Surprise-2

If you have missed the first part of this story, Just click on the highlighted link, " Surprise"

26th Nov, 2017

I changed my solemn face, made a happy expression, and started meeting others. Almost everyone there knew me very well; after all, I was the only one who used to hold Disha's hands ever. I started doing works as I did not want anything should be left in these decorations; as it's my girlfriend's marriage, I smiled and moved towards work.

It says, "Getting yourself busy at work is the best way to avoid your breakdowns," and that's what I was doing there. Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder, so I turned back.

Hello beta, May I know who are you and why are you doing this work? Ahh, we have workers for that, so enjoy this marriage. He spoke to me.

How can I enjoy uncle? I mumbled

Did you say something? He replied

No, nothing, uncle, actually you don't recognize me. I am Shivam, aah, Disha's friend; I gave my little intro to make him remember. 

Oh, yes, Shivam, now I remember, but beta, why are you doing this? I think you should be with Disha this time instead of doing all this, her father replied

Hmm, I agree with you, but don't you think that this time my presence will make her a little more emotional because she will be holding someone else's hand by tonight's evening, so I guess she should get used to it. And I think, you shouldn't worry, uncle, I will always be with her whenever she needs me; I somehow convinced him not to force me to go near her today.

That's so sweet of you, Shivam, he hugged me, saying

OK, then I won't stop you. Check everything correctly and if you find anything wrong, replace it. He said and turned back to leave.

Yaa, sure, uncle, I replied

Listen, beta, he turned around and continued, and I must say, now that you are here, I can go back to my room and rest peacefully, with a bit of water in his eyes; he told me, patting on the shoulder. I feel like he sees his son in me.

Yaa, sure, uncle, I hold his hand to assure him that I am here.

By the way, When will Disha come to this hall? I excitedly asked him

Well, I think, around 8; 00 pm. You know how cautious they are with their make-ups and all; he laughed and sat in his car to depart.

Yaa, right, uncle. Ok, you leave. I am here. I waved my hands and went away.

As he left, I started looking after all the work and guiding the workers there. 

Bhaiya, change that light and use this one there. And, Ramesh bhai, I think this garland suits there, can you replace it? I started guiding

Jii Sahab (Yes sir) he replied. I got busy with work.

Sahab(Sir), Can you please fix it there? Ramesh asked for the favor

Yaa...sure, I replied. I was a supervisor and worker as well. The work continued, and we almost did it all by evening; they just needed the last touch. I called each of them working there near me. 

Jii Sahab, they addressed me.

So, guys, we have almost done all the work, and now it looks beautiful, isn't it? I asked. They all nodded. Yes. 

Hmm, so I wanted to thank all of you for doing such beautiful work; I thanked the workers.

Sahab, it would not have been this better if you had not guided us. You are also a part of this; one of them said this. 

Thank you, So let's go to the nearby shop. I'll give you all a special treat, what do you say? I offered them

Yeah, they all cheered together. Thank you, Sahab.

Ok then, let's finish this last thing together quickly, and then the party is on; I joined them in, giving the finishing touch. 

While decorating the stage, Ram (one of the workers) asked me, Sahab?

Hmm...Ram, I replied while fixing the flower on the stage.

Disha madam is just your friend? he asked

Why are you asking this, Ram? I replied

Sorry...sorry..sorry Sahab, he started apologizing.

Aahh...no..no, I am not scolding you, idiot. Just asking, "Why did you ask this??" I made him feel free by patting her shoulder

He felt calm now and then continued, Sahab, I have never seen someone doing this much for just a friend. You are doing work, giving us treat, and many other things. Is she....he stopped.

You will not understand, brother, I replied with a smile. She's my...my...good friend, I continued and rolled my eyes down. It was 5;30pm in the watch, and we had finally done the work, and as per the promise, we stepped out of the marriage hall for a bit of celebration. While going out, I looked back at the decoration, and with tears in my eyes, I whispered, " this is for you, my good friend," and went ahead. 

At 6;30pm, Marriage Hall

I dressed up and was sitting on the chair. A few minutes later, I could see the guest coming into the hall, and this is when all your work will be either pleased or criticized. I did not want to ruin this, so I started welcoming everyone and taking care of everything required. I want to make them happy as I want them to bless my Disha with all their heart. 

After all this, I went outside for some fresh air as I was so exhausted by that time. I wish I could take a shower that time, but I could not, so there was no better option than to manage with cold breezes blowing outside. I was taking a sip of water, and then suddenly a car stopped at the entrance; I quickly went aside to see who was in the car. The door opened, and Disha came out. Oh my god! Isn't she looking like a princess? I could not take my eyes off. I was completely mesmerized and kept staring at her. I remember when maa used to tell us fairy tales, I often asked them, " Maa, do they exist?" Can I ever see them?. But now, when Disha was in front of me, I got all my answers. I could see the girl I had ever dreamt of seeing. She was looking ravishing in her red bride costume. I kept on beholding the fairy that landed from heaven. I wish I were her groom, but we can't change the reality. Things that have to happen will happen, so accept it with a smile and move on. I thought to go and meet her but then dropped the idea as instead of greeting her; I'd get emotional. So I kept staring at her from that corner. When she went inside, I came out and controlled my emotions. Later, I went inside the hall as well.  

She went inside a room. Everything was going perfectly well, and now the time had come when Pratik was supposed to come. I brought a smile to my face and became more attentive. Disha's dad joined me at the entrance and smiled, saying thank you, son. At 10;30, Pratik's car arrived, and everyone suddenly got charged as a celebrity had come to their hall, but it's also a fact that the groom is not less than a celeb in his in-law's house. He came out, and uncle hugged him. Later, I shook hands with him, and all her relatives took him inside. 

I almost did my work now. I shook hands with uncle and went aside. To avoid all these marriage things, I decided to pack myself in the room, so I headed toward the storeroom. It becomes very tough to keep smiling all the time when you are entirely broken from the inside. I realized this. 

Shivam Bhaiya, a voice suddenly broke my thoughts, and so I turned around 

Piyush (Disha's brother), I addressed him 

Where were you all the time? He hugged saying this

Ask your dad, idiot. I was the one who came here first. When uncle left for the house, I had been working here since morning because our Piyush sir was busy with his girlf.... he kept his hand on my mouth 

Ssssh...bhaiya sorry, I know you were here. Dad already scolded me at the house. By the way, I knew that you would surely come before me after all di is your only friend, he smilingly replied

Hmm...I nodded. Okay, I have some work so I'll meet you soon, I replied and turned around.

Noo..nooo...nooo, Di was looking for you since morning and ordered me to bring you in her room anyhow. Now, it's up to you whether you go on foot or in my lap. The choice is yours; he smirked and grabbed my hand. 

I smiled in approval. Shall we bhaiya? he asked, smiling

Jija bol sale (call me brother-in-law, idiot), I mumbled 

Did you say something? he frowned 

Let's go, I replied 

Piyush opened the door and shouted, "Di, look who is here?" 

She was sitting silently in front of a mirror. Disha, I called her name

Piyush, I don't know him. Who is he? She annoyingly replied

Aaah..now I don't want to come in between. Dad is already mad at me. I am going, he waved hands and left the room.

Disha was still not looking at me. I kept my hand on her shoulder. "Disha, won't you talk to me?" I asked

She remained silent. Hmm... ok, I turned around. 

"Abhi toh usne tumhra haath bhi nahi thma tha, aur tumne humara saath chor diya" (He didn't even hold your hand, but look, you left mine) 

Shivam, she turned around saying and looked into my eyes. I smiled

She came close and hugged me. For a second, I forgot everything and felt so relaxed in her arms, like it healed all the wounds. She is only mine, and I am her. But then life shines a light on your dreams and brings you to reality. 

Did you miss me? I asked

Hmm, she nodded 

I have been waiting for you since morning, I tried to call you several times, but you did not receive it. I was very excited a few days ago, but I missed everything we shared today. I missed you all the time; she held my hand while saying this.

I also mis....but suddenly her mother entered the room

Disha, come out. Pratik's family has come in. Everyone is waiting for you there. She holds her hand, saying this 

Piyush, she called him

Shivam, beta, take her out. Piyush and her uncles will accompany you.

Yaa sure, Aunty. Piyush and I held phoolon ki chadar (a blanket of flowers) from the front side, and her uncles kept it behind. Disha was in between that. It is made of artificial flowers and golden beads. The danglers in between fall perfectly when held from four sides at the time of bridal entry.

Everyone was looking at me: all the cameraman, uncle, Pratik, his family, and everyone. I was smiling throughout the day, and now I am going along with her to leave her in someone else's arm. I was feeling so helpless than ever. With such thoughts, we reached the stage. Pratik lent his hand towards her and took her on stage. We shared eye contact when she got on the stage. I smiled. I cannot do this smile act anymore. 

I decided to go now finally. I could not do this anymore, so I was moving towards the door, but Piyush from back held my hand. 

Where are you going, bhaiya? Let's sit here and have a drink. You have worked so hard today; he took me to the chairs and offered me a drink.

Thank you, I said. Sitting on the chair in front of the stage, I could see everything. How Pratik was sitting so close to her, talking and holding her hands, and how everyone liked it. It was getting very tough for me to see, but nothing I could do than sit silently, not because of Piyush, but Disha had her eyes on me. She sometimes looks at me to confirm whether I am alright or not. I always smiled at her that saying, I am okay. 

A few moments later, Piyush went on the stage to lift Disha and called me there as well. I was not willing to go there, but how could I say no when everyone was looking at me, so I steeped ahead. Piyush and I lifted her on our shoulder, and later Pratik's brothers did the same. When Pratik tried to put that garland on Disha's neck, we took her left, then right, and finally, both of them garlanded each other. Everyone was smiling, laughing, and clapping except me.

Piyush, I think something got into my eyes; I am coming just in a sec, I replied and went off.

For the first time since morning, I cried. I tried hard to stop, but tears rolled down my face. I headed towards a room where I had put a gift for Disha. I took it in my hands and searched for someone from her family. 

Hey...Tanya (her cousin), I shouted

Yes bhaiya, She turned and came to me

Aaah, I had a gift for Disha. I wanted to give it to her myself, but I had to go quickly as there was an emergency. I hope you understand. Please take and give it to Disha tomorrow, I gave her that gift, and before she could say something, I went off. 

While coming out of the hall, I again looked at the board "Pratik Weds Disha,"  and just the one thing that came out from my heart " Happy married life, Disha," and yaa Love you till the end. I turned ahead and never looked back.

(After 5 Years) 

"You, Do you remember me? Like I remember you. Do you spend your life, going back in your mind to that time?" 

My phone rang

Coming...coming...wait..wait..wait, a chant by me.

Who's calling me this morning? I am already getting late for the office. 

I could see the display, and it showed "Unknown number."

Hello...Shivam here

( A deep silence as there was no one on another side)

Shivam...I could hear a shallow sound of someone calling my name from that side

How are you? Someone asked 

Yes, I am good, but I did not recognize you. May I know your name? I replied

Someone said to me ever that "it hurts when someone you know becomes the one you knew," she replied.

ohhh, my god! I screamed out

Disha, It's been a long time. I can't believe it. I thought you would have forgotten me, My eyes were filled, and an ocean of emotions came out.

How would I forget the one who always made me smile? I missed you, so I tried to call you several times, but your number was not reachable like you. Somehow, I talked with Kishore and got your number; she took a sigh when she completed

I am sorry. I... forget it. How's your life going? I asked 

Not good, She replied

Why? What happened? I asked worriedly

Because someone who promised to stay together forever has left me alone, she replied

Aaah... I am sorry. I didn't want you to guys to disturb, and I thought you guys needed time to understand each other as you used to understand me, I replied

But I forgot to understand one thing that I should have understood very before, she replied

What? I asked

No...nothing, she replied 

How are your babies? I asked

Why didn't you ask, baby? she asked smilingly

How could somebody stop in one if one has you? I laughed

You....I'll kill you, idiot, she replied

Okay, I smirked. So how are they? I asked 

They are good. Can we meet Shivam? She suddenly changed and threw a question at me.

Meet? so you are in Shimla now? I asked

Yes, she replied

Wow! that's great. So can we meet at 6;30pm at Cafe Simla Times? I asked

Okay, she replied and cut the call

(At 6;30pm, Cafe Simla Times)

Hello, I waved my hands toward her, but she came close and hugged me. 

How are you, she asked?

Hmm...Fine, I replied 

Your kids? I asked

They are at home, She replied

What are their names? I asked 

Tanvi, Samayra, and Rishab, She replied 

Nice. I took a sigh.

I found that she was looking at me with a smile, and then I realized 

Wait, what did you say? Rishab? I shockingly asked  

Yes, she smilingly replied 

It's my name, and you only know it, and you...Okay, I said, blushing

Well, nice name, Rishab; I kept smiling

She kept staring at me smilingly. 

Can I ask you something? She suddenly asked

Hmm, sure, I replied 

Tanya has given me something; she asked about the gift

You know this cafe is very famous here. Let's order something. Waiter, I tried to avoid her question 

What was that, Shivam? Why did you...There is a park near this cafe; I cut her in middle 

Why didn't you say it before my marriage? She asked

I went numb. 

You know, in the past five years, I sometimes regret being so close to you; why didn't I ever feel your love? Why did I not understand? She suddenly became so emotional that she could not meet her eyes with me.

Hey...idiot. Please, don't cry. I can't see you crying. Let's forget it. I tried to console her. Come with me; I held her hands and walked out. 

I never thought we would ever get apart as I was so sure that I made for you and you for me. It was the reason I never confessed and waited for you to do so. That morning when you called me I was so happy that finally, Disha is going to admit but ..... You know, I answered and smiled. 

She looked at me with tears in her eyes. I wiped it and kissed her forehead. 

When you called me that morning, I thought to say everything, but you smiled, and your happiness was so true that I did not want to ruin it. So, I kept quiet. 

You know, Disha, I took a sigh and continued, "Sometimes love is not about getting the one you love, but it's about seeing them happy always." So, my dear friend, Keep smiling

How easily you hide everything! And what you said, Keep smiling? She asked

Hmm...Keep smiling, I answered.

Then, Why I see water in your eyes? She looked into it and asked

Ahh...You know, Wind and snow in Shimla, that dust on the road, and, She hugged me before I could complete the lines

I tried hard, but as it says, "When you cry, there is 1% of water and 99% emotions," so it's better to release them at the right time than to keep it forever with you. And so that day, I cried a lot in her arms, and so did she. 

"Duriya kitti bhi ho, Mohbaat aaj bhi tumse hi hai
Kal hum mile ya naa mile, ishq tumse tha
aur rahega bhi tumse hi..." 

                                                

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