A love story - a sneak preview!

A love Story- Prologue

I got down at Karjat station. Hustling and bustling, the station was far cry from what it was in 2005 when Soumya left the college, Konkan gyanpeeth college of engg, fondly called as King George college of engg by the students. I wonder how it was when Soumya first met Aryan. Its hard to imagine that they were friends all through their college life, never felt any attraction and eventually met down the road of life to fall in love. Destiny. It has a different style of operation.

Aryan's Journey To Mumbai

Aryan was being nostalgic. He was trying to remember Soumya that was, some 15 years ago when he was irritated by the puppy crush of a gal who was thin mousy and nerdy!! Being a butt of countless jokes, he avoided her like a plague. But years down the line, when he met her again, online, things changed.

During those lonesome nights, initially, when Prachi left, he hardly knew what to do with the time he had. Sleep was hard to come and every gesture reminded him of what he lost.. To run away from reality he had hit the online bandwagon of lifeless n lost souls. Every day was the same. The same stories only the faces change. Saga of hurt and betrayal and sorrow. However, he had struck gold. He met Soumya.

Anticipation

“Oww I am sorry to miss picking you up! I should have come. Damn the meeting! ", Soumya wailed down the phone.

Aryan laughed into the phone, “That's okay. We are meeting tomorrow anyways.”

“ I am sorry sweets, no go. The goddamn project! I can meet you on day after”

“ Hey thats okay. I understand. Work rules us.” he replied. Deflated and a bit sad.

“ Oww how sweet. I will hug you for that”

He laughs, “Waiting for that”

“Okay then, bye.”

“Bye”

The First Meeting

Sea and rocks have been a havan for lovers since long. The clashing of waves on to the rocks have sparked many a passion. It has witnessed many moans and drowned it in its overpowering roars. It has secrets untold if only you listen. On such an beautiful evening, in throes of love, Soumya was waiting for Aryan. Dreaming and apprehensive. After all those years of waiting, finally Aryan can be hers. She was terrified that he wouldn't. Then what would be left for her? Only fact that Aryan will still be hers kept her going. The wobbly and clumsy gal is long gone, buried below the layer of sophistication. It wasn't easily achieved. We won't talk about the endless years of pain and humiliation and despair. That is best left in the past. Right now, I would like you to imagine a lady in love. Anticipating her lover any minute. The sweet and shy smile needs to be seen to know. I am sure the observant of your lot would agree how invaluable that smile is......

A Day out in Essel world.

Soumya reached the flat. She saw the door was open and there was a lot of commotion. Evidently Pinky was being naughty. It warmed her heart. She entered to see Pinky sitting on the window and Aryan feeding her. Something clutched in heart. She knew at that moment she will kill for these two people if needed. She realised she was in love with Pinky just like that.
Finally, Pinky saw her and she ran to her and hugged her tight!
' What aunty you are late!" Pinky complained.
"Thank god that I atleast came", Soumya retorted and kissed Pinky..

A night to remember.

Their eyes met for the first time in the kitchen. Aryan could see desire in her. But was that love? He was not sophisticated enough to screw and forget....
Soumya knew he wanted him. But the romantic heart wanted to be wooed.. she wanted him to make the first move!
And then she lowered her eyes, took a sip and lowered the cup. The cup fell with a thud as Aryan tried to catch it...At the same time soumya reached for it. Their hands met once again.
Later when she looked back Soumya wasnt sure who started it but they shared a kiss. Lip to lip. There are no words to describe the feelings the pleasure.. It was a kiss of love and that should suffice.
In that brief moment, Aryan went to heaven and came back. It was never like this not even with Prachi in their best of the days.. Surely she loves him??

After the fight - Part I

Aryan was trying hard to keep that fake smile pasted for his daughter et al. He didn't realize until these last few days how much he had fallen for Soumya. How deep his attachment was. He cannot imagine how he will go back and live like nothing happened. But leave he did.

Its been a month since he left Mumbai. Her thoughts , her face kept haunting him. He couldn't stay awake and he couldn't sleep. His dream was all about her.. kissing her.. just being with her.
Where ever he went, whatever he did reminded him of her. He had never realized how much entrenched she was in his life... he used to wake up to her voice and sleep to that too and in between too he would get her sms, offliners etc etc.. She knew more about him then anyone else.. she was there when he needed someone and he had hurt her..

After the fight Part II

They say man proposes god disposes. And how much ever we want, we cannot change whats meant to be. Soumya and Aryan had so many dreams for each other. Some they saw together and some alone. They were sure that nothing can go wrong but god had decided some different things for them.

The next few days after the incident, Soumya didn't know how she survived. She was morose and sick, not physically but deep within.. inside her heart. All she ever wanted was to run to Aryan... She couldn't believe they acted this childishly. They evidently still have too much of emotional baggage.. She realized though that it seems hard right now, she cannot live without Aryan anymore..

They meet again

And there she was like a goddess.. and pastel pink chudidhar.. whats commonly called as lucknowi wading through the soft toy section. He thought of ducking and hiding but she had seen him.. and there was a tremulous smile on her face.. a naked vulnerability and there was pleasure too. He started towards her and Pinky rushed towards her and hugged her tightly.


The Love returns : Coming soon!

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A love story- They meet again

One would think now that Aryan decided to come to Mumbai.. they would meet and would live happily ever after.. but it was not so.. No this is not a soppy mills and boons story where the guy approaches and the girl swoons.. and they happily live ever after. But ofcourse there is an happy ending.. didnt we make that clear in the prologue itself? and also.. its quite a logical end dont you think so ? Ofcourse it is! And yet, the story doesn't end here!

Aryan couldn't rush like any hero in a movie. For you see he had responsibility. First and foremost was to find a job in Mumbai and then a school for pinky and a house to live in. Then he had to wait for Pinky's school term to complete. So by and large it took him 2-3 months to return to Mumbai to start anew.

Once he was in Mumbai, he felt like a fool. The "What If's " started bugging him big time! He first thought "What if she is too angry ? Wouldn't it be better to give her time for the anger to lose the edge ? Besides it wouldn't hurt to settle down in Mumbai first. Then it was "what if she has a new guy in her life? " So the days of wait became weeks and weeks months and he never tried to contact her.

And yet fate wouldn't let them go. Not yet.


Six months had passed by. Everyday he woke up with the hope that he would see her and things would work out finally.. and every night was filled with dreams. And yet.. when that lucky day came he was totally distracted. A new mall had opened in a nearby area. Pinky wanted to go there and pick up her favorite comic series. And being a doting father, Aryan complied. While he was at it.. he decided to pick up some for himself..

And there she was like a goddess.. and pastel pink chudidhar.. whats commonly called as lucknowi wading through the soft toy section. He thought of ducking and hiding but she had seen him.. and there was a tremulous smile on her face.. a naked vulnerability and there was pleasure too. He started towards her and Pinky rushed towards her and hugged her tightly.

By the time he reached her, they were already in an animated conversation. And Pinky already had told her that they had moved to Mumbai few months back. The cold polite smile that Soumya gave him almost made him wince. He didn't know what to say. There was this stilted politeness between them that never was before. But with Pinky, she was very warm and that gave him hope.

Much later, sitting in a CCD sipping coffee, he asked her about her life.. and she replied with the generally acceptable platitude. And then silence. Both didn't know what to say. Before parting, he asked for her mobile number which she gave.

It was an disaster! Aryan thought.. Next time it would be different! he promised himself.. for there is going to be a next time and soon.

Read more...

A love story- After the fight Part II

They say man proposes god disposes. And how much ever we want, we cannot change whats meant to be. Soumya and Aryan had so many dreams for each other. Some they saw together and some alone. They were sure that nothing can go wrong but god had decided some different things for them.

The next few days after the incident, Soumya didn't know how she survived. She was morose and sick, not physically but deep within.. inside her heart. All she ever wanted was to run to Aryan... She couldn't believe they acted this childishly. They evidently still have too much of emotional baggage.. She realized though that it seems hard right now, she cannot live without Aryan anymore..

She had loved him before yes.. but that love was for an image she made of him...she could survive then.. but now she loved Aryan.. the real man. She has no illusion to hold on to. She knew now what kind of man he is..A man who loved his kid till distraction. One who is hopeful and cheerful even in hard times.. She wanted him.. and yet she wanted to be wanted. Soumya was tired of reaching out to people.. for once she wanted someone to reach out to her.. someone to want her enough to take a risk

As planned the next Saturday, she went to meet Raj. They didn't know anything about Aryan. Soumya didn't know how she will tell them. So with a fake smile and gifts for both Raj and Jenny, a cook book and a bottle of perfume, she reached Breach Candy, where they lived.



"Aww thats so sweet of you.. " Raj already started reading through .."Oh wow.. nice easy recipe I am gonna try it".. thats just like him.

"You spoil us Soumya. Thank you so much" Jenny went inside and kept the perfume on her dresser. Thats totally like her.. They were so different.. chalk and cheese. and yet were the cutest couple around! Why can't I have such a relation? Soumya thought as tears filled her eyes. She turned around to hide it.

Nothing escaped Jenny. She saw the tears but decided to keep quiet until Soumya was ready to reveal whats inside her heart. Knowing her for so long she knew when to dig and when to let it rest. The wound was too raw too deep to dig.

"Raj! Stop reading it now. Soumya is here remember? Talk to her while I set the table." She said to Raj as she moved to the kitchen.
"Oh yeah! In a minute"
"He is hopeless" Soumya smiled. They could always manage to make her smile!
"Oh its your fault! Why did you buy that monster of a book?" She asked mock irritatedly
"Now now you girls don't start on me . You are going to thank me when I serve you the gourmet from this book!" he said laughingly closing the book.

Soumya thanked Jenny. Jenny smiled back understandingly to her.

Just before they sat for the dinner, Soumya hugged both of them.

"I am so lucky to have you both in my life. You are my guardian angels"
"Whats wrong with you girl?" Raj asked
"Trust Raj to spoil the moment" Jenny said "It is a wonder that he proposed me romantically"

They all started to laugh and the dinner went happily enough. Though Soumya picked the food instead of eating. They relaxed with coffee in the living room when Raj asked, "So tell me about your guy wonder"

Soumya felt pain pierce through her heart. "There is nothing to tell Raj. Its over" she said dully.

"What do you mean by that? Did he hurt you girl? I am gonna kill him! how could he do that to you?"

"Raj calm down" Jenny said like she would to a recalcitrant child. Raj said " Alright! Tell me everything. Don't you dare not to"

Soumya was touched like so many times before by their love. She could always depend on them like she couldn't on her family or anyone else. She thought she could on Aryan. But it wasn't meant to be. He didn't love her enough and she couldn't take anything less . She had to accept it she was meant to stay alone.

"Raj he is not a bad guy. He never was and he isn't now. We went out everything was fine. Then we went to our... my flat." she corrected as her voice cracked.

"We went to my flat and then we kissed. It was just too much. The emotions were. Its not like my first relationship or my first kiss. But it was too much for me. I stopped the kiss . I suggested that we move to the patio so that I can catch my breath. I realized that it was special coz I am with him so I decided to leave the caution to the wind and go after love.. after all it was my dream come true. Some dream! It turned into night mare."

"I donno wat went through his mind..he actually apologized for kissing me! "

"That cad!" They said clucking their tongues. They knew just the right words to say.
"Well I gave him nice and proper and then he left and well since then I am a mess. I can't lose him the second time!"
" Then go and get him" Jenny says.
"Why would she go? If he wants let the guy come. My poor baby has been so patient for long now its her chance to ask things from life. Its just not fair" Raj spluttered.
"Don't be stupid Raj! Whats more important her happiness or ego ?" Jenny asked.

"No jenny. Raj is right. I have to wait it out. He has to love me fully. I can't live with a hidden regret. I want it all. When I gave it all am I asking more?"

Jenny sighed. "If you put it that way ... even I want to say you deserve more and all.. All I want is your happiness. As long as you know what you want."

Its been many weeks since that day. Jenny's words echoed in her mind. Late at night. Is it possible for him to miss her and love her? Couldn't she love enough for both of them ? So many times she went to call him. Picked the telephone and put it down.

'Who am I kidding? If he missed me wouldn't he call? I must be the rebound love and now I guess he would have moved to the next lady for all I know'

This doubt made her stop always. Its been nearly 6 months now. Soumya had stopped dating now. Somehow she never could make the effort. She took to walking down the Marine drive. Thinking of their first meeting .. that glance everything.. over and over again. She took to taking alcohol to fall asleep and nowadays that didn't work too. She had graduated to pills.

Looking at Soumya self destructing herself, Raj had started supporting Jenny too but that didn't change her mind. She was waiting.

Soumya was no longer sure what she was waiting for. For Aryan to come or was it for death to come? Each day was just the same. Her work was suffering, her boss concernedly asked her to take off. Told her infact. Everyone one was concerned about her but the person whom she wanted to be...

Such is life isnt it? You keep running behind someone who has no time for you.. and the people who care for you.. you dont have time for them....

Read more...

A love story - After the fight - Part I

Aryan was trying hard to keep that fake smile pasted for his daughter et al. He didn't realize until these last few days how much he had fallen for Soumya. How deep his attachment was. He cannot imagine how he will go back and live like nothing happened. But leave he did.

Its been a month since he left Mumbai. Her thoughts , her face kept haunting him. He couldn't stay awake and he couldn't sleep. His dream was all about her.. kissing her.. just being with her.
Where ever he went, whatever he did reminded him of her. He had never realized how much entrenched she was in his life... he used to wake up to her voice and sleep to that too and in between too he would get her sms, offliners etc etc.. She knew more about him then anyone else.. she was there when he needed someone and he had hurt her..

He couldn't take it anymore. He had stopped going online and like when Prachi left, he started drinking hard again. It was tough when Prachi left.. but this was tougher. Somehow he had some inkling of the fact that she may leave. And this was unexpected. He wanted so much for this to work..

Days passed by and it was Diwali again. Time for Akshay to come. 6 months since they parted. And Aryan was still the same.. if anything it was worser than before.. sunken eyes and sad face. Akshay was shocked!

"I know its none of my business but you got to talk to me! This wont work! Look at you! and look at pinky! See how sad she looks"

"I can't stay alone anymore Akshay. I have tried and I failed! I thought I loved Prachi and yet the depth of feeling I have for her is not same as I had for Soumya!" he broke down and started crying.

Akshay kept quiet until he cried and the asked." Tell me about her! Why are you guys not together? Everything was fine that day when you guys went to Esselworld!"

"I don't know what went wrong! Everything did! She is so beautiful so successful! Why would she want to be with someone who has a kid from earlier marriage?"

"Did she say that ?" Akshay asked incredulously.

"How can she ? she is too sensitive for that! She can only be friends with me and I want more! I hurt her! How I wish I hadn't kissed her!"

"Tell me what happened not what you think!"

"Okay. We had amazing time! Joking and all.. then we went to her flat. Pinky already slept. We shared a coffee and then we kissed. I was good while it lasted and then she froze. I dunno why!"

"Was she enjoying it?"
"Most definitely"
"Why didn't you ask what went wrong then?"
"What's there to ask? She was too sophisticated for me! Thats just about it. I apologized for it"
"You did?"
"Yeah! and she.. "
"Yes what did she say ?"
"That we are consenting adults exploring possibilities and that It didn't work out!"

"Isnt it possible that she was scared of the emotions you invoke in her and then well she might want some time and not the total break up and your apologizing hurt her?"

"I dont know!"

"Did she try to contact you ?"
"No"
"Did you?"
"How can I?"
"I think you should. Clear it off! If nothing, you can still be friends"
"I don't wanna be friends and see her go with someone else!"
"I still think you should call and talk to her. I feel its your insecurity in regards to her that is hindering your relationship"
"Thanks! That feels just great!"

Akshay keeps quiet after that. They start talking about other stuff. General things his life, office etc etc etc.

In the night, they hear Pinky murmuring in her sleep.

"I don't wanna live. I made my daddy cry. Aunty would be still with dad if I wasn't there. god take me away. Why Aunty hates me? And mom too? God! I don't want dad to hate me too. I want to die"

Aryan couldn't take it. He held his kid and cried. Akshay took him out of the room and put him to sleep.

In the morning, it was time for Akshay to leave. Before leaving he said, " Don't live in regret later on. If your love is strong get answers! She loved you in college you know that! Why can't she love you now? If you can so can she. The fact that she was with you all these days proves that! Go get her! If not for you then for Pinky"

That was a mean thing to say. Akshay knew that but he just had to. When he saw Aryan's pained eyes, he wished he didnt..

Few days later Aryan called.

"I am coming to Mumbai " he said.

Read more...

A Love Story- A night to remember.

Chapter 5

Soumya had left in hurry. Her flat was in a big mess. She tried to do disaster management before Aryan came up. She didnt want him to think that she is sloppy. She cleared the hall of all the mess and was working on the bedroom when Aryan came in.

"Hey, you got a awesome flat"

" You wouldn't say that if you see the bedroom" , Soumya quipped.

Aryan walked to the bedroom and guffawed. " Oh my god, So you are not perfect. I was afraid of it".

" Don't make fun of me" , she replied embarrassed.

" No, I am not. I am relieved. I was afraid to invite you to my place. Now I can" he said.

"Oh well, pinky is stirring lets put her on the bed and then you can help me clear."

" Keep dreaming sweetheart. Me and help? "

" Brute!"

He bowed and she left huffily to clear the bed of all her clothes.

"Put some music na? And yeah make yourself at home in the kitchen and grab anything you like" she said.

Aryan walked over to the CD collection she had. Bryan adams, Creed, Ghazals and songs of Kishore kumaar. He knew their choice were same.. but to see all the songs he wanted in there made him to dream..

Soumya was busy cleaning. She was glad he didnt take her offer. ' Imagine him looking at her undergarments strewn....' She went red with shame. She remembered how many times she changed her clothes. 'Stupid you soumya!'

She realized no music is coming and no noise too. She had cleared the bed and other such assortments. Soumya wasn't sloppy. So more or less her flat was clean. She moved to hall and saw Aryan dreaming. She hoped he was dreaming about her. 'Wishful thinking!' Her very practical brain reminded.

She moved in softly, picked Pinky who was snoring softly and moved her to the bed and changed her clothes to something soft. She had some night clothes for her sister's kid who visited her sometime. Then she moved to kitchen and to make coffee.

All this time Aryan was busy dreaming a perfect night together. He could see how beautiful his future could be .. Together

He was interrupted by a sound. He turned to see Soumya take Pinky into the bedroom. It was such a sweet sight to see. A lady whom he loved was putting the girl he loved to bed. Nothing was as touching as this....

Sighing, Aryan followed Soumya to the kitchen. Now that Pinky is not with them, the tension that was thrumming in the background all through the day surfaced. Both were afraid to talk. Afraid to take the next step. All Soumya wanted was to kiss him.. and she knew it was dangerous. She knew now if she slips, she may never ever recover. And it was dangerous because she didnt want to recover.

The silence extended for long. Soumya acted as if she was very busy making coffee and Aryan as if he is looking around.. The silence was broken by the coffee maker. Soumya poured it in two cups and offered it to Aryan.

Their fingers brushed each other. It was as if electric shock coursed through Soumya's body. That awareness of each and every pore of herself.. the acute pleasure that a casual touch evoked in her was something she had never experienced.

Aryan was never affected by anyone as this delightful creature with moussed hair... obviously pinky was her usual self he grinned. All Aryan wanted was to love her. Tenderly and softly. ?He wanted to show how much he loved her. But he wasnt sure... He cannot destroy this friendship...

Soumya was gorgeous successful and beautiful. He wasnt sure he was the one for her. Aryan cleared his throat and said huskily,

" you remembered . Just as I like. strong hot and a dash of sugar and a dash of milk"

" Didnt need much of a remembering.. thats how I take it!" , she replied..

Their eyes met for the first time in the kitchen. Aryan could see desire in her. But was that love? He was not sophisticated enough to screw and forget....

Soumya knew he wanted him. But the romantic heart wanted to be wooed.. she wanted him to make the first move!

And then she lowered her eyes, took a sip and lowered the cup. The cup fell with a thud as Aryan tried to catch it...At the same time soumya reached for it. Their hands met once again.

Later when she looked back Soumya wasnt sure who started it but they shared a kiss. Lip to lip. There are no words to describe the feelings the pleasure.. It was a kiss of love and that should suffice.

In that brief moment, Aryan went to heaven and came back. It was never like this not even with Prachi in their best of the days.. Surely she loves him??

Soumya resurfaced from the whirlpool of emotions she was drowning into. '

'Omigod!' She thought. 'This is better than what I thought it would be. If it goes any further I will surely drown. I need to resurface. What if he doesnt love me? Can I live without this?'

Suddenly she broke the kiss and said.. " Lets move to the patio. It has wonderful view of the lake. Especially in the moonlight it looks awesome"
Aryan wanted to ask what went wrong. She had enjoyed it needed it as much as he did. Why did she freeze so? He felt like a fool. Ofcourse she didnt like it.. who was he kidding! She is used to better kissers than he ever could be. He followed her in silence.

Once they reached patio she said, " I will bring something to munch and a coffee for myself".

He understood her need to be alone for sometime. He needed to think. control his emotions. He decided to say sorry and that it won't repeat again.

Soumya cleaned the floor and thought about the kiss again. It was wonderful. She decided to let cautions fly in the wind and take from life whatever she can get. After all its better to experience once than not to experience at all. She returned with a smile on her face all ready to let the moonlight do its magic.

She saw him smoking. The moment she returned, he turned. From his face she knew something is wrong. she froze. May be he didnt like it as much as she did. She was afraid and gave a tremulous smile.. This is the first time she felt insecure... first time it meant so much more than just a kiss ..

With no further ado he said, " Soumya, I am sorry. This shouldn't have happened. Forgive me. I shouldnt have kissed you!"

She was taken aback. Only pride was her solace. She replied " And what makes you think that I would have let you kiss if i didnt wish so?" " And you are right this was a mistake and shouldn't be repeated".

Aryan was hurt. He never knew it could hurt like this. Within a few minutes, he has seen heaven and hell both.

"Soumya, please. I didnt want to hurt you... Its just that...." , Aryan said miserably. As he said he knew it was a terrible mistake.

"

Excuse me. I am not hurt. I was disgusted that you can think you can kiss me and then apologize! We are not teenagers! We are consenting adults who decided to explore possibilities. Too bad it didnt work out. Now lets drop this subject", Soumya replied.

She saw him visibly cringe but she couldnt stop herself. She has to survive.

" yes you are right." "Good night soumya. ", Aryan replied dully.

" Please sleep with Pinky. I will sleep in the hall."

" No. No. Please you sleep on the bed. I will sleep on the sofa" He cannot think of sleeping on her bed feeling her smell and living through the night. How will he live through the night!

" ahem. Being chivalrous are we?", Soumya couldnt believe that they are talking about normal stuff.

"Nothing like that Soumya. I cannot bear to sleep in your bed" , He replied.

" But can share my home for the night is it? Oh alrite take the sofa". She misunderstood him completely.

He was furious but he didnt say anything. He knew if he did he wouldnt be in control of himself. He left mutely.

Soumya cried all night. How can her dream come true turn into a night mare? She cried herself to sleep.

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A Love Story-Day out in Essel world.

Chapter 4


Soumya had a bad time sleeping that night. She was too excited. The whole magical evening went through her mind again and again. She remembered the way Aryan looked at her. She had imagined it many times but she didn't even come close enough to the truth.

Her conversation with Sunitha though hurt her but in the hindsight she realised its for the best! If Aryan's best friends are worried means he does care for her! There is hope. It improved her mood a lot the next morning.

After day dreaming most of the night, Soumya woke up late. She was disorganised. She was facing the most difficult task in the world, which I am sure my female readers would symphatize with and male readers would be derisive about! What to wear! Soumya wanted to seem friendly, sexy elegant yet comfortable to roughen it out.

She finally decided to wear a black capris with pink embroidery and a sleeveless pink halter top. She had a chic black purse to go with it and for accessories she chose a teardrop pink earrings and a plain thin golden chain with a pendant of angel. After getting ready hastily she gave a last glance at herself. 'Not bad for a 15 min make up' she thought.

She was late. Pinky had been waiting for 30 min by the window impatient! Sunitha had time and again asked her to have breakfast but Pinky refused. Finally, Aryan had to feed her. In that confusion they missed Soumya's coming!

Soumya reached the flat. She saw the door was open and there was a lot of commotion. Evidently Pinky was being naughty. It warmed her heart. She entered to see Pinky sitting on the window and Aryan feeding her. Something clutched in heart. She knew at that moment she will kill for these two people if needed. She realised she was in love with pinky juss like that.

Finally, Pinky saw her and she ran to her and hugged her tight!

' What aunty you are late!" , pinky complained.
"Thank god that i atleast came", Soumya retorted and kissed pinky. She looked at Aryan, there was a weird exprerssion on aryan's face. She didnt understand it. She looked at him askance. He shook his head indicating nothing. She let it go.

"Finally you are here! Pinky was waiting for you since an hour and making all us frantic too", Sunitha said in mock exasperation.

Every one laughed. Shyly, Pinky tucked behind Soumya and clung to her. It was so beautiful. Its how Aryan had dreamed. He knew now for sure, he has to be with soumya. He wished he had taken time to know her when they were in college.

Finally they sat in the car and started towards Gorai. All through the way they kept blasting music and singing along. It was a fun ride for all of them.

They reached Essel world and the mayhem began! Any one with a small kid knows how exhuberent they are and how difficult it is to control them. It was complete chaos! And Aryan had his hand full coz he dint have one but two kiddoes on his hand!
Soumya and Pinky tried every ride! From artic circle to Zipper dipper. for bump them car to thunder

They had countless ice creams. And god knows what. And there were many special moments when their eyes met. That special secret smiles and glances.


Especially during the aqua dive! They screamed and in the fall from the height , Soumya held his hand instinctively. Aryan held on even when she tugged it. When she looked at him, he gave a flirtatious smile and said ' thama hai haat mera toh umr bhar nibhana'

And he and pinky started gigling. Soumya blushed till her roots. By the tine it was evening they were dead tired and they decided to take it easy. They juss roamed.

Finally, pinky started feeling sleepy and they decided to return.

Soumya suggested dropping by her flat and Aryan readily agreed.Aryan was driving and Pinky was sleeping in the back. Soumya laid her head on the head rest and closed her eyes. Aryan looked at her through the mirror. How tired she was and still so beautiful. She had this easy fun side that Aryan never knew about. Pinky liked her a lot and enjoyed the day like she never had before. Aryan was thankful to god that Soumya was in his life now and he has got second chance hopefully.

Aryan could n't contain himself, he slowly touched her face. And Soumya opened her eyes. There was so much feelings in Aryan's eyes. Soumya didnt know what to do. All her sophistication left her. She was the same gawky gal who would stare at Aryan. Suddenly they heard a loud horn.

Aryan returned his glance back to the road. He was about to kiss her! 'My god! I don't know if she wants me. what if she was offended and stopped the friendship?'

Soumya cursed the driver who blew the horn. Aryan was going to kiss her. Their very first!

They had a very awkward silence. Thank god that they reached her building. She lived near Powai lake on a tarrace flat on 25th Floor. She went ahead to open the door while Aryan parked the car and carried Pinky up.

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A Love Story - The First Meeting

Chapter 3

Sea and rocks have been a havan for lovers since long. The clashing of waves on to the rocks have sparked many a passion. It has witnessed many moans and drowned it in its overpowering roars. It has secrets untold if only you listen. On such an beautiful evening, in throes of love, Soumya was waiting for Aryan. Dreaming and apprehensive. After all those years of waiting, finally Aryan can be hers. She was terrified that he wouldn't. Then what would be left for her? Only fact that Aryan will still be hers kept her going. The wobbly and clumsy gal is long gone, buried below the layer of sophistication. It wasn't easily achieved. We won't talk about the endless years of pain and humiliation and despair. That is best left in the past. Right now, I would like you to imagine a lady in love. Anticipating her lover any minute. The sweet and shy smile needs to be seen to know. I am sure the observant of your lot would agree how invaluable that smile is......

The mobile rings."Hello Aryan?"

"No sweetheart its me Raj. Kya baat hai mujhe bhool gayi?" 'Did you forget me?'

" No sweetie, Its just that I was expecting another call."

"Oh! Then let me keep the phone" , Raj said hurt. Raj is a good friend but very sensitive.

"Darling, listen. I was waiting for Aryan's call. We are finally meeting! After 15 years"

The happiness in Soumya's voice was infectious.

Raj laughed. " This calls for a party. So when do I get all the details. haan....??? " "Next time, I wanna meet him! Who is this guy who can make my angel forget me? " , he teases.

"If there is a next time", Soumya quipped.

"Sweetheart, he will be an idiot not to. You are the best"

"Thanks darling. So hows your wife?"

"Doing great. By the way she will need the details too. Please save my breath and come home for dinner okay?"

"We will see"

" Please. You know her countless questions. She makes me mad."

"She wants you mad. Says you are really very good when you are mad" , Soumya teased.

"Ha ha ha. That is so not true. I am always very good"

" Vain as a peacock"

" Boo!"

" Acchha suno you keep the phone alright?"

"Yes ,Ma'am. If only you promise to come"

" Wouldn't miss it for any reason. I love Jenny's cooking"

"And not mine?" , he said in mock hurt.


"Darling,I like everything about you " , She replied. This is their age old game spanning 10 years when Soumya first met him. And even then Raj was happily engaged. No sparks between them ever just plain friendship, such friendship is hard to find. Soumya knew that and cherished it. He is the only one who knows her bleak past that we decided not to talk about. Soumya was smiling. There is no better way than to start a new chapter in her life than with wishes from Raj.

Raj was concerned about Soumya. Although he didnt want to say anything to her. He didnt want her to be used. He wondered if he can love again like Aryan seems to be? Probably he must be using her. He decided to do some discreet probing once he meets her, Soumya hates when people worries for her.


Meanwhile, Soumya was impatient. She wanted to see the sunset with Aryan. Ahem! The fickle mind, earlier she wouldn't have thought about it and now she is irked by the fact that he isn't here yet. Soumya tried to call him.

At the same time, Aryan was bushed. So much crowd, he couldn't board the train. Ah the multitude of trafffic and the crowd of Mumbai trains. A taste acquired. Aryan was not thinking about it though. He was busy calling Saumya to notice the crowd or the pushes n pulls of the train (How boring! I would have so enjoyed it...) But it was coming busy. He was miffed. How can she be busy talking to someone else when she is meeting him for the first time? Has he read the signals wrong?
May be she is not very interested in meeting him, Just out of decency! He felt stupid coming. Felt like going back.( Just imagine what he would have missed if he had walked back!!)


Finally, Aryan reached Marine drive. The beautiful shoreline adorning Mumbai. The Queens necklace. The sun was just setting. Aryan found her sitting and gazing the setting sun. He had to hold his breath. She was beautiful. Drenched in red glow of setting sun, she looked like a golden goddess. Flaxen black hair flowing down to her midriff, like most South Indians. Dressed in a simple salwar kameez in red. It would look gaudy on anyone but her. She had this flair for understated elegance in whatever she wears.

Aryan stood there looking at her, again beset by doubts, this could be a beautiful start or earth shattering end. For him at least. He can't fall in love again. Not after Soumya . And then slowly she turned around. Some third sense told her Aryan is here. And they stood there looking at each other. It seemed that world had stopped. Nothing was there but them. Words weren't needed to express their happiness their need.... Aryan moved forward to hug her, but Soumya gave her hand to shake and he stopped.

"Hello", she said

"Finally we meet"

"Yes, I am so glad!"

"Me too"

"I have so much to ask you so much to tell!, shall we catch it over the coffee cup?"

"Yeah sure!"

“ How was your trip?”

“Fine” , he replied in monosyllable.

“ Hows your daughter?”

“Fine”.Aryan was thinking, 'Is this what I was waiting for? It is a mistake.'

It was a wonderful setting, a handsome man a beautiful woman, madly in love. The breeze was gently teasing them. The soothing music in the back ground. The pink sky of the summer evening suffusing good humour all over. Aryan could not take his eyes off the way Soumya's hair was whisked by the breeze. It took conscious effort to not put her hair back behind her ears. Soumya was looking out and not at him. He wondered if that is good or not. On one hand he was glad he could see her without restraint and on the other hand he wanted her to look at him and not the view. 'God! I am jealous of the view! What the heck is wrong with me?'


Soumya was distraught. She didn't know what to do! She wanted to talk but she didn't know what! 'Why are we so uncomfortable? Where did all the comfort level go? We talked so well on fone on chat! Why are we so uncomfy??? Why am I feeling shy? Not after all these years. God help me! I have waited for this so long!”

Soumya turns to Aryan and tries again, “ Why didn't you bring Pinky?. I have brought a gift for her. I want to meet her so much.”

“I just thought, its better we met first”

“Ah you wanted to be sure I am good for your little princess”

“You know you are the best thing that can happen to my child. In fact you are the best thing that happened to me”

“Shut up. Don't make me into something I am not and don't change the topic. When do I get to meet her?”

“You can meet her anytime you want”

“Why not now then??”

“She was playing with kids there didn't want to come”

“But I can come”

“Oh great! that way I can introduce you to Akshay!”

“Why not? I know them. Not personally. Our company did a project for him”

“Son of the bitch didn't tell me that at all”

“You guys discussed me? And they say women are gossipy!” , Soumya smirked

“Ha ha ha . Trust you to comment on that” , Aryan returned in good humour.

The ice was broken. They spent talking ,teasing and laughing all the way to Akshay's place. They had found their rhythm.


They reached home. Akshay and Sunitha were glad to see Aryan so happy so was Pinky.

Sunitha discretely asked Soumya " You seem to be very taken with Aryan"

"Yes I am! He is a chum"

"That he is. Only don't hurt him. I don't want to beat around the bush. It may be easy for you to move from relationship to relationship not him. He is too emotional. Please consider that"

"Aryan is lucky to have such concerned friends. But he is an adult and so am I. I wouldnt ever hurt him. We know exactly where we stand. There is no lies between us", Soumya replied coldly. Sunitha's word stinged.

Aryan came over to see what they were talking. He had some idea and he didnt want Sunitha to make a fool of herself.

"Whats this wishpering? Let us into the secret too"

"Hardly, We don't gossip like fishermen", Soumya quipped.

"Touche", Aryan had the grace to wince.

"Oh its almost 10:00 pm! I got to go. Long day", Soumya said picking her purse.

"Soumya aunty, rukho na! Tell me good night story and go ", Pnky wailed.

"Okay. Come i will tuck you in"

Soumya took Pinky to the bed. Told her a nice story. Kissed her good night. By the time Pinky slept it was 11:00 pm. After saying quick good night she left.

Adults underestimate kids. They think kids don't understand, but they do more than adults. They think straight without any ego. Thats why Pinky was ready to be friends with Soumya. She wanted her daddy to be happy and she knew it before her daddy himself that it lies with Soumya. She had seen him cry late in nights when he thought no one sees. She did. And for the same reason, she won't ever forgive her mother. As expected Pinky and Soumya went along real fine after all both wanted to make the person they love the most happy.


They had decided to go to Esselworld the next day. Soumya , Pinky and Aryan. Akshay and Sunitha wiser in the ways of love, knew this was the occasion they should miss and made their excuses.


That night, for the first time Pinky felt happy. She had decided, she would do anything to bring Aryan and Soumya togather. It would be her little secret and her gift to her Beloved Daddy! She prayed to god that the angel Soumya aunty, always stay in her life. ' They say God listens to the innocent child the most. Seems like it isn't it?'


Soumya was pleasantly tired. She was so excited about tomorrow! She didn't want to sleep. She dreamed all night. Sweet and tender.


Aryan was warmed by the way Soumya put Pinky to sleep.It was the dream he saw for him and Prachi! It seemed so right with Soumya.In a way, he never fitted with Prachi. Being with Soumya made him realize how wrong he and Prachi were-As a couple. He was glad things turned out so fine. For a moment he imagined that Soumya was his wife. It felt so wonderful. But his dreams weren't just for Soumya as a mother of the child. It was for Soumya as his wife, Coz readers, Soumya was an extremely desirable lady and Aryan a full hot red blooded male.

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A Love Story- Anticipation

Chapter 2

“Oww I am sorry to miss picking you up! I should have come. Damn the meeting Grrrrrrrrr”, Soumya wailed down the phone.

Aryan laughed into the phone, “That's okay. We are meeting tomorrow anyways.”

“ I am sorry sweets, no go. The goddamn project! I can meet you on day after”

“ Hey thats okay. I understand. Work rules us.” he replied. Deflated and a bit sad.

“ Oww how sweet. I will hug you for that”

He laughs, “Waiting for that”

“Okay then, bye.”

“Bye”

Akshay and Sunita were happy to see him happy when he called her up. However, now they were concerned. Aryan was too involved too fast. They had seen him suffer and didn't want it to repeat. They decided to meet her and check her out. They could do nothing but wait.

Aryan was too restless to sleep but too tired to do anything else. He expected Soumya to call. He was waiting for it.

Soumya was feeling frustrated. Aryan was here, finally here. However, she cant meet him. After 15 years she will see her first love. The guy who made her dream made her hope. She was so desperate to meet him. She will call him once this damn report was over.

'Aryan.. just hold on sweets! Few more minutes and I will be free to call you.'

Soumya sighed when she saw her boss come towards her and not with a happy smile. He said,”I want you to change this report in all the red marked points.I have made the necessary remarks include them. ”

“Can I do it home?”

“I am afraid not. You know it is too confidential.”

“Yes I know. Sigh!” , said Soumya and started to work.

It was 12 o' clock in the night when she was finished. She debated whether to call or not. However she was sure he would wait. They had this comfortable relationship that they could anticipate others move. In a way she couldn't ever anticipate anyone else in her past relationships. Guess thats coz she never really loved them. She tried hard but she couldn't love anyone else. Not completely.

She called. And she was relived that she did. Talking to Aryan gave her comfort that nothing else could. She was relaxed and comfortable the moment she heard his voice. That soothing voice that fired her dreams to the zenith. She was ready to sleep and go to the godforsaken meeting tomorrow.

Aryan was glad she called. He could hear the tiredness in her voice. He was glad that he would be the last thought in her mind when she slept. He so longed to meet her. He wished he could kiss her weriness away. He slept dreaming of her.

The next day, Soumya was happy. She felt as if she is in the heaven. The meeting ended early. And she can go to meet Aryan. Finally, all those years of waiting and dreaming is finally going to bear fruit. She couldn't wait to meet him.

She called him and told him to come. He was joyous. She could hear the happiness in his voice. The happiness she put there. How she had longed to do the same all her college life. How she had waited for a dribble of information about him. She had watched him marry that loser of the woman. She knew they weren't right together. She knew he was for her and her alone. She waited long and her love was true. God finally answered her prayers. Its just few more days and he would be in her arms. Arms that were aching for his touch. Just few more days. And few hours from now she will see him.

'Aryan here i come darling...............'

>

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A Love Story- Aryan's Journey To Mumbai

Chapter 1

The train was reaching the Nagpur station. On this sultry afternoon, people traveling in the train had only one solace, Communication. How much ever face to face conversation may go out of fashion, in a train travel, most asocial of a man starts having conversation. Aryan however, our hero, not the quietest person, is in no mood of conversation. He has that sweet countenance of guy in throes of love and who doesn't know what to do with it.

Aryan was being nostalgic. He was trying to remember Soumya that was, some 15 years ago when he was irritated by the puppy crush of a gal who was thin mousy and nerdy!! Being a butt of countless jokes, he avoided her like a plague. But years down the line, when he met her again, online, things changed.

During those lonesome nights, initially, when Prachi left, he hardly knew what to do with the time he had. Sleep was hard to come and every gesture reminded him of what he lost.. To run away from reality he had hit the online bandwagon of lifeless n lost souls. Every day was the same. The same stories only the faces change. Saga of hurt and betrayal and sorrow. However, he had struck gold. He met Soumya. Didn't know initially it was her. She didn't too.

He started liking coming online. A sensitive soul who sympathized with him, laughed and in general made him feel hopeful for the first time since Prachi left. And now he is no longer angry with Prachi. Aryan realized that Prachi was right. They never would have been ever happy for long. They were just too different. Like water and oil. He had been holding on to a dream. I guess it takes a perfect match to show what imperfection is...

Aryan was suddenly apprehensive. Here he was with is 7 years old daughter, which Prachi accepted to let go. Would Soumya understand his need to be with this child? Would she be as loving? Aryan was spinning dreams of how it would be..

'” Soumya, I love you”, Aryan said.

Soumya replied,” I know that idiot. I have waited so long for you. What took you so long to realize that I am yours?”.

“I have this child, she is important to me. Will you be able to love her?”

“You insult me ,Aryan. This child is yours. How can I not love her?”

Or sometimes he would think,

“I love you Soumya”

“I know. But I don't love you. We can only be friends.”

“Oh! Yes only friends. I am sorry Soumya”

“Don't be. I am flattered that you love me. But I am not the same gal from your college. I have changed so have you. I love someone else now”

“ Is there someway I can make you love me?”

“What about your kid? Am I supposed to live with the symbol of you ex-wife all my life???”

“Yes. You are right. There is no way. Can we be still friends?”

“I don't think so Aryan”

“Oh! So it is a good bye then”

“I am afraid yes”

A whistle boomed and woke Aryan up. Pinky was shaking him, “Daddy Daddy.....Are we in Mumbai??”

“Sweetheart not yet. We have a long way to travel”

“How much time daddy?”

“Ten hours to go”

At the age of seven, Pinky was a curious girl with lots of question. Aryan was proud of her. If anything went right in his world it was Pinky. Aryan wondered if she will like Soumya.

“ Daddy will we go to essel world?”, Pinky asked.

“ Any thing for you baby”.

“Daddy who is Sunita aunty??”

“She is wife of Akshay Uncle. You remember he had come for Diwali??”

“ Oh yes. Do they have kids?”

“Yes they do. But they are older”

“Okay”

And then Pinky slept off in his arms. He started dreaming again. This time about the past. Prachi when he first saw her. The very first smile, shy and hesitating. The first time she talked to him. And the last. How much difference. He wondered, not the first time if he could have done something to change it. But it was the first time there was no pain and he was sure what happened happened for the best.

He tried to remember something about Soumya from the past. Strangely he couldn't. All he could is dream about the future. The train finally reached Mumbai. Aryan picked his sleepy child and luggage and thought Soumya here I come.....

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A love Story-My very first in writing

This story is a dedication to a special friend who came close to me in recent time. I have used a different aproach. Its set in future and still is timeless like all love stories. Also, it is narrated by an old woman. Please be patient with her. She is trying hard to control her rambling.


Prologue

I got down at Karjat station. Hustling and bustling, the station was far cry from what it was in 2005 when Soumya left the college, Konkan gyanpeeth college of engg, fondly called as King George college of engg by the students. I wonder how it was when Soumya first met Aryan. Its hard to imagine that they were friends all through their college life, never felt any attraction and eventually met down the road of life to fall in love. Destiny. It has a different style of operation. Let me stop my rambling and start narrating as in what I was doing in Karjat station on such a wonderful day.


It was an clear sparkling day, not a single bird in the sky. Only little cotton bobs of clouds floating around the wind. The climate was mild, rain had fallen in the night, giving clean and fresh look to the surroundings. As Soumya says, if you want to see paradise on earth you need to visit Karjat in rains. It seems an exaggeration until you really visit it. As I get out of the station I see the car is waiting for me. Dayaram is standing with a large grin on his face, I am his favorite guest. Being with the Bhatalkar family for long I am on good terms with their help.


As we pass through the countryside, the nature's tapestry thats on display affects me even today in the same way as the first time. It seems like I have walked into a different time zone altogether. The lady walking with a haystack on her head, cows lolling on the mud road, everything so charming so old worldly. Now don't get me wrong the place I am taking you all isn't as rustic but nevertheless it has all the charm of this place.


There now, on the hillock I see the estate. Hidden behind the trees is the pearl of the place, the rambling farmhouse of Bhatalkar. It isn't the costliest of all but according to me its the most charming of all. And me being an old woman of 75 should allowed my idiosyncrasies. Ah now I come to the most important of all fact, as in why I actually am in Karjat. Not in Karjat perse, but a small village of Wolha , some 100km away from the station. Ah see I again forgot to tell you guys why we are here! Forgive this old lady. Without much ado I tell you now, I am here to attend 50th wedding anniversary of Mr and Mrs. Bhatalkar!! My loving friend Soumya and Aryan her husband.


And this story is all about their love. Now don't ask me how I know this story. On a warm sunny day like this, the nights get too cold. Especially in rainy season and when you are surrounded by hills you are sure to feel cold. Not to mention the old age.Soumya has asked me to not reveal her age. But then at this old age she is entitled to few eccentricities. I did tell her though that an intelligent reader can still judge her age. Ah the funny soul says, why don't you keep that as an contest like those soap operas?? I wonder if I will ever complete it if i narrate in this pace. Probably this will go on and on like those soap operas.

Back to the story, the cold makes us sit by the fireplace, authentic wooden fireplace, beautiful if i can say so, nothing in this house can ever be described as anything but beautiful. Ah continuing with the story, couple of pegs of champagne makes the tongues loose and the words rolls out faster and this wonderful saga unfolds. This story is for all those loners who have lost love. Ah I can see you losing patience with me! Let me tell the story in their own words. I know you want to know whose tongue wagged? Well that would be my little secret.

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