Upside Down
He was beyond irritated when he stepped back in the offices of Scindiya Inc. What a waste of his time. He had so much on his plate. He still had to prepare for the board meeting and his father sent him to this meeting when he knew what the outcome would be. His father's old business associates were so used to doing it the old school way and he wanted to bring the business into the 21st century. His biggest opposition being his own father.
He stomped towards the lift still thinking about the meeting that was an epic fail and how this was going to cause him and his father to have another disagreement when suddenly someone knocked into him. The file fell out of hand scattering papers all around, luckily he held on to his laptop.
"Dammit he said as he bent to pick up the file.
"Sorry, I'm so sorry. he heard as the person bent down to pick up the contents of her spilt bag.
He looked up with the look that sent most people to flight but not this one. She looked up at him with an apologetic look and then it was there, the most beautiful smile he had ever encountered.
"You haven't changed one bit. Your still have the frowniest of all frowny faces, Yash Scindiya.
He was surprised that she remembered him. He smiled too.
"Neither have you. Do you ever not smile?
"Why would I when my smile just turned your frown upside down?
"Touche. How are you?
"Great and you?
"Mmm he said and shrugged. "What are you doing here?
"I came for an interview.
"At SI?
"No at Khanna Architecture and Interior Design.
"Oh, and how did it go?
"Mmm she shrugged. "I never know about these things. Btw, I think we should get up now. They were still sitting on their haunches talking.
"Yes he said.
She got up first as he gathered the last of his pages he noticed that her cell phone had landed under it. He skilfully slid it into his file along with his page, shocked by his own action but not stopping what he was doing.
"Anyway, it was nice seeing you after all these years. It was even better getting a smile out of you. If I get the job, maybe we can catch up someday
He shrugged again.
She giggled.
"You could really could put a dent in a girl's self-confidence. Good bye Eternal Ray of Sunshine. she said as she walked away.
He stood looking at her as she walked away. Who would have thought that in all the places that he would walk into her at his own office. The girl he was madly in love with at university. But she was so incredibly popular that she never even noticed him. Or maybe she did, but she was such a vivacious and happy person that she just shared that beautiful smile with everyone. He wasn't special and he wanted to be. Every time she walked past him and smiled at him his heart nearly jumped out of his chest as it did today, but he was Mr. No Nonsense Scindiya as she called him the rate times that she spoke to him. He was very serious then, he supposed he still was. Though girls flirted with him often, he had no interest in them, his focus was only to achieve his career goals.
He was doing his masters when she started as a freshman at the University. He had seen her for the first time when she sold him some tickets to a variety show at campus. He was sitting in the library working on his laptop.
"Hello.
He looked up into a bedazzling smiling face. He was at a loss for words.
"Sorry to bother, I was wondering if you would like some tickets for the variety show.
Still he didn't answer.
"It's for a good cause.
He swallowed.
"Please, she made her sad face and pouted with her luscious kissable lips.
He swallowed again. Totally confused by his reaction.
"Pretty please with a cherry on top.
"Fine. Give it.
"How many. she asked sweetly.
"All of it.
"Oh, You're sure?
"I said, didn't I? Do you want to sell them or not?
"I certainly do. And I hope you enjoy the show and I will put a smile on your frowny face.
She handed him the 20 tickets she had. Luckily his dad had just given him his allowance that morning so he had enough cash. But he certainly did not need so many. And he could not retract. So he gave them to his cricket team mates. He didn't go. They raved about the show, especially about the beautiful freshman that danced so wonderfully. He could kick himself for not going, as he had not stopped thinking about her since that first day.
She was so beautiful and has such an attractive personality that the guys swarmed around her. The popular girls saw this and made her a member of their group because where she was the guys followed. But this never changed her. She was still friendly with everyone, even the less popular.
It seemed she was everywhere. But that was the kind of presence she had. Even when he wanted to forget her and focus on his studies she was just there, walking past him, at the hockey and cricket matches, even when he didn't see her he would hear her infectious laugh wafting towards him, those were the rare moments that brought a smile to his face.
Finally once his final exam was done he decided that he would do it. He would approach her. He would ask her out. She stood outside the cafeteria looking at her phone. He walked towards her with his heart pounding. Not even his exams made him this nervous. She looked up at him and smiled that smile that enslaved him, it reflected in her beautiful almond eyes.
In moments his heart came crashing down. Prashant Dubey came from behind and embraced her.
"Hello baby. Missed me?
She turned around and smile at him.
"You made me wait again.
"Sorry he said. Let me treat you to a milkshake. He took her hand and they walked towards the cafeteria.
He shut his eyes as they walked away and turned around, he had to work hard to contain the burning lump in his throat and the moisture that formed in his eyes. And eventually he found the strength to walk to his car.
Now it was 6 years later. And today was the first time he saw her again. He did his best to forget her and eventually he did. But today was the first time in 6 years that his heart beat so violently that he was almost sure that she could hear it, he thought as he finally made his way to his office.
It had been hours. He sat looking at the phone willing it to ring. For the umpteenth time he shook his head. He was Yash Scindiya for goodness sakes. He was heir to the one of biggest empires in India that included an international hotel chain, construction, engineering and a host of other concerns. And today he stole a cell phone. HE STOLE A CELL PHONE!!!! And why. All to have a reason to see her again.
When it finally rang he jumped. Then he had to calm down before he could answer.
"Hello.
"Who is this?
"It's the happy fellow that you knocked into earlier. And you are only looking for your cell phone now?
She giggled.
"Who would've thought Mr. No Nonsense can crack a joke.
"You don't know me very well do you?
"I guess not.
"So where can I bring your phone.
"You don't have to. I can pick it up at your office tomorrow
"No, I will bring it after work. Maybe we can have a bite to eat and have that catch up that you were talking about earlier.
"Ok, that would be nice. There is a very nice place near my office She gave him the address.
"See you later, Aarti
A shiver went through her at the way he said her name. He had never uttered it before. It seemed almost sensual coming from his mouth. She should have said no but she wanted to say yes. She so badly wanted to say yes. Just to spend that short time with him.
She was surprised to see him today. Her Mr. No Nonsense. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen. The first time she had seen was in the library on campus. She was sitting down working on an assignment when she looked up and saw looking for book in one of the aisles. He heart bear faster and her mouth went dry. She was ready to swoon. Suddenly he looked up at her and she gave her sweetest smile, it was an involuntary action, it was just what he brought out in her. Only then she realised that he was looking past her at nothing really as he was deep in thougth.
The whole year she had hoped, prayed and planned but nothing. Her first attempt was to sell the variety show tickets to him in the hope that he would come and that she could strike up a conversation with him. She especially prepared a dance to entice him but he didn't even come. She was crushed. She went as far as to memorise all his classes so that she could walk in that direction to pass him to her classes, even if it was out of the way, but to no avail. Finally in a last ditch attempt she agreed to date Prashant, to make him jealous. It was the end of the semester and she was desperate. But when he saw them together he just turned around and walked away. The look of pain that she saw for the briefest of moments was clearly just her imagination. She got the picture.
And when she saw his gorgeous frown again today, her smile came again, naturally. He was so handsome, so cute, he smelled so nice. She almost wanted to hug him. But he would have thought she was a nutcase. Anyway she was not in his league. She had found a decent job as an interior designer after university and she was doing well for herself, hence her going after this opportunity to become chief designer at Khanna A & I. She must admit that she didn't even strike her that she would meet him there even the building was called the Scindiya Towers.
He is the Yash Scindiya. Every girl at University had a crush on him but he was so one track minded. Studies and nothing else. She didn't stand a chance then and she wouldn't now. Miss Middle Class Aarti Sharma would not fit into his world. But she could spend just a teensy weensy bit of time with him. Just as a special treat. She was so glad she lost her cell phone today.
Later that evening:
"This is a nice place.
"I like it. It has a nice ambiance and it is not expensive.
"So you come here often.
"Not really. Just sometimes with colleagues or I meet up with a friend after work.
"Just friends?
"Are you prying Mr. Scindiya? I sort of pegged you for the direct type.
"Fine then, do you have boyfriend.
Her grin broadened.
"That's more like it. Yes, in fact I will be getting engaged soon. You remember Prashant Dubey.
Did he ever remember?
"Oh he said looking down.
"Did you know I had a monstrous crush on you at university?
His head shot up.
"You must do, I made it so obvious. she giggled.
"No, I just thought you were friendly. You were the same with everyone.
"I was and I am friendly but it was more than that with you. But you were like a vault. You just would wouldn't open up to my advances. I can only laugh when I think about it now. I followed you around. I memorised your classes so we could walk into each other, I went to all your matches but no luck.
He gave himself a mental smack against the head for his stupidity.
"I ... I didn't know. But you started seeing Dubey even then.
"Can I tell you a secret? she smiled at him in conspiratorial way.
He nodded.
"I started dating him to make you jealous.
"Idiot! he said.
"What? she said taken aback.
"No, not you sorry. Me.
"You?
"Yes, me. I was an idiot, no I can't even think of a word of exactly how stupid and obtuse I was. How did I miss this? When ... when...
"What?
He just shook his head.
She giggled. He was so cute.
"Can I tell you a secret too? he asked.
"Yes.
"My crush on you was no less monstrous. And the day that I saw you with Prashant I was going to finally make my move.
"No
"Yes
"No
"Oh yes.
"For people that are academically quite sound, we were not very bright when I came to affairs of the heart. But I suppose things turn out as they meant to be.
He shrugged again. Not at all happy with the turnout of events. They ate and continued talking and catching up on mutual acquaintances and finally it was time to settle the bill. The waiter handed him the bill when they were ready.
She took it.
"It's my treat. As a thank you for bringing my phone.
He took it back.
"It was my pleasure. So I don't need a treat.
She took it again.
"I can afford it.
He did the same.
"I can afford this restaurant. he said
She burst out laughing.
"That makes me want to pay for dinner even more.
He looked at her. She was still uniquely beautiful with that personality that sucks you in like quick sand.
"Fine. You can pay. On one condition. he said.
"What, you buy the restaurant?
Now he laughed.
"I love the sound of your laughter she said. The look she gave him made his heart race a million miles a minute.
"No, we own enough restaurants. My condition is that you go out with me on Friday night.
"I'm afraid I can't do that.
"Why?
"Prashant.
"Come on, just two old friends.
"We were never friends. We had feelings for each other that were never explored and I am in a committed relationship. I don't think it's a good idea.
"Please. I promise to be on my absolute best behaviour.
She sighed heavily.
"Please he said and looked at her imploringly. "Please.
"Stop looking at me like that she said squeezing her eyes shut.
"I promise to smile the whole night long. No grumpiness.
"Don't make promises you can't keep. Sorry, I just can't. she smiled.
She paid and he drove her home.
"So what position did you interview for?
"Head Interior designer.
"What position do you have now?
"The same, but the company I work for is small and I have reached my ceiling. Actually it was my boss that told me about the position. He is very concerned about me and only has my best interest at heart. I started there after university and he groomed me into what I am today but I must admit I am bored. Our clientele is mid to up market residential. I have tried to introduce commercial like malls and hotels but the brand is not strong enough to attract the type of clients that excites me, so I really hope I get this job.
"Did Amaan interview you?
"Yes, do you know him?
"Very well. I can put in a good word for you.
"No, don't you dare. I want this on my own merit, else it won't mean the same.
For the first time he heard her voice strong and assertive, almost angry. He liked it. He liked that she was passionate about what she did.
"We're here. she said.
He got out and opened the door for her.
"Oh, I didn't even ask if you have a girlfriend or wife and maybe some children.
"No to all of the above. For the moment.
"Ok, then. Good bye.
"See you soon.
He didn't contact her after that. But a week later he was surprised to see her at his office.
"Hi she said and his heart leapt at the sound of her voice.
"Hi
"There was no one so I just walked in.
"My PA has gone to lunch. Come in and have a seat.
"No, I just came to share my good news with you. I got the job. I bought some sweets to celebrate.
He got up and walked over to her. She fed him one of the sweets and he touched her hand as she was doing so and he didn't leave it when she put the other half in her mouth. He so badly wanted to kiss her.
"You are the first one I told. he was still holding her hand.
"I am honoured. Will you also do me the honour of treating you to a celebratory dinner?
"Yash, we've had this discussion before.
"No that was a different discussion. I only want to congratulate you properly.
She looked at him with a suspicious smile.
"No that's not what I meant. he said defensively amused.
"It's still not a good idea. she finally tugged her hand out of his.
"Again. I promise to be on my best behaviour. Please.
She held up her hand and took out her phone and made a call. He could obviously only hear the one side of the conversation.
"Hi, Prashant. How are you? I have great news, I got the job. And I ran into someone that I haven't seen since college days. Do you mind if I go out to dinner to catch up. Thank babes, you are the best. Bye
She looked at him pulling her face "I just did a bad thing. That was so wrong.
He smiled.
"I will pick you up at 7
"No, let me know where I must get you. I don't need my family to ask questions.
She walked out and looked back and said:
"Best behaviour right?
He nodded and watch her walk off with a smile.
************************
He could not remember being so excited or nervous about a date ever. He tried on so many different outfits. Till he finally decided on a jeans, white shirt and navy blue blazer and tan formal shoes. He looked quite dashing if he had to say himself.
He was already seated when she arrived. She looked stunning in a white loose fitting cocktail dress with long sleeves that were open along the sides that reached below her thighs. She had a big Aztec looking silver neck piece that hung to her stomach and silver earrings and silver stiletto strappy sandals. He could see that she had caught the attention of a few male patrons as she was making her way to their table. He would have loved to take her home and hide away from their lecherous eyes.
"Hello she said.
He frowned.
"Was it necessary to dress like this?
"What?
"Every man in this place is looking at you.
"If you don't like the way I look I can leave.
"Just sit down.
"Om goodness. For a moment I thought you are different but are just as grumpy as ever. And you promised.
"It's your fault.
"How is it my fault?
"You are too sexy.
"Do you have to say it like an insult?
"I don't like it.
She looked sad and looked down. He wasn't used to seeing her like this.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that.
"I wanted to look nice for you she said sadly.
He put his hand over hers.
"You look amazing. That's the problem. I want you to look like this for me only.
She looked at him baffled.
"Yash ...
"Never mind me. Let's order something to drink.
The atmosphere was rather awkward after that. Neither of them ate much nor spoke much.
Finally the meal was done.
"Dessert?
"No thank you.
"Aarti, I'm sorry. I know I ruined the evening but please don't go yet. Please can we go somewhere else? I don't want this time with you to end right now. Please
She didn't want it to end either.
"Where will we go?
"Anywhere you want to.
"Dancing
"Yes please
She smiled again.
"And can I get the bill this time? he asked.
"I can't afford this place she whispered.
He smiled. He settled the bill and came over to her chair, pulled it out and held out his hand to her. She was surprised when he didn't let her hand go as they walked out of the restaurant. But she liked it. She liked it way too much and she let him hold it even as he was driving.
They landed up at an exclusive member's only club that she had heard of before but never dreamt that she would one day be there. Not that she was much of a party animal. But she was a little awestruck but some of the patrons. Quite a number of Bolly and Tellywood stars were present. He wanted to sit down but she dragged him to the dance floor immediately.
He rarely danced but he loved dancing with her. Her rhythm flowed so easily and perfectly with his. She had boundless energy it seems and she moved to the fast paced music. Finally the music slowed and she fit so perfectly into his arms, her head resting against his chest. He loved the feel and the smell of her.
"This is nice
She looked up at him.
"It's way too nice. But it's not right. she said with a sad smile.
He took her hand and again and led her to a private room with a balcony. The room had been prepared. There was a plate with eats with champagne on ice and glasses. She was still taking it all in when he took her in his arms and kissed her. She eagerly kissed him back, as a host of emotions were coursing through her and her body was in rapture.
She couldn't have stopped if she wanted to and finally he did.
He took her by the shoulders to make some space between them.
"Aarti, I know you are feeling what I'm feeling. I let you go before but this time I am not doing that. I fell in love with you the first day when you forced those tickets on me and I still feel the same. Even to my own ears this sounds bizarre but it's how I feel. Please can you give me a chance?
She pulled away from him.
"Yash, you know I am with Prashant. You know that we are practically engaged. I can't just ... I can't do this. I am leaving. She started walking out.
He caught her arm.
"Aarti ...
"Yash, let me go. You promised to behave tonight.
"I know and I will but be honest and tell me why you really came.
She looked down, tears starting to trickle down her face.
"I shouldn't have come.
"But you did.
"Prashant ...
"I know.
"I love him
"Are you in love with him?
She couldn't answer.
"I can't break his heart.
"Will you break my heart then?
"I ... I ... This is too hard. Please take me home.
"Fine, I will take you home, but please just promise me you will think about this?
"Yes, yes. Just please take me home. Now.
"Ok. he wanted to take her hand again but she pulled it away. She was not able to handle it right now.
The drive home was quiet. She was out of the car before he could do the gentlemanly thing and open the door for her. And she didn't take his calls after that. But he was not worried somehow.
2 weeks later he was sitting with his hands behind his back and feet on the desk daydreaming when Amaan entered the office. He walked past him and knocked his feet off the desk. And went to sit on the couch.
"To what do I owe the honour of having the great Yash Scindiya in my office?
"Do you have a problem?
"No, it's just that I am the one that has to come to your office all the time and beg you to eat lunch with me.
"I ordered lunch by the way.
"So, what is going on? Are you in love or something?
"Yes.
"What?! Are you serious? I was only joking.
"I am indeed serious.
"Shut the front door Amaan said incredulously. "Come on spill. Who is she?
"I can't say just yet. She is not technically available.
"Please don't tell me you are having an affair with a married woman. G3-ma will freak.
"Don't be stupid. She is supposed to get engaged soon. And I am sure she will be. To me.
"Then tell me who she is.
"Patience my dear boy.
"You are a sucky friend.
"You will be the first to know.
There was a knock on the door.
"Sir, Naina asked me to bring your lunch.
Yash's heart leapt at the sight of her again. She looked quite taken aback seeing him there but she tried to keep her composure.
"Hello he said.
She nodded.
"Would you like to join us?
She looked back shocked.
"No ... no thank you. I already ate.
"You're sure?
She nodded again.
"Ok, maybe next time.
"Thank you Aarti Amaan said and she left.
"Dude, were you just hitting on my new employee? Is this love making you crazy? On the other hand she is quite a stunner. If only we didn't have company policy on the matter.
"And that you are married.
"Oh, yes and that.
You just remember that. Yash said too aggressively.
"Yes, boss. Amaan mocked. They both knew that he was totally and completely in love with his wife.
Amaan was the eldest son of Maya and Vheer Khanna, and Yash's cousin. Maya. SP Scindiya's younger sister married the boy next door. G3 and SP struggled for years to have a baby and then Maya announced she was pregnant. It took its toll on G3 but as if it was meant to be for the boys to have such a bond, within 2 months of Maya's announcement G3 found out she was pregnant too. The ladies bonded over their pregnancies and because of G3's complication's Yash was born first at 7 months. It was touch and go but he was a fighter. The boys grew up like brothers, they went to the same pre-school, primary school and high school. But Amaan chose to study abroad, so did Yash but he chose to come home after his 2nd year as he preferred being home and start getting involved in the business and study at the same time. They were so close yet Yash was far more serious than Amaan as he was always aware of his responsibilities to take over the business. Amaan too. But the Khanna business was not in the league of Scindiya incorporated. Amaan was a party animal and Yash was a very serious young man. But they were more than cousins, more than brothers and more than friends. They were close and their differing personalities was good for the other. He kept a reign on Amaan's partying lifestyle and Amaan forced him out of his strict work regime when needed.
2 years ago, Yash came up with the idea of incorporating the Khanna business into SI. They would not be sole owners but they would be making more money as they would then have access to a share of all of the SI profits. Amaan and his father still ran their firm independently though.
She was the only secret that he had ever kept from Amaan. Mostly because he was struggling with what he was feeling and then it was over. And Amaan was a player of note. He would not have understood his feelings.
Now though he was happily married to the daughter of what was once their biggest rival, Arpita.
She came to work every day, dreading seeing him but would leave disappointed when she didn't. The pressure was on at home to set a date for the engagement. She used her new job as an excuse to put it off. She couldn't understand why she did it though. What was she hoping would happen? She told him didn't she, that there could be nothing between them, yet she was the one that stalling the engagement. She kept thinking about him. She kept feeling the sensations that she had felt when she was in his arms and when he kissed her. And there was no one she could talk about it.
"Babe, whats the matter Prashant asked one night. "You look stressed.
"I am.
"Is it the new job?
"I don't think I should have taken it.
"Why? I thought you would love it.
"I do. It's not the job itself its other factors. I have to work that out for myself.
"Aarti, the engagement? Is that giving you more stress?
"No she said.
"You know you have never been able to lie to me.
"Sorry, Prashant. Actually you are right. Everything is just getting too much for me at the moment.
"Are you having 2nd thoughts babe.
She shut her eyes again.
"What if this is a mistake. What if we are not really meant to be together for ever? What if this just what is comfortable and safe. she was crying now.
"Babe, I can't answer that for you. And nothing is guaranteed. I just know I love you so I want to see you happy. Whether it is with me or not.
"Why do you have to be so amazing? I love you so much.
"Oh well, it just comes naturally. she laughed through her tears still no less confused.
Chapter 2 - below
Fan Fictions
Anupamaa
