Loved you then, love you still, and will always.

CH 1. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

 Wedding bells of a close buddy.

 I was supper exited, and why not? It's my best friends' marriage. She was senior to me. So, got married, when I was still studying.

 Aaruhi and I stayed as neighbors all our life till now. We were in same school, till she joined college. Then, I followed her in college also. After her graduation and my 12th, we both decided to go to pune for our further studies.

When I started my journalism course and Aaruhi was doing her MBA. Her father got a perfect match for her. Hemant was a CA, working with an MNC, a good-looking guy. In short, he was a perfect boy any father would pray for his daughter.

They got engaged. It was no doubt a perfect couple.

Here I am enjoying my best friend's every single left moment with me. No doubt we are going to be friends for life but, there would be many restrictions for us. I can't see her, meet her any time I want to. But, a best friend has a special roll in your marriage.

Here i am. Aaruhi's best friend. Preparing for a surprise on her sangeet night.

Hi, I am Mishti. Don't go on my name I am not Bengali. I am a Punjabi. Yes, I love to drink. We Punjabis' do two things very proudly one is dance and other is drinking. Yes, I love being Punjabi.

coming back to my introduction. I am Mishti Arora. I am in my teenage.

Here I am so much panicked. The person, who choreographed this sangeet who also happens to be the cousin of Aaruhi, whom I have sent to prepare my props is to be seen nowhere.

I am racing back and forth when someone said " hey Mishti where have you been? Aaruhi is looking for u." I race towards her room when a hand came to stop me. It was her cousin whom I had sent for preparations. Huh I sigh of relief. I guide him where to keep all that stuff and turn when I hear that the groom has arrived. I was super exited to meet my brother-in-law whom I call Jijs.

Since there engagement we got along nicely and became friends.

I turned to his direction. I waive hi to him and as I approach him. I gave him a gentle hug.

What was that? I felt someone has clicked my picture. Oh, Mishti stop reading love stories. Hemant is star of the eve, so someone has clicked his pic. I feel dumb. I great him and had a brief conversation with him. Later I start towards Aaruhi's room. I am sure she must have panicked by now. Since morning she was having cold feet.

I can understand her. I console her and we walk towards the stage. Every single person from her family knows me since we are childhood friends. I made her settle in her seat and started mingling around. I got along with her cousins so well. One of her first cousin introduced me with someone.

His name is Aman, Aman Mehara. He is also one of Aaruhi's cousin. Wow Punjabi! Dark brown eyes, elegant look, quite stylish, he was also in his teenage. As I saw him world around me had completely stopped. My stomach had so many butterflies. I don't know that he noticed me or not but as we exchange a handshake, I skip a beat. All I could focus on, were his eyes. Oh my god! What's just gotten into me. I must move from here; else he would call me crazy.

I walked from there and started meeting others when something reminds me that I had met him before, but we were kids at that time. So, no point in reminding him. Don't know whether he remembers or not. It will be embarrassing if refuses.

It was my performance time. All I had was him in my mind. I closed my eyes and thought this must be the best for Aaruhi. Focus Mishti, focus. I must give her the best performance.

I started with my dance. All I could see was Aaruhi who was jumping at her place. All I could see her glittering eyes. She was so happy and touched by my performance. She knew I was performing but she didn't know that I am going to do all this. It was a tribute to our friendship. When I finished, she just ran in to me? We both became emotional.

It was Aman's turn now. I didn't pay much attention to it, because I was busy talking to everyone else. I must tell you guys that I am a very naughty girl. I can't stay quiet for long. Later the dance floor was open for all.

When all of us were dancing Aman was quietly sitting near our group watching us. I saw him staring at us. His look was so intense. Oh my god those eyes! That black shirt! both became my weakness. Mishti what are you doing thinking about something impossible. I decided to enjoy this dance. But could not stop myself from looking at him again.

looser you are Mishti, such a looser you are.

He was still looking at us. I decided to act cool. I invited him to join us. After insisting two three times and he constantly refusing, i gave up and I came back to join my group.

Some other girls from our group went and invited him and he accepted. It was an insult on my face. Let me see who it was. Oh! its Ahana my friend from Mumbai. I felt as if someone just slapped in my face. Why man? seriously? he accepted for her? I was upset. Ever since I saw him, I was behaving strangely. Ahana is no doubt a beautiful girl. Anyone would choose her over you Mishti. still, I was jealous. I think his charm worked upon me.

But when he joined us, he stood in front of me. He was dancing with her and looking at me. Mishti! what the hell are you doing? you are giving him direct clue of what's happening with you. Hell, yar Mishti get a grip. Stop acting like those girls who would run after him.

Ch 2 FLYING HIGH LIKE A BUTTERFLY

"Hey, can we talk for a moment." I turned to face him.

Wow! it's him, Mr. Intense eyes.

"Yes, Aman tell me". Mishti! what are you doing? Who talks like that? He is going to find me dumb and escape from here. Now find some better line to add. "You need anything?" wo ho Mishti! you are a real looser. He is Aaruhi's cousin why would he ask you for anything. I know he is going to reply, you are a guest here miss, keep that in mind. He keeps staring at me.

"Actually yes, I need a favor." Now he is going to make fun of your big mouth Mishti. "I want to visit Golden Temple. As we are in Amritsar some real fool will miss the opportunity to see the real beauty." Won a point Mr. Intense and you earn a negative point Mishti. He is sweet though. Now stop staring and reply and this time it should be good.

"Yes, off course, though I was hoping for you to ask me, my friend's no,the one, who was dancing with you, Ahana." Someone should order shoot at sight order for me. He was shocked. Then playfully gave me a wink. "Oh that? I will find out that on my own." What have I done yar? He must me taking me as a easy chick to fall in his arms who is jealous because he was with someone else.

No!! how can I be so dumb? I should reply now. "We will go tomorrow after Aaruhis Haldi." He nodded. He was turning to leave when I asked him "Will you be up for a help?" He gave me a questioning look.

 "Hemant wants to meet Aaru, after this sangeet. I am supposed to arrange their meeting, but I need a guy with me, so that no one will suspect Hemant to go on terrace."

Now he understood "so you want me to take him with me upstairs and if anyone asks we can tell that we are going to drink and talk up there."

" Yes, exactly."

 "Smart girl!" he replied looking at me with the same intense look. And, here I am, saying to myself I will get some alone time, to know you better. Plus, if he misbehaves, I will have a reason to resist for him. Good idea Misti.

Sangeet was over like a Punjabi's sangeet should end. Everyone was drunk. I quietly take Aaruhi for changing her cloths and Hemant also went to change. But I didn't get time to change. Aman as decided knocked on Hemant's door and in front of his friends he invited him for a drink. They were all about to sleep, so nobody suspected them. When I saw them going upstairs, I took Aaruhi upstairs. When we reached Hemant didn't west a minute and took Aaruhi to the room. I looked at Aman. It was a bit awkward.

Finally, he broke the silence. "Beer?" he showed me the two beers he was holding in his hand, which he used as an excuse to call Hemant upstairs. I took one. We settled on the floor as there was nothing to sit upon. He was a real gentleman. He sat down first and then gave me a hand to sit next to him.

Because I was wearing a low cut lehenga it was difficult for me to sit down without showing my thigh. He was glancing at his phone for some time till I adjust my dress. This was a sweet gesture. I don't know whether it was alcohol or him sitting next to me. I was feeling like a butterfly. I

 was flying.

Ch 3  MISHTI TO CHUTKI 

The night went in flash. I woke up with a lot of fatigue. I was tired like hell. But i had promised Aman. Oh God poor me I am really pushing myself for him. That too only for spending some time alone with him. Mishti you are gone. I blush as i remember the last night when we were talking.

I got up from bed and dialed Aman's number.

"Hey"

"Hi"

"So till what time you will be ready to leave."

"I was waiting for your call only."

"Great then will come in an hour to pick you up."

"I think i should come"

"Its alright you are new to the city i will come to your hotel and give you call so that you come downstairs"

"Sounds like a plan!"

"See you in 60 then"

"See you"

As i put down the phone the next thing worries me is what should i wear? I rush towards my wardrobe. Suddenly I became very cautious about how I look, which is exactly opposite to my nature. It might be firstly because Aman my Mr Intense eyes is exceptionally good looking and hot. I surely don't want to look clumsy in front of him.

I feel like i have imprinted on him. I took a quick shower and got ready. Mishti this is 10th time you saw in mirror before leaving. God he surely has an effect on you. I was wearing simple denim and a white top. I don't want him to think that i overdo something for him.

I took my bike and left for his place. As i reach there i gave him a call to come downstairs. He quickly agreed. I was getting impatient to see him, when he finally arrived. My eyes were wide open to see him he was looking so handsome. I was so captivated by his look that i didn't even realize when someone talked to me. Rishi, last night's choreographer, was standing besides me and laughing.

He snapped me out of my thoughts. Then I saw around and realized that Aman called all his cousins to join us to go to Golden Temple.

What? No!

He literally gathered everyone from last nights dance group. Ahana was also there. What were you thinking Mishti? You really thought your charm would work on him. You are not as beautiful as Ahana. For a guy like Aman a girl like you doesn't even exist and here you are dreaming about you. He must be used to deal with girls like you. I was feeling bad. Aman called his car and driver along. that driver asked me to sit in front seat so that I can show him the routs.

No google maps were available those days. I settled in front seat. I asked Aman if he wants to sit besides me. But, he preferred to sit next to Ahana. Off course! And why not? I recalled his words that he will help himself to talk to her and get her number.

I looked once at him he was busy talking to her. As if I don't even exist. He was totally ignoring me. I was cursing my self every minute when i was there with them. Why did i even agreed to show him this place.

He was talking to Rishi and i was lost in his thoughts. He said something to Rishi showing at me. I raised my eyebrow and asked Rishi whats it about. He said ask Aman he nicknamed you. I gave a questioning look to Aman when he said one word "Chutki". I asked him "why this name Chutki?"

He said "you are just like her." I was like "like whom?". He started humming a Music. I tried to guess. "Dil to pagal hai?" He nodded. Then i said " no its DDLJ". He smiled. Now i remember the character.

It was strange to be nicknamed by him. Danger ahead he is going to friend zone you Mishti. Since that time he started calling me by that name. Though i realized later that i like it when he calls me by that name.

I showed them Golden Temple. Showed them every detail about it. I still get goosebumps when i see its beauty. Then we sat there for some time. Aman was still sticking to Ahana like glue. He did not know that i was loosing hopes. While returning I was sitting next to him unexpectedly. He still did not talk to me. Rishi saw some discomfort in me and asked me is everything ok. I signaled him with my thumb. When i was doing this Aman looked at us.

Later we came at the hotel where we started i was parking my bike there so even i came with all of them. Aman invited us to him room for chitchatting he said he will change and come with me so that he can be there at function hall on time. Everyone were sitting as they got place. Rishi was sitting next to me to reassure me a little. He definitely had understood that i was not ok.

Aman took up his bag and asked Rishi to sit somewhere else and kept that bag next to me. As he opened it he asked "Chutki what should i wear tomorrow for reception party?" I thought he is just casually asking he will decide on his own. He asked me again "tell na."

I looked at both the options. He is no doubt handsome in whatever he wears. Ahana replied excitedly pointing at a white shirt that he should wear it now and blue and white combination tomorrow. where as i suggested the opposite. He said he won't change now he took the shirt i suggested in his backpack. I was smiling again.

when we reached the function hall i went to get ready for pheras. I needed to get ready fast and help Aaruhi also. I was wearing the same combination as him and kept my white saree for next day. As i saw Aaru i got emotional. My best friend was getting married. She was looking exceptionally beautiful. I quickly took some kajal from my eyes on my finger and put a Kaala tika behind her ear.

Yes i wanted to protect her from negative energies. I said " love you! I am going to miss you badly." We both became emotional.  

 

Ch 4  DISAPPOINTMENT

As we were walking for the phera’s place I saw Aman. I was shocked when I saw him. He was not wearing the shirt I suggested. In fact he was wearing what Ahana suggested him to wear. Mishti u should have known this.

He saw I was shocked looking at him. He did try to talk to me. Mishti u can’t control what he does u have no rights over him. I can understand he clearly wanted to follow Ahana. Still I don’t know what exactly I was expecting. I don’t know why I am thinking all this.

Everyone was enjoying there. But me I was just pretending. Why am I so disappointed? I was lost in my thoughts when Aman came n blocked my way. “What?”

He gave me a puzzled look. “Why are you all of a sudden ignoring me?”

“Who? Me? Why would I ignore you? Can’t you see I am busy?”

“Oh”

“Why did you change your shirt didn’t it suit you?”

“Oh, that actually I brought it here in my bag pack na. So it got few wrinkles upon it.”

Wow Mishti that was easy to get out of him. What did u think he will accept that he changed it to impress Ahana?

The rest of the time I made myself busy so that I can avoid him.

Anyway tomorrow it’s my friend’s reception party. I have to finish all my responsibilities tonight.

Ch 5 THE WEDDING DAY

Yesterday I completely ignored Aman and I was successful doing that. I was very disappointed that I didn’t even talk to him properly. I don’t know exactly why I was doing this? But what I am going to do today?

Later he didn’t ask me anything. I actually wanted him to come and ask me. That why are you sulking Mishti. But we are talking about Mr Intense here. He won’t act like normal guys. He won’t even try to talk to you at this point when you are mad at him

The day went by like this. Later in the evening I was getting ready for the reception party. I was wearing a white saree, which was supposed to match with his shirt but that stupid turned the situation.

I asked myself looking at the mirror again n again, why am I doing this? I got my answer. I wanted to look as beautiful as Ahana. I wanted to earn all the attention from Aman.

Why him Mishti? U still want to attract him? In fact you think you can?

Still I wanted to be nice with him now. What I did yesterday with him I was feeling bad that I behaved like a kid.

“Mishti” My mom was calling me. As I came out of my room she said that I am looking good. I am sure I was blushing that time. We walked in to the function hall together. I was searching for Aaruhis room. As a makeup artist was making her ready she was transported to a new room.

I knocked. When I saw her behind the door sitting in a beautiful dulhan ka joda I was flattered. She was looking exceptionally beautiful. Then everyone came to take her on the stage. Suddenly I was feeling left out. As no one was there with me the only option I had was to be next to my mom. I was standing by her side till he approached me. As he came close his face had a different smile which was getting wider and finally, he burst out in to the laughter. He was calling me Aunty.

Am I seriously looking like an aunty? But how can I? I did so much to impress him and here he is laughing and making fun of me. I wanted him to look at me like he looked at Ahana.

How could you Mishti? How could you compare yourself with Ahana?

A tear rolled on my cheeks. You are nothing in front of her. What do you think why would he listen and change what he was going to wear? When I hide my tears successfully from him I saw he was wearing the same shirt as the sangeet night.

Did he read my mind? I think he did. As I looked at him he was still laughing. Later we all had our dinner. As we all were in a group we all decided to spend the night chitchatting in a group. The next day everyone including Aman was supposed to leave. I went to ask my mom dads permission. They were cool parents but to spend this night I had to go to one of my relative’s house.

I quickly changed in to my night suit and said to my aunt that I was leaving. She immediately scolded me. According to her none of a sansakari family girl would spend such night in boys group. Finally, I had to listen to them and informed others that I won’t come. Aman must have thought that i don’t trust them.

Oh god what should I do now? I could not sleep the whole night. Early in the morning I went to look for Aman to at least say proper good bye to him. When I went there he was sleeping. I couldn’t wake him up. I came back and lied on the sofa. Since I didn’t sleep the whole night when I dosed I don’t know. When I woke up I realized that he already left.

Shit I couldn’t even see him for the last time. I ran on terrace and cried for long time.

Ch 6 GO SLOW WITH HIM

For few days I was very upset because I didn’t have the courage to call Aman. One thing I have understood I didn’t matter to him that’s the reason before going he didn’t even tries to meet me.

Mishti you have fallen in a one sided love. You won’t be able to see him again now. You were just another girl in the crowd for him. Well done Mishti this state is going to make you feel even worse. I doubt that mom is going to understand what I m doing though. No, this is not a right time mom should learn about this.

 “What’s wrong with you Mitu? You seem lost in thoughts these days. Aren’t you going to tell your mom?” mom said. (Mitu is my pet name.)

Oh Mishti you are screwed.

The phone bell rang. Mom picked up the phone and started talking. She was enquiring about someone. I again lost in thoughts when mom called me. When she stood in front of me I don’t know.

She said she was calling me since two minutes. I asked why? She said the call is for me. I thought its Aaruhi. I picked the receiver n said “hello”

“Hello”

  It’s not Aaruhi. It’s Aman!

“How are you?”

“Good and you?”

“Its long you didn’t call me after I left. You didn’t even come to say bye to me.”

“I had come in the morning while you were sleeping that day. later; I fell asleep since I was a bit tired.”

“Oh”

“I thought you didn’t want to meet me.”

How can I answer this? Aman you stupid I wanted to meet you. Say that I loved you and bid a proper bye to you so that we can be always in touch. No, Mishti don’t even dare to say anything like this to him.

“Would you like to be in touch?” yes this is good. Go slow with him.

“Yes”

“Friends?”

“I thought we already are friends.”

“Sorry don’t want any confusion.”

“Friends”

“Bye”

“Bye”

Wow he actually did call you. I was over the moon. I could climb on the sofa and jump high like a little girl. Mom called me “Mitu!”

I signaled her what. She said “till now you were so lost in thoughts and now you are smiling what’s going on?” Yar these moms they are one step ahead of us. I was searching for an answer when I got an idea.

I said “mom Aaru got married. I feel so alone here. I have no friends left. I want to go back to Pune.”

“Oh yes your classes will resume soon. Till now you were living with Aaruhi now we need to find you a new roommate.”

I came back to Pune. I got busy with my collage, submissions and studies. Me and Aman now started talking frequently. We used to share things with each other.

I was feeling better. I know he is a living god. He is too good for me. I am no one in front of him. I was so sure that he can’t ever fall for me, that’s why I was happy in his friendship. At least I am getting to talk to him. May be some day I will tell him what I feel for him, but certainly not so soon.

Ch 7  THE CONFESSION BEGINING OF THE NEW STORY 

Time passes. Me and Aman we were getting close. We used to fight, we used to sulk, and then we would call each other and forget things. I knew I have fallen for him deeply and as for him. He used to treat me like a good friend. He would get possessive at times but that shows a typical Indian guy in him who would do anything for his concerned person’s safety.

He used to scold me when I would stay late out of my hose. Whenever I used to ask him about his behavior he would give me some or the other excuses. Oh Aman I wish you would ever fall in love with me and I would love to see the possessive lover in you. I will do anything for your love.

One day the whole time I was busy with my friends. I went out to party with them. Drinking and partying with friends including guys and girls both. This triggered the possessive side of Aman. He was fighting with me.

I called him. He picked up my call.

“Hi”  

“Hi”                                                      

“Where were you? You didn’t talk to me since morning.”

Be nice Mishti. Don’t be rude. “Sorry Aman I was busy with my friends. We were partying together.” Good start for now. Be calculative.

“Guys or girls”

He is making me crazy. “Both”

“You went out for drinks with guys. Do you even care about your own safety? Or always I will have to tell you, what to do and what not.” Really, he thinks I am a kid. If he doesn’t stop here I will give him hell now.

“Oh come on Aman I was not alone. There were other girls also.”

“Yeah”

“What’s wrong with you Aman you being so possessive these days? You weren’t like this before. Does something changed between us? Why you behaving like this? I don’t understand.” I was burning with rage of anger. How can he talk to me like that.

“Mishti yar why don’t you understand I care for you.” I think I am melting. I want to slap myself for being so week.

“Yes I can see that, but Aman I have my own life too. I have my choices. Besides I am a big girl I can take care of myself.” No way, I am giving in so easily for cuteness.

“Really? It doesn’t show in your acts.” I can hear him sigh so loudly. I know he is mad at me.

“Why are you so much worried? I was with my friends. Won’t they take care of me like you are doing? You are behaving so strangely these days. Tell me why?” I feel bad already that I am torturing him but I have to take things out of him. I am sure he is giving me hints.

“Mishti it’s so simple. Can’t you understand that much also?” if it’s so simple why can’t you speak up.

“Aman I told you before also I don’t want any confusion. Tell me clearly.”

“It’s because I like you duffer.”

“What?” Finally, I felt like I am going to shout, but I had to control my emotions. It’s just I like you, Mishti, make sure, before you confess anything.   

“Yes, you heard me right. I love you.”

Oh god you better not be playing any prank with me Mr Intense otherwise I am going to kill you.

“Where did this come from now? Since, when?” Aww, he is so cute like this. Don’t stew so much Mishti.

“Since, I saw you first at Aaruhi’s sangeet. The way you danced, the way you were with me, I have understood, that this aunty is going to have a great chemistry with me”

Now I am going to faint. I can’t believe my ears. I don’t know what’s gotten in to him, but this is really so pleasant to hear. My heart is going to explode with joy. I was trembling for words. I am so scared. I don’t know how he is going to treat me in this. Is he serious about me? Or this is just a passing fling for him?

Mishti you can’t have all the answers right now. But I am scared to death. My legs are shaking. For now I don’t want to think about the future. I am ready to be with him whether this is a passing affair for him or something long term. I will see as it comes.

“Mishti, are you there?”

“Yes.”

“Why are you silent then? Don’t you like what I just confessed?” How can I explain him? Aman I was dreaming every day and night to hear this.

“It’s not that Aman. I was just thinking about the consequences. You know we won’t be able to convince our parents so easily. ” What a spoiler at such a beautiful moment!

“Look yar I don’t want to think about it now. We have got so much of time. We will figure this out as the time comes.” He is talking about time means this is not very short time. I can give him chance to clear my doubts.

“You have a point. Things might fall into places on their own!” I don’t want to lose you so easily Aman. I am scared.

“So?”

“So?”

“What you think?” I feel dumb founded. He wants your answer idiot.

“I love you too Aman. I always did since the day I first saw you.” That’s perfect now. I am on cloud nine. I am sure I am blushing.