Love Story [CharMar]

Shweta

@2111_shweta

First time I'm writing on CharMar

Well it isn't exactly on them but I've taken their character names (Rey and Ela) and written an OS

This OS is for Ale (alef_mgr)

Happy Birthday

~*~

~*~

'Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.'

This was all I could hear. I looked up at the door and found the red bulb still on. A few nurses and ward boys were running in and out with equipments and medicines. I had no courage to ask them the happenings going inside. I felt too shattered at that moment. It's been two long hours I'm waiting here. The person whom I love the most is there inside being operated because of me. Yes because of me.

He has faced a lot because of me. I have only got him pain and nothing else. Yet he still says that I'm the best thing that has happened to him. But I know, I'm the worst thing that can happen to anyone. Meet me Elakshi Singh. I am the world's worst person to be loved. Yet he loves me.

~*~

I met him six months back in an intercollegiate dance competition. The moment I saw him dancing I fell for him. His moves took away my breath. I so wanted him to win it, and yes he did! That's when I came to know that he was from 'St. Louis College. I felt very happy seeing him collect the trophy but had to hide my happiness as I was standing right next to my college mates, and we had lost. That was obvious!

"Usse better toh Varun ne perform kiya tha!" My best friend Shivam exclaimed.

I rolled my eyes. Luckily I was wearing glares so he couldn't see it.

He seriously felt that Varun who danced like a nursery kid did better than him? Then it struck me; he, along with others, was boiling in anger as a student from 'St. LouisCollege' had won! Well, there is nothing wrong in losing the trophy; but to lose it against their college is a crime. I personally hate this rivalry. It started with St. Louis winning against Westwood College in a basket-ball match. Our college is the basket-ball champion, while they didn't even have a team. Yet they won! And from that day, Westwoodians take part in all competitions which Louians take part in. And we lose!

"But usne atcha dance kiya tha." It slipped from my mouth and I immediately bit my tongue. Shivam and the others were glaring at me.

"Ela, he is from the rival college! Voh yeh trophy deserve nahi karta." Shivam stated. This made me boil in anger.

He is the finest dancer I have ever seen and my best buddy is talking nonsense about him. I can't take it anymore.

"Just because hum ek match nahi jeetey iska matlab yeh nahi hota ki hum koi bhi competition mein participate kare aur expect kare ki hum jeet jaye! You guys are sick! Aur Varun ko dance ka D bhi nahi aata." I replied in anger and walked off from there.

I couldn't take the fact that he was being insulted. I was walking off angrily and bumped into something really hard. I knew I was about to hit the ground so I closed my eyes tightly expecting a fall. After a few seconds I realized that I was hanging mid-air with someone's hands around my waist. My hands were on the person's arms and I could feel the flexed muscles. I realized I was in some guy's arms. He slowly made me stand upright.

"You alright?" He asked me.

His voice. It felt like a melody to my ears. I slowly opened my eyes and the world went blank for me. He was standing in front of me with sparkling hazel orbs filled with concern. I lost myself in his eyes.

"Tum theek ho?" He asked me again shaking me a bit.

I regained my senses and felt embarrassed for staring at him. I looked here and there and then slowly looked his way. He was expecting an answer from me.

"Me..mein..theek..hoon." I managed to say. Gosh, my voice was too shaky.

He smiled at me. If smiles could kill, I would be dead by now. I felt blood rushing up to my cheeks making them red. I think he too noticed it as his smile grew wide.

"I'm Rey. Reyansh Singhania." He introduced himself.

"Jaanti hoon." I muttered but he heard and a smirk played on his lips.

He needs to remove the smirk right away before I faint!

"Your dance was phenomenal. It just took my breath away." I complimented him and he blushed.

Om my God, he blushed!

"Umm.. Thanks.." He said ruffling his hair, then added, "Sorry but I didn't get your name."

"Elakshi Singh." I heard someone say from behind me and I recognized his voice. It was Shivam.

Shit.

"She is from Westwood College, so you just better stay away." Shivam stated to Rey.

Rey rolled his eyes on his statement and left from there giving me a sweet smile before leaving. My attention went to Shivam and I felt like killing him then and there.

"Tumhari problem kya hai?" I barked at Shivam.

"Uske andar kitna attitude bhara hai vo dekha? Bloody.." Before he could complete I left from there not wanting to hear anything negative about Rey.

I saw Rey today and met him only once but I could say that he is really a very sweet guy. But there is no use explaining Shivam about this. And if at all he gets to know that I have started developing feelings for Rey then he will make Rey's life hell. I felt very low on the thought. Shivam is really a jerk, but he has a sweet side reserved for his friends. But if you get on his enemy list then even if the world turns upside down he can never befriend you.

I was moving towards the exit when I spotted Rey enjoying his victory with his friends. They all were laughing whole-heartedly and I smiled seeing him. He noticed me looking at him and came my direction. I quickly composed myself.

"Hi Elakshi." He said huskily.

I went week on my knees hearing my name from his mouth. It sounded so melodious. I quickly held the railing for support.

"Hi Reyansh." I managed to say.

"Call me Rey." He smiled

"Then you too call me Ela." I smiled back.

Then we began a normal conversation, discussing our likes dislikes and what not. It felt as if we were long lost friends. I heard his friend shouting, raising their hands, weird and coughing fakely at us. He gave them murderous looks and turned to me.

"Ignore them. Yeh log kahin pe bhi shuru ho jate hai."

I spotted Shivam and others coming our direction.

"I guess mujhe chalna chahiye."

He moved his head to the direction I was looking and sighed. I started to move.

"Ela.." He called me.

"Haan?"

"Can I get your number?"

Did I hear him right? He asked for my number. Eeeps, I felt like jumping. I calmed my nerves and gave him my number. He smiled at me and went towards his friends. I left for home with Shivam.

It was late. Very late. Yet I expected a call from him. Why did he even take my number if he didn't want to call! Anyways, why do I care so much. I better sleep else I'll look witchy tomorrow with those stupid dark-circles appearing.

~*~

A month passed by after the event and now I didn't even feel bad about him not calling me. Why would he call me? He has better friends in his life, while I'm stuck here with Shivam. I'm not complaining but hey, I am allowed to miss my crush.

Shivam had asked me out for a movie. He seemed fishy. God knows what was he planning. Yet I accompanied him as I had no other plans.

"You're looking beautiful, Ela." Shivam complimented me. Is he alright?

"Uhm.. Thanks." I smiled weakly.

Before entering the cinema hall I got a call from an unknown number. I don't know why but I felt like picking it up. I asked Shivam to carry on and told him I'll join in a while. I picked up the call.

"Hello."

It sent shivers down my spine. It was him. He still remembers me? How? I mean we haven't seen each other for a month now and he is calling me! I guess he dialed the wrong number. I was going to disconnect the call when I heard him say.

"Ela you there?"

I froze. Yes, he remembers me. But then why didn't he call? And what made him call all of a sudden?

"Hellooo.." I heard him say in a funny tone. It made me giggle.

"Hi Rey." I greeted after I stopped giggling.

"Hey..uhm.. Can we..uhm.. meet tomorrow?" He was sounding a tad bit hesitant.

"Rey..umm..I don't know.." I wasn't sure what to say. We had met once then had no contact for a month and now all of a sudden he wanted to meet me. Strange.

"Hey I know we haven't met much, but please do come tomorrow. I really want to talk to you. Please" There was something in his voice which I couldn't say no to.

"Okay." I replied back.

"Thank you. I'll text you the place and time." He sounded happy. It unknowingly got a smile on my face.

"Kay then, see you tomorrow."

"Yeah.. Bye.."

I disconnected the call. All through the movie I was thinking why did he want to meet me? What does he want to talk about? Unfortunately, I couldn't share this with Shivam. He'll never let me meet Rey. I got a text from him when I reached home.

'Hi Ela,

I know you've got many questions to clear out and I promise to answer each of them tomorrow. Please oblige me by coming at The Irish House @ 7. I'll be waiting for you.

With love, Rey.'

O-K-A-Y.

My eyes were stuck on the word 'LOVE'. I'm sure he was just being cheezy and didn't mean it. Or did he? I have to find out.

'See you tomorrow.'

I text him back and turned to my wardrobe. What should I wear? I have to look my best. Dress to impress! Hold on Ela, it's not a date. He just wants to talk. Be yourself and go. Don't overdo anything. I calm my nerves and decide to go with a simple yet elegant black dress which stops just above my knees. Dress is done. The wait for tomorrow begins!

~*~

I enter the restaurant a bit late, its fifteen minutes past seven. I'm wearing the dress decided earlier and I've chosen to leave my hair open in loose curls. I know this suits me the most. I ask at the counter for Rey and the lady takes me to a table where he was seated in a grey shirt, a black blazer and black jeans.

The moment he spots me, he stands up with a sweet smile and pulls out a chair for me. How chivalrous!

"You look pretty in black." He smiled making me blush.

"Thanks. So.. what was it that you wanted to talk about?" I asked him before I go mad thinking of why he called me.

"Straight to the point! I like it." He smirked his deadly smirk. If I wasn't so messed up with this thought I would have been blushing hard by now.

I narrowed my eyes on his comment and he composed himself. His face turned serious yet his eyes were playful and warm.

"You must be wondering why did I call you after a month?"

 I nodded.

"Mein tumhe ussi din call karne wala tha..but.."

"But.."

"Mujhe laga ki tum aur Shivam ek.. I mean.. I thought you two were dating.."

"What!"

"Mujhe galath mat samajhna but mein kisi ke relationship ke beech nahi aana chahata tha.."

"Aur tumhe pata kaise chala ki hum dono.."

"Woh aise ki yesterday I overheard his conversation with his friend. Voh keh raha tha ki voh kisi ladki ko date pe leke jana chahata hain.."

"So you thought ki chalo Ela aur Shivam ke beech kuch nahi hai, let's hit on her!"

'Stop being rude Ela.' I slapped myself mentally.

"Ela you're getting me wrong.."

"Then explain me."

"Hum uss din event mein mile the tabhi se I don't know how but mujhe hum dono ke beech kuch sparks lage. But then Shivam ka tumhare taraf possessiveness dekh kar I felt that you two were in a relationship."

"Ek baar puch nahi sakte the!" I said sipping the drink that the waiter just offered.

"Poochna chahiye tha" he said letting out a sigh.

I nodded.

"It's better late than never" saying so he got up from his chair.

I eyed him carefully to know what was he up to. He came near my chair and went down on his knees.

No. Please no.

"Ela, I really like you. And I think we both have mutual feelings for each other. So.." he started

Uh-oh. I gulped down loudly.

"Don't be scared Ela, I'm not asking you to marry me!"

I let out a sigh of relief. He giggled at my reaction.

"Ela can we both date each other and get to know each other. You attract me, and you know that. For this whole month all I was doing was thinking about you..."

"YES" I cut him off midway.

"Thank you so much Ela" he got up and hugged me tightly.

I felt so overwhelmed. The whole night I was sleepless. Well even he was. We both were texting each other, you know like two drowned in love lovers. Okay, that's hyper exaggerating! But yes, it felt like I was falling for him badly. But I had to stop myself, else Shivam..

*Tring Tring*

Think of the devil..

"Hello Shivam"

"What the hell were you doing with that Louian?" he barked into the phone.

O-M-G!

God save me!

No, save him!

No! Uhh! Save US!

"Who Louian?" I acted surprised.

"Varun told me you were out on a date with that dancer guy"

He has a name! A very nice name! I controlled my anger.

"He must have seen someone else. Whole day I was in my house"

"Really?"

"Yes Shivam.."

"Okay. I'll catch hold of Varun. Good night"

"No Shi.." Before I could he cut the call.

Sorry Varun!

~*~

Weeks passed by and Shivam's suspicion too. Rey knew that I hadn't spoken to Shivam about us and he used to tell me almost everyday, but me being me, I ignored.

Today Rey and I were on a date to celebrate our three month anniversary. My idea. And voila look who's here to greet us, my best friend and his worst enemy, okay not really, Shivam.

"Rey go hide!"

"What?" he gave a confused look.

Gosh he looks so cute. Focus Ela!

"Rey, Shivam's here. Please go hide!" I drag him out of the chair and into the washroom.

"Ela, tum yahan?" Shivam asked me.

"Coffee" I smile at him. A fake one though.

Shivam spots Rey coming out of the washroom.

"What are you doing here?" Shivam confronts Rey.

"I'm here to have coffee" Rey says biting back a smile.

"Now I can't stop" said Shivam.

I, in fact, we didn't understand what he meant until he smashed Rey onto the table hurting Rey's arm in the process.

"Shivam what the hell are you doing?" I pulled back Shivam.

"Listen you" Shivam addressed Rey, "Next time I see you anywhere around Ela, it certainly won't be great for you"

With his final words to Rey, Shivam dragged me out of the cafe.

~*~

I was crying from the time I came home. Shivam knew about my relationship with Rey and he has threatened me to stay away from him else.. I don't even want to think about it. I have to stay away from Rey and here he's calling me constantly. Yippee. I cut his call.

I'm curled up in my bed crying when I hear a loud thud behind me. I turned around to find Rey into my bedroom. In other situations I would have been blushing, but right now I was furious or maybe anxious.

"Tum yahan kyun aaye ho?" I question him.

Seeing my condition he just came and hugged me tightly. This was much needed. I started crying harder and Rey was trying to sooth me.

"Shivam ko humare baare mein pata chal gaya hai. He's told me to stay away from you. Rey please hum aaj ke baad nahi milenge"

"No"

"No as in hum nahi milenge, right?"

"No as in hum milenge"

"Rey please, Shivam will try to hurt you. And I can't see you hurt. Already tumhe aaj..how's your hand?" I realized he got hurt and I didn't know how he was.

"It's fine" he said carelessly as if nothing has happened.

"No it isn't. Yeh sab meri wajah se.." I started crying and he tried to stop me.

"Ela stop crying, please" he pleaded.

"Rey mein bohot buri hoon na? Meri wajah se tum hurt huye ho, tumhe itna kuch sunna pada aur tum bandaged haath ke saath pipe chadhke mere room mein aaye" it struck me, "Rey tum seedhe front door se nahi aa sakte the! Aur lag jati toh! Why don't you take care of yourself?" I barked at him.

"You are better crying, at least itna bolti toh nahi ho" he joked.

It actually did make me smile and I playfully hit him on his arm, the one which wasn't hurt, obviously!

After cheering my mood a bit he started, "Ela abh jab Shivam ko already pata chal gaya hai toh hume chup chup ke milna band karna hoga. I don't want anyone pointing fingers at you."

Why do you care so much about me? Do I deserve so much?

"I think you are right Rey. Waise bhi Shivam isn't gonna be here for the next two months and hopefully tab tak everything will be cool" I weakly smiled at him.

"Now that's my girl!" he smiled back and pecked my forehead.

"Now it's time to get you in bed" he said.

"Excuse me!" I looked at him shocked at his words.

"Ela!" he glared and continued, "I meant, it's time for you to sleep!"

I giggled at his cute face and he too started chuckling on my crazy thought. He stayed that night in my room, on the couch of course, and looked after me.

~*~

Five months had passed of Rey and I being a couple. Now each and every person of both the colleges knew about us. Shivam too returned. He had stopped talking to me completely. I was missing my best friend. Rey was even ready to part ways so that I could be with Shivam. But I knew Shivam is not worth the sacrifice.

To cheer me up Rey had planned a surprise date for me. Well it's no more a surprise thanks to his friends who spilled it out in front of me. Rey was gonna come to pick me up and God knows why but he was late. My inner instinct was telling me that something is wrong but I ignored when I heard him honking for me to come down.

"Kitni der lagadi neeche aane mein" he said with a cute pout.

"Awee baby..mein late hoon? Shayad koi bhool raha hai ki.." before I could complete he pecked me on my cheek.

"Sorry baby" he said holding his ears.

I couldn't stay angry. Look at him. He's so cute!

We drove off. He took me out to a sea-side restaurant, where he had made special arrangements for the two of us. The place looked divine. Light romantic music being played in the background with sweet fragrance lingering in the air. The soft wind blowing was adding more to the beauty.

We had food and went strolling on the beach bare feet. I felt so happy and complete with him. I realized nothing in the world matters more tome than Rey. I knew the proposal was soon to come and I was trying to figure out the look on his face when I would say 'yes'. I started blushing at the thought. He noticed me blushing.

"Thoda blush baad ke liye bhi save karke rakho" he winked at me.

I looked at him in complete awe. How did he come to know what I was thinking?

"Ela, I can read your mind" he pecked saying so.

"What the.." I murmured and he heard.

Does he have dog ears?

He giggled at my expression and he led me back to the car parking.

We went to an ice cream parlor as I insisted on having an ice cream. He tried to oppose as I had cold but I was too stubborn.

"Okay hum aa gaye. Tum yahi ruko mein leke aata hoon" he said.

"Nai na baby. Meko bhi aana hai" I insisted.

"Ela no! Tum ek ki jagah 4-5 ice cream logi. It's better you wait till I get" he said.

"Ok" I agreed.

He went out of the car and was walking across the street when a speeding car came and hit him. The world went blank for me. I looked at the car and froze to find Shivam. All of it happened so quickly that I was completely paralysed inside. I came back to senses when I heard the siren of the ambulance. I ran out of the car and to Rey. He was unconscious and I could see that he was badly injured. He was quickly loaded in and we sped to the hospital. Though he was unconscious he was constantly murmuring something. I went closer to him and realized he was taking my name. I was drowning in tears.

~*~

The operation began and I filed a complaint against Shivam and he was behind bars. Had to be! When I confronted him for his action he said that he loved me and didn't want me to be with Rey.

How could he? How could my best friend be such a criminal?

'If you loved me you wouldn't make me sad by doing such things' that was what I told him and swore not to see his face ever in life.

~*~

Now here I am praying for Rey and feeling guilty. The red light turned off and the doctor came out. I rushed to him.

"Rey kaisa hai? Is he alright? Kuch hua toh nahi na usse? Aap kuch bol kyun nahi rahe ho?" I started bombarding him with questions.

"He's fine. Kuch major injuries nahi hai bas right hand and leg fracture hua hai" he replied.

"Mein mil sakti hoon?" I asked.

"Haan unhe shift karne ke baad aap milne ja sakti ho" saying so he left.

~*~

I wiped away my tears and washed off all its stains and went to see him. There he was flirting with the nurse who was arranging his bed for him.

Mr. Reyansh Singhania you better stop this!

The nurse left the room and he saw me and smiled at me.

"Ela my love" he said brightly.

Is he the same guy who was being operated for the past two hours?

"Re..ey" my voice cracked and fresh tears emerged as I sat next to his bed.

"Ela, tum kyun ro rahi ho? See I'm fit and fine. Okay not fit but I'm fine" he said.

"I'm sorry Rey" I continued crying.

"Kya hua Ela?"

"Rey voh Shivam.."

"Shivam kya?"

"Shivam ne tumhara accident karwaya?"

"What! I don't think so."

"Rey meine usse khud dekh"

"Voh aisa kyun karega? I get it. He loves you, right?"

"Shayad. But I don't love him."

"Mein jaanata hoon Ela."

"Now he is in jail."

"Kya" he was shocked.

"Rey please can we not talk about him" I pleaded.

"Okay..as you wish..waise what is the time?"

"Quarter to twelve. Why?"

"Shit aaj ka din khatam ho gaya"

"Practically abh bhi fifteen minutes hai. But hua kya?"

"Great! Kya tum mera blazer de sakti ho. Voh wahan hai" he pointed out.

I passed him his blazer and he started fidgeting with it to remove something from its pocket. I tried helping but he didn't allow. So I stared adoring his face and the expressions he gave while trying to remove God knows what!

"Mil gayi!" he finally exclaimed with a huge smile. My lips curled up seeing him.

"Meine kabhi isse aisa nahi plan kiya tha, but now this will be more memorable" he started, "Ela tum toh jaanti hi ho ki I love you and my love for you can't be measured. Mein koi jhoothe promises nahi karna chahata ki mein yeh karunga ya aisa karunga. But I can promise you ki mein tumhe har waqt khush rakhungi, iske liye mujhe jo karna pade voh mein karunga. I promise to be at your side forever till my last breath. Ela, haath toh do, kya tum mujhe apne saath jhelne ke liye ready ho? Kya tum apne surname mein extra 'ania' add karne ke liye ready ho?"

He tried opening the ring box he which was in his hand and finally opened it to reveal platinum love bands.

"Will you be mine forever?" he asked forwarding the box to me.

I was numb. I knew what to say but I was standing in awe reminiscing the words that he just now spoke to me. I looked in his eyes and the next moment my lips were on his. Actions speak louder than words! He interpreted my actions and got my answer and he took over.

After what seemed like ages we broke the kiss.

"I love you" we both said together.

We put on the bands in each other's fingers, I helped him put in mine, and started to write our own love story...

~*~

Posted: March 29, 2014