Immortal Love_True Love Never Dies

by Shreya Suravajhala

  I continued with my work despite hearing gossips about my alleged affair with Raghav Malhotra. I wanted to kick everyone’s asses unable to tolerate the bullshit that they were speaking about my character. I couldn’t even finish my lunch properly because the employees sitting there were ridiculing me with their emabarassing gazes. When I was expecting the elevator Raghav came towards me sending an indifferent look as though my presence didn’t bother him even minutely. I waved a goodbye to Disha while she was passing through but she refused to respond. I was deeply pained by her insolent behaviour. The elevator doors opened and I along with Raghav went inside. He was checking his phone on one side simply avoiding the fact that I was present there. I began sobbing on the other corner feeling disgusted after failing to convince Disha who was my only friend in the entire office that whatever was written in the magazine was just a baseless rumour. Raghav stopped moving his fingers through the phone realizing that I was shedding tears. He wanted to pacify me but his ego became the barrier between both of us. “Why are you crying ? Just stop doing that.” He spoke hesitantly. I paid no heed to his words. “I said stop. Can’t you hear me ?” I lost my cool. “Is there a rule that employees can’t even cry in the office premises ? If yes then I’m not all sorry coz I can’t throttle my emotions like you do.” I lashed out at his arrogance. He tightened his fists but retreated. I saw a cloudy black sky that was similar to my dark and lonely state. It started raining heavily because of which my tears got company in the form of chilling rain droplets. I was totally wet but couldn’t enjoy the rain because of the immense pain that caught hold of my nerves like the legs of an octopus. Otherwise I loved the rainfall like crazy. According to me rain was the greatest healer not time. There was an uncanny magic in the rain drops that rejuvenated my mood.

  I stood on the sidewalk awaiting a cab in a saturated condition. Raghav’s BMW 4 halted in front of me. The car window slid downwards from which Raghav’s flawless face was visible. “Get inside the car.” I rejected his offer. I didn’t want any further controversies to ruin my dignity. He asked repeatedly but I refrained. I could sense the severity of his angst which grew so high that he moved out of the car and clasped my hand forcing me to step in. Then he pushed me inside the car and slammed the door. “Where do you live ? Tell me the address.” He shouted. “Brooklyn.” “Driver proceed towards Brooklyn.” I was petrified. Raghav removed his charcoal tie and unbuttoned his black shirt swiftly. I grew horny looking at his razor sharp eyes followed by his dashing body. Those six packs resembled a mouth watering milk chocolate bar. I wanted to lick every bit of his abs and kiss his refined lips. The clouds erupted causing thunderbolts and I was quivering out of fright. I embraced Raghav locking both my hands around his bare chest. I shuddered as I was getting chilly in damp clothes. “Calm down .....its okay. Just relax. I’m here , shhhhhh” Raghav sounded like a cuckoo. Whenever he spoke politely my organs functioned smoothly as if they underwent a surgery. I was safe in his remedying arms which seemed quite therapeutic. Raghav brushed his palm over my hair urbanely so that I will get rid of my anxiety. His affectionate touch reminded me of Gustave. Even Gustave touched me with sheer dedication like Raghav did. But I thought it was unfair to compare Raghav with my late boyfriend whose love for me needed no words. Raghav’s shoulders were like a comforting pillow on which I happily fell asleep. “Sia wake up. Hey c’mon get up we have reached home.” I opened my eyes with difficulty. “Easy, easy.” He lifted my head up slowly. “I’m sorry. I was frightened because of the thunder so ....” He gave me a ‘never mind’ gaze. “Its alright. Will you be able to walk by yourself or shall I escort you ?” That was so sweet of him. I wanted to say yes but sadly he was my boss and I was just an employee. “No I’ll manage. Thanks. I’d like to apologise for my behaviour in the elevator. I was actually upset about something so I reacted.” He shrugged. “I’m sorry too for punishing you twice which I didn’t do intentionally. But you know I’m very particular about decorum within the office. So if anyone tries to defy the rules then its obvious that I will have no choice but to retaliate.” I couldn’t believe that Raghav Malhotra was seeking an apology from an employee. Wow ! Sia you are a lucky chap indeed. “Its okay sir. I know it was my fault that I didn’t read the rules and regulations before entering office. But I promise you that now onwards I won’t disappoint you anymore. Trust me.” I grinned and waved him goodbye. His eyes were glowing like a light bulb and they spoke everything. I went into my apartment with a big smile on my withered face. Raghav’s words were like a melody to my ears that grew tired of hearing taunts and tantrums. I kept imagining his beautiful face even while having dinner. His thoughts were more tastier than the spaghetti. I felt like telling him that Sir I don’t need an apology instead honour me with a raunchy kiss. One thing was hundred per cent true that I was sincerely falling for Raghav Malhotra.

  DREAM-IV

  “Sia are you sure that what you are feeling for Raghav is true ? Despite his unruly behaviour in the past you have forgiven him. I know that he has rescued you from danger many times but does that give you a green signal to start developing emotions for him ? Think again.

  Don’t trust anyone blindly.”

  Gustave’s fears were natural because he was a protective boyfriend. Although our love lasted short but even those few moments that I spent with him taught me the difference between infatuation and love. I didn’ didn’t know whether it was love or just a physical attraction that I felt for Raghav. But definitely it wasn’t a blinded approach or illusion that pulled my senses towards him. Raghav was different from most men. He appeared like a dominating business mogul from outside but from within Raghav was a perfect gentleman. I had to prove it to Gustave in order to persuade him that Raghav Malhotra isn’t as bad as he considers him to be. He was harmless.

  ATTACHMENT

  I was fast asleep on my comfy bed ignoring the irritating wake up alerts. But when the phone rang continuously I didn’t have a choice but to pick it up. “Hello” I spoke like a drunkard.“Ms.Walia , Why haven’t you reached the office yet ?” Raghav Malhotra called me .... wow !! “Hello are you listening ?” He seemed impatient. I woke up all of a sudden and slapped my forehead in a state of tension. “I’m stuck in the traffic sir which is why I’ll be late. I’m sorry sir but trust me I’ll reach in a few minutes.” “I don’t hear any vehicles.Why is it so tranquil out there ?” He demanded a reply. “Sir I’m not able to hear you. Hello ! Hello ! Hello.” I hang up immediately. I almost got screwed by my disciplinarian boss. After catching hold of the world’s most gorgeous body last night my body was totally relieved. As a result , I slept peacefully for the first time in my life. I quickly freshened up and pulled a black jeans and navy blue top from the cupboard. I had to skip breakfast although my empty stomach craved for food. I wish I had a nice and understanding boss who would excuse me for all my mistakes. But I tolerated Raghav only because of his million dollar looks which swept my feet on our very first meet. There wasn’t any hustle bustle in the office instead I found Raghav standing near my cubicle while the entire staff stood silent sending brooding eye contacts. “Finally Ms. Sia Walia is here. Was the traffic so heavy that it took you 2 hours and 38 minutes to reach office ?” awesome time sense I must admit. He dazzled in his pure black suit like a moon on a picturesque night sky. I wanted to kiss his clean shaven face and tell him that I cannot hate him no matter how badly he behaves with me. “Sir I’m really sorry.” I gave an innocent expression to kinda appear cute. Maybe in this way at least I could buy his sympathy. He loosened his fists gradually. “Forget it. I don’t have time to teach you basic manners. In fact , I damn care about you. You deal with all your nonsense on your own. Okay ?” I guessed he was also referring to all the help that he rendered to me earlier. “Yes sir.” He cringed about the fact that I took him less seriously than other employees. He rushed towards his cabin in a frustrated manner. Disha placed her hand on my shoulder from behind and made a guilty face. “Hey ! How are you ?” I asked
politely. “I’m really ashamed of myself for avoiding you these couple of days and for misinterpreting your intentions.” She hugged me and sobbed. “Disha its okay. Stop feeling guilty for no reason. To be honest I felt upset because you too suspected me but now that you trust me I’m perfectly fine.” I assured her that our friendship will continue in the years to come and only grow stronger from now on. I began my work earnestly promising myself that I won’t indulge in matters other than those which are work related. During lunch break I encountered Mr. Hottie in the elevator. His expressions indicated that he didn’t want me around him at any cost. But I didn’t feel so. His presence made me feel lucky to be born on this earth. Because I had the opportunity to behold the sexiest man alive whose aura pulled every woman who saw him like a magnet. I didn’t stop loving Gustave for sure. But I did start falling for Raghav in a way. There was a jerk in the elevator because of which it halted. Both of us lost balance and fell on each other like the hero and heroine in Bollywood movies. Plus we were Indians too so it seemed more convincing. I was lying on his massive body staring at his handsome face like a die hard fan. I wanted to rip his shirt off instantly and touch his six pack abs. His perfume was as addictive as the smell of roses. “Get up.” He shouted. “Sorry.” I carefully retracted. “Shit. The elevator crashed.” “It’s all because of you.” He accused me. “Excuse me ? What did I do ?” It was awful that he blatantly blamed me. “You always land in trouble or drag others into it.” He was typing a number on his phone while babbling. “There’s no network outta here. Damn it.” I grinned. “Do you think its funny ? We are stuck in this goddamn elevator and I need to attend an urgent meeting in half an hour.” Even I had to consume lunch urgently. I was dying out of hunger but this man paid no heed to my silence instead he convicted me of sabotaging his meeting. “Stop yelling at me. Enough. I didn’t enter the elevator thinking that you would be there as well. It’s just a coincidence. So don’t create a fuss.” I gave a superb reply. “Shut up. You are the worst thing that happened to me in my life. You lack intelligence , discipline and gratitude. Your parents should be blamed for failing to provide you a proper upbringing.” He crossed all his limits. “Sir kindly don’t repeat what you’ve said. Think twice before you speak especially about those about whom you have zero knowledge.” I was deeply hurt when he used my parents as a defence mechanism. Tears spilled from my eyes reflecting the pain that his words caused to my heart. “My mom and dad died in a plane crash when I was five years old. In those five years that I spent with them they taught me only thing. They taught me how to love. Instead of blaming them I suggest that you blame god for mercilessly stealing them away from me when I needed them the most.” His eyes turned wet. It seemed as if he would start crying if I didn’t stop doing so. The elevator doors opened and I walked out weeping. While I was having lunch I saw Raghav stepping towards my table. The staff in charge of the cafeteria rushed near him. He firmly sat on a chair next to me and ordered lunch for himself. I wanted to exit but since I was extremely hungry I couldn’t help but finish my lunch. I kept glaring at him all the while. “Look I’m really embarrassed for whatever happened in the elevator. I didn’t know about your parents. In fact , you’re right in saying that one should think twice before speaking. I hope you understand what I mean to say.” He couldn’t say a five letter word ‘SORRY’. What kinda guy was he ? He messes up everything in each meeting and then suddenly apologises but indirectly. He had a huge ego. “No I didn’t understand anything and I don’t want to either. Please leave me alone.” He shouldn’t have held my parents responsible for an act which they didn’t commit. “What can I do to compensate for whatever I said ? How will you forgive me ? Tell me coz I’m feeling extremely guilty for speaking mindlessly.” He pissed me with his deliberate requests. “The CEO of Malhotra Group of Industries is craving for an apology huh ? Why will a boss beg his employee’s pardon ? You have reached the heights of deception Mr. Malhotra.” He had a grimace on his face. “I’m serious. I honestly didn’t intend to hurt your sentiments. If I knew that your parents weren’t alive then I dare not say those words no matter what.” He tried to persuade me. I would have forgiven him even for the worst punishments but this time he surpassed all boundaries. He struggled to utter the as simple as ABC term “SORRY” then what was the guarantee that he won’t repeat such actions again. I had already witnessed a lot of drama in New York City and was dog tired to watch another episode filled with irreparable pain. After I carried on with my work in the cubicle Raghav placed a coffee mug on my desk. He didn’t speak anything and went away. Maybe it was a sign of indicating that he cared for me even if I didn’t forgive him. I sipped the coffee without looking into it. It turned out be black coffee which I hated the most. I was a coffee addict but not a black coffee addict. I never drank coffee without milk and sugar. The black coffee was as bitter as his heart. He had no emotions. Luckily , his good looks always kept him in everyone’s good books.

  After a long day at work I saw my watch and it was 9:00 PM. I closed all the files and arranged them in a systematic manner. While leaving I bumped into Raghav in the lobby. He held my hand and lifted me upright. I placed my palm on his chest where I could feel his heart beating faster. Even my heart beat increased in awe of his gigantic figure. “You okay ?” His voice sounded like country music. “Ya. I’m fine.” Strangely I didn’t feel awkward touching him despite all that he said in the elevator. But why ? I was perplexed.

  “Shall I drop you ?” He was gentle like never before. I wanted to say yes immediately. “Umm no thanks. I’ll manage.” I didn’t want the tabloids to speculate any rubbish about my personal life. He walked past me after bidding adieu and I kept looking at him. I wanted to jump into his arms from behind and smooch his enticing face. I quickly ran outside to have a glimpse of him while he was leaving. He stood still near the car and was about to turn back. I hid inside to avoid contact with him. I felt terrible from within because on one hand I had started liking him and on another hand he always said something that badly hurt my feelings. I watched him depart with a heavy heart. One thing was clear that his heart could sense mine. Maybe that’s why he always came to my rescue whenever I was in danger.

  DREAM – V

  “Sia it has been five years since I left you. I know how much you missed me all these years. You tackled fear with great courage and patience. I wish that you keep fighting your battles with fortitude. Life is too short my love.

  Live every moment like it yours last.”

  The alarm clock rang at around 8 AM. I tried to recover from Gustave’s dream. I saw the calendar on my phone which showed 13th June. It was exactly five years ago on this very date when I lost my darling Gustave. I was deserted on this giant globe yet again after my mom and dad bid adieu. Fortunately , it was a Sunday or else I would have had gone to office on Gustave’s death anniversary. All those painful memories flashed again like the bloodshed during a war. I wiped my tears because Gustave told me to be brave be what may. I had to keep his promise.

  I sat on the couch in the living room and picked up the Sunday Times. The front page displayed the headline “Memorial Service for Lufthansa victims”. The government built a memorial in Boston to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the Lufthansa airplane crash. I wanted to attend the inauguration ceremony which was to be held in Boston in the evening. I quickly booked my tickets online and left for Boston in the afternoon flight. When I landed the nostalgia struck every corner of my mind and body. I recalled the first time I met Gustave , the beautiful rainy day when he proposed me and also the fateful day when he went far far away from me. I roamed the entire city nonstop revisiting all those moments that both of us spent in Boston. The time passed so fast that I didn’t realize that darkness engulfed the sky. I headed towards the memorial in Harvard Square. The Governor of Massachusetts Richard Williams was present along with his wife Sandra Williams. Lots of people gathered in order to mark the 5th anniversary of Lufthansa Plane Crash that killed millions of people
and left their families bereaved. The Governor delivered a memorial speech asserting the need to ensure the safety of passengers who travel by air. He also assured the families of victims that the government was always available for aid. The family members of some victims expressed their grief and torment in these five years with which I could hundred per cent relate because I went through the same trauma after losing Gustave. In the end the Governor announced that America’s top businessman Raghav Malhotra would speak a few words about his experience. I was initially shell shocked. It meant that Raghav also lost his relative in the plane crash. He rose from his seat and went to the stage. “Good Evening everyone. I Raghav Malhotra achieved everything that I aimed for including my beloved fiance Roushni who died in the plane crash. In the Hindi language ‘Roushni’ means light. She brought light into my dark life. I was a lonely kid who lost his father at a tender age. My mom brought me up but dad’s void couldn’t be filled. I met Roushni at a party in New York. I was drawn towards her generosity , selflessness and honesty. She was a woman who had many virtues and zero vices. I proposed her and later my mom also approved of our relationship. Roushni worked as a journalist for The Boston Herald. She was a fearless and hard working woman.One fine day we got engaged in a private ceremony held in New York. Our marriage was fixed on 20th June. But she had to cover the Global Economic Summit in Moscow. She promised me that she would return on 18th positively and we would be happily married after a couple of days. But we weren’t destined to be husband and wife. I lost her. I lost the light of my life. I lost my Roushni.” I simply couldn’t believe what he narrated. He had a fiancé who was killed in the same plane crash in which Gustave died. Even he doted upon his love exactly the way I did. Both of us have lost the love of our lives. Raghav was greeted by the people present there who were deeply moved by his words. I tried to hide from him because I wasn’t in a state to give him an explanation about my participation in the memorial. I wasn’t ready to reveal my past to him despite hearing his tragic love story. My respect for Raghav just increased after realizing that he also had a heart and turned into a tough guy only because he lost his fiancé.