More Over Life: Story

Showing posts with label Story. Show all posts

I was on my way, back to my home. So many things had happened to me in the last few hours. My mind was totally messed up. 'Who was that unknown savior behind those trees..Why he saved me?....Is Mr. Singh trying to hide something from me? Is there actually some other mastermind behind all our missions? Who can it be?..How come those people had such deep knowledge about our team? Is someone betraying us?.... And how could I do this? For the first time, I allowed Arush to enter Angad's life.. I was imagining Naira every now and then. Am I getting attracted towards her?...'

There were so many questions..and all unanswered. These questions were disturbing me, when my phone rang and Mr. Singh's voice led a ray of hope inside me.
'You love her..admit it.. I am happy to see that you have moved on..'

'Am sorry!! I didn't get you.. What are you talking about Mr. Singh?' I was shocked to hear his words.

'Nothing is hidden from my eyes...Arush.' It was the first time, when Mr. Singh called me as Arush and I was pleased to hear that.
'Admit it, and yes..you have to be careful next time.. Bye' Mr. Singh hung the phone..

I tried to analyse my behaviour.., which had changed drastically in the last few months. From the day Naira entered my life, I had changed a lot. Now, I had friends to enjoy with, I had a 'bestie' to share my feelings with, I laughed, I was back with my guitar again... And all this happened, because she helped me to do so. I missed her badly whenever she was not around. And acted too stupid when I had her around. And what I did today, was not a small thing.

'Yeah.. I love her. I love Naira... Thanks Mr. Singh for making me realize this beautiful feeling.' I thought.

I was smiling like a Cheshire cat while collecting my things and rode straight to the college. It was an altogether different feeling. Being in love is the best you can be, even the weirdest of the things transform into the most adorable ones.

I reached the college gate. I entered and tried to search for Naira. I reached where all the participants were rehearsing. She was sitting in a corner in a red saree. I thought she might be angry with me as I was late and the event was about to begin. When I reached behind her, she was applying some medicine on her elbow.

'What happened Naira? Are you alright?' I was dismayed on seeing her like this. I held her arm to see what had happened.

'Am alright Arush..Where have you been? I was waiting for you..' She seemed to be tensed. She took her arm away from my hand and stood in front of me.

I was startled by her innocent beauty. She wore a golden bordered red saree. The elegance with which she was carrying herself was unbeatable. She was looking at me with her big hazel eyes and her cute red lips were complimenting her impeccable complexion .Her hair were flowing onto her shoulders. I was completely mesmerized by her delicacy.

'Arush..Why are you so late? We have not even rehearsed a single time today. Am feeling too nervous..' She was speaking continuously.

'Relax Naira..have faith in me..Everything will be fine. We'll rock today' I tried to calm her, but at the same time, I was not able to take my eyes off her.

'What happened? Am I looking fine?'

'Fine?? You have no idea how hot you are looking..Am sorry..but I couldn't resist saying that!!' I laughed while she stared at me.

'Common guys..be ready. The event is about to start' A girl came running into the room to inform all the participants.

'Okay relax Naira..All the best.'
'Thanks ..stupid'

The crowd cheers grew with each upcoming performance and Naira looked more and more nervous with the passing time. Finally our names were announced. It was our turn now. As I had expected, hooting started as we stepped on stage. Naira was looking damn too gorgeous. I knew after this very day, she'll be the heartthrob of our college.

'Okay guys..we will be performing a love song today. Relax and enjoy this beautiful evening in Naira's beautiful voice..Hope you'll like it..' The sound of the claps and the cheering was raising our heart beats. And then we started....

'When I cry....when I laugh..
There's only you in ma thoughts..
When am still..when I ride..
It's only you I dream of..

I don't know how to tell you..
I don't know how to put in words..
It's just that I love you..
It's more than love..my love..
It's a bit more than love....my love..

You are the one I wanna live with forever..
I wanna take you to the stars..oh higher...
Don't take off your eyes..aah they drive me crazy..
Just love me back..Do me a little favor..

You're my love..you're my life..you're my angel..
Don't leave me ever..Never...
You are my need..and my desire..
It's more than love..my love...
It's a bit more than love...my love...

(Wohooo...hmmmm....mmmmmmm..)
It's a bit more than love...my love...'

As we finished, the complete audience filled our ears with claps. Naira looked so happy.

When we stepped down the stage, she was almost dancing...'Yes yes yes!!! We did it Arush..We did it..!!' She was so excited that she hugged me.. 'Oh Thank you Arush..., I am feeling so happy'.

It was becoming very difficult for me to keep hold of my emotions. I didn't know if it was the right to express them, but controlling them was no more in my hands.
'Naira...I don't know how it happened..but I love you...'

She stepped back and looked at me with puzzled eyes. She turned away to leave.

'Naira..listen.. I didn't want to hurt you. I just wanted to share my feelings. I..I am sorry. I..'

'Please Arush!!' She turned back. 'I thought we were good friends. I shared almost everything with you and never expected this from you'

I didn't know how to handle that situation. I didn't want to lose her. Even my missions were easy enough to handle in-front of this embarrassing situation.
Then all of a sudden, she burst into laughter.

'I love you too stupid. I love you from so long. You took so much time to fall in love with me. I was desperate to hear this. So I thought, to take a little revenge...' I saw a different face of Naira that day. My shy innocent nervous Naira, was a little bit naughty too. And I loved her even more for that.

She hugged me tight and having her in my arms made my world complete.

Next Part coming soon...

<< Previous Chapter

'Ti Ti Ti Ti Ti Ti Ti....'
I was sitting by my window, lost in my own thoughts, when suddenly that beep sound brought me back to the present. I searched for my watch and switched off the sound. I checked my mail for the details.
It was 03:00 in the morning and I had to leave to live my real side as 'Angad'.

It was not a strange place, neither it was fearsome. It was dark though. My black outfit covered me from head to toe. It was easy for me to dissipate in the dark, and I was expecting the same from my beloved enemies. I had to be careful and alert. I was on a land of dangerous species. I had reached where I was asked to be. Now it was time for them to come. Between those sky hugging trees, I was feeling too short. So I climbed and laid back. I was waiting for them.

Suddenly, Naira's soft giggles filled my ears. Her big hazel eyes were coming before me. Her stupid deeds, her innocent face, her melodious voice..aah..all of her memories overpowered my mind. Thanks to the little black ant, whose short bitter bite on my toe brought me back to my senses.

'Aaaaah..What was that? ......And...how can I think of her at this point of time? What is happening to me?' I murmured.

It had never happened before. Angad never mixed his life with Arush and he could never ever mix it again.

I tried to focus more on, for what I was there. After some time, some men arrived. I leaped from one branch to another, from one tree to the other so as to get a better view. I was sitting on the top of the tree whose roots were hosting those men.

After a while, Zaraaf Karim arrived. This time, I did not have to capture or kill those people. I was there to just find out their real plan and to know what they actually wanted.

'Kabir, we have to get Abdul out of the Indian jail. We cannot let him be there for long.'

'Janaab, we are ready. We are waiting for your orders.'

'Good..And what about the task which I gave you last week.'

'Janaab, no one knows anything about that secret team of the Indian army. Neither the seniors, nor the juniors, are aware of the existence of such team. But, there are some rumors about this team in some areas. According to the rumors, it is a team of 3 people, There is only 1 main member who performs most of the operations and that too alone, the other two help him whenever required. Orders are given to them from time to time from their head. There is a mediator between this head and the team. The mastermind knows everything and everyone. The mediator knows only the team and the team knows only the mediator as their head. But, no one knows, who actually the head is. No one knows the face behind the mask.'

'Ahaan.. Interesting...But this information is not sufficient. I want their boss.. I want their mediators. I want that team of 3 people. I want all of them. I want to finish this team.' His voice raised with each sentence. His eyes filled with blood as his anger rose.He continued.., 'Till the time they are alive, they will never let us spread terrorism in India. Our mission is to finish them all and get Abdul out. And then, we'll celebrate our victory with a big blast in the capital.'

'Inshah allah!!'
'Inshah allah!!'
'Inshah allah!!'

'How come they have such news about our secret team?? And...Is Mr. Singh just a mediator? Is there some boss of him too?' There were many questions undergoing in my mind.

I had to be careful, as a single mistake of mine, could ruin this operation. There had to be no action this time. Only a peaceful mission, and I had to get each and every bit of detail.

I took photographs. I recorded their conversations.

'When I cry, when I laugh..
There's only you in my thoughts...' I started humming this tune all of a sudden and imagined Naira singing this song on stage. I got lost in her thoughts again 'Don't be late tomorrow!!' Her words echoed in my mind.

'Who's there???' suddenly those men spotted me. I had to keep this visit a secret one. It was just to know their intentions, but my carelessness resulted in action.

Their black commandos were as fast as wind. I leaped from one branch to other. I shot many of them but it appeared as though the darkness was reproducing them at a much higher pace. I had to be fast. Within a fraction of second, I myself didn't knew how many ways would I have to adapt to kill them all. I had no backup team this time. There was only me and an uncountable count of those black commandos.

I had guns in both of my hands. As I was shooting them, Zaraaf got a chance to run away towards his car. Our eyes got locked into each other's for a while. All of a sudden, someone hit me at my head from the back. My guns dropped from my hands. Zaraaf smirked with a winning attitude. I turned around. A big rod was coming again towards my head. I bent down, picked up my gun and pressed the trigger. The man with the rod standing in from of me was shot straight in his forehead. I didn't understand what happened. What I knew was the bullet in his forehead was not mine. I turned back to see from where the second bullet came. I felt as if there was a shadow behind that tree at a distance. But before I could be sure, I had to get rid of those commandos.

I fought back hard and won over them. I ran back to the tree. But there was no one..
'Was it my imagination? Was there someone in reality?' I was confused. I believed there was a fraction of second between the bullet shot by me and the bullet which shot that man, actually that bullet saved my life. If that bullet would have not shot him, that man would have killed me with his rod. I was late in pressing my trigger. But.., who was there???

I was late. I had to return back to the base. I could not be late today. I had to rush to the college too for the final rehearsals. I called Mr. Singh to clear that dead forest and informed that I'll be reaching the base soon.

I hastened back to the base. Mr. Singh was not looking very happy this time.
'Oh!! Welcome Angad..Are you fine?' He looked worried and concerned and still I could feel a comment in his question.

'Yeahh!!' My voice was low as I didn't know how he'll react further.

'What happened that such a peaceful mission turned out into a deadly one?'

'I..I don't know how their men spotted me. It was my mistake. It will never happen again. I promise.' I apologized. Then I handed him the information collected and detailed him about their motive.

'If they already have an idea about our team, it's not at all good for us. We have to sort this out.'

'Yes, but they were mentioning about one boss whom no one knows. And according to them, he is the mastermind behind our every mission. Is that true?'

'You are just given orders. And you have no right to question your senior officers.' Mr. Singh's face turned red. I dropped my idea to tell him about that person who saved my life, as I myself was not sure and Mr. Singh was already in a bad mood.

As soon as the doctor applied medicines, I ran back. I was late. I had to reach fast 'Naira would be waiting'.

<< Previous Chapter Next Chapter >>

Though I could not sleep that night because of the continuously growing excitement to meet her, I was feeling completely charged. I was fresh as a daisy and happier than ever. I had made her cry many a times before and I knew how to make things right. I bought her favorite chocolates and left for the college.

I was waiting eagerly for her outside my class. I saw her from a distance. She was in an off-white salwaar kameez. She was looking so pure. My eyes froze on her face, and my mind too. I didn't even realize when she came near until she spoke.

'Hey Arush!! How are you now?'

'I think my face speaks enough for me today.' I laughed.

'Yeah..And I'm happy to see you like this.'

'I have got something.' I opened my bag and took out chocolates. 'For you..'

She was pleased and snatched them from my hands. 'Thank you..And what are these for?'

'Just a gesture to apologize for everything in past and then I thought..I have not done that much wrong to you..so I ate half of them again..' She stared me and then we both burst into laughter.

'There's another surprise for you today..so keep waiting.'

She was enthralled on hearing this.

Lectures started and half of the day passed. While I was busy in the last pages of my notebook, she left all her work. She kept on messaging me to know when she'll get her next surprise. But I didn't reply to any of her messages. I tried to avoid her in break too.

I was waiting for the last lecture. I checked time on my watch. It was 2:40 pm. After a while, I again checked the time. It was same..2:40 pm. I thought my watch had stopped working, so I checked on my phone. But it seemed as if time had slept to enjoy a short nap and tease me by keeping both of his arms stuck at a place for a long time. The lecturer appeared to me like an enemy who was not letting us to start our next and the last lecture. The last few minutes of that lecture too passed in my annoying thoughts and impish plannings.

Finally the time came. The bell rang and we moved towards the Chemistry Lab. I was noticing her moves in the lab and was waiting for the time till she got totally engrossed in her work. I moved slowly towards her and stood behind her. I tried my best not to let her know that I was behind her and finally whispered for what I kept her waiting since morning.

'When I cry..when I laugh..
There's only you in ma thoughts..
When am still..when I ride..
It's only you I dream of..

I don't know how to tell you..
I don't know how to put in words..
It's just that I love you..
It's more than love..my love..
It's a bit more than love..my love....'

She turned with confused eyes. She was surprised or to be more precise...she was shocked.
'Before you get me wrong... and take off your shoes and hit me, let me clear something..I'm not proposing. These are the starting lines of the song which we have to perform.' I shot at her without giving her a chance to even react.

'Whaatt??' She gave a puzzled look again.

'What? Didn't you like it? I have composed it specially for our performance.' I was confused too on what was happening. I had never done something like this before.

'No..I mean..the song was awesome. You wrote it..seriously?...aa..I mean, I didn't knew that you have got this talent too. But, the song is really superb..too romantic.' She was happy with my composition. She was filled with contentment.

'Thank you madame' I was glad to make her smile. Suddenly, nervousness overcame her gleaming face.

'What happened Naira?'

'The song is beautiful..but..how will I sing?'

'Look, I decided to give a fresh start to my life because of you. And it will be possible if only..you are ready to help.'

She was watching straight into my eyes.

'Yes, I'll try..I'll do it for you...' She said in a heart touching voice, with a smile on her lips and tears in her eyes. I wonder why girls need to cry for everything bad and everything good.

'That's great..I'll complete the song in a day or two. And, you be ready with this part by tomorrow.'

At night, while lying in my bed, I was recalling the day's memories. I smiled on my own. I laughed on my stupid act. I felt happy to see her smile.

Next day, she sung the song written by me. The song completed in actual terms only when it came out in her voice. Those words needed her voice to reach someone's heart. I just wrote a beautiful composition, but her voice added emotions to it and turned it to something really special.

Days passed. I finished my song lyrics. Our practice continued. With each day passing, I was feeling myself a little more dragged towards her. Though I realized well before, that some changes are coming in me, still the feeling was so beautiful that it overcame my realization. I loved to take care of myself and of my looks because she liked me fit and fine. And more than that, I loved not to take care of myself because then she took care of all my stuff.

I could not sleep at the last night before the fest. There was an emotional roller coaster at its highest speed inside me. Nervousness, excitement, fantasy, happiness, past memories, future expectations, confusion, confidence..the fluctuation between these emotions was at such a pace that I could not separate any of them from each other.

<< Previous Chapter Next Chapter >>

The day came when the results were announced. Though, my result was not very good, but yeah.., it improved. I knew, it was because of Naira. She made me clear my sessionals. Days passed, and our friendship grew stronger.

Though I never shared my past, she understood my mood-swings. She knew how to handle me. She knew how to make me smile.

It was our last semester. We were sitting in a class. We were laughing and pulling each other's leg at one or the other thing. Ms. Razia entered in a subtle red sari 'Hellooo guys!!' She was one of our faculty members; the hottest teacher of the college and the first love of almost all the students. Guys used to flirt with her and she also enjoyed their company.

I don't know why a smile was stuck on my face on seeing her. Naira pinched me.
'Whaattt???' I exclaimed.
'Nothing' She collected all her notes and took a seat in the front.
I was wondering if she was okay or was she mad.

'After 2 months, we are having a fest in our college. And I know, you all are very excited about that. I want maximum participation from our college and so the maximum number of winners too.' Ms.Razia continued.

Everyone was eagerly waiting for this day. But I usually tried to avoid such events. So, I was down in my seat, lost in the last pages of my notebook with a pen in my hand. Ms. Razia was asking the names for participation. My classmates were jumping on their seat for their names to be noted down. But, unfortunately, Ms. Razia caught me.

'So, Arush..I am noting down your name too. What will you perform that day? Or will you be taking part in some quiz?'

I tried to back out my name from the participants' list.

'Aa...Mam...I..'

'Guitar!!!' Naira shouted.
I was shocked and looked at Naira. 'Is she mad??' I thought.
The whole class was staring at me as if Naira has spoken something in French, and now they want an English translation from me.

'No Mam, I don't know how to play guitar. Naira is stupid. She is saying on her own.'

'No Mam!! Arush plays a wonderful guitar. I know. I have seen a video of him with his friend on his phone in which he is playing guitar.'

'No Mam. She is lying. In fact, she has got a lovely voice. I have listened her many a times singing while busy in her phone. She should participate.'

'Mam..Arush is lying..I am giving his name that's why...'
'Mam..Naira is....'

We both were fighting like mads when suddenly we realized that Ms. Razia was smiling. We had put ourselves in a big trouble. We both didn't want to participate.

'So Arush and Naira, can I say something now if you have stopped fighting?' She gave a winning smile.

'You both will participate. Naira will sing and Arush will play the guitar. And this is final. I know you both will prove to be a great team. Best of luck!!! Rest of the people who want to participate can please contact me in the staff room.' She left.

I was annoyed at Naira. What she thought of herself? My anger grew more when I saw Naira's face.

'Why you told Ms. Razia about my singing??' I held her hand and took her out of the class.

She started again. 'Arush..Why you gave my name?? You know I cannot perform on stage. I cannot face people. I..'
'Shut Up!!!' I stopped her in between.
'Who told you to give my name?? Who told you to touch my phone and check videos in that?? Who told you to scream in front of the whole class that I can play guitar??'

She was scared. My anger had no limits and her bright face faded away all of a sudden. But I didn't bother.
'You...were not listening to me when Ms. Razia arrived...I..I didn't feel good at that time..when ..you were lost in her..So, I thought of pulling your leg..'

'Lost in whaaattt??? Are you out of your mind?' Had she been a boy, I would have slapped her.

'Why are you getting so angry? It's just a guitar. You don't have stage fear like me. Then what's the problem?'

I pierced into her innocent eyes and filled fear and tears into them with my anger.
I shouted..'What's the problem!! You are my problem. I have not played guitar since Aradhya's death. I used to play for her and I don't want to play it ever again in my life. Do you understand anything??'

I spoke about whom no one knew.
'Aradhya??? ..Sorry...But I'm not getting what you are saying..' She said with tears rolling down her eyes.

I used my anger to hide my pain and tears.

'Nothing...' I left.

I was furious. I was wondering that how could I lose control over my emotions. How could I take Aru's name in front of anyone? Everything was messed up inside me. And Naira...she was continuously calling me since afternoon. I didn't want to face her or talk to her. I didn't want to talk about Aru with anyone.

I was sitting beside my window. The shops and the neighborhood had been gulped into a plain black wall.

I closed my eyes and tried not to let even a single drop fall from my eyes. Wind flowing through my hairs was giving me an essence of Aradhya, as if she was caressing my hair with her hands.
I don't know why I felt as if someone was watching me. I opened my eyes and looked down towards the road. But the darkness inside me and the darkness outside me gave no perception of depth. Maybe it was my imagination. May be it was just because I was missing her so much.

The clock struck 2 at night. My phone rang.
'Naira calling...'

'Is she totally mad. She has not slept till now.'

I picked her phone this time.

'Hello'

'Hello Arush'

'Are you nuts?? Why are you calling so late?'

'Are you okay? I am sorry for what I did today'

'I am fine. Why haven't you slept till now?'

'Even you have not slept till now. If you are completely fine why are you sitting like this?'

'Sitting like what?' I asked while trying to see everywhere around me to check from where she is seeing me.

'Like a sad stupid fellow' She said in cute low voice, but I could feel her crying at the other end.

'Go to sleep Naira. I don't want to talk right now'

'But, I wanna be with you right now. I know at this time you need some one..I have always sensed that grief in your eyes. I think you should share... & I assure you....You can share..'

'I also feel like sharing this burden with you..and I don't know why..as I have never spoken about Aradhya with anyone..She was my best friend...She was my love.. She was everything for me. She was my world. I met her on a trip to Himchal and I was in love with her at first sight.'

I shared everything about Aru with Naira - the day I saw her first time, how we became friends, how we entered in a relationship, what all fun we had, how bold and beautiful she was..and how I lost her forever.

'M sorry for today Arush!! You can back-out your name if you want to.. But I genuinely believe, that this can be your first step to move on in your life. Rest..you can do whatever you like.'

'Hmm'

'Are you feeling okay??'

'Yes dear, and thanks. Thanks for making me so comfortable. Thanks for being a such a wonderful friend to me.'

'Oh welcome!! Now at least smile a little.' She laughed.

'Okay..and now you should sleep. Will see you tomorrow. Good night!!'

'Goodnight Arush!! Take care.' She disconnected the phone.

Her voice was so soothing that it made me smile even after going through Aru's memories.

I could not sleep that night. I was waiting for the sun to rise. I was dying to meet my best buddy Naira.

<< Previous Chapter Next Chapter >>

I was back to my college life. Teachers.. students.. classes.. books.. notes...; and in between all this, I was alone. I had a bunch of people around, but still no one to talk to.

I was still down the memory lanes when Naira came up to me.

"Hey Arush!!"

"Oh.. Hi!!", I looked at her and gave her an ignorant look. I moved away.

"Is everything alright? You seem upset" She called at my back.

It was the first time in 3 years, when someone could read the sadness behind the anger in my eyes. I could not move away. I turned back "No, I was a little busy. Please don't mind, but I'll catch you later if there is nothing that important. Bye" I started moving when she called back again.

"But, your words don't match your eyes. You can share if you want to. If no, then it's okay, but there is no need to pretend."

I paused, but didn't turn back and walked away.

Lecture started. I was sitting at the last bench. She turned. She smiled. I tried to ignore.

In the afternoon, I was sitting idle near the canteen. She came with one of her friends. She passed by me. She turned back. She smiled. I ignored.

Another lecture, same story.

In the evening, I was standing near my bus, thinking 'Thank God!!, the day is over'

All of a sudden, she appeared again. She stood somewhat near me. She was busy in her phone.

'Is she following me? Or......No..it's just a coincidence.'

I was looking at her innocent face. She was continuously typing something on her phone. She was thinking something and then typing. She was making weird funny faces. She was laughing on her own. But, I don't know why, I was trying to find Aaru in her. Naira was as amusing as Aaru. I didn't even realize when a smile came on my face, just by looking at her, until she said 'Caught you!!!! You smiled.. yayy!!' She laughed. I tried to give her a serious look this time, but could not. I too burst into laughter.

'What happened to you? You don't even share.
(After a pause) It's okay..., but , at least you should not be sad. I got scared thinking what might have happened? All okay na?'

She was blabbering continuously and shot so many questions in a go.

'Yes princess yes.. all okay!!' I replied. Her smile broadened on hearing 'princess', but deep inside I was sad again. I could not show her, so I smiled. Aaru was my princess, not she.

'Buses will start an hour late. There is some discussions going on in the management. So we'll have to wait too.' Jamie came up with a smile.
I gave him a piteous smile and left to find a place for me - for only me.

I was alone near the canteen. I was sitting in the shades and was watching Naira engaged with her friends. 'How sweet she is, such an innocent girl.' Her actions, her attitude, her smile.. all were reminding me of Aaru. I could see my Aaru in her. 'No...I cannot have friends in my life..And no one can be a friend as good as Aru.. In-fact, why am I thinking so much about Naira?'

I was confused. At one time I was longing to go and have fun with Naira. She was nice, beautiful, sweet...and considered me as her friend. But at the same time, I was cursing myself that how could I even think of this. She was different. I should not be involved with her anymore. When my conscious was busy scuffling; my heart in between took the advantage. It led me move towards her with a chocolate 'Sorry, for my rude behaviour'.

'Thank you so much Arush!!' She sparkled up, as if she was waiting for this very moment. And my soul was quenched like never before, as if I wanted her to be happy all this time.

Buses started. It was time to say goodbye. To whom I was not ready to even see since morning, now my heart was not ready to leave. She became my only friend, in front of whom I was no more a fighter - I was just 'ME'.

I had a very peaceful sleep that day on the way back to my home.

Although, I didn't share anything, but being with her helped me to overcome my pain. My heart was not as heavy as before. I was feeling more calm and composed than ever. She did some magic. She was an angel. She became a 'Glimmer Of Hope' in my life.

<< Previous Chapter Next Chapter>>

Was Mr. Singh right? Do I really need to move on?

Was that really THAT tough or was that just my exaggeration?

I came back home. As usual, I was alone..my parents were out of town.
I went straight to my room and unlocked the almirah.

Behind the clothes..in a dark corner, there was a box - A dark pink colored box with a golden embroidery. I had enclose all her memories in it.

I opened it and as I was going through the things, her voice was echoing inside me.
I caressed my fingers over her peacock feather earings 'Aruuuuush...these are my favorite ones... don't you dare touch them,....',
her sea-green bangles...'If you'll not listen..I'll keep on irritating you with their noise...',
her silly-posed photos..'Oh Arush...click some cute pics pleeeaase..I want a new dp',
and her diary...'It's my whole life...if someday I'll not be there..I'll be still with you in these pages..'

Tears were rolling down my eyes...'Arush...Stop crying!!You are not a girl..Be strong yar..Promise me..you'll never cry and move on..Promise me Arush...I want to see your dimpled smile before I close my eyes..one last time..please..'

"It's not that easy..do you understand....are you listening......? IT'S NOT THAT EASY.." I shouted on top of my voice, enclosed all her things back and locked them again into the almirah.

I came downstairs, took my bike and went straight to my hideout. It was raining heavily. Falling tears vanished into the raindrops, no one could ever get to know the difference. I reached and threw my shirt in a corner. I took my sword and started practicing. With each stroke..her each and every memory was flashing in front of me.

I could still live that perfect moment-the moment when I saw her for the first time.

I was in one of the most narrowed streets of Himachal at around 11 in the night. I was returning from a mission. It was raining and I was enjoying the fresh drops on my face, when suddenly I heard something. There was a sound of 'tabla' and sitar'. The beautiful folk music was rejuvenating my mood. And then what I felt was pure ecstasy. I could feel the rhythmic movements of the feet in the form of 'ghungroos'.

It was so much soothing that my feet were automatically diverted towards the sound. I managed to climb a wall of the house and saw a girl in a white, golden bordered, 'lehenga choli'. Between the mountain valleys, there was a medley of sounds from the heavy rain, the waterfall somewhere near that area..,the tabla.., the sitar...,the dancing peacock.. her feet bells and this melody became palpable in the form of - The dancing 'she'.

From my side of view, her face was not visible. I could see her thin stem-like figure, draped in that white dress such as to give the perfect amount of view of her waist. Her long midnight black hair were flowing to and fro as per her elegant moves. And then she turned. I was left awestruck to find the most beautiful girl. Her beautiful black eyes were enough to give words to the music. The raindrops on her lilac soft lips were so much appealing that I was in love with her at the very first sight. Yes..I was in love with the girl dancing in front of me.

The rain stopped and there was a pin drop silence. I came back from the mesmerizing musical past to the fearful present., where the only sound audible was of my sword and my footsteps.

I could not forget the day she accepted my proposal.

We both knew that we loved each other but it never came out in words formally. I was scared to express my emotions as there was a risk of losing her. Still that night I went to her terrace with a beautiful song composed by me, a bouquet and some of her favorite chocolates. I hid them so that she may not know until I wanted. Yeah..all my preparations were completely stupid but I had zero sense of romance.
I tried to boost myself and messaged her 'Hey Aaru..Watsup!! I am at your terrace. Come fast. It's urgent.' I used to called my Aradhya as 'Aaru'.

I was practicing my song when she came in her pink frilled night suit. 'Arush!! What happened? What are you doing here at this time?'

I was speechless. She never looked so much beautiful before. May be it was because of her dress, but she was looking damn hot. I swallowed the words back through my throat. I wanted to sing, I wanted to express, but I was not able to. 'Aaru..I..I..just wanted to see if you were alright.'
She smiled. 'Ok..So now you have seen that I am perfectly alright..So can I go now and sleep?' There was a sort of teasing in her voice.

I was feeling a bit embarrassed and was continuously telling myself deep within 'Be a man Arush!!'.
She arched her velvety eyelashes and moved towards me. She was now standing too close and said 'Do you want to say something?'
'N..n..no..'

She held my hand and asked 'Not even now?' Suddenly, I could feel the seductiveness in her voice. I was blank and said a second haphazard 'No'.

'Not even if I tell you that I love you too and yes I will marry you'.. I looked into her eyes for the first time since this conversation started. I was filled with joy. I was feeling like an idiot. I was at cloud 9. And then she slapped me ' Idiot!! now also you'll not speak anything. I have accepted your proposal dumbo which literally never came to existence.. Hug me you cute stupid fellow.' That hug was like I had my whole world in my arms.

'Awww..your sweet dimple. You know, I always wanted to kiss deep into this dimpled cheek..hehe' She laughed and kissed onto my right cheek.

This was the most beautiful memory of hers which I cherished each day..each moment. And at the same time I never forget the dreadful moment when she was dying in my arms.

She met a car accident. I ran to the hospital as soon as I got the news. She had not much time left. She was crying with pain- the pain of leaving me. She hugged me tight. She was trying to stop my tears. 'Arush...Stop crying!!You are not a girl..Be strong yar..Promise me..you'll never cry and move on..Promise me Arush...I want to see your dimpled smile before I close my eyes..one last time..please..'. I tried to smile, but could not do much. I could not stop my tears. She smiled and said 'I love you my stupid fellow'. And then..she closed her eyes into my arms..

The sword hit me. My hand was bleeding but my tears had no end.
I lied down onto my knees..'I love you too Aaru...'

<< Previous Chapter Next Chapter >>

There was a Stygian darkness all around. The filthy metal sheet closet was having an unbearable stench. The hot air was carrying whispers of some irritating insects which I could feel continuously from my feet to my head...or simply I would say on my whole body. The silence of the room was adding a ceaseless disturbance to my ears.

I was waiting there, in the air duct of a room, for the right time.

Suddenly, some people entered the room and switched on the lights.

"Janaab!! You will not find this kind of stuff anywhere in the market. You can check it on your own". A dark lean handicapped person was giving a broad smile on showing his goods.

And then came in view Abdul Sheikh for whom I was there.
"Hmmmm.. These are really good." He added while observing an AR-50 sniper.
He was a tall man with a long bushy beard. He was wearing a white Taqiyah on his head and a white tunic with a checked green shoulder cloth.

"So how much do you need for all this?"

"6 crores Janaab. Not a penny less and not a penny more. You know that you will not find this quality and this much quantity at this time in the market. So...." He gave an awkward laugh.

"Abdul is in front of me" I whispered.
"Go now!!!" Words came and hit my ears from the other side of my phone to which I was continuously connected via a blue tooth device. I was waiting for these two words only.

And then...

Single shot.., lever action.., bolt action.., semi automatic...,fully automatic...

Surprised??
Well this is what always runs around me and in my mind.

Within half an hour, the whole place turned to a morgue with heaps of unidentified bodies, except for Abdul who was specifically left alive as instructed. The inescapable dread could fill anyone's heart, but not me. I was born to fight and taught to be fearless.

"All cleared"

"Team will reach in another 5 minutes" the same voice came from the other side.

Ï looked towards Abdul and he gave me a weird winning smile. And then, he fainted. I wondered what was going on in his mind. He was one of the most wanted terrorists and according to Intelligence Services he was about to hit the capital soon with the help of the arms he was buying here.

The team arrived, took hold of Abdul and took the artillery under control. My work was over and I was not required there anymore.

I left for the base to report the details regarding the mission. It was built on-ground as well as underground with high-tech laboratories. It was the home of advanced weapons, secret aircraft, chemical and biological weapons and much more.

I went straight to the medical area to get my wounds cleaned. Also, a bullet had hit my left arm during the fight. The doctor removed the bullet, applied some medicines and induced some pain killers into my body. ''Thanks doc!!".

And then a tall man with a tough built entered the room. "Congratulations Angad" Mr. Singh came with a broad smile. "You are really brave and I know..no one can beat you. You are the best soldier I have met till date."
He was a man in his fifties and was as fit as in his twenties. He was our Major and the person who instructed us in our undercover operations. He was the mastermind behind all the successful assignments.

I handed over the information gathered during that mission. "One more thing, Sir. The quantity with which they were dealing, it seems they were planning something really big. And Abdul is not a man who will reveal any of the details. I cannot forget his smile even after I captured him. We need to figure out their plan fast before anything happens"

"Hmmm..I know..But still..Abdul's catch will shake their plan a bit. Also, a big bunch of their ammunition is now under our control. Anyways..Great work..I must say.."

Someone came in and removed the curtains so that some bright light could enter the room. He placed the blue orchids in the vase. I was lost a little somewhere..in some thoughts..and Mr. Singh noticed it.

He turned back to see where I was looking and then again looked towards me.

"Angad..You should move on now and should let someone enter your life."

"I am good because I have no one...so no weaknesses.
Anyways..Good bye Sir. I'll be waiting for the next action programme." I tried to joke and change the topic.

"You are mad Angad!!"

"I know" and I left.

I was leading a dual life of Arush - 'A rude ignorant college boy' and Angad - 'A trained army covert operations specialist'.
'Arush' was my real name and 'Angad's profession' was the 'Real Me'.

<< Previous Chapter Next Chaper >>

With this very statement of mine, the charm on Naira's face faded away. She moreover looked like a scared slave, who just nodded to what I said and followed me.

It was the first time when I realized that I was actually very rude to her and that little girl is too much frightened of me.I thought of chilling down the pre-exam sessions..so as to make her comfortable. With each and every session..the fun increased..my poor silly jokes increased..I turned almost to a joker instead..just to see that cute little dimple on her milky right cheek.

In the last two years, these days were the first time when I actually saw 'the girl'..the beauty within her & the beauty on her face..rather than just a name...or some one..like all others in my class.
How come I never noticed this delicate beauty.
She had ebony-black hair which kept on flowing onto my face carrying that sweet fragrance of hers.
Her glistening eyes had a deep brown color which seemed alluring. That pouting lips below her elegant dainty nose..her long neck..aaahh..I cannot define her completely..Words cannot do justice to her beauty at all.

I gave her different names. The first one was a 'Mugler' as she used to mug up everything she didn't understand and advised me to do the same. She got irritated on hearing the name 'Mugler' and I used to love her reaction on that. I started finding reasons to irritate her, to talk to her..for just one smile.

In these three exams, we turned to great buddies, who talked, walked, ate, laughed and what not..but together.
I had not a single good friend from so long and she entered to my life like a bright light, penetrated through my soul and understood every bit of me..even more than I myself did. I don't know till date whether I was trying to make her comfortable or whether she made me. Without saying, she understood everything..my mood..my likes..my dislikes..my fake smiles..the original side of me.

It was our last exam and I was sure this time that I'll clear all of them with good marks. Naira had teaching skills but she was always afraid of facing people. She taught me well but she was never confident while speaking in front of me.

After the exam, I thanked Naira for helping me and offered her chocolates. She beamed with delight.

"Oh..Who told you that this is my favorite chocolate? Thank you Arush" She opened the chocolate and started eating.

"You too have some.." She offered me half of the chocolate.

"No No..I just wanted to say thanks. By the way, I bought 4 chocolates for you and have already eaten two of them."

We laughed and I again started with my silly jokes. I could not resist seeing her dimpled cheeks. Yeah..Dimples must come with a warning : Dangerous!! It can make you do anything which is not normal.

I was completely lost in our meaningless conversation near the college gate..waiting for our buses to start. Then suddenly my watch beeped.

"I think some kind of alarm is ringing on your watch!!"

I stared at the watch in shock and then looked at Naira. I switched off the beep sound.

"Aaa..I..I have some work. See you tomorrow. Bye"

I didn't even waited for her to say good bye. I vanished.

<<Previous Chapter Next Chapter >>

I reached the college gate..From the bus, I could see a different view in all..Some heads buried into books..some gazing up in the sky..some faces full of tension...some with a fashion statement..some turned into dumb students...some turned to unprofessional teachers..Well....its Exam Time..

I hurried towards the campus buildings..

'Where's Riya yar....??? I have to study from her to get at least some passing marks...'

I was finding Riya, the topper of our batch..who used to teach me the important topics just half an hour before every exam or I could say..the girl who was responsible for passing me in my subjects..

Though she was too slim..a small..dark skinny girl..with almost no energy..I wondered how she managed to mug up and retain so much data in her mind..

I saw her in the garden area with a big toppers attitude smile..with some students surrounding her and waiting for their turn to ask her their queries. She was continuously listening to everyone and was answering them one by one. I pierced the circle around her and said "What are the important topics for today?" Everyone looked at me with such a strange look as if I had stolen something of theirs.

'What!!??? Is anyone having any issue?? Riya..Come with me...' The crowd disappeared in a moment murmuring something something..of-course about me..but as if I cared a damn..huuhh..

Still a girl was standing there..staring at me continuously with such innocence..and fear at the same time in her eyes..

'Can I have 5 minutes of Riya please..then you can take her with you...?' She asked so slowly that I got even more irritated and said a blunt 'No' and took Riya with me..

'You are very rude Arush..you should be sorry to Naira'

I giggled...'Can you please help me with the subject..'

Days passed..and in each exam I saw Naira and Riya together. As I reached there..Naira used to collect all her papers..books and other stuff...and ran away as if I was a ghost.

Riya used to make fun of me..especially because of the way Naira used to react on seeing me..

It was our 4th exam and I could not find Riya anywhere. Instead, I saw Naira with her other friends.

'Have you seen Riya anywhere?' She ignored me. Her other friends updated me with their gossips that Riya is committed now to Jamie.

I was like...'What the hell!!! Who'll teach me now?'

Gradually, I turned towards Naira.

'Naira.... From today...you'll have to help me in my subjects...'

Next Chapter>>

More Over Life

Contact Form

About Me

Labels

Popular Posts

Followers