Serenity - A collection of short stories

Gayab Premi - Part 4

Song - Dil se Dil Tak from movie 'Bawaal'

Edited on 10/04/24

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Anirudh had then hugged her. Leaving her more confused with his behavior. But he was aware about what he wanted in his life - Her. His jealousy had made him understand her actual place in his life. Their dynamics had changed from that day. Gradually from friends to lovers. There was no proposal just understanding of wanting to share an intimate bond. They will forever be grateful to have a great friend like Jai.

Things took off from there. They had met each other's family at festivals and occasional lunches and dinners. They were supportive of them. Aakansha's family loved Anirudh. He was a charmer since the start. Everyone in college knew of their relationship, but some were apprehensive with the idea that such 'ideal' couples never made it till the end. But they were heedless about the hardships they faced. They were never the 'ideal' couple, but just two normal people trying to get through life with each others care , support and love.

And now they had taken the ultimate step in their relationship, which was full of ups and downs , cribbing from both sides, compromises and here they are today. Life is never easy and so was not theirs. But the passion to be together, helped them tackle every obstacle. They had talked about their future together on dates they both went to. Talking about engagement, wedding , life goals , children, home, anything to everything. Who knew what the future held , but you need to be hopeful to strive forward.

Anirudh gazed at Aakansha with loving eyes. "Aur kya hai?" ("What else?") He asked her playfully. "Where was my missing boyfriend since morning, huh?" She asked him with a matching playful expression. He held her waist more tightly, bend a little and whispered sensually in her ear. "Fiancé , not boyfriend." 

She became flustered with feeling him so close and shut her eyes. He pulled back feeling her hands clutching his bicep tightly. He pursued his lips seeing his effect. 'Male ego'. He tapped her nose lightly while his other hand held her waist. "Huh?" She murmured coming out of her daze.

Right , they were fiancés now , she didn't realize earlier. When he had said a promise ring , she didn't interpret that it was the first step towards the future. Looking up at him , see asked , "Par aap the kahan?" ("But where were you?") Listening her , he started explaining. 

"Aree , vo me ... You were busy Friday and we didn't talk. At about 8 at night I received the email about the offer. I didn't believe it at first and called the manager. He told it was right. I was ecstatic. I wanted to tell you first. But then your phone was switched off. Had a talk with mom and dad. They were so proud , Akki. Then , mom asked that if I had to move to Bangalore in the future for the job , then I should first talk to you. She didn't know that we had already decided everything. That's when I planned everything." He grinned at last like an excited child , sharing details with her.

Aakansha had now put her arms around his neck and Anirudh's hands were around her waist , holding the jacket. They looked such a lovely couple that passersby didn't dare to disturb them. He continued talking , "I checked the date it was perfect and prepared a speech till 2 at night, which by the I couldn't even remember today." He gave timid smile being embarrassed. Aakansha chuckled. "That's okay. I'll read it tomorrow." 

"I had to arrange the ring. I had already shortlisted it at the jeweler near home. But it needed sizing. That's why I met you at 5 pm. And even the cake had to be bought from your favorite place. I wanted to buy the bouquet. But the florist was not free. The time was short. Aur haan ... the cafe ... I was thinking of a venue in morning when you called. When you said that you wanted to hang out at the cafe. I got the idea for the venue. Then talked to the manager to book it for us for 5 hours. Umm ... I asked mom to call all the people and invite them." He explained the exhaustive day he spent to make her day special.

"Aha! So you already had the proposal in mind?" Aakansha asked surprised. "Aur kya. I had decided that I would propose you whenever I got the job. Whether it be now or at the end of final year. Afterall , the 33% credit for my success will go to you." , he reasoned out. "33%?" she enquired and he answered by saying , "Yes. The rest is of mom and dad and some my efforts too na." Hearing him, she wondered that she couldn't get enough of his cuteness. 

"You even had the ring selected?" She asked recalling his words. Hearing her , red hue spread across his neck , which was even visible in the faint street light. "Umm ... v-vo ... H-haan ... Kind of." He stammered being shy. Taking a deep breath , he said in an inaudible voice , "I had given a small pre-payment for it when I had gotten my first salary from that previous job." But His fiancée heard him and her eyes' widened. "Oh my ... Since your are so good in planning , you are gonna see all the wedding preparations . Damn! I am impressed mister." She jovially said to save him from his shy self.

But he looked so cute right now that she couldn't stop herself from pulling his face down by his neck and planting her lips on his. Anirudh was caught off guard. He froze , but then kissed her back enjoying the closeness. She affected him in ways she'll never know. His 'Asha' , the ray of hope in his ambitious life. She always stood beside him , being an imminent part of his support system. But could Aakansha's brain stop. 'Aaj kal ke bachcho ko lihaaz nahi hai. Tch. Park me ahi hum.' ('Children today are shameless. Tch. We are still at the park.)

 When they pulled back, he gazed at her flustered self and said , "Impressing you was the goal missus." She smiled so wide and replied , "Hmm and then this is your reward. The one you wanted since cake cutting. The way you were ogling at me ... God. I was so embarrassed." He laughed seeing her pouty lips and said naughtily , "Itne achhe surprise ke liye bas ek kiss. Not fair." ("Just one kiss for such an awesome surprise? Not fair.") 

Aakansha flirted back by tracing her fingers on his cheekbone and cupping his face , said lovingly , "Well, gift toh hai mere paas. But uske liye mere room me jana padega." ("I do have your gift. But for that we'll have to go in my room.") Hearing that he raised his eyebrows , his mind going haywire and whispered near her lips , "Really?" Aakansha smirked, moved closer to the side of his neck to tease him and replied , "Hm hm ... Your ring." and raised her voice in the end , to bring Anirudh out of his la-la land.

"Huh , ring?" He questioned. She took his face in both her hands and lovingly said , "Yes , your ring. The efforts were from both sides right. I had too saved my second salary to bring your ring. The first salary was for mumma papa. But I had saved the ring for the wedding. Aur vaise bhi , log aapko dekh kar jaldi hi single samjh lete hai. Abhi pehnadu to acha hai." ("People misunderstand you to be single. So, it'll be good if I make you wear a ring") She said remembering today evening's encounter with the girl. Anirudh smirked. His girl was jealous. 

"Log nahi ... Girls , more precisely." He said to raise her temper and she glared at him. He continued , "What? Are you planning to brand me? Anirudh Sharma - Aakansha Singh's property." and laughed heartily in the end. But Aakansha interjected , "NO!" "Kya?" ("What?") He asked her and she placed his forehead on hers and said in a light tone as if letting him on a secret.

 "Aakansha's Ani" she declared and added , "Thankyou so much aaj ke liye. I was so memorable." He closed his eyes to savour the moment and said , "Its the beginning of the new chapter. In next year, we'll shift to Bangalore. You in your company's new firm and I, in a new job." Looking at his face intently , she said, "I LOVE you" and he replied back with closed eyes and a cute smile on his face , "I LOVE you too, Asha." The night sky became a witness of their 'serenity'.

/THE END/

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