The Silence

No, Sunaina... No!
Arjun pushed her away

I am sorry! I am...
Sunaina straightened herself.

No, don't be sorry. Sunaina, I understand but trust me I'm not in the same place. Getting over you was the most difficult thing I've ever done! I'm sorry Sunaina I can't do this. I'm sorry!
Arjun said it with composure & he held her by her shoulder.

I'm sorry
Sunaina tried to control every emotion in her. She stood there biting her lip, eyes closed.

Sunaina, this won't help. I know you missing the closeness & loved but sweetheart, this rebound won't help you. Heal yourself first and then get into something. With so many hang-ups & complications, it won't help. Are you with me?

Ya! I'm sorry, Arjun. I just got.. didn't know what I was doing.. I'm sorry

Shh! It's okay. Don't keep saying sorry. Its okay... Chill! It happened it happened! Forget it okay? Chalo time to sleep. You lie down here I've some work will sort & come.. Okay?
She nodded.

Whew! Close call. It's best to leave her alone now. As he walked out he again tried opening Ananya's door. It was locked.

Damn!
He mumbled under his breath.

Ananya had dozed off to sleep sobbing. Arjun slept on the couch. He thought it was for the best. He had to leave early for work. His phone alarm rang at 5 A.M. He woke up, freshened up and entered his room to get a fresh pair of clothes. Sunaina was fast asleep in his room. He tiptoed out. He knocked softly on Ananya's door.

She stirred, her head was throbbing with all the crying. Hearing Arjun's voice she wanted to open the door and run into his arms. But the pain within her reminded about the night before. She didn't open the door. She heard him leave. Tears welled up, she threw her head back into the pillow.

She woke up at 9 A.M. got ready almost mechanically and left for work. She didn't even notice where Sunaina was, she couldn't care less. She felt so different within her. Holding a grudge was so not her. Not caring was not her. She was distracted the whole day. Unluckily, she didn't have anything much to do-more the idleness more the thoughts.

She was staring blankly at her work station, when the table phone came in her line of sight. She picked up the phone.

Think! her alterego yelled. THINK AGAIN!!! She dialled Chief's number. He received on the third ring.

Chief... I'm coming to Mumbai... For the project! Is the spot still open?

Ananya is everything okay?
He sensed the tension in her voice.

The concerned manner almost broke the dam. She fought her tears, controlled her voice and spoke again

Everything is perfect, Chief. I'll leave in a week's time.. Is that okay?

Yes. I'll mail your office about it. See you!

She hung up and sighed. Day passed by slowly. She received an unusual call when she was leaving from office. Why is he calling?she received the call.

Hello

Hye! Neerav here! How you doing?

Ya doing good. Ssup? Long time!

Ya! I know
An awkward silence followed.

Hmmm... I am in Bengaluru. Want to meet up? Coffee maybe?

Ananya had no idea why this happening all together. First Arjun then Sunaina and Neerav. It was like everyone's past needed to be reminded. Crap!

Hmmm... would love to. How long are you here? Today is a little tight ... working on a project got to wrap it up. And tomorrow...

It's not necessary to meet, Ananya! You can say a no.
He replied curtly.

Anyways, am here for a week let me know. You can contact on this number, hope to see ya!

He said a bye and hung up. Ananya wanted to say something more but this wasn't the time she was too confused at this moment to say anything. She was leaving, unusually early, and her colleagues made fun of her. Ananya always worked till late. But today she couldn't sit for another minute. It was after she left the building loneliness trapped her.

She didn't know where to go, what to do. She definitely didn't want to go home and spend time to Sunaina, of all the people. She needed to pour her heart out to someone. Noel isn't in town she suddenly realised. Ira!!! her thoughts spoke. She dialled Ira's number, silently praying she should be free Please, God! Please!!!

Ira received the phone after 15 seconds and mumbled,
Hello!

Thank God, Ira... You sleeping! I'm so so sorry, ya!. I want to meet, NOW! Will come over? Is that okay?
Ananya's voice was trembling and cracking towards the end. Ira was wide awake sensing the trouble in Ananya's voice. She didn't have the heart to say she was unwell.

Ya, sure! Come over!

Ananya had her 'venting out' session & told her next plan of action to Ira, who was sipping her bowl of hot soup.
Just say what you feel & then leave. He deserves to know ya, Ananya

No, Ira. I don't want to complicate things. I don't have the strength to hear anything now. Ira I can't.
Ananya spoke as she sobbed. Ira sighed and gave up.

Ira, I need a promise. You wont discuss this with either Noel or Arjun. Please! I know you haven't hidden anything from Noel. But for my sake, Please!

Fine! I promise. I don't know what good it will do. But fine will keep it to myself. When are you leaving?

Sunday morning.

Hmmm...
Ira was staring at the floor blankly.

Will miss you!
Ananya hugged her

Obviously!
Ira smirked hugging her back.

Will miss you too galpal! I will be stuck with these boys. Huh!

Hahahaha... Will stay in touch! Call, ping, mail!

Ya we'll see.
Ira winked.

Hey I will!

I know sweetie!
She smiled.

Need one more favour. Can I stay back here for the night?
Ananya hesitated.

Ofcourse! More time to spend. Don't know when will I get to gossip with you next?
Ira smiled putting her tongue out.

To: Arjun
Ira's a little unwell. Staying with her for the night. Tomorrow will go to work from here. In the evening meeting Neerav for coffee. Ya! Very excited. He sounded a little... Hmmm... ;). Will see ya tomorrow night. Good night. Love you! :)


She backspaced 'Love you' and hit the send button. A new plan was sprouting in her head. She tried to keep the message as casual as possible.
Nothing close to the calmness in the message is what she felt within her!!!

And it unfolds...

The stare crept through her. It was like some potion that would make her say the truth. It was just him. She never hid a thing from him except this. She found difficult to find words. How should she start? The dormant volcano finally found its way out.

What is he pissed at? He did it to me!! But why is he here then? She fought with her thoughts. Today something wasn't making sense.

Why did you leave, Ananya? Why?

I... I thought... Thought you were... rather wanted to be with Sunaina... And I...
Ananya stammered with whatever words came to her mind.

He still has the same power-to make me feel miserable even when he is wrong and I'm right!!! He did it and now making me feel guilty! How does he do it so well?
Anger rose within her failing to channelise though. Tears welled up her eyes that's how it always happened.

You thought!!! You thought... No! Damn it you assumed! You fucking assumed!!! And for that stupid assumption of yours this is what you thought? Tell me Ananya is this what you thought.. That you should walk out. Do you even know what...

He threw his hands in the air with a sense of futility. His volume was three pitches higher to his normal soft speech. He had reached a boiling point and his fist tighten in an attempt to control his rising anger.

But you kissed her!!! U think I didn't see that? U think I am a fool eh? U think doing all this made me feel good. Staying away from you, not trusting anyone and living all alone - You think all this had been easy? Tell me something, Arjun, if u would have seen me kiss someone would you not think the way I thought? Or do you have the tendency to just go around kissing people. Worst still it was Sunaina damn it! Not even someone random. She tells me you had a talk with her and we were "just friends"...

She was yelling, rolling her eyes & occasionally wiping her tears.

Arjun cooled down, almost immediately when he heard about the kiss. He slapped his head
What had I done? Fuck! What the fuck had I done? Why did I have tell Sunaina we are friends why did I have to kiss... Holy crap! This is why? All this while I thought it was her... But it was ME!

The guilt kept rising. Almost like a lightening it struck Arjun about that night

But... But I had moved away from her... Didn't Ananya see that! I told her that I couldn't do it. This isn't right and I had given some more gyan... Had she not heard that? his conscious regained to what Ananya was speaking

I wanted you to be happy, Arjun but not at the cost of making myself feel miserable. I wouldn't be strong enough to see you guys go around. I hope you guys are doing well and happy with each other. I sensed no emotion when I asked about her few minutes back. Is everything okay between you two?

Ananya's composure was back. She said it with compassion and the same love she had for Arjun.

She is... Ya she is fine! But why didn't you come and talk to me? You could have done that, right? Why did you've to assume?

Arjun was blabbering staring at the floor. He never thought listening to this was going to be this difficult.

Come and ask you what, Arjun? That do you love her or did you kiss her just like that... Or just like... Forget that! (she didn't want to bring that up) You wanted me to come and ask you this and hear you say my love is back... Is that what you wanted me to hear? And how do you think I would have dealt with that??? You kissed me you held me close to your heart and I always wanted to believe it was because you felt something and then suddenly your old love is back... Look today Arjun, you with her happy! That's all matters to me! Chuck all what's happened...

Sunaina is in London, Ananya. (He cut her short) She went to her uncle's place just few days after you left... She thought new place would just do her good. Sunaina isn't with me.
Ananya felt a bullet go through her.

If you would have stood there for maybe 5 more seconds just 5 more... you would have known!
Saying this, his eyes, reddened by anger and tears, met hers!

The Reason

With a pounding head and broken heart Ananya excused herself. She didn't want to believe anything that she had heard. She wanted to hear this from Arjun. At least this had prepared her.  

Maybe I needed this... But I don't believe her... Just friends... Nah! The kiss the closeness... Friends!

Nothing made sense but her heart knew something wasn't right. The walk from the hall to her room was mere 5 seconds but the bombardment of thoughts in her head made everything around slow down. Like in Bollywood movies. 

That's exactly how my life's become. A Bollywood movie. Let's wait for a happy ending. Else its still not over!  

Lessons learnt from Bollywood she couldn't believe what she was thinking. But that's how she was right now-disoriented. Nah! I know him too well. More than her? She didn't want to answer that now. She entered her room and locked the door. She wanted a close space to open her thoughts.
She felt maybe a hot water shower will relax her. She still wasn't at peace she wanted to see Arjun. Just see him once maybe things will be fine then. She didn't know if this was right time to continue the topic they were discussing the other night. Damn that night! If only one more day she could wait...

The shower wasn't doing any good either. She was back in her shorts and tee. She so wanted her head to feel as comfortable as her clothes. Maybe writing a diary would help. She penned down her thoughts the way they crossed her mind. She knew when she would read this again she would not understand a word. They were incoherent sentences gibberish words only thing that made sense was how she felt. It was apparent the way it was written. Her eyes teared by just thoughts of going away from him. Will she let him go? If he wants to. She will have to. She kept saying it like a mantra. Rehearsed denied and again rehearsed. She had to talk. Get it all out. This wasn't right. She didn't deserve to feel like this. He was her best friend; least she could do was tell him what she felt. She had silent conversations with her alter ego and her head pounded with thoughts. She lied on the bed staring at the ceiling she slowly felt her body light as a feather and a sensation of floating. Long before she knew her eyes closed and she slept.
 

Arjun unlocked the main door and found Sunaina on the couch. He was happy to see her not crying. She was sitting and browsing through a magazine. As he entered the hall their eyes met and she smiled. 

Finally he thought she looks a little better. As he slipped his shoes off he saw Ananya's sandals there. His heart suddenly filled with joy. He so wanted to speak to her just go and lie down on her lap. She would play with his hair. He was tired and however sad he felt for Sunaina it was a depressing topic and it had stressed him out. He went straight to her room. He turned the knob surprised to find it locked. He softly knocked on the door. No response. 

"She must have slept. She looked very tired." Sunaina spoke as she walked behind him. He was a little disappointed. He wanted to talk to her. He hated this distance. 

"Hmmm" he replied, he continued "Lemme just change we'll discuss a little have dinner and sleep. I gotta go to work tomorrow under no circumstance." He went to his room to change.

Why would she lock the door? Is she okay? His thoughts never stopped. As he unbuttoned his shirt with one hand he took his phone in the other. He pinged her on the bbm chat window. 

PING!!! 

PING!!! 

Gotta talk reply asa you wake up! 

And threw his phone on the bed. Sunaina walked into his room. His back faced her. Not an extra flab anywhere his body was still perfectly chiseled. He hadn't stopped working out and was as fit as she had seen him last. She walked towards him. He sensed some movement around and turned swiftly. She was close to him. He could hear her breath. Her hands moved on his face.

Ananya, stirred by the pings woke up and reached near Arjun's door that was a little open. She froze for a second, seeing what she saw. She stood their for 5 seconds and dashed into her room muffling her sobs...

Had she stood there for maybe a few more seconds today wouldn't have been the way it is...

"Just friends"

Arjun didn't know what changed overnight. Rather he knew what had changed but hated to accept it. Sunaina, the love his life is how he mockingly called her after getting drunk, today stood in front of him. He was born to help. And it was Sunaina. It just got more complicated, burdening and his heart just reached out to her. It was more instinctively than he thought. Worst still he thought he had forgotten her but it all came hitting back. He had to keep his composure. 


His chance meeting with Ananya in the kitchen, when he came to keep the glass, was one of the most awkward ones and he didn't know how to combat that. Neither did she. She asked him if she should prepare some quick bite like nachos and some dip or the sorts as Sunaina looked really weak and tired. Arjun did have a feeling she is combating lot of emotions at various levels but he wasn't in the right frame of mind today which made the situation even more difficult. He nodded a no to her question and asked her to sleep. Sunaina would sleep in his room and he'll just stay with her. Ananya agreed and went into her room. She wanted to ask Arjun to sleep with her while Sunaina could have Arjun's room. But then she felt Sunaina should have company for tonight. One moment one sentence would have saved them 3 years of their lifetime.


When she woke up as a habit she entered Arjun's room. She saw Sunaina cuddle into him and Arjun had fallen off to sleep resting his back to bed-rest. His hands were lost in her hair like they were in Ananya's that night. Tears welled up her eyes and she fought them back, turned and left his room! She got ready and left for office.

Its when the door banged Arjun stirred. He stared at the clock... 9.30 A.M. He was surprised; Ananya didn't come to wake him up and who banged the door? He got up and went to Anaya's room startled to not find her there. He sat on the sofa wondering what happened in that last 7 hours.

He called in sick at work. Left a text to Noel 'Have called in sick at work. Call once you done. Lots to talk. Life's fucked', as he knew he was going to be busy in a meeting. He then dialled Ananya's number wanting to know why she didn't come to wake him up. He had just hit the green button when Sunaina walked out of his room rubbing her eyes. He cut the call thinking 'Later. Will talk to her once she's back from work, face to face'. Sunaina sure looked tired. He got up and walked towards her, smiled and asked, "Bread-jam and juice?" He still remembered what she preferred for breakfast. She stared at him and tears rolled down her cheeks. He wiped them off and held her close, "Enough! I don't want you to cry any more. Once we have breakfast, you freshen up and we'll sit and sort things out. Will speak around and rope in the best lawyer. Now c'mon stop. You don't deserve this and you are not going to do this to yourself. Getting it?" She nodded fervouresly. He fixed the breakfast and they sat on the table. He watched her gulp the food. He missed Ananya at breakfast today. 'Did she even have breakfast? The kitchen sink looks clean. Wonder if she ate. But why wouldn't she wake me up. She is a dead meat...' his thoughts trailed.  Sunaina, sure was hungry. After food entered her body she had the energy to talk and think.

"So, your girlfriend left for work?"

Arjun looked up from the sandwich he was eating. He had expected it coming. With food in his mouth, and smirk on his face he replied, "She isn't my girlfriend. She is my best friend. Nothing more. We were batch mates at college. Her name is Ananya" his volume lowered. Sunaina needn't know what Ananya meant to him. It was unimportant at this stage.

"Ananya... Ananya Noel and u, Oh ya! You had mentioned about her. Very briefly tough. That's nice. Friendship has really come a long way."

Arjun nodded as he sipped his bitter coffee, thinking about The night, and the multiple nights that followed after that; each special in its own way, the movies, fights, flirts, last night at Noel's, the door bell, and then her; his eyes looked up to Sunaina at the same time.

Ananya was dead hungry. She had never missed breakfast. She was too distracted at work. She wanted to run away. But why was she feeling like this. Because she didn't know if Arjun was going to re-consider... Ah, Crap! She didn't want to think about that not today. She hated when Arjun hadn't even called or messaged to ask if she had breakfast. He always did that when they were away from each other.


Chief's call was a blessing. He spoke to her for an hour or so. He called her once a month but chatted everything under the sun. This call was however, purposeful. "Ananya, today there's a reason why I called you. A good business proposition arrived at the Mumbai office today. Something I feel would be a breakthrough for your career. And your knowledge and insight would be valuable. You've always been a bright child and I need someone her with creative bent of mind plus a strategist. This is my baby and I want the best here."


She was honoured and touched, "Chief, am too overwhelmed right now. Trust me when I say this, I will consider it. Lemme just weigh my options around here. There's lots going on at a personal level. I never mixed personal and professional life but at this juncture it might just get jumbled.  Lemme sort things at personal level first and I'll be there helping you. But Chief am truly truly feeling so blessed to have worked under you and this call.." Chief just cut her short, "You deserve it sweety. Fine you at least said you'll consider and not a straight no, I think its a battle half won" Ananya could imagine his face - a broad smile and a wink when he said the last line. She suddenly felt burdened with thoughts after she hung up.

Arjun was busy the whole day understanding what had happened and how a divorce could be filed. Noel called around 5 P.M. He just updated briefly about what was happening. Noel had called asking Arjun to meet as there was a fax needed to be sent by 8 P.M. and he wanted Arjun to meet him at a coffee shop near their work place, where they could discuss. Arjun knew this was high priority work that Noel was talking about, and it had absolutely slipped from his mind due to the events around. He told Sunaina that he would be back in hour or two. "Make yourself absolutely comfortable and rest. We'll discuss further once am back. Okay?" She nodded with a smile. He patted her cheeks, "Now that's like a good girl."

Arjun hadn't called or messaged the whole day. There was a point when she thought of calling but she withdrew thinking he might have a lot of catching up to do with Sunaina. She left early from office. She was too restless to work.

When she saw no one around. She saw an extra pair of chappals there, Sunaina's. On hearing the door open Sunaina came out of Arjun's room. Both of them smiled awkwardly. "Arjun just left for office. Some important work came up." Sunaina almost blaberred to break the awkward silence. Both walked towards the sofa. Ananya dropped her bag to her side.  "Hmmm... Did you eat something?" Ananya asked concerned.

"Yes we ate some pasta that was there in the fridge. It was really yum!" she said trying to woo Ananya. Ananya saw that and she didn't react a lot to it and just smiled. "How you feeling today? Did you guys talk?"

"Yes! He said we'll be speaking to lawyers and get this divorce done" she said it with a lump in the throat "its not going to be easy" her eyes were lost in the layer of tears.


Ananya bent forward and touched Sunaina's palm, "You've to be strong. Don't worry everything will be okay!"


"Ya let's see!" She wiped her tears and her face "I'm glad I came here. Arjun made me feel so comfortable as if nothing had gone wrong between us. Life, sometimes does gives you a second chance." She said it with a smile.


Shudders went down Ananya's spine. She saw Sunaina smile for the second time after that awkward smile when she was at the door. But the statement behind that smile broke Ananya's heart into million pieces. She still kept her composure and pasted a smile on her face. What came next broke her completely...

"Arjun did mention you guys have been friends since college. Just friends... I asked if you were his girlfriend and he said no... And that..."


Ananya still doesn't recall what came after "just friends"

The Face Off

She couldn't believe what her eyes saw. He was still the same. Wore the same brand of jeans, a pastel light blue coloured shirt and the charm! Nothing changed in three years. She couldn't believe her fate and tears welled up her eyes. She strode to him in her perfect posture. She couldn't run due to her new pair of Tres mode. She gave a damn to the 35 pair of eyes that were staring at her and then moving towards him as if they watched a tennis match. As she came close to him he straightened himself not knowing what came next. He saw how taut her legs were no added weight anywhere. She was never skinny but had a perfect figure. Her face glowed like a sun. Her eyes added the extra luster to the kajal, not the other way.

She threw herself into his arms and he couldn't believe what just happened. He was in the lobby of her office. A little awkward but he regained his self and he put his arms around her waist and pulled her tightly towards him. They hugged each other holding on to each other not wanting to let go. Scared of losing... Not again! Life took one whole circle and came to this point. Ananya cursed herself and withdrew. She didn't know he knew the truth. She wiped the tear at the corner of her eyes, just before it could trickle. 


"Hey!" she finally spoke after 30 seconds. She looked around with a glare and everyone dashed to what they were doing. "Let's go to the cabin" she said. Arjun nodded and followed her.

As the door opened she heard him breathe a 'wow'. "I'm pretty sure this is Chief's choice." He knew Chief.  Ananya had mentioned all about him when she was living in Bengaluru. "Yup!" she said in her usual chirpy manner. She walked around with a friendly and yet an authoritative air.

"So what brings you here?" she finally asked with a hint of doubt and yet elation.

"This" he said as he handed the trophy to her "Congratulations! I heard this was a hat trick"

She took it as matter-of-fact and placed it near the window sill with no hint of emotion.


"I can see it doesn't matter anymore" he said with a slight hint of irritation. She was never like this. 'Have the events changed her to this extent?' he thought and a sudden sense of guilt gripped him till she replied.

"It never mattered. I always worked for myself you know that. This is just momentary.  Someone does something better or maybe sleeps with the jury, it'll be taken away. But the pleasure I get on working; the satisfaction level I attain no one can take that away from me." she said it with utmost pride and determination as her eyes focused on the waves that ebbed every time they fell.

Metaphorically speaking, she always had risen when she was hit the most. Today she credited her success to all the decisions she took three years back. Of leaving Begaluru. What she couldn't manage to successfully do was remove Arjun out of her life. He still stayed with her as a memory. And today he stood there.

Her hair was layered and her eyes were sharp. Arjun knew her hair was always layered, that's how she preferred it. They danced to the tunes of the sea wind as she stood near the window. He wanted to hold her yell at her touch her kiss her and say let bygones be bygones. He didn't want to know a thing. But he didn't want to let her go this easily. He made that mistake three years ago and today he had one chance... one chance to undo everything! 'Yes I want to know. Why? Why did we have to suffer this for three long years?' his mind yelled 'Ask!!! Now!' 


But he wanted to see what she wanted to say. It has always been about her. He still loved her. It drove him crazy to maintain this distance. It wasn't a right time. Right time is just about to begin. Patience! Something he lacked but wanted to learn to hold on. 'What better time than now?!' he thought.

"So tell me how is everything else been?" she enquired.

"Ya things have been good!"

"Hmmm... And how's... Sunaina?" she felt a sudden sense of lump in her throat. It wasn't easy to take her name even after 3 years.

"Ya she's fine." he said nonchalantly. Lot of things fit like a puzzle in his head. A sudden sense of anger crept within him. 'Fucking assumptions!' He gripped his fist to control ever emotion his nerve felt, he then controlled his voice before he spoke, "How's Neerav?"

A sudden flashback hit her mind now. She had expected the question, on a phone call, least expected to answer it live face to face. She sucked at lying and in front of Arjun it got even worse. She still managed to pull up her courage and started blabbering whatever came first to her mind, 


"Ya he's doing really well... Its been an awesome three years... Marriage was a good option after all... Been really happ..." 


Her eyes never met his. He stared hard at her. she could sense him slice through her now. He moved a step closer to her and cut her short by saying, 


"When the fuck are you gonna stop lying? I met him at the award function." Her face flushed on hearing those words. 


"Now do I deserve to know the truth sans the stories, please?"

Rewind

Everyday unfolded like the previous one. The closeness became more and more comfortable. Noel was back from honeymooning and he had invited Ananya and Arjun over for dinner on Saturday. He was the first to nudge Arjun and comment, “You guys look like a couple man. Scene kya hain dost?” Arjun never took his comments seriously but this however he liked and didn’t have any answer to it and just smiled. An easy way to avoid when Noel bugged him.

Ira and Ananya talked. And talked at lengths & in detail. They always updated each other. Ira then spoke about how their honeymoon was. They were both very different in nature and choices but somehow they had a connection and they clicked well from day one. She had insisted that Ananya should ask or atleast start the topic with Arjun. It’s almost been a month now. They cannot just assume and not know what they feel for each other and be absolutely complacent about it. “Guys are jerks! You have to take charge and control, Ana, else how will you know?” she exclaimed throwing her spatula in the basin while making pastas for dinner. The noise almost snapped Ananya and a realisation dawned upon her. Ira was right and she had felt this way before too but it was too good and she was too scared to lose him if it was otherwise. But she couldn’t be laid back about this. She decided and made a mental note to either talk tonight or maybe in the morning.

The drive was unusually quite. Both their minds were cluttered with thoughts and none of them knew how to start or rather where to start. Arjun almost felt claustrophobic and rolled the windows down saying the breeze was really nice. Ananya didn’t mind it too. The weather was really beautiful and the wind was cool and comforting unlike the atmosphere in the car. On reaching home Arjun went to his room and settled on the bed. Ananya didn’t know what to do. She went to her room changed into a comfortable pair of shorts and white tee. She thought twice and let out a breath and entered his room. Arjun was staring at ceiling as if trying to search for something.

“Hey!” she said on entering
“Hey… Ssup?”
“Hmmm... There’s something I need to talk to you about. Is this a good time?”
“Ya! Ya, totally a good time. Even I wanted to speak to you about things… Lot of things! You go ahead first…”
“Hmmm… I actually don’t know where to start from. But there’s something you need to know. I might be wrong but…”

Her talk was cut short by a long ring. The sound of their door bell. Both of them instantly looked at the clock on Arjun’s table. 2.30 A.M. who could have possibly come? Arjun opened the door with Ananya right beside him holding his arm. He was shocked to find her. She was the most unusual visitor and the hour was inappropriate.

Sunaina, Arjun dated her during the three years of college while doing his graduation. During those three years the flirt turned serious and he fell in love, unexpectedly. Distances grew once he came to pursue his MBA. Sunaina’s parents wanted her to marry within a year and Arjun wasn’t even sure if wanted to marry or just stay together. Marriage was the last thing on his mind considering he was still making his career. This difference of opinion fights and distance ended their relationship. Arjun took more than the 2 years in the B-school to completely get over her and even a mention of her name could change his mood. And here she stood right in front of his eyes. Ananya and Noel were the only ones to know the complete story as they were there with him during his worst days. The thought of she marrying someone else was killing Arjun but his helplessness got in the middle of things. And icing on the cake was Ego! The after effects were that Arjun swore never to get into a serious relationship and had multiple flings to just get her out of his mind. Each time he failed and by the end of it he became used to it and jumped back to way he was before he met Sunaina. A Casanova!

Ananya slowly pulled her hand away and moved a step back. She was as shocked and surprised but was waiting for him to talk. Arjun didn’t know where to start and how to start his conversation. Sunaina’s eyes were swollen and they looked lost but were looking straight into his eyes. She opened her mouth to talk, she started to murmur and tears welled up her eyes. Before he could speak she was in his arms sobbing he had no idea what to do. He knew Ananya stood behind him and he could feel her stare on his back but he had no idea what to do.

“Shh… Sunaina… Enough… come on in!”
 
Between her sobs & gibberish talks they heard her voice which was explaining how she got here. She was lost and confused didn’t know whom to go. She had contacted some college mate who told her Arjun was in Bangalore and he will surely help (Arjun was known among his friends for that). And whatever clothes, money & confidence she could take with her she packed all of them and came to Bangalore. All he understood in her 45 minutes of sobs was she wasn’t happy with her marriage and her parents were forcing her to stay there. She had no clue where to go until she was given an idea to meet him.
Ananya went to the kitchen poured a glass of cold water for the guest. She came out to the room and handed the glass to Arjun. Sunaina gulped water in between her sobs. She wiped her face with a tissue that was handed to her by Ananya. Ananya felt bad looking at her and the pain she was in but within her something wasn’t feeling good. She knew Sunaina was here for a long time… Really long time… 

She had a sudden feeling of losing… Losing him… She didn’t want to believe that… Unfortunately she had to!

The 7th Floor

"7th floor" he murmured to himself. He loved this city - Bombay. He never liked to call it Mumbai. He lived here for 23 years if his life before he moved to Bengaluru for his MBA and then job. He knew she had packed her bags and had come to Bombay. She had left a message on the fridge when she had come in his absence to pick up the last box of  her stuff. The sound of the lift broke his thoughts. The doorman respectfully cued; he had to enter the lift. He wanted this lift to turn into a rocket ship and he reached the 7th floor in seconds. he couldn't take this suspense that was building up. After 4 years he was finally going to get answers. Answers that no one, except her, could give. The wait had been too long... This journey to the seventh floor was killing him now!

Ananya was called by her company CEO. He was once again proud of her. Three consecutive years Ananya was awarded for her excellence in the industry which in turn put a spotlight on the agency each year. Hatrick! And that was a sure rarity and every person working at the firm was super proud of her. Ananya knew she worked for herself; not for her team, not for the company and not for the man sitting on the other side of the table.

At 10 A.M. when she entered her office, it had a bouquet of 52 long stemmed red roses with a card that read ‘Like Always made me proud! Here are 52 roses for the 52 weeks you slogged your ass off. Once you read this meet me in my office. – Love Kushagra’. Ananya dropped her bag on the chair and picked up the card and read. She thought, ‘He doesn’t leave one chance! He knows everything and I am not looking for any sort of commitment now. But he… just doesn’t stop trying! He is really sweet, humble, smart, and intelligent and have practically had all sorts of conversation with him. Agency has seen the youngest CEO. I don’t give a fuck to these rumours. Enticing him to jump the corporate ladder… huh… People talk. I have lived with that. But my concern is how do I get this message across to him I am not interested!’
She was standing near the window flipping the card in her hand. She had the best office in the firm. It overlooked a huge hoarding which always showcased the ad that their agency designed. It faced the vast sea face and the Mumbai skyline – ‘Nah! This is my Bombay! Arjun hated when someone called Mumba…” she stopped her thoughts. Tears welled up in her eyes. And she zapped herself out of it. 4 years not a day had passed when she didn’t think about him. She composed herself and wiped the kajal that had smudged, with a tissue. She put on her best smile and moved towards Kushagra’s office.
He was smiled and jumped off his chair to greet her and gave her a hug.

“Congratulations!”

“Thanks!” she kept it short; she didn’t want any conversation to start.

“You remember Chief’s parting words. He was right! She’ll make it big in a flash and everyone would stop to stare at this spark of white light. He had called last night to ask if you were happy. And if you weren’t then I should take “special” care.” he emphasised by making double quotes with his fingers and continued “Sadly she doesn’t want me to take care of her but she wants to take care of herself!” he winked.

R.Subramanium, fondly called as Chief, was the ex-CEO of the agency; Ananya and Kushagra are working for. Ananya had worked with him for 6 years and had won her first award under his constant support and guidance. He had retired 8 months back. He was her father figure. For two years in Begaluru, she was in constant e-mail correspondence with him. It was only because of him she had the courage to come back.

Ananya smiled and rolled her eyes. She was never prepared to answer or tackle this situation. Almost a month from today Kushagra had proposed. And she said a blunt ‘no’ without explaining why. He didn’t give up and still tried every single day to woo her. She was scared that some day if she gets vulnerable she might just succumb. She fought with herself every single day.

“Okay, talking business. Barista dude had called. Wants to meet. Needed some help with that.” She cut the mush and got straight to the point. They discussed about and she wished to wrap it up soon and exit. She picked up the papers which was her scratch pad for now. When she was near the door he called, “Ananya, please think about it” he said with a hopeful voice. She hated that she looked back and said “I’m sorry, Kushagra. Can’t happen!” And she tried to smile and walked out. She closed the door behind her, let out a sigh and looked up.

She couldn’t believe her eyes. At the reception desk, standing with a trophy leaning on the desk with his left hand in his pocket, he smiled and winked at her, “Sssup?”

Ananya's Diary Entry

That night I cannot forget! One moment... that very moment. I was too drunk to realize when I made that remark... You always miss the mark! Hahaha I still let out a silly laugh when I think about it. I do feel awesomely stupid about it. But I am happy I said it. I don't regret one bit it happened. Just a kiss! Nah it felt more than 'Just-a-kiss'. One kiss changed our lives. I could hear his heart beat the whole night. He held me close. I could sense his possessiveness! My heart skipped million beats when he said "I Love You". I know he meant it atleast I want to believe he meant it. The hug was tighter than usual, the closeness was comfortable. I am sure he too had multiple contemplations like me before he actually kissed. Shorter pecks to longer ones. I played with him the whole night till I got tired and slept close to his heart. I used to move away and he would pull me close I would let a laugh out and he would come closer to my face and would smile... That one smile I can't even begin to explain what it was like.

He had completely taken over me. This dominance, possessiveness and closeness... Every bit of it I enjoyed. He came softly and subtly each time and always held me by my waist. He restricted his hands there. I hated when he left, in the morning, but I knew he would come back. I was scared what if he says it was just a moment and nothing more. That would have crushed me! Thank God none of it happened. He came with my favourite cup of coffee and chocolate chip cookies on a tray neatly arranged. The flower vase on my table had carnations. "For you" he hinted with his eyes. Never did anyone do all this for me. Make me feel so special.

It was a Sunday and as usual we decided to spend it at home. I was hopeful we might talk about it or maybe more closeness. My mind imagined so many things. Too much to write. While I was in the kitchen, he suddenly came from behind and held me close. I can still feel his breath on my neck. I can still sense him around even when he isn't there. He whispered, "Did I tell you ever before? Wet hair makes you look  really sexy!" It was just a statement he made casually. He makes some 10 statements like these everyday. But today it meant different to me. I smiled... Unusually... A dirt look or maybe a elbow-nudge was my normal reaction. But none of these I did today. Something within me was changing and he mustn't have realised as there was no change in his behaviour. I still am  a little puzzled about it. I suggested a movie and we watched it. Nothing changed! The way we sat, irritated each other, held each other and as usual he slept on thigh. It was just any other Sunday evening that passed. I bent to kiss him on his cheek. Suddenly his hand come around my neck and we kissed again. This time it was stronger. He got up and held me close. I wanted him to talk about it, I didn't know if I should... His hand moved from my shoulder to my waist. He looked into my eyes and I couldn't look into them for more than 5 seconds. "Let's go to sleep have a long day tomorrow!" That's what he said.

Maybe even he didn't know how to approach... Maybe  even he needs time. Now I'm a little impatient. But holding myself for that day shall arrive.We got intimate in the bed as well. His warm hands felt my cold back. It tingled every nerve in my body. We cuddled and dozed off. Two nights straight I slept in his arms. It feels awesome. I feel at peace when I am with him. He has gone for a shower now. I love the way he smells when he comes out from the shower. The shampoo and his bodywash with a tinge of aftershave... My my my... Its so so sexy *wink*. Need to get ready! Time to leave for work. Laters!

Dated: 5th March 2011 (A day after one of the most memorable day of my life)

The Next Day

Everything changed the next day! He opened his eyes to find her in his arms. How beautiful she looked. She was still smiling. "What could she be dreaming?" he wondered. His hands were lost in her hair and he slowly and smoothly tried to free them without disturbing her sleep. He had to pick up Noel and Ira from the hotel and drop them to the airport. He knew exactly how Noel had planned his first night and his honeymoon. So he knew he couldn't screw the time plan. He hated to leave her. He got up and she got stirred. She opened her eyes and he patted her forehead to put her back to sleep. She loved every miniscule of his warmth, his tenderness, his love. She curled up in her blanket, hand tucked in her pillow and dozed off again. He kissed her forehead not knowing if could kiss her.. 'Nah.. Not now time to go!' his mind spoke.
He quickly brushed, didn't have time to shower. Threw water on his face changed into a fresh pair of clothes took his car keys and scrammed out of the house in flat 15 minutes. After really long he was happy. He knew what he wanted, everything was falling in place. He was in love how awesome was that. He could still feel her lips.
He wanted to listen to soft music instead of the trance he heard everyday. He pulled down the car windows to feel the breeze, smell the fragrance of the flowers that lingered in the air and heard the sound of silence. He enjoyed his drive everyday but today he felt everything was perfect. He remembered how as a kid he loved playing jigsaw puzzles. When the final piece was placed he would clap happily. It would be a complete picture. He would then run his fingers through every piece and feel proud that he did it. Today he felt the same.
Two minutes from the hotel he gave Noel a call to be ready to leave. He saw Noel stand with the baggages at the hotel entrance. He parked, clicked to open the boot and jumped out to help him with the bags.
"So how was it??" He asked nudging Noel.
"I can't believe I am saying this.. I know now how it feels to love someone.. Slow subtle we were lost.. Time flew and alarm rang.. Crap that alarm!! She's beautiful man.. I have married the most beautiful girl.. I mean it"
Arjun looked at his friend with a surprise, "Man! Love sure has the power to tame the beast, yeah!" He smirked, "anyways wanted to tell ya something last night.."
"You kissed her!" Noel completed in a matter-of-factly manner.
Arjun was shocked, "How the hell..?" He almost screamed.
"You guys were drunk.. She was falling all over you.. I saw you take care of her the whole evening.. Was a silent spectator!! *wink* And mister like you knew what I felt for Ira before I realised.. Same principle applies here!"
Arjun underestimated Noel's intelligence at times.. Time to change the topic, "Where is Ira?"
"Donno man, she was going to be here in 10 minutes..." Saying so he dialled her number and turned to find her standing there, "There she is!
Arjun couldn't help notice the glint in her eyes and the warm smile on her face. She had always been his favourite person. She walked upto them and hugged Arjun.
"How you doing princess?"
"Perfect! Nothing could have been more perfect than this."
He held her tighter and smiled, "Let's go else will get late!"
They sat in the car and Arjun dropped them to the airport. "Have fun! And don't worry about work will handle it all!" Arjun reassured.
"Never worry when we on the same assignment. And right now work is the last thing on my mind." Noel winked and continued "And as an serious advice don't miss any oppourtunity. And please don't run away from what you feel." Arjun nodded and made his move waving a bye.
On his way back, he stopped at Costa to pick up her favourite coffee and a pack of cookies. Opposite to the coffee shop he saw a man selling flowers. He picked up a bunch of red and yellow carnations for her. He wanted to see her open her eyes to see them. Those eyes... His thoughts trailed.
Little did he know all this wouldn't last long.. A month after a day came when every thing came crashing down...

Confessions

It was the same routine every week day. It used to start from 0700 hours when they woke up till 0900 hours when they left. She would get up go to his room and wake him up with a peck on his cheek & a warm smile. He never budged till she opened the curtains and let the sunlight hit his face. Finally he would sit on the bed mumbling. 0800 hours on the clock, Savita Bai would ring the bell. Ananya would open the door with her toothbrush in her mouth and picked up the newspaper dropped on the door mat. As Savita Bai starts to prepare breakfast they would have a bath & get ready. They meet at the breakfast table discuss about the days’ affair stocks and other issues they need to talk about. They gulped their juice and toast or any special menu prepared by Savita Bai who knew their palates well by now. Anaya would then decide the menu for the dinner obviously with Arjun’s consent if he would be having dinner or felt like eating anything specific. And at 0930 hours they would finally leave the house for work. But that day things were different…

They returned home at 0300 hours from Noel & Ira’s wedding. And that too drunk. Ananya laughed crazily all night at the party and Arjun held her by the waist close to him all the time so that she doesn’t trip and fall. Thank God they had decided to take the driver along. None of them would have been in any condition to drive back. Arjun was dead tired – best man and best friend what could one expect. And now he was her caretaker. He had no count on the number of drinks he had but he knew he was still stable.

It was time to leave. Arjun and Noel shook hands as they hugged patted each other on the back, typically how guys hug and said a goodbye. Ananya and Ira held on to each other for more than 15 minutes now and both men waited. Ananya yelled, “I’m so happy for you!!” And Ira yelled back, “I know!! So am I!!!” and both would giggle with tears in their eyes.

“Oh boy! She’s gone too” Arjun said & let a sigh.

“Yeaah!” Noel replied with a smirk.

“Have fun! Tonight surely is a good night, mate” Arjun winked as he said it and Noel agreed with a nod.

Finally Ira & Ananya let go each other and it was time to go. They waved a bye to each other and sat in the car. Ananya snuggled into his arms and started yapping. Nothing she said made any sense. She laughed at her own jokes, then would close her eyes and try to sleep and then again open her eyes and start laughing. He loved every moment of this. Not one did he miss. He kept looking at her with a smile and couldn’t help notice how cute she was. He was in love. Every bit of her he couldn’t get enough of it. He felt like telling her everything – every minute thing of how he felt today but “now is not a good time” he thought. He had to wait for what, he didn’t know. She finally slept off in his arms and he held her close to his heart and placed his head on hers. "Sahab, paunch gaye!", the driver woke them up.
 
He woke her up and held her once they were out of the car. She couldn't even walk properly and somehow managed to enter the lift. She held his arm and dozed off waiting for the 8th floor to reach. He made her rest against the wall till he opened the door. He then picked her up in his arms like a baby and made his way to her bedroom. She was completely taken aback and the state of mind she was in she started laughing aloud. He dropped her softly on the bed and caressed her hair. She was muffling her laugh now. He smiled and asked “you want to change into something comfortable?” She nodded a no and started stretching her hand and cuddled into her blanket and muffled “Too tired to change and all ya!” He bent to kiss her on the cheek, like always just near her lips. They still had some of the maroon lipstick that she had worn for her party complimenting the dress she wore. She looked beautiful! Once he kissed she always smiled and she did it this time too. Unexpectedly she spoke, “You always miss the mark!” Her eyes were closed but her smile grew by the second. He was a little taken aback by that comment and didn’t know what he should do. He let his heart rule. He kissed her on her lips. It was a peck and then a small kiss. She kissed back.

He held her close by the waist and slipped into her blanket. She held on to his collar and pulled him further close to her. This time they kissed. Every nerve in her tingled and every single thing that he felt for her he wanted to show it to her. They both had pictured this day in their minds. And now they were together and it felt like it should never end. He cupped his hands on her face and kissed her forehead and looked into her eyes. She kissed his neck. Even at the end of the day he smelt awesomely sexy. She rested on his chest and he started to play with her hair. His heart beat at an express speed.

“I love you!” he said with a lump in his throat.

She looked up to him and moved closer to his ear and whispered “I love you too!”

Four long years...

Everyone in blazers and tie.. Everyone looked prim and proper. It sure was a formal event. Award show for corporates. What do you expect? Grey haired 40 year olds, 45 year old CEOs, 60+ owners of giant companies. 30 year olds like him grouped with 7 others who were as out of place like him. They spoke to our company heads, joined for a drink and fake laughed at their stupid jokes. Some bragged about their win and few were modest about it while others said we are pretty used to it now! He felt more out of place because he was here after 5 years. He stood in a corner leaning on the pillar and enjoying the affair silently. Every year on this day he had an international tour and a brand to launch. Also this time he was nominated and the youngest 'boy' (as they called him) to win. It broke many hearts.

What was refreshing in this solitary was hearing her name. He was hopeful to see her and she didn't come. A surge of happiness swelled in him and involuntarily he clapped first and started to stand up, realised half way those stares and awkwardly sat down. The few who sat on his table were glaring and he blurted out to save his ass "college friend". After the function, he made his way to the backstage. The person arranging and coordinating the awards was asking to take them back. I went up to him, "Excuse me! Is it possible for me to take Ananya's award on her behalf? B-school friend." He obviously knew me, obviously Ananya too and that we both were alumni of the same B-school. He handed over the award and the certificate in his hand, I walked towards the party.

Arjun was still looking at her award in his hand and smiling to himself. He then casually looked up and saw him. The day sure was getting weird by the minute. Their eyes met and an awkward smile crossed their face. Neerav started walking towards Arjun and suddenly he was losing his grip from the award. Arjun had a rally of thoughts, “How stupid am I? But why didn’t he come to collect it on her behalf? I hadn’t seen him throughout the function. Must have reached late.” He was finally face to face with Arjun. He had met him thrice before; only because of her.

“Hi! How you doing?” Arjun broke the silence.

“Doing great! Boring part, eh?”

Arjun just nodded his head. He saw Neerav’s eye on the award that he was holding.

“Congratulations! I know how it feels. Won one last year. It feels recognised. Oh good you picked up Ananya’s award also. She must be used to it by now. Winning streak for 3 years. She never comes to this function. Wow!” Neerav continued.

“Thanks! And congrats for last year. Was busy with work so couldn’t attend it since last 3 years. I guess I was nominated this year so my company was courteous enough to send me. Ya! Hardwork pays off!” saying so Arjun handed over the certificate and award to him “Here, do wish her her congratulations on my behalf. And ya very proud of her!”

He passed a confused look at Arjun. It was quite an unexpected reaction from a guy who was married to her. Something was not right! “How is she? I haven’t seen her since 4 years. Aren’t you guys still staying together and dating? Even after 2 years of our break I tried my luck again but I can never forget that evening when she came and told me she loves you. All my love couldn’t hold her back. It took 4 long years to get over her. Finally am getting married to this lovely lady…” his words faded.

A lightning bolt struck Arjun. He felt a sudden loss of air. He wanted to just run out of this place. He felt the walls were closing in. 4 years! 4 freaking years he stayed away from her because she told me she is getting married to him. She was in a relationship with him for years… 3 or 4? He couldn’t care to remember. They had broken up and she lived with him for 2 years. When everything he thought would fall in place she came and broke this news to him. Only after she walked out of his life he realised how much he missed her… how much he loved her. He was an idiot to let her go & didn’t grab then opportunity he had before that very day. He chose something else and he lost her. He pushed her and on that day he lost her… he lost a friend. Naïve he was, not to realise what he was losing.

Neerav saw the sudden change in Arjun’s demeanour. Telling him the truth was pointless. He was getting married. And it took 4 years for him to get over her. Pushing him back would be wrong. Consciousness jumped back into Arjun and he blurted out “That’s great news, congratulations! I… yaa we dated as in on and off… small fights and also I was out of the country… Don’t know why I thought she must have contacted you. Ya, will give her the award myself and work things out. Hmmm… congrats once again man!”

“She would not want to come, maybe, but just ask her and both you are invited. The wedding is on the 6^th this month. I would really like it.”

Arjun could just say a ‘ya’ and nodded feverously. He wanted to leave and just run to her, see her, hold her and say… he didn’t know what would he say? He didn’t think about that now. He just wanted to see her. Period! That’s all!

He couldn’t wait for the day to break. He tossed and turned. He couldn’t sleep and wink. Finally at 8, he went for a shower, had his regular toast and bitter coffee and mentally he had million conversations with her. He was going to see her. As he sipped his coffee and stared outside his hotel window. He felt peaceful. He felt everything was going to sort. Everything. And everything was going to fall back in place. Back to how it was! Fingers crossed…

"Que Sera Sera"

The dinner was superb and a fabulous place too. As he already knew Ananya was yapping non-stop from the time they sat in the car to drive back home. For the 44th time she said how happy she was for Noel-Ira and how much she is looking forward to the wedding and what she would be wearing and how awesomely beautiful Ira would look. And it didn't end there. It just went on and on and on. Even after such a tiring day at work she was brimming with energy and he was more the listening sorts. He just said 'hmmm' couple of times, raised his eyebrows and sometimes let out a laugh or smile to just make her realize he is listening. Funny part was he wasn't listening. Even with his eye on the road he saw how radiant she looked even after the tedious day's work, how enthusiastic she was in life, how she kept adjusting her fringe as she spoke, how she played with the handle of the bag and then her ring, how she rolled her eyes and they moderated between brimming with excitement to a tired sigh and then again gained the strength to laugh.. He couldn't help but notice all this. Back of his mind he thought about what Noel and he spoke in the morning and agreed to the fact that it makes sense to at least drop some hints. Let's take a shot! What if?

Finally they took the right and parked. He could finally hear silence as she had stopped talking now and was getting off the car. He was too sleepy but he didn't want to. He wanted to spend the whole night talking to her and just looking at her. Knowing Ananya she would be all chirpy and jumpy till you have something to do. The moment she smelt the mattress and her pillows she takes off in her dream world. Lot of her friends kidded about this. As soon as they entered the room he threw his keys on the coffee table and dropped himself on the couch. Ananya wanted to go for a shower badly. She first went to the kitchen washed her hands took a bottle of water came to the couch to peacefully have her sip of water. He snatched the bottle the moment she sat. She grrr-ed. This was always the case and she would hit him hard but it never made any difference to him. And he would hold her close and kiss her on the cheek and say a thank you every single time. She would just smile and say it is okay. "Jerk" she would mutter but she could never hold her anger for long.

She loved him way to much but too scared to express. She couldn't imagine her life without him and ever girl he brought home she envied and hated. Hearing Noel's story she felt a little hopeful but didn't get them too high cause it wouldn't be the same here. Noel and Ira have a history.. Noel was in love with her. Here, however, no past no present and how she wished and prayed there would be a future. She finally gulped the water and looked at him who was still holding her and gone to sleep on her shoulder.

"Go and sleep na if you that sleepy!"

"No.. Not sleepy at all.. Just like it like this.. Temme what you wanna do now?"

"Now? You want to do something now? Okay mister sleepy head.. You are tired and are dozing off what do you wanna do now? Also don't you have work tomorrow. What time to do you have to go?", she asked typing her hair up.

"Same as usual 9 I shall leave. But I am not that sleepy yaa let's do something. What say a movie? Or maybe a board game or cards? Something!!"

"Okay ok cry baby we will think of something let's go for a shower first freshen up and then decide. Is that fine?" saying so she got up.

"Shower.. Together??" he winked.

She gave him that one look that cracked him up and he laughed rolling on the sofa. She just turned her back towards him and faked a 'huh' by throwing her head back and let a 'whatever' but was blushing at that comment without his knowledge.

He saw her walk and realized. "Whew! Still alive" he gave a nervous laugh out. "Too much effort will have to put to get this through. Time to get up and go for a shower! And let's see how things go.. Que sera sera!!" 

The final thought crossed his mind as he picked up the keys and left it on the key holder and moved towards his room unbuttoning his shirt.

Celebration

"She said a yes!", Noel barged into Arjun’s room without even knocking. He rarely did that but the screech in his voice & the jump in his stride answered why. Arjun jumped out of his seat to congratulate him; super excited that he was. He was Arjun’s partner-in-crime since school days. Their life path had been so similar that people either didn't believe or were shocked. From being in the same school then joined the same college same workplace after graduation then the same B-School & finally getting placed at the same dream job that's where they stood today. They shared the same apartment for a year & then Noel decided to move in with this girl, his best friend & he had fallen in love with her but was in constant state of denial. It took 2 years for him to realise that. And this was Arjun’s moment of I-told-you-so & Noel nodded it of casually, “Ya ya ya”.


Today Arjun was sharing an apartment with his best friend too (and Noel was there to help and gain clarity all the way) & yes he did feel differently about her but he couldn’t even word it for there were lot of ‘complicated’ reasons; as he put it. Noel thought different about it. “Chai?” Noel was still chirpy and elated and how happy Arjun was for him he couldn’t even express *Guys!*

“Oh did I tell you yesterday when I left office a little early in this jittery mood I called Ashok buddy. Hahaha I can’t believe that.”

“I can! You would have called anyone a buddy yesterday given that you were all nervous & you called me some 25 times and I failed to receive!”, Arjun winked.

Noel mischievously retorted, “ya, what the fuck were you doing? Making out with Ananya?”

Arjun hit him hard with the roll of paper, “It was Sunday you smart ass and we were watching a movie and also my phone was on silent mode didn’t realise you called!”

“Movie? Seriously? C’mon man after almost 2 years that’s where you still are?” Noel always made the sadistic comments which hit the weakest nerve.

“Do not forget before you proposed Ira we discussed for days. You were sceptical right? An year back when you asked her out… finally… and see where it leads to… we went over all the possible conversations for months. You dropped slight hints here and there she picked it up & bam! You moved in and asked her out. I still donno how a sweet girl like her said a yes to a bastard like you. *wink* but yaa there was always a spark between you guys.”

“And you are trying to say there is no spark between you two? So you want me to use flintstones to show you some spark, eh!”

“Bad joke, seriously man! Grow up!”

He puffed his cigarette and let the smoke in the subtlest manner as always. He smoked his cigarettes as passionately as he would kiss Ira. He enjoyed every puff as he took.

Their conversation stalled for a brief moment as they were checking out the girl who walked into the building. Arjun again hit Noel with the paper, “Stop checking her out, you gonna ger married!”, he said pitifully.

“I will still be a guy, fucker!”

“By the way she’s Dilip’s new chic”

“Dilip… the sales guy?? Where does he get them from??”, Noel said in his usual melodramatic & shocked manner.

“Hmmm… Agreed!”

“So, where were we? Ya Ananya! Why not move to the next stage?”

“Let’s not start again. I told you its complicated”

“Do you love her?”

“I guess I do!”

“Does she feel the same?”

“I donno!”

“How the fuck will you know? If you don’t express or ask… how will you know?”

“I donno!”

“Do you wanna know?”, Noel was irritated.

“I donno!”

“For Christ’s sake, say something other than ‘I DONNO’.”

“Look I am happy the way it is okay? I don’t wanna corner her & lose her. I’d rather be happy like this seeing her everyday than losing her and never see her.”

“Why are you so pessimistic about you and her? Everything else in life you have always been positive even about a non-achievable sales target. How does it just swing to the other side with respect to this?”

“Let’s discuss this some other day. Let’s celebrate tonight. Sandy suggested this new place which has good food, music & beer. Let’s check it out!”

Noel finally gave up by throwing his hands in the air and threw the cigarette and crushed it really hard, “Fine suit yourself. We will talk later if you want. But just wanna say don’t lose something as precious as this dude… I am saying it with experience. I was sane enough to grab an opportunity for life. And ya, we can celebrate!”

“Hmmmm… Will check with Ananya too… Am sure she will be crazily ecstatic & gonna yap about it the whole time. Oh Lord! So when’s the day?”

“A month from now, 1st March!"

Posted on Wednesday, 2 February 2011 on Lights... Camera... Action

The Proposal

A bed full of rose petals.. Scented candles.. And the dimlit bedroom.. Just back from office, this was not a normal scene when she came home. A pleasant surprise but unsure what this meant. She couldn't even see him around. Was he getting a date home? She thought. A open friendship easily survived between them for 2 and half years now. They both dated separately however what they felt for each other never was shown or hindered their date life. And now this? Is he proposing someone? How come I don't know whom he was dating? No,he couldn't be possibly dating a girl without telling me? But why not? A question that her alterego failed to get an answer for. He did act a little queer the other day. Damn I need answers. Mentally and physically exhausted from the day's work this was welcoming but now curiosity reached it's peak. She wanted to know.

He came early from work that day. Setting will take time. He mentioned to his colleague today's the moment of truth buddy. Buddy?? Seriously is that what I called Ashok? He threw his head back and laughed it off as he drove home. He had successfully talked himself into it. A girl and guy living together wasn't an easy thing in India let alone in Bangalore. This was the most ideal set up. They knew each other for 5 years now and it surely was cost effective. The day they met in college they knew this was going to last long. Forever is the word today. Whom was he fooling dating other hot women. He loved her like crazy. Waiting each night for her to come back from work, kissing her forehead and wishing her good night, waking up with a warm hug from her each day. It all worked awesomely well. She dated other men and how much he loathed them. But he was having fun too. Fun ya but this is serious business. Diligently for these 2 years she attended all his family functions like he did too. These affairs were always a closed affair consisting only his immediate family members. This time however it was his brother's factory opening. And people from all over the place were invited.

Obviously questions were raised. And soon they were the talk of the function. He didn't like those stares and the talks. He now understood what his family was questioned and how they were talked about. He still wasn't sure of what to do next and how to stop all of this happening. And then he saw her. Draped in his favourite coloured saree she was calm composed not one bit of anger showed in her demeanor or in her conversations. Each one of us had a flaw but for him she was simply perfect. And he knew what had to be done. He had thought over it lot many times before. But had ruled it out. Thinking what about their friendship? Their whole arrangement. Everything could go for a toss. He knew what was at stake and what the result would be. She had given cues time and again and finally this was his chance to grab it.

She walked out of her room and walked into his room hoping he shall be there to explain. She so badly wanted to just know. He was there. In her most favourite attire blue jeans and white shirt, clean shaved and the fragrance of his perfume had filled the room. With a charming smile on his face and mischief in those eyes he said, "ssup?" He normally was like this but today something about him his manner, the way he stood, maybe the look in his eyes, something was different, she tried hard to find.

"What's all this arrangement for?" "What does it look like?" "It looks like some lucky girl is gonna get proposed tonight but who?" "Smart I must say", he said it with a hint of sarcasm a manner that always made her smile. "So who is it? I thought you weren't dating anyone and now all this? Ssup who's the lucky girl?? Temme temme??" He loved her all bubbly and jittery and knew what he is going to say next is going to hit her like a lighting bolt.

Her heart skipped multiple beats as she saw him go on his knees with a plain platinum ring in the velvet red box. "Do I still have to say who it is?"

Posted on Wednesday, 26 January 2011 on Lights... Camera... Action!

Routine

She woke up as soon as the first rays of the sun hit her face. She turned her face away into the arms of the man sleeping beside her. He wasn't her husband, boy friend neither a lover. Just a friend, sharing an apartment in the city of Bangalore. Sunday morning came as a bliss after a non-stop 48 hours work on a new launch and an on ground activation, her body was physically tired and mentally drained when she hit the bed last night or to be more precise... today morning.

He had heard the door clink. Obviously he couldn't sleep a wink till she came home at 3 A.M. Seeing him she smiled and wasn't surprised at all. He too was tired working on International projects, Brand Manager indeed came with a lot of trade-off - Sleep, Hunger and worst still working in different Time Zones with no time to get over jet lags. His tired eyes sent the same message to her. They needed to sleep.

She went in for a quick shower and wanted to wear something comfortable. She went into his room opened his cupboard and pulled out his favourite white shirt. Buttoned up and was ready to sleep. He was going through his reports a quick recap of events that occurred in the company here during his absence (that is when he was in Chicago working on the same damn thing). He saw her go from her room to his, wearing her red bath robe and back to her room wearing his shirt. He couldn't help but notice that how beautifully gorgeous she looked tonight. He loved her immensely and when he held her each time his heart still skipped a beat.

Natives of Mumbai, postgraduates in MBA from Marketing, Bangalore was not difficult to adjust to - One metro to other. But staying together made their life more easier than they thought. They had separate rooms attached bathrooms and they respected each others' space as much. There were times they slept on the same bed. But nothing more than that. He didn't know how would he ever tell her. He knew for sure if he asked her out she wouldn't say no because she never had ever said a no to him. But he knew it wouldn't be right. He had known her for 5 years now. She had ended a 4 and half year relationship 3 years back. And he very well knew what damage it had done to her. Her belief in the institution of marriage had shaken. Thank god for once she had expressed and come to him. And he could help. Both found excellent career options in Bangalore and they lived together. Resistance from families were obvious but they couldn't have cared less and after one and half year now, finally families got used to it.

He finally got up from the couch and went to her room as a routine to wish her good night. She had cuddled inside her soft white blanket and was just about to drop to sleep when she opened her eyes to the creak of the door. He walked in sat beside her and ran his hand through her wet hair and then gently patting her forehead tried to put her off to sleep. She always loved his warm hands running through her hair. He bent and placed a light kiss on her forehead and whispered a "Good Night". She locked her cold hands into his palms. He was beginning to feel tired too. But watching her sleep was the most sinful moment ever. He rested beside her holding her close to his heart and putting her off to sleep. He noticed the white shirt again and tried to control his feelings. And the tiredness started to take control over him. She had cuddled into him completely and was in deep sleep. He drowsed off too holding her close. This was the most peaceful moment that he was waiting for weeks now. He felt he deserved it.

She held him close not wanting him to go. She was too tired to word anything. This was the only way she could stop him. She held him closer when he completely rested himself beside her. She was going to have the best sleep tonight. A much needed one. In spite of all the work and drama they made sure they stayed in touch and kept each other updated. She loved the way things were working. And wanted to take it to the next step. But how? She did not know. She loved him like crazy.

From the day she first saw him in the college during her post graduation degree she was impressed. Soon they became close friends and she made sure no feelings she had would interfere the committed relationship she was in. But things tossed on her personal front but she didn't want to get into an another one. Besides she knew he was hurt too. He always ended up having relationships that lasted not more than an year. One year he would invest all the love he had and then find it difficult to get over her. She didn't want her to become one among those. As much as possible she kept her feelings latent and made sure he never gets to know what her true feelings were. She hated the fact that she had to hide things from him. A pact between them was non-verbally decided that they never hide things from each other. Smallest to minutest things were shared and worked on together. This could not be worked on and she knew it well. Each time his arm came over her shoulders or when he held her close to him a shudder went through her. Each time he complimented her he always had that mischievous smirk on his face & she would blush and would let it off by either laughing or looking away and smiling.

She opened her eyes finally at around 1 P.M. finding him still there sleeping like a baby. She smiled and kissed his cheek. He stirred and gently opened his eyes to find her smiling. He loved his life. He held her close again and tried cuddling her up to sleep. She was wide awake but lazy enough to get up from the bed. She kept looking at him. He would open his eyes look at her, sometimes wink sometimes just ask wassup in an almost mute volume. Each time she would smile and reply to him in the same volume. He finally turned and opened his eyes and looked back into her smiling eyes. He kissed her on her cheeks, close to her lips as always,

"Good morning, so what's the plan for the day?"a routine question. She did not want to even move a muscle and just remain on the bed buried in his arms and... no she did not want to think further. "Let's stick around on the bed and rest to glory. Maybe catch up a movie at home itself. What say?"

Suggestion was agreed upon by stretching his arms wide and letting the laziness away from his body. She found him the cutest when he did that. She finally got up from the bed to make coffee for both them.

It was an another routine Sunday at home...

Posted on Thursday, 23rd Dec 2010 on Lights... Camera... Action!