CHAPTER 6
“Aru, Aru. Stop you cannot read my personal diary without my permission. Return this back or I swear I’ll kill you. Give this back, won’t spare you if you dare to turn a page.” I was shouting my guts out.
“Chill girl, what’s the secret? I have a right to know that what my sister is up to.” Aru replied teasingly.
“No… I am warning you once again. Come down at once.” I was fuming with anger.
“I’ll read this first.” He was more determined now.
I was dumbstruck when he started turning the pages of my diary. His eyes widened.
After he completed reading it, he looked at me, “ So you and Adi…”
“Listen we were about to tell you…” I was trying to explain but he interrupted
“Yes, but you didn’t and maybe you would have never told me unless I would have found out myself.”
“Okay fine. Stop fighting and tell me what to do you think about all this?” I asked him patiently.
“Avi di, I am really happy for both of you. I always knew that you both loved each other. Now tell me who all knows about it?”
“Only Tashu… I mean Natasha.”
“Oh so she knew about it? But she never mentioned about it.”
“Why will she be telling you? You are always busy with you weird friends.” I was more sort of complaining.
“No. it’s just that I thought we all are friends.”
“Friends? Did you ever regard her as you friend?”
“Yes Avi di… she is a very good friend of mine.”
“But you don’t deserve a girl like her.”
“Why? Am I that bad?” he asked.
“Stop it now.”
“Okay di. But I am really happy for you guys.”
“Thank you brother. But from now on, I want you to be very nice with my boy and her sister. Did you get that?”
“Okay captain,” and he ‘winks’
I am really happy that Aru has accepted our relation. Today I discovered a different side of Arnav.
CHAPTER 7
One year has passed and we are very happy dating each other. This one year has made me realize that how deep love can be.
I would have never understood love if Adhiraj would have not been there. He makes me feel so special. Oh god, this guy is actually driving me crazy. Our long talk, chats have opened our parents’ ears and then comes a googly to it.
Remember the poem I wrote for Adhiraj? While Adi’s mom was sneaking in her wardrobe, she found the letter.
“Damn Adi, how can you be so careless and keep the letter just anywhere? Now look what has happened.” I was literally screaming on him.
“Chill darling. We wanted it to come out na, look it’s out.”
I don’t know how can he be so relaxed at this point of time.
“So what did she said?” I asked
“I don’t think you would want to know her reaction.”
I was biting my nails with nervousness.
“Stop biting your nails right now. I don’t want my girl to be without her nails on her own engagement.”
“Engagement? No. No what are you talking about? What did aunty say?”
“Mom is on cloud nine. She always wanted you to be her daughter-in-law and now that we are dating, it’s like her dream come true. She has already spoken to your mom and our families would be meeting up soon to decide for our engagement.” He completed the surprise.
“But why am I not informed about all this then?” I asked
“Girl, they wanted it to be a surprise for you.”
“Adi…” I said
“hmm…?”
“Am I dreaming hunny?”
“No sweets. It’s true. We would be married soon, we will be together forever.”
“Oh my god, oh my god! I love you so much.”
“See you today at your home with my family darling.” He declared
“Bye,” I said excitedly.
CHAPTER 8
I am really very happy today. Finally the day has arrived. I’ll be with my love forever. Few days ago, Adi and my family met for discussing about the engagement ceremony. The venue and the date were fixed for this date i.e. 9th march 2007.
The attires we chose for our special days were selected to complement each other. The venue was decorated with white and lavender flowers which were selected keeping my choice in my mind. Everyone was extremely happy. My family, his family, our friends. The venue was completely decked up by now. I was in a joyous mood but a feeling of anxiety was creeping in. I was very nervous. The moment was there. I was called in for our engagement ceremony.
My mother and Aru were accompanying me. Every step towards the hall was accelerating my heartbeat.
And then, I entered.
The man of my dreams was right there standing and waiting for me. Tashu rushed towards me and held my hand. I am sure she sensed my nervousness. I was taken to the podium. Adhiraj held my hand and help me climb the podium. The ceremony took place and we exchanged rings. He gave me a beautiful solitaire.
We were taken by the photographer for some clicks. After the huss buss, we isolated ourselves from the crowd to share few moments.
“Avni your dreams have come true and now we’ll be together forever. I love you and I promise to LOVE YOU ALWAYS. Whatever the situation may be, you’ll always be my priority and I promise to abide by my words. Avi will you be with me forever?” he asked.
“I will always be with you Adi. You are equally important to me. You are a part of my family and my heart. I LOVE YOU TOO Adi.”
Suddenly some voices distracted us. We heard a girl and a boy chit chatting romantically and what we saw next was something we never expected for.
CHAPTER 9
“Since when is this going on?” Adi asked.
“Much before you two were dating.” Arnav replied.
“Arnav but why didn’t you tell me?” I asked.
“I thought, first you people should unite then only we will disclose this out.” Tashu replied back.
“But you should have told na.” I urged.
I saw Tashu blushing and she went away. I don’t know but I think something was not right and I could sense this in Adi’s eyes. Though he did not admit it but still I had a feeling that something serious was disturbing him. Adi is a guy who can lose his anger any moment and calming him at that moment is the most tedious task.
And these days, I mean after our engagement this was becoming more often.
I tried asking him the reason for this but every time he ignored the topic.
“You need to tell me the truth Adi.”
“Yaar, there’s nothing like that. You need not worry. Okay bye, I’ll catch you in a while, dad is calling me. I’ll call you at 9,” was what Adi replied me whenever the topic was brought up.
CHAPTER 10
One of my favorite days of the year has arrived. Yayy it’s my birthday…
Sharp at 12 in the night, the door bell rang. Aww… a big bouquet with red roses, chocolates, teddy were waiting for me at the door with the man of my dreams. I welcomed him inside.
After the cake cutting, we spent some time at the terrace, after that he went away as he knew I was sleepy… I had the best time with Adi…
“Good morning sweetheart.”
“Good morning Adi.”
“Wishing you a very happy birthday beautiful.”
“Thank you darling.”
“Now wake up and get ready, we are meeting up for the lunch. Right?”
“Yes yes darling, we surely are meeting up.”
“Fine, see you at 11:00.”
“Okay.” I concluded.
Suddenly, “Avni” he said
“Yes?” I enquired
“Love you.”
“Love you always Adi.”
At 11 we met up and headed towards the mall. We had a plan to go for shopping first and then we would be going for lunch.
“What will you eat Avi?”
“Anything.” I replied back.
“Waiter, bring anything for ma’am and one anything for me,” Adi gave our order.
The waiter looked boggled.
We had a great laugh after the waiter took our actual order and went off.
CHAPTER 11
Mom and I were preparing for the family dinner with Adi’s family. Aru was sitting outside with Dad. Adi’s family arrived. I welcomed them inside. Adi was looking tensed and was staring me. I wanted to ask him but did not get a chance for the same. I found Tashu missing which puzzled me. How can a girl miss the chance of meeting his boyfriend?
“Come in Avni, its getting cold outside.” Mom called me.
As I stepped inside I saw Adi and Arnav missing. They must have gone to the terrace for the brotherly talks I thought.
Leaving our parents downstairs, I headed towards the terrace. I heard them talking. Talking? No they were fighting and suddenly a loud thumb.
I felt silent. Everything turned dark. What I saw was Adi standing at the edge and Arnav was nowhere to be seen.
“Aru! Aru! Where are you?” I was crying and sobbing.
Adi could not utter a single word.
I could not believe my eyes for the incident I saw when I looked down. Aru was lying on the ground, drenched in his own blood.
“Aru…! Adi what happened?” I was not sure what to say?
“It’s not the right time to talk Avi. We need to take him to the hospital.” Adi replied.
We along with both the families rushed towards the hospital. Aru was immediately rushed towards the operation theatre. Everyone was waiting anxiously for the doctors to come out. Mom and dad were crying uncontrollably. But I could not see a single emotion on Adhiraj’s face. I need to talk to Adi right now. I need my answers. Only Adi can solve my dilemma.
I held Adi’s arm and took him out of our families’ sight.
CHAPTER 12
“Adi… I thought you love my family.”
“You doubt my intentions regarding that Avi. There’s no second thought that I love your family but I cannot let my sister suffer because of Arnav.”
“What do you mean Adhiraj?”
“Arnav loved someone else and he was double dating my sister.”
“How can you put false allegations on my brother who is fighting to survive in the operation theatre?” I asked.
“I am not putting any false allegations. I am making you aware of the truth. Arnav was befooling all of us. I always knew that Arnav was dating a girl but I thought he broke up with that girl when we confronted Tashu and Arnav.” He completed.
“So what?” I asked.
“Arnav never broke up with that girl.” He replied back.
“What? What are you talking? How can you be sure about that Adhiraj?”
“You remember your birthday lunch? I spotted Arnav with that same girl.”
“This can’t be. You are mistaken.”
“No. I am not mistaken. I confronted him on the terrace today.”
“And?”
“And he agreed.”
“You are lying Adhiraj. I don’t trust you. I just want my brother back safe and sound.”
“You don’t know what did you just said Avi. You said you don’t trust me?”
“Yes, I don’t trust you. My family is very important for me.” I was infuriated.
“Am I not?” he asked.
“You are. But this does not give you the permission to push my brother to death. Your unwanted anger has ruined everything.” I was feeling helpless.
“No, wait. I did not push him.” He tried explaining.
“Stop it Adi. I mean Adhiraj. I want you to leave this place right now. I don’t want you here.”
“But.”
“Adi, leave.” I screamed.
“Okay. But call me as soon as you calm down.”
I never will. I thought to myself.
CHAPTER 13
Doctor came out of the operation theatre. We rushed towards him to ask about Aru’s condition.
“He’s not well.” The doctor replied. “Next 48 hours are very crucial for Arnav.”
We all were left disheartened. Who can see their child like this? I will never forgive you Adhiraj. I thought to myself.
Adhiraj’s family had left by now and we were left to take care of our child Arnav. I can never ever forgive that guy. Out of frustration I removed the engagement ring off my finger. Adi kept calling on my cell and I kept disconnecting it. I had no intentions to talk to him. He has ruined Arnav’s life so how can he expect me to be a part of his life.
He called on my muma’s number. She handed me the cell and left.
“Hunny I need to talk to you.” Adi said.
“I don’t want to talk to you anymore Adhiraj. From today you are nothing but a stranger for me. I am breaking all our ties and will inform our families once Arnav gets well.” I spat all that was hidden.
“Please listen to at least what I am trying to say. Listen to me once please. Don’t do that. I cannot live without you. You know that I love you.”
Before he could finish what he was saying, I disconnected the call. I went back to see my brother.
These forty-eight hours were the most crucial hours for our family. Doctors had already informed us that he is recovering and now we were waiting outside for doctor’s final wordings. The doctor came out of the ICU and informed us that Arnav is out of danger and is completely alright now.
“When can we take him home doctor?” dad asked.
“Well in a day.” We all were delighted to hear that.
I rushed to meet him. He had a smile on his face when he looked at me.
“I am sorry. It’s only because of me.” I said.
“What are you saying Avi di?”
“I know Adi pushed you. I am sorry for the mis happening. Sorry Aru.”
“But”
“Keep quiet for now. You are not that well to talk.”
CHAPTER 14
We were packing all the stuff from the hospital room. Today was the day when we were taking Aru back from the hospital.
“Avi di. I want to talk to you.” Arnav said.
“Shush, we’ll talk when we reach home.” I said.
After reaching home as we were settling down, the landline rang. The maid answered the call.
“Hello! Can I speak to Avni?”
“Yes, but may I know who is this?”
“Adi… I mean Adhiraj this side…”
“Just a minute”
The maid informed me about Adhiraj’s call.
“Don’t you dare call me back; I told you I don’t want to talk to you.” I blasted.
“But” Adhiraj was about to say something but I cut him off.
“I told you, don’t call me back again. Everything is over between us. Your anger has spoiled everything.”
With this I hung back the phone.
All the memories were flashing in front of my eyes. Our friendship, the love, the proposal, our engagement, and suddenly everything destroyed in pieces.
I never imagined that what I thought to be the most beautiful relationship ever would turn out to be the biggest mistake of my life and only because of the person I loved the most, Adhiraj.
CHAPTER 15
“Avni di… I need to talk to you.”
“Yes Aru say…”
“Di… I made a big mistake… I betrayed Tashu.”
“What? What are you saying Aru? This can’t be true?”
“Di… this is the truth. I betrayed her and Adi jiju came to know about all this.” Arnav replied.
“Don’t call him jiju. I broke up with him. He doesn’t deserve to be a part of our family.”
“Di… are you insane?”
“What did you just call me?”
“I called you insane and yes you are insane. You can’t do this with him. He loves you so very much.”
“But he was the one who hurt you. He pushed you off the terrace.”
“You’ve lost it Avi di… Do you really think he can do this? That night he confronted me. No doubts we were shouting at each other but this does not means that he’ll push me. My foot slipped off the terrace. In fact, he tried his level best to save me but I lost my balance. Didn’t he tell you the truth all this while?”
I was silent. I had no answers. I was silent to death.
“Don’t tell me that you didn’t give him a chance to explain?”
“I… I,” I had no words to speak.
“Shut up Avi di… you’ve totally lost it this time.” He shouted.
“Now what should I do?” I asked.
“Go talk to him.” He replied.
“He won’t listen to me.” I cried.
“Oh shut up. He’s not a child. He acts maturely and not like you. You idiot. Go now. ” He shouted again.
CHAPTER 16
I went rushing towards Adhiraj’s house crying and sobbing to rest in peace in his arms.
I rang the bell.
“Avni! How’s Arnav?” Aunty was standing at the door and asked about Arnav.
“Hello Aunty! He’s fine now. Doctors have discharged him. Aunty where is Adhiraj?” I came straight to the point.
“He has locked himself in his room beta. He hasn’t eaten even a single thing since two days. Beta you know what happened?” she asked in a sobbing tone.
“Don’t worry aunty. I am back now. Everything will be fine now. You calm down.” I was more determined this time.
Knock knock
“Who the hell is this?” Came a voice from inside. “I don’t wanna talk to anyone. Go away.” He further said.
“Won’t you talk to me?” These words were enough to make him open the door.
Adhiraj was all lost up. But there was a sudden flash of happiness on his face as if he is now back to life. He hugged me so hard that I almost lost my breath.
“Avi…” he was crying.
“Avi, I am really sorry.”
He was crying so much that he could not even complete his sentence.
“Shush Shush. You need not say anything. I’ve learnt the truth. I am really sorry. I did not trust you. How could I even think like this?”
“But who told you the complete thing?” he asked.
“Arnav told me the truth.” I replied back.
“Aru… is he fine now?” he was still worried about Aru.
“He betrayed Tashu. He is a coward.” I was annoyed with Arnav.
“Bhabhi…” a voice came inside.
It was Tashu. I hugged her. I had no words to say her.
“I am really sorry on his behalf Tashu.”
These were the only words I could say.
“Bhabhi… Aru just called me and told me everything that happened.” She explained.
“He even expressed his apologies for his behavior and now we are back as good old friends. We are really very sorry for everything that happened Bhabhi.” She further added and left the room.
Adi and I were left in the room alone.
“Adi…”
“Hmmm…”
“Do you still love me after all that happened?” I asked.
“You remember I told you something at our engagement? I love you and I will LOVE YOU ALWAYS.”
With this he held me in his arms and we stood there standing like that for hours and forever.
__END__
