FF~:Human After All:~ Imp note Pg 150:) - Page 52

Hi Simi
Awesome update as usual loved it 😃
So sweet and cute part 😊
Loved the entire Khanak's family conversation it was so cute Palak teasing her,her mom calling Shantanu lovingly as beta and Khanak's sweet, strong father who is her support and role model.
Megha's brilliant SMS idea and Shantanu's comments in brackets Beautifully written Simi 👏 👏

You are the best! (Of course, you are!)

Teddy is broken.can you fix him for me?(Say yes, Stealer of my heart)

I will send him to you tomorrow. (With his fav courier of course!)

I hope you won't faint again... Megha! (Unless you faint in my arms...!)

(Meet you at fav watering hole tomorrow..just type Y or N..and I'll be there!)

Loved the poem Superb 😃

I'll be there rain or shine

I will never leave you alone

whatever the future has in store

You can hold my hand, thats for sure...

Thanks a lot 😃

Thanks a lot all of yu guys for hanging on..I think that I've got my Shanak story now..I mean I know where this FF should lead.. And I must say a special thanks for all your suggestions and comments and I request you to keep coming up with them whenever you feel like it..and tell me how you guys feel about what I write.. Thanks for taking the time:) 😃

So darlings!! Again thanks for all yr likes and loving comments and suggestions!! Yes..it does help a lot!! With this part..a looong one by my standards, their story really starts!! Hope you are happy with it and please do write how you feel about it!!...Again what ever I am able to do I owe it to you all!!😊😳

Part 12B~~ Serenade

BEEEP...!

SMS? Must be Dr. Krishnan..Charity hospital's meeting kal jo hai..must be reminding me that I have a presentation to make!..Khanak thought smiling as she picked up her mobile.. Dr Krishnan reminded her so much of her father, very diligent, conscientious and straightforward. She was indeed lucky that he had accepted her as his partner.

What does it say...Dear Doctor Aunty..(OMG..its from Megha..God Bless Her!)...

Dear Doctor Aunty! (Just Khanak..for me)

You are the best! (Of course, you are!)

Teddy is broken.can you fix him for me?(Say yes, Stealer of my heart)

I will send him to you tomorrow. (With his fav courier of course!)

I hope you won't faint again! Megha! ( Unless you faint in my arms...!)

(Meet you at fav watering hole tomorrow..just type Y or N..and I'll be there!)

Megha wants me to 'Fix' her teddy and her chachu is planning to meet me, acting as the courier! Uski guts ki to daat deni hogi..kya idea hai!.. Bechari bacchi ko beech mein kheech liya!..( But didn't you want to meet him too..in order to deliver your Thank you note?.. Dil mein laddoo phoot rahen hain..aur blame kahin aur shift kar rahi hai!)...

Khanak was wondering whether to reply in Yay or Nay.., maybe not right away, that would make him think that she too was eager to meet him!..I'll reply later tonight.. I'm sure he'll be up late!..

Khanak nearly jumped out of her skin when the door of her bedroom banged open...and Palak stood there with her mouth wide open as if bursting to tell her something but waiting to get her permission for some unknown reason...

Khanak guiltily closed her book and pulled her pillow on top of her mobile...knowing that Palak would know everything before even Khanak knew about it herself.. and then announce it to Dad and Mom!..That won't do!..

Ab to mujhe disturb bhi kar diya, aur kis liye itna Drama and atmosphere??!! Bol de nahin to you'll detonate! I know!...

Deeeds!!! Guess who's coming on TV!!!...

I'm sorry yaar, but you've lost me there and I'm not interested! I have to work on something for tomorrow..before I fall asleep from all the rich food Mama has been making me eat!!...

No way Deeeds!!... You won't be able to sleep without seeing this and tonight to sleep ko hi bhool jaao! Kyunki aa raha haiTV par apke sapnon ka Rajkumar.. Mr. Shantanu Khandelwal..!!!!..

Khanak was stunned speechless..and could do nothing about the sudden jump in her pulse rate...

Gotcha!!! Come on!!... It's starting any minute..he is the guest on INDIA's YOUTH ICONS...! Have you ever seen the show, last time it had Anoushka Shankar on it! Your would be is really something I must say!...

And before Khanak could correct her, she had escaped in to the Dining room where her Parents were already seated on the sofa, craning their necks forward, eagerly watching the TV screen. Palak went and joined them too, like it was a much awaited cricket match or something.

Khanak seated herself behind the rest..considering it to be the best position to be in, so that her facial expressions could be well hidden from her Mom..who of course would be on the watch. She couldn't be so sure about Palak, who she suspected had eyes in the back of her head..but Hell! She HAD to watch the show!

THE SHOW

...( With Khanak' reactions in brackets😊.)

Anchor

(who happened to be a very pretty and tall girl in a simple yet elegant silk cream dress and a put on husky voice): Hello folks! The show is indeed lucky today for we have somebody here who you would rarely come across! He is 29 yrs old, Handsome, who could give any Bollywood or for the matter of fact Hollywood star an inferiority complex! And in fact who has already bowled me! I mean Me over!..Another Youth Icon of India... Mr Shantanu Rockstar Khandelwal!!...( canned applause from the audience.)

Khanak held her breath as the camera panned over to Shaan... yes it was him! Looking casually elegant and soo handsome in a dark brown sports jacket, white open neck shirt and dark blue jeans. She finally felt free to look at him closely without feeling his eyes on her, watching her. She realised that she had never really had the luxury of admiring the way he looked. His chiselled features, smooth complexion, thick dark hair which looked as if he had just run his hand through it and his shy smile..

( What?..Mr Shantanu All that Khandelwal..was looking embarassed?..not used to all that praise was he?..)

Shaan smiling somewhat embarassed:I am certainly not deserving of any of that praise..and I think that you are digressing from the topic.. Shaan said turning to look at the interviewer with his most disarming smile. He was back in his element again, flirty without knowing it. A complete ladies man.

What? One of the most or shall I say The Most eligible bachelor in Mumbai city who has sent a million hearts fluttering by just sitting on this chair, is too humble to admit it?..

Ms Anchor said fluttering her humongous eyelashes at Shaan..( The Bi...! What does she think of herself??!!)

Ms. Sheetal..I'm really flattered by the way you have presented me so far..but it does me gross injustice to not talk about what I represent and was called here for in the first place! Shall we move on if you don't mind?..

Shaan smiled expertly sugar coating his remark.

Alright, if you say so! By the way viewers! Mr Shantanu Khandelwal is not only good looking..he is also an up and coming architect who just returned not so long ago after obtaining a Masters in Architecture from Harvard School of Design, no less! So my question is, what made someone like you whose father is a wellknown builder himself, want to work hard to earn a prestigious degree, just in order to join his father's firm?..

Well, thanks for asking that question!.. Yes, I am proud to be my father's son, but at the same time I did not wish to live in his shadow. I wanted to do something on my own, as they say... carve my own path..

Then why did you choose Architecture in particular..why not medicine..or something else..hehe..you could have fixed some broken hearts that way!...(

There she goes again, Ms Flutter Eyes, My Shaan is not a push over!!!!!... Ooops!..)

Khanak covered her face with both her hands, (Oh no! I didn't think that...!)

Well..now that you say it!( she heard Shaan say chuckling..) I've been always squeamish at the site of blood. But...I admire doctors a lot, they do a wonderful job saving lives, especially a certain particular one.who saved mine!..his voice became low..

Khanak looked up and felt as if he was looking straight out at her..even the TV screen couldn't diminish the intensity in those eyes...and he said..But I want that someone to SAVE MY LiFE FOREVER..,(she knew that those words were for her..were they..?)

Aaahhh! Are you watching, Doctor? What a patient to have..na?..Ok, than why Architecture?...

Well, I have always loved building design, in fact I consider them a form of artisitic expression.you wouldn't disagree if you see Frank Lloyd Wright's buildings! He is My Icon! Whether it be the Eiffel tower, or the Qutub Minar,or the Louvre or just a school house..it should serve its purpose. And I'm interested in designing buildings which not only serve their purpose but are also Green and Aesthetic. And I want to apply this everywhere, I want to make homes affordable, I want everyone to have access to my Art, the haves or have nots, rich or poor..

Shaan's eyes sparkled as he talked..

(So this was the real Shaan, passionate about his craft. Why did he have to hide it?.. Shaan is Idealistic! He is a dreamer! Like me! I like that, I like that very much..thought Khanak.)

She barely heard the rest of the conversation, so mesmerized was she by his presence. She just watched him, his seductive smile, the way he inclined his head, the ever attentive flirt, his hands,,like a sculptor's so expressive...

(She also heard the OOhs and AAhhhs of her family in the background, peppered by his father's positive comments in between..they had already adopted Shaan as part of the family..).

And before we leave..what does Shantanu Khandelwal have to say about his heart? Is it available?..

Khanak perked up her ears at that..as Shaan looked down at his hands taking his time..

My heart is already taken..by a most wonderful person.and she pretends not even to know it..!

Then looking directly at the camera again, he said softly..If you are watching now dear, Please HANDLE IT WITH CARE!!..

(How does he know I'm watching?)..

DEEEDs...!!!..

Palak screamed excitedly.Did you hear that?..

Khanak wished that the earth would open up and swallow her..this was the last place she wanted to be now. Somehow, calling upon all her mental reserve, she looked sternly at Palak and said.I have work to do, so don't you dare disturb me! Papa..tell her..Please??!!

Ok Beta! But this Shantanu is something huh...veerrry impressive..I'd certainly like to meet him sometime!..Pramod said.

Khanak sighed and tried to walk slowly to her room, trying to hold on to her dignity for a little while longer...

She picked up her mobile, typed ' Y' and pressed SEND...

~~~~~~~~~

She also thought that she had spied Dr Deepak in the back of the room, Was he up to something? Or was he turning a new leaf?..

This evaporated from her mind, when she spent the rest of the day trying to do her job more efficiently than usual, she did not pause for lunch or her usual coffee break..any way too much coffee may have been one of the reasons she had passed out the other day..Water was better.yes, H2O!..

Khanak sat at her favorite table in the coffee shop, near the window looking out at life passing by unobserved. Though outwardly she portrayed a picture of serenity, inside she was a bunch of nerves...so much so that she had even forgotten to order her coffee!

So you can imagine how acutely disappointed she was when Deepak plopped into the chair across from her, so disappointed that she wanted to cry..

She closed her eyes and tried to wish him away..but alas that was not to be..

There you are! At last!! Miss Khanak Ice Cold Agarwal!..Here's a drink which fits you to a T...ICED CAFE LATTE!!

Khanak opened her eyes and gave him her meanest glare..a look which could wither anybody but not Deepak!..

Hey! Talk to me! What did I do wrong? Didn't I attend your social meeting today?...I did it just for you!

I thought as much..otherwise since when did Dr Deepak get interested in helping the lowest of the low! And by the way, I wasn't impressed!

Alright tell me what do you want? See..look at us! We are accomplished, in the same profession, young, dynamic, successful..and I'm rich too! We are the perfect couple! In fact you should consider yourself lucky that I like you! Otherwise, look at me!..

He sat back, preening like a peacock..

Khanak looked at him and appraised him..weighing the pros and cons. Yes, he was a brilliant doctor, young, able, wealthy but of what purpose were all these attributes when they were used to achieve the wrong ends? ..he was just a self absorbed, snob who was too full of himself and if..yes..if.. he was lucky enough to get a wife..she would be reduced to serving his ego!

He could not hold a candle to Shaan, they were as different as chalk and cheese, night and day..Good Lord!..Now I'm comparing people with Shaan.. what's wrong with me?..

Seeing Khanak not paying him the attention which he thought he deserved, Deepak grabbed her hand..and she jumped as if stung, pulling it back..

STOP IT!!..Deepak! You've no right!!!.

Ahem... The lady is with me. May we be excused?...

Khanak looked up to see Shaan standing there calm as a cucumber, giving Deepak his best..Want to take Me On? look...

Whhhaatt??...

When Khanak saw Deepak's face turn purple with surprised indignation, she felt so good that she could have jumped up and hugged Shaan. Instead she satisfied herself by throwing Deepak a wicked smile...

Are you with HIM??...!!

Seeing Khanak's relieved nod and Shaan self assured smile, Deepak flushed with anger and opened his mouth to say something but then somehow changed his mind, grumbled and left..throwing a final 'I'll see you!' glance at Khanak.

Ahem..!..

What??!...

Stop murdering those ice cubes, what have they done to deserve your wrath? Do you think they represent Deepak? Poor guy..

Why would you think so..?

I would pity anybody who is a victim of your anger..you should have seen your face when I stepped in, it could Fry an Egg!!..In fact he owes me one!..

YOU think I look like that??...

Khanak said feeling hurt but when she saw Shaan trying hard not to grin, she couldn't help but break out laughing..!

Laughing made her feel much better and calmer. Then when Khanak saw Shaan watching her,.. for the first time since they had met she stared right back..but had to quickly look away..she had forgotten how he made her feel..

Come on! Drink your favorite Expresso!! The cup has been longing to be lovingly hugged between your lips...!😉

What?..what did you say?...

Just what I meant!... Take it any way you want!..

Khanak blushed pink, but wouldn't let him get the better of her this time too! She slowly sipped her coffee.

You know, your best feature are your eyes?..They are very expressive and honest. No matter what you say, they always speak the truth! That is why I call you Innocent..Yes.. it's true.!. only kids like Megha whose hearts are unblemished have eyes like yours!. See now, you haven't said a word.., but your eyes.they are telling me to go on.. I love it!!...

( He can read me like the back of his hand!)..Okay! But why do you need to hide your feelings?.And you hide a lot don't you?..

So that means you saw my interview..Did you like my message? It was meant just for you!..

Aww..Come on! Don't try to change the topic! Yes, I saw it but I also saw another side of you there..someone who has dreams, ideals..wants to achieve something in his life! So why do always act this way..you put on this 'I could care less attitude'..why? Is it because you feel that its not COOL..?...

Alright! If you want me to talk about it! Yes, perhaps I'm afraid that I'll be not one with the 'Cool Crowd'... Maybe I'm afraid of the future, that my dreams won't come true, my plans won't succeed! Yes,...I am still a Green Horn, the ground beneath me is still a little shaky!..Yes, that's why I hide.! .But you found me out!..I must give you that Khanak..!,

Shaan looked at her earnestly, as if seeking her approval..

Khanak smiled at him, she could visualize him now as a little boy wanting to do something impressive. To make his Mom and Dad proud of him..She saw him for what he was and she admired him for sharing it with her..

Okay! Did you also see that the girl who was interviewing me was very attractive? Did she make you green with envy..? No??.. Just a little?..

He was back to his teasing..

Alright then what was her name?..

Her name? Ummm..Guys don't care about girl's names!..

But you know MY name very well.!.So.., you really didn't care for her!!..

Khanak declared smugly..

I better watch out from now on!..Doctor does not mean easy to fool!!..

Okay where's Megha?..

Didn't you get the SMS? Me..courier? Yes?..

Okay then where is Teddy!?

Madam ji..here he is! I never disappoint the people I love..NEVER!..

he said, again watching her reactions closely and deposited a small box on the table.

Khanak opened it and smiled to find the poor misshappen Teddy inside and opened the paper lying next to him..where Megha had written her a message in her babyish scrawl..

Dear Doctor Aunti..

Pleese fix teddy for me?!..

Make him see and smell again!..

And pleeese don't meke him have pain..he'll cry..

And give my Chaachu a kiss! chaachu made me right that, he said he'll bring it back to me...LoveU..Megha.

You are impossible!!!...

What?..Megha wanted you to give her a kiss..so I offered to act as the courier again! Did I do wrong??..

Khanak just shook her head smiling..Tell her that I'll fix him soon and kiss her for me!..I don't believe in couriers for kisses!..

I'll excuse you but just this once!..So, you like children?..

Of course! and Megha is a darling!!.

That she is! Aakhir niece kiski hai?.. So at least one thing is settled between us!..

What thing?...

That we both like kids!! A Very essential part of Our Future Together! If only I could fast forward this dilly dallying bit and get to the point!! GOD THIS WOMAN !She makes me work so hard!!...Shaan said, throwing his hands up in the air..

Khanak giggled...

Then suddenly remembering her note said..

Here take this! But read it after I'm gone!!..And next time bring Megha!!..

and she left before he could object or ask why..

XXX

Okay to clear some of the confusion..this is just my little poem about Shaan's feelings and it is not her confession!!😆

Now you know me

And I know you

You like what you see

But.. I LOVE YOU!!...❤️

xxx

hei simi,
ahhh...simi u r such a darling...🤗🤗🤗 for u..really a wonderful update..i was smiling,laughing,blushing and all..really i have no words to say how superb it was...
so u answered my ques how did shaan get her number..khanak thought shaan is using cutie pie megha to meet her..but it was really nice that her conscience immediately asked her did she not want to meet him too..silly girl wat an ego..doesn't want to send an Y immediately..
then comes our other darling palak to call her to watch her would be in the TV..whole family assembled to watch it..poor khanak didnt get a chance like some of us who watch shanak scenes all alone smiling,blushing,etc.. so she sat at the back to avoid her embarassment..loved it when she thought palak had eyes on her back..
then the interview session: so she got to know about shaan's unknown side..khanak is impossible..she thought this is the only time she could check him out without him staring at her..poor girl atleast now she had a chance to see him..(but she has already seen him more than this na?she operated him) khanak felt bad when the anchor drooled over shaan..how can anyone resist such a charmer..but shaan was smart enough to bring the anchor back to the point..so u made him a architect to plan a link with khanak's charity hospital in future if u wish to..oh god oh god!khanak too said MY SHAAN!!wat is in her heart came out as unspoken thoughts..loved it..really shaan is ...lack of words..he communicated to his khanak through media..only his family n her family would know who he is mentioning.."admiring docs especially the one who saved mine" & "he wanted that particular someone to save his lie forever"..Haaye...*dies*
khanak got the glimpse of him being a dreamer..n ur writing was so good that i felt he is so passionate towards that..end of the interview was killer..

My heart is already taken..by a most wonderful person.and she pretends not even to know it..!

Then looking directly at the camera again, he said softly..If you are watching now dear, Please HANDLE IT WITH CARE!!..
now khanak's father too approved him n wished to meet him sometime..really vandu's suggestion to make it like vivaah would really be too good..but u make it according to ur idea..finaly khanak sent Y as reply..

Now i wish to strangle Dr.Deepak..really he should learn to give space to people..n khanak compared him with shaan..he came at the right time..really i imagined the look in Dr.D's face..loved shaan for coming at that time..khanak felt like hugging him he should have done that..really shaan would be taken by surprise if she did that..shaan never stops flirting..but it was cute..he said her eyes r cute n compared it with megha's..he reads her a lot..really i laughed a lot reading megha's note were she wrote "give my Chaachu a kiss! chaachu made me right that, he said he'll bring it back to me" really i couldn't control my laughter..n to specify u made the note as right instead of write..u take too much care in such small things(kids do such mistakes)..really loved her response too for that..n shaan planning abt future in super fast manner..talking abt kids..naughty shaan..still the surprise for us what she wrote in her thank u note..continue soon simi..bahut hi lambha comment likh diya main..maybe bigger than ur shorter updates..LOL!!!dont feel bored..ok..

Oh man

OMG

Originally posted by: priya_cool_123

OMG

U changed the word to enveloped ..but why ????

Oh ya i m reading it again..lol

I was just blown off by that line...But why did u change

awww ...!!!