by Shailly Jain
His words are laced with cynism. Karan taunts, Love - so now you have feelings for me. Today one thing is appropriate you have dressed like a slut. Not like the innocent one you generally pull of. You met my father a few hours ago and realized that I come from money. I am a better catch than your current suitors. So you developed feelings for me in mere hours. His words turn vicious, Do I look like a fool to you, I don’t fall for such traps.
Gaurav heard Karan’s voice and came to see what’s happening. Seeing Sia in tears and pinned down position, he lost his temper.
Gaurav shouts, Let her go. Moving towards Sia, he softly says, I am sorry on his behalf.
Karan glared back at him “Sorry to her, she has no shame. She has been playing you all like fools”. She has no limits, she stoops so low that she doesn’t leave anyone’s father. Her loyalty lies only with money. I am the biggest bid and, she likes me now - sarcasm is dripping from his words.
He softly moves his finger on her cheek, Love please confess to him that you like me now. This fool thinks you have something special with him.
Seeing the murderous look on Gaurav’s face, he slowly releases Sia. Holding eye contact with his friend.
Sia brushed past him and, without looking at Gaurav, she left the room in a hurry. Her hairs are undone, dress and makeup are messed. Feeling humiliated from toe to bottom.
********
Leaving Karan and Gaurav discussing their issues, she started looking for a washroom. Looking in a full mirror at her disheveled look, she burst into tears. Closing the door behind slowly, she cried her heart out. After a while regaining her composure, she adjusted the dress from shoulders and smoothed the thigh pleats covering the legs properly.
Running fingers from tip to shoulders in her hair, she is trying to make them look presentable. Her face is still a mess kajal, mascara, eyeliner has merged. Seeing the tear-stained face, she starts washing the face and hands vigorously. Like removing the traces of the incident. When the face started hurting, she stops. Looking at her reflection mirror, a fresh roll of tears slipped down her face. Clutching her purse close, she gained pace. Sooner she will be out of this place, the better.
Going down looking like this will create a great deal in the rumor section tomorrow. But there is no other option left. She clashed into the host of the party.
In the room, Gaurav reverts with anger, You are right, something special is cooking between us. I love her like a sister. To your surprise, she knows that.
Karan is at a loss for words. Sister, he thought for every other relationship between them but never this. It doesn’t change everything thing, Rahul, Arvind, Mr. Vikram Sengar, his own father, and none of the least he is tried to be trapped by her. What he thinks of Sia is true, because other scenarios will be very difficult to deal with. His voice lacks the conviction to himself too.
I am happy that you are not her target. But as she came to know my dynasty, she chooses me over Rahul and Arvind.
Gaurav replies out of spite, Are you the right person to judge her?. You change the woman in your life literally, like bedsheets. You have no idea about her equation with other people. He adds with more anger, You want to hear truth listen to this. Sia makes you feel emotions that are deep buried by you. She makes a better man out of you and, you hate it. So your insecure mind tries to find faults in her.
Gaurav left the room to look for Sia. He had searched everywhere, but she is nowhere to be found. She must have left the place with someone, as security confirmed her car is still in the parking lot.
He called Arvind and Rahul, but they seem to know nothing. Tried her number again, this time the phone ring is coming from behind him. Gaurav turns expecting Sia but, Karan is standing there holding her phone.
His voice quiver - Karan if something happened to her, always remember it’s your fault.
Karan knows Gaurav is anxious about her, he feels the same. But standing here will not solve the problem. He insists Gaurav, to join him at the office. To ease worry he adds, I have asked our teams, they are looking for her.
Gaurav doesn’t feel like going anywhere with him. I need some space, it’s good if you live at your place for some time. He left without looking back.
The one with the Damsel in Distress
Aditya Singh’s eyes held a sympathetic look. His voice has a hint of concern “Sia you don’t look good, come with me there is back door exit this way”. She followed him without a question. Going down the stairs he offered his coat which gave some sense of protection.
As they reached the exit door, a car was waiting. Sia doesn’t want to be a liability. Uncle, I have a car parked here, I can go. Don’t worry. Mr. Singh insisted her for taking the ride, she is in no condition to drive.
To her surprise, he took the keys from the chauffeur and asks her to join him.
Sia blurted out the words in a hurry, Uncle many people are waiting for you inside. It will not look good if you left them hanging.
He affectionately smiles, I am bored with this party, so don’t feel bad. I can’t leave a damsel in distress. It will not be very heroic of me? She forces a small smile. They are riding in awkward silence to cover it up, he turns on the radio. So Sia, where do you want to go?. The question made her realize she is crying again. Wiping her tears, she starts looking for the phone.
Uncle can I borrow yours, he handed it over. She dialed Rahul to give him a coffee house address to pick her up. She repeated the same to Mr. Singh, it’s nearby.
Sia, you can call me Aditya. If you want to talk about anything kid, I am here. She pastes a soft fake smile, he is trying to cheer her up. Seeing her smile he encourages her, I will not tell anyone and I have an idea to make you feel better. Ask your friend to come to the behru, search it on the internet, and send him the location.
She stammers a little feeling nervous, Uncle sorry Aditya…. sir you don’t have to do that, I am okay its just a lot of feelings. At her words, he thought this is not solely for her.
How this technology advance has ruined the lives of low-grade workers, he knows that Sia is an IT engineer. When she doesn’t offer any thoughts on the topic, he swiftly moved to the mischief tales of his college days. Aditya is talking about the good old times. He can see she is smiling at appropriate pauses, but her mind is elsewhere. She is hiding her pain under the smile. Chocolate ice cream has done its work, she looks less of a mess and more herself.
Rahul has been driving like a lunatic for the past 30 minutes. Her voice was unsettling on the phone. She sounded close to a breakdown. Whose number she is calling from? She seems to be changing a lot of things in her life lately and, that is making him worried. He parked right outside the door of the ice cream parlor. Noticing him at the door she ran into his arms and pulled him into a hug.
Aditya’s work is done here. Patting the back of Rahul, he whispers softly. Take good care of her while leaving the parlor. Rahul stood there hugging her, while she sobbed.
Karan is at the office to keep an eye out for Sia. His guilt-ridden mind is playing every bad scenario that can happen. He has called all the search teams constantly. In frustration, he is about to throw the phone when it beeped.
Gaurav has dropped a message, She is ok, going home with Rahul. He felt flooded with relief, it still feels like the hurt in Sia’s eyes is haunting him.
Seeing his father after so many years has welled up all the anger, he has felt as a kid. Sia became the sole recipient of all the anger, whereas her fault was not so big.
After Gaurav left the room he realized that Sia has forgotten her hairpin and phone. They must have fallen when she has collided with the wall. The hairpin on the desk is making him uncomfortable. He pushed the pin and mobile in the draws when it tinkled as it touched her earring.
********
The ride home is quite. She has been looking outside to avoid any discussion. Sia is humiliated and finding it difficult to share the story with him. She knows she has to tell him at some point but today she just wants to avoid the
whole thing.
He hasn’t asked for any explanation but, she owes him one. Sia went directly to her room to take a shower and change into PJs. Thrown the dress in the dustbin, she comes close to sobs again.
Rahul can hear her soft whimpers outside the door. He starts arranging a fun night. He calls her out as the bourbon and movies are all set for them to enjoy. Sia can see he has put a lot of effort to make her happy. Rahul, I feel like sleeping, can we do this next time?.
Princess what you feel like is sulking, come on we are going to watch the rom-com parody of your choice. She smiles at the thought that he is ready to endure the silly rom-com torture for her. He dimmed the lights and poured her some wine. Snuggling closer to him, she covers them up in the blanket. Closing his arms around her, he softly places a kiss on her head.
Rays of sunshine from the window disturbed their sleep. Rahul realized that both of them have slept throughout the rom-com till morning. The projector is still working and Sia is deep in sleep. He moved with great precaution, not to disturb her. He closes the windows and shut down the movies.
Slowly moves to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. She woke up by the sound of a phone ring. Princess drink this coffee you will feel better. He is forcing a cup in her hand and moved out to take the call. Its Gaurav on the phone wants to talk to you.
Sia shook her head to say No. Gaurav I think she is in the shower, I will ask her to call you back. As he put down the phone he eyed her suspiciously.
He is ready to leave. I am going to dad’s office, join me. Sia is not in the mood to face everybody, she denied it flat out. Princess, I want you to listen to me - " Concentrate on the people who love you, there is no shortage of them. You are perfect don’t change yourself for someone”. I hope you will join us soon at the office, feel free to come whenever you like. I will talk to dad. He left her standing in the hall to make a decision.
********
Karan’s first instinct is to find Sia. He dressed and left for supreme digital to look for her. Her secretary has asked him to wait in the office, she is apparently running late. He is tired of waiting and turns to leave when Rahul shows up.
He is confused to see Karan, so early. Hi, What made you come here?.
I am looking for Sia, needed to talk to her.
Rahul has a feeling that he has something to do with last night. He is looking tired and at fault. If he is the one who has hurt Sia, its better he leaves her alone. Looking at the calendar with beach pictures, he quickly says – Karan she asked to be replaced from the current projects you both are handling. I can send you a list of names, you can choose the candidate. From now on tell me whatever you need help with.
Karan doesn’t like the condescending look in Rahul’s eyes. He gritted his teeth before speaking professionally. Do you have a number, I can give her a call?
Rahul can see he is not giving up. In a stern tone he replies, She is on vacation in the Bahamas. I don’t want to disturb her. I will let you know when she is back. Till that time please choose anyone else to help you with projects.
Karan feels disgusted with her, after last night she just left for vacation. Looking at Rahul he says in a matching tone, I will be fine with anyone. He handed over her phone to Rahul. Pass it to Sia, I think she will require this.
Karan is in no mood to explain himself to Rahul’s questioning Gaze. He left the building telling himself Good riddance. He is feeling guilty throughout this time and she is on vacation enjoying somewhere. He came here to make a fool of himself, it is good that she has left.
********
She has moved to her father’s house, the best thing it’s near to a waterfall. The voice of the falling water subdues all the crying noises. As usual, her father is too busy to notice that she is in distress. She has been crying for the past 5 days and eating only the ice cream. The first time in her life she has shown interest in a man and he turns out to be a douche bag.
She is again going to cry when she heard her father’s voice. If you are done crying we can go fishing, you can cry there too. At first, she thought he is making fun of her. But then he starts gathering and packing the materials.
Slowly she joins him in the car, You would be having a lot of other things to do. I will be okay, don’t worry. He patted her on the back, you are the priority kid. She feels a lump in her throat, he has never shown any affection after her mother’s death. She has been waiting for him since then to be a…….. dad. Holding back fresh tears, she follows him.
Sitting next to her father feels good, they have been fishing after almost 12 years. Somebody has to bring up the sore subject, " Having boy issues, I know I am not your mom but you can talk. I will try to be helpful”.
She smiled at the thought of having such a discussion with him. She has not replied so he said “there is no man in the world worth crying, buck up”. She laughs at the reference of buck up, since childhood she doesn’t have many buck ups.
Passing the days with her father doing fishing, gardening, playing cards, talking about mom has somehow healed her. It has started to feel like home.
He has changed over the years and finally ready to accept her as she is. Sia knows he always wanted to have the perfect kid, instead, he is struck with her. But now he is trying to adjust and make an effort to know her.
It pains him to watch the old videos her mom had made with the Handycam he gifted. But he is watching all of them because it makes her happy. He talks about her some time with Sia and sometimes just to himself.
For days they have been talking, joking about Karan’s incident. Somehow his father has turned the night into a big joke. She understands now how hard it must be on him when her mother died. He lost the one person who understands him perfectly. She feels bad for just being turned down. It’s the life she has to buck up.
She can’t run away all her life. It feels right to stay here, but its time to go back in real life. Seeing her all packed and standing on the door. He smiles, Leaving your old man so soon. She winked at him, Don’t worry, I will be back. You know what a slow learner your kid is?
Picking up thekeys, come on I will drop you to the station. Seeing the train he places a soft kiss on her head. “Kid it’s your home, you should come more often”. Half torn in tears she boards the train, Bye, I will call you soon.
The one with the Hospital Sneak
Rahul is in his father’s company to pick her up at the railway station. He has called daily to check on her. Vikram is concerned when she went back to her father’s house. He has asked many times if she is okay. She always said I am fine. But he never trusted her, he has to see for himself.
She got her phone back and it is flooded with messages, notifications, and missed calls. Princess, you are quite popular this phone has not stopped ringing. She smiled and started catching up on all the fun she has missed. Her mood dipped at the sight of nothing from Karan, but she scolded herself to focus on the good in her life.
To distract herself she started telling both of them about the fishing and gardening experience. Uncle Vikram adds a few stories about the time when her father Uday and he used to do fishing. He chuckled saying “You know Sia your father is terrible at fishing, I will take you both kids to fishing sometime”.
Check your bag Sia, Uday has planted a surprise for you. Seeing the Handycam she joyfully starts shooting the car video to share with her dad. She is overwhelmed by the warm welcome from her friends.
Sarah have planned a small get together. Socializing with everyone lifted her spirits. Giving courage to the new beginnings. Gaurav confirms her whatever happened is going to his grave. No one seems to know anything about that night. It helps her to go back with all the dignity and a half-broken heart.
At the office, there is tons of project needed her attention. Delegating the ongoing projects, she starts focusing on Aditya Sir’s work. He has specifically asked for Sia to lead his companies to work. His immense empire can swallow her whole working hours. Assigning the best minds in her team will k
eep her free to monitor other projects.
********
Aditya arrives learning she has joined back. Hey kid, do you have a minute to discuss. She leaves the chair seeing him, so good to see you, Sir.
Aditya smiles, Come with me, we have an ice cream parlor here too. She smiles to hide embarrassment.
Aditya is happy to see her explaining the plan for his company. She looks happy, Kid, don’t be so formal. I am here to see you, I know my accounts are in safe hands.
Closing the file she asks - So what brings you here?
Kid, I just thought to meet you and see how much I have burdened you with work.
Sia knows he wants her distracted with work so she will not dwell in sadness. Aditya Sir, I am perfectly fine, don’t worry.
********
Choosing a few Karan less projects, she started fitting right into her old self. Rahul is distracting her with fun activities. Watching the movies they went to a hilltop for tea. He is sharing a funny story when Sia cut him off.
You know Rahul what will be really funny? he raises his eyebrows in return. You stop walking on eggshells whenever I am around. He sheepishly smiled at her frank revelation.
She continues, I have to face him someday, why not do it properly.
Rahul’s concern look needs reassurance. She smiles lightly, Karan barely speaks to me other than work, I will do the same in the future. We are adults, being civilized should not be that difficult.
He still finds the idea disturbing, Sia avoiding him is the best strategy.
Sia can’t disagree more - Running away is not an option, let’s face the drumroll. Tomorrow I am going to lead the project by his side.
Seeing the devil again:-
Seeing him in flesh and blood reminded her, how handsome he is. She can’t give him the satisfaction of breaking. Walking past him with a big smile, she starts discussing the details with Gaurav.
