Seven Nights 2

Story Continues....

Night 2:

“Ahhhhh…” I got down from my cab stretching myself. After a tiring day I had plans to date my bed and pillow. I thanked my cab driver and hurried towards the gate.

“WTF..” I checked my pockets but there were no keys.

“hey.. where are you” I called Tushar ,” you still at office.”

“Naahh…  i am in spice garden”  he almost screamed.

“Its 5 in the evening… anyways listen.. I forgot my keys inside. So come fast.” I said.

“Sorry bhai..i can’t ditch my beer. Come and get keys.” He again screamed

“ok.. I am coming”, I said in irritated tone.

I walked towards the bar. I reached there in 5 minutes. Again the board SPICE GARDEN grabbed my attention. I got bit thrilled that I could again see her, adjusted my hair and tucked in my shirt.

I slowly pushed the door, looked towards the stage, it was empty. No one was there. I got little disappointed.  I started searching for Tushar. As there was not that much rush I found him sitting near bar on stool and drinking bear watching cricket highlights on big LCD screen.

“Hey “I said patting Tushar’s back.

“Look who’s here…” Tushar replied cheerfully.

“So what brought you here at this time of day” I asked Tushar.

“Had a little fight with girlfriend, wanted some fresh air.” He said in a flat tone.

“come on lets go home” I started getting up.

“hey just one beer.. u also have..” he pulled me down and slid a glass of beer towards me.

I looked towards the glass of beer, my throat dried up. A sense of desperation occupied my mind.

“What the heck? It’s just one beer.” I said to myself. Grabbed the glass and drank in one breath.

“Hehehehehe” I heard someone giggling behind me. I looked around few girls were passing; a girl was looking towards me. I recognized her; she was the one who teased me last night.

“WOW!! She looks so beautiful in Indian dress” I was just looking at her and she was also looking.

“So it seems you’re going to stay a little longer.” Tushar said to me looking at her, “she’s HOT”

“It looks someone in love.” Tushar said as I stared Tushar on his previous comment.

Someone stared singing, I looked, she was the only who was singing. She had a nice voice. I took my drink and moved to the couch near the stage to listen her more clearly.

“It’s over. Stop clapping.” someone shouted, felt like someone woke me up. I looked she was the one who shouted.

“it was beautiful. You sing very well.” I said.

“stop flirting, if you want my number just ask, don’t behave like gentlemen” she said in a angry tone and walked away.

“and for your information I was just tuning the instruments for the evening and look around you are the only one who’s clapping.” She turned back and said.

I looked around, everyone was looking towards me and Tushar was laughing beating the desk. I felt so embarrassed. I stood and walked out of the bar.

“Hey.. listen wait. I am also coming.” Tushar came running behind me,” wait just get me my jacket.” He walked in.

“Shit!!” I said as I kicked the rock on the road.” I am not going in there anymore.”

I came back home, but I was still thinking about that girl. WHY? She teased me the first night, embarrassed me in front of whole bar in the second.

Why I was still in her thoughts, at first place I was embarrassed but when I started thinking about her, I didn’t felt bad at all.

The Next Morning

I woke up, stretched my hand for mobile under the pillow. It was not there, I checked my shorts but no use. I checked every place where it could be but still couldn’t find my mobile. I woke Tushar to ask if he had seen, again nothing. I started backtracking things. When do the last time I have seen my mobile, I started thinking hard.

“Shit!! I left my mobile in the bar. I was so embarrassed that I didn’t think of anything else. Stupid me.” I said to myself hitting my forehead with my palm.

I went up to SPICE GARDEN to get my mobile but it was closed. I asked the security guard there when usually does the bar get opens.

“Shaab ji.. it gets open after 2 only” the security guard replied.

I had an important meeting so decided to pick my mobile after office.

Night 3:

I looked at my watch, it was 5 o’clock. I was done for the day. I called my cab guy and I went back home. Changed into casuals and went to the SPICE GARDEN, but was shocked to see the shutter closed.

“Why it’s closed” asked the guard there.

“shaab police came today arrested the manager.” Security guard replied.

“Hell!” I said in a frustrating voice.

“Listen I left my mobile last night inside the bar you know something about that.” I further enquired the security guard.

“Sir generally people are so drunk here that they forget something or the other, but Shruti madam called in the morning that she found a mobile and if anyone comes looking then just tell him to call her.” he replied back.

I got Shruti’s number from the security guard and dialed. It started ringing, I was eagerly waiting for someone to pick up.

“Hello”, a sweet voice came from the other end. It was so mesmerizing that I closed my eyes and started listening.

“Hello… Hello… someone there.” The voice became loud from the other end.

“ yess!! Hello.. hi..” I said hurriedly,” I lost my mobile in SPICE GARDEN yesterday the guard told you have my mobile.”

“oh the clapping guy” she said in a confident voice.

“Yess.. but..are you??” before I could complete

“Yes the girl for whom you clapped” she said,” anyways meet me in city center at 7, I am going for movie with friends you can collect your mobile from there.”

“Movie? Today.” I said in a curious voice.

“Why? Are you my husband?” she taunted me.

“What? No” I said bit surprised.

“Then just come to collect your mobile.” She said in a rude voice and hung up

I reached city center on time and started waiting for her. Someone suddenly shouted, may be some girl was fighting. It always fun to see girls fighting, I was not in mood to miss. I turned around.

“Woooh” voice came out of my mouth on seeing the view.

“Saale.. apni MAA ko dekh k seeti bajana” shouted Bold and beautiful Shruti on bunch of loafers

.

“It’s better just to take my mobile and go” I said to myself.

“hey you clapping guy” Shruti saw and started walking briskly towards me.

“HI” I waved my hand with a broad smile on my face.

“Hmm.. you already here. Here’s your mobile.” She handed me my mobile.

“Thanks” I said and started walking away.

“Hey listen.. clapping guy.” Shruti shouted.

“Yeah.. What?” I turned around and said.

“What you doing tonight?” she asked

.

“Nothing.. Go home and sleep” I replied back.

“Like to watch movie with me?” she asked me

.

“I thought you had plans with your friends” I replied her.

“Bitches!!  Don’t ask.. are you coming or not”, she asked again.

“Ahhh.. ok lets go” I said hesitatingly but a part me was happy also

.

We went in to watch some Hollywood movie but she dragged me out as she was unable to cope up with the story.

“Now What? Home” I asked her.

“No.. we bar girls get holiday rarely.. not even on Sundays. So I want to enjoy the evening and you are  coming with me.” She said

“look.. it was a very good gesture that you helped me but its too late I want to go.” I said in a serious voice.

“No you can’t I need someone to be with me.. I can’t enjoy alone” she shouted.

“sorry.. I need to go. Bye” I said and started walking away.

“stop or I’ll shout that you were molesting me” she said.

“What?” I was surprised.

“Then stay” she said in a cheerful voice.

I had no other option then to stay. Though I was irritated and was angry that she blackmailed me to stay, but I was feeling proud to walk with such a hot girl. We went to a disc. The moment we entered she started drinking and jumped on the dance floor. I preferred to sit and enjoy my drink.

She was looking so amazing, when her hairs used to fall on her rosy cheeks it seemed like clouds were covering moon. She was enjoying as if she don’t have another day left in her life. Her beautiful eyes wanted to soak every happiness in this world tonight. She touched my heart first day itself and today it’s not mine anymore. I think I started liking her or may be love.

I was immersed in my thought when fight started on dance floor, all shouting made me came over my thought. I tried looking what’s happing.

“Shit…” I said as Shruti was the only reason there was a fight. Two of her bar customers recognized her and wanted to dance with her but ended up in fight with each other.

I grabbed my coat, ran towards the dance floor, held tightly Shruti’s hand and rushed out. Before anyone could realize anything we were out of the disc. I held her hand and ran till I was not sure we were at a safe place.

I sat on stairs catching my breath holding my stomach and pulled her and made sit.

“What was that? You could have got hurt.” I said to Shruti.

“huh!! Hurt.. now I am no more scared of getting hurt.” She said laughing. She took out a pack of cigarette, lighted one and asked me if I want.

“No I don’t” I said in an angry tone.

“Stop lying. I know you smoke” she said politely. I looked at her, smiled and took one cigarette.

“friends.” Shruti forwarded her hand as she puffed out smoke.

“friends” I said and we shook our hands.

“ok.. can I ask you something?” I said.

“yes.. sure “ she replied me.

“why you said that you are not scared of getting hurt. If you want to discuss.” I said her.

“Ahhh… you know behind every successful man there is a woman and behind every ruined girl there is a bastard” she said laughing.

“ok.. but you look from a good house how you landed up being a bar girl?” I asked her again.

“I am hungry, can we eat first. There’s a Paw bhaji wala.” She said in a cute voice as she walked towards a nearby Paw-Bhaji stall. I followed her.

“Ummm…” she made sound from her mouth after taking the first bite.

“Now tell me.. your story.” I again asked her.

“Why? You want to marry me.” She said winking me.

“I may..” I returned the favor by winking back. Our eyes met, we kept looking until,

“shaab aur paw loge..” the paw bhaji guy interrupted.

“No..” I said to him.. closing my eyes getting away from her.

“you really want to know”, she asked me.

“yes” I went closer looked in her eyes and said. Her eyes filled with tears.

“Hey.. what happened?” I moved closer, took her face in my hand, wiped her tears and said.

“It’s all my fault” she started speaking,” I could have been much happier. I should have gone with my parents decision, they went against society for my sake.”  She wiped her tears and started telling her story.

Four years ago, my boyfriend Rahul and I decided to get marry, we told our parents. My parents at first were not happy with our marriage but later they agreed but his were against our marriage. Rahul went against their wish, we got married. Rahul told we have to move to some new city because if he stays here his parents would try to break our marriage. Everything was fine for a month when suddenly Rahul started behaving strangely. One day he told his mother is very sick he have to go his hometown and he didn’t comeback. The owner threw me out of apartment after 2 months, I didn’t even had enough money to eat also. I can’t tell my parents also about my condition because they went against the society for my happiness and I have two more sisters. But nice peoples are still in this world, my maid who worked for few hundred rupees took me to her home, I was qualified to get good job, this was the only option left for me if I wanted to survive. My parents still thinks that I am with Rahul living a happy life. They sometimes come to visit me, I have to lie that rahul is out of station.

After completing her story she started crying. I hugged her, caressing her back consoled her.

“Shhhhhh….you are one of the bravest girl I have ever seen. Let’s go home” I said.

I stopped an auto, we both sat and within twenty minutes we reached her place, on the way she was holding my arms resting herself on me. One night made us very much closer. I was happy that I left my phone.

Auto rickshaw stopped, we came out. I went up to her door.

“I guess then its good night” I said her with smile on my face and started walking away.

“Wait..” Shruti called me, I turned around. She walked up to me.

“Thank you. After so long I was able to speak up. You are a nice person, that’s why I stopped you tonight.” She said with love in her voice.

“Good Night” she kissed my cheeks and went inside.

I was standing there watching her walking away from me but truth was that we were coming closer….

4 more nights.. wait for the 3^rd part.

Seven Nights 1

Nights were always magical and they still are. You often have your best memories being framed in moon light with presence of stars. Some best memories you make and some just happen…..

Night 1:

“Hell….” I screamed after looking at my watch,” I am screwed.”

I was supposed to leave my KarmaBhoomi two hours earlier but when a lady at your work place asks you for help, even when you are about to leave, you don’t say no or rather say you become futuristic and take your decision. Most of the time you say YES which ends up screwing you.

Now why was I screwed?

Well I had to shift to a new place, because last day of month and every 1^st of month my vampire landlord comes to suck my blood. So it was 8 o’clock and I was still at office. No packing done.

I moved out before my future makes me stay any longer. But the evening had more surprises for me.

My mouth was wide open seeing the view outside. There was a blackout in eastern part of our country. I checked my phone, news was flashing “Blackout moves to the eastern part of our country. 2hrs ago”. Two hours ago was the time I was seeing my future with that lady, and it was indeed dark.

“Thanks for the signal. She’s not the one. “I looked up in the sky saluting god.

I reached my place. My to be new roomy was sitting in front of the door on his suitcase biting his nails.

“hey nice man… you came to help me packing.” I jumped on him.

“I am going to kill you. I am waiting for two hours. Where the hell you have been.” He said in irritated voice pushing me away.

“dude it was your bhabhi” I said in a flat tone.

“hey you are not even married” he replied,” stop explaining and open the door. You have to pack.”

“I thought we “ I said opening the door.

It took 2 hours, a pack of cigarette, big cola bottle and 6 candles to pack everything I own. I handed key to care taker and there I was moving to my new place.

 “I have a feeling that something is waiting for me at our new place.” I said to my roomy, relaxing myself in cab.

“Yeah!!! I heard chicks there are very hot!!!” he said with glow in his eyes,” our broker told me.”

“ohhkkk.. “ I too smiled.

We finally reached our new house. Met our land lord, settled ourselves. Suddenly realized we didn’t have any plans for dinner. What to eat?  I asked same question to my roomy, Tushar.

“Don’t worry dude. I have a plan. There is a bar cum restaurant at the end of road, we can go there for couple of beers and some chicken.” said winking his eyes.

“Awesome!!” I was happy with the plan.

We reached bar within 15 minutes, it was so peaceful outside there. I read the name SPICE GARDEN.

We entered in, Surprise Surprise Surprise .

Loud music, disco lights all round. Smoke everywhere. And Hot girls on the dance floor. It was a dance bar. I looked around, placed was filled with guys boozed up.

“Cool.. This is the biggest discovery on this planet after Columbus discovered America”, Tushar said cheerfully.

“Shut up!! And let’s find a place to sit.. This loud music is giving me headache.” I replied.

We sat in a corner, started looking for a waiter. But my eyes got glued to bunch of girls sitting on somewhat stage kind of thing and one among them was singing. I started observing them more keenly.

The girls who was singing was constantly giving stares to the person just near stage and he was keep giving her 100 rupees notes. And the girls next to her were looking all around in the bar for such preys.

 My eyes were closely observing them when a girl sitting in the corner waved her hand. I looked around if she’s waving to someone else, but no one was behind me. I signaled her by pointing hands towards me, asking ME. In response she nodded her head.

“Cheers!!.. “ I picked my beer mug and said.

She teased me and turned around. I was surprised, why she did that? What have I done? I just cheered my drink.

I asked Tushar the same questions.

“dude.. instead of your cheers you should have given her a 100 rupees note.” He said laughing, “leave her and finish your drink. I am getting us another round.”

Why she want money from me? Didn’t she get paid? I again looked towards her. She was beautiful; any good guy would marry her. Why she’s working in such a place? I was all confused.

I tried getting mind away from her. I had a morning shift , so hurriedly finished my drink and stood to leave. I went up to gate, but moved back a little to see her again. She was also looking towards the door. Our eyes met, we looked at each other for few seconds only when,

“looks my friend have an admirer”, Tushar shouted.

“shut up!! “ I took off my eyes from her and said.

We got back home and directly went off to bed. I tried sleeping but my mind had was occupied with many questions. Why she was looking towards me, I didn’t even gave her money. Was tushar right?do I have an admirer.

I had a strong intuition that something was going to happen at my new place. Was she the surprise?  I didn't knew if I am going to visit that place again but I could feel some strong bonding between us.

Nights are like unknown roads, you don't know where you have to turn but you still walk...

6 more nights to come.. wait for another part. 

WHY?

It was fall of summer and after spending a year and a half with a college friend I finally decided to move to my own apartment.  Well it was not like that I wanted to grow up and get my own place. The reason was my friend’s serious relationship. He broke our pact, which we took in 2011 B.C, before Chitra, she was my friend’s girlfriend. I hated her. 

Before Chitra, we were like two tigers in a jungle. We used to have our meal on any spot without bothering about the mess. We had a policy of not distinguishing between things, so it didn’t matter whether it was a t-shirt in refrigerator or juice in the cupboard.  What mattered was we were happy, happy with beer cans in our refrigerator and noodles in our belly.

On a black Friday we went out for a movie. In front of us a girl slipped and so slipped our diaper age. Suddenly things started to change; our apartment became more of a girlish type. T-shirts were found in cupboard and juice was in fridge. Once which was our jungle changed into a municipal park, where every time somebody was found sweeping the floor. The ERA of DUDISM ended. So I had to look for a new jungle.

I shifted to a new locality. Things were going good for me. I was back with a roar. Until one day, when I went down to get my mails. I was busy checking my mails, when I heard bangles clinking next to my ears. I looked up; saw curly hairs hiding a face and a hand with a couple of bangles on it, making a sweet sound, struggling to open the adjacent mail box. The force used to open the mail box made some hairs move backwards and there she was, my dream girl.When I was a kid and did some mischief, my mother used to say me,” beta if you behave well you will find a beautiful PARI someday”. And I always had a face in my mind, which was exactly the same.

So there was standing my dream girl, in green T-shirt and brown shorts. With two bangles in her right hand and purple nail polish. Those curly hairs were moving on her face as clouds blurring the beauty of moon on a windy night, just letting a glimpse out. My heart started beating fast, my mouth wide open. First time I was standing so close to a girl. I could even feel the warmth of her breath.

“Excuse me” dream girl said,” What are you doing?”

I didn’t realise that I moved so close to her.

“Ah…Ah…I…Ah…I” was the only sound from my mouth.

“Hey what Ah Ah…. Can’t you speak? Are you dumb.” She replied back in anger.

I wanted to speak, but suddenly all the words dried up in my mouth. I tried but could only say,” Ah Ah…” with some hand movements.

She looked towards me for a while, examined me from top to bottom like a butcher does before his final shot.  I stood there helplessly doing some monkey steps with my hands. She realized something.

“Oh I am so sorry. I didn’t knew that you really are dumb. I thought you are misbehaving with me.” she said in a soft voice, “But now I realize you were trying to help me.”

I tried telling her that my parents had a full normal boy, everything fit and fine from top to bottom. But then I thought it’s better to be dumb than to get a slap from her. So again I said,

“Ah…Ah” with my head nodding in yes. And without wasting time went on to open her mailbox. It got opened within seconds. She caressed my cheeks in response and went upstairs.

I came back in my flat, thinking about what just happened. My heart was still pounding and my hands were on my cheeks. Her fragrance was still in my breath. When Somebody pressed the door-bell. I opened and was informed by guard that today we have society meet at five in garden area.

I went down to garden area at five to attend the meeting. I thought It would be all boring uncle stuffs. So I picked a corner seat in last row. The meeting started and all greeted the secretary as if Rajnikant arrived. It was so annoying and boring, I felt like hanging myself. I felt somebody is staring at me.I turned around and found that dream girl with a broad smile on her face saying,” Hiiii”. I opened my mouth but realised I was dumb for her, so I said, “AhAh” , waving my hands.

“I know these stuffs are so boring no. But what to do we have to stay here. Anyways thank so much for helping me in morning. Well I am Shruti. Shruti Kashyap. And you?” she said all this in one breath.

As I was dumb for her, so I just gave a smile and signalled her to wait. I took out my card and gave her.

“Tushar… PA at XXX tech ltd” she said,” do you mind, if I ask you out for a coffee”

I couldn’t believe my luck, she asked me out. This was the first time when any girl asked me out for a coffee, but I didn’t knew how to react and that too when I was acting dumb. All that got into my mind was nodding my head.

“great” she smiled,” lets skip this boring meeting.”

Again I nodded my head. She grabbed my hand. I felt shocks throughout my body. Shocks are so beautiful, why do people make switches, I said to myself.

“hop on”, she shouted, ”before that boring secretary sees us.”

That day we had a beautiful evening. She told everything about her. What she likes and what she hates. I too tried telling about me but I was dumb for the day.

We started hanging out regularly and became good friends within few days. She had her apartment just opposite to mine, so we used to sit in balcony

Now I had two lives, one was my social life and the other one was with Shruti. The second was more of silent but still musical. I had all the setups done, so that Shruti didn’t found out that I was actually not dumb. Though I hated lying to her but still I can’t help it. Shruti once told me, she cannot stand anyone who had lied to her. And I didn’t want to lose her.

My both life were going good. Shruti became more caring and much more concerned towards me. Now every hour she used to text me. May be she was falling for me. But I was taking things easy, didn’t want to mess up.

Until one day, Shruti and I went out to have beer and by the end of the night she was out of her senses. I carried her in my arms, to her apartment. After putting her on bed, I was about to go. She held my hand, pulled me towards her. I thought she just wanted to say good night.  I moved much closer to her, but she kissed me on my lips and said,” I LOVE YOU”. This was the one of the best feeling I had in my life.I was startled to react anything.

“I love you. You are my best buddy. I can’t live without you. You love me no” Shruti’s riveting innocence held me back. She seemed too cute.

I never thought about her in that way, but I don’t know I nodded my head. I hugged her tight. But that guilt feeling came in my mind again. I decided to tell the truth in morning. Soon Shruti went to sleep holding my hands. I stayed there whole night holding her hand.

Next day when Shruti woke up, she realised what she did last night. She was blushing. I again wanted to tell her the truth but didn’t have the courage to break her heart. So I kissed her on forehead and went away. The whole day she dropped me romantic messages.

That evening I got a call from my ex room partner. He was getting married and there was a small get together at his place. He wanted me to come by.

Next day I went to his place. All my college friends were there. We had some drinks and I got high. A friend of mine asked me to give a toast to my room partner. As I was drunk, I didn’t care who all were there. I stood up on a table and shouted,” ladies and gentlemen. May I have your attention? Today we all are here to celebrate…..” and then among many unknown faces there seemed to be one familiar. Her eyes were filled with tears and mine with shock and shame. There stood Shruti….. Shruti Kashyap, asking only one question WHY?

Life is like a mystery box, you just dig in your hand unaware of the fact what is there for you.

Does life gives Tushar a second chance? Do they both meet again?

 Wait for the next part…….

TAKE YOUR CHANCE

I looked at the digital clock on platform, it was already five. My train was about to leave in another ten minutes. I rushed towards platform number five. Train blew its whistle, it started moving. I was still outside and it started gaining speed, seeing no other way I threw my bag and jumped in. Finally I made it.

I was down there for a couple of minutes balancing my breath, hoping someone will come and get me up on my feet’s. I looked around for that someone but there was only a tea vendor standing, staring me.

 “shaab chai chahiyee”, he said.

“What?..... No ”, I replied back little irritated.

He gave me a disgusting look and again started chanting,” chai- chai “and moved away.

I brushed my clothes and settled down within minutes. The environment inside was boring so I preferred listing music. I pressed the play button of music player in my mobile but an error message came.

Memory full. Please delete some items.

“WTF…” I got more irritated. I decided to delete some old messages. But as it was some log message, it didn’t show any names. There were just numbers. So I decided to at least have a look before deleting them.

While I was browsing through messages, one grabbed my attention.

“Hey call me, if you are awake.”

It got me thinking, none of my friend text me in such sober language. Who is this gentle guy? I had time to kill, so I went on to solve this mystery.  I checked the other message from the same number.

“Why don’t you pay attention… now go and apply some burnol quickly?”

None of my friends were so caring. It was someone from my family or some girl. I had my first success.

“I think you are not interested in talking to me”

The message sounded girlish. I was nailing my investigation. But who’s she.

I browsed down for more evidence.

“This is for you; I know you love this expression. L.”

“F##K..” my mouth was wide open, “its Shruti… how can I forget her”.

I haven’t talked with her in years. Why? What happened between us??

I started searching answers. Things were going good between us. I still remember that evening when we first met. It was raining and I was waiting for my bus, drenched in rain.  Suddenly a passing vehicle splashed mud on me.

“Hey you bastard…”,I shouted in anger and rushed towards the vehicle.

The driver stopped the vehicle, hearing my voice. “Hey you, see what you have done…. Saale Behe….” I was about to complete my sentence, but then the vehicle driver took off his helmet and whom I was thinking as a guy turned out to be a girl. I was impressed by her beauty.

As she took off her helmet, shook her head to adjust hairs. And when those curly hairs were moving on her face it looked same as clouds were blurring the beauty of moon on a windy night, just letting a glimpse out. She looked more beautiful when those tiny droplets of water purified her beauty as they dripped from her face. Her puckering lips, fluffy cheeks. I lost myself into that beautiful face.

“How you dare to talk with me like this?” she shouted.

“What?” I came back to the senses.

“Ahhhh….Sorry” I said, don’t know why I said that. May be it was the charisma of her beauty.

“You shouted and chased me down to two hundred meters just to say sorry” she said surprisingly.

“Sorry.. No… Not Sorry..” words were crumbling in my mouth  .

“What?” she said in surprised tone.

“Nothing… no yes there is something… actually I washed this shirt.. Yesterday only and it’s raining today.. That’s it” I had no idea what I was saying.

“Ok… I got it”, she gave an awkward look, stated her scooty and went away.

“Shit”, I said . I knew I made a joke of myself.

I came back home, thinking about the incident. I pressed the door-bell; saw the same girl opened the gate. I thought I was day dreaming, I tried to get in.

“You..” she shouted,” So you followed me. I am calling security.”

I looked around.  Shit!!!  I was on the wrong floor. And what is she doing here. I was confused. Before I could understand anything guards were there.

 “What kind of duty you all are doing? How can you let in such a loafer.” She shouted on guards and when they were about to throw me. I snatched the bottle of water she was holding, cleared my face and said.

“Hey I live in D4 just above this flat, by mistake I pressed the bell.”, I tried to explain her and looking towards guards,” and you all, I gave 500 RS Bakshish on Diwali. And now you are throwing me out.”

 “Oh Tushar sir. Sorry we didn’t realise it’s you.” One of the guard said,” Shruti madam, he lives above, he’s not a loafer.” The guard also supported me.

“Tell her,” and looking towards that girl, whom guard just addressed as Shruti.” you… thank you so much. First you ruined my shirt. Then you were planning to throw me out. Madam I am a respected person.”  I said all this in one breath. Gave all of them a furious look and went upstairs.

I came inside my apartment, got fresh and was relaxing, just then the door-bell rang. I opened the door. It was Shruti. She was holding two cups of coffee with a smile on her face. I had calmed down till then. And that smile of her made me more calmer.

“Sorry.” She started the conversation,” I realised what I did. I behaved rudely with you na. Sorry.”

“No no. it was not your fault completely. I shouted on you. I am sorry” I replied back. It’s better to apologise when a beautiful girl stands on your main door holding two mugs of coffee.

 “Coffee?” she asked by raising a mug towards me.

“Come on in...” I said.

The evening ended on a good note. I found a new friend. As the city was new to me, it was the best thing that happened to me. We chatted whole evening.

We became good friends in no time. We started hanging out regularly.  Most of the time Shruti’s room partner Shelly also used to accompany us. We texted each other whenever we were not together. Best time pass for us was sitting in her balcony sipping coffee till the time  Shelly called us for dinner. And I noticed, I realised we were not just sharing bite of food; we were sharing something more than that.

I was living a dream. Until one day, when I got to know that I have been shifted to some other city. The first thing I could think of was Shruti’s face and thought of getting away from her. Then and there I realised that actually I had feeling for her. I can’t bear the thought of getting away from her.

I asked my boss, is this the final decision or they need my concern on it. He said me to have a look at the mail carefully. I looked more carefully and got to know that I have been promoted but can’t get the same position here because it’s already filled. So if I want to take the promotion I have to move.

I was in dilemma. What to choose? Love or profession. I was confused, seeing no way I called  Shelly, because if I would have called Shruti she would have definitely asked me to not let this chance go. So the best person to call was  Shelly.

“Hey  Shelly… are you free.  I want to discuss something with you. But don’t tell Shruti about this.” I said in a depressed voice.

“Tushar is everything fine….. I am free” I heard her faintly from the other end. Though it sounded different but I didn’t pay much attention.

“There is something I need to tell you. But please don’t tell Shruti about it.” I said

“Ok I won’t .Now tell me?” the voice on the other side became more curious.

“Well I got promotion today but I have to move to some other city. And the thought of moving away from Shruti made me realise that I am in love with her. I don’t know what to do? I haven’t told her yet. I don’t even know what her feelings for me are. Should I give it a chance or not? I am confused. Help me.” I said

There was no response from the other side for a while, I heard some sound like weeping but didn’t knew what exactly it was.

“Hello  Shelly are you listening?” I asked again.

“Yes I am listening. “ She said, then after a couple of seconds she said again,” look Tushar I hate to say this but you don’t have any chance with her. She has a boyfriend. You are just a friend …. Ok. Don’t intuit anything wrong from Shruti‘s behaviour. “The voice on the other side of line was becoming rude.

“No Shruti told she does not have any boyfriend. Why are you lying to me.” I replied back almost crying.

“You are so innocent no. you were just a time pass. You were her entertainment. So my suggestions forget her and its better you go for your job.” The voice was now more rude and arrogant.

I hung the phone. I could not be hurt more. I felt like no oxygen in the air, it was hard to breathe. I walked into my boss’s office.

“I am taking it. When do I have to leave?” I said in firm voice, trying to suppress my pain.

“Right away, if you want. I will book your ticket. You just go and pack” he said.

Now it’s been almost a three years to this incident and I buried myself so much in work that I almost forgot her. At least I tried. And I think I was successful, I forgot her number. I moved to another message. The number was of  Shelly . All these flash back refreshed my memory. Now I can remember both numbers. And yes  Shelly  sent me some other messages also but I ignored all of them. But how can you defeat fate, it was in my destiny to have a look at these messages. And I read that.

“Hey Tushar Shruti is crying. I don’t know why. Do you know anything?” I was surprised. The date was same and the time was also after my conversation with Shelly.

I moved to next message.

“Just got to know you left the city. May be she’s crying for that reason. How can you do that?”

Next message

“Reply me Tushar. You are doing no good. You just not only left a friend but also a girl who loved you and that also for a stupid promotion. I thought you loved her. Maybe you can lie from your eyes too.”

I was really surprised by reading these messages. She was the only one who told me get away from Shruti and now she is texting me back saying why I left Shruti. I was the one who was hurt that day. I was furious. I dialled Shelly number. I wanted an explanation from her.

“Hello” a familiar voice fell on my ears. It was indeed Shelly.

“Hello. Tushar here. I have some questions for you. “I said in furious voice.

“I knew I’ll get a call from you. But I was expecting you earlier. And I know what you want to ask.” She said in a calm voice.

“What do you mean.” I said.

“First listen to me then you will get every answer you want. The day you called, it was not me who picked up. It was Shruti. She didn’t want to come in path of your career. She just faked you and made you convince that she was not interested in you. She doesn’t have any boyfriend. Actually she also loved you, loved you so much that sacrificed her love.” She said in convincing tone.

I was shocked. I didn’t know how to react. Should I be happy that she loved me or should I be angry that I let her go without taking second chance? 

“Tushar are you listening ” Shelly asked, I came out of my thoughts.

“ I want her back.  But how? Help me Shelly “, I said in nervous and confused tone.

“Well she’s getting engaged in a month. She hasn’t decided yet but probably she will say yes. “She said

“Then what should I do?” I asked in depressing tone like a kid when he loses his favourite toy

.

“Well the only chance of you with her is element of surprise. Surprise her and make her remember your good old days. I know a bunch of guys who can do it for you. I’ll message you their number. Go get her.” she said in excited voice.

I hung the phone. I got out to the train on the very next station. Somehow I managed to reach my previous city. I called the guy whose number Shelly has sent. He told me to relax and reach the apartment around 7 pm in evening. He will plan with Shelly and let me know.

The surprise guy called me again and asked the whole story. He also became a bit sad but he said,” don’t worry we can fix this. Just be there on time.”

I reached the apartment on time. Shelly and the surprise guy were already there. I saw Shruti arriving, she didn’t change a bit. She was looking exactly the same as she looked on the first day. Her fluffy cheeks and puckering lips were complementing her beauty but there was sadness on her face. May be I was the reason. But I was here to make things back to normal. But how? That was the question bothering me. I was busy in my thoughts when two guys on a bike came and threw a bucket full of mud on Shruti’s face and ran away. I was confused and so was Shruti. I looked towards the surprise guy asking what? He signalled me to wait and watch.

Shruti was furious. She shouted on those guys but by that time they flee off. She walked inside the apartment in anger and went upstairs. The surprise guys gave me 2 mugs of coffee and a bottle of water. He asked me to follow him. I had no idea what was going on. I followed him.

He took me to Shruti’s flat and said, “It’s the time to return the favour to Shruti. Just remember your first encounter with her. Best of luck”. He rang the bell and ran away. Shruti opened the door; she was surprised to see me.

“What are you doing here?” she said.

“Wash your face or guards will throw you out” I gave her the bottle and said. She smiled. 

History was repeating itself. We were at the same very spot as we were three years ago.

“But what are you doing here? Why you came back?”, Shruti asked again.

“ Shelly told me everything. Look Shruti, I am sorry. I left you. I made you cry. I should have come back.” I said by holding her by shoulders looking in her eyes.

“But why you came back now? Go and do your stupid job. I don’t want anybody” she said while crying.

“because I love you. And I know you also love me. I don’t want promotions, I want you.” I said to her.

She looked towards me for a while with her eyes full of tears but that sadness was not there anymore. She hugged me and started crying.

“I love you. Please don’t leave me ever.” She said while weeping.

“Ok.. sorry, now can we have coffee. It’s getting cold.” I giggled and said.

She gave me a lovely smile and hit my shoulders.

“ouch.. I came back no. why are you hitting me.” I said,” Now let’s go in”

We came inside the apartment. I got a call from that surprise guy. Shelly and that guy where there within moments. Shelly told Shruti the whole development and the plan.

I went up to that guy and said,” thanks buddy. You just made my life”

“Don’t embarrass me. Have a good life.” He said and started walking away. After walking a while he turned around and said, “Be Santa Do surprise.”

I was standing there watching him walking away and thought, We all need a SANTA in our life, which comes and magically turns our sad life into a happy one.