Final: SHE's with ME

The night passed by in a blink of an eye. We were contented, feeling complete as we were two bodies one soul by the morning. The distance between us, since six months has vanished like it never existed. The company of each other, the smile which we bring to each other by just being with each other is that matters the most at present. I never wanted this time to end. Never wanted Zarek to go back again, never wanted him to leave me for any reason, what so ever. But not everything you want can happen… I knew he has to go again for completing his training before he can get his final posting.

We headed towards his parents’ home in the morning. They were surprised to see both of us together but their surprise was smaller than the happiness which they were feeling by seeing their son after six long months. Mrs. Ludwig has made all his favorite dishes and Mr. Ludwig has another surprise for him in store. He presented him with a dashing grey colour suit and announced that we are getting engaged on Sunday morning. That was the best news ever I have heard since my arrival in Denmark. I was feeling like on the seventh cloud and it seems that nothing better than this can ever happen to me in life. We were delighted to know the news and I was happy to know that my parents are also dropping in by evening, which they wanted to keep a surprise but got flashed in the way of other news. Zarek’s mom instructed him to take me for shopping to buy a pretty dress for myself for tomorrow. And he followed her instructions. We went to the Indian boutique so that I can choose something similar to what I always wanted to wear on my special day. And finally, after spending about an hour, I got something which I always wanted to have.

By the evening, when we were back home, My parents were already there. They were extremely happy to see me and so were me. The joy to see me getting hooked with the guy full of self esteem and the person self made is the proud feeling for them. They knew that he is the perfect choice and I cannot be happier than this. By the mid night, we all were dead tired and wanted to take some rest. Also me and Zarek wanted to look the fresh flowers on our day, so we decided to head towards our rooms.

Immediately after coming out of the place where they all were sitting, and on the way towards their room; Zarek stopped in between and pinned me to a wall. His lips descended on mine. The warmth of his mouth was intoxicating. His tender kiss was so sensuous. I was excited, terrified, nervous, exploding with desire. A sensation, like a bolt of lightning shot through me. “Aarshiiii”, his voice became unraveled at the edges. My mouth lifted from his, gazing into his eyes. He kissed my trembling lips again. A silent despairing groan locked in my throat. Our mouths met in an explosion of mutual need. His fingers splayed the flesh at my neck, my body tingled. I wanted to feel his masterful fingers more but then with a noise, we parted ourselves from each other and moved towards our respective rooms after saying good night to each other.

The next day, the big day for us…… Zarek's dad went to him and told him that before he ties the knot and say “I DO” to me, he wanted to share few words with him and he continued like this:

“My son, treat it like a journey, a beautiful journey, you two have to make. If life was a boat, you two would be the sailors weaving carefully through the storms. Your job will be to cherish her, love her and always remember that she will make mistakes and so will you. You will have to learn to accept her for all she is.” And with all these lessons, Zarek and I got engaged for the life time.

          After a training of one more year, he came back to our city to complete his training for the next six months before he can join the job. And during the training only, he got an apartment near to my university. That day we were meeting after seven months. He came to my university and I had to meet him after my classes. He came closer and said “I’ve missed you so much,” he hugged me fiercely. It was there when I looked into his eyes. Everything I have ever hoped for, his love only for me, his devotion only for me, his eyes said it all. I met his gentle, tender gaze filled with love and adoration… only for me. My eyes seared his, my lips trembled, no words could escape my mouth, but he was patiently waiting and I wanted to say it back desperately. “Zarek”, I threw my arms around him, lifted my face, my lips reaching his, we kissed each other passionately, until I drew away to catch my breath, “I missed you too”.

“I love you Aarshi and want to marry you right away”, he said. “Oh Zarek! I know you said you love me ____ more than once”, I smiled happily, “but I was not expecting a proposal…… well not this soon”. He reached into his overnight bag and retrieved a box, and carefully drew a superb flashy diamond ring from it, promptly slipping it onto my ring finger. “YOU BELONG TO ME AARSHI”, he exclaimed passionately. “Now will you marry me?” he demanded.

“Shouldn’t you asked first before you inserted your ring on my finger?”, I smiled and asked.  “Tell me you will marry me Aarshi”. “I will Zarek, Yes I will”, I wishpered.

          And we married sooner than soon. It’s my result day today. I went to Zarek’s office and asked his PA if he is expecting me and free to attend to me. “Go right ahead”, she winked. “He just buzzed me a minute ago and asked if you’ve arrived”. “Thank you”, I smiled and rushed into my man’s office.

          “Zarek”, I ran into his arms before he was barely out of his seat. He still made my heart beat faster than normal. I still find it difficult to tear my eyes away from his attractive body. Zarek’s eyes glowed indulgently. I looked radiant this morning he thought. There was understandably a glowing sparkle about me, and he knew exactly why.

          “Okay, tell me about your distinctions?” He grinned, pinning me into his arms and kissing me on my lips. He always find it difficult to keep his hands off me. He always find excuses to touch me.  He knew that I have come to tell him that I have passed. “Distinctions?”

          “Yes darling, your result came out today”. “Oh…… I have not checked yet”. “Why ever not?” he laughed. “Because I have better news than that!” I smiled ecstatically, wrapping my arms around his neck.

          “Oh? Aarshi you’ve already married me and I know that you have passed your exams that too with distinctions. What can be better than this?”

          “YOU ARE GOING TO BE A DADDY”

Nine months later…………

          Aarshi gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl… the splitting image of her pretty mummy, but surprisingly with a thick chunk of spiky blonde hair and gorgeous blue eyes, clearly paternal genes. Zarek lifted his bundle of joy from the hospital cot and cradled her in his arms.

          “I love you, Aarshi. Thank you for blessing me with a gorgeous little daughter”, his eyes welled with tears. “My wife you have made me the happiest man in the world”

          “I love you too”, she murmured, reaching towards him, “As I am” reaching to her husband’s lips in a passionate kiss.

THE END

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.

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.