#24--- IS THIS WHAT YOU CALL A PROPOSAL???...

The big day dawned  ...

The day started pretty early for them and it wasn't an every usual routine day. Both Aashritha and Arjun were getting dressed up from their respective homes. They did not want to look bad to their partner. 

Aashritha made plans for her surprise. She wore her favorite black sari which was a gift from her brother-in-law , who was desperately loving her and wanted to marry her. Aashritha wasn't interested in him and didn't bother the fact that it was a gift from him and was instead wearing it to impress someone else.

That clear bright beautiful face was just given the slightest of the touch-up to make it irresistible for anyone to turn their stares away if they're gonna look into her eyes. The kajal under the eye not only enhanced the beauty but also worked as a repellent from the vicious looks of the haters and gossipers. 

The perfectly knitted blouse of the sari with hands ending just near her elbow,the semi deep back cut was just a teasing for everyone to look out for. The golden border of the sari gave her a princess look and the way she carried herself in her not so high high-heels was the most adorable thing about her in that attire. 

It was no wonder when innumerable eyes fell on her while entering the college but she wasn't that interested in anyone of them except one and was looking out for that special one she wished to see. She was literally swearing all the three i.e., Arjun, Nihal and Neeraja. She informed them to be in the college premises well before the time she reached but there was no sign of both the guys nor her best friend who's always beside her normally.


Aashritha being the main coordinator for the whole fest got indulged in the activities and forgot the fact that the people she wanted to be present ditched her. She was very determined to end the fest on a good and successful note. She made people do all the arrangements and was getting tired by the minute.

Just then she hears a voice which she receives very clearly even amidst the heavy sound-boxes.

"You exhausted madam?"

It was Arjun. Aashritha's pale and tired face suddenly lit up and continued getting brighter in just the way in the HAPPY DENT WHITE advertisement and was interrupted by some junior who came to her for a query.

"Madam, where should I be placing the bouquets for the chief guest?", asked the junior.

"Keep it on my head!!! Don't you know that the Chief Guests would be coming on to the stage and you would be presenting them on the dais?? Come on!! please make use of your common sense too.", Aashritha blasted out furiously on the hapless junior, who left the place in a dejected manner.

A usually very cool Aashritha suddenly losing her senses and letting her anger out was ignited  because of the sudden appearance of Arjun into the scene. That sudden change in mood suggested that it was all the fury upon Arjun projected on somebody else.

Arjun walked up to her grabbed her hand and placed a rose in her hand and said, "Sorry, I was late. You shouldn't have got cross on that junior. I was late because I went to buy this rose."

"You're late by 3 hours and you were buying a single rose all the time?", Aashritha turned sarcastic.

"Yes, Of course, I was just buying a single rose. Please at least look at the color of the rose which took me over 3 hours to bring it in front of you?"

"Lavender? What's this for?", questioned in an angry tone.

"Lavender colored roses are the symbol for fascination and adoration. I've read it somewhere. Firstly, I was fascinated by your beauty and so I wanted to adore you with a token of appreciation."

[AASHRITHA BLUSHES AT THE REPLY FROM ARJUN. SHE GOT A LOT MORE COMFORTABLE TO THE ENVIRONMENT AROUND HER ONCE ARJUN WAS IN VICINITY. SHE ALWAYS FELT A SENSE OF SECURITY AROUND HIM]

"Thank you and it's so nice that you took time for me", said Aashritha.

"Anything for you, madam. Are you tired?", questioned Arjun.

"No, I'm not. Just feeling hungry", she replied.

"So, how about we go out and have our dinner together in some restaurant?"

"Good try, boss. But I'm sorry, I can't leave this place at any cost. The moment I get out of here, everything's gonna be a mess and I don't want a remark about my organizing", she said curtly.

" Okay then, that's fine. I won't disturb you", Arjun was disappointed.

[AFTER AN HOUR OR SO,,, A LITTLE KID HANDED AASHRITHA A MOBILE PHONE AND GESTURED HER TO TALK...IT WAS ARJUN...AGAIN]

"Hey, This is me, It's already late in the day, at least have something now. You've been starving all day long", Arjun was concerned about her.

"Oh! Come on! Arjun. You still haven't overcome it. You know what, this is the peak time where I'm most required over here and it's again the wrong time that you called me out", Aashritha felt sorry for Arjun and her situation.

"Okay, at least, Let's have some junk. I need to tell you something, and it's damn important. If you really feel that I'm worth your most important time then please come over to the terrace of the MECHANICAL BLOCK."

{AASHRITHA WAS NOW IN A GREAT DEAL OF DILEMMA. SHE WANTED TO SPEND HER TIME WITH ARJUN BUT AT THE SAME TIME SHE COULDN'T EXCLUDE HERSELF FROM THE ACTIVITIES ON STAGE AND IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG, IT'S ALL GOING TO BE HER FAULT. SHE BECAME TENSED AND WAS WALKING HERE AND THERE. JUST THEN A CLASSMATE OF HER WHO WAS JUST PASSING BY HER UNDERSTOOD THE SITUATION AND ASSURED HER THAT SHE WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE STAGE PROCEEDINGS AND THE NECESSARY THINGS AND SUGGESTED AASHRITHA TO GET HERSELF REFRESHED BEFORE MEETING ARJUN. AASHRITHA WAS HAPPY TO BE RELIEVED AND THANKED HER CLASSMATE WITH A HUGE HUG WHICH EXPLAINED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SITUATION TO HER.SHE REACHED THE TERRACE OF THE MECHANICAL BLOCK}

Aashritha phoned Arjun and suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. It was quite dark on that terrace but that touch made her feel safe as she clearly understood that it was none other than Arjun.

"Hey, what's all this? I said I was hell lot busy and you wanted to tell something at this very time?"

"Aah! Firstly sorry for interrupting your work. I knew you'd come for me as I'm a lot more important phenomenon to you than your boring college fest. I'll complete it very quickly and then you can freely work for your fest.

Aashritha, I don't know how to put this in front of you. I'm no expert in these things and this is my very first time that I'm speaking to a girl from such a close distance. I don't want to do it with anybody else except you.

 Every moment I spent with you is very memorable and is just like beautiful dream come true. I love you.

I don't know if we're that close enough so that I could propose you or at least think about getting into a relationship with you. I'm now feeling like I struggled myself to push a ton of weight off a mountain cliff. Very relieved actually. 

 I do know that I have a very good impression in your mind. Forgive me if I have done anything wrong to damage that image of mine in your heart. I felt that, I should at least let you know that I fell for you long back and took the whole time until now to present it in front of you.

okay to make it flimsy....I've mugged up some dialogues for you..kindly bear with me...
 It's not being in love that makes me happy. It's being in love with you that makes me happy.If I had to choose between breathing and loving you I would use my last breath to tell you I love you.

and last but not the least,

 

 You are elegantly exquisite today. Your angelic costume, radiant smile, shapely figure, charming and appealing face, admirable behavior, sublime character, divine voice, dazzling eyes, cute face, graceful walk and that's it."

"OH MY GOD!!!! Thaaat waas a hell lot of adjectives. Can I tell my answer tomorrow?"

"you reply me or not that's your wish. I just wanted you to know that's it. Sorry for making you wait. I brought your favorite Chicken Grilled sandwich and a bracelet, please be careful while chewing.

"hahaha.. Arjun. You're definitely the person I'd love to hang around with. Don't take this as my answer. I'll meet you tomorrow and let you know about my decision."

{TO BE CONTINUED...}

#23--- Finally!!! ...

Alas! It was Aashritha.

Arjun's heart skipped a beat for a second and then recovered. He was surprised to find the person who didn't attend him when he was sick but appeared when he was fine. Even though his mind bugged him to ask her the reason for her absence all these days, his heart was dignified enough not to hurt her with any of his words. 

He let it be, thinking that, 'why the hell should she come and meet me when I have a leg broken? Is she my lover or what? Stop thinking all this sh**. Go and greet her with a smile.'

He said, "Hey Aashritha, Long time no see? How are you madam?". 

Aashritha was shocked to find him talking to her in a pleasing and sweet tone rather than going all guns blazing on her. She smiled and said," Hey Arjun, how's your leg? I'm sorry, I wasn't available at your place during your times of pain and agony. I guess, you would have cursed me for not even visiting you?"

"It doesn't matter now, I'm perfectly alright. And, by the way, I haven't cursed you. So, how about the coffee that I missed some while ago?" questioned Arjun.
 He was not going to miss any chance of her being with him when she herself has come along with Neeraja to meet him.

"Sure. So you are not cross on me? That's very humble of you to forgive someone who's responsible for your pain". Aashritha wasn't letting Arjun to divert the topic instead she was feeling guilty for not meeting Arjun.

"Okay Nihal, you come along with Neeraja on your bike. I'll be coming with Aashritha. So that you two could also have your own privacy", Arjun was making the situation lighter for everybody present there.

{Aashritha's scooter:

Arjun: You know what's second to the happiness you get when riding your own vehicle?

Aashritha: Naah! You should probably know the answer.

Arjun: It's sitting behind a girl, you like talking to, and having an interesting conversation. That should be it coz this situation now has made me to have butterflies in my stomach.

Aashritha: Hehehe. I too feel the same each and every time I talk to you.

}

{CAFE- Neatly seated and waiting for their respective coffee...

Aashritha: Hey both of you are cordially invited to our college's fest being conducted by us. I'm gonna kill you guys if you're not available that day. I've got special surprise for you, Arjun.

Arjun: Sure then, I won't be missing the surprise, no matter what Nihal has to say.

Neeraja: Okay then. Let's meet up again on that day. It's getting late, my parents go crazy at me if I get 

Arjun: Ok then, That's fine buddy. You guys leave. And I promise you we'll be there for your fest and more importantly for your surprise Aashritha.

Aashritha: I won't be talking to you, if you are gonna break the promise. Mind You Arjun.

"Ok, fine baaba... I'll be there, don't worry", he gives them a send-off and gets back to Nihal.
"So, yeah, are you coming on that day Nihal?"

"Naah, negative! Neeraja and I have a date fixed on that day, so you should be the one who's gonna entertain your girl all day long that day. So, don't miss out on the opportunity", Nihal replied.

"Chalo it's getting late. We'll think about it later", said Arjun.

[The moment he entered his room, his mobile phone beeped in his pocket, he pulled it out and was smiling at the message which said .......

{TO BE CONTINUED...}

#22--- BEDRIDDEN AND WAITING...

{A week after the accident- Arjun's House}

Rajiv: So is that it?

Arjun: Yes buddy. That's what has happened until now. I'm actually humbled by your gesture.

Rajiv: Never mind bro. People are gonna get inspired by your love story and I will just be a transmitting medium about your life. And one more thing, I won't be meeting you any further and as you have already promised me earlier that you won't be discussing about the story with Aashritha.

Arjun: No, I won't. Thanks again for the help. I'll definitely keep up my promise. So, you need not worry.

Rajiv: Don't mention. So yeah, I'll have to leave, my readers have been waiting for the next episode from me. Take care of your health and all the best.

{2nd week:

Many relatives, whom Arjun hardly knows, come and go out of the house after showing their (fake) sad faces. There's no sign of Aashritha yet. 2 weeks have gone by

{3rd week:

Arjun's health condition almost recovered but not in the perfect shape. He couldn't find out why Aashritha was still not visiting him.His mood was brought back to senses when all his friends get by his side in the evening for their routine chit-chatting that they usually do at the sea shore. The usual pranks and the discussion about the happenings in the college. His fun quotient was not missing even though he missed his classes. Everything was neatly described to him with pin point detail to each and every element of the scene.

{4th week:

It's almost been a month since the accident occurred and still there was no sign of Aashritha. Arjun was getting irritated by the day and was adamant in getting his plasters removed quickly to meet Aashritha. His friends weren't understanding the fact, they were like 'why is he worrying about her when she's just a friend?' Arjun wanted to get out of his bed and free his legs from the burden he carried for the 2 fortnights' span.

{5th week:

Arjun along with Nihal at the hospital completed the billing and other necessary procedures were moving out of the hospital. On the way down the steps they were blocked by a huge old lady trying extremely hard to get down the steps. She wasn't moving quick nor giving way for the others. Both the friends were having fun at the back of her looking at her plight. Then Arjun asked her "Aunty, there's a lift in every floor, why don't use it rather than these steps?"

" Yes, I know that, son. But my husband in the ward up there wants me to use the steps no matter where I am. He wants me to work out and get slim even at this age", replied the old lady.

" Why do you do it when it's that difficult for you?", questioned Nihal.

"I love my husband and I don't want to disappoint him either. Can't I suffer just to make my husband smile at me? You know kids this is what you call as love and not what you guys do at the cafe's and parks.

Both Arjun and Nihal for once looked at each other and were enlightened by the elderly woman. Those clown-like faces which were making fun of her until then turned grave and looked up at her with respect. They slowly got down the stairs without much fuss, wished her husband a speedy recovery and bid adieu to her.

Arjun, who was limping after his plasters was removed, moved his gaze from his legs towards the person standing in front of him. The seriousness slowly faded away bringing in a bright and wide CLOSE-UP smile to his face.

{TO BE CONTINUED...}

#21--- TWIST IN THE STORY-2...

[AASHRITHA WAS STANDING IN FRONT OF A HUGE 8 STOREYED BUILDING AND WAS TREMBLING WITH FEAR. SHE COULD FEEL A JOLT RUNNING DOWN HER SPINE AS SHE WALKED THROUGH THE CORRIDOR IN THE HOSPITAL. THE REPEATED SIRENS OF THE AMBULANCE, THE CRIES OF THE PEOPLE, THE GRIEF STRICKEN FACES AND THE SORROWS BEHIND THEIR EXPRESSIONS WERE MAKING AASHRITHA EVEN THE MORE WORRIED ABOUT WHY SHE WAS THERE.

AASHRITHA CALLED ARJUN'S NUMBER TO FIND OUT WHERE THE PERSON WHO CALLED WAS. SHE WAS DIRECTED TO ROOM NO.90920. THE ELEVATOR WAS FULL AND SHE HAD TO TAKE THE STEPS ROUTE TO THE SEVENTH FLOOR. HER TREMBLING LEGS AND THE ENTIRE SURROUNDINGS WOULDN'T ALLOW HER TO MOVE FASTER. SOMEHOW SHE FINDS THE CORRECT ROOM AND WAS SHOCKED TO SEE ARJUN ON THE BED WITH PLASTERS ON HIS LEFT LEG AND HIS RIGHT HAND. SHE GASPED FOR AIR UPON SEEING THE SIGHT IN FRONT OF HER. THE GLASSED SPACE ON THE DOOR FOR PEOPLE TO SEE THROUGH WHAT'S INSIDE WAS BECOMING WET WITH HER TEARS.

SHE KNOCKS ON THE DOOR AND WAS WELCOMED BY ARJUN'S BEAMING SMILE.SHE PUSHES HER WAY THROUGH THE HEAVY DOOR AND GETS TO THE CHAIR BESIDE HIM, PUTS ASIDE HER SLING BAG AND STARTS CRYING.

 ARJUN COLLECTS HER TEARS IN HIS RIGHT HAND ,"HELLO MADAM! PLEASE STOP CRYING ELSE MY BANDAGE WOULD GET WET AND HAS TO BE REPLACED TODAY ITSELF." 

ON THAT FUNNY NOTE FROM ARJUN, AASHRITHA SMILES A BIT WHILE ARJUN BRUSHES AWAY THE TEARS ON HER FACE WITH HIS OTHER HAND.

JUST WHEN SHE WAS ABOUT TO ASK SOMETHING... SOMEONE ENTERS INTO THE ROOM AND ARJUN SMILES AT HIM AND SAYS, " HE IS THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR ME BEING HERE".

AASHRITHA GETS UP FURIOUSLY ,IN A SPLIT-SECOND GOES OVER TO THE PERSON."DON'T YOU KNOW, HOW TO DRIVE ON THE ROADS? AND DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW PAINFUL IT IS TO THE PEOPLE OF THE VICTIM?

 EVEN BEFORE ARJUN COULD EVEN REACT WITH HIS NEXT SENTENCE THE CRIME HAD ALREADY BEEN COMMITTED. A TIGHT SLAP ON THE CHEEKS OF THE STRANGER AND THEN ARJUN'S WORDS GET OUT OF HIS MOUTH SAYING "...HE WAS THE ONE WHO ADMITTED ME TO THE HOSPITAL EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ME WHO DASHED HIS CAR...." 

ALL THE THREE OF THEM IN THE ROOM WERE SHELL SHOCKED UPON THE INCIDENT AND ALL OF THEM HAD THEIR HANDS ON THEIR MOUTHS. AASHRITHA WAS EMBARRASSED, ARJUN WAS ASHAMED AND THE STRANGER WAS STILL OUT OF HIS SENSES- ONE HAND OF HIS WAS ON HIS LEFT CHEEK AND THE OTHER ON HIS MOUTH.

"SORRY DUDE!!!! "

"I'M SORRY SIR, I SHOULDN'T HAVE REACTED SO QUICKLY. I'M EXTREMELY SORRY", PLEADED AASHRITHA.

"THAT'S FINE. I CAN UNDERSTAND YOUR SHOCKING REACTION. BUT PLEASE BE GENTLE TO STRANGERS", THE STRANGER REPLIED WITTILY.

"HEY AASHRITHA, I HAVEN'T INTRODUCED HIM TO YOU RIGHT? THIS IS Mr. Rajiv Nair AND HE IS A WRITER. YOU MUST THANK HIM FOR HIS WONDERFUL HELP IN CARRYING YOUR FRIEND IN HIS ARMS ...MAKING ME SIT IN HIS CAR... ADMITTING ME HERE AND ALSO TAKING CARE OF ME UNTIL YOU WERE HERE", ARJUN INTRODUCED THE STRANGER TO AASHRITHA.

"THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING AND DO CONSIDER MY APOLOGIES, IT WAS NOT INTENTIONAL", AASHRITHA GREETED HIM.

"THAT'S FINE, PEOPLE. THERE'S ACTUALLY NO REASON TO THANK ME, I DID WHAT I SHOULD HAVE TO DO, THAT'S IT AND IT'S A PLEASURE MEETING BOTH YOU GUYS", REPLIED RAJIV.

THERE WERE SMILES ALL AROUND THE WARD AND SUDDENLY RAJIV'S EYES MET ARJUN'S WHICH WERE LOOKING AT HIM SADLY. THE ARTS BACKGROUND QUICKLY UNDERSTOOD THE REASON FOR HIS SADNESS AND LEFT THE ROOM FOR THE TWO 
OF THEM TO HAVE THEIR PRIVACY. HE WAS OUTSIDE THE ROOM AND WAS VIEWING THE SCENES INSIDE THE ROOM THROUGH THE GLASSED OPENING.

BOTH AASHRITHA AND ARJUN WERE DEEPLY LOST IN STARING AT EACH OTHERS AND TEARS STARTED FLOWING FROM AASHRITHA'S EYES.

 SHE PLACED HER HAND IN HIS PLASTERED HAND AND SAID SOBBING "ALL THIS HAS HAPPENED BECAUSE OF ME, IF ONLY I HADN'T HURRIED YOU, WE WOULD BY NOW HAVING OUR CUP OF COFFEE IN THE CAFE AND WOULD HAVE STARTED HOME BY NOW."

"LOOK, NOTHING'S IN OUR HANDS. YOU DON'T WORRY. I'LL BE ALRIGHT IN A MONTH OR SO. THEN WE CAN HAVE OUR COFFEE IN THE CAFE. YOU START TO YOUR HOME NOW, I'LL ASK RAJIV TO STAY HERE UNTIL NIHAL COMES HERE AND I'M SURE HE WOULDN'T MIND STAYING HERE FOR ANOTHER HALF AN HOUR OR MORE", CONSOLED ARJUN, AGAIN WIPING OFF HER TEARS.

THE WHOLE EPISODE IN THE WARD WAS PLEASING RAJIV AND HE  WAS INSPIRED WITH A NEW CONCEPT FOR HIS BLOG.

A FEW MOMENTS AFTER AASHRITHA LEFT THE HOSPITAL, RAJIV ENTERED THE WARD, SMILED AT ARJUN AND ASKED HIM "ARE THE TWO OF YOU IN A RELATIONSHIP?"

"I WOULD LOVE TO GET INTO A RELATION WITH HER, BUT FOR NOW WE'RE STILL YOUNG AT OUR HEARTS AND FEAR OF REJECTION. JUST GELLING IN CLOSER IN THE MEANTIME.

"OH, THAT'S GOOD TO HEAR AND ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR FUTURE DUDE. I'LL BE STAYING HERE UNTIL SOMEONE OF YOUR FRIENDS OR A FAMILY MEMBER VISIT THIS PLACE TO TAKE CARE OF YOU. IS THAT FINE?" ASKED RAJIV.

"THANK YOU. THAT'S SO NICE OF YOU. I'M VERY GRATEFUL TO YOU IN THIS REGARD. DON'T KNOW HOW I CAN REPAY YOU?" ARJUN WAS HUMBLED UPON RAJIV'S GESTURE TO STAY WITH HIM UNTIL SOMEONE COMES.

"I JUST NEED A HELP FROM YOU FOR MY NEW BLOG. I NEED YOUR STORY SO THAT I CAN PUBLISH IT IN MY OWN WAY. EVERY DETAIL AND INCIDENT UNTIL NOW IN YOUR LIFE THAT HAS HAPPENED IN CONNECTION WITH AASHRITHA. IF YOU DON'T MIND"

"WOW, THAT'S A WONDERFUL OFFER. WHY WOULD I MIND SIR? WHO DOESN'T WANT HIS LOVE STORY TO GET POPULAR TO THE WORLD? I WILL DISCLOSE EACH AND EVERY MOMENT UNTIL NOW",  REPLIED ARJUN AND HIS HAPPINESS KNEW NO BOUNDS.

"THANKS FOR ACCEPTING AND PLEASE DON'T CALL ME 'SIR'. I'M NOT THAT ELDER TO YOU. YOU CAN CALL ME RAJIV. SO YEAH, SHALL WE START THE PROCEEDINGS?", RAJIV WAS EQUALLY EXCITED TO HEAR THE STORY FROM ARJUN.

"OF COURSE!!!YES!!! 
IT ALL STARTED ONE DAY WHEN I ASKED HER FOR HER WATER 
BOTTLE IN A SEMINAR...................................................................................

{THE REST IS ALL HISTORY.....
TO BE CONTINUED.....}

#20--- TWIST IN THE STORY-1...

[TIME: half past 3 on the clock...

ARJUN WAS IN A HURRY TO GET DRESSED IN A CORRECT MANNER TO MEET AASHRITHA AFTER A BREAK. HE WAS A BIT ON THE SLOWER SIDE, LIKE EVERY OTHER GUY GETTING READY TO MEET HIS GIRL, HE TOOK OUT FOUR PAIRS OF CLOTHES OUT OF HIS WARDROBE AND STARTED PLAYING "INKY PINKY PONKY...FATHER HAD A DONKEY" IN ORDER TO PICK OUT A PAIR.

IT WAS "QUARTER LESS FOUR" WHEN HE COMPLETED HIS GETUP AND WAS ON HIS WAY TO THE CAFE. ALTHOUGH HE WAS ALREADY LATE BY 15 MINUTES, HE WANTED TO BUY HER A BOUQUET AS A SIGN OF ROMANCE. THE FEELING OF TRYING TO IMPRESS HER WAS MAKING ARJUN ADAMANT TO SELECT THE BEST ONE OUT OF THE LOT.

{MEANWHILE- AT THE CAFE...

AASHRITHA HAD BEEN LONG WAITING FOR ARJUN'S ARRIVAL AND WAS ALSO AWAITING A COFFEE IN THE CAFE. SHE WAS CURSING BOTH ARJUN AND THE STAFF AT THE CAFE FOR THEIR TARDINESS.

IT WAS 5PM AND STILL THERE WAS NO SIGN OF ARJUN IN THE CAFE OR IN ITS SURROUNDINGS. A FRUSTRATED AASHRITHA CALLED UP ARJUN AND WAS FUMING ON THE PHONE. ARJUN SOMEHOW MANAGED TO PLEASE HER AND MADE HER WAIT FOR ANOTHER 15 MINUTES.

HALF AN HOUR PAST FIVE AND THINGS WERE GETTING VERY DISTURBING FOR AASHRITHA. SHE AGAIN CALLS UP ARJUN TO ENQUIRE WHETHER HE WOULD BE MEETING HER OR NOT. MUCH TO HER DISAPPOINTMENT HER PHONE CALL GOES UNATTENDED.

"6PM"- JUST WHEN AASHRITHA WAS ABOUT TO LEAVE THE CAFE, SHE RECEIVES A CALL FROM THE ONE FOR WHOM SHE HAS WAITING EVER SINCE. SHE IGNORES THE CALL FOR THE FIRST TIME AND THEN PICKS UP THE CALL FOR THE SECOND TIME.

"Hello", spoke the voice from the other side.

"Ha", said Aashritha very sternly.

"Is this Aashritha?"

"Yes, speaking. Who is this?" quizzed aashritha to the one on the phone.

[AASHRITHA GOT UP QUICKLY , PAID THE BILL AND WAS IN A HURRY TO GET OUT OF THE CAFE. SHE WAS SWEATING PROFUSELY AFTER DISCONNECTING THE CALL]

{TO BE CONTINUED...}

#19--- THE JOY IN THE CONVERSATIONS...

{ IT WAS...  AASHRITHA!!!

The name itself is a morale booster for Arjun. He was elated to find those many messages in the inbox and all in the same day. He was certain that there was something wrong and wanted to know what it was.

Arjun phoned her quickly but to his dismay , his call couldn't find any response from the other end. 

He went home and was still in a great amount of confusion which again led him to call Aashritha. The result was the same. He was becoming adamant and he couldn't do anything about it.

He tried calling her many dozens of times the whole night but in despair, there was no response nor a message from her. He was disappointed, he read all the messages sent to him and was trying to figure out if there was something wrong in her words. But the messages were pretty normal and he couldn't deduct anything from them. He kept the matter to himself and slept for the day.

The same thing continued for 2 weeks. He even tried talking to Neeraja but could not get the answer he needed. He was told that she would talk to him when the time comes. 
Arjun's hunger to meet Aashritha grew even the more. He wanted to meet her directly and ask her reason for avoiding him, he wanted to question whether it was his mistake that made her do this suddenly. 

One not a fine morning, as if it was his daily routine he dialled her number kept it on the loud speaker , took out a water bottle and was having gulps of water. Just then his sister entered the room with his bed-tea in her hands. 
To his huge amusement and his sister's great shock, he spat the whole gulp onto his sister's face when the call was attended by Aashritha. He was overwhelmed and without even a sorry to his sister, he jumped out of the bed with the phone in his hand ran to the balcony and was panting with immense happiness.

"H...Hello!!", he called out

"yes, Arjun. Long time right?", said Aashritha.

" It's only 2 weeks but i felt like 2 months of human life without electricity. I would have become a patient in the Mental Hospital have you not  attended the call today. Thank you Aashritha. Did I commit any mistake?", asked Arjun.

" Relax, Arjun. You haven't done anything wrong. I was a bit too much busy with my work for the fest that is going to be conducted in the college two weeks from now", replied Aashritha.

"That's not a reason, seriously. You could have told me about that if it were the reason. Please tell me frankly about any mistake done by me.", Arjun was pleading for the reason.

"No, Arjun you're misunderstanding me. It's not anything related to you. It's just that whenever I talk to you I get lost in my thoughts and forget about the whole world around me, I don't know why this happens. So yeah, this was the reason. I thought if I'd told you about this two weeks break from talking to you, you would have left me forever and fall into some other girl's trap which happened with the guy I previously 
talked to. I did not want to lose you, so I made you to believe that I was avoiding you and it worked thankfully for me. Sorry for this meaningless, purposeless idea but I had to do it", was Aashritha's reply.

Arjun replied shockingly, "Oh my god. This was way too far from funny. I was seriously disappointed with the incident. Anyways dude, you atleast dont want to lose me. That's a Ten Trillion Prize for me and I thank you for that. 

"Coffee? today in the evening?? somewhere?", Aashritha questioned.

"You need not ask me dude, I'm always GAME to whatever you plan with me. Just let me know about the place and I'll be there", saying this he headed back to his room and was surprised to find his sister still waiting for him to come. 

She asked Arjun to have a seat on the nearby chair and asked him about the person on the phone. He replied that it was Aashritha. 

She stood up in a flash, threw the cup of tea on his face and vanished into the kitchen. Arjun was still not in his senses, he was very happy for the conversation and was delighted upon the idea of coffee.

{TO BE CONTINUED...}

#18--- SIDDHU'S PRESENCE FELT...

[ARJUN'S MOBILE RANG JUST THEN. HE WAS CONFUSED AND WAS STARING AT THE NUMBER AND FINALLY TOOK THE CALL.THE VOICE FROM THE OTHER END SAID " I NEED TO TALK TO YOU ASAP, JUST GO TO A PLACE WHERE THERE'S NO ONE TO HEAR YOU"
ARJUN WAS SHOCKED ON HEARING THE VOICE...]

{HE CAME TO SECLUDED PLACE SO THAT NO ONE COULD HEAR HIM}

"Ya tell me. Who the hell are you? Where are you calling from?", asked Arjun

"I'm John, calling from the CIA located in New Jersey. We would like to know a few personal details about you and your friend Siddhartha who has been booked in a case for illegal possession of narcotics.

[ARJUN WAS STUNNED. HE COULDN'T UTTER A SINGLE WORD AFTER HEARING WHAT WAS SAID. HE PAUSED FOR A WHILE AND SUDDENLY A BURST OF LAUGHTER CAME OUT FROM THE OTHER END OF THE PHONE.
 THEN ARJUN UNDERSTOOD THAT IT WAS PRANK AND HE SUCCUMBED TO SIDDHU'S PLAN.]

"Idiot! You scared the hell out of me. How come your voice changed you bloody bugger.", Arjun was literally cussing siddhu in his mind.

"This is what Siddhu can do, so please be careful with me. Anyways how are you man? I've been waiting for your call, since I haven't got it from you, I wanted to try my luck", said Siddhu.

"I'm good bro. Life's taking new turns for me in all aspects except two. How's your's over there? Having fun??", asked Arjun

"Taking new turns, that's something I would love to know about. My ship is steady for now don't know what may happen in the future. Leave the shit about me, talk to me about your story. Did she accept your proposal?"

"I'm not Hrithik Roshan to seduce a girl to love me in such a short span. I need some time. I'm more like the heroes in the yesteryear movies who take months sometimes years to express their love to the beloved one. I don't believe in today's FAST FROWARD LOVE STORIES.", replied Arjun.

"What are the problems you're facing dude? Anything in particular?", asked Siddhu.

" Problems in the sense, bro there's nothing particular. My life has started to feel colours more frequently now. The girl, I have a crush on is now talking to me and we became very close. The thing that bothers me is that my studies are going to get completed in an year or so, what about the future?", a very quizzed Arjun asked Siddhu.

The elder one in the conversation started " Dude, I was in the same position as you are right now. You don't bother to worry about the future, its not in your hands. Try doing what you do best in the present. I've not called to hear your sad fears about your future and all. 

I just wanted to make you sure  that whatever problem may arise you can always look up to me , without a sense of hesitation this elder brother of yours is just like your own sibling born from an other mother. No matter what may happen, I can assure you that I am always at the back of you supporting what you do."

"Thanks bro, I've never received a Raksha Bandhan special treat from a brother. You are and would be my role model in every aspect possible.

 I guess, we are getting a bit more melodramatic than we should be. The readers are gonna suffer if they feel like they're watching their daily soap operas on this blog page. 

So yeah lets cut the crap. How are the chicks at New Jersey anything special or the usual stuff?", questioned Arjun.

{SOMEONE INTERVENED SIDDHU AND HE WAS ASKED TO GO ELSEWHERE, HE HAD TO CUT THE CALL}

oK, then . Bye dude. Thanks for calling me and take care of your health and studies and your life more importantly.

"Sure, Arjun. I will be damned if you don't propose her In a month or two", warned Siddhu.

Arjun yelled "go to hell" and cut the call .


{HE WAS SHOCKED TO SEE 21 UNREAD MESSAGES IN HIS MESSENGER APPLICATION AND EVERY MESSAGE BELONGED TO THE SAME PERSON.

IT WAS ...



{TO BE CONTINUED...}

#17--- A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED...

{MONDAY@ARJUN'S COLLEGE; LUNCH BREAK]

"Oh! hello sir, thank you for your extraordinary surprise", Nihal snorted.

"I didn't mean to, Nihal. It all happened in a matter of seconds and I couldn't control the situation", Arjun gives a lazy excuse to his mistake.

"Enough. I'd feel great if you stop your act right now", blared Nihal attracting enough attention of the others in the surroundings.

"So sorry brother, I can't say anything more than this.
Fine, leave it.
 What happened that evening?"

[ARJUN KNEW HOW TO TACKLE SITUATIONS LIKE THESE, HE QUICKLY CHANGED THE TOPIC BEFORE MATTERS GOT WORSE]

"That day was awesome except for the anticlimax you had planned for me"

"Dude, I said sorry , it was my mistake. How can I be forgiven for my blunder", pleaded Arjun.

"Leave it. But you know what, That was the most wonderful night I had ever experienced and I thank you for playing your part on that day. Thanks for accepting my request to get on to Aashritha's vehicle, that very gesture from you triggered my luck on that day."

"Is it? Thankyou, Can I now assure that I am forgiven?", asked Arjun

"Yes, You are. I took her to the lighthouse ,in the glow of my bike's headlights, I kneeled in front of her and proposed. She wasn't that amused on the act, she might have anticipated because of my cheesy talk that day"

"So, you proposed? What did she say?"

"What else than 'I too love you', Nihal's eyes were revealing his happiness and the satisfaction that incident brought to him.

"Arjun smiled pleasantly for a while and then said, " Nihal, I got to say something. The reason Neeraja wasn't amused to your proposal was that because it had happened as exactly as it was planned. Sorry for the late announcement of the truth, but I'm sure you'd have got a wonderful feeling and sense of satisfaction as you have finally blurted out the most dramatic 3 words anyone would want to say in their life."

"The plan and the opportunity to let you open up was done the previous day itself just like you and Aashritha had planned up. I knew Neeraja right from my school days, so we became even the more close when I told her that I was interested in Aashritha. "

"She told me that she would give you chance to take her out only if I got onto Aashritha's scooter, which was also a huge bonus for me to get onto my crush's vehicle and you know dude, that was one heck of a ride and I enjoyed it thoroughly, even though there weren't much words, the feel that was carried through out the ride was exquisite. I thank you for this and the rest of the story is known to you", revealed Arjun.

"I knew there was something wrong, but I didn't expect that my bestest friend would be the sole reason for the acceptance of my love-proposal. Thankyou, you would have told everything by now about me?

"no, I did not. Its for you two to get to know about each other now. And I promise you that its gonna be the best phase in your love story and those are the incidents you are going to tell your children about. So don't miss them.", said Arjun.

[ARJUN'S MOBILE RANG JUST THEN. HE WAS CONFUSED AND WAS STARING AT THE NUMBER AND FINALLY TOOK THE CALL.

THE VOICE FROM THE OTHER END SAID " I NEED TO TALK TO YOU ASAP, JUST GO TO A PLACE WHERE THERE'S NO ONE TO HEAR YOU"

ARJUN WAS SHOCKED ON HEARING THE VOICE...]

{TO BE CONTINUED...}