Part 33

Shweta

@2111_shweta

Hi Peeps.

I have written this update in like 5-7 sittings. So if any part feels disconnected then I'm sorry.

Part 33

The next morning Rey woke up as the flight was preparing to land. He looked over to his right and saw Taani peacefully sleeping with her head supported on his shoulder. She had a smile plastered on her face. Unknown to him, his lips curved up into a smile. He cupped her face with his free hand and kissed her forehead. She woke up feeling his touch.

Rey: Good morning. (He said pecking her nose.)

Taani: Morning. (She said while giggling.) Hum pahuch gaye?

Rey: Haan bas paanch minutes mein hum land karenge.

Taani: Itni jaldi hum aa bhi gaye?

Rey: Jaldi kahan madam, flight ek ghanta late hai!

Taani: Really?

Rey: Haan!

Taani: Atcha hai, it'll be much brighter now. 

Rey: Kyu mere saath akele andhere mein dar lagta hai?

Taani: Haan. 

Rey: Really? (He leans forward but gets interrupted.)

Air Hostess: Sir, ma'am, please fasten your seatbelts. 

Rey grumpily looks at the air hostess and forces a smile making Taani giggle. The air hostess too leaves giggling at Rey.

After landing, they were waiting for their luggage to arrive. Rey's phone rings and he excuses himself. Their bags arrive. Taani picks them up and puts them on the trolley. She spots Rey smiling and laughing while talking on the phone. She moves his direction.

Rey:  I swear yaar, I seriously love you for this. And yes, you are the best. Chal bye! 

Taani (thinking): Yeh Rey baat kisse kar rahe hai? 

Rey turns around and spots Taani. He was about to open his mouth when his phone rings again.

Rey: Lo tumhara bhai. (He hands over the phone to Taani)

Taani: Haan bhai. Haan bus abhi hi pahuche. Bhai relax mein akeli nai aayi hoon. Atcha voh sab chodo mera phone yaad se lana. Okay bhai bye. (She sighs loudly and hands over the phone to Rey who is chuckling seeing her talk to Swayam.)

Rey: No one can beat Swayam!

Taani: Kis cheez mein?

Rey: Bhaigiri nibhane mein! (He receives a smack from Taani on his arm) Ouch!

Taani: Abh chale?

Rey: After you.  (He extends his arm asking her to move ahead while he takes the trolley from her.)

They move out of the airport and into the car which is sent to receive them. The driver places their luggage in the dickey while they sit inside.

Taani was constantly staring out of the window engrossed in thinking about the person with whom Rey was talking. Rey placed his palm over hers with concern. She looked at him and smiled.

Rey: Kya hua?

Taani: Kuch nahi.

Rey: Kuch toh baat hai.

Taani: Rey meine kaha na kuch nahi.

Rey: Alright, but just remember ki tum mujhse jo chahe puch sakti ho.

Taani (thinking): Kya mein Rey se poochu? But I know ki mein hi kuch galat soch rahi hoon. Voh phone Niki ne kiya hoga, jaise bhai ka aaya tha. (She made herself satisfied with that answer.)

Just then Rey's phone rings again. Taani sees the name 'Nik' flashing on it. He picks it up with a sly smile and keeps it on loudspeaker.

Rey: Toh finally time mil gaya mujhe phone karne ke liye?

Niki: Tumhe hello, hi ya good morning bolna nahi aata?

Rey: Mein toh bol du, but kya vo tumse digest hoga?

Niki: Nah.  Waise how's everything going? (She asks slyly.)

Rey: Tumhe kaise?

Niki: Kal raat ko bataya. 

Rey: Subah phone bhi aaya tha.  (This caught Taani's attention.)

Niki: Hahahaha.  Actually, Swayam ko bhi pata chal gaya. 

Rey:  Shit! Isiliye phone kiya hoga. Meine toh voh Taani ko hi de diya. Thank god, bach gaya. 

Niki: Don't worry, hum kal aa hi rahe hai. 

Rey: Aao shauk se, par abhi please, no disturbance! I'm switching off my phone now.

Niki: Okay.

Rey: Aur haan, meine toh bol diya but still tum bhi bol dena that I really love her! 

Taani (thinking): "Really love her", who? 

Niki: Haan haan jarur.  Bye.

Rey: Bye.

Rey disconnected the call and switched off his phone. He looked up to see an astonished face of Taani. He controlled his urge to laugh and pulled her cheeks seeing her cute face.

Taani: Rey yeh sab kya tha? Bhai ko kya pata chala? Aur subah kiska phone aaya tha?

Rey: Jealous? 

Taani: No ways!

Rey: Toh relax and enjoy the ride. (He pulled her towards him while encircling his arms around her waist)

Rey was continuously stealing glances of Taani's frustrated face and smiling inwardly. She then glared at him making him harder to control his laugh. After around ten minutes.

Taani: Fine! Kaun thi vo?

This made Rey burst out. He started laughing like a maniac. Taani's death glare finally made him control himself. He composed himself and spoke.

Rey: So miss Taani Shekhawat got jealous? Ahaan! (smirks)

Taani: REY!  (She says gritting her teeth)

Rey: Okay okay, but seriously it's funny ki tum apni bhabhi se hi jealous ho gayi. 

Taani: Huh? 

Rey: Haan! 

Taani: What haan?

Rey: Sharon ne call kiya tha subah 

Taani: Toh aap aise.. I mean.. 

Rey: Mein bas usse thank kar raha tha. You see I owe her a big time now. 

Taani: Matlab?

Rey: Yahan hum dono ko bhejne ka idea kiska tha?

Taani: VP sir ka.

Rey: But unhe yeh idea kisne diya?

Taani: Sir ne pehle mera aur Shivam ka naam liya tha fir Sharon bhabhi.. (Now she understood what he was trying to say.) Matlab yeh sab planned tha?

Rey: Not really though.

Taani: Explain!

Rey: Well yeh Darjeeling wale offer ke baare mein mujhe VP sir ke batane se pehle pata tha. Yeh bhi pata tha ki arrangements ke liye one or two of us will have to come prior to the event, so meine Sharon se help li thi as bohot time hogaya tha ki hum dono ne saath mein time spend nahi kiya tha. (He said holding her hand.) Sharon maan gayi and she came up with this indirect plan.

Taani: Smart!

Rey: Aur bhi hai.

Taani: Batao.

Rey: Actually hume yahan kal, as in tomorrow, aana tha. But maine yahan ke organizer se baat ki and he told VP sir to send us three days early. So in short aaj ka din free hai for us! 

Taani's mouth hung open hearing all this. Rey started laughing seeing her reaction and closed her mouth. She looked at him with a stern face and spoke.

Taani: Aapne itna bada jhoot bola? 

Rey: Offo Taani, tumne suna nahi kya,"Everything is fair in love and war."

Taani: Par?

Rey: Par var chodo aur so jao, drive teen ghante ki hai. Waise bhi hotel mein luggage drop karke hume nikalna hai, toh neend ke excuses mein nahi sunne wala!

Rey encircled his arms around her and both slept hugging each other.

At around seven in the morning they reached the hotel. Rey was having a talk with the manager while Taani was struggling to keep her eyes open. After sometime Rey came towards her and they were directed towards a room. As soon as they entered, Taani dropped herself on the bed. Rey shook his head seeing her and unpacked his bag. He went to the washroom to freshen up. After about half an hour he came out and found Taani still sleeping.

Rey (thinking): Shayad yeh plan hi galat hai. Taani abhi tak so rahi hai and I don't want to wake her up. God, aapko mein hi mila tha? Itni si toh help maangi thi aapse ki mujhe Taani ke saath time spend karne ka mauka mile, but..

He went to the window and opened it. Cool breeze blew in. Taani woke up due to the sudden breeze. Rey heard some shuffling and turned around to find Taani awake.

Rey: Shit! (He immediately closed the window and went towards her.) Tum so jao. Sorry to disturb you.

Taani smiled seeing his concern and spoke.

Taani: Aapne itne plans hotel room mein baithne ke liye banaye the?

Rey: Obviously not! But you look really sleepy, toh its better ki tum apni neend complete kar lo. (He placed a kiss on her forehead.)

Taani: No I'm not sleepy.  (She tried to argue but ended up yawning.)

Rey: I can see that. 

Taani: No Rey sachi. Atcha give me fifteen minutes, I'll freshen up.

Rey: Mere plans ke liye tum apni neend ka kabada mat karo.

Taani: Plans toh mere saath ghumne ke hai na? Aur mujhe bhi aapke saath time spend karna hai. So aap chup raho I'll quickly freshen up. 

At about eight they left the hotel. Rey didn't ask for any driver and himself drove. Taani sat next to him.

Taani: Aap itni planning karke aaye hoki yahan ke saare routes pata kar liye?

Rey: Obviously. Not! 

Taani: Toh driver kyun nahi liya? Hum raasta bhatak gaye toh? 

Rey: Time hum dono ko spend karna hai,so driver ko beech mein haddi banake kyun rakhna? And don't worry about the road, have thoda toh trust on your boyfriend.

Taani: Rey aap pe trust hai lekin..

Rey: Lekin kya?

Taani: Hum dono yahan first time aaye hai. I don't think aapko aisa karna chahiye tha.

Rey: Taani, shayad tumne dekha nai, yeh dekho. (He pointed to a monitor attached to the deck.) Navigation system!

Taani: Ohh, fir theek hai. 

Rey entered 'Singamari' in the navigator and started to drive on the instructed route.

Taani: Singamari mein kya hai?

Rey: Ropeway hai! Bohot suna hai uske baare mein.

Both were having some random talks while driving on the beautiful scenic road of Darjeeling. Taani felt overjoyed seeing the sceneries which made Rey feel content. He just loved the smile on her face and was feeling proud to be the reason behind it. They finally reached and Rey took tickets for both of them. They entered into the cable car. Taani gasped immediately after the car moved out of the station.

Taani: It's so beautiful!

Rey: Mm-hmm. (He said adoring only the growing smile on her face)

She sensed it and blushed. 

Rey: This is the most beautiful scene! Mein har waqt isse dekh sakta hoon.  (He said making Taani blush harder)

She turned and faced away from Rey. He hugged her from behind keeping his chin on her shoulder. The people present in the car adored them and whispered something on lines of 'newly married' and 'honeymoon'.

Taani: Rey, kya kar rahe ho aap? Sabko lag raha hai ki humari shaadi ho gayi hai.

Rey: Toh lagne do na. 

Taani: Arre?

Rey: Chodo sab ko and enjoy the ride.

The cable car halted after sometime.They both got out of it and walked out of the station hand in hand. Though at a lower altitude, the temperature was mild and cool. Taani rubbed her arms feeling the cool breeze. Rey pulled her closer to him and engulfed her in his arms. The place was well known for its tea estates. Rey walked Taani to the nearby stall and ordered tea and breakfast for the two. Both had their food and roamed around the place for a while. They got into the cable car again and came back up. On their way up Taani spotted the toy train, an attraction of Darjeeling.

Taani: Rey vo dekho! 

Rey: Darjeeling ki famous Toy Train.

Taani: Wahan pe chalte hai na.

Rey: Uski last minute tickets nahi milti.

Taani: Try to karte hain na. Please.

Rey: Okay. Par tum zyaada hopes mat rakhna.

Taani: Aur mujhe laga tha ki aap mere liye kuch bhi kar sakte hai!

Rey's face fell instantly. Taani saw it and immediately felt guilty for saying such a thing. Rey had planned this entire outing with her and yet she was cribbing.

Taani: Rey I'm sorry. Meine voh sab bas aise hi. Sorry (Making a guilty face.)

Rey shook his head and walked out exhaling loudly, followed by Taani. They both walked towards the car. Taani held his hand and stopped him. He looked back.

Taani: I'm really very sorry Rey. (She said holding her ears.)

Rey: Mujhe bura nahi laga. Aur tum yeh sorry bolna band karo, atcha nahi lagta.

Though he sounded sweet, there was something about his voice that told Taani that he really got hurt listening to her words. She quietly followed him back to the car. The journey ahead was very quiet. Rey focused on the road ahead while Taani kept looking at him from the corner of her eyes. She was about to open her mouth to apologize when Rey spoke.

Rey: Tumhe bhook lagi hai?

Taani: Umm, haan thodi.

He pulled down to a dhaba. Rey switched off the engine and looked at Taani.

Rey: Chale?

Taani: Haan.

She got down from the car and they went and sat on an empty table and placed their order. Taani was all low and Rey understood it. He took her hands in his and spoke while caressing them.

Rey: Taani, haan mujhe atcha nahi laga, jo tumne kaha. Par iska matlab yeh nahi hota ki tum yahan aise udaas baitho. I know you didn't mean to say that intentionally. Tum bas mujhe chidhana chahati thi.

Taani: Par unintentionally hi sahi, meine aapko hurt kiya.

Rey: Meine kab kahan ki I was hurt because of all that? It's just ki mujhe vo baat pasand nahi aayi.

Taani: But..

Rey: No buts! Atcha promise me ki tum aage se aisa nahi kahogi, aur agar galti se bol bhi diya toh aise muh latka ke nahi baithogi.

Taani: I promise. But not the second part. Sorry again.

Rey: Shoo  (He pulled her into a bearhug.)

They both had their lunch and again got on road, this time the atmosphere in the car being normal and chirpy. After about twenty minutes they reached the Darjeeling Railway Station. They went to the ticket counter.

Taani: Toy train ke tickets milenge?

Clerk : Haan. (Taani gave a wide grin to Rey ) Kab ki chahiye aapko?

Taani: Aaj ki.

Clerk : Sorry ma'am, par iss week ki saari tickets already sell-out ho chuki hai.

Taani walked away from the counter and sat on a nearby desk. She was feeling sad as she was too excited for the train ride. Rey quietly went and sat next to her. He cleared his throat and pulled out something from his pocket. He kept that in front of Taani. She was dumbfounded seeing the toy train tickets in his hands.

Taani: Rey aapko yeh? 

Rey: Tum sahi sochti ho, mein tumhare liye kuch bhi kar sakta hoon! 

He got up and walked towards the station.

Rey: Train miss karni hai kya tumhe?

Taani followed him into the train and sat next to him. She couldn't digest the fact that Rey had arranged the tickets.

Taani: Yeh tickets aapko kahan semili? 

Rey: Meine Mumbai se booking karke rakhi thi 

On hearing this, guilt overtook Taani. Rey knew that she would love this ride so he had already booked the tickets for it, while she had hurt him with her not so polite words. Rey's hurt look was flashing in her mind continuously. Rey sensed what she was thinking. He snaked his arms around her waist and pulled her closer.

Rey: Galati se bhi yeh mat sochna ki mujhe uss baat ka bura laga. I was just kidding. Agar mein tumhe tabhi hi bata deta toh tumhara voh shocked expression kaise dekhne milta? 

Taani didn't say anything just kept her head on his chest and closed her eyes, hugging him.

Taani (to herself): Mein jaanti hoon Rey ki aapko bura laga tha but yeh aap kahoge nahi as aap mujhe sad nahi dekhna chahate. But I promise you, mein kabhi bhi, mazak mein bhi, aisa kuch nahi kahungi jisse aapko takleef ho. I can never afford to see you sad. 

Rey: Hey, voh dekho! (Rey pointed outside diverting her mind from her thoughts)

Taani: This place is so beautiful. Thank you Rey yeh sab plan karne ke liye. (She gave a peck on his cheek.)

An aged couple was sitting in front of them witnessing their love and affection.

Husband: Aap dono ki recently shaadi hui hai kya?

Wife: Aapne logon ne honeymoon ke liye bohot atcha location choose kiya hai. Hum bhi yahin aaye the aur abh bhi jab mann karta hai aajate hai. (She said while blushing.)

Rey: Jee shukriya. Aur haan humari shaadi bas peechle mahine hui hai. (He said winking at Taani.)

Husband: Naya naya pyaar dikh raha hai hume.

Rey (ruffling his hair): Voh actually humari love marriage hui hai.

Wife: Bohot atche lagte ho tum dono ek dusre ke saath. Bhagwaan tum dono ko humesha saath rakhe.

Taani: Shukriya aunty. But yeh aapse jhoot bol rahe hai. Hum dono college mein saath padhte hai aur yahan ek event ke liye aaye hai.

Husband: Par tum dono ko dekh ke toh aisa lag raha hai ki tum dono ek dusre se behad pyaar karte ho.

Rey: Yeh baat toh bilkul sahi hai. (He side-hugged Taani.)

Wife: Yeh ladke na hote hi aise hai. Jhoot bole bina inse kaam nahi hota.

Husband: Ab kya kare pyaar mein yeh sab karna hi padta hai.

All of them giggled and continued talking and admiring the scenery till they reached their halt station. They got down from the train and walked into a garden. From there they could see the entire Darjeeling town as well as the snow clad Himalayas. Rey and Taani walked towards the edge and sat on a rock capturing the beauty around them.

Taani: Mein yeh din kabhi nahi bhulungi! 

Rey: Mein bhi nahi! 

Posted: October 20, 2014