The next day, I found a message in my inbox of my real fb account .It was Bhumit’s message, which read, “miss Sanjana will you do me a favor??” I was happy to see the message. I smiled after a long time. I forgot everything happened in the past.
I felt like am complete again. I felt like every- thing is fine again & we are back.
But, when Bhumit & Sanjana are together, nothing can be perfect.
I wanted to talk to him .So, I decided to talk to him from my fake account.
At night 10, I logged in . But I decided one thing …..that I’l start angrily & then I’l make him my sweetheart when he’l start apologizing like a honey boy .
I messaged him, ”how dare you messaged me??? Stop interfering in my life“.
I was expecting an apology letter from him. But he gave me something unexpected. I was shocked. It was something usual between us. But still I found it difficult to accept.
He replied me, “stop talking with my friends……otherwise it will not be good for you”.
“ask them to stay away from me………..By the way, what you wanted me to do for you???What’s your problem???”, I asked him.
”that’s my problem. Better you don’t interfere”, he said .
“hello…..you only said that you want me to help you”, I said.
“yah!!! I want you to stay away from them”, he replied.
“how’s your family members??? Hope they are leading a happy life….”, he asked.
“yah!!! They are fine .Thanks for asking……. What about your family members????”, I asked him.
I knew why he asked the question. He knew that I love my parents more than my life. So, to make me do what he wants, they are the best weapons .
He proved me right by saying, “take care of your family members & deactivate this account if you can. By the way, it’s your wish. How can I interfere in your life. Now-a-days, number of accidents are more .Take care of your family. Ok….. ”
”don’t you dare to take even their names….Did your friends say you that I talk with them????”, I asked him.
“no no…..i have their id & password. So, don’t worry”, he said.
“if you can open their accounts, then send me the messages which I send to them”, I said.
“yah….1 min…..
Jasmine: now should I feed Pavan….ask him to have food I don’t eat food on monday”
Paresh: he didn’t have anything since morning…..he’l feel bad…
Jasmine: better he would have his food….
Paresh: he’l not eat if you’l not He’s very firm with his decisions….
Jasmine: I can’t break the rules of writh……it’s for your brother’s life. I started it 11 weeks before. Still, 5 Mondays are to be finished…..”
I knew that he had brother’s password. Brother once said it to me .
“Ok dear….these are your messages send to your brother just 5 minutes before”, Bhumit said.
“Yah!!! I know that you have his id & password. Send me someone else’s chats….”, I said.
“Now stop your drama or else both will be beaten by me because of you”, Bhumit said.
“I can’t believe that I have to talk like this to you…..& please do not hurt them because of me”, I said.
“Then deactivate this account….”, he said.
“Bhumit…..”, I called him.
“Yes, fast. Do it”, he replied.
“Why are you separating my brother from me???”, I asked.
“I have never separated your brother from you…..deactivate your account”, he said.
“Honey…..”, I said expecting for his permission to talk to my brother.
“Shut up!!! Just shut up….or I’l kill you”, he said.
“Can you do it???”, I asked him.
“I would have done it . But these stupid emotions stopped me. So, better you understand. I can do anything now…”, he replied.
I was torn apart by his reply .But, my love was crazy .Still I felt like he loves me & he’s doing this with me to separate me from him.
“You were never our topic….believe me….if not me, then at least your brother…”, I said.
“I don’t talk to your brother about his contacts & his talks….ok….”, he said.
“I’d like to know one thing…..why you would have killed me???”, I asked him.
“I don’t have time to explain you all this useless things.”, he replied.
His every message just killed me. He was so rude.
“Now talking to me is a time waste for you. Once, you said that if someone loved you, then it’s only me & no one else….
Now also, the thing exist Bhumit. May be because of the same, today I got the rs.500 note, on which you wrote our first letters on our virtual wedding day .I hope you remember….check the rs 10 note with you .Mine may be with you. And today, the moment I remembered you, you were there with me through your message”, I said.
“I don’t have time. You are a waste, who’s always behind rich boys….bye & deactivate your account”, he replied.
“Oh!!! I see….so I am a despo now, interested in money…..
I was ready even to stay with you on road & starve. Many times you also accepted that I am selfless & you praised my qualities….”, I wrote.
“I was mad at that time…..”, he wrote.
“Why you played with me….my emotions???”, I asked him.
“I never did it. Even I stopped talking with you such things… so that you can’t blame me ”, he replied.
“Great…..ask your friends to stay away from me.
You’l never understand the pain of love. But, I hope you can at least understand the feelings of a sister”, I wrote.
“Why should I say it to them .I want you to do it??? And call me if you want to say something”, he said.
I was confused. He is so rude & still he wants me to call & talk to him.
“It has only one meaning, that you trust me more than your brothers. Otherwise you would have asked them to do it & that would have been an easier task for you as well”, I wrote.
“Keep your philosophy with you. I have seen girls like you….so, better stop your drama…..”, he wrote.
“Great…hat’s off to your thinking. The girl who loved you even after knowing your true identity deserves to be drowned in the rudeness of your words ”, I wrote.
“And since beginning you are using this “girls like me…”
What do you mean by that???just explain to me.
He’s my brother, I said & am his sister…there’s absolutely no benefit for me in this relation except the love of a brother…& when I took advantage of you???” , I asked him .
I was very angry. I just felt like kicking his ass.
He laughed “you never did it.
But you wanted to do it. Look, am no more a part of your drama. So, just stop it!!”, he replied.
“For the one who have never seen love , the entire world is a drama stage…..I understood it today”, I replied.
I now really wanted to kill him.
His reply came,”good ….very good…..now deactivate this”.
For a moment I thought like deactivating this fucking account & end everything. But then I remembered how my brother & Pavan were angry with me when I did it once.
I said him, “I tried to get away. But, if I don’t talk with them , they feel bad”.
“They are interested only in my life & nothing else. If you can understand then please do it or else….. ”, he replied.
“But why you want to separate us???”, I asked him.
“You’l have problem in understanding it……”
“I want my life to be neat & clean”, he replied.
I knew his problems. He was just afraid of his father & he felt like I’l take revenge for what he did with me.
He never understood the intensity of my love for him.
“Oh !!! I see….you know what…we both have same position…but the difference is your chair is made of fear & mine of love”, I said.
“What???”, he replied.
“Did your Pavan have his dinner??? No isn’t it??? Now you try to understand…..”, I said.
“Great…….now stop your drama. Otherwise it may affect your health”, he said.
“When I was my matter of concern?? My only concern was my near & dear ones….”, I replied.
He also knew it. May be because of the same, he used my brother & my parents as a weapon to terrorize me.
“Ok….then start caring about your health also……
& yah before going, I want to share a good news with you….”, he wrote.
I was surprised. He still considers me as a part of his life. I understood by this one sentence. I knew that he loves me, but his environment can’t accept me. May be, that’s why he wants me t stay away from him.
“So still you care about me…….
By the way, what’s the news??”, I asked him out of anxiety.
“No am just worried about your parents, nothing else
& the news is my love also loves me .I wanted to say this to you & nothing else”, he said.
I was confused.
“About whom are you talking about??? Pratiksha or someone else???”, I asked him.
I knew the answer of my question .And I also knew that he is lying. But, I never wanted to be a subject of his intensity which I can’t handle. So, I just pretended to accept what he said & continued.
For a moment I felt like, why I know him so correctly. If he was something beyond my understanding, I wished whole heartedly.
“It’s all about Pratiksha, my love. Our family is now back together & so we are”, he wrote.
I really felt if I can say him, “honey don’t lie at least to me. Because, am the person who know you very well”. But, I didn’t say.
But, I still managed to ask him , “but why you wanted me to know about it???”
“For your happiness & please do attend our marriage”, he said.
“Sure….I’l be happy to attend your marriage. But why are you bothered about my happiness”, I dared to ask him this question.
“Because of your dialogue, “I want you to be happy”& all. Now am really happy. I swear”, he wrote.
The more he tried to separate me from him, the more he made me feel his love.
“Am happy to know that you know about my thoughts. Even today there’s nothing more than your happiness for me. But, please never hurt my brother”, I said.
“Stop your drama”, he wrote.
“You can think anything about me …..I’l never let anybody know the reason for me deactivating this account”, I assured him.
“Bye….good night”, I said.
“They work under me & not above me”, he wrote.
“Please let them enjoy their life”, I said.
“Ok good night…..”, he said.
“But there’s one thing…..
If your slaves have to leave you….they’ll do it whole heartedly…..
But , if they’l have to leave me…
they’l do it because of their helplessness…..
Because they are my friends….
You can try it…..
Bye… good night”, I said.
“Hello!!!! The world touches my feet. Who are you???”, he asked me out of his anger.
“Am the person who touches the heart of the same world.
& yah!!! I have something for you. I have decided to deactivate this account. Because I’l never wish to see someone in trouble just because of me….good night”, I said.
I deactivated my account.
CH…………………………………………………………………
He was totally disturbed after talking with me. He behaved indifferently with his friends. But, his friends considered me to be the culprit for his change. They just predicted it. I was wearing a light cream & green salwar kameez. I was going to college .On the way, Pavan with the help of some of our mutual friends kidnapped me. They were unaware of the fact that Sanjana & Jasmine are the same. But as soon as Bhumit came to know about my kidnap , he reached their to see me for the first time .I saw my love in his white shirt with blue checks. I was totally under pressure .He never showed any love for me. But, he always protected me. I understood it because whenever he went outside & if his friends were there, he always locked me in a room with only 1 window. It was never opened. And he always took the key with him. The door was opened only after he returned. I was given food in his presence.
But one day, there was some problem at his house. There was raid at his house. He was totally worried. He had to go in a hurry.
He came to my room to give me food.
“You didn’t die still???”, he asked me & just threw the plate in front of me.
It was then, when I realized that how complex a man’s brain can be. I also got the reason for why men are considered to be better actors in real life.
He asked his right hand Pavan to take care of me & went. He trusted him .Only, Pavan & I were there in the big white house. But, Pavan was a thug. He tried to use me. I just ran to the terrace & just jumped off. Pavan was afraid of my issue & just ran away. Bhumit returned home at 7 pm , almost 5 hours after I jumped from the terasse. When he reached , he found me dipped in my blood. I was almost dead. He just rushed to the hospital. I was admitted in the ICU. He waited outside with my brother & two other friends. The doctor came out from the ICU after 2 hrs. I had to undergo an operation. The doctor came out of the ICU in his green uniform, removing his gloves. As soon as he came out, Bhumit asked him about my condition.
He said that, “she is in a very critical state. Let’s pray. We can’t do anything else”.
For the first time in his life, Bhumit found tears in his eyes. It was then when he realized his love for me. He asked doctor, “sir I want to meet her. Can I sir??Please…”, holding his hands.
He said, “yes…sure”, placing his right hand over his left shoulder & said, “don’t worry. Pray for her life”.
Bhumit entered ICU to see me. I was covered with a piece of green clothe. The equipments around me made him to feel my withdrawal from life. He hugged me & just burst out loudly. He just held my right hand with both his hands, looked up & offered prayers in his mind .He just gave his heart to me. He kissed me on my forehead & again hugged me. His tears were something which I never wished to see. I wanted to wipe them forever. I still wanted his heart to be safe with me & beat for long. I wanted to feel the safety, the warmth in his arms forever. But, I was conscious.
It was 9pm by now. My parents , unaware of my condition, called me. There were 25 missed calls in just 1 hr duration. Bhumit was afraid to pick up my phone. But, he decided to be brave. He informed my parents about my condition My heard mummy’s voice through the phone. They came to meet me in the very next train. He asked brother to pick them up from the station.
His father came to know about me through his assistant. His mother was standing near him wearing a white saree with yellow –orange floral design, holding his snacks & tea .His father went to his room, took his gun & just hurried out. His mother tried to stop his father. But, she was unable to do. He reached the hospital, looked at Bhumit & raised his gun towards him. For his father , Bhumit is now his useless son.
His mother never wanted this to happen. She followed his father till hospital. She was knowing about me. Pavan told her about me. Bhumit was standing outside the ICU & was crying.
His mother stopped his father by pulling his hands down to protect him & shouted, “”stop it now!!! Now you want to kill your own blood for your survival??? I’l not allow you to do what you did with my sister”
“Saraswati….”, his father shouted with her name angrily. His eyes were opened extra large & was red.
“No….am not going to tolerate any more.” She said & looked towards Bhumit. “I want you to know everything son.”
“Saraswati..”, he shouted again.
“I have no mental problems son. I was just silent, I tolerated everything ,without reacting to any of his deeds because I wanted you to be alive, as I promised it your mummy.” She then pointed towards his father & said,”he is the culprit. He killed your mother, because my mother stopped him from killing an innocent worker”.
“Stop it I said”, he shouted & raised his hands against her.
She said angrily, ”no more. It’s all over Mr.sinh. I tolerated everything for last 18 years. But now, no more…..”
She again looked towards Bhumit & said ,“you were of just 3 years when your father killed your mother. She was very kind hearted. Your father had some losses with his business. Your uncle held a poor servant responsible for his losses to hide his mistakes. Your father just killed him without thinking for a while”
“& when your mother complained against your father, she was killed by the same person whom you worship my son. He is the one who denied you your mummy’s love. He supported you & fulfilled all your wishes because he needed you. You are also used my son, to widen his business”, she said
His father shouted her name again & just raised his hands against her. Bhumit stopped him & said “don’t you dare to touch her . If you want my life, you can take it. I don’t want this life. I hate me. Because am your blood “.
After a pose, “till my last breathe, am going to protect her .For that I can go to any extend now ”, he said.
He went to his mother & said, “am sorry mother”.
For the first in his life , he called her, “mother”. Tears of happiness came out from her eyes. His father was shocked & shouted his name with anger, ”Bhumit!!!”
He looked towards brother & said, “take care of mother”.
He went to his house & packed his as well as his mummy’s bag to leave the house. He managed to have a new house for rent. He stayed there with his mummy. His mother consoled my parents. Bhumit reached the hospital & said to his mummy,”come….let’s go to our new house mummy”.
She looked towards Bhumit .He was unable to look at her eyes. She then touched his cheeks with her hands , gave him a smile & said “forget everything…”.He looked at her with , held her hand with both his hands & started crying. He was so guilty. He then hugged her & said, “am sorry mummy”.
She was emotional. She then looked towards my parents & then at Bhumit . She asked Bhumit to apologize to my parents by nodding her head.
He went near my father first. He was a bit nervous, but still managed to go near him. He then apologized to him. But, Daddy wasn’t ready to forgive him. Daddy just held his colors. Mummy placed her hand on dad’s shoulder to stop him. Daddy went out. Bhumit then went towards mummy & joined his hands & looked down. Mummy was crying & just turned her face. His mummy went near him & placed her hand on his shoulder .She then looked at Pruthvi & said, ”take him home. I want to stay here.”
Bhumit said, “he also want to sit with their, with his mummy.”
His mother said no to him. But, he requested her. He was not ready to move.
Finally after 48 hrs, I came back to life to my life, but only with a working heart. I had paralysis. Doctor’s said that,” I need care & I can’t travel much. Moreover, I needed regular medical checkups.”
He then said, “Sanjana will be discharged soon. So, it would be better if you find a near by place to leave.”
My parents found it difficult to find such a place. So , Bhumit’s mother requested my parents to stay with them.
She struggled a lot to convince my parents. She said, “I can understand your pain. Please give my son a chance to remorse for his deeds .
Bhumit just went near Daddy & stud still. Dad lost his self-control whenever Bhumit went near him.
He just stammered, ”uncle…..” & dad slapped him. He didn’t react. He just stud silent with his head down .His shirt was wet. His eyes were full of tears. Mummy stopped Daddy by holding his arms. Daddy turned towards the wall & was crying .
Mummy turned towards Bhumit & said, “just go from here”.
Tears were there in her eyes too . Bhumit’s mummy went near him & held his arms .She then nodded her head & said, “come…” & took Bhumit to the door of the hospital.
She then kissed his forehead & asked brother to take him. Bhumit went silently. But, asked brother to not to drive the car. He wanted to sit inside the car for some time alone. He wanted to be with me. He was not ready to go away.
Bhumit’s mother went near my mummy. Mummy was crying. She held her hand on mummy’s shoulder & sat with her the whole day. After an hour , Bhumit bought food for Daddy, mummy & aunty. He stud a bit away from mom & dad & called aunty near him to give the food
Mummy & Daddy didn’t have food. So, his mummy also didn’t have anything. Bhumit didn’t have anything since morning.
Next day, mummy fell down due to weakness. Mummy was admitted & had to take the glucose bottles .Daddy lost all his confidence. He was sitting at the bench outside the room & was crying. Bhumit’s mummy & Paresh were sitting the ICU. By now, Arjun also knew everything.
Bhumit went near Daddy. He sat on his knees, held Daddy’s hands & said, “uncle…..am sorry. I am responsible for all these things , I know. I don’t deserve to be forgiven. Am ready to accept any punishment you give me . Don’t lose your confidence. Am with you. Please give me one chance, just one chance to pay for what I did. “
“But, now you have to be brave .Uncle if you’l give up, then how will you boost up aunty. We will bring Sanjana back . She needs you. Because she loves you more than anything else in this world. Atleast for her please….”
He then said, “come!! Have food uncle please….come….” He took Daddy to the nearby hotel & convinced daddy to have food .He then brought parcels for mummy, aunty & Paresh .Bhumit helped mummy & daddy .He arranged medicines for me. When daddy gave him money, he just turned his face with his head down & went sadly from there. Whole day mummy observed Bhumit from her bed.
He was sitting at the last bench outside the ICU. Aunty was trying to convince mummy to have food. Bhumit said the same things to mummy. He went near mumm. Mummy looked at him & turned her face with anger. He just smiled, sat near mummy & said ,”Sanju loves you very much & I know that when she will open her eyes ,you’l be first one whom she will wish to see . And if you’l be sad, & will not have food, she’l really feel bad. She will start crying then .You don’t want to see that. Isn’t it??? Then at least for her you have something & now, you are going to have food . I know. Because, you also love her, more than anything else in this world. ”
Mummy started crying. He hugged mummy, convinced her to have food. He supported my parents & managed to enter into their good book.
Finally, after 7 terrible days inside the ICU, I was discharged. Bhumit was again in his white t-shirt. I felt like, his textile consists of only white colored clothes . I was in his a blue & grey night suit. He helped mummy to pack things. I was carried in the rolling bed by two nurses. At my left side mummy was there with a smiling face. She struggled really hard to stop her tears in front of me. Daddy was busy settling the bills. Bhumit & his mummy were at my right side. Bhumit brought his car & we planned to live at his new house, with him.
I was so happy to see the open sky after a long time. I reached near the car. Bhumit lifted me from the bed & made me comfortable inside the car on my mummy’s laps. I was a bit exited .The moment was so beautiful with my parents & the most existing part was when he lifted me. I felt like tickled for the moment. In his arms, I felt like am dancing with him. I suddenly felt life in my paralyzed body. But, was not fortunate enough to enjoy it longer. I saw dad coming near the car with a bunch of bills in his hands. He sat near mom with my legs on his laps & smiled.
We went to his house. He stayed in the upper portion of the house & we were allotted the lower portion completely. His mother & mummy gradually became good friends. They did all house hold works together. He still had problem to face Daddy. But, was friendly with mummy.
Gradually, things became normal & daddy had to return. His 1 weak leave was over. Dad wanted to shift mummy & me to somewhere else , away from Bhumit. But, he was unable to find such a convenient place like his house. So, mummy & me stayed with Bhumit.
His mummy & Bhumit shifted down. One day, when aunty & mummy were busy with the house hold works, Bhumit came to my room. I was lying in the bed wearing a light blue night wear. He wore his cream t- shirt & a dark green trouser. He sat near me, held my hand with both his hands. I found the horrible thing again in his eyes which killed me, his tears.
He looked at my eyes & then he lifted my hand & placed his forehead over my hand & then kissed my hand. With a lot of tears in his eyes he said,” am sorry…..am really very sorry honey….forgive me honey please….I love you honey…..I can’t see you like this…..I can’t tolerate this pain any more…..please rise up for me….please come back honey……I want my Sanjana back……I promise, I’l never let you cry again…..forgive me honey….come back please…..”.
He then hugged me, raised his head & kissed my forehead . I wished, if I can rise my hands to wipe his tears & say,”I love you too honey….forget it…let’s make a new start.”.
But my faith, I had to tolerate the pain .Bhumit’s mummy was standing outside the door wearing a cream saree, with a glass of orange juice for me & was listening everything. She managed to hide herself behind the door when Bhumit came outside.
The strange thing was, still my heart beats for the person who tried to stop it. I still love him. He is my priority. Even after giving me so many pains, he’s my all.
Aunty wanted him to be happy, but with me. After feeding me, she went to Bhumit’s room with his tea. Bhumit was crying with his head down on his study table. But, as soon as his mother touched his shoulder & called his name, he stud up wiping his tears & managed to have a fake smile without making eye contact. Bhumit’s mummy asked him, “how’s your study going on???”
He said, “it’s nice mummy”, without looking at her.
She then placed her hand on his chin to lift his face , looked at his eyes & then asked, “is everything fine with you???”
He was unable to control his emotions .He said, “yes mummy”.
“Do you love her???”, she then just fired her heart content.
“no …..no…..no…..I don’t love her”, he said suddenly.
“ok then……”, she said & just went outside.
She was still standing near the door , hiding herself behind the door & was observing him.
He was very sad .She understood him. She decided to talk to mummy about this. Mummy was in the kitchen cooking oats for me. Aunty went near her, took a bowl to serve the oats & then stud near mummy on her left side. Mummy gave a smile to her & continued .Aunty also smiled.
After sometimes, when mummy was serving the oats. She said, “let me serve it….”
Mummy said, “it’s ok…..let it be”
She was a bit nervous to talk about it, but said, ”Bhumit is very guilty for his deeds. Forgive him please…..I know he don’t deserve to be forgiven but please…..at least for me….”
Mummy looked at her .Suddenly aunty continued, “what he did was the reflection of his past. Now he has changed. He is a good guy now……..I think….we should give him a chance…..” & aunty turned.
Mummy looked at her. Aunty was looking down. Mummy said ,”we don’t have any problem with Bhumit. He is a good guy. We have forgiven him. Don’t worry ok… tell him that we have forgiven him. Yesterday he didn’t have anything. He may be hungry.”
She served the oats in two bowls .She gave a bowl to aunty & said, “give this to him.”
Aunty said, “He’l not have anything right now. I’l give it to him after sometime.”
“ok….”, mummy said.
& turned towards the door with a bowl of oats for me. Aunty called mummy, “lata.”
Mummy turned towards aunty & just stud straight.
Aunty said, “please don’t hate him”.
“Never. He became our strength when we were in an adverse situation. Yah!!! It’s true that the situation was because of him…..but he realized & corrected it. He has a good heart, it shows……ask him to have food. We like him. We don’t have any problem with him”, mummy said.
“He don’t eat on Mondays since last 2 weeks”, aunty said.
Mummy understood that he is doing it for me. Mummy didn’t say anything. She just turned her face & continued towards the door. She stopped when she reached the door of the kitchen & said, “Ask him to stop it. Health is more important.”
She just went then. Aunty wanted to talk to mummy. She was about to call mummy’s name & stretched her hand to stop her, but then withdrew.
Mummy came to my room , sat near me.
She then gave a beautiful smile to me , covered my upper body with a towel & started feeding me. I just looked into her eyes & tears came out. Mummy wiped my tears , kissed my forehead & said, “you have not done anything wrong dear. Your daddy miss you. He called me today morning & asked me about his baby girl.
I said, “she is absolutely fine” & just talked about you. He never asked me about my well being. See how your daddy is. It is like that since long. When daddy & daughter are together, am all out.
Mom said it with a smile on her face. But, I know her heart, which is torn apart whenever she sees me in this situation.
She then said, “sometimes, I feel like he is the only daddy who have a daughter in this whole world.” Meanwhile, she was feeding me. I was finished with my oats. Mummy wiped my mouth with a wet towel & went outside the room. Bhumit came near mummy . both were standing just outside the door. They were audible enough for me to listen them.
He said ,”hi aunty” with a smile on his face.
Mom nodded her head with a smile on her face.
“Is everything fine??? If you require anything ,feel free to ask me. I’l always be there .Ok aunty.”, he then said.
“Yah!!! Thanks….”, mummy said looking at his eyes.
He then looked at me & asked mummy, “is she fine???”
Mummy was still looking at his eyes. He looked towards mummy & within no time, he looked down.
Mummy said, “your mummy said that you don’t eat on Mondays…..why???”
He was disturbed. He babbled & then said, “nothing aunty….just like that…….I want to lose my weight …that’s why….”
“But there is absolutely no need for you to do dieting….you are already thin”, mummy said.
He just looked down .He was tensed. He was unable to make eye contact with mummy. But, he managed to give me a look in every 5 minutes.
He then said, “aunty…..tomorrow I have to submit my project. My work is pending. So…..”
“Ok…go & complete with your projects ….& study well. No need of thinking about anything else”, mummy said & just gave a glance to me.
“Yah aunty!!!”, he said & gave a glance to me. He then turned towards his room. I was unable to withdraw my eyes. I was helpless. I looked him as long as I can.
It was then when I understood that, my heart didn’t have paralyzed, because he is still inside.
I was unable to understand the concept of love. My heart still beats for the same person who is responsible for all my causes. Really, love is crazy.
Every morning, when mummy & aunty were busy with the house hold works, he came to my room & gave me my good morning kiss on my forehead & hugged me.
His presence was more effective than any of my expensive drugs for me. Whenever he hugged me, I felt like there is a movement in every part of my body, starting from my hearts.
After almost 2 months, one morning when he was hugging me & I felt a movement in my right hand. He also noticed it. He was so happy. He just said, “honey your right hand is moving….now. my prayer showed its effect. Am so happy honey….” & he just kissed me.
For the first time, I saw tears of happiness in his eyes. He kissed my forehead & then my cheeks & just shouted, “mummy….come fast.”
He then ran to the kitchen , held his mother with both his hands on her elbows & shouted with a great excitement, “mummy she is back….she started recovering….her right hand is moving mummy”.
“What???? Really???”, his mother asked with great excitement.
He then went to mummy. Mummy was washing my clothes. He said, “aunty…our prayer was not a waste. Her hand is moving aunty”.
Mummy just rushed to my room , held my right hand to check it & then just kissed me. She cried aloud & just hugged me. I was so happy to see my mummy happy. Bhumit was standing very next to mummy . I found a big smile on his face. He wiped his tears & smiled when I looked at him. May be because he understood what my silence said to him. I was more happy seeing them happy than the news that am recovering.
Gradually, I recovered. After mummy applied medicines on my body , Bhumit came to my room & just massaged my hands & legs. He then kissed me & hugged me & he went silently.
One day, his mother caught him. She knew it since beginning. But, as she knew that his presence is helping me to recover, she was silent. But now, as I was recovering, she wanted to end his hide & seek game. She wanted the families to be together forever.
Once Bhumit just reached the door of my room after kissing me & he found his mummy standing at the door. She was wearing a yellow saree & with her big eyes, she was starring him. He was nervous & just wanted to escape. I saw my boy sweating in the AC room. His light blue shirt, he was wearing was a bit wet from the back.
His mother said in a strong voice, “what are you doing here???”
He was nervous. He simply babbled., “mummy…I ….I was…..mummy….”
“What mummy mummy???Is this the way to behave with a girl???”, she just shouted.
“Mummy….” He looked up …..“am sorry…”, he then said & looked down.
She smiled & just rounded her hand around his neck & asked “do you love her???”
He was just shocked & said, “Mummy……yah!!! I love her.”
I listened his words & was so happy. I just wanted to get up & hug my hubby.
But this curse of paralysis made me to control my excitement.
She then said,”I knew it. I always observed you happy with her. But I was silent. Now , it’s the right time for you to talk to her parents. She will recover soon & then you can marry her”
“Mummy I can’t…..her parents will not say yes to me.”, he said with a sad face. “Then I’l talk to her parents”, aunty said with a lot of confidence.
“No mummy….first let her recover .I want to know whether she loves me still or not. If she says that she still loves me & is happy with me then only I’l talk to her parents. Because, if her mummy says her to marry me, then she’l do it. Whether she likes me or not. I don’t want that to happen…..”, he said looking at his mummy’s eyes.
“Am proud of you my son……she’l surely say yes to you…I know….God will definitely make you both one… ”, aunty said.
Placing her right hand over her chest & offering prayer in her mind.
He smiled & said, “thank you mummy”.
“But stop doing all these things……once you get married to her then you can do whatever you feel like doing with her. Not now. She is not well now. Let her recover fully”, she said punching his stomach very softly & with a smile on her face.
I saw my hero blushing for the first time in my life. “go to your room & study properly…ok!!”She asked him.
He was still blushing & said, “yes mom” & they both laughed.
I was happy to see this. I was constantly looking at him. I gradually recovered & one day I just raised from my bed. Again it was the time when Bhumit was coming to meet me. He just entered my room & saw me standing . He was mad out of happiness. He came near me with an opened mouth & big eyes & called me, “Sanjana ….you…..I can’t believe…I mean….am so happy….Sanjana…..you are standing…..you are…..Sanjana….I will call mummy ok….”, he said.
He just ran towards the kitchen to call mummy & aunty. He had a big smile & shouted “mummy….aunty…see what happened……Sanjana stud up….she became normal….she is totally all right now…..our Sanju is fine…she is back…”
Mummy & aunty just came running to my room & just hugged me. Both were so happy. Both had a great smile on their face. I saw mummy offering prayers in her mind.
Bhumit was happy like never before. He seemed to be happier than me. Mom went telling that,”let me inform it to your dad. He’l be more happy.”
Suddenly, I slipped & Bhumit grabbed me in his arms calling my name, “Sanju…”.
From his voice, I felt like his heart came out. His eyes were extra large & eyebrows were up. Suddenly, he realized that aunty was standing in front of us. So, he left me. I was shy. Aunty behaved as if she saw nothing & looked left & right.
She went out of the room telling that, “I think something is burning in the kitchen”. But, nothing was placed on the stove. All that’s burning right now is our hearts & nothing else. He was shy. He just managed to have an escape. I was looking at him when he went out.
Gradually, I recovered. I stud up after the long horrible 10 months. I rejoined the college. Arjun helped me to complete with my studies.
Arjun & I went to college together. I was still his best friend. He never asked anything to me about rose or my deeds. We talked , we laughed, everything was normal. Everything was like before. But there was one change…..Bhumit. He started expressing his love for me.
When Arjun & I did combine studies, Bhumit always made round in every 2 minutes. He was possessive. I enjoyed those moments very much. I always tightened my lips in front of Arjun to control my laughter.
Arjun & I were mostly together. One day, aunty noticed that Bhumit was observing Arjun & me from the dining table which was placed just outside the room. He was wearing a brown t-shirt. She just went near Bhumit , sat with him with a dozen of ladies fingers & said, “how happy they are together….it’s so nice to see them together. ” cutting the ladies fingers .The shining knife was cutting the ladies fingers but her words were cutting his heart.
Bhumit was just looking at me in my dark green kurta & asked ,”do you think that she is happy with him???” & then looked at aunty’s eyes in a serious way.
Aunty was confused for a while .She said, “a..a…yah!!! of course….they are best friends. They are so happy together. She laughs in his presence…..don’t you feel that they are happy together???”. She just looked at his eyes.
Bhumit stud up saying, “yes…..I think you are right” looking straight & then turned towards the kitchen. Mummy was washing the plates which we used for breakfast. He said, “aunty….I want to tell you something….”
Mummy looked at him. He said, “aunty don’t you think that Sanjana & Arjun are happy together???”
Mummy opened her eyes more than it’s normal size & asked, “what???”. She was shocked.
Bhumit said, “aunty , I know it sounds a bit strange. But, just think, Arjun will complete his studies within 6 months. Then he will get a good job. He is a nice guy & he knows everything about Sanjana. With him, she will be happy…I know….” he said humbly looking at mummy.
Mummy was totally confused about what to say. She thought for a while & said,”I think we should ask Sanjana first about this. Because, after all…..it’s her life” looking at Bhumit.
Bhumit said, ”aunty I know her. She will listen to you. You are her priority .She will marry him if you’l say. Let me know about your views about him & leave the rest of the things to me”, he said looking at her. He was so eager to know about her views. But, inside he wished to hear “no” from her. The tension on his face showed it.
Mummy said, “if Sanju agrees, then….then I don’t have any problem. He is really a nice guy”. Bhumit just looked down, struggling hard to maintain a smile of his face in spite of the pain.
He came out from the kitchen & stud outside the room where he found Arjun & I were laughing. He found me happy with him. His eyes were wet. He didn’t say anything to anyone.
At night , aunty went to his room .Bhumit was sitting on the swing looking out. He was listening to our conversations which he had recorded.
“are you talking to someone??”, aunty asked him standing at the door of balcony.
“no mummy….am listeneing song”, he said.
“I think it’s an emotional song….right???”, she asked looking at him.
“Yah!!!….it’s a heart touching song”, he said without making eye contact with her.
“Which song are you listening to???”, she asked looking at him. Her eyebrows were a little closer than it actually is.
He looked at her & then down ,”mummy……a…mummy…it’s an old song….”
“Then I would like to listen the song…..just give your hands free to me….I want to listen the song….”, she said extending her song.
“Mummy…really am listening the song”, he said looking down . He was a bit irritated.
“Am your mummy dear…I know you….& I know which song can make my son emotional…..the decision was yours…..still the things are under your control…..if you wish you can make it”, she said holding his chin & raising his face towards her.
“Mummy…am listening to song …..really…am happy”, he was about to cry.
“Don’t regret afterwards…..”, she said.
“Mummy…..I just want her to be happy….”, he was so emotional. He just controlled his tears.
“Come…..come my son…..”, aunty took him inside the room & made him to sleep on her laps. He slept turning right side.
“I think you should talk to her…..”, she said.
“Mummy….if she is happy with him then why should I disturb her??? I have already given so much pain to her. If I can do something good for her , then it would be a remorse” , he said turning his head almost towards her.
“& if she is not happy then???”, she asked looking towards him & nodding her head.
“She is happy mummy…..I know…..”, again his tears came out.
I think he have pledged to do all those things which I don’t like.
“Mummy …..I want to sleep on your laps….don’t go anywhere please….”, he said turning left & came a bit closer to her.
“Ok son……..”, she smiled & looking at him “good night……sleep now ok….am with you…”
I can’t believe. Generally in our country, the decision regarding marriages are taken by the girl , boy & their families. But here, my boy friend is the one to decide the thing & he didn’t even ask to me about my life.
Next day, it was 6 pm when I returned from college. As usual, Arjun dropped me. I saw Bhumit stand sitting at the veranda with a book in his hand. He looked good in his light yellow shirt. Bhumit saw Arjun at the gate .Bhumit came outside , stopped Arjun & called him inside. When I went inside, I saw mummy , aunty were present at the hall.
I just smiled to all & turned towards my room without knowing anything. Bhumit stopped me & then looked at Arjun & said, “I know you have a crush on her. But, my question is do you still…???”
Arjun was just blank. He looked towards me & then to all present inside the hall & then back to Bhumit. “We want you both to be together”, he declared looking straight into Arjun’s eyes. I was scattered. For the first time,the shock was not only mine. This time it was for Arjun too.
I looked towards mummy & then towards Bhumit & then again towards mummy & said, “do you also feel so mummy??”, like an innocent baby. My eyebrows were closer & my lips were upside down. I wanted to listen “no” from her. But, she said “he is a nice guy sanju…he knows everything about you…..”, looking straight into my eyes.
I know, throughout the day, what he did in my absence was to convince my mummy to talk with Arjun & me.
I went inside & threw my bag on my bed & just slept upside down & cried. I was totally disturbed. I never wanted to give any more pains to my parents. So, I didn’t say anything.
I wanted to talk to Arjun. I just wanted to hold his color & shout ,”why you didn’t open your mouth & say no to him….you duffer”. But I controlled.
I heard Arjun babbling, “but… we are just friends….she will not say yes….I think we should ask her….”
Leave about her to us. We just want to know about your decision. Bhumit said.
“I don’t have any problem if she says yes”, he said very humbly looking at Bhumit as if he is a nursery kid.
“Ok…then aunty, we’l continue with the proposal”, he looked towards mummy & then went inside his room.
At night , after dinner aunty went to his room. He was sitting at the swing looking out & was listening to my voice. He recorded it when we were in relation.
Aunty went near him. He suddenly posed his phone & stud up, removed his earphone from his ears.
“You didn’t sleep???”, she asked him.
“Am unable to sleep ”, he didn’t make eye contact with her.
She then gently touched his shoulder , “What happened??? Is everything fine??”, she asked looking at him.
“Yah mummy!!! He said. His face was like he is attending the funeral.
“But your face says something else. You seems to be sad ”, she said looking at him.
“Mummy….actually am listening to an emotional song that’s why”, he said & then looked at her.
“Again you are doing the same Bhumit!!! Don’t do this to yourself…”, she said angrily.
She just starred him he said,” mummy….really am listening to a song. It’s an emotional song. May be that’s why….” , he again looked at her .
“ok….then let me hear the song which made my son emotional……”, she stretched her hand.
He was silent & just looked down.
“Am your mummy…..I know you very well…..”, she said with a strict face.
He looked at her with a sad face. His eyes were again wet. He was emotional. My boy now had feelings for me. I just wish if his tears end & I can see his ever smiling face.
“Mummy….if she is happy then it’s fine…I want her to be happy always….”
She extended her hand & said, “but son….”
“Mummy she always made me happy & I was the one who made her cry. If she is happy with her new life, then I’l be happy to compromise with my love for her”
He was emotional. Aunty said, ”am proud of you my son….”, touching his head & with the tears of joy on her eyes & hugged him.
He called her, “mummy…”
“Yah son!!!”, she said.
“She is happy. Isn’t it???”, he said in a very emotional voice without turning completely towards her.
“I think you should talk to her. Let her know about your love…..still nothing has changed”, aunty said looking at him.
“Mummy……I don’t deserve her. She will be more happy with him. Let her go mummy”, he said & just lifted himself a bit to hug her.
Next morning, Arjun came to my pick me up for the college. I was not willing to go with him. But Bhumit was standing at the veranda in his light blue shirt holding the cup of tea.
I went with him, but never looked at him or talked to him. He was a bit romantic that day. He wore a red shirt & smiled unnecessarily. He also didn’t talk to me. But, looked at me through his rare-view mirror & was humming some romantic song.
Even during combine studies, he was looking at me & not on the book. I was so irritated.
“I am not feeling well”, I just shut the book & stud up.
“What happened??”, he asked me coming a bit closer to me & was about to hold my hand.
I felt so weird when he came close to me. It was not for the first time when he came close to me. But ,what I felt that day was something for the first time.
It continued for almost a week. Every time, I just wanted to shout at him, “I love Bhumit & not you”.
But, I always , I found him around & just stopped me. Finally, after a week, when we were going college, I stopped near the park. I just climbed out of his bike & walked. He also followed me, “what happened???why you stopped me here??” .He was standing with me on my right side.
After a great pose I said, “Arjun am sorry…..”
He looked at me with a question mark on his face, “what happened??”
“Arjun for me, my love confines to only one 1 name, BHUMIT. He’s mesmerizing. My love for him is irrevocable…… am sorry”, I said placing my hand over his hand placed at the fencing of the park.
He just gave me a ferocious look & just ran towards the bike. I just ran after him shouting his name. He didn’t stop. It irritated me. I was serious & shouted “Arjun!!!”
We reached near the bike. I stopped him & shouted at him, “Arjun I love him & your anger can’t change my mind set”
“Duffer we are besties!!! I know you love him. I always observe you tightening your lips to hide your smile when he comes near you.”, he said placing his hand over my shoulder.
I didn’t understand him , but I was happy. My faced glowed like sun for the moment. May be because I was wearing my yellow top .
“Thank you!!!”,I was excited.
“Just see the big smile on your face…..he is lucky”, he said.
“But I’l let you marry him only under one condition…”, he turned & started walking.
“What???”, I asked him standing at the spot.
“I’l let you know it after reaching home….”, he said without turning towards me. He started his bike.
I asked him , “Arjun….say….what’s the matter???”, simultaneously climbing the bike.
I asked him throughout the lecture sitting at the first row. He was sitting at the fourth row. I messaged him, “what’s the matter???”
He never looked at me. And when I called him for the 10th time in the lecture, he gave me a very ferocious look. He resembled a hungry lion standing in front of the prey. I kept quiet. I didn’t even dare to look at him then.
After the class, when I was climbing the bike, I called, “Arjun…” in a very humble voice.
He just gave me a sudden look like a thunder. I was quiet throughout the way.
We reached home. Bhumit was not at home. He went to his college.
“Aunty…..aunty….”, he shouted entering the house.
“Yah!!!what happened???”, mummy & aunty both came out. Mummy was holding a table spoon & aunty came wiping her hand on her pallu.
He just said, ”follow me ladies”, & turned towards the corner of the hall. I also went.
“Children are not allowed”, he said in an attitude. I was thinking “how rude he is???” & mouth was just opened listening his comment.
He just whispered, “it’s working….she said that she loves him….”
“Yah!!! I knew it . See, I said you ….”, aunty said to mummy.
“What else she said???”, mummy asked him eagerly.
“sssshhhhhh” , she’s coming Arjun said.
I just entered the room shouting, “what’s going on???”
All just turned their face & I shouted again, “may I please know what’s going on???”
They all looked at me as if the 3rd world war is just going to begin. But, then mummy & aunty went inside & Arjun went outside without saying a word.
Bhumit returned. He was in his bike just near the gate. Arjun just stopped at the gate. They both smiled & then bhumit said something to Arjun for which he replied. Then Arjun went.
He saw me. But, I just went inside.
At kitchen , mummy & aunty were gossiping about Bhumit & me & were planning something. I went inside & they paused, as if I was their pose button. I asked,”mummy …..what Arjun said???”
She just looked at me angrily & went from the kitchen. I went near aunty & she copied mummy before I say something.
The days, went so fast. We went for shopping for the wedding.
“I don’t want to come…….”, I cried sitting on my bed, holding my pillow on my laps.
“But, it’s your wedding. You are supposed to select the dress”, mummy shouted angrily.
“Oh really!! You never felt that I have right to select my partner. But, you want me to select my wedding dress. Great.”, I said with anger on my face.
Aunty asked Bhumit to convince me. It was for the first time, when we got an opportunity to talk with each other after a long time in spite of leaving under the same roof. But, he didn’t use the opportunity.
“If you’l say, then she’l come…”, aunty said.
“Mummy…but…..how can I force her???”, he said like an helpless kid.
“But, it’s not fair. You should do something. Arjun was your decision. She never said anything to anyone. And now, the mother & daughter are fighting”, aunty said turning her face. Her hands were folded across each other.
Arjun just entered “namaste aunty….”
“Hi dude!!!”, he hugged Bhumit with great joy.
Bhumit said, “she’s not ready yet.”
“What??”, Arjun was shocked.
He entered my room & shouted “Oye!!! we are just going for shopping. Rest of the makeup you can do on the wedding day”.
It irritated me a lot. I just wanted to scream. I just stud up from the bed pointing my finger towards him & just shouted, “Arjun!!! You know that i…….”
Before I complete, I saw Bhumit was standing out. Arjun come out. Let her get ready. Already we are 5 min late & he went.
I just controlled my anger. As soon as he said it , I asked mom, ”which dress should I wear???”.
Mummy said,”wear anything you want to wear. But ,be fast” & went out.
I wore my pink top , because I noticed Bhumit in his red t- shirt with pink strips. We went in Bhumit’s car. Bhumit was driving the car. With him, Arjun was sitting. At the back seat, mummy, aunty & I were sitting. Bhumit never looked at me, even through the rare-view mirror. And, I was just looking at him with an expectation that he’l look now. I never noticed that except him, all including Arjun was observing me & Bhumit.
We finally reached the textile. Bhumit came inside & at the very next moment, I noticed him listening music in headphones & standing at a corner of the textile. I was not interested in the shopping. Mummy just came scolding me even there, “what are you doing Sanjana?? Your are spoiling every bodies mood. Is this the way to behave??? They are here to buy dress for you & you are behaving as if you have no interest”
Before she continues, I just looked at her & went near aunty. Aunty turned & asked me, “how is this???”, holding a pink panetar in her hands .She then placed it very close to me with a smile on her face. She then said, “no…it’s not the best ”, she said squeezing her face.
I had no interest in the panetars at all. The only thing in which I found interest was Bhumit & his reactions. I was unable to withdraw my eyes from him. I just looked at the panetars, then towards him & then again towards panetars.. I gave a fake smile to aunty whenever she looked at me.
“This one is nice……”, Arjun said me holding a red panetar.
“What says???”, he then asked me with a smile on his face. I just starred him.
“Wow!!! Nice selection…..”, aunty said taking the panetar from him.
“Don’t you think so????”, she then asked mummy & looked at her with a great joy.
“Yah!!!”, mummy said placing the panetar close to me.
“Bhumit…..come here….”, aunty called him near. I was still looking at him & for him .
I felt like screaming to grab his attention.
“How’s this??? Did you like it???”, she asked looking at Bhumit. Throughout the procedure, she was smiling. Mummy was happy as if, she just want the marriage to happen very soon.
He looked at the panetar & then at th rest .
“I think….this would be better”, he said picking up a maroon panetar.
“Perfect”, mummy said with the biggest smile I ever saw in my life on her face. “Yah!!! It’s beautiful….”, aunty said lifting her eyebrows a bit.
I liked it. It’s the best ,“Did you like it???”, mummy asked me.
“Yah!!! It’s nice….”, I said just looking at the panetar. I was happy. It’s was the first thing he gave to me, my wedding dress.
And for you, “this one would be better”, he said looking at Arjun & pointing towards a maroon shervain that was displayed in a dummy.
The shervani was perfect. It matched with the panetar.
“it’s made for the best couple in the world”, aunty said looking at the sheravni & holding the panetar near it.
“see…..even the dress seems to be made for each other”, mummy said.
Suddenly, Bhumit’s reaction changed. It resembled like the bulb is fused.
“Perfect…..so….if the shopping is over then can we proceed ladies???”, Arjun said bending a bit & joining his hands as if pleading for permission.
I was happy. Bhumit was the one who selected my wedding dress. I wished to see him in the shervani with me. Bhumit moved forward.
We then went to jewellery, their Arjun purchased two rings. He didn’t show it to Bhumit or me. Aunty & mummy were the one to approve his choice.
They then purchased jewelleries for me.
Then we went to hotel. The hotel had a family room with 8 chairs. We went there. Arjun was sitting on my left side & mummy on my right. Aunty sat in front of mummy & Bhumit sat near her, in front of me.
I wanted to cry. My silence killed me. But still, he never even looked at me. Aunty asked me to order the menu . “let the bride decide the menu”, she declared looking at me.
I just looked here & there & then looking at Bhumit & then again back to aunty, “me???”, pointing my finger towards myelf & with opened eyes. “yah!!! Why???is there any problem for you to order???”, she then asked looking at me like a strict teacher.
“Say what you want??? Whatever you’l order will be eaten by us. Don’t worry”, Arjun said leaning a bit forward looking straight into my eyes.
I was in a great dilemma. I then just had a glance over the menu book & then ordered, “1 italian pizza, 1 Italian pasta, 1 gujarati thali, 1 veg. burger”, I ordered. I just looked at him & then suddenly down . I then declared, “now order your choices”, looking at all.
“Bring 2 plates of every items” looking at the waiter Arjun said. He nodded his head & went.
“Then we’l order as per our requirement”, he then said looking at mummy & aunty.
“Wow!!! Your choices match with his choices”, aunty said placing hand on Bhumit . “you ordered all his favourite. Today, he is the happiest with the menu”, she said tapping his shoulder & looked towards him.
“I know….that’s why I ordered it”, I said to myself & smiled secretly.
We then had our lunch. I was happy to see him eating all his favorite items with me. We then returned home then.
Bhumit became more gloomy as days passed. The next night, he went to Arjun’s house. It was around 8:30 when he reached there. He knocked the door. Arjun opened the door . was wearing a brown shirt & his boxers.
“Hi bro!!! come…..”, he said with a great excitement on his face.
He smiled & went inside “congo bro….”, he said shaking his hand.
“Thank you bro……it’s just because of you. Thank you so much….”, he said with a smile on his face, every time stressing on the word “you”.
“Just take care of her…”, he said humbly. His face showed his pain.
“I’l bro….she is really a nice girl. She can love even her enemies……forgiving is like her hobby…”, Arjun said, as if I did some wonder.
“Yah!!! That’s true. You are lucky….”, he said looking down & trying hard to hide his emotions.
“Yah!!! I am….. She is so childish….so sweet. We just talked”, he said looking at Bhumit to test him.
“Why???”, he asked suddenly.
“I mean…..of course….she’l call you….why not??? She should”, he started babbling.
“She loves me more than anything in this world…..same for me….”, Arjun said with a blush on his face. He did all these drama to test bhumit.
Bhumit was upset. “nice…..love her”, he said with an anger on his face , he never wanted to show it.
Bhumit suddenly asked, ”don’t you think that she is not beautiful enough for you to marry???”
“She may not be beautiful for the world….but she is the one who made my life beautiful. She completes me.”, Arjun said. Arjun seemed to be serious.
Bhumit’s eyes were wet. He just stud up telling, “bye….I have to go now. It’s late .You also take rest…..good night”.
“Good night bro….take care…..”, Arjun said with a smile.
Next day, daddy came there. I was so happy to see daddy & ran towards him to hug him.
Daddy was so happy to see me perfectly alright. “how are you now??”, daddy asked me rounding his hand around my neck.
“Fine daddy” , I said with a smile on my face.
“So, my cub is back….”, he said.
“Yes!!!”, I said happily.
Daddy went inside, had a shower & sat on the dining table. I served daddy.
At 5pm, beautician came to apply mehandi on my hands. She made a beautiful design on my hands. I just loved it. Throughout the process, Arjun was busy doing the roll of a cameraman. I saw Bhumit observing me smiling. He was sitting at the veranda . I observed him from the windows of the hall. I was happier to notice him.
At night, he didn’t eat anything. It was 8 pm when the beautician went . He said “am not hungry mummy…..good night… ” & just went to his room. So do I.
Whole night, I was thinking about Bhumit. At night 11, I came out of my room to have water .I didn’t want to spoil my mehandi .So, I took bottle from the fridge holding it from the top using only my thumb & index finger. I took a glass from the dining table again using the two fingers. I was unable to handle the glass full of water with the fingers. It fall down.
I picked it up, without compromising with my mehandi.
. “Whose there???” , a voice came from the veranda. I noticed the front door opened. In the moon light, I saw a shadow.
I turned & went near the door I said, “it’s me….”, switching on the light. I saw Bhumit in his black t-shirt. He removed his earphones from his ears & said nothing. His face said that he wants to tell me something. We both were uncomfortable standing in front of each other. We had an ocean inside to share, but not even a drop came out.
“What happened???”, he asked me after a pose, without actually looking at me.
I gave a blank look first & then I started ,“I wanted to have water & I didn’t want to spoil my mehandi &….”
“Ok…ok….I’l help you….”, he said before I complete. He took a glass & poured some water in it. He then came near me & just placed the glass on my lips for me to just suck the water. I was in dilemma, but just drank the water looking at him from his hairs to lips. For the first time, I found my heartbeats faster while drinking water.
I just wanted to finish the water soon & just run from there to make myself comfortable. I finished & just turned, but I turned back again & said, “thank you”. Then I turned praying if he, “stops me …please god….”.
I wanted to talk to him .Suddenly, he made a noise, “aaahh…”, in a way to stop me.
I turned back. He said, “good night”. I smiled & said “good night”. Then again I turned. I was not willing to go from there. I turned to see him. He was looking at me. I smiled & went to my room. I was not willing to go. But, I had to do it. I went to my room, just laid on my bed & blushed.
**
Finally it was our wedding day. My heart beaten so fast. I was crying inside my room. Bumit’s mummy was sitting on my left side & my mummy on my right. Aunty asked mummy ,”can I talk to her???”
“Mummy I can’t live without you & dad”, I cried so that at least I can stop the wedding.
Mummy went outside closing the door. Aunty looked at me ,smiled & said, ”do you love my son???”
I just looked at aunty & said “no….no….” & looked down.
“I know you love him…..I’l do something ……you get ready….if he loves you, then he’l be the one to marry you…”, aunty said touching my head with her right hand & holding my hand with left hand.
I looked at her & then looking down I said, “I don’t think so aunty……he don’t love me…”,
“He’l marry you……I guarantee you……”, she assured me.
I looked at her with my wet eyes. She nodded her head & wiped my tears. “come….get ready fast…otherwise your daddy will scold you….”
She stud up, drew me towards her to make me stand up & said, “come on….wash your face & get ready fast…” & she went out & closed the door.
I just looked at the mirror & with the hope that he will accept his love at least at the last moment. I wore my dress & jewelleries.
Bhumit was standing near a pillar wearing a sandal colored shervani. His mother saw him crying. “you are not right this time……you are wrong….don’t punish her anymore for loving you….just go ……make her yours….”, she said touching his shoulder.
“You have very less time son…..then you’l loose her forever….only 18 min are left….go please…”, she said emotionally. Bhumit walked from there & stud near the next pillar. “you’l regret…”, she said angrily .
Bhumit removed her hand gently ,just his head down & went away from there. I then came out of the room. Bhumit was just looking at me in my wedding dress. I was climbing down the stairs & for him, I was moving from his heart.
Looking at me, he remembered every moment we spent together. My words, “I love you…”, “am ready to even sleep with you on road”, “you are my hubby” were just going on his mind. He remembered the compromises I did for him, the way he grabbed me when I stud up first from the bed, the moment I ordered Italian food because he loves it….. he remembered all those things.
I was about to reach the mandap. He saw Arjun coming near the mandap.
He drew me towards him & kissed me.
“I love you honey….I love you so much”, he said .Again with tears in his eyes. Even I was crying.
Holding my face in between his hands, “forgive me please….give me one chance please….I’l never let you cry anymore. I can’t live without you….I love you….I love you so much…..see your rs.10 note is still with me ”, he said taking out the money from his pocket.
“I love you honey…”, he hugged me….”please don’t go….”
“I love you too….”, I said hugging him tight.
He looked at me & asked, “What??? Really!!!”, he smiled & wiped his tears.
“Really!!!”, his mother said & tapping his arms with a smile on her face.
” Why you didn’t say it to me before??”, I then asked looking into his eyes. “You just killed me you duffer”, I then said.
“no…I’l not let this happen…….”dad suddenly said.
I was tensed. We like you. You helped us when we were in difficulties. But, we will not let you marry my daughter. Because you are the same who tried to kill her.
“but, I corrected my mistake. I served her day & night. I was with her in her every step.”, bhumit said in a strong voice . He was sad.
“but your identity is still the same”, dad said.
“my son didn’t enjoy the love of his mother because of me. Now, I can’t let my son lose his love again because of me. Please give him a chance. I’l never come back to his life. I promise. I’l stay away. Please don’t separate two hearts just because one of them is my blood. I beg”, Bhumit’s dad said with his head down. His hands were joined & he was really pleading. This was something new for Bhumit. Throughout his life, he has seen a man with wild nature & unbeatable power as his father. But, now the same lion is begging for his son’s happiness. This just made Bhumit to burst out. He was touched by his father’s new face.
“& what if he hurts my daughter again??”, dad asked.
“I’l never let her cry……I swear……
, I’l love her forever ……even in my last breathe I’l love her….
I’l never leave her alone, whatever may be the circumstances, I’l be there with her……
I’l complete all her dreams, because they are mine too………..
She’l be the only one whom I always want in my arms…..she’l be always safe in my heart…..i promise. And I’l do it. Because , these were the promises made by me to her”, Bhumit said looking straight into dad’s eyes.
He just loved me. I was crying.
“Dad, please…. I love him dad & he also loves me. he corrected his mistake dad. Please forgive him”, I said holding his hands.
Dad just looked at me & gave a smile. The he held Bhumit’s right hand & placed my right hand over his hand & said, ”take care of her. I’l not give you a second chance ”.
“I’l take care of her”, Bhumit assured.
We all smiled..
I looked at him & he nodded his head, “am your besty duffer. And what do you think??? That am going to tolerate you forever??? Never…”, he said in a funny manner.
“Arjun…”, I said emotionally & hugged him.
“He loves you…am happy for you…..”, he said with a smile on his face.
“Catch….”, he then threw me at Bhumit’s arms.
“Now never leave her….”, Arjun said with a smile on his face.
“I’l never do it……I’l never hurt my honey anymore….”, Bhumit said turning me towards him & hugged me.
“We have very less time now, only 10 minutes….”,aunty shouted.
“Bro change your dress fast….”, Arjun shouted.
Bhumit looked at me & just ran to the dressing room to change. Arjun was looking nice in his black shervani.
Aunty said to Bhumit, “Pratiksha had messaged you best wishes. I talked with her mother & informed her mother about the same. She wanted to attend the wedding. But, was unable to come.”
“Why she didn’t come aunty???”, I asked her.
“Because they have settled in America. Her in-laws are visiting her house today. Pratiksha will soon get married to an American boy, her boy friend”, Bhumit said to me.
Bhumit sat on his knees & asked me ,“will you marry me???”
I said “yes”, with a great joy on my face.
“Perfect couples, if one is lion then the other is tiger”, Arjun said.
We all laughed. He then held my hand to take me to the mandap. Mom-Daddy & aunty were standing in a line & with near aunty Arjun went.
I looked towards mom & daddy for their permission simultaneously crossing them. They both nodded their head with a smile on their face. Then we crossed aunty. Aunty smiled wiping her tears of joy. Then I looked towards Arjun, my best friend. He smiled. But I know, he was sad inside. Finally, we married. Bhumit’s Daddy got special permission to attend our marriage from the court.
All were happy to see us together. With him, I lived in the palace of love, away from the world in each other’s arms. We were from two different places, two different cultures, two different backgrounds, became one with our immortal love. We lived happily forever & ever.
__END__
