Here goes...
A Sweet Romance.
For the last 6 months Aliya had been fighting her attraction. She had desperately tried to control the powerful pull she felt towards the rich, handsome and self assured son of her amma, but her efforts had been in vain. From the moment they had first shared the phone conversation in the hospital, Aliya had felt drawn to him. Then at subsequent meetings, when all the family had got back together again she had reluctantly admitted the inevitable. She had fallen in love with her Ishita ammas, dashing and flirty son, Aditya Bhalla.
However, his constant assertion of having more right over HER amma had begun to irritate her instantly. This possessiveness became a bone of contention between the two as each argued constantly to lay a higher claim over Ishita. Everyone thought it hilarious how they quibbled over who Ishita loved more, who had the best memories with her and so on.
Adi continued to tease Aliya mercilessly whether they were with friends or family. He would boisterously declare that "Ishima loves me the most in the world" and everyone would cheer and applaud in unison. Aliya however seethed in annoyance and would confront him with her own declarations of Ishita ammas love. He always dismissed her claims jokingly though, staring at her intensely and stating "Aliya you talk too much!" Another bout of laughter from everyone and his sexy grin would leave Aliya feeling exasperated and helpless.
When they were alone however, Adi would flirt with her shamelessly, disarming her, and leaving her heart drumming erratically. Then he would promptly smirk, fully aware of the havoc he had caused and walk away.
Complaining to her amma hadn't helped. Ishita reassured her that it was harmless banter and instead lovingly teased her that Adi fancied her. This only left Aliya doubly frustrated and embarrassed she turned a deep shade of red before running to her room.
Ruhi who was her best friend also refused to take her seriously instead proclaiming that Aliya and her brother Adi would make a wonderful couple. This idea secretly thrilled Aliya, but the constant buzz of woman around Adi left Aliya vary of the idea. Why would he be interested in her? He had so many gorgeous woman around him she though and convinced herself he was merely flirting with her.
Meanwhile...
-----So what do you think? Am I right?
Haan Ishu I think you are onto something. But don't you think we should ask them?
Ask them! Can't you see it in their behaviour? The love and attraction is evident in their eyes. You just tell me, do you have any objection to the alliance?
No Ishu I trust your judgement completely and if there is anyone who understand Aliya it's you.
Mani, I'm a woman I can decipher a girls feelings of love when I see them. Just leave it to me.
Ok --
Are you sure? You don't think you are misreading the situation?
Raman, their fights are exactly like yours and mine! They can't take their eyes off each other and find any excuse to fight about non sensical things! Haven't you noticed Adi's longing looks towards her when he thinks no one is watching? Similar to how you used to look at me remember, when you thought I was unaware! And how Aliya takes care of his tiniest needs but fumes in jealousy when Adi talks to another girl? I'm telling you they are besotted with each other. And the sooner we assist them the better!
Well ok then. You understand your son the most. After all you are the one who shaped his upbringing from a troubled child to the caring compassionate and considerate young man he has become. And I noticed Madrasan that you remember my subtle seduction very well, haan? Chal aja let us continue with some of our romance too, while we have the chance! How about a kiss my jagga jasoos?
Raman! Chodo na. We are discussing the kids future here and you are preoccupied with your own agenda. Grow up old man!
Old man? Abhi dekhata hoon, old man ki bachi!
Ishita laughed and tried to get away but her husband was too quick for her, pulling her into his embrace...
Well then that's settled. I'll make the preparations. ---
Aliya pondered on how recently, Adi had found an unusual way to torture her. Amidst Aliyas convincing arguments on Ishitas extent of love for her, Adi would interrupt her tangent suddenly, by placing his finger on her lips and whisper hoarsely,
"Sssh! You talk too much".
The intimate action would shock her into silence. Instinctively she looked around to see if any one had seen them but always found that Adi had timed his move well because everyone was busy in the hustle bustle of the family, elsewhere in the large sitting room. Her eyes would dart back to his face where she saw him adorning a knowing grin. Aliya seethed with annoyance! He knew exactly the effect he had on her and seemed to enjoy making her cringe. As she scrawled at him he would feign innocence and lifting his eyebrows, mouth "what?". This irritated Aliya even more and she would stomp off to her room trying to control the blush from spreading all over her. His soft touch had a detrimental effect on her erratic heartbeat. She cursed under her breath as neither hormones nor heartbeat obeyed her and wowed revenge for the next time.
Next time? The next time never came. Instead something completely unexpected happened.
Aliya stood contemplating the bizarre turn of events which had taken place. In a whirlwind their parents had arranged their marriage and she now stood as Aditya Bhallas wife, in his bedroom, waiting for his imminent arrival on their wedding night.
Aliya was happy, sad, excited, apprehensive all at once. She twisted the end of her dupatta nervously and bit her bottom lip as she paced the room decorated with red roses. Her innermost dream had come true but she had yet to declare her feelings to a single soul. And she hadn't a clue as to Adis feelings. Why had he married her? Had he been forced by Ishima? Or Ruhi? From what she had observed over the months she didn't think he was the type of guy to be forced into anything. But why then? She couldn't understand why he would agree to marry a plain girl like her when he could choose from any stunning woman from his circle.
She recalled the wedding functions and how he had been laughing and dancing with their friends. She had cornered him once, late, after the sangeet, and tried to question him. However the only comprehendible reply she got from his slightly drunk slur was "Aliya you talk too much!"
And then he promptly burst into a fit of laughter and collapsed on her. She had helped him to his room and silently tucked him into bed. As she was about to leave she had glimpsed his sleeping face and thought dreamily, how he looked even more handsome when asleep. Her heart had skipped a beat as she realised that she would be waking up to this face every morning of their marriage. But the busy ness of the next few days had prevented any private time to enquire any further.
Her heart ached for unknown reasons and her mind was clouded by confusion. She wished he would come quickly so she could clear her doubts. Feeling exhausted, she decided to lay back on the bed while she waited. The clock chimed the hour and she saw that it was 12 midnight. Where was he? Had he changed his mind? Was he having doubts? These were the last thoughts Aliya had as her eyes became overpowered by sleep
Edited by arnavkidevani - 9 years ago
Cricket
Anupamaa
21