Chapter 3 – When stars collided
After his parents fight in the afternoon, Neil had not come out of his room even for dinner. He was sitting in his room idle, wondering what he can do for his parents. All of sudden he smiled at his stupidity that he even thought that things will change between his parents……but he himself don't know why he can't put off this hope. May be its not in his nature to give up. He was optimistic from childhood. As soon as things began to worsen between his parents, he was sent to abroad at the age of 13, he didn’t want to go but no one listened to him. He missed his family very much there. First he used to be aloof from everyone but soon he accepted the fact the he has to find his happiness himself or else he would go in depression.
He found his passion in music and started taking classes. It helped him in developing a kind of optimism, a kind of fighting spirit in himself and that "never say die attitude". Probably this was the only good thing that had happened to him due to his disturbed family life. No matter what, he will keep hoping for his parents happiness. A knock on the door brought him back from his deep thoughts. He said come in and saw Seema at the door with the plate full of food in her hands, smiling at him. He responded back with smile and gestured her to come and sit beside him.
“I know you are upset with me for whatever happened at lunch and you didn't eat anything since then.You have right of being upset with your parents but not with your food. So be a good boy and have something please.” Seema requested.
“I am not upset with anyone mom. Anyways I am hungry so tell me what you have brought for me.” Neil said to make his mom happy.
“Everything you like son. I know you have grown up but will you mind eating from my hands.” Seema asked.
“Absolutely not. But you also have to eat from my hands.” Neil accepted her request but put forward his condition as he knew she has also not eaten anything.
“No, I am not hungry.”Seema tried to avoid it.
“Come on mom, your system needs some solid food also apart from your "special liquid diet" that you consume every day.” Neil said sarcastically and then laughed to make mood light. Seema also laughed with him. Both of them had their dinner quietly. After that she wished him good night and was about to leave when Neil asked, “Cant you forget everything and forgive dad, after all it was an accident.”
“It was not an accident. And I can forget only one thing i.e. forgiving your dad.” Seema replied as angry tears made her eyes wet.
“If that's the case then why are you still here with dad?” Neil argued. Before she could say anything he started again, “Don't tell me its because of me as you have send me away long ago. You could have easily parted ways but no you are still with him.What that means?”
“That means son, you think too much unnecessarily.” Seema said and left the room before Neil could ask any more questions.
Neil sighed looking at the closed door. “Whats wrong in trying?” he thought.
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Next morning Neil woke up and come into the living room where he found his dad was busy giving instruction to his PA. It was a very normal everyday scene but what caught his attention was that the instructions were about some party and his dad was looking happy and excited more than necessary. He couldn't help but ask, dad,are you throwing any party?”
“Hey, morning son,yeah, I am throwing a big party for you tonight.” Yash said.
“For me? But why?”Neil was pleasantly shocked.
“Oh come on son, you have come after a long time after completing your studies…your result is not declared yet but I know you will pass with flying colours. So, everyone should know about my son. I have invited all my business associates so that you would get to know them. And once you will join business you will be a very busy person so I want you to enjoy a little that's why I am doing this.” Yash replied.
“Dad….actually…I…., I want to say something.” Neil stammered. He was feeling guilty now that he was hiding truth from his father.
But before he could say anything Yash started again excitedly, “And you know Neil there is one surprise for you. Someone very special is coming to meet you in the party. Saying this he left, leaving Neil with mixed expressions of guilt all over his face.
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Hanuman was getting ready to go office. Trying to find something. At last he shouted Babita’s name.
“Dont shout, you want your wallet na??? here you are.” Babita admonished him.
“Thanks wifey. And be ready in the evening, Oberois ke yahan jaana hai party mein.” Hanuman said as he kissed her on the cheeks.
“Oh no! I can't come. Arya is having fever. I will have to stay with her. Kitni baar kaha hai thandi cheeze mat khaya karo par ye ladki sunti kahan hai…...tum Mini ko apne saath le jaana party mein.” Babita suggested.
“Fine, that'll be ok with me.” Hanuman agreed.
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Oberoi mansion was glowing with lights and all decorations which were making it look more classy and beautiful. Every family from Yash's business circle was invited.Guests have started arriving and Yash was busy in welcoming them and as usual talking about making more money. Some of them who have daughters who were of Neil's age were, specially, interested to introduce them to Neil. As they were aware about the fact that Yash will be looking for his daughter in law from among his business associates only. So for them Neil was a good catch. Finally their wait was over when Neil made entry in the party. And like always this time also all eyes, specially, of girls turned towards him. He was looking damn sexy in his white shirt, brown dinner jacket and trousers.
And girls were looking him with dreamy eyes. He tentatively looked at the hall to find his parents and found Seema chatting with some ladies at her favourite place,"bar". So he decided to go to Yash. When he reached, Yash who was talking to a man, he looked Neil with suspicion.
“What happen dad?” Neil asked.
“Neil I have been talking to Mr. Tyagi. He is saying his nephew also studies in the same university and his result had been declared some days ago.” Yash asked getting suspicious.
“Woh….dad…actually….”Neil started stammering not knowing what to say.
Just then a someone asked Mr. Tyagi, “your nephew is in which year uncle?”
Neil turned back to find Mickey and felt relaxed.
“He is in first year.”Mr. Tyagi replied.
“Thats why uncle.Actually last year's students result has not been declared yet. I know as I am last year student too.” Mickey saved Neil.
“Oh, I see. By the way Mickey glad you came for the party. Neil come I'll introduce you to all.”Yash let go the matter as he was convinced now.
“Ladies and gentlemen may I have your attention please. First of all thank you for coming at such short notice to my son's welcome party.” Yash said and gestured Neil to come to him. He is my one and only son Neil. He has recently completed his MBA and now he'll be joining Oberoi industries and I know he'll make me proud.” Yash finished the introduction. With that all clapped welcoming Neil. Neil took Mickey aside and thanked for saving him this time.
“What thanks dude, you haven't yet told your dad about result, forget result you haven't told him about your career decision.” Mickey chided him.
“I know Mickey, I tried but... everytime….something happened so I couldn't tell him. But I will tell him soon, first I will give him small shock about the result and then bigger one about the band” Neil replied and started laughing. Mickey just rolled his eyes at him. “Anyways..I need to tell you something….you know what? yesterday I saw a GIRL in Mumbai.” Neil said in excitement.
“Oh thank you for enlightening me about this fact. I never knew GIRLS also live in this city.”Mickey mocked him.
“Hahaha…so funny.Dude I mean she was really beautiful. Her name was Mini.” Neil told him.
“Ok ok…so you have found your dream girl then… where does she live? What does she do?” Mickey inquired.
“Thats the problem yaar….I only saw her in traffic jam. I only know her name but before I could ask her anything she was gone…wish I could just meet her once more” Neil said and turned around sadly but God granted his wish again as he was pleasantly shocked to see the same girl in his party, he couldn't believe his luck. For a moment he also thought of his dad's words about meeting some special person that surprise and all and felt he was talking about Mini. But then he brushed this stupid thought as he remembered how come his dad know about Mini being special to him, he has only told Mickey about this and that too only few minutes ago.
At the gate he saw Mini coming with a man….by looks and age he concluded him as her father or uncle then again his attention shifted to Mini. She was wearing haute pink color knee length dress with matching sandals and was looking divine. He remembered yesterday also she was wearing pink and he concluded that its her favorite color. He was still in trance when Mickey brought him back to the world.
“Dude, where are you lost?” Mickey asked.
“Mickey buddy, my wish has been granted. Look, there she is.” Neil said and pointed finger at Mini.
“Wow, what a choice? She is really beautiful. Now go…or else she'll disappear again.” Mickey nudged him to go and talk to her.
Neil started moving towards her. Meanwhile Hanuman saw Yash and started walking in his direction and Mini started to follow him too but she bumped into one girl and her mobile fell down. She was about to pick it up when someone picked it up for her. She looked up to thank him and froze then and there only when her dark brown eyes met his intense black ones. He was looking her so intensely with eyes full of admiration that she almost shivered. Breaking the eye contact she checked him out from top to bottom and felt as if she was looking at some Greek god or any statue of marble made with so much perfection and on the top of that….those eyes…she felt as if they were looking through her soul and heart. Something happened in that moment. She didn’t know what but she felt as if this moment was pre destined by her stars.
Coming out of the trance, she tried to move but he blocked her way. “Hi, I am Neil Oberoi” He said forwarding his hand towards her. She timidly took his hand and said, Hi I am…..Mini. “I know.” He completed her sentence. She looked him with curiosity, “How do you know my name?” Before he could answer their dads called them.
“Neil, he is Hanuman Singh. Partner in our most profitable company Oberoi pharmacy and she is Mini, his daughter. She is also doing MBA and also works in the company as management trainee. Hanuman and Mini, he is Neil, my son. After sometime both dads left to meet other persons, leaving them behind.
Meanwhile DJ started playing music and requested people to join the dance floor.
“How do you know my name?You didn’t tell me.” Mini asked again to start the conversation.
“I will tell you on one condition. You'll have to dance with me.” Neil very smartly asked her out for dance.
Mini was very eager to know the reason so she agreed though reluctantly, “ok, but I am not a very good dancer.” She said honestly. Though Mini was not that kind of outgoing girl who will dance and flirt with any guy but she didnt know why she felt that this guy can be trusted.
“Its ok, its very simple, let me lead…I will show you.” Neil said and extended his hands towards her.
Mini placed her hand in his and he took her to the dance floor. He placed his right hand on the back of her small waist. She felt current run down her spine at his mere touch and she put her left hand on his broad shoulder , he held her right hand with his left hand. DJ played the song and they started swaying slowly with the music.First she was feeling nervous but then she locked her eyes with Neil and started moving with the beats with his guidance. The song continued to play-
Pehli nazar mein kaise jaado kar diya, tera ban baita hai mera jiya,
Jaane kya hoga kya hoga kya pata, is pal ko milke aa jee le zara
Mein hoon yahan, tu hai yahan, meri bahon mein aa, aa bhi ja
O jaan-e-jaan dono jahan meri bahon mein aa, bhool Ja aa -2
Baby i love u, baby i love you, baby i love you, baby i love you … so..
Baby i love u, oh i love u i love u i love u so baby i love u…
Neil swirled her and brought her closer. Both felt strange emotions which they never felt earlier and strange kind of desire overpowering them. They just couldn't help but come even closer. Now both were so lost in each other that they became oblivious of anyone else's presence. They kept dancing at the tune of their love and the song followed-
Kar diya Deewana dard-e-Khas ne, chain cheena isqh ke ehsaas ne
Bekhayali di hai teri pyaas ne chaya suroor hai, kuch to zaroor hai) ….. 2
Tujo mili ek din mujhe, mein kahin ho gaya lapata
O jaan-e-jaan, dono jahan
Meri bahon mein aa, bhool Ja aa ) ….. 2
Babyi love u, baby i love you, baby i love you, baby i love you … so..
Baby i love u, oh i love u i love u i love u so baby i love u…
Neil swing her gracefully back and forth and at last dipped her in his arms…their eyes were still locked. DJ changed the song to some peppy number due to which they come to their senses again. They left the dance floor. Mini tried to control her heart which was still struggling to calm down due to his closeness and their couple dance on romantic number. Finally she succeeded in her attempt, she asked him again, “So, now tell me how you already knew my name?” What he replied and the answer left her heart beating faster once again.
“Yesterday when I came to Mumbai I saw God's most beautiful creation wearing a pink top and white Capri. Her name was Mini. She was shouting on the phone in the mid of traffic jam but was looking unbelievably gorgeous and I couldn't help but stare her. I had never seen a girl as beautiful as her in my life. ”Neil came closer and whispered in her ears.
Mini’s cheeks turned pink and she looked away shyly. She didn't know what to say...she didn't even understand why her heart is not listening to her…such thing didn't happen earlier in her life. Why the person whom she met just a few minutes ago having such an effect on her. On the other hand, Neil was clearer in his mind that he was falling in love with this girl. When he first saw her, he doubted that maybe it could be a attraction as she was looking beautiful but now after second time, he was sure that this is nothing less than love. He was surprised himself, how can he fall in love with someone so soon.
At one corner Mickey was watching all this from distance and was silently praying to God, “My friend has never got his share of love now he has found his special someone. Please God, give him every happiness he deserves.”
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To be continued……
precap - Party abhi baki hai.
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