《Senior, ME & Beer》
Part 1:Let’s Have some Beer
The early winter breeze was in full form in the city of California as it was the start of the November, things on the streets started to freeze or grew cold, and on the contrary the people on the street didn¡¯t feel much cold as it was just starting of winter season. On one of the busy crossroads where millions of people were in hurry to reach the other side, two people of opposite sex suddenly noticed each other and as everything for them had frozen in that instant as recognition set in and their hearts grew warm as certain emotions that were held somewhere in depths of their hearts made both of them smile.
They would like to continue this little play of their eyes and heart for hours silently on the crowded and loud crossroad if the signal had not turn red for cars and green for the pedestrians.
The man noticed that the crowd has started to move and signaled with his left to the woman on the other side to wait for him.
The woman who was also lost in the river of memories after she noticed the man and lost the connection to the world entering a reverie, when the crowd started to move and someone walking by gave her a little push which made her return to the reality, she noticed the signal that the man gave and nodded.
The man crossed the road with the sea of people and came to stand in front of her and watched her with eyes full of longing and emotions, he wanted to say a million of things but in the end he chose to stay silent and smiled.
The woman noticed the looks in the eyes of man who was a head taller than her, wore a creased white shirt and black trouser, with the matching formal leather black shoes and belt. He had a messy black hair on his oval shaped faced with well-maintained beard which signifies that he slept in official attire and walked out after he woke up without caring a thing about world.
She was also tongue tied as she also had many things she would have liked to ask but she also chose to stay silent as she couldn¡¯t decide on anything, but more than that she was amused as the person standing in front of her hadn¡¯t changed since college year roaming outside in the sleeping clothes, she couldn¡¯t help but smile.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
The way that these two were reacting, anybody could tell that they had a history together. Noticing this silence and awkward mood the boy finally took notice of the girl in front of him who was a little shorter than him wearing a green sweatshirt with the picture of ¡°Queens Band¡± and charcoal black jeans, had long dark black unkempt hair coming almost to her waist, which was flailing with sweet winter winds perfectly covering the sides of her almond like face and cheeks which had a tinge of pinkness to them due to the cold.
She was carrying a bag with two beers and chips which was almost similar to the contents of the bag he was carrying just that he had more snacks than her.
After noticing the beers, he picked his bag a little high and suggested in the little quaint voice ¡°Senior, let¡¯s drink some beer¡±, Senior was something he likes to call the girl in front of him and she was his senior in college too.
By his words Senior came to the realization of awkwardness and after a moment of thought she asked in a cheerful tone ¡°Where?¡±
The man was a bit surprised by the quick agreement of his senior, after thinking a little he asked her ¡°How about my apartment, it is across the street if you are comfortable?¡±
Now it was her turn to be surprised at his invitation to his apartment and asked teasingly with a playful smile ¡°What are you planning other than drinking, huh?¡±
Man smiled wryly and retorted ¡°What can I do other than following your commands, your highness?¡±
¡°Hmmm, that¡¯s true¡± the girl replied proudly, as it should be this way.
Boy doesn¡¯t reply to this as he knows her personality well so he asked rather dejectedly ¡°Senior, when will you stop pulling my leg?¡±
The girl replied disheartened with a wry smile on her face ¡°Raj, when will you start calling me Meera?¡±
Raj smiled wryly and replied with a low tone after some thought ¡°I guess not for now. Shall we go? Senior¡±
The girl smiled with a little blush on her face as she knows he can¡¯t counter her and will change the topic. She never knew why he does this but she liked him nevertheless. She nodded and they started walking in the direction of his apartment silently.
They walked side by side, both nervous, stealing glances at one another from time to time, both were blushing and smiling from their hearts as they were happy with this unexpected reunion of theirs, they continued like this until they reached his apartment.
Both remained silent even though they had thousands of things to say and to ask each other but they know in this moment their silence was more than enough to convey their feeling.
Part 2:When Beer controls the conversation, Heart Flows
Raj unlocked the door and led Meera into his apartment. When she entered the little foyer area of the apartment, which is usually used to keep shoe rack and umbrella stand, she noticed there were two big suitcases near the shoe rack, like someone is prepared to leave at a moment¡¯s notice.
Raj noticed her gaze and informed sadly ¡°I have a flight at 2 AM¡±.
Meera felt melancholic but didn¡¯t pry and simply nodded after which she noticed that right wall across to the little foyer area is drawing room which is equipped with a blue colored sofa set with a center table which suits the white-blue color theme of the house, opposite to the guest hall is kitchen-cum-dining room, and living room is adjacent to the left side. It was a decent 1 BHK apartment.
Raj led Meera to the sofas and placed the carry bag on the center table. She was a little lost after knowing that they have just met and he will be leaving soon. He noticed that she was absentminded and shook his head smiling wryly and called her ¡°Senior¡± gesturing her to ask what happened.
After noticing the sad smile that he wanted to hide and beer he bought, she knew he was not doing well or something happened so she refrained from making comment and asking about past events. She shook her head giving a cheerful smile to lighten up the atmosphere. Though she has an outgoing personality, she did not know how to soothe someone¡¯s heart.
After that she showed her personality in full to steer away from the topic and ordered him ¡°Remove the sofas, make some space in the center, I don¡¯t like this kind of atmosphere, like we are in an office and drinking with so much of consideration like your boss is dancing on your head, I like to drink in Desi way, sitting on the floor and enjoying the drink comfortably without a care in the world.¡±
After hearing her say that Raj laughed out loud in his signature loud and unrestrained manner which can make everybody laugh, two tears leaked from corner of his eyes showing that in troubled times a hearty laugh cannot solve your problems but it can surely lighten your heart.
She also smiled and laughed whole heartedly after him as she knew his mood has brightened up, there are very few people in the world that can make her smile and laugh this way and Raj was one of them, her sour mood from the day has also brightened up a little.
Raj moved the table to the side, adjusted the sofa a little, made the room for themselves in the center of the room, put down all the bears in center, five can in total, a five to seven kinds of snacks or ¡°chakna for the daaru¡±.
After seeing so many snacks she smiled meaningfully and commented ¡°You still hate beer¡¯s taste don¡¯t you and what¡¯s up with the tears, don¡¯t they say males don¡¯t cry¡±
After hearing the comment, he smiled, his expression full of melancholy ¡°As if you haven¡¯t seen me cry before, Senior¡±
She smiled ruefully after taking a sip from the beer she opened because she knew her emotions are stirred and replied thoughtfully ¡°Life has been rough lately and I am glad you have changed but from heart you are still the same.¡±
Raj also smiled ruefully, opened the can and drank half in one go, thought for a moment and quoted;This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
¡°Life is always tough, it¡¯s all good if you change a little if you are true to yourself and have all your basics.¡±
After taking a glance at Meera he asked sipping his beer nonchalantly ¡°Has the life had been kind to you lately, Senior?¡±
She was a little stunned and depressed by the tone Raj used, she knew he didn¡¯t talk in such a way until the sky has fallen, and also, she was almost in the same situation, not as much as terrible of condition as him but not much better off either.
She also took a large sip of her almost finished can, with a sad face she shook her head without saying a word.
He understood that she was not in much better shape than him and didn¡¯t comment, he picked his can and offered her toast ¡°Cheers to our sad life.¡±
Meera clinked her Can with his and said ¡°Cheers¡± enthusiastically.
They didn¡¯t ask what was happening in their lives as they knew they can¡¯t do anything about that. They opened another can, ate some snacks, talked a little about common things.
Meera grabbed the TV remote from the side on whim and switched it on; there was an episode of friends (TV series) airing on TV and nostalgically she exclaimed ¡°FRIENDS¡±.
Raj did not think of it much and replied ¡°There are few things nowadays that make me smile, FRIENDS is one of them.¡±
She knew he liked FRIENDS from college days and how his room partner cursed her for suggesting this show because while watching the show he laughed a lot in his unrestrained manner which is the cause of his roomie¡¯s headache for at least two months. Raj was unfettered for some time, kind most of the time and unreasonable was when angry, all in all a good guy.
After the rush of these memories and an addition of her outgoing personality suddenly she asked ¡°Do you have a Girlfriend?¡±
Startled Raj replied almost instinctually ¡°No¡± and asked in the series ¡°You?¡±
She knew the he would never have the guts to ask her directly if not for the alcohol so she asked with a teasing smile on her face and her cheeks little red ¡°little rascal has the beer taken effect already so you have guts now to ask and no I don¡¯t have a boyfriend.¡± and gave a flick on Raj¡¯s forehead.
He smiled, little happy about this while rubbing his forehead retorted ¡°You are allowed to ask and not me and yes the beer is showing its effect.¡±
She answered him with new question while having an amusing expression and being playful to her heart¡¯s content, she said solemnly ¡°Let¡¯s have Friends pact like phoebe and all, if we meet next time after the gap of a year and are not married, we will marry each other?¡±
¡°Huuuh¡± RAJ¡¯s expression became a little weird and flustered as he knew he liked her and that she liked him too, but doing things this way was little funny. He thought for little while and answered ¡°Things haven¡¯t been going my way for so long already, I have thought about you on many occasions while I was at a low point in my life that¡¯s is why I was so happy when I saw you at the crossroad, I know you would have already asked me to date you directly if I was not leaving tomorrow so let¡¯s do this.¡±
Both of them stood up, shook their hands and promised each other. This turn of events was unexpected, and surprising to the most part as both were not in their best state of mind, still knew that this is one of the best outcomes in their hearts. This was the thing she did for only one reason and that was if they met once more then fuck everything, I am not leaving you alone, and as a matter of fact he did think the same but his reason was ¡°Fate is the reason we met today when I was almost leaving so let Fate decide what happens in the future too.¡±
As he was thinking, his eyes noticed the time and he knew he had to leave for his flight in two hours so he asked ¡°Where is your house, let me walk you or get a cab, I have to leave soon too.¡±
She knew this reunion had come to an end so she didn¡¯t tarry either, she was a little embarrassed to say these things so she told him hurriedly that she lived next street to the crossroad.
They cleaned up the mess so his room partner does not have to, locked the door and he walked her to her apartment, both didn¡¯t say a word; they just stole few glances, just like before.
¡°Silence conveys the thoughts of hearts more beautifully then words ever can.¡±
Part 3:Unexpected should be expected in love
Raj walked Meera to her apartment¡¯s door, then waited until her flat mates opened the door, and then bade her farewell, watched her enter her apartment before leaving.
He had just reached the entrance of the apartment building when suddenly his phone rang. He checked who was the caller and phone showed ¡®Prashant¡¯, his friend and business partner who should be in a very important meeting right now.
After looking at the name in his phone he became nervous and answered the phone ¡°Hey Prashant, what happened in the meeting?¡±
Prashant was in the meeting to finalize their investor for their business venture, there were many who are interested to invest because of Raj¡¯s abilities but their conditions are much harsher than this investor who is with Prashant right now, if the investment deal with them finalizes, their venture would be like tiger with wings or cherry on top of the cake. This is also the reason why Raj is leaving California. They wanted to establish their own event management company rather than working in someone else¡¯s. Their proposed company name was ¡®Moments Event Management¡¯.
Prashant knew how anxious and nervous Raj was so he didn¡¯t tarry and replied in a solemn tone ¡°Investors are happy with our proposal but their head wants to add a condition to it and it didn¡¯t reach your bottom line for our project, so I suggested him to talk to you.¡±
Raj thought for a second and replied seriously ¡°Put the phone on speaker.¡±
Prashant put the phone on speaker; either way Raj was the main lead in the project and also had the final say in it. The investor name was Barry White, a giant in the world of investment. He is considered to be best in business for being fair and to have his investment always return a good outcome.
Barry was a straightforward and upright man so he directly answered ¡°Raj, I was there when you organized the Marriage as project head in Venice last year, I know most of the things in my friends marriage was your idea so when I learned about you starting anew, I was happy because I know your previous company has name and gives good money but they never gave credit to deserving workers.¡±
After praising and putting the reason for investment and that he had the good impression of Raj, that¡¯s why the deal will go through if the condition can be fulfilled so he continued ¡°Half of the world already knows that I have an Indian girlfriend and I am going to marry her so I want to you to be Event Organizer but you know I can¡¯t hire anyone so I want your company to be listed as top ten in India by end of two years, so you can conclude these as my conditions.¡±
After hearing Barry¡¯s conditions, Raj was in thoughts. He knew that it was investors right to have his investment succeed and he also met Barry on two to three occasions and what he heard and knew about that he can be a trusted partner though there were extra conditions that they had not discussed earlier. It does not affect the overall picture much.
After some deliberation, he answered formally ¡°Mr. Barry, I have heard of your good name too and know how just you are, I know it is tough for someone new to do this after entering the market, but it will be a good challenge rather than calling them conditions but I would like to request your support as you have more contacts than me.¡±
Well after so many years in the industry, he knew when to compliment the other and how to look good while doing that. He easily converted conditions as challenges and request his aid without being outright.
Barry after hearing the answer smiled as it was better than he expected, he was happy with the answer so he replied jubilantly ¡°That settles everything, I heard you will reach India in two days so let¡¯s sign the contract then, Gentlemen, that will be all¡±.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Hearing that the deal was sealed, Prashant was so happy that it was hard for him to control himself, they have been trying for investments for so long and finally the dust has settled on this matter. The guest left after two to three minutes in which neither Prashant nor Raj said anything. When there was no one in the room Prashant stood up from his chair and shouted ¡°Yes, we finally did it.¡±
Raj after hearing his friend shout and cheers could not control himself too and said one word loudly ¡°Finally.¡± He realized he was not alone and was at entrance of someone else¡¯s apartment at night. He looked apologetically as his first thought was to run from the apartment then a thought came to his mind and he turns to the direction where he came from some time back, direction of Meera¡¯s apartment, He reached the apartment after a moment and pressed the doorbell and waited for someone to answer.
A flat mate of Meera¡¯s came to the door, looked from the system and asked ¡°Aren¡¯t you Meera¡¯s friend, why are you here again?¡±
Looking awkward he thought of an excuse and replied with a little embarrassment ¡°she forgot something so I came to return it, can you call her for a sec?¡±
The flat mate looked meaningfully for a moment and called for Meera, informing her of friend on the door.
Meera who just cleaned herself and changed looked confused as she knew she didn¡¯t forget anything she thought for a second and smiled thoughtfully; let¡¯s see what this rascal is up to.
She opened the door and looked how happy Raj was, his temperament has changed a little he has a happy vibes about him now, she noticed so she asked confused ¡°what are you up to now, little rascal?¡±
Raj looked at her Senior who has the wet hair and wearing comfy home clothes, suddenly he had the urge to kiss her but he lacked the courage to kiss her on lips so he kissed her on forehead and said ¡°Senior, you really are lucky star for me, I got the deal I wanted for so long¡±
She was first shocked than smiled as this was the first time he initiated anything between them, today she was also emotional so she didn¡¯t hold back and hugged him tightly and congratulated him.
They both stand there for some time not saying anything and then a thought stuck her so she asked suddenly ¡°Aren¡¯t you going too late for the flight?¡±
Suddenly color drained from Raj¡¯s Face as he yelled in distress ¡°Shit I am done for¡±
He looked at Meera for a second and started running after saying ¡°Sorry Senior, I have to run now, I will contact you on Facebook as soon I reach India and have time¡± as they still didn¡¯t have each other¡¯s contact number.
Seeing him run she sighed, she was confused about how she should react as they were finally making progress but now he was leaving, she shook her head and thought to go with the flow at the moment and replied ¡°Rascal, remember, the next time we meet, you better be ready for punishment.¡±
When Raj heard this, he smiled ruefully. He exited the building, took a cab to his apartment, checked the luggage, washed the face, and arranged his clothes in hurry.
After checking everything done in the apartment, he handed the key to the owner of house who happens to be his neighbor and left for airport and successfully boarded the plane.
Settled in his seat he started to think about his old days with senior when they were in college. There was one time when he was sad due to some problems with family there was no one who he wanted to share this with but Senior noticed his behavior and took him out.
This was the first time when they came closer to each other as he poured his heart about his feelings and problem. Meera patiently listened and advised him where she could, he even cried in front of her. This was the first time she has seen a man cry for a good reason except her family.
This incident became turning point in their relationship they never committed to each other but were closer than that, they knew almost everything about each other but didn¡¯t say a thing about it because they didn¡¯t care or wanted it. Raj remembered so many incidents as time passed; he eventually slept for twelve hours and woke up just in time when flight landed at intersection. He felt like what happened yesterday was a dream and he didn¡¯t want it to end.
This was their first time after college and their relationship ship was as ambiguous as it can be. This was first kiss they share with each other, technically not kiss but that showed how much they care for each other and adored each other.
Part 4:From the reverie of old memories
After boarding the plane again, Raj was thinking about what to do as he was feeling nostalgic so he took out his laptop from his handbag and as they were still on the ground he downloaded pictures from his college time and started to remember things like when his friend introduced Meera and his group as her boyfriend was part of her group.
They interacted few times during the college festival and Raj took full responsibility for flirting as they were seniors and most probably they have quarter of year together, so he was not bothered about flirting with her.
In the starting he found her cute but as their interaction become frequent they enjoyed each other¡¯s company. They started to hangout even whether rest of the group is missing. They started to become more than friends slowly. Then Raj suddenly thought about the incident when they first time came close and how things unfolded and smiled ruefully.
That time Meera called Raj to find where he is ¡°Raj, where are you?¡±
Raj replied in a hoarse and heavy voice ¡°Hello Senior, I am at my flat, what happened?¡±
Meera found his voice troubling so rather than what she had to inform him she started to question him ¡°So you won¡¯t come out to meet me now, huh?¡±
Raj was slightly startled as he came out of his stupor and replied hesitantly ¡°I am little drunk that is why I don¡¯t want to¡±
She was not expecting this reply which confirmed her doubt that something must have happened to make him drink in the noon, so she ordered him she want him to meet him or she will not going to talk to him.
Raj knew that she has guessed the situation and she was as of late his support system so he didn¡¯t dally much, he got up washed his face, brushed his teeth so the smell of alcohol will lessen and wore a fresh new set of clothes and requested his friend to drop him at the college gate.
There he saw in the corner, under the shade of the tree near the college gate Meera was standing there with her friends in formals which reminded him that today was her interview, and most probably she has called me inform about it.
He ran up to where she was standing and immediately touched both his ears with his hands and apologetically said "Sorry Senior, how was your interview?"
Meera pouted and instead of replying to his question she pointed toward her car and simply told him "Let¡¯s go" and started walking towards the car. Her friends didn¡¯t react much to it as they have seen them together more than once.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
Raj was still little drunk and he was not able to process what happening, so he simply asked in drunk stupor "Senior, where are we going?"
Meera was still thinking about something else so she replied nonchalantly "first to buy beers, then my flat"
On hearing this reply he was surprised by what was going on, he thought she was angry because he drank in the noon, now she is the one buying them, even though he was still confused about the on goings he didn¡¯t say a word about it, and on the way to her flat both of them remained silent. She bought beer and vodka, then some snacks; well it will be understatement to say some, so many packets of snacks, jaljeera, sweets and one or two random thing which made Raj mind blow. In this moment he was like is anybody going to tell me what is going on here, I understand buying alcohol as her interview has not gone well but what about sweets, i am done thinking for today, i will just watch, and he did exactly that.
After they reach her flat, she first dropped by her rental owner to offer the sweets and informed her of getting new job and for celebration she will be going for outing today with friend so she will be late so she wanted a spare key. He was shocked but not much about learning of her job but he didn''t do anything except watching.
There are three girls living in the two bhk apartment, as they are post graduate students so the friend visiting are common occurrence so the owner did not say anything about that.
After entering the flat she led Raj direct to her room, which literally didn¡¯t have a shade of pink but everything been neatly organized, he didn¡¯t say anything in the meantime, and then she brought glass and salad for beer and vodka differently. Yes, they have specific glasses for vodka shots and beer which was surprising as boys always used disposable glasses.
After which she poured shots for us and made a toast ¡°to my new job."
Raj congratulated her "Congo senior."
Meera after hearing Raj congratulate her and happy for her didn¡¯t make her that much happy, she knew he was genuinely happy for her but he has something troubling him so directly asked "i know you are happy for me but i am sad for you right now, that is why i bought all this alcohol so you can say whatever you have in your heart, and lets both of us have some reason to be happy"
Hearing her say this he was first stunned ,then happy from within as he got to know she care for him, he has never told about his problems to anyone but today he shared what was troubling him. They drank and talk in which at some point Raj cried after which he felt little sleepy, so he slept on her bed without reservation as he was completely drunk now.
On the other hand, Meera was still more sober than drunk, she cleaned the mess than when she saw Raj sleeping so carefree, she was happy for him as his burden was slightly lessened by sharing his worries. She walked up to her bad, covered raj with bed sheet and sat beside the bed and watched him sleeping and commented inwardly ''he looks cute when sleeping'' after which she planted a kiss on his forehead, even she don¡¯t know it was because of alcohol or she actually wanted to do but she never regretted it.
In the evening around six, she woke up Raj and gave some lemon water, which was still light headed but became sober after three hours of sleep. After that she booked him taxi in which he returned home.
This was the time where there tale with each other and with bear started and they become more than friends.
Part 5:Fated to be Together
Time fly really fast as the people say, almost two years has passed since that night¡¯s incident in California. Both Raj and Meera kept in touch, they started to cherish their time when they were on video call or chatting as they became busy, their time together became short.
They both had setbacks in life in these two years but that didn¡¯t affect them much, it was not that setbacks didn¡¯t affect them and disappears but as they are in love, they supported each other emotionally. Their ambiguous relationship continued without them dating anyone else including each other.
If there was to held a record for a longest relationship without a title or commitment there is no doubt this couple be winner through and through. There was a reason for this though and that was Raj, she knew their relationship was thorny and because of that he was a little afraid of formal commitments, as her personality is to not fret about every little thing she didn¡¯t mind this much of adjustment.
Today Barry had come with his team of professional and associates to the headquarter of the ¡°Moments Event Managements¡± as they had fulfilled their condition of their contract and became top 7th ranked Event planner company in India, to discuss the arrangements with planners final time as his marriage is in fifteen days from now.
Barry was destined to wed on 3rd of February according to Indian tradition and Christian way on 4th Feb. Both the families decided to respect their traditions and marry accordingly with both. Barry and his would-be wife Riya Sherwani were happy about that and Barry wanted everything to be perfect so he personally came before departing with his friends for bachelor¡¯s week before the festivities begin.
Barry and Raj became good friend in their two year tenure of partnership. Barry respected Raj¡¯s talent in organization and management and Raj respected how Barry didn¡¯t interfere in business and gave him his freedom and help him from sidelines, sometime guiding, some timing providing contacts. Their relation was professional only when discussing business on the other times they were good friends and vacation buddies.
Today Barry was meeting Prashant as Raj was on the site of wedding that was Udaipur¡¯s city palace, he was arriving at their Mumbai office after two hours but Barry had a flight so he decided to visit early with his associates to make final preparation.
As his entourage was about to enter the office and his employees noticed the sign on the company board, there was a girl who was associate manager and was promoted recently to main office had current run through her body as she noticed the Company signboard.
Meera was happy when she heard that she would be travelling with boss and other managers to India for boss wedding. But not even in her dreams she imagined that the company planning his boss wedding would be Raj¡¯s as they value their time with each other and didn¡¯t talk much about their company¡¯s businesses.
She was so surprised that she froze where she stood until Barry called for her to hurry up. When she first learned that she would be travelling to India, she wanted to surprise him and was worried that whether she will get time to meet him and here she is visiting his office first after reaching India. She was so happy, and was starting to think how Raj will react when he sees her within this team. She was happy and nervous.
Her fantasies didn¡¯t come to fruition as Raj was not present at meeting, she was also slightly happy as she doesn¡¯t want him to see her with so many people and being embarrassed as he wears his flustered expression on his face.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
In recent month she was little unhappy as Raj didn¡¯t give her enough time due to some big project. Now she finally knew how busy he was and felt rather silly.
The meeting ended without the hitch and Barry was rather impressed by Raj¡¯s foresight in arrangements of the wedding. He was now selecting employs from his mangers to oversee the details and keep him updated.
Meera was presented this opportunity as she was new and rookies are worked in the industry by seniors, she was expecting this as she was new and now was happy for this opportunity. Barry ordered Meera to oversee things and arrange things accordingly and inform him when Raj returns and meet him in the afternoon after some rest.
Meera thought some time before suggesting waiting for the Mr. CEO to come as she has nothing better to do. Barry didn¡¯t think much of it and rest is the same they are happy to have this kind of paid vacation. Meera was also happy about the arrangements she bade her accompany farewell as she will depart for wedding location with planning team in the night.
She suggested waiting for Raj in his office to Prashant who didn¡¯t find it troublesome and accompanied her to the office and arranged a coffee for her.
After Prashant left she took a tour of the office, the office was minimalistic style, the were a rack which contains some awards and certificate and on its opposite wall was pictures of Raj and co. winning some awards and enjoying vacations.
In between them was a floor to ceiling window with a nice view of beach and set of table chair of CEO in front, opposite of table chair set there was sofa set for the guests. After her brief tour she sat on the sofa enjoyed her coffee, after an hour she hear from the din outside that Raj has returned, she sat their little nervously.
Raj was about to enter his office when Prashant reminded him that a manager is waiting from Barry¡¯s Company for an hour.
Raj took the remainder opened the door and apologized by saying ¡°Sorry Miss Manager I was out of town and it took a little longer.¡±
As he apologized, he looked at the sofa arrangement from where the retort came ¡°Until now you called me Senior and I didn¡¯t object much, now if you start calling me Miss Manager, you are a dead man, little rascal.¡±
Now Raj was utterly shocked from retort and seeing the person in front of him. He literally doesn¡¯t know what to do. He never expected the person who he wanted to meet so much would suddenly come in front of him.
When Meera saw his reaction, she was utterly pleased and offered an advice ¡°Little rascal, if you don¡¯t know what to do, at least hug me.¡±
By the words spoken by her he came out of first shock and entered second but reacted quickly and hugged her. He looked at her by lowering his chin a little with admiration and love, she lifted her head and looked at his face that was looking at her in such admiration, and she didn¡¯t say anything and just looked at him, who she spent very less time in reality but loved very much nevertheless.
After a long pause he looked at her closed his eyes sighed and opened again and said with determination ¡°I read it somewhere that; first time it is coincidence, Second Time it is Fate, and afterwards it is all planned.¡±
With a pause he continued ¡°I am taking this as fate and am planning to pursue you now.¡±
When Meera heard his words, she was genuinely impressed. She liked how he unexpectedly took charge and said things which make her heart flutter. She nodded and didn¡¯t say a thing.
They stayed like this for a while until Prashant knocked on the door which startled both of them and they separated.
Raj took the initiative opening the door and informed Prashant that this time he will be side character and enjoy the wedding as Barry¡¯s friend which was obvious excuse as he wanted to use this to spend his time with her.
Prashant didn¡¯t think of much and was happy with this opportunity, he also informed Raj that most of the work is done and he personally didn¡¯t need to be involved that much.
Raj settled all there is to in approximately one hour and informed Prashant about Meera and told him to handle things accordingly. Prashant was happy for his friend after knowing their relationship and handled thing accordingly. Ten days later Barry returned and the festivities begun in the royal palace.
Part 6:Our Destiny, Each other
As the Moments event planner company started their trip in night for this royal wedding, in other location, a couple also started their journey in a car for the same destination as they weren¡¯t in a hurry to reach the destination.
They took full ten days for two to three days of journey, they visited their old friends, visited some places like Lunavla, Mahabaleshwar, etc., all in all a happy vacation which deepened their relationship and arrived at their destination as the same time as Barry¡¯s entourage. Guest started to come a day before and was arranged; first thing Raj did after Barry returned was to inform him about Meera and Him, as his friend he was happy and relieved Meera of his duty which was not much either way.
Meera and Raj enjoyed festivities with happy mood and full enthusiasm and happiness, while there was nothing much to do, they did explore the city enjoyed the beauty of the city, of lakes in Udaipur at its fullest.
They enjoyed their time being together to the fullest, today Raj was standing near the one of the Ghats with Barry when he asked him with solemnness ¡°Raj, what are your plans regarding Meera, the way you two behave when you two are around each other makes even others happy for you¡±
Barry thought for some time before suggesting merrily and with caution in his voice ¡°My friend time wait for no one as you already know. You have already told me your story and there was a time in that, when if you have told her your problem then, your separation wouldn¡¯t have been that long, tomorrow will be the last day of my wedding festivities after which she has return to U.S. so do you want to be separate from her even now?¡±
Listening to his friend¡¯s advice he knew his friend was right. Today was the day when Barry is going to marry with Indian customs so he didn¡¯t tarry but Raj stayed there, near the Ghats enjoyed the serene and calmness of water until the evening when the sun eventually started to set and colored the lake water with a tinge of saffron until his thought reached what he should do as she will return to the states if he didn¡¯t do anything about it.
He returned to his room, called for Prashant to check the arrangements for the proceeding wedding ceremonies after finding everything in accord to arrangements he instructed Prashant to make some arrangement for him, after hearing what he has to prepare a smile leaked from Prashant¡¯s lips, he understood that his friend has finally decided to make a move so he didn¡¯t delay and left to make the preparations.
As the ceremonies proceeded, Raj attended it with Meera as they knew the time they have is limited, after the proceedings were over, he invited Meera to come to a palace which he arranged with the help of Prashant.
It is place which is like a canopy after the little bridge on the water or in general a gazebo in the middle of water, it was an ancient structure which was built by some king as he wants to spend some time with his queen while sitting it midst of water and enjoying their time by dipping their fits in the water. You can say a ¡®Bawri¡¯ with a sitting arrangement in the center of it. It also has all kind of carving on the boundaries which were made of white marble.
Raj with the help of Prashant made the little pond covered with fragrant candles and flowers with little lighting. That changed the overall feel of the place.
When Meera saw this place, she was pleasantly surprised and happy that her little rascal finally doing something romantically and couldn¡¯t help herself from commenting ¡°At least you have learned being romantic with being with the Boss¡±
Raj looked at her and smiled, he didn¡¯t provide a retort and led her sit on the edge of sitting place and drowned his legs in little cold water, she did the same but baffled by his behavior.
Raj knew she would be spooked if he didn¡¯t explain her things as she knew how much this guy kept in his heart so he spoke ¡°Senior I was most happy these past few days in last five save for the night we met, I love being with you, as today I was chatting with Barry about you and I came to realize we don¡¯t have much time to spend together¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
After a sigh he continued ¡°After that I spent all my time thinking there and remembered of elderly couple whom I met on assignment when I joined the company. They were an elderly couple who sometimes fight for nonsensical reasons and rest of time they enjoy each other¡¯s company. I was baffled so I asked the grandpa about it and his answer stunned me¡±
Raj looked at Meera to see her reaction she was listening keenly as she knew there was meaning behind him telling her this story so when he stooped she asked ¡°What did the grandpa said¡± following the rhythm of the scene.
Raj looked at her lovingly and continued the story in nostalgic tone ¡° He told me that there was a reason why they both fight for no reason, and that is that they were a loving couple from the college time and just as the college finished she become pregnant, she didn¡¯t want to abort and he didn¡¯t force her. He got the job from campus, so there parents didn¡¯t oppose them and they married happily. After some time they welcomed baby boy which they raise by using all their efforts. As he grew up their love grew with him, they fight like normal couple when their views are different or for reasons related to the boy¡±
Raj paused for sec drink some water and continued ¡°the boy grew up and left for the college and suddenly their life¡¯s was missing a part they no longer had a reason to fight and they don¡¯t know how to keep themselves busy so they invented this method after trial and errors but to their surprise there was an element that made their relation even better than before and that was talking. As they fight, they talked about themselves as the child was gone so their relationship became better and they continued this practiced until they died the next year I met them, from old age and both of them died together¡±
He finished his story and looked solemnly to Meera took Both her hands in his hands and told her ¡°Meera, you are the only one who I can talk to my heart¡¯s content, I was inspired by them about most of the relationships in the world and afraid because I have seen people in relationship who fight and all they literally do was the fight so I was afraid of commitment and I am sorry for that but this time I don¡¯t want to let you go so...¡±
He put a hand in his pocket took out a box and opened it , there was simple yet elegant necklace in it which he put in between them and picked from where he left ¡° so by saying your name today for the first time I ask you, are you willing to fight me for rest of life?¡±
He had a content and serene expression on his face as he was able to say what he wanted to and conveyed his feelings.
Meera on the other hand listening with rapt attention almost couldn¡¯t believe that this little rascal who didn¡¯t even have courage to ask her be his girlfriend is asking her to marry him directly. She was shocked, happy, nervous, tongue tied and lost at the same time; she didn¡¯t have time to digest this shock as she looked at him nervously, but by looking at him and what she found she couldn¡¯t hold her laughter.
She found that Raj was in much worse condition than her, he was content to say what he wanted to but when he realized that he just called her by name and proposed her, he lost all his strength in the body and didn¡¯t dare to look at her, he has hanged his neck so low and is looking at water below.
His reflection of facial emotion was a look that she found about him so amusing as he looked most cute to her when he was nervous if he had the little strength he would run from here so fast that he may have chance in the national tryouts.
She didn¡¯t tease him and seriously considered his proposal, she loved him but she didn¡¯t expected him to suddenly propose him, she considered everything for few minutes before saying ¡°why the hell you didn¡¯t bring me the ring if you are proposing and why in the hell are not helping me wear the necklace¡±
It took Raj few minutes before he realized that she agreed and he replied somewhat happy and dejectedly ¡°I don¡¯t know your finger size Senior so I didn¡¯t buy the ring and if I really bought, I would definitely run hallway of what I did.¡±
Meera didn¡¯t really know whether to laugh or cry about this so simply ordered him to help her with necklace, it isn¡¯t that she couldn¡¯t wear it herself rather she wanted him to it. It was a woman¡¯s nature that she wanted to be adored by her man.
Raj looked at her and replied sincerely ¡°Senior, I used all my courage and energy to propose you. I can¡¯t even lift my finger as they are cold from nervousness.¡±
After hearing this reply Meera laughed even more than before and Raj too joined as he found this situation funny.
Meera closed their distance took both his hand and sat beside him until he became comfortable, then he helped her with the necklace, she didn¡¯t looked at it before really but after carefully looking at it she liked it even more, it was unclear because of necklace design or emotions that were now attached to it that it become her favorite instantaneously.
Part 7: Moments
After they both calmed down a little Raj remembered something and asked Meera "Do you know why the name of my company is Moments and not anything else."
Meera tried to guess for a little while but replied dejectedly "No clues, bit it is suited for event management company so i didn¡¯t think much about it, is there a special meaning behind it?¡±
Raj collected his thought and answered her in slow tone "Yes there is, do you remember the college trip that we did together with our group?"
Meera replied merrily with a smile "You are talking about the trip where senior¡¯s introduced their juniors to their place of internship and it can be considered as college trip cum intern-ship program¡±
Raj chuckled and asked "Yup that one"
Meera replied pountingly ¡°if i had forgotten about it, we would not be sitting here today like this, would we?"
"Ah, you are right about that, that¡¯s when our relationship became strong that after being separated by that much time we came together just like that" replied Raj hurriedly.
Meera replied in nostalgic tone "You boys sure forget things quickly but it is true, if not for that trip we would have become strangers after you vanished in thin air without telling me, it was your good friend Amit who later told me that due to family issues you are opting for long-distance program and gone for job under your older cousin arrangements in US.¡±
She sighed and asked ¡°Are you telling me that name of your company and incident at that time has something in common and had something to do with me."
Raj always was surprised by women¡¯s intuitions he just raised two different matters and she connected the dots surprised he nodded in confirmation.
Raj sorted some of his memories about the trip and replied " After we reached our second and last destination on trip after taking rest and completing our official work we rested and decided that we all will drink together as it is last chance for everyone to be together with everyone so we all finalized this plan and rested for the day as we have to go for the trek next day. Next day after the two hours trek and the fun and photo sessions we reached our destination both of us hike a little more than our peers and sat beside the water and competed foolishly who will keep his feet more time in cold water of the waterfall and actually it was fun"
Meera replied cheerfully " Yup, I remember that I won and we clicked so many pics on that day after which we returned to the group played some more before returning to the hotel and our teacher knew of our plan to drink so he simply warned us not to make ruckus and tacitly agreed"
Raj replied with smile "We thought he was not on par but we have to agree he was little cool by agreeing to things like this and he supported us, to be honest he was not bad".
Meera replied honestly ¡°Yup, he was irritating sometimes but he helped us more."
Raj agreed with her and nodded as he continued ¡°After which we all sat in groups. First, we all drank and surprisingly there were two or three who drank for the first time and we had fun doing that in group after which we played "Dark Room" on your suggestion, a game which we never heard of."
She hearing this replied with a proud expression on her face "Not my fault but after hearing that all you have to do is hide in the room while the ¡®Damer¡¯ will search the whole room, while the light was switched off, you all readily agreed to play and my god you bunch came up with so many new ways to hide that in that little room that made it worthwhile and enjoyable"
Raj replied while chuckling the whole time "Yes i know, do you remember my friend who was so slim that he fitted himself in the space between the TV holder on the wall and cabinet underneath."This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Meera remembered this and smiled and replied " He was too good in doing that but why he has to do that in my turn and that¡¯s not all, you somehow convinced the tallest guy in our group to hide in the topmost shelf of closet, how was i supposed to find him there?"
While laughing Raj chortled ¡°Well we had fun at least.¡±
Meera remembering the incident replies dejectedly "Well that¡¯s true we enjoyed the most of our trip that day, after the game we both walked for little while outside the hotel and chatted about various things when we reached the bridge where the water was flowing like when dam has its gate open, we watched it for some time after which i think i initiated the kiss that we both enjoyed until we were interrupted by the call from your family and by how late it was in the night and given your family situation you answered hurriedly"
Raj sighed and replied awkwardly "That was the call of my cousin to inform me about that I have to return home as soon as possible, by the tone of my cousin I know something has happened and this time it was big and it was going to be difficult for me to return to the college so i choose to not tell you and we returned after you asked me about what happened as after the kiss and the call things become awkward for me so we returned and next day, our group set on our journey back to college.
Raj looked at her and replied with little depressed "While we were in the train in the night you came to our compartment and shared the birth with the friend when I wake up I saw you half on the birth and half hanging in the air due to birth being little small for two people, you scared the hell out of me that time.
Meera remembering this replied little embarrassed "I remember, after seeing that you offered me your seat and you remained seated for the rest of journey"
Raj replies with smile "While I have to journey sitting I got the rare chance to watch you sleeping and that made it worthwhile, and after seeing you like that i thought of telling you about my situation but seeing you all cute while sleeping I hesitated for the moment which led to our long awaited reunion in California, I regretted that moment and remembered every time that we spend together which sometime comforted me, sometime gave the necessary driving force when i arrived in the U.S., so i decided whether I go the chance to meet you again or not the company I planned for will be named MOMENTS"
Hearing this Meera couldn''t control herself and hugged him as they were already seated close after the propose Meera had only one doubt which she didn¡¯t asked in these two years as she know it was sensitive topic but as Raj was telling her everything that he held in his heart, so she asked hesitantly " why is that you never returned after that and called?"
Raj knowing that today he should tell what she was most wanted to know ,so not with-helding anything he said "My Dads business that was on downfall took a big hit and we suddenly had so many loans to pay, so my cousin proposed the job proposal about his friends event management company, but the catch was i have to go in two days , I lost myself as I didn¡¯t know what do to in anger and in a fit I broke my phone and after which I cooled down in the next morning after arranging things with my cousin and informing college I got on place to Greece where I was required, I literally felt like I was not employed by company but Hell as work never end and when it does I was in no condition to do anything except sleep. It took me six months to adjust to constant travelling to different countries and work after which I slowly started to contact my friend but after so much time and what happened between us I simply didn¡¯t have the courage to contact you so this is all the happenings and shenanigans."
Meera fully understood now what happened and replied in cheering voice ¡°You have worked hard."
As they were already hugging, they sat like that for some time. They sat there for some time before returning to their rooms, they both cooled down after sometime but wasn¡¯t able to sleep.
In the next morning they discussed about how to tell their families about it which was rather a not large problem as the Raj was surnamed Mittal and Meera had Agarwal which belong to the categories caste wise so there wasn¡¯t much objection there.
Meera joined Moments after a year and they planned their wedding accordingly.
Raj and Meera settled in Mumbai after some serious discussion, they enjoyed their life, they vacationed regularly, fought regularly and lived a life of full ups and downs until they both become like the elderly couple.
There are all kinds of love and love stories in the world, this type of love was hand tailored for them, many may feel there were many things missing or find it odd but it is love.
¡°Love is always simple; it¡¯s our feelings that make it complicated¡±
There are so many things I want;
There are so many things that you want;
But there is one thing that we both want;
To become we, from you and me.
-College Love/Memories