A LIE TO LOVE ❤️

Part # 18

The next morning, Sanyukta didn't realise when her alarm went off. It was 6.30, when she woke up. She dressed herself quickly and left for office. The competition was just three days away. She sat in the cafeteria enjoying her meal.

"What is this competition all about? You've been so much occupied with it, lately .", Tanya asked as she poked her fork into a big piece of watermelon.

"Yes. I'm really hoping to win it. Randhir has been motivating me so much for it", Sanyukta chipped with a smile.

"I don't like that guy.", Tanya blurted out.

"What's your problem with him? What did he do to you? You don't even know him", Sanyukta tried to defend .

"I don't know. Probably because you don't have time for me, as you did before and it is only after this guy came into your life.", Tanya shrugged her shoulders.

"Hey, I'm Sorry if am not spending time with you. But, that is because 'Elite catering ' got a little bigger."

Tanya turned her face away.

Sanyukta leaned across the table and made her turn her face towards her.

"You are the most important person in my life Sanyukta ", Tanya spoke in a hoarse voice .

"Awww....You too dear."

"I can understand that it becomes difficult to spend time when responsibilities increases. I know we could never be the same in the long run. Like for example, if you get married, things will change. But somehow, I don't like him", Tanya shook her head.

"I haven't really thought about marriage yet. In fact, Im not even sure, who he is to me", Sanyukta replied.

"See. This is your problem. I told you in general. I didn't even speak about you marrying him. And see where your mind relates.", Tanya frowned.

"Hey.. I am sorry.", Sanyukta smiled and pulled Tanya by arm.

"Im just concerned about you dear. Don't chase your dream and lose yourself in it. I just want you to be extra careful ", Tanya said.

Tanya was emotional, yet sweet. Sanyukta knew it was where she had to stop. She just nodded her head , silently as she didn't want to talk about this to Tanya further. It was clear that she did not like Randhir . But that was not the case with Sanyukta herself .

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4th August...

Vikram saw the date twice.. That was what his mobile showed as the current date.

'It's just a couple of weeks more' , he thought

He sat on his bed and went through his mobile gallery. There were a lot of pictures of Sanyukta and him. Most of them were taken in and around Hyderabad . He was disheartened when he learnt that Sanyukta's proposal was getting fixed, but when he got to know that Sanyukta called it off, he was the happiest man on earth.

In just a few days, he would slowly start telling her how much she means to him. He wanted to freeze every minuscule reaction of hers in his mind as he unfolds his love for her.He wanted her to believe that no one would ever love her more than him. He wanted to protect her as the apple of his eye, which she already was.

He smiled at her picture in his mobile and said, "Just a few days more , Sanyukta. Then you'll be mine "

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7th August.

The big day had arrived.

Randhir had called her twice the previous night and confirmed that he would take her to the competition. The contenders had to be there at 10 Am . So, Randhir was there at her house at 7.30 Am . He made sure that there was no delay.

"All set?", he asked her to which she just nodded her head. She looked tensed.

"Sanyukta!!", Randhir called her out slowly.

He came close to her , close enough to make her see herself in his eyes.

"What do you see in my eyes?", he asked.

"My own self", she replied.

"That's good. Do you know what I see in your eyes?", he asked again.

She nodded her head negatively.

"Anxiety" , he continued. "Do you want to know what I would like to see in them ?", he paused for a minute and said , "Determination".

"Come.. sit here ", he made her sit on the couch and walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

"Take a sip", he said as he handed over the glass to her.

"There is nothing to be anxious about. All that you should have in your mind, at this moment, is just the way to maneuver things at the competition. I know the result is huge and if you have a chance to get a column in the magazine, it is going to be great.
But on top of everything, I want you to be yourself. I want you to go and do your best.
Go for it casually, as you would walk into your kitchen everyday . I believe you can put up a spectacular show.
There might be a few new things there compared to your kitchen as it is your first competition. But just remember that , there is nothing that could stop you. If you feel you are cornered on all sides, there will be a new way out . If there is none, then you'll have to create one .... Do it your way. The rest is not in our hands. And Whatever the result of the competition is going to be, I know that My Sanyukta will make me hold my head high and say , 'She is the one '. "

She looked at him, carefully listening to all that his lips spoke and all that his eyes did not speak. When was the last time , when someone had encouraged her to do what she loved, she wondered.

The words 'My Sanyukta', which flew from his mouth was an unexpected surprise for her.

'Am I his? ', she wondered .

"All Set?", he asked her again.

"Yes", she replied with a sense of determination this time. Nothing could boost her confidence more than his mere presence.

She locked the house and hurried towards the car. As she took the seat, Randhir ignited the engine and they drove away towards their destination.

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