All through the day I kept thinking about what would have happened between Raghav and his mother. Whether she would have approved of our relationship or objected it. I couldn’t concentrate on the work as my mind was completely disturbed since morning. The only people in the office who knew about our love story were Disha and Charles. But they ensured that no matter what this would remain a well kept secret.
I returned home around 7: 30 in the evening and desperately awaited Raghav’s phone call. I even skipped dinner as I was suffering from a severe headache. For the first time since his death Gustave didn’t appear in my dream. The alarm clock broke my sleep at 8:00 AM. I started wondering why Gustave’s regular dreams stopped the previous night. It never happened in the past five years. Was it a sign or something ? I started getting panic attacks and was lying on my bed with my eyes wide open. Raghav didn’t call me neither did Gustave talk to me in the dream. I felt horrible after whatever happened and began sobbing loudly. It seemed as if I was deserted by everyone in the end and became an abandoned soul. I hated this feeling of extreme paranoia creeping my body like the legs of an octopus capturing a shark.
TRYST WITH THE DEVIL
I ultimately fell asleep on the couch in my living room after calling Raghav fifty one times. He didn’t pick up neither did he text me which scared the shit out of me. I woke up at 10 AM sharp and checked my phone but there was no response from Raghav. I felt a bit dizzy as I didn’t completely recover from the headache. The worst part was that I couldn’t talk to anyone about my personal life except Disha. But I decided not to involve her in my problems anymore because she had already done enough for me whenever I needed her assistance. I had a cup of strong coffee in order to heal the mental stress. Then I took a shower and geared up for office. I picked a blue cotton pencil dress from the wardrobe after rummaging through a range of clothes for half an hour. Time is the price that women generally have to pay when it comes to deciding which dress to wear for places and events. Since I slept with an empty stomach the previous night I quickly made a grilled vegetable toast for breakfast. Seconds after I ate , my phone rang and it was Raghav thankfully. “Raghav ! Thank god you called. You know how worried I was all night ?”. “Sia , mom wants to talk to you. She doesn’t seem content with our relationship. I tried my level best to convince her.” As expected she didn’t like me. “Look I have no problem talking to her. But plz assure me that you won’t give up.” I needed a promise. “I swear on you my love no matter what happens we won’t be separated.” This one sentence was enough to dispel my doubts. “When am I supposed to meet her ?”. “Right now. Skip office and head straight to my house. I’ll be waiting for you.” I wasn’t prepared but I had no choice though. “Okay. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” I hung up the phone. I took a cab immediately in a state of chaos and confusion regarding the hurdles that keep bouncing into my life whenever I start believing that all is well. I have always been an excellent negotiator which gave me an edge over dealing with all kinds of people. But the million dollar question was how would I instantly win the heart of a lady whom I barely know.
The driver stopped outside the splendid mansion of the Malhotra’s where I had already spent a night a couple of months back. I saw Raghav standing in the lawn constantly checking his phone. He walked towards the gate after seeing me in a hurry. “I apologize for the delay in contacting you. Mom is frustrated after whatever happened yesterday. Go talk to her.” He somehow persuaded me. “Where is she ?”. “John !” a lean man dressed in a black suit and a bow tie came running towards us. “How may I help you Sir ?” he had a refined Irish accent. “What is mom doing?”. “Sir , she is currently reading a journal in the study.” John replied abruptly. “Alright. Take her to the study.” Raghav couldn’t come along as his mother wanted to have a one-on-one conversation with me. Nothing had changed since the last time I visited New York’s most expensive abode. I climbed the solid two level staircase passing through a pristine marble flooring at the end of each flight of stairs. The study was located on the right side of the large dining space in the third floor. It was a mix of hardcovers and paperbacks arranged beautifully in a criss-cross manner. This was one part of the house that I did not visit but courtesy my future mother-in-law I got an opportunity to behold thousands of beguiling books. Shashi Malhotra sat on a tufted wingback chair made of leather reading a magazine. She heard the footsteps and turned towards me and John. “Hello ! I’m Sia Walia.” She asked John to leave by waving her hand backwards. She wore a kanjeevaram silk saree , golden bangles on both hands , a traditional long chain pendant having ruby stone in the middle and gold plated copper earrings. Shashi Malhotra was a sparkling goddess of beauty despite dressing up in traditional Indian style. “ My son has never hidden anything about his life from me. Until two months ago when he met you he started behaving weirdly. He used to call me at least twice a day to enquire about my well being. But after meeting you he calls me twice a week.” I clearly understood what she was trying to imply that I became a barrier between the mother and son. It seemed like she was a possessive mother who didn’t want to share her son with anyone. I wondered how did Raghav’s late fiancé handle this woman. “ I sincerely love your son. I cannot imagine a life without him. But we can proceed only if you approve of our relationship.” Shashi gave a stern look as if she would swallow me if I spoke another word. “ Raghav told me that you are an orphan. How did you even think that I would allow my son to marry a girl who is all alone in this world ?” , I was deeply hurt after hearing those merciless words. Just because the Malhotras are rich people doesn’t mean that they would comment about a child who has lived every moment missing her parents. Being an orphan was my misfortune not sin. I didn’t want my mom and dad to die so early. “ But I have an aunt who owns a large scale business in London. Isn’t that okay ?” , I tried to make a point. “ Oh really ? Then please tell me why do you have to work as an employee in our company when you happen to hail from a well to do background ?”. “ My aunt wanted me to be an independent woman not a spoilt brat. So I decided to take responsibility and fulfill her desire.” Shashi Malhotra was frustrated. She wasn’t revealing the exact reason why she disliked me even after I clarified about my family background. “ When Raghav fell in love with Roushni he immediately informed me and sought my permission. I automatically approved of their relationship because he was loyal to me. But with you that’s not the case. You completely changed my son from top to the bottom. He’s isn’t the obedient child of Shashi Malhotra anymore.” She accused me like the cranky teacher in a classroom. I could no longer take her rubbish. “ What do you want from me then ? Kindly tell me.” She raised her head in agitation. “ If you really love my son then you have to prove it to me.” I was shell shocked. She didn’t believe my words. I knew that my love was genuine and even Raghav felt the same for me. But I never expected that there will come a day when I have to prove my love in order to convince my boyfriend’s mother. “ Okay. I’m not afraid. What do I have to do ?” she gave a devilish expression. “I will set up a series of tasks for you until I’m convinced that you are perfect for my son. If you fail in any one of these tasks then you will have to break up with him. Okay with it ?” I felt for a while as if love has become a business deal. Who was Shashi Malhotra to decide whom will her son marry ? She reminded of feudal society where narrow mindset prevailed over freedom of choice. But I agreed to take up the challenge. This was an opportunity for me to show the wicked lady that love is divine and no force can separate two people who are madly in love. “I’m ready. Let’s get started now.” I was desperate to prove her inhibitions wrong. “ I like your confidence. There is only one rule in this game. You won’t disclose anything about our deal to Raghav. If you do so the game is over.” I knew it that she would throw some bomb in between. “Trust me he won’t even get a hint. So what’s my first task ?” I was dying to know about it which would give me an idea of Shashi’s actual intentions. “ Ms. Walia your first job is a really tough o
ne. You will have to persuade Raghav to remove Roushni’s photos and belongings from his bedroom and burn them in front of you.” Raghav once asked me whether I had any issues with Roushni’s photo frames hanging in the wall of his bedroom but I said that it was completely okay. If now I would force him to throw them away then he would obviously suspect my purpose. But if I had to stay with him forever I would have to accomplish my first task. “Alright.” She shook hands with me and smirked. I quickly receded to the living room where I saw Raghav sitting in a tensed manner. He got up and held both my elbows in anxiety. “What happened ? What did mom say ?” I quickly pulled his left hand and walked towards his bedroom. I personally didn’t intend to erase any of Roushni’s memories since it would mean forgetting Gustave as well. But I was left with zero alternative. “Why did you bring me here ?” he yelled. “ Raghav do you love me ?” he raised his eyebrows in doubt. “What kinda question is this ? Of course I love you.” “Then pull out Roushni’s belongings from your room. Now.” I spoke with a heavy heart since it was very difficult to fake it. “ Are you okay ? But why ? You told me earlier that you didn’t mind if her photos and other stuff was kept here so why did you change your mind all of a sudden ?”. Raghav was absolutely right in asking me about my hasty decision. I could see the pain in his eyes because every day he woke up and talked to Roushni by viewing her photo frames that surrounded his room. She was his first love and fiancé too. He was caught in a dilemma. Although he moved on with me but just like I couldn’t forget Gustave similarly he couldn’t disconnect Roushni from his life. “ But you promised me that you would do anything for me. I want us to kick start our life sans the tragic memories from the past.” He appeared a bit confused. “Fine. If that’s what you want then I’ll remove all the stuff related to Roushni right now.” He hesitated initially but suppressed his feelings and took out everything from the walls and shelves of his wardrobe. He wiped a few tears trying to hide them so that I don’t feel offended. He packed them all in a carton and took them to the backyard. I stood along with him placing my hand around his waist. “Burn them.” “But Sia.” He paused. “No ifs and buts. Just do what I said.” Raghav was already a good son but now he had become a good boyfriend too. He lighted the matchstick and threw it upon the carton. The flames began coming out causing a lot of smoke around the backyard. I started coughing because of the smoke and Raghav rubbed his palm behind my back continuously. He carefully took me inside the house and made me sit on the sofa. John came running with a glass of water. Raghav held the glass placing on hand around my shoulder and enabled me to drink. “Okay now ?” he stared at me fretfully. I nodded. “Raghav I’m sorry.” “Sorry for what ?” he didn’t have any grudge against me after I asked him to burn his lover’s objects. I felt so lucky to have fallen in love with him. “ I shouldn’t have compelled you to discard Roushni’s belongings. But I-I (Pause).” Raghav pulled me near his chest and brushed my hair with his fingers. “Baby it’s perfectly alright. Do not feel guilty about it please.” He whispered in my ear suavely. My first task was completed successfully. Shashi came walking from the direction of Raghav’s bedroom towards the living space. I moved away from Raghav as she approached us. “ Raghav I think you must go and take a shower. I will take of your woman , don’t worry.” He smiled and kissed on my forehead. “See ya later.” “Yeah.” I bid him adieu. Shashi leered at me like a laughing Buddha statue. “ Well done Ms. Walia. You pass your first test. But that doesn’t mean that you have won the battle.” She was unbelieveable. “I told you that I’m not afraid of challenges. Here you go.” “You should leave now. There is ample time for your second task. Better take some rest.” I hated her evil smirk. Anyway I was happy that Raghav still loved me after I did such a mean thing. His romantic gesture raised my confidence level further. I knew that destiny wanted us to be a couple so who was Shashi Malhotra to decide our future. I went through hundreds of obstacles since childhood hence , these tasks weren’t at all unattainable. I believed in my strengths and endless love for Raghav more than anything during the entire process. All I had in my mind was that no matter how many hurdles I would have to overcome while performing these tasks , I have to prove Shashi Malhotra that nobody can love her son as passionately as I do. I knew that good days were awaiting my presence eagerly.
SURPRISE IN STORE
The calling bell rang at around six in the evening and I opened the door. A blonde guy with medium height and curly hair was holding a ‘Premier Rocher Bouquet’. “ Hello Ma’am. This a surprise gift for you by a special someone.” He handed me the bouquet with warmth. “Thank you.” I quickly shut the door and began inhaling the stunning red roses. I found a tiny letter inside that contained a message. “Your smile is more beautiful than these roses. Meet me in Four Seasons Hotel at midnight. I’ll be waiting for you.
Raghav.” I was thrilled after reading such engaging words from my rich and ravishing boyfriend. The Raghav Malhotra whom I met first has completely changed from an angry young man to a happy-go- lucky guy. After a tough day in the Malhotra Mansion I finally got a chance to chill out. I wanted to jump into Raghav’s arms like a child and kiss his neck without any interruption. In these two months there wasn’t a single day when we didn’t kiss each other. Raghav was like a drug whose intensity would make any woman addicted to his charisma. I didn’t bother to think about why he would invite so late at night because I trusted him unerringly. In fact , I was looking forward to a late night date with my boyfriend and in a few hours the wish would come true. I prepared schezwan noodles and ate it listening to “No one needs to know” by Shania Twain on Tune in radio. After a couple of hours I started picking the best dress out of the wardrobe because I wanted to look the best under the moonlight and didn’t want to lose any opportunity to impress my man. I decided to wear a glittering V-neck golden cocktail dress. It was up to the knee length and also had an enticing crystal pailette. I did my make up and put on the accessories with ease. The cab driver rang me and I quickly hung my bag around one hand while trying to lock the door. I sat in the cab in a jolly mood and looked outside the window imagining the dinner date alongside Raghav. All of a sudden it started raining in the Big Apple. I felt an adrenaline rush instantly as Raghav’s impeccable face began flashing on my mind. Finally, I reached Four Seasons which happened to be one of the finest luxury hotels located in 57th street , New York. The elite class of Manhattan throw parties frequently in this place. As I walked inside a cute little girl with a pony tail gave me a card. I kissed her cheeks and she waved a goodbye with a pretty smile. “Come to the ballroom. I have a surprise for you.
Raghav.” I headed towards the grand ballroom totally excited to unravel the surprise. The place was dark and I couldn’t hear a sound. “Anybody there ?” I stepped carefully. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR SIA ! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU !” the ballroom was filled with my colleagues wrapped in fancy party dresses. It was the 24th of July which happened to be my birthday and I forgot it for the first time. Who does that ? I heard my name from behind “Sia !” , I turned and saw Raghav dressed in a light gray tuxedo. He looked sizzling hot in a slim fit. I told Raghav a month ago that my birthday fell on 24th July. He remembered but I didn’t which seemed weird yet awesome. The staff that once had a wrong impression on me when rumors starting doing rounds about my affair with Raghav wished me luck and happiness. Disha gave me an affectionate hug and teased me about how everyone is jealous because I have the sexiest boyfriend on the planet. A three tier birthday cake arrived and Raghav took me close to it. “Baby, cut the cake.” He murmured. I took the knife and cut the fabulously decorated cake into two halves. I fed the first piece to Raghav adorably and then to Disha , Charles and a few others. Raghav too put a slice in my mouth while Disha smudged the entire cake on my face. We clicked group selfies for half an hour , danced to remix songs played by DJ Andy and also ate delicious food. Raghav wiped my face with a tissue tenderly. I couldn’t control my hormones anymore and dra
gged him towards the washroom. “Sia !” he felt awkward. “Shhhhhhh.” I covered his lips with my right palm. I unbuttoned his waistcoat staring at his eyes followed by his urbane white shirt. I ran my fingers over his chest while pressing my lips upon his shoulder. I breathed the intense fragrance of his perfume as if I inhaled after centuries. He put his arms around me gently and kissed my earlobe. I pushed him against the wall and lifted his hands. Then I laid my hands on his , pressed tight on the wall and we smooched in a raw and dirty manner. He sat down and placed me on his lap. His legs were stretched out straight while we were kissing non-stop. A minute later Raghav’s phone rang and we stopped. I asked him not to pick up the phone but he requested me to allow him. If he would not have received the call then we would have seriously made out. “Hello !” I rubbed his massive chest. “Yeah. The meeting is fixed tomorrow around 3 PM.” I kissed his cheek as he was blushing and grinning. The best part was when I tickled him while he was talking on the phone. His expression at that time was heart melting. “No.” He urged sheepishly. “Okay. Ya sure. Thank you.” He penetrated into my vision for a second and kissed my eyes. “ Why are you so handsome ?” our foreheads touched. “Why are you so beautiful ?” we laughed together. This was my best birthday ever. Feeling my boyfriend’s skin , smell and serenity was the excellent thing that I did. Plus it was a dark and dazzling night and the rain kept falling till 4 AM. Raghav and I slept in an exquisite suite with clothes on and bodies laid on each other. I placed my head on his chest and spread the legs on top of his comfortably.
Immortal Love_True Love Never Dies Page 9
