(A fiction in a fiction, have fun!)
Smily asked me to tell her a story. It was around 11 in the night and she couldn't sleep. The wifi was off, thanks to the longest power cut. Our phones were also near to the death experience. Ofcourse, we cannot expect generators in our village. It would be so stupid of us, moreover life is pretty good and exciting with weak internet connections and signals. Smily, is someone who is a mobile addict. she always needed her mobile with her. Not that she texts all the time to her friends, but she is super crazy about reading e-books and taking pictures of almost every moment she's living. It has been almost 6 hours since she touched her mobile and that's the greatest achievement she should mention in her resume. And now, I have been the victim to all her random rantings. She is back of me to tell her a story, and I know she's not gonna sleep until I tell her one. Also, she wants only a romantic story. Oh, God Please give me patience to handle her !
"Popsicle, tell me a story na pleasee!"
Oh yeah, she calls me popscile. I never asked her why though, cause it sounds cute and who cares why ;p
"Listen, I am in no mood to tell you a story. And anyways, it is past 11 in the night, so better sleep. I don't want to miss a beautiful sunrise tomorrow, so sleep !"
"Pleaseeee! Pleasee! I will buy you a chocolate popsicle if you tell me a story! Pleaseee!"
How do younger siblings get the power of making a perfect puppy face that makes you say yes to anything! F!
"Okay! Okay! I don't know if I can actually tell you a love story. You see, I am very bad at categorizing or giving genres to the stories I read or talk about or may be tell about".
"Whatever, Akka. Just tell me one!"
"Well, once upon a time..."
She cut me in the middle. "Wait, Wait, Wait, Are you telling me a 80's or even old era's story?"
"If you interrupt me like this, I am just gonna ignore you and sleep!"
"Okay! sorry sorry !"
"Love, they said its in the air,
love, they said changes every one,
love, they said is a miracle,
love, they said is a hope to live,
And Love, they said can happen in a second..."
I told her this as an intro with a little modulation in my voice and never had I seen her focused on someone speaking! Damn it, now I need to make sure its a very good story ! I am nervous! anyhow, I continued,
"Sitara, an enthusiastic, generous and cheerful person was always in need of freedom. She dreams of the freedom, she lives for the freedom and she paints all ways of freedom. She works as a volunteer in a charitable organization in a town."
"Popsicle how does she look like? Beautiful ? or Shabby? or Fancy? HOW? "
I smiled and continued with the story, "She looks more beautiful inside, with a shabby and chaos heart, eyes filled with hope for freedom, dark brown eyes searching for the light to shine, soft rose petals kind off lips and a small straight nose. Always carrying a bright attitude, no one would ever hate her! She is always welcoming and in simple she is elegant and blissful".
"Oh God! I can imagine her as the most beautiful person alive!"
"She has always been young at heart and at mind. That was more like her power. People always wondered how she always managed to be happy going person".
"Was she not really happy ?"
"May be and may be not"
"Interesting..."
"And then, as usual she was on her way to the NGO along with few eatables made for the kids who stay there. Her friends come to the organization and help her almost all the weekends and also whenever they find some time. And one day, along with her friends came a guy who wanted to join their club to help the needy. Arjun, a tall and a confident looking man, clear with his words and a little slippery tongue, resigned his job just to serve the nation though as a teen he had dreams of studying abroad. He is shy, yet mesmerizing, has brown hazel eyes, and a beautiful smile which will let people forget their worries".
"Popsicle, isn't the hero introduction too early? I mean it takes time for people to meet love, they will have to deal with a lot of things, cross all the chaos, it isn't as simple as you are telling me... Is it?"
" Nope, Silly! You are absolutely right, but see thats the whole point of the story. Almost all the stories tell us how miracles happen before we meet the love of our life. People say, to meet your love, you will have to face a war before. But, sometimes love is met in the most simple way. A smile, a simple gesture, or may be a simple truth can make you fall in love. Except, you might not realize it is love. There would also be guilt for some unexplainable things, and that guilt is also called love if you ask me..."
I did not understand the look on her face. It wasn't poker face either. She seemed to be fascinated and also lost. Before I thought she was sleeping with her eyes open, she responded back.
"Akka, I .. don't know what am I to tell about this. I have never heard something as beautiful as what you said now. Continue with the story, I cannot wait to hear about them."
I smiled simply.
"Sitara along with her friends welcomed Arjun. Sitara feels so calm after a really long time just because of Arjun's beautiful and simple smile. She was always a person who believed in intuitions and vibes rather than people's opinions and expectations. It was a simple meet and greet, where Sitara explains how things are done in the organization."
I started changing my voice, speaking like Sitara at times and as Arjun other times.
"Sitara : So, this is it. I hope you would have a lovely experience serving here.
Arjun : I am really excited ! "
"They both smiled at each other and left to continue with the work. It was almost a week later that they spoke again. All these days, they came, they worked, they played with the kids over there and they left. But then, Sitara was stuck with some accounting work related to the charity received in that month. She has been busy since that morning. Arjun observed this and went to her along with a cup of tea."
Arjun : Hey! You have been pretty occupied since morning. Here you go!
Sitara: Oh. You! I mean Hii! Lunch time it is, So I didn't expect you here. Not that you are not supposed to be here. Oh God, I am sorry I am just talking out of my senses.
Arjun: (with a cool and a fucking beautiful smile) I understand totally! I thought of accompanying you, you seem to be alone and too hectic. So I thought it would be nice to lend a hand."
Smily was imagining I guess, she kept smiling. She seemed too happy and too excited for the yet to come. So I thought it would be better to continue rather than interrupt her.
" Sitara : Uhm. Well that would really mean a lot! You being a good boy. Thank you! And for the tea, ah it also means a lot. Thanks again.
Arjun: Oh, come on. Don't thank me a lot. (again with a soft smile).
Sitara : Did I tell you? Just don't mind me, but your smile is so fucking beautiful!
Arjun: Ah Uh... (again smiling.?)
Sitara was confused, embarrassed, and also little happy.
Arjun: I meant, thank you. Sorry if I actually sounded a little rude, I just don't know how to react to the compliments. I am really sorry.
Sitara : Oh.. that's actually fine. I understand it totally. Also, it would kind off be weird, complimenting out of blue.
Arjun : Hey, that's really fine. Totally fine! And you would need guts to speak it out. So, really I appreciate you for that and now, genuinely thank you.
Sitara kept smiling. She couldn't understand the rush, yet she knew it was something special. Before they realised the time has been about past 2 in the afternoon and they both were hungry. A cup of tea couldn't ofcourse save Sitara, so Sitara proposed if it is okay for Arun to join her in lunch together. "
Smily was yawning. Its past her bed time and she definitely needs to sleep. And wait I think this is the first time she's going to sleep with no mobile in her hand. A wonder to be noticed by the world.
"Smily, you seem to be sleepy. Should I continue the story tomorrow? It would be better if you sleep now. You also seem tired."
" Akka, please finish off the story. I cannot sleep without knowing what would happen next. Pleaseee!"
"And what if I miss the sunrise tomorrow morning? "
"I promise that I will make sure to wake you up! Please atleast now, continue with the story !"
I started laughing at the way she was losing her temper or me interrupting her imagination. Yet, I have the full rights to delay the story because I am the writer and I am the creator. After few moments, I continued.
"And then Arjun did accept the lunch proposal with an open heart not just because he was hungry but he was also happy that he would get some time around with Sitara all alone. Arjun and Sitara have been friends for not more than 2 weeks, but over the time they have become very close that one couldn't properly focus on their work if the other one's no where near. They had fun in the break times, shared lunch together, shared each others work, worked on projects mutually etc. One day, as a part of the organization's new campaign regarding mental health which would be held about 2 weeks later, they were supposed to gather youth. Sitara's friends also took part of this campaign to gather the youth. They were a group of six including Sitara and Arjun, so they divided themselves into groups of two to divide the work related to this campaign. Raghu and Kaira decided to promote the campaign through social media, public invitations etc. Veer and Ruhi decided to talk to the promoters, collect funds, invite guests etc. And then it was Sitara's and Arjun's duty to make sure all the arrangements were proper. The food, water, the place to sit for the public, guest's honoring, etc. It was a tough week for them. Almost, all the arrangements were made related to invitation of the youth and guests. The other arrangements were still on. Arjun and Sitara have been restless, yet they loved doing the work. They were arranging the dias now.
Arjun: Tara, how have we been working for so long yet not tired. It feels nice to organize such events. And also the campaign of mental health is really important. Such a great initiation.
Sitara: Tara! Huh! Its been long since I heard some one calling me Tara (winked and gave a smile). Yeah, even I felt the same about the campaign. It is much needed for everyone to realize how important it is to stay mentally fit.
Arjun: I always wanted to call you Tara. But, you see we were not that close before... It took some weeks to talk to each other and all right.. so yeah..( again that damn killer smile ). So, are you mentally okay then? Its just a campaign related question...
Sitara: Huh, (a polite smile) Ofcourse I am mentally okay, happy and perfectly crazy too (made some weird expressions)
Arjun started laughing like crazy for Sitara's actions.
Sitara: Seriously Arjun How ? HOW IS YOUR SMILE SO BEAUTIFUL! ALSO YOUR DAMN EYES, only if I know how to swim, I would drown in them. ( in her mind, regretting immediately for this line )
Arjun: Wow, you are good at words Tara. I am amazed. Thank you for the compliment though (wink wink).
There was an awkward silence between them. It was more like both of them feeling the rush in their blood. Sitara was really embarrassed. So she decided to break the silence.
Sitara: Uhm, so uh what about you ? Are you mentally mentally okay?
Arjun: Ofcourse I am. Very much happy too.
Sitara: Cool then.
Before she could continue speaking, someone were rushing over the dias that made Sitara fall over. She was about to fall and then came our hero, Arjun who held her hand helping her not fall down."
Smily interrupted me before I continued. " Popsicle, Arjun got a chance to hold her ! LIKE REALLY HOLD HER! And he just held her hands to stop her from falling? Seriously? Doesn't he read books? or atleast watch any movies? MEN DUH!"
I couldn't stop laughing for her words. Seriously, Smily is something else when it comes to romance stories. " Smily, its just a story, and not all the stories are like the same. Arjun is more like an introvert and as I already told you this is a very simple story."
"Fine...go on now with the rest of the story". She sighed.
"Sitara and Arjun kept staring into each others eyes for a few seconds. Sitara's mind couldn't stop being silent. It was chaos. And then Arjun pulled her towards him and that's the first time Sitara realised Arjun's perfume. DAMN IT, she thought. She couldn't focus on anything else. It was only his perfume everywhere.
Arjun: Are you okay Tara? Be careful!
Sitara: Uh okay I am. Careful. Yeah. Fine.
Arjun: Huh?
Sitara: I am okay I meant. I just lost the order of the words.
Sitara now couldn't stare at his eyes now. The whole moment, is captured in her mind and it was on a loop. She could still sense his fragrance.
Arjun: Chalo, lets move forward with our work. There is still so much pending.
Sitara: Oh, yeah. Okay.
Sitara was lost since then. She couldn't focus much. Generally, she's a chatterbox but now she's more on a mute mode. It was almost 7 in the evening and almost everyone left. Arjun and Sitara also packed their things and begun walking out of their organization.
Arjun: It has been really a good day. Do you think the same Tara?
Sitara: Yeah.. a candid day and an unforgettable day. Can I ask you something..?
Arjun: Ofcourse you can!
Sitara: Why did you decide to call me Tara? Like all my friends and relatives call me Sita or Sitara or something else, but none addressed me as Tara. Do you call me Tara just like that or you know... any other reason..?
Arjun: (a simple smile) Uhh.. Let me be honest. Tara, it means a star. Sometimes, I believe Stars are our guiding angels. They are more like a soul trapped inside a shiny thing to spread positivity. I have met a lot people in my life but have never seen a child like, matured and a beautiful soul like you. You are that soul trapped spreading all the positivity.
Sitara was shy this time. Tucking her hair behind the ears, she gave a shy smile looking at the ground. She really is a mess sometimes that she forgets what she's speaking.
Sitara: Your perfume, its just so good.
Arjun: What?
Sitara: Thank you, for saving me from falling down.
Arjun couldn't stop smiling. He did hear what she said before, yet he asked what.
Sitara and Arjun were out of the organization by now. They decided to walk to their homes today rather than going by an auto.
Arjun: So what are you plans for the future?
Sitara: I don't know exactly. I am an MBA graduate, I have plans for working as a Finance analyst but not so soon I guess. To build a home and live happily in any state but only in India.
Arjun: Woah, I never knew you finished your MBA. You look so young.
Sitara: This is too much. You do know that I am just two years younger than you. (Arjun giggled) What are your plans?
Arjun: I actually had plans to study in U.S. May be I still have plans for that... I don't know exactly. I did work as a HR for 2 years, but something else inside me wanted to work for an NGO. So, I resigned and have become a volunteer.
Sitara: U.S. ..? Uhm, so you want to settle in abroad...?
Arjun: Not settle, just study and work for few years may be.
Sitara felt pain in her heart. Not so sure why, but she did feel like something crushed her heart.
They walked for minutes in silence. It was about 8 p.m. They were near Arjun's home. He left saying a bye. In about 15 minutes Sitara would reach her home. But she was walking slower than before. Everything that happened from the morning was running in her mind. And as usual, she expected that he would walk to her home and then go back to his home. But that didn't happen. Some how, she walked to her home, freshen up and slept. "
"Dumb Arjun, RIGHT!" Yelled, Smily.
"Ush, Smily, calm down! Everybody else is sleeping."
"It was the next day they met again, they greeted each other and started working calmly. The campaign is in 2 days, so everybody was busy. Sitara's friends Raghu, Kaira, Veer and Ruhi have also come. They too have become super close with Arjun that Sitara sometimes teases them whether they are her friends first or his's. There was some awkward silence between Arjun and Sitara in the morning but then it became cool as the day passed. Every arrangement was made as perfect, a lot of people has also registered to attend the campaign. Things just went too fast till the day of the event. It was the Campaign day, the D-day! Every volunteer have been checking the arrangements to not mess anything. There came Arjun in Blue formal shirt and Sitara in white floral saree. Their eyes got locked for a moment. Both were looking absolutely phenomenal. Sitara, couldn't stop her excitement and just signed at him, super. He mouthed thank you and said the same. Both loved each others look. They both were so occupied that they have not found any time to talk in leisure. However they kept looking at each other secretly. It was lunch time when Arjun came near Sitara with a white rose.
Arjun: Hey, Tara... you look really beautiful. Something from me... (he handed her the white rose with a shy smile)
Sitara: (blushing) Thank you. Also for the rose..
All her friends were teasing Sitara after Arjun left. Sitara couldn't stop blushing. She turned into absolute pink. "TARAA, you look really beautiful", teased her friends again and again. She was asking them to shut their mouths and left when they kept on teasing.
Arjun and Sitara has been quite busy after lunch. They took the responsibility not only of honouring the guests, but has also talked about importance of Mental health together. Everybody was impressed. Time flew very fast till the end of the event. It was the last moment, everybody left leaving the volunteers alone. Volunteers cheered for themselves for the making the campaign a succesful one. Everybody left happily and also tired. Sitara along with her friends were about to leave. It was almost 8 in the night. That's when Arjun called Sitara.
Arjun: Tara.. Uh, if you don't mind I can drop you off at your home...
Sitara was about to tell that she planned to go with her friends but Kaira stopped Sitara and answered instead of Sitara, "Oh god, you are the savior Arjun. We actually thought of leaving together but then it seems too jammed for Sitara to fit in the car. Thank you ! Sita, you better thank him for his selfless help! " and then she winked at Sitara. Sitara nodded in shy and a killer look to Kaira. Sitara's friends left.
Sitara: Thank you, Arjun ! You helped me a lot for today's event too, I don't think I would have done all the work without you.
Arjun: Oh Tara, don't be silly. It was your ideas most of the time, all I did was just offer what all I could do that's it. So you need not thank me.
Sitara: I didn't know you own a bike. Why do you come by walk then?
Arjun: I stay not so far, so I technically walk so that atleast it means like a little exercise. And, I am really sorry for the other day. I actually thought of accompanying you to your house but I was afraid if it would be wrong. I was also super tired...Sorry...
Sitara: Hey, that's okay. That's totally understandable. (Secretly, Sitara is happy because of the apology)
Arjun: Hop on, we'll have an ice-cream and then I will leave you at your house. Only, if you don't mind...
Sitara started feeling butterflies inside her stomach.
Sitara: Uhm, okay...Ofcourse, I don't mind eating an ice-cream. Why would I ever tell a no !
Arjun smiled and kick started the bike. Sitara hopped on. Her right hand was on his shoulder. Arjun's face rushed a little. They went to the nearest ice-cream parlor, ordered two chocolate ice-creams and started eating. They talked about the campaign, about her friends, a little about his schooling, collage etc. He never asked her questions though. He was really a shy guy. They giggled together, they had lot fun talking too. After the ice-cream Arjun dropped Sitara at her home telling, "Tara, Thanks for everything. The saree, is so amazing. Good night..."
Sitara did not understand the reason for which he was thanking. She smiled and greeted him a goodnight. He left and Sitara too walked to her room.
Almost, 6 months happened so quickly. Both of them spent maximum time together. They ate lunch together, worked together, hung out along with their friends. There was some kind off special vibe between both of them. And along with the time, both of them also got to know about each other a lot. Nobody would believe that had been friends for only 6-7 months, because they were so close as if they knew each other from some years.
It was one day when both of them were walking home together. The weather was pretty cool, with the sky in its beautiful colors. Sitara, as usual kept on talking and asking questions to Arjun.
Sitara: Ajju, if you don't mind me, can I ask you something?
Arjun: Ofcourse, Tara! You can as me anything.
Sitara: You said, you had plans to study abroad...How did you not choose that thought? I mean anyone with such plans would not stay back in India...
Arjun: Uhm... Well, thats actually a sudden decision that I took. Even my parents were surprised when I told them that I wanted to stay back.
Sitara: And why that sudden decision?
Arjun: I don't know if you would believe me...
Sitara: Ofcourse, I will believe you! Tell me ..
Arjun: So, uhm one day I was at the coffee shop along with my friends. Adjacent to our table there were about 4 people, they were having fun, laughing, making jokes together and it was almost like the same I was having with my friends. But then I heard a voice from their table. One of the girl was asked a question about moving to another country. It was that answer that made me take a sudden decision.
Sitara: Well.. that's pretty bizarre or may be kind of shocking for me. What did the girl speak ?
Arjun: She said something like this, "I have always dreamt to be in this country. Ofcourse, I love travelling and I would love to earn a lot money. But that doesn't make me leave my own country. I might sound a bit dramatic patriotic person, but I don't mind being the one. Everybody complaints on our nation, they say the country's politics are worse, economy is worse, people are worse etc etc. Everybody complaints, and everybody leaves. How would the nation develop, if people leave instead of finding the solution for their complaint? If you cannot help the nation, do not complaint. Politics is not in our hands, but atleast the country's wealth and decision making is indirectly in our hands right....I want to be here, I might not change the nation, but atleast I would help it..."
Sitara was stunned listening to this. She was totally surprised. She paused looking at Arjun.
Arjun : (with a small innocent smile) It sounds like you already heard these words, am I right? YEP, that girl was you at the coffee shop along with your friends. I remember all those words exactly, because I was surprised. I didn't know that girl from the coffee shop would become my Tara. I realized that it was you at the coffee shop weeks later after I joined the Organization. I didn't know you worked here too. It was all a coincidence. Or may be it was more like destiny's plan.
Sitara was in tears. She had no words to speak. Arjun came near her shook her shoulders, asking her if she was fine. She then spoke,"So...is that why you decided to call me Tara?"
Arjun: Yess! You became my guiding star. I wanted to thank you after the coffee shop event, but I couldn't find you anywhere. After I remembering you as the coffee shop girl I thought of telling you about this whole thing, but you see that would not sound good...It would be like I joined the organization for you, as if following you because, love at first sight thing,..I mean, I don't believe in that stuff but it might sound like that to you, it was definitely not love at first sight, not that you are not a lovely person, I mean you are really an incredible person I have met in my life that I love you, but its not like the other way.
Arjun paused. He realized he spoke something that he did not plan to speak. He became nervous. Sitara, too was startled.
Sitara was literally surprised. She went running to his arms, gave him a big tight hug. And now, Arjun went even more blue. Ofcourse, it started drizzling, with cool breeze. Sitara was crying this time, Arjun also joined his hands around Sitara, but he pulled her back to look into her eyes. She couldn't stop crying. Arjun slowly lifted her head, wiped all the tears that were falling down her pink cheeks, made her look into his eyes.
Arjun: Tara, I actually did not mean to confess today, but since I did it anyways, I will make it more clear to you. You are the best thing that happened to me in my life. Life gave me your words as strength even before we knew each other, you were some one who came into my life like a shooting star out of blue, the only difference is that you, the shooting star stayed. Though, your name means a star, for me you are the whole constellation. I also know that you had a crush on me, thanks to your friends for telling me this. I cannot make you bare promises, I cannot promise you that I will stay in India leaving my dream to study abroad. One day, someday, I will go and study in abroad, but you will have to trust me that I am gonna come back to you. One day, we will build a home of our own and walk together all the way down to that home without telling each other a bye. India, will be my place, our place where we settle together along with our memories. I love you. I love you, and by it I mean, I will fight for us no matter what and how long it takes..."
Smily was crying. I did not realize she was crying until my shirt became wet. "Smily, are you okay?"
"Ofcourse no, Popsicle. How could I be okay? The way Arjun proposed Tara, I mean come on! HOW COULD I BE OKAY?"
"Cool down Smily, the story is not yet over. It is okay ! Calm down"
I consoled her and continued the story.
"Sitara: I don't know if I ever have been this happy. ( She was speaking in breaks, because she couldn't control her tears) But... I have to tell you something.
Arjun: If it is about your past, remember it doesn't matter to me. I am not going to judge you either.
Sitara: But.. Arjun.. You are the best person I ever know, and you do deserve.. to know.. everything about me..if you ..want... to marry.. me ..someday.. (in breaks)
Arjun: Tara, ushh! (He placed his index finger on her lips, pulled her closer and looked into her eyes) I know that you have been in love before. I know that you were also broken in love before. You are the strongest person, who managed to move on rather than being stuck. It takes courage, to forgive and move on and you did that. Kaira told me about this. She told me how my smile calmed you, how you were happy ever since I joined, how calm you have become ever since I became your friend. She also told me about your anxiety attacks, about everything! And now none of it matters to me. It shouldn't matter you either, you are not supposed to feel guilty for falling in love with me, and if at all you feel guilty falling in love with me it means I failed as a man, and I never want to fail, atleast I do not want to fail in anything that is related to you. All it matters is you! You are the one I want to be happy with, You are the one whom I want to see the happiest. You have changed my life into a colourful place. I never gave you compliments except on the campaign day, right? You ever wondered why? Because, you are beyond the words that I could describe you with...
Arjun found Tara's eyes completely filled with water. But they were not rolling down her cheeks. She was more than happy, more than she could tell, more than the world knows, more than Arjun knows. Sitara rose her toes, her eyes were now focused on Arjun's lips, she paused for a moment and then she kissed. He kissed. The breeze was cooler than before, the rain drops were thicker than before. They were drenced not only in rain, but also in love. And when they stopped kissing, they locked their foreheads for a moment before they saw a shooting star in the sky. They looked at each other laughing, held their hands and wished nothing but love.
Arjun then observed something. The locket and the chain Sitara was wearing. Sitara held the locket and told Arjun, "This locket is made from the rose you gave me that day. Resin art. I made it by myself."
Arjun was surprised. He smiled and hugged her again. Both were laughing and were so happy together.
Sitara was Arjun's tara, only did he actually know that he was the real tara..."
Smily gave me a tight hug, I realized that the whole pillow became wet. I hugged her back and whispered, "this is how, love happens. Simple and unexpected. It comes to you when you are in actual need of it and not when you want it..."
"Popsicle, thank you! Thank you for this one! BUT I HATE YOU FOR MAKING ME FALL IN LOVE WITH ARJUN" She yelled and started crying and then she slept.
I did not know how to react but I couldn't stop smiling. It was past 2 in the midnight. All I dream now is about the sunrise I get to see tomorrow. I am happy that Smily loved the story. Her tears, speak everything about how she felt. And what else do I need...
P.S.
For all the readers who read the story with so much patience, THANK YOU! I did not want to split this story into 2, so I had to make it a lengthy one! Hopefully, everyone enjoyed it !
Love.
Ananya <3