Immortal Love_True Love Never Dies

by Shreya Suravajhala

  SOULMATES

  Immediately after Raghav finished his speech I chased him amid tight security. I followed his car sitting in a taxi caught up in the state of chaos and confusion. I wanted to console him using all my emotional skills because I was clear by now that both our lovers were separated from us for a specific reason. Maybe we were meant to be a couple. For that I needed to confess my feelings to him right away. Even if I’m forced to reveal about Gustave I was ready to do it. I wasn’t even concerned about Raghav’s reaction after I would unravel my incomplete love journey. All I knew was that I love Raghav Malhotra ......I love him truly ! madly ! deeply !

  Raghav’s car stopped near a five star hotel which sparkled like a diamond under the pristine night sky. I got down from the taxi after paying the driver and gradually walked behind Raghav so that he doesn’t notice me. He took the elevator and disappeared. I went to the reception to enquire about his room details. “Excuse me ! May I know where is Mr.Raghav Malhotra staying ?” A blonde woman wearing round glasses checked the computer. “Ma’am he’s room no. is 606.” “Thanks a lot.” I reached 606 but it was locked from outside which meant that Raghav wasn’t in his room. But I saw him going up then where would he have been ? I waited for him for 30 minutes but he didn’t come. I was fed up and went straight up to the terrace of the lavish hotel. I saw Raghav standing alone on the edge gazing at the tintless moon. He heard my footsteps and turned back in amazement. “Ms. Walia ! What are you doing here ?” His eyes were in dismay. “Sir , no more questions. I have listened enough. Now its my turn to speak and you will have to bear with me.” He didn’t understand anything that I told him but he nodded in bewilderment. “I was present in the memorial inauguration ceremony while you were delivering the speech about your fiancée. I had tears in my eyes after knowing about her death despite the fact that you loved her so much. You must be thinking that what am I doing in Boston ? Even I have lost someone very dear to me in the plane crash. He was my first boyfriend cum school teacher. A day after proposing me he left for Moscow to attend the World Economic Summit the one which even your fiancée had to cover. We hardly spend two days together as a couple and this tragedy shattered me into bits and pieces.” I crashed on the concrete floor unable to continue any further as my heart was crying louder than I was. I felt spineless. Raghav lowered his chest bending towards me like a tree providing shade in scorching heat. “Sia ! Please don’t cry. I know how must be feeling coz I have had the same experience and I have been living with those scars all these years.” He pacified me like a father does to his child during times of distress. I felt as if I found heaven in his arms. It was so sublime , soothing and safe to be locked inside his giant body. I lost my self control and spilled the beans .... “I love you” Raghav enlarged his eyebrows. “I’m crazy about you ever since I met you at the nightclub. The more you hated me the closer I came to you. There wasn’t a single day in New York that I spent without thinking about you.” Raghav unlocked himself from me in a state of rejection. His face clearly spoke his heart out. He wasn’t ready for love because he still loved Roushni. “Sia ! Actually umm... (Pause)” I quickly stood up and responded , “I know Sir. You don’t have to explain. Just like I can never forget Gustave you too cannot erase Roushni from your life.” Tears fell from his eyes turning them red.“Maybe I expected too much. I think we are not made for each other.” I wiped my face and forcibly smiled to convince him that I was perfectly fine. I went past him in a hurry and suddenly he blocked my way. “Sia stop. You spoke everything and just like you wanted I kept my mouth shut. Now let me speak.” I saw anguish in his wet eyes. “Its true that I hated you when I first saw you because you were drunk. When you joined the office I hated you even more because you broke the rules recklessly. But there was a time when I did not feel like hating you. It was the time when I saw you badly injured on the roadside. You know how I felt ? After my dad and Roushni’s death I never cried anymore. But watching you wounded made me cry for the third time in my life. I’m an introvert. I prefer keeping emotions to myself. But there was some magic in your eyes that I lost my cool whenever I met you. If I knew about your past I would never been the aggressive guy whom you always encounter with. I would have been polite to you even when you break rules , I would have stayed beside you until you would recover from the injury and I would have said that “I LOVE YOU TOO” after you confessed your love to me.” He was weeping terribly. I couldn’t believe that Raghav Malhotra too had the adrenaline rush that I went through and most importantly he wasn’t a wild animal but a highly civilized human being who knew the greatest emotion on earth called “LOVE”. I had apprehensions whether he would acknowledge my feelings and aceept my limitless love for him. I was craving for a reply and then I finally got what I deserved. He bent on his knees and took my hand into his. Sia Walia ! Will you marry me ?” The million dollar question which every woman has a tryst with in her lifetime. Everything seemed picture perfect. “Yes ! Yes ! Yes !” I jumped into him in fraction of seconds locking my legs around his waist as he lifted me up. Our tongues tasted each other as we shared a passionate lip lock. I caressed his thick hair while pressed his palms on my back seductively. He kissed my forehead suavely and placed me on both his hands romantically. He carried me and walked downstairs towards his suite. I loved to witness his ‘Romeo Avatar’ which totally rejuvenated my body. The door opened leading to a vast bedroom with an intoxicating smell. Raghav placed me on the bed carefully and went back to shut the door. He slept next to me staring at my face as if he found a precious pearl. His hand touched mine at a snail’s pace but I loved every part of it. “I thought you wanted to have sex with me.” He blushed. “Yes. But not now. After marriage.” I laughed. “You don’t have to be a gentleman. I know what men want.” But he was different from other men. “I don’t want to marry someone just for sex. I believe in purest form of love. Sex is just a part of the process.” He sounded like a rational boyfriend. I couldn’t digest the fact that men like Raghav exist in the 21st century. I was fortunate. “Can I ask you a question if you don’t mind ?” He was curious more than me. “Ya sure.” “Are you a virgin ?” He half smiled. “What do you think ? Come on I’m interested to know.” He didn’t take my words seriously but I was nervous about replying that I think he might not be. “I don’t know honestly. But I’m a virgin for sure.” He was glad to hear that I haven’t had an intercourse. “I’m also a virgin. Roushni wanted to have pre marital sex and she insisted me several times but I’m a typical Indian guy so I denied.” Who said Indian guys don’t have sleep before marriage ? Poor Raghav he didn’t know that things have changed in India too. “High five for not losing virginity.” I screamed. Our palms kissed each other in euphoria. “Sia I think we should sleep now because its too late. Tomorrow both of us will leave for New York okay ?” I nodded. “Where are you going ?” I held his hand. “To sleep obviously.” I didn’t want him to leave me even for a millisecond. “Why don’t you sleep here along with me ? Trust me nothing’s gonna happen. We are mature enough to control ourselves.” He didn’t seem convinced. “Plz Raghav ! Plz.” I urged me desperately. “Alright. But no cheating okay ?” “Yes Sir.” I swore. It was a pact that we don’t cross our lines until the big day. Its strange but this is what happens in India and with Indians. We are very particular about our social norms. So I pressed the self control button and slept trying very hard to resist the hot chocolate that was lying next to me. He drove me nuts.

  DREAM – VI

  “Congratulations sweetheart ! You finally met your soulmate. But remember that roses also have thorns and if you aren’t careful then you might hurt your finger.

  Tread cautiously as where there is good there is evil too.”

  Next morning I got up in a state of horror after Gustave warned me of some evil. Was he indicating a possible threat to my relationship with Raghav ? I had no clue about it. But one thing was placid that I needed to be vigilant from now onwards because I was going to be the hot topic for many
after becoming Raghav Malhotra’s girlfriend. I had the responsibility of protecting my love from the jaws of evil.

  IN A RELATIONSHIP

  “Sia” my ears were thrilled to hear a melodious voice calling out my name. “Wake up my love. We need to leave for the airport remember ?” Raghav stroked his fingers over my hair in a gentle manner. We shared a sensual French kiss for half a second and quickly withdrew to freshen up. I looked into the rectangular mirror inside the spick & span washroom and yelled in excitement. I couldn’t believe that finally I found love again which was as rejuvenating as it was when Gustave proposed me. I was relieved to seek his approval in the previous night’s dream when he seemed extremely happy with my new relationship. I pulled a purple tee and black skinny jeans from the luggage bag which seemed like a really cool airport look and wore a bit of mascara to remove the dullness from my eyes. Raghav asked me to exit the suite because he felt awkward to change clothes in my presence. But he also assured me that he never appeared shirtless in front of Roushni which put an end to my insecurities. I admired him as a human being for being so transparent , ungrudging and sophisticated. He proved that businessmen also have a heart and if you win their trust then they will treat you with tremendous respect. I never imagined even in my wildest dreams that a guy would value my existence after the death of Gustave. I kept thinking that my love was cursed because of which all those who were close to me died. But I consoled myself by remembering my Aunt who stood like a rock behind me without whom I would have been paralyzed. After I met Raghav Malhotra and heard about his past is when I started believing in destiny. If we lose someone it’s not the end of the world instead it’s a golden opportunity to explore our strengths and weaknesses while witnessing life’s challenges like a lone ranger. Even Raghav lost his beloved Roushni with whom he dreamt of a beautiful life filled with exuberance and exorbitance. There are many people on this planet who have fought their battles alone overcoming obstacles at different stages of their lives. Mahatma Gandhi liberated India from the British in 1947 after several years of freedom struggle. He never succumbed to pressure nor did he give up his ideology. I learnt the essence of humility , optimism , patience and perseverance from Gandhiji.

  Raghav and I were seated comfortably in the business class feeling alive long after losing our partners. He put his hand over my shoulder grabbing me towards his chest. I could hear his heart beating faster out of nervous excitement. He kissed the top of my head twice effortlessly caressing my hair with his mushy palm. Both of us were wallowing in each other’s company as though we conquered the universe to sustain our relationship.

  After some time I realized that I took a blissful nap on Raghav’s tender shoulders. He benignly moved my head and placed it on the seat. I saw him heading towards the loo. I looked around to check whether anyone was awake but to my absolute relief all the passengers were gleefully asleep. I rushed near the toilet and knocked the door gently. Raghav took two minutes to open the door and turned pale when he saw me outside. I plunged into the toilet hurriedly shutting the door from behind. “What are you doing here ?” Raghav moaned. I locked my hands around his neck and replied , “No more questioning. Only kissing.” I brushed my lips flirtatiously against his fervently puckering up a libidinous lip lock . He pressed his palms behind my waist unable to resist the sexual energy emerging out of my body. I unbuttoned his shirt in a desperate attempt to feast my eyes on his flawless body. I inhaled every inch of his facial skin ingenuously and smooched his tantalizing abs like a famished lioness. He kissed my neck fervidly trying to ease the carnal heat arising on the clouds. I always had a desire to get intimate with my boyfriend up above the sky. Luckily , it was fulfilled without much struggle. “Baby we need to stop.” Raghav murmured. “A little bit more ....plz !” I wanted to continue untill we reached New York but I wasn’t that fortunate. “Alright. I think we’re done.” I whipped my hair into a proper shape while Raghav wore his shirt back covering his tempting torso. “You go first and I’ll follow after a couple of minutes.” I suggested. “Are you sure ?” He was anxious. “Absolutely.” I leered.

  We finally landed in our destination totally thrilled and content with our relationship status ; especially after the breathtaking mini intercourse that we had on the flight which happened to be an indelible experience. A limo awaited us outside the airport and we climbed inside holding our hands like a young couple perfectly knit together. Every second that I spent with Raghav became precious for me including the phone conversations , online chatting and even telepathic interactions. All my fears disappeared into nothingness lending courage and confidence back to me. Gustave’s dreams continued as always boosting my morale during good days and bad days. Raghav became my mentor , best friend , father figure and backbone. We decided to leave our past far behind us not forgetting the major role that it played in bringing us together after separation from our former lovers.

  It is said , “Fortune favours the bold”. Maybe our bravery was rewarded by unifying both of us in a city that never sleeps.

  GREAT EXPECTATIONS

  The Malhotra Group building was sparkling like a diamond even during the morning. I took the elevator to reach the 6th floor where I was supposed to be seated post my promotion as “The Business Operations Manager” for Manhattan’s prestigious firm. I underwent a complete makeover changing my hairstyle into a sleek medium length wedge cut. Even my fashion sense registered a new high as I turned tad girly and began experimenting with trendy dresses instead of proceeding with the typical pantsuit avatar. Disha became my style guru frequently advising me to try something fresh ‘n’ funky. She began a live in relationship with her boyfriend cum colleague Charles whom she dated for quite a long time. Our friendship grew so strong in a short period of time that it enabled us to enhance our work efficiency as co-workers as well as elevate our personal equation as good friends. The elevator doors opened but I changed my mind and pressed the 8th floor button. My heart was extremely thirsty so I desparately needed a glass of love before beginning the work. I stepped out with a radiant smile as I was all set to enter the room where my “Knight In Shining Armour” sat. It was a bright Monday morning and I was dying to have a glimpse of him because we didn’t meet in the weekend as he went to San Fransisco to attend a business meeting. “May I come in Sir ?” I tried to suppress my excitement. “Come in.” As usual Raghav was totally into his work not even bothering to check who entered his resplendent cabin. “What do you want ?” his eyes were still staring at the files. “I want a kiss.” I replied blatantly. Raghav turned his head up and was amazed to see me standing in front of him. He stood up in awe as he didn’t expect me so early in his cabin. “Sia !” he exclaimed. I moved towards him behind the desk and began gazing at his handsome face. He immediately hugged me tight like a rubberband around a wrist and kissed my cheek consecutively five times. “I missed you so much baby” he muttered. “Me too.” We almost wrapped each other with our hands as if someone would abduct us in a second. Touching Raghav was like experiencing a miracle because women across the world were going crazy to catch a glimpse of him. He had the largest number of followers on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram. Although he wasn’t interested in social media very much still his personal life was always a talking point for the world simply because he was voted as the “Hottest Dude of the 21st century”. Well , he definitely deserved the title because I was mesmerized when I saw him for the first time. If I knew about him when Gustave was alive maybe I would have just had a crush on him but never would have been able to erase his marvellous stature from my memory bank. In these two months lots of things had changed right from my personal & professional progress to Aunt Simi’s behaviour. She began calling me every weekend to enquire about my work , life and health. I didn’t disclose my realtionship status with her fearing that she might force me to quit the job and return to London. But I was glad that she felt my absence in the past few years and realized how lonely I used to be after losing my parents. But I knew that on
e day I will have to reveal everything about my love life to Aunt Simi. I was exceedingly confident that she would be impressed with Raghav at the very first encounter. Mr. Hottie had also transformed after two months upon his devoted girlfriend’s insistence. I requested him to be a little lenient and patient with all the employees including me ofcourse unlike the hot headed boss he was originally. He also decided to change his hairdo after I had a haircut. From Beckham-like slicked back hair he shifted to Ivy League. Short spikes added a remarkable incantation to his unceasing voluptousness. “ I thought you would meet me during lunch.” He brushed the back of my head at a snail’s pace. “Even I decided to do so but I couldn’t control myself. I wanted to see you.” I pushed him backwards making him sit on his leather chair. I rapidly sat on his lap placing both the legs on both sides of the chair. We began kissing intensely relishing every second of the smooching process as our tongues extended like dancing snakes. This was the best oral sex I ever had in my life cosily seated above the CEO’s chair on the top of my boss cum boyfriend’s velvety thighs. We were so much into each other that even our conscience forgot that we were in the office. All of a sudden I heard a husky female voice yelling like a monster. She was none other than my future mother in law , Shashi Malhotra. A skinny woman in her early 50’s , oval face and hooded eyes she looked like an Indian version of Sarah Jessica Parker. I saw her photos along with Raghav when I visited his house but she appeared quite attractive in them. Ageing had reduced her glowing skin into a faded one. Even make up couldn’t hide her wrinkles and dark circles. “What the hell is going on here ? Raghav who is she ?” she was in a state of disbelief. “Mom relax ….plz just sit for a while.” My hands were trembling after she caught us kissing so intimately. “Will you explain me what were you both doing ?” she shouted. “Mom I’m really sorry for whatever you saw. But the truth is I’m madly in love with her. She’s my employee and we have been seeing each other since the past two months. In fact there’s a long story behind it which I will tell you some other time.” Raghav handled the situation pretty intelligently but I was worried about his mother’s reaction. What if she disapproved our relationship knowing the fact that I was his employee ? But I too belonged to a well to do family and ended up in New York because my Aunt wanted me stand on my feet and become independent. “Raghav come along with me immediately. We need to talk.” Shashi Malhotra appeared disgusted after hearing her only son’s confession. Raghav had no choice but listen to his mom. “Baby don’t worry. I’m gonna convince her. Everything’s gonna be alright okay ?” he gave a warm hug and left like a whirlwind. Both of us decided to crack the news about our relationship to our elders during the right time. But destiny always has its own plans. In these two months Raghav became an addiction as there wasn’t a single day when we didn’t talk to each other. We never had arguments , insecurities or troubles in our realtionship because we shared a perfect bond just like soulmates do. We kept our relationship private which is why neither the office staff nor the media had any clue about our affair. But certain things cannot be hidden for too long. The biggest fear that gripped my senses was that if both Shashi Malhotra and Aunt Simi rejected our relationship then how would I survive ? I no longer wanted to bear the burden of losing the people I love. I wanted to get rid of loneliness , sadness and helplessness. Raghav was my only hope , strength and saviour. If we won’t end up together then I would have no damn reason to live this life filled with loads of expectations.