing because of the wind making a few flicks dance over her face, but she was lost in her own world, her gaze was fixed on the balcony of the house in front of her, hoping for it to open, and see the one person, who would always stand there early in the morning and would wait there until she would show her face to him. His face would light up with a smile as soon as he would see her and his smile would then bring a smile on her face.

This is how their day would start, by seeing each other as soon as they would wake up. And then they would spend the whole day together, most of the times with each other and other times they were either with their family or with their other friends. And then at night, before they would sleep, she would again stand by her window, he would stand in his balcony and finally after seeing each other's faces they would finally fall asleep only to get up the next day and repeat the whole thing again.

Amrit and Sudheer Ahluwalia and Kumud and Rudra Singhania had been best friends since their college days and had gotten married nearly at the same time and then had shifted to Shimla, to start their individual businesses. They even bought their houses besides each other, removing the fence, separating the two houses and making the two individual families as one.

Their children were born after 2 years of their marriages and were of same age, only with a difference of 14 days. Arjun Singhania was born on 11th of October and Arohi Ahluwalia was born on 25th of October and since then, they have been inseparable. Be it in the school, even when the others would tease them about a boy being friends with a girl and vice versa. Or the Dance class, where they had thrown a big tantrum because their, dance teacher had given them different partners in which, at the end, the teacher finally had to make them partners, as they didn't allow her to teach them. Or be it the piano class,

where, even though he had zero knowledge about music he still wanted to go because his best friend was going. Or the practice of soccer game, where, even though she would fall and hurt herself, she would still want to go because her best friend was going. Or be it the first two years of their college, where everyone, including the professors, had basically tagged them as couple, even though they were not, and this had made impossible for them to date the others. But they didn't care; because neither of the two wanted to date anyone.

The only time they were away from each other was when they had to sleep; even then their parents would practically force them requesting them to at least spend that little time before sleeping with their parents. But then they made sure that their rooms were opposite each other so that they could see each other's faces first thing in the morning and then before sleeping in the night.

When they were five, they forced their fathers to build a tree-house for them, which was named, 'Arjuhi's Tree-house,' joining both their names together. Nobody was allowed there, not even their parents. And whenever one of them would be sad, the other knew that their best friend could be at only one place, which was their tree-house. They would spend hours there, playing games or chatting or doing homework or would lie down outside and watch the stars, making different shapes out of it. And sometimes they would also have their lunch and dinner at their tree-house.

Their relationship was very strong and was beyond the understanding of others, excluding their parents and their couple of other friends; and never did they try making the others understand because they knew that it was a waste of time. They were best friends; they were partners in crime, but behind all this, unknown to everyone, was the unconditional love for each other.

If one would feel sad then even the other would feel sad. If one would get hurt, then it would pain the other. If one would cry, then tears would automatically flow from the other's eyes. If one would fall sick then the other would never leave their side. They were also told that, like other children, their first word was not 'Mama' or 'Papa.' For her it was 'Ajju' and for him it was 'Ruhi,' as it was not possible for them to pronounce their full names in their newly developing

speaking skill. Even when they grew up and could pronounce each and every letter correctly, they would still call each other Ajju and Ruhi.

"Abb next request hai ek aise Aashiq ki taraf se jo anonymous rehna chahte par unki request se aisa lagta hai ki ye Aashiq kissi se bohut mohabbat karte hai aur woh bas yahi kehna chahte hai ki Jeena Sirf Mere Liye," came the voice from the radio making Arohi stiffen, as soon as she registered the last four words.

The music started playing and as the words started flowing, her mind drifted to the day which changed her life...

Seven Years Back~

The Singhanias have come over at Ahluwalias for dinner and are having a serious discussion when Arohi comes rushing down the stairs. A smile appears on her face as soon as she spots her other set of parents. She first runs towards Kumud, gives her a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek and does the same to Rudra, only the kiss which she gave him was on his bald head instead of his cheek. Kumud gives Arohi a smile and Rudra pats Arohi on her back and kisses her back on her forehead.

Arohi then looks around and her smile fades. Her eyes were searching for her best friend but he was nowhere to be seen. "Aunty, where's Ajju?" she asks looking towards Kumud.

"Uh...Arjun...woh..." Kumud stammers, "He's gone to the market, Beta. Must be on his way," she manages to say and gives Arohi an assuring smile.

Arohi looks unsure for a second; she had a feeling that Kumud was hiding something. "Market kyu?" she asks, knitting her eyebrows together, "And why didn't he take me? I haven't seen him the whole day. He wasn't even standing in the balcony in the morning, and he's really acting strange since last night. Is he not well?" She babbled, as her mind drifted to the previous day. She thought if she had done something to make him angry, but they were perfectly fine, until after he went home.

Rudra could see that she was stressing her mind, thinking too hard, so to make her stop, he said, "He's fine, Beta. And he'll be back soon. I have just sent him to the store to get boxes and-"

"Why do you need boxes?" Arohi asked, cutting his sentence in the middle and frowned. She couldn't think of any reasons for which they would require boxes. As per her knowledge, Kumud has not done any cleaning in the house, so she might not need any boxes. Yes, sometimes, Rudra requires them at his office, but it only one box to two at the max, then why would they require boxes.

"Enough Arohi," Sudheer snapped making Arohi jump in fright, "Kaha na tumse ki Arjun aa raha hai, phir kyu pareshaan kar rahi ho?"

"Par Papa-" Arohi shut her mouth, as she saw the look of pure rage across her father's face. Tears started forming in her eyes. "Sudheer," she heard Rudra say in a warning tone as her vision started blurring.

She wiped her eyes hurriedly and took a few deep breaths, trying to control her emotion. The room was now in complete silence. She looked up and saw that her father was holding his head in his hands; Rudra had one of his hands on Sudheer's shoulder as if trying to calm him. She then looked towards her mother and Kumud; Kumud was looking down, her hands clutched together on her lap, and Amrit had one of her hands over Kumud's clutched hands as if she was trying to console her friend.

Now Arohi was sure that something was wrong, but she was not able to put a finger on it. And her both the sets of parents were doing an amazing job at hiding it from her. But they cannot do that any longer. They will have to tell her, what was wrong. But before she could ask, she heard the front door opening and saw her best friend enter. As soon as she saw him, a big smile appeared on her face.

She half walked and half ran towards him and threw her arms around his neck, giving him a tight hug, and after a few seconds, she felt his hands coming around her waist, hugging her back. Everything that happened just a few minutes ago

vanished from her mind. She pulled back, not before giving him a kiss on his cheek. She looked at his face, and noticed a lazy smile forming on his face.

"Where were you since morning? And why didn't you take me to the market with you? Do you know how much I missed you today?" she fired question after question without waiting for an answer and was pulling him by his hand towards the back door. "And you know what? Today..." she started telling him about her day, not giving him the chance to speak, while they continued walking towards their tree-house.

As they reached the tree-house, Arjun climbed a few steps, and took out the blanket which was kept in the cabinet, placed near the gap between the top stair and the house door and then jumped down to spread the blanket on the grass. All this while Arohi was just looking at him, he wasn't being his own self today.

Arjun lay down on the blanket, keeping one of his hands behind his head to support it and outstretched his other hand. "Come here," he said, looking towards the sky.

Arohi went and lay down beside him; keeping her head on his outstretched arm and looked towards the sky. They couldn't see any stars as the weather was a little cloudy that day. Arohi shivered and snuggled closer to Arjun as a gist of cold wind blew past them. Arjun pulled her closer and rubbed his palm over her arms, when he felt her shiver.

It had been quite some time since they had been lying there. Neither of them had spoken a single word. Arohi knew that something was bothering him and was waiting for him to day something but he didn't utter a word. She lifted her head and looked up at him and saw that his eyes were closed.

"What happened, Ajju?" she asked, keeping her palm over his chest, when she couldn't bear the silence anymore. She wanted to know what was bothering her best friend.

He exhaled a loud breath and said, "Nothing, Ruhi," his voice was hoarse and his eyes were still closed.

Arohi didn't believe him, not even a bit. "Don't lie, Ajju," her voice was gentle and apprehensive, "I know something is bothering you. You didn't even come in the balcony today. We have been doing this since we were five, since last thirteen years, Ajju. And in those thirteen years; there was not even a single day where we haven't started out day without seeing each other's face first thing in the morning." She paused, hoping that he would say something. But when he didn't say anything, she said, "Tell me what's bothering you," and now placed her palm on his cheek.

"I said its nothing, Arohi," he snapped, pulling her hand away from his cheek. But he didn't leave her hand; he held it tightly and placed both their hands right over his heart.

It was her cue to leave the topic there. Arjun would never call her 'Arohi,' not unless he didn't want to talk about something. But she knew that just like always, he would come back to her and tell her his problem, all he needed was time and she would give him that. So, she sighed and placed her head back on his shoulder and hugged him tight, telling him silently, that she's here for him and would always be there for him. She felt his lips on her head and with that she knew that she knew that her message has been delivered. They didn't need to verbalize the words; they could understand each other just as well even when they were not saying anything.

They lay there, in the same position until Amrit came to call them. Arohi could feel his body tense. So she took hold of his hand and gave him a reassuring smile. And then walked inside, not leaving his hand until they reached the dining table where, both their parents were already seated. They took their seat besides each other just like always.

"Dekho, Ma ne aaj sab tumhari favorite cheez banai hai," she said while serving the vegetables, dal and chapattis on his plate and then serving the same for herself.

She looked up, and her eyes travelled around everyone's face one at a time and saw that no one was eating, everyone except Arjun, were looking at her and they all seemed anxious.

"Kya hua?" she asked, she herself was getting anxious.

She looked directly at Rudra when she heard him clear his throat. "We...Uhm...We need to talk to you, Arohi."

This was not good. She had a strong feeling that whatever her Uncle was just about to say is going to be very bad; very, very bad. And everything came rushing bad in her mind; both sets of her parents being sad, her father snapping at her, Arjun being sad...everything.

She felt Arjun's hand over hers and immediately intertwined her fingers with his. Taking in as much as strength as she could take from him but she knew he didn't have much to give. Whatever Rudra was going to say was the reason for her best friend's sadness.

"Arohi," Rudra started and then gulped. "Your Aunty, Arjun and I...We...Uh...We are leaving Beta, we are leaving Shimla."

"You are kidding," Arohi said as soon Rudra finished the sentence, but the look on his face was telling otherwise. She immediately looked towards Arjun, but he was not looking at her, his gazed was fixed at his untouched dinner plate. This made her heart stop and her face turned pale.

She pushed Arjun's hand away and stood up abruptly, which made her chair fall. "No, No, No," she shouted and closed her eyes tightly, holding her head with her hands as it started spinning. She felt a pair of arms, taking hold of her shoulders and pulling towards him. She didn't need to open her eyes to know that those arms belonged to Arjun, but she pushed him away. She stumbled a little but managed to stand. She shook her head wildly and said, "No you cannot leave, you cannot leave."

By now everyone was standing around her; tears were flowing from their eyes. Whenever someone would take a step towards her, she would take two steps back, not letting anyone come near her.

"We have to leave, Beta. The business is not going very well. And it's...It's just that we cannot stay here anymore...Not anymore," Rudra said, his voice breaking because of the tears flowing from his eyes. He took a couple of breaths and then added, "We are leaving tomorrow...in the morning.

She narrowed her eyes at Rudra, looking directly in his eyes; her eyes were swimming in tears and were blurring her vision, but she didn't move her eyes away. She knew that, their business was going very bad since a very long time. Her father had often offered help but Rudra had always denied it. Rudra was in too much of debt and the only way to solve the problem was to sell his business and start anew. And that is what he had done but, he was not starting fresh in Shimla, he was leaving and was taking his wife and son along with him.

Rudra's last sentence angered her, so much that her face had turned red. Why were they telling her all this now? Why didn't they say anything before? Why did they hide it from her? They already decided that they will leave, without even talking to her about it. Doesn't her opinion matter to them? But now she cannot do anything to stop it, it was too late. The decision was already made and whatever she would say now would be like taking to a hearing impaired person.

Her eyes fell on her best friend, and they were now seething with anger. She walked towards him and pushed him, making him stumble a few steps. She then grabbed him from his collar and pulled him a little towards her. "You knew, you knew about all this but you didn't tell me," she said looking directly in his eyes, which were full of tears and sadness. If it would have been any other time she would have consoled him, but now was not that time. "Why didn't you tell me?" she said again and again, while hitting on his chest with her fist. She was now sobbing uncontrollably. When Arjun tried to take her in his arms, she pushed him away and ran up to her room. She could hear everyone calling her name but she didn't stop.

As soon as she reached her room, she closed the door locking it and then fell on the floor, with her back leaning against her door as she cried.

"Ruhi," she heard Arjun say while knocking on the door. "Open the door, Ruhi. Let me in. Please, Ruhi, Please," his voice was breaking and she knew that he was crying as well. But she was very angry.

He kept on knocking and it only made her cry more, "Go away Ajju, Go away," she said, her voice was breaking as well.

"Please Ruhi," he said again and she saw his fingers coming in through the small gap underneath the door, she wanted to touch them, but she didn't, she could not. "I didn't know Ruhi; I didn't, not until last night. They didn't tell me anything until last night. Please Ruhi, please open the door, let me in"

"Go home, Ajju," she said and leaned her head against the door. She heard the knock few more times and then his fingers disappeared. She heard a little shuffling from the other side of the door and then she heard footsteps heading away from the door.

She stood up and walked towards her window and after a few minutes she saw the light of the balcony turn on and saw Arjun stepping in. They looked at each other for few minutes, both were crying badly, and then Arohi pulled the curtains closed and fell on the floor. She looked at Arjun through the small gap and saw that he was sitting on the floor looking towards her window as if he knew she was sitting there. She closed her eyes and let more tears flow.

She woke up with a start when she heard knocking on her door, her eyes were burning because of all the crying and her neck was hurting because of sleeping in an awkward position.

"Ruhi," she heard Arjun say is a sad voice and her eyes filled with tears as she recalled last night's events. "Open the door, Ruhi. Let me see you. I cannot go like this. Please, Ruhi opened the door," his voice cracked in the end.

She wanted to yell that 'don't go then,' but she didn't, she kept mum while her best friend pleaded her to let him see her face before he leaves. After some time she heard her mother's muffled voice, telling Arjun that his parents were waiting and that it was time for him to leave. He knocked on her door again, telling her to open the door but she didn't, she couldn't see him leave. After a few seconds there was a complete silence. Arjun had gone, he had left. And this realization made Arohi sob.

After a few minutes passed, she opened the door and ran down, ran with her full might. She didn't know what had happened but she suddenly wanted to see him and hug him. But she was late. His car had already left when she reached the driveway. Her parents were already standing there and they both were crying.

It started raining heavily as she looked at the car going away. And as if Arjun knew she was standing there, he looked out of the window, towards her and waved his hand. One of her hands was now outstretched, as if telling him to stop but he didn't. He left her.

Soon the car disappeared and she fell on the ground. She was now crying uncontrollably and was completely drenched. She felt her father holding her by her shoulders, making her stand and then pulling her in his arms. She hugged him, as he took her inside and then made her sit on the sofa. He sat beside her and kept holding her. Her mother came towards her after a few minutes and gave her an envelope, "Arjun told me to give this to you," she whispered through her tears.

Both her parents left her to give her privacy as she ripped open the envelope and removed the piece of paper from it. She sobbed as she read what he had written...

My Ruhi,

Ye din ye mahine saal,

Guzar jayenge mere yaar,

Magar itna rakhna khayaal,

Jeene Sirf Mere Liye,

Jeene Sirf Mere Liye...

I'll comeback Ruhi, I'll come back. I promise.

Till then, I'll miss you...

Yours Ajju

Present~

Since then she has been waiting for him to come back. Every day, her heart felt empty without him, it was as if a big part of her was missing and that part was, her Ajju.

She would go to college, she would meet her other friends, she would help her mother and she would sit with her father but whenever she was alone she would sit by the window and look at the balcony or at the tree-house, reviving all the memories with her Ajju. The tree-house was still intact and the house still belonged to Singhania, they didn't sell it when they left which was another hope for her that, Kumud, Rudra and her Ajju would come back one day, and she would wait for that day to come. But it couldn't come soon enough.

In the last seven years, while she would sit alone and think about Arjun and their time spent together, she realized that, he was not only her best friend but was much more than that. She realized that he was her soul mate; he was the love of her life. And she loved him so much that she could do anything for him, even wait for him to comeback. And in all these years her feeling for him, her love for him only grew stronger and stronger.

But today she was feeling very strange, like something was going to happen and just thinking about it, scared her to death. She closed her eyes and prayed to almighty for her Ajju's wellbeing.

She opened her eyes when she heard the door open and saw her mother entering who looked happy...too happy.

Amrit walked towards Arohi, cupped her face and wiped her tears stained cheeks; and then placed a kiss on her forehead as if to comfort her daughter. "The guests are here," she said with twinkle in her eyes. In the last seven years, she had never seen her mother so happy, maybe these guest were really special to her mother. Arohi had completely forgotten about the guest. Her mother had mentioned in the morning that some guests would be coming in the evening, but it might have slipped out of her mind while she was remembering her past. She shook her head at herself and then told her mother that she'll be down soon.

She washed her face with cold water and then applied a little make-up as to hide the bags from underneath her eyes. She didn't bother changing her clothes; she knew that she wouldn't be down for a longer time. She would greet the guests, plastering a fake smile, say a few sentences, would have dinner and then would come back up.

She walked out of her room and shivered not because of cold but because of the rising anxiety. Something was happening but she couldn't point a finger on it. She suddenly had the urge to run down, it was as if something was calling her and whatever it was, was very strong. So she followed her heart and ran, ran until she reached the living room and then she suddenly came to a halt. Her heart stopped, her breathing hitched and tears formed in her eyes as soon as her eyes fell on her parents...her other set of parents; Kumud and Rudra. They were sitting on the sofa and were talking to her parents, with biggest smile on their faces. Then her eyes moved towards the other side of the room and halted on the person with the deep brown eyes, who also was looking back at her at her, his eyes full of emotions.

She kept a fist over her mouth as a loud sob escaped from it. And then suddenly she was enveloped in two pairs of arms. But her eyes were fixed on the one person, whom she'd been waiting to see since last seven years. After a few minutes passed, she moved her eyes towards Rudra and Kumud who had been hugging her, kissing her and were also crying. Kumud wiped Arohi's face and gave her a tearful smile. Then both Rudra and Kumud grabbed one of her hands and they all went and sat on the sofa with Arohi in the middle. They all were speaking, asking each other questions after question, but her eyes were again fixed on Arjun, whose eyes were fixed on Arohi.

She wanted to run towards him, hug him, kiss him and tell him that she loves her but she was too overwhelmed to do anything, least say anything. So she sat there in between Rudra and Kumud who were still holding her hands as if she would run away and listened to them talk nonstop while she was quiet, only saying something when a question was asked to her. She kept on stealing glances at Arjun and every time she would look at him, he would be looking at her and would give her a smile. She wasn't sure, but she thought that she might have smiled back at him. A small sigh would escape her lips, whenever she would hear him speak, his voice like melody to her; it was her favorite melody and it also helped her believe that he was sitting there, in front of her, for real.

As the time passed, and everything started to seem real, her need to be alone with Arjun grew stronger, but their parents kept them engaged in their talks making it impossible for them to find time alone. Soon they were sitting at the dining table and Arjun was sitting on the chair besides her. She could feel the electricity flowing around them but it was very comforting. Her mother had prepared all of Arjun's favorite dishes and conversation was flowing among them, unlike the last time they sat this and it felt right...just like the old times.

After the dinner, they again sat in the living room and chatted until everyone but Arjun and Arohi started feeling tired and finally decided to sleep. Arohi's face fell and she saw the Singhanias walking towards the door. She wanted to stop Arjun but the words wouldn't come out of her mouth. Then she saw Arjun, taking a piece of paper out of his pocket and writing something on it. He then kept it on the table and looked at Arohi, pointing his finger towards the paper and telling her that it was for her.

As soon as the Singhanias left, and her parents went to their room only after asking her if she was mad at them for hiding about all this from her, to which she shook her head and said that it was an amazing surprise and she was very happy, she ran towards the table, grabbed the piece of paper and read it.

Meet me at the tree-house.

As soon she finished reading, she rushed towards the backdoor and ran towards the tree-house. She stopped at soon as she spotted Arjun, who was placing the blanket on the grass. As if he felt her standing there, he looked up and his face lit up, just like it would when he would see her first thing in the morning. He then took two slow steps towards her.

"Ruhi," as soon as she heard his whisper, she ran and threw herself in his arms, almost knocking him to the ground and his arms immediately circled around her waist, pulling her towards him, leaving no gap between them. Their hold on each other was so strong that it was impossible for them to breath but they needed this hug, they needed to feel each other.

Arjun picked her up in his arms and then sat on the blanket with Arohi on his lap; she kept her head on his shoulder and was clinging to him like her life depended on it. Arjun pulled her closer, if it was possible anymore, and placed his cheek over her head. Tears were flowing from both of their eyes. But they sat there, just feeling each other's arms around themselves.

"You are not going to leave now, are you?" Arohi asked breaking the silence between them.

Arjun picked her head up, gently wiped the tears and kissed her forehead. He then looked directly in her eyes and said softly, "I'm not leaving again Ruhi. Not now, not ever. Do you understand that?"

Arohi nodded her head and placed her head back on his shoulder. She knew that he was telling the truth. She could say that just by the look in his eyes. She drew circles on his chest and after every few minutes she would feel a kiss on her head. She had so much to say to him. More importantly she wanted to confess her love to him but her nervousness was overpowering her want.

She heard him sigh before he spoke, "Ruhi, I want to tell you something." She raised her head to look at him and noticed that his eyes were closed he looked apprehensive.

He took a deep breath and then opened his eyes. He took hold of her hand and intertwined his fingers with through hers and then he directly looked in her eyes and said hoarsely, "I'm in love with you, Ruhi."

And her eyes grew wide and her breathing hitched as she realized what he'd just said. How did he do that? Always telling exactly what is there is her heart without even her mentioning it?

"In these last seven years," he started, "there wasn't a second where I haven't thought about you, where I haven't missed you. And in that time, I realized how important you are to me." He cupped her face in both his hands and then continued, "You mean the world to me, Ruhi. And I love you...So much, that it hurts sometimes."

"Oh Ajju," she said leaning her forehead against his, not breaking the eye contact. "I love you, t-" but before she could finish saying too, Arjun kissed her hard and fast. He kissed her with all his might. It took a few minutes for Arohi to realize what was happening but as soon as she realized, she kissed him back, with as much as passion if not more. She fisted his hair in her hand as his hand moved towards her back, pulling her closer. Arjun broke the kiss when they were both out of breath and trailed his lips towards her jaw, her cheek, her forehead; her eyes, her nose and then he again kissed her on the lips before he looked at her face. But she blushed and hid her face in his neck, a shy smile playing on her lips.

Arjun chucked and lay down on the blanket with her on top of him. She tried to move and lay besides him, not wanting to suffocate him, but he was not having any of it. He just shook his head and hugged her tight. Arohi sighed and laid her head on his chest. They lay in the same position, in comforting silence, with Arjun caressing her hair and Arohi playing with the buttons of his shirt.

"It was you," she said breaking the silence, and lifted her head to look at him. His eyebrows were knitted together, giving her a questioning look. "You were the 'anonymous Aashiq,' who requested the song on the Radio," she stated.

He smiled widely and nodded his head just like a kid, which made her smile. She leaned forward and kissed him, she was about to pull back but Arjun fisted his hand in her hair and deepened the kiss and kissed her until they both were breathless.

"I love you," he whispered, caressing her cheek with his thumb.

"I love you too," she said back and leaned to his touch. "Don't leave me again," she added, her voice was full of emotions.

"Never," he said, pulling her face back on his chest. He hugged and tightly and then whispered again, "Never."

And that was the start of their new life together and forever.

*****