SOULMATES

SOULMATES!!!-Chapter-1

“Hello, yes this is Arohi here, may I know whose this???
I was shocked, traumatized by the voice from the other end of the phone. I could not believe my senses at that moment. Things went blur from my senses and I could hear nothing, no-one. I sat back and re-visualized the past I left years back. Memories came alive and I could not help myself but get lost in the past that was once my present, my everything!

It was raining heavily that evening. The dark clouds in the sky already gave indications of heavy rains that evening. But I, as usual didn’t bother to carry an umbrella or a raincoat to protect from rains . Infact I preferred to drench myself in this beautiful climate and “Bombay Rains”. I was pursuing my commerce degree and attending lectures in Commerce in next to committing a sin! So my friends and I, all bunked and headed towards a nearby café to enjoy my hot chocolate coffee and kill some time. We had a great time bitching about professors of our college and sharing each other secrets. Then all departed to their respective homes and I took a cab to reach home. Travelling by bus or trains was next to impossible for a rich spoilt brat! Well , I considered myself Rich, not spoilt though!

Few kilmetres passed by and the cab gave a sudden jerk. I was so engrossed in the rains outside that I dint realise the jerk and hit my forehead on the front seat!

“Oouuchhhh, kya hua bhaisaab??? Gadi ruk kyu gaye??”
“Dekhta hoon madam” saying this he got off from his cab and started walking ahead & opened the machine of the car to fix it up. Minutes passed by and there was no movement of the taxi-driver. The place where I was stuck was aloof from the routine traffic of Mumbai and it was all surrounded by greenery and fresh air to engulf my nostrils. I was scared a bit as there were few commuters on that aloof road and chances of getting other cab was a miracle.

“Madam, machine kharab ho gaya hai, nahi chalegi” responded the rude and tensed taxi-driver.
Now, I was more scared to realize that I might not only drench myself in that heavy rains, but also to search for other transport means to get back home.

I got off the cab and pleaded him to find me other cab. He was too adamant to do so as his cab was in great losses I bet. I chose to walk a little and ask for help.
It was raining cats and dogs. The scenery around me was beautiful. But that moment, it was more scary to stand there alone, all alone. Tears filled my eyes and I could not help myself but to curse that beautiful weather.
Few vehicles passed by, I asked for lift but no one cared to halt even a minute. Such are cruel people around you who never bothers to help other. It was almost half an hour I stood there alone on that road, few men staring me scared me more. I wished I had left early from college in such heavy rains. It was 8’clock and I was stranded on that road alone walking home!

“Hello, you need any help?” I hear a voice behind me. I turn around and see a young guy in his car.
“Yes, Please help me, I need to get back home, I’m damm scared!!!” Cried stupid me !
“Oh my God” shouted my soul for pleading such a handsome and charismatic guy standing in front of me. My ego were in sleep and all I wanted was him to get me home!
“Sure Miss, hop in and ill drop you in no time!”Smiled the young cute looking guy.
I blushed! In all the worries and scary atmosphere around, I blushed.
I got into his car and he drove wasting no time.
“Hi, this is Arush here.”
“Hi, Arohi here. “
“How did u reach here, in such stranded area? “ he enquired.
“Well I was in cab and suddenly it took a bad jerk & broke down. I left with no option but to stand here and drench myself!”
Ohh! So don’t you like rains? Asked his glittering eyes.
“I love rains, but not like this, on an empty road and killer eyes around me. Thank you for saving me. I was scared to death”
Oh, well pleasure is all my lady!” Smiled those cute tempting lips & glittering eyes!
“I blushed . I could’nt avoid his looks, his strong build, his charismatic look, tempting eyes wanting me to fall in for them, his lips asking for some kindness. I never felt this attraction for anyone, leave it a stranger in that case. Maybe the rains outside and fog inside the car was doing the magic. Music was making the atmosphere more romantic & desirable to fall in love. For me I guess it was Love at First sight. I was in Love.”
“So what else you do apart from taking lifts from strangers?? “Chuckled Arush.
Well Mr.stranger, I am pursuing commerce along with bunking lectures , wandering the café coffee day nearby and also hopping in a broken down cab and meeting strangers like you. I guess that’s quite a task! Smiled me.
“Haha…is it?? Well in that case I’m lucky enough to find you this way. “
I blushed. “Goshhh, he so cute!” I screamed within me.
“You like soft music??What’s your favourite colour, what you like and dislike”..etc etc…We started talking more and more & I almost forgot that I reached my home.
“Hey STOP, we reached. That’s my building.”
“Oh okay, dint realize the time, pleasure meeting you Arohi.”
“Yes, thank you so much. I m glad I met you Arush.”
“Oh, by the way wont you treat me for saving you tonight? “Chuckled Arush.
“Yes, ofcourse. Take my number and we shall meet soon for a cup of coffee”.
We exchanged numbers and he drove off. I was still standing there. My mind was numb, I could not help myself but dance outside my building in that rains. I was happy. I was smiling, I was laughing. I had a date with the guy I was falling for.
“Hello Mr.Stranger”, I messaged Arush early morning around 2. Meeting with Arush had my mind lost in his thoughts. I was sleep deprived. I dint want to close my eyes, because I had the guy that was so handsome and cute looking. More than looks, the conversations we had in those 30 minutes lasted in my mind for hours. I smiled whenever I saw him smiling at me. I blushed alone under my blanket when I visualized him holding my hand in that car and giving me a stolen kiss. I started imagining about Arush and myself and all the things we would have done had it been if we were dating. I wished not to leave that road ever had it been I was dating Arush and making love in that aloof area. I wished him to be mine. I started imagining “US” in my mind. My mind was so filled with him that I could not stop myself from messaging him.
“Hello Miss Beautiful” Arush replied.
“Gosh, he called me beautiful”!!! I started dancing on my bed and played music that we heard together. I sang aloud. My legs were paining from the hassles I borne throughtout the day but I could not stop dancing in the dark. And there I go crashing the floor and break my leg!.
“Ooouuchhhhh!!!!!!” There I go again! My parents came running upstairs in my room and saw me screaming from the pain. I could not message back to Arush, that hurted more!
Next day I was sitting in the hospital with a fractured leg. Though it was a minor fracture, but the doctor adviced me to stay at home.
“I have a date”, I said to myself. But a date with a fractured leg, noways!!!
I consoled myself and headed towards college. My parents weren’t aware of my bunking activities so I had to attend all the lectures that day. I reached college and attended the first lecture. Well, I dint pay any attention to what the teacher was trying to teach, instead I chose a better option!
“Hello” I messages Arush.
“Hello, So Miss. Stranger did reply back. I though u forgot last evening miss busy bee !!!”
“No no no !!! How can I forget you, I just fractured my leg somehow & left with no option but to attend this boring lecture today.”
“Oh, are you okay?? I mean, how did it happen?? U were perfectly fine last night!”
“Yes I fractured my leg because I was dancing on my bed and fell down when you called me beautiful!!!” I wish I could tell him this. I did’nt.
Well Arush, my room was dark and I crashed onto the table as I couldn’t notice it. Anyways that’s usual with me. Hurting myself is one my hobbies….
“Ohh..is it???”P….So what about our date” he enquired.
“Oh you remember the date??”
“Well, how and why would I forget the date? You want me to forget it?”
“No no no, just asking. Well I have a fractured leg! ”
“Well I have a car to pick you up ”
“Well I do mind meeting you with a fractured leg !Wont look beautiful with a fractured leg you see. ”
“Be ready , I am coming in next 30 minutes to pick you up. Will go to nearby beach to save time . And yes, I Am sure you look beautiful even with a fractured leg “He texted.
Goshhh….I blushed! I later called him and said no to meet that day but he was too stubborn just like me. To be honest, I wanted to see him as well. So, wasting no more time, I applied makeup in college washroom & got ready to meet him. I wasn’t a person who would waste time on looks and appearance. However, that time I wanted my lipstick and kajal to be applied with no defect. I wanted my hair to be as smooth as his skin. I again started thinking about him but I chose to stop this “Day dreaming’ business and instead ran downstairs after few missed calls.
I saw him waiting in his car outside my college. He saw me and got down to help the fractured girl. Ohh yes, I did pretend it to be a major fractured and said I could not walk at all. CUNNING ME!
He came towards me and stretched his hand on my waist and in matter was seconds, I was in his arms!
There were surprising stares on us. Few girls would be bitching how “HOT” he is (I imagined). While few enquired about the mysterious guy! I saw my friends as well standing there with amaze. I was smiling! I dint feel those popping eyes around us nor did I hear those talks going around. All I could see and feel was” ME” in his arms. His strong arms and my soft body matched the romantic cloudy atmosphere around. I saw him looking towards me from the corner of my eye . I was blushing all the time. I felt my heartbeats running faster than they usually did!
He placed me on the front seat of his car. I blamed him for parking his car so nearby.
I hoped that he dint get his car for the date!
“So ready for the date beautiful? “
Hmmmm .Yes!!! When there is nothing to be explained or said, all I did was hmmmm!!!!!
“Sorry to call you with the fractured leg, is it paining a lot?”
“No, no it’s okay. I am fine. ”
“Okay so let’s go then.”
We reached the nearby beach keeping in mind my fractured leg.
We sat in a nearby coffee shop on that beach. There were dark clouds in the sky, same like the day we met.
“So how was your day beautiful?”
“Boring, parents took me to doctor and I had to go through needles and plaster. Though it’s a minor fractu….uhh… “ I stopped. I knew words could not be taken aback.
“But u said the fracture was a major one and you could not go anywhere for few days.? “
“I lied! I dint want to meet you with the plaster on my leg. I thought I would not look that beautiful…I mean I thought we could meet some other day”.
I knew I was fighting back with myself not to tell him what I feel for him so early.
“Ohh.. is it? But you look more beautiful even with the plaster. Well I can see a hint of kajal and gloss and a beautiful smile which is making you more adorable!”
I stay quiet. Blushing.
He smiled a little and continued “also I got a chance to hold you and feel your breath so closely. You look beautiful”
“Thank you. I replied back. Date with a stranger not bad.:P”
You still think I am a stranger? I felt a connection the moment I saw you yesterday! Anyways, lets order.
I knew he misinterpreted my lines.
“Hey it’s just that I don’t really go on dates or meet new people, so it’s strange for me. But trust me, I don’t see you as a stranger anymore. Infact I myself felt the connections, which I why I came for the date. And how can I forget that you saved me yesterday. “
“Really?? You felt the connection ? which connection you talking about? I was talking about your caste, I feel your Marwari as well!!” He chucked.
“Same here, I am Marwari too. I replied with a feeble smile ”
I could see him enjoying pulling my leg. I enjoyed though. We had our coffees and spoke about our lives, our studies, family, ex’s etc. Arush had a bad past experience with his girlfriend who left him for another guy. Since then, he never dated anyone and completely lost himself in his business. I had no past as I never met the right one or to feel that way before Arush came. I never believed in love at first sight and was very practical towards life. However, love struck me when I did not intent to have it.
We enjoyed the coffee and each other’s company. I felt as if I know him since years and spoke my heart in front of him. It started raining and the view before us was beautiful. Sea waves were crashing towards hard rocks engulfing everything. The waves and the rains filled the atmosphere with love. Breeze was flowing towards us and I could not stop myself but to run barefoot on the wet sand and enjoy the nature. Arush came along. I was dancing in the rains, though my leg hurt a little. Arush tried to stop me seeing the fracture. But I was too lost in the waves. I ran ahead of him, he looked and laughed as well. We drenched ourselves in the heavy rain and soon there were few people on the beach. Suddenly my leg hurt and I fell on him. He held me tight with his arms around my waist and I realized he was there besides me to take care of me.
And here was it, my imaginations come true. Day dreaming was now a reality! I was with my love on a beach in beautiful rains and awesome weather. No worries to tear us apart. I was in his arms and in few seconds I heard what I could not believe.
“I love you Miss.Beautiful”
“I love you too Stranger”.
I dint ask him the how’s ,and why’s…I just knew that we loved each other. I just knew that he felt for me the same way I did. We both felt the connection with each other the moment we met. Difference of previous evening and this evening came before me and I was amazed to fall in love with a guy I know in just 24 hours. He closed his eyes. I could feel his breath. I could feel his drenched body. He came closer and I closed my eyes as well. Emotions were strong enough and I could not control my feelings for him. Our lips met each other’s and we kissed. We kissed and kissed for minutes and I could not count on the passing time. I never felt such love in my life. I was on cloud 9. His soul, his eyes, his lips, I felt it all. This was probably the best evening of my life as I felt to be loved. Time was running & I had no intention to leave him that evening.
“Let’s go beautiful, u will get late“. Arush said.
That evening I found my love, I found my soulmate.

SOULMATES!!!- CHAPTER 2
“Knock knock “
Repeated doorbell made me come out of my rosy past and my first date with Arush. I realized that I got so involved with my past that I totally forgot the call I received this morning. Arush’s Mother had called me this morning and asked me to come at the city Hospital as soon as possible.

I open the door and find my maid knocking the door since long.
“Kya madam, kya kar rahe the aap!”
“Kucch nahi, jaldi kaam karo, main bahar jaa rahi hoon.” I was disturbed.
In the meanwhile, I got ready to meet Arush who was in City hospital and I was clueless what must have happened to him. Also clueless as to why his mother asked me to come over after so many months and when we were no longer dating. With innumerous questions running through my mind, I got ready and left my home after long 15 minutes.
The hospital was an hour away from my residence. I cursed the traffic. It was hot sunny day and sun showed no mercy over sweat enthralled people. Traffic had grown that noon and vehicles moved at snails speed. I chose to take the longer route which was vacant even at that time as it was away from the main highway that connects the entire city. It was the same aloof road where I met Arush for the first time. It was the same route that scared me on that rainy evening. I chose not to think about my past that I left behind two years back but I failed. My heart was keener to flashback the time I left behind. I once again was stuck with my past.
“Hello, Miss Beautiful! Dinner tonight?” Arush messaged me.
“Oh, well stranger, I won’t mind provided you keep the time log behind and just carry our first date memories along with you “ .
I was still angry on Arush for making it a point that I reach home on time and leave the rain-clad evening on that beach where we kissed for the first time. Being honest, I wouldn’t mind getting late if he was with me. I would not mind walking down that vacant street if he was there to hold my hand. I loved this feeling of being loved, it makes you feel so happy wonderful. You forget time and boundaries! All that remain in your heart is moments and conversations. The climate around you changes and you feel so alive in love and so happy. I had changed completely in that one day! The egoistic cum practical girl has become insanely in love for someone with no reason, with no practicality in her mind. I was just stupid love! Love that makes you walk hot burning coal down your foot as if they were roses filled with love.
“Lol, okay Miss. Beautiful, keep in mind, you will be late tonight. Do not ask why? Do not ask where? Just come along and yes, wear something sexy. I’ll pick you up at 8 “

OMG! I was thrilled and excited. I asked him where were we going and why and what and hows!!!NO REPLY!
I knew it was a surprise and he will not tell me even if I cry. Arush was too stubborn and he described himself as the king. Someone who does what he wants to with due respect to others. I was all clueless at this point but I chose to keep the surprise alive and just do what he says. I trusted him more then myself after the incident where he saved my life and got me back home with no wrong intensions (at least from his end ).
Now top priority that ran inside my mind was “WEAR SOMETHING SEXY”. What do I wear? I had no idea and being the person I was, my wardrobe only fitted the bill of being a simple girl with only jeans and tees. I chose a better option to save that night with Arush. I called my friend for shopping!
Tammy, my friend and I went to nearby mall and started wandering from shop to shop like hungry beggars. I tried few outfits but liked none. Some were too short, some too long, few made me look fat, few made me lool like a PINK DOLL! “Arush would certainly run away if he finds me totally pink-clad in that dress” I guessed.
Finally I wore a plain above the knee length black dress which made me look simply amazing. It made me look hotter. I looked elegant and classic. I liked my dress and chose to buy it. I also chose to gift Arush something . After few hunts for clothing, I opted for a wallet. Something that do not need size nor length. My next stop was parlour! I had to look beautiful when Arush would expect me to look that way. I choose to surprise him the way he did on our first date!
I reached home at 8. My entire day went in the preparations for that beautiful night with Arush.
I waited and waited. He didn’t come nor did he call me. I was annoyed. Making a girl wait on her date is the worst a guy can do! But my excitement still paid me homage and I knew he will turn up. So did him!
He called me and I could see him standing outside my building in a black shirt and blue denims. I guessed he took more time for dressing himself. He undoubtedly looked handsome and desirable. I was jaw- open when I saw him. He was looking his best and I could see his charismatic smile and glittering eyes! I chose to disconnect his call! Girls do that!
After few calls, I answered.
“Yes, stranger, don’t you think you took a lot of time getting decked up for tonight that you even chose to not answer my call?”
“Heyaa, I’m really sorry beautiful, I had some work that took my time. I’m waiting for you. Come down. And I am sure your looking amazing! Black suits you.”
I lived on first floor and he could see me clearly from my window.
I was sold! Leaving my anger, I ran downstairs (after few glances in the mirror of course and a touchup).
My parents were pretty modern and cool about me going out late nights if the person I was with was trustable. I lied that night that I am going for dinner with my college friends and that Arush was one of them. They trusted me with no further questionnaires. I too never broke their trust. Well may be I did lie but always made it a point to tell them later.
And my night had just begun. I met Arush. He was still. I was numb! I was waiting for him to say something but he was still, stupid him! I guessed
“Hello, Mr. Stranger, say something!” I exclaimed after few seconds passed by.
“Hello gorgeous, you look stunning! What do I say?”
I blushed, well that was all I could do with a feeble Thank you.
You look okay by the way! He looked hotter and smarter that evening but I chose the word OKAY!
“I know”, he chuckled “So, let’s go!”
“Where are we heading?” I asked while he was driving at snail’s speed.
“Hmmm…where do you want to go?”
“Was that your surprise? Asking me where to go?” I was annoyed. You tell a girl that there is a beautiful surprise and later you ask her where to go? BIG CRIME!
“Haha….Miss…You look more cute where you’re angry! You lose your temper so easily.”
“Stop testing my patience in that case and tell me where we were going!”
After few miles passed by, he stopped the car in the middle of the road. He switched off the headlights of his car. It was complete dark around. There were no vehicles around & I realized we were at the same road. The road where we met for the very first time. The road where I met the love of my life. I knew he brought me here for some reason.
“Do you love me Arohi?”
He took my name and I knew he was too serious when he did.
“Yes, I do.”
“I know it’s been two days till now that we’ve met, but after long conversations on calls and meeting you indeed made me feel that I am strongly in love with you. I chose not to fall in love ever again but you just took my heart away. I can’t tell you how beautiful you are! I wish to tell you that I love you so much. But before that I need to know that do you feel the same for me the way I do?”

“Yes, I do!”

I knew it was too less that I said. I wanted him to know what he meant to me but at that time, I wanted to listen to him more than me telling him anything.

“I do that’s it?” He chuckled. “Fine, let’s see how much you love me. Get down from the car and stand right at the middle of this road and say it once. Say that you love me.”

I was astonished. I was not sure why he will say that. The place was complete dark and his car headlights were switched off. The road was as scary as it should be. And standing on that road for a fearful soul like me, I knew I am dead.

“Kya hua? I thought you loved me. Shit mahn, don’t you trust me?” He smiled.

“I do! “ I was angry with his sentence.

“Then go! Just prove it.”

In matter of seconds I got off his car with high anger but full of love. I had to tell him how much I love him.
I stood in front of his car which was parked in the middle of that road.

I screamed loudly with full of excitement.

“I LOVE YOU STRANGER!”

And there it was, entire road was lit up! I turn around and see that entire lane went bright with colourful lights around the tree trunks and over the leaves. That road was no longer dark. The lights reminded me of decorations done during marriages or during Ganpati. I wasn’t sure how did he manage to do so much in such little time. And exactly on the middle of the road where I stood, I noticed a big heart made out of red roses. I realized I was standing on that heart which must have taken hours to be carved so perfectly. I had no words to describe what he had done that night. I was numb. I felt special!

He came out of his car with a simple smile. He answered none of my questions that I went on with.
In fact, he held my hand and went on his knees with a rose in his hand.

“I love you, will you be mine for the rest of your life and bear me until my heart stops beating for you. I am not a romantic guy, I’m just in love with you and I wish to make your life like this road. Full of roses till death tear us apart.”

“Shh…. Do not talk about death. Please…” I respond to his sentence.

“Beautiful, will you be my soul mate???”

“Yes I would love to. I love you Arush. I so very stupidly insanely madly love you!”

“Ohh madam, open the rose!” He chuckled when I was all in tears!
I realized the rose he held was indeed a box with a beautiful ring inside.
I went insane seeing that. I had tears in my eyes and I could not hold back what I felt for him.
I had his ring on my finger and the diamond made me feel like an angel. His angel.
I went on my knees to match with his height and I told him yes with a big smile.
“Kiss me! I’m all yours Arush.”
“Ohh ohh, wonder what you want from me”. He laughed. He was really good at turning the tables around!
I felt awkward. But he dint mean it, he loved the awkwardness and enjoyed it.
He came close to me and kissed me over my forehead. I loved his gesture. We hugged each other. For a while I forgot that it was same aloof road that was so dark once and the same road is not so beautiful. There were no commuters to disturb us and Arush has smartly chosen that place for the surprise. Later he played a romantic song from his car and there we were. We danced on that red rose heart which was made on that road.
“This is the best surprise Arush, I never felt so much love in my life .Just stay like this. Don’t ever leave me.”
“I love you, I promise to be with you forever.”
After an hour we were back in the car. I took as many pictures I could to keep that lit up road in my mind and the red heart of course. I loved my sparkling ring and I loved Arush above all. I was content and happy.
I saw him paying the local village men over there that must have helped him with the lights and heart. I saw them smiling at us. I knew they too saw the love between us.
“Hello, you there?”
“Yes, did these all people help you for the surprise?”
“Yes, I somehow managed to convince them to help me and they chose this time as there are no travelers at this time so indeed no one to break the romance you see!”
“How smart! “I replied.
“I know and I am hungry as well.” He said.
So am I!
We went to nearby restaurant and hogged like someone who hasn’t eaten since many days. We dint utter a word. All we did was eating!!!
“Time to go?” I said.
“I thought you told me to leave the time behind Miss.”He smiled.
“I did, but I don’t think I can take any further surprises.” I was too content.
“No more surprises. It’s time to celebrate now. Let’s go.”
“Where???”
“Clubbing! “I saw spark in his eyes.
I managed to tell my parents that I would be late and after few questions and confirmations, they agreed.
###“SPECIAL NIGHT!!!”

How do I describe that sizzling night,
Something that would stay with me until I die...

We planned for a disco night,
I was all ready to dance tonight!

The night had just begun,
the moment I never thought would ever come!

We danced, clicked pictures & enjoyed!
He danced in the most inquisitive way I could ever imagine!
There were few sizzling moments where I came close to him, I loved it!
I'm loving this sizzling night.. I know it’s out day tonight!

His moves killed me ... wanting him more now...
His smile, so pure like a new born... wanting him more now...

Maybe he dint notice, nor will he ever.

But still I will remember this momentous night,
I still remember "US" that night!!!###

Arush dropped me home early morning after clubbing! We were in love and there was no looking back. Those were the best days of my life and our love went on with many moments to come for the next 3 months until that letter! That letter changed my life…

SOULMATES!!! -The Last Chapter.



A sudden jerk of the cab brought me back to my present. That present where I was alone in that cab. I reached the City Hospital and moments spend with Arush faded soon. I realized the seriousness of that moment where Arush was hospitalized and I had no clue why his mother had called me. It was strange for me to know that his mother remembered me. She knew the girlfriend Arush had years back and whom he left with a single piece of paper.

I entered the lobby and enquired about Arush at the reception.

“He is admitted in room no 509.”The receptionist answered.

“Maam, what happened to him?”

“The patient is suffering from last stage of Cancer.”

This was it. I was numb. I was shocked. I dint know whether I should cry or should it not bother me. I knew it did bother me, I didn’t know how to react. I sat in the lobby. I had no strength to meet anyone now. I never imagined Arush in this state. I never imagined anything can go wrong with him. I was taken aback. I hated Arush for leaving me with a letter. That letter that tore me apart years back. I missed Arush even after he left me but the letter made me hate him. It made me hate each and every moment we spent together. I always carried that letter with me as it was the only evidence that Arush was for real and I had something given by him, be it the break-up letter! That letter made me live the ugly bitter truth of my life. I took out that letter and started reading it to believe what he wished to tell me years back.


###
“Hello. Need to tell you something. I’m sure you would not expect this but I had to tell you. Arohi, I loved you the moment we met, it’s been 3 months now and I feel we love each other more than anything. Moment shared with you were beautiful. But lately I realized that I missed my ex girlfriend. I could not help but compare her with you. I know its very mean of me to think like that but she still occupies a big place in my heart as I feel she did love me as well. I waited for her to come back from the time she left me. She did come back. She is back! She felt my love for her and she is sorry for what she did to me. I could not leave her because she was the first love I ever had. I am sorry for leaving you like this but I choose to be with her as she needs me. Our parents are happy with our relation and we have decided to leave this city due to some work issues. By the time you get this letter, I won’t be here. I have changed my number. I am sorry for going like this but I can’t face you. I can’t tell you the truth so I choose to write it. Take care Miss Beautiful. I am sorry.”

##

After getting that letter, I called him millions of time. His number was de-activated. I went to his place but he had shifted by then. His neighbours said that they went to Bangalore. I assumed he went with his girlfriend who was from Bangalore. After he left, I was a dead person. I had no life, Arush took it all along. For days, I could not believe whether it was all fake and untrue! Moments of our first date flashed in front of me, those moments where we danced in the rains, when we kissed for the first time, when we went on a date, the aloof road that was lit up bright that night, the club, the coffee shops, our birthdays and all the moments spent together for those 3 months. I tried hard to get out of that pain. I started attending college and took a part time job as well to keep myself busy. But like it’s said, nights are longer than the day! Especially when you’re loved ones are not with you. I cried all night and my eyes were swollen and carried huge bags below it. My parent came to know the reason soon. They could not help but to console me. So did my friends.

It was after few months I realized that Arush will never come back. I reloaded my life and started a new beginning. A new chapter with no love. I was a dead soul from within. For others, I was a career-oriented hard working woman. I excelled in my career and found my dream job. My parents were happy and had started finding a groom to marry me. Little did they know that I was a dead soul from within who still had Arush in one part of her heart. It was after 2 years that I heard the name “ARUSH” again and I was back to reality, the bitter truth of imagining Arush in pain.


“Hello Beta!” I saw Arush’s mom sitting next to my chair. I kept the letter in my bag and wiped the tears that no longer found place to hide in.

“Hello Auntie, How are you?” We hugged each other.

“How will a mother be whose son will die soon.”She started weeping softly.

I dint know how to console her. I was myself in great disbelief. I held her hand softly and asked her about Arush. We shared a great chemistry while I was dating Arush. His family loved me more than him.

Arohi, he was diagnosed with cancer years back. The time he dated you. He was so happy with you him so were we. Suddenly one fine day he vomited blood from his mouth and we rushed to the hospital. After few check-ups doctor said that Arush has few years to survive. We tried all tests and therapies but nothing helped from the pain he was going through. The disease has caught him and he had no way out. He knew he will live no longer. We had to go to Bangalore as they provide best hospitals and therapies for cancer. Arush never wanted you to cry for him after he is gone. The letter that he gave you, it was a lie. He never loved anyone. He wrote it out of pain and suffering. He wanted you to be happy, he knew he has little time. He chose you to hate him rather than cry for him lifelong and see him in pain like us.”

She started crying hard. I was numb.

The letter, the reasons, it was all lie. Arush never left me. He chose to leave me for my own happiness. I had no strength left to face him. I hated Arush for reason that was untrue. He loved me with all his heart. I realized the pain he must have had when he wrote that letter. The pain when he had to go through the torture of Cancer. Those 2 years when I was not with him and he had no one to share his pain. I felt bad. I felt left out. I felt his true love for me.

“Let’s, go. He does not know that you have come. I just wanted to see my son smile before he goes.” His brave mother managed to talk on that situation!

Doctors said that Arush had few hours left and there was no hope. Arush had little time left on this Earth.
We reached outside his room.
I had no guts to face the guy who left me for my own happiness and whom I hated for such a long time.

“You go inside beta, we will wait outside.” His mom knew that we had to talk alone. Maybe this would we out last conversation ever!

I entered in his room. With tears in my eyes and trembling heartbeats, I chose to act normal. I failed.

Seeing Arush this way was a shock to me. That Arush who once had a charismatic smile and marvelous body structure with his sparkling eyes was now a guy all attached to needles and equipments. He had gone completely bald. His nerves were weaker. He body was merely surviving the dangerous diseases that had engulfed him within itself. Such is Cancer, the devil. It shows no mercy at life. It smiles at its best and you have little hope to fight it back.

I sat besides his bed and hold his hand under mine. His hands were weaker and had little life.

He opened his eyes and saw me. He smiled. Even in that state, his smile was brighter that the sun.

He had no strength to ask his mom why she told me, he had no anger or stubbornness left within him to do what he wanted. Maybe at that time, he was just happy to see his soulmate. He was happy to see his Arohi.

“Hello Miss.Beautiful.” He coughed.

I cleaned his mouth with the towel placed on his neck. I placed my face over his chest. I cried and cried.

He did not stop me, he placed his soft hands over my head.

“I missed you so much, I hated you so much, why dint you tell me. I STILL HATE YOU.”

“Let me tell you, you look more beautiful! When did you start applying that Kajal?” He chuckled.

Arush was still so much alive, I was the dead person around him. I felt.

“Why didn’t you tell me, I won’t forgive you. U lied.”

“I had to lie Arohi, for you to move on in life.”

“You were my life.”

“I was your life, my life is leaving me Arohi. I will be gone soon. But how can I see my soulmate sad like this. You had to forget me.”

“I can’t, I won’t. You cannot go. I won’t let you go.”

“Achha, Why are you still scared of that dark road? I bet you are.”He smiled.

“Yes I am, and I need you to hold my hand whenever I pass by that road. I need you to kiss me when I need you close to me. I need you to marry you and be mine. You have so many things left undone. You cannot go like this.”

“Arohi, stop consoling urself. Face the truth like I have. I am a dead mean lying down here counting my last few minutes. I want you to do what I left you for years back. Do not let my efforts go in vain”. He did not smile this time! he was talking sense.

“You are my soulmate. I can’t see myself with anyone but you.”

He dint say a word. He was sad from within. I saw the sadness he had where he wanted to be with me, love me but all he could do was smile.

“Answer me, Do you love me?” he asked

Yes, I do. Why do you ask stupid questions when they know the answer?” I was annoyed.

“What can you do for me?” He was up to something. I guessed.

“I would walk the dark lane and scream aloud to tell you how much I love you if you want.” I was upset and angry.

“Lol. I know. What else you can do for me?”

“Whatever you say! “ I has nothing to say but listen to him.

“Just do one thing Arohi, promise me! Please do not let “MY” Arohi die within herself. Keep her alive, keep her happy. I can never imagine hurting her again and I need you help for it. I need you to make her feel special. I need you to tell her how much I loved her even when I left her. I missed my Arohi a lot after I left her. I will go soon, but you need to take care of her. The day my Arohi dies, I will meet her in a different world where there is ‘NO TIME’ as she used to always tell me to leave the time behind. Maybe our time will come again. But till then you need to remind her each and every day that…..” he said with a long pause…

“I LOVE YOU. YOU ARE MY SOULMATE FOR ETERNITY.”

I had nothing to say. Tears crawled through my eyes. I hugged Arush again and could not stop myself from weeping.

“Will you do this for me?”

“Yes, I LOVE YOU Mr. Stranger.”

“Love you too Miss. Beautiful.”

I kissed him, we kissed for long .Maybe this was my last kiss with my soulmate and I had to cherish this love within me forever to keep myself alive till death bring me back to him.I HAD TO KEEP HIS PROMISE. I had to do things that come my way after he is gone.

After an hour I realize I had slept on Arush’s chest where we talked about out dates. I realized Arush had stopped talking .I sense no heartbeats in him. I saw Arush. He was long gone!!!



### AFTER FEW MONTHS:###
I woke up late as always and curse the alarm for not being loud enough to wake me up. I got ready for my work. I took the keys of my car. It was Arush’s car that was gifted to me by his parents, I still thank them for it. That car had seen beautiful moments of Arush and me making love, going on dates, our first date etc. When a person passes away, we tend to keep him alive with the objects they often used. I was no exception! I drive faster to reach office. My entire day is hell at work. I manage to take the tiring day and still be happy. After a tiring day, I meet my friend for coffee. We discuss our busy lives and compare them with college days. Later, we all leave and I drive back home. Every night I take the long turn. I take the dark aloof road!

I drive on that vacant as well as scary road and I halt. The road where I met Arush for the first time. I switch off the headlights, I see the darkness. I ain’t afraid anymore. I close my eyes and I softly say.

“Arush, I love you.”

I get no answer, I smile and drive again.

I do this each and every day because I know that there is a reply. I knew there is someone smiling besides me holding my hand and saying “I love you too Miss. Beautiful.”