####PAST WILL BE IN ITALIC FONT AND PRESENT WILL BE IN NORMAL FONT####
*Jiya Pov*
"So, did you buy the red dress?" Raj asked, walking towards my table.
"What?" I asked him, frowning completely irritated by the disturbance.
"Red dress! Which is compulsory for the function!" He explained, and I closed my eyes.
"I forgot!" I mumbled and sat back.
"How can you forget? That Rose is talking about nothing except about the 'Oh my red gown' and 'How beautiful I will look'. I am getting a headache sitting there." He said sitting on my table.
I gazed at him and sighed, not asking him to get down. I rubbed my forehead thinking how will I get one in this less time. I don't even have the money.
"I can't believe I forgot." I said, leaning in my chair.
"Hey! In these small small countries, these small small things happen Senorita. Do not worry." He said grinning.
(A Bollywood movie dialogue by Sharukh Khan-Srk)
"Don't kill Srk's charm with your bad mimicry." I said and he raised his hands, laughing.
"What is happening here?" We heard a new voice and turned to see Mr.Mehra.
"We are just discussing about her forgetting the red gown for tomorrow Sir." Raj replied before I could say anything.
"Why are you discussing about it with her?" Mr.Mehra asked frowning.
"I am her Date." Raj replied grinning.
"You have a work waiting to be done on my desk. Come and take it." Mr.Mehra said after a few minutes.
"Ok Sir!" Raj said, nodding and started walking inside Mr.Mehra's cabin, but turned to saying, "I already bought one for you Senorita so don't worry."
I glanced at Mr.Mehra to see him already staring at me.
"Hey, Senorita!" I said when he walked inside the house.
"Boys are not called by that." He said shaking his head.
"Then who are called by that name?" I asked him, placing the bowl on the table.
"Girl is called." He replied smiling.
"Well, I am not getting called by that name, so I am calling you that. And you can't stop me from doing it." I said and grinned at his narrowed eyes.
"Ok SRKian. Now what is special for dinner?" He asked sitting down.
"Err... it is pazta senorita." I replied sitting down.
He sighed and said, "I would have bought food from some restaurant right."
"I am trying senorita. One day, you will eat the food I will make for ten people at a time. Mark my words." I said grinning.
"I am sure by that time I don't have any teeth." He said, and I pouted.
"Don't pout and serve that pazta." He said, and I grinned serving him.
"Mark my words, Ms.Sarin. In tomorrow's function I will have dark circles under my eyes.
I heard Raj's voice when he walked outside Mr.Mehra's cabin. I glanced at the big file in his hands and sighed.
"I will help you after office hours." I said, and he grinned at me.
After leaving my table informing Mr.Mehra that I am leaving, I walked towards Raj's table and sat beside him.
"Thanks for this." He said, and I shrugged continuing to do the work.
"What are you doing here?" We heard someone asking, and I didn't look up already knowing who it is.
"She is helping me, Sir." Raj replied.
"Can't you do your own work?" Mr.Mehra asked.
"I have finished all the work Sir. If there is anything else I can do it." I said glancing up.
"No!" he mumbled and walked inside the elevator.
"So where is the dress?" I asked him when we both walked downstairs.
"I will bring it tomorrow afternoon when we both leave for our house." He replied, and I nodded thanking him.
"Can you drop me?" I asked him looking at the time.
"My pleasure!" He replied and walked away to bring his bike.
"I will drop you, Jiya." I heard Mr.Mehra's voice and thought when did he walked here.
"I have ride, Sir." I replied, not looking back.
"Good night, Sir." Raj said, walking towards us with his bike.
"He is so grumpy man." Raj mumbled when I sat back of him.
"Can you drive without talking?" I asked, and like I asked he did.
"Good night!" I mumbled, walking inside.
"Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna." He whispered, and I rolled my eyes.
"Jiya! About one lawyer I talked to you, right. He is ready to do your brother's case without any fees first." Mom said when I walked inside.
"Vimala! She just walked inside. Don't start your words." I heard Dad's voice.
I walked away, ignoring both. I lay down on my bed and immediately drifted off into sleep.
"I am such a lucky girl." Ms.Rose started her talk from the morning itself.
I rubbed my forehead and then felt a cup on my table. I glanced up to see Raj. He glanced at Ms.Rose and scrunched his nose and then smiled at me.
"Thanks!" I mumbled and drank the coffee.
"Meet you in a few hours." He said walking away.
"Are you sure?" I heard another voice and looked up to see Mr.Mehra.
I sighed and replied "Mr.Mehra! Do you need anything?"
"Are you sure you want to go with him?" He asked again.
"Mr.Mehra!" I started to say, but he stopped showing his hand.
"Just answer yes or no." He said in a serious tone.
"Yes!" I said in the same serious tone.
"Ok!" He said with a glare and walked inside.
I frowned at his action and shook my head to continue my work. I need to finish everything before afternoon.
"Ready?" Raj asked.
"Why are you so excited about this?" I asked him, frowning and locked the computer.
"You are not? That Rose gave all the words and already left to get ready. Every girl does that." He replied in a shocked tone.
"Well, I am not a girl. I am woman, and these things don't matter." I said, and he saluted.
"I will be late." I said walking outside my room.
"You are going to too many parties these days. Are you being safe?" Mom asked.
"I am!" I replied actually shocked by her question.
"Wow! You are looking awesome." Raj said when I walked outside.
"You are looking good." I said sitting behind his bike.
"I am sorry I didn't bring any car as I don't have one." He mumbled.
"We need to go to the office, and Sir will take us there." I said, and he nodded.
When we walked there, Mr.Mehra is already waiting for us and there is no sign of Ms.Rose.
Mr.Mehra continued to stare at me, and I looked away not wanting to remember another memory.
"I am sorry for the late. But they say we should be fashionably late." We heard Ms.Rose voice.
"Shall we go?" Mr.Mehra asked, and we all walked towards the car.
Ms.Rose pushed me away to sit in the back seat, and I sighed at her behavior. I sat on the other side, and Mr.Mehra got inside of my side making me move completely towards Ms.Rose.
Raj sat in the passenger seat, and the car started. I tried my best not to let him touch, but the speed breakers have another thought in their minds.
"Can you shift?" I asked her, and she was too happy to comply.
I sighed, leaning on the window and in no matter of time, we reached the venue.
"Madam!" Raj said, giving his elbow. I took it, and we both walked inside.
"After the meeting we both will leave." I mumbled.
"What? But I thought there will be enjoying." He said mumbling back.
"Like I already said you will do what I ask you to do." I said, and he nodded reluctantly.
"I am leaving, Sir." I said when the meeting finished.
"What? You have to stay." Client asked, and I frowned.
"Just for some time, Ms.Sarin." Mr.Mehra said, and I nodded walking towards Raj.
"I am bored." Raj mumbled after a few minutes.
"Shall we go then?" I asked, holding my purse.
"Let's dance." He replied and dragged me towards the dance floor.
"Well, dance." I said when I saw that he is standing numbly on the floor.
"I don't know how." He said, and I looked at him shocked.
"Don't worry." I said and made him place his hand on my waist and hold my other hand.
"Now just listen to me, and you will know the dance." I said and started talking about technicalities, and he listened calmly.
"Wow! Where did you learn Ms.Sarin. You are dancing so well." He said smiling.
"Let's dance." I said, pulling him from the couch.
"What? You don't know how to." He said when I placed my hands on his shoulder.
"Then teach me." I whispered, and he did.
"I love you." I mumbled and pressed my lips to his, and he kissed me back.
How much comfort will he give me? It is already two months. I thought and kissed him more passionately hoping he will break his idea of waiting until I am ready.
How can I tell him directly?
"Can I have this dance?" I heard him asking and turned to see Mr.Mehra.
"We are leaving." I replied and started walking away.
"Just one dance." He stopped holding my hand, and I immediately jerked it, but he again pulled me to him.
"Just once." He mumbled and started dancing.
I stared at his eyes, and we both started moving. I held my breath with his this much closer proximity.
"I missed this." He mumbled and bent a little.
"I didn't!" I mumbled back.
And that's all there was. No words exchanged, and we continued to dance just staring and staring with each memory rushing inside like a rocket.
"This is just a contract marriage with her. And in a few months, it will be over."
"No!" I mumbled stepping away and walked towards Raj to see that everyone is just staring at us, until now, and there was a round of applause for us.
"Can we please go?" I asked him and he just stared at me with shock but nodded.
He dropped me without asking any further questions in a cab and left after I greeted him 'good night'.
I lay on my bed and drifted off into sleep hoping not to get that memory again...
####PAST WILL BE IN ITALIC FONT WHILE PRESENT IN NORMAL FONT####*Jiya Pov*I woke up hearing the pounding on my door. I shouted 'Wait' but still it continued. I groaned and sat up from my bed."What is it?" I asked, opening the door to see Mom fuming at me."What is it?! Just see for yourself. I can't believe you are with him even after everything he did to us." She replied, shouting and threw the paper at me.I searched the stupid section of the paper to see the photo of him and me. I closed my eyes and threw the paper back at her.
*Jiya Pov*I woke up hearing my alarm and then started to get ready. After I got ready, I heard the shouts, but these were worried shouts. I rushed outside my room to see my Mom sitting on the dining table crying.While my Dad is standing beside her scolding her, but she just continued to release tears.“Can’t you be more careful?” Dad asked her.“You have been asking the same question.” Mom replied sniffing.“Don’t talk!” He said glaring at her and started applying something on her hand.“Who asked you to boil water for me?” Dad added shaking his head.“I know you want warm water to bath in this cold weather. I am trying to make sure you get them.” Mom said and hissed when he applied ointment on her hand.“Ahhh!” I screamed while holding the bowl an
*Jiya Pov*“Jiya, Jiya!” I felt someone shaking and immediately moved away to see him standing close to me.“Don’t touch me, Mr.Mehra.” I said, frowning and got down from the bed.“We need to leave if we want to reach before midnight.” He mumbled and walked away.I took a few deep breaths and closed my eyes. I shook my head and walked towards the washroom to freshen up a little.“Are you hungry?” he asked when we checked out and drove towards a little better restaurant“No!” I replied and looked outside.“I will bring some food.” He said getting outside the car.“Mr.Mehra..” I started to say, but he has already walked inside.I closed my eyes and leaned on the window. Why am I feeling so tired suddenly with everything?“Here!&rdqu
*Ajay Mehra Pov*I walked outside my room a little earlier than everyday for the prayer event today. I saw that her door is still closed so I walked downstairs.“Why did you put her in Durga’s room?” I heard Mom’s voice when I asked for some coffee.“Because it is beside mine.” I replied, not looking up from the morning paper.“I don’t want anyone to stay in her room. She never liked it, don’t you remember?” Mom asked sitting beside me.“She is not here anymore, Mom.” I said gripping the paper.“And even if she is here she is strong enough to accept the fact that anyone can stay in her room.” I added.“Yes! She is really strong. But that day I thought she was weak when we got the news that she did suicide.” Mom said, and I closed my eyes.“If it isn&
*Jiya Pov*During the whole prayer, I just sat there staring at her photo asking her why did she leave everyone who really loves her so much.‘I know it is not your fault to leave this world, but you wanted to before that right?’ I asked her in my mind.‘I wish you were here B. I just really wish.’ I said, gripping my wrist.“Jiya!” I felt someone shaking me, and I shook my head and glanced up to see Mr.Mehra.I got up and walked towards her photo and placed my hand on it. I closed my eyes and asked ‘Why did you leave me Bhabhi?’I walked inside the room given to me and sat on the bed, leaning to the head board. I closed my eyes and rubbed my forehead again, feeling the same headache.“You are not going on the trip.” Mom said for the hundredth time.“But why?
*Jiya Pov*I looked up from the office table set up for me in the office room when I heard a knock on the door.“What is it Kaka?” Mr.Mehra asked him.“Dinner is ready and Madam asked both of you to come.” He replied looking at both of us.“I am not hungry.” We both said at a time and then stared at each other.“But Madam asked…” Kaka trailed off.“All the work is finished, Sir. I am retiring to bed.” I said walking outside the room and went in my room.“Hello Dad!” I said when he lifted his call.“Is everything fine there?” he asked worriedly.“Yes! Do you need anything?” I asked him laying on the bed. “No! Just wanted to know your welfare.” He replied.“Good night, Dad.” I said, hangi
*Jiya Pov*When I walked outside the room, I saw few bouquets being placed in the living room. I frowned and walked downstairs to see words ‘Happy anniversary’ on each one of them.“Today is Madam and Sir’s anniversary.” Lakshmi Kaki said walking towards me.“Oh!” I mumbled and walked away from them.I reached his office room and saw it empty. I frowned and sat at the table to begin working.I started taking calls not allowing a single memory to enter my mind. I took a deep breath and was successful in stopping the memory.But when he entered the room and sat at his desk, I couldn’t help it anymore.“Happy anniversary!” I whispered in his ear when the clock strike 12.“Shut up and sleep, Jiya.” He said using the same harsh tone which he was using for th
*Ajay Pov*I rubbed my forehead after she walked away and then felt something in my hand. I glanced at it to see a rose flower I bought for her when buying a bouquet for Mom and Dad.“Ajay! You have to stay away from her.” I heard Mom’s voice and turned to see both Mom and Dad standing beside me.“Why, Mom?” I asked her frowning.“You are giving her more attention, and it is not the right thing. I don’t trust her.” She replied frowning.“She is good girl Mom.” I said defending her.“See, you are already defending just some secretary in front of your Mom. She is already doing something to make you fool.” Mom said worriedly.“Mom! I will never become a fool, and she will want anything than to make me a fool.” I said shaking my head.“No! I am seeing you from this
*Ajay Mehra Pov*I walked inside the house slowly to give her a surprise visit after returning from Ahmadabad earlier than what I told her.I held the best sweet in Kolkata safely in my hand and walked inside with faint steps not making any sound. This became her favorite from the time we have been living here taking care of the branch in this city.“Jiya!” I called her not finding her anywhere.I placed the sweets on the table properly not to let the sweet juice in them come outside and started searching for her.I opened the door of our bedroom and saw it empty. I searched everywhere and rubbed my forehead.Where did she go? She took one-week leave from office already right because of the bug when I was in Ahmadabad.“Jiya.” I shouted again and then, I heard the faint sobs.I rushed inside our room and then heard from the wa
*Ajay Mehra Pov*I waited for her to say something else but she didn’t. I took a deep breath and started turning the knob, but stopped hearing her call me again “Ajay!”“What is it Jiya?” I asked her closing my eyes.“Don’t leave me!” she replied in a whisper, and I can’t believe I even heard her.“What?” I asked her in shock losing the grip on my bag but didn’t turn back.“Don’t leave me, Ajay.” she said, and I turned back rushing towards her.She is still sitting on the couch and stared at me when I stood completely near her. My hands shook, but I made them hold her face properly.“Why?” I asked her bending to be on her eye level taking a deep breath.“I love you.” she replied, and I saw tears forming in her eyes.“Yo
*Ajay Mehra Pov*“I need to tell you something.” Jiya said when I lay on our bed.“What is it?” I asked her frowning.“I am dating someone.” She replied, and I looked at her wide eyed.I took a deep breath and asked, “From when?”“From two weeks.” She replied.“But you are still my wife right? Why are you dating already and whom are you dating?” I asked her not at all believing it, but it was hurting.“We are just talking to each other for now, but will go on a real date soon. I know I am still your wife, but you said you will give me whatever I want right?” She asked staring at me in blank expression.“Right! But there are still two more weeks for the time to end. So please don’t do this.” I said pulling her in my arms.“Why?&rdqu
*Jiya Pov*“Oh my god! I can’t laugh anymore.” I said, clutching my stomach hearing the fight between Aunty and Uncle from past half an hour.“I am bored.” Ajay said, rolling his eyes.“Do you know Uncle lied to me saying he is the most helpful husband. I really thought he was.” I said, and Aunty shook her head.“Yeah! He is most helpful in not helping at all.” she said, and I chuckled.“I had so much fun these two days. You both are amazing.” I said, getting up and hugged them both.“You are also amazing Dau... person.” Aunty said, and I nodded frowning.We left the house and reached ours. When we entered, I saw that I have a duty to clean the house today as it is Sunday.I started cleaning while he helped me a little. When everything is over, we had dinner, and I sat on t
*Ajay Mehra Pov*“Ajay!” She called when I am reading some file regarding the meeting we will have tomorrow.“Hmm.” I said not looking at her.“Ajay!” She called again.“What is it, Jiya?” I asked her staring at the file and leaned back to get comfortable on the couch.“Look at me.” She replied.“Tell me what is it?” I asked her looking at an important point.“Fine! You will sleep today on that couch.” She replied and then I heard the door locking.I looked to see her nowhere, and then I saw the door of our room is locked. I sighed and continued to study the file.“You are so busy.” I heard her voice very near after a few minutes, and I got startled.I glanced up to see her sitting beside me. I patted my back and said, “This
*Jiya Pov*“God! Save me.” I shouted, holding my head.“Don’t shout, Jiya.” He said, groaning beside me.“This is all because of you.” I said hitting his shoulder.“How is it my fault?” he asked, holding his head.“Who asked you to buy me ice cream at lunch and then at a movie theatre and then at the park and then at the dinner? And to top off that we stayed under the fake rain.” I replied sniffing.“Well, you made me eat that while you are doing the same, so the blame doesn’t go only on me. We just got flu, so deal with it.” He said, and I closed my eyes with a feel to knock his head with mine.“Let’s drink some milk and take some tablet.” I said getting down.“I am feeling dizzy.” I said, holding the bed.“Let’s
*Ajay Mehra Pov*“Happy second anniversary.” I whispered in her ear and kissed her cheek.She immediately opened her eyes and asked, “What?”“Today is our second-year anniversary.” I replied.“Oh!” She mumbled and added, “I don’t remember at all but how can you remember it. You forgot the first time right?”“I didn’t! I just acted as I forgot, but I didn’t forget it at all.” I replied and turned around to face me within a second.“You are really a great actor.” She said, and I flinched turning away.“Happy second anniversary.” She whispered, placing her hand around me, and I smiled patting it.“Now go to sleep. We have so much to do tomorrow.” I said, looking at the clock that it is past five minutes to twelve.&l
*Jiya Pov*“Jiya! Sit beside me.” Someone said.“No! Sit beside me.” Someone else said.“Actually, I will sit here.” I said, sitting beside Ajay, who is sitting at the end seat.They all nodded and settled themselves while Lily sat beside me. I gave her a slight smile and leaned on Ajay.“Why didn’t you sit with them? I really thought you would.” Ajay mumbled in my ear.“Well, just because I am talking to them nicely doesn’t mean I want to form the perfect bond with them. I am just being nice to them and want to stay as colleagues only.” I mumbled back.“But you used to generally make friends with everyone you meet.” He said and held my hand.“I know and it will take some more time.” I mumbled, and he nodded but hasn’t left my hand.&ldq
*Ajay Mehra Pov*“Are you ready?” She asked for the tenth time.“Coming, madam!” I replied, walking outside the room.“What is this Ajay? This is a very bad habit of yours. You never went this late when we are in Palghar.” She said frowning.“You don’t have any problem in talking about the past?” I asked her surprised.“What should I do? Shall I teleport myself back into the past and change it?” She asked, raising her eyebrow locking the house door.“Well...” I trailed off.“That’s right! I can’t do that, and I think if I talk it out like not giving much importance to it, then it will not matter anything to me.” She said.“So the past doesn’t matter to you at all.” I said driving us.“No!” she said, and I ti