'And I'd choose you... in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I'd find you and choose you' - Kiersten White
' Dear Sid,
I miss you.... I write this every time, but this yearning hasn't lessened a bit in the past 10...
" Sid, did you sleep properly yesterday?" Abhishek was up, and propped against the headboard of his head. Siddharth was sitting on a chair, near the bed at a respectable distance. They were wary of the family.
" Yes.... what about you??" He asked, while peeling an apple. Abhishek was lost, ardently gazing him at his work. He was happy. Never had he thought that when he would fall ill, Siddharth, of all the people would peel and slice fruits for him. Siddharth never did that, even for himself! He (Siddharth) was too lazy at times..
" Abhi..... I was telling you that our friends wil come today to visit you... What are you thinking? " Siddharth looked away from the apple. Suddenly, Abhishek had an idea. " Sweetheart.... After my leg heals... let's go on a little trip. Somewhere far away..., quiet and peaceful.." He was smiling all along. Siddharth smirked and whispered in a sensual tone:
" I think that's a good idea..... I can have you all to myself...." Abhishek winked at him. The prospect was too good.
It was eleven in the morning and surprisingly, Mr Mehta was at home. He was reading a newspaper. The other inmates were out, leaving only Ba, a couple of servants, Siddharth, Abhishek and Mekhla.
" Mehta ji... look what I got you! " It was Mekhla's voice, all softened up and sweet. This side of hers was only for him. There was a hind of mischief in her voice. She handed him a plate of Mohanthal ( A gujarati sweet ) Seeing his wife's affection and his favourite sweet, Mr. Mehta was more than happy.
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Mekhla took one and offered him a bite. The unsuspecting husband took a bite, and his face twisted. But, soon the smile was back and he swallowed it. But the aftertaste could be seen on his face. Mohanthal was supposed to be sweet, but this one was salty! His wife was an exceptional cook, and she was Abhishek's guru in culinary skills. Then how did this happen? But he said nothing.
Seeing him, Mekhla burst out laughing " Mehta ji.... I was pulling your leg! I purposely put salt in that one. The other ones are fine. You can have it..." And she continued laughing... 'Mehta ji' took another piece and put it in his mouth... The taste was heavenly....
" Mekhla, you made them for me? Thank you..." He said. She pretended to make a face and said " Hey, how many husbands do you think I have, for whom I'll make Mohanthal in the morning?"
He peeked around quickly. There was no one around. He then quickly gave her a peck on the cheek. As if on prompt, her cheeks flushed. She flashed a bright smile and asked " So, what has been troubling you lately?"
He leaned back on the sofa and said with a sigh " You know right? Abhishek was engaged to Neeti long ago, but he is not showing any interest in courting her ! In fact, have you ever noticed him courting any girl for that matter? I begin to doubt if....." He leaned closer and whispered
" If he likes men ? " Mekhla was shocked for a moment. " It could be like that, but let's hope for the best. You know, Abhi has always been shy in this regard. Remember once, a girl confessed to him, and he ran away...." She smiled again...
" I don't think he inherited any of my skills in this regard....." Mr Mehta sighed again. Little did he know, that his son had inherited his parents' skills combined..... and had made the heartthrob of their campus, the one and only Siddharth fall for him..!
" So, how are you now? Siddharth said that sometimes you are too uncomfortable with the cast ? " Prateek was the one to ask. Neha, Arjith, Arjun were there as well. Due to a shortage of chairs, Siddharth was sitting on the bed.
" Oh I'm fine! Sid worries too much..." Abhishek replied, throwing a side glance at Siddharth. He scoffed " I worry too much ? Great ! Then, I'll try to worry less.. Here, peel them yourself!" He tossed the entire fruit basket to Abhishek. Abhishek managed to catch the airborne basket, nonetheless a couple of fruits landed on his head as well. He mouthed a quick 'sorry' to Siddharth. The others were amused by their exchange.
" Hello everyone!" Siddhi was at the door. She was wearing casual pants and a plain shirt and had her hair in a messy bun. She came into the room with a bright smile, and adjusted herself on the windowsill. Well, there was a certain someone in that group who couldn't take his eyes off her. She knew that, and she enjoyed the attention he was giving her. His furtive glances did not go unnoticed by Abhishek. He mentally made a note to tell Siddharth.
" Siddhi...! It's been a long time ! How are you?" Again, it was Prateek's question. Before Siddhi could reply, Arjun blurted out " Of course..... Prateek missed you so much!" Prateek's cheeks flushed, and he looked away helplessly. Siddhi on the other hand was intrigued... She asked
" Prateek, you missed me??" Prateek's flush deepened and he looked embarrassed. After all, he had been a modest and disciplined child all his life, and had never loved anyone before... Arjun was elbowed by Arjith, and he quickly corrected himself. " I meant to say, not only Prateek, but even we missed you.." Arjith and Neha facepalmed. Now the situation was even more awkward... They could only pray that the sulking Siddharth didn't hear what was being said.
"Prateek missed Siddhi? Why will he miss her?" Siddharth had heard. His face looked grave. Abhishek sensed the imminent danger and motioned to Arjith " Hey Sid, you haven't been resting properly...... You are hearing things!"
" But.... But I heard Arjun say that clearly !" Now, Siddharth was confused. " Siddharth, let's go down to visit Mekhla kaki for a bit..." Arjith said and dragged Siddharth out.
That was when Siddhi remembered that Siddharth had come clean about his love for Abhishek to her. She had not told him anything yet ! She knew that Prateek somehow liked her, but didn't have the courage to confess his love.. On her part, she was unsure of what she felt for him. She had always respected this impeccable man, who could simply never be wrong. Unlike her brother, he was calm and mature. He could balance her wild nature... thought Siddhi. But, she had her inhibitions. What if Prateek also turns out to be egoistic like the others? But, deep in her heart, she wanted him to be the best arrangement for her....
Hello there.... Sorry if this chapter was sloppy. Currently I am recovering from a nasty fever and cold. In the next chapter, there'll be a time skip, and Abhishek will be back on his legs... The next few chapters will be dedicated to.............. romance, romance and romance!! If you like this chapter, PLEASE do VOTE and COMMENT!
