Later that night…..a dark
lonely corner of the beach…
Sid’s mind voice:
He was fighting within himself and conflicting thoughts clouded him up….
How dare she goes with that idiot??? I trust her but Rohit…..He is too shrewd that I don’t trust him one bit….i guess he was looking forward to such a situation….ab jab hum dono alag alag hai, woh humaare beech aa raha hai…..…..such a cunning fellow….When will this foolish girl realize the truth about him???
Don’t scold Rohit alone….Your wife is an idiot….she should be blamed for all that is happening….She left you and went…and now she is giving him the space to come between…You are a fool still hoping for everything to get back to normal and believing that she still loves you and will come back to you…..
[He sits with his chin rested on his knees and looking into the distant horizon wondering where the vast ocean ends…..He thinks that his worries are like the never ending ocean….
suddenly he feels a friendly pat on his shoulders and turns back to see a familiar smiling face…..He returns a smile but his upset look isn’t suppressed under that smile….He is surprised to see the person!!!]
Arjun: [holding out his hands to him and smiling] Remember me??
Sid:[standing up and shaking hands with him] Of course…..How can I forget you?? [though he speaks up forgetting his nagging problem, the very next second, he is reminded of the memories of the night when he first met Arjun……His smile shrinks at the thought…..]
Arjun: [sensing the trouble] You look terribly upset!! Is everything alright???
Sid: [hiding his feelings] Yeah…..i am absolutely fine….
Arjun: Well ok….but you don’t sound fine……Neither do I see the smart radiant guy whom I met just a few days back…….[pausing and looking at Sid intently]..If you wish, you can share your problem with me…Very often, a stranger may help you with solutions….but if you don’t want to tell, then its ok…I will understand……
[After a little thinking, Sid decides to tell him…..They settle down in a nearby tea stall on the beach road…..After Sid narrates the entire story to him, Arjun thinks for a while and then smiles at him]
Arjun: You story is pretty much interesting and you know what, we have many things in common…….Our love stories have similarities too…..And from my experience, I can assure you that Anjali loves you a lot……
Sid: [interrupting Arjun] LOVE!!! Bullshit!!!!She left me stranded and alone like this, you call it love?
Arjun: You run into conclusions Sid….I haven’t finished yet…….[grins at him] If she left you, then she sure had some very serious and valid reasons for it…[after a pause and judging his reactions]...ek shaadi ko successful banaana itna aasaan nahi hai…..bohat se compromises karne padthe hai…..adjust karne padthe hai …..Only then, a wedded life moves on happily……In you case, your wedding was a forced one…so lots of patience required brother…..agar tumne jaldi ki toh sab kuch bigad jaayega….
Sid: how long do I wait??…aur kitna patient rahoon main?? She doesn’t even seem to realize that we are married….[in a disappointed tone]… She doesn’t love me…..
Arjun: that’s your misunderstanding……You already have a deep rooted belief that she married you unwillingly and so she doesn’t love you…..Get over that first….step out and look at it with a clear mind……You will recognize her love and care……Make her and your love for her your strength and never your weakness……She must be your inspiration to grow and progress in life….Dont spoil your life by your weird and untrue reasons……Love is such a beautiful feeling……pyar tumaare life mein sirf khushiyaan lekhar aane chahiye…ghum nahi!!…..Face the realities in life bravely….If you are truly in love, then courage comes to you naturally….
Sid: but….[Arjun breaks in]
Arjun: no buts, tum bohat negatively sochthe ho yaar?? You have already hit a century but you think that your score is still 0…….From whatever you told me, looks like she has already made it obvious that she truly truly loves you……..then what makes you doubt her……..trust her……wait for her……she will come back to you very soon…..meanwhile don’t forget your responsibilities and your career……..usse kabhi math haath se nikhalne dena…..Your future life solely depends on what you do now……and mind you, wife ko secured and comfortable life dena bhi pyar hi hai……that’s also included in the wedding vows……[smiles at him..who else but Arjun could understand love better. his life with Reva wasnt any less of an eternal love story which could teach anybody about life and love...]
Sid: [understanding whatever Arjun said and slowly realizing the facts, nods silently….His anger towards Anjali subsides partially but his mind is now filled with new thoughts…..His clouded mind is now clear and free to think positively] hmmm…
[They part after a brief happy conversation and a promise to meet again soon….Sid goes back home promising to himself to give shape to his new found goals and ideas….]
********************************************
Sid’s mind voice:
He was fighting within himself and conflicting thoughts clouded him up….
How dare she goes with that idiot??? I trust her but Rohit…..He is too shrewd that I don’t trust him one bit….i guess he was looking forward to such a situation….ab jab hum dono alag alag hai, woh humaare beech aa raha hai…..…..such a cunning fellow….When will this foolish girl realize the truth about him???
Don’t scold Rohit alone….Your wife is an idiot….she should be blamed for all that is happening….She left you and went…and now she is giving him the space to come between…You are a fool still hoping for everything to get back to normal and believing that she still loves you and will come back to you…..
[He sits with his chin rested on his knees and looking into the distant horizon wondering where the vast ocean ends…..He thinks that his worries are like the never ending ocean….
suddenly he feels a friendly pat on his shoulders and turns back to see a familiar smiling face…..He returns a smile but his upset look isn’t suppressed under that smile….He is surprised to see the person!!!]
Arjun: [holding out his hands to him and smiling] Remember me??
Sid:[standing up and shaking hands with him] Of course…..How can I forget you?? [though he speaks up forgetting his nagging problem, the very next second, he is reminded of the memories of the night when he first met Arjun……His smile shrinks at the thought…..]
Arjun: [sensing the trouble] You look terribly upset!! Is everything alright???
Sid: [hiding his feelings] Yeah…..i am absolutely fine….
Arjun: Well ok….but you don’t sound fine……Neither do I see the smart radiant guy whom I met just a few days back…….[pausing and looking at Sid intently]..If you wish, you can share your problem with me…Very often, a stranger may help you with solutions….but if you don’t want to tell, then its ok…I will understand……
[After a little thinking, Sid decides to tell him…..They settle down in a nearby tea stall on the beach road…..After Sid narrates the entire story to him, Arjun thinks for a while and then smiles at him]
Arjun: You story is pretty much interesting and you know what, we have many things in common…….Our love stories have similarities too…..And from my experience, I can assure you that Anjali loves you a lot……
Sid: [interrupting Arjun] LOVE!!! Bullshit!!!!She left me stranded and alone like this, you call it love?
Arjun: You run into conclusions Sid….I haven’t finished yet…….[grins at him] If she left you, then she sure had some very serious and valid reasons for it…[after a pause and judging his reactions]...ek shaadi ko successful banaana itna aasaan nahi hai…..bohat se compromises karne padthe hai…..adjust karne padthe hai …..Only then, a wedded life moves on happily……In you case, your wedding was a forced one…so lots of patience required brother…..agar tumne jaldi ki toh sab kuch bigad jaayega….
Sid: how long do I wait??…aur kitna patient rahoon main?? She doesn’t even seem to realize that we are married….[in a disappointed tone]… She doesn’t love me…..
Arjun: that’s your misunderstanding……You already have a deep rooted belief that she married you unwillingly and so she doesn’t love you…..Get over that first….step out and look at it with a clear mind……You will recognize her love and care……Make her and your love for her your strength and never your weakness……She must be your inspiration to grow and progress in life….Dont spoil your life by your weird and untrue reasons……Love is such a beautiful feeling……pyar tumaare life mein sirf khushiyaan lekhar aane chahiye…ghum nahi!!…..Face the realities in life bravely….If you are truly in love, then courage comes to you naturally….
Sid: but….[Arjun breaks in]
Arjun: no buts, tum bohat negatively sochthe ho yaar?? You have already hit a century but you think that your score is still 0…….From whatever you told me, looks like she has already made it obvious that she truly truly loves you……..then what makes you doubt her……..trust her……wait for her……she will come back to you very soon…..meanwhile don’t forget your responsibilities and your career……..usse kabhi math haath se nikhalne dena…..Your future life solely depends on what you do now……and mind you, wife ko secured and comfortable life dena bhi pyar hi hai……that’s also included in the wedding vows……[smiles at him..who else but Arjun could understand love better. his life with Reva wasnt any less of an eternal love story which could teach anybody about life and love...]
Sid: [understanding whatever Arjun said and slowly realizing the facts, nods silently….His anger towards Anjali subsides partially but his mind is now filled with new thoughts…..His clouded mind is now clear and free to think positively] hmmm…
[They part after a brief happy conversation and a promise to meet again soon….Sid goes back home promising to himself to give shape to his new found goals and ideas….]
********************************************
Next morning….Aashu wakes up by constant ringing of her phone……She picks it up irritably….
Anjali: hello Aashu…haven’t you got up????
Aashu: hey Anjali dear…..is it dialog reversal time??? Usually I call and ask you this question…..
Anjali: [grinning] haan haan…….par aaj main kehthi hoom…….i am coming there in another 30 minutes…don’t try to sleep again…..bye
Aashu: hey….itne bhi kya jaldi hai??…..[Anjali cuts the call without any further replies….Aashu tries to call back but her phone remains engaged] iss ladki ko kya hua??? Subah subah mujhe pareshan kar rahi hai….
[Aashu unwillingly pushes herself off the bed and gets ready….]
An hour later, the calling bell rings….Nobody opens the door even after several rings….SO Aashu is frustrated and mentally mutters to herself “kahaan gaye sab ke sab?? Koyi aaye toh, darwaza bhi mujhe hi kholna padega” and takes a deep breath and rushes to open the door……She holds her breath and eyes stay wide open at the sight she sees…….Anjali and her entire family stand smiling before her……BEHIND THEM IS ANOTHER SMILING CHARMING FACE…the person for whom Aashu had been desperately waiting for a few years now……the guy himself….Abijith…..
Aashu is wonderstruck and stands still, staring at him for a minute before Anjali takes on……
Anjali: [coughs] ahem ahem…Aashu dear…..will you keep us standing at the door or will you take us in??
Aashu: [snapping out and smiling….moving from the door step to a side] come in Anjali…..aayiye uncle aunty,come Abi..[stops and looks around…..She slowly tries to swallow her words when all pass by her……the last person passing by is Abijith who smiles and naughtily winks at her as he passes……Aashu gestures him to shut up and goes inside…..By then Aashu’s parents also join and welcome the guests]
Anjali: hey Aashu, how did you find this surprise????I told you na….one day Abijith will come suddenly and surprise you…..you wished to see him and I made it happen for you……kaise lagi mere surprise????
Aashu: I cant believe it yaar…..[looks at Abijith and then pauses suddenly…..She rolls her eyes at Anjali signaling that there are other people around them….][low voice: shh chup raho…..maa papa sab yahaan hai!!!]
Anjali: don’t worry Aashu darling……sorry sorry my would be bhabhi……[grinning and tries to explain sensing Aashu’s tension and confusion] they know about your love story…..and guess what, they all kind of like this proposal…..You guys will make a perfect couple….thats what all of us think……So what say??? Ready to tie the knot??? Ab sirf tumme haan karni hai…..[winks at Aashu with a naughty grin]
Aashu: [not knowing if she should laugh or smile or hug Anjali….she decides on the last option…She hugs Anjali and few drops of tears line up the corner of her eyes……she whispers into Anjali’s ears] really?? Did you really say that??? or am I just hallucinating???
Anjali: [patting her back and hugging her back] sach mein Aashu….All are ok with this…..now be prepared to become my bhabhi….ok????
Aashu: [coming out of the hug and giving a slight kiss on her cheeks and whispering] Friends first!!! [then starts blushing…her head bend down and slowly looking up at the elders…..she walks to her mom and dad] maa, papa…..main kehne hi waali thi par..[hesitates]….sorry papa…..[her mom pitches in]
Aashu’s mom: pehle hume gusse zaroor hua par ab humme koyi problem nahi hai…..
Aashu’s dad: haan Aashu….hum bhi aise rishta nahi dhoond paathe……jaana pehchaana khandaan hai aur….Abijith is perfect match for you….We are very happy…….[Aashu smiles and hugs her mom and then her dad and tears of happiness start rolling down her cheeks…..Her mom wipes it as she hugs her..
Anjali’s mom comes to Aashu]
Anjali’s mom: Abijith ko jaise ladki dhoond rahi thi, tum bas waise hi ho…..tum itne paas humaare saamne hi teh par humme yeh idea aaya hi nahi…..accha hua tum dono ko pyar hogaya……[all laugh at that comment] par ek baat hai…yeh dono bohat hoshiyar hai…..[looks at Abijith]…..humme ek hint tak nahi di……
Aashu’s mom: haan, Anjali nahi kehthi, toh humme abhi bhi nahi pathaa chaltha….
Anjali’s dad: arre woh sab puraane baatein chodo….now let us decide on the further things….
Anjali’s mom: aur kya decide karni hai…..ab engagement kar lethe hai…..Aashu ke padaayi poore hothey hi shaadi…..teek hai na???
[All get into serious discussion about the engagement and marriage…..Abijith moves in his seat restlessly and signals Anjali…….Anjali sensing what he said, suddenly pitches in]
Anjali: maa, papa, uncle, aunty…..ab aage hum baat karthe hai na??……Aashu aur Abi ko kyun yahaan bitaaya hai??? Don’t you think that we should leave the love birds alone for a while????
[All grin at each other and nod to Anjali’s suggestion….but place a condition that both of them should return home soon….They thank Anjali for her favor and set out happily]
[Aashu and Abijith drive away merrily chatting various things…….not some serious romantic topics but very general and casual matter……..After a long drive, Abijith slows down and parks the car to the road side…….The stretch of road relatively empty…...Switches on some romantic music and lowers the blasting volume…..He turns to Aashu]
Aashu: Why did you stop??Its kind of lonely here
Abi: I am with you….then whats the problem??? Moreover, if we go further at this speed, we will reach goa……..I don’t think we have plans to go there…..DO we??
Aashu: no way……we have permission only till evening….We need to go back home[smiles at him…..His gaze makes her feel uneasy] aise kyun dekh rahe ho???
Abi: [glides his fingers on the side of her face and pushes a loose strand of hair behind her ears] It’s a long time since I saw you na…..isiliye…….[She looks at him and bends her head…..He leans forward and kisses her forehead and then her cheek......That was the first time that Abi was touching her so romantically……His touch makes her shudder…He leans ahead and hugs her tightly……After a moment, he starts kissing her neck and face intensely…….the passionate hug makes Aashu shiver……She feels tensed and uncomfortable….]
Aashu: [pulling herself back and trying to push Abi away from her] plzz Abi……This is not right……we are just getting engaged…..we aren’t married…..[her face and eyes away from him and bent down…]
Abi: [snapping out suddenly from that trance] sorry Aashu….i am really very sorry……[taking his hand off her and placing it on the steering wheel….He then keeps both his hands on his head and bends down……He brushes his hair swiftly and closes his eyes for 2 seconds before starting the car….His gestures make it clear that he feels guilty…Aashu places her hand on his hand and tries to console him]
Aashu: its ok……you don’t have to feel so guilty about it……
Abi: No Aashu…….I shouldn’t have gone out of my limits….. i don’t know what got into me….I lost my self control for a second…….it wasn’t intentional…..i hope you understand….[pausing and wiping his face with his hands roughly] lets go back……iss mood mein yahaan rukhna teek nahi….lets go…..[He turns the car back and heads home…
Moments of awkward silence followed before Aashu decides to break the ice by bringing in another topic]
Aashu: you never told me how all of this happened……How did you and Anjali get our parents to agree???How did you guys plan all this??
Abi: [smiling at her attempt to make him feel comfortable] it was all Anjali’s plan…I wont take credit for it…..She planned the whole thing…She herself talked to our parents and got their approval….i owe one to my sister for that….She made it all happen……
Aashu: [smiling] oh…really…..I should have guessed it….you don’t have so much courage, I know..[grins at him]……its all because my sweet Anjali……my dear friend….[with a deep sigh and a hint of sorrow in her voice]……I just hope everything gets well between her and Sid….
Abi: hey tell me about that….Mom started telling me something but then changed the topic quickly……what is the problem???? Did they have a fight or what??
[Aashu tells him all what happened between Sid and Anjali]
Abi: hmmm….we need to set things right before I go back…..i cant see my little sister in despair!!
Aashu: [looking at Adi intently] neither can I see my friend like that……
Aashu: hey Anjali dear…..is it dialog reversal time??? Usually I call and ask you this question…..
Anjali: [grinning] haan haan…….par aaj main kehthi hoom…….i am coming there in another 30 minutes…don’t try to sleep again…..bye
Aashu: hey….itne bhi kya jaldi hai??…..[Anjali cuts the call without any further replies….Aashu tries to call back but her phone remains engaged] iss ladki ko kya hua??? Subah subah mujhe pareshan kar rahi hai….
[Aashu unwillingly pushes herself off the bed and gets ready….]
An hour later, the calling bell rings….Nobody opens the door even after several rings….SO Aashu is frustrated and mentally mutters to herself “kahaan gaye sab ke sab?? Koyi aaye toh, darwaza bhi mujhe hi kholna padega” and takes a deep breath and rushes to open the door……She holds her breath and eyes stay wide open at the sight she sees…….Anjali and her entire family stand smiling before her……BEHIND THEM IS ANOTHER SMILING CHARMING FACE…the person for whom Aashu had been desperately waiting for a few years now……the guy himself….Abijith…..
Aashu is wonderstruck and stands still, staring at him for a minute before Anjali takes on……
Anjali: [coughs] ahem ahem…Aashu dear…..will you keep us standing at the door or will you take us in??
Aashu: [snapping out and smiling….moving from the door step to a side] come in Anjali…..aayiye uncle aunty,come Abi..[stops and looks around…..She slowly tries to swallow her words when all pass by her……the last person passing by is Abijith who smiles and naughtily winks at her as he passes……Aashu gestures him to shut up and goes inside…..By then Aashu’s parents also join and welcome the guests]
Anjali: hey Aashu, how did you find this surprise????I told you na….one day Abijith will come suddenly and surprise you…..you wished to see him and I made it happen for you……kaise lagi mere surprise????
Aashu: I cant believe it yaar…..[looks at Abijith and then pauses suddenly…..She rolls her eyes at Anjali signaling that there are other people around them….][low voice: shh chup raho…..maa papa sab yahaan hai!!!]
Anjali: don’t worry Aashu darling……sorry sorry my would be bhabhi……[grinning and tries to explain sensing Aashu’s tension and confusion] they know about your love story…..and guess what, they all kind of like this proposal…..You guys will make a perfect couple….thats what all of us think……So what say??? Ready to tie the knot??? Ab sirf tumme haan karni hai…..[winks at Aashu with a naughty grin]
Aashu: [not knowing if she should laugh or smile or hug Anjali….she decides on the last option…She hugs Anjali and few drops of tears line up the corner of her eyes……she whispers into Anjali’s ears] really?? Did you really say that??? or am I just hallucinating???
Anjali: [patting her back and hugging her back] sach mein Aashu….All are ok with this…..now be prepared to become my bhabhi….ok????
Aashu: [coming out of the hug and giving a slight kiss on her cheeks and whispering] Friends first!!! [then starts blushing…her head bend down and slowly looking up at the elders…..she walks to her mom and dad] maa, papa…..main kehne hi waali thi par..[hesitates]….sorry papa…..[her mom pitches in]
Aashu’s mom: pehle hume gusse zaroor hua par ab humme koyi problem nahi hai…..
Aashu’s dad: haan Aashu….hum bhi aise rishta nahi dhoond paathe……jaana pehchaana khandaan hai aur….Abijith is perfect match for you….We are very happy…….[Aashu smiles and hugs her mom and then her dad and tears of happiness start rolling down her cheeks…..Her mom wipes it as she hugs her..
Anjali’s mom comes to Aashu]
Anjali’s mom: Abijith ko jaise ladki dhoond rahi thi, tum bas waise hi ho…..tum itne paas humaare saamne hi teh par humme yeh idea aaya hi nahi…..accha hua tum dono ko pyar hogaya……[all laugh at that comment] par ek baat hai…yeh dono bohat hoshiyar hai…..[looks at Abijith]…..humme ek hint tak nahi di……
Aashu’s mom: haan, Anjali nahi kehthi, toh humme abhi bhi nahi pathaa chaltha….
Anjali’s dad: arre woh sab puraane baatein chodo….now let us decide on the further things….
Anjali’s mom: aur kya decide karni hai…..ab engagement kar lethe hai…..Aashu ke padaayi poore hothey hi shaadi…..teek hai na???
[All get into serious discussion about the engagement and marriage…..Abijith moves in his seat restlessly and signals Anjali…….Anjali sensing what he said, suddenly pitches in]
Anjali: maa, papa, uncle, aunty…..ab aage hum baat karthe hai na??……Aashu aur Abi ko kyun yahaan bitaaya hai??? Don’t you think that we should leave the love birds alone for a while????
[All grin at each other and nod to Anjali’s suggestion….but place a condition that both of them should return home soon….They thank Anjali for her favor and set out happily]
[Aashu and Abijith drive away merrily chatting various things…….not some serious romantic topics but very general and casual matter……..After a long drive, Abijith slows down and parks the car to the road side…….The stretch of road relatively empty…...Switches on some romantic music and lowers the blasting volume…..He turns to Aashu]
Aashu: Why did you stop??Its kind of lonely here
Abi: I am with you….then whats the problem??? Moreover, if we go further at this speed, we will reach goa……..I don’t think we have plans to go there…..DO we??
Aashu: no way……we have permission only till evening….We need to go back home[smiles at him…..His gaze makes her feel uneasy] aise kyun dekh rahe ho???
Abi: [glides his fingers on the side of her face and pushes a loose strand of hair behind her ears] It’s a long time since I saw you na…..isiliye…….[She looks at him and bends her head…..He leans forward and kisses her forehead and then her cheek......That was the first time that Abi was touching her so romantically……His touch makes her shudder…He leans ahead and hugs her tightly……After a moment, he starts kissing her neck and face intensely…….the passionate hug makes Aashu shiver……She feels tensed and uncomfortable….]
Aashu: [pulling herself back and trying to push Abi away from her] plzz Abi……This is not right……we are just getting engaged…..we aren’t married…..[her face and eyes away from him and bent down…]
Abi: [snapping out suddenly from that trance] sorry Aashu….i am really very sorry……[taking his hand off her and placing it on the steering wheel….He then keeps both his hands on his head and bends down……He brushes his hair swiftly and closes his eyes for 2 seconds before starting the car….His gestures make it clear that he feels guilty…Aashu places her hand on his hand and tries to console him]
Aashu: its ok……you don’t have to feel so guilty about it……
Abi: No Aashu…….I shouldn’t have gone out of my limits….. i don’t know what got into me….I lost my self control for a second…….it wasn’t intentional…..i hope you understand….[pausing and wiping his face with his hands roughly] lets go back……iss mood mein yahaan rukhna teek nahi….lets go…..[He turns the car back and heads home…
Moments of awkward silence followed before Aashu decides to break the ice by bringing in another topic]
Aashu: you never told me how all of this happened……How did you and Anjali get our parents to agree???How did you guys plan all this??
Abi: [smiling at her attempt to make him feel comfortable] it was all Anjali’s plan…I wont take credit for it…..She planned the whole thing…She herself talked to our parents and got their approval….i owe one to my sister for that….She made it all happen……
Aashu: [smiling] oh…really…..I should have guessed it….you don’t have so much courage, I know..[grins at him]……its all because my sweet Anjali……my dear friend….[with a deep sigh and a hint of sorrow in her voice]……I just hope everything gets well between her and Sid….
Abi: hey tell me about that….Mom started telling me something but then changed the topic quickly……what is the problem???? Did they have a fight or what??
[Aashu tells him all what happened between Sid and Anjali]
Abi: hmmm….we need to set things right before I go back…..i cant see my little sister in despair!!
Aashu: [looking at Adi intently] neither can I see my friend like that……
[to be continued]
loved it !!
ReplyDeleteanjali is so smart ;) did everything by herself
n sid n arjun conversation was lovely ! he is truly is guide !
ashu was pleasantly surprised ! :)
abhi n ashu !
update soon <3
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