We Were Destined to be together

PART X

Finally the dreadful day has come. My mother is waiting for me at the airport and I'm just on my way to pick her up.

Mom: What took you so long? I was waiting for an hour.

Aks: I'm sorry Ma. You know this traffic of Mumbai. Come let's go.

We were in the car when my mother gave a description of the girl whom I was going to meet tomorrow. She is a doctor. Her name is Shweta Raval. She is the daughter of my father's childhood friend but I barely know her. I've met her a few times and all was formal. I dropped my mother at my place and with a promise to spend the rest of the two days with her I went for the shoot.

Pra: Always late but this time you are almost 4 hours late.

Aks: Oh sorry. But you know there was heavy traffic at the airport road today.

Pra: Oh yeah your mother was coming today. Has she?

Aks: Yes and that's the reason for me being late.

Pra: As if you come on time always. Let's leave this. When are you going to meet the girl?

Aks: Tomorrow noon on the lunch.

Pra: Wow that's amazing. Now I don't have to bear you for 2 days. I'm so happy. We will be having our shoot on time and we can have our pack up on time as well.

Aks: So mean. Here I'm so nervous and you are dancing with joy. I didn't expect that from you.

Pra: What happened? Why are you so nervous?

Aks: I don't know what I'm gonna do tomorrow. How to start a conversation with her?

Pra: What's the big deal in it? You are the self acclaimed ultimate charmer. What happened to your charm?

Aks : Yes I can manage girls and they are just attracted towards me but I haven't talked to anyone for the purpose of marriage. How awkward will it be?

Pra: oh come on it will be a cake walk for you. After all you are so good with women.

Aks: Can you help me or else just shut up.

Pra: Ok. I'll help you. We will enact a scene in the break. You will play yourself and I will play that girl. What's her name? Tell me something about her.

Aks: Her name is Shweta Raval. She is a gynecologist. She is my father's childhood friend's daughter. Our families know each other for over 40 years. I've met her in some of family get togethers and pooja and that too 7 8 years ago. Any more information?

Pra: No it's fine. Lets go director is calling us.

Our shot was completed but I have to shoot another one where I'll be playing myself. We sat in our vanity and began our scene.

Pra: Ok let's start. Just be relaxed and try to initiate a friendly conversation. First introduce yourself.

Aks: What's the need of introduction? She already knows about me.

Pra: So what? Are you Raj of DDLJ? Naam to suna hi hoga.

Aks: Ok fine. Let's start. Hey its been a long time we have seen each other so you might not remember my name. I'm Akshat.

Pra: Not bad. Ok let me get into the character. Yes its true it has been a long time but I surely remember your name and even if I have forgotten my parents were there to engrave it in my brain.

Aks: Our parents. Let me tell you my mother is no different. She has constantly been eating up my ears.

Pra: So tell me something about you. I know you are an actor. It must be a cool profession.

Aks: Well it looks like a cake walk to outsiders but we have our own share of problems here. I enjoy acting and more than a profession it is my passion.

Pra: Well said Akshat. I don't think you need any training. I'm sure you will impress her.

Aks: Really? Do you really think she will be impressed by me?

Pra: Of course why not? Can anyone stop themselves from being spell bounded by your charm?

Aks: Yes the one standing in front of me.

Pra: What?

Aks: I mean you didn't get trap by me. Look at you always making fun of me. What if she is like you?

Pra: Oh come on Akshat. You know what our relationship is like and look who's saying of making fun. The one whose day won't end without making fun of me.

Aks: Ok ok. Let's end our debate here. You win I lose.

Pra: Wining is in my blood. But on a serious note I have said this before I'm saying it now any girl will be lucky to have you. I'm lucky to have you as my best friend then think about that girl who will get you as her life partner. You are the one who can make anyone smile. You are the one who tries to bring happiness in everyone's life. You are the one who worships his work. You are the one who loves his parents so much. What do you think I'm not able to see why have you agreed to meet this girl? Just because you want your mother to be happy in her few last years. You know what I haven't said this before but if Rahul was not in my life I would have fallen for you a long time ago.

Is this all real? Is Pratiksha really saying these things to me or am I day dreaming?

Pra: What happened? Can't digest my compliments?

With her subtle touch on my shoulder I was back to reality. So this was all real. She said she would have fallen for me a long time ago but she said something more which I don't want to remember. This has to be the best thing happened to me in this entire day.

Aks: Of course it's too much for me to handle. Hearing these compliments from you is like eating a sweet karela. Do what suits you like pulling my leg. Don't do such things I might get a heart attack.

Pra: You know you deserve my taunts only. I better leave now. Bye and all the best for your date.

Aks: Ok ok thanks for your compliments ma'am. I hope I will excel on my date by your blessings.

With a side hug we parted our ways but my heart stayed there for a little longer. It required a great effort to bring back my senses to normal and carry on my routine work.