CHAPTER 13(B): "...two steps far from you"
[NOTE: The lyrics in quotes (“...”) are being sung and the ones not are in the background. Blue are male lines, the pink are female and red are duet.]
“Don’t you ever say I just walked away
I will always want you
I can’t live a lie, running for my life
I will always want you”
- Wrecking ball, Miley Cyrus
----FLASHBACK CONTINUES----
Tuli says talking on the phone which was balanced between her right ear and shoulder taking her oven mittens off setting them on her lap: "I have a question for you Katya." as she sits in front of her four friends as she holds the phone properly.
From the other side Katya: "Yes?"
Tuli asks cheekily: "When are you going to start dating again?"
Katya's cheeks turn red trying to hide her face in her sweater paws: "Uh I don't know Tutu." while speaking on the phone which was on speaker and kept on the table in front of her.
Ishaani coos: "Want me to hook you up? I know some people that will love you." sitting besides Katya as they both were talking to Tuli.
Tuli scoffs from the other side: "Do you remember that last time you 'hooked' her up? It was with a downright idiot."
It was true; Ishaani hooked Katya up with her friend Danny, at first he was really nice but after they started dating he was mean. He made fun of Katya's room because it was bright pink and filled with stuffed animals that were everywhere. He even made fun of Katya's clothes because they were too childish and girlish. I mean hello they've been dating for a while and he hasn't notice that Katya was far from slut-types. The day Katya ended it with Danny was when she had cried because she burnt her finger on the stove taking out the cookies. She made for her elderly neighbor Ms. Iris who lives next door. She always came over to help clean her house and sometimes she would give away her little antiques to Katya because the elderly woman knew how much she likes collecting things that are colorful.
Anyways she cried because burning your finger on the stove freaking hurts, and Danny just groaned calling her a bitch for crying. Of course that made her cry even more because she despised that word, being called the b-word was never a good thing to be called. She knew that because when she was little some angry man called her mother that and her father went ballistic. In the end she was in the back of the car listening to her mother's sniffles, her dad had turned around and spoke with a stern voice, "Katya, don't ever say that word to anyone, man or women because it's a disgusting word. You understand?"
Since then she has never in her life spoke of that word. But she remembers her dad telling her that if someone had called her that then she should stop associating with them right away. So Katya had kneed where it hurts the most then punched his nose hard and rushed out the kitchen to find Hazel and when she did, she told her everything that happened. In the end it was taken care of, well actually Ishaani did considering she was the one who gave Danny a black eye other than the broken nose Katya gave.
After that Katya's been unsure of dating because what if she finds another guy like that? Love was supposed to make you happier than ever, Katya was happy but she just wants a guy to make her the happiest. She just wanted a companion, like how her Minnie had Mickey, how Cinderella had Prince Charming and more importantly, like how her dad had her mom.
Katya mumbles: "Boys think I'm weird." fidgeting with her sweater sleeves.
Ishaani contradicts: "Nuh uh, you’re different. Different is good, if they can't handle then kick ‘em out."
Tuli agreed: "Yeah, you'll find someone that'll be as sweet as you." spoke from the other side.
Katya smiles her eyes crinkling slightly asked: "Really?"
Tuli replies: "Of course, we're gonna help you find the perfect guy someday." smiling as she speaks on phone.
Ishaani makes a face: "You know that's a movie right? The guy turned out being crazy as hell."
Tuli groans with an eye roll: "Shut up Isha!" making Katya giggle besides Ishaani, “Okay so I’ll hang up now and call you guys later... Take care Katya and let me know if you find someone, bye sweetie.”
Katya: “Take of yourself as Tuli and will let you know if something new, bye-bye!” as cheery as ever.
Tuli: “Party-monkey, try not to party too hard and take care of Katya, bye...”
Ishaani rolls her eyes: “I’ll party as much as I want, none of your business...and you don’t get to freaky with your Mister there missy, bye and call soon.” as the call ended and Tuli just shakes her head at her crazy friend.
Seeing her ending the call Samar asks: “Who were you talking to?”
Tuli looked up at him and saw not only Samar but her other three friends were also looking at her for answer. So she replied: “Just my very close friends from London, Isha and Katya.”
Hearing the names one caught Arnav’s attention and he asked: “Did you just say Katya..?” this made others look at him as well.
Tuli nodded with a very confused look on her face: “Yes..?”
He questioned further: “Does your friend have elder brother..?”
She replies: “Yes, in fact two elder brothers to be precise...” still confused.
Arnav: “Neev and Abir Ahlawat..?”
Tuli: “Yes... you know them?”
Arnav also bit surprised: “You’re friends with Neev and Abir’s baby sister...how?”
Tuli: “Our families are friends since...I don’t know, as long as I can remember. But I never knew you... you know Katya too?”
Lavanya who was listening till now got jealous thinking that this Katya might be Arnav’s some sort of ex and asks gritting her teeth in anger: “Is this Katya girl one of your ex or something..?”
Tuli and Arnav looked at her wide-eyed and he immediately says almost shouting: “What? NO! She’s not my ex or something... I don’t even know her!”
Lavanya still fuming and not believing him: “But you’re asking about her like you know her...you know her brothers’ name and you’re telling me you don’t know her, like really Arnav?”
Arnav shaking his head: “Yes I mean I know her but I don’t really know her... I- I... how do I even explain it to you..?” feeling totally at loss of words. Then he took a deep breath for a moment and carefully said, “Look I know Katya... I mean I just heard about her a lot but never met her.”
Lavanya just continued giving him murderous glare and Tuli still sporting confused look all over her face: “I don’t understand...” even Samar and Anjali who were present seemed confused as well.
Arnav breathed out deeply replies: “Actually I know Neev and Abir since high school, in fact they’re very good friends of mine even though they were my seniors. I know them since we were in same Rugby team in High school and University; they talked about their baby sister a lot. Also their father, Kabir uncle was sort of my mentor and he too spoke a lot about Katya, so much so I felt like I knew the girl. But in all these years of knowing them I never met Katya... maybe once or twice I could’ve but we seem to always miss each other...I don’t know how she even looks, just seen her few baby photos.”
Tuli thoughtfully comments: “Oh, well I think you and Katya would’ve become great friends if you guys had met but oh well...”
Arnav don’t say anything about her comment rather asks: “Well what you were talking about Katya dating an idiot..?”
Tuli casually answers him without outing much thought as to why he asked: “Actually Katya has forever been single, so Isha tried to hook her with some guy she knew. But turns out that dude was some crazy player who just wanted to get in her pants and he insulted Katya too. So it’s safe to say the guy ended up with black eye, broken nose and gone for good.”
Arnav raised a brow: “Really, was that dude crazy messing with Katya knowing that she had two elder brothers..?” and Tuli nods, “Some crazy guy was that who thought it was good idea to mess with Neev and Abir’s baby sister...” shaking his head.
Tuli shrugged and changes the topic: “Anyways, who wants to decorate these cupcakes with me..?”
Lavanya who felt relieved knowing her boyfriend shares no history with this girl and gave him an apologetic look: “I’m sorry for over-reacting.” but Arnav just shrugs his shoulder like it’s no big deal and she happily turns to decorate cupcakes along with others.
Taking a note of everyone distracted Arnav silently walks out of the kitchen to the balcony of Tuli’s apartment and leans on the railing lost in thought. Though he looked sober and calm outwards but if someone takes time to look carefully at him would be able to see his internal conflict in his eyes. Arnav was struggling to suppress all those feeling which he had worked so hard to bury in deepest corner of his mind but hearing that name once again brought it back all again which he worked so hard to forget. He hadn’t lied about never actually ever meeting face-to-face with Katya but he wasn’t completely honest either...he hadn’t mention one thing he never shared with another soul. Arnav still remembers that one brief glimpse he had of sixteen year old Katya at High school’s rugby season final game from a far for brief seconds when she was getting in car with her family and left his eighteen year old self mesmerized. In fact he never really got over what he had felt that moment he got glimpse of her nor did he understood it even now but that intense feelings are still are, if anything they seemed to gotten even more intense.
Arnav shook his head, redeeming himself: “Get over it, get a grip on yourself ASR...whatever it is just forget it. You’ve Lavanya now...just- just get over it...” as he stood almost dejectely trying to convince himself.
............................
25TH DECEMBER, 2009 – 09:20 PM
Samar asks: "Let's go on a walk." outstretching his hand for Tuli to take who nods taking it with a smile.
They both walked out of the cafe and along the road and Tuli says: "Let's go and see the Christmas tree." snuggling closer to Samar and he also pulled her closer walking down the street which was lit up with Christmas light and decoration.
Walking down the street they came at the big Christmas tree at the market center which was decorated very beautifully and stopped under it. Samar had his arm wrapped around Tuli and she was leaning on says: "They've really gone all out this year Sam." looking at all the decorations.
Samar replied: "Yeah, it's really extra special this year." as the palms of his hands started getting sweaty.
He pulled away from her making Tuli frown as she started saying: "What do yo- oh!" but exclaimed as he got down on one knee and pulled out the box with the engagement ring.
Samar started: "Tuli...." and she was already in tears, "Hey baby, calm down. I've not even said anything yet." laughing a little nervously making Tuli laugh wryly too wiping her eyes. So clearing his throat he begins again taking one of her hands into his hand that wasn't holding the ring, "Tuli Dobriyal, I love you with all my heart. I know we haven’t been together for too long but still it feels has if we’re with each other for years and my love for you grows more each and every day. I still love you as much as the day I first saw you...possibly even more. You’re a beautiful and caring person and have always been there for me 100% through the bad times. My family adores you and I cannot imagine my life without you in it. I want to grow old with you and I wish I could give you the world, so I’m starting with this ring right now. You are my best friend, the one person I couldn't imagine living without, the absolute love of my life, in my heart...my soul mate and to everyone else my girlfriend. And now I want you to become my wife...I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life as I’m about you. So Tuli, will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?" he said looking up at the tears streaming down her face.
Tuli screamed her answer: "Yes, yes, yes! A thousand times yes!" and jumped into his arms as she kissed him passionately while Samar slid the ring on her finger than hugged her tight. The people who had stopped watching the scene clapped but the pair was too lost in their own world to notice.
........................
ITC MAURYA, DELHI – 28/JULY/2010
Tuli stepped down the stage after congratulating the newly engaged couple smiling as she thinks about her fiancé, they need to start planning their wedding soon too. Looking around the hall and spotted Ranveer standing alone at one corner with a drink in hand brooding and made way towards him.
Nearing him she called out: “RV what are doing here..?”
Ranveer looked at her approaching him replied: “Nothing, just looking around...” shrugging his shoulder casually.
Tuli raised an eyebrow at him: “Why such long face, shouldn’t you be happy that you best friend is finally settling down..?”
Ranveer snots: “Settling down, my foot!”
She was taken aback by his response: “Whoa dude, why so harsh..?”
He replied flatly: “I can’t help it okay knowing my best friend is just making the biggest mistake of his life.”
She looks at him thoughtfully and as if bulb in her brain went on: “Oh, you’re sad ‘cause ASR is getting married soon while you’re still single... aww how sweet!” teasing him.
He rolled his eyes at her: “Look, just go find your lover-boy and annoy him...” wanting to be left alone.
Tuli frowned at his behavior now, she knew Ranveer for quite some time and talked to him when Arnav used to Skype. He's a goofy person and such grumpy behavior bewildered her and concernedly asked: “RV seriously, what’s wrong?”
Ranveer signed knowing he has to tell now, so taking deep breath her replied: “Lavanya isn’t right for Arnie.”
Tuli frowned: “What’re you talking about, what’s wrong with her? She is a nice girl and would be good for ASR.”
He replied solemnly: “Look I never said she isn’t a nice girl...she may be but she isn’t right girl for Arnie. I can see it; they both would be biggest disaster in history.”
She protested: “Dude don’t you see how much in-love they’re?!” finding RV totally absurd.
Ranveer looked at her passively explaining his view: “Well from where I see is that they both don’t just seem to share same opinion or same decisions...” she was about to say something but he didn’t let her continuing, “Don’t say that people don’t have same thoughts, I know that...what I meant that normally people try to understand each others’ point of view or compromise. But these two would never find a middle ground...there would always be constant fight for dominance and clash of egos over everything almost making things go south sooner or later.” having his keen eyes on the said couple on the stage who looked happy but if observed carefully one can see the tangible tension between them.
Tuli shakes her head disagreeing: “It’s nothing like that; you’re just over-thinking things...”
Ranveer cuts her off sharply: “See, I know that girl is you friend and all, but last time I checked I was the Behaviour Analyst, so don’t argue with me because I know what I’m talking about!” clearly showing his temper at the moment and he waved Tuli off leaving the place to control his temper while she kept looking at his retreating wearily.
***
ONE WEEK LATER
GUPTA MANSION – 08:00 PM
Tuli and Samar where just leaving and Anjali had come to door to see them off as Tuli said: “It’s good that Lavanya has finally started reacting, I hope she gets better soon.”
Anjali signed tiredly: “Yeah it’s at least a beginning but still gonna be a hard and long way.”
Samar nodded asking: “Anything new in Arnav’s condition..? What is the doctor’s saying..?”
Anjali replied: “Same, no change and they don’t know when he’s going to wake up...or if he is gonna ever. Also there is danger that he might have amnesia or something that sort when he walks up due that nasty head injury.” feeling the stress taking a toll on her.
Tuli put a hand on Anjali’s shoulder reassuringly: “Hey have faith everything will be fine.”
Anjali tried to return the gesture with slight smile nodded: “It’s hard but trying though.”
Samar: “It’ll get alright, by the way have you met Arnav’s family..?”
Anjali shook her head: “Last I saw them in hospital five days ago and we’ve been so busy with Lavanya that didn’t get time to think about them.” biting her lips nervously.
Samar nods: “Well than me and Tuli would drop by to see them also...if they need anything.” and nodded in agreement to his idea.
Anjali smiled gratefully at them and then finally bidding goodbye, Samar and Tuli got in car and left while Anjali closed the door signing heavily slopping against the door with her back on it tiredly. She gave out a tired sign as the stress hit her like in ton and felt exhausted and then straightened up to go to her room.
...........................
ONE MONTH LATER
KHURANA MANSION – 07:00 PM
Samar stared in disbelieve at both sets of parents and their request and it took him a minute or two to actually process what they had asked him. He shook himself and spoke: “Dad, Sashi uncle are you guys understanding what you’re asking me..? Me marrying Lavanya, are you guys okay?!”
Abhay says: “Samar we know what we’re asking and we want you to marry Lavanya... She is Sashi’s daughter and a very nice girl for you, so what’s so wrong in that?”
Samar exclaims: “What’s wrong?! Everything is wrong in that Dad, you know Lavanya is engaged to Arnav and loves him while I love Tuli... How can you even think like that?” than turning to look at his mom and Garima, “And Mom, Auntie how can you both agree to this?” totally feeling disappointed at them.
Sashi spoke: “Samar beta, I understand what you’re saying but Arnav is in coma for last one month and we don’t know when he’ll wake up or not and if he does, if he would in what state... Right now, there are so many uncertainties surrounding him and I want my daughter’s future secure. Please beta, just say yes to marry Lavanya I know you’ll be good for her.” pleading him.
Samar felt uneasy seeing Sashi pleading and he uncomfortably tried to make them understand: “Uncle I know you’re all concerned about Lavanya but try and understand me too...I love Tuli and I proposed her six months ago, how can I agree to your request and break her heart?”
Naina totally understood her son’s discomfort and initially she too hadn’t been favour of this but eventually scrubbed to her husband’s wish. She was about to say something but another voice spoke out: “Say yes Samar, I’ll survive the heartbreak...” everyone turned to look at the door to see Tuli standing there as she looked all them, finally settling her eyes on Samar says again, “Say yes Samar I know you want to because you don’t wanna disappoint your parents.”
Samar stood up starts saying: “Tuli I--”
She cuts him off addressing the elders: “If you don’t mind can I talk to Samar in private please..?” not looking at him.
Abhay replied: “Sure.”
Tuli mumbled a thank you and turned around making her way towards study, after visiting this house so many times she knows her way around. She knew Samar would follow her which he did as entering the study after her he shut the door behind him and turned to face her.
Samar started: “Tuli look I didn’t know anything about all this and- and-” feeling loss of words as to how to explain his situation.
Tuli was staring at him with a blank face which was seriously unnerving him making him squirm in his place. After staring at him for few moments she spoke carefully: “When I came to visit you today, I can’t know I did get to see what was happening. I know you don’t have any romantic feeling or interest in Lavanya but I can see that you want to agree to your parents wish as to not disappoint them...” he tried saying but she didn’t let him, “No don’t deny I can see that conflict dwelling in your eyes...how torn you felt. So I’m making this easy for you, Mr. Samar Khurana I free you from every commitment and promise you made to me.” as she removed her ring and taking his one hand put in his palm.
To say he was stunned was an understatement and he shook himself from it: “Tuli don’t do this...just- just give me time I’ll make everything okay again.” as he tries to grab hold of her but she steps back out of his reach.
Tuli shakes her head as put she put a brave face to not break down at the moment: “Don’t make it harder for me Sam; I know you’ll say no for our relationship now. But what about tomorrow...I know sooner or later the feeling of disappointing your parents will start affecting us, so better sooner than later maybe the hurt would be less.” she takes in a shaky breath before continuing, “I’ll apply for transfer or something and within this week I’m leaving Delhi one way or another... I can’t stay here anymore and the longer I do, the harder it will be leaving.”
Samar felt helpless though she didn’t show he can see the cracks in her armor but also knew what she was saying was also right. Still he tried: “Tuli please don’t do this, we’ll think of some other way...there has to another way.”
Tuli: “There is no other way, it’s this or that...no middle ground and I’m making it easier for you by backing out myself. This is it, goodbye Samar and I’ll always cherish what we had, it was the best experience I ever had...I wish you all the happiness and prosperity in life.” and dashes out quickly as her control started slipping but Samar had seen the tears starting to rolling down. He just stood there simply looking the way she ran off holding the ring that he had once slipped on her finger as he looked at it in his hand everything they shared came to him yet he couldn’t find it in himself to bring her back.
***
As Tuli had said and true to her words that day itself she applied for transfer in other branch and was off to Mumbai within that week. She didn’t see anyone except Arnav’s family before leaving and especially made sure to not come in front of Samar or let him see her wrecked state. Samar had said ‘yes’ much too both families joy and though Lavanya was hard to convince but Sashi Gupta knew how to make his daughter agree. So after three days of persuasion Lavanya had agreed also and with that news Tuli had left Delhi next day itself and even the Raizada family heard the news of Samar-Lavanya marriage from outside but didn’t do anything. They had to be for their son and not chase after people who just leave you when the first chance of dire need arrives, their Arnav deserved better than that and they’ll be there to support him when he wakes up.
Sashi Gupta was finally happy that Lavanya would be marrying someone who fits his description of eligible match for his daughter. So not wanting to waste time both families decided to have the marriage as soon and as possible which was why with two week Samar-Lavanya found themselves’ married to each other. At the beginning things were highly awkward and tensed between them though for the world they were the so-called ‘happily married’ couple. It took a month for them to get use to the idea and they both decided to give a fair chance to their relationship because they can’t live forever like this. Though truth to be told it was Samar who had thought it and talked to Lavanya as she use to avoid him like plague but when he talked to her, she agreed with him and that’s how they started working on their marriage.
................................
FOUR MONTHS LATER
Samar and Lavanya for a change this weekend instead of going on date they normally do were spending with their friends clubbing. So now the friends group was chatting and having fun time as the conversation flew between them.
Samar asks conversationally: “So Anjali when you are going Australia..?”
Anjali took a sip of her drink before replying: “Three days after Akash-Payal’s wedding, I’m all excited for every new experience Australia has...it’s a high point in my career.” smiling big in excitement.
Everyone smiled at her except Aman who just faked a smile as to not let anyone know but being around Anjali and pretending was getting harder as the memories of her harsh rejection few days ago. So after that things have been rough between them though Anjali always pushed Aman’s advances, few days’ back Anjali had been totally rude and shattered Aman. They haven’t talked about it to anyone and avoided each other as politely as possible.
Mayuri sipping her drink tells: “Talked to Tuli last week and she told me that she’s seeing someone for a while now.” as she looks at everyone.
Samar freezes at the mention of her and something pricks him hearing about Tuli dating someone else but what he do now, he lost all rights. So taking a deep breath and putting a fake smile: “That’s cool, she deserves to move on and I hope the guy is good.”
Yuvi smiles at him: “Oh he is, I actually talked to him and Karan is just cool, they make such a cute couple.” as he tells about the Skype chat with Tuli and her new boyfriend, Karan had along with Mayuri.
Samar nods stiffly at that and others smile knowing that finally Tuli is moving on for good. The topic shifts to Akash-Payal’s upcoming wedding which is in two week or so and everyone is excited, actually this is the last outing they could’ve before wedding as after this all are going to get busy. As the evening progressed with fun and folic, soon they were ready to leave as it was getting late and were walking out of the club. In the parking lot they were all saying their ‘Good night’ and about how they should plan next get-together soon while joking when Lavanya’s phone rang.
Everyone stopped laughing and Lavanya retried her phone from her purse and picked up the call with much checking the caller as she spoke: “Hello” as she heard from other side and replied, “Yes I’m Lavanya, who is this..?” after that whatever she heard made her go pale as the phone slipped out of her hand.
Lavanya knees felt wobbly and she almost going to fall down but Samar caught before she could fall down and everyone worried asked her what happened. For five minutes or so she was just in shock state of which she came out looking at all worried faces answered in seven words: “It was from hospital, Arnav woke up.” almost inaudible whisper and everyone froze in shock.
-----FLASHBACK ENDS-----
[SONG LINK:https://youtu.be/AY9blLYMKnI]
“Oooo oh oh oh...
Oooo oh oh oh...
Been sitting eyes wide open behind these four walls, hoping you'd call
It's just a cruel existence like there's no point hoping at all”
Arnav strummed guitar as sang the lines of the song, sitting on his bed and staring at the wall in front of him with an unsaid pain in his eyes.
“Baby, baby, I feel crazy
Up all night, all night and every day
Give me something, oh, but you say nothing
What is happening to me?”
His pained filled questioning eyes from staring at the wall went towards the door where Khushi stood leaning against with her arms crossed with a blank face looking at him.
***
“I don't wanna live forever, 'cause I know I'll be living in vain
And I don't wanna fit wherever
I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home”
Tuli looked at Samar as he quoted the lines to her again and it brought some bittersweet memories of past. She looks away from him and says: “You’re quoting Zayn Malik now, like seriously..?”
Samar replies: “Yes I did, is it working..?”
She shakes her head: “It’s not that easy as it used to be, we’re not like that we used to be...nor we can ever be.” as she looking down without meeting his eyes.
He nods his head in agreement: “I know we can never be like that but I’m willing to try, I’m not giving up again.” looking in her eyes with determination which made her look away as she felt her eyes burn with unshed tears.
I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home
I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home
***
I'm sitting eyes wide open and I got one thing stuck in my mind
Wondering if I dodged a bullet or just lost the love of my life
Lavanya sat on the window-seat of her room flipping through pages of album looking at the photos of frozen memories she had once shared with Arnav. Flipping through engagement photos and stopped at the photo of where she and Arnav were exchanging rings, brushing her fingers over smiling Arnav. She wondered if she had waited for Arnav to wake up than agreeing to her father’s wish to marry Samar than today she would’ve been happily married to Arnav.
Lavanya looked out the window to see Anjali with Aman as the both laughed holding hands and Aman kissed Anjali’s cheek staring at her lovingly, a look Arnav use to have for her but now only Khushi is receiving it. Every mistake Lavanya had committed and hurt Arnav where coming back to her but she didn’t know how redeem them as she felt like going crazy.
Baby, baby, I feel crazy
***
Up all night, all night and every day
Samar says looking at her: “I know Tuli you came back after knowing about the disastrous divorce I had with Lavanya. But I also I know that even though you came to for me because you love me but I know you haven’t forgiven me.”
Tuli stared at Samar with a vulnerably as she spoke: “You’re right Samar I came back for you because I love you but I haven’t forgiven you. You know that day when I let go it was my love for you...that my love had strength to let you go for you but apparently your love wasn’t strong enough to fight for me. I gave you everything; I loved like anything but you couldn’t love me like I did... It hurts to know that I was enough for you to fight for.” tears rolling down and for the first time they showed all the accusations and complains she had from him all these years but never expressed.
I gave you something, but you gave me nothing
What is happening to me?
***
Arnav looked at Khushi sitting beside him in the eyes as he sung and she sings the lines along with him:
“I don't wanna live forever, 'cause I know I'll be living in vain
And I don't wanna fit (fit, babe) wherever (wherever)
I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home
I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home
I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home”
He had missed this, singing songs with her; it’s their thing, something to share those unsaid feelings they can’t put in words and it works for them.
***
I've been looking sad in all the nicest places
Baby, baby, I feel crazy
Abir sat in chair with his beautiful Sana sitting in front of him on table as he kept gazing at her adoringly and she questioned him: “Why are you looking at me like this?”
He replied still smiling dazed: “Just admiring the most beautiful woman in my life.”
She tsk-ed him: “Tsk, kuch bhi...” feeling shy under his gaze looked away.
Abir chuckled seeing her getting shy as that happens of very rare occasion but he just loves when those rare moments happen. So to tease her further he proceeds: “What it’s true... I mean you made every head turn today but I’m the lucky guy who had you in my arms.” giving her a naughty-look.
Sana knew what he was play and throwing the momentary shyness out the window, she leaned forward and holding his chin seductively: “Say for yourself handsome, you look good enough to eat in this bad-boy look with leather jacket and all... I thought I might just have to kill one or two for you.” as she eyed lips rubbing his lower lip with her thumb and he kept mooning over her.
***
Neev silently entered in his room and saw his beautiful wife doing something with her back towards him. So with silent steps he sneaked behind her and though she immediately felt his presence but didn’t turn around. A smile graced Amaya’s lips feeling him pushing her hair aside and blowing lightly near her ear and she says: “You’re back?”
He replied: “Yes, I’m back to my Jaan...” as he turned her around to face him, “Sorry I got late today and wasn’t able to take you out like I promised to.” feeling guilty for cancelling their evening plans due to work pressure.
She smiled sweetly: “I understand we’ve tomorrow planned out so it’s all good. Anyways, you must me tired go freshen-up and I’ll go bring something for you to eat.” turning around to leave the room but was pulled back.
Neev stopped her, making her face him and he brushed a lock of hair of her face: “I had dinner out already, so I don’t need anything to eat except you...I missed you.” told her giving a dimple smile and she smiled back shyly looking down.
I see you around in all these empty faces
Up all night, all night and every day
***
Khushi held his bicep sings: “I've been looking sad in all the nicest places” it’s been a while since she and Arnav had spend time singing together like this.
Arnav prompted the chorus line: “Give me something, oh, but you say nothing”
Looking in his alluring grey eyes she adored so much, mirror to his soul which gave him away to her. She sings the lines as if telling him about her own state: “Now I'm in a cab, I tell 'em where your place is
What is happening to me?”
***
I don't wanna live forever, 'cause I know I'll be living in vain
And I don't wanna fit wherever
Samar put one hand on Tuli's cheek holding her close to him asking for the forgiveness he should’ve said long ago but hadn’t able to bring himself: “I know Tuli I did a lot of mistakes and I don’t deserve your forgiveness and nor do I deserve you love though for some weird reason I’ve that for myself yet I didn’t value it as I should’ve. I learned my lesson hard and that’s the reason I hadn’t asked forgiveness before, because I didn’t feel myself eligible to ask forgiveness from you. But now it’s enough and we both deserve to move on, you deserve to move on from the pain of past... so here I stand in front of you begging for forgiveness. Please take me back Tuli, I promise to love you better this time and to cherish you like I should’ve from the start...I know you don’t trust me yet, but I’ll willing to earn it back, you make you fall for me again and spend my whole life making-up to you... will you give me the chance to?” as he looked at her earnestly.
Tuli was sobbing openly by now and feeling robbed of words simply nodded ‘Yes’ as he wiped her tears smiling and promised himself to never let this angel slip from his gasp again.
I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home
***
Amaya cuts the vibrating phone as she eyed the bathroom door to see if Neev is coming out or not and quickly deleted the missed call from call history. She was switched off the phone and was about to keep it back but was caught red-handed as Neev grabbed her: “What are you doing?”
She had a ‘deer-caught-in-headlight’ expressing as she tried to get out of his hold: “Neev, what’re you doing? Please let me go...”
But he kept his hold on her: “No tell me what you are doing with my phone?”
She attempted to escape uselessly: “Nothing...just let me go...”
He playfully pulled her closer: “Oh I know what you were doing and I caught you red-handed...you deserve punishment.” pulling her in his arms, tickling her sides as she laughed trying to escape him and he only smilingly continued his sweet-torture.
I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home
I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home
***
Abir and Sana were sitting on the study table-chair area in their room and nowhere in seemed sleepy or intentions to sleep soon as they haven’t changed yet though their sitting position has changed; Abir sat on table and Sana on chair with her elbows resting in his lap. In the late night silence of the house the hushed whispers of conversation and their laughter echoed in their room as they talked about anything and everything.
Abir says smilingly: “I missed this, you know...” watching her affectionately.
She looked up him questioningly: “Missed what?”
He replied: “This...” pointing between them, “these late night conversations with you about anything and everything... watch you laugh at everything funny, even if you say it yourself. I missed this us and I’m happy we’re having it.”
Sana smiled at him sweetly: “Well now that you mentioned it, I missed it too...lately it had been so hectic with coming to India and all.”
Abir nodded: “Yeah tell me about it, I would’ve thought that people moved on her but damn are they stubborn stuck-ups?!” irritation clearly visible on his face.
She patted his knee lightly and says: “Well they’ll come around soon, I mean some of them have started to and the rest will also, don’t worry. Though I’m concerned about Lavanya and her arrogant sister, Anjali...they both don’t seem to giving up anytime and hopefully they don’t hurt Katya.”
He scoffs: “Those witch sisters can give their best shot; my baby-sis can kick their butts any day... And those two need that maybe than the fact could get in their thick skulls, I mean how much more delusional can one be? I seriously wonder what Arnav had even seen in her in first place to ever even date that woman, let alone being in such serious relationship.”
Sana too agreed on that one: “Ah huh, probably going to remain a mystery to us... By the way, Katya slamming Akash Khurana was funny though, wish I got to see it too.” bursting out laughing remembering about the incident in office that her husband told her about.
Abir too roared laughing out loud at the mention of the office incident and looked at his wife’s glowing face laughing with content. He leaned down smiling and pressed his lip on her forehead as they both continued to laugh, his life was bliss as long as he has her.
I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home
I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home
***
Khushi looked in the eyes softly singing: “I just wanna keep calling your name...”
Arnav completing the line: “...until you come back home” looking in her eyes adorning smilingly.
She sings the last line: “Until you come back home” staring at him with her devotion shining in her eyes and loving smile on her lips as reciprocated her smile with same affection.
*****
PRECAP: Arnav-Khushi day out with their cutie-pie daughter... some more flashback from Arnav’s P.O.V., maybe their first meeting.
........................................
[NOTE: Hello lovelies, I know I was M.I.A. was a while but what can I do my real life was pretty busy that I hardly got time for even myself from university work. I can only say sorry for making you wait so long and I hope this long chap makes up for it also I would be able to update faster now. Anyways, don't forget to comment on this I would like to know all opinions and what you think about the flashback? Also what do you all think how would ArHi first meeting might have been?
#P.S. : The song 'I Don't Wanna Live Forever' is by my two absolute favorite singers, Zayn Malik and Taylor Swift, I've literally been obsessed with song. So I'm song glad to incorporate this song in this chap...I hope you guys liked it too because I definitely had fun using it. ]
