5. Adios!

Whole night for Ashish went like a beautiful movie. He could just see himself n Nikita with each other all the time, enjoying every moment of togetherness. He was now sure it was love coz it felt differently awesome to him. He woke up puffy eyes just to end his wonderful dream and take the real Niki’s call,

“Hey morning, when n where are we meeting?”

“Ummm….don’t know…soon I can say.”

She realized he was still in his bed and tired. Of course he had been planning her Saturday and must be relieved after the successful execution.

“Okay. So we’ll catch up at lunch n then I’ll drop you to the airport.”

She was back to being normal. That gal who was behaving akward with her best ever friend just some hours before had reverted to the original. Thanks to the peck.

They met at the lunch. She looked brighter n better. He was relieved. They spent some silent moments with each other at the restaurant. The day was beautiful. These love birds were loving the sight of each other. Serene and pure. Anyone disturbing them would have to return back, even the fly. The waiter got the bill and then they realized it was the time to move. He had to leave.

That brightened face of her turned gloom. The very thought of him going away was sounding harsh to her. This feeling was not the same as before when they parted. Just coz they had now realized their true feelings, the outlook changed towards looking at the scenario. Parting just din’t mean a bye, it meant long span without getting to see each other, long time without spending time with each other. Was parting difficult? Ashish could well explain that. He was considered to be the strongest when it comes to emotions. But today seemed different, coz the melancholy of separating was visible in his eyes evidently. For Ashish she was the World and leaving her alone was a big thing now.

“GOSH! Things had never been so tough Niki. I had not thought about this. You can be a pain too honey. A pain which cannot be kept away. I feel like staying back or taking you with me right away to Bangalore. But right now I cannot. It’s just the beginning.”

“And the beginning was remarkable.” Niki interrupted.

That got Ashish the smile back. It was indeed a two way thing. Times when she’s sad, he takes care of her and times when he gets blue, she paints it happy. Both have matured enough to know each other’s needs and wants. And so they made the perfect couple.

At the airport, Shreya joined them. She enquired.

“So, Ashish, was my role well played?”

“Absolutely.” Ashish complimented.

Nikita gave a confusing look and spoke, “My guy and my best friend cook up things behind my back eh!”

“But the dish prepared is being well served to you my gal.” Shreya reverted.

They all shared a laugh just when the announcement for his flight was made. It was finally the time to leave for Ashish. He bid a goodbye to Shreya. Took Niki in his arms and gave her a tight hug. “We are meeting up soon dear. Don’t you worry about that.”

Niki nodded and let him go. A sweet goodbye with a trickling tear from her beautiful eyes.

Ashish felt that on him and so turned around, signaled a smile and waved off.

In the backdrop, Shreya sighed, “Love is beautiful. And you two make it look more gorgeous. Huh! I wanna fall in love too.”

Nikita chuckled and they both left for home.

4. Togetherness....

“Am I dreaming or you are here Ashish???”

“What do you think dear? I am here. Just for you.”

Nikita turned towards him and returned the hug. It was one of those many best moments. Five minutes in his arms and the World was on a stand-still. Later they realized that it was a public place. She was still flabbergasted. He was actually here. She couldn’t contain the excitement.

On the other side, Ashish was enjoying her innocent expressions. He knew her heart n soul and had anticipated this reaction pretty much the same. That was it. It was this innocence of her which had captivated him all through his college. In his mind, “How dumb I was not to know that I love her since the start. But it’s better late than never.” He smiled and initiated the talk.

“So, how was the surprise? Did you like it?”

“Like it?? You gotta be kidding. I just LOVED it. Everything.”

“That’s good. I was concerned if you would atleast find it okay.”

“You know me thoroughly. There wasn’t a chance that I could not have liked that even a whisker.”

All through the talk, she was hesitant to meet his eyes. And Ashish was again rejoicing this expression. She looked decent yet beautiful. Nikita was not someone who had been a boy’s dream and a charmer in her college. But a decent simple girl who stood grounded all the time and yes with Ashish. She had a concept that a guy who would like her the way she was will be the one whom she’ll be with forever. She had now found that guy and was perfect for her. Ashish was a charmer, but from a distance. Girls came near, got hurt n went back. Nikita was the only girl who could tolerate him. And mellowed him down too.

The eve got along really well. They had good food n loads of talks. The only thing that din’t happen was, their eyes meeting each other. She was still the same.

Later on, they decided onto a walk. Chennai roads are usually busy and crowded. But the two love birds got their solace even in the hustle-bustle. After an hour, they settled near some garden and continued talking.

“I just can’t believe we never fall short of talks.” Ashish remarked.

“May be coz we know everything and what we like and dislike. But then that should’ve halted the topics there itself.”

And they continued to find a reason for next fifteen minutes giving more stupid reasons each time and finally calling it off.

“I have a query Niki. Why aren’t you looking into my eyes? Am I looking that bad today that you don’t want to eye me?”

“I just don’t know that. But am not gathering enough guts.”

“You need guts to look at me? C’mon gal.”

With this, he took her cheeks and lifted her face towards him just to notice she was having wet eyes.

“OMG! What happened sweety? Why are you crying?”

“I have never been so happy in the last year. And this is going to be the happiness for a lifetime. So I just din’t want you to see my ‘khushi k aansu’”

“Awww...”

And with this he gave her yet another tight hug. “This was the last time you did that. Never in life cry for any reason. Coz that will hurt me. And I believe you won’t like that either. Now give a smile.”

She smiled.

“And on this wonderful note, we call it a day. It’s late and you should be back in the bed to reduce that puffiness around your eyes.”

She smirked to this and continued, “Coz we are meeting tomorrow morning for the movie n lunch.”

That was typical Niki. Shy to the World and bindass to Ashish. He was glad to see that crispness back in her and drove her back to her flat. She waved a goodbye. And in a minute, she came running towards him to hug him and placed a juvenile peck on his cheek.

He was astonished. She went back running without another look. N he… he was not going to sleep all night. That was sure. 

3. The Date...

A YES from the person who matters the most for him, made Ashish feel on the top of this world. It seemed as though the whole Bangalore cheered for him and was happy for him. This was a big day. Could he describe it?? Ummm No. But it was above all for him.

He so wanted to talk to his sweetheart but then he knew she would need some time to get out of her recoil. His officemates could see the glee on his face. Few even asked him out. But he was not in his own senses to tell how ecstatic he felt. That soft Yes from the most beautiful voice he ever heard made the day for him unforgettable.

He called her twice just to receive a ‘no answer’. He was still okay with it. Coz he knew that even she must be going through something special. This was a big decision. A decision for the lifetime.

At last she picked up the phone.

“Hey!”

“Hi”

“Thanks for that.”

“I din’t say a yes coz you wanted so. I agreed coz even I am in love with you, which paved its way out after so many days. After you spoke your heart, even my heart came up with its emotions and I gave a nod. I don’t know how is this going to work out. I din’t give a thought to what future has in stores. All I know right now is I want to be with you forever. I LOVE YOU TOO.”

It was the start of a new life for both. Usually the chit-chat buddies were loving the silent breaths of each. Enchanted and spellbound. They were experiencing a new passion in the bond.

The Day Next…

The morning seemed blissful. The first ring on Ashish’s phone was not the alarm but call from Niki. Even the day daunted with a beautiful sun-kissed glow. Was it actually so or it was because of love he felt so. He couldn’t guess that. But just rejoiced. The work was fun today. And the colleagues much funnier than usual. Life was like it was never before. Usual taste-less food was having a pleasant aroma. He became sure, he’s going nuts. Indeed love makes life beautiful…or may be crazy. He quickly moved home after work and had a long long talk with Niki. Waiting for the weekend when he’ll be meeting her as his official girl.

That weekend…

Lucky to have a weekend off, Ashish made sure he’s going Chennai on Friday itself. But without informing Nikita. A surprise in store for her.

He caught an early evening flight to reach Chennai well in time to plan out the stuffs.

After landing, the first thing that he did was to call up her colleague from office who was their batchmate at VNIT, Shreya. And explained her role she had for tomorrow. N that night he din’t talk to Niki giving an excuse of being dead tired to which she din’t complain.

Early morning, when Nikita opened her door, she was enthralled to have a life-size bunch of red roses at her door step with a message saying, ‘Hope you have a great day today – Ashish (courtesy Shreya)’. She called up Shreya at instant to ask what it was all about. She responded, “Ashish asked me to do so. May be coz he wants you to be happy all the time.” Nikita smirked. Shreya continued, “Well, I need to go shopping today. So please accompany me to the Spencers.” Nikita was like okay and decided for 12 sharp at Spencers.

On reaching the mall, Nikita was greeted by a huge huge Greeting card, saying “I LOVE YOU.” She got baffled. Why was he doing this? She called him to ask what was going on. He said, “I want your Saturday to be memorable.” She was awed.

Shreya joined her in a minute. And excited Nikita showed her the card. Just when Shreya brought up a cute teddy bear for her. She just couldn’t contain her smile. Shreya was happy seeing her best buddy happier than ever. All Nikita could do was keep texting Ashish a thank you. As the day untwined, she was full of gifts, small n large.

 By eve she was tired and wanted to put rest to her crowing tummy. She thought of having something there itself n go back when Shreya voided the idea and decided to go to a nice restaurant nearby. She was okay with that idea too.

They reached the place. It was a garden restaurant. Luckily the atmosphere was cool. Shreya directed Nikita towards a small hut kind of place and asked her to be there while she used the rest-room. Nikita went there to find it all dark. She stood there for a while. And she felt two arms coming from besides her, embracing. She felt the warmth and came to a halt. It was HIM.

The very next moment she opened her eyes to find beautiful lights and a scenic table for two. It was HIM. The biggest surprise for the day she got. Undeniably this was an unforgettable Saturday for her.

2. The Seeds...

It was VNIT Nagpur where it all started.

Ashish Saxena, a boy from Delhi, got selected in the entrance and got admitted into the prestigious VNIT. Typical fair, tall and handsome that he was, he always had been a crush for many girls in his coaching as well as in the college too. He had ‘give it a damn’ attitude always which mostly kept these girls away from him and even the guys who were envious of him. But he made friends with this gal, Nikita.

Nikita Gupta, a localite from Nagpur itself, was yet another VNIT scholar. She was a studious, shy and sultry kind of a girl who was easy going and made friends easily. Polite and humble, she always helped people with stuffs and was known for that. She had been partners in certain assignment with Ashish. It was seeded here.

It was not new for them to talk for long at night hours on phone. Ashish and Nikita had been best friends for long long time now. Almost 5 years from the college. Since the first year they knew, they were going to be great friends and they turned out to be one for sure. After completing the degree, like all others, even they were parted. Different placements, different cities. But they still kept the promise and continued to be best friends.

Through the college, they hung around daily. Their ease with each other was a problem for most of the collegiate. And even when someone else hit upon either of the two, the other was diligent enough to side-track him/her saying, “M sorry, but I can’t give my best friend to any. He/she is not a share.”

Soon after the college, Ashish got placed in Bangalore and Nikita in Chennai. Distance was just 7 hours. For first two months each managed atleast a weekend at others city. But as the work load increased, it became difficult. Soon Ashish realized that it’s not an easy task to keep up the contact.

This distance that separated them somehow got them closer. Sharing the problems, the funs and moreover, the lives was a part n parcel of their daily talks which sometimes lasted hours, but sometimes just few minutes. Hours made them feel content but minutes disappointed. It was then Ashish realized that this was not just the friends thing but something above that. Something deeper and more intricate.

1. New Beginning...

2.30 p.m. Nikita was confused. Million things running through her mind. She considered the pros as well as the cons of the situation. Took her cell in hand, but placed it on the table again.

3.30p.m. The confusion mounted leaps and bounds. What will be the prognosis of the scene? Will things be brighter or gloomy? Her heart pounded. She could not concentrate anywhere. The work seemed like a distant thing that day. She knew he was genuine but couldn’t judge the after-effects and so again reverted.

4.00p.m. the last hour of work at office. Everyone was eager to finish it off soon, so that boss would let them run home early. But Ashish was least interested in work today. He was eyeing the cell since morning. Work… well; today it was off-on, mostly off. He was at his nervous best today. Anxious to the answer, Nikita was supposed to give.

The phone rang. He went to the café and gulped enough water to moisten his throat which had gone dry at the thought of talking to her. He picked up the call. “Hey Niki”

“Hi Ashish”

“So, did you think about it?”

“Ummmm. Yes I did.”

“So, what’s your take?”

After a deep breath, “YES”. And the phone disconnected.

His mouth yet again went dry. Not for the tension, but for the excitement, the joy, and the unbound happiness he got from that small yes by Nikita.

It was yesterday night, they both were chattering like the usual they did. They shared their day and went into the nostalgic college days they had with the entire fun n frolic. Just then Ashish took a pause and said, “Hey Niki, mind if I ask you something?”

“C’mon you don’t need a permission to do that. Of course you can.”

He again took a pause. A long breath. And spilled his heart out at once.

“Niki, I guess I am in love with you. It’s not about now. Nor is it about the past. It’s about these 12months that we have not been able to see each other. In the college time, we being the best of friends always spent time with each other, inside the class or outside. It used to morning 9 to eve 5 that we were with each other. And followed by those tuitions which lasted till 9 at night.”

Nikita was astounded. She wasn’t expecting anything of this sort anywhere.

Ashish continued, “Never did I get a chance to miss you then. But now that we are not even in the same place, I thought at first it won’t be tough managing without you. But you know what. IT IS. Every time it’s you who runs through my mind. Right from the cup of caffeine in morning which I had with you in the canteen to the dinnertime call, everything makes me miss you.

“The giggle on stupid jokes. The cry over trivial matters. Me taking care of all the nerds behind you. 5 hours of a single coffee and then the owner thrashing us off. Those late night calls just to tell your dog irritating you. Those last minute exam notes I borrowed from you. The result phobia that we shared. The excitement about the campus selection. Feeling bad for each other when some mishap occurs. Those weekend escape from home to have a bit of fun.

“Every small moment, makes me miss you loads. I never had thought this to be love. But it turned out to be one. Previously I knew you are there right at the corner and so into reach that I never gave it a thought. But now that you are miles apart, I succumbed to the exemplary feeling of love for you. I LOVE YOU NIKI. From the heart, for a lifetime.”

Nikita was speechless. Things had changed in these 15 minutes. She was still expecting “Arey m kidding dear. Chill”

But it din’t come up. That’s when she realized that he was true to the core. 

For next few minutes neither did he talk nor did she. They hung up the phone on a simple bye without another word.

The very next minute, her cell beeped to a text message, “I don’t know how are you going to take it. I will be waiting for a reply tomorrow. If by eve you don’t respond, I’ll take it as a no. But that won’t spoil anything. I assure you that. We’ll stay as we are always. It was just what I wanted to tell you what was in my heart. Take care dear.”

She was so unsure what to do. Sleep magically waved off even after a tiring day. She was into another world right now where perplexity clouded her mind. She din’t know what to say, what to do. Every statement banged her mind. Thinking upon it for a while made her aware of the same feelings even she had for him. They just needed a trigger to come out. She was sacred. Will it work? Will things get better? With this notion, she closed her eyes and left it all for tomorrow.