"Why?" Ishaan asked."I can't" I replied."You don't trust me?" "It's not that. First of all my parents would be outraged. Let's say I manage to convince them and get their approval. My mom would be constantly nagging us to get wedded as soon as possible. I haven't even considered how your parents would react. It would be a total mess.""Who cares! It's our life Aarya.""I care Ishaan and you should as well. You will realize soon what your family means to you."I didn't know then that my words were prophetic. "Hmmm, so I have to continue suffering like this." He said morosely.I looped my arm around his neck and spoke in his ears " who said so? Whenever we are together we'll make the most of it."He turned a bit to face me."Aarya you drive me crazy do you know that?" "Hmmm and what else do I make you feel?"He turned towards me facing the bonnet and pulled me down so that my body slid into his waiting arms. I wrapped my jeans-clad leg around his waist. Still sitting on the car bonn

Things were going on smoothly again. Though the frequency of Ishaan's Mumbai visits had increased. Sometimes he used to disappear for the weeks then pop in again. He said he was extremely busy in handling businesses. I believed him.Months passed. It was October. Almost 1 year since we had been together. It was my Birthday, and we were celebrating in a club. Ishaan had arranged everything.The party was in full swing. I was sitting on the couch with Swati. Taking a break unconsciously touching the diamond bracelet which Ishaan had gifted me. It matched my diamond pendant which was always around my neck. My eyes automatically glanced in his direction. He was engaged in an intense discussion with other guys.As if on cue he turned to look at me and winked. I blushed and smiled back. He had been hovering around me like a month since he laid eyes on me this evening.For the party, I had worn a silver dress which was simple from the front but had a daring low cut back.His eyes had popped

When my eyes opened I was looking up at an unfamiliar ceiling. My head was still hurting.I turned sideways to see Swati dozing off on a chair. I realized I was in a hospital.I tried sitting up which woke Swati. She rushed to me."Aarya! Wait" she supported."Keep laying down. You are still very weak.""What happened Swati?" I asked.She looked disturbed."You fainted Aarya. Thank God you are fine now." "How long was I knocked out. Did you inform my parents?""Shhhh, don't worry. You fainted just this morning. Your parents don't know anything yet.""What happened to me Swati?" I asked.She bit her lips "I will tell you everything. Just relax. Let me call the doctor. Ok?" She left while I recalled the series of events. I remembered seeing Ishaan's engagement picture and a fresh spate of tears welled in my eyes."Glad to see you are awake" a pretty doctor walked in followed by Swati."Hi, I am a doctor Smita. I am your gynaecologist."I looked puzzled at her then Swati.Swati interrup

Aarya picked up her phone sleepily as it buzzed."Hello" she spoke into it.There was no response.She cut the call and snuggled into her pillow again. These prank calls were annoying. Even more annoying than those offering bank loans or credit cards.She checked her mobile it was 5:30 am.She still had time to catch a few more minutes of sleep. Instead, she tossed and turned for several minutes then gave up.Yawning she stretched her tired body, pinned her shoulder-length curls into a messy bun, and got off the bed.Her therapist had recommended yoga to calm her anxiety. She had the time to do that now. Her 1 bedroom flat was parsley furnished as she rarely had visitors. She hated Bangalore when she had initially arrived but eventually, she had grown to love it.Staying in Delhi was out of the question especially after her divorce 4 years ago. Things were messy and complicated. Shashank and Aarya had parted mutually and they were still good friends but that didn't stop the wagging to

It was almost 7 Aarya who was still in office. She was supposed to meet him at 7, which she very much wanted to skip. She went into the washroom and splashed cold water on her face. She looked tired and harassed. She had braved curious questions from her colleagues all day regarding Ishaan and she was pissed off.She brushed her hair and tied them in a tight ponytail. "Why should I meet him?" She thought.Many years had passed but the memories were still fresh. Showing up would mean ripping an old wound. But there was something in his eyes which was calling out to her.Sadness....there was a strange sadness in them.Ishaan was waiting in the hotel's lounge area. It was 7:30. He sighed but he was sure that she would arrive.At 8 Aarya arrived. She was dressed the same as the office.He immediately got up and offered her his hand. She didn't take it and said "Ok so what do you want to say?""Whoa, Aarya relax. Shall we sit and talk. Are you coming straight from the office?""Yes""God!!