FF ~Things can Change!~ Part 15 and 16 Pg 50 (7 May) - Page 26

Part 13

Mummyji - Tell me, beta. What is the problem? Why are you so distracted?

Raman couldn't keep a straight face. He knew that it was no use hiding anything from his mother and decided to tell her about Ishita.

Raman - Well, Mummyji. Do you remember the day I got late? I had dropped the manager of the Marketing department home? I was thinking of her.

Mummyji (smiling) - Achcha, What is her name?

Raman - Her name is Ishita. She is the daughter of one of our employees.

Mummyji - Ha beta, but what about her is distracting you so much every day?

He was tongue-tied; he obviously couldn't tell her what exactly was going on in his mind. However, the question had brought back memories; memories of that passionate dream.

Raman - She is really hard-working and sincere, always completing her work on time. She has impressed me at every juncture

His mother knew there was something more to this, her son had never spoken about his employees like that and she decided to quiz him further

Mummyji - Hmmm...achcha. Tell me more, there is something more definitely

He was slightly embarrassed; the questions had put him in a fix. He could not dodge them anymore; he had to tell her.

Raman - Well, she is really efficient as well. She has got so many deals for the company and is also very smart. She is a gold medalist from NMIMS with an MBA degree. When I dropped her home that day, she had called me over to her house and served me really delicious tea. She is really beautiful and has two big, round brown eyes which complement her gorgeous face really well

She smiled on hearing his praises of Ishita. She had never seen him so deeply impressed and smitten by anyone, and had never even praised Shagun in front of her.

Mummyji - So, beta, do you like her?

He was stumped that she had asked him this question so directly. He had been wondering whether he liked her; he surely did hate her in the beginning but since the past few weeks, he had been feeling differently and didn't hate her as much. He had tried convincing himself and his mind to continue hating her, but his heart had won; she had effortlessly impressed him with her skills, nature, charm and beauty. No matter how much he tried to pull her down, she always bounced back successfully and with more enthusiasm. She had left him speechless with her perseverance and endurance.

Raman (to himself) - Hmm...maybe I don't hate her. But still, I do feel immense physical attraction towards her; my day-dreaming is a proof of that. But do I like her? Does feeling that also amount to liking them? However, it does mean that I don't hate her anymore. So yeah, I don't hate Ishita!

He was sure that he didn't hate Ishita, but was confused about what he should answer.

Raman (in haste) - Mummyji, I need to go to my study right away. Sorry, but we'll talk about this later

He hurriedly left with relief and was glad to have gotten out of such a tricky situation. But, he was happy that the confusion in his mind had been cleared with respect to Ishita at least. His mother, however, became suspicious.

Mummyji (to herself) - I wonder what happened to him? Why did he dodge the question and go away? Could it be that he feels something for her?

He had a slight headache, owing to the drinks. He sat on the chair in his study and thought about the dream/hallucination he had seen. Thinking of it again got him really excited.

Raman (smirking) - Oh Ishita! I must say that was the most amazing dream I had ever seen! That was the best sex of my life! Even though it was not real! I have no words to say anymore, Ishita the Hottie! Any more descriptions will be an understatement! But I don't hate you anymore! I wonder what spell you have cast on me. But you will always be my Hottie only! I won't let you become anybody else's!

Ishita woke up late as it was a Saturday. She had slept really well. All the tiredness from yesterday had disappeared. She went to the washroom to brush her teeth. She came out in the living room and picked up the day's newspaper and began reading it. Her sister Mihika came and sat next to her.

Mihika - Good morning, Ishu akka.

Ishita - Good morning, Mihika. It's almost 9am. Don't you have to go to college or something?

Mihika - Nahi, aaj nahi. There is a holiday because of annual day

Ishita - Jaane ka iraada nahi hai kya?

Mihika - No, I go every day to college and very rarely do I get an off. Besides, my other friends are also not going, so I am enjoying my holiday!

Ishita - Achcha, where are Amma and Appa? I can't see them

Mihika - They have gone to chithiappa's house to meet him.

Ishita - Oh yeah, how is he? I have been so busy with work that I did not have the time to even meet him.

Mihika - He is fine but still on bed. So I guess they have gone to check up on him and should be back by afternoon. Amma has made breakfast and lunch both. We will have to heat it up and eat

Suddenly, Ishita's phone rang and saw Raman's name flashing on the screen.

Raman - Good morning, Ishita. How are you doing?

Ishita - Good morning, Mr President. I have been fine, thank you

Raman - Sorry for disturbing you, but I needed to give you some urgent work

Ishita (to herself) - Great! My holiday is ruined! (to Raman) - Yes Mr.President, what is the work?

Raman - You know the American deal with Tracy right? I assume the file is with you?

Ishita - Yes, I have the file

Raman - Good, I need the file urgently. Could you drop by my place and give it?

Ishita - But, I don't know where is your house

Raman - I'll give you the address. But please come by and just give the file. I really need it on an urgent basis

Ishita - Okay Mr President, how about I come around 12pm. Is that fine?

Raman - Yeah that is great. Note down the address

He dictated it and she wrote it on a piece of paper.

Raman - Okay, be on time. Bye!

She hung up the phone. She was obviously irritated with the prospect, as his untimely call had ruined her plans to spend her day lazing at home.She had a bath and wore a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. His call had brought back memories of Shagun and Param. She felt immense guilt; guilt that she still hadn't told him. It pained her to see how Raman trusted them blindly and they were just cheating him. Shagun was a double-offender. She thought that Raman was too much of a nice person to undergo so much pain. He did so much and this is how they returned the favour. She was disgusted by the fact that Param and Shagun could stoop this low.

Ishita - What has happened to me? Why am I worried about this so much? What difference does it make to me? Why am I feeling so guilty? It's not that if he comes to know the truth that he will give me a pay rise or anything, then why am I so disturbed?

She gave it a thought and concluded that although Raman had gotten her thrown out from her previous company, he had also given this job to her. She agreed that it was in his own personal interest but had still given her a pretty high position compared to the experience she had. Also, he had dropped her home that night. She ultimately concluded that he was not a bad person but rather circumstances had made him that way.

Ishita - Mr President helps people and some take advantage of this fact. But I have to admit, during that party, I too went overboard with all the insulting. I was angry with Shagun and not him. But still I ended up spewing my anger on him just because he was defending her. He was wrong, but I was not fully right as well. So what he did later was only natural for him. But still that doesn't overshadow the fact that he gave me this amazing job. I must say, this month working with him closely, has made me realize more or less how he actually is. And I must admit to myself that I don't hate him anymore

She felt enlightened, realization had dawned upon her; Raman was not as bad as he came across to be. Agreed that he kept giving her work and his rally of stupid questions never stopped and was even irritating at times. But she could not ignore the fact that he had dropped her home safely that night. Also, because they had given him lunch on the day he had not got any, he had got lunch especially for them. In spite of all the things he had done, he had a very big heart. She checked the time and realized that she needed to leave. She took the file and suddenly remembered something.

Ishita - Mihika, I am going out for some office work which urgently needs to be done. I should be home in an hour or so. You eat lunch, don't wait for me, okay

Mihika - Haan okay, but where are you going?

Ishita - Mr President's house. He needs a file urgently, so I need to give it to him. Haan, tell Amma and Appa that I have gone there, okay

Mihika - Alright!

She hailed a cab and told the address to the driver. Raman's house was pretty far and there was some traffic as well. She waited patiently.

Raman on the other hand couldn't stop smiling. He did not need the file urgently; it was just an excuse to meet her. Since morning, the dream was continuously on his mind. He couldn't wait the entire weekend to see her; he needed to meet her right away. He was thinking her of every single moment, and that dream had made it even harder for him to go without seeing her.

She reached his house. After paying up, she headed towards the large gates of his mansion. She entered and a guard stopped her, asking who she was. After showing her office ID, he allowed her to go in. She entered his house and was awestruck, it was really beautiful. She entered the spacious living area, a beautiful chandelier was suspended at the centre of the room and there was a very nice sofa. The stairs gave the house a palatial look and the walls were painted white along with beautiful designs on the ceiling. The round pillars were also decorated beautifully. The house was very tastefully designed and gave Ishita an idea of how rich he was. She sat on the sofa and waited for him to arrive, when she saw a woman carrying a suitcase down the stairs. She was having difficulty in carrying. Ishita immediately rushed to help her out.

Ishita - Rukiye, I'll carry it

She took the suitcase from her hand and carried it down. Raman's mother was impressed with this girl, she had come to her aid even without knowing her.

Mummyji (to herself) - Such a beautiful girl! I wonder who is she?

She finally reached the end of the stairs and kept it on the floor.

Mummyji - It's okay. I'll carry it now. Beta, what is your name?

Ishita - Hello, aunty, I am Ishita. I am the manager of the Marketing department.

On hearing this, she gave a wide smile. She knew it was the same girl her son was telling her about. And she very well understood why her son was so impressed by her.

Mummyji - Oh so you're Ishita! Come beta, sit. Raman has told me quite a lot about you

Ishita - Yes, aunty

She was surprised to know that Raman spoke about her outside office as well. Both of them sat on the sofa.

Mummyji - Beta, I am Raman's mother. So, what brings you here today?

Ishita - Actually, aunty, Mr President needed this file urgently so he told me to bring it here. I hope my untimely arrival hasn't disturbed you

Mummyji - No beta, not at all. In fact, I am happy to have you over. When I heard of you from Raman, I really wanted to meet you. And my wish has been granted today

She smiled, feeling at ease with the woman's pleasant demeanour.

Ishita - Aunty, where is Mr President?

Mummyji - He must be in his study, beta. I will call him down

She told one of the servants to call Raman. He went and came back after some time saying that he had called Ishita to his study.

Ishita - Okay, aunty I must go there. Could you tell me where it is?

Mummyji - Haan, just go up the stairs and keep walking towards the right. It is at the end of the hallway.

Ishita - Thank you so much, aunty

Mummyji - I should say thank you to you, Ishita beta, for helping me

Ishita - Arre, aunty no need for that! I just couldn't let you drag that suitcase all by yourself!

She smiled at her and headed towards Raman's study.

Mummyji (smiling) - Such a nice girl! She has been brought up very well, not to mention, she is so beautiful! Now I know why Raman is so lost, it makes so much sense!

She reached the end of the hallway and knocked on the door. Raman was busy with some office work, when he saw her enter. He smiled; seeing her brought back his memories of her in that outfit and what followed.

Raman - Come Ishita, take a seat

She sat down and kept looking around the study; impressed by the dcor. It was a huge study with a mini-library, a computer on the working desk and a couch with a small coffee table. There was wooden furniture, which gave it a calm and cozy feeling. After admiring the place for some time, she pulled out the file from her bag.

Ishita - Mr President, here is the file you asked me to get

He put his hand forward, he was so lost that when taking the file, he grabbed her hand by mistake. He held on to it for some time, till she tried to free herself. He loosened his grip and took the file.

Raman - Sorry, I didn't mean for that to happen. Would like to have tea or coffee?

Ishita - Actually, no Mr President I need to leave. My sister is alone at home

Raman - No, I can't let you leave just like that. You should have something

Ishita - Mr President, really there is no need for that

Raman - Please Ishita, I insist

She knew that he was as stubborn as her. How much ever she tried he wouldn't let her leave.

Ishita - Okay

They left the study and entered the dining area where Mummyji was waiting for him. She was delighted to see both of them coming together. Together, they looked like the most divine pair. Raman's roughness and manliness complemented Ishita's delicacy and femininity very well. She had never felt that way whenever she saw Shagun and Raman together. She always thought that they looked out of place. But now, Raman and Ishita looked like a royal couple. It was as if the heavens had sent the both of them for each other only.

Mummyji - Aree Raman and Ishita beta, come have a seat

Raman - Mummyji, when did you meet Ishita?

Mummyji smilingly told him how Ishita had helped her out with the suitcase.

Raman - Mummyji, I keep telling you to tell one of the servants to do it. Why don't you ever listen?

Mummyji - Arre beta, why should I keep troubling them for everything all the time? I also need to keep doing things otherwise I will get into a habit of asking the servants to do everything

Ishita heard the conversation and was surprised to know the amount he cared for his mother. They seemed very close to each other. She had always seen him a little tensed and rude in office but at home he was totally the opposite: kind, calm and full of concern. She couldn't help but smile on seeing such a different Raman in front of her.

Mummyji - Ishita, please have lunch with us. I wouldn't let you go just like that

Ishita - Aree, aunty rehne dijiye. Itni taklif kyun. I would be fine even with a glass of water

Mummyji - No beta, I can't let you leave like this and you helped me out as well. Take it as a thank you from my side

Ishita - Theek hai, aunty

She sat opposite Raman, while Mummyji sat in between them. She spoke to Ishita with immense interest, asking about her family, her interests and everything else. The women chatted like long-lost friends. Raman was immensely happy to see them like this, it was the first time he had seen his mother get along so well with another woman. He kept admiring them and listening to their conversation.

Mummyji - Beta, you are so beautiful. Don't you have a boyfriend or something?

She blushed hard and couldn't figure out whether it was at the praises his mother had showered on her or it was at the question. His eyes widened with surprise, he was not expecting any of this.

Mummyji - Beta, I am sorry if you don't want to answer that question. I speak too much sometimes

Ishita - Nahi aunty, koi baat nahi. Thank you for the praises. And I don't have a boyfriend, not at least now

Raman's happiness knew no bounds! He always knew at the back of his mind that she was single, but he had no confirmation on that. Now that the cat was out of the bag, and that too out of her mouth, he couldn't control his excitement and happiness.

The food soon arrived; a lavish spread with veg and non-veg biryani, raita, mirchi ka saalan, kokam sharbat and gulab jamun. She stared at the table in amazement.

Mummyji - Ishita beta, what will you eat?

Ishita - Aunty, I'll have the veg biryani with raita and the saalan

They all served themselves and began eating. He kept looking at Ishita while she ate. The way she ate had also left him spellbound. Her delicate hands held the spoon with ease. She picked just right amount of rice with the spoon and carried it to her lips. Opening very little of her mouth, she put the spoon in there, chewing the morsel fully before swallowing it. When chewing, he noticed that she had a slight pout. His mother noticed that he was looking at Ishita.

Raman (to himself) - Wow! She even makes eating look so good!

Mummyji (to herself) - It's so obvious that Raman is smitten by her! Besides, they make a great pair and Ishita is a very nice girl! (to Ishita) - Beta, did you like the food?

Ishita - Aunty, the food is really delicious! This is the best biryani I have ever eaten! The raita and saalan are also too good!

Mummyji - I am happy that you liked the food, beta. Please don't hesitate to take more if you wish

She finished eating and waited for them before eating dessert.

Ishita - Aunty, these gulab jamuns are really awesome as well!

Mummyji - I am glad that you liked it, please take some more

Ishita - Aunty, thank you so much! I really enjoyed the meal! It was terrific!

The women kept smiling at each other. He was happy to see them bonding so well.

Ishita - Aunty, it's getting really late and I think I should leave

Mummyji - Okay, beta. I'll ask one the chauffeurs to drop you home

Ishita - Aunty please, no need for that! I'll just take a taxi

Raman - Mummyji, I will drop her

Mummyji - Theek hai, tum jaao

They entered the parking lot, her eyes widened. There were many exquisite cars. Both sat in the Mercedes.

Mumbai's traffic was at its peak and they were getting first-hand experience of the fact! They were stuck in the same place for nearly 20 mins. Ishita could feel the cool air of the air-conditioner on her face. Soft romantic songs kept playing on the radio during the romantic hour on some station. She looked out the window, he could see her profile. Her waist-length hair kept flying slightly due to the blast of air. He was truly mesmerized looking at her. There was silence for a long time until she spoke.

Ishita - Mr President, thank you for the meal. It was really delicious

Raman - I am happy that you liked it. And I am glad that you got along so well with Mummyji

Ishita - She is really kind and sweet, Mr President. She really made me feel comfortable and homely. But, would you mind me asking you something?

Raman - Just ask, Ishita. I wouldn't mind

Ishita - Mr President, I met your mother today but I didn't see your father anywhere. Where was he?

Raman's smile faded away at the question. She saw this and regretted asking the question.

Ishita - I shouldn't have asked this. Please...

Raman - It's okay, Ishita. My father died when I was 12 years old, of a heart attack. He owned a big company which soon went bankrupt after, and my uncle took us in. I completed my education and started my own company, after which he passed away as well...

Ishita - Oh I am sorry. I really shouldn't have asked this. I didn't mean to hurt you in anyway

Raman - It's alright! You don't have to feel so bad about it! See, you never knew what happened and asked it innocently. Waise bhi you would come to know about it eventually. Maybe now was the time

She gave a slight smile and looked away while he wondered why he had told her so much about himself.

Raman (to himself) - What is wrong with me? Why did I divulge so much about my life to her? It is not like she would care, would she?

Ishita (to herself) - I am really feeling bad for Mr President. He had to face so much at such a young age. No wonder, he is so bitter at times. Circumstances in his childhood, which is the most delicate age, influenced him so much that he became this way. But still, I saw his soft side today when he was talking to aunty. He loves her so much and it was so nice to see. I don't know with what face I will tell him about leechad and Shagun. He will surely break if he comes to know. I think I should at least try (to Raman) - Umm...Mr President, can I...

Raman - Oh I love this song!

He increased the volume; it was the song Tere Naina'

Tere Naina Has Diye

Bas Gaye Mere dil Mein

Tere Naina

Tere Naina Has Diye
Bas Gaye Mere dil Mein
Tere Naina

Mere Dil mein jo armaan hai
Paaas aake zara dekho Na

Dil ke taar mein hai sargam
Chede koi hai abb koi anjana

Mere Dil mein jo armaan hai
Paaas aake zara dekho Na

Dil ke taar mein hai sargam
Chede hai abb koi anjana

Yeh Pyaar Ki Hai Baatein
Kuch Ankani Mulakatein

O ho aise hi milte hain
Milte ke machalte hai do dil jawaan'

He loved the song simply because of the fact that it reminded to the time he had first met Ishita. He had danced with her on this song in his first dream about her and it was close to his heart.

Ishita (to herself with a smile) - So he likes romantic songs also. Unusual, but very sweet (to Raman) - So you like romantic songs, Mr President?

Raman - Hmm...not all of them, just a few. But I like this one a lot (to himself) - Kaise bataye Ishita, I like this song only because it reminds of that divine day I first met you!

The traffic kept clearing out slowly and they moved ahead. They soon reached Ishita's house. It was almost 4pm.

Ishita - Thank you for the lift, Mr President. I would have called you over but my house would be in a mess right now

Raman - Ishita, there is no need for that. Anyways, I need to rush I have an important function to attend in the evening

She was about to open the door, when she turned around to face him

Ishita - Oh yeah, Mr President. I really liked the way you were with aunty today, so full of care and concern. I saw another side to you today, which I must admit is much better than what you show yourself to be at office. Mr President, you are a very good-hearted person

She exited, leaving him dreamy-eyed and mesmerised. He couldn't believe that she had said that about him. He couldn't stop smiling

Raman - I really don't know what you are made of Ishita, but your honesty is an attractive trait!

He returned home and proceeded to get ready for the function he was supposed to attend. Even there, he only kept thinking of her. Her words kept ringing in his mind. It was as if she had cast a spell and hypnotized him.

Ishita on the other hand wanted to really tell him about what had been going on behind his back. She promised herself that she will try her best to tell it to him on the following Monday.

Ishita - Mr President, I will bring the truth to your face at any cost! I will try and try till I have told you the truth of Shagun and leechad!

Precap - Ishita, Simran and Sarika go to a club

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