WHAT'S LOVE

Every night, before going to bed, I wonder whether the real LOVE still exists. The Love in which you don’t have to communicate through words, you need not be physically present to feel it, in which you don’t need to try hard to express it; the love in which your thoughts are communicated through eyes, your presence is felt through heart beats; your smile expresses everything you need to say. Today you can find such love only in novels or some romantic-masala Bollywood movies. In this 21^st century Love starts with a sip of coffee and ends even before you leave the coffee shop.

One morning, I saw the real LOVE, the same love I wished to have. I don’t know their names, but I could make the unconditional bond between the couple. Every day, at the same time they would come to Andheri station. Their affection was so genuine that even in the crowd anybody could notice their LOVE. Being a gentle person, I never dared to ask their name but instead named them as Mr. and Mrs. Perfect.

As the train arrives, Mr. Perfect used to hitch his laptop bag around his shoulders and Mrs. Perfect with her fancy hand bag. Holding each other’s hand, they struggle to aboard first class coach. They had a habit of sitting at the corner window seat (Same place every day).

As the train starts, Mr. Perfect used to get back to his NEWS paper reading and Mrs. Perfect used to pull out a soft maroon ball of wool and starts knitting it in to make a sweater. After completing his NEWS paper, Mr. Perfect used to look at Mrs. Perfect and they used to exchange the smiles with LOVE. After few stops, they used to chat with each other. They cared least about their surrounding and were involved in their own unique world. They used to share the ear phones to listen to music. They laughed together, teased one another etc. It was like watching two physical bodies attached to a SOUL.

They followed the same routine, days, weeks and months passed by. Sometimes the maroon becomes the neck of the sweater, sometimes the chest. One day she even completed the right sleeve of sweater.  They were very happy and I was surprised to know the existence of pure love. Watching them, their love, and their smile had become a part of happiness in me. I had started having faith in love.

One day-It all changed; there was no Mr. Perfect, no Mrs. Perfect, and no glowing maroon sweater. I was upset. In fact every day I hoped I might see them again but that never happened. I continued with my boring life.

After about a month, I saw Mr. Perfect. I was delighted. I rushed towards him. I could only see him at the corner, standing alone. His train arrived and he hopped into the train. Weeks passed and daily I could see only him. I never saw Mr. Perfect smiling. He used to be tensed and depressed. He never sat at his usual place and always found near the entrance.

I was tired of thinking what might have happen with the happy couple. One day I could not stop myself; gathered all my courage and spoke with him for the first time.

Me: Hi, Do you remember me?

Mr. Perfect:  He paused for a minute, and then said “You are that boy who kept staring at me in the train every day.”

I was embarrassed but I had to ask. So, though had a vacant seat, stood at the door entrance with him.

Me: Why are you alone? Where is your wife, I mean the lady with whom you used to be with?

He looked away from me and didn’t answer.

Half hour passed and we still stood ideal. Both of us didn’t speak a word with each other. I was in dilemma what to do next. I was curious to know the truth and meanwhile was caged manners. Not caring about my self-esteem I asked him again, and then suddenly Mr. Perfect turned his face towards me and started speaking.

Mr. Perfect: Please, I am already worried. These days I am not myself. The lady- My wife, she passed away.

I was shocked to know and was cursing myself for bothering Mr. Perfect. After few moments of silence he spoke again with tiny drop of tears in his eyes, which he was trying hard to hide.

Mr. Perfect: She was ill, she had cancer and she was stubborn person. Though I used to object from coming along, she used to come every day; just to drop me till my office and used to return back to home. It was just an excuse; she just wanted to spend one more hour of her life with me. Due to our economic status, I could not even quit the job.

After listening to his situation I felt devastated. It was a very touching story but I didn’t cry. I dint have tears in my eyes until I noticed his chest. He was wearing the same maroon sweater, still spreading warmth to him but with the unfinished left sleeve making him incomplete forever.……

After that I never tried to search for him. Never dared to question on Love. One thing became clear to me, though our life style has changed; we still have the same Old, a Novel LOVE story exists among us.

   “We come across many people in our lives but only few cause the difference”

You are the ONE - Final Part.......

Part1 Link --->Click here

Part2 Link--->Click here

Part3 Link --->Click here

She tilted her head to the right and came much closer. I was inhaling her breath, which had strange fragrance. Her lips touched mine. I could taste the strawberry (flavored lipstick). I hated strawberry but after feeling it from her lips, I started to have second thoughts about strawberry. We both were totally lost in kiss. I had no clue what to do next. I was just flowing with the flow. At this moment, I had forgotten the whole world exists.

The kiss got so intense that I was not able to breath, but who cared!!  I would risk my life for one such moment with Maya.

Our tongues were twisting one another’s. She grabbed me tightly. Even though there was no space for air between our bodies, we were trying to pull the other closer and closer. I was completely aroused now. She then unbuttoned my shirt. It made me little uncomfortable but eventually, I became more confident.

Now, her fingers were rolling around my hair. She was twisting them hard, as if she wanted me become bald. It was a pleasing pain. Though the AC was at 18 degree temperature we were sweating, which made me to undress her. Without any second thoughts, we made Love………….

The next day morning when I woke up, I saw her sleeping. I kissed her forehead and then went to make her favorite bedtime coffee. When I came back, she was still lying on the bed. She seemed like a red flower on the white background. She was sleeping like a baby asleep. Her hair strands were on her face which was disturbing her. So I went near her, adjusted the hair and put it at the back of her ears. She moved little as I touched her. Then I covered her with the blanket and thought to leave from there. When I stood up, she pulled my hand and I saw her. She smiled at me and asked “Will you marry me??” in a dozy voice as she was in half sleep.

I went near her and kissed her hands which was holding mine and smiled at her. I gently caressed her forehead with a soft kiss on it and she felt asleep again. I thought not to disturb her and so I transferred her cup of coffee to a flask. I left the flask with a piece of note on the table beside her. The note stated “Waiting for you on SEVEN HILLS”

I went to my home to get groomed. I had plans to propose her but it had to be perfect. I had few ideas of proposing for her which was my dream since I met her. I had also mentioned about this in my diary.

“Hi Diary,                                                                                                                               19/12/2008

Maya is my first and last love. She is most amazing and gorgeous person I have ever known, so it has to be a perfect marriage proposal for her. The proposal has to be perfect that in future whenever she gets mad at me, I just have to remind her about my proposal so that she forgets all her anger.

First of all: I will take her to the Seven Hills, as it is the most calm and beautiful place. Though it’s pleasing, very few people know about it.

Second of all: I will prepare a handmade greeting card with cropped posed pictures of Maya. (I had gathered few from her Facebook account and few had captured personally without letting her know about having those)

Third: I won’t sing or write some speech (as I am worst at both). I will just ride on horse, holding a bouquet of yellow flowers (which is her favorite) and will say just few words……

“Maya, I saw you on my fifth day of college and it was kind of Love at First sight. I never dared to tell you how much I love you because even I don’t know the limit of feelings towards you. I can’t promise you that you won’t have any problems in life but I can assure you that you won’t be alone to face them!”

WILL YOU PLEASE MARRY THIS CRAZY PERSON NAMED ROHAN?

If her answer will be YES then I will pull her on horse and ride together, else horse will be the best option for me to escape from there.”

Yes!! This is what I am going to execute today. I went to seven hills at 11:45 AM.I searched for the flower shop and it was just opposite to me. I went to the shop and got a bouquet of yellow flowers. I also had a greeting card with me in which I have written “Will you be my better half??” It was the same old card.

I started searching for a horse so that I can execute my dream. I was waiting for 10mins and at last I found it. It was a tall, white horse. I felt as lucky as it was the same colored horse, which I have dreamt about to carry my princess.

I felt so happy and walked towards the horse rider who was standing opposite to me. Meanwhile I heard a very pleasing voice which belongs to me. My Maya’s voice, she was talking to a kid there. She told me her answer even before I proposed her. Yeah!! She was wearing the saree which I have gifted her during my first proposalJ . I was so glad and was on cloud nine. She looked so gorgeous in that saree. She plaited her hair and was having flowers on it. She tied saree such neatly that no one can replace her beauty in the world. She had very light makeup as she was so beautiful naturally. She was holding a silver color clutches in her hand. She was just AMAZING!!! Again her smile totally took me to a different world and I was so flattered.

I heard Maya shouting my name loud and trying to indicate me something; I didn’t understand her actions first. I turned to the direction she showed her hands. A fully loaded truck was approaching towards me; I closed my eyes and felt numb for a while. I don’t remember what happen next.

After few moments I was finding tough to open my eyes, after trying hard I could see a blur picture of Maya sitting on the middle of the road with someone on her lap. My temper rose by the view. With anger I started approaching towards her, the person was bleeding. I moved much closer. The guy was well built and looked similar to me. With confusion of who being laid on my Maya’s lap, I moved closer and closer.

It was none other than ME. My heart started pounding at speed of light. My eyes could not synchronize with my mind. I was completely baffled.

Maya was holding my head and crying these words “Please don’t let me alone Rohan. Please come back. I want you Rohan. I love you and I don’t want to miss you”. She was repeating the same “Please don’t leave me” and crying. I took my hands to wipe her tears but someone behind her placed their hand on her shoulder and said “He is NOMORE”. She shouted, “Rohan I won’t let you go!!” I wiped her tears to prove their statement is wrong and to make her feel better. I was shocked that my hands were not able to sense her cheeks and I was not able to convey my words to her. I then realized am just a soul now.

The Truck had hit me so hard that in fraction of seconds I had lost my breath. But my heart was still beating for her. Looking at Maya’s words I whispered,

 I can't lose you Maya. Because if I ever did, I'd have lost my best friend, my soul mate, my smile, my laugh, my everything♥ I love You Maya, You are the ONE I need!

But to my fate she could not hear me ………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

PRESENT: (6 years passed)

The kid came near the lady and handed over a yellow flower which he plucked from nearby. She got the flowers in hands and wiped a drop of tear coming out of her left eye with her left hand.

“Mamma won’t you like YELLOW flowers??” The lady kissed the baby and said, “I do”. The kid then asked her “Mommy why do we come to this place every day??” She replied “This is where your dad lives”. The lady is none other than my Maya and the Kid is the symbol of OUR LOVE……..

“It’s hard when you miss someone but the hardest is to realize you can’t do anything about it”

You are the ONE ! ...Part 3

Part one --->Part One Link

Part Two --->Part Two Link


I opened the door and was surprised to find the room to be EMPTY. I called her name but no response. I heard some noise and I turned to that direction; she opened the bathroom door and came out. I smiled at her and she responded with an artificial smile.

Me: Here!!! Your coffee Maya!!

Maya: Thanks!!

Me: I thought not to disturb you. So I made coffee myself. Please bare it J

(Silence…………….no response from her)

Me: are you ok??

Maya: yeah!!!

 I understood that she is not comfortable talking to me. So I left her alone in the room. I sat on my balcony, sipping my coffee and listen to the song playing on TV in the hall. I was wondering about the way she behaved last night. The person she has turned to be, opposite of MY MAYA. After some time she came towards me.

Maya: Thanks and sorry for yesterday!!

Me: That’s ok Maya!!

(“What had happened??” was the question running in my mind. I hesitated to ask her, but it was now or never)

Me: Why??

Maya: What does that mean??

Me: I mean why this change Maya?? You are totally changed and from when you started consuming alcohol? Which you hated the most

Maya: It’s my second time.

I expected that she will talk ahead but she stopped with that. I didn’t want to annoy her anymore by asking questions so I moved on. I prepared breakfast for us and placed it on the dining. I prepared bread omelet, which is her favorite breakfast dish. We started eating but still none of us said anything. After a while she broken the silence,

Maya: He cheated on me. It was on our anniversary last year, when I came to know that. I asked him and he replied that he and Shruthi were in relationship since one and half year. I saw them together yesterday near my home, they both were happy together. He didn’t love me; it’s the money all he wanted.  We both got divorced last month. I am all broken now.

Tears dropped from her eyes as she was telling all these to me. Even I felt like killing him for cheating a woman, but already they both got separated and ended up the issue, so there was no point in digging it further.

I consoled her as much as I could until she stopped crying. It answered all my questions. Of course, she had stopped expressing her feelings, but I could make out deep within she was suffering. After few minutes, she said “Am leaving. Thanks and sorry again”. Her dress was so dirty and spoiled, so I asked her to change it before she goes out. I offered her the saree, which she ignored when I gifted her during my proposal. But what else I can give; I only had that dress in my home which a gal can wear. She didn’t replied for a minute and then she said

Maya: its ok I can manage, bye.

She ignored it once again. I don’t want to compel her, so said bye and she left hiring a taxi to her home.

Days passed by and again the pain inside me has increased and I was totally disturbed in everything. It was only MAYA running in my mind. I started searching for her in that big city. I got to know that she is staying in her guest house all alone and its only 30mins from my place. What else I want?? JI didn’t get her phone number, as she recently changed her number to avoid unnecessary contacts (not me but her ex-husband). Though I knew where she is staying, I didn’t wish to disturb her going in there.

After 1 week, we met in our common friend’s reception. I had insisted Gautam to invite her. I knew that she would not refuse his invitation as both of them had brother-sister relation. She came after some half an hour late as per the scheduled timing. I was again out of my mind lost in her beauty. The lights in that hotel were not as shining as the glow on her face. She looked gorgeous and stunning in green saree. Meanwhile Varun took me aside. When I came back, she was not there, I started searching for her and at last found her walking towards the lift and as usual I ran behind her. We both headed into the lift and this time it was not crowded but she looked more tensed than I saw her on lift in college. She was keeping on pressing a button and getting more tensed. I looked at that and started laughing.

Maya: what makes you to laugh now??

I interrupted her and pressed G button. Later she realized that she was pressing the same floor numbered button that’s why it wasn’t working. She just smiled at her act. “OH, God”, I said to myself. It was her smile for which I would even choose death, just to have one glimpse.  Then we walked to the parking area. It was few distant from the hotel. The path was empty, since there was no one around. It had trees on both sides designed with some blue lights on it. We didn’t have any conversation for five minutes. I couldn’t resist this time and broke the silence.

Me: why were you so tensed then??

Maya: Someone told me that they (ex and Shruthi) are getting married next month. I couldn’t bear that so I left. I don’t want to hear anything about him anymore but it’s happening in the other way round. I just hate to come out of my room. I don’t like anyone. I just got frustrated with all these bull shits!!!(She stopped shouting all these and seemed so tensed and depressed)

I went near her, took her hands and covered it with mine. Looking into her eyes I said,

Me: Maya listen to me; He doesn’t deserve your love. I could say he is really unlucky for losing you from his life.  You are unique Maya. You are YOU!!!  Don’t lose that. I loved you because of that. People liked you because of that. Don’t change yourself for the one who don’t even deserve your happiness. Then why are you grieving about him.

She stopped crying and she took her eyes from mine, started looking far away. I realized that am holding her hands still; I took mine from her telling “Sorry if I told something wrong”. She didn’t reply a word and left the place, driving her car.

Next day morning I got a message from an unknown number stated,

“Hi Rohan, Thanks for your advice last night and AM ME from NOW ON!!J”

I was so surprised to see the message. I was so happy, to be frank it’s not only her who changed but even I got back all my hopes on her.

We again started chatting, stepped to overnight calls and this time she agreed to hang out with me whenever I ask. Initially she used to resist but eventually she become close. We became so close and by the way my love on her started increasing too. She had actually started sharing everything with me. We used to talk everything but apart from our past.

Six months passed…..

She had started smiling. She had started to mingle among people. We usually used to meet on weekends. She had stopped thinking about her past. She was alive now. Once she insisted me to take her to her village (where she had born and bought up). Maya was happy now, so was I.

I wasn’t happy because I loved Maya, but she was happy because of me.

My love on Maya was unconditional now. I never dared to speak about it with her. But one fine day she asked me,

Maya: Do you still Love me?

(I was totally confused what to answer. What if my answer spoils our friendship?)

Me: I was silent.

Maya: Rohan, I don’t know your answer. But please don’t have any feelings for me. I am having wonderful moments with you. My life is already ruined. Don’t let that happen with you. I like you, I care for you.

Maya’s words tortured me for few days. “Does she mean, she care for me but doesn’t love me”, was the thought bothering me.

Few days passed…..

I had decided what so ever this time I am not going to lose her. I had stopped thinking and decided to be her friend forever. It was her 1^st July evening, next day was her birthday. I had arranged for a surprise for her. I insisted her to come to disco.

Maya had realized the surprise and was happy. She came late purposely so that I can arrange everything for her.

We danced, celebrated her birthday. Gautam (along with his wife), varun, Priya (Maya’s friend) and few more close friends were present. All of us enjoyed the night.

Maya had consumed Whisky. This time no body stopped her from drinking as she was drinking in happiness. So even I didn’t have any problem. After some four pegs, she lost her senses. Everyone else was not as buzzed as Maya. All departed from the place.

Maya: Can you escort me till my home, Rohan?

Even if she had not asked, I wound accompany her.

We both left to her house. I parked my car near the Pub and making her comfortable in front seat I drove her car.

Maya: I am happy Rohan, I am great full to you. Without you I could never be happy the way I am.

She was completely buzzed now. She was repeating the same words. I tried to fall her asleep but she refused. She would just say “I am Fine!”  I knew the exact meaning of that word. Courtesy to my alcohol addicted friends. I was used to it.

Finally we reached her society area. I parked her car and supported her arms around my shoulder. Holding my left arm around her hip, we reached her apartment.

The room was dark and without switching on the lights, we went to her room. It was more messed than a guy’s room. Everything was placed on her bed. Clothes, shoes, laptop!

It took me five minutes to clean it up. I laid her down and was about to cover her with blanket, suddenly she grabbed my hand.

Maya: I am sorry, Rohan. I didn’t realize your love in College.

Me: It’s okay. Now sleep.

Maya: Please don’t leave me this time. I need you.

Silence for few moments…

I took her hands in mine and said, “I would never-ever leave her!”

She came close me. So close that she hugged me and said, Thank you.

Suddenly the power went off. She had inverter which provided orange colored brightness. The roof was glowing because of the Fluorescent star stickers. I was sitting on her bed facing her face. Though we were in her room, the surrounding seamed romantic.  I was again lost in her beauty. Though she was drunk she was looking gorgeous.

She was smiling meanwhile; she closed her eyes and leaned towards me. I realized she wanted to KISS ME. Now I could sense her breath. My heart had stopped. I was feeling as if the earth has stopped revolving. I had never imagined this moment, not even in my dreams. Too many things were bothering me. I was confused.

“The other day she had mentioned she didn’t have any feelings for me.”

“When she has no feelings for me, what was this?”

She suddenly tilted her head to the right and came much closer. I was inhaling her breath, which had strange fragrance. Her lips touched mine. I could taste the strawberry (flavored lipstick). I hated strawberry but feeling it from her lips, I started to have second thoughts about strawberry. My mouth had completely filled water now. I closed my eyes…….

Continued …….
Final Part Link--->Click here

You are the ONE!! -PART 2

Link for Part 1----> -> Part1

                                                                       

FlashBack:

It was after one week of my college life when I saw Maya. I was in canteen having cup of coffee with my new friends. She was with gang of girls walking towards the trinity, a place in our college with 3 separate halls (1 as temple, 1 as church and other as mosque). They were heading towards the temple. She was wearing white salwar with some green embroided flowers on it. It was not about the dress which I flattered but the beauty on her face. I was staring at her that I forgot to notice that my cup became empty. Not only me but, even my friends were staring at her.

Days passed by, but her image flashes on my mind often.  I didn’t mind that though. It was 3^rd semester model exams, I and varun, one of my close buddy in college were heading to the exam hall.

We checked with our exam seat numbers.

Varun: Shit!! Its again 7^th floor man L

Me: Its ok will take lift buddy J

We both boarded the lift. And it was crowdedL. I was standing near the door as we were the last to board; I pressed the close button of the lift. 

The doors were about to get closed. Suddenly, beautiful hands interrupted it; the sound made by pink colored bangles in her hand grabbed everyone’s attention. She was tensed and was holding book in one hand. She didn’t even noticed anyone, she just peeped in the lift. She was the same girl whom I had seen on the other day. She was wearing pink salwar and with matching accessories. Her hair was long and neatly tied. She looked innocent and all the guys inside lift were stunned in her beauty. She was so involved in studies that she didn’t bother about anyone and continued reading her book (typical gal preparing for exam).

She looked up on the display in lift showing “4” and started shouting “STOP!! STOP!!” she had to get down in 4^th floor but unfortunately she forgot to press on the button once she boarded and no one else belonged to that floor.  Everyone in the lift started laughing at her reaction, including me. She got so embarrassed and the lift stopped at 6^th floor. She stepped out and was running towards the staircase. I was behind her forgetting about everything. And my friend was behind me, shouting my name, to get me back to the real. She reached her exam hall and the invigilator there asked me to show my hall ticket. That’s when my friend interrupted and said “Sorry sir we are in the wrong floor”. I got my senses back and we both headed towards the hall. We were late for 10mins.

From that day, her memories hadn’t stopped flashing in my mind and I was out of my senses. I got less marks in that semester and it didn’t bother me anyways. I started following her daily. But I wasn’t visible to her eyes as she had some other goals to look at. I don’t know how in the hell I got serious about her, that my best friends started pushing me to step forward to propose her.

“Guys are not scared of sky diving, bungee jumping not even to get caught with principle for teasing him from behind but the only hardest part to face by every guy is-proposing your love, so was mine”. I tried proposing her many times and ended up with nothing but failure. Either she will be surrounded by her friends or I used to get lost in her beauty that, I forgot I had to propose her.

3 years passed by and we had placement training at the end of 6^th semester. It was 7 days training and that 7 days were my HEAVEN DAYS. In this training all the department will be mixed up and then separated into batches. That is the only good thing our college people did for us especially for guys to get mingled with other department girls. And yeah---- I and Maya were in the same batch. I was sitting next to her as I came late for the first day session.

“Oh man what else you need other than this!!!!! Was this luck or fate??? either way I was happy “.

We started talking to each other not by willing but because we had to.  I used to find every reason to talk with her and for every doubts I ask, she used to reply and explain things patiently. That is the BEST part in her. By the end of the training we both became good friends and our friendship grown gradually. Starting with the messages, we reached till the overnight calls but we never hanged out, as she doesn’t like to.

“She doesn’t like to hang out???” was the question asked by every friend of mine.

“You didn’t impress her much I guess. That’s why she is hesitating to come out with you buddy. Why can’t you try talking something deep?? Might be she expects that!!” the worst advice given by one of my friend and roommate, which ended up in a fight that lasted for one month.

Slowly I made up her mind to believe me that am good enough to be friend, by giving many gifts which almost emptied my pocket as well as my roommate’s(because he was the root cause of problems right???).  Our friendship continued to be normal but I felt guilty as there were some more feelings hiding inside which she didn’t know. I was not able to move things normally with her as it used to disturb me a lot.

“Why are you beating around the bush my boy?? Why can’t you just go and tell her straight away. Just make a decision and get rid of these stupid feelings” said varun.

I agreed with him and decided to do the same. It was September 25, I decided to propose her so I called her actually I begged her from September 1 to come out with me. I asked her to wait in a restaurant and I have arranged for a dinner @ 8PM.

It was raining that day, and I was 10mins late. She was waiting for me patiently. I asked the waiter to deliver a cake exactly after 15mins on which “You are the ONE, MAYA!!!” words were written.

I reached the table and we both exchanged smiles. She asked me “What’s up??” I was so nervous that I couldn’t come up with any words. Sipping her water glass she said, “Nice restaurant. I haven’t been here.” Silence maintained. “Are we waiting for someone Rohan??” this time I broke my silence and gathered my strength to reply.

I was about to speak but waiter interrupted saying, “Your cake sir!!” He smiled at me and I was staring at him. Meanwhile she saw the cake and was in some unpredictable reaction. Sometimes it’s hard to understand girl’s reaction. Before she could react, I pulled the gift out of my bag and placed it in front of her. It was a rose, a greeting card with a poem written by me and a saree. I said “I love you MAYA and you are the…….”

Before I could say something else, somebody called her name from behind and I got interrupted and we both looked there, it was a guy dressed in casuals with some hair spikes and looking like a roadside Romeo but yeah I had to admit, he was handsome.

She turned towards me and her face turned to be pink and all of a sudden she pushed all my gifts down and pretended as if she was done that by mistake. I have no clue about her actions. The guy came near our table and she was collecting what she has dropped down. She stood up and said,

“Sorry Rohan I dropped it down by mistake. But your gifts are awesome. Am sure Shruthi will like this. Ok you wait here for her and am leaving with my BOY FRIEND!!....................” she continued talking but I couldn’t hear anything after the word BOY FRIEND. She left from there after her dramas.

My heart was broken and I was out of my mind. I started visiting pubs, as I had no other choice than that. I was in dilemma for so many days as I didn’t find any reason why she had hidden the matter from me. She never messaged me from then and I called her after one month but her cellphone was switched off. One of our common friends told me that, her phone was stolen and she was not using mobile.

I knew it was a lie but I had to accept it as bitter truth. Later I saw her in many places but she used to hide from my eye sight which I have noticed. Even I pretended like I didn’t notice her. Because, it was all about her HAPPINESS which I was bothered.

Years passed by, and she got married to the same guy. I got to know they were living happily and got settled in London. I lost my hope of seeing her and making her fall in love with me. I knew it was all over now!!!

But still I was not able to get rid of her memories and my feelings on her. I still love her, which made an immense pain inside that I was not able to overcome by.

                                                                                                *******

I don’t know how I slept after remembering all my past, when I woke up it was 11AM. I saw her still sleeping and I was in no mood to disturb her as I know her favorite hobby is sleeping.

I made coffee for both and walked to the room with the coffee mug to serve her hot, because she loves BED COFFEE.

I opened the door and was surprised to found the room to be EMPTY………

                                  Part 3 Link Part 3

You are the ONE!! -Part 1

PRESENT:

It is another beautiful day, the sun is about to settle down. The sky covered with orange color bedspread and the wind blowing so mildly which turns out to be romantic. I am standing on the top of a mountain admiring these beautiful creation of GOD almighty.

OH MY!!!!! “A Pretty gal”, dressed in brown color saree with white stripes on it. The saree had lilly flowers designed at the bottom of it, which swings while she walks. She had groomed well with light shaded lipstick and hair long enough to touch her hip, not only gals but even guys would be jealous about silky smooth hair. Dove shaped eyes with perfectly trimmed eyebrows above it. She wasn't wearing any jewels but she looked so elegant and gorgeous carrying simple accessories.

A kid, around 5 years old came running from my back making some playful noise and I turned back to see him. All of a sudden he crossed me, running fast towards the pretty gal and stood next to her.  The Damn cute kid was being naught with his mother. Both of them  standing in front of me looking at the mountains around. I was staring at her unconditionally as I could not take off my eyes from her. The kid held his mother's beautiful hand for some time and later, as he got bored with the nature, he said “Mummy Lets Go!!”.  She pretends as if she didn’t hear anything and the kid keeps on repeating the same.

I turned from her, looking at the mountains, I remembered my past……………..

PAST:

It was Friday 6PM, I was trying to fix up the bugs in program as early as possible since it was Gautam’ s party tonight. Gautam, one of my best buddy from childhood who was going to get slaughtered by the holy name called “MARRIAGE”. It was so surprise for our gang since gautam (alias) Play boy of our group was going to get married first.

I was so happy that my work is going to end so soon and am going to meet my old friends tonight. My manager was approaching towards me. Just like other managers who troubles at the weekend, is the same my manager too. I understood something worst gonna happen as he smiled at me.

“Hi Rohan” said Manager

In order to end up the conversation I said “I have sent you the report” and put my head down

“Yeah I saw it. It was perfect. But you know what; the client has sent the wrong data so we need to create a new report. Since u already done the old one, I guess it won’t be difficult for you to make the same with new data and it will be great if you complete it before EOD”

What the hell!! I said to myself.  “NO Boss!! I can’t do it. I have a life to live and its Friday night. How dare you come and ask me this now” I wish I could tell him this reply, But that is why I was fired from my previous company. When I was searching for a reason to escape,

My mobile started ringing and it was gautam. I cannot tell him any excuses this time as I already told him many. I was in a middle of ocean without boat to sail in either direction. Seeing my reaction my manager asked me, “What’s wrong Rohan?? Why are you tensed??Is something wrong??” His question was like a light house which showed me a way for my answer.

Bingo! My brilliant mind came up with an idea. As I had already killed few of my relatives to escape from work, (Guess everybody has done that!) Now it is Gautam’s turn.

Making a dull face expression I said, “My friend Gautam had an accident and he is in critical condition”

“Oh so Sad!” manager said.

Taking advantage of manager’s sympathy towards Gautam I said, “His last wish is to meet all his friends”

“Oh yeah! He must be suffering a lot. You should go and meet him. Don’t worry about the work, I can ask Suresh to complete it”. Saying so, he patted on my shoulders to control my emotions and left the place.

I was surprised thinking, how in hell the dumbest idea worked for me. Anyways I cared least and escaped out of office ASAP(as soon as possible).

It was dark and music was loud. Gautam was sitting on cushion couch, beside him was Uday; sipping his orange juice. I wonder about uday, though he had mischievous friends like us he never had a habit of boozing.

I joined them and we all three were laughing loud on remembering our old days. I asked Gautam , “Can we order food”, I was starving. “We haven’t started the party yet, Dude”, Gautam said.  I frowned!

Looking at my face Gautam said that he is waiting for his brother-in-law and his friends. “As soon as they join, we can think of dinner”.

I and Gautam had finished two mugs of beer already. It was then his brother-in-law and his friends arrived.

Gautam introduced me to his brother-in-law, Ganesh and few of his friends. As they were waiting for few more friends of Ganesh, I thought I will have a break :P. When I came back, Ganesh said “This is my friend Vikram”. My jaws dropped. I said to myself Why in the hell such things happen to me! Damn! Vikram was none other than my new manager L  . Vikram gave a devil smile as if he had won some wrestling match.

“So, Gautam is in ICU” said Vikram sarcastically. With a surprised face everyone turned around us. Vikram explained the silly excuse that I had made and started laughing.

After few more drinks I headed up to rest room. I saw a lady sitting near bar tender. She had boy cut and was fair. She was wearing black color cocktail dress. She also had scarf tied to her neck. Her back was completely exposed and she was looking sexy in such outfit.

I don’t know why I was interested in her and headed towards her. She was completely drunk and was arguing with bar tender. Her voice seemed familiar to me, now my guts was saying somehow I knew her. I hadn’t seen her face yet. I went closer so that I could see her face properly.

I was shocked. My eyes were saying it’s her, but my heart denied it. My mind was battled and I approached much more closely so that I could hear her properly.

I was still confused and my heart said she can’t be “Maya”, the only girl I ever loved. I couldn’t control myself and called her Maya! Just to confirm. She pulled her head up and screamed “Get lost, I am not Maya” Everyone around heard it and started staring at me. I was stunned looking at everyone. It was a usual situation in pubs like this. The bar tender approached towards me and apologized for her behaviors. He asked me that do I know her. I replied, yes!

He then said please give the details of her resident so that Pub people can escort her till her resident safely as she was in no condition to go alone.

I was still recovering from the shock I was in.

 “Maya, Look at me, I am Rohan”, I said.

She didn’t reply but hugged me suddenly. I always wished her in my arms since my graduation, but now the situation currently was different. I checked her purse so that I could get any information regarding her residence. I found nothing. I thought, first I have to take her out of the pub else she would be thrown out of the pub.

Not having a clue what to do next, I decided to take her to my home. With the help of waiter I pulled her to my car and without informing Gautam that I was leaving, I left the place.  She was murmuring something; I wasn’t able to know what she wanted to tell.

We reached home and I put her on my bed, She grabbed my hand and said “Please, Rohan don’t leave me!” The words stabbed my heart. I took her hand in my hands and caressing her hair I said, “Sleep now”.

After some time, I settled down myself in hall. I switched on TV as I could not able to sleep. I found no interesting shows on TV as it is already 1AM. I closed my eyes remembering beautiful days of my life around Maya.

Maya was my classmate and one among the topper in our college. She was most decent and innocent girl in our class. A very down to earth person and kind hearted. She never hurts people and never ever talked harshly to anyone. My Most Beautiful Girl and she is the only reason that I live on earth J

It was after one week of my college life when I met Maya……………………………

                                                       Continued in  Part 2--->

MARIYODH MARTHBITTE...FORGOT TO FORGET!

I was lying on bed; my eyes partly open giving perfect example of late night sleep. I had no intension of getting out of bed, after all it was Saturday. Suddenly my phone started vibrating. Oh god! Whenever I want to sleep some or other is going to disturb. It was “Bloody Kiran”.  Kiran was my high school friend who had shifted to Bangalore recently. He had curly hairs and dimple on his left cheek which made him attractive. Though he was short, it’s because of his perfectly build body and fair complexion, girls used to fall for him. His shoulders were broad and in slim-fit T-shirt, one could see the packs of his body. In simple words he was “Mr. Handsome” and I envied him.

I had to receive the call; else he would keep on calling. I asked him, “What in world was so important that made you to call me in the early morning that too on SATURDAY!”

 “I have two tickets for Simpleag ond Love Story”, said Kiran and asked me get ready ASAP and reach Mantri Mall.

I was happy as I was waiting for the movie since six months. I had watched the trailers and decided what so ever, I have to watch this movie.

It was around 11:20 am and I reached the mall. The movie was at 12:00 noon. We thought we could have some breakfast before entering the cinema hall. We had burger in Mac Donald’s and headed towards cinema hall. Kiran and I had a habit of rating pretty girls around. Kiran saw a blond foreigner and tilted my head towards her. She was fair, tall and wearing pink mini skirt with white sleeveless T-Shirt.  She was having high heels which made her walk so elegant that not just me and Kiran, but all the guys around were staring at her. She was approaching towards us. My jaws dropped. Kiran and I could not take our eyes from her. Our Head was rotating at the same pace of her walk. I muttered “Eight”. Kiran was astonished and said no way! Not less than 9.5. The foreigner turned around. She overheard Kiran and smiled at him.

What the HELL!! , I said to myself. I punched him on his right shoulders showing my jealousy. Anyways it was usual to him. We still had 15 minutes left for the show, so decided to stay near entrance.

An average height, fair complexion girl was entering cinema hall. My eyes caught her. She was slim and trim. Her black hairs were perfectly combed into different carved strands. She had also covered her fore head with a front cut. She had wide lips and small black mole on her left corner chin. Small golden colored stud added up her prettiness. She was wearing a white Salwar and saffron colored dupatta with flowers designed on it. Her walk was perfect with matching footwear. Her appearance was simple with innocence on her face. Totally she looked gorgeous. 

I was stunned by her simplicity!  

 “Perfect 10 Dude!” I said to Kiran and directed him towards her.

I was expecting him to agree with me. I prayed to god that even she should head towards the same hall as we were, so that I can see her again.

I saw a tall guy with Indian complexion headed towards the cinema hall. He had tickets in his hand. Oh GOD! My dreams were crushed; my eyes denied what I saw next. The girl was accompanied by this guy. He was not as handsome as me. At least that’s what I felt.

I turned towards Kiran. He was staring at her. All of sudden he got upset. I wasn’t sure for what he was grieving about. In fact I was shocked to see him like that. I always seen him happy and he love to make people around him to happy.

“What happen?” I asked him. He turned to me and covered his eyes with his hands to wash out the tears.

Kiran said, “Let’s go back”. I was puzzled. I argued regarding the movie plan. He put his head down in thoughts. Looking at that, I figured, this wasn’t the proper time to fight but to do according to his wish. He was depressed about something after all.

I took him to food court, we sat facing each other.

For next ten minutes, we both had not discussed a word. I was trying to make my thoughts clear. I had too many question in mind. I wanted to ask him but didn’t know in what context. Finally Kiran broke the silence and started speaking.

“The girl you just saw is Priya and guy name is Amit”, said Kiran. I had guessed it. Priya was the girl whom Kiran loved. I did not know the story as he always used to divert the topic and never used to talk about her. I knew it would hurt him so never bothered to ask either. I and he had completed our engineering in different cities.

It was my 5^th day in college, said Kiran. Kiran started narrating.

~~~~~~FLASH BLACK~~~~~~

I was sitting at the last seat in college bus. As I was a fresher, I was not supposed to accommodate any front seat. I was looking towards students stepping into bus. I saw Priya, she was wearing a pink salwar. She was simple and her hair was tied with a ponytail. She was carrying a note book in her left hand and was struggling to climb the bus entrance steps as there was mire in between. I stood up to see her properly. I saw Amit extending his hands to help her. Amit was my roommate. He was from Bombay and he came to Bangalore to do his engineering. I felt jealous of Amit, as he was more handsome then.

The days passed by!

After few days I came to know that Priya was our immediate senior. As it was just attraction I was not much bothered to dig into her details. I moved on with my own life.

Two years passed!! I and Amit had become close friends; meanwhile Priya had become good friend of Amit. Amit has good fame in our college. Being an all-rounder, he had advantage of knowing girls. He was friendly with all people around. He had loved a girl and was also in relation with her during his high school days.

One day Amit came to me and asked me about a mini-project. I was good in computers stuff. In other words I was a GEEK. We were in third year of engineering and Priya was in her final year. Amit asked me to help Priya. I had never mentioned the first incident about Priya with Amit. He might laugh at me. Amit always used to share his daily activities with me. So I knew about Priya. I had done the same project as internship so forwarded the details to her through Amit. 

About a week later I got a call from an unknown number, it was Priya and she wanted some clarification. That is how I got her contact number. We started chatting. Months passed and we became good friends.

Priya was simple girl with bubbly character. She was a day dreaming girl. Always lost in her dreams but never had courage to fulfill them. Though she was in different grade, she treated me as her close buddy and sometimes also invited me for lunch at her home. She was a great cook and wanted to be a chef.

DIWALI!

It was October, We had some four days holidays and most of the hostelites had planned to visit their native places. Even I had plans as exams were scheduled next month. I was going home and had booked a seat in a normal bus as the price was doubled during festival. It was 12:30 am and the bus had pick up point from Tumkur. I was youngest in the bus; each passenger was either a corporate employee or some married couple.

The co-driver of bus came to me and said a lady had missed the bus. As it was the last bus and also had one vacancy in last row, He asked whether I could shift to last seat so that the lady can have my seat. I saw the lady standing near the door. The lady was around 28 years of age and was tensed since it was late night. Like a gentleman I agreed and switched to other seat.

It was around 3am and due to the horrible road, I didn’t get sleep. I was prompted by the people sitting in last row to fight against the lady and get back my original seat so that at least I can have good sleep. I got tempted and argued with lady. As the seat was booked for me, even the co-driver could not help her. I got my seat back and with pleasure of victory I slept off.

BACK TO COLLEGE!

It was 9am, and I was already late to the exam hall. I had lab exam that day. I rushed towards department. I had forgotten my lab coat and on the way, my friend warned me about our HOD (Head of Department) kicking us out of LAB if in case we don’t have lab coat. I got worried and grabbed one dirty lab coat from a junior class. This was my usual routine.

I was 15 minutes late and stood at hall entrance. Our HOD and external examiner was facing their back towards me. I asked permission to get inside. HOD turned towards and gave a sarcastic smile. He cracked a joke “Ba pa raja ba, nin manne ne iddu!” (You can come inside, as you are a celebrity). Everyone in hall started laughing at me. I put my head down with embarrassment and stepped inside. What else can go wrong now! That’s what I was thinking. With giggling sound the external examiner turned towards me and gave a devil smile! OH SHIT! I stood like a statue. I could not think anything else other than cursing GOD for bringing out such situation. The external examiner was none other than the lady with whom I had fought in bus.

I crossed my fingers for good luck. I made up my mind and started doing my practical exam.

I still wonder how I passed the exam.

THE DAY I REALIZED!

It was 8 in the morning and had final theory exam at 9. I was sitting in my room alone recalling what all I had studied. I got a message from Amit stating “Priya had an accident”. Some unknown feeling occupied me. I was shivering. I stood up from my chair and started dialing numbers. Priya’s cell phone was ringing but no one was receiving the call. My tension rose. I felt in such a way that I have lost everything in my life. I was getting negative thoughts about the situation. “What if Priya was injured seriously? What if something happens to her? Will I ever be able to meet her again?” My thoughts were haunting me. I called to her number many times, but did not get any response. Now I was horrified.

I called Amit to clarify. The news he shared relieved me. It was not the Priya whom I was assuming to be, but our batch mate. She had a minor injury and was fine. I thanked god! Though I should be sad about my classmate, I had a strange happy feeling for Priya being safe. That evening, I got a message from Priya asking what the matter was. I called her back and yelled at her. She was shocked and was trying to calm me down. I don’t know the reason of why I reacted so.

It was that day I realized, I was in “LOVE” with her. It was surprising for me. I never had wished this, but it was too late now. I could not write my other exams properly. But anyways I wasn’t worried about my exam. I was worried about Priya. I spent many nights and days thinking about it. I came up with a brilliant idea at last “IGNORE HER”. She was my senior after all. Sometimes what we assume to be an escape route, turns out be a dead end.

One day she called me and asked the reason behind ignoring her. I tried to give some random excuses but she insisted me to tell the truth. I gathered my courage and told her that I have feelings for her. She handled the situation carefully. She said ignoring her won’t help and requested me to be the same close friend as I was before.

That day was my happiest day in life. Priya wasn’t angry knowing I love her, which meant she also have some feelings for me. Priya was smart enough that she had neither accepted nor denied my proposal.

We continued being close friends but now the frequency of meeting and spending over night calls had increased. She always asked me not to discuss about the proposal to any of my friends not even with Amit. I had assumed that she was being shy and avoid unnecessary rumors in college as she was a senior to me.

Her major project had won the best project award and she wanted this to be celebrated with me as that was my project basically.

It was 3 in the noon and she asked to come to cinema hall near her house. She said, she had planned everything and I just have to obey her. We watched a romantic movie; she had cooked my favorite dish. We were spending time together alone without any disturbances, as her parents were out of town. I was in a different world then.

It was 11pm and I asked her permission to go back to my hostel. She insisted me to stay for another half an hour. I had no problem staying the whole night with her. We were sitting on swing in her backyard garden along with the melody songs playing in her MP3 player. She played her favorite songs and asked me to listen to that enjoying the moment.

It was a full moon night. Moon was bright enough that we could see each other. The clouds were steadily covering the moon half. It formed a shadow on my face but moon resisted to do the same in Priya’s face. Even the moon did not wish to lose the sight of her. It was cold and the wind was also in the romantic mood I guess. Priya was wearing white dress. For a while I felt it wasn’t the moon light brightness but the brightness reflected from her face made the surrounding so beautiful that I had lost my self.

I stopped looking at the moon and started melting in the beauty of the moon which was sitting beside me. She looked at me and gave a stunning smile, which was more than enough to fall for her. I winked at her asking, “Is it a dream?” With a surprised look she asked me the reason behind my question. I replied, “I am seeing an angel beside me”. She blushed. I thought it was time for me to kiss her. My mind was playing a dual role. Good part was saying “Don’t do that” but the bad part insisting “don’t miss the golden chance man!!” My mind obeyed with the bad part. She was facing towards me. Our eyes were stick to each other’s and my eyes denied my mind’s order to look away from her. I was about to kiss her and she suddenly turned her face towards moon moving away from me. I realized I lost my control and tried to come back to normal. But I lose my control again, as she came close to me again. She took my hands and covered my palm with hers. She relaxed her head on my shoulder. It was more pleasing than a kiss. I felt I was in heaven.

The night passed and I could not get sleep for the next week thinking about the day we spent. Days passed and our final exams were approaching. I got busy in exams and couldn’t find time to talk properly with her. It took almost a month for my exams to complete. She had asked me not to call her as it would disturb my exam. My exams got over and I was waiting to hear her voice. I came to room and dialed her number first. It was switched off.

I tried to contact her again and again. I also tried to get in touch with her on Facebook, but she was inactive. I also had dropped thousand mails but got no reply.

I even tried to get information from Amit, even he was not in touch with her. I was frustrated with too many questions running on my mind, but always assumed there must be some valid reason behind my suffering. I was hurt. My heart was scattered but still was having a hope. I used to dial her number at least 50 times a day but all were in vain. I couldn’t control my feelings and started consuming alcohol. I had lost my focus on my studies and everything else.

Months passed. I didn’t get any reply from her. One day I came to know that she and her family had shifted to another city. I lost hopes.

DOOMSDAY!

I was in final year. One day I got a mail from Priya. I was on cloud nine to her name displaying on my inbox screen. I opened the mail expecting something good from her.

Hi,

I hope you are doing well. I am sorry that I left the city uninformed. I am doing great here. I need a favor from you. Please never tell Amit that you had feelings for me. I and Amit are in relationship since past 6 months. I am sorry about that night; hope it doesn’t spoil our FRIENDSHIP. I always treated you as my good friend and you are still the same. I didn’t contact you as Amit doesn’t want me to be in touch with any of our college guys since it might create some problem. That is also the reason why I left the city uninformed. Hope you understand.

Thanks & Goodbye.

That was the last time I heard from her. I still don’t know was it a love or just a friendship that I have for her. She is one person whom I can never forget.

I don’t blame her for anything just because she was more truthful to me.

“She is a beautiful pain in my life, which I always love to have”

~~~~~~~~

Kiran eyes were moist, so did mine. We both sat quite for a while. I stood up and took my wallet out. Wiping out his tears he told me “sorry!! We missed the movie” I ignored his statement and Searched for 500rs note and gave it to him. He was surprised and before he could fire a question,

I said, “I saw a much more beautiful and romantic love story than those inside theater!”

 It was 4pm and people around us were waiting for us to empty the place, so that they can have their food. We stood up and headed towards the exit. Kiran told me to wait so that he can freshen up. I asked why?

He said, “DUDE! Girls might not look at you, but they do to me!!”

Both laughed and came out of mall.

“It’s hard to take a role in someone's life when you're not even the part of script” 

Courtesy: DEEPIKA.M.A and an anonymous person who asked to write.