TLLF Chapter 24 updt 15/8 Pg 21 - Page 10

CHAPTER 18

They bought the medicines prescribed and were walking up to the bustard quail that was 2 miles away from the clinic. After much of dead air she broke the silence You remember the lady we met in the flight.?

Hmm yeah.what about her?

She had come to our place today.

Oh really. I mean where you met her?

Actually I met her on the way to the mall and she helped me find one. Then while coming back I invited her. She stays in plot no 18 .just nearby to our house.

You should more often call her or also you can visit her. In a way that will be better for you to spend your time.

Hmm. She smiled.

It was followed by a long pause, which she conked out by her sweet voice.

You are afraid of needles?

He was tremendously abashed at this. He wished the ground could swallow him up deep inside.

Shit..which was not audible to her ears even when she was walking close to him. No.. I mean ..

With an embarrassing face, not knowing what to say he left a sigh blowing out air through mouth. Tssk Tssk.. yeah .I am scared of it.

She chortled in amusement, her two pearls twinkling more prominently due to trickles in them which was a treat to his eyes, he felt like being in heaven to watch an angel like her. His expressions were replaced by a frivolous melancholy when he marked the tears that she softly excoriated with her tiny tip of fingers just about to ooze out. His heart ached even to think about the tragedy the poor girl experienced. He saw her gleeful face after so many days that seemed like years to him. Last he saw her like that was in her engagement with his dear friend. He thought that (to see this comely angel he is ready to go to heaven as many times as required).

You look very beautiful when you smile. He said admittedly looking into her big black pools with an expression that showed his sincerity.

She looked at him, slowly her smile retarding with two halts Thankyou.

Please keep it on all ways. He made a polite request.

She smiled at him which was an affirmation to his statement followed by a nod.

Even you are a very nice person Shantanu. Saaket never just said it, he meant it and he was right you truly are a good person.

Just because I am saying that you have a nice smile does not mean you have to praise me back. He said with a tantalizing smile.

No I mean it. Really. To break the moment that was really hard to deal with Khanak saw a street peddler outside a park that they just crossed while walking and pointed towards it. Do you like candy floss?

Ummm..Candy floss? He whispered out to himself but when seeing her eyeing him in a curious manner as if caught him lying he made up Yeah of course I know it. I love it in fact.

She ran towards the vendor. Uncle two candy floss please.

She saw Shantanu looking at the task vendor was doing. Checking each and every move of his the time he rolled up two for them Shantanu was determined to show that he knew what it was to Khanak. She held one in front of him here.

Thanks. And he waited for the time she started eating her first bite.

Have no. Its good. And she giggled out loud at the way he fondled with the candy, a morsel in her mouth and its some filaments stuck around her lips. C'mon I know now that you are having it for the first time. I got you already when you exaggerated it there. Let me show you how to eat it. She stood in front of him pulling his undamaged arm and making it hold the candy stick and showing it exactly the way it is to be eaten. Her delicate hand holding his muscular one still hers had power to loosen his grip. He had his first bite and moment it entered his mouth it fluxed. Hey it dissolved in my mouth with a child like amusement.

Yes it is supposed to be like that and laughed at his childishness. He could not stop himself from removing the stalk on her lips. As his fingers touched her lips she shivered a bit at unexpected.

It was an evening time and the park was getting crowded by the visitors. Shantanu for a change felt like spending time in doing something else than his office chore. Should we go in? pointing towards the main gate.

But your hand is hurting. You might just by mistake injure it more. She said in a worrying tone.

C'mon we won't play the equipments. We can have a look but.

Umm hmmm..

In Kitchen

She cooked food for them. They sat at dining table. It was difficult for him to eat with left hand but he managed. Thankyou for such an evening.

Even I had fun.

Looking around in the kitchen with organized stuff in it. I must say you are fast in your work. How you managed to do this?

Actually Naamy helped me in doing it.

Ok..Nice female..

Hmmm..

His cell buzzed, Madhavi had called. Due to his condition she answered his call. Hello Shan how are you now?

Ma he is fine now. We showed it to the doctor. And he is given an anti-septic injection. Don't worry about him.

What!! Shantanu and doctor? I can accept he consulted a doctor but injection is not his thing. Madhavi was amused.

No Ma. He actually agreed to take one without any complains. She handed the phone to Shantanu.

Hello Shan. That's a good news. My Son in love haan..

Mom. I hurt it really bad so I agreed. Stop coming to conclusions.

Ya Ya.. I know everything. And they hung up.

18^th Feb 2012

He was sleeping in his room who was still not up unlike everyday which was due to the painkillers. It was her who woke up early and made his coffee exactly the way he preferred.

Nice update

Gud one

they both are making efforts and getting along well

they care and they are not hesitant to show it

em liking their comfort level

update soon

I thought I already commented loool
Anyways amazing update the way they are praising each other...
Update soon

nice part... they both are making efforts...

nice update. Finally they started to talk and open up. This is just begining, eagerly waiting for next update. how does he feel, when she makes him coffee and wakes him. update soon

so friendship developing.. loved it..

waiting 4 da update...plz update it...

can we expect an update today???

CHAPTER 19

Knock Knock!! She tapped the door waiting for him to open it with a tray of coffee cup in her hand. She unlocked it herself after waiting for some time. On entering she encountered him sleeping on the bed, it was a sight she never got since he was a early riser as she had been known him for around 2 months. He was sleeping at the edge on his stomach with an open mouth and one of the hands hanging down his fingers brushing the floor. He looked like an innocent child sleeping peacefully. She walked towards his bed and found his hurt hand under his torso causing pain to her eyes to watch it. That pose made his whole body weight exerted on the hand. She was quite sure it will pain him when he gets up. She went ahead and tried to wake him by shaking his upper arm softly. But when he showed no sign of getting up she thought adjusting his position would be better. In the process of doing the same he got up moaning. And saw her standing there

Aaaooo…..

I am sorry. Did I hurt you? Your hand was under your whole body, It might have caused you pain so I was just adjusting it.

Hmmm..No that's ok. He finally got up. And sat leaning against the top of bed. You up so early today.

No. I woke up as usual may be you are late. She signed him to check the table clock that showed 10 past 9.

Oh Shit!! I am late. I have an important meeting in the office He tried to get up hastily taking support of his both hands and hurt his hand more in turn. He squealed in pain. And she ran to him.

Oh God!! You are such a kid. I had told you to not to stress your arm much. She within a minute was near him on his bed holding his hand, blowing air on it which had become warm due to heat. He saw her observing his hand and came across an astonishing affection for him, He completely forgot about the pain he was having in his hand just few seconds ago. He looked at her with a gentle smile that just appeared on his face when she placed her small warm palm on his. She looked up when she was done with observing and caught him staring at her, immediately getting up she placed to mug on the table near the bed and walked towards the door.

Have your coffee. And call me if you need help. I will see you at the dining table. Not meeting his eyes she left and while pulling the door And there is no need to go to office today it was much like an order.

While in washroom he kept wondering for a long time ( Why she cares so much about me? That cant be just as a friend. But what if it is… No this is not the thing. It is just that we are friends and so she cares for me) his brains played a fight of their own.

He had bath and came down. She was in the kitchen making his favorite pudding. He entered watching her, she seemed very handy at the kitchen work, her hands moved in co-ordination with each other.

He went and stood right behind her which she was unaware of and bumped into him as soon as she turned. They were so close that she accidently hit her forehead on his chin..

19^th Feb

They went to office together. He showed her around the entire floor with minute details. And finally a cubicle that she would occupy, it was right next to his partitioned by a glass which also had a door to enter hers in case needed, designed as Sunil wanted it so that he and Akshay could be in contact easily, approximately equal in size. It had a table for her along with a comfortable swivel chair with all the necessities around. It had a large French window on the side. On the first look itself she loved the place.

He enquired how you like it?

Its nice. Can I sit? Pointing at the chair.

Of course its all yours now. And my cabin is just opposite to yours. See you can also see through. Pointing towards his cubicle through the glass. Tell me if you need anything.

Thanks. Still looking out of the window, and then smiled at him.

She was given number of files to go through so as to get to know the deals history. It took her one week to do that. He was honored on seeing her working assiduously even though it was owned by them. He saw she was very determined to not to take it for granted.

He got her full view from where he sat. In between she would seem tired doing the work which she threw away by having a refreshing coffee. Whereas he would do the same by watching her. Sometimes he would just lose himself examining at her, who used to be either busy in her work or eyeing something important. The most he liked about her was the point when she gazed outside the window and the cold breeze fondled with her delicate skin making her blush which was well noticed as a pleasure by him. Many a times he would drop in and pass down a coffee to her that she skipped due to work load.

2^nd March

As usual they were in the office doing their work. They were expecting a manager as told by Sunil. He went to Khanak's cabin to help her in the job she was assigned but was unable to do. He leaned against the table and was explaining her things when suddenly he felt two warm hands on his eyes. Khanak was confused to see the sight as she never saw it before, and upon that she dint remember Shantanu having any other close friend than Saaket. She kept looking at two friends. Shantanu turned and saw Shruti his childhood friend.

Oh..Shru that's you. What a pleasant surprise it is?

Hieee.. Shan baby ..How are you? missed me? Completely ignoring the third person there and hugged him placing a peck on his cheek. Seeing which Khanak had a 'W*F' face. Oh My god .you have become exotically handsome.

And You. you were such a chubby chubby doll before and now you have turned amazingly beautiful. Can't believe it's you.

Obviously for the same reason I did it. So that some or the other day you will ask me out. Hearing which Khanak's eyes narrowed with a sly smile looking at her who was still standing with her hand around her husband's neck.

He completely ignored her statement and looked at Khanak who stood still with an even expression on her face waiting to be introduced as soon as possible and emanating out air as if bringing the two to the senses. Shantanu felt the uneasiness on her face.

Oh Yes she is my wife. Looking towards her.

Wife. Shruti broached in shock. And moved her gaze to both of them turn by turn as if it will change the statement he made. Oh Wife…she murmured.

Yes Mrs Khanak Khandelwal she said with a loud tone that was audible to both of them forwarding her hand that Shruti took in hesitation and shook the hands. He was glorified by hearing it from her mouth. When he suspected some agitation, he broke it by speaking.

Oh well. How did you forget your way to my office?

Meet Shruti Oberoi, New manager of Khandelwal industries. She said with a pride in her eyes that was quite visible and a thumb towards herself.

Oh so this was the surprise bhai was talking about. Hmmm. He said looking at Khanak who seemed least interested in the talk.

Again Shantanu drifting away their attentions cut in C'mon Shru I will show you around. Without a back question she assented with him. Let's go. Leaving behind enraged Khanak.

Shiny Please take care of her, Miss Shruti Oberoi, our new manager. He made a polished order to Sheetal, his personal secretary. He had a great disposition that changed according to the situation that was his strong point.

This is how you will treat your manager, moreover your childhood friend. Shruti busted in before Sheetal could say anything.

End of the day

It was about time for Khanak and Shantanu to leave. Khanak was waiting in her cabin for him, but there was no sign of his. Shiny entered in the cabin as told by Shantanu. When she dint see him there she asked her, who was sitting pretending that she has work.

Ma'am where can I find Sir?

He must be there outside. I dint see him since manag…I mean since he left to show our new manager around. Sarcasm in her tone which dint go unnoticed by Shiny.

Oh yes!! I completely forgot he asked me to inform you to leave as he will take some time here. He said he has left the car for you and his on sight driver will drop you.

Oh ofcourse. Thankyou Shiny.As expected. Fury in her eyes as the last words turned in a whisper.

While going back home she could not accept the fact that he left her without telling.(But this is how it is. We are just friends..i am overreacting. After all this is what I wanted. Just friends. But then why is this feeling? Shit Why am I feeling like this ) Khanak had number of questions and confusion in her mind. Who would tell her that its natural to feel this way if the person is your special one. And what she thinks of herself? Does not she know how to behave with a married guy even if he is. No he was. No he used to be her best buddy. She changed her statement number of times until she thought it rightly suited the situation. Oh my god why am I thinking so much about it? NO Now I wont. Its his life let him do what he wants to do. She tried to ignore it by asking the driver to increase the volume of the songs playing on the tape.