Tere Mere Dil
...1.5 years later:
Tarika tried calling for the 4th time on the top most number of her phone but it didn't connect. She sighed. A lot had changed in last few months. One and a half year ago when she came to this city almost fighting with her family it wasn't so hard. He was there beside her always, whenever she broke down, whenever she wanted to go back. She was sure they wouldn't fall apart like others in this long distance relationship. But she was wrong. After all last time when Abhijeet visited Canada for a week Tarika got a chance to distant herself from him. Was he doing the same?
But, things weren't same with him. Though in gaps, whenever he called he talked usual. While talking to him Tarika never felt distant. She worried when he didn't call.
In between the days and months as the year passed by Tarika got to realize how earnestly she loved this man. He had everything in him which a girl would die for. Keeping everything at bay she admired his supportive nature the most. He's supporting her from the very beginning. He was same in his childhood too.
She remembered the meeting with their parents where Abhijeet broke the news of her leaving Mumbai for study purpose. Ofcourse there was 'what would people say' issues but Abhijeet just shut all of them. Tarika's parents weren't so happy she could tell but she knew it couldn't be better than that. Her uncle still hadn't talked to her. Parul chachi calls on weekend though. And her father called almost daily. He was doing fine with his health. Tarika was relieved listening this. She knew Abhijeet had been arranging all this though he would never accept it. Like the way he took care of her family Tarika also wanted to take care of his family, of him. She now feared, if she ever could get a chance? She feared what if she's shut down from his life. Although Tarika try to make herself ready to accept this she knew she would just break down. She even feared. that she would end up begging to him for not leaving her. She valued him worth of it. But, she never could tell him all this. She would, soon. Summer vacation was coming soon and she was planning to fly to Mumbai. She would tell him all of this.
Leaving her thoughts aside she took her bag to leave for college. A card fell down from her table. She picked it up and looking through it a smile crept up on her face as she travelled in her past
FLASHBACK:
It was day before of her leaving. After the engagement Tarika stayed at Kapoor mention for the week with her family on insistence of Mihir. Tarika accepted because she wanted to spend few quality times with him. It didn't happened though, with Abhijeet busy with his office work and Tarika with her hospital paper works and last moment shopping. Only time they were able to manage for themselves was over late night coffee at balcony. They talked and talked. They talked as if there's no tomorrow. And in between those senseless gossips Tarika found herself being tied with him more strongly. To her surprise, Abhijeet never tried to get romantic with her. And Tarika didn't had the courage.
Like the other days Abhijeet brought two cups of coffee for them as Tarika was waiting at the balcony.
"Thanks." Tarika smiled, taking the mug
Abhijeet smiled back.
Tarika sipped from her mug
"I am gonna miss your coffee." Tarika said resting her back against the balcony railing.
"I am gonna miss you." Abhijeet sounded upset.
"I will miss you too." Tarika said with an objection.
Abhijeet nodded. They finished their cups in silence as if they were done with all the talks in last few days. They had their coffee leaning against the railing, stealing occasional glances at each other.
Tarika took his mug and kept them on side table along with hers. Resuming her previous position beside him she took a long breath.
"It's not going to be over soon." Tarika said.
"I wish I could be a little more selfish. I wish I could stop you from going." Abhijeet whispered.
"You can."
Abhijeet looked at her.
"But I dont want to. I wish I could want it.".
Abhijeet turned around and bent forward rested his elbows on railing. Tarika could tell he was trying to hide his tears. Turning around she held his tight fist and softly pressed it. She couldn't understand what to say to make him feel good. Its just painful for both of them. Later, she realized tears had been rolling down her cheeks too.
Taking out from his pocket he forwarded a very small red card to her. Tarika took that smiling in tears.
"Read it." Abhijeet said.
She opened the card it had only written one line.
'I will keep loving you forever.'
Tarika broke out in hysteric sobs.To console her Abhijeet took her in a soft hug. Tarika hugged him tightly with all the power she had. Taken aback by her move Abhijeet patted her hair and back to soothe her. Unaware of his own tears he tried to make her feel a bit better. They didn't know how long they stayed in that hug. Abhijeet separated her from him holding her shoulders. He lifted her chin to look into her eyes and Tarika closed her eyes automatically as she waited for his lips to meet her. Chuckling to himself he kissed her lips gently. His one hand rested on her waist and another hand moved behind her head, threading her hair in his fingers.
Tarika's hands moved behind his neck as she deepened the kiss much to his surprise. The kiss was a passionate one comparing to their first kiss. They conveyed their love and care through that kiss.
"You should go and sleep." Abhijeet said, breaking the kiss.
"I want to talk with you whole night."
"One night is not enough to catch up."
"Still I want to..."
"I am sorry. But I can't." Abhijeet said with a shaking voice and left the place immediately. Tarika stood there feeling helpless and selfish.
"I am sorry too Abhijeet " She whispered to herself.
FLASHBACK ENDS.
"I am sorry Abhijeet." Tarika whispered yet again looking at the card. "Just a few more Days, I am coming to you. Aur isbar tumse shadi karke hi manungi.. aise keisey tum mujhe ignore karte ho.. dekhti hu phir." She chuckled.
Keeping the card safely in her drawer she went to attend college.
It was afternoon when she was leaving the college premises with one of her foreign friend.
"Tarika.." The friend said in an English ancient.
"Yes Mike..."
"Did you think about my proposal?"
"What? Are you crazy? Haven't I said NO already?"
"But I asked you to think about it."
"Mike I am engaged." Tarika said, surprised with his talks.
"I know. But, It's been more than a year..."
"So??"
"He's not so loyal to you probably."
"How can you say that? You don't even know him! Beside, if he likes someone else now I would know. We have that deal."
"Its not so easy you know... to tell "
"Mike. You gotta stop it. Or I am not gonna talk to you ever." Tarika warned him.
"Okay fine. But, just so that you know.. I will be waiting for you. So if your fiance turns out to be disloyal remember about me."
"Shut u-" Tarika's mouth formed an O shape as she looked in front of her.
There at enterance of the premises, stood the man they were talking about, the face she hadn't seen in a year in reality- her fiance, Mr Abhijeet Kapoor. Tarika thought she was dreaming, that her mind was playing trick with her. But no, he was coming towards her, with that charming smile of his, wrapped in black jacket, looking just as handsome as she left him 1.5 years ago. He's there, just in front of her eyes, only at a few feet distance.
"I missed you Tarika " He smiled and took her in a tight embrace.
Yes. It's him. Its not a dream. He's here- hugging her.
"Its real." He whispered in her ear and with that Tarika came back in her sense.
She hugged his back and tears flowed down her cheeks.
"Shh sssh..." Abhijeet patted her head softly to make her calm.
Suddenly Tarika pushed him away and started hitting his chest.
"Arey.. arey.." Abhijeet tried to hold her wrists but she was stubborn.
"Bohot.. bohot.. bohot bure ho tum." Tarika hit him.
"Acha baba sorry na.." Abhijeet held her wrists finally.
Tarika looked away.
Leaving her wrists he held his ears.
"Sorry. Maaf kar do please." He said with a cute smile.
Tarika hugged him again, a tight one.
"I missed you so much." She said.
Abhijeet kissed her hair.
Finally they were done with their greetings and Tarika introduced him with Mike.
"Abhijeet, meet Mike."
"Hello.." Mike was clearly jealous of Abhijeet
"Tum ab bhi isse dosti kiye hui ho! How could you? Kaha tha na iske sath nahi ghumna.. kaha tha na.." Abhijeet was furious
"Abhijeet!! Use hindi samajh ati hai.. sshh.." Tarika tried to stop him.
"Ati hai toh ai!! Main darta hu kya!!"
"Yo.. Yo.. Bro relax." Mike interrupted. "You can have your fiance. I am not flirting around with her anymore. She's so nice that I couldn't stop myself. Thats it."
"Yeah.. She is." Abhijeet finally calmed down and gave a silly smile
"You are very lucky " Mike said.
"Yeah I know."
"So when's the marriage?"
Tarika looked at Abhijeet with hope, wishing him to not deny it.
"Next week." Abhijeet said, "I will send you card."
Tarika was looking at Abhijeet with big eyes, completely surprised.
"Oh.." Mike was sad. "Yeah sure. Bye... Bye Tarika." Mike left.
Tarika was too shocked to say bye to Mike. When he left Tarika held Abhijeet's wrist.
"Next week?" She asked with hope.
"Yeah.." Abhijeet nodded with a affectionate smile.
"But.. My Ticket is due the week after next."
"Ticket?" Abhijeet was surprised
"Yeah.." Tarika was confused
"Oh.. toh tum surprise dene Mumbai jane wali thi! Haha... But seems like I have planned bigger!" Abhijeet winked
"Matlab?"
"We are getting married, here, IN LONDON." Abhijeet shook her holding her shoulders, taking Tarika out of her confusion zone.
"What!" Tarika covered her mouth and broke out in laughter.
"Yes. The whole family is here!"
"Ka.. Kaha?? Baba? Chachu?"
"Sab Tarika.. Sab.. Even Daya and Sarah.."
Tarika looked around.
"Yaha nahi hain.. wolog hamare ghar pe hai.. Main tumhe lene aya hu."
A tear of happiness rolled down her cheek as Abhijeet leaded her outside taking her in a side hug.
In Abhijeet's London House:
Both the families were exchanging dresses and jwellaries in living room. They were all happy that finally after months abhirika were getting married.
Abhijeet and Tarika were standing a few meter away from them in a narrow corridor of the house, leaning against the walls with their one shoulder, side by side.
"Sab ketne khush hai na?" Abhijeet said.
"Haan. Aur main bhi." Tarika looked at Abhijeet meaningfully.
"Main bhi." Abhijeet smiled back with same meaning.
"Weisey Abhijeet tumhe nahi lagta shadi ke sari intezam karne se pehle tumhe mujhse puchna chahiye tha.. hmm?"
"Ab phir se puchna tha!" Abhijeet rolled his eyes. "You literally said I love you last time.. some 4 days ago."
"Nahi.. mera wo matlab nahi tha. I mean, ho sakta hai main iswaqt shadi karne se inkar kar deti..."
Abhijeet smiled looking down.
"Kya hua? Haas kyu rahe ho?" Tarika was confused.
"Main ab samajh ta hu tumhara dil kya chahta hain." Abhijeet said slowly looking at her.
Tarika was touched by his gesture, which spoke volume of loves for her.
"Aur Tumhara dil chahta hai ki ab ham istarah se ek ho, ki phir alag hone ki gunzaish hi na ho..." Abhijeet said and then to make the moment light he added, "Dekha, ketna acha bola maine hindi?" He winked.
"Tumne bilkul thik samjha mujhe Abhijeet. Main sach mein yahi chahti hu." Tarika said, softly.
"I know."
"Main toh India jake bhi tumse shadi kiye bina wapas nahi ati.." Tarika said like a kid.
Abhijeet broke out in piles of laughter.
"Isliye toh main hi agaya na. Shadi ham yahi karenge... sab log ghum bhi lenge... Aur ham dono honeymoon manainge Paris mein!"
"Paris?"
"Yes. Tum main aur Daya Sarah."
"Sarah dikh nahi rahi. Kaha hai wo?" Wo thora office ke kam se bhar gayi hai.. ati hi hogi."
"Kya? Tum usey yaha office ke kam karwane ke liye lai ho? Unbelievable!"
"Arey nahi... usi ne kaha ki wo manage kar legi aur main tumhe lene jau... orna main hi ja raha tha.. Aur problem nahi hogi.. Sarah pehle bhi achuki hain London mere sath.. toh no problem. Use pata hi hain."
"Wo tumhare sath London achuki hai?"
"Haan... Jealous?"
"Nahi." Tarika looked away.
"Fine." Abhijeet shrugged.
"Acha batao.. keisa kam?" Tarika asked.
"Wo bas..."
"Tum mujhse kuch chupa rahe ho?" Tarika narrowed her eyes at him.
"Arey nahi.. tumse kya chupana... wo bas abhi batana nahi chah raha tha... par koi baat nahi... bata deta hu."
"Hmm.. batao.. abhi ke abhi."
"Actually maine yaha ki ek company take over kiya hain. Doobti hui hai.. par I will manage..."
"What? I mean, why would you do that?"
"Tarika! This 1.5 years is enough for me okay? Ab aur experiment nahi karna mujhe with long distance relationship. Tumhe kya laga, main tumse shadi karke tumhe yaha chorke chala jaunga? Agar aisahi karna hota toh tumhe yaha bhejne se pehle na kar leta shadi!"
"Tumne mere liye..."
"Ah huh... correction... Hamare liye. Dekho Tarika, sab fit hai bilkul... aj nahi toh kal main weisey bhi London mein apna business extend karne hi wala tha. Mouka or bahana dono mil gaya." Abhijeet held her both hands, "udhar sab Baba aur Akash dekh lega.. aur Sarah bhi toh hogi."
"Sarah ke bina idhar manage kar loge tum?" Tarika taunted him.
"Kya matlab tumhara? Uske bina main samal nahi sakta sab kuch?" He left her hands.
"Nahi.. mera matlab tha.. uske tarah kuan jhelega tumhe?" She said with a serious face.
"Haan wo to- hey! Tumhe toh main..."
Tarika laughed. Then after a few moments she became sad.
"Uncle Aunty tumhe miss karenge."
"Haan wo toh karenge hi. Mahesh uncle bhi toh tumhe miss karte hain."
Tarika nodded.
"Aren't you excited for our married life?" Abhijeet asked.
"I am." She said after an initial nod. "But tumhara yaha sab yu chor charke ana..."
"Nahi Tarika sab chorke nahi.. yaha ekbar settle ho gaya business.. toh main Mumbai atey jate rahunga.. aur phir tum kaha settle hogi us hisab se main apna entire business settle karunga... Dono ke hi choice maine rakhti hai na."
"Abhijeet main Mumbai wapas jaungi.. aur is bat pe dusra koi behes nahi hoga."
"Ok madam. Jeisa ap kahe.. "
Tarika smiled.
"Shadi mein kya chahiye tumhe.. as a gift?" Abhijeet asked
"De toh rahe ho... Paris trip."
"Wo toh Daya ke taraf se."
"Acha? Tum usey kya de rahe ho?"
"Diya na.. Car."
"Oh haan.. bhul gayi... Acha, jo mangungi wo doge?"
"Haan..." Abhijee said romantically
"Mukar toh nahi joge na?"
"Jaan mang ke dekh lo janejahan..."
"Jaan wan nahi chahiye.. bas kuch janna hain."
"Kya?"
"Usdin maine Vodka pike kya kiya?"
"Haha.. tum ab bhi waha pe atki hui ho!! Mujhe laga bhul gayi!! Abhijeet laughed.
"Mujhe janna hain." Tarika said, stubborn.
"Janke kya karogi! Abhi toh hamari shadi bhi hone wali hain. Raat gayi baat gayi.."
"Abhijeet tum.."
"Kaunsi raat ki baat ho rahi bhai?"Daya interrupted them.
Tarika looked away, blushing a bit.
"Arey Daya.. Kaha tha tu? Sarah agayi?"
"Nahi atehi hogi.. Hi Tarika."
"Hello Daya."
"Yaar tum meri shadi pe nahi ayi... main tumse ab bhi naraj hu... ye main Abhijeet ki taraf se aya hu yaha.. orna main bhi nahi ata tumhare shadi mein."
"I am sorry Daya... tum toh jantehi ho ki mujhe chutti nahi mil paya "
"Koi nahi.. main majak kar raha tha.. weisey agar Abhijeet ne kaha hota toh main 3 months rukke shadi kar leta."
"Arey mujhe kaha pata tha? Maine toh yesab recently plan kiya na " Abhijeet defended himself.
"Acha Daya Sarah Ki Mom reh rahi hai tumlogo ke sath?"
"Arey nahi.. ne bhi unhe kaha par wo manti hi nahi... Toh Sarah ne pass mein unke liye apartment rent pe liya hain. 24 hour ek maid rehti hai unke sath aur Sarah bhi roz jati hain. Kabhi kabhi wo bhi ajati hai ghumne. Toh bas chal raha hain. Dad bhi khus hai Sarah se."
"Thats really good." Tarika smiled.
Tarika's chachi called her.
"Main abhi ayi.." Tarika excused herself
"Haan Haan Jao."
Tarika left from there.
"Kyu boss... Vodka pike kya kiya tha Tarika ne? Kyu nahi batate usey?" Daya teased his best friend.
"Kuch bhi nahi hua tha.." Abhijeet smirked
"Kya?"
"Haan... wo bohot irrelevant batein kar rahi thi.. 80% batein mujhe samajh hi nahi ay..."
"Acha? Phir bata dena tha na usey.. etne din bad bhi us baat se pareshan ho hain."
"Pagal hain?? I will tease her about it till we get old together." Abhijeet winked
"Sach mein Yaar... matlab ek larki ke sath tu apna pura zindagi bitane ke soch raha hain.. ye agar 5-6 sal pehle mujhse koi keh deta toh main toh believe hi nahi karta " Daya said.
Abhijeet looked in front of him. His eyes settled on Tarika, who was trying some jewllaries on her.
"Mujhe bhi kaha pata tha yaar ki mere dil ke tar isse aise jur jainge. " He looked at her with love filled eyes.
Daya's phone ranged so he excused himself and Abhijeet kept look at his would be bride without blinking his eyes as both the family were busy in deciding rituals which gonna tie him with her for 7 life times.
"Toh akhir kar jur hi gai na Tere Mere Dil." Abhijeet spoke on his mind.
The End.
.
AN: So, the story ends here. Writing an AU WAS tough. Coz you have to imagine them in a whole new environment. This is not one of my best work I know but still many of you supported me in this journey. Thank you so much.
Will be back with a new story soon.
Don't forget to review the last chapter.