A Chance at Love

 

Chapter 1: The call.

I was getting ready to work. I was happy to find my dream job in advertising in a firm that I only had a vision of. I was packing my bag when my phone rang.

I looked at it and saw it was from an unknown number.

“Heera?” the person asked

I felt I knew this voice from somewhere.

“Kabir here! Do you remember?” he asked

I was surprised and why wouldn’t I be?!

Kabir, Veer, Geeta and I were childhood friends. We were neighbors. My friend’s parents were business partners and were the elite. I lived on the opposite side of the street right. We went to the same school and became friends while walking home! For four of us it was like we had 4 different homes. Kabir calling me to talk to me was nothing but a surprise! I had a huge crush on him since he moved to our community! Veer used to tease me as he was the only one who knew about it. But Kabir, always had eyes only for Geeta, the beauty queen! She broke many hearts during our college days and one day broke Kabir’s when she and Veer told us about their love for each other.

“Hey! How are you doing? Long time,huh?” I said putting my bag around my shoulder.

“Yeah!” he said “So listen are you busy or you are free to talk?” he asked

“Well am actually heading to work. Maybe we can talk in the evening say around 6?” I said now locking my apartment door behind me.

“Sure”

7:00 pm

“Hey smart ass” he said “so how are you doing? Veer told me that you moved to Mangalore so I thought I would give you a call and congratulate you on your very first job and independence” he said

I could imagine his face with that mischievous grin he has.

“Well am doing great and yes very delighted about the job and (ahem!) Independence” I replied while sitting on a chair in my balcony.

“So when did you return from Boston?” I asked him

“Last week. I had some business meeting so I couldn’t call you earlier” he said

“That is okay, I get it! So you are at Veer’s house now?” I asked

“Yes, as usual. This is my home.” He stressed the ‘is’ when he said it.

Vikram uncle and Kushi aunty are his parents. They were a romantic couple. Kushi aunty was his second wife. After his mother died, Manish pa and Meera ma who were Veer’s parents, took in Kabir while Vikram uncle left to US to further his business there.

“You guys must be having fun without me” I said feeling a bit left out.

“Why don’t you come this weekend then? We can all meet before I leave” he said

“You are leaving again?” I asked

“Well I have to. I have to go Mumbai to attend business meeting and from there….” He chatted on…

Kabir took up his father business here in India and I rarely seen him since then. Although he was in touch with Veer and Geeta, we barely spoke until now.

I yawned

“Am I boring you Heera?” he asked me

“No, but I had a long day today and I have an early day tomorrow” I told him going inside and closing the door behind me.

“So shall I call you tomorrow?” he asked

Why the sudden need to talk to me? I thought

“Yea…sure I guess” I replied and he hung up.

Two years later:

I received a text message from Kabir.

“Veer’s and Geeta’s engagement has been finalized for next Saturday. I have already booked your flight tickets for early Thursday afternoon and emailed them to you, so please do not cancel it. I am all excited to meet you and remember our agreement? You are going to spend your time with me and not saying ‘No’. See you then”

He even added hearts and kisses emoji.

I read it and gave a huge sigh! I miss him, I thought!

That evening I received a call from Geeta, my bestie since we were 7.

“So it is next week Saturday?” I asked excitedly.

Geeta, is getting engaged to her childhood love and our other friend Veer. It is going to be a wedding fusion where South meets North and two businesses getting merged!

Veer and Geeta were college sweethearts. They were so is in love. Veer was the cool guy with cool cars, cool clothes. After Geeta, it is Veer who I am close to. We are running buddies, singing buddies and share lot of hobbies together! His mom is my mother’s best friend and it was my mother who recommended her to move to our community as it had good schools.

 “Yes, Heeran! I told you now so you can book your tickets early! Also Kabir is throwing a small get together party for all our friends at my house, two days prior to the engagement so you better be there. He booked Dj Akheel!” She screamed over the phone

I screamed along with her.

“Wow! So your parents must be so happy that finally you guys agreed to get married” I said

“Well yes and it is benefitting them too right. Veer can now take over my dad’s business. Dad is already talking about early retirement” She said

“So you better come okay! I have already designed a dress for the occasion. It will be ready when you get home. Please don’t be late. “she said

“Sure I will be there darling” I said

“Ok got to go. Veer said he will be taking me out to dinner” she said and hung up.

I stood smiling. Finally the two of them agreed to tie the knot. Geeta was ready to commit the day Veer proposed her! I was very happy for the two and also was excited and nervous that I would be meeting Kabir for the first time in two years after our phone conversations began.

I never told about us to Veer and Geeta. Things were complicated between me and Kabir and I liked how it is now and didn’t wanted any trouble!

How did Kabir end up loving me? I wondered now sitting on my couch and running my fingers through my hair.

We never met or seen each other since he finished his college. I had seen him once when he returned at Veer’s, when Veer met with an accident. I think I was 19 then but he was already leaving. He was saying something to Geeta when I went up the house. He just waved a good bye and left

That was the last time I saw him and now I just talk to him over the phone. We never face timed or had a video conversation. When did I fall for him I do not remember? Our conversations weren’t about a single thing. They were interesting ones too but we made sure we kept it short. I think it was few months into our regular conversations and it was on a bad day at work; I had called him around 11:00pm and completely had a meltdown. He was patiently listening to everything I had to say. When I finally relaxed…he blurted out

“I love you Heera”

I did not know if I heard it right but immediately I ended the call.

I knew late night calls messes up brains so I felt maybe he needed a break from my meltdown. I called him the next morning to find out how he was feeling.

“I am fine, thank you? And you?”

“I am good too. Headed to work and hopefully my manager agrees with the modifications and doesn’t throw a fit” I told him

He laughed.

I felt that maybe what I heard was wrong.

“I still love you though and you heard me right last night” he said over the phone

I laughed at him and said “take a breather Kabir. I am not one of you girlfriends” I said and hung up.

This continued until one day…

“Do love you me Heeran?” he asked me over the phone after couple of weeks of not talking about his love profess.

I was quiet.

“Silent again?” He laughed

“It had been so long that we hadn’t seen each other. I don’t remember when was the last time I saw you..?”

“3 years, 8 weeks, 6 days, 4 hours and 33 minutes since I last saw you at Veer’s house that night when he met with an accident .” I responded quietly

He was quiet this time and I think he realized then that I do have feelings for him.

(Present)

I woke up from my thoughts and turned off the lights to get some sleep before the alarm sounds.

’10 more day to go’ I thought and feeling excited closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

And from that moment started my love story like a spider building its web!

Chapter 2: Meeting Kabir for the first time

I flew in that evening. I found the dress for the party ready up in my room. Geeta, like her mother is into fashion and interior designing. Her mom is an event organizer. Geeta loved designing dresses for me and during our college days she would design dresses for all our college parties!

 

 I got refreshed quickly feeling very excited. I wore a long violet skirt with contrast crop top which Geeta had designed. It was very beautiful and I wondered if I can carry it off well like the dress! I got ready quickly and rushed to Geeta’s home as fast as I could.

“Good, violet suits you. I was right then. You look very pretty, Heeran” Geeta greeting me at the terrace of her house where the party was being held.

Around 30 people were present. They were our old friends from school and college and few of Veer’s and Geeta’s cousins who had come for the engagement. I greeted them happily but my eyes were searching for one person in the crowd.

“So how is the job? Two years huh!!!” Geeta asked finally taking me to a corner where there was no crowd and handing me a soda.

“It is a dream come true!” I replied and took a sip from the can.

I turned to look back if he was anywhere around.

“You are doing it again Heeran...where are you lost? she snapped at me.

“mmm… I am sorry what?” I was conscious again wondering if he is at the party.

She looked over my shoulder towards the balcony door entrance.

“Well there is something I need to tell you?” I said finally plucking up the courage

“There they are” she said all smiles not listening to me

Before I could completely turn around I felt a wave of emotion that I was lost in clouds.

He lifted me off my feet literally and gave a huge hug and I just could not stop my happy tears!

I didn’t know for how long we hugged but it felt like eon!

We heard one of them clearing their throat and we pulled apart from each other and I blushed and just looked away from them!

“When did this happen? How? When?” Geeta asked me pulling me aside

“Nice bro!” teased Veer while winking at me. He mouthed ‘finally’ at me while hugging Kabir.

I smiled and just looked at Kabir for the first time in almost 4 years! He was way taller than I imagined and had that mischievous grin I always remember.

“Well this is what I was trying to tell you since...”I told Geeta still blushing

“ oh my God! For the past two years? You mean Kabir was the one you were having feelings for?” She said joyfully

I blushed!!!

Kabir laughed and grinned.

“You guys it is a surprise!” Veer

“No way! You two aren’t ditching us.” She said stopping Kabir from taking me away who came up to talk to me

“This is my party and common the music has started lets go” and Geeta pulled my hand and took me into the crowd which was dancing to fast beats Dj Akheel played.

“Kabir! Why didn’t you tell me man that you and Heeran were together? You just said you were talking to her regularly but this?!” Veer said offering Kabir a can of beer.

Kabir was looking at me. I could see his face turned red and he grinned. My heart melted all over again!

“I am in love with her, Veer. But actually she didn’t wanted me to tell anybody. That’s why I had to keep it a secret and today I wanted you guys to know!” he said looking at him

“When did this happen Kabir? I mean I didn’t know you were this serious about her.” He said now looking gravely at him.

“I don’t know when but I am happy when I talk to her.I think she is the one with whom I imagine the rest of my life with. I would have told you sooner but I wanted Heer to be with me when I did and we just kept missing each other when we were in town and it happened now at your engagement that we finally!” he said before sipping his beer and looking at Heeran again

Geeta and I were dancing to our favorite number.

“I am happy for you bro! Does she know? Did you tell her?” Veer asked him

“Yes” he replied

“And? Common buddy don’t make me ask the details” he said

Kabir nodded a ‘No’

“What?” asked Veer exasperated

“She doesn’t want to make it complicated. We are just together as long as we are here and then we are going separate ways” he responded putting the beer can on the ground and turning around to look out of the terrace wall.

“ I am puzzled now” Veer said putting his hands on Kabir shoulder in a comforting way.

“Yea! It is complicated” he resigned.

“I realize why she said it though” answered Veer and continued

“ Heeran and you. Meenal aunty and your dad remember? And now what happened with Hiral and Himanshu. Besides did you forget about the merger your dad is planning? He must have planned something for you out there I believe. Dad was saying he was meeting someone and weren’t there marriage talks? So whatever you two decide you better do it fast or it will be too late brother.” Veer advised.

Kabir nodded sadly putting his head down.

“Look man you are my best friend and so is Heer. I don’t want either of you to get hurt” he said shaking Kabir’s arm.

Kabir sighed! He nodded and said “You talk like Heer. I know that she has feelings for me but she doesn’t say it though.”

“Well girls are like that. Get used to it from now on bro! But yes she likes you which I have known for quite some time now.” he said laughingly

Kabir put a question mark face and said “Ok! Now I think I need to get my girl from yours” turning around and walking towards the dancing crowd. Just then the Dj started to play some romantic number.

“Dance with me” Kabir said and pulled me towards him and I just melted in his arms again. He has strong arms I thought.

Geeta grinned and joined Veer who put his arms around her and watched us.

We just moved around like that until the music changed to some fast number. “Do you want to get out of here? he asked

I nodded.

We went back to the balcony. We stood there holding hands looking at the sky and the crowd in-front of us. 

“They are happy aren’t they?” I said looking at Geeta and Veer who were now lost in each other arms and dancing to their own tune.

“Yes and I wish we would too” he replied

“So how is work? “ I said changing the subject

He grinned

“Do you want to go out with me tomorrow?” he asked now moving closer to me

I shivered.

But before I could reply he said “You remember your promise? Saying ‘No’ isn’t allowed these few days we are together.”

I nodded and said “Okay, fine”

“I shall pick you up around 11 and tell Meenal I shall drop you off before midnight” he said

Meenal is my mom and he calls her by her first name. Mom and Kabir always had a fight about it

“You have a beautiful name, Meenal, why spoil it by calling you aunty!” he would say and finally my mom gave in and the first name stuck. I believe my mom liked it too.

“Midnight?” I looked at him

“Yes and please don’t say ‘No’ now.” he said looking at me

“Hmmm”

Chapter 3: First date

I looked at the mirror standing in my room. I wore a blush pink dress which I had bought for this day (if it ever happened). I ran my fingers through my tresses. I was nervous. I never went out with anyone. I hardly had any friends other than these three. I am going on a date with my childhood friend with whom I have had a crush since I was 7!

I sighed! What would we talk? What should I say? My heart was racing!

I quickly grabbed my handbag and went downstairs.

“Where are you going?” my mom asked me while I was putting on my shoes. Kabir had messaged me that he was waiting in his car which he had parked infront of Geeta’s house.

“I am going out with Geeta, mom, some last minute shopping. Don’t wait for me I shall be late. You know her right” I told her when I was glancing at my reflection in the hall’s mirror. I had to lie and also informed Geeta beforehand incase mom tried to call her or something.

“I hope you aren’t doing something to shame this family like your sister did” she said accusingly from the kitchen yelling loudly.

“Mom” I shouted back “Can you keep it down” looking towards the ceiling and walking into the kitchen

“ Hiral will hear you” I told her standing in-front of her.

“Let her. Putting our family to shame and now she is home leaving that dirty little husband of hers. She was in love with him right. Where is that love now? She fought with us and ran away to marry that boy and now see what happened?! And on top of it your dear brother doesn’t want to come home. I don’t understand why? Why did we send him to US to study in the first place? He said he isn’t seeing any girl then why doesn’t he want to come back home or call us? What did I do to deserve this? He has completely stopped calling me and doesn’t answer the phone. You kids will be the reason for my untimely death! Your father, your dear father has been good to me but you kids, you are the ….”

“I am leaving and will see you in the morning at the engagement party. Take your medications; I put reminders in your phone. Tell dad I upgraded the internet connection so he can have the meetings from home.” And I stormed out.

This was my routine. Ever since Hiral came back home from her drowning marriage, mom would take the grudge on me. I did not mind initially but it was becoming a horror. I didn’t blame Hiral either. Dad brought her home from hospital when she called him one night. They did not tell me or mom what had happened. Dad put her into therapy and then we knew something was really bad.

I walked fast towards Geeta’s house. My brain was spinning with my mother’s words and then I saw Kabir’s parked car and got in quickly and banged the door. I was angry, frustrated and very near to tears. Kabir just started the car and we drove away.

It was a very long drive and both of us did not talk. I just put my head on the window and stared into nothingness. It started to drizzle lightly and I was tracing the rain drops on the window.

Suddenly we stopped. I looked out and found that we were at the top of a hill. It was green everywhere with yellow flowers sprouting in between. I turned and looked at Kabir. This was his spot. His mother gifted him in her will after she was gone. Now, he comes here whenever he feels alone or misses her.

I remember Kushi aunty used to bring us four for picnics during our summer holidays. Although my mother never let me go with her, I used to make excuses and say I have tuitions or going to friends’ place and sneak out with her and the rest.

“You look beautiful” he said running his hand over my sullen face.

I smiled and kissed his hand. With a jolt I sat up straight.

“Why did I do that” I thought to myself

He pulled his hand quickly and said “Let’s go out, the sun has come up”

I gulped and opened the car door and got out.

We stood facing the green field with light fog setting in. It was cool and luckily I wore my jacket! I rested my back on the side of the car and looked at Kabir.

He came and stood next to me!

“You have been quieter than usual. Was it is Meenal?” he asked

I nodded pursing my lips.

“How is Hiral?” he asked

“Coping with what happened. She filed for a mutual divorce as it would be done quickly and I guess she wants this over as fast it can.” I responded

“My advice would be to put that husband of hers in jail, that bloody bastard!” he blurted out and apologized for his language

“Did she tell you what happened?” I enquired.

“It is her place to say, Heer. Don’t press her and yes we spoke when I was here last month” he answered.

“She spoke to you and not me?” I said angrily

“As I said, she needs time and don’t press her. She will come to you.” He assured me and asked

 “Is she still seeing the therapist I recommended?”

“Yes. He is really good because today morning I saw that she was reading her favorite book” I told him

“Yes he is really good. “ he responded now looking away from me

We stood there quietly staring at the white fog settling thick. He moved in closer and touched my hand.

I jerked my hand a little but he caught it and didn’t let go and I gave in finally.

“Heeran” he said slowly

My heart was beating faster than usual.

“Please don’t say it” I prayed in my mind

He slowly pulled me closer.

“Everything will be fine” he said

I sighed with relief!

“Yea everything will be fine!” I thought sarcastically

I just nodded.

We stayed like that holding hands when finally our tummies grumbled and mine gave a huge growl that I had to put my hands on my stomach to stop it!

We both laughed.

It was past 12:00 am that we reached home. Geeta was waiting at the gate to receive me.

“Gosh! What were you both doing for this long? Come inside both of you. I told your mom that you would be staying with me tonight and that you would be back home tomorrow evening. She didn’t say anything but just answered okay.” looking at my troubled face.

I nodded quite happily after that and squeezed her arm.

“Kabir, Veer is waiting for you. He said something about the construction on the terrace and that they would resume on Monday.” she said turning back to speak to him

He nodded at her and looked at me.

“I will be up in a minute” I told her

“Okay! Don’t be late. You know it is my engagement tomorrow and you are my maid of honor!” she whispered now opening the front door.

“Send her in soon” she said looking at Kabir and winking

He grinned

“Lock the front door after you, Heeran” and she went inside

I turned around. Kabir was standing with hands in his pant pockets and kicking some loose stones. I walked towards him.

“We need to talk about few things” he said seriously

“We had the whole day to talk” I said rolling my eyes

“I know but today I just wanted to be with you and feel you close to me and also treat you to good lunch and dinner” he said smiling

“Which was really good” I said rubbing my now full tummy

He laughed.

“So what is it?” I asked

“I really like you Heeran” he said

“I like you too!” I replied

“I believe we need to give ‘us’ a chance at being something together” he said

“we already went through this, Kabir” I told him bit painfully

“Yea, I know over a million times and yet I feel that you want it too. I know you love me Heeran. I can see that in your eyes...”

I cut him before he finished.

“Kabir…” I pleaded.

“Yea I know! We decided that we keep our relationship this way as long as possible.” He said looking up towards the sky.

The moon was out and there were no clouds and I could see his saddened face.

 “I got to go then. See you tomorrow and by the way I have something for you. It is a surprise, so please don’t say ‘No’.” He said while waving his hand at me and walking towards the side gate up to Veer’s house.

I waited until he was out of sight and looked over to my house which was opposite to Veer’s. I could see the light was on in my sister’s bedroom. I felt guilty not spending time with her. I decided after this party was over I shall take her out and spend some time with her.

I went inside locking the door behind and headed upstairs to Geeta’s room. The whole house was asleep. I think the few guests who had come were sleeping in the guest rooms or in the outhouse.

“Heeran! What happened? Why do you look so dull?” she had a face pack and reading a magazine when I entered her room.

“You are up late? “ I said sitting on her bed

She blushed a shade of scarlet and winked.

“You two ever stop?” I asked pushing her

“We are in love, Heera! And in love there is no stopping just moving forward” she said hugging her pillow

“Enough about me, you tell me Heeran…when did you and Kabir meet? How did you two happen? “ she asked sitting up straight

“It’s late now and am tired let’s get some sleep” I said getting up now.

“ oh come on....please. I should be angry at you for not telling me in the first place. Weren’t you the first one with whom I shared my feelings about Veer?” She argued

“ yea you and the rest!” I thought

It was not just Geeta but Veer and Kabir too shared their first feelings with me for a girl and the funny part was it was for Geeta. I was their good confidante. I never bothered to tell Geeta about it though! I was bit crushed when Kabir said he had feelings for Geeta too, but when Veer bet him to it, I felt bad but he got over quickly and had many girlfriends later on. He was the hottie of our college.

“Tell me” she compelled

I told her how it all began with a phone conversation and how we kept calling each other every single day, how we fell for each other and how he professed his love.

I stopped talking and lay on the bed lost in thoughts.

“ crazy! You liked him since we were together!” She said

“You knew?” I asked her

“Who doesn’t” she said now getting up

“oh I forgot, Kabir. He didn’t know that!” Laughing she went into the bathroom to wash her face

I changed into a night dress which I borrowed from Geeta and I laid on her bed. I looked over her balcony from the bed. Geeta and Veer parents had identical houses. It was more of twin bungalows. Her balcony faced Veer’s and the light was on in his room but I didn’t see him in there. “He must be with Kabir.” I thought

 His room was next to Veer’s. When his parents were planning this house, they ensured that Kabir had a room for himself. Veer’s and Kabir’s fathers were not only business partners but childhood buddies who did everything together and Kabir was like family for Veer’s parents and they treated him like their own son! He spent most of his time at Veer’s and so did Geeta and me!

Geeta looked at me while wiping her face with a fluffy towel and our eyes met.

“You are in love idiot! Did you tell him that?” she asked me

“No” I told her

“No you are not in love or you didn’t tell him?” she asked me turning off the lights and getting onto the bed.

“I am still not sure of anything” I responded

“I get it, dear!” She said lovingly and lay on the bed next to me.

I laid on the pillow and looked at the roof. It was gleaming with stars. Her father had decorated her room personally. Geeta was lucky to be the only child, at least she didn’t have to bear the consequences of their siblings’ actions!

“Heeran…you have forgotten to smile these days. Cheer up! I thought my maid of honor was going to make my day a special one.” She said

Geeta never pressed me on my personal stuff. We are like soul mates who understood each other more than anyone else.

“I am sorry. So for tomorrow everything is ready. It was on short notice but I got the bride maids’ and my dresses’ ready. They will arrive..” I continued to tell her about the details. She wanted to have ‘walk down the aisle’ feel and since she could not have that for the wedding, she planned it for her engagement. She was a romantic soul and her parents who loved her dearly gave into her demands.

It almost at 3:00 am that we finally fell asleep.

Chapter 4: The Engagement

“Wake up lazy bones, else I am getting engaged to Veer” I yelled hitting Geeta with the covers

She yawned…

“Please go ahead. You would leave him in 10 minutes, trust me!” she said rolling on to her other side.

“Ha! Get up now” I said pulling her pillow out of her head.

“5 minutes please Heer” she said sleepily

“Oh no …you said that last time. Now get up. Hey look Veer…he is in balcony without his shirt on” I shouted

She woke up with a start looking towards her balcony

I laughed.

The makeup artist and our dresses arrived in time.

Geeta’s three cousins were her bride’s maids. They were getting ready in the room next to ours.

“I shall see if they are ready now” I told her adjusting my lehenga.

“You look very beautiful Heeran. You know who is going to go nuts looking at you” she winked at me while getting her hair done. I left the room rolling my eyes and smiling to myself.

It was time to leave for the engagement party which was being held at Veer’s house in their backyard. It was previously planned on the terrace but there was some construction going on. Veer was putting up a pent house for them after the marriage. Both Geeta and Veer were planning their dream pent house.

The bridal party was waiting in a temporary shed for the function to start. I looked out of the small door to see how everything looked.

They had laid a huge cream colored carpet with pink rose flower petals through the side gate of both the sides of the houses. It continued till the shed door all the way up to the aisle of the podium. The chairs were decorated with white Lillies and pink roses. There were small glass jars with candles lit on the sides of the aisle up to the stage. A huge temporary arch was put up under which the stage was set. It looked very beautiful. Geeta had planned all of this along with her mother.

All the guests were now settling down. The DJ was ready with the songs and the pandit was all set on the stage.

I saw my parents sitting at the front. Dad in his blue sherwani and mom wore a yellow saree. I couldn’t see my sister.

When all the guests were settled, the music began and I saw the groom and grooms men taking their places on the stage. The best man was looking so handsome in his cream and gold sherwani that my heart skipped a beat. He took his place behind the groom who wore a violet shade sherwani suit!

Kabir punched Veer and they were laughing at some joke.

The music changed and we had to take our places.

First the rings bearer had to walk down. It was Veer’s four year old niece. She walked down aisle with the rings on a fluffy sparkly golden pillow. She looked so cute in her cream and gold frock. The bridesmaids and the maid of honor wore cream lehenga and gold sequin blouse with a cream and gold mix dupatta and the accessories to go with it. It was bit heavy but the final outcome was brilliant and Geeta wore pink blush tule lehenga that took up quite a place around her.

Next walked the bride’s maids and the maid of honor. I walked down the aisle with a bouquet of red roses after the bridesmaids took their places.

I looked at everyone around me and smiled. I finally looked at the podium. Veer was smiling at me and glanced at Kabir.

I looked at Kabir and smiled. He did not move. He just stared at me and we locked our eyes. Finally I took my place on the podium and nodded at Veer.

Kabir winked at me and I blushed.

The music changed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-Lp2uC_1lg

It was the bride’s turn and Geeta was looking radiant and very beautiful. She made everyone else’s presence disappear with her stunning appearance.

The song said it all on how she felt about Veer. She looked so much in love with him. Her dreams were coming true and she was radiating that happiness through face.

Everyone was awe struck but Geeta had eyes only for Veer, who had tears in his eye and smiling with happiness when he looked at her. I saw that both their parents were filled with joy that they were consoling each other with happy tears.

Finally she took her place beside Veer and the pandit started his mantras and he signaled them to go ahead with the rings.

After they exchanged rings, they french kissed (which I did not except). Kabir wolf whistled and we threw flowers on the couple. Everyone shouted congratulations and clapped hands.

Fireworks were lit, balloons were burst, champagne bottles were open and everyone hugged each other.

The crowd gathered to wish the happy couple. I stood next to her feeling happy and elated. I looked over the couple and found Kabir giving me his handsomest grin and I could see his left dimple. He winked.

Finally everyone hit the dance floor and the bar which was now open.

When all the guests finished wishing the couple I went to them.

“Geeta! I am so happy for you. Congratulations!” I told her giving her a big squeeze hug

“What about me?” Veer said

“Come here you!” and I hugged him too

“You guys forgot me?” Kabir pitched in

We laughed and had a huge group hug!

 “Clear things out between you two and everything will be fine.” He said kissing me on my forehead and giving a shoulder hug to Kabir

I pursed my lips and smiled at him.

Veer’s parents came up to us.

“You guys come on the photographer wants to take pictures” Veer’s mom said now shooing us all off the podium.

The families went first and they pulled me into the frame when I waved no at not wanting to be in their family picture.

“Put me down, Kabir” I said hitting his shoulder when he lifted me up and dropped me next to where he was standing in the picture.

“Good one”Veer’s mom,Meera ma shouted laughingly.

Everyone laughed. I looked angrily at him and he squeezed my shoulder and we looked at each other with him grinning at me and I looking lost in his eyes.

“All good!” the photographer said with his thumbs up.

After an hour or so I went to be with my parents who were at the food section.

“Heera you look stunning!” my dad said hugging me

“Thanks dad. Didn’t Hiral come?” I asked him

“No. She sent her wishes though.” He said sadly

Mom grunted something behind him

“Not now Meenal” he whispered “Let her be happy”

“We will leave in a while. You stay and have fun okay” he said

I hugged him and nodded at my mom and left.

I went in search of Geeta when Veer’s mom stopped me.

“Heeran dear! We haven’t spoken to each other in quite some time and I was so busy with the preparations that I couldn’t spend time with you” she said hugging me

“Meera ma, I am sorry I didn’t call you. I was busy with my job and it totally slipped my mind. I should have met you when I came to the get together party. I am so sorry” I told her hugging and kissing her on her cheek.

Meera ma and Manish pa were Veer’s cool parents. We all called her Meera ma as she insisted. She is such a dear who treated us all like her own kids. I loved her a lot and her cookings as she made my favorite fish fry! I mostly stayed at her home and also because of Kabir with whom I secretly had a heartache for!

“Yea yea, now you are all grown up. You forgot your mother!” she said in a motherly fashion.

I hugged and kissed her again.

“How is Hiral? If she was here it would have been nice but yes I heard. Meenal told me everything. I am very sorry to hear about the separation dear” she said squeezing my hand

“She is getting on” I replied sadly

“Now is not the time to be sad, ok. Look, here comes my two sweethearts” she said

Geeta and Veer came walking hand in hand.

“The photographer is really good, Ma” Geeta told her

“I had to book him quickly. He wasn’t available for another 3 months. Once pandit ji finalizes the wedding date we can book him again. I told him to keep his dates free.” Meera ma replied

“I wish Heer becomes family too then you all can be together and we can live happily” Meera ma said hugging me again

“But I thought I am already family” I said with a pout on my face

“I didn’t mean like that and you know that. I wish you are with me the whole time” she said happily

“Ma, you don’t love me then?” Geeta said now pouting

“Oh no dear. You both are my loving daughters. I wish you all be together forever and I shall be happy that is all. It has been so long to see you all together.” she said hugging us two.

Just then Kabir walked to us.

“Kabir” she exclaimed

“What should we do to bring Heer into the family like Geeta?” she asked him. He grinned and hugged her whispering something into her ears.

“Idiot” she said laughing and hitting him on his arms.

“Okay I need to stop your father or he would hurt himself” she walked quickly towards the dance floor where Manish pa was dancing with his whiskey glass on his head

“Geeta, Veer come here” some of the guests yelled at them.

They went to them leaving me and Kabir standing alone.

“You heard Meera ma? So what shall we do about it?” he asked me taking my hand to his heart

“Stop it” I said pulling my hand back and looking around worried.

“Heeran come here, please” Geeta called

I went to her with Kabir following me closely behind.

“Shall we get engaged too, Heera?” he whispered in my ears

I hit him in his stomach with my elbow and he gasped.

She introduced me to her cousins and we were yapping away. Kabir came infront of us and was making signs with his eyes.

I looked around and nobody was noticing this.

Kabir: “ We have less time left”

I responded with my eyes: “ So what should I do?”

Kabir: “You promised to be with me until it is time to leave”

Me: “Not right now. I am busy”

“Heer arranged for the dresses I designed….” Geeta went on

Some of her aunties joined us.

Kabir moved back and pointed to his room with his eyes

Me: “Noway”

Kabir: “You promised that you will not say ‘NO’”

Me: “ I am not coming”

Kabir shrugged his shoulder and turned and walked inside the house.

“This is Heer, Meera was talking about. She likes you a lot dear. Goes nonstop about you” an aunty said

“She is so lucky to have you Geeta. She said she finally has a daughter. She prayed for one and when she was pregnant again after having two boys she wished it would be a girl but look it was Veer!” they all laughed

Geeta rolled her eyes.

“I will be right back” I told her

She whispered “Ok”

I saw Veer on the dance floor with Meera ma and Manish pa. He looked at me and yelled to join them.

I shouted “Later. I am going inside for something”

He did thumbs up sign and continued to dance.

There were few guests inside sitting and talking in the hall. Old folks were lying on the couch and sofa. I rushed upstairs and knocked at Kabir’s room door making sure nobody saw me. I was very nervous.

I heard the door unlock and I pushed the door slowly and entered. It was dark.

“Kabir” I whispered

Kabir surprised me and banged me onto the door and bolted it.

“Ow! What are you doing?” I said trying to escape from him

He didn’t let me move. I saw that there were small candles lit.

“Shhh” and he grabbed my left hand and put it up and slid a ring onto my finger.

I was dumbstruck. I looked at my finger. It was his mom’s I believed.

I looked at him with a “Why did you do it” face.

“You said you wouldn’t say ‘No’” He said, now moving back.

I looked at the ring again and I didn’t know what to say. I pressed my back against the door and the door knob dug deep into my waist.

“I…I ..know you just want us to be together with the time we have but do you also remember…we decided that we will cherish and love each other until it is time to go our own ways. I want you to have it to know how much I love you and how much you mean to me.I would feel that you are mine forever!” he said moving closer again and cornering me.

He bent his head closer to me where my lips were. He was now so close I could see my reflection in his eyes. He waited for my answer to proceed and I closed my eyes as a yes.

He then kissed me. I felt fireworks inside my stomach. He lifted me off the ground and put me on the dresser and continued to kiss me. I ached for more of him and he felt my need. He didn’t stop and we were consumed by our passion. I felt his warm hands give a squeeze on my bare waist and I was running my hands in his silky hair. Different kinds of feelings were rushing through my body. When we pulled back, we looked into each other eyes. My first kiss with my first love, I thought!

 I had happy tears as usual. He wiped them with his fingers and kissed both my eyes. I hugged him tight, so tight that I didn’t want to let go of him. The years that we spent apart from each other I wanted to live those missed moments in that few minutes I had. I kissed eagerly on his forehead and cheeks. He smiled and pulled my face to his and kissed me again and this time more passionately than before.

“ I love you Heera” he whispered while kissing me

I just melted away in his arms.

We went on like this until we heard someone knocking at the door.

“Kabir are you in there?”

It was Meera ma.

I quickly pushed him away and got down from the dresser. I took a deep breath as I was out of it.

“Stay here” he said and walked towards the door. I went and quickly stood near the window where she couldn’t see me.

“Kabir what are you doing inside?” She asked coming in and turning on the lights

I hid behind the window curtain.

“I had to use the bathroom, Ma” he said

“Are you okay? The food and all?” she asked

I sniggered.

“Yes, yes am fine” he said not letting her come any further

“I need the jewelry bag you got from the jeweler yesterday” she said shifting few empty boxes and finally finding the bag next to the couch.

She opened it and showed him

“This was mine. My mother in law gave this when I got engaged to your papa and now it will be Geeta’s. I am very happy they found each other.“ she said looking at the necklace.

“Who is that for?” he asked looking at a thin emerald bracelet” he asked

“For Heeran” she said and sighed “I wish she will find happiness soon. I told Meenal not to lose her other daughter too. She has become very controlling of Heeran. I saw her off when she was leaving for her job to Mangalore last time she was in town. She cried all the way to the airport. Well I cannot blame Meenal, she needs support too and she takes it all out on Heeran. Harsh her husband tries to manage them all but still she needs lot of support you know. I hope Heeran doesn’t take her words seriously. She is just hurt that her elder daughter’s life isn’t as she thought would be. Tell her to be strong and not take anything to heart. I would talk to her but with the engagement and all I wasn’t able to” she told him looking worried.

“I will Ma, don’t you worry. I promise” he consoled her

She nodded and left the room with the jewelry bags.

He locked the door behind her and came to find me.

I sat on the window seat and was staring out of the window. It was a cloudy day. The marquee was with people now sitting down and having lunch. I wondered what time it was. “Must be late afternoon”. I thought

Kabir stood next to me and put his arms around my shoulder. I looked at him and smiled.

“I had the best time Kabir. These moments spent with you are very precious to me. I shall remember them forever” I said not looking at him.

He pulled away his arm.

I got up from the window seat and pushed the curtains aside and was walking away when he stopped me by pulling me into his arms.

“We can talk Heera” he said pleadingly

I nodded no and pushed him away but he held onto my hand.

“This was our agreement isn’t. We decided we shall spend the time we have these few days together and then go our own separate ways and not to look back. I didn’t want the others to know as it is difficult to explain them but....” I said not looking at him.

He still held onto my hand and said

“We still have a day left and we are supposed to be together until then.” He said tightening the grip.

“Meera ma must be searching for me and we have been away for a long time” I said and my heart started to beat faster. He still did not let me go

“Heeran” he took my name again.

“What Meera ma said was right and this is why we cannot be together. I don’t want to disappoint my mother. She already has enough on her plate and with Hiral’s and Himanshu’s problems and our family history it is not right to make them go through something because of us” I explained.

“We can sort it all out” he pleaded

“We had fun and it is over now. Let’s just forget that this ever happened.” and that was the last straw. He immediately let go of my hand. I know I had offended him but he needed to know the reality. I couldn’t control my tears which were pouring so fast. I felt my heart would burst and fall off my chest.

I quickly left the room wiping my tears. I rushed downstairs and saw that it was almost 3 in the evening and Geeta and Veer were nowhere to be found. Before Meera ma could find me, I ran out of the house and went home.

Mom and dad were asleep. I went up to my room and locked the door and hit the bed crying. How long I stayed like that I did not know and I fell asleep crying.

Chapter 5: Hiral’s truth

 “Heer…please don’t” It was Geeta. She was trying to save me but she wasn’t able to and I saw her falling into a labyrinth.

“Heer…Heer…are you there?”

Someone was knocking at my door. It sounded like Hiral. I woke up with a start!

I wiped my forehead off sweat. “It was a dream. Thank God” I thought and heaved a sigh of relief.

I got up from the bed and opened the door

Hiral was standing at the door.

“You are home then.”She said

“Yes di…I am. Come in. How are you feeling now?” I asked speaking to her for the first time after I came back home

She went and sat on the chair near the balcony facing the front gate. It was evening. The sun was setting. We could see the guests leaving. Veer’s and Geeta’s houses were now light up with golden lights. The fireworks were still going on and it lit the now darkening sky beautifully. We could hear music playing from their backyard.

“So the party is still going on” I thought to myself and then thought about the time I was with Kabir.

I jerked myself and looked at my phone there were nearly 50 missed calls from Geeta, Veer and Meera ma but none from Kabir. I felt hurt. It ended even before it began, I thought.

 I messaged the others saying I was tired so I went home and slept.

Geeta sent me an angry emoji.

Veer replied ‘need to talk to you’

Meera ma replied ‘will be waiting for you at dinner around 8’.

I messaged Meera ma that I will be there.

“Are you done messaging your friends?” she asked me still looking at the fireworks.

I put my phone down “Sorry di. I did not tell them when I left so they were worried where I was” I said now sitting in the chair next to her.

“Veer and Geeta huh?” she said smilingly

“Yes.” I replied

“Veer…I did not expect he would commit. It was a surprise!” she said with a smile and looked at me.

“Veer? Who wouldn’t be smitten by Geeta and she had feelings for him from the beginning” I told her resting my chin on my knees.

“Veer didn’t though!.” She said

“You talk as if you knew Veer better than I do” I told her with a puzzled look.

She looked at me and smiled again.

“What is happening with you and Kabir, kiddo?” she asked

I looked astonished

“Nothing! We are friends di” I said looking puzzled

“Are you really?” she laughed aloud

“You four are crazy! I have heard of triangle love stories but this is…it is something I haven’t seen” she said laughing again

“What are you talking about?” I asked her and bit worried of her state of mind.

“I know all about it Heeran. Kabir met me couple of months ago when I started therapy sessions. Sometimes he would take me and we would talk. He told me he was smitten by you. He confessed that he is in love with you but you declined it. Is that true, now?” she asked me

I did not speak.

I thought to myself “That idiot could not keep his trap shut even for a second”

“It is complicated di. Now is not the time to plan my wedding” I told her

“Wedding? Who is talking about a wedding? I am talking about your feelings for him which you always had since they moved here. I read you diary remember? Kabir is my life, Kabir is my soul” she sang

“ and we had that big fight where I tore my diary into half” I told her a bit grudgingly.

“Yes! I was an idiot then!” she said now a bit sullen

 “I liked it that you had friends to take care of you when Himanshu and I were not with you.” she said

“ It just took time for us to catch up the age gap and all. We became better siblings later on” I said

Hiral and Himanshu were twins. They were inseparable. My sister was the tomboy and my brother was her sidekick. Whatever they did, they did together. My sister was the eldest and Himanshu was born 5 minutes later. Himanshu always looked up to her and admired her. I was born 5 years later and they always ignored me and never let me play with them. It was a blessing for me to find these three friends of mine. moving to our community. Thanks to my mom and her friends!

“Hmmm.” She nodded now turning to look at the fireworks again.

“Did your brother call?” she asked after a while still looking out the window.

“No. I tried to call but it says the number does not exist anymore” I told her now sitting up straight

“I shouldn’t have gone away with Arun, Heer. I knew about his anger but I didn’t know he would hit me.” Hiral for the first time opened up on what actually happened to her. I just heard from dad but this coming from her made me realize she wants to be normal again.

“He would lose temper for simple things and throw things at me and there were days when he would bang me on the wall and grab my neck and lift me off the ground. It hurt me, Heer. It hurt a lot. “

She slowly pulled off her scarf from neck and showed me the deep red cuts against her neck which was slowly healing. There was swelling around her ears which previously had deep cuts.

“He would cut my feet with knife when am asleep and would rape me. He went crazy after a while and I thought I might change him but it got worse. I got scared and called dad. He took me to the hospital and I stayed there for 2 days. I told him I wouldn’t come home as I wasn’t ready to face mom but he insisted and I knew he was already half dead looking at my situation. This entire thing is my fault. If only I had listened to mom and dad, I wouldn’t be in this situation.” She said crying into her hands.

“Di…please…” I dropped on the floor and hugged her hard.

“You did not know about him. He was behind you, begging you to love him. Remember he was the one who said will commit suicide if you won’t marry him that day? I was there too, remember. He cut his veins standing outside your office when I came to pick you up. I saw that you were being forced and yes we should have informed the police or at least told his or our parents. But we were worried where he would do something to take his life. It was all at that moment. Now it is over. You are safe. You are back home with us and we love you remember and don’t worry about mom, she will come around. She is just upset your life isn’t the way she had imagined that is all and she couldn’t bear her brave girl has become so depressed”

She stopped crying and hugged me back.

“I am happy that you are being yourself now. I want my strong, independent and rebel Hiral di back! You can go back to work and build more houses. Why don’t you build me a dream house that has lots and lots of windows and a big pool and slide instead of stairs…” I said cheering her up

“Slide instead of staircase…huh? That’s a nice idea” she said now wiping her tears.

I felt hope; after months of struggling with her trauma, she is finally fighting back and yearning to be normal again!

“Himanshu…”she said suddenly.

“Yes…do you know something about him?” I asked her

“It is my fault too that he went away” she told me

“Why? What happened” I asked her putting my hand on her shoulder

“I cannot tell you or anyone. It is not my place to say so please don’t ask or tell mom and dad about it” she said holding my hands

“I promise” I assured her.

“And Heeran, please don’t hold back your feelings for Kabir for the mistakes your brother and I made. Kabir is a fine guy, trust me! Give that guy a chance, okay” she said

Chapter 6: The last dinner

“So are you going for the dinner tonight?” she asked me after a while.

The fireworks stopped. We saw a party rental truck pull over.

“I think I shall skip it” I said standing up

“No, let’s go” she said joining me

“You…you want to come too?” I asked her

“Yes. I want to meet the newly engaged couple.” She said

“Okay. Are mom and dad coming too?” I asked her

“No. Dad has some work and mom is staying back with him” she answered “Meera ma sent the butler with dinner for them. “

I nodded.

I pulled a pair of jeans and a white top to go with it.

“Seriously, are you going to wear that?” she asked me with her hands on her hips

“Why not? It is just a small get together with the families” I replied

She rolled her eyes

“Come with me” and she took me to her room

An hour later we were walking down the path to Veer’s house.

“Di…it is coming off” I said adjusting my saree.

She bullied me into wearing a blue chiffon saree with thin silver border and a backless mirror work blouse.

Hiral di was good at clothes and fashion. She always dressed better than me and she never let me borrow her clothes.

“It will not. I put more safety pins on you than they are at the shop.” She said looking at me

“What is that you are trying to prove here” I asked her

The party rental men were clearing up the chairs and tables. We walked past them to the front door.

“Dressing sense. They invited us to a dinner party not to a movie” she said

I rolled my eyes.

She wore a light yellow Chudidhar and covered her neck with the scarf so as to not to show the scars.

I felt she was trying to be normal again and this time I felt she is doing it for the sake of mom.

“We are early. Meera ma said 8:00” I whispered

“I think she wouldn’t mind anyways it is almost 8:00 now, glancing at her watch” she said and rang the bell.

The butler opened the door and let us in.

We nodded at him and he smiled and left.

“Hiral” there was a happy voice.

Meera ma came running towards us and pulled Hiral into a hug.

I heard a gasp from Hiral and I sniggered.

“I am doing better, Meera ma” she said

“Good dear, good” with happy tears. She looked at Hiral from top to bottom and her eyes stopped at her neck.

“If only Harsh would let us” she said angrily

“Hiral beta” Manish pa came and I slowly moved away from there to search for my friends and hoping not to find Kabir

I looked back and Hiral was hugged by Manish pa and they took her inside.

I felt relaxed that she is mingling with people now after a very long time being locked up in her room.

I greeted Veer’s brothers and their wives. The kids I heard were shouting and screaming in the backyard. They were playing with the few chairs that were left. I saw a tall silhouette standing with a child in his arms. I knew who it was and walked away quickly and went upstairs to Veer’s room

I finally found Veer and Geeta talking something about house plans.

“Hello there” I said

“Hey” both of them said turning to look at me

 “How are you now?” Geeta asked who was wearing a long pink gown that matched her pretty face.

“Feeling good. Hiral has come too” I said before any of them could accuse me of leaving early and not telling them.

“Really?” Geeta said looking surprised. She stood up from the couch “ Let me go and meet her” and she left the room.

Veer and I were alone in the room. He was rolling up the blue prints.

I looked around and did not know what to say. I know he wanted to talk something about Kabir.

“How is Hiral di now?” He asked

“Recovering” I said still looking around

“Kabir said he put a ring on your finger” he said not looking at me.

There was a slight accusation in his voice.

I looked at my finger and realized it now. I totally forgot. Kabir! I thought

I nodded yes.

“and you said something about having fun and forget?” he continued still not looking at me and now sliding a band on the rolled sheet.

“So what happens now?” he said finally looking at me after putting the sheet on the table.

I shrugged.

 “You realize he never liked a girl in this sort of way. He is serious about you and he wants to talk to his father about it.” He said

I put a pout on my face and responded “this is why I told him to keep this relation a secret.”

I could see a nerve pulsing on his forehead.

“You have changed Heer. You hurt him. You better make up with him before he does something stupid. I know you love him…anyone could tell that seeing that look on your face. I knew it since you were …what 10? Why hide it now when you have a chance at love? Is it because of your mother or his father? That can be sorted out. We can talk to them and make them agree but do you realize it is not just yourself that you are hurting but everyone around? What do you mean an agreement for the days spent together? That guy thought he could change your mind once you meet and spend time with him. He is at least trying but you….you are giving a damn about his feelings. When have you become so selfish?”

“Alright let us say you both went your own separate ways, what next? You are planning to hurt the next guy who will come along. Do you think Meenal aunty won’t get you married to some guy? So you want to rewrite history again. You know the story right?”

He was very angry with me and he never raised his voice ever to anyone. I was standing like a statue and was drowning in his speech. I just wished I became invisible, if I could turn the time back and never answered his call, if only all this was a dream and when I woke up it was time to go to school. I wrapped myself with my hands and put my head down and could feel my tear drops fall.

“He told me Heer, he told me everything what happened between you two since the day he first made that call. He never kept a secret from me. Who else is there for him but us? It is the first time today I have ever seen him so depressed. Talk to him and maybe come to an understanding or something ”He said “Give a chance at love, silly. Kabir is a good one and you know that.” hugging me

I broke down….

We went downstairs after Veer made me wash my face.

“Where were you two” asked Meera ma now pulling me towards the dining hall.

I looked at Veer helplessly.

“I was showing Heer the house plans.” he answered

She nodded.

We went into the dining hall and she made me sit next to her. Hiral was sitting on the other side of me and tapped my shoulder.

I smiled at her. She looked happy and smiling. She was discussing something with Veer’s sisters-in-law. The kids were at the kids table and so was Kabir. He was chatting away with them and didn’t even try to look at me when I was trying to make an eye contact.

Geeta sat opposite to me on the other side of the table and gave quizzical looks and then looked at Veer who sat next to her facing his mom.

He whispered something in her ear and she nodded okay.

The servants brought food and then Meera ma called out to Kabir.

“Kabir darling come over here. Sit with us.” She said getting up

I turned around to look

“It is ok ma I shall be with the little ones here.”he said not looking at her

“Now look here, come or else no food for you”

Everyone laughed.

Just then Geeta’s mom said “Kabir come sit next to me beta. Tell me about this girl you are going to get engaged to. Is she your relative Meera?

Something rushed through my stomach and I almost puked and made a sound. Hiral and Geeta hit my leg at the same time from under the table and they both grinned at each other.

“Are you alright” Hiral whispered

Kabir went rigid. He slowlywalked up to the table.

It was a very long table and usually the dining hall was never used but for special occasions. Meera ma had a huge kitchen and we all four sat down on the floor there to eat. It used to be fun.

 And since it was a family dinner and Veer’s brothers had come with families and Geeta’s too, the dining hall was decorated and the big table was set up.

“Come sit here”said Prerna aunty, Geeta’s mother.

Kabir came and took his place next to Veer. Veer glanced at me and signaled “It is nothing” with assurance.

Kabir sat down looking bit grim.

“It is not yet decided. Vikram wanted both the boys to get engaged at the same time here but Kabir, here, had other plans, isn’t?” Meera ma said looking at him.

“I just need some time Ma” he said clearing his throat

“Kids these days! Time for what dear?” Prerna aunty said laughingly

“Mom, can you please pass that chicken fry” Veer said bailing Kabir out.

But as the ladies liked to gossip

“But is the girl related to you Meera?” Prerna aunty continued.

Meera ma passed the bowl of chicken fry to Veer.

Hiral served me some fish fry and I was staring at it on how to make it alive!

“Are you okay?” whispered Hiral “you haven’t touched anything on your plate”

“I am fine” I replied back

The table was buzzing with other topics. The fathers and brothers were talking about finishing the pent house for Veer. Veer wanted to stay with his parents unlike his two brothers who moved out after their marriages. They live close by and visit regularly.

The daughters-in-law were talking to Geeta and her upcoming marriage. They were asking her if she was planning to design her own dresses for the wedding and if she can do theirs too as they loved her designs.

Geeta was talking to them but her eyes were on me. Veer was eating very seriously and Kabir was playing with his spoon.

“What were you asking? Oh is she related to me?” Meera ma said serving herself some chicken fry.

My tummy gave a churn from the smell. I loved Meera ma’s chicken fry recipe but today it smelled horrible

“Chicken fry is good ma” Veer said trying his best to change the subject.

“Thank you, dear, yes she is. I don’t remember her name but yes she is related to our family. She is my distant cousin’s daughter. They settled in the US long time ago. We aren’t that close and I came to know when Vikram told me. She is very pretty, isn’t she, Kabir?” she winked at Kabir

“So you have met her then?” Prerna aunty asked Kabir

Kabir for the first time glanced at me and Veer stopped eating and Geeta stopped talking. Hiral was waiting for his answer.

Kabir smiled and said “just the one time when we went to her dad’s office for some meeting”

“Did you talk to her?” Asked Prerna aunty

He nodded

“My handsome Kabir stole her heart, no wonder they want this engagement to take place as soon as possible.” Meera ma said lovingly looking at Kabir

I needed to go to the bathroom. I got up and excused myself and ran to the bathroom. I shut the door immediately and threw up in the sink. Hiral knocked on the door.

“Are you okay in there?” Hiral asked

“Yes! I think” I said wiping my mouth.

“Open the door please” she said

I opened the latch and let her in

“What happened? Why did you run to the bathroom?” she asked

“I had to puke. I think I got a stomach bug or something.”I said bending down again

Kabir walked into the bathroom.

“No more room here” I said showing my hand to stop him and threw up again

“What happened?” It was Geeta

I rolled my eyes and I knew what followed next.

“Is everything alright?” Veer said coming up behind Geeta

“I need air and some water, please!” I cried out aloud.

Everyone left except for Kabir.

He rubbed my back as I threw up again. I don’t remember eating anything and where is this horrible stuff coming from! I thought.

“Here drink this” Geeta got me some water

I gulped down.

“What did you eat for lunch?” she asked me

I nodded nothing while gulping water

“For breakfast?” she continued

“Nothing” I replied swallowing water

“Did you eat anything at all today?” Kabir asked seriously

I nodded ‘No’

He rolled his eyes and said “No wonder!” and walked past Geeta and left us

“You are crazy, Heer” she said rubbing my shoulder “Don’t take what happened at the dinner table seriously. Those are just talks and you know Kabir, he would never agree!”

“He loves you yaar!” she said

Kabir came in with a protein bar

“Eat this now” he said

I took it and thanked him not making an eye contact

“Are you alright now?” Geeta asked me

“Yes, feeling better”

“Good” both responded

“Why don’t do you go up and take rest in Kabir’s room while we finish up dinner? I don’t suppose you can eat that food now; it will make you vomit again.” She said

I nodded okay

Kabir wanted to come with me but I said “No, am better now, you carry on. They must be waiting for you to hear more about the girl or something or maybe planning for your engagement”I blurted out

Geeta sighed and Kabir left angrily.

“You are impossible!” she said but she wasn’t angry like Kabir

“Ok you go upstairs and wait for us.” She said now following me till the staircase.

“Give him a break, will you” she said and left.

I went up to Kabir’s room once again my mind still buzzing with what happened at the dinner table.

Chapter 7: The Scandal

I waited for the others to come while I walked around the room. I did not turn on the lights as the lights from the backyard lit his room well. It was not as huge as Geeta’s but it was big enough to have a conference. It had a platform bed installed right near the window at one corner of the room which was obstructed by a wall. I looked around and saw the candles wax melted and now were stuck on the table. I looked at my reflection on the mirror above the dresser. It brought back memories of what happened earlier that day. I touched my ring finger and felt a shiver run through my spine. I sat on the platform bed and touched the soft sheets. What am I doing, I thought. It was fine during our phone conversations but when the time to meet in person everything looked so real and complicated.

He is going to be engaged and married soon to this girl his dad is fixing for him. Our relationship will never work out. Mom would never agree and knowing the truth about what happened how can I even think about taking this step. What happened to Sahar aunty and what Vikram uncle did to her, mom never forgot. She would tell us from time to time. Lost in thoughts I was remembering the scandal that happened...

Meera, Kushi, Sahar and Meenal were best friends since college. Vikram met Kushi for the first time during a college festival and they fell in love. It was a whirlwind of romance. Kushi and Vikram separated amicably as they chose different career paths. Later Vikram was forced into marrying Sahar. Their grandparents were from the same village and when talks of marriage arose they decided it would do well for both the families as it helped their businesses financially. Sahar was against it as she knew Kushi and Vikram were together and pleaded with her parents not to go ahead with the proposal but they went deaf to her pleas. Finally, after much chagrin of their parents, they decided to go ahead with the marriage thinking they can forget the past and move on. 

Sahar and Meenal were very close and kept in touch and she used to share everything with her. Small fights used to erupt all the time. Vikram used to be gone for a whole month and there would be no messages from him. It was after 4 years when Kushi came to meet Meenal and Sahar that she realized Sahar and Vikram got married to each other. Kushi was in a bit shock. But she moved on too but I think Vikram realized he still loved Kushi and pursued her. She was against in breaking her best friend’s marriage but Vikram pushed her into agreeing her to live with him. Sahar couldn’t take it. She berated her. Meenal came to know what happened and tried to talk Kushi out of it but Kushi was adamant. Meenal pleaded to think about the daughters. But it was too late Kushi was pregnant. Vikram married Kushi after Kabir was born and by then Sahar divorced Vikram, blamed her parents for her life and moved out with her daughters. Although Vikram supported them financially she never spoke to him or let him near to his daughters. He wasn’t even allowed to attend their weddings. Vikram’s parents cut him out and they did not meet Kushi or Kabir.

Meenal and Sahar are still friends although they rarely talk to each other now. Sahar keeps her life very private and lives with her elder daughter. Meenal stopped talking to Kushi however she liked Kabir. Vikram moved to our community when Kabir was around 5 believing that Kushi will be happy being among her friends. But Meenal never forgave her and once called her a whore for breaking her best friends’ marriage. Kabir was very young then. Even when Kabir was home, Meenal never spoke of his mother to him. She never mistreated him and used to say it wasn’t his fault for what his mother had done. Meera was close to Kushi and Meenal and she tried to reconcile them both but in vain.

It was when Kushi was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that Meenal finally spoke to her. Kabir was 15 then. Meera and Meenal supported Kushi and were there with her until the end. Sahar never came to see her or was seen at the funeral. After Kushi was gone, Vikram decided to move to US with Kabir but Manish and Meera didn’t let Kabir leave as they were very much attached to him and so was he. So leaving Kabir’s responsibilities with them, Vikram left to US.

Chapter 8: The break-up

I opened my eyes and came back to reality. I decided to end our relationship. Just then,

“How are you feeling now?” Geeta came in while turning on the lights

“Good” I said getting up

“I think I have to go. Hiral must be waiting for me” I said

“Sit down now. She left just now. Manish pa and Veer are walking her home. I told her that you would be staying with us tonight. We asked her to stay back but she insisted to leave.” She said pulling me down to sit next to her

Veer walked in and waved at me.

“Hiral di is home safe. I am happy she is coming out of it” he said now pulling a chair and sitting infront of us.

“How are you feeling?”

“Better. I just want to go home” I told him

“You will after we have a word with you” he said

They wanted to talk about me and Kabir.

“Where is he?” I asked

“Somewhere around but we wanted to talk to you” Geeta said

I looked at them both and turned away

“Now listen to me Heera, talk to him once. I know there is a lot going on with you but just talk. If you are not convinced then end it good.” Veer said holding hands.

“I don’t want either of you to suffer” Veer said and Geeta nodded

“I should not have given him the idea for this to happen.” I told them hugging my knees

“It is not in our hands to stop the feeling of love” He said looking at Geeta . She smiled and squeezed his hand.

“Believe me, Heer, we will be the happiest to know that you both are together. “ Geeta said

“It was fine until it got so complicated and I don’t want to hurt anyone anymore” I told them

“Heera you are just hurting yourself. I know you love him. You have never loved anyone like this but only Kabir and I believe you two are made for each other. Just be together for a while and take it from there.” Geeta said holding my hands

“I don’t want to go ahead with this relationship with Kabir. It will hurt us both and our families.” I said slowly

They both looked a bit taken aback.

“We know what happened but don’t you think Meenal aunty would not judge Kabir for what Vikram uncle did” Geeta said

“I don’t know what she will think and I am just not ready to face it either. Seeing how mom reacted to Hiral’s actions, it would hurt her more” I said

Geeta didn’t speak anymore. She must have felt that I have made up mind to break up with Kabir.

After sometime, Veer said slowly but sternly “Then end it!” Geeta touched my hand and said “We are with you either way!”

They left after few minutes. I stayed there sitting on his bed playing with the protein bar which I haven’t eaten.

After sometime, Kabir came in closing the door behind him. He was bit surprised to find me in his room lost in my thoughts.

“I am sorry, I thought you left” he said opening the door.

“No, close it. I wanted to talk to you” He closed the door

I signaled with my hand for him to sit next to me and he did.

I looked at him and asked “Why? What made you feel this way for me Kabir?”

“I don’t know. I felt it and few things can’t be explained” he said and turned away

“I am sorry I hurt you today” I told him apologetically

He laughed sarcastically.

I ignored it.

“I am keeping the ring though” I told him “and I want you to have something too just in the passing.”

He turned to look at me

I removed the sun pendant from my chain and I gave it to him.

“I got this with my first salary. I was the happiest girl that day. Take it and keep it with you so it will remind how happy I was when I am with you. You were like a ray of sunshine when I was at the lowest in my life.”

“You are breaking up with me? Is this a goodbye? Heera” he asked me firmly

“Let us say this is only the goodbye to the feelings we have for each other but as friends we shall be together” I replied and continued after few seconds

“Also I do not have the strength to fight for us and now that Hiral is slowly making a recovery and mom is finally coming around, I don’t want to spoil it!”

He closed his wrist with the pendant still in his palm.

“I love you Heeran” he said looking at his hand.

“I know and it is such a beautiful feeling! I just wish the circumstances were different then maybe...” I couldn’t continue

I was surprised I was no longer crying. Maybe I ran out of tears. I stood up. I thought if I leave now things will be easier so I started to walk towards the door when he caught my hand and pulled me down on the bed and kissed me hard.

I kissed him back knowing this would be the last time. My phone rang suddenly and I stopped him. It was Geeta.

“I need to go” I told him cancelling the call.

“Please stay” he said still holding my hand

“I...”

“We still have one last day left and you aren’t allowed to say ‘No’” he said looking at me

I smiled.

I messaged Geeta that I shall come to her home in sometime and I stood up and went to the door locking it. I turned off the lights and I walked up to him slowly and sat next to him. He hugged me and we stayed like that in each other arms for a while.

“Heeran” he whispered “I love you very much. Just tell me once you love me, please” he said

I hugged him hard and kissed his ears.

 He pulled me out of his arms and looked at my tear strained face. He grabbed my face slowly and kissed my neck, my back, my cheek and my eyes. I let him.

He pushed me back on the bed and ran fingers through my hair and slowly removed by hair band. He lowered his hand to touch my lips and he slowly replaced them with his. I shivered and closed my eyes. He touched my waist and loosened my saree. Just then I wondered how he is going to manage with so many safety pins.

I grinned to myself as he was kissing my navel and he saw me smiling.

He grinned and came up to me. “Am I tickling you, Heera” he gently asked

I nodded no and removed a safety pin from my saree and showed him.

He grinned while shaking his head and kissed me again.

He made sweet love to me. I trembled in his arms but he was very gentle. I took out his name and he answered it with a passionate kiss.

The alarm went off on my phone around 3:00 am in the morning. I opened my eyes and for a second I did not know where I was. I grabbed my phone with my arm and shut the alarm. I was lying next to Kabir in his arms on his bed! Kabir was looking so peaceful in his sleep that I did not wanted him to wake up. I slowly slipped under him and got out of the bed. I realized I didn’t have any clothes on.

“Oh what a horror!” I thought to myself looking at the saree and other things lying on the floor “I wish I had worn those jeans and top!” I quickly pulled the saree and draped it like a towel around my body. I saw Kabir’s shirt lying on the floor and quickly grabbed it and went to the bathroom. I took a quick shower and put on his shirt and collected my clothes and shoes and called Geeta, hoping and praying she would answer.

“Yes!” she said sleepily

“Come and get me in 5 minutes please. I will be at the front door” I whispered over the phone.

Kabir moved a little.

I opened the door and quietly closed it and ran downstairs still praying nobody wakes up.

I had Veer’s house spare keys so luckily I locked the front door behind me and ran to the side gate into Geeta’s house. Geeta was waiting for me in her satin night dress.

“Walk of shame!” she said laughingly

“Shut up and lets go” I told her and we went in quick

“I want all the details or else I shall spill the beans to Meenal aunty” she said locking the door sniggering

Chapter 9: A Chance at love

“So spill it out” she said now sitting on the bed.

“I am tired” I said plopping on the bed and sighing.

Many life changing things happened in these past few hours! I thought. I could still feel his breath on my body.

I heard Geeta laughing. “Oh so it was that tiring, huh! Tell me” she said

“What?”

“Everything…don’t exclude anything. How did you feel?” she said

I blushed

“Well, he made me feel a variety of emotions. It hurt initially but he was gentle and slow and to be honest he did most of the part” I put pillow on my face and dug harder into it.

Geeta laughed harder.

“Shhh..you will wake everyone up”

“Ooo...someone had a wake up call!” She teased

I blushed very hard and covered my face with the pillow again!

“Well you do realize that it wasn’t his first time like yours!” she said falling on the floor and laughing hard.

I threw the pillow at her.

“So did you guys make up then?” she asked standing up

I immediately became sullen

“No we broke up” I said now getting up to change into night clothes

“What? Then what was that?” she asked

I didn’t say anything and unbuttoned the shirt I was wearing. I could smell his perfume on it and it sent waves through my body again. It made me miss him terribly and I longed for his touch!

“You do realize you just had sex with him, don’t you?” she said now sitting on the bed

I nodded putting on the night dress

She was bit confused but she didn’t press on but instead asked me....

“Don’t mind me asking but did he use protection? I know he is sensible but I don’t want surprises anymore” she said bit worried

I relaxed and answered yes.

“He had bunch of those ready, so yes, I knew this was not his first time!” I said now getting into the covers and lying on the bed pulling the sheets up to my face. Geeta punched me on the shoulder still grinning.

“ Don’t worry Heeran, I have a good feeling that you both shall be together soon!” She said finally getting into bed.

I lay still.

It was almost 8:00 am in the morning and I lay awake. I couldn’t sleep after what happened last night. I was lost in my thoughts staring at the roof. I am in love with Kabir and I have always known that. I want to be with him forever and from what happened last night I just couldn’t imagine anyone else in my life filling that space.

I turned around, away from Geeta’s little snores. It was fate; it was destiny that brought us together. Kabir with whom I had a crush since I was young is in love with me,what else could it be? It was provident that we are meant to be together. But then can I trust him? My mind asked many questions about our relationship so; I closed my eyes and sought for answers. Then I remembered Veer’s words and I knew then what I should do. My mind was ready, my heart was ready and so was I completely!

I smiled.

Geeta was still sleeping soundly. I got up and put on Kabir’s shirt on my night dress. My mind went dizzy with all the things that has happened in the past few days. I closed my eyes and smelled his perfume on the shirt. It sent waves through my whole body. I remembered how he made me feel and how sensual his touch was!

I felt I needed more air to cool of this feeling!I opened the balcony door and felt cool breeze flowing through my hair and fall on my face. I found Veer, who was standing in his balcony which faced Geeta’s, talking over the phone. He waved at me and nodded. He gave me a second look and raised an eyebrow as he recognized I had Kabir’s shirt on. Before he could ask me something, I went inside hurriedly and hid. I hit my head with my hand and thought now he knows too! These friends of mine!!!!

I freshened up and planned to leave. I wasn’t going to tell Kabir how I felt after I broke up with him. It wouldn’t do any of us good, I thought. I was packing my clothes when I noticed that I left my saree blouse in Kabir’s room. I hit my head again with my hands “Oh the horror” I thought again. I woke up Geeta.

“What is it?” she said rolling over “Are you having urges again?” she said

I hit her hard.

“Geeta, I need help.” I said

“Ok, ok am up!” she said yawning “What is it?”

I told her what happened.

“Oh…call him then...he will get it” she said yawning again

“I can’t. I…I don’t think I can look at him” I said going around in circles.

“Calm down. That is just the morning guilt speaking. Everything will be fine. I shall call him and ask him to get it down here” she said picking up her mobile

After few minutes, “he will be up here in 10” and she walked into the bathroom

10 minutes later…there was a knock at the door

My heart was racing and my legs started to shake.

“Open the door” Geeta said coming out of the bathroom and putting on a bathrobe.

“I can’t” I whispered and turned around

Shaking her head Geeta opened the door and Kabir was standing outside.

“Come in, Mister! You sent my bestie to do the walk of shame?! And now she has the morning guilt!” she said grinning

He blushed and grinned showing his teeth.

She hit him on the arm and said “Don’t mind me. I shall be out in the balcony” and she walked towards the balcony

Kabir took out the blouse from his jacket and gave it to me. I quietly took it and put it inside my bag.

“How are you this morning?” he asked sitting next to me.

“Nervous” I blurted

“You left without waking me up? I could have come with you” he said

He touched my face and I shivered.

I pushed him away. I was feeling bit scared that if he comes any near I might just blurt the truth out.

“I am leaving today, Kabir” I said getting up.

“Yes I know that so do you want to go out with me for a little while today?” he asked

“I can’t. Not today. I..I am going out with my folks. They want to take me and Hiral to some temple and by the time I return it will be time for me to leave to the airport.” I told him putting the bag around my shoulder and slowly walking backward facing him.

“Maybe if I wait for a day or two this feeling might go away and we can be normal again and he never needs to know the truth of what I want to tell him.” I thought still walking slowly backwards looking at him.

“Shall I come with you to the airport then” he asked standing up and following me.

I remembered his sensual touch and then I hit the coffee table.

“Ouch” I gasped rubbing my left calf muscle.

He grinned and caught me and pulled me into his arms.

I fought this time and he let go.

“You didn’t let me give you a goodbye kiss last night. You were gone when I woke up” he said

“It...it was late and I had to go before anyone saw me” I said still rubbing my leg.

“I still love you” he said

I stood up straight and made up my mind at that moment that it is now or never to give love a chance!

I think I took him by surprise when I just dropped my bag and ran towards him to give a hug.

“I..I..!”and my tears came back

I could hear his heart beat faster. I think he waited for this moment since we met. He wrapped his arms around me.

 “Oh Heera!”He lifted me up in his arms and kissed me on my head.

Geeta clapped hands and yelled “Yay! Finally” she came inside and hugged us on top

“You were eavesdropping?” Kabir asked her

“Yes and so what?” she said still hugging us

“We are going to be together as a family, I knew it!” she sang

I grinned.

Chapter 10 : End of the world!

I went home with a smile on my face. Kabir dropped me off at the gate, gave me a flying kiss and went into his house. He was very happy that things were going better between us. He wanted to tell everyone we got engaged immediately but I wanted things to first cool off between mom and Hiral then maybe he can come over and talk. He was already making plans for our future!

I was humming to myself and walked in to the house.

“Finally! I was about to call Geeta.Get ready we need to go to the temple.” My mom said looking away from her laptop.

She was sitting on the dining table and looked calm.

“Okay!” I said giving her a hug

“What happened to you?” she asked me smiling

“I am happy that you are feeling good” I replied kissing her

“Ok, ok now you go upstairs and get ready. Hiral is all ready set to go. She is in the kitchen packing the Prasad. I need to send few emails, so you get 30 minutes and then we leave” she said typing something in her laptop

My dad is a software engineer and so was mom. He had later opened up a small software consultancy where mom was his partner but after the twins were born she quit becoming a full time mother. After we completed our college education she now went back to work for dad. Hiral and I chose different career paths. Hiral was into planning and design architecture and I did my MBA in advertising, however Himanshu wanted to follow dad’s footsteps and that is the reason he went to US to do his Masters in computer sciences.

I rushed upstairs and opened my bag. I took out Kabir’s shirt and hugged it to my heart. I decided never to wash it!

I packed it up and put it in my suitcase as I have decided to carry it back to Mangalore. I looked at my ring and kissed it.

“Gosh!” I thought “I just wanted to meet him and spend time with Kabir this weekend but he just made sure I spend my whole life with him. I hope mom and dad doesn’t ask me about this ring anytime soon”

I was bit nervous!

I got ready and came down.

Mom was still working busily on her laptop while my sister was watching TV. Dad was nowhere to be found.

“Where is dad?” I asked her

“Oh! He is at Veer’s house. Something happened last night. The water they filled for curing for the penthouse it made the wall around it fall. So he went to help Manish with that”

“Why can’t the construction guys do it? I asked sitting down on the sofa

“It is Sunday, dummy” my sister said who was watching TV

“Oh yea!”

Dad came after a while all wet.

“Give me 10 minutes” he said and went to change.

We returned home around 3 in the afternoon. After going to the temple, dad took us to a restaurant which we often went. I hogged like a pig as I haven’t eaten a single thing since yesterday and after last night events I was hungrier than ever!

“I am so sleepy” I said while yawning when we drove up to our community.

“Me too” my sister joined me in the yawning.

“Why don’t you two take a nap after we go home?”

These days my mom is acknowledging the fact that my sister exists and talks to her through me or dad.

My sister smiled to herself. I thought mom is slowly coming around. She is taking her time but yes, she is understanding the pain Hiral went through.’’

“Heeran your flight is at 8:00 pm so you have enough time.” my dad said

When dad pulled down our street, we saw the other three standing outside Veer’s front gate.

“Now look, your little sister’sall awake” my mother said looking at Hiral and laughing and then immediately turned.

Hiral smiled and said “The four ninja turtles” to my mom

Both laughed. I saw dad also joining in. I felt happy now everything is falling into its place.

“Just one time we got dressed liked that for our school competition and the name stuck! Ugh!” I cursed

“Ok stop teasing. They might want to say goodbye” I told them and when dad stopped the car I got out quickly

I walked towards them waving at them and smiling happily. Kabir made a move to hug me but saw my mother getting out the car and he stopped himself. I hugged Geeta and Veer and asked

“What’s up, ninja turtles?”

They all laughed hard!

“Oh god! Those were fun times!” Veer said

“So what’s up?” I asked again grinning

“We want to drop you off at the airport” they said together

Mom was watching us. Dad was pulling his car into the garage. Hiral was guiding him.

“Not this time guys. I have to be with my family. They said they would drop me off and guess what” glancing back and saw that now nobody were around ”mom finally spoke to Hiral and she is so happy! I think things are falling back to normal”

“Good for you Heera” Veer said clapping my back “and I heard you changed your mind about my brother?” he asked winking at me

I blushed and I think Kabir could take it no more and he came up and hugged me hard.

The other two made a ‘woah!’ sound

“I will miss you” he said

“Me too” hugging him harder

“Guys, if you want everyone to know there are other ways!” Veer said laughing

“Get a room!!!” Geeta said laughing louder

I let go off Kabir and blushed.

“I shall come to meet you soon” he said kissing my hand

Geeta nudged me

“You need to stop teasing” Kabir said to Geeta grinning

“Veer do you know what happened last night?” She started and Kabir rolled his eyes

“Shut up!” I said while closing her mouth

Veer laughed!

After chatting for sometime and cheerful goodbyes and promising Kabir that I would call him once I reach airport, I went home to finish up packing. I was chatting away with Hiral who was yawning and fell asleep on my bed. I sat on the bed and laid down for a bit.

I woke up after couple of hours and found that it was getting late and I haven’t finished my packing. Hiral wasn’t there. I heard her voice downstairs talking to dad. I hurried to get my packing completed when my phone started to buzz.

I was group texting, folding my clothes and checking my work email. I was multi tasking.

Kabir: When will I see you again?

Geeta: Hai, hai!

Veer: Dandiya guys! Let’s not miss it like last time

Me: I can’t promise

Geeta: Then we shall come there; I heard the beaches are awesome

Me: Please do yes

Veer: Next time

Geeta: Pandit ji is going to finalize the dates next week for the wedding, yay!

Veer: smiley emoji

Me: kiss emoji

Kabir: Love you emoji

Veer: eyes roll emoji

I messaged in separate window to Geeta

Me: Geeta, thank you for everything. I had the best time and I loved the dresses. If it wasn’t for you I would have gone crazy last night!

Geeta: I am your friend and there shouldn’t be thanking between us. How many times I have to tell you that! Hey listen, if you are planning to do it again with Kabir, I know some good tricks I can share with you and she sent a wink emoji

Me: Eyes roll emoji

Geeta: He is so into you!

Me: I know…am so in love! But I love you too!

Geeta: to the moon and back

Me: I have to go now. It is getting late or I shall miss my flight. I will call you guys once I reach airport. I am all excited for the wedding!

Geeta: So I am for yours!

Me: Smile emoji

Geeta: bye

I heard my phone ring. I answered

“Tell me you love me” Kabir said

“Kabir!” I said lowering my voice

Just then dad yelled from downstairs “ Heeran are you done? You need to have dinner before we leave to the airport and it will get late if you don’t hurry up.”

“Coming dad! Tell mom to pack my dinner. Will have it back at my apartment as am not hungry!”I yelled to him holding the phone away from me

“Heeran shall I take your bag?” Hiral asked walking in

“Yes please, just this one. I shall carry the suitcase, it isn’t heavy” I told her

Kabir was still on the line

“Kabir?” I asked

“Say you love me Heeran” he asked again

I looked at Hiral and she looked me with a puzzled look and asked what is it?

I said “Hiral di….”

“What?” she asked

“I...I love you” I said

“I think he heard you, now let’s go” she said grinning

I heard a huge sigh on the phone

“Bye” I said and hung up.

What I never realized was the next time I spoke to him would be the end of my world.

At the airport entrance, I said goodbye to my family. Mom was crying and I told her I would try and make it for the dandiya night.

She nodded while sniffing her nose.

Hiral hugged me

“Stay strong” she told me

“You too” I said and kissed on her forehead

“You let me know if you need anything” Dad said hugging me

I nodded okay and waved them goodbye and went to check in.

There was still time to board the flight and I waited at the lounge area. I dialed Kabir’s number but he didn’t answer. I tried Geeta’s and it was switched off and Veer’s was too.

The boarding began and I took my bags to proceed further when my phone rang.

“Dad? I asked stepping aside to let others go

“Where are you?” He asked in a worried tone

“I am just about to board the flight” I said feeing bit worried “What happened? Is mom ok and Hiral?”

“They are fine. Can you come back to the front of the airport where we left you?” he asked

“Why?” I already started to walk towards the exit with my bags

“Is Himanshu ok?” I asked anxiously

“Everybody is fine. Just hurry up.” he said

I walked to the place where we said goodbyes

He was waiting. I didn’t see the others.

“Where is mom and Hiral?” I asked him while he put my luggage in the trunk

“Get in fast” he said hurriedly taking to the wheel

I got in quickly and he hastened.

“Tell me what happened, dad” my heart was beating fast.

He was quiet. He drove bit faster than usual. He was concentrating hard on the road as if he could make the cars at thefront disappear.

 “What happened?” I asked again placing my hand on his.

He took his glasses with one hand and wiped his tears on his shoulder

“Dad? Tell me now. You are scaring me”

All bad thoughts went in my mind. Kabir I thought….did something happen to him?

“I want you to be brave ok. I know it will be difficult but you should remember to be brave” he said now going down our street.

There were lots of people standing in front of Veer’s house

“What happened” I yelled loudly and I felt my blood rush through my veins

“What happened” I yelled loudly again and got down from the car.

I pushed through the crowd and went inside running through the gate. I saw there was a yellow tape on the ground in the front lawn and lot of blood. My brain buzzed. Dad came running towards me.

“Dad what is that? What happened? Kabir?” I asked crying now

“It is Geeta” he said “She slipped and fell from the construction site above and hit her head. They rushed her to the hospital”

Chapter11: The Pacemaker

“Is she…is she…dead?” I blurted out

“I don’t know. Manish called me and said that Geeta fell and hurt her head and that they were taking her to the hospital. I had to stop mid way and sent your mom and sister home in a taxi and I came back to pick you up” he said holding me

I felt out of breath. I was taking deep breaths; I was having a panic attack. I saw Kabir opening the front door and running towards me and everything went black!

Few hours later:

“It’s the pacemaker. It stopped working so we put in a new one. She will be fine and you can take her home tomorrow.”

I heard someone talk and slowly opened my eyes. I must have had a bad dream I thought.

“How are you feeling now Heera” mom asked me

“Mom! Mom!” I said holding her hand and I panicked again

“It’s alright honey. Your pacemaker stopped, they put in a new one. We can go home tomorrow” she said cuddling me

Hiral got up from the chair and held my hand. Her eyes were bloodshot.

“What happened?” I asked them. I was bit groggy and rubbed my head.

Kabir walked in and I put my hand forward towards him and he grabbed it and stood next to Hiral. He looked sadder than ever I seen him.

“What happened” I asked again

Mom started to cry. Hiral moved and went to her. She hugged mom and mom broke down in Hiral’s arms.The heart monitor was beeping fast. Kabir tightened his grip on my hand and looked worried. Mom looked at the screen and Hiral ran to fetch the doctor. I was gasping for air.

Doctor came and put on the oxygen mask.

“Relax Heeran, you need to calm down. You are having a panic attack” he said

“She needs to rest else it will be a difficult for her to breathe properly” he warned them

After an hour or so,

“Heeran” my sister said slowly.

I opened my eyes

“Rest now okay. I shall come over later and when you are strong we shall tell you everything” Hiral said and looked at Kabir

“Kabir, can you stay with her. I am taking ma home and I shall let her rest for a while. I think Meera ma needs someone at home so I shall be there with her”

Kabir nodded grimly.

Mom came up-to me and kissed me on my forehead.

“I shall be back. Your father is here in the hospital with others, okay” she assured me patting my hand

Hiral took mom in her arms again and they left.

I tried to take off the oxygen mask but Kabir stopped me. I pushed his hand away but he forced me down and put it back.

“We can’t lose you too” he said angrily

Tears came flowing through my eyes and I cursed my condition. I was born with an irregular heart beat so they had to fit me with pacemaker.

He pulled a chair closer to my bed and sat down holding my hand. He kissed it and wiped his tears with my hand. I pushed it away and was angry that nobody was telling me what happened.

I slowly drifted off to sleep.

Around 4:00 am:

“They are closing her up now”

I heard my dad’s voice and I opened my eyes. I sat up and removed my oxygen mask. Kabir and dad were standing near my room door.

“Why did she go up there? She said she wanted to speak to Veer about something and I told her I haven’t seen him and the she went up to the penthouse thinking maybe he was up there. She could have waited maybe just another five minutes, Veer would have come!” he said now weeping into his hands.

Dad hugged Kabir and was patting his shoulder

“Now, now. She was a good soul. She shall be alive through her donations” he said

“She made us all sign those documents!” Kabir said sadly weeping into dad’s shoulder

“Donations? What donations” I thought and then remembered the documents she made us sign. We four were organ donors. She forced us to sign them. If there was an organ transplant going on..then…then…

“Dad! Dad” I yelled

Dad and Kabir turned and ran to me.

“No..no…it can’t be…No….no..you said she hit her head…why? No….” and the monitor was beeping loudly again

Kabir forced me onto the bed and put the mask again

By the time I was discharged and went home, all the formalities were completed. I didn’t see her body. They thought it was best for me not to. I fought with everyone but nobody cared…

After two days they had mourning ceremony for her at Veer’s house. Veer was sitting on the steps on the staircase.

 For the first time I saw Veer after the incident. I did not recognize him. He looked shattered. He saw her fall and hit her head on the ground. He must have been traumatized!

Hiral told me he hasn’t eaten anything since then and was forced to have an ivy bag last night.

I walked to him. He looked at me and nodded.

“Come with me” I said

He didn’t move.

“now” I said

He got up and I put a hand around his waist. I balanced him and took him out into the backyard. Kabir followed us.

I made him sit on the swing and sat next to him. He put his head on my shoulder

“Now cry” I told him

I didn’t know if he was waiting for me to say this but we couldn’t stop him later. He hugged me and broke down. Kabir was patting his back who was also silently weeping for both his friends. I closed my eyes and thought to myself if only I had not gone with my parents but with my friends, everything would have been fineand Geeta would be busy with the wedding preparations and would call me every minute to ask about the wedding stuff! I just couldn’t take it no longer and wept profusely into Veer’s arms cradling him.

Geeta’s family had other rituals to follow. I said I cannot stay for it. So I went to meet Prerna aunty and Abi uncle.

“Come in dear” Prerna aunty received me with open arms.

Abhi uncle saw me and began to cry. His mother I believed was consoling him. He was telling something in Kannada to her which I caught bits and pieces of.

“She and Heeran were best friends. Every time I look at that girl now it will remind me of Geeta, ma” he told his mom. His mom looked at me and teared up.

“Prerna aunty” I said who was holding my hand and started to weep after what her husband said to his mom.

She wiped her tears and took me to the study. It seems they were not allowed to go to the kitchen until a week after a death so mom was sending them food. I gave her the bag containing lunch for them.

She took it sadly and said “ Thank you. I am grateful I found friends like your mother and Meera” tearing up again.

“Prerna aunty.. I cannot stay for the ritual.” I said gulping down. “ I..I..need to go back to work and…and…” I stopped looking at a photo on the table. It was us four standing in a huddle. I think it was taken during holi festival , the boys were around 11 and we were 9. Geeta looked so beautiful even with her face covered in pink.

I started to break down. Prerna aunty tapped on my shoulder and said “Yes I understand dear. Life should go on. Just stay safe wherever you are, okay” she said

I hugged her and left and next went to visit Meera ma.

Meera ma looked like a pale ghost. Manish pa was feeding her soup. They were in their room when I went in.

“Come in Heer” Manish pa said

Meera ma put her hand forward and I ran to hold it

“Please get better soon ma” I begged her

“Next time when you come she will be feeling much better, isn’t Meera?” Manish pa said feeding her soup

“When will you come back?” she asked me

“Very soon” I replied

“Don’t leave us for long please” she pleaded

“I won’t I promise” I kissed her hand.

I went to Veer’s room next. He was sitting on his bed and looking out of the window.

I didn’t feel like leaving him. I didn’t care for others but Veer I worried the most.

“Veer?”

He looked at me

“Hey, come in” he said “Are you leaving today?”

“Yes later tonight” I told him

I waited for a while and said “Come with me to Mangalore.”

He smiled

“No, Geeta would have liked me to stay and finish her departure rituals.” He said tearing up

I nodded

“But after everything is done” I asked

“I shall try to come” he said

I hugged him and kissed on his cheeks

He patted my shoulder and we sat quietly for a while.

Kabir was in the next room. I knocked.

“Come in” he said

He was clearing up his table.

“You are going somewhere?”

“No but dad is coming tonight. So just clearing up to put a bed as other rooms are full of guests” he said bagging up some trash

I closed the door and locked it.

He turned around and looked at me. I smiled sadly at him and he put down what he was doing and came swiftly towards me. I kissed him and hugged him tight. He lifted me up and put me on the bed. This time the love making was different. I felt his grief in it. He was very vigorous and coercive. I knew I shall be bruised later but I let him grieve. I kissed his tears and his pain.

We lay down for a while covered in the bed sheets and I thought about the last time we did it. I smiled to myself how Geeta had teased me on my walk of shame. I got up. It was getting late. Kabir got up and touched my face. He wanted me to stay but I know if I didn’t leave now I would never. I kissed him and got dressed.

He wanted to come but I declined the offer saying no more goodbyes.

“Will see you later” I said walking to the door

He looked at me with sad eyes. I smiled and left closing the door behind me.

Chapter 12: Meeting Himanshu

I was back to work. I felt the routine helped me to suppress the remorse. I worked harder than ever, stayed up late or left early, anything to just take my mind off things. Time flew and it has been 6 months already.

Kabir was not in the country. He went away with his dad to US which he does every other year. He called me a week after I returned to Mangalore. He said he is leaving to US with his dad and would return after couple of months. That was the last time I heard from him. The couple months had turned into six. I haven’t received any calls or message since then. It felt like I lost two friends from my life.

I spent many nights crying for him and Geeta. It hurt a lot. I didn’t go home for many weeks until mom called me and forced me to come home for a weekend. I felt scared and nervous to face the place I had lost one of the most important people in my life! I felt alone and lost but my grief was nothing compared to Veer’s. I saw that he was going into depression. He wasn’t talking to anyone and shut himself up in his room.

I met him and asked him to come with me this time. We flew to Mangalore and I took him to the beaches and temples as Mangalore was famous for both. We walked on the shores and sat quietly listening to the sound of waves. We spent many evenings just talking and watching the sun set together. When the time came for him to leave, he said he felt good coming over and promised to return later in the year. I missed him after he left and I felt alone again. Now I go back home once in a month and the time I was there I used to spend with Veer or just taking to Meera ma. It seemed liked ages that I had three friends but now it’s just Veer and me.

Veer was back to his routine managing the construction business of his dad’s and Abhi uncle’s. He calls me every day now just to talk and the last time he spoke he was doing much better and sounded cheerful. We became quite close these past few months. I asked him about Kabir but he too hadn’t heard from him in quite a while! I was nearing a heart break! But Veer said Kabir does this often when he is in US and not to worry. He assured me that Kabir will call back and just to give him sometime. I felt Veer was hiding something from me.

There were days when I felt he cheated on me and then there were days I would tell myself maybe he just needs time. I sometimes cried through the night and laid awake lost in thoughts.

I was working late one day when my manager called me in.

“The visa which we filed has been approved, Heeran” he said proudly

“Oh thank you, sir”

“So you need to be there by next Friday. You will be getting your itinerary and tickets by end of this week. Talk to the HR tomorrow and they will provide you the details and if you need anything, you know where to find me” he said resuming his work

I thanked him again and left.

I was very excited. I called my dad immediately.

“Dad!”

And I told him what just happened.

“So next Friday? Are you flying from there?” he asked me

“I haven’t got a clue. Will let you know the details” I told him. “Inform mom, okay”

A week later:

“Are you going to meet Kabir, there?” Hiral asked me

I was flying from my home town and we were at the lounge area in the airport. Dad was weighing my bags and mom was helping him.

“Kabir? I have no idea where he is” I told her looking at my documents

“Everything alright between you two?” she asked

I nodded not looking at her.

“Veer said he didn’t call or message you after he left to US. Is that true? She asked

I changed the subject.

“You are right of Himanshu staying at this address?” I asked her

“Yes, pretty sure. He mailed me yesterday when I told him you are flying to US” she said

“Are you going to check on him?” she asked

“Well he is my brother isn’t he?” I told her

“Heera!” I looked around and it was Veer

“You came?!” I said hugging him

“Told you I would come to send you off” he said hugging me back

We were talking away when,

“Remember what I said” he told me while Hiral went to help my dad

I nodded

Mom, dad and Hiral came back. Mom was crying and I patted her and said it is just three months.

“Don’t worry aunty, if she doesn’t come back we shall go there this time” Veer said winking at me

“Veer!” I said and he laughed

“Mom, I shall be back before even you know it.” I said hugging her and waving goodbye to everyone

“Just don’t judge him” Hiral said waving goodbye.

“Stay safe and call me once you reach” Veer shouted

After 22 hours of flight time and an hour after immigration and another hour of finding my hotel, I plopped down on the bed. Funny thing I wasn’t sleepy anymore but my eyes were very tired!

It was hot in San Diego . My client side team came to visit me the next day and took me around the town. I was getting adjusted to the jet lag slowly. I later called my parents and Veer back in India and told them everything is going fine and will call them next weekend.

I became very busy with my work.After 2 months, we had couple of days off. My colleagues planned a trip and I asked if we could go to Phoenix. One of my team member’s cousins lived there and he said we could stay at his house for the weekend. We took off on a road trip. It was very late when we reached their house. The next day we went sightseeing and when the group was returning I said I have somewhere else to be. I took a uber and left.

I got down at a restaurant which had an outdoor seating. I saw Himanshu! He was all different. He stood up and waved at me. I went running and hugged him.

“Bhaiya!”

“Heera” he said

We sat down and he had his arms around me trying to cuddle me!

It had almost been years I have seen him.

“I am so happy to see you” he said hugging me again like a child

“I am happy to see you alive!” I told him

“Yes! I know” he said feeling bad “Anyways Heeran, meet my husband Paul!” he said introducing to an American guy coming to our table with drinks

“What?” I told him with my mouth open

“Are you...? I mean..you are married..to..Oh my God!…?”And I couldn’t say it

He nodded and stood up and hugged his husband. Paul kissed him.

“Paul, meet my little sister, Heeran”

Paul hugged and kissed me on cheek.

I didn’t know what to say. I was quiet for a while.

“and this is why I had to leave. I met Paul at the university where I was studying and we fell in love. We got married this year and I can’t go anywhere until I get my papers” he said holding Paul’s hand

“Hiral knew about this?”

“Yes. She was the one who suggested that I leave to US to do higher education and to live my life”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

He shrugged!

We sat there talking but it took me a while to accept the fact that my brother is gay! Few things ran in my mind and I shared it with him

“You know bro, mom used to worry what kind of daughter in law she would get but now she will be the luckiest to have none at all!”

He laughed and told Paul what I had said and he laughed too.

Seeing my brother happy made me happier.

We spent the evening and had dinner. They dropped me off at my colleague’s house and asked me if I wanted to stay with them for the rest of weekend, I said yes happily.

I told the others I would be staying at my brother’s for the weekend and would be flying back and was sorry for not able to continue the trip with them.

My brother and his husband picked me up the next day.

I had fun staying at their home and to my surprise they had a pool in the backyard!

Himanshu and Paul were in love. I could see that they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. I was happy for them.

“Tastes just like mom’s. When did you grow up?” he said ruffling my hair

I made his favorite biryani.

“Bro!”

He laughed!

“Spicy!” Paul said gulping down water

“Sorry Paul I should have told you earlier to have it with yoghurt” and I served him some quickly.

On the last night of my stay we stayed up late. We sat on the edge of the pool with feet in water. Paul was asleep.

“I heard about Geeta”

I nodded

“How did it happen?

“She slipped over the unfinished wall and…”

He touched my shoulder. He knew she was my best friend!

“How is Veer doing?

“Managing….” I told him

“So you and Kabir huh?” he asked me smiling

“Hiral is in touch with you, then. That liar!” I said angrily

He laughed. “You had three friends and Hiral and I had each other” he said “it is not that we don’t love you, we are just like that”

“I get it!” I told him

“How did Kabir happen? I thought he liked Geeta and Veer liked you” I looked at him with a shocking glance

“What?” he said “yeah and I also knew you had the hots for the hottie Kabir” he giggled.

I was surprised and then remembered my diary and Hiral reading it. She must have told him too!

“We knew! Not mom and dad though.” he said splashing water with his feet.

“What? And Veer liked me? No Ashu bro…he liked Geeta and yes, Kabir liked her but after Veer and Geeta told us about their love for each other, he got over it, sooner than I had imagined” I told him remembering his date for that outing we all had gone together once.

Kabir brought his new girlfriend just couple of days after Veer and Geeta got together. I was the third wheel but Geeta made sure I wasn’t left out. We had fun though. I wished everything was same like that!

“That was during the last year of his college right? He asked

“Must be” I told him coming back from my thoughts

“You guys were in your own world. But I was surprised when Veer proposed to Geeta. Hiral and I bet he was going to propose you!” he said

“What are you talking about? There was nothing like that between us . We are good friends.” I argued.

“Silly dear! You didn’t see it but Hiral and I did” he said

I ignored as I believed I knew more about my friends than they both did!

“So tell me about Kabir”

I told him everything. How it all began, how it was when we first met at the party, first date, the ring, first kiss. I didn’t go in details and left the part where I slept with him, twice! I didn’t trust him about keeping it a secret from Hiral.

“oooo firsties! I love the fact that your first crush is your first everything!” he said happily

“Yea, first everything!” I said blushing and remembering my passionate night with him!

“So when are you introducing your man to me? Did you tell anyone else that you both got secretly engaged?” he asked

“Well if you mean to the parents, no. We have not yet told them about us. Kabir wanted to but you know how it is between our two families! And anyways he hasn’t spoken to me over 6 months now. I don’t know what happened. His phone is switched off and there are no mails or anything from him. He is just gone! I think it’s over now and anyways it’s better this way. ” I told him shaking my feet in water.

“Hey now...that’s not okay maybe he is caught up in work or something. He comes here every other year right to visit his father, isn’t? Maybe he is spending time with him. Don’t you worry, he will come back. He used to be gone like this before when I was back home, remember?” saying so he consoled me a bit.

 “Maybe we can meet him here. I remember he told me once his father lives in Boston, we can look him up if you want to” Himanshu said enthusiastically

“No. I don’t want to meet him. It’s over, bro” I said and shrugged.

“Have some faith in love, Heeran. Everything will be just fine if you have some faith” he said hugging me

I nodded and said “Easy for you to say as you found your soulmate.” I nudged him winking

“Now it’s your turn to tell me about Paul” I said

We sat there talking. He told me how he met Paul and how the love sparks flew without leaving any details!

Himanshu dropped me off at the airport the next day promising me that he would come to send me off when I go back home.

Chapter 13: The villain!

We resumed work and finally the day has arrived where we were pitching in our ad. I was very nervous. I heard the client for the ad is new and recently took up his dad’s business in US. I didn’t get much detail about him though!

“This way” said my project director

We were waiting for him in a conference room.

“Thank you” he grinned and turned around.

I froze to the ground

“That’s Heeran Singh” he introduced me “Our project manager”

We shook hands and I nodded.

“Meet our client…Kabir Randhawa. I hope I said it right!” he said pulling up a chair for him

The meeting began. The lights went out.

Memories flooded through my brain. I cleared my head and started my slide show and my team enacted the advertisement. It cannot go wrong as it was a good sales pitch. It was almost two hours when finally the lights came up.

I nodded at Kabir who did not move his eyes from sight!

He got up. I felt bit weak in my knees and prayed he wouldn’t do anything stupid. He came around to where I was standing and asked us few questions which we responded quite confidently. He was very professional when it came to work and I felt it was so sexy!

He shook hands again but this time with a tighter grip. I pulled mine back quickly.

He nodded and approved and gave us a go ahead. He and the project director left the room. All my team congratulated each other and we dispersed to our cubicles.

I sat down to work with a relief but just then

“Hi” Kabir said standing near my cubicle

“Hello” I replied not looking at him and minding my own business. My colleague who sat next to me greeted him too.

He nodded at her and grinned.

“Can I speak to you?” he asked

I stood up from my seat and looked at him

“Yes?”

“Go out with me tonight, please” he asked

“I am sorry I have other plans” I replied politely

“I missed you” he whispered

I looked at my colleague. She was trying to hear to what were are talking

I smiled at her telling in my own way to mind her business.

“I shall be waiting for you at the parking lot B. “ he said

“I am not coming”

“If you don’t I shall kiss you right here and now” he said in threatening way moving a bit closer to me

I was worried as I knew about Kabir and his impulsiveness.

Just then my project director walked towards us and I heaved a sign of relief!

“So Kabir you are having a word with our ad campaign project manager I see” he said patting his back

“He wants to take the team out for dinner for doing such a good work, Ryan” I said checking a mail I just received and grinning to myself

“Oh that’s really sweet of you man! Sure where shall we go? “And he accompanied Kabir to his cabin

I quietly sat down and continued with my work.

Our director came out and spoke to my team “Team we are going out tonight. Wrap up by 6” he said winking at me.

I winked back.

Kabir came out of the cabin and he nodded his head gravely.

I didn’t bother to acknowledge.

One of our team members drove us to the restaurant. Kabir was already at the table with a drink in his hand. He waved at us. All 5 of us including the project director went to join him but his eyes were following me and I still did not dare to look at him.

“Guys order drinks first. I have ordered some wings and fries but feel free to order what you want” he said amicably

The guys and the girls in our team ordered some alcohol and when the waiter asked what I wanted,

“Rum punch, please” I said and continued to talk to my colleague who was trying to get an eye contact from Kabir.

Kabir looked at me a bit surprised but didn’t say anything and was talking animatedly to my boss.

When the drinks arrived, he excused himself to use the restroom.

“Do you think he is single?” my colleague asked

“Why don’t you ask him yourself?” I told her sipping my drink and looking around for my purse which I couldn’t find

When Kabir came to the table, I left with my other colleague

He watched me curiously leaving with him

“Hi!” my colleague said taking a seat next to him

Kabir nodded

She introduced herself and was asking something about his relationship status when he excused himself.

I was walking towards the entrance from the parking lot with my team member, laughing hard at a joke he made. I had forgotten my purse in the car, so he had accompanied me to his car.

“Heeran” called Kabir

I looked around

Kabir was standing near his car.

“I will be back, tell the others” I told him

“Sure” and glanced at Kabir and said “call me if you need something” and went inside

“What is it?” I said bit irritated going towards him

“Who is that?” He asked me moving up to me

“None of your business!?!” I told him seriously standing before him

“It is my business to know when my girl is hanging out with some guy” he said angrily

“Oh really? Your girl? I am not your girl, Kabir. You left me remember.”  I said bit louder

“I tried calling you when you landed here. You weren’t answering. Veer gave me your number. Check your phone there must be around 1000 missed calls and messages” he said

“I didn’t get any” I argued

“You must have blocked me!” He said

I then remembered I did block him out. I looked sheepishly at him.

“You are in touch with Veer but not me?” I asked him changing the subject

“I...I had reasons” he said calming down a bit

“Anyways we need to talk” he said.

“Phew! What is there to talk now when you hadn’t for 6 months?” I asked him

“I know I hurt you when I left and didn’t call you, but there was a reason, Heeran” he told me

I remembered then, Veer came to meet me the day before I left to US. He told me not to jump into conclusions if incase I met Kabir. I assured him I had no plans whatsoever. He didn’t tell me what happened then but just told me to keep my head straight.

“Always there is a reason! 6 months Kabir!! Do you how it was like for me? After Geeta was gone and Veer going insane and you!!! Where were you? There is nothing to talk and am in no mood to listen to your stories!” I said and was about to leave when he grabbed me and pulled me hardly to him

“I love you Heeran and that’s the truth and I am sorry for hurting you but there is something we need to talk. I know you must be having a lot of questions but just please hear me out. I was planning to do this when I return home later this month, I swear...I was coming back to you. I just needed few things to settle here before I could come back” he said looking into my eyes

“You are hurting me, Kabir” I said trying to free myself away from his tight grip

He immediately let me go “I am sorry. I didn’t mean to...” he said feeling awkward and guilty and I asked “Okay, what is it?” rubbing my arms

“Not here, maybe tomorrow at my place?” he said now moving away from me

“I can’t. I am working late tomorrow” I told him

“You and your team are working for me” he said now grinning

“Yes, boss. So I am on a deadline if you want your project to be completed before I leave” I told hugging my now bruised arms. He has really strong hands, I thought

“You are so brilliant at work! I never knew this side of Heeran and am sorry if I hurt you” he said now relaxing a bit and rubbing my arms

“Yea, We are different people outside those homes!” I told him moving away from his touch and checking something in my purse

“It was a good thing when I decided to go for your company for the ad campaign, otherwise I would not have known you at all!” he said cheerfully and feeling proud and trying to hold my hand

“Thank you for the compliment” I said as I brushed away his hand

“So are we meeting tomorrow after work then?” he asked me

“Ok but at a public place.” I told him

He grinned “You don’t want me anymore?” he asked

“I think we need to keep our hands off each other from now on.” I said starting to walk towards the entrance door.

“We will see about that” he said putting his arms around my shoulder and I slipped under them.

He grinned and I rolled my eyes as we entered the restaurant.

The next day I received a call from work. I didn’t go as I got my menses and I was cramping hard!

“Hello” I said weakly

“Are you doing okay?” my colleague asked.

“No” I said with angry voice and almost yelled at her and then I made crying voice

“oookay!” she replied

“So why did you call? I messaged Ryan early today that I wouldn’t be at work and I didn’t wanted anyone to disturb me” I told her

“Yes, I know, it’s just that the client boss was asking about your whereabouts” she said slyly

“Oh okay. What did you tell him?” I asked now exasperated

“Why didn’t you tell me he is your fiancée?” she asked me

“What now?” I asked bit loudly

“I am sorry but I gave your hotel address and the room number. He would be there anytime now” she said feeling bit confused

“Brilliant!” I said hanging up

Just then I heard a knock at the door

Making grunting sound, I opened the door. There he was standing looking clean and handsome in his Suit! I felt my heart beat fasten and then my cramps took over

“oooo” I said holding my tummy and I went to bed and lay under the sheets covering up till my face.

“Cramping?” he asked me coming inside

I still hid under the sheets. He made a quick call to the front desk.

“Hang on” he said

Someone knocked again. He opened the door,

“Thank you very much” he said and I heard him closing the door.

He took off his suit jacket and shoes. He came inside the sheets and I felt something warm on my tummy.

“There you go” he said cuddling me into his arms

The hot water bag did its magic. It was soothing the cramps a little. I turned away from him taking the water bag. I was still hurt from what he had done.

He spooned me and kissed me on neck and I twitched

“I am on my periods!” I hissed

“I don’t care if you don’t mind!” he said laughing

“Yuck!” I said and he nuzzled his head around the back of my neck.

“How I missed you, Heeran” he said pulling me closer to his body

“I am still mad at what you have done, Kabir. You hurt me a lot” I said slowly

“I am sorry...really am. I know I should have called you sooner ....”

“Ouch” something hurt me around the back of my neck

“What happened? Still cramping?” he asked

I turned around rubbing my neck.

“What is that you are wearing around your neck?” I asked

He showed it to me. It was a chain made of lots and lots of safety pins with my sun pendant at the center.

“I added few more safety pins to it” he said showing me the chain

“Oh my God! Are those my saree pins from that day?” I asked touching the chain

“Yea” he said. “It was our special day, we kissed, got engaged and made love” he said running his hands through my hair

I turned back again

“I am sorry, Heera” he whispered smelling my hair

“Just don’t do it again, you almost broke my heart, did you know? I was alone and it was very painful to lose you Kabir. I....I love you Kabir. I can never be with anyone but you. I thought I lost you ” I said pulling his hand over my waist and hugging it.

He kissed my head once again

“I shall never leave you, I promise. I love you too more than you know!” he said

“So what happened? Why were you AWOL?” I asked him

“I told dad about us” he said still nuzzling his head in my neck “when he came home for the rituals, I told him.”

“And?” I said as my insides were trembling as I knew what the answer would be

“Well we fought as he was against our relationship. Spoke about mom and how Meenal treated him and my mother” he continued

“He gave me an ultimatum if I didn’t go back with him, he would speak to your parents and that would cause more trouble than it already was.” He said

“Does Meera ma..”

“No. Nobody knows except Veer. Everyone were at Geeta’s when we were yelling at each other. I told Veer what happened and also told him not to tell you as you would jump into conclusions very quickly.” he said running his hands on my back sending shivers through my spine.

“So it is a No from him then” I asked

“Affirmative” he responded

“Well I guess we tried, haven’t we?” I said taking his hand off me

“Heeran, it is not over and this is what am talking about, you jumping in to conclusions too quickly and we are not kids anymore, we can take decisions on our own now” he said making me turn and face him

My eyes were wet and he wiped them.

“I am cramping again” I whimpered

“You need to eat something if you want them to stop” he said now turning to get his mobile.

He ordered some salad and pizza and we ate quietly.

I was back lying on bed after I had my share of the pizza. He was on work calls and I didn’t disturb. I re-filled the hot water bag and put it over my tummy.

He joined me under the covers after an hour or so…

“So what happens now?” I asked him

“Well, if you want we could talk to Meera ma to talk your parents or…” he stopped

 “or what?”…

“get married here” he said

I didn’t hear properly

“What now?” I asked him sitting up

“Marry me, Heera”he said touching my face

“Are you serious?” I said

“more than anything in my life, yes” he said

“Just a thought…what if I wasn’t here in the US and we didn’t meet, what would have happened then?” I asked him angrily

“Is this a game of some sort? I know you have been with many girls and I am not someone you would even give a second glance at. I still don’t get it why you fell in love with me and now you want to get married....to me?!. This isn’t happening!!Oh! God…” I continued pulling my hair with both hands and started to panic…

“I shouldn’t have…oh my god I shouldn’t have….the horror! I should have seen you through! Why did I oh…god…no…this isn’t happening” I panicked and stood on the bed

“Calm down” he said gently

“Calm down? You want to get married…is this a joke?” I said

“No Heeran, I am serious but you do want to marry me right?” he asked now pulling me down on the bed

I let go of him and walked around the bed and continued to ramble

“I have been crazy, I know. I have been crazy about you since we were young. I lost my self control when you reciprocated to my feelings and I gave in totally and now …”

“Shut up will you?” he said and said calmly

“I wanted to do this in a different way Heeran, lot more romantically than I had imagined. But measuring the circumstances I believed us getting married immediately is very important. I was actually planning to come down to Managlore in couple of months and beg you to marry me. If you want you can ask Veer. You know I tell him everything and he agrees with me.”

“No…no…” I said breaking down and sitting down

“Shh…” he said hugging me around my head

“Just tell me if you want to marry me or not?” He asked hugging me closer

I sniffed and nodded.

“Good! Then trust me, everything will be alright. Once we go home married, everyone will come around. Initially it will be difficult, but hey my charm works on everyone” he said taking my face and pulling it to his to kiss me. But I pushed him away now almost to tears.

“I know this isn’t how you want but I don’t see any other way, Heeran” he said slowly pulling me again into his arms and hugging me closer to his heart

“I love you Heeran and I want us to be together forever. I cannot imagine my life without you. I know I never was that close to you when we were young but still you were my good friend and my confidante. Remember next to Veer it was you with whom I would come to with my stupid problems. I never realized then that I loved you or you liked me but now that I know that I am in love with you, I just can’t let you go. You are everything that I have and everything that I ever will be. I want to share my world with you and want to be in yours. So please, pretty please, I beg you, marry me!” He pleaded kissing my head

I whimpered in his arms and nodded.

I went to work the next day. Everyone were staring at me in a different way and I believe the gossip has started and I had only one thing to say

“So you and Kabir, huh?” my colleague who sat next to me asked again

“Yes, we are engaged. We just wanted to keep it a secret until this project is done” I told her putting up my ring finger while not looking at her shocked face.

Everything was settled. The project was handed over and the ad was launched successfully. Kabir and I waited until the ad launch was over to get married.

 Kabir had planned everything; we were supposed to meet in the court house and get married and get the marriage license and fly back home. It was all planned. It was like a haze, I just nodded to all the things he said. I missed Geeta very badly. It would be almost a year she was gone. There would be days I would fall asleep listening to her last voicemail. She would know what had to be done. She would have supported me and may be would have come down to be with me.

The day before Kabir and I were to get married, I was waiting for him in the parking lot. I wanted to do some shopping and Kabir said he would take me. He was caught up in traffic and while I waited for him,I called Veer. Veer knew we were getting married tomorrow, and I felt I needed to talk about something to him or rather clear my mind.

“Hey Heeran, are you guys at the court already?” he asked

“No, it is tomorrow.” I told him

“I am glad you are doing this. Don’t you worry we shall handle things here once you two are back. Ma will be happy to see you but yes there shall be some sparks but nothing that can’t be handled. You just need to stay strong and support Kabir, that is all” he advised

“I am worried and it is so stressful, Veer. I feel this isn’t right. I am scared.”

“Hey now! Don’t be and please cheer up! I know you don’t like to be pushed into such hasty decisions but you know Kabir...he loves you and trust me he shall take care of it and hey you have loved him all your life! Your are getting married to the man of your dreams so come on be happy! “ he said cheering me up

“Hmmmm...”

“You both will have a beautiful life together, Heeran. It’s a good thing you understand him and when he had to take the decision to get engaged to that girl. Trusting each other is really important and see how you have evolved in your relationship. I am proud of you, girl” he said cheerfully

“What was that?” I asked bit surprised

“What?” He asked

“Engaged? To whom?” I asked

“He must have told you right what happened between him and his dad and that he was against it and threw a fit?” Veer asked now bit confused and worried

“Yes he did” I said bit coolly “But what was that bit about the engagement?” I asked him

“Didn’t Kabir talk to you?”He asked

“I think he didn’t tell me everything “I told him

“Nothing has happened Heeran, relax” he assured

“He got engaged to that girl with whom their family was having a merger, isn’t?” I asked

“I ..I thought he told you and he meant to tell you and it is not a big deal, Heera. After you both get married everything will be fine.”He said

“Did he break the engagement or not?” I asked him

“He told me it would not matter after he is married to you” he said now feeling guilty and still worried

“It matters to me, Veer. I thought you were my friend and you did not realize to talk sense into your so called brother? Why are you all playing games with me?” I said angrily and back with my tear power!

“Heeran please listen, first get married and then will sort out” he said hastily

“How can he call it an engagement with me when he got engaged again to another girl?” I said with my voice breaking up.

“He had no other option, Heeran” Veer said calmly

“Yes he did. He could have said NO” I yelled over the phone

First it was lets meet, will sort things out; next lets be together, will sort things out and now let’s get married, will sort things out?” I yelled again “What is next, let’s break up, will sort things out? This is why I decided then not to go ahead with this relationship. I made a mistake, Veer.”

 “Don’t do anything now, Heeran. Talk to Kabir first” Veer advised

Kabir and I, were never meant to be together. This is all a mistake!” saying thus I hung up and left.

Veer called me back but I didn’t answer. He left me voicemail and messages but I ignored.

I thought for a while and immediately called my brother to tell him I would be coming over later tonight and called my colleague to ask if he can take me to my brother’s as it was an emergency...he agreed. I reached very late in the night. My colleague asked me if everything was okay with me and I just nodded and slept the whole way while he drove to Phoenix. He bid me goodbye and left to his Cousin’s who lived nearby.

Chapter 14: Parting ways!

Himanshu opened the door and he looked very worried. He told me to take rest and that we will talk tomorrow. Kabir tried calling me but I ignored his calls and messages. I felt cheated!

I wept all night and fell asleep early in the morning. It was late in the afternoon when I went downstairs. Paul grinned at me. It was Friday and I believed Paul had returned from work. Himanshu was working in his study while Paul was watching TV.

“How are you feeling?” Paul asked me

“Better” I said plopping down on the couch.

Himanshu came out of his study hearing to my to voice.

“Give me five minutes will serve you lunch” he said

“Change the channel if you want to” Paul said leaving to help him.

Himanshu was a better cook than I was. I licked my fingers from the butter chicken he made!

They both laughed...

“What? It is delicious” I said and continued to lick.

After lunch I headed to the pool.

Himanshu went back to his study while Paul was practicing his guitar on the porch. He plays in a band and performs during the weekends in a club. Sometime later, Himanshu walked in with a cup of hot tea along with Paul

He handed me the cup and sat next to me putting his arm around my shoulder and without him asking I just blurted out and told him everything what had happened in the last couple weeks. Paul who was handing Himanshu a can of beer was listening too. I was wiping my tears on my shirt. He came around and sat on the other side and patted on my shoulder.

“ I am sorry to bother you guys. I know I am troubling you with my stuff” I told them

“Trouble? Heera, you are my sister and we are family.” Himanshu said

Paul nodded and said “mine too.”

I grinned and squeezed his hand.

“But if I may and not to judge you or something but listening to what you are going through, I feel you were looking for an excuse to get out the situation you were put in. You are running from something that you love, Heeran. I feel Kabir loves you. I think he was afraid to lose you and he didn’t have any other option but to get married immediately. You must have felt that he forced you into it but trust me he must have felt lost as much as you were and when you realized he was engaged which I believe he was pushed into; you got an excuse to end it.” he continued,

“I am not saying what you did was wrong but you need to know what is that you want for real and remember, Heera without happiness love cannot exist and trust me I know it better!” he said finally looking at Himanshu

“He took a bold step in admitting to his happiness and I am proud of him. I know we hurt your family but in the end we are happy for each other and with this happiness we can win over them and I truly believe that” he said returning my hand squeeze.

“Nobody can force you to do something you don’t want to” he finished Himanshu nodded

”I totally agree with Paul. He said it all and I don’t have anything more to say but we are all in this together”

“you bet” Paul nodded

I was happy to have two brothers now. I felt stronger and braver having them and I shared my feelings with them and Paul said

”You haven’t met my other brothers. I have 4 of them but no sisters so you and Hiral will be pampered by my folks”

“Four?!” I said looking shocked

And he went on about them. He wanted me to meet them as they live in the same city. I told him I would like to but I was leaving in two days and told him I shall return when things settle down.

“This time Hiral and I will come over.” I told him

Later in the evening we were watching TV while we heard a car pull over. There were hurried footsteps on the gravel and a bang on the door.

Himanshu went over to open the door. Paul and I stood up and followed him.

“Kabir?” Himanshu said

“ Ashu?” Kabir said looking surprised.

“ Is Heeran there?” He asked

“Yes....but come in” Himanshu said

Kabir entered and when I saw his angry face looking at me I hid behind Paul and held on to him. Paul held my hand gently.

Himanshu pointed to the sunroom and we all followed and I was dragged along by Paul.

“how are you Himanshu?” Kabir said now taking a seat on the couch

“good. You want something to drink? Water? beer? soda?” He asked

“Beer please” he said

Paul nodded but I didn’t let go of Paul. He signaled to Himanshu that he will stay with me.

Himanshu left to get 3 cans of beer. I sat next to Paul looking anywhere but at Kabir. He was scanning me like a tiger ready to pounce on its prey.

“I am Paul, Himanshu’s husband” He introduced

I then looked at Kabir and he looked at me.

He was bit shocked but didn’t say anything

“I wasn’t invited to the wedding brother, anyways congratulations! Welcome to the family” getting up and embracing him into a brotherly hug.

I felt proud of Kabir and all the feelings flooded back.Himanshu returned with the beers. He handed it over and me some water.

“Congratulations Ashu! I heard you got married! Lucky you...you found what you wanted” he said standing up to hug Himanshu

I grimaced. He was attacking me indirectly.

Himanshu grinned and returned the hug and nodded.

“yea am lucky to have found Paul!” He said handing the can of beer to Paul

“So how is everything? How did you know that she is here” Himanshu asked

“I had to do some threatening” he said sipping from his can and throwing me serious looks.

I gulped. “oh the horror! I have some explanations to do later” I thought with my heart racing faster

“May I to talk to Heeran, Ashu” Kabir requested

Paul whispered “he is Prince Charming and a total hottie”

I nudged at him

“okay but take it slow. Hear it out both of you.” Himanshu warned us both.

I looked helplessly at both of them.

“we shall be right next room, if you need us” Paul said and smiled at me

They left and we were alone. I moved back into the couch and put my knees up to my face.

“Ashu and Paul are so happy” he said

“yea they are.” I said slowly not looking at him but at my feet.

“why did you leave?” He asked “Veer said...”

“why didn’t you tell me?” I asked

“About what?” He asked exasperatedly

“show me your right hand? I asked him

He put it up but then understood what I was going on about.

“yes about that” I said

“ Heeran....I..I”

“Didn’t bother...is it? I asked still not looking at him but moving my toes up and down

“I meant to after we got married” he said quietly “and I am not going to marry her anyway” he said coming over to sit beside me

“but still kept the ring”I asked

He put his hands around my shoulder “just to make sure dad doesn’t do anything stupid until after we got married”

“Your dad isn’t here and yet you are still wearing it” I went on

“ok if it is problem for you” and he started to take it off

“I am not happy” I told him

“ok am sorry Heera” he said turning my face towards him

“I am not happy in this relationship. It hurts a lot. I don’t think we shall ever be happy together.“ I said now looking at him and tearing up again

“Come on Heera! I said am sorry...We can talk and take things slow if you want” he said lovingly pulling my face closer to him.

I turned away from his face.I was in no mood for sweet talk.

“I think you are just doing what your dad did to Sahar aunty and your mom. You are just like him and I just want out” I said and immediately regretted what I had said but it was too late. I realized this will end it all.

He went quite

“ you....you...you don’t mean that” he said. His voice shivered

I slowly sat straight and took my ring off my finger and put it in his palm.

“It’s over. Please leave now” I told him putting my knees back up and resting my chin on it and hugging myself

“Heeran” I could hear him say my name with a broken voice…

He was quiet for couple of minutes…

“Then I don’t deserve this.” Saying so he took of the safety pin chain and flung it across the table.

“you gave this to me to remember the times we were happy but you just said now that you were never happy with me. So I don’t deserve it.” He said standing up

“I tried you know. Tried my best to make you understand that I love you but you just don’t want to know it.”

I was controlling myself not to look at him cause I knew if I did I would lose myself to him again. My heart was aching for him and it was beating faster. I felt he could hear it cause he stood there waiting for me to say something and when I didn’t’, he closed his palm against the ring and said

“if I leave now, it’s over forever and you shall never see me again.”

He waited again. I knew he was waiting for me to stop him from leaving or come to my senses but I was slowly weeping into my knees. I didn’t want him to leave me but I just couldn’t bring myself to say it. I wanted him to hug me now and comfort me, I longed to be in his arms again but my mind was saying something different cause I know if I stop him now the more painful it would be for us in the future! I had to rip the bandage off now before it’s too late!

“Goodbye Heeran. I have nothing more to say to you.” And he stormed out

Hearing the door close Paul and Himanshu came out.They sat next to me on either side and I broke down in my brother’s arms.

Couple of days later, they dropped me off at the airport and told me to take care and stay strong.

I finally flew back home in pieces.

Chapter 15: The crush!

It had been 3 months since I broke up with Kabir. He didn’t call or message me. He was completely gone from my life. I concentrated on my job. I had applied to move back home and fortunately they had vacancy in the same branch and I went back to my home town.

Veer was the only comforting soul back home. He didn’t judge me for what I did but he felt sad that we broke up. He did try his best to change my mind about my decision but I was adamant and didn’t wanted to speak again of my relationship with Kabir. I never asked him whether he spoke to Kabir and he never mentioned it either.

His mother, Meera ma fell very ill after getting to know that Kabir would not be coming back. This happened after a week I went back home. Kabir called her and spoke to her and said that he would be staying back with his dad and taking care of the business in the US.

She had a mild stroke later that day and she was on a complete bed rest. They hired a day nurse to be with her all the time. She was making very slow progress to which the doctors were not happy about.

“Meera ma, am not happy to see you this way. “I said one day pushing her around in the garden in the wheelchair.

I came back from work early that day to spend some time with her.

“I want you kids to laugh and run around the house like you all did when you were young.” she said sadly

“Meera ma, I wish we could but we all grew up unfortunately”I told her now stopping near the outdoor swing

“Tomorrow it will be a year that Geeta has been gone from our lives” she said looking sad

“I miss her too, Ma” I told her sitting down on the swing

“So many things have happened in these past couple of years. I now understand what it feels like to lose a child. Meenal and Prerna must have been devastated and now when Kabir is gone, I feel the pain” she said squeezing her shawl to her chest and started to weep.

“Now, now, ma, please. Veer will be mad at me if he sees you like this. Let’s talk about something else” I told her feeling guilty as I knew the reason for her being sick is me!

“I am happy you are here Heeran. Veer is much better now all engrossed in his work but I worry about him” she said wiping her tears

“Veer is trying his best to move on and you should too ma if you want him to be happy. Get better that would cheer him up” I told her holding her hands

Just then Veer walked in…

“You are early from work?” he asked me while hugging his mother and sitting next to me on the swing

“Yea I told them I have somewhere important to be and wouldn’t be coming in tomorrow…” I said hugging him

He was sullen again. I knew better to take the topic of Geeta’s first death anniversary. He was feeling depressed the past few weeks. I believed it was the fact of facing Geeta’s death all over again!

I held his hand and said “Thank you”

He looked at me sadly “What for?” He asked

“For Hiral. She is very happy now that she is back to work and you giving her the break meant a big deal for her” I told him

“She is a good architect and our construction business needed some good architects. She was suitable for the job and I never knew she was great with numbers too” he told me putting his arms around my shoulder

Meera ma was watching us both.

“Yea she is a math wizard. She and Himanshu were always off to Math Olympiad” I told him smiling

We caught Meera ma’s eye and together asked “What is it, ma” and we looked at each other and laughed as we just sounded like Siamese twins.

“You both look so happy together” she said smiling. It had been ages since she smiled

“I like that you both are happy and when kids are happy, moms like me will be happy too” she said tearing up

Veer got up before I could and “Now, don’t get all sad. We have a big day tomorrow.”

“I got to go” and hugged Meera ma and told her “ I told Prerna aunty that I would be helping her for tomorrow. I shall be there if you need anything okay, ma?”

“Heeran” Veer said

“Yes?”

He just hugged me “Thank you for being there for ma”

 I nodded “ I am also the reason for her condition” I whispered in his ears

Veer looked at me and nodded ‘No’

Meera ma was looking at us.

“Bye Meera ma. Take care; I shall come to take you tomorrow ok?” I told her and left

While taking his mother inside to her room…

“Heer is so good” she told him

“Yes no doubt in that” Veer told her

“Do you remember you said to me once, I think it was during Diwali and she was at our house and you must be what 14 ..15 something, you said, let’s keep her at our home forever.” Meera ma said smiling

“Did I, now?” Veer said pushing her in her wheel chair slowly into her room.

“I then thought you liked her” Meera ma said

“I was young then and it must have been a childish crush, ma” he told her lifting her off the wheel chair seat and putting her on the bed

“She is used to be around all the time and I may have thought of her like that then” he said covering her with the sheets

“But you fell in love with Geeta, which came as a surprise to me and to be honest wasn’t she around too all the time like Heeran” Meera ma said slowly

“Ma, what do you want to say?” he said now sitting next to her

“You liked Heeran first, didn’t you? Then why did you change your mind?”She asked

“I didn’t like Heeran in that way mom and I fell in love with Geeta. Now please take rest, I shall send the butler with dinner” he said now getting up

“Can you pass me my mobile phone, please? I want to call someone” she said

“Who?” he asked giving her the and phone raising an eyebrow

“It doesn’t concern you. Now go and send me dinner. I am hungry” she said now dialing a number

“Don’t do anything stupid, please.” He said before leaving

She brushed him off.

I was at Prerna aunty’s house. I was helping out in the kitchen when Veer came over and pulled me outside into the backyard.

“Ouch! What are you doing silly” I said rubbing my arm

“What did you do?” he asked me bit angrily

“What? I was in the kitchen doing what Prerna aunty asked me to” I told him looking puzzled

“Did you talk to any of the moms?” he asked looking around the house to see if anyone saw us

“What happened?” I asked him

“Do you know where Prerna aunty and your mom are now?” he asked me

“Well Prerna aunty is at your home with ma as she said Meera ma had called her and wanted to discuss something urgent and mom must be at home. The last time I saw her, she was in the kitchen making something for tomorrow with Hiral” I told him now really irritated

“They are all at my place right now. Some huge discussion is going on in Ma’s room.” He said

“Dad was in there too. I didn’t see if your father or Abhi appa were there but I believe they must be or on their way” he said now worried

“Don’t you worry. They must be discussing something about tomorrow’s ceremony ” I assured him

“Then why did they ask me to leave when I went in? They locked the door after me, Heeran!”

“Maybe they worried that you might feel bad or something” I said

“No silly!” he sighed

“I think there is something you should know” and he took me upstairs upon to the balcony

“Ma asked me if I liked you” he said sitting on the floor and leaning on the wall.

“What?” I was still puzzled

“She knew I had a crush on you when we were young” he confessed

I sat down next to him

“Actually Hiral and Himanshu knew it too. I was adamant that there was no such thing like that” I told him smiling

“We were young Heeran and you were at my home all the time and mom and dad used to be so happy when you were around that I used wonder if you would become my wife then” he told me staring at the floor

“hmmm”

“I was 15 then and you know how it was when you are in teens but then I realized you were only interested in Kabir, I dropped the thought and moved on and when Geeta came into my life, everything changed and I only had feelings for her and nobody else. I truly loved her and I wish she was alive now….I wouldn’t be so alone” he said wrapping his arms around his knees and tears slowly falling off his cheeks.

I put my hand on his shoulder.

“Veer, I understand it was just a crush. We were young and am not angry at you or something so why take it up now? “ I asked gently

“Ma knew about it. I told her how I liked you but it was a very long time ago and I didn’t expect she would remember it now but today she brought it up and I believe she is cooking up something about us. I know about her. She has been behind my back to move on and get married and I heard them taking about us.” Veer said now all serious

“What now?” I asked him angrily

“If the subject of marrying you comes up, Heeran, I am telling you I will not hesitate to say ‘NO’ but they are going to press on it and push us into it. Please keep your head straight and if they emotionally blackmail like Ma is not well and all, don’t fall in, okay, she is stronger than you think. ” he warned me

“Also Heeran please don’t blame yourself for what happened to Ma. Kabir left and it was his choice. You didn’t force him to leave from here. Ma will get better, trust me. I believe tomorrow they are going to specifically ask you about your decision so don’t feel guilty and say ‘Yes’ or something, got it?” He said

I didn’t say anything. I was sitting there in a shock

“Please I need your help in this. I know you are not the one who can be forced into things which you don’t like but this time all the mothers are involved and I know about you when it comes to moms, you fail. So please I need your word. If they ask you anything just say ‘NO’” he pleaded

I nodded still in shock.

“And one last thing” he said now holding my hand.

I looked up to his face.

“Kabir is flying in. He called me couple of days ago to tell me he is coming for the anniversary and also” he stopped

I waited for him to finish as I knew what was coming next. I felt my insides give a churn.

“He is bringing his fiancé , Priyanka”

I didn’t say anything but took a deep breath and said “Okay!” and got up.

“I need to get to the kitchen as I have Ieft everything as it is. The maid must be wondering where I am now” and walked past him but he held my hand.

“Please Heeran, stay strong. Trust me I shall take care and everything will be fine”

I didn’t look at him. He let me go.

Chapter 16: Death Anniversary

That night,

“Heeran, you have fever!” Hiral said feeling my forehead

“huh!” I said weakly

“I came to fetch you for dinner and you were talking in your sleep something about Kabir” she told me

I sat up weakly.

“Oh my…you are burning up! Here let me get you some medicine” and she went to get it.

Mom and dad came to my room.

“Hiral told me you are sick and have fever” mom said

I grunted weakly

“You better call the doctor Harsh, she is burning up” she said

Hiral came with medicine box and I was forced to take a tablet. Mom brought me some bread and milk to go with it.

“You stay in bed for tomorrow too.” She said

“No I mustn’t. I want to be there for Geeta, Veer and ..” I stopped

“Will see about it” she said and made me finish my milk

The doctor came to see me after a while. He was our family doctor and lived close by. He said I am under a lot of stress and need to take it easy. He recommended lots of rest and some mild fever medication.

After he left, my dad came and sat with me.

“Mom and Hiral are talking to the doctor. They are going up to Manish’s house as he wants to check on Meera as well” he said

“Heeran, if something is bothering you, you can share with me”

I just lay down and stared at the roof. There were no stars stuck on my roof by my dad. But I know, he loves and understands me.

“You have been very different this past year. I know Geeta’s death has hit everyone hard but it was harder for you three than we could imagine. But still, if there is something going on in your mind I want you to talk to me.” He said

“I am fine dad, just work” I told him

He laughed

“You love your work so that is not what’s bothering you, is it?” he said

“There is nothing dad. I shall feel better by tomorrow” I assured him

He touched my hand and said

“I know about Himanshu and Paul. He called me and told me everything. I am not proud of what he did but I understand the circumstance of why he did it. I just need time to absorb the fact that my son is gay, however I am happy that he is happy.” He told me

I looked at him shocked.

“He told you? When?” I asked him

“I think it was right after you left from there. He called to inform me that you are flying back home safe and we had a heart to heart talk” he said “I am planning to take your mom to Arizona later this year. She doesn’t know it yet but maybe after she sees them together happy, she will come in terms with it but yes she would take her own sweet time as we are not of the generation where such stuff happens, so all I request you guys is understand that and since mom and Hiral are getting along now, I think I shall wait for couple more months to break the news” he said

I was lost in thoughts for a while.

“Also, I wanted to ask if anything is going on between you and Kabir?” he asked

I grunted

“You can tell me, I won’t be angry cause I knew you liked him since you were young” he smiled

“Dad!” I said weakly moving under the blanket

“I am serious.” he said patting my hand

“He is engaged, dad and he is bringing his fiancé tomorrow” I said slowly

“So you do have feelings for him, then? Because you haven’t answered ‘No’” he asked still smiling

“No, I don’t have any feelings for him” I lied

“Okay then. Well take rest now we can talk tomorrow” he said getting up to give me a kiss on my forehead.

He left turning off the lights and closing the door lightly.

I lay on the bed. Dad knew about us, I thought, maybe if I had told him about Kabir, would he agree? but then I thought about mom. She is happy now and getting over Hiral’s broken marriage and then they had enough trauma with Geeta’s death and if they knew about me and Kabir another family drama will began which am not ready to witness. I was lost in thoughts before falling asleep.

The next day morning, I felt very weak. I took a hot shower and got ready when Hiral walked in.

“100 F. You better stay back” Hiral said taking my temperature

“I am feeling better. I just took a hot shower maybe that is why it is showing such high temperature!” I complained

“Let’s ask mom” and we both went downstairs

“Mom, Heeran still has temperature” she said

“It’s just 100F” I told looking angrily at my sister

“Okay, ok now don’t start fighting, not today. You can come but if you are feeling weak, I want you back home right away. Anyways it is an important day for everybody” she glanced at me and immediately went back to what she was doing.

“I shall see to that” Hiral looked at me seriously

It has been a year already that Geeta is no more in our lives. Instead of feeling sad I felt anger and frustration. I cursed Geeta for leaving me and Veer all alone in this world. She always had solutions to our problems. She was the one who brought us together. Now she is gone and we are all broken up!

Mom and Hiral left early to Prerna aunty’s house as they wanted to help her. Dad and I followed later. I told dad I had promised to meet Meera ma first so we went to her home.

“Kabir!” dad said when Kabir opened the door.

I looked up immediately with my heart racing.

There he was standing in his white shirt and blue jeans looking as handsome than ever. I felt I could just die at that moment!

“When did you come?” He asked Kabir

He just glanced at me and then at dad and said “early this morning, uncle. How are you and how are Meenal and Hiral?” He asked now walking us into the main hall.

I left them as I didn’t wanted to be anywhere near him and went to meet Meera ma. She was in her room talking to someone.

“Heeran is here! wonderful! I was just telling about you to Priyanka” she said.

Meera ma, I thought was feeling better. She was up and standing and talking to some gorgeous looking girl.

“Heeran meet Priyanka, Kabir’s fiancé” she said taking my hand and pulling me closer to her

“Hello! Welcome to the family” I said embracing her

“Thank you Heeran” she said hugging me back and staring at me with a smile.

She had the American accent and she was tall and very beautiful, a perfect match for Kabir, I thought. Vikram uncle did good in finding the right girl for Kabir.

“Did Vikram uncle come too? “ I asked Meera ma

“He is in town staying at a hotel but he said he would be coming a bit late to the ceremony and guess what? He has agreed to get these two married here! I am so happy now. Am feeling much better already” she said

“Now don’t get all excited” said Veer walking into the room along with Manish pa.

“Come on, we need to go.” Manish pa said giving me a shoulder hug and I smiled at him

Veer held me back and said ”are you feeling okay? Hiral told me last night that you have fever and I still feel you are burning up. Why don’t you stay here?” He said

“I want to go maybe I shall return home in a while” I said

He hugged and said “everything will be fine. Just remember what I said yesterday”

“I just wish Geeta was alive” I said crying to into his shoulders

“Me too, trust me, more than anything else in the world!” he said rubbing my back

Kabir walked on us “are you guys coming?” He asked very seriously

We parted and Veer nodded. I walked behind Veer holding his hand and not looking at Kabir

Kabir didn’t make any move or showed any interest to talk to me. I felt hurt but I knew this was my decision and yet I longed for him to talk to me, hold me and hug me.

We went over to Geeta’s house and sat quietly on the carpet. The Pooja started and we all were sullen.

I saw Kabir sit next to Priyanka. He held her hand up to his heart and I saw he had tears in his eyes.

 Veer was slowly tearing up and finally he couldn’t control and wept quietly into his knees. I just couldn’t take it anymore.

The pain everyone was going through was tremendous and I couldn’t take it. I got up quietly and went to the backyard and sat on the steps. It was cloudy and I could smell the moist in air as if it will rain any minute. I leaned against the step and closed my eyes.

Chapter 17: Veer and I

“Heeran”

I looked around

It was Prerna aunty

“Can you come with me?”

I nodded. The sun was out and everything looked bright!

“Is the Pooja over, aunty?” I asked her while walkingwith her

“Yes. Everyone is having lunch on the terrace.”

We went into the guest room and I found that along with Prerna aunty, Veer’s mom and my mom were sitting on the bed talking something happily.

“Heeran, how are you feeling?” Asked Meera ma” Meenal told me you have fever?” She said asking me to come and sit next to her and feeling up my forehead.

“Meenal she is still burning up” she said

“I brought your medicine” Meenal said and I took it.

“Heeran, we want to ask you something” Meera ma said

“What is it? “ I asked looking around

“Will you marry my Veer?” She asked looking straight at me

For a second I thought I heard her wrong

“Ma?” I asked again

“Will you be my Veer’s bride?” She asked again now touching my face

I looked at mom helplessly. She smiled

Then Prerna aunty pitched in “You will make Geeta happy and all of us as well knowing Veer is going to be happy with his friend. Only you understand his pain, Heeran. And who else can make him feel happy but you?” She said

I remembered Veer’s words. “Emotional blackmail!”

“ no...oh no..” I thought

“But Ma...” I didn’t know what to say further. What excuse to make to stop all this

My heart was racing.

“I understand he still feels that he loves Geeta but you two have been friends for so long maybe once you are married you will fall in love with each other and things change dear!” Meera ma said

“Heeran, we want our kids to be happy and you will go to a home where you lived most of your life and Meera will be there with you always” my mom said cheerfully

Everyone nodded

I looked at her.

“Veer? Does he know? What did he say?”

“Well, he is against it. We asked him already. He is throwing a fit and I think he left and is very angry. But if you say yes I think he will agree to it. I know he will listen to us!” Prerna aunty said

“Are you all joking? Is this what you want? Don’t I have feelings too...just shut up and get lost” is what I wanted yell at tell them

But all I could mutter up was nothing!!!!

“You agree then?” Meera ma asked with her hopes rising

I wanted to run....run as far as I could. I wished I had my running shoes now. I felt my fever rising and I felt cold shivers run through my body.

“I think she does, don’t you, Heeran? You will make me the happiest person in the world , dear” Meenal said

I held my head down and did not speak a word.

They assumed it was an ‘yes’ for my silence!

And they all cheered and hugged me. Meera ma was weeping into my arms.

“I am going to recover fast now and make that favorite dish everyday for you! You shall be the happiest girl and my Veer will finally find happiness again!”

I didn’t know what happened in the next few minutes.

I sat there like a stone and just heard and nodded to everyone.

“Meenal, the pre wedding functions will take place at my home. At least I get to do what I wanted for Geeta through Heeran” she said lovingly caressing my face.

Meenal nodded and smiled and was patting my shoulder.

Meera ma called Veer over the phone and asked him to come over.

Veer will be mad at me, I thought. I just did exactly what he warned me not to!

“I shall be back” Prerna aunty said and left in a hurry.

“Shall I call the families in?” Mom asked Meera ma

“ yes yes...we need to tell everyone. Call everybody and Kabir and Priyanka too” she said

My stomach did a churn again

No, not Kabir! I can’t face him in this situation. What would he feel about what I just did! I thought and I was praying that he wasn’t home.

I was trying my best not to break down. My mind was going crazy and I just need some air!

Meera ma and I were alone now. I thought this was my chance to tell her the truth but I just couldn’t mutter up the courage!

When I finally did...

“Ma...I”

“You know I always wanted you as my daughter-in-law but Veer loved Geeta and I loved her too but you were my first choice. I believe Veer loves you too but he just doesn’t know that yet but once you come home as his bride he will know it. You are making us all happy, Heeran, after what happened these past few months. Your wedding will be the joyful thing for our families” she said hugging me.

And I couldn’t tell her anymore!

She was adjusting my dupatta and draped it over my head.

Veer came in and so did everyone.

Hiral was in a shock and she walked slowly towards me and sat beside me.

“What the hell did you do? Mom said you and Veer are getting married? What is happening? She said you are getting engaged today? Veer has totally gone mad now and he is very angry and upset.” She whispered

I was quiet

“Ma I told you No. I am sorry Heeran we can’t do this. This isn’t happening. Are you out of your mind?” he yelled

“Veer” Meera ma said

“Heeran! Say something? You know this isn’t what you want. Why are you not talking?” He yelled at me

Manish pa chimed in “Veer, Heeran has agreed and she wants this too for her friend so what is the problem? We want you kids to be happy, son” he said

“No, dad you don’t understand” he responded angrily at his dad

Now Geeta’s dad piped in “Veer, we know you loved Geeta but do you think she would like to see you alone and depressed? For how long son, are you going to be this way? You need to move on sometime in your life and we believe Heeran is the right choice as she knows about you”

“appa please” he said now losing the battle.

He looked at Kabir in a pleading manner but Kabir just turned his face away with tears.

My mom and dad said “We spoke to Heeran, Veer, she is okay with this marriage. We believe you both will be happy together. Yes it will take time but in the end everything will be better, trust us dear”

Veer looked at me for the first time and I looked up at him apologetically. I found Kabir right behind him who stood with folded arms and looked anywhere but at me.

Veer mouthed to me ‘No’. He knew he has lost the battle!

I looked back at him with tears now streaming through my cheeks.

Prerna aunty came now with the necklace Meera ma gave to Geeta at her engagement.

“I guess this belongs to you now. Take care of Veer, he is all yours now” she said with tears in her eyes

She gave it to Veer and nudged him to put it around me.

I wanted to run away and be anywhere but here.

“Heeran, please say something.” whispered Veer

I did not move.

He put it around my neck and everyone hugged him and me. We took blessings from all the parents.

Hiral did not look at me.

Chapter 18: The truth!

“Come here Priyanka” Meera ma said

“If it is okay with you can we have both of your weddings together?” She asked her

She looked at Kabir and he nodded

“Let’s get them engaged today evening. The pandit ji said it is a good day” Meera ma said

“Ma and papa, we need to talk.” Veer said

“We are not talking anything until you two are engaged today evening. I have already planned everything and Prerna aunty has arranged everything. Just us families nobody else though. It will be simple and intimate ceremony” she said now getting up

“Ma, listen to me. This isn’t happening. You don’t understand Heeran doesn’t want this and I don’t want this. Kabir, tell them” Veer begged looking at Kabir and me

“I am not listening to you Veer. If you truly love Geeta you will go through with this” she said sternly while everyone where discussing about the engagement plans for the evening

“Ma” he said

She ignored him and his pleas.

I sat on the bed feeling tired and exhausted.

“Ma I want to go and sleep am feeling exhausted” I told her finally opening my mouth and feeling my dry throat

“Why don’t you lie down in Geeta’s room while I get something to eat for you? Veer take her. It’s time for you to take care of your bride” Meera ma said to Veer

Veer look angry, lost and irritated. I knew he was angry at me and Kabir for making him suffer because of our silence.

Hiral was watching us seriously.

“Take rest. I shall send your dress with Hiral and Veer I shall send in your suit too. Please get ready soon. The engagement will be take place around 4” my mom said now walking to me and kissing my forehead

“I got the rings yesterday, when we spoke about it” Prerna aunty said to Meenal while walking out of the room

Everyone left. Hiral said she will be back in an hour but was still angry at me. Veer, Kabir and I were alone.

I looked at Kabir and his face had thousand expressions. Veer was quiet and he didn’t talk. He just nodded and I followed him out of the room.

After we went in to Geeta’s room, he closed the door and he almost shouted

“What the hell just happened, Heer? What did you just do? Kabir was just about to..”

I didn’t listen to what he was saying and I walked towards the balcony door and opened it and stepped outside. I was holding the railing and felt the breeze on my face which made my hair fall on my face. I shivered and felt cold from inside.

It had been exactly a year I told Kabir I love him. It was on this very day at the very place. I remembered wearing his shirt and standing in the balcony feeling happy. I wish I could turn back time. Maybe if I had stayed just one more day Geeta and I could have been talking and planning her wedding in her room, instead of she going up to the penthouse searching for Veer. Why did she do it? I wrapped myself with my arms. Veer walked towards me and stood next to me

“Are you okay?’ feeling my forehead

“No” I told him

“Come inside before your temperature rises”

“Veer…” I said still standing in the balcony

“Yes?”

“Kiss me” I said

He looked at me.

“Kiss me now, please” I said moving closer to him

He smiled and said

“You still didn’t understand me, Heera….I like you but it had been Geeta always. I loved her and maybe still do. Please don’t take any stress about this thing. I shall take care of this mess; you take care of yourself ok? This engagement isn’t happening, so relax” he said kissing my head and walking me into the room

Just then Kabir opened the door with a loud bang. Veer took away his arms around my shoulder. Kabir walked fast towards him and hit Veer hard on the face giving him a bloody lip.

“Kabir” I shouted and started to cry. I ran to Veer and felt his lip bleeding profusely. I hurried into the bathroom and found some cotton and dabbed it on his now bleeding lips.

“You are crazy” I shouted at him.

“You….this is what you wanted all along. A way to him through me?” he said looking at me

“Kabir, now stop it. You don’t know what has happened these past few months. It’s not late yet. Let’s go and tell everyone now!” Veer said getting up

“I don’t have anything to say or listen to you both.” he said now storming out

“Kabir…”I cried

I laid on the floor and felt very weak. I wanted to sleep; the medicine was now kicking in and was making me feel drowsy. I closed my eyes and after that I did not remember what happened next. Veer lifted me up in his arms and put me on the bed. He covered me with the sheets and gently kissed me on my forehead and left.

Couple of hours later,

“Wake up! Eat something”

It was Hiral. She brought me food and I woke up. I wasn’t hungry but she force fed me.

“I got your dress and jewelry which Meera ma wanted you to have and please get ready soon. They are all waiting for you.”

She was still angry at me but she didn’t yell at me or anything.

“You do realize what you are doing Heeran”she asked me while helping me to get dressed

I was quiet.

“You are hurting Veer and he is your best friend!” She said “Do you even know why Kabir is here? What he wanted to do? Why did you take this decision? You hurt everyone who loves you Heeran!”

I didn’t respond to her but quickly got ready. I lost everything in my life and just wanted to lie down and sleep!

I was all set and ready. I was alone in the room. I looked at myself in the mirror. This isn’t happening! Geeta, I thought, please help! I was feeling sleepy again and lay on the bed for a while. I closed my eyes and I began to dream...

I was screaming something, I was thrashing, crying and shouting. I felt like dying, I wanted to run. I was taking Kabir’s name continuously. I was apologizing to him and talking in my sleep…

“Kabir I am sorry I should have listened to you and we should have got married back then. I was worried about mom and Hiral and Himanshu. Now I don’t care, I can’t take this pain anymore, take me away from this pain, and take me away from everything. Please, Kabir, I want you and want to be with you. I am sorry, please! Please!” I was yelling loudly and scratching when I felt someone pulled my hand off my chest.

“Kabir!” I shouted and opened my eyes and saw it was Meera ma. She had tears in her eyes.

I got up slowly feeling very weak and tired.

“I came up to see you if you were ready but then I found the truth!” she smiled wiping her tears “silly darling, why didn’t you tell me? It is good thing I came up to see you now or else I would have done a grave mistake!” she said

“I was just dreaming, Meera ma, you know I talk in my sleep. It is nothing” I told her wiping my forehead which was covered in sweat and getting up to go

“Meera, how is she?” Manish pa came in

“Come in, you need to know something” she told him

I looked hopelessly towards them when Meera ma told everything she heard to Manish pa

Manish pa looked at me and at her and then seemed relieved and happy. He asked me to sit down and said “I knew something was happening with Kabir, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I didn’t realize it was about you, Heeran. We are terribly sorry dear”

“No papa, there is nothing like that. It must have been just a dream.” I said

“Please forgive us” Meera ma said lovingly caressing my face. “I am happy at least one of my sons chose you. I just wanted you as my daughter and I wished one of you could have told us earlier then things would not have come this far.”

“Okay, let me take care of this” Manish pa said rubbing his hands “but first I need to find Veer. I bet he knows about you two? So this is what he was trying to tell us, Meera” he said

I nodded “I have done well then!” he said proudly now turning around to go.

I hugged Meera ma and broke down in her arms and told her everything. How Kabir and I fell for each other 3 years ago, how we got engaged and wanted to get married in US. How we parted ways as I couldn’t go with it knowing our family history and howI hurt everyone. I just couldn’t keep it to myself anymore. I wept in her arms while telling her.

She listened patiently and was patting my arms and wiping my tears.

“I am sorry Meera ma…I hurt you.” I told her finally

“Actually we hurt each other. I should have asked you about your feelings in private but put you in a situation” she said patting my back

“Now do not take tension. We shall talk to both your parents and yes Priyanka’s too. Poor Kabir, he was forced into that engagement too then ” she said nodding her head and wiping my tears.

I leaned on the headboard and rested my head and closed my eyes. It is over. Everything is over. I could feel warm hands on my shoulder and I shivered again. It felt like Geeta’s. I could feel her around me. She did this! She must have done this. That idiot girl did this and I mouthed “thank you” to her but I could feel she was trying to comfort me as if there is more to come and to be strong!

“You love my Kabir a lot don’t you?”Meera ma asked as she smiled

She was now pulling a chair to sit next to me.

I looked at her and replied “More than my life!”

She smiled.

“Ma? What is happening” Veer entered the room and so did the rest of the families.

He was still in his white kurta which he wore this morning. It seemed like Veer was putting up a fight against us getting engaged.

“Is she doing fine, Meera?” came my mom’s voice followed by my dad’s. Hiral walked in with some water in case I needed it. Prerna aunty and Abhi uncle came along with Hiral.

Kabir came in last with Manish pa looking tensed.

“What happened? My mom asked Meera again and came over to me to feel my forehead.

“Meenal, we did something wrong!”

“What?”

“Heeran….here doesn’t want to marry Veer…”

“What? Why?..” Meenal asked Meera and looked at me

“Because she chose my other son, not Veer” Meera ma said looking at me

“What? I didn’t understand?” Mom said and dad was looking puzzled

She laughed and said

“Kabir come here” Meera ma called Kabir and he looked bit stunned. He walked slowly to her while the whole room was watching him with interest. Manish pa followed behind.

She took my hand and put in his.

“What is going on?” Meenal asked again while dad put his hands around her shoulders and he understood what was going on. He smiled at me and Hiral grinned and Veer nodded and smiled.

Meera ma then told everybody what happened and what I had told her about Kabir and me.

Kabir was earnestly listening and looking at me. He looked at me with tears in his eyes. Everyone were bit shocked and surprised that we hid this from them!

After Meera ma was done...everyone were silent.

“They love each other, Meenal and kept it from us and from me their ma! Kabir?” Meera ma said “I thought of you as my own son and you kept it from me? Why child?”

Kabir just hugged her and drowned in her arms

Manish pa patted him

“I am sorry ma, am sorry pa” He said hugging Manish pa

Manish pa held my hand and Kabir’s and said “we are happy for you two. We give you our blessings”

I think I did not care for anyone now I fumbled from the bed and got up while Kabir was still holding my hand. How I missed his touch! I pulled him closer to me and hugged him.

He lifted me off the ground and into his arms.

“Heera!” He whispered

I missed his touch, his warm embrace. I just kissed him everywhere I could see his skin on while my tears were pouring out of my eyes. We stopped and we felt all the eyes were on us two. I got down from him and stood close to him still shaking from the weakness, holding his arms tightly worried that someone might pull me away from him and I couldn’t bear the thought of being away from him a second anymore. He held me tight.

I saw Veer grinning and felt relieved. Hiral winked at me then hugged Veer. My eyes moved on to Mom and dad. Dad smiled and nodded but mom was in a shock. I could not make out her face and I slowly hid behind Kabir who walked and took me along towards my parents.

“Meenal, Harsh uncle….I love Heeran. I have been in love with her for the past 3 years and Heeran here, she was in love with me, all her life!” he said patting my hand.

“I know our families are not in speaking terms but Meenal you used to say why hurt the child when it wasn’t his mistake so right now I need that from you….I love your daughter Meenal…I really do and I promise I will take care of her as long as I have life left in this body” he said

I looked at my mom with a heavy heart

“Heeran come here” Mom said with broken voice

I nodded no and held onto Kabir tightly

“Please” she said and Kabir let my hand go and put my hand in my mother’s

She embraced me so tightly that I couldn’t breathe

“I love you darling and am sorry if I hurt you. I should have asked you if you had someone in your mind. I am sorry!” she said. Hiral did a happy shout and hugged my mom and my dad hugged Kabir and pulled him into a group hug.

Prerna aunty and Abhi uncle were next and patted Kabir’s shoulder and hugged me.

Meera ma and Manish pa came last and said “Now Heeran is ours forever”

Veer came to us and embraced both of us

“I am sorry Veer” Kabir said hugging Veer harder

“Never mind, brother! Just take care of this girl, she is a precious little one” he told him

Kabir nodded. I hugged Veer and said “I am sorry about hurting you Veer. I just didn’t know what to do. Everyone were so happy talking about us and..”

“Yea I understand. I worried about it too, you giving into mom’s happiness over yours. It is a good thing you have fever….if I knew this was the only way to get the truth out of you I would have made you fall sick way before” Veer said ruffling my hair!

We all laughed.

 “We need to talk to Vikram, I wonder what he would say?” Meenal asked Meera ma.

I looked at everybody. They were all happy, the truth set me free.

Hiral said” Why not elope and do us all a favor”

“They planned it but this girl couldn’t go ahead with it” Veer said hitting on my shoulder

“She put me through hell, this sister of yours!!” Kabir said and I pinched his arm

We laughed and I was finally happy.

Chapter 19: The ultimatum

My mom and dad waited until everyone left.

Veer said ”I shall meet you guys later” and he whispered everything will be alright in my ears before leaving.

Kabir, Hiral and I were left alone along with my parents in Geeta’s room. We had some family talking to do so everyone left us to give us some privacy. I knew my parents were not yet done.

“Kabir” started my mom

I sat next to Hiral on the couch and Kabir was standing next to me. I was still holding onto him as I was prepared for anything to happen and I didn’t care for anybody’s approval this time as I had decided that I want to be with Kabir forever.

“We understand you love Heeran but you should know that Vikram and I go long way now” she said now looking sad

“I know I said few stuff but he hurt my best friend Sahar”

“I loved Kushi. She was my best friend too but what he did to Sahar was not forgiving” she said patting her hand on dad’s hand when he put his hand on her shoulder.

“So until we proceed further with your dad, we want you guys to....” she said and looked at dad

“To take it slow” he finished

“But dad...” I started

“Agreed uncle.” Kabir interrupted “I understand there is lot of tension between our family but also I want let you know I will not hurt Heeran, I love her with all my heart” he said

“We shall wait for my dad’s verdict but also just so to be clear Heeran and I want to be together and only with all your blessings we shall go through with this, I promise you that” he said letting go of my hand which I grabbed again.

He smiled at me and patted my hand but he let it go.

“Good, son. Then please come home with your father, we can discuss further about you two” dad said

I felt cheated “why now” I thought looking at Kabir. He smiled and nodded

“So well maybe I should call dad now I guess.” He said now getting up. I held onto his hand again but he smiled and let go. He took their blessings before looking at me and leaving the room.

......

“I don’t know what we should talk to Vikram, Harsh?” my mom said later that evening when we went back home.

It had been quite an eventful day. Before leaving Geeta’s house, I wanted to talk to Kabir but I didn’t find him anywhere. Prerna aunty and Abhi uncle hugged me and said “Don’t worry about anything we shall all talk to Vikram.

At home, Mom and dad sat on the sofa in the hall and were discussing further talks. Hiral and I were in the kitchen getting dinner ready.

“I did not expect Heeran and Kabir together?” she said nodding her head “When Meera spoke to me about Veer and Heeran, I was very happy about it. I felt they are made for each other but Kabir? I know he is good but then Vikram and what he had done?” she said looking at Harsh

Dad was quite for sometime

“I knew about these two, kabir and Heeran I mean. Heer liked him from the beginning and yes I agree Vikram will be bit difficult to handle but we need to think about the kids’ happiness too. They looked happy with each other and Heeran waited for our approval and she had let go of Kabir as she knew the circumstances of both our families. She showed maturity but the little hearts would have been broken, Meenal. It would have been difficult for Veer and Heeran to even be in that marriage for long” he said

I was listening to their conversation and so was Hiral. Hiral nudged me and we sat on the kitchen side door entrance steps facing the backyard.

“Finally the truth is out Heeran. You did what you could now leave it to fate.” she said

I nodded.

“Everyone is happy, especially Veer. He was upset about your decision to marry him. He got scared that he had to live with you for the rest of his life” she laughed

I hit her on the arm.

“But Hiral, what if Vikram uncle doesn’t agree? What then?”

“Then poor Veer he will suffer!” she said now laughing harder

“Don’t worry; these folks will make sure he agrees. Leave it to Kabir now to handle his father. I think he will not go anywhere without you. He came back just to tell everyone the truth and you dropped a bomb and luckily you came to your senses before it was too late!” Hiral said

We sat quietly for a while and later went into have dinner.

After dinner, I asked my mom if I could go over to Veer’s house.

“Heeran, as we said I think you should keep your distance from Kabir until things are settled, didn’t he agree too and anyways you had too much stress today with fever and all. How are you feeling anyways?” she said looking over her laptop.

I looked at dad and he nodded.

“I am fine ma. The fever has gone but I want to meet Priyanka” I told them

“Who?” dad asked

“Kabir’s….you know” I replied

“Oh yes that girl. We totally forgot about her.”Mom got up.

“We need to handle that as well, Harsh” she said pacing over the room

I was worried now. I didn’t expect I would cause them this trouble.

“I am sorry mom, am sorry dad” I said almost close to tears.

Mom came hurriedly up to me and took me close to her chest and said

“Now, don’t you apologize. You were letting go of your love just to make us happy. We are not proud of what we did and this is something we adults need to handle. So don’t you worry? Okay go but please wait couple more days” she said now going back and doing something on her laptop.

Dad waved at me and I left.

I walked to the entrance and the butler let me in

“Meera ma is resting in her room” he said and left

I went into her room. She was sitting and reading a book.

“Heeran please come in” she said smilingly

“Meera ma, I wanted to apologize for what I have done today” I said sitting near on the bed

“Silly girl…what for? As I said I put you in a situation and Veer was giving me hints about not to go ahead but I just didn’t understand” she said now ruffling my hair.

“Manish has gone to meet Vikram at the hotel he is staying. I think he would come tomorrow morning to meet us all; don’t you worry we shall clear things out. We shall have a beautiful wedding“ she said

“Prerna will do all the planning. She needs to get her mind off what has happened to her daughter and now with your wedding, the wedding planning business will be back in action” she said.

I was quiet. I asked her if Priyanka is still here and she said she was up in Kabir’s room.

“I didn’t know what to tell her but Kabir managed the situation and I think she is a sweet girl too. She understood” she said

I bid her goodbye and went up stairs

I saw veer’s room door was open and when I peaked in, there was no one around. I thought he must have gone with Manish pa. I walked past his room to Kabir’s room and knocked at it.

“Come in” said the girl’s voice

I felt a pang of jealousy but I quietly opened the door.

“Hey! Heeran.” She was lying on his bed and was doing something on her phone.

She looked very beautiful. I wondered why Kabir didn’t choose her instead. She was the type of girls he used to date. I remembered one time he even dated a model!

Kabir was sitting on the couch and was working something on the laptop. He looked at me and quickly got up.

“What’s up?” He asked

I looked questionably at Kabir.

“He told me everything about you , Heeran so don’t fret.When our parents were talking about our engagement, he said he can’t go through with it and he would break the engagement off. He also told me about his plans to marry you when you were in US. I was cool with it. He was honest about his relationship. I just played along just to make sure our parents don’t mess up your plans.” She said now sitting up criss-cross.

I looked at Kabir and he grinned. Stupid why didn’t you tell me all this I thought and he shrugged

“I am sorry Priyanka”I told her

“Hey we are cool!”She said smiling

“I…I dint know what came over me today...I..I…” I said and I couldn’t anymore.

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you or hurt you” I said after a second.

Kabir walked to me and said “Not another word! There is nothing to apologize. It was wonderful that you came out with the truth before I did. I was planning to tell the whole family the truth but then..you know and anyways I wouldn’t have let you get engaged to Veer or anybody else, you are only mine! but you surprised me! You are my princess in shining armor and saved me from a life of broken heart!” he patted my head

“I came to support him, Heeran not to marry him. Don’t you worry; he is all yours!” she said smiling and winking at us.

I smiled. “Well I got to go” I said “Bye” I waved at her

“Cya…am leaving tomorrow. I am going to visit my cousins in Mumbai and I shall leave from there to US. So if you are ever in town let me know, we can catch up” she said now lying back on the bed and busy with her phone

I nodded and left and Kabir followed me.

“Kabir” I said and felt his name in my throat. It felt good

“How many girls did you have in your room and on that bed” I asked him now turning to look at him

“Including you?...Just the one” he said grinning and said “I am taking the guest room while she is in my room” 

“Liar” I said walking to the door. The house was quiet.

“True” he said and didn’t let me open the door

“Then what about those…..”and I stopped and blushed.

He ran his fingers through his hair and grinned

“That was me something before you” he said still grinning “But honestly ever since I started talking to you, it has been only you, now and forever” he said opening the door.

“Hmmm” I nodded

We stood in the front porch and walked hand in hand in the garden. The moon was out and there was light breeze. Kabir hugged me and let me stay in his arms for couple of minutes.

“I am sorry I hurt you, Kabir. I was scared of what we were doing and”

“Shhhhh. Let me feel you before you leave. It has been so long I had you in my arms” he said

“Cause you left me, twice” I said hugging him closer

“I didn’t leave you neither of the times but..you asked me to last time, remember?” He said still hugging and cradling me in his arms

“But you left” I said now tearing up

“I had to...to cool you off. I felt you needed time to think straight as you weren’t and I was in touch with Veer and Hiral every day to know what was going on with you. I love you Heeran and every minute I was away from you it just hurt me more. I wanted this to end too so I decided to come back and tell everyone about us but it was Veer’s idea to wait until this day as everyone would be sad and telling about us would bring happiness. It makes me feel bad I had to lie to Meera ma too and when she was ill I wanted to come back immediately but Veer stopped me. It was very difficult for me too Heera to stay away from you!

“Anyways, I know you didn’t mean a thing what you said then. I knew deep down you wanted me to stay but you needed time to think,Heera!” He said with me still in his arms

I was quiet. I missed him. I missed him more than anything in this world.

“I love you Kabir. I just wish we were married now. I was an idiot!” I said kissing his chest

“Oh yes that you are! And now don’t tempt me” he said

We laughed and we stayed there like that for some more time

“The next time I touch you, I want you to be Mrs. Randhawa” he said finally letting me go

I wanted to kiss him but he nodded no

“You don’t love me anymore?” I asked with a pout face

He laughed

“Every time I told you I did you never took it seriously and now after everything I said you ask me if I love you?” He said rolling his eyes

“Tell me, please!” I begged him

“I love you Heeran...more than anything in my life. You are my everything now and also I promised your dad we shall take it slow and I want to do it right this time. I know I put you through tough times but now I want to do this the right way. I shall not rush you into anything or else I know you shall run away” he said grinning

I hit him on his arm

“Ouch! But I have faith in our love, we shall get married and be together forever. So until next time Ms.Singh” he said pulling me and holding my hands

“I love you Heeran, forever and ever, remember that always. You are mine, only mine” he said giving a peck on my cheek

“Well there you go. Just one last kiss for now” he said

I grinned

“I love you Kabir, I have always loved you and am very happy to be with you. I really don’t care what happens next cause I shall go with you wherever you take me, I promise. I can’t be without you. The days spent without you were like hell. It was the biggest mistake of my life. I really wish we got married then” I told him hugging him again

He returned my hug and was quietly listening to my heartache

“Heeran! It’s good thing we didn’t get married then, now we shall with all our parents blessings. Trust me, dad will accept us for sure and am happy that you have finally fallen in love with me” he said sighing

“I always have” I whispered

“This time with all your mind and soul. So I did good in giving you time to think about me then!” he said kissing me on my forehead

“Don’t leave me again, I shall go insane!” I told him hugging him tightly

“Never” he whispered

He finally let go of me and said “We need to stop and it’s getting late, go home now. I don’t want your parents to think their son-in-law doesn’t keep promises “ walking with me till my house

I smiled and blew him a kiss which he kissed and pocketed

“You made my day Heera” he shouted happily when I turned around to look at him.

We smiled at each other.

He is mine now, I thought happily and went inside.

Chapter 20: Meeting Kabir’s dad

It was morning and I just woke up. I slept in late as it was Saturday and that it had been a very stressful week! I was feeling great and got freshen up. Everyone were having breakfast when I went down. Mom and Hiral were laughing at something and dad was on phone talking to Kabir.

“That was Kabir” dad said sitting down to have breakfast

I looked up

He smiled and said “Vikram is coming today to talk”

I didn’t say anything but gulped down food.

“I hope he doesn’t say something which would make us regret our decision” mom said

I was worried.

“No he wouldn’t. He loves Kabir and Kabir said his father has changed his mind about his decision to marry Heeran” dad told mom

I blushed and quickly stuffed my mouth with food.

“And he cant say no to our Heeran either! He must know his son is lucky to have her in his life!” Hiral said winking at me

I looked at her seriously and rolled my eyes

“You don’t worry Heera, we shall take care. Vikram will come around once he sees how you and Kabir are happy together. You two make a cute couple!” Mom said smiling at me

I was surprised that mom was this cool with it!

Afterwards, I messaged Kabir if everything was all right. He immediately called me.

“Hi, love” he said

My heart melted, gosh when did I become so mushy!

“Yes, everything is fine. Dad is just getting ready. We shall leave in couple of minutes. Can’t wait to see you and make you all mine!” He said

“Is he angry, upset, how is he feeling now?” I asked curiously

“He is fine. He came around when I told him if he doesn’t agree, I shall elope. But he cooled down when I argued what he had done and what he is trying to make me do!” Kabir said

“He was bit upset but he is fine. Once he meets everyone and realizes his friends will be back in his life because of us, he shall not say no. Trust me!” He said

“Okay! But just in case things don’t go well I am going away with you, no matter what. I have my bag ready and all I need was a toothbrush, few clothes and your shirt so am all set” I told him

“My shirt?” He asked

I fell silent and blushed

“Okay I go to go, mom is calling” I told him

“Hey!” He said

“What?”

“Say it”

“Kabir!....I love you”

He sighed and I hung up smiling.

Later, I was humming to myself and changing the bedsheets in my room when Hiral knocked at my door

“What?” I asked not looking at her

“Everyone are here” she said

“Already?” I looked around

“Yup, they are talking. Seems like Kabir had done all the talking before they came. Vikram uncle is cool.” she said now signaling me to get ready and come down.

I wore a light green lehenga and a matching blouse to go with it which I borrowed from Hiral. She said appearances are first impressions while she helped me getting ready. I was trying not to show too much skin and I was becoming very uncomfortable!

“Just be cool. We don’t want Kabir to change his mind over you. Showing some skin will keep his eyes on the prize through the whole conversation” she said

“What do you mean am a…..” I started to argue when she shooed me and we arrived into the hall where Kabir and his dad were sitting on the sofa. Mom and dad were sitting on the love seat next to them. Manish pa and Meera ma were there too and so were Geeta’s parents.

Veer was sitting at the dining table.

I went and stood behind Meera ma while Hiral sat next to Veer who nodded at her.

Vikram uncle looked at me and he smiled.

I returned a nervous smile. Kabir grinned and winked looking at my bare waist. I adjusted it with my dupatta.

“So what do you say Vikram?” Manish pa asked

“We are all happy with these two. They went on to do something grave but luckily we came to know shortly” Meera ma said next

“We want them to be happy and they want to have future together. They are in love, Vikram and who else knows but you how it is to be apart from the one you love?” Manish pa said

Meera ma nodded. Mom and dad were listening to their conversation seriously and waiting for Vikram to speak.

“I haven’t got anything to say” Vikram uncle said after taking sometime to respond

“I am happy for Kabir and Heeran. I know Heer and she is a good girl, but “ he looked at Meenal who was staring at him

“We have our differences and I don’t want my son to be hurt by anyone” he said

Meenal nodded and said “I never treated Kabir as an outsider. I love him as my own son. I promise I shall not hurt him Vikram. And please forgive me if I have hurt you. I loved Kushi too remember, we were friends too” she said tearing up.

Dad held mom

Vikram took his glasses off and wiped his eyes while Kabir patted his dad’s shoulder.

“Kushi would have been happy knowing your daughter is going to be her son’s bride. She would have made such a huge fuss” he said still wiping his eyes and hugging Kabir.

“Now, now! We are all happy that our families are back to together. Now get a hold of yourself, Vikram” said my dad squeezing his shoulder.

“Let bygones be bygones. Let’s set a date, shall we?” Manish pa said looking at Hiral and signaling to get something from the kitchen.

Everybody stood up. Hiral went into the kitchen and got ladoos. She was confident that the outcome would be something like this. There were exchange of hugs and sweets and congratulations.

Kabir grinned and got up, he took my hand and walked to his dad.

“Thanks dad! I love Heeran a lot. I can’t be with anyone else but her. I am sorry if I hurt you.” Kabir said holding my hand up to his heart

I had tears in my eyes

He hugged Kabir and me and gave us his blessings wholeheartedly. We took the blessings of the rest of our families. Everyone were happy and talking happily.

“He is a good one” Mom told me kissing me on my forehead

“Thanks mom” I told her hugging

“My turn Meenal” Kabir said and she pulled him in to a hug

“From now on call me mom” she said

“As I said Meenal is a lovely name why spoil it?” He said laughing

Mom rolled her eyes while he hugged her again

 I stood back quietly smiling and walked over to Veer who hugged me.

“Are you happy now?” he asked

I looked up to him and said “wish you were too”

“I am! And I will be, maybe someday” he replied and I hugged him back.

Kabir came over and hugged us on top and we were squished by Hiral who hugged us too!

“Wish Geeta was here” Kabir said

Veer nodded

“Himanshu too” Hiral said still hugging us

The engagement was finalized in a month and the wedding to take place in 3 months after that.

The preparations began. I hardly had time to talk to anyone as I had to work and meet the deadlines before I take off for my wedding. Kabir used to pick me up from office on his way back from work. We used to enjoy our long rides back home and sometimes he would take me to his favorite spot and we would just sit there quietly in each other arms.

Prerna aunty would call me for getting the dress designs done and I would say I would be there but would miss her appointments.

She would come over to my place with the seamstress and would scold me for not coming to her home to get the work done.

She was our wedding planner. She planned everything, every minor detail. Mom and dad were indebted to their friends.

Engagement day:

I finally got my ring back.

I had happy tears in my eyes when I saw it.

He grinned and said “it was yours and will be forever!”

I just couldn’t stop but hugged him so tight and gave a peck on his lips. Everyone laughed and cheered.

When the ceremony was over and Kabir and I were left alone. All the guests were having dinner or on the dance floor.

“I have something for you too” I told him

“What?” he said grinning

“Close your eyes” and he did

“Bend down, I can’t reach you” I told him trying to reach over his neck

He bent down and I put a gold chain around him with the sun pendant.

He opened his eyes and “Now you are mine forever!” I told him

“Where are the safety pins?” He asked looking at the chain

“In a box where they belong. I don’t want you wearing it around and telling everyone those were my saree pins” I told him rolling my eyes

“But I loved it that way” he said

“Don’t worry you shall get to take out more of them from now on!” I teased and blushed

He laughed and said “I wish I could smooch you right now, but a promise is a promise.” He said and sighed

“But we are engaged!”

“I am not going to kiss you until we get married! No” he said

I sighed!

“Come dance with me” he said putting his hands around my waist

I blushed

But instead of taking me to the dance floor, he took me upstairs to the terrace of Geeta’s roof.

As Prerna aunty requested we were having the engagement and pre wedding functions at her home and the wedding in a garden she had booked for us.

“I met you here for the first time, after I said I loved you” he said now running his fingers through my face.

I closed my eyes. He pulled me closer to his body and caressed my neck and cheek with his fingers and finally stopped at my lips. I quivered from his touch.

He then turned on some music on his phone. He held me tight and we moved slowly to the music.

A week before the wedding:

“Shall we build a house here, Heeran?” He asked

Kabir wanted to take me out before the wedding rituals began as we wouldn’t be seeing each other for a while

We were lying on a mat on the grass in his field. The sun was setting and it was becoming bit cold. Kabir hugged me to keep me warm.

“Won’t we be far away from everyone” I asked

“Well yes, but I want to be alone with you for a while. Just us before I lose you to our kids” he said

I blushed

“Veer can build us a beautiful house and Hiral can design it” I told him

“True! We needn’t worry much” he said cozying me up

“Kabir” I whispered

“Hmmm”

“Kiss me” I asked

“Don’t make me break my promise, Heera” he said “don’t make me weaker than I already am when you are around ” he said touching my face

I sighed

“Few more days and we shall be together and then you needn’t ask me. I shall kiss you whenever and wherever I want to” he said laughing

I grinned and pulled him closer to me

We lay there for a while.

Wedding day:

The wedding ceremony was taking place in the gardens which Prerna aunty had arranged.

I wore a blush red heavily embroidered lehenga and matching backless blouse with a heavily embroidered dupatta to go with it. Prerna aunty had designed it just for me. It was so heavy I told her I may not be able to walk! I was also heavily accessorized with my mom’s, Kabir’s mom and Meera ma’s jewelry.

“Hiral, I don’t have anymore place left around my neck!” I yelled as I was getting ready

“Oh just the last one. This is from me!” She said putting around a small gold chain with a H and K letters in a heart pendant”

“That is so beautiful” I told her and sneezed!

“Bless you!” She said laughing

“It’s this huge nose ring, it’s so ticklish and making my nose itch” I said “should I have it on?”

“It suits you. You look so beautiful” she said hugging me

She wore a red saree and looked very pretty!

“ Hiral, I want you to move on too” I told her

“Yea! Let’s see about that! Maybe a year later after mom visits Himanshu she needs a way out and I am there for her as a diversion!” She said winking at me

We laughed

“Are you ready Heeran?” Mom came in to see us

I stood up

“You look beautiful. Let all the happiness in the world fill your blissful married life” she said hugging me and pulled Hiral in to the hug too.

Mom and Hiral walked me to the stage where Kabir was waiting for me

He looked at me and grinned. He was eagerly waiting for me and I blushed a shade of red matching my attire when I saw him.

We got married finally!

It was a beautiful wedding. I had no words to describe it. Everyone were very happy. Kabir kept dropping me notes since morning how much he is going to love me from the moment we are together.

After the wedding as a ritual mom and dad were sending me off to my mother-in-law’s house and I was standing at the entrance gate of the house when I began to cry. I just could not stop from crying!

“look you would be staying here at Meera ma’s house. Everyone will be there around you so stop crying now” my mom said

“Silly girl, this is your home. You can visit your parents whenever you like and it’s just a stone throw away” she said patting my head covered in red duppata.

The nose ring was ticking my nose while I was sniffing up my tears.

I wasn’t moving from my place. I stood rooted to the ground. Kabir was grinning at me.

“Heeran, when you wanted to see Kabir you would run and come over and now you know you are going to be with him forever you are not?” Veer teased now coming and standing next to me and dropping his head to look at my tear strained face.

Kabir finally had enough; he just lifted me off the ground and took me in to his arms and into the house. Everyone cheered.

“Good one Kabir” Veer said laughing

Couple of hours later:

“We are finally alone” Kabir said as we entered his room and he locking the door and turning the lights off.

The room was decorated with flowers and lightly lit candles. It smelled very sweet.

His bedroom was different now. It had a king size bed with a beautiful headboard. A white couch and a coffee table were added. There was a walk-in closet and his bathroom was refurbished.

“Veer got it done” he said “Now that we are going to live here, Mrs. Randhawa” He said. I was standing next to him still in my heavy wedding dress.

I shivered when he said that! We are finally married. I just couldn’t believe it.

“I always dreamed for this day to come....being married to you” he said touching my hands from behind.

My heart raced!

“You do want to live here, don’t you?” he asked turning me around to face him

I blushed and nodded yes.

“We shall move eventually but for now this is our home, Heeran” he whispered.

He slowly took off my dupatta and my nose ring and moved his head closer to kiss me. It had been so long that I ached for his touch.

He gently picked me up and put me on the bed. I nestled into his neck. He kissed my eyes, my cheeks, my forehead, my nose, my chin and he finally kissed my lips. I felt his eagerness and I knew he missed it too.

He slid his hands around my back and unbuttoned my blouse and loosened my lehenga. I trembled when I felt his warm body on me!

He made sweet love that night.

We lay awake on the bed in each other’s arms. I ran my fingers in his and he kissed my hand

“I love you Heeran” he said

“To the moon and back” I whispered

He turned around to kiss my neck and I pulled him onto me.

“I never want to lose you” he said slowly moving into me again

I arched my back towards him wanting more and he moved faster.

“I am yours forever” I said taking his every breath!

Chapter 21: The Ending is the beginning!

Five years later:

I stood in front of the mirror. Today was our third wedding anniversary and I was adjusting my saree. It was light pink with an embroidered blouse. This was his first gift after we got married three years ago. I never wore it until now. I glanced at the two after getting ready.

“How do I look?”

“Pretty” Geeta said

“I am jealous” Kabir said

“You do realize you won’t be seeing us anymore after today?” Kabir said now walking towards me

“I know. But I shall never forget you! You are a part of me” I tell him

“I have always loved you Heeran and am happy you have finally fallen in love again.” He said wishing he could touch me.

“You shall make Veer very happy, Heeran! He is in love with you and am happy that he found love in his best friend” Geeta tells me

I nodded at them and I turned around. The room was empty and I nodded sadly to myself!

I invited my brother Himanshu and Paul over to my house. I wanted to surprise my husband with something I prepared for him!

I went downstairs.

Himanshu and Paul were sitting outside in the backyard and started the grill as we decided to have a small barbecue party just the four of us. I walked out to where they were talking and discussing about the game that evening.

I sat on the couch and looked at him

Veer my husband was playing with Jessi, my brother’s 2 year old baby girl. He looked at me and was bit surprised to see me in that saree he brought me ages ago. I smiled at him. He smiled back at me and said

“You look very beautiful”

I blushed and smiled.

He smiled at me and blushed a little too. I believed this was new from him as well after Geeta.

I saw Kabir and Geeta standing behind Veer and smiling at me

.........

Even before the thought of being married to Kabir could sink in, a storm took over!

Six months into our marriage, Kabir was diagnosed with a terminal stomach cancer and it was in the last stages. Vikram uncle flew down doctors from the US but they said it had spread to other organs and he wouldn’t survive for long maybe couple more months!

I was totally devastated but I fought along with him. Kabir was still happy. He would say he got to live the life he wanted. He had four best friends who made his childhood the best of days and he had three sets of parents to take care of him and finally found love and married her! He said he wasn’t scared about leaving me alone in this world as I would still have all the people he loves around me.

He would ask me to move on after he is gone and give another chance at love. My life was shattered into pieces the day he died. I was with him through the end. My heart was broken and I went mad.

After couple of months, I became a threat to myself. I tried to take my life as I felt I didn’t deserve to live without Kabir. I wished he had taken me along with him. I cut my wrists one day and locked myself in my room hoping to die and meet Kabir! Hiral felt something was wrong with me when I didn’t open the door when she knocked for long time. Veer was at our home that day and when he heard Hiral screams, he burst opened the door and took me to the hospital in time. I cursed and yelled at him for saving me and didn’t speak to him for many days.

Mom and dad decided I needed some professional help so they got me admitted in a psychiatric institution. Hiral was against this and told Veer what my parents had done. He went in to rage and shouted at my parents. He and Hiral got me out of the institution. He took me to his home and took care of me. He would feed me, clean me and would tell me all the stories that I used to read. Some days I would sit in Kabir’s room wishing and just stare into nothingness. Veer used to come and pick me up and take me to my room. All the while not once I have cried which worried him the most.

There were days when he would take me into his arms and cradle me. I wouldn’t cry at all, which was making him fear he was losing me forever. Then one day he carried me in his arms and made me sit on the swing and said “Now cry, Heeran. Cry how much you want. Nobody is going to stop you. Kabir is gone and he isn’t coming. He left you and is gone. He is gone forever and never coming back. He is dead Heeran, dead! So cry for him. Cry! Cry now”

I looked at Veer and felt tears flowing out. I finally cried while Veer cradled me in his arms.

Two years later, Veer married me with not much intervention this time. It was his proposal to my parents. He told them he wanted to take me away from this place and give me a better life. They agreed. Meera ma’s health worsened again but regained a little when Veer said he would be marrying me. They supported his decision without any hesitation. I did not care for anything. I just lost all the will to be alive and Veer didn’t bother to ask me for my approval either as he knew I was in no stage to think.

It was a small ceremony held at my home and after the wedding we flew to US. Veer didn’t wanted me to stay back here at this house which had enough memories for a lifetime. We moved to Arizona near to my brother’s. Veer, I did not realize, fell in love with me eventually but I was still holding on to Kabir and his memories. There were days I would wear Kabir’s shirt and hold the ring and chain to my heart and sit quietly in the porch. Veer would join me and hold my hand. I would silently weep into his arms and would say

“I no longer can smell his perfume on his shirt, Veer. He is fading away!” And would weep

He would take me into his arms and cuddle me like a baby.

Veer never forced me to let go of his friend’s reminiscences. He was just being my best friend. We slowly started our routine of running in the mornings and made new tradition to take walks in the evenings. Sometimes my brother and his husband would join us for lunch or sometimes for dinner and sometimes we would join them at their place.

Veer was handling Vikram uncle’s business in US. Vikram uncle fell sick and he passed away after couple months of Kabir’s death. He just couldn’t take the loss of his son. Neither Sahar aunty nor the daughters came to see him.

Veer put me in therapy sessions which he said would do good for me to talk to someone who knew how to help people who lost someone. But I would say to him being with him, knowing he lost someone too, helps me much better. He would smile but would insist. When he is busy at work I would take my evening walks alone. Kabir and Geeta would accompany me. They talk and try to get me out of the depression but I liked that I can see and talk to them.

I know am not crazy and it was in my brain. I spoke to my doctor about it and she prescribed some medications which would help me to get rid of the hallucinations but I feared I wouldn’t be able to see them again so I ignored to take them. But as days passed I realized Veer never lost hope in me even if I did. He always tried his best to make me happy and I realized he was falling in love with me.

Mom and dad visited us and Himanshu and Paul. Mom was bit upset but as dad said it would take time for her to come around which she did eventually and she loved their baby. They stayed with us for couple of months and left. I heard Hiral took over Veer’s business back home and is doing fine. They are planning to find someone suitable for her and Veer recommended one his friends to which they said they would look into it.

“White lilies? They look so beautiful! They are my favorite”I said smelling them

Veer brought me flowers for my birthday a year into our married life.

“Kabir used to get them for me every Friday!” I said looking sad

“Yes I know! He used to go around the city for them and even used to make me go with him!” he said smilingly

I looked at him. He missed Kabir too and was trying to make things look normal like how they were when I was married to Kabir.

A year later he brought them again for my birthday. I smiled and thanked him

“Veer”

“Yes”

“How about pink roses next time?” I asked

He looked at me. They were Geeta’s favorite. His face was sullen but then he said

“How about red roses and sunflowers?” while holding my hand and I immediately froze.

He let go immediately and felt embarrassed.

That night we were having dinner and both of us were quiet. He wasn’t looking at me. I understood he was feeling guilty for what he had done.

I stood up and went to stand next to him. He looked at me and stood up

“Veer, I...”

“Please don’t say anything. I am sorry. I was just trying to ..”

I hugged him and he hugged me back

“Thank you” I told him “for being there for me. I thought I lost everything in my life but you were there for me Veer, always and all the time. I know you like me but I need time to heal but I promise I shall come to you just give me time to clear things out. I want to start fresh too” I said weeping in his arms and looking over his shoulder

Geeta and Kabir were looking at me sadly. Kabir whispered that he loves me!

A week before our third anniversary, Veer brought me red roses and sunflowers everyday home. Our home was smelling sweet from the flowers! I went to his room to change his sheets

“He loves you know” Kabir said

“Yes” I said removing the old sheets

“and you are falling for him too” he said

“I think I am”

“That doesn’t mean you don’t love me,Heera. You are just moving on and it is good for you, love” he said

I was quiet. It was the first time that only Kabir appeared usually it was Geeta and him together.

I nodded.

“I wish I could touch you” I said

“You do every second. Am in that beating heart of yours” he said

I turned to look at him and sighed!

He was gone!

I went to my room and took out his shirt and smelled it. The smell was gone now! I wept into his shirt. I took out his ring and chain and bagged them up while wiping my tears.

Veer was back from work

“Veer!” I said coming out of my room

“Hey! How was you day?” He asked while taking off his shoes and sitting on the couch

“Will you take me out for dinner?” I asked him

He was dumbstruck

“Veer?”

“Yea, yes of course” he said standing up

“But can you first stop at the river?” I asked him

“Why?”

“I need to let go of Kabir” I said while showing him the bag

He raised an eyebrow

“Are you sure, Heeran? You can do it later too. You might want to keep them” he asked

“No” I said “please”

We were standing near a small river we found while we were running in the park. I threw in the ring, the chain but I held onto the shirt for a little while longer while Veer held onto me.

“You can keep it, Heera. It’s the only thing you have of Kabir” he said

I nodded no. I kissed his shirt and threw it in the river. I saw it flowing away.

“Let’s go” I said while holding Veer’s arms and leaning onto him.

It was two days before the anniversary. I made Veer’s favorite dishes and was waiting for him.

“You know he loves that chicken fry! He will be surprised Heeran” Geeta said

I smiled.

“Gosh! I miss those days! You making me dinner!” Kabir said

I didn’t respond to neither of them. I started my medications and the doctor said it will take couple of days for them to work

“I am happy you are trying Heera, I shall miss you!” Kabir said

Veer came home. I never told him about my hallucinations to him as it would scare him.

“Chicken fry!!!” He said while siting down for dinner

“Yup!”

He ate it all and he was very happy!

That night,

“Veer” I said knocking at his door

“Coming” He said and opened the door while putting on a shirt

“ what’s up, Heer” he asked

“Can I come in?”

“Sure” And I went in.

“Are you okay?” He asked me bit worried as I usually never come to his room when he is there

I sat on his bed and said

“May I sleep here tonight?” I asked him

Kabir and Geeta were watching us but I ignored

Veer didn’t say anything but was in a shock. He nodded

“I shall take the carpet then ” he said coming to take his pillow

“No, I want you to next to me, please” I said looking at him

He was quiet for a while and then nodded again.

He lay next to me and I could feel he was bit tensed. I moved closer to him into his arms and put my head on his chest and lay there. I could feel his heart beating faster. He had a beautiful smell on him and it reminded me of all the good times we had when we were young. I smiled to myself and fell asleep dreaming for the first time in a long time of our childhood days.

He didn’t touch me for a while but I guess I fell asleep quickly to realize he put his arms around me and we slept peacefully after a very long time.

A day before the anniversary

“You have a beautiful voice” Paul said

“Veer plays guitar too. We used to take part in music competitions when we were at school” I told him while practicing a song which I wanted to sing for Veer tomorrow on our anniversary.

“Well you should try again sometimes together” he said

I grinned

“Ok then tomorrow at 12?” He said packing his stuff

“Yes. How is Jessie? Sleeping during the nights?” I asked him

Himanshu and Paul adopted a baby girl Jessie couple of years ago. She was the apple of their eye. Now they are waiting on another adoption as they also wanted to adopt a boy!

“Trying to but parenting is really hard” he said. He looked tired

“Himanshu handles it much better than me but she is growing up so quickly” he said

“ she is! isn’t she. I am eagerly waiting to meet her tomorrow. You guys can leave her with us and maybe have day out just the two of you” I said now walking him till his car

“Oh! That would be great, Heeran! Maybe next weekend?” He asked

“Veer would love that!” I told him

He smiled and said “I am proud of you that you are moving on, Heer. He really loves you, you know” he said getting into his car

I nodded

“Take care now and see you tomorrow” he said

Veer came home after an hour bringing me roses.

“Not anymore!” I said “I have no vases!!”

He laughed!

He came in to help me in the kitchen

“Will you stay home tomorrow?” I asked him

“Sure...what’s up?” He asked while cutting vegetables

I rolled my eyes

“Well it’s Friday and I invited my brothers for barbecue lunch and it’s...its..our anniversary” I said blushing

“Oh!” He said and he was quietly smiling to himself

We didn’t talk for a while but became busy in cooking. Veer loved to help me in the kitchen as he liked to cook.

I went closer to him

“Veer”

“Yes” He said looking up to me while stirring the dish

I took his hand and said “Thank you” and kissed on his cheeks and left to set up table.

He stood frozen for a while but he smiled to himself.

That night we lay in each other arms.

“I think we need to move you into our master bedroom” I told him blushing

He kissed my hand and tried to kiss me but I pulled myself away

“I..I ..”

“We shall take it slow” he said rubbing my back and kissing my forehead

I saw Kabir and Geeta watching us. I shut my eyes tightly and hugged Veer closer. He hugged me too and we fell asleep.

The next day was our anniversary, I woke up early. Veer was still asleep and I looked at him and felt butterflies in my stomach. I smiled and touched his face for the first time. He moved a little. I quickly removed my hand and left the room.

I heard Veer was up after an hour and was getting ready. He said he would get the stuff for barbecue ready while we were having breakfast.

I nodded. We didn’t wish each other as we never did!

I went to his room and took out his clothes from his closet and put them in a closet in my room. Veer was arranging for lunch in the porch.

I went to take a shower and came out dripping wet and pulled out his shirt from the closet and wore it.

I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself. Just then

“Hey Heer, Himanshu called...” Veer said entering the room

I looked at him through the mirror. He saw me and said

“Sorry the door was open.” And immediately backed off

“Veer” I said

He stopped but didn’t look at me

“Happy anniversary” I said

He turned around and walked to me

He touched my wet hands and slowly whispered

“Happy anniversary to you too Heera!”

I shivered while he slowly brought his hands up to my shoulder and kissed my neck. I closed my eyes. He waited to see if I was okay with it.

I didn’t move but waited for him to love me!

He smiled to himself and turned me around and I hugged him making him wet in the process!

He hugged me back and kissed my cheeks and my neck. He pulled my face near to his and whispered

“I love you, Heer” and was about to kiss me just then the door bell rang.

I opened my eyes and sighed!

He laughed and said “they are here!”

He gave a peck on my cheeks and left to open the door!

Now:

Paul nodded at me and I said “Okay”

Geeta and Kabir gave me a thumbs up sign! I smiled

He left us and came back with his guitar.I had asked him to help me surprise Veer with a song which I loved when we were young!

Geeta and I were romantic movie buff. Once in a while Veer would join just to tease us. Once, we were watching a romantic musical on TV and I fell in love with a song that the actors sang in the movie and said to Veer

“I would love to sing that song to the person I love”

He said “For that you first need to get your heartbroken by someone, silly”

Paul began his strums, and I began to sing. Veer looked around shocked and sat down quietly on the couch with Jessie on his lap. He remembered the song and our conversation we had when we were young.

I had my heart broken and I have fallen in love!

Himanshu was smiling at me and Paul.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3Ztq2hu5Kg

I walked towards Veer and he got up with Jess still in his arms. Himanshu took Jess from Veer as we stood there facing each other with tears in our eyes.

I could feel the spirit of Kabir and Geeta leaving us happily forever to be at peace finally!

Paul continued to play his guitar.

I hugged Veer and stayed in his arms. Finally the destiny won!

Himanshu went over to Paul with Jessie in his arms and sat next to him and kissed him.

“She finally found happiness” he told him

“Yes…and she found love” Paul completed.

Veer and I walked down the garden arm in arm. We stood there facing each other and

I told him without any hesitation

“Veer”

“Hmmm”

“I love you”

He squeezed my hand and smiled happily

 “Ask me now, Heer” He said smiling

“What?”

“You know” he said squeezing my hands

Something crossed my mind

“Kiss me now, Veer” and before I could complete, he pulled me into his arms and kissed me like the world was going to end.

We were lost in each other arms.

I gave another chance at love!

The End