Part 4: SHE's with ME

As the days were passing, my relationship with Zarek was getting stronger. We started meeting often as Zarek use to come to meet me during weekdays also, after his classes and sometimes he misses the work also to stay longer with me. And during weekends, at his parent’s place, we use to spend our days together. The life was moving smoothly and like a fairy tale, everything was falling in place. I was getting care and love from all the corners and people of my life. Life cant’ get better than this for me.

And then the day has come. It was supposed to be the most important day for Zarek as today his result for a permanent job with Govt. was supposed to get released. And we all were scared and curious about that. Zarek was home and continuously trying to open the web page where the result was to get flashed first. And finally, after about 1000 refreshes, it showed something. The result was announced. With all the nervousness and shivers, he somehow managed to type his enrollment number. And then jumped with his full force to see that he got through. We all were happy more than the words can ever explain. His mom and dad were the luckiest and the happiest people on earth at that time. Everyone hugged him and patted his back and also his parents were the proud parents by then. They got busy phoning everyone in their contact list. Their happiness was something different and I have never seen anyone this happy before. And I proudly gives the credit of this moment to Zarek and only Zarek. He was the source of this pious feeling and he deserves the best in life for this.

And when his parents were busy sharing their happiness with possibly everyone under the sun, Zarek came to me and asked, “SO?”

Me: So?

Zarek: Don’t you want to congratulate me on my achievement?

Me: I think I have already done that Zarek.

Z: You know what I want from you as your wishes!

M: Zarek, don’t be stupid! Everyone is around and you know I can’t give you something which you want at this moment.

Z: Come with me. (And he started to pull me towards the lawn outside)

After reaching there, I looked him in his eyes, I could get lost in them forever. His face was inches away from mine, he kept looking at my eyes then my lips. I closed my eyes and leaned in, our lips touched and this time it was sweeter, slower and it held passion.

Once our lips touched I felt sparks, there is no denying that I liked it, there is also no denying that I felt something for Zarek. I raised my hands and wrapped it around his neck as his grip around my waist tightened. Our lips moved in sync and it started off slow but soon became fast.

We pulled away for breath of air, I was panting and trying to catch my breath. I felt my cheeks get hot just by thinking of this kiss, I looked up at Zarek and saw he was staring at me with his beautiful eyes.

I was happy but also confused! “Zarek---“ I started but was cut off. “Shhh Aarshi”, he said while putting his finger on my lips. “I know that you are confused and to be honest. I am confused too. But all I know is that I feel something for you and I can’t ignore these feelings anymore.” He stated.

My eyes widened and I felt butterflies in my stomach, I was shocked by his words that I couldn’t even talk. He then asked me, “Shall I talk to my parents now or you want to wait?” I was quite and he further stated, “Or you can continue with your degree and by the time you will be over with it, I will be over with my training and we can get married then.”

I could only say, “As you like and wish.” He ran back to his parents and told them about us. And also expressed that he wants to get married to me but only when he is independent and starts working. So all that he wanted from them at that time was to talk to my parents and ask for some time. They happily agreed because somehow I felt that they also wanted the same.

Part 3: SHE's with ME

Today Zarek have to leave from his parent’s home. I came downstairs, all excited for the first day of my university and got to see Mrs. Ludwig, little low as she always hate the feeling of Zarek leaving. It is not only because he never calls her on time but also he always finds excuses for not visiting his parents regularly. We all had our breakfast together and then Mr. Ludwig asked Zarek if he could accompany me to my university and also guides me with the way to and fro. He agreed and after giving our greeting for a nice day to his parents, we moved towards the bus stand to catch the route to university. Zarek’s university and also his place of work was near to mine, as told by him. During our way, he was careful to tell me everything about the place, the route, the area near by etc. etc. ……

When we were about to reach, he asked me my contact details, to which I told him that I don’t have any mobile number as of now. After hearing that he gave me his number and told me that if in case I need to call him, I should not hesitate. And with a promise to see me soon, he left for his destination. The day at the college went super nice. All the students were friendly and so were the teachers. Everyone was excited to see me as I was the only Indian among all of us. The curiousness among all of them to know about the culture, religions, traditions and most importantly to know more about Taj Mahal in India was extremely evident. Day ended faster than expected and I was about to head back to home when I noticed Zarek waiting for me at the place where he had left me in the morning. I was surprised to see him as we had no such plans and I was supposed to leave on my own.

He came closer, held my hand, kissed on my cheek and asked, “How was the day?” I got a shiver in my body but still I could manage to reply that it was wonderful and I enjoyed being here. And then I asked him about the reason for his presence here. He told me that he is not working today so he dropped in and will be going home with me. We again traveled together. I knew that it was never the case with him earlier, coz whenever he was not working, he always kept himself busy with the preparation. But unlike those days, today he decided to accompany me to back home. I knew, he was worried and wanted to take care of me, at least for the first day. We finally reached home and his parents were equally shocked to see him with me. They were happy and so was I. We had our dinner together and moved on to our rooms.

Next day Zarek and I again went together but in the evening after classes got over, I came back alone. Weeks passed by like this. Zarek use to come home now for weekends only and it use to be the best time. I don’t know when and how, but I have started liking him somehow.

The month was about to get over, and it is the time when I have to move to my hostel. Mrs. Ludwig, like a mom, wanted me to stay with them only but against all her wishes, I had to move to my hostel. And now, I have started missing my family more than before and also I have started missing my uncle and aunty too. Mrs. Ludwig use to call me often at my hostel’s landline but there was no way now, I could talk with Zarek or meet him except when we are at home at the common times and days.

This is the first weekend when I was visiting Mrs. And Mr. Ludwig, but there was no sign of Zarek coming in. I felt incomplete as if something was missing. I did not enjoyed my stay. But then Mrs. Ludwig informed me that his exam is scheduled for Monday and because of that he is not visiting this weekend. I had no option but to stay alone at home, without him. Actually, the house was just a building of concrete without him. He is the life of this house and when he is not here, the life is missing.

On Sunday evening, we all talked with him over a phone call to wish him luck for his exam. He sounded little worried but still he is the humorous and lively Zarek. And then the next week, I could not talk with him the entire week. I was even unable to find out about his exam. Also since my tests were approaching, I decided to stay back at hostel to give some extra time for my preparations, so this was the longest duration we did not see each other.

Now I am missing him like anything. But I was not sure if he also feels the same or not. The weekend, after my exams, was almost there and I have a plan to visit Zarek’s parents this time. I truly wished for his presence too. And finally on Friday evening when I was about to leave for home, I saw Zarek waiting for me. Immediately when he saw me, he came running towards me and hugged me tightly. While hugging, he expressed his feeling by saying, he missed me so much. And first kissed me on my cheeks and asked, how have I been? Without waiting for my reply, he moved his lips on to mine and placed a tender kiss on those. I never wanted him to stop but…. I pulled myself little away from me and with a sparkling eyes I asked him to let’s get going towards home.

He held my hand tightly with his one hand and placed his another hand around my waist. We were moving towards the bus stop. And this time he was full of questions.

Zarek: So how have you been the entire month?

Me: The month was OK and so was I! I had exams, so I could not visit home.

Z: you never even called?

Me: I missed your number.

Z: you could have asked for the same from mom!

Me: Hmmmm….. (I kept quite)

Z: I missed you so much. Did you miss me too?

Me: Yes!

Z: Do you like me?

Me: I again opted to remain quite….

Z: I did not get your answer sweets!

Me: Do you like me? (Instead I asked him a question)

Z: Yes! A lot….. Rather I think I have feelings for you more than just liking you. I think I am falling in love with you.

Me: Bus is here… let’s go…..

Z: why are you avoiding my question?

Me: Zarek, let’s get in first, because I don’t want to miss it.

Z: Answer me first, otherwise I am not moving anywhere.

Me: Yes I like you! And I think I also feel the same for you like you feel for me.

After hearing that, he seemed like on the seventh cloud and he hugged me again before we stepped into the bus. We reached home and his parents were more than happy to see both of us together. The weekend just passed by in a blink of an eye.

It is Monday morning again, we both left for our universities together. Immediately after stepping out of the home and getting away from the sight of his parents, he dragged me to a tree and by placing my back on it, he kissed passionately on my lips. This time I kissed him back. He said, “I was starving for this. I love you Aarshi. Say you love me too.” I just moved my head in agreement.

We both were happy to express our feelings for each other. This is the new phase of my life which was waiting for me and I was really excited to have Zarek in it. He is one such complete man whom I have always wanted to be with me. I loved everything about him. He was hardworking, sensible, independent and also the most caring one around me here in Denmark. When we were about to reach, he asked me, “Will you miss me?” I replied, “What do you think?” He just gave me his number again and asked me to call him whenever I can. He knew that it’s not allowed to keep a cell phone in the hostel and also, it will not be wise if he will call me so he did not even asked me about my number. And we parted, with a promise to meet soon.

Part 2: SHE's with ME

It is my first morning in Denmark. I woke up early and wanted to go out for some fresh air and may be a walk if I get a chance. The moment I stepped out of my room towards the lobby, I saw all three of them were sitting on the dining table and sipping their different favorites. Mrs. Ludwig was having green tea whereas Mr. Ludwig had black coffee and Zarek was about to leave for jogging with a water tumbler in his hands. I greeted them morning and they reciprocated the same with equal affection. Just then, Zarek offered me to come with him for a morning walk. And I thought that if I would have asked for something big from God today morning, I would have got that too. I happily accepted Zarek’s offer and went with him with the permission of Mrs. & Mr. Ludwig.

Zarek is such a charmer and a very humorous person to interact with. He never let you get bored. It was my first day in Denmark and I am almost a stranger to him as well as to this place, but he never let me realized that. I was thoroughly enjoying his company. And it was so very kind of him to make me aware of the ways and surroundings near to their place. He showed me all the shops around, in case if I want something and also told me that I can come to this joggers’ park every day for walk if I want. There he made me meet with many of his local friends and neighbours of ours.

During walk only, he asked me about my plans and what kind of course I am here for? He also asked me if I am comfortable staying at his parent’s house or not. All in all, he was friendly, cooperative and very lively person. During our walk only we have decided to go for a coffee in a nearby café in the evening. According to Zarek, this is the café one must visit because it gives you the flavor of everything under the same roof. Like it is run by an Indo-Danish family so with the flavours of India in Denmark, you not only enjoy the Hindi songs out there but sometimes, if you are lucky, you can get a chance to meet Mrs. Malhotra who is the owner of the café and a very loving lady to spend time with. Except her, no one in the café understands Hindi and they prefer to speak in Danish and sometimes in English, to the new guests. So with all this sort of background, I was very excited to visit the café.

After coming back from walk, we all had breakfast together and Zarek introduced me with some Danish words. During the day, we all did gardening, cleaning of house, also me and Zarek went to the market to get some stuff for kitchen, Mr. Ludwig washed and cleaned his car and surprisingly it took him almost half a day. I was wondering that all the things which we outsource or hire household help for, back home, are done personally here. And not only these are done rather people enjoy doing all those things. This gives them satisfaction and also a sense of belonging.

And finally its evening! As decided, we got ready to go to café for the coffee. Mrs. & Mr. Ludwig were very happy to see that Zarek was taking a good care of me, which is usually not the case with him as he is most of the time busy with the studies, preparation or his job. But unlike all other times, this time he himself was volunteering and this is something I was also enjoying. Not for a single minute till now I have felt that this is not my country and this is not my family.

I got dressed in my casuals and went to the living room where Zarek was already waiting for me. He asked if I will walk down to café or shall he ask for the car from his dad to which I told that I prefer to walk. Actually, it was his company which will not make you realize the distance and being lively he will not let anyone get bored around him. We started towards the café and after every 10 minutes he was informing me that it’s just about 10 more minutes and we will be there. Actually it was really far off from the house but at no point in time he allowed the tiredness to take stroll on my body. Finally after about a 40 minutes of walk, we reached the place. It was really a treat to eyes to see such a beautifully decorated café. It actually had a different fragrance in its atmosphere. Everyone out there were enjoying the famous MASALA TEA, the specialty of that café. The staff there looked familiar with Zarek, as if he is a regular client of the café and also a good friend to them. Whoever saw him there, without missing, they all wished him in a friendly manner and asked about his parents.

He introduced me with everyone, whoever met him there till we settled ourselves on a window side table with a spectacular view outside. He asked me what will I have, and I replied that lets have something which you like the most here. And as a custom for him, he ordered two Masala Tea for us. He spotted someone on the other corner of the café, who seems to be known to him so he took an excuse from me for some time to go and meet that person. I was sitting alone on the table and enjoying the view outside when someone came and said / asked something, “hvem er du med frue?” After hearing some alien language I had no option other than giving an equally alien look. Immediately, Zarek came running towards our table and asked the person, “hvad er ven sag?” to which he replied, “jeg spurgte Fru at hvem hun er med.” Then again Zarek said, “hun er med mig.” The person smiled and went back.

Now it was Zarek’s turn to explain me with things. He said, when he was with his friend in café, he saw one of these waiters asking me something. And he knew that this waiter doesn’t speak anything other than Danish, and that is why he came running towards me. And he told me what he asked! “He asked you that whom r you with? To which you gave him an alien look. Later he repeated the same question to me on asking. And I replied that You are with me!”

With a cherry red colour on my cheeks, I smiled and turned my face towards the window. After about 10 minutes the same waiter came to deliver our order we exchanged smiles now. While sipping the Masala Tea, Zarek was completely engrossed in the Hindi songs and the cozy, friendly & warm atmosphere of the café. He shared with me that whenever he feels strange, he comes here. This place gives him peace of mind and helps him to find himself in the fast moving mechanical life. I also enjoyed every bit of the place. It was not different from what Zarek has told me about it. And after about an hour of sitting in the café, we said goodbye to the people there. While we were about to exit through the main door, the same waiter came and said “coem tilbage snart”. To which Zarek replied “Jo da! Takker dig.” Again he explained me that the waiter asked us to come back again soon, to which he replied Sure! Thank you. 

Part 1: SHE's with ME

Life has been a wonderful gift to me! Being the only child of my parents, I have always been treated as a princess and whatever I have asked for; I have got that without any delays and questions. And at the same time, I was reserved, logical, practical and an obedient child of my parents. My parents loved me more than anything in the world. They knew what parent’s love means to a growing child. This was because of the fact that my mom’s parents got separated when she was just four and have never got the love from anyone of them; whereas my dad’s parents passed away in a car accident when he was just seven. I think I will not be wrong if I put it like this that life has been very cruel to both of my parents. But since the day they have got married, I think they have started loving the life they have been gifted with. The transformation in their thinking came because they could bring in love in each other’s life, which was earlier missing. Now with each passing day, they wanted to live together forever and love each other. They wanted to live every minute at their disposal and when I came in their life, it was like a heaven on earth for them. They named me Aarshi, which was a combination of both of their names i.e. Aarav and Sakshi. And since childhood, I have had a blessed life, which every child desires for.

I was 18 when I moved to Denmark for further degree. That was for the first time I was getting away from my parents. Rather it was even more difficult for them because their life moves around only one being and that was me. It had been a worst feeling while departing from the airport. The dimming sight of them, as I was getting closer to the airport entrance, was the inexpressible sensation. I felt like going away from my life. The first thought which came to my mind at that time was to question my own decision. My parents are everything to me and moving away from them for just one extra degree is not a wiser decision I have taken. I thought of moving backward to live my life with them. But then my mom’s teaching echoed in my ears, “Life is a bad teacher. It gives you hardest of test to check whether you deserve the best in life or not! And when you pass in those tests, it gives you even better rewards, which you may not have ever imagined.” And considering this parting as one of my tests, I moved on. Leaving all the feelings aside and concentrating on the future goals, I just moved on.

With a brave heart, I landed in Denmark. I have been received by Mrs. & Mr. Ludwig. They are my parents’ friends. Since my dad is into tourism industry, he has many good friends almost all around the world. And we are used to get the homely treatment everywhere in the world. Where ever we go, whether it is for leisure or for business, we always get a home away from home. And so as a custom, I have a home in Denmark too. They were as loving and caring as a family and not just I have got a home away from home but a family too. Although I have taken the hostel facility, but for the first month I have been requested to stay with them at their place. They wanted to make sure that I get accustomed with the place, rules, regulations and also the ways to travel in the city. And I had no option other than to say yes to them.

We reached their home, which was a bit in the country-side area. But without a shadow of doubt, they have got a beautiful house. I met Zarek there. He is Mrs. & Mr. Ludwig only son. He seems to be of my age. But unlike me he has a part-time job and side by side he is preparing for a Danish Govt.’s job test. Along with that he is enrolled with the University for his degree course, to which he goes in the morning every weekday and during weekends, either he prepares for his job test or works overtime. And still if he gets some time off, he visit his parents. And to their surprise, he was at home to meet them.

We were introduced to each other by Mrs. Ludwig. And after a shorter session of introduction, I have been asked to call my parents back home to inform them about my safe arrival. Since keeping a cell phone in the hostel was not allowed and also taking a new connection was not that easy in that city so it was a mutual decision of me and my parents that I will not have a cell phone instead I will be using Mrs. & Mr. Ludwig landline to converse with them back home. So I phoned them and inform them about my safe arrival and the humble attitude of my hosts. They were happy to know this and I decided to keep my conversation brief as I was tired and also others were waiting for me to have dinner together.

It was really nice to be eating the proper Danish food and also the conversation to get to know each other was an experience in itself. Although I was meeting each one of them for the first time but none of them made me realize that way. It seems like I knew them since ages. After dinner Mrs. Ludwig guided me to a very pretty room, which she addressed as my room. It was really a loving and the most humble gesture of her. The room was really really beautiful, with all the important things in place and the decor done with the most delicate taste. What else one can ask for in a stranger country? I thanked her for all the things she have done and greeted her the best for night.  

FINAL: Pursuing Pink

We were getting close with each passing day. And today, he wished me morning differently. He came closer and asked by hugging me tightly, “how did u sleep my love?” he kissed me gently on my lips. All looked like a fairy tale moment, where I could not do anything more than feeling his closeness and his warm hug. I replied, “Night went fine, but it seems you are not fine today?” to which Joy reply was really weird, he said, “How can I be fine without you not being around on my bed”. And then our conversation went on like this….. Since it was Sunday and we had the whole lot of time to argue today and probably that is why Joy had chosen this day to behave like this.

By pulling Joy away, I asked “What do you mean?”

"Oh Pink! Don’t you think that we should accept it now that we both cannot think of ourselves without each other? Why do you feel shy in accepting this fact? Please try and understand that it is getting difficult for me to see you so far off although you are just a room away. You seems really far off… I need you to be with me all the time, and when I am saying all the time I mean all the time… the whole day and the whole night… please love accept it and start living it”

“Joy, I don’t know what are you talking about? And I doesn’t even know that why are you talking like this? I don’t love you. We are just friends and I know my limitations and also please make sure in your mind that we are poles apart. We can never come together because we are not meant to be. You are and your world is entirely different from me and my world. We both belongs to different places all together and by bringing in only this thought, you are creating more problems for me as well as for you.”

“Pink that means you don’t feel anything for me? You don’t like when I come close to you? You don’t feel anything when I kisses you? You don’t feel worried when I come late to pick you up from work? Or you don’t panic when you don’t see me on the breakfast table in the morning before you? Tell me you don’t and I will believe to all that you have just said.”

I was quite for some time because I knew that whatever Joy had just mention, everything was true to its core. But still I was afraid to accept it. And immediately when I tried to open my mouth to say NO, joy warned me to speak only truth. “You have to swear by me that whatever you will say, will going to be correct”. He gave me a small nod. His expressions told that he couldn’t wait to see what I will do or say next.

I stopped when I was a few inches away from him. I could feel his breath, smell the mint in it. “What do you have for me Pink?” he asked, his voice low and breathy. It was a passionate kiss, hard and deep and made me long for something I wasn’t ready for. His hands were all over my body, possessive, craving, demanding. My head was spinning. My heart was beating so fast. He grabbed my arm and whipped me around, my arms sliding across his chest as our bodies came in contact. I twisted away but he grabbed my other arm, immobilizing me.

His face was contorted with anger and frustration as he glared at me and said, “I have been walking on the eggshells around you. I can’t live like this. What do you want from me?” I wanted to slap him but my arms were locked in his hands. “Stop being coward and tell me what you feel, dammit. Because I am done with your games, Pink.” He said angrily, his grip tightening around my arms. And then his eyes turned soft, his voice in painful whisper as he asked, “Do you want me or not?”

“I do, damn you!”

I grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him down for a punishing kiss. I kissed him because he put butterflies in my stomach and I loved and hated that feeling. I kissed him because he made me hope for something I thought was broken, something I thought I could never have. I kiss him because he was Joy.

My heart drummed as I felt his hands on my back, pulling me against his hard body. I kissed him harder, biting his plum bottom lip. I heard his intake of breath and that encouraged me to kiss him harder. My hands dug on his arms, taking everything he was giving me. His fingers caressed the exposed skin on my back, sending shivers through me. I placed my hands on his chest, pushing him a little as I realized that I needed to catch my breath.

“Wait I want to talk”…. “Stop talking woman”, he whispered, kissing my shoulders. “Mmm….” He purred, smelling my skin behind my ear. “You smell so good, taste so good.”

His hands went to caress my whole body. “I want to make love with you so bad, Pink, its all I can think about.” It was like an ice bucket was thrown over my head. I grabbed his hands to stop them from…. Doing whatever they were going to do. He was breathing loudly, we both were, but he stopped as soon as I asked him to. “I am not going to push you. This is all up to you. I promise you.” I nodded. I wondered what he would think if I told him that I want him as eagerly as he wants me. “I am also in love with you Joy.” His mouth closed. Opened, closed again. He blew out a breath, raking his fingers in his hair as he looked at me. And then he smiled. “God. You don’t know how happy that made me. How proud I am feeling now. I can’t wait, baby.” He kissed my lips. I burrowed in his chest. I gasped when he said he loves me. He looked at me like he knew what I was thinking. He smiled knowingly and whispered, “You are worth it, Pink. The pursue was worth it.”

Part 6: Pursuing Pink

I was again left confused. This guy really had something in him. I dropped the idea of going to library and thought of staying back home as Joy had already left. I were in the deepest thoughts that whatever I am doing with Joy, is it correct way of reciprocating the favours he had being doing for me? The way I am treating him since that night, is it the right way one should be treated, when u are equally at fault? Because down there in my heart I knew that whatever happened that night was not at all his fault rather I showed him my willingness too. He never went against any of my wish. Then why am I treating him like that? Or maybe I am unable to justify my own actions and in return I am giving him the punishment by behaving like this. All my thoughts were for him at that moment. I didn’t know why, really why I just couldn’t stop thinking about him?

I didn’t even hear the sound of door when it opened and Joy entered the house. I was sitting in the same position, at the same place in the living room since Joy had left. He got little worried again to see me the way i have been sitting as if i were some statue.

He came near to me and asked me again, “what has happened to you Pink? Why don’t you understand that we have not done anything wrong for God Sake! That night, you were scared and broken and all you wanted at that time was a person who could made you feel safer. And that is exactly what I proved to be that night.” I wanted him to hug me again….. Oh God! What was happening with me? I apologized to him for my wired behavior. i also made him clear with the reason behind that. I told him that he is the first ever person with whom I shared everything about me. He is the first one who saw me breaking down as before that I never cried in front of anyone. And most importantly, he is the first person who could come so close to I physically and mentally and also got the polite behavior, instead of retaliating one, from me.

I think he knew it already and for being the first in my life for so many things, he was very proud of himself also. He smiled and whispered, “So now can we please be normal again?” I could only smile back and said sorry again. Being the smartest guy around, he knew how to charm any girl, this is something I use to listen from the people in campus about him, but today I was experiencing it myself. He was really a man who could convince anyone so effortlessly so as to make them think that without it they were wrong.

He also told me that he knew it already that we go to the same college so from Monday onwards he wanted us to go together and that was not a kind of request he was making. Rather his tone was authoritative to which I could not say no. This man really had something inside else it was not easy for me to obey to everything which he was saying without raising any further question or asking for the reason behind.

I discussed further about my plans with him. i told him that i was in search of getting a part time work soon and also to study more than required to maintain my grades because that was the only way to save my fellowship. “My friend’s dad is looking for a cashier for his workshop, I had already given your name. Just go and start working from Monday. And by coming with me to campus in the morning would save you some hours which you can devote to your studies. And by the time I get over with my basketball practice, you will be over with your work shift so every day I will pick up you from there so that you save some time in the evening also to study more than the usual.” I mean he had all the plan set already! I was stunned to hear all of it from him. He was so concerned about me and was planning everything without even me telling him to do that. And I felt so foolish again to think that he was a self-centered man and I did not matter to him in anyway.

I had the most wonderful Saturday and Sunday ever. I spent time with Joy. He also introduced me with Cathy, to whose dad’s workshop I will be going to start working from Monday. He was not at all like I use to think about him. He was caring, charming and a man to die for. He cared for me like a baby and the entire two days stood beside me, whenever we were out and wherever we were for those two days. I, kind of, was coming closer to him with each passing moment and with each of his gesture towards me. He was truly a gentleman.

It was Monday morning and the plan was set already. I cooked breakfast for us and then started with my lessons. Got ready and came to table where Joy was already waiting for me to have breakfast together. While giving a morning kiss on my cheeks he asked, “How did u sleep? So are you ready for the first day at work?” I replied by just moving my neck in yes and he hugged me to wish me good luck for the same. I accepted all his gestures with open arms and could feel a desire for more already building inside me. We both drove to college together and moved towards our respective classes. While parting our ways, Joy held my wrist and reminded me to wait for him in the evening after my working shift. I replied in yes again and moved ahead towards my class.

Weeks passed by like this and everything was moving so smooth that now I was worried of the fact that how can this happen? How is it possible that nothing wrong happened with me since long? Was it the Joy factor? Was he lucky for me? Was he the one I have been waiting for? He and only he is the one I have been always thinking now. The question was WHY?

Are you guys eager to know the answer? I am equally eager to write the next chapter… So just be little more patient! 

Part 5: Pursuing Pink

I was determined that Joy and I didn’t see each other the next morning so I woke up earlier than usual, made breakfast and posted a note on the fridge for Joy. I wrote:

Joy,

Made some eggs for breakfast.

I had to make sure I left before he did.

I refused to discuss what happened last night. It was never going to happen again. I wanted to slap myself. Why do I care what he thought of me? I do not care. Repeat, I do not care.

Even the weather matched my mood with its cloudy and dark skies as I boarded the bus immediately, not wanting him to find out I attended the same campus, not wanting the people to see that I was with him or that I knew him. Joy was a spotlight, everyone and everything around him was showcased like a bug under microscope. And I wanted to avoid every bit of it.

I wanted to miss my lectures today because of yesterday incidences but then I thought that keeping my mind busy will probably help in stop thinking about all the nonsense that happened yesterday. So I entered a class when it was just about to start.

The following weeks after that, I avoided him. I made sure that we never see each other in the mornings or even after I get home from classes and leave for dropping my CV for my new work. I had told him my hours because again it was a common courtesy. After all I was living at his place and he has a right to know whenever I come and leave.

We hadn’t spoken to each other in two weeks and he had never sought me out, so I figured I was just another past time to him. That night meant nothing to him. I meant nothing to him.

It was Friday and I was as usual attending my lecture. And then suddenly to my wildest thought and surprise, I saw Joy coming towards my classroom. He entered with the permission of the Prof. saying that he wants to attend his lecture out of interest because this was not his major and he was never seen before in this class.

My eyes shifted to Joy. He was staring at me with sorrow in his eyes. I turned around to the front again, kind of ignoring him. Suddenly, the person sitting next to me passed me a piece of paper and signaled towards Joy. In his actions and muted voice, he could convey that this paper is coming from Joy. I didn’t recall how long I stared at that note before I opened it.

I am sorry I kissed you that night.

-  Joy

I was sure that he will look and wait for me after the class to have a conversation which was pending since many weeks now. But I avoided him again after the class and immediately rushed to the library and decided to spend some good hours in there without thinking about anything and without getting distracted with his presence around me.

It was Saturday today and I decided to go to library in the morning, after I finish my work at home and from afternoon till late evening I decided to visit every damn store possible to get a job. Hence I was expecting to arrive late tonight.

I was just placing his plate in the food warmer when I heard footsteps behind me. My eyes widened in panic.

“Why are you avoiding me?” he asked, straight as you please.

I nearly dropped the plate. He stood in front of me, a towel around his neck and only wearing his sweatpants. Sweat gleamed on his forehead, on his impressive chest and going further down to his toned stomach. He obviously just finished his work out.

I cleared my throat. “I …. I am not avoiding you.” He tilted his head, studying me, I stood my ground even when I wanted to squirm. “Do you need something?” I coloured my voice with irritation. He rubbed his hand across his face. “YES”. He walked towards me, slowly, his eyes so green and intense locking on mine. I stood froze, unable to move, unable to breath. There was something thick in the air which I could almost touch. He stopped a foot away, his hands in his pockets as his eyes held mine captive.

“I need you to stop”, he whispered.

“Stop?”

“Whatever you are doing to me.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“I need to get you out of my mind.” His hands reached for my hair and he tucked it behind my ear. “You. You are something else, Pink. I won’t be able to pull away next time”. He promised and walked away.