Story 2

The Gentleman Who Stole My Heart

Chapter 5

"Arjun. " I said looking at him earnestly. Letting my shields fall. The connect between us was tremendous. I could feel what he felt. How could that happen?

"I don't know what to say. Things appear pretty fast of you see from where I stand. But, Thank you! "

"Thank you?" He asked amused.

"It is not easy to love someone so much. So Thank You. " I said simply.

He smiled.

"I don't know what love is. I don't know if I can ever love someone more than my family, more than myself. I am selfish there you see. I can't.." I was feeling so helpless. Here was a man who loved me so much. I did not need proofs or reasons to believe his love was true. His eyes said it all. Then there was me. Confused in head and heart. For I was scared of heartbreak -they said it hurt. I was scared of waking up to find this was all a beautiful dream. I was a simple girl in a simple world. 

"Hey, I don't want you to love me back. I mean I'd love if you do, but it's not an compulsion. "

I raised my gaze up to meet his eyes. "That's easy to say, Mr. Arjun !" I smiled.

His smile faded. "Try me." It reappeared again- His smile. 

I was tempted to. Tempted to allow him to love me in exchange of nothing. It wouldn't break my heart. He was willing to love me for nothing. What was he? How could I be so selfish? No. But temptation won. The temptation to be loved by someone so selflessly. 

"It will always be an arranged marriage for me."  I said simply.

"A love marriage for me."

"I don't know whether I would ever love you back!" I said studying his expression. He did not flinch.

"I just want you to let me love you." 

This man couldn't be real. I felt a voice in my head cursing me. How could I? But right now, I couldn't see anything but those eyes which made promise to love me forever. The feeling was ineffable. 

He got on his knees and pocketed out a ring. No! No! No! This was grand dream that would come to a crashing end. I pinched myself slightly. No this wasn't a dream. 

"Will you be my wife ?  Will you marry me, Nisha?"

"Arjun." I panicked. This wasn't necessary. Not when I was far from the land of love.

"I know, I know, you don't love me. But my love is enough for us, for now. Will you?"

I slipped my hand into his. My life would come to this point, was unimaginable. But this was enchantingly beautiful. He made me feel beautiful. He made me wear the ring. I smiled. I could feel the heat rushing to my cheeks. 

He got on his feet and smiled. His hand moving up from my palm to my forearm and towards my shoulder. I did not realise I had goosebumps over my skin until his hand moved over it. His other hand moved to my waist. He was closer. I closed my eyes. He would kiss me! Again! 

The ring of my phone broke the build up. He grinned looking away. I was sure I was red. Thanks to the dim light that it wouldn't be visible to him.

It was Daadi! Ahh! 

"Hello." 

I nodded listening to her. "Yes, we were just leaving Daadi." I said. He smiled as I ended the call.

"Daadi! It's late." I said moving my hands randomly. 

"Yeah " he said pocketing his hands. "Shall we?" 

He asked extending his right hand.

"Yeah we should. " I walked. 

The drive was silent. I wondered what he thought about me. I was lost thinking about it all. Ever since he entered my slow life, it started accelerating like crazy. 

He finally pulled the car before the entry of the street. Luckily enough the street's entry was closed." I will walk. It's just second house from here."

"Alright!"

"Arjun." I said before getting off. 

He looked at me immediately. I liked the way he looked at me. 

"Keep this for now. You can make me wear it on engagement. " I said extending my hand to him.

"There is no way I am taking that off!" He said pointing at the ring. 

I sighed and removed it, then outstretched my hand to give to him.

" Neither am I taking it back." He said.

" But.."

"No!"

"If someone sees it I will be in a fix. " I said quickly. Should have thought of putting my concern into better words.

He smiled. "Tell them your 'to be husband' gave it to you!"

I gaped and then a smile grew over my face. He grinned and I looked away. 

"You have no clue how much you blush." He said, making me bite my lower lip nervously.

"No. I don't. Ahh, I should get going. " I wore the ring in my other hand. "Bye."

"Good night!"

I looked at him through the window. "Thank you. Goodnight!"

He grinned, God adorable man!

On the walk till home I slowly slipped the ring out and put it in my clutch. No chances. I barely wore rings. It  would be easily noted. My orthodox family would have their own debates over it if the spotted it. I was glad I did that. As soon as I entered I was bombarded with questions. My first cousin, Yashita was there. I was surprised. But soon my surprise went down the drain as my marriage became the talk. 

I slipped into my room to change.I quickly removed the ring and looked at it. Then locked it up with my jewelry. After changing into 3-4th pants and a tank top I sat on the bed thinking about the day's events, specifically the night's. Sighing I slept. Tomorrow would be an another eventful day.

The next day the house was filled with excitement and I found myself filled with nervousness. Was everything going right? Hope so.

Daadi and mom had booked an appointment at a saloon for me and had asked me to go directly from office and even get dressed there. They wold pick me up from there and then we would head to 'his' home. For Jagraata ! The thought is seeing him had me nervous. What was this weird feeling? 

* * *

I was running late in the evening. I told my parents to carry on and be on time and that I would come shortly. This was all because of the saloon in the schedule, had it not been there I would be on time. Yet again he would think I was always late. Whatever.

* * *

They all beamed welcoming me. I smiled. Too much attention on me. I reminded myself the moment would pass. But just when there attention got less. He came smiling at me. I smiled back. That was a formal smile. 

"Arjun, you show her around, we all are tired with the first round!" Her Daadi said chuckling, while I touched her feet. 

"Oh dear, don't make me feel old by touching my feet. Do that to your grandma she will be happy. I am still young!" She laughed And I couldn't help but join her in laughing. My Daadi shrugged asking us to go and come fast before the pandit came.

I looked at him and he smiled, leading the way. Awkwardness begins!

-Anami!

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