HI, thanks for all the encouragement!
Here is the first chapter. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter one.
It takes time for you to realize you're in love, although it takes a millisecond
to fall hard.
Before starting the video chat
Tara Singhania thought for the hundredth time. This was not a first considering
Arjun and his colorful history of stupidities, but this was the first time Tara
actually feared for him. Her eyes wondered to the receiver's name box which
read the name Akhil Ahluwalia. It was a name that linked her with some past
memories both sweet and bitter as well as a name of a best friend she hadn't
met for quite a long time. Never had she thought of calling him out of blue
after she had finally managed to shift her entire life in to a foreign country,
yet one could trust Arjun in to putting them in such compromising situations.
The mention of Arjun brought Tara back on track as she finally hit the call'
button. After a few rings Akhil finally accepted the call.
Tara is that really you?' he
said after a long pause of surprise.
So he didn't come?' She said
slowly, without enquiring him whether he received the message or not. Where could this stupid boy be?' she
exclaimed then, to no one particular.
"Who are you talking about?' Akhil
asked frowning nervously.
Arjun! He is in India...and he was
supposed to meet you!'
Seriously?'
Yes, he's working on a
recording...auditioning I think for a new project'
So, why are you worried then?'
He went on his own...I agreed to
let him go on the one condition of meeting you as soon as he gets there! And
now he is missing! '
I don't think you should worry
about him this much' said Akhil after a moment. He can take care of himself
after all'
I don't want him to take care if
anything at all' said Tara rather gloomily. You know how much I tried to stop
him from ever going back'
If you try to stop him too much
he'll start suspecting...let him handle this one last visit and I'm sure he won't
find anything...'
How can you be so sure?' Tara
said uncertainly. After what happened last June... There's someone who wants to
hurt him!'
I'll make sure he returns to you
safely...I promise'
There was a beep as her account
received a message. Tara disconnected the call after a few parting words and
turned towards the message. It was a longer email than she had expected and
took a while to open.
This was not the way it was
supposed to happen. Usually Arjun would listen to her. And even if he hadn't he
would at least make sure to let her know he is alright. At the moment the
tension was eating away her head. There was no way she could consider on her
pending work without knowing where Arjun had disappeared in to. Maybe this was
him, trying to sooth her anger before calling her and being subjected to verbal
abuses.
The email only had a few words
but a fair share of attachments.
The
sins of the father are always avenged upon the children. I hope you check his
fan mail often '
One by one the attachments opened. They were nothing but
photographs...old photographs and Tara gasped. From each and every
captured moment her younger self smiled. They were photographs that belonged to
her collage days. Who in the world had these? And then... Then suddenly a
question hit her. What if there had been more? What if Arjun had received some?
What if he found out?
Tara could never really recall
how she made her way towards Arjun's room. Her fingers clutched around the
spare key as she stood in front of it.
Her heart was betting wildly. What would she do now? Had this been the
real reason of his visit? The door was
locked. A large sign pasted over its smooth surface. PREPARE TO RUN' Arjun put
that up when he was fourteen. Tara slowly unlocked the door.
The room was semi-darkened. Its
royal blue walls disfigured with spray writings reading things like, ROCKSTAR!
HERO! Oh what a beautiful room it had
once been! Now it looked a cross between a garage and a musical shop.
Forgetting her true purpose for a tiny moment Tara picked up some of the
scattered clothes and looked in vain for the other companion of the shoe that
tried to knock her over. Nothing can be done about this fellow, she thought
frowning at the large poster that was facing her. A handsome youth in his early
twenties glared at her as if knowing she was criticizing him. A soft light
reflected from the drum set near the window made his face more visible and the
box letters reading the caption' I WANT THE WORLD!'
Sure, if Arjun wanted the world he could have
it. But there were some luxuries even Tara couldn't afford and truth was one of
them. There were secrets in her past that she never wanted to recall yet along
reveal and today Arjun was on the edge of uncovering one. She couldn't wait
until she laid her hands on Arjun's emails, not until she was sure he knew
nothing. She smacked her forehead, the
account of cause is password protected.
After trying a few different
combinations Tara thought actually there was no way Arjun would get such an email,
since only a few fan mails were forwarded to his personal address and Tara was
sure he never read all of them. But she couldn't just let this go. She had
already tried all their birthdays, special days etc, so she turned in to names.
Soon she would have to give up. Tara sighed. Something was making a rather
musical sound. She looked around. They were the tiny bells hanging lower from
the ceiling and the wind rang them. To a closer eye, each bell contained a
letter. BEST FRIENDS FOREVER'
Of cause! How could she forget!
Taking a deep breath she finally
typed the word. Arohi'
*
Once upon a time...
The terrace had heavy winds. It had put their
ongoing ball game into a halt. Yet Rahul was watching down quite interestedly.
What had captured his attention than the continuous complaints of his friends
about the wind was a boy, one that looked completely out of place. He must be
of Rahul's own age around eight or something. Yet his aura was altogether
different from the ones who lived in the orphanage. His hair bouncy, his clothes
expensive and his shoes gleaming to complete the stranger look he was wearing a
look of frustration as he kicked a pebble nearby. Surely the fellow wasn't
having a time of his life here. At the thought Rahul rolled his eyes.
He couldn't see who had brought
the boy here. Maybe his parents were giving a huge donation or something. He
didn't hear her the first time, he was too curious about the boy. But then he
heard her.
Rahul?'
Radha stood at the foot of the
stairs. She wasn't the tallest girl in the orphanage and he couldn't see
anything other than the top of her head. Yet Rahul knew it was her. Today was
her birthday. She was turning eight. Most of the kids in the orphanage were
found as babies. No one knew their true birth dates yet the day they had found
them would be celebrated as their birthday.
Rahul bounced off the wall he was sitting on and went to her.
Yes?'
Radha didn't say anything for a
moment. She didn't have to; they were best friends after all. Rahul could see
her eyes slowly welling up with tears and before he said anything she spoke up
again.
I'm leaving'
He had noticed she had her best
clothes on, her hair done neatly in to two pigtails. She had a package in her
hand.
This is for you' she said slowly
handing him the thing. He asked me to give them to all my friends'
Who?'
My...papa' said Radha in a
doubtful tone.
Seriously? I mean who would even
believe that?'
Well...' Radha thought for a
retort for a moment and then gazed at the open air fondly.
I'll miss this place' she muttered.
You'd come to see us again won't
you?" Rahul said uncertainly.
Sure' said Radha tilting her
head.
Radha!' someone called and in a
moment she was at the foot of the stairs.
She looks excited doesn't she?'
said one of the boys. They were watching her leave. Rahul joined them. He
couldn't decline that she had a spring in her step and a broad smile in her
face as she walked on hanging in the arm of a tall man who he couldn't properly
see.
The boy he had seen before was
now joined by a woman, of breathtaking beauty.
Hey is that Tara Sein?' someone
said.
You mean the Tara Sein?' another
asked. The actress?'
I didn't know she had a son'
She is Tara Singhania now'
Rahul didn't care; he watched the
group below without engaging in conversation.
She's your aunt' the man was
saying. Radha watched him for a moment.
You mean your sister my aunt or
just my aunt my aunt?'
The woman laughed, it was an
irritating sort of ringing laughter. One that doesn't start from heart thought
Rahul.
He meant his friend your aunt'
she said bending down to kiss Radha's both cheeks. By now the boy looked
completely disgusted.
Do I have to do that too?' he
asked in a reproachful tone. Radha frowned at him.
No offence but no thanks,
pumpkin head!' She said glaring at the boy. One could trust Radha with instant
name calling.
None taken, peanut!'
They went on a race of name
calling before Tara said in a raised voice, Arjun!'
What? She is
so tiny'
Tara simply frowned at him. The
boy sighed.
Alright fine' He stretched out
his hand. I'm Arjun, nice to meet you' then he added in an undertone.
Peanut!'
Radha didn't say anything for a
moment. She seemed to be assessing the situation.
Radha' she said finally shaking
his hand.
Um hum' said the man clapping
her shoulders. It's Arohi... Arohi Ahluwalia'
*
The man who gave the word bored'
its definition clearly knew nothing about the feeling. Bored was how Arjun was
feeling at the moment. Actually he was bored to death. After sending the fiftieth
applicant out he leaned sideways glaring at Rishi who had put him in this mess.
Whoever established this clearly
wasn't hoping a musical institute but a mental asylum'
It was your dad' said Rishi shortly. And I
told you not to come for the auditions' He waved a lazy hand at the crowd
gripping each other's throats out of the glass doors. They aren't here to
audition...' he rolled his eyes. More like to see you!'
Yeah and I'm the tenth avatar of
Vishnu, that you're currently exhibiting' Arjun shook his head. If the next person...starts about how much
they like me...They want my autograph etc, I might murder someone!'
Why don't you say it a little
louder, outside?' Rishi suggested. Next!' Rishi added in a loud voice before Arjun
could reply to that.
In came a girl who shrieked OMG!'
in the top of her voice waving her hands like a maniac.
Great' Arjun said. Keep that up and I might go completely def'
Rishi rolled her eyes at the
startled girl. He's having a mood swing, do continue dear'
The girl opened her mouth. Not
the shouting, the song...you might want to sing I mean?'
Short-term memory loss,'
muttered Arjun. He had no interest left
in the audition anymore. So throughout the next few sessions he started to
stare outside, watching other people. Then someone caught his attention. It was
a girl, the only girl who seemed to be held in here against her will.
Her long dark hair bounced off
her shoulder, hiding her face as she struggled with a group of friends who
obstructed her way out.
I have loads of work to do!' she
complained wearily. You guys go on; I've seen enough of celebrities for a life
time. I just came tp wish him good luck!'
Finally she managed to free
herself exactly the same moment Arjun managed to recognize her.
Rahul, hey wait up!' she rushed
past the group calling out for someone as Arjun pushed open the door.
She was following a tall youth
who was ahead of her in the passage. Finally she managed to catch his arm and
make him stop.
You can't leave without giving
yourself a chance,' she was saying.
Rahul shook his head.
It's no use,' he said flatly. You
should have told me before applying for me. I'm not interested in this sort of
things. They don't value talent, but other things mostly.' He shook his head. I'm
certain the winner either will be a very rich boy or a girl in a mini skirt,'
Arjun is there, he's different!'
Arohi argued.
Do you know him?' Rahul asked
with raised eyebrows.
Um... No, but -
Then you don't know what you are
talking about clearly...' he turned to leave once more.
Rahul! Listen to me!'
That precise moment Arjun chose
to call after her, ruining the conversation between the duo, and ignoring the
stares he was getting from the crowd, Arohi?' he said doubtfully and the girl
stopped on her tracks. Slowly she turned around, a stunned expression on the
face he was far too familiar with. After a fragment of a second she shook her
head and turned around to continue her previous trial and Arjun frowned.
Arohi Ahluwalia, you know that I
saw you,' he called out once again to the pin drop silence that followed.
What did you call her?' said one
girl from the group.
Arohi, that's her name isn't
it?' said Arjun clearly confused.
The two girls looked at each
other breathlessly.
Radha knows Arjun Singhania!'
one of them said.
And he calls her Arohi?' said
the other.
OMG!' they said together.
Arjun rolled his eyes at them and
looked at Arohi once more. Yet she was too occupied with Rahul who was glaring
at her now.
Arohi?' said Rahul slowly.
Listen I can explain..' started
Arohi.
I'm sure,' said Rahul coldly
before turning on his heel and storming away.
Before Arjun could mess up the
situation further Arohi also went after him, leaving a bewildered Arjun behind.
He shook his head after a moment and went inside, banging his fist on the
table.
I'm done,' he said.
What do you mean?' Rishi asked
confusedly.
The audition is over,'
Without any further explanation
he left in a hurry.
*
It was the gloomiest birthday ever! Arohi was seething in
anger. She had planned to tell Rahul everything that night. She had it all
planned out. But no, the one she called her best friend chose that very day to
turn up and spoil everything! Why? Why would he audition, when the media
company belonged to his father? Why would he return to India after all these
years? That too uninformed? And above all he was staying at her house! Now she
had to bite her nails in nerves as to when he would be stupid enough to mention
meeting her at the institute to her Papa, who is under the impression that she
is studying B. Com. There was only few more days left in her life, she was
certain of that.
And Arjun, she could just murder him!
At the very moment her mobile beeped. She glanced at it.
There were several unread messages. The latest one looked threatening.
Ignore one more, and I'll make sure Akhil uncle hears
everything!'
I see!' said Arohi frowning. Well Arjun Singhania, you
messed it up this time, too bad,'
She stood up clutching her hands in to fists and matched to
her door, throwing it open; something as hard as the wall collided with her,
and above her she heard Arjun chuckle.
So the angry bull is out,' he said grabbing her shoulders
and steering her back in to the room, closing the door behind them.
I'm going to murder you!' Arohi said furiously.
Arjun looked at her innocently and sat on her window sill,
folding his arms.
What have I done?'
You ruined everything!' Arohi stated pacing the length of
her room to calm herself.
But it's your fault!' said Arjun. Arohi stopped in her
tracks and raised her eyebrows, demanding an explanation. Arjun jumped back to
his feet. Well you see. You planned such a big conspiracy and forgot to inform
your partner in crime. Who would have backed you up once the police started the
chase?'
This is not funny Arjun!'
So you're taking music?' Arjun said suddenly changing the
topic. And Akhil uncle doesn't know, may I ask why?'
First promise me you won't breathe a word to anyone!'
Arjun looked hurt, yet there was a glint of mischief in his
golden eyes.
When have I ever betrayed you? You are my soul mate after
all...' he said clutching his heart. Oh, your words have wounded me!'
Drame queen!' mutered Arohi. Fine jokes aside, Bhai doesn't
want me to take music and you know...'
How scary he can become,' Arjun completed her sentence. Yep,'
he nodded. But that's not all I guess? There's one more tall reason right?'
You mean Rahul?' Arohi bit her lip.
Oh god!' said Arjun circling her like a hawk. Peanut you're
blushing! I never knew you could blush!'
Shut up!'
SO this is that Rahul?' said Arjun. The childhood
sweetheart?'
Arohi nodded slowly. And he doesn't know you changed your
name?' Arjun looked thoughtful.
You don't know,' said Arohi. He's different now. You can't
even imagine how much he hates the rich,'
I saw a trailer I guess,' muttered Arjun. So that's why
you hid the fact that you're the Akhil Ahluwalia's daughter? Heir to millions?'
I was scared' said Arohi slowly. What if he refuses to
talk to me? I really want to...'
There, there,' Arjun cut in. It'll be better if I don't
hear what you want to do with him.' He made a face. My imagination is nasty,'
Arohi shook her hands desperately. "Now everything is ruined! How am I ever going
to make it up?'
Hey,' said Arjun sounding annoyed. You're standing in
front of Arjun Singhania, the guy who made thousands find their star-crossed
love! I'll make sure you make it up!'
Arohi rolled her eyes. Yeah right!'
Tell him the truth,' said Arjun seriously.
Truth? I guess he already knows that!'
But there's a difference when you say it yourself. And
there are some truths only you can reveal, like how exactly you feel about him?
What made you so scared to losing him? That kind of truths,'
Their eyes met and there was a pause. The golden brown eyes
of Arjun started deep in to her dark ones.
I love you,' he said softly. Tell him that!' And the
trance was broken.
We'll meet again!
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