Its Always Been For Us - 2

Arnav found himself in the garden of Sheesh Mahal. Again. He was lost in thoughts , tending to his Maa's roses. A faint tinkling missed his ears in the cool and serene breeze. But then, he felt her. Again. He always can. His heart beats betraying the calmness his handsome face contained. He waited for her to make a move. She seemed to be observing him. He turned back. There she was. As angelic as ever. Simple and gorgeous. Bathing in the red salwar his Maa presented her for the diwali, she was watching him with a smile in her eyes. But what caught Arnav's attention was the confusion she held. Now, thats new. She always was herself when around him. The thing he loved the most. She was the naivest girl he ever met. Even Choti would understand few of his round about statements but this girl was adorably impossible!!

But he knew she was going to repeat it. She would leave. She would lay her heart out to him, wont let him register her words, wont wait for his response, just smile, and leave. That was what she did 2 years back before the night he was leaving for Harvard's That is what she has been doing to him every night since then. He knew he was dreaming of her. Again. He knew she would leave. Again. Without a sign. Never to be found. Like vanished into thin air. He knew his heart would bleed. Again. But he was ready to bear the pain just to see her, listen to her, feel her heart even if it was for a few moments, even if it is a dream. Again.

"Arnav.. Thank you. I didn't know Shyaam had such intensions. I mean, I've never had an experience of such sort. I'm sorry I couldn't figure it out on my own. I.. Its just that.. I saw you and now i know you and.. Shyaam is your cousin and.. I just.. It never crossed my mind.."

Damn!! How can this girl be so naive? How can she be so pure and beautiful? Shes pouting? Good Lord!! Shes divine!!!

"Arnav! Do you even know how difficult it is for me to stand here in front of you and speak without forgetting even a single point I would want you to know? And you are staring at me as if I'm invisible or am speaking Greek or Latin!!!"

What? There.. What else do I expect? Unbelievable! I'm practically drooling over her shamelessly and she thinks I feel she is invisible!! Pagli! Meri pagli!!!

" So, you were listening? Now, why the hell are you smiling? I know I like to see you smile and I admit that you have a wonderful no.. very charming smile.. but.."

Ah.. There starts her Sankiness! My Pagli is tensed? what for? Me going abroad? Does it mean anything to her? Is she.. God! I really hope against hopes!!

"Khushi? Meri smile ke baare mein thesis karna hain kya?"

Hahaha!! Her eyes and mouth in perfect 'O'! Gosh I'm falling really hard for my pagli. God help me make her understand what these feelings are!! I don't think my baby will get it any soon... Tough time ahead Arnav..

"Ab chup kyun ho? Wanted to say something? Acha teek hain.. Yes, I was listening. Thank you kaha jiski koi reason mujhe dhikh nahi raha. Sorry boli pata nahin kyun. You gave an explanation which is way out of sanity. But still, acha laga. Feels good to have you speaking with me before I leave."

My Pagli's smile!! One thing I can die for.. Wait a sec.. Is she.. Oh my God!! Is she Blushing?? My Pagli is blushing at me?? Or.. no.. Arnav.. Shes a kid.. Its damn bloody cold out here...

"Khush.. Are you cold?"

Bless her Eyes.. I can spend my forever till eternity looking into them. She's turning.. Serious?!

"Arnav.. I want you to know a few things before you leave tomorrow. I'v been a guest here, Arnav. The daughter of your mother's best friend. I really loved Amma way too much Arnav.. If Maa wouldn't have brought me here, I would never have been able to cope up after amma's death. But I got a family here. I got.. YOU. I know you think of me as a kid, pagli but this is true Arnav. In these 7 months, you've given me the love,comfort, warmth, a feeling of completeness and safety that I'v never had in my life. I don't know if its the right time or the right place but all I know is You need to Know that I love You!"

"Don't Stare at me like that! I told you its being difficult for me here to remember everything. Let me finish Arnav.. To be honest, I'm not expecting you to react or anything. I know this has been a blow to you. But you know me right? I just can't hide things from you. You made me so comfortable around you... Arnav, I wanted you to know that I love you and nothing else. Nothing in return either. I just want you to remember that, whenever in life, if you feel alone, if you find yourself lost, if you are at a dead end,, remember that there is a girl out there deep in love with you breathing the same air you are. I'l always be there Arnav.. Its my promise.. Your Pagli's promise.. Khushi hamesha hamesha ke liye Arnav ki hain aur rahegi.. Aakhri saas thak!!!"

Thats it!! She told me everything her pure heart had. Everything he should have told.. Evrything he wanted to tell.. She'l leave now. Again. Just like that night. Shes.. shes smiling.. Not going? Waiting?? Why is she not going? Who.. who is...

"Maa?"

"Chote... Jao.. Just go to Titliya. You both have waited long enough. Start a new life Chotey. Stay happy, always, both of you!!!"

'I request the passengers to fasten their seat belts. The plane shall have its landing shortly.'