Keerti OS [Shaadi Mubarak]
I love you!!!
It’s one year for their “shaadiMubarak”. The staff had planned a celebration party for their bosses because of whom their wedding planning company had reached new heights. The marriages theyhad planned had become the matter of discussion in entire Rajastan. They had even traveled to Delhi & Mumbai to organize the wedding of KT’s close associates.
KT, the charming ex super star stood in front of the mirror of his room, grooming himself up for the evening party. He had worn a sober textured shirt with his darling denim pants along with a wool blazer. His dressing style had eventually changed since past one year and all thanks to his ‘business partner’. He had stopped wearing his rugged jeans and those colorful, flashy outfits for the surprise of his family,and his fans who considered him their fashion icon. Suddenly, his eyes fell on a small box that was on his dressing. He picked it and opened the box which had in it, a tiny disconnected pendant of a neck piece. His mind reached the day when Preeti had fell into his arms, weak and unconscious. The pendant from her chain had got stuck into his shirt when she fell without warning, causing a small scratch on his neck. The stain that was left on his neck faded but that on the heart never did. That moment when he held her so close to his heart had become extremely precious memory for him to reminisce again & again.
He looked at himself for the final time in the mirror and fastened his steps towards the living room. His mom as always complemented his looks and praised him till the sky. But KT looked a bit serious than usual. His chachu knew the reason behind his pensive mood and tapped his shoulder as if sending him some good vibes and energy. KT greeted him with his endearing smile and left in his posh car. On the way to his office, he pulled a casket out of his inner blazer pocket and had a look at it. It contained a simple yet elegant chain with a gorgeous pendant, which he had purchased for his dear partner. He smiled to himself passing prayers to god in his mind so that everything goes well according to his wish. He bent back and relaxed before the big moment that was going to happen in few hours arrived.Yes! He was all set to pour his heart out tonight. It had become impossible for him to hold back his emotions in front of her anymore. But one thing that made him jumpy was the thought of her reaction to his proposal. She was no less than an enigma for him. Even though he traced her thoughts that floated in the upper layers of her mind, it was obscure for him to decipher her inner feelings. Of course she had immense respect for him but ‘love’? This thought made him go crazy and it was also the reason behind him procrastinating the proposal plan till today. Even after the success their company had achieved in a short period of time, the maximum reaction that came from her was a bewitching smile or she would just shake hands with him. Damn professional, that she was. Once,overwhelmed with the complement they got from their client, he had tried hugging her for which she was hell embarrassed. That was the last time he tried getting close to her without her consent. But of course, KT could never stop flirting or leave any chance to make her smile.
His car stopped with a little jerk, bringing him out of his mixed thoughts. He took a deep breath, got down the car and proceeded to the entrance. He was welcomed with utmost hospitality and love by his staff. But his eyes were hunting for someone else. When inquired, he became aware of the fact that she hadn’t arrived yet but he had reached before time. This was yet another change she had brought in him. Now he had started reaching the office before she could reach so that he doesn’t miss having her glimpse from the time she arrived till she left. Tucking his hands in his pocket, he walked to the window which presented the view of their office garden. His mind couldn’t help but think about the incident that had happened few months before. Preeti had casually asked him about his wife and about why she doesn’t stay with him. He had sat on the fancy bench in the garden and had openly confessed about his past life to her. His mother had always tried to share his sorrow and keep him happy but he had never opened up his heart in front of her thinking about the pain she might have to go through seeing him in pain. Preeti had come forward to console him after she saw him in pain. KT,completely carried away by his past memories suddenly turned and hid his face on her waist. The force with which he held her made Preeti lose her balance but he firmly clasped her making her stand erect. Preeti herself was bewildered by his sudden act but she could see his shoulders going up and down as his sobs intensified. She sighed deeply and her palm hesitantly caressed his head. He immediately calmed down just by her single touch as if that was what he was pining for since ages. He loosened his grip around her waist and apologized for what he did. But Preeti gave a pleasant smile as if telling him everything would be fine. That had left him in yet another dilemma. Was she fine with whatever happened few minutes before as she didn’t seem like she was embarrassed. God knows it he thought.
There was a sudden noisy environment created near the entrance which made him come out of the oblivion.His vision advanced towards the entrance and there she was, in all her beauty,smiling and filling up his heart. Preeti was wearing a peach colored translucent sari with a matching blouse adorned with her casual jewelry. His heart skipped a beat when he stood in front of her and as usual she greeted him with her enchanting smile.
KT : preetipartner! Humari shaadi Mubarak ki pehli anniversary Mubarak ho!
P: aapko bhi KT ji!
He escorted her to the party hall and both of them cut the three layered cake that was placed in the centre. The whole staff cheered for the partners who looked truly adorable together in the crowd. Preeti got busy speaking to the staff girls while KT waited for a chance to have their moment together. His eyes were too stubborn to abandon beholding her even for a second. Every time she moved her face, the nose stud twinkled on her nose and those hair locks ah! He was envious about them. They had the fortune of staying so close to her face and sweep her cheeks now and then, as if teasing him. He sighed and took a deep breath, gathering all the courage,like a true gentleman, he approached her and called her to his cabin by saying he had something very crucial to be discussed about their next day’s trip to Kolkata. KT, preeti and few staff members were heading to Kolkata the next day for organizing a wedding there. Preeti followed him to his cabin and the door automatically got closed when they entered dragging her attention towards it.
KT : don’t worry preeti ji! Issbaar aap nahi phasenge kyuki aapko pin already pata hai.. aur ab mein badalgaya hu.. ab mein cheezein nahi bhulta hu..
P: pata hai mujhe.. ab yeh batayiye ki aapne mujhe yaha kyu bulaya? kya discuss karna hai aapko?
KT: haan! Ek minute…
He said and pulled the casket out of his inner pocket and gently placed it in her hand. She instantly opened itand found the chain. Before she could say anything, KT interrupted,
KT: preeti ji ab aap yeh matkahiye ki iski kya zaroorat thi.. zaroorat hai preeti ji aur yeh toh kuch bhinahi… mujhe pata hai aapko in sab mein koi shok nahi hai phir bhi.. mere tarafse yeh chota sa gift aapkeliye… mana matt kijiye…
P: thank you kt ji…par mujhe bhiaapkeliye kuch gift lana chahiye tha..
KT: nahi preeti ji.. aaj humarashadi mubarak jo bhi hai woh sirf aapke mehnat aur commitment ki wajah se hai…
P: nahi kt ji.. aaj yeh jo bhihai woh hum dono ke waje se hai.. sirf meri waje se nahi… accha ab chodiye..aap kuch discuss karna chahte the na.. batayiye…
KT gulped and cleared his voice.
KT: preeti ji.. aaj mein aapko ekbohot important baat batane jaa raha hu.. par isse sunne ke baad aap gussa matthojayiye ga.. pls..
P: par aap aisa kya kehne walehai jiske waje se mujhe gussa aayega?
KT: Preeti ji.. aapko yaad haijab maine pehli baar aapko tarun ke shaadi mein dekha tha.. uss waqt mujhe aisa laga jaise mein aapko bohot pehle sejaanta hu.. aapke aankhon mein woh aasuki boondhe mujhse dekha nahi gaya… preeti ji mein jab bhi aapke saat hota hutab mujhe ek junoon ke saat apnapan mehsoos hota hai.. mere zindagi ka har raasta sirf aapki tarafkeechkar jaa raha hai mujhe… mujhe pata hi nahi chala ki mein kab aapko chahnelaga… shayad pehle din se hi… lekin mujhe realize hone mein waqt lag gaya…
Preeti downcasted her eyes unable to face him & unknowing about how to react. He continued..
KT: preeti ji aap yeh mattsochiye ki maine aapko sirf isliye pasand kiya kyuki aap dikhne mein sundar hai ya aap ek akeli aurat hai… mujhe aap mein jo ulta seedha pasand aaya, woh hai aapke khamoshi aur innocence. Shayad hi maine apne zindagi mein aap jaise nadaninsaan ko dekha hai... meri zindagi mein kuch karne ki chahat aapne jagaya hai…mein aapke chehre pe muskurahat dekhna chahta tha.. bohot koshishon ke baaddekhne ka mauka mila mujhe.. aur usi hasee mein phas bhi gaya… preeti ji sirfsaat janm tak nahi, mein chahta hu ki aap das ya bees hazar janmon tak meresaat yuhi hasti reh jaaye…
Preeti was in trance after listening to whatever he said. KT walked closer to her and held her hand much to her disappointment..
KT: preeti ji! Aap nahi jaantehai… aapki khamoshi mein ek kavitha chupa hai.. aur aapke hasee mein ekchitrakala… aur aapke iss shaant swabhav mein ek gaana hai jo sirf mein sunsakta hu… yahi aapki khubsurati hai… aap meri aadat ban gayi hai preeti ji..aur mein iss aadat se kabhi chutkara nahi paana chahta hu… Preeti ji…. Mein aapse bohot pyar karta hu..aur mein…
P: bass KT ji… mein aur nahi sunsakti hu..
She said and rushed to the door getting rid of his hold. Within seconds she unlocked the door and left the place. KT stood perturbed, looking at her disappearing form. Preeti hired a taxi and reached back home much to the surprise of kusum and other members. Kusum guessed that something serious might have happened and followed her to the room. After much insistence preeti revealed whatever happened in the office. Preeti was amazed and irked when kusum giggled after whatever she heard.
P: kusum ji! Aap has rahi hai?Mein aapko itni serious baat bata rahi hu aur aap!
K: raam ji ki godi! Arey aur kaakaru mein? Yeh toh baat hi aisi hai.. mare ko toh pehle se hi bata tha ki yehdin zaroor aayega…
P: matlab?
K: matlab yeh ki maine KT ji kiaankho mein taareliye prem dekha hai.. isme kaa galat hai?
P: kusum ji aap jaanti bhi haiaap kya keh rahi hai? Yeh pyar waar ka kya chakkar chal raha hai kt ji ke dimagmein? Log kya kahenge?
K: log!? Kaun log? Wahi jo tumheapne paav ki neeche dabana chahte the? Maare ko toh laga tha ki chalo ab tohyeh chori apneliye jeena shuru kar diya hai.. lekin nahi.. abhi bhi yeh duniyakya kahegi wala bhoot sawarke baita hai tare maate pe…
P: kusum ji! Maine KT ji ke baaremein aisa kabhi nahi socha hai.. woh sirf mere business partner hai.. bata nahiunko kya hogya achanak.. ajeeb baatein kar rahe the.. kya woh jaante nahi haiki mein shaadi shuda hu, mere do bade bacche hai, bahu hai… aur iss umar meinaap chahte hai ki mein in pyar ki chakkar mein padu?
K: yeh kaahe tu saat sattar umarke logon ki tarah baat karne lagi hai? Aur yeh duniya na taare peeche na gumtahai ya yeh dekhta hai ki preeti sa kya kar rahi hai… woh toh mare kt sa hai jotaare peeche peeche goom rahe hai.. dekhpreeti zindagi tumhe baar baar dastakat nahi deta hai.. jab deta hai tab khuledil se uska swagat karna chahiye… samjhi? Tu kaise samjhegi.. aur iskeliye meintumhe zimmedar nahi tehraungi… kyu ki tumhe toh kabhi kisi se aisa pyar mila hina hai.. woh jo taare pati tha..kya ek baar bhi zindagi mein do meethi baateinbola hai taare waaste? Na! mein jaanu…. Usse toh tanne dhaat ne se phursatmilta tab kuch bolta… pyar toh door ki baat hai… aur taara who nalayak beta… uske baare meintoh mare ko baat hi na karni hai… sunn… apne dimag se kehde ki aaj kaam nakarein aur taare yeh jo dil hai na usse pooch.. taare beeti hui rishte meinsirf ek patni hone ka farz nibha rahi thi tu.. pyar nahi tha usme… pyar toh iss naye rishte mein hai aur mareko yeh baat bata hai.. maare raamji ne taara zindagi itna rangeen banane ki kosis kar rahe hai aur tu kyu abhibhi uss black n white zamane mein atki hai.. usse bahar toh aa… kher! Pooriraat padi hai taare ko sochne keliye… sochle.. mein sone jaa rahi hu.. lekinkal mujhe positive result chahiye samjhi? Raam ji godi, akal de isse todi.. Goodnight!
Preeti gave an innocent glance at kusum and continued staring outside the window. Kusum slipped into her bed. Preeti became restless as the past memories started haunting her. Those ugly abusive words of her husband were echoing in her ears. She closed her ears tight as if preventing them from entering her. In the next moment, KT had occupied her thoughts. She could imagine him calling her Preeti partner and running behind her. How colorful he had made her life as kusum mentioned she thought.He always made her smile and enjoy the moment. He was the one who believed in her the most and also helped her in gaining self respect. He was always therefor her like an armor to protect her from any kind of odds. She remembered the day he had lost his cool when tarun tried to verbally abuse her. After that incident tarun never wagged his tongue in front of her. Yes few times he had put her into trouble because of his absent mindedness but had eventually changed his outlook towards life. She had immense respect for him but love? She had to dive deeper into the heart of her hearts letting go of all her inhibitions. The words he said to her that evening played in her mind and the sincerity with which he said those words made her heart thaw. He had tried his maximum to make her life better, to bring happiness in her life. Is it not her responsibility to give back his part of deserving happiness, she thought. Her feelings were crystal clear now. May be she too liked him but suppressed it within thinking about the consequences. She smiled to herself and decided to confess that she too loved him unknowingly.
The day dawned and Preeti was all prepped up to leave for the airport. Kusum could clearly see the glow on her face and twinkle in her eyes. She was certain that preeti had made up her mind.Indirectly she teased her in front of others but preeti signaled her to keep quiet. KT hadn’t slept all night thinking about his preeti partner. He was doubtful whether she would join him for the trip after whatever happened the previous day. Much to his surprise, she reached the airport on time and guess what, she was wearing a yellow colored sari. His mind flooded with thoughts thinking whether she was symbolically saying ‘yes’ to his proposal because she had draped the same colored similar type of sari when she had accepted his business proposal. He was so lost that he didn’t realize she was already standing close to him.
KT: Preeti ji aap! Mujhe laga aapnahi aayenge..
P: KT ji.. yeh mera kaam hai..aur mein isse kabhi peeche nahi hat ti hu chahe jo kuch bhi ho jaye..
KT believed that it would be better to keep quiet as the staff members were around and preeti still seemed to be cold with him. They boarded the flight and settled in their respective places. KT’s tongue was teasing him to speak out but he was loathe to do so. Neither preeti spoke anything much to his disappointment. Since he hadn’t slept the previous night, he slipped into slumber as the flight took off. In his deep sleep, his head fell on her shoulder and instantly she held it back from slipping off her shoulder. His furry hair tickled her neck and cheeks making her blush. She was about to support his head with hers when the air hostess disturbed them bringing him out of his sleep. KT woke up and rubbed his eyes moving away from her while looking at her expressionless face. He bent back to his seat and closed his eyes.
The flight landed in the city of joy, Kolkata. They reached the venue and started their preparations for the wedding. The first day went out well and neither of them spoke anything other than work. All of them retired to their room and KT slipped into deep sleep. In the early hours of morning, there was a knock on his door. He dragged himself out of the bed till the door and opened it. His sleepy eyes became alert when he saw the wonder standing in front of him. It was his preeti partner at 5:30am in the morning. She was wearing an orange colored transparent saree withtiny mirror works and a matching floral printed blouse. And the best part was she had left her tresses free instead of pleating them in her usual style.
KT: preeti ji! Aap iss waqt? Sab theek hai na? koi problem toh nahi?
P: agar koi problem ho, tab himein aapke paas aasakti hu kya?
KT: nahi.. mera woh matlab nahitha.. kahiye kya baat hai?
P: aap chaliye mere saat..
Kt: kaha?
P: woh aapko pata chal jayega..chaliye…
KT was flummoxed by looking at her strange behavior. He pulled a jacket out of his bag and wore it on top of his t shirt & joggers and followed her after wearing his sneakers. They silently walked to the parking lot and Preeti sat in the driver’s seat of the car asking KT to get in. KT had taught her to drive the car as well. He sat beside her still confused about what was she up to. She drove through the calm streets and reached the shores of Hooghly river. A boatman was ready with his gondola styled boat to row them across the river. She signaled KT to get inside it and forwarded her hand to hold it while she got into the boat. He held her hand with utmost care and helped her to get inside and that was when he noticed that something was dazzling on her neck in the fading moonlight. It was the same chain he had gifted her. She sat beside him and the boatman started rowing it.KT’s mind was getting shot by numerous doubts one after the other thinking aboutwhat was she trying to say. When the boat reached the mid waters, she took outa box from her bag and opened it. It was KT’s favorite Rajasthani sweet ‘dilkhushal’ which she had specially bought for him. She took a piece, brought it near his mouth and sweetly said “happy birthday KT ji”… KT was taken aback.
KT: preeti partner aaj mera birthday hai aur mein toh bhool hi gaya tha…
He said and savored the sweet. Hetook another piece and fed her.
KT: sach kahu preeti partner, yeh mera sabse best birthday surprise tha… thank you so much…
As the boat rowed further, preeti adored his happy face.
KT: preeti ji! Aap kaha leke jaarahe hai mujhe?
P: Ah! Woh.. mandir…
KT: Mandir!?
He said and the next moment he jumped into the water making her blood run cold. She shrieked his name loudly and bent down to check him. He rose up and hung his hand on the edge of the boat making her breathe.
P: kt ji aap paani mein kasie girgaye? Upar aajayiye…
KT: woh kya hai na.. aapne kahaki hum mandir jaa rahe hai aur maine nahaya hi nahi.. waha mandir mein patanahi paani hoga bhi ya nahi kyuki mujhepata hai nahane ke bina aap mujhe andar jaane nahi denge..isliye mujhe lagayahi theek hoga…. don’t worry preeti ji.. mujhe swimming aata hai… isliye maineaisa chalang maara pani ke andar..
P: KTji aap pagal hogaye hai..abhi upar aajayiye ga.. meri jaan nikal gayi aapko khudte hue dekh kar..… aapko zukham hojayega… upar aayiye jaldi…
She helped him to get on the boat and as he stood up the boat started dangling making preeti clutch his shoulderstight. His hands rested on her slender form while his eyes were tracing her face which she was continuously moving left and right out of fear. Her black tresses caressed his face and he was in trance after holding her so close to his face. His pointed nose poked her nose stud as if envious of its closeness with her. When the boat stood straight, she too realized the proximity in which both of them were standing. The cool breeze got back disappointed as there was no space for it to pass between them. Coming out of his trance, he made her sit and he too sat beside her. She found him slightly shivering and took his hand into hers giving him her warmth. The boat reached the shore and both of them got down hand in hand.
KT: preeti ji aaj achanak mandir kyu jaane ka mann kiya aapko? Woh bhi itni subah subah..
P: Kt ji kya aap nahi jaante ki mein jab bhi koi nayi shuruwat karti hu toh sabse pehle mandir hi jaati hu? Isliyemaine aapko bhi lekar aagayi..
KT: aisa kya nayi shuruwat karnejaa rahi hai aap? Aur mujhe kyu lekar aayi hai?
Slowly the inner meaning behindher actions dawned on him.
KT: ek minute… nayi shuruwat,mandir aur mujhe lekar aayi hai… matlab… preeti ji.. aap…
Preeti gave him a disarming smile and nodded her head, through which he understood that it was ‘yes’ from her side. His heart started flying high as a kite. He was completely thrilled and advanced to hug her but stopped as if asking if he could. The next moment Preeti imprisoned herself in his arms passing chills down his spine. He lapped her body and soul making her breathless. Preeti felt surreal as she had never experienced such warm and loving touch from a man. It was like two parts of a soul getting back into their complete form after a long time and the sun rising in the east, spreading the hues in the sky became the witness. He took her face in between his palms and pressed a kiss on her forehead.
Kt: preeti ji! Aap jaanti nahi hai ki mein aaj khushi ke mare pagal hojaunga… aisa lag raha hai jaise mein phirse jaake paani mein khud jau..
P: kt ji sambhaliye apne aapko…
KT: mujhe abhi bhi yakeen nahi horaha hai ki aapne haa kardiya hai…
P: maine haan kab kaha? Maine toh sirf muskuraya tha…
KT’s face fell, but preeti laughed out loud..
P: KT ji aap aise bilkul accha nahi lagte.. muskurayiye na… kyuki muskurane keliye rokda nahi sirf…..? thopda chahiye…. Apne hi film ke dialogue bhool gaye aap?
KT: preeti ji mujhe nahi pata thaki aap mazak bhi karte hai..
Both shared a heartful laughter and headed back to the city after visiting the temple. While rowing back, KT confessed that he was jealous of her hair locks that always came in between her face and his eyes. He tucked it behind her ears and bent forward, lingering his lips on her cheeks he whispered“I love you”. She blushed and turned her face aside.
KT: Aap kuch nahi kahenge?
P: kehna zaruri hai kya?
Kt: kabse mere kaan taras rahahai yeh baat aapse sunne keliye.. kehdijiye na…
He said holding her delicate cheeks..
After a moment of silence, she whispered “I…. love you”, making his heart beat faster.
P: uss din mein aapki baat ko samajh nahi payi.. kyuki poori zindagi mein khud ki itni tareef kabhi nahi suni hai maine.. isliye shayad ajeeb lag raha tha mujhe… lekin baad mein mujhesamajh mein aaya ki aap bhi mere aadat ban gaye hai.. aaj tak maine aapke saat bohot baar bina kuch soche react kiya hai.. par aap badle mein mujhe hamesha pyar hi diya hai.. roz jhagda karungi, chillaungi par aapke saat khush rahungi…agar mein aapke saat nahi reh sakti hu toh kisi ke saat bhi khushi se nahi rehsakti hu.. lekin mujhe nahi pata ki aisa kya hai mujhme jo aapko itna accha laga…
KT: nahi preeti ji… who sawal toh mein bhi pooch sakta hu.. aap mein kya hai kya nahi hai who sab mujhe nahipata.. lekin mujhe aap hi chahiye preeti ji… aapke bina aur kuch nahi soch sakta hu mein…
He confessed and took her face closer to his, wiping the tear drops in the corner of her eyes.
KT: mujhe baahon mein bikharjaane do, apne mushkabr saanson se mehak jaane do, dil machalata hai aur saans rukti hai, ab to apne hothon ko mujhe choo lene do…
After listening to his captivating voice, she willingly moved closer though feeling apprehensive of her inhibitions and hesitations. He drank her astounding beauty with his eyes and overpowered her. She blessed him with a kiss of their union amidst the presence of nature.
The end…
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