Will she say yes- 3

 

If you have not read the first two part of the stories, Tap on these link Part-1 and Part-2 

It was my sister. What are you doing here di? When will you stop meddling in others affairs? I shouted at her.

I knew there was something brewing and so I followed you, she replied smilingly. 

Okay. Just leave that and tell me who is she? She got curious about that and I had no option than to tell her everything about Samyara. 

Well, I don’t know much about her as we just started talking today. She is from Delhi and… I stopped while saying. 

And? Complete it or should I…Don’t threaten me okay, I cut her in the middle. 

Ohh is it! Mummy, she called aloud. 

And she is planning to visit Patna next month, I replied immediately. 

Ohhooo…that’s great. Isn’t it too fast? She asked smiling 

It’s not like that di. She is coming here to attend a wedding and also we are almost strangers. I mean we barely know each other. I don’t know what the future holds. Let’s see which way the wind blows, I got into the blanket while saying this. And yaa listen, turn off the bulb of the room while leaving. I signaled towards the switch board. 

<<

(Next Morning) 

Hi. Good morning, I received this text on my messenger. I remember it was 5;30 of the morning and I was feeling drowsy. 

You woke up? My phone beeped with another message. I removed the blanket, rubbed my eyes and took my phone out from the blanket. 

This was Samyara’s message and that was enough to get me excited. Further, it took me hardly 5 minutes to freshen up. A boy who always refuses things for his sleep regardless of their importance, woke up early this morning and also freshened up. If my sister had seen me freshening up early in the morning, she would have been running around chanting 'miracle, miracle'.

(At 12;30 PM)

The morning turned into noon but the conversation kept going on until I get scolded by my mother. 

I was very happy when I knew that you woke early today but then stuck with your phone for hours. Have you eaten something? No…I am seriously getting tired from your carelessness. Have a routine in your life and follow it for your better health and to gain wealth as well. She stated all these in one go which was not easy for me to reply and so I chose the best word and that is... 

Sorry, I replied. I am really sorry maa but it was something very important but I’ll take care of it, saying that I stepped towards her. 

You remember once you said, "Good things take time but you need to persevere" and see I woke up early today and gradually I’ll also learn more. I crossed my hands over her shoulders and shook my head with her. 

Hmm… very nice beta (son). Ok, ask Di to serve your food, she coaxed me.

Now, it’s gonna be fun. Di will serve me food, hahaha, I murmured. 

(Few Months Later)  

Things were going streamline between us. Our regular conversation that starts from good morning and ends at good night everyday. As the time flew, we have opened about our personal stuff that comprises family, friends, past and even sometimes we used to give some hypothetical situation to each other that were mostly related to our marriage and togetherness.

In short, we were getting closer with each passing day. In fact, there were days when I felt we were developing into something more than a friendship. But none of us had the courage to open up with what we were feeling. The only thing that was unclear was whether we were building a new relationship or it was just a friendship that started that night. It was the confusion that can only be clear when we met and I was waiting for that day. 

Who is Samyara? Maa came into my room with my phone ringing in her hands. 

Aahmm..I..I don’t know exactly, I said fluttering. 

Why did you save her number then? She asked. 

Ohh…now I remember, I jumped in. 

She is di’s friend. Yaa, last week she had to make a call to Samyara but her phone battery was dead. So, she called from my number. I explained and sighed. Wait..wait, before you ask why did I save her number? It was di who saved it. 

Okay. You know about you and your sister. Anyway, pick up the call and say she is not here, she hands over the phone to me. 

Yaa sure maa, I replied. 

And yaa call her Samyara di. Don’t forget your manners, she said, staring at me. 

No…I can’t say do to her, I murmured. 

Sorry? Maa frowned. 

Did I say anything? I shrugged. 

Of course, I’ll say…I’ll say..I took a pause and said mildly, “Di” to her. 

Good, she closed the door and went away. 

I took a deep breath as she walked out. Now, the first thing was to latch the door and then call her back. 

Why were you not picking the call? I have something too important to tell you, she yelled at me. 

I am sorry for it. Actually, I forgot the phone outside and you know what happened? Maa brought it to me, I said giggling. 

Haww…did she ask something? she said laughing. 

Yup, but I managed saying Samayra is di’s friend and so from now maa advised me to call you Samayra ‘di’. 

Ohhh…so are you calling me di from now? She asked smilingly. 

Do you want me to call you? I asked. 

Ahmm…let’s forget it, She laughed. 

Hahah, okay. Hey, what were your important things? I asked enthusiastically. 

Yes-Yes, I just missed it in your words. So, the thing is that I am coming to Patna in the next 2 days. Superb excited to see you soon, she said in zeal. Her excitement was somewhere making me nervous yet happy too.  

Yes... Same here, I put it mildly. With this enthusiasm of yours, I assume that you must have planned the venue of the meeting as well. So where is it? I added later.

Ohhoo…you understand me a lot now. What’s the matter Mr. poet? She asked giggling.

Hahaha…I laughed. 

So, we will not meet in any cafe, restaurant or mall etc. The reason is that I am very busy with wedding stuff so cannot come out. That's why I want you to come to the wedding itself. And, since it's a wedding, don't come in your regular attire. Do wear a traditional outfit like a kurta-pajama, she said it like a monologue, complete non-stop.

Yaa…okay, okay. Take a deep breath once. Now, tell me do you think it’s good to attend a wedding where you have not been invited, I asked.

You don’t need to worry about it. I have talked about it and you are invited, she said smiling. 

Okay, will see you in red saree at the wedding then. And listen, don't put too much makeup on your face, you look great naturally. I don't’ think you need any makeup but if you want, just apply some liners, light lipstick and a little blush on the cheeks and that's it. I suggested. 

I feel like you are not just a friend but a boyfriend, she replied laughing. 

Hahaha…I too feel the same sometimes, I replied. 

I have even mentioned that if I do not get someone, I’ll marry Shivam, she said excitedly. 

Ohhoo…Are you serious? I said shockingly. 

Yup, I and di are best friends and so we share things often, she replied. 

Well..okay, I sighed. So, see you at the wedding and text me the marriage venue, I replied. 

Sure. Bbye and take care, she replied and cut the call. 

Should I have continued talking about what she just said? Was that a chance to clarify things? Did I…let it be, I think I am overthinking. Let’s not think about this stuff and concentrate on the wedding part. 

As she confides things to her sister, I have Kishore to talk to and I am sure that her visit to Patna might be exciting for Samayra and me but a strain for Kishore, I laugh at the thought and come out of the room. 

I have only two days left and she will be coming at anytime. I badly need Kishore and Rahul's involvement in it.

Meet at 5;30pm. It's urgent,  so I dropped a message in our whatsapp group. 

Have you talked to Samayra di? Maa asked. 

Maa…when did you come? I screamed seeing her standing in front of me. 

What happened? She asked

You scared me. Hmm, I have to talk to Samayra, I answered. 

Are you planning to propose to her? She asked. 

I got numbed for a while and stared at her in astonishment. I..I mean..how..did.. I was too fumbling to say even a single word. 

What? I can’t understand anything, she replied. 

How can you say I am planning to propose to her, I asked in a mild voice. 

Of course! Anyone can guess it otherwise why ain't you saying her samayra di instead of calling her by her name? 

Ohhh, this way, I sighed. I can now stand at ease. Actually, I was thinking about something so I just forgot to add ‘di’ at the end. I am sorry, I exclaimed. 

It’s good manners beta so from next time take care of these things. Okay? she asked while teaching me a lesson. 

Yaa.. sure, I replied. 

Good boy, Saying this she left. 

I was almost on the verge of being caught by my mother but thank god she was thinking of something else. I must tell everything to Di about this otherwise if mother asks her about Samayra, then all my secrets and little lies that I told to mother will be revealed.

I ran to her room, spilled out everything and bribed her with a gift to keep it a secret. Things are sorted and now I was waiting for 5;30pm. 

(Evening 5;00PM)

I am going out maa, I said aloud while unlocking the door. 

Okay. Come back on time and latch the door, she replied 

Yaa..sure, saying this I left. 

I am coming there now, I texted in the group. Do not be late please, I added. 

Waiting outside, Rahul replied. 

Miracle, I texted back with laughing emojis. 

Fuck off, he replied. 

Sorry, I arrived. Stop typing and look ahead, I texted and took the phone inside. 

What is so important today? He asked

Let Kishore come, I replied. 

Here, I am, Kishore came from back. 

Now, don’t say this & that and clearly tell us what’s the matter, Rahul said annoyingly. 

Samayra is coming the day after tomorrow, I said. 

Wait..what? Kishore reacted. 

Yaa…she is coming, I said again. 

What? Rahul reacted. 

Now, don’t be like a starplus actor. I am not going to say the same thing again.  

I mean, is she really coming this soon? Rahul replied. 

Yes, and I have to attend her relative's wedding to meet her. She chose the marriage venue as our first meeting point, and I disclosed her plan.
That’s really fast but sounds exciting but how we gonna meet her, Rahul asked in zeal. 

Let me meet first then we will think about that, I answered. 

So, you decide what you are wearing? Kishore asked

That’s why I call you guys here today. I am thinking of wearing a kurta as she wants me to look in a traditional attire. What do you say? I asked. 

There is no need to ask what to wear. If she wants you to wear a kurta, you have to wear it. So the  point of discussion is to think about the colour of the kurta you should choose. Rahul answered. 

Hahaha..we laughed but Kishore remained silent. I guess he sensed something hidden. 

Is that everything you want us to get involved in? He asked, staring at me. 

Aahm…well it’s not certain yet but..yaa I knew there would be something more, Kishore cut me in the middle. 

Since I have not seen her before, I am thinking of seeing her before the wedding at the railway station, I spoke softly. 

But isn’t it cheating? Rahul interrupted. 

Of course not! Gone were the days when the bride and groom had to wait till their marriage to see each other. Nowadays, these things are common, I explained in my defense which made both of them staring at me. 

Sorry? Rahul frowned. 

I am just giving an example. Don’t take it literally, I replied. 

And what’s wrong in this if you consider you and her as a bride & groom? Right Shivam? Kishore supported me. 

Absolutely, I shouted enthusiastically, patting Kishore's back. 

But it was not exactly what I thought. Kishore was not in my support but it was his trick to confirm what I feel for her. 

Wow! You haven’t met ever and are thinking about marriage and all. This is what we call making a castle in air, Rahul replied. 

Before you say anything more about it, I want to talk about the plan I made, I said looking at Kishore. 

Okay, he smirked. 

As far as I know, he will be arriving by 4;00am in the morning and… I am out, Kishore interrupted in the middle. 

If you want to go anywhere at midnight, I have no issue with that but not in the morning. You better know I am not a morning person, he further replied annoyingly. 

I know but this time you have to for me, I requested. 

Take Rahul with you… I made a sad face while he was saying this. 

Okay. Get your bike ready by 3;30am, Kishore said to Rahul.

Don’t say, “gari mae tel nahi hai (There is no petrol in the bike), I’ll pay, " I immediately replied before Rahul came up with that same excuse.  

Aaah…okay, he replied. 

Can we go shopping now? He asked further. 

Sure, I replied. 

We went to Trends ( It is the India's largest fashion retail chain across India. It offers stylish, high-quality products across Womenswear, Menswear, Kidswear and fashion accessories through a diversified portfolio of own brands, national and international brands. It is owned by Reliance) 

Show us a kurta in maroon or blue, Rahul called a volunteer. 

Sure sir. Is it for marriage or some other festive occasion, sir? He asked. 

We looked at each other and shared a smile. 

He is going to see the girl for marriage, I mean for his elder brother, Rahul simlingily replied. 

Don’t start it here, I looked at him.

Actually, he has to attain a marriage and so we need a kurta for that, Kishore replied. 

Get it sir. Please follow me, He took us to the second floor. 

These are the best in the collection and you don’t need to worry about the quality as it is a Manyavar product, he showed us some pieces. 

Can you show us more options? I asked. 

Sure sir, he took us to the other side. 

Here we are. Choose what you like the most and I am pretty sure you can’t say no to these, he said showing the clothes one after the other.

Hold on, I shouted which made people moving around stare at me. 

Easy brother, Kishore patted me. 

I love this one. I chose an embroidered maroon kurta. 

Fasten your excitement, Rahul pushed me back. How much does it cost? He asked. 

5,500 only, sir, the volunteer replied. 

Only 5,500? Rahul asked shockingly. 

Just excuse us, Kishore took both of us aside. 

What's so shocking about it? You are in Trends and I think they are showing us their lowest prices. Check out a lot of other options, they have kurtas whose prices start from ₹17,000, ₹25,000 and even more, Kishore made Rahul understand. 

Why did they show us the low price collection? Are we looking penurious? Rahul asked. 

Hahaha, we are,  I replied.

So what do you think? Are you going to pay ₹5,500? Kishore asked. 

Yes, I instantly replied. 

Very nice. Just remember this “Yes” when we ask you something, Kishore taunted. 

What, yes? Let me say they have to give some discount, Rahul came into the conversation. 

Brands do not offer any discount. Their prices are certain so it’s vain to ask and also we are in the mall and not in a shop that you are thinking of bargaining for. He tried to stop him but he avoided me and went ahead. 

How much did you say? He asked the volunteer. 

₹5,500 sir, he replied. 

And at what price will you offer us? He asked which made the three of us exchange weird looks. 

This time three of us included Kishore, I, and that volunteer.

Sorry sir. The price is fixed. There is no discount on it, if there was an offer it would have been written there. Not only in malls but even if you go to buy Manyavar's products at any other shop, they can't give you any discount. If it is not mentioned there, then they explain how the branded products are sold in shopping malls. 

I have never heard about this anywhere except your mall today, Rahul counters back.

Hold on brother, we stopped him. We want this so just pack it up, Kishore asked him. 

Yaa sure sir. Let’s come to the counter and I’ll help you in billing, he took us to the ground floor. 

After all this process, we came out of the mall and refrained from taking the carry bag because if anyone saw me with it, there would be thousands of questions that I would have to answer. And it requires special attention. I put that kurta in my bag and went off. 

So, let’s meet in the morning, guys. Mission Samyara is on, I said looking at both of them. 

Hahaha..Okay, Rahul laughed and we went home. 

(Final Night) 

Although, I and Kishore are the late sleepers but tonight we have to sleep early to wake up early..sorry very early I mean. But one thing is still hidden from them is I am not sure about the train timing as I have not asked her. However, I have a point to defend if train timings get altered. Let me take you to the flashback. I have said to them “as far as I know she will arrive by 4;00am” which means it is not certain yet. Therefore, if her arrival time will be different from what I thought, I can say this in my defense. But let's hope everything goes according to plan.

Hii, I texted her. 

May I know your train and compartment number? I further added. 

I guess you are offline. Drop me the details when you see it, I sent it again and kept the phone aside.

(Phone beeped)

I turned back and picked-up the phone. It was her message.

Train number 12310 and I am in A2 but why do you want this? She replied. 

Thank god, my speculation was right. It was the same train (Tejas Rajhdhani) that I expected, which means everything will go as per the plan. 

No, I was just asking, General Knowledge, I replied. 

Ohh..okay. By the way, I am on the train right now and will reach by 4;00 in the morning, she texted. 

Ohhh…that’s great, I replied. 

You haven’t sent me the location yet? I asked

Ohh…sorry. Will text you once I see the card. Actually I forgot it, she replied back. 

Cool… by the way what you are wearing? I asked. 

I am in black jeans and a red kurti, she texted. 

But hold on! Why am I telling you these and why are you asking? Don’t say it is for general knowledge, she replied one after another.  

It’s obviously for general knowledge. See, I always put on light clothes like lower and T-shirt for comfort travelling. This is the only reason I ask you, I replied. 

Ohh…okay fine, She replied. 

Okay… Have a good sleep you have to wake early. Good night, I replied and turned the data off. 

Don’t be late. We have to depart earlier, let’s say 3;30am to reach on time. I sent a normal message to Kishore and kept the data connection off as I don’t want to get engaged with her messages. 

I guess the train will be late so we should go late, he replied. 

Rajdhani never comes late and mainly in this route. Further, I’ll keep tracking it but you have to come on time, I replied. 

Okk, he sent me some annoying emojis. 

Thank you, I returned and went to sleep. 

During our school days, one of our teachers once said that your mind is your best alarm. If you have told your mind to do so, you do not need anything else to wake you up. However, we all took it lightly and laughed at that philosophy. But, the day we all followed it, it turned out to be absolutely true. Without any external help, I got up exactly when I had to get up and on that day I came to know, it was not just a philosophy, but a science. And that's what I'm going to do tonight.

Please, wake me up at 3;00am, I said it thrice to my mind and slept. 

(At 2;55am)

I got up yawning and looked at the watch. As far as I can see, it was 2;55am and again that philosophy came true. Without thinking of sleeping for some more time, I went to freshen up.

Have they got up by now? I thought while brushing my teeth. 

Let me call them once, I dialled Kishore's number. 

Wearing pants now, he replied picking the call. 

I got water in my eyes. I am still brushing and you are almost ready. Am I talking to Kishore? I replied. 

Hahaha..Everything for Samayra, he replied. 

Wait..sorry? I shouted. 

Hahaha…I mean Shivam brother, he laughed. 

What about Rahul? Is he ready? I asked.

He is standing down with his bike, he replied. 

Am I dreaming? Everyone is ready before me. If someone has friends, they should be like you guys man, I replied. 

Don’t get senti and come here quickly. Byee, he said and cut the call. 

Now the biggest problem was how to step out. Morning walk can be the best option. I should go with this to maa. 

Mummy..maa, I said knocking the door. 

Hmm, I heard a voice. This is the best time to convince someone as you can take their half-sleep answers in your favor. 

I am going for a walk. Can I go? I asked. 

Hmm, she replied. 

Okay, have a good sleep. Byee, saying this I went away. 

(Kishore’s house) 

Come quickly. We might be late, Rahul waved seeing me coming.

No matter where we go, whom we meet, and what is the occasion, Rahul will dress up more nicely than anyone else. 

Is she your friend or mine? I asked. 

She should know about various other better options than the one she chose, no, he replied laughing.

Kishore I take my words back. If someone has a friend, they should not be like this guy, I said pointing to Rahul. 

Hahaha..come sit now, he said. 

Take a short-cut else we might get caught for tripling, I said to them and we moved. 

(At Patna Junction, 4;00AM)

Check the status. Has it arrived? Rahul asked to park the bike. 

It's almost there. Run quickly to the back now, saying this we all ran towards the stairs near platform number 1 where the train is coming. 

Focus on compartment A2 and a girl in black and red kurti, I said to them. 

Okay..done, They replied simultaneously. 

I felt like I am the commander standing with my team on the border and keeping our eyes on invaders.

For your kind attention please, Train number 12310 Rajendra Nagar Terminal Tejas Rajdhani Express from New Delhi to Rajendra Nagar Terminal is coming on platform number 1, we heard the announcement very gently. 

Keep your eyes on guys. She can disembark at any time, I pinched both of them. 

Eyes and cameras are on. We will see and capture it too, Kishore said firmly. 

Ain’t we are talking like the people talk in defense or during any attacks? Rahul asked smilingly. 

It's kind of that situation, I replied laughing. 

The train is arriving at the station. Please pay attention. Just after 2 or 3 coaches, our target will come out. focus guys, Kishore shouted.

I and Rahul looked at each other and stared at Kishore. 

She is not a terrorist, I replied. 

Hahaha…okay..okay look at the A2. It’s there, Rahul said, patting us on the back. 

Stop the train…please-please-plea.. and Yes..we shouted aloud. 

Sssh…focus, we became silent and steady like a tiger before attacking its prey. 

One by one passengers were coming out and our hearts were beating so fast. I am not sure about others but mine. 

Look at that girl Shivam, Kishore shouted. 

Black jeans and I guess it’s red kurti, Rahul pointed at her. 

Take a look from the left, she didn’t zip the jacket, Kishore asked me.

Hmm…I could see she was wearing red kurti. Perhaps she is Samayra, I replied. 

Why is she wearing a mask? I have her photo to match it but she is covering it, Rahul said annoyingly. 

I also think she is the one as no one except this girl is wearing the combination of black and red, Kishore said. 

Let’s wait for her to remove the mask, I replied and we sat relaxed. 

Do you think she will remove it? Rahul asked. 

There is a less chance I guess, I replied. 

So, what to do now? We can’t go empty-handed after all I managed with my sleep. Either we will see her face or at least confirm she is Samayra, Kishore said firmly. 

But we don’t have any option for any of the two, I replied. 

Hey.. she is going out now. Think something fast, Kishore said staggering. 

Samayra..Rahul shouted aloud and pushed our head down instantly. 

And that girl turned back. 

Sssh…we said to each other smilingly. 

Mission accomplished, Kishore said and we shook hands. 

We were right, Kishore. She is Samayra, I looked at him. 

But it was not in the plan and we never thought about it. How did you think this out of the blue? I asked Rahul. 

See, we had no other option to confirm whether she is Samayra or not and so I shouted. And they say, “sometimes you have to go for the attempt you never plan” and so I did, Rahul stated a philosophy. 

All heads down to the man of the moment, we bow down to him. 

Thank you both. Now the next meeting will be at the wedding and I am planning to do something which I am not gonna say to anyone. But if it goes well, I’ll tell you guys first, I said to them. 

Sure, we shall be waiting. Now, let’s get back to our house, my bed is waiting for me, Kishore said yawning. 

Haha…let’s go then, I replied and we went away from there. 

Let’s meet at the wedding Samyara, I murmured. 

( Morning 5;00am) 

I came home and luckily the door was open and so I started sneaking into the house. 

You came so early, I heard a voice and it was maa. 

Shit… actually the field was close so we had to come earlier, I replied. 

That time I realized you can’t be smarter than your mother. I thought she had no idea about me but her “hmm” was actually Yes, which means she heard everything properly. 

And whose kurta is there in your room? It’s beautiful, Maa asked. 

I should have kept it in the cupboard. It’s Kishore’s possession. Actually, he was not at home yesterday so I received his order, I replied and stepped forth to my room. 

I should inform about the wedding and need to check when she is not at home because if she finds me wearing this, I’ll have to answer a lot of questions. 

(Wedding Night)

What is the venue? Kishore and Rahul were on the call while I was getting ready. 

It’s near to my house, I replied.

Boring road? Rahul asked. 

P&M mall street. Hardly 1.2km away from my house, I replied.

There must be a name I guess, Kishore asked annoyingly. 

The Park Pride, I replied. 

Alright guys, I'm almost ready to go. Need your blessings today. I'm more nervous than ever, I said.

Don't think too much and just go with the flow. Talk to her nicely and hold your nervousness. Everything will be okay, Kishore said comforting me. 

Go shivam go, Rahul said giggling. 

Yes! I said aloud. It’s the first time I am going out without you guys. Anyway, let’s do it, I tried to encourage myself. 

Now go before aunty came in, Rahul said.

Ohh yes, thank you for reminding me. Byee then, I cut the call and sneaked out of the house. 

I'll be late today as there is a wedding at Kishore’s house, I texted in a family group and sat in the cab. 

OTP sir? Driver asked. 

01253. Drive to the Park Pride, I said. 

Sure sir, he started the car and we went away. 

The Park Pride

I have also come here once before. This is one of the beautiful marriage halls that has everything up to mark. It has air conditioners, good catering service, sufficient chairs and tables, clean table linen, audio visual system, green rooms for the bride or groom to change, traffic control and parking assistance, fountains in addition, etc. 

Should I call her now? Or wait for her call? Let’s enjoy the wedding and call her later. 

Thank you bhaiya, I paid the amount and entered the hall. 

Don’t be so nervous. It is not as difficult as it seems, the cab driver shouted from behind. 

How do you know? I came back to him. 

You are going to meet someone, right? I have also been in this situation, just control your nerves and say it clearly what you want, he consoled me. 

Thank you so much brother, I firmly shook hands with him and then he went off. 

Everything was well organized. Be it the starters, the main course, the hospitality, the sophisticated people around and the lovely decor, everything was captivating. 

I should go for starters. There are varieties of options one cannot miss. One by one I was tasting everything until I got a pat from back. 

Are you from the groom 's side or the bride? A girl in red lehenga (It is a form of ankle-length skirt from the Indian subcontinent which is secured at the waist with the midriff left bare.) asked me. 

Bride. I am Samyara’s friend, Shivam. I replied. 

Ohh Shivam. I am sorry, I didn’ recognize you, she said making a sorry face. 

It’s okay but how do you know me? Have we ever met? I asked. 

No but I know you as Samyara always talk about you in our house, she replied. 

Are you her elder sister? I asked. 

You guess right, she replied smilingly. 

Tanya, stated her name she leans in to shake hands.

Shivam as you know, I shook hands and replied similigily. 

Actually she is busy somewhere but no worries I’ll send her here. Till then enjoyed being at the wedding, she said and went upstairs. 

Should I start the countdown now? Calm down, Shivam. You don't have to ruin this special day. Take it easy and talk nicely, I was whispering with my eyes closed.

Hey, I heard a familiar voice and opened my eyes. I saw a girl in a green lehenga shimmering in the light with light makeup on. As she was coming towards me, her dupatta which acts as the pallu of the saree and covers the midriff was blowing away, revealing her midriff area that grabbed my attention for a while. I must say she is very conscious about her fitness. Further, the kajal applied in her eyes was enhancing her beauty and the redness of her cheeks glowed when the lighting of the camera fell on her. I am not flattering but she was looking so beautiful that I couldn’t take my eyes off her till she came to me.

Hii, she extended hand for a handshake. It took me some time to believe she was actually standing in front of me. 

Hello, I replied mildly and shook hands. 

Why is your hand so cold? She asked. 

Calm down Shivam, I said to myself. Perhaps because of the cold weather, I replied. There was a little fumbling in my voice but I am sure it will get okay later on. 

This is something very common in all girls? I said, smiling at her. It was a try to lose the heavy baggage of nervousness I am carrying on my chest. 

What? She asked. 

No matter how cold it is outside, girls never compromise with their fashion. Look at you and then at me. I am wearing thermal as well and you madam half sleeves, I said very calmly. For a second, I forgot it was me saying these things without staggering. 

Hahaha….I agree. 

You know I was a bit nervous when di said you are waiting here. You know meeting someone for the first time brings butterflies in your stomach, she said looking at me. 

But the way you showed up, it never seemed like you were worried or nervous. Talking about me, I was very nervous and it was not the weather that made my hand cold, but it was the thought of meeting Samyara for the first time that made me numb and freezed. 

Are you serious? She asked shockingly. 

Yeah! I replied. 

You’re looking great, she praised stroking her hands at my shirt

By now I have reached a certain comfort level and it was okay to talk with her. Thanks to that cab driver who comforted me at the end. 

Thanks and yes you immobilized me for a while. I kept staring at you as it was a little difficult to take my eyes off you, I said smiling. Ah...you are looking very beautiful today, I complimented her back but trust me, it was not like if she praised me then I should say something to her in return. It was a genuine compliment.

Is it! Thank you so much, He said smiling with downcast eyes.

It’s all my sister’s planning. She feels like we are brewing something more than a friendship and that’s why she induces me to get ready the way she wants. There was a hype like Shivam is coming, you guys are meeting for the first time, you should look special and this & that, she said while caressing her hairs with one hand.

Let me help you, saying this I waved my hands over her hairs and tucked it behind her ears. 

See, I am not going anywhere tonight so you can say slowly. I am all ears, I said smiling. 

Hehe..thank you, she chuckled.

Let’s eat something, she held my hands and took me to the stalls. 

How can I say I have tasted it all and have no space for anything now, I murmured. 

Bhaiya, make two plates of aloo tikki (Potato patties that you can only get in India), she said to the man standing with this stall. 

Sure ma’am, saying this he once looked at me. 

Don’t say anything, I gestured. 

Without uttering anything, I took it inside. 

Neither I could say anything nor I could make a face. I was wearing a fake smile and eating whatever was being served. 

Let’s try noodles now, she excitedly said. There is something magical in Bihar because the same things I ate in Delhi it was not that spicy and delicious like here. I want to try it now, let’s go, she took me again to the same stall where I ate two plates of noodles back to back. 

Indeed! Our street foods are special but noodles are not good. I never found them that special, I tried to stop her.

Is it! She frowned. 

Yes, I replied. 

But I want to try once, she pleaded. 

Okay, you can go for it, I replied. 

Let’s take a single plate for both of us. This will neither waste their noodles nor refrain me from tasting it once. What do you say? She asked like a kid and I couldn’t say no to the kid. 

Sure, I replied with a smile. 

Once I heard Zakir Khan saying, ‘Pyaar mae aadmi apni limit push karta hai (people in love push their limits)’. That day I clapped on his line but now I was understanding its true meaning that night. I was actually crossing my limits, capacity, or whatever you can say. 

We reached the stall and seeing me another time there, the man standing there asked instantly. 

Another plate sir? He asked shockingly. 

We have just arrived. Whom are you talking about? Samyara asked surprisingly. 

I kept my fingers on my lips and looked at him with my eyes blinking. 

Okay, he gestured. I am sorry ma’am but his face looks like a man who came here before, he said to Samyara. 

Okay. Make a plate and add two spoons in it, she ordered. 

Sure ma’am, he replied. 

“Din shagna da chadheya, aao sakhiyon ni vehra sajeya

Haan..Mera sajna mileya…” song started playing in the background  which took everyone's attention as the bride was coming towards the stage. Her entry made everyone roaming around freezed, some staring at her, some Indians aunties were gossiping about her beauty, some were talking about the well-settled groom, some were blessing but also some of them seemed jealous for no reason. This is very common in Indian families. 

One side where people were looking at the bride, some of them were keen on the girls coming along with her. Further, if there was someone who was more attentive and excited than anyone, it was the man with the camera and lights. This is the best work one can do as you don’t need anyone’s permission for their photographs as they will come to you and ask for it. 

This is a love marriage, I said looking at the bride.

How can you say it? Samyara asked. 

Look at both of them. If it would have been an arranged marriage, there would be little smile on their face or maybe not. But just look at them. The endless smile on both the faces, bride is yet to reach there and the groom has already knelt down. Whenever she looks at him, he giggles. Hence, it is a love marriage. I ended enligiting my observation.

Look at them. Had it been an arranged marriage, there would have been a slight smile on his face or maybe not. But just look at them. Endless smiles on both the faces,and see the awaited groom. The bride is yet to reach there but he has already knelt down. Whenever she sees him, he giggles. Therefore, it is a love marriage. I finished saying my observation.

Woooh…she reacted in shock. Why did such things never come to mind? Amazing Mr. Poet. So what have you decided? Arrange or love marriage? She asked, looking at me. 

Your noodles sir, the man at noodles stall called from behind. 

Thank you, Samyara replied. 

Come sit there, she asked to sit at the chairs there. 

Back to the question. Arrange or love? she asked. 

Well..I have to choose to arrange marriage, I replied making a sad face. 

Why “have to”? You have options, she replied. 

Who will love me Samyara? I said, sighing. 

Ahmm..there will be someone for you, she replied. 

I used to think the same but it never came true. I've never had a female friend in my life, let alone thinking of a girlfriend. After years, someone from Delhi named Samyara send me friend request. It was nothing more than a miracle, I said laughing at her. 

Hahaha…. So the way I met you, there would be some who will meet you at some point of life, she replied. 

And what if she says the same line you said today. I’ll keep meeting someone and they will keep giving me hope to meet someone next in the queue. This time I replied looking at the stage where the varmala ceremony (The Garland Exchange) was going on. 

Was she right about us? She asked standing up. 

Who? I asked. 

My sister. Do you feel something for me, she asked. 

I didn’t know how to reply to this? How could she ask directly? Why don't men have that courage? I kept thinking about these all and was looking at the stage constantly. 

Do you think we would be happy even if we take this relationship ahead of this friendship? She asked. 

I want to ask the same thing you asked earlier. Do you feel something more than a friendship between us? I asked but my eyes were still at the stage. 

God! Please help me to face it. I murmured.

Sometimes I do and I never stop myself thinking about it as it tickles me. Even if my sister teases you with your name, I never got angry on her, infact, I smiled even in rage if she talks about you, she replied

I cannot miss this moment because if I do today, I’ll regret my whole life and I looked into her eyes. 

If you had something, why would you tell me? Why should boys always initiate? I said holding her hands. 

Trust me it was not easy but I don’t know how to hold it.  A boy who was too nervous to talk to a girl is now holding her hands. A true miracle was happening that night but let’s see how it ends. 

Something never changes, shivam, she chuckled. 

Hmm…and don’t worry about our happiness as nothing will change. We are neither switching into something new nor someone new is coming between us. It’s us Samyara. We won’t give any label to this relationship. 

We were friends and always will be. If we want to smile forever in life then we should never give any label to any relationship. I feel it’s not the people who ruin happiness but the various labels we give that put pressure and end a happy life. I ended my philosophy here. 

Who will not be happy with you? She replied and embraced me. 

Samyara..can you answer something? I asked. 

Sure, she replied. 

Actually, a lot of people out there were buzzing “Will she say yes or no?” so I just wanted to ask, Do you love me? I asked. 

Yes, she replied smiling. 

Will you be with me for the rest of your life? I asked a bit aloud. 

Yes…forever, she replied and we held each other tightly in our arms. 

Now I have answered your question, its your turn to answer mine.

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