Part 5: Chained to you: Safely

Karissa’s POV:

I walked out of the hospital… Thank God! Nobody saw me leaving after that nurse…

        I checked my watch and its 10:30pm… I need to go home quickly. I held a cab and sit inside while tapping my foot impatiently.

        When I reached home, no sounds were coming out from there and this is unusual for my home. I entered into the house and saw the lights were dim in the hall. And just besides the hall, on the dining table I saw my mom sitting with her head in her palms. She seemed to be worried with a pale face and body without strength. Dad was sitting beside her and was trying to explain her something which I don’t think she was giving any attention to.

        The moment they saw me, both of them got up from their respective places and came running towards me. The second she reached to me, that very moment she engulfed me into a tight hug and that’s when I felt like home. I were home with the people who loved me unconditionally and selflessly.

        And then was the turn for a most awaited round of questions and answers. Mom shot the questions at me like the bullets out of machine gun.

“Where were you since afternoon? Samantha also came in, after the school to enquire about you, when she couldn’t locate you in the school premises. Even your mobile is switched off! Do you have any sense of responsibility left? Even if you were busy with something important or for that matter something urgent, at least you should have informed somebody so that we could have taken a breath of relief.” Mom was just shouting at her highest pitch without realizing the situation of my heart who has just gone through this much.

“Mom I have been through the toughest time of my life today. As I got to know that Daniel was just playing a bet with my so called best friend Samantha to prove her that I can be trapped in anyone’s love and care. And against which he must have won some dollars but I had lost the faith and love and respect for him and also have lost the friend in Samantha. I think I have not known till now that what is good for me and what is not. You were right when you said that this guy is not a good person. But mom, what wrong I have done to deserve a friend like Samantha? I believed her more than my own self. I considered her as my sister and she have been doing such things against my back. I am completely broken and feel like as if I have lost everything in life.”

“My child! Please don’t lose heart. This is part and parcel of the life we are living. And the early you learn a lesson, the better it is for you to get up again and move forward. Just have faith in God and believe that whatever has happened, it is for good. But I don’t understand, where were you since then? As far as I know, you don’t have any other friend whom you could have been with.”

“Yes mom! I have learnt a lesson that it is not a world anymore where you can trust anyone and everyone with your full heart. You first have to be sure of the person’s intentions and then probably move forward with any kind of relation.” I replied to the first part of mom and my conversation. “And you are right that I have left with no one with whom I can share my sorrows and joys anymore. I were coming back to home via a bus, but then due to empty stomach and crying my lungs out since morning, I think I got unconscious in the bus and when I woke up, I were in the hospital. From there only I took the cab right now and came back home. I think I have been taken there by a nice looking gentleman who was sleeping besides my bed when I woke up in the hospital. But he was in deep sleep so I thought of not waking him up and I left without informing anyone.”

“But Karissa, you should have at-least thanked him for taking care of you when you needed it the most. I think you should call at the hospital and find out if he is still there or if he has left any contact number to be contacted on.” Mom said. And as told by her, I followed. I called at the hospital where I got to know that he has already left and without leaving his details.

I am now in my bed, and all that is coming to my mind is

the scene from the morning where in I have lost every relation of my life which I have chosen for me. I felt like crying for being so nonsense in life and for taking such rubbish decisions in life. Lesson I have learnt in the process is, when your parents are not very confident about your relations and decisions, it’s time for you to give it a second thought and reconsider your decisions. With these thoughts running in my mind, I drifted off to sleep, god only knows when!

Part 3: Chained to you: Safely

Karissa’s POV:

As we entered the classroom, I with Daniel clasped hand together and the trailing behind Samantha.

All the students are chatting loudly and some sit at their seats silently, watching others because they are nerds like me as those spoiled brats refers… that they don’t want any friendship with us.

But seriously!

Whom am I kidding?

Reality is that we don’t want anything with those fake makeup kits and running beauty salons and spoiled brats.

Thank God, Mr. Smith is not yet in the classroom else one more absent for being late. I seriously don’t know what is the problem of Mr. Smith with me? He is always either glaring or irritated on me. Never mind!

But I know you are guessing something and you are absolutely right. Mr. Smith is the father of Daniel aka my hunk as a boyfriend.

I attended my class and as I were supposed to meet Daniel, I rushed towards our common meeting point.

FAST FORWARD

        I am running away from the building of university with tears in my eyes…

        “Hey Karissa! What happened? Why are you crying?” some girls asked me who is in the path of mine but I just ignored them and I kept running where my legs can lead me. I just want to get away from all this shit.

        Keep running, keep running until I reached parking lot, due to running, I am panting heavily and just collapsed on the floor. Tears constantly rolling down my eyes…

“Why God? Just why? Why Me? I never did anything bad to anyone then why this all happened to me?” I asked hysterically crying.

        “I just hate, just hate him!” I said between sobs. I just stand up from the floor and kick sand in the air angrily.

        “Ahhhhh!!! God I hate each and every boy on this earth… I am never going to put myself into this love thing. Never ever.” I yelling.

        Thank God there are no people in the parking. Although I am not even concerned is there is any one seeing me at my worst. After an hour of crying. I am feeling exhausted. I just want to go home. To my mom, to my bed, to my soft pillow. I miss them all terribly.

        Oh God, I just forgot to tell Samantha that I am not going to attend the lecture… I didn’t tell her anything. She must be worried. And also I need the keys of her car to go home. So first thing I need to do is to find her. May be I will tell her everything later.

        I entered the building and passing by locker room, I remembered that I need to get some books from my locker so I entered the locker room and started walking towards my locker.

        When I saw his locker, I don’t want to even name him… that bastard! Tears welled up in my eyes again, I just brushed them off and heard a girl coming into the locker room. Her back is at me.  But when she turned, I saw her face, SMANTAH, with the boy, whose face is also not visible because of his back towards me.

        They are whispering something but I can’t get that what they are talking. They are talking about some video and deal. I just heard some bits of their talks. I am about to go there and then I see his face! Oh my God! He is……! What is he doing here? And what are they talking about at lecture’s time.

        I walk near to eavesdropping their conversation… I am hiding behind bookshelf that is nearest to them, so that I can hear their talks.

        “I did your work, I ditch her. Now please delete my video” Daniel said with fright in his voice.

        He was talking about me. Right, ME! He is literally begging to her.

        “Yeah! Yeah buddy. I will delete your video and I must say that you did a great job.” Samantha said.

        My best friend wants to hurt me, ruin me, and break me. My best friend, my sister.

First my boyfriend and now my best friend. I trusted them the most in my life and what I got back is this. They both ditched me. One in love and the other in friendship. I am completely broken, shattered and traumatized.

        Life is really full of surprises, you never know what will happen in next hour!

        I mean just look at mine… in the morning, my life was perfect… had a lovely and caring best friend… A very nice boyfriend. And now, here I am running away from the people who were most important just few hours back.

Part 2: Chained to you: Safely

Kian POV:

Arghhh!!! I hate my dad sometimes… I mean he wants me to marry. I am just 24 for God’s sake! He wants me to give away my Bachelor life… and I am definitely not going to do that at any cost.

I want to enjoy my life and marriage thing, for sure, will not allow me to have that further. So marriage is a big NO NO! But of course I cannot say that in front of my dad, so I need to find some way to get away from all this carp.

After all I am a CEO of Knight Industries, owns a chain of hotels and bars around the world and with a height 6’2 and a well buit body, almost every girl wants to be with me from young to old. And why not??? So how can I marry in just a click of the finger?

I mean girls are good, but not for marriage but for enjoyment and for taking the stress out of your mind and body. That’s it! But in relationships! I Doubt!!!

Relationship are just a distracting factor for my career and for my life as well. And moreover, how can a person live with just one girl for rest of his life?

I mean I can’t accept this old man’s decision like this. I need to find some solution to this sudden declaration of him.

Every time I see Vegas’s people, having some happy feeling… Like you are partying all the time. I am standing at the glass wall of my office at the top floor, seeing the atmosphere of Las Vegas. It’s around 5 pm here.

I just got over with talking with dad and he just don’t want to take any of my reasons for not getting me married at this early age and that too with a girl who have nothing except that she is a daughter of an industrialist, whose company and name and goodwill, if merged with us can generate a multiple profit. But all I want at the moment is to just run away from my present state and from all the people around me. Because I want to shut down my mind when it comes to marriage and relationship. I am just not ready for it.

And in a frustrated mood, I picked up my coat from the back of the chair and told my PA to cancel all my further meetings and appointments. Moreover I have informed her that I may not be available for coming few days so manage my plans accordingly. And immediately after throwing my orders on her, I called my driver to bring the car and take me away from here. It was getting difficult to breathe in this environment because everything was screaming for me to get married.

Me: Robin, bring the car immediately.

Robin: Sir, you only told me to drop Mr. Kelvin to his hotel so I am on my way to drop him. It may take approximately an hour or so for me to reach back to office.

Me: Oh God Damn! OK go back to your home… I will take the public transport. (And in frustration I cut the call)

          I just want to go to my hotel room at any cost, if for that I need to take the public transport also.

          When destiny want to abuse you, it will do in every way possible.

          I am beyond frustration, I just want to get hold of a cab and want to go to hotel, but there is not even one freaking taxi… this is hell!

          I am gonna take bus, I decided.

          When I reached the bus stop, I saw a bus coming. I took off my coat and loosen my tie. Because in a bus, wearing a three piece pant suit will look weird. Right? Of course it is…

          I settled down in a seat and just my eyes roaming over people, when I see a girl; sorry, a very beautiful girl, in a black summer dress.

          She seems sad… with slummed shoulders and looks like she is in deep thoughts. With red and puffy eyes, I can say that she cried for very long.

At the thought of someone hurting her, didn’t suit within me. I don’t know why? I have an urge to protect her from bad, sudden need to care for her.

This is crazy. I have just seen her, (that too in a public transport) and I am feeling this towards her. What this girl is doing to me?

She is sitting like a statue, without turning her head in any other direction other than the window where her eyes are glued since the time I have entered the bus. In a little confusion, if she can see or if she is blind, I waved in front of her face. And with that she turned around and glaring at me…

Woah! She looked so damn hot while glaring…

After proper look at her face… she is too young for me but I can’t help it. I want her and want her badly. With the thought of her being with any other male, ragging my mind badly. I never felt like this for any other girl. This is a foreign feeling for me and at the same time it feels really good.

“Hi”, I said.

She didn’t even replied. OK! Now, this girl is getting over my nerves. No girl can ignore me.

“Hey babe!”, I said again.

“My name is Karissa, not babe. And what do you want?”, she said finally. See I told you that no one can ignore me.

“And my name is Kian, the same alphabet. Not a bad start, I must say”, I said.

“Excuse me!”

“What is your number?”

“What? And why?”

“I am not asking you about your contact number, rather the patient number, the mental hospital’s patient number from where you seems to have run away from”, I said jokingly.

“DO I look like a patient to you” she replied in a furious tone.

“I thought so because since the time I am in this bus, you seems to be lost in your own world and sometimes the patients behave like this to show the world that they are the most innocent ones around.”

“I am sorry, but I have no such intentions and if you please excuse me, I need to get down at the next stop.”

Oh god! Why does she want to get down so early? Why can’t she be with me forever? I know I have to know about her completely and have to have her in my life to be there forever. There is something special about this girl and I can’t ignore. I am surely going to get her sooner or later.  

Part 1: Chained to you: Safely

Suddenly! The alarm started to ring…

Oh! Who the hell set this alarm? Oh! It’s me only, last night so that I should not be late for class tomorrow.

Hey guys! Let me introduce myself. I am Karissa, 18 years of age and having a good life so far. Living with my parents and attending my high-school which is also an adventurous place as I have my best friend there and also a sweet and handsome boyfriend. These two people are the ones around whom my most of the time revolves and I am having the great time in my teenage.

My high school is at a distance of approximately 30 minutes from home when I travel by the public transport. And usually I am late because I have a habit of sleeping late and hence getting up early is the hell lot of a job for me. My best friend Samantha lives near to my place. Actually we are childhood friends and that is the reason we mingle and gel so well with each other. And since our childhood days, we are going together and at this point in time of our age also, nothing has changed. We go to school together and comes back together. This is why our mom and dad doesn’t feel worried even when we are late.

I have a boyfriend named Daniel. He studies in our school but goes to different class being senior to us by a year. We are dating since last 1.5 years and I feel that my life moves around him completely. I have completely given in the relationship. We both trust each other and love each other even more. My parents know about my relationship and they are OK with it. But my Mom, being mom, is always possessive about me. I don’t know why and what she doesn’t like about Daniel but there is surely something that she doesn’t like. Although she never tells me anything but at the same time she keeps on preaching me with the lessons like, you should not be believing someone in such short time, and neither should you be getting so involved with someone without checking and testing that person in and out and through your all thick and thins. I don’t know what does she mean when she says this but one thing I am sure of that my love for Daniel is true and he also reciprocate the same towards me; and I guess this the only thing a successful relation is based upon.

So life is good so far and I am sure it will be good being Daniel and Samantha at my sides and of course my family to support me in all the situations possible.

Chapter 2: The Billionaire's Desire

He dismissed me for a while and then through the intercom informed me to get some files from the department on 36^th floor, also to look into them so as to hand him over a brief of each one of them.

It was a relief that he didn’t fire me for the coffee thing. I just followed his command and started getting files and after arranging them in the alphabetical order in my office, I started working on the brief for each one on them. I must say I am a bit scared now.

After an hour boss called me up into his office. I took a notepad and a pen and also the briefs of the files and headed over to his cabin. He stood in front of the table, both hands supporting on it. “We have a list of things to be done tomorrow so I want you to note down and make arrangements for it. 1. Fix up a meeting with Mr. Brown in the morning. 2. Book a reservation, table for two at Starview for lunch with Samita. 3. Call all the department heads' for a meeting in the evening by 4:00 and 4. Lastly, remind me to visit the hotel Galaxy.

With all these instruction, he handed over me a list of important contacts and people who I will need, to continue working with him. I was continuously shivering within and thinking that nothing else should go wrong. “Sir is there anything else apart from this you want me to do?” “Well yes! Get me lunch and ask Mrs. Muskaan, in case you need any clarification on what it has to be.” He said. I nodded in response, left his cabin and breathe in relief.

And finally the day ended without any further blunder. I was about to leave for home, after checking that I have placed everything in order and that my drawers are properly locked, suddenly I banged into the wall, immediately after existing from my cabin. Oh! It wasn’t a wall rather it was him. I was about to hit the floor with a sudden shock when he held me from my waist and prevented me to fall. I instantly came back to my senses and said sorry and also without any further delay I greeted him with bye and rushed towards the elevator so as to avoid any other miss-happening.

Finally I am home. And very eager to see my friend Zoe! She is like a family because after the death of my parents in a car accident, I have no one else to be named as family. And its only because of her, I could manage to live back my normal and get a job. Else I was almost into depression and the life around me was stand still. I am more than thankful to her for all that she has done for me and also doing. I am living with her and I am really thankful to God for bestowing me with such a good friend.

And now I am waiting for her to reach back home, so that I can vent out everything which I am preserving inside me since morning. She is the one who understands me and also my best critique. I want to tell her all the situations which I have been stupidly putting myself in. I want to tell her the way I narrowly escape from getting fired on the very first day of my job. With all these thoughts running in my mind, I changed and went into kitchen to do our dinner as the present week is my turn for kitchen activities.

On the other hand, Zaroon i.e. Mr. Faith is also back to his home.

“Mom, I am home.”

“Zaroon, finally, You came home. We were waiting for you. Oh I have told you in the morning also to come back little early today, but you have never listened to me in the past, nor are you doing at present. I don’t know what for you are taking so much stress in life? Anyways! Come I will show you who is there to meet you.” Mom hugged me and pulled me inside the dining area.

“Uncle Zo!”

The adorable twins came running towards me screaming my name.

Aww… My two little babies, they are my sweethearts. Both have turned five years old just a month ago and they are the cute devils we have at our home. Actually they are the kids of my elder brother. He makes sure to make them visit us often coz he also knows that only these kids can bring me out of my sadness and they are the only reason of my smile. The time I spent with them is the only happy time of my life after the Karon’s episode. And because of that only even my parents worries for me.

Karon was the girl I was in relationship with for some two and a half years. But she cheated me for another rich guy. From that day onward I promised myself to earn as much as possible so that she will beg to come back to my life. 

But at the same time I have decided to not to get into any other relationship with anyone. Because the words LOVE, AFFECTION and RELATION are the only source of sorrows and bring only the heart break in the end.

After having our dinner, I played with the cute devils and when their mom came rushing towards us, we realized that it’s very late for them and they should be in bed by now. She sent them to bed with their nanny and sat with me for some time. She told me, rather asked me if I have changed my mind and have started to gel with the girls around or not. But, not much to her surprise, my answer was no. She always tries to make me understand that it’s difficult to live like this. And every girl is not like Caron coz not every girl wants the material wealth in life rather some of them wants love, care and an affectionate relationship only. And for them, money does not play any role.

I know she is right, and that’s what I also tell her. But I am not yet ready for any new commitment, as I wanted some time to get out of my last heart break and moreover now I wanted to invest in time before I start feeling for someone.

I hope my family will understand my point of view and give me my time. With this thought I went to bed, after saying goodbye to her and to rest of my family members. 

Part 6: SHE's with ME

I shook my head in an attempt to not to think much and to miss Zarek. I was never one to hide my emotions. What was the point of having these feelings if you couldn’t admit to them, even to yourself? All I knew was that I had never felt this way before with anyone else… Like something I could hold on to for a long time. It felt really good to be with Zarek and now I was missing him like anything.

And finally, after about six long months, Zarek is coming over for a weekend. We all were very excited and happy, specifically me, as I was missing him too badly now. So this weekend, I also have a plan to visit his parent’s house. On Friday afternoon, I got a call on my hostel’s landline. It can only be from his parent’s coz no one else usually calls me at that number. So I thought that they must be calling me to inquire about my arrival plans and of course about having some surprises fixed for Zarek. I went towards the common room where I have to attend the call. Before I could say Hello, I heard the voice of Zarek across.

“Hey Aarshi, how are you doing this morning? I know you are surprised rather shocked to hear my voice that too on this landline number at this hour of the day, but I couldn’t do anything else other than this. Because there is no other way to contact you.” Zarek said, without letting me speak even a single word till now. He further asked, “So do you miss me?” I could just say, “Do you have any doubt in that? I wish if I could see you just right away, without waiting for tomorrow.” He said, “Come out after your classes, and find me waiting for you there.” And that was the moment I just went blank. I could not wait for the classes to get over, I somehow, attended the classes till end and immediately after that I ran outside the campus.

I was ignorant of everything except that Zarek was walking towards me. Tears welled in my eyes, trickling down my cheeks, jubilation filled my heart. Zarek studied me from head to toe. “Tell me, they’re tears of joy…. I love you!” he groaned, drawing me into his arms. Zarek reached out his thumb and brushed away my tears. “I love you,” he repeated. He dipped his head and brushed his lips to mine. “I missed you so much”, I hugged him tightly and he continued to wipe away my tears. “Zarek”! I threw my arms around him, lifted my face, my lips reaching for his, “I love you too”. We kissed passionately, until I drew away to catch my breath.

Now it was Zarek to instruct the plan further. Although I had a plan to go to his parent’s house this evening; but he told me to call them and tell that I will be able to come only tomorrow morning as something urgent has come up and I cannot leave this evening. I have also been instructed to not to reveal that Zarek is already here. And as per the instructions, I did the same.

“Now let’s get out of here first”, he told while dragging me to the exit gate of the campus. I enquired about where we are going, but then that was also a surprise for me. To my surprise, Zarek also had a car, he drove with one hand on the wheel and the other tightly laced to me. Occasionally he would look across at me and smile, I would inhale and smile back. “Did you give your class, your undivided attention?” I nobbed in NO and told him that I could not. He then told that one of his training fellows has an apartment here and that is not occupied today. So he has borrowed the keys to that for one night and that is the place we are heading towards now.

Just after some 20 minutes, he parked the car hastily outside his friend’s apartment. He also had a small bag pack, possibly for weekend stay, which he carried in one of his hands. He linked his free hand in mine and led me inside the apartment. We were barely inside when Zarek impatiently drew me into his arms. His head dipped, capturing my already parted lips, gentle and tender. I responded with breathless fervor. He undid my top, his eyes drinking in my body. His mouth touched my quivering lips, my breathing was ragged, my eyes wide with desire. His palms splayed against my soft flesh; warm and pliable against his touch.

My cheeks were ruby red. Shyly my eyes lifted to his. Zarek laughed softly at my admiring gaze. I had been too shy, too nervous for the first time. “You are so beautifully shaped”, he groaned pleasurably. “So are you”, I heaved. “I don’t know how I kept my hands off you as long as I did. It’s a miracle actually.” He said. I laughed softly. “Zarek____ “I looped my arms around his neck, loving the feel of our bodies, flesh to flesh. My lips dragged to his hungrily.

He took me to the bed, holding onto me tightly, lips locked in the passionate embrace and hands clinched tightly onto each other. Gently he lowered me onto the bed. He kissed my stomach… instinctively my muscles tightened in response under his lips. I started burning up with desire, twisting impatiently beneath him, his every soft caress was erotic, pleasurable and satisfying. We sunk deep in each other, repeating the pulsating thrill, sometime slow… the other moment faster….. we had each other to the point of no return.

We were laying in each other’s arms, satiated, our bodies tangled together. My fingers stroking his skin caressingly. He was doing the same, brushing tiny kisses down the column of my neck, nuzzling and nibbling my flesh until I was quivering with an aching need for him all over again. And then I made a concerted effort to break away from him. I was smiling shyly, my eyes trained on him curiously.

“What?” Zarek chuckled.

“I can’t believe you love me this much when you are miles away from me and surrounded by so many stunning women_____!” He smiled and confirmed that I am at the top position in the list where practically no one else exists. And that is how we had a memorable stay for a whole night, for the very first time, together.

Part 5: SHE's with ME

The very next morning, his parents talked with my parents over a phone call. First of all they informed them about Zarek’s job test result and then they further asked them my hand in marriage for Zarek. My parents wanted to know my willingness before they could take any decision, to which his parents convinced them that this is something which both of us wanted. My mom and dad were happy to know this but at the same time they were little sad to know that I will be so far away from them. But as in past, they have been agreeing to all my wishes, this time also they agreed to it without being fussy about anything. Zarek parents’ informed both of us about my parent’s decision and we were happy.

Today we have a plan to celebrate Zarek’s success and my parent’s agreement on the proposal. So we decided to go out for dinner. This was a special day for me and I was very excited about everything life has in store for me. I looked myself in the mirror and smiled. I was wearing a red dress that ended right below my knees, it was really pretty yet simple. My hair was down and I added a bit of makeup. I looked at the clock and saw it was five minutes before seven. I opened my room and walked down the stairs. Once I stepped on the last stair, Zarek come into my view. He was wearing a black suit with the black pants and that made him look the perfect.

At first he looked shocked, did I not look good? But then his eyes started to roam over my body, I blushed and walked closer to him. “You look beautiful Aarshi”, he said while looking me in the eyes. “Thanks, you don’t look bad yourself”, I smiled. He grabbed my hands in his large ones and crashed his lips on mine. And before he could go any further I reminded him that we have to go for dinner. He looked little upset about it as he wanted something else at the moment but then I pushed him towards the door.

We headed towards a place, which I had no clue about as this was supposed to be a surprise for me. And finally we were there, outside a fancy looking restaurant. We walked towards the door while Zarek’s arm was wrapped around my waist. Once we entered the restaurant, my eyes widened. It was so beautiful. This is one of the perfect place for celebrating the perfect thing. And the evening went on in the perfect way possible.

After a month Zarek’s training is to start. And now he is not continuing with his part time job after university. Hence we are meeting for longer hours in the evening after my classes. Life was going great until I realize that the month is about to get over and I will not be able to meet with him this often till the time he will be attending his training and that too for two long years. As the day of his departure was approaching, I was getting saddened. He could make out the sadness clouding my face and mind, but he also knew that all his efforts to cheer me up will go waste, even if he tries.

The day is finally here when in the evening Zarek will leave for quite a long time on his job training. I am the saddest person in the house. I have already started feeling like some part of my body, in the absence of which possibly I'll die, is going to get away from me. I have already started feeling incomplete. Zarek did all the packing in the morning and have officially met everyone with a promise that he will keep them updated about him and that he will take good care of himself. At least that was the most important thing for his parents. His assurance, of course, was important for me too as I knew that he must have also been feeling the same as me, at present.

His mom, being the most understanding and loving to both of us, asked us to go out to have some air before Zarek leaves. Actually she knew that both of us needed each other’s company more than anything else at the moment and that is what she gave us. Immediately after moving out of the house, towards the lawn, tears stated to roll on my cheeks without any stop. I just couldn’t keep my feelings inside me anymore. I wanted to tell him to not to go, but I just couldn’t say that too as this is what he have been putting in his efforts for so long. He was sad too. He told me not feel bad, he said that he will keep in touch and he will make sure that I will not miss him too much. But I knew it somewhere down in my heart that all that he is saying at the moment is not going to happen because of his busy schedule during training and also because of the increased restrictions on him in the campus. But I had no option other than to ensure him that I will do what he said and be a good girl.

Now it’s time for us to drop Zarek at the airport from where he has to continue his journey alone. His parents allowed me to go alone with him to the airport. They waved him goodbye and with all their good wishes, we left in the car of his dad. He decided to drive till airport and I was the one to get back home driving. We stopped just before the airport. His eyes shuttered for a moment, then he returned his gaze to me with an endearing smile. I found him irresistible. I leaned across and kissed him lingeringly on his lips. His hands reached out, sinking into my hair, pulling me closer, deeping the kiss. “Till later”, I reluctantly pulled away and opened the door. Before I could get out, Zarek was already there to assist me out. “Bye”, I laughed nervously, feeling awkward about being dropping off Zarek for a long time now and something which I just don’t want to do.

Zarek boldly gathered me into his arms, lowered his head and continued kissing me until we got interrupted by the cheeky wolf whistles in our ears. “Enjoy your stay and work hard to get through the training successfully”, I said while pulling him away from me. He also told me to study hard and not to miss him too badly. And finally he started to move towards the entry gate. I stared him for long time, hating the increasing distance separating me from him. And suddenly he is gone. I knew why he didn’t turned to see me even once because that would have made his departure even more difficult. And he is gone!

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.