Perfect Strangers ✔

|| 10 ||

Ayush: hey why you didn't...

Nandhini held his hand
Nandhini: lets go to the park; pulls him; they walk to the nearby park. Sit in a bench.

Nandhini: if father watches us now definitely he will question you! Why did you come here? When did you come? And so early! If father would have seen...

Ayush: you didn't see my message? I told you I will meet you.

Nandhini: at this hour? For what?

Ayush: i need to make a confession.

Nandhini: what? Tell me.

Ayush: before 4 years, I was in love with a girl. Priyanka... her name. She was living in next to us. I got attracted to her in school time itself, went to the same tuition, soon she too had feelings for me and we were madly fell in love. To be with her I joined college she went to, not even thinking about the course(Laughs). She was possessive about me always. She always wanted to be with me, even she lied to her parents and came with me for tour. I failed 2 semesters at a strech, appa got very angry and one day he shouted at me. Fit in rage, i blabbered I love her and nothing is important. I left the home to see my friend... I got a call, appa had heart attack....(tears; Nandhini helds his hands) by God's grace he survived.. he cried to me.... I couldn't express that.... I felt so guilty, I started working hard...Teachers, headmasters everyone wanted to expel me... I couldn't spend time with Priyanka... she didn't understand me. She felt I was losing interest on her. Even I tried to spend little time with her, but she didn't feel the same connection as before... she found fault with everything... I tried my best to keep her happy, comfortable, i poured all love... but that was time. To select between career or her. I selected her. I told her that we can make a better future together. But she left..... then depression, I got expelled from college, my father strived a lot to get me back again... so I crossed this all...
I wanted to keep you satisfied and happy. I wanted to tell everything about my past. If you felt bad for yesterday, I am sorr...

Nandhini hugs him tightly.
Nandhini: (cries) I am sorry! I couldn't see that you were trying to make me happy. Sorry, sorry..

Ayush: hey, hey...
Ayush wipes her tears.

Ayush: you shouldn't cry. You didn't know about this. It was not your fault.

Nandhini feels very bad; cries.

Ayush: hey hey please yaar! Its ok! If you cry more, everyone will find me wrong. I cant get beatings in early morning! Please smile nah?

Nandhini: I was feeling very bad for your past and you are joking!
She rests on his shoulder.

Ayush: if we live in past, then who will live in future?

Nandhini: yea. You made me cry so much early in morning! Hmmm...

Ayush: one plate Briyani for Ms. Nandhini please!

Nandhini: heyy!!
They laugh.

Nandhini: aiyo! Appa will get up! Come we will go.

They reach her home.

Ayush: you go! Let me leave. (Smiles)

Nandhini: you go first!

Ayush: ok! Bye.

He leaves. She gets inside.
Checks if anyone woke up, runs to her room.

Scene ends.

Shylok is sleeping, Durga opens the curtains which is straight opposite to bed. He wokes up by the bright glare of sun. He sees Durga and his eyes gets stuck on her. She wore a orange saree, jhumki, let free hair and was walking towards him. He was totally mersimised.
She sits near him; kisses his check. He gets surprised.

Shylok: why won't you do this all day?

Durga: happy birthday my darling😘❤

Shylok: what!! I totally forgot about it yaar! By the way thanks!

Durga: i know you will forget it.
Do you like my attire? I know orange is your favorite so..

Shylok: you are shining like a sun today! We can't able to face the sun, but i can't even take my eyes seeing you...
He tries to kiss her. She keeps hand on his mouth.

Durga: there is a surprise for you!
Come!

Shylok: hey whats in morning yaar!?😵

Durga: ummm.... come get up!

Shylok: coming!
He gets up; Durga follows him; opens the door.

Ratan & Chandra: Haaaaappyyyyyyyy Birrtthdaaaayyy!!!!
They smear cake cream all over his face.

Ratan: how was it????! it was my idea!

Chandra: and I loved it!

Shylok: you idiots!
He hugs them; smear cream on them. Durga laughs out.

Meanwhile in Nandhini's house everyone sits for breakfast. Nandhini made idly and sambar.
Ravi and Gopal sit on the chair.

Ravi: Nandhini, Gaurav (Ayush's father) called ma. He said Ayush would be going Sydney 2 weeks earlier. The plan is preponded.
I will ask straight away! What do you think? Do you like him?

Nandhini stares at him....