Come Back To Leave Me Again - Print Ready - v4 - 05.04.2017 PDF

Come Back to Leave Me...
Again
Sohil Ashvin Shah

Copyright 2017 Sohil Ashvin Shah
All rights reserved.
Address
96, Anmol Bungalows, Opp. Kalasagar Heights, Near GST Railway Crossing, New Ranip,
Ahmedabad 342470, Gujarat.
All rights reserved by author. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author.
Published by author.
The views expressed in this book are entirely those of the author. The
printer/publisher, and distributors of this book are not in any way responsible for the
views expressed by the author in this book. All disputes are subject to arbitration;
legal actions if any are subject to the jurisdictions of courts of Kolkata, India.
ISBN: 978-93-84334-83-3
First Published: March 2017
Cover Design
Maurvi Shah
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Ohm Sai Ram!
Everyone carries a story which can be a best-selling novel. It's
just a matter of penning down your feelings on paper.
Anonymous.
I would love to thank my parents, Ashvin Shah and Hansa
Shah for their blessings and constant support. I would particularly
like to thank them for not forcing me to tie the knot while I was
involved in the process of writing the book. Love you my Baa -
my grandmother Shri Rasila Ben Shah, my Late Grand Father Shri
Laherchand Kalidas Shah. I miss you.
God has blessed me with a permanent best friend in the form
of my sibling. Thank you, Darshita Shah, for always supporting
me and giving me the best gift of my life, Harvi. Thank you Jigar
Jiju for being my lifetime adviser and guide. Thank you Divyesha,
my partner in crime, and my philosopher.
Thanks to Jindatt, Krupa Bhabhi, all my cousins and relatives
for always encouraging my ideas and aspirations. Please keep
blessing me.
Thanks to my school friends Jaikishan Pamnani, Dr. Jay Patel
and Gauri Makwana.
Thanks to my college friends Sanyal Sadanandan, Ankit
Gupta, Keyur Shah, Neel Patel, Sneha Muni, Maurvi Shah,
Saumya Israni, Lulua Taha R, Miral Shah, Ishita Shivhare, and
Viral Thakore for not demanding free copies of my book.
Thanks to Amisha Gandhi and Preeti Koshti for all the leg
pullings.
Thanks to Hitesh Madan, my brother from another mother and
his wife, Snehal.
Thanks to my special friends Prerna Dugar, Noopur Kapadia
and Amrita Chakraborty.
Thank you all my ex-colleagues from Dubai and Ahmedabad.
Thanks to Tushti Bhatia and Milendu de Sarkar for providing
their exclusive time to read my book and for their suggestions.
Thank you Dr. Shailesh Upadhyay and the whole Gujju
Theatrewallas members in Dubai for their constant moral support.
Thanks to Mr. Pinaki Ghosh, captain of Power Publishers for
giving young authors the platform and opportunity of a lifetime.
Thanks to Ms. Sudeshna Sen, project coordinator of my novel
for resolving and answering all my stupid problems and questions.
The first draft of anything is Shit Ernest Hemingway. So,
thanks to Ms. Anupriya Dutta, chief editor of my novel, for
helping make the book better than it was.
Contents
PROLOGUE .......................................................................................................... 1
SURPRISE ENGAGEMENT ................................................................................ 7
LOVE AT FIRST VOICE ................................................................................... 14
RITISHA, STARTING WITH H' ....................................................................... 22
EFFORTS TO GET HER ATTENTION ............................................................. 32
RENOVATED ATTITUDE ................................................................................ 43
FIRST SPLIT-UP ................................................................................................ 49
ARRANGED MARRIAGE - A POPULAR INDIAN ADVENTURE SPORT ... 51
SOMETIMES, CONSUMING ALCHOHOL IS GOOD ..................................... 78
FIRST PROPOSAL ............................................................................................. 94
FIRST SEX CHAT .............................................................................................. 98
FIRST FIGHT.................................................................................................... 102
FIRST PARENTS INTERACTION ................................................................. 104
FIRST BIRTHDAY GIFT ................................................................................. 107
JUST A FEW HOURS TO GO .......................................................................... 110
LOVE IN DELHI: DAY 1 SHOCK................................................................ 112
LOVE IN DELHI: DAY 2 SECOND PROPOSAL ........................................ 121
LOVE IN DELHI: DAY 2 UNINTENTIONAL INTERCOURSE ................. 133
LOVE IN DELHI: DAY 3 FAMILY MEETING ........................................... 141
LOVE IN DELHI: DAY 4 LAST DAY.......................................................... 153
BLACK SUNDAY ............................................................................................ 165
CONVINCING HER ......................................................................................... 168
VAIN LIFE ........................................................................................................ 171
BATTI KATTI................................................................................................ 175
DESTROYING MEMORIES ............................................................................ 179

COMFORTING HER ........................................................................................ 184
FAMILY WHERE LIFE BEGINS .................................................................... 188
PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH FATHER .............................................................. 194
THE LAST LOVE LETTER. ............................................................................ 199
EPILOGUE ........................................................................................................ 202

Come Back to Leave Me... Again
PROLOGUE
February 14, 2018.
Caf Coffee Day, Ahmedabad.
Sohil pulled over his car at the parking and entered CCD - the
largest caf chain of India. His eyes scanned the entire space.
Except for a single one, all the other tables had couples trying to
make the most of the fleeting hours of Valentines Day. Sohil sat
down and started reading the menu card.
Good afternoon, Sir. Happy Valentines Day. How may I
help you? A waiter asked Sohil and gave him a red rose.
Hi, Good Evening, one Caf Americano, please Sohil placed
his order.
Sure sir, please be comfortable, it will be served in a while.'
Great. Sohil smiled back at him affably.
The ambiance of the place was fragrant with romanticism on
account of Valentines Day. The walls of the cafe were decorated
with red roses, ribbons, and heart-shaped small red cardboards
along with red-and-white heart-shaped balloons. He also read the
three magical words I Love You that were written on each
cardboard, in different languages.
Among all the visible cardboards, his eyes took fancy of the
one that had Ana Bahebak written on it. In Arabic, it meant I
love You. As the words crossed the space of his mind, a gentle
flashback of his days in Dubai caught him. Ana Bahebak was
among a handful of phrases that he had learnt during his stay in
the city for six years. In the background, romantic Bollywood
tracks were being played.
CCD that day was spilling with couples celebrating
Valentines Day. A young woman knelt down on her knees and
proposed to her boyfriend for marriage. Everyone clapped once
the boy said YES to his girlfriend. Sohil, like most youngsters,
believed women too should be forward enough to propose their
man for marriage. He felt a shimmer of happiness blaze through
him. However, as he turned his head, his eyes fell on a few men
in corporate suits, seated at a table. He overheard them discuss the
stock market. At a distant table, a boy and a girl seemed to be
sharing college notes and working on assignments.
1
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Not everyone here is out to celebrate Valentines Day, then!

Sohil took out his laptop from his bag. He switched it on and
plugged in his pen drive. He made a new blank MS Word
document and tentatively titled it the second book.' He started
converting a few plots he had in mind, into the form of a story.
Proper sentences seemed to elude him at first but after a few
moments of blankly staring at the screen, his fingers raced through
the keyboard and he found himself writing a sentence that he had
not contemplated. As words turned into sentences, the writer in
him started taking shape, brick by brick. He stopped, struggled
and fought hard to bring around the right sounding words and
proper sentences. Heaving a sigh of discontent, he pressed hard on
the backspace key and deleted a whole paragraph.
Sir, your caf Americano. The waiter brought Sohils coffee
and placed it on the table. While sipping on the steaming hot
beverage, he revised the whole page comprising of 189 words,
which he had been writing since the past quarter of an hour.
Excuse me, May I sit here please if you dont mind? I
couldnt find an empty table. The voice of a girl took his attention
off the screen.
The girl looked like a tomboy in black denim, blue Mans
Aeropostale hoodie, and a Casio G-shock watch. She had short
messy bob cut hair with a right-sided bang.
Yes please.Sohil replied.
Thank you. I will not disturb you. I will just read a book.
She said.
It's okay.'
I just came here directly from my college. I study at SMPIC
here. My sister took my activa today. I will leave once she comes
to pick me up. It will take almost an hour as she will be late from
her office. She explained while breathing heavily.
Arrey baba, it's okay. You can sit. Be comfortable, Sohil
replied.
She ordered an espresso for herself, put on her spectacles,
which had a design similar to the Ray Ban Wayfarer collection.
The moment she put it on, the glasses transformed her look from a
tomboy to a nerd. She took out a book from the plastic bag
reading Crossword Bookstores.' After stealing just a glance at
2
her, Sohil continued working on his story. The strangers got busy
in their respective interests.
The waiter brought her espresso. With the coffee on a tray and
not enough space on the table to rest it, the waiter stood confused.
The girl and Sohil removed their belongings from the table and
made space for the coffee. Once the waiter left, Sohil noticed that
she was reading I Too Had a Love Story. A real-life love story
penned down by the bestselling Indian author Ravinder Singh.
You have good taste. Sohil mumbled to the girl.
Pardon? She said and looked from over her glasses.
I mean you have good taste in books.'
Ohh. This I Too Had a Love Story? Have you read it? She
asked Sohil.
Of course. I have read it almost four times Sohil replied.
Thats great. This is my first reading experience in the love
and romance genre. Earlier, I would only stick to thriller and
suspense novels. She said.
So, what made you change your mind? Sohil asked.
My sister. She insisted me to try reading this on the perfect
occasion of Valentines Day. Huh! Her scoffing was noticed by
Sohil.
Okay. So, someone is not interested in mushy stuff, haan?
Sohil said.
Hahaha. I had enough boyfriends before. But today I broke
up with all of them. She chuckled.
Hein? What do you mean? Today is the day of love, not
breakups.'
I know. Thats why I made a bunch of new boyfriends today,
just half an hour ago.
I am not getting what you are talking about, Sohil said and
covered his face with his palm.
Wait. Ill show you.'
The girl took out a complete stock of six books from the
packet and laid them on the table.
See, thats my first boyfriend. She pointed at I Too Had a
Love Story.
3
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Heres the second one, Can Love Happen Twice? By the

same author. she said.
Yes. This one is the sequel to I too Sohil said.
Haan. The salesperson told me.'
Sohil steered his gaze through the rest of the stock. The Fault
in Our Stars, Worlds Best Boyfriend, She Broke Up, I Didnt, and
Few Things Left Unsaid were displayed. The girl had grabbed the
best of the lot in romantic fiction.
Amazing collection. All of them are nice reads Sohil
suggested.
Have you read them all? She seemed curious.
Of course! I am an avid reader. Wait, till I will show you
some of my girlfriends from the past one and a half year.
Sohil unlocked his phone and showed a picture of his book
collection to her. She was amazed. The picture showed a
collection of around fifty books, all romantic novels.
I had no idea guys read! Especially romantic stuff. she
giggled.
I have to read books as much as I can, so I can write more
romantic novels Sohil said.
What? Are you a writer?
Hmmmmm. Yes. My debut novel got published last year
Wow! For the first time, I am meeting an author! I am
stunned.
Haha. Dont be. I have published only one book till now.
Still, a long way to go.'
Hmm. So is it a love story? No. Let me guess. Of course, you
must be writing a love story, am I correct? She asked.
Yes. I am. Sohil confirmed.
Wow. Can I have a signed copy of your book, please?
Mmm. You are lucky. I have a copy in my bag today. I
wanted to show it to the manager of Crossword.
Why?
I wanted to ask him the about procedure of selling my books
through them. Anyway, I will show it to him tomorrow. This book
is yours now. Sohil said.
4
Sohil took out his book.

Shit! I forgot to ask, whats your name? Sohil asked.
Prerna, Prerna Sharma
Nice name.
To Prerna the inspiration Sharma,

Keep reading more romantic novels.
With love,
Sohil Ashvin Shah.
Here you go, Sohil handed over his book to a girl who
looked like a nerd, Prerna Sharma.
Come-Back-to-Leave-Me-Again. Hmm. Interesting name
Sohil Sir she told him after reading the title and his name on the
book.
Thank you very much. Please read and give me your
feedback. My e-mail id is on the back cover. Sohil pointed out.
Definitely, Sir.
Dont call me Sir, I am hardly six or seven years older than
you, Sohil said.
Hahaha. Okay SOHIL, better?
Sohil smiled and winked.
Both of them started discussing more books, literature, and
about Sohils upcoming title, on which he was working a while
ago.
Prerna received a call from her sister who was waiting
outside. They exchanged goodbyes and shook hands before
leaving. She paid the bill and left for her home while Sohil
continued with his writing.
.
Never judge a story by its cover. Prerna thought as she
rested her head on the bed. It was night and she was taking a
prolonged look at the cover of Come Back to Leave MeAgain
'It's a love story as Sohil had said, then why the little girl on
the cover page? What about the man who is holding her hand? Is
he her father? No, not possible. Sohil mentioned it's partly his
5
Sohil Ashvin Shah
story and he seemed too young to be a father of a four-five-year-

old girl. Then who is she?
She sipped on a cup of coffee and turned the book to look at
the back cover. She read the blurb of the book. Why does the love
always seem beautiful in romantic movies and novels, but not in
real life? Why should lovers not be in any relationship after they
break up? Why do ex-lovers always try to deal with damages
instead of staying together? If you want answers to the questions,
this book is for you.
Fuck! This man is weaving a mystery with his words. I need
to sleep; I must read the book with a peaceful mind She thought.
Prerna tried to sleep for almost one and half hour, but the
cover page and the questions of the back cover did not allow her
to sleep. She sat up, picked up the book and started reading. She
could not hold back her curiosity anymore.
Mr. Sohil Ashvin Shah, I will kill you if you fail to answer
these million dollar questions! She smiled and turned the book to
the First Chapter.
6
SURPRISE ENGAGEMENT
Monday is the worst day for everyone around the world, but not
for employees like me who work in the United Arab Emirates. For
us, the week starts on Sunday, and Friday and Saturday are
weekends. However, on a beautiful Monday evening, I felt a
hundred different emotions at the same time. I was nervous,
depressed and excited. It was May 23, 2016.
All my roommates were busy in their respective worlds.
Dipen, one of my best friends in Dubai was busy talking to his
wife. He was from Nepal and calling his wife every day was like a
routine he could not have enough of. Despite the age difference of
fifteen years between us, we shared a great bonding. Ramesh
Bhai, the older person among all the other roommates, was busy
watching YouTube videos. We respected him as our elder brother.
He was from my city, Ahmedabad and a Gujarati too. Another
roommate was busy arranging his clothes in his cupboard. I did
not know his name as he had joined just a couple of hours back.
I knew that I would not be in my proper frame of mind on that
day because of two reasons. First, my cousin Kushal breathed his
last in India two days ago. I wanted to attend his funeral and other
rituals, but my passport and visa renewal issue hindered the visit.
To add to the woes, I was suffering from a malignant attack of
viral fever on that day. The doctor prescribed me a heavy dose of
medicines and antibiotics a day before. As soon as I took the pills,
I felt asleep. I did not want to sleep so early that night.
The clock was low on fuel, it seemed. Each second felt like an
hour. I was waiting for 10:30 PM according to Dubai's timing and
12:00 AM as per IST. The Indian schedule is one and half-hours
ahead. I wanted to wish the love of my life a 'Happy Birthday.
We both were eagerly waiting for her 25th birthday. I promised
her that I would give her a present she would not have been
expecting even in her wildest dreams. She had asked me a
thousand times before to tell what I had in store for her. She tried
every possible kind of emotional atyachars too, though miserably
failing at it. I had already decided not to let her down by wishing
her later in the day. I would wish her at sharp 12:00 AM according
to Indian Standard time.
The new boy, the roommate, switched the channel from SAB
TV to Sony TV. I guess he was addicted to the show 'Crime
Patrol' even though he looked way too harmless to be interested in
7
Sohil Ashvin Shah
crime! Anup Soni, the host of the show, was narrating the script. I
too started watching the show. It was interesting. I managed to
divert my mind from the clock. It was a one-and-a-half hour to go
before the clock struck twelve. Minutes into the show, my eyes
were watery and my head started aching. I wanted to have
medicines, but I did not want to sleep as well. I decided to take a
power nap for at least one and half-hour. I set and alarm for 10:20
PM and hit the sack.
*****************************
Hello,
Hello. Siddhant? The voice was of the woman I loved.
Yes, Meri bachhi. Siddhant here. Your bettu.'
Wow. What a pleasant surprise!
Thanks! By the way, Silver Jubilee Mubarak, I wished her.
Ohhh. Thanks bachhu, but its still ten minutes to go before I
turn twenty-five! she quipped.
I know. I didnt want anyone to call you before me and
nobody should be disturbing me while I am talking to you.'
You will not change, right?
No girl. I won't.'
Hmmm. So where is my surprise? I have been waiting for it
for a long time.'
Hahahaha. Not now. You will receive it tomorrow.'
Siddhant, I will kill you now. You torture me every time with
all these suspense. You are a devil of a boyfriend. Huh! she
huffed.
Dont worry. Your patience will be rewarded soon. You will
be amazed. You will be shocked! '
Shut up. Dont try my patience.'
Ok baba, Sorry. Smile now.'
Hmm. Better. Aur? Hows Dubai? And when will you come
to Delhi again to meet me? She asked.
Dubai is perfect as always, and I will visit Delhi soon.
Missing you tons!'
Liar
8
Arrey, I am serious. I have still not gotten over the memories

of the four days we spent together in July last year when I came to
Delhi to meet you
Haan yaar. Those days were unforgettable. I mean it.'
Hmm.'
In the next few minutes, we talked about everything from the
health of our family members to their professional involvements. I
wished her again Happy Birthday at sharp 10:30 PM as per
Dubai timings. I disconnected the call as she was receiving more
calls from her friends and families.
I was ready with my surprise. Soon I packed my bag and left
for the airport.
*****************************
May 24, 2016.
I reached my hotel at Paharganj in Delhi. My family members
also arrived at the hotel. They had come all the way from
Ahmedabad to arrange a surprise birthday party for my beloved.
I called Reet, her younger sister. Reet helped me a lot in
arranging the perfect birthday present for the most special person
in my life. Reet informed me that she had already told her family
members and relatives to reach at the venue on time in the
evening. Our family members and her relatives arrived at the
venue of the surprise birthday party. As soon as Reet reached
outside the venue with the guest of honor, she texted me.
I hid in the managers cabin as they were about to enter. The
CCTV cameras captured her entry in the hall, and I managed to
see the footage on the monitor in the managers cabin. As
expected, the birthday girl was shocked at the sight of the relatives
and family members. Meanwhile, I received a text from my sister
Drishti. She wrote to me that my lovely girlfriend was enquiring
about me and how she had texted me multiple times and I never
reverted after our last call. I realized none of her messages were
delivered.
I looked back at the monitor. Her face was flushed with
excitement and nervousness. Wearing a red salwar kameez and
minimal accessories, she looked as lovely as the evening. Her hair
was left loose and the tresses cupped her pretty face. Everyone
wished her. I could see the nervous formal smile on her face. She
moved to a corner and put her phone on an ear. Perhaps, she was
9
Sohil Ashvin Shah
trying to call me. I knew I did not have the guts to disconnect her
call and hence I had switched it off long ago.
She became worried.
Reet took my love on the stage where a heart shaped cake was
waiting for her. Everyone took their places and settled down on
chairs. As happy she was on seeing the cake, she missed me more.
Once again, she took out her phone and rung me up. In the
presence of all my family members, it was natural for her to feel
alone and miss me. Annoyed at not getting any response from the
other end she gave her phone to Reet. I informed the manager to
switch off all the lights and only have a single spotlight focused
on the birthday girl. I took a mike and started singing one of my
favorite songs from the movie Rock On,
Tum ho toh gaata hai dil,
Tum nahi toh geet kahan?
The frown lines on her forehead straightened. She was
desperately scanning the entire room to find me. She figured out, I
was right there.
I continued the song,
Tum ho toh hai sab hasil,
Tum nahi toh kya hai yahan?
Happy Birthday my love. I love you a lot, and I am sorry to
make you wait for so long. I said in between the song. She started
to blush and covered her face with her hands.
Tum ho toh hai, sapno ke jaisa haseen ek Sama
I appeared in front of her. She gaped at me for a second, till
tears rolled down her cheeks. With quick steps, she came over to
me and hugged me in front of everyone. I kissed her on her
forehead. Everyone was clapping and whistling. I sat down on my
knee and continued the song,
Jo Tum Ho toh Yeh lagta hai ki mil gayi Har khushi
Jo Tum Na Ho toh lagta hai ki har khushi me hai kami
Tum ko hai mangti yeh zindgi. Eeee, eeeiiii,
Now everyone started singing with me and waving their hands
in the air.
Ooo ooooo Oooooo ooh WO ooh ooo ooh
I finished the song.
10
I love you too my love whispered in my ear.

I smiled. I invited her parents and my family members on the
stage. She cut the cake, and everyone started singing the birthday
song. She gave me the first bite of the cake, followed by her
parents and my family members. My father asked the waiter to
take the cake and distribute it among the rest of the guests.
So is this your surprise? she asked me.
Nahi nahi, there is another surprise waiting for you. Just wait
and watch. Reet nudged her sister.
Mamma, give me the ring Reet asked Vidhyaben, her
mother.
Reet told me to make my love wear the engagement ring on
her finger.
What? What are you saying? She asked Reet.
She is right; we have planned your engagement with
Siddhant Drishti said to her.
Flabbergasted, she turned to me, I winked. My mother quickly
handed me the engagement ring too. I slipped the engagement ring
on her finger, and she put another on mine. Whistles and cheers
echoed in the room. Everyone was extremely happy about our
engagement. She slapped on my back and cried again. She had no
idea that the surprise she awaited would be of this magnitude.
We were officially engaged. All our family members and
relatives congratulated us. Our families also congratulated each
other. The engagement ceremony got over and I finally wanted to
spend some time with my girlfriend, who was now my fiance. I
asked permission from her parents to take her out on a date and
they agreed.
I went to our hotel room to change into something
comfortable. I dropped my tuxedo and wore casual jeans and a t-
shirt. In no time, I reached her place and told her parents that my
folks would be joining them soon. Suraj, her cousin brother,
offered me his bike to take her for the dinner date.
She came down in the same clothes she was wearing at the
party and we rode off to a restaurant for a candlelight dinner. By
the light of the candles, I could see her fair face glow.
Thank you Siddhant. Thank you very much for making this
birthday so special for me. she said to me.
11
Sohil Ashvin Shah
You deserve it, my love. I want to thank you for accepting

me the way I am I said.
Pagal she smiled.
We had our dinner.
She wrapped me in her arms from behind as we rode back
home. She put her head on my back. I could feel her dropping
kisses on my back. We were enjoying the romantic moments
while coming back home from the romantic dinner that was long
overdue.
We reached her home. I parked the bike and handed over the
keys to her. I told her that I would not disturb her parents, as it
was already late and they must be asleep by them. I checked to see
if anyone was around. I pulled her into my arms and hugged her
tight. She also hugged me back tightly. Our lips met gently and
soon we were locked in a lingering kiss.
She knew that I would leave early next morning so she could
not meet me the next day. I cried. She wiped my tears with her
dupatta and cupped my face in her palms.
I am yours. Distances might hurt, but in the end, I am yours.
Always remember that!
She did her goodbye before we parted for the night.
I held her hand tightly; I did not want to let her go. I pulled
her into me once again and we hugged each other. She asked me
to leave and not to delay any further because my tears would make
her weak and she might not have the strength to let me go. I told
her I would watch her until she reached home. She left. I kept
looking as she walked off. She unlocked the door, turned back for
the last time and waved her hand.
I accumulated all the strength I had and waved her back.
**************************
Siddhant, Siddhant wake up. Your mom is calling. Dipen
was yelling at me.
I woke up in a state of shock. Oh, Fuck! It was just a dream. It
was a beautiful dream.
Yes. Yes, Mummy I talked to my mom.
My mother had called Dipen as I missed all the eight calls she
made me.
Hows your health now? My mom asked.
12
Yeah. I am okay. I took a day off to take rest.'

Good. Take medicines on time. Sacahvje she said.
Hmmm.'
I checked the time. It was eight oclock in the morning. Shit!
My power nap went on to become an extended snoozing session.
More importantly, I did not wish My Love as the clock struck
twelve. Dipen told me that he had shut the alarm last evening, as I
did not wake up.
I dialed her number. It was only when the call could not reach
her that I realized that she had blocked my number after we broke
up. Reality hit hard and a throbbing pain surged deep within.
I went to the washroom, cried my lungs out, washed my face
and came out.
I sat down, took a deep breath and decided to drop her an e-
mail.
Hi, my Bacchi. Congratulations for finishing the silver
jubilee of your life. May God bless you and fulfill all your wishes
and dreams. Happy Birthday.
Yours bettu,
Siddhant
I laid down on my bed, unlocked my phone, and started
looking at 950 plus photographs of the woman I loved.
13
Sohil Ashvin Shah
LOVE AT FIRST VOICE

June 7, 2013.
Dubai, UAE.
It was a beautiful Friday morning, and I was still in my dream
world. Suddenly, the mobile phone rang and the name Hamdan
Institute CPA appeared on the screen. I was a bit surprised as it
was still early and a call from the institute was completely
unexpected.
Hello, Salam Walekum I answered and yawned.
Hi, Siddhant, Walekum Salam and good morning. The
answer came from a woman with a silvery voice.
Although I knew everyone at the institute and had a quite an
idea about how some of them sounded over the phone, but her
voice was new to me. I did not recognize it, perhaps due to my
sleepy state.
Is this Nadia? I asked for confirmation.
Sorry Siddhant, Nadia resigned last Monday and went back
to India. I have replaced her. She replied.
Ohh, It's okay. Tell me, dear. I woke up. My eyes were
struggling to adapt to light.
Actually Siddhant, I have just called to inform you that
todays CPA class has been shifted from two in the afternoon to
six in the evening. Mr. Mehta has some family function to attend.
Thanks for the information. I will be there by six o'clock.'
Ohh-h-k Siddhant. See you in the evening.'
Yup sure. Bye, take care!'
You too. Bye,
I was already feeling homesick for a couple of days as I came
back to Dubai from my Annual Leave just three days before.
Those days back at home, family, friends, the streets of
Ahmedabad I was missing them all. Somehow, I managed to get
a grip on things and learned to accept the reality that I would get
to go to India only after one year on paid leaves. Till then, I had to
work hard in Dubai to achieve more goals. However, I was quite
happy that I heard HER voice in the morning.
14
After our little conversation over the phone, I could not stop
thinking about her. I forgot to ask her name. Naturally, I could not
find her on Facebook.
It was around half past nine. Still nine hours before I could
see the face behind the silvery voice. I could not sleep in the
afternoon as well. HER voice was ringing in my head. That one-
and-a half-minute conversation had my mind working on a loop
over that voice.
Finally, it was four oclock and I got ready for the class. I
tried around six t-shirts and ran the brush through my hair
multiple times. I checked myself in the mirror from all angles and
shaved off every bit of hair from the face.
Aaqil, my earlier roommate-cum-friend from Egypt, was
surprised by my strange behavior, as he had never seen that ever
before. I would never dress up fancily for my classes. I would not
put in any more effort than getting ready for home or to a friends
place. Sometimes, I would even show up in tracks or night suits in
classes.
Habibi, Shu hada? What's wrong with you? Aaqil asked in
his typical Arabic accent.
Nothing Habibi. Just going to classes I replied,
Is everything alright? Are you sick or something? You never
took this much time to get ready for classes... he asked.
I am okay. Bye for now. I am getting late I said.
Yalla bye Habibi. See you at night, He said.
I reached the Hamdan institute. My heart was beating faster
than it usually did as I was about to meet the girl with the silvery
voice. I took the elevator and finally reached the floor of my class.
I took a deep breath and walked towards the class. I was sure she
would be seated in the assistant managers cabin where Nadia
used to sit. I did a little rehearsal in my mind. What to say? How
to Say? How to talk with confidence?
I opened the door of the institute and surveyed the assistant
managers cabin to spot her. However, I was disappointed. No one
was inside the cabin. I was taken down by a sudden bout of
disappointment and hopelessness. I saw the office boy Hanifa
walked up to me.
Good evening Siddhant bhaiya! How are you?' Hanifa
greeted me.
15
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Hey Hanifa, I am fine. Thanks for asking I replied without

looking at him as my eyes were still hovering over the cabin.
Bhaiya you look very handsome today. I have never seen you
like this before. Maal lag rahe ho waise. Metro me ladkiyo ke bich
me world war three ho Gaya hoga He chuckled.
Hmmmm, I replied carelessly. My mind was desperately
looking for her.
Bhaiya, today the class will be held in room number three
because CMA classes are going on in room number one he
informed.
It lifted my mood to know that my class would be held in
room number three as it was directly opposite the assistant
managers cabin. I rushed towards the class, as I wanted to grab
the seat exactly near the door. I needed to be able to see the cabin
area even with a sideway glance.
I entered the class. Raghuvir, Amrita, Vishakha Aunty,
Rashid, and Krista already settled in their places. Thank god,
nobody grabbed my favorite seat!
Hey guys, good evening! I greeted everyone.
Hello Siddhant, good evening Krista and Rashid replied.
Raghuvir was from Kerala. He never talked much in class. He
simply smiled at me. Amrita winked at me. She was one of my
friends in Dubai. Our offices were also in the same building and
we used to meet several times in our office tower. Sometimes
even in the elevator and restaurant.
Aahan! Look at the handsome person. What is this Siddhant?
Some new avatar, haan? Vishakha Aunty teased. She was nine
years older than I was.
Nothing Aunty. Just Aiven hi. I have a party to go to, after
class I replied. I used to call her aunty because I loved her cute
little face. She, however, found it annoying.
Okay cool. Cut down on the booze and please stop calling
me aunty, the annoyance ringed clearly in her voice.
Sure, I smiled.
Although I was talking to my classmates, my mind and eyes
were still looking for the girl. I left my bag on the chair next to the
door and went to get some drinking water. As I passed the
managers cabin, I noticed a girl in there. It seemed as if a serious
16
discussion was on between her and the manager. I could see her
back only. She was in a black high neck, full-sleeve t-shirt teamed
with a pair of red trousers. I tried to listen to her voice but it was
rather impossible as the door was locked. Something told me, she
was the same girl whose voice was ringing inside my head since
the time I talked on the phone. I decided to wait outside till she
stepped out of the cabin. I started fiddling with my mobile phone.
I unlocked the screen pattern, locked it once again and arched my
neck to grab a side view of the girl. While I was failing miserably
in my attempts, I did not realize Mr. Mehta coming in. Our eyes
met and he clearly seemed bothered to find me outside the class. I
greeted him awkwardly, left the pursuit of the girl and followed
him into the class.
My mind was all over the place. I found it hard to focus on
anything else and instead stole glances of the cabin. I was not
interested in what was going on in the class. I was staring at Mr.
Mehta while he was looking at the students and at her cabin while
he was writing on the board.
Excuse me. Sorry guys. Mr. Mehta, sorry to disturb you but,
Mr. Yasir is looking for you. A voice reached my anxious ears. It
did not take me a second more to realize that it was the same voice
I had been on the lookout for.
Yes! She was the same girl with the black T-shirt and red
trousers. Gosh! She was beautiful! My eyes started fixating on
every inch of her flawless fair skin. There was not a single mark
or zit on her face. I could not keep my eyes away from her face. I
was simply staring at her. I never felt my heart beat so fast. She
was only one and a half feet away from me. Before I could be
amazed any further, a charming smile spread through her face.
She looked at me for hardly a microsecond. I smiled, but she did
not even notice my smile. I controlled my emotions.
Okay, I will be there in two minutes. Mr. Mehta replied.
Ohh-hh-Kk.' she said.
I liked her style of saying Okay.' It is as if she was doing a
postmortem of the word with laughter.
She sat on her seat in her cabin with a bunch of documents,
which Mr. Yasir had given her to study for the institute and the
courses provided by the Institute. She looked so cute while
studying the books and pamphlets very curiously. She was moving
left to right and right to left in the chair while reading. However,
17
Sohil Ashvin Shah
one thing that did not leave was her disarming smile. I could not
help but stare at her foolishly.
The lecture finished at eight oclock. She came out from her
cabin to greet us. Amrita and Vishakha, my classmates,
welcomed her. I also wanted to talk to her, but I froze at her
proximity. I could not speak a single word.
I reached home, threw my bag on the floor and lied down on
my bed without removing my socks and shoes. I was quite upset
because I could not talk to her, leave alone asking her for her
name. It would be six more days before I could see her again,
listen to her voice and know her name. I did not even remember
when I slept.
Aaqil came, literally kicked my ass and woke me up. He
informed me that I had to be at the club Rock Your Soul to
celebrate the birthday of Madeena, a famous belly dancer from
Egypt. He was working at the club as a DJ. Madeena was a
relative of Aaqil and was my friend too. She knew me through
Aaqil. She knew me and Aaqil were sharing the same apartment
and would sometimes send delicious food for the both of us. I was
one of her biggest fans. She was an outstanding performer and a
lot of people would come in the club primarily to watch her
perform on popular Indian item numbers.
Madeena was stunning and gorgeous. However, her belly
dance outshone her facial beauty. Smiles and winked eyes were
always there while she was dancing. People would go crazy after
watching her dance. The bold colors on her costume and the
perfect cuts suited her like a dream. There was such gracefulness
about her that even though her clothes failed to cover several parts
of her body, she never appeared vulgar. I would cheer when she
would make the show grander with her sizzling moves on popular
Indian item songs like Choli ke peeche kya hai, munni badnaam
Hui, Sheila Ki jawani and sometimes classic mujra like Dil Chiz
Kya Hai, Salam-e-ishq Meri jaan, muje naulakkha mangwa le etc.
I reached the club by 11:30 PM. I sat on the first table facing
the stage near the dance floor. The tables in the front were
specially reserved for VIP guests. I was neither VIP nor Special. I
managed to get the table, as I knew Aaqil personally. The waiter
asked me for a drink. I ordered a 30ml Chivas Regal with Coke.
Aaqil came in and soon the club started swooning to an
Arabic song. The music started with a piece of drumbeats that
18
went on for one complete minute and that was when Madeena
made her grand entry. She was in the classic Arabic attire, with a
scarf covering half of her face barring the beautiful bold eyes. The
whole club turned into a clapping stadium and whistles and claps
poured on. El alem Allah something-something something-
something played.
I predicted it was Amr Diab's song, the famous Egyptian
Singer. Sometimes Aaqil used to play some of his songs at home.
So I had knowledge of few of his famous songs like Tamally
Maak, Ana Aayesh, We Malo, and Habibi Nour El Ain.'
Dally eiono something-something Wallah, Allah Allah
Allah Madeena removed the scarf from her face. More whistles
and clapping. It was Amr Diabs song.
I was still upset. My eyes were on Madeena but my mind was
still thinking about HER, the assistant manager. Madeena noticed
me while dancing; she smiled and winked at me. I smiled back at
her for politeness sake. In a way, I was not feeling like being a
part of the revelry that day. Everything around simply existed
without notice and the music felt like chaos. I was holding the
glass of Chivas Regal in my hand for at least twenty minutes but
its level had not gone down. I was not in the mood to drink either.
Aaqil announced that we would be celebrating Madeenas
Birthday after her performance. The clock was five minutes to
strike twelve. One of the waiters brought the cake and put at the
center of the dance floor. Madeena insisted me to join in the cake
cutting. I could see all the staff and special guests of the evening
joining to celebrate the moment with Madeena.
After the birthday celebration, Madeena left and went inside
the dressing room. Aaqil went to the DJ box and started playing
music. The party people swooned to the sensual music. Almost
everyone was drunk. I also sat on my chair and finished my
pending peg. I usually do not feel drunk even after downing three-
four pegs of whiskey. However, that night, I felt drunk even after
one peg of the same whiskey brand. I could not think of anyone
else but her. I did not even know her name at that time, and I felt
as if I had just started falling madly in love with her. It felt
ridiculous to fall head over heels over someone whom I had
known for a brief period of a minute.
I decided to leave. I went to the DJ box to meet Aaqil to
inform. The loudspeakers near his DJ cabin made it impossible for
19
Sohil Ashvin Shah
me to speak out loud enough for him to hear. He gestured me that

he could not get a word of what I was uttering and I gestured back
that I was leaving. He seemed upset and threatened me to stay. I
could not leave. I came back to my seat and ordered another peg
of the whiskey. Although my head was already going in rounds, I
decided to go for another glass. It was not enough for me. I
ordered a third. Five pegs later, I started hallucinating about her
everywhere. The hair, the face, the smile danced through my
visions.
It was around one oclock. Aaqil announced again that
Madeena would be performing soon. She came to the dance floor,
this time wearing something different. She was performing with
props like stick and wings. I could not see her properly as my eyes
were half closed. After Madeenas performance, Aaqil played a
few Bollywood songs, I guess. I stood up and went to the dance
floor.
The next day Aaqil told me that I danced like crazy, but I was
not smiling. My eyes were closed. I had no idea what songs were
playing and I only remembered that I was missing her badly. It
was around half past two. Time was over for the club. Aaqil asked
one of the staffs to drop me home. I slept without removing my
clothes.
The next day, Aaqil and I went to the restaurant where
Madeena had thrown a party for her birthday. Aaqil and Madeena
asked me what led to all my wildness at the club last night. I
avoided the discussion.
Who is she? Madeena knew that the story had a her.
She? No No, no one. I replied.
Tell yakhi; I have never seen you like this before Aaqil said.
I like a girl, guys.' I said
Hey, Congrats dude! Madeena said.
Mabrook Mabrook bro, who is she? And whats her name?
Aaqil asked.
She is working in my institute as an assistant manager, and I
dont know her name.' I said.
What the heck? Why didnt you ask her name? Madeena
said.
20
I was afraid to ask her name and I didnt even have the
courage to say hello to her, I said sadly.
Is she sexy? Aaqil asked and winked.
She is beautiful, Habibi, I said.
Hmmmm, I think you are in love with this girl.' Madeena
said.
Kind of, but I do not know for sure. I cant stop thinking
about her since I listened to her voice over the phone. After seeing
her, I was bowled over. I said.
Now I got it why you were taking so much time to get ready
for class. Trying to impress the girl, huh? Aaqil asked.
Yes, I fell in love with her voice itself and thankfully she is
beautiful and charming too. I replied.
Ya, Allah! You are crazy Siddhant. Madeena laughed.
Why so? I asked.
You are a typical Indian man. Just like your Bollywood
movies. You fall in love with the girl whom you dont even know
properly. she said
Thats love baby. It is all about feelings. Maybe I will hate
her after knowing her properly or I may even start loving her
more. God knows, but at present, I have started thinking about our
future plans. I said with a smile.
Ha ha ha ha ha, What if she is already married? Aaqil asked.
Then, maybe I will have to find out if she is up for an
extramarital affair I joked.
Shut up both of you. Siddhant, please take time, try to know
her first, before making any further plans. Madeena spoke like a
true guardian
You are right; even I dont want to rush. Its my life, and I
have to take care about that. I said.
Cool guys, so lets have our food, enjoy the meal and Mads,
Happy Birthday and thank you for the treat. Aaqil hugged her.
Happy wala birthday Mads, I hugged as well.
Thank you guys; you both are sweet. She smiled.
21
Sohil Ashvin Shah
RITISHA, STARTING WITH H'

The next Friday, I woke up early and the first thing I did even
before straightening my back, was checking my Facebook page on
my cellphone As I scrolled down I saw a post from the Hamdan
Institutes page on my news feed on Facebook. The only thing that
grabbed my attention was her picture. The admin of the page
uploaded her photo with a welcome post Welcome aboard
Ritisha. The institute is very active on Facebook and ensures their
posts are regularly updated on their page. Though I never really
cared about all the so-called interesting news they posted, this
one made me thank them a million times.
Her name was Ritisha. The name rang in my memory like a
song I had never forgotten. I searched her on Facebook. Ritisha,
Dubai I typed in the search box on Facebook and pressed the
search button. What happened was exactly what I had expected.
Plenty of Ritisha' got displayed on the screen and I was confused
yet again. Her name was all I knew about her. Having her surname
or even the place she lived in, would have enabled me to get the
accurate results.
I opened the post again, started looking at the likes and the
comments of the post. There were a hundred likes and around fifty
comments welcoming her. I saw that my classmates Raghuvir,
Krista, and Amrita liked the post too. I pressed the like button and
commented Welcome. I checked the comments and likes
again just to check if she had liked the post or anything.
Disappointment awaited in that zone, as well.
I was excited for the class in the evening. However, this time I
would not be done with simply catching a glimpse of her. I would
go up to her and welcome her personally. It was twelve noon, and
I started to get ready for class. I put on new clothes, jeans,
perfume, and gelled up my hair. It felt as if I was getting ready for
a date.
I reached the class half an hour ago as I wanted to wish her
before anyone arrived. However, it seemed the happy hours in my
kundli were yet to begin. I found her busy attending one student,
explaining him about the CMA course provided by the Institute. I
went to my class to keep my bag on the same chair. It was half an
hour to go before our class would start. I peeked out to check on
her. My patience growing short with the passing seconds, I started
roaming around inside the class. After a while, I saw the student
22
leaving. I knew I could not afford to waste a single second. I ran

up to her, stood at a hands distance from her and started fiddling
with my phone.
Yes, do you need something? Her attention diverted in my
direction.
Arrey, No. Its fine. I... I am just waiting for my class to
begin. I stammered. It was the first time we looked each other in
the eye and exchanged words. I was very scared. I tried a lot to
wish Ritisha but failed miserably.
Can you please help me put the water bottle in the dispenser
if you dont mind? Ritisha asked for my help.
My heart started pounding. I followed her to the pantry
without saying a single word. I put the water bottle on the
dispenser. She thanked me and I smiled back. I noticed Ritisha
was not in a good mood. That smile was miles away from her
face. I decided to drop the plan of picking up a conversation.
Amrita was the next person to arrive. She saw the both of us
coming out of the pantry. There was a smirk on her face and I
realized what leg pulling awaited me as I reached class. She went
to the class, and I followed her.
So, hows the flavor? Amrita asked me while putting her
bag on the chair.
What? I asked.
I mean to say, hows the taste of her lips? She asked and
laughed,
Just shut up, dont start again.
What fun! she laughed.
You are the limit yaar, I said with anger.
Okay baba, I am sorry. Leave it.
You better be.'
Hmm.by the way it was Maybelline, I guess, Amrita said
after pausing for five seconds.
Aggggghhhhh, Keep your mouth shut, I was irritated, but
could not help smiling at that.
Theek hai Theek hai! Do not cry now, you dog.
Hmmmm
Waise, what were you guys doing in the pantry? Amrita
asked.
23
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Nothing, She asked me for help to put a water bottle on the

dispenser, I replied.
Ohhhh! I see, Superman to the rescue!
Yes, thats me,
Good going, keep it up.
Yo,
The class started. Five minutes into it and I realized that my
physical self and the mental domain were not at the same place.
My mind was hovering in some distant space where Ritisha and
her thoughts engulfed me. I was waiting for the lecture to get over.
After an hour and a half of torture, my prayers were answered.
Amrita, you can leave, I have some queries that I want to ask
Mr. Mehta, I said
Sure, even I am getting late, my husband is waiting. See you
next week she said.
Okay bye, I said.
Everybody left. Mr. Mehta went to managers cabin. Only
Ritisha and I were outside near the reception area. I was eagerly
waiting to wish her, but I was very confused how to start the
conversation.
Hi, Miss.' I greeted Ritisha.
I used Miss as I was pretending to not know her name.
Hey, Siddhant right? she asked.
Ya, Siddhant, so you remember my name, huh? I said.
She smiled and went inside her cabin and she came back after
getting her blackberry from her desk. I was sure that she was
upset; I was waiting for the right time.
Ohh, you are still here. Do you require anything? Ritisha
asked.
Ahh, not really. I just wanted to inform you that I dont
receive any e-mails from the Institute. Could you please check
whether my registered e-mail address is correct or not? I realized
the question was too stupid to fathom, but I was desperate to start
a conversation.
Let me check. Come to my cabin. She replied.
I followed her to her cabin. She turned on her laptop and
asked my name.
Its Siddhant Shah, I replied.
24
Siddhant, Siddhant Siddhant, Siddhant Rajesh Shah?

Yeah, Siddhant Rajesh Shah, Correct,'
According to our records, your email id is
siddhant_shah8289@hotmail.com. Is it correct? Ritisha asked.
Yeah, its correct. Dont understand why I dont receive any
emails, though
God Knows! Let me put your name again in the e-mail
group,
That would be sweet of you,
Mmmmm its done. Anything else?
She was still upset.
Can you please check my mobile number as well? I asked
Its zero double five, four double five two nine two three,
she said.
This one is also correct, I said
Hmmm.'
I was out of questions. My mind ran into a blank and decided
to pull up my guts and wish her.
By the way, welcome to the Institute, I took almost half a
minute to come up with that.
Thanks! She smiled at me and started working again on her
laptop.
So what is your name? And from where you are? I asked.
Ritisha Jain, from India she looked at me. The next second
her eyes were back on the screen.
Ohh, I am also from India, I said.
She nodded.
Jain? I asked
Yes. She was not looking at me and busy with her work.
Shwetamber Jain or Digamber Jain? I was slapping myself
in the mind for popping stupid questions but I just had to continue
with the conversation.
Hmm... . She replied. Her hmm was not going down well
with me.
Which part of India? I asked
25
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Why are you asking me so many questions? Do you want to

marry me? She slammed her laptop screen. I could see a flicker
of anger in her eyes.
Excuse me? I said
Excused you,
Hello Madam, This is not the right way to talk with me okay?
I am not your boyfriend or husband. I growled as well.
Dont worry dude; you cant be either my boyfriend or my
husband. I have far better options than you. Ritisha said.
I am not that much desperate and for your kind information,
you are not that lucky. Okay? I said.
I know. Bye, she said.
Bye. Take care.'
Everything looks beautiful when we are in love. She was
rude to me and I said take care. Even when we are dumped in
love, we never really stop caring for the other person.
Ritisha seemed frustrated. I decided to leave.
I had totally screwed up the first move. The time was very
wrong and the move was unexpected. I was about to cry in the
institutes lift. However, my male ego pulled the brakes on the
tears. Moreover, why should I cry? For whom should I cry? For
the girl who didnt know how to talk with me? The girl who did
not know how to reply? Fuck off! Suddenly I started hating the
world.
I reached home. Aaqil was cleaning his cupboard. Ana
Ayesh a song of Amr Diab was playing on the TV. I could not
understand the lyrics. I figured out only bits and parts of it. Ana
Ayesh mosh, Ayesh mosh something wala something, wala aref
something-something-something Habib something.' However,
according to the video, I realized that something happened
between Amr Diab and his Girl Friend. He sat on the floor at the
outside of his girlfriends home, crying, trying to knock the door.
The song matched my present state.
What does it mean? I asked Aaqil.
What? He asked.
Meaning of the song,
Aaaah, Habibi, He is saying that I cannot live without you, I
do not want a love after you and all He explained.
Okay,
26
I got up and went to the washroom. I burst into tears. My male

ego shattered into pieces, I was crying like a child. I did not
deserve this. I washed my face, wiped my eyes, and came back to
my room.
Shu hada? What happened? Why your eyes are red? Aaqil
asked me.
Nothing I ignored him.
Any problem? You can tell me.
Sure, I will,
I wanted to tell him what had happened to me. However, I
ignored. It was around five in the evening. I decided to sleep.
Aaqil left earlier as he wanted to meet one of his family members
and then he told me he would directly go to the club. I was alone
in the house. I walked around, tossed in bed but could not catch a
hint of sleep. The episode with Ritisha played in my mind a
million times.
***************************
It was about to be midnight. The same place, the same time,
almost the same people, except for me. In the past few hours, it
was as if I had gone through an emotional toil like never before. I
could not sleep and could not eat after the incident. To keep my
mind distracted from the situation, I went to Aaqils club Rock
Your Soul. I found a corner table to sit to avoid being seen by
Aaqil or Madeena.
I ordered one 30 ml peg of Chivas Regal with Coke. In a
minute, the contents of the glass got emptied in my mouth. Like
most people, I needed alcohol to forget the incident that left my
ego in ravages. I ordered for another 30 ml and I could feel some
amazing Bollywood dance numbers playing on the speakers,
while people grooved to it. I could not fathom the enjoyment they
were having, but could not make myself to share the same.
Hey.'
One message from an unknown number appeared on my
WhatsApp. It was around one oclock in the midnight. The
number read +971 528845574. It was from UAE. I checked the
profile picture. It was one of the pics of Salman Khan and
Bhagyashree from the movie Maine Pyaar Kiya in which Salman
was trying to punch Bhagyashree and Bhagyashree wore the
famous black cap on which FRIEND was mentioned holding the
teddy bear.
27
Sohil Ashvin Shah
I checked the status; it was the dialogue from the same movie
Udaas hona, yun akele mein rona ... is injurious to health, sehat
ke liye hanikarak hota Hai. It was just updated six hours ago and
thirty-five minutes just when I was crying. What a co-incidence.
Hey, May I knw who you are? I replied.
Siddhant Shah? I got reply from the unknown number
Yup.'
Hey, Hritisha here.'
Hritisha?
Yup.'
I dont know any Hritisha. Sorry
Arrey. We met at Hamdan Institute today.'
Today?
Yeah, you asked me to check your details. You even wished
me.'
I could not believe she would message me. I came to know
how her name spelled. Hritisha with an H'
Oh ya, the angry lady I replied.
Hey, Im so sorry for that. I was not in a good mood, so I
behaved rudely she replied with fifteen crying emoticons. I felt
guilty. I could not bear her being sad even in chat.
Hey, dont be, its fine. Actually, I'm sorry.
Why are you sorry?
I knew dat you were not in a good mood. Still, I was
irritating you with my questions.
Hmmm, sorry to say but it was irritating ;) She replied.
I realized that she has resumed her normal state.
Then toh you should slap me I messaged.
Lol. Why?
Because whenever I ask so many questions, girls happen to
slap me.'
Ohh
Yaaaaaa
Lol.'
Hmmmm.'
What the hell! I have started Hmmmm.'
28
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
m. she replied
I continued the chat.
Hey, btw, how did u get my number?
I guess someone confirmed me your number in the institute
today ;)
Smart Girl, haan?
Since birth dude.'
The music was louder in the disco. Aaqil was playing a
remixed version of the Arabic songs. Everyone was enjoying the
music, and I was enjoying my chat. I did not even finish the
second peg. The ice had melted under the whiskey and coke and
between her and me. I was smiling like an idiot.
I know Habibi. I can read that in your eyes I replied with
winked smiley.
Ohhhh. Habibi haan? Pakka Arab She replied.
Yeah, when in Rome, do as Romans do.'
Lol. True
There was silence next. I saw that Hritisha was online until
three to four minutes. I was waiting for typing..On my screen.
I was expecting that she would send me a message now. I did not
want to stop the conversation, so I initiated the conversation again.
So are you Salman Bhai's fan? I asked
One tick mark sent, two tick marks, delivered.
Bhai for you, not for me within fifteen seconds she replied
with a number of angry emoticons.
Hehehe. Kk. So are you Salman Khans fan? I asked again.
Yes, he is my jaan, my darling she replied with hearts. That
girl, like many I knew, had already taken the Bollywood superstar
as the man she dated.
Lol.

We have something in common then. He is my favorite as
well I replied.
Ohhh. Everything okay na?
Means?
Are you gay?
Hmmmmmm, for Salman Khan? You can say that!
29
Sohil Ashvin Shah
What? Seriously?
Yes. He is the only guy in the world I have got lovey-dovey
feelings for.'
In which sense?
In that sense.
Now to pakka you are gay.'
Told u na? For him; YES.'
Same pinch!'
Oouchyour pinch really hurt!'
Hahaha, good one!
Lol! Ty Ty
Okay thn, it's one oclock now. I should sleep.'
Yup, you can.'
What about you? You dont want to sleep? Hritisha asked.
Damm! I was in trouble now. What should I say her? That I
am in a club boozing all because of her.
I will, in a while I replied safely.
Hmmmm, Good!
So, friends? I asked
No.'
Why?
Ek ladka aur ek ladki kabhi dost nahi hote. Lol, she quoted a
famous line from Maine Pyaar Kiya.
Hahaha, haan, yeh to ek parda hai parda, kapkapati raton
me, dhadakte hue dilo ki bhadakti hui aag ko bujhane ka,
chhupane ka I replied with another famous dialog from the
movie.
OMG! You remember the full dialog haan?
Yes, madam. I saw MPK more than ten times.'
Bas? I saw more than twenty times.'
Ohhh thats cool.'
Okay then, my eyes and hands are grieving. She said
No problem yaar, u can sleep and thanks.'
Hey, Dosti Ka ek usul hai sir, no sorry, no thanks to you.'
Hehe, I know I know. But still, thanks!'
Lol! It's okay and sorry to you again!
30
You better be. Lol! Maaf kiya.'

Hmmmm, chalo then, GN SD TC.'
Yes, you too.'
Our first chat was over. Suddenly my mood was totally
changed. I leaned my seat sideways to come into Aaqils view. He
saw me. His eyes dilated in surprise. He called me to his place. I
went to meet him. He hugged me tight as we met after a century.
What are you doing here? He asked loudly due to loud
music.
I was missing you. So I came here to meet you Habibi I
shouted too.
Kamal karte ho yaar pandey Ji he slapped my back after
quoting Salman Khans dialogue.
Thats me, I said
You enjoy bro; I will catch you soon, He said.
No problem, I am here only, I said
I took the front seat and started enjoying the music, which
was irritating just twenty minutes ago. A single text from Hritisha
changed my mood.
The gorgeous Madeena came for her performance. She started
with the Hindi song Mashallah from the movie Ek tha Tiger. Oh,
yes! It was the day on which she used to perform on Hindi songs.
She finished her performance after four Hindi songs, starting from
Mashallah followed by Choli ke peeche kya hai. Salam-e-ishq
meri jaan and Maar dala. What an incredible performance it was!
After her performance ended, she spotted me. She smiled and
winked at me as usual and I clapped and cheered for her.
It was her last performance. After her performances, Aaqil
again started playing famous Bollywood numbers. I felt overjoyed
at the recent turn of events and broke into a jig on the dance floor.
I realized that though alcohol is for every mood, something special
happens when we drink either during happiness or during grief.
The club closed at three in the morning. I said goodbye to
Aaqil and some staffs and managers of the club. Aaqil asked me to
leave as he had some meeting with the clubs management. I left,
went home almost drunk, I was yet in my senses. I laid down on
my bed, checked my WhatsApp nearly twenty to twenty-five
times, read the conversation between Hritisha and me repeatedly. I
slept at four in the morning with a smile running from ear to ear.
31
Sohil Ashvin Shah
EFFORTS TO GET HER ATTENTION

I woke up the next day at two in the afternoon. My head felt dizzy
and I remembered my drunken state from the night before. The
first thing I did after waking up was to check WhatsApp especially
to see if there was any message from Hritisha. There was nothing.
Why should she message me? We were not best friends yet. I was
expecting excessively much I guess.
I thought Hritisha might notice if I would change my profile
picture and status. I surfed my mobile phone gallery to look for a
nice picture for my profile. Suddenly I saw two pictures of Bob
Marleys quotes, which were sent by Sunny in my colleges
WhatsApp group.
As soon as I saw it, I knew it was what I was looking for to be
my display picture. It read If shes amazing, she wont be easy. If
shes easy, she wont be amazing. If shes worth it, you wont give
up. If you give up, you are not worthy. ..the truth is, everybody is
going to hurt you; you just got to find the ones worth suffering
for.
I changed by status to one of the most memorable quotes of
Bob Marley,
You may not be her first, her last or her only. She loved
before; she may love again. But, if she loves you now, what else
matters? - Bob Marley. I checked Hritishas profile. She was
online. I wanted to send a message to her, but I could not. I waited
for around ten minutes.
Hey, Nice DP and incredible status.'
I saw a message from Hritisha, which I had received when I
was probably in the shower. Within ten minutes, I got ready, lay
down on my bed and started replying her.
10x Very much I replied
10x? She responded after half a minute.
Ohh...it means thanks.'
Achha...new word haan?
Yeah.'
So, are you at work? Hritisha asked.
No, I have Friday-Saturday off.'
Awwww, lucky you are.'
32
Lollx. Yes, Im ;)
Im jealous.' She said.
Hehehe,
Hmmmm. Okay, then I am little busy, ttul.'
Ttul?
I mean Talk to U Later.' Hritisha said.
Achha...new word haan? I asked.
Copycat.'
Lollx...Thats me.'
Good for you, okay bye dear. TC
****************************
Hi, You there? Hritisha sent me text at night.
Hey, Hi. Tell Me. I replied.
So you are from Ahmedabad, Right? I saw your details
today.'
Yes, I was born and brought up in Ahmedabad and am
currently working in Dubai since the last three years.
Great.'
I also asked Hritisha about her family and graduation. She
told me that she was born and brought up in Delhi and her parents
have been living in UAE for the past twenty years. She used to
visit UAE during the vacation. She also migrated to UAE after
finishing her graduation and luckily, she got the job as an assistant
manager in the Hamdan Institute. She also told me that she had a
younger sister named Reet Jain who was still pursuing her
graduation in Delhi and living with her Bade Papa, her fathers
elder brother.
I also told her that I had migrated to Dubai in 2010 after
finishing my graduation. I got the opportunity work as an
accountant in Dubai based on my four years experience in India. I
also told her that my parents live in Ahmedabad with my
grandmother and that I had an elder sister who was already
married.
There was a small pause in the short conversation between
Hritisha and me. I wanted to see her photos. I wanted to ask her to
show me more pics, but I was not sure about how she would react.
What would she think about me? What if she would say no?
33
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Can we be FB friends if you don't mind? I asked her after

weighing the pros and cons.
Hahaha, why not?
I gave my Facebook ID to Hritisha.
'Hritisha Jain has sent you a friend request on Facebook.' The
notification appeared on my mobile screen. I logged in through
my desktop system and accepted her friend request. Finally, we
were FB friends within half an hour.
I checked her profile picture with a black top, untied hair and
quite an adorable smile. My heart skipped a beat yet again. She
looked damn beautiful and unbelievably fair as usual, even
without makeup. I was aware of the kind of edited and filtered
photographs people use on Facebook. To make sure, I clicked
through all her albums and checked every picture. There was
hardly a picture or two where she did not quite appear that good
and that too because of the poor quality of the photos.
I saw some photos with her friends in which she was tagged.
They all were eating pizza at some mall and clicking photos. She
was glowing in those pictures. Hritishas cheeks had the glow of a
strawberrys red. I checked very carefully just to confirm if the
photos were really hers. There were a few pictures where she was
seen wearing spectacles. I happened to have an affinity for girls
with untied hair and spectacles. I checked all those five-six photos
multiple times.
Yaaaaaarr I dropped her message on Facebook.
What happened? Hritisha replied with an emoticon with a
surprised expression.
Nothing, leave it.'
Areey? Say Na?
Yaar tum to bahot gori chitti ho.'
Hahahahahahahahahaha. Why? Wasnt I looking that gori
chitti when you saw me at the institute?' She asked.
Lol. You were looking gorgeous, but I could not tell. I was
behaving like a gentleman'
You are a mental man. ROFL' She said.
See...? I knew you would laugh :(
Naa naa, I laughed because I imagined how cutely u must
have said that
34
Hmmm.'
Hehehe, achha so which of my pics did you check out on
FB?'
The pizza ones.'
Ohh those pics?
Yesss.'
Haan, I went to a mall with my school friends.'
Okok, you look beautiful.'
Hehe, ty ty :)
There was again a pause of half a minute.
Achha, listen, I need to sleep. Can we chat tomorrow if you
don't mind? Hritisha asked.
Itni jaldi? It's just 11 PM? I asked surprisingly.
Haanji, actually my job timings are frm morning 9 to
afternoon 6.'
Ohhhh.'
Ji, so I have to wake up at 6 o'clock and the cab comes at
around 7 from Sharjah.
Ohhhkkkkss, no worries.'
Ohhkkss.'
Hmmm, GN SD TC I wished.
You too dear, cya 2morrow.' She wished me too.
Sure, see u.'
We greeted each other, and Hritisha went to sleep. I could not.
I was still looking at Hritishas other photos on FB. I had seen all
of her pictures multiple times. However, especially the photos in
which she looked too much fair, I saw those a hundred times and I
downloaded them without her permission. Finally, it was around
12:30 AM as it was my maximum limit to stay up during
weekdays. On weekends, I could stay awake until the next
morning. My eyes were about to close. I slept by thinking yaar
bahot gori hai yeh toh.'
A beautiful morning appeared on the horizon the next day.
My alarm clock the worst enemy to human sleep sounded and
tried to blow my ears. I desperately wanted to hold on to my
fantasy world and so I put the phone on snooze mode. I smiled
35
Sohil Ashvin Shah
with my eyes closed. The alarm would not know what it is to feel
the way I felt then.
With only a half of consciousness erecting my back, I reached
out to my phone and checked Facebook. Without reading the
pending 11 notifications, I opened WhatsApp just to check a
single message from Hritisha. I saw that her last seen was 2 hours
ago. I realized she must have woken up for office. I was quite
upset because she did not send me a Good Morning text. The
absence of one stupid text message drove me to think all sorts of
nonsense. I always knew what an insecure person I was and how I
feared losing people I loved. It felt no different with her. There
was no text from her and I reached the conclusion that she had no
interest in me and did not want to take the friendship any further.
While she was not willing to move beyond casual chats, I had
already pictured myself exchanging vows with her. I knew I was
being silly, but my heart ran at the speed of a break-less car.
People say, it takes a lifetime to find true love, and sometimes it
even happens in seconds. I knew that with her, I could settle for
nothing less than love.
I reached the office, and again I noticed Hritishas WhatsApp
active six hours ago. Without thinking further, I sent her a Good
Morning text. It did not deliver for the next five hours.
Hey, good morning I got a reply from her.
Hey wassup? I replied.
Nothing much. Just having lunch in the Food Court in Dubai
Mall.'
Ohhhh, chalo have lunch thn we'll talk.'
I told Hritisha that I could not live without food for a long
time. She asked me whether I could cook or not. I told her that the
only thing I knew about food was how to eat it. She laughed and
instructed me to learn cooking for my health. Eating outside might
not be good for my health. Her health advice registered in my
heart as her concern for me. After my mother, she was the second
person to have taken interest in my health. It had been a long time
since mom stopped ranting about my food discipline. Hritisha
caught that rein.
But no choice dear :(
36
Okay, I can understand that, but please stop eating fast food
at least, have a proper meal at least during lunch. In dinner, you
can have fruits or vegetables.'
Sure. I will change my habits.'
Haan, or else I will help you.' Hritisha said.
That was another masterstroke from her side. This time I was
clean bowled. I had decided in my mind to never let her go, come
what may.
I fumbled to find a fitting reply to that. I wanted to break the
ice some more between us. I wanted to show her the real side of
me. The Siddhant that was funny, flirty, wicked but never
disrespectful. I so wanted to, but on second thoughts I chickened
out. What if I blurt out anything offensive? What if she finds me
insensitive and perverse?
Oksss, thats great, finally, I've got my free dietician,
Ha ha ha, Gujju, I will charge for that, nothing will be free.'
I started to show her the real Siddhant.
See madam, I am Gujju, upar se Ahmedabadi, upar se
baniya, upar se commerce graduate, upar se accountant, do you
still think that I will pay you?
Beta I am also from Delhi. Havent you heard 'Dilli ki billi
Ko maar lo, khaa lo par paalo nahi, pachtaoge' lol.'
Haaillaa, Dev-D ka dialogue?
Hey bhaggguu, Filmy Bhoot.'
Hahaha, yes. However, it's nothing like that. Delhi people are
friendly. One of my best friends is also from Delhi, and my sister
and Jiju also lived in Delhi for three years. She told me that we
have wrong perceptions about Delhi people.'
Yesssss, we are friendly people, you know?
So? I asked Hritisha after a pause of two-three minutes.
Thanks to our employers for allotting us a one-hour lunch break. I
could chat with the girl of my dreams for an hour!
What? Hritisha asked.
Say something more about yourself.'
What should I say?
Hmm, so ask me if you want to know more abt me.'
Hmmm, okay thn tell me what's your dream? She asked me.
37
Sohil Ashvin Shah
To marry you.'
Shut up, lol!
Her LOL made me comfortable. I thought she might not have
a problem with some harmless flirting from my side.
Tell na, She asked.
I told Hritisha that I wanted to be a film director and wanted
to do a Diploma in filmmaking after my 12th boards. It has been
my dream to see 'written & directed by Siddhant Shah' on the big
screen. However, with my father losing his business while I was
in 10th and, my sister dropping out of college to take up a job, I
too dropped my dream and started working right after my 12th
standard boards.
Wow yaar, so college? Hritisha asked.
Morning 7 to 11 College and then a job.'
Superb, I am impressed.'
I felt better whn she wrote that she was impressed.
:)
No worries, still life is not over, you can still achieve your
Dream.' Hritisha said.
Haan, sometimes I think that if I had joined film school in
2006, maybe would have had the chance to fit in as Sanjay Leela
Bhansalis AD, working with actors and being a part of a grand
movie.
Hahahahahahahah, Maybe
What abt you? I asked Hritisha about her dream.
Oh, God! I have a loooooong list!'
Still, whats the biggest Dream?'
Hmmmm, I wanted to become a fashion designer.'
Areey waah! That sounds great!'
Yess yes,
Actually, you can be, you have a nice dressing sense.'
Really?
Yup. I have seen your photos. I feel you have great dressing
sense.'
Hehehe, thank you ji.'
38
Koi Naa. I will appoint you as the official Costume Designer

when I make my first movie.' I said.
Ya right! Then you would not even entertain me. You would
be a film director and me, a small-time costume designer!'
Not if I fall in love with you by then.'
That acted as the final nail in the coffin. I was damn sure that
Hritisha would not like my last comment. She read the text. I
noticed Hritisha was typing something for a very long time. A
long paragraph would come for sure. I was waiting for her reply
and her reaction.
After a few seconds, a message blinked on the screen. It was a
simple hahaha with a LOL sticker. I figured she must have typed
something really harsh and then deleted the message.
Sorry, I texted her.
For what?
For the last comment.'
Areey baba it's fine, don't worry.'
I took a long breath. However, indirectly I had already
expressed my feelings for her, and if I was not completely aiming
in the dark, the feeling was mutual. We stopped chatting for some
time, as we got busy with our respective schedules. I waited for
almost five hours to get Hritishas next message. I checked my
phone several times on my way back home, to see if Hritisha had
sent any text or not. I reached home, checked my phone one more
time but found nothing.
I was thoroughly distracted during dinner. I did not feel even
an ounce of hunger. My complete attention and devotion lay with
my cell phone that I kept locking and unlocking to check for
messages. 'Active 5 hours ago' appeared on Hritishas chat
window. I hit the bed without changing my clothes, my phone still
clutched in my fist.
The next morning, Aaqil woke me up. I had not set the alarm.
Hope from last night lingered on and I checked my phone. 'Active
15 hours ago' showed her chat box.
Strangely, I was not irritated this time. I was anxious. Had
something happened to her? Even today, I felt the same way about
her. I could not concentrate in office the whole day. Now and
then, I was checking my phone.
39
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Subhah wali morning ji.' I sent a text to Hritisha.

I waited for half an hour, but it was not delivered. I could not
concentrate on my work the whole day as I was waiting for her
message to arrive. Several thoughts ran through my head. I
decided to grab lunch at Dubai Mall the ideal time-pass zone.
I came back to the office after one hour and opened Facebook
Messenger. The message was not yet delivered. I was glaring at
the chat window. Facebook Messenger was betraying me. My
anxiousness was growing at the speed of a meteor. I dared to look
at the phone once again. The message had been delivered. Hritisha
had come online after 21 hours.
Hahaha, what was that?'. She read the message and asked
about 'Subhah wali morning.'
Hehehe, its Good morning wish.'
Hey bhaggguu,
Why? If 'Ishq Wala love' is possible then why not 'Subhah
wali morning?
Lol, thn toh afternoon wali dophar Mubarak aapko.'
Hehehe, aap ko bhi.'
She apologized for not texting me upon reaching home the
other day. She understood what I might have felt. Its as if we had
this instantly invisible connection.
'Yes, I was eagerly waiting for your text; I haven't eaten my
dinner, breakfast, and lunch even. Desperately I was looking at
your chat window. You were offline for almost 22 hours. Those 22
hours were like 22 years for me. Please do not stay away for this
long. I love you a lot, and now I can't live without you for even a
single second.' I wanted to write all these things to her. However, I
did not want to sound that I was desperate, even though I really
was.
Areey, its okay, don't worry I replied.
Achha, can I say something? Hritisha asked.
It's okay, Finish your work, thn go home, have dinner, and
text me when you are free I replied.
Hahaha, how do you knw?
The same way you knew I was waiting for your text.'
Hmmm, karti hun msg, bye, TC.'
40
You too :)
I felt relieved and started doing my office work. I finished my
duty and went home. We talked for a few hours at night. I still
remember we always tried to be formal in the beginning before we
delved into the real talking. The nonsense and the sensible.
The next morning, I got ready and went to the office.
Everything round the clock happened in the same pattern like all
the other days. I was in no mood to work and only thought about
her all day long. I ran a quick check of the chats we had and the
pictures she had on Facebook. Hritisha used to come online during
the lunch break at around 1:30 PM. Therefore, it was tough to pass
the time between 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM. I always wanted to talk to
her. It felt as if even if I chatted with her throughout the day, I
would still be wanting some more.
Afternoon sir I received her text at sharp 1:45 PM. It arrived
15 minutes late.
Hello ji within a half minute I replied.
Hahaha, you are always online Na? Koi kam dhandha hai hi
nahi. Right?
Tere khayalo me khoya rahu, mera kaam ab yehi hai.
Did I ever tell you I hate flirting? Well, I do. Hritisha
replied.
Nahhiii, you broke my heart 74 times in these past three
days.'
ROFL, you are counting. Superb, I thought it should be 100
times.'
Hehehe, your sense of humor is also not bad.'
I know. Lol
Achha sorryfor replying late.
Damn! How could she understand what was running through
my mind? I swear she had fixed some CCTV camera inside my
brain.
It's okay dear. No worries.' I said.
Hmmm. What did you have during lunch? Hritisha asked.
McDonalds.'
Fast food again. Told you not to, right?'
But I don't have any choice here.'
41
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Hmmm. anyway, who am I to tell you what is right and

whats not.'
No no. It's not like that. Sorry. Sure from tomorrow onwards,
I will start eating healthy food.'
Hmmm.'
And anyhow I need to lose weight also.'
Why? How much is your weight?
Around 96 kg.'
What? Are you serious Siddhant?
Yes, dear.
Don't say that.'
Haan, my bones have all the weight. You can't make out my
body weight from my appearance.
Whatever. I think you need to shed a few kilos.'
Yess, I will start from tomorrow.
Lol! dekhte hai.'
We had talked for some time. Later in the day, we got busy
with our respective duties and met again at night on chat.
Wakeup mottu, 96 kg.lol.' Hritisha sent me a text early in the
morning.
Her text had arrived at five. I woke up at seven.
Hehehe, from tomorrow. Pakka I replied.
Lol. Beta tumse naa ho paega. She answered me during our
lunch break.
Hoga hoga I replied.
We will see. Chalo break time is over. Will buzz you after
duty. TC. Have your lunch properly. No fast food pls.'
Naa naa. I have brought oats. Will eat dat.'
Good boy. Chalo I am going. See you. TC
u too.'
:)
42
RENOVATED ATTITUDE
Hritisha and I had come closer in a very short while. I was quite a
changed person within a few days. My colleagues had started
noticing me. I was smiling, cracking jokes, which I had never
done with my office colleagues. I had the same routine going on
from the next day. Chatting during morning breakfast, during her
lunchtime, during my lunchtime, during the evening, during night.
Hritisha and I had shared lots of good and bad things by then.
The best and the worst moments of our life. I was quite happy as
we were sharing a great bond, but was also quite disappointed that
the bonding was limited to the virtual space. We had not spent
any time with each other physically, other apart from classes and
casual greetings.
Call me.' I got a text from Hritisha while she was heading
home after duty hours.
Wait a Second. I was super excited as I was expecting this
for God knows, how long.
Kripya shanti banaye rakhe. Lol, she gauged my
excitement.
No.
Without thinking further, I stopped my office work, went to
the corridor and called Hritisha. With every passing dial, my
heartbeat accelerated.
Hello? She picked up the call.
Hiii, hiii, what's up? I was shivering.
I am good. You say.
Me too. Thanks!
Where are you? In the office?
No.'
Then?'
In the corridor.'
Hahaha, pagal.'
And you?
I am in the metro, going home. Exhausted. We had training
programs and meeting.'
Ohhkkss.'
43
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Yooo.'
Can I ask you something? I asked.
Haanji.'
I loved her Delhi wali Hindi accent. Especially 'Haanji.'
Aap Gori to ho hi, sath me aawaz bhi awesome hai.'
She burst into laughter and laughed at a stretch for a span of
two minutes.
What? I asked.
Nothing Hritisha managed to speak in between her laughter.
Areeey say na?
I imagined your face when you said Aap Gori to ho hi, sath
me aawaz bhi awesome hai' and I started laughing.
Ae le. Usme kyu hasi aayi?
Areey I imagined that your face must look like a baby.'
Hahaha.'
Achha now there will be no network in the metro. So I will
buzz you when I reach home.'
Sure sure.
I disconnected the phone, went to the desk and sent her a text
on WhatsApp, Thanks!
Betaji, your fitness class will start from tomorrow onwards.
Just wait and watch.' She messaged me back.
She ordered me to wake up early in the morning and start
jogging. Moreover, I had to send a photograph while jogging. If I
failed to do so, she would not talk to me for the whole day.
Hritisha called at five, sharp in the morning. My pillow held me
back, but I yanked myself out of it and left for jogging.
I sent her a pic while I was jogging at Dubai Creek. Hritisha
checked my photo at lunchtime. She appreciated me. I asked
Hritisha for her photo, but she said that she could not click one in
the office pantry. I decided to give her the taste of her own
medicine. I told her that I would not talk to her if I did not receive
her photo at that time.
She sent me a picture after some time. I asked her to send me
a picture in loose hair, but she told me to send one when she
would reach home.
44
When I received that picture, I could not help but fall in love
with her all over again. I always believed that jinme shakal hoti
hai usme akal nahi hoti and vice-versa, but she proved me wrong.
She was not a bimbo; she was the perfect definition of beauty with
brains. Our daily routine had started. Hritisha used to call me up in
the morning for jogging, lunch time chats, chats after reaching
home, sharing each and everything, about past, about the present
and about future.
There was once a horrible night in our friendship when
Hritisha was online but did not reply. I thought she started hating
me. I sent a hell lot of messages but received no responses from
her. I started calling her. She did not pick my calls. I called around
twenty-one times within an hour. I panicked. I thought Hritishas
parents had caught her chatting with someone else or perhaps her
phone was with her parents and they were reading all the
messages. I could not sleep all night.
My eyes were aching. I was crying. I was under the
impression that I had lost her. Thousands of thoughts were
running across in my mind. She was continuously online but did
not reply to my messages.
Finally, Hritisha texted after four hours and replied that she
had fallen asleep while chatting. She said sorry and told me that it
would never happen again. She said how she was such a sotlu,
who can fall asleep within a couple of seconds. She calmed me
down and went to work. After that, I slept for a while. We used to
tease each other by saying that we were siblings from our past
lives as we had many similarities between us.
Already three months had passed since we first chatted. We
had grown fond of each other in the virtual world. However, I
wanted to spend more time with her. One day, I decided I would
not go home until I spend some quality time with Hritisha. We
both could not talk with each other in the tuition class due to her
busy schedule and meetings.
Siddhant, are you still here? Hritisha asked when she saw
me at the World Trade Center Metro Station.
Yes. My old teammate met me. He came for the exhibition.
So we were talking with each other is liye late ho gaya I said.
I did not meet anyone. I was waiting for her to come. I missed
almost twenty-five trains to meet her. I had finished my class
before three hours.
45
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Hmm. Okay Hritisha said.

Going home? I asked.
No. Im going for fishing. Wanna join?
Sorry. Stupid question.
I became so nervous at that time. Although I flirted with her
in chat, talking upfront and face-to-face was a scarier deal.
Hritisha was looking very resplendent and fresh even after the
hectic schedule of her work. She had started wearing specs since
the past few days and that glorified her pretty face even more. I
had to get down at Khaleed Bin Al Waleed metro station, which
was only three stops ahead of the World Trade Metro Station. I
decided to go with her to Stadium Metro Station, the last one from
where her father used to pick her and together they would return
to her place at Sharjah. I made an excuse that I had to go to
Sharjah for some work.
We step into the next metro. There was a huge rush inside the
metro as it was a Friday. Somehow, we managed to adjust
ourselves to stand properly. Hritisha stood in front of me but was
not facing towards me. I could see her from the glass opposite to
her on which her reflection had fallen. The fragrance of her
conditioner from her long untied hair forced me to lose my control
and to hug her from behind. However, I could not do anything
except control myself and watching her rheumy reflection on the
glass door.
We got down to Union Metro station and went to the Green
Line platform towards Etisalat Metro station. Luckily, we got
seats at Union metro station itself. She sat beside me. We both
were not talking to each other, as she was busy listening to songs
from her blackberry phone. I realized she was equally nervous. I
was dying to talk with her. However, she was lost in her world of
music. I took my phone and started seeing photos from my mobile
just to catch her attention.
Your family? Hritisha asked when she noticed a family
photo in my mobile.
Thank God, she stopped listening to music.
Yes, I said.
Missing them, na?
Yeah, its hard to live alone sometimes.'
46
Hmmm. Agreed
We talked more about each other's families. She told me how
much she liked Punjabi songs, especially the Indian pop star Yo
Yo Honey Singh. She burst into laughter when I said that I love
the song Lucchi Teri Adda instead of Unchi addiyan da.' I did
not know the correct lyrics.
The stadium metro station arrived. We wished each other
good night and parted. I noticed Hritisha leaving with her father.
Therefore, I came back again and went home.
*************************
Hritisha didn't come online since the last thirteen hours. I was
worried, as usual. What had happened to her? Was her phone
stolen or broken? Was she busy in office still? Has she met with
an accident? Did she die? To whom I should call to check whether
she was okay or not? I dialed her number plenty of times and
disconnected myself. I did not want her to know that I was tensed.
A huge plethora of things were running through my mind. For me,
insecurity meant to lose my beloved person. It was not that I
doubted her.
What should I do? Where was she? I felt incomplete without
her. Continuously I was checking her online status. I could not
sleep at night.
Almost two days had passed, and she had not come online. I
took a day off on the second day, as I could not concentrate. My
good night and good morning messages were also not being
delivered.
Hey.' Hritisha replied after two and half days.
Where were you yaar? What happened to you? Is everything
OK?
No. Not really? I am in India.'
Why?
My bade Papa had expired two days back.'
Ohhhh shit. I am so sorry to hear that.
Hmmm.'
It's OK. I can understand your situation :)
She was upset that day. She shared with me some of her
memories with her bade Papa. She was missing him. I wanted to
cheer her up. I thought it would be not nice if I cracked jokes and
47
Sohil Ashvin Shah
made fun of that situation. However, I could not see her upset.
Therefore, I was always cracking my sick jokes and funny stories.
Slowly she began laughing and her mood changed.
Muh dukh gaya, now stop. Lol, Hritisha said.
That's Siddhant's style.
Hehehe. Thanks for making me laugh.'
Any time madam. Be happy always.'
Hmmm :)
Sleep Now. We'll chat tomorrow.'
Okk Ji. GN SD TC
Same pinch.'
I took a long deep breath and rested properly after three days.
48
FIRST SPLIT-UP
The happiness did not stay for a long time. Hritisha informed me
that her family had decided to settle down in Delhi after the death
of her bade papa. Her father would handle the business from India
with her cousin brother, and he would visit Dubai as well once in
a month to check Dubais business.
I was angry, both with myself and with God. He had decided
to pull a climax to my story when it did not even begin in the
proper way.
I told Amrita about my feelings for her. She was not shocked,
as she knew already that something was cooking between Hritisha
and me. She advised me to be patient and wait for the right time to
express my feelings. Hritisha and her family members came back
to Dubai after one month for the visa cancellation formalities.
It was October 18, 2013, when I saw Hritisha, my crush or
may be my love, for the last time. It was her last day at the office.
Mr. Yasir had arranged a farewell party for her. The Management
invited us for a small get-together. The staff members of Hamdan
Institute gave their speech about her, where they appreciated her
hard work and her amicable nature. She also delivered a speech
about the supportive working environment and the helpful
management. She turned her eyes to me when she said that she
had made some good friends during the Job.
Congrats dude! Amrita whispered in my ears. She teased
me.
Shut your mouth.' I said to her.
The other students, lecturers, and management of Hamdan
Institute wished Hritisha a bright future ahead.
I had decided to wait for her at the metro station again. I
realized that I would never see her again. I wanted to express my
feelings for her. I wanted to tell her that I was crazy about her. I
wanted to tell her that how much I loved her. However, it was like
a Black Friday for me. I noticed that she was not in her place. I
asked Hanifa, and he informed that her family members had
specially come to the institute to take Hritisha back home, and
they wanted to thank the officials and the management for taking
care of her so nicely. Just like a family member.
Ill miss you I texted her when I reached home.
Same here. Hritisha replied.
49
Sohil Ashvin Shah
We did not talk much that night, as I was not in a mood to talk
to anyone.
I engraved the date in my heart. October 24, 2013, marked the
end. It took only five months before my love story ended
completely.
I was missing Hritisha at the institute the next Friday. Her
presence had grown on me. I was missing the place where she
used to sit. I was missing the first day when I saw her at the
Institute. She was in Delhi for real. However, she truly lived
amidst my deepest emotions. I had accepted the fact that I would
never see her again. Thankfully, destiny had other plans for us.
Hritisha got herself an Indian contact number as soon as she
settled down properly in Delhi. She got a job at GENPACT as
Process Developer within a month. Reet, her sister, had continued
her study. She was also missing Dubai, although she was here for
hardly eight months.
50
ARRANGED MARRIAGE -
A POPULAR INDIAN ADVENTURE SPORT
The year 2014 brought many changes in my life. I stopped going
to the institute as I had finished my classes. Now, I had to focus
solely on my exam preparations. Aaqil, my roommate, got a new
job as a DJ at a famous disco club in a Jumeirah groups hotel. So,
he moved to the companys accommodation. Madeena also joined
his club after a few days. Dipen, my Nepali friend joined me as
my new roommate.
Hritisha and me; came closer. Late night chats, hours of
phone talks were ordinary for us. I had cleared my CPA, and she
had started MBA from NIIT, Ghaziabad. We were more than just
best friends. However, we were not exactly in the couple zone
either. We could not live without talking to each other for a whole
day. I was fond of her. Sometimes I would feel that I really loved
her. At other times, I was not sure whether it was friendship, love,
Infatuation or just an Infection. It was hard for me to decide. I
guess Hritisha too felt the same way for me. We were just
enjoying our friendship.
The family pressure was increasing day by day. My parents
thought I was getting old and if I did not get married within a
year, no one would be ready to marry me.
One beautiful day, my father sent me photos and profiles of
four girls of our Jain Jagruti Community. I pictured my father like
Amitabh Bachhan of Kaun Banega Crorepati.
'Toh Bataie Siddhant ji, Aap kis se shaadi karna chahte hai?
Aapke options hai A) Reema Shah B) Charu Mehta C) Mrinali
Shah, yaa fir D) Ruchi Doshi.
I had seen Charu Mehta and Mrinali Shah before in social
functions and marriages when I was in India. I knew them a little
bit. Reema Shah and Ruchi Doshi were new faces for me.
Therefore, I denied the proposals of Charu and Mrinali and
decided to use a fifty-fifty lifeline and choose A) Reema Shah and
D) Ruchi Doshi.
However, my parents were not cool with my choice. I
expected them to have the same reaction they wanted me to have
one meeting with Reema and Charu; they did not like Ruchi
much. I could not understand their logic behind sending me
Ruchis picture if they were not too keen on her.
51
Sohil Ashvin Shah
The problem with Ruchi was that she was not the usual girl
one happens to see in a Jain Community. I noticed Ruchi's profile
photo in which she wore a black sleeveless top, an adorable smile,
loose hair but unmatched red nail paint. To be honest, I was
attracted towards her. She belonged to Mumbai. She was indeed
what they called a pukka Mumbaikar.
I checked out Reema Shahs profile picture next. She was
average looking, yet she looked soberer than the other two.
I realized that it was unfair to reject a girl merely by her
appearance. However, what could I do? I knew that looks did not
matter but, when you have multiple-choice questions before you,
you have to calculate every possibility to get the right answer. I
knew my parents; they would agree with my choice. They always
ended up with the sentence if you are happy, we do not have any
problem.
My father provided me the contact numbers of Ruchi and
Reema to allow me to initiate communication with them. The
parents of the girls did not have any issue if I talked to their
daughters over the phone or chat.
Hey, Siddhant here from Dubai I sent a text to Ruchi first on
WhatsApp in the evening.
Hey, Siddhant here from Dubai the same text was sent to
Reema too.
Ruchis last seen was showing at 9:49 AM and the message
was not delivered to her. Reemas last seen was invisible. The
text was delivered to Reema, but she did not see it until the next
hour. Meanwhile, I told Hritisha about my first two crushes in the
virtual world. I had many crushes on female celebrities but not on
any real girls whom I knew personally.
Hritisha congratulated me for my new adventure. I tried to
make her jealous purposely, but she was enjoying when I was
praising Ruchi and Reema at the same time. She asked me to send
her their pictures. I forwarded her the same photos, which my
father had sent me. She also liked Ruchi more than Reema.
'Wow, she is beautiful but very thin. You will choke her while
trying to hug her. Lol,' Hritisha replied and praised Ruchis
beauty.
'Ha Ha Ha, very funny, has lia maine, khush?' I replied.
'Funki, Funkiiii, fire brigade mangle tu' she replied.
52
I had a special connection with Hritisha. I could not get angry

with her even after she hit extreme humiliation levels with me. I
told her that I rejected two more girls before selecting Ruchi and
Reema. I showed her their photos too.
Hmmmm. Good was the only reply I got from Hritisha. It
was unexpected. I thought she would make fun of me, but she was
quiet.
What happened? Why shant shant? I asked Hritisha.
Nothing re, just tired.
Oksss. Sleepo then.
Yup, Good Night
I noticed that both Ruchi and Reema had not seen my text by
then, so I slept without thinking further. I had a slight idea that
Ruchi might not reciprocate. Therefore, I swung back to Hritisha.
On December 21, 2014, and around five in the evening here in
Dubai, Ruchi replied after twenty hours for the first time with a
Hello.
I stopped my office work, tapped WhatsApp on my phone,
and within a minute I answered Ruchi by saying hey, thanks for
replying :).
She paused the conversation a while.
I decided to continue the conversation. We both asked each
other necessary things like educational qualifications, family
details, plans, etc., etc.
Hey, you live in Dubai, right? Ruchi asked.
Yes I have been working and living here for last 4.5 years I
replied.
Hi, Siddhant, Reema here within half a minute I got a
response from Reema, which I had sent her the previous night.
I wondered whom to reply. One was my crush Ruchi and
another was my parents choice. I played a safe game with both
Ruchi and Reema for a week. I showed interest in the both of
them at the same time.
Ruchi and Reema were poles apart. I found Ruchi quite open-
minded and bubbly. She was the type of girl that I wanted, while
Reema was the reserved type, a perfect homemaker who would
only obey her husbands and in-laws commands. It was hard to
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
find a girl such as Reema in the 21st century, but definitely, she
was not my kind of girl.
Reema had stopped interacting within two days. She did not
talk much about her. I said to my sister too that Reema was not
responding openly. I did not get a chance to know more about her
nature. She was not answering my questions properly. My sister
too told me that Reema was the reserved type and that was
probably the only reason why she would not open up. I found the
reason utterly nonsensical. How else does a girl expect to get
married to a guy, if she is not comfortable to interact?
I stopped talking to Reema after three days and instead
continued my interaction with Ruchi who seemed more interested
in me.
After a week, my mother asked me whom I favored most
between Reema and Ruchi. I thought it would be a very quick
decision and I answered that I liked both of them but I will reveal
my final decision after meeting them face to face in a personal
interview.
My parents were expecting me to say YES to Reema for
marriage instead of Ruchi.
After a few days of WhatsApp chat, Ruchi asked me to call
her for the very first time, as she wanted to hear my voice.
I left my office without informing anyone and called Ruchi. I
felt very positive after talking to her. I liked her open-mindedness
and friendly behavior. We both were talking in Hindi in the
beginning and then started speaking in Gujarati to feel more
comfortable. I found Ruchi's Facebook profile. She had kept
details of her profile hidden from people outside her friend list,
except for her current profile pic, which she updated last in
September 2013. She did not like to use Facebook much.
The next day, without any hesitation, I called Ruchi. She was
at Borivali train station and was waiting for the next train. I could
hear the announcement and the sounds of the crowd. I just
imagined how tough it was for her to travel by Mumbai locals and
metro. I heard a lot about the rush and crush of Mumbai Local
trains.
Ruchi told me that she always took the local train from
Kandivali to Borivali and then a metro to the Andheri station for
her office. She scolded me and ordered me to mug up her route as
54
I asked her daily. I also told her to mug up my route as well that I
took a metro from Al Fahidi to Burjunam in green line and then
another one towards Jebel Ali up to Burj Khalifa metro station for
my office. She became quiet after hearing the Arabic names.
The days passed, Ruchi and I would talk for three- four hours
daily. Within a week we understood each other very well; I had
accepted her moody nature and she accepted my immature
character.
On the other hand, I could not talk to Hritisha much. Our
conversations became lesser and lesser. Sometimes we did not
even move beyond the good morning and good night. Entire
days were spent talking to Ruchi. I had no idea what Hritisha
might have felt all this while. I did not even wish her on
Christmas.
At New Years Eve, Ruchi was very upset and angry because
her best friend Kartik had made other plans with his fiance, but
not with her. She told me that they have not been talking to each
other for over a week. I told her to wait for seventy-two hours. I
read somewhere that, if a person doesn't miss you within seventy-
two hours after a breakup or some misunderstandings, He/she
does not care for you.
Ruchi spent her whole New Year evening alone at home. She
told me that she was feeling insecure quite about her and Kartik's
friendship due to his engagement. I tried to make her understand
that now that he is engaged, his life would be different. He could
not give much attention to her.
Kartik messaged Ruchi after two days and apologized. She
forgave him as per my psychological calculation of seventy-two
hours. She would tell me stories of Kartik and herself. They both
were friends since school days. He was the only best friend that
Ruchi had. I was happier than Ruchi when they both became
friends again.
I knew how precious childhood attachments could be. I
understood that Ruchis happiness would forever be incomplete
without Kartik. I also stated that I would never have any problems
whatsoever, with their friendship, post our marriage.
The days passed. Within twenty-five days Ruchi and I had
fought, we cared, we respected, and we shared each others past,
present, and future. We both understood each other and accepted
the way we were. I accepted Ruchi's angry and moody nature and
55
Sohil Ashvin Shah
she had accepted my Filmipanti and immature nature. I liked the

way she used to say Aaiyo Muruggan if something wrong
happened. Chal be bau pakav nai mane when I talked nonsense.
Ruchi used to hate the people of Gujarat as she found
Gujaratis more emotional than practical. In spite of being a
Gujarati, she was always pretending that she was more of a
Mumbaikar and did not care much for Gujarat or its people. She
even tried ignoring me several times, just so that we might not
work out and then things would grow awkward between us. I
knew that it was very dangerous to talk with Ruchi when she was
not in the right mood. She did not talk with me for two days
because her mom said NO to our marriage in the initial stage. I
was continually calling and texting her. She got frustrated; told me
to leave her alone, and would talk to me only when she would be
in a good mood. I tried a lot to make her happy.
The days were coming close for my Annual vacation. Ruchi
and I planned our first meeting. I told Ruchi that I would reach
Ahmadabad on January 23, 2015, on Friday and we would meet
on January 25, 2015, on Sunday as she had a day off.
I checked so many convenient options to reach Mumbai on
the 25th and come back to Ahmedabad on26th Morning before 7
am. However, I did not find any single convenient option, and we
both got upset. Ruchi told me that she would come to Ahmedabad,
but I said no, as I must come to Mumbai for Haji Ali as well. She
asked me where I would stay in Mumbai. I told her that I would
live at my Masi's home at Borivali.
We decided we would figure out the rest. I decided to bring
my best friend Sunny with me so that I could tell my masi that I
had come with him as he had some work in Mumbai and I wanted
to go to Haji Ali. So Masi would not feel bad that I came there to
meet a girl. However, I had told my parents the real reason behind
the Mumbai trip.
On the other end, Hritisha had stopped texting me. She might
have guessed that I was ignoring her and that might have hurt her
feelings. I texted her everything about the annual vacation, dates,
goa trip and the main purpose behind the Mumbai trip. She wished
me back. However, there was a complete lack of excitement in her
voice. I believed that it was perhaps because of her busy schedule
and the promotion she had at Genpact a few days back. She was
now a Senior Process Associate.
56
January 22, 2015.

I was at Sharjah International Airport. I felt bad because both
Hritisha and Ruchi did not wish me happy journey. Ruchi was
busy with her friends' wedding shopping, but Hritisha was online.
I forced Hritisha to wish me Happy Journey and wish me luck
for my Mumbai Trip.
'Hmmm.' was the only reply I got from Hritisha.
As soon as I reached Ahmedabad Airport, I noticed my father
in a white kurta- pajama standing quite far away. I waved my hand
to him. He did not notice until a random uncle informed him that
someone from inside the airport was waving his hands towards
him. He also responded with the same. I guided him through sign
language to wait near the Arrival gate.
After finishing customs and immigration processes, I finally
came outside. I touched my father's feet. I asked about my mother,
and he told me that she was waiting in the car, as she could not
walk properly due to a leg injury. My father and I reached the car.
I touched my mother's feet and asked her about her health.
So what are your plans for your vacation? My father asked
during our short car journey from the airport to home.
'Nothing much, Mumbai trip, then Goa Trip for one week and
then a week of rest, thats all.' I replied.
'Hmm.'
We discussed the weather and the work environment in
Dubai, the excitement of other family members and relatives. I
reached my home. I noticed that my sister Drishti, Jigar Jiju and
Heer had arrived at our residence the previous day. I hugged
Drishti and Jiju and kissed Heer on her cheeks. My Baa woke up
and came to the hall to greet me. I touched her feet and she
blessed me.
Reached safely? Hritisha texted me.
Yup, I replied.
'Hmmm. When are you leaving for Mumbai?''
'Saturday evening, I mean tomorrow.'
'Hmmm.'
'What about you? How was your day?'
As soon as I sent the text, she went offline immediately. The
message was not delivered, and she did not come online for the
57
Sohil Ashvin Shah
rest of the day. I did not care much at that time; as I was so busy
talking to Ruchi regarding the plans for our meeting.
It was already Saturday. Ruchi and I both were very excited.
She took an off for half day. Tickets were not confirmed, and
Sunny and I had not even planned another way to reach Mumbai.
Thanks to my cousin Jimmy, that he arranged for two tickets of
Garib Rath only for one way, and we booked a Volvo for the
Sunday evening so that I could reach Ahmedabad before 7 am.
January 25, 2015
Reached Safely, See you soon I messaged Ruchi at 7:30 AM
from my Masi's place.
I introduced Sunny to my masi and everyone else there.
Well meet after 11:30 Ruchi replied after one and half-
hour.
Place?
Tell u later bye Tc.
K I replied. Sunny and I freshened up and got ready to
leave.
We left sharp at 11.30. Rishab bhai, my cousin brother, got a
rickshaw for us. We told him we would go first to Haji Ali then
Mahalaxmi and then Siddhivinayak. Therefore, we hired the
rickshaw up to Borivali station. After getting into the rickshaw, I
called Ruchi, and she suggested me to come to Moksh Plaza,
Borivali West. Sunny decided not to disturb us so he went directly
to National Park and I hired another Rickshaw for Moksh Plaza. I
told him not to wait for me for lunch.
I reached at Moksh Plaza by twelve. Ruchi told me it would
take her more than an hour as she had a parlor appointment for
hair wash. I still remember how I used to tease her for not getting
ready for me. She would brush me off with her favorite line, Chal
be pakav nai bau.
One month has passed in a trifle, but it was getting more
difficult to pass that one freaking hour. I was roaming around
inside the mall. I went to the washroom more than ten times just to
check my face, hair, and clothes. I wore my favorite Being Human
Blue Jacket with blue jeans. I remembered to shave up.
Where are you, I am at the Gate of Moksh Plaza Ruchi
called me after an hour.
58
Wait I will come upstairs I was in the basement.

I ran to the gate, my eyes searching for her. Finally, I saw
Ruchi at the Security Check desk and my heart skipped several
beats. A big smile lit up my face. She was simply wearing a light
Pink t-shirt and black jeans. She noticed me. She came closer and
the most awaited moment came. She greeted me by shaking my
hand. The first touch sent shivers down my spine. We went to the
basement, sat on a bench and started talking spontaneously, as we
knew each other for a long time. After almost an hour of serious
talking, we felt very comfortable with each other.
In between all the chit-chat, Ruchi told me that her best friend
Kartik had broken his engagement the previous day, as he and the
girl were not comfortable with each other. She showed me his
pictures. He looked good, and she told me that Kartik was her
only Hero. I felt bad, but I know there is nothing wrong to have a
best friend of the opposite gender.
'Actually Siddhant, I want to tell you something. Ruchi said to
me.
'Yeah sure, go ahead.' I said.
'I don't love you, actually.'
I was stunned. I could not figure out whether she was lying or
just pulling my leg. I gave her a surprised look.
'Yes, you know Kartik Right? We both love each other since
school. However, I was engaged to someone earlier because of
family pressure and you know the consequences. We had started
dating again. However, in two months, his relatives saw him with
me at Nariman Point. Although our family members were aware,
that Kartik and I were only friends, we did not escape their wrath.
His parents lost their temper and forced him to get engaged
immediately with someone else.''
I was listening to her carefully and tried to understand the
merry-go-round love story of Ruchi and Kartik.
'Then why did you agree with your parents to send your bio
data to my parents for marriage?' I asked.
I was angry with Kartik at that time. He also could not do
anything due to family pressure. He did not have the guts like me
to break his engagement. So I challenged him that I would marry
someone else before him and I told my parents to send my bio
59
Sohil Ashvin Shah
data to your parents as soon as they came to know that your

parents were looking for a girl for you, Ruchi completed.
'Okay, then?'
'Yesterday evening Kartik forced me to meet him. He wanted
to tell something important to me. He informed me that finally he
broke his engagement and he guaranteed me that he would marry
me and only me. We got back together again.'
'Wow, why didnt you inform me? I would not have come all
the way to Mumbai, in the first place.'
'I tried calling you many times once I reached home.
However, I guess you had already left for Mumbai. Your
cellphone was switched off.'
'Hmmm. No problem.' I said.
The silence between us ensued. We did not talk for a while
with each other. I realized that she was feeling guilty and was
avoiding eye contact with me.
'Relax, it's okay. I did not get hurt. Do not blame yourself. If I
were you, maybe I would have done the same thing.' I said.
She started crying and asked me to forgive her for her stupid
behavior. I consoled her and asked her to stop crying. She
apologized many times. I was broken and disheartened from
inside, but I put up a brave exterior and did not make her realize
that I was upset too. I was smiling and cracking jokes about her
looks while she was crying.
Friends? She asked.
Of course, no doubt. I said.
You are such a sweet person Siddhant. I would surely have
married you if I would not have fallen for this idiot bachha she
said while kissing Kartiks photo on her cell phone.
It was 1:30 PM. We both were starving. I asked Ruchi to have
lunch with me at least, for the sake of our newfound friendship.
She agreed, and we decided to go eat at a vegetarian restaurant
named Bhagwati Pure Veg Restaurant in Kandivali West. Sunny
did not pick up the calls, so we both went alone.
Ruchi ordered my favorite Palak Paneer and Butter Naan. She
asked the waiter for more onions, and I made a face that expressed
by aversion towards them.
60
'Why? Do you want to kiss someone? That's why you won't

eat onions?' she asked.
Yes Baka, that lucky girl would be you' I said in my mind.
I nodded and did not answer.
The waiter came with the bill after our delicious lunch date.
Ruchi took the bill and said that she would pay as I came to meet
her and she invited me for a so-called date. We argued a lot. The
waiter was frustrated.
Okay, I have an Idea, I said
What? Ruchi asked.
Say YES to marry me.
No, She said and laughed.
Fine, waiter, please separate the bill. I will pay mine, and she
will pay hers.
The waiter smiled and finally, I paid the bill after the
discussion tall debate. I saw a beautiful ring seated on her ring
finger. I just touched her again. She said that Kartik had proposed
her the previous night with the beautiful ring. I praised it.
We finished lunch by 2.30 pm. I had to visit Haji Ali dargah,
and our return bus timing was 8.30 in the evening. Ruchi told me
to hurry. I called Sunny to meet me at Borivali Station. I asked
Ruchi to join us also but she refused as Forum, her younger sister
was alone at home and had to prepare for the Republic Day. She
decided to come with me up to Borivali station so that she could
meet Sunny as well.
We reached Borivali Station. Ruchi went to buy tickets for us
until Sunny came. I introduced Ruchi to him. Ruchi came with us
up to the platform. The train had arrived and Ruchi started
running. Sunny and I could not because we are not Mumbaikars.
We were not into the habit of climbing up a speeding train. Ruchi
shouted on me to run because if we missed this one, there would
be no train till the next eight minutes. Really? Eight minutes only?
Mumbaikars were surely conscious about time.
Finally, all of us managed to catch the train on time. Sunny
Jumped inside first and luckily he got two seats. I stood outside. I
wanted to hug Ruchi, I wanted to kiss her on her forehead, and I
wanted to hold her in my hands tightly. She was shivering and
crying again. The train started whistling. I was about to jump but I
61
Sohil Ashvin Shah
could not. Without thinking anything, I just hugged her, and she
hugged me back.
Bye and sorry again Ruchi whispered in my ears.
Its okay, and take care of yourself I said.
I said a final bye and jumped into the train. I was happy, but
there was a tinge of sadness too.
Ruchi Calling appeared on my phone.
Hello, achha sambhad, Just get down to Mahalaxmi Station
and from there take a taxi to Haji Ali; dont even think of walking
all the way. She said
Okay madam, aur koi order? I asked.
No. Just take care and call me when you reach Andheri; I
will come to meet you again at Borivali Station, okay? She said.
Why? Hum Aapke Hai Kaun?
Chal be bas, have bau pakav nai sala filmy and chhote sallu.
I told her I would let her know once I reached Andheri Station
while coming back to Borivali. I disconnected the call.
We reached Haji Ali as she had instructed. I visited Haji Ali
in 2010 on my way back from an interview. The view of Haji Ali
Dargah was mesmerizing. The flower and chadar shops, the music
of Haji Ali Babas qawwali in almost all the stores, a crowd of
non-Muslim devotee more than Muslim ones, the sea on both
sides made my mind very peaceful. Sunny was visiting Hajji Ali
for the first time, so he started taking photos as usual.
We reached the dargah. I offered the chaddar, which I bought
from a shop. There was a wall in which people would tie a thin red
thread and asked Haji Ali Baba to fulfill their Mannat. As soon as
I tied my red thread, I started crying. I burst into tears. Sunny
noticed me, but he did not say anything. An old person who was
waiting for me to finish my prayer consoled me and told me Hajji
Ali Baba would take care of me and would release all my
problems soon.
Sunny asked me why I was crying inside the dargah when we
both were having some food at Haji Ali Caf, outside the dargah. I
told him everything about Ruchis decision and her situation. He
said that Ruchi made a fool out of me and used me as a toy she
could play with for amusement. I did not totally agree with his
words, but yes! I realized that she had no hard feelings for me.
62
It did not take me seventy-two hours. I had forgotten Ruchi

within seventy-two minutes. It was anyway an infatuation from
my side. Of course, I was hurt in the beginning, but not for long.
I called Ruchi from Andheri Station with very little intent.
She told me she could not come as she was at Inorbit Mall for
some shopping and would come to meet me at the office of Neeta
Travels from where we had to catch our bus to Ahmedabad.
Sunny and I left at 8:00 PM after having dinner at Masis
home.
Im leaving, see u after half an hour I sent a text to Ruchi.
She replied that she would not come as she was still at the
mall with Kartik and could not reach Borivali in Time. She
apologized many times again.
Good Bye was the final words from my side to her.
I sent sad-faced stickers and emoticons to Hritisha while
returning to Ahmedabad.
What happened? Why are you sad? All Okay? How was your
meeting with Ruchi? She replied within a minute and asked four
questions in one sentence.
I told her in brief, about what had really happened to me.
I wanted to tell you, in the beginning, to not get all emotional
about her; she might break your heart. However, I did not want to
act the guardian here. It was your personal issue. Hritisha replied.
Hum dono ke bich me personal issues kab se matter karne
lage? You should tell me without hesitation. I honestly believe
you are my best buddy. I replied.
Best buddy? How many times did you text me or called me
while chatting with Ruchi? I noticed you were online but you
never tried sending me a text, neither did you tell me what was
happening between you and Ruchi.
I am sorry I said.
You better be sorry my friend.
I sent a sad smiley.
Come on! We were not in a relationship. So you dont have
to be the Devdas type Hritisha asked.
In a bus, going back to Ahmedabad I said.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
Hmmm Dont stress yourself. Just have a good sleep.

Good night.
Good night.'
I loved Hritishas nature. She never got too angry with me.
She always forgave me within a few minutes. I thanked God for
giving me a best friend like Hritisha. A broad smile spread on my
face and I slept peacefully. Ruchi was out of my life, my mind,
and my heart.
I reached home sharp at 7:30 in the morning. Sunny hired
another cab to reach his home. My family members were waiting
for my arrival in Ahmedabad after my meeting with Ruchi. They
were expecting NO for Ruchi from my side. Jiju noticed my face
and caught me.
Baa offered me water, but I denied.
Chal fresh thayi jaa, cha Pani Patavi de, Mom told me to
get fresh.
Hmm, I replied.
After getting fresh, we gathered around the table for a
complete Gujarati style breakfast. I noticed fafda jalebi and methi
gota, khakhra, and thepla on the table. Although I was upset, I
could never say no to a Gujarati breakfast.
Papa, please arrange for a meeting with Reema and her
family, I told to my father.
A broad smile spread across their faces. Finally, they had
heard the sweet little words they always wanted to hear.
Hmm. It has already been fixed. Today evening. Dad
replied.
My father had supernatural powers to read people within a
short period. I was his son. He could read my mind faster than
anyone else could. He was right; he was doubtful about Ruchi
since the beginning. Though, it had nothing to do with her
character but rather about her compatibility with me.
Parents are always right.
I opened my WhatsApp after getting a shower.
Reached home safely bhai there was a text from Sunny.
Me too bhai I replied.
64
A 'Good Morning' text from Hritisha as well. She wished me

good morning at 5:45 in the morning - her breakfast time. Her
last seen was also at the same time. She wished me and went
offline. I wished her back.
It was about to be 11:00 AM, and I knew that Hritisha would
come online again for her lunch break. I waited until 12, but she
did not come online. Even my message was not delivered to her.
We have to be at Reema's place by 6 pm. Please be ready,
Drishti, told me
I nodded. I told my mom not to cook lunch for me as I have
had a heavy breakfast. She said she will make, I could eat later. I
went upstairs to my room. I checked my WhatsApp again. The
message was still pending to Hritisha. I opened my laptop and
started watching Ek Deewana tha. A movie about a Marathi
Hindu boy who fell in love with a Malayali Christian girl. It was
kind of my bad mood movie. The movie always inspires me a
lot.
Hey. Sorry, today I forgot to bring my mobile during lunch
break Hritisha sent me a text after seeing my good morning
wish.
Its okay, I replied with smileys.
You are alright, na? She asked.
Yup balak. Btw one more head hunting today.
What?
My parents have fixed a meeting with Reema in the evening
along with her parents at her home.
Lol! Aish hai tumhari toh.
Kya Aish? I don't understand Reema. I can't judge her
properly.
Don't worry, just meet her once, maybe she will feel
comfortable in person with you.
Hmm... let's see.
Hmm... Chalo... I'll buzz you once I reach home.
My parents asked me to wear a formal shirt and trouser as If I
would be attending a job interview. I only had a single pair of
formal shirt and trousers. Rest everything in my cupboard was
from Being Human be it t-shirts, sweaters, or jeans. My mom
properly ironed my plain maroon shirt and black trouser. I folded
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
the shirt's cuff up till the elbow. My father asked me to button up

the cuff and to behave like a gentleman. He also told me to
remove my specs as he thought girls do not like boys who wear
specs. It was a high-end newly fashioned Gucci Glass. Although I
do not have any power, I liked to wear specs with anti-clear
glasses. Many of my colleagues and friends told me that I look
like a mature young man in specs. However, for my dad, mature
meant someone who has crossed the thirty-five years mark. I
removed my specs.
Papa and mother settled in the front seat of our new Hyundai
Eon which I gifted my parents in last years Navratri. Papa paid
extra money to the RTO and chose a number plate according to
my birth date as a return gift to me.
Mama, see the GJ-01-RA-8289, your birth date, Heer said to
me pointing the number plate.
Yes beta, I have seen already, I told her.
I, Drishti, Baa and little Heer squeezed into the backseats. Jiju
decided to come directly to Reema's home. My phone rang.
'Hritisha Calling' was displayed on my screen while we were
heading to our destination. I could not figure out why she had
called.
Hi, how are you, She said.
Good. You say, I replied.
Nothing, met Reema? she asked.
Not yet, we are on the way actually.
Hmm. okay okay. Will it take time?
I don't know exactly,
Hmmm. let me know once you finished.
I noticed that Papa was looking at me through the rear mirror.
He was curious to know with whom I was talking to.
Okay, is liye call kiya tha?
Naa naa, Aiven hi, she said.
Okay then, see you.
See you. All the best she said.
I disconnected the call and dad asked me with whom I was
talking to. I told him I was talking to one of my female friend
named Hritisha whom I had met in Dubai during CPA classes. He
66
wanted to confirm that whether I was talking to Ruchi or not.

Mom was curious to know how the girl on the phone came to
know I was going to meet Reema. I told her that I had informed
her in the evening.
Finally, we reached our final destination, Paldi. I was
shivering, as it was my first official meeting for an arranged
marriage, with my parents accompanying me. I had listened to all
the funny stories of first meetings that people in arranged
marriages had told me; I laughed at their plight then, and now, I
was made to ride the same pony. We all came out from the car.
Jiju had already reached before us.
Rajesh bhai, ahiya ahiya, upar a bald man shouted to my
dad from the third floor's veranda.
Ohh-ho, Suresh bhai. Aaie aaie, Papa told him.
I saw two little girls with the noisy bald man. They waved
their hands at me and ran back inside the home.
Kaun chhe be aa talklo, I quietly asked my mom who the
man was.
Jiju and Drishti laughed at my words.
Oye evu naa bolay, taro thava vada mamaji chhe, mother
laughed and told me that he was going to be my would-be
maternal uncle.
We were climbing the stairs up to the third floor. I asked Jiju
whether I should touch the feet of elders or not. Jiju joked and told
me that if I would like Reema at first sight and would decide to
marry her, then I must. Papa laughed at me and asked me to
simply do a Jai Jinendra as Jains do and nothing besides.
We entered Reemas home. There were five adults at her
home. The noisy bald man, his wife and his two little daughters,
Reemas mother, father and her brother. It was a typical Gujarati
Jains family home. An embroidered frame of Navkar Mantra on
the wall, Shri Ghantakarn Mahavir Bhagwans photo near the
door. A picture frame of Palitana Jain Temple with a watch,
Shankheshwar Parshwanatha Bhagwans photo frame on another
wall, and one of their family members photos on a corner table
who had probably taken Diksha and got converted into a Jain
Maharaj Saheb (Saint).
Both families greeted each other with a Jai Jinendra. The
star of the evening was me. I felt like a celebrity. Everyone from
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
Reemas family was staring me as if I was an alien. Whenever I

made eye contact with any of her family members, they gave me a
creepy smile. One by one I looked at everyone, tolerated their
awkward expressions and decided not to look at them again. It
was an awkward situation for me. I knew that I was rude to
Reemas family, but I did not have any option. Arranged marriage
meetings were a completely new ball game for me.
Five minutes into the meeting and it felt as if I was watching a
game of tennis. Our Reema is a very shy girl; she always looks
down and respects everyone.
Really? Why does she look down always? Did she lose a coin
on the floor?
Our Siddhant is also a gentleman. He never shouts. The
stroke came from my mother. Shouting was our familys signature
tone.
The ladies, four women, my mother, Drishti, Reema mother
and the wife of noisy bald person had already started the match.
Now it was gentlemen's turn.
Our Siddhants job is very peaceful. Sharp eight to five job.
All the employees must leave at five. It was his bosss order.
Papa continued the game.
Plus Friday-Saturday off Jiju hit the ball.
Excellent! Very good. Our Reemas office environment is
also very peaceful. They provide unlimited tea and coffee the
bald noisy gut spoke and by spoke, I meant shouted. I wanted
to tell him that all companies provided free tea and coffee.
Yes. And direct bus service to her office is also available.
Her father said. He made sense this time.
Heer and another two little girls went inside the room to play.
The wife of the noisy bald man did not speak a word. She was
very quiet. Perhaps, she was making up for her husbands vocal
strength.
The game was on. Both of our parents were boasting about
their respective children. I was just smiling at everyones
questions, answers, and reactions. They already knew about my
work and salary before through one of our mutual relatives.
Therefore, we avoided any discussions in that zone.
I was wondering where the female star of the evening was?
68
Reema's father whispered in his sons ear. He got up and went

inside the room.
Aave chhe, Reema's brother, told to his father.
Within seconds, the female star of the evening, the Reema
Shah appeared. I thought she would come exactly like the way
they show in movies and daily TV soaps, with a tray of samosas
and teacups, wearing saree, etc. However, it seemed as if she was
not willing to make any effort to look presentable. She was in her
regular attire, which could be best defined as house clothes. I
guessed that even her parents did not ask her to put on some
makeup and jewelry for the guests. My parents, on the other hand,
bothered so much about the way I looked; it was almost as if I was
appearing for an audition!
She looked quite different compared to the photos, which my
father sent to me. She looked good, actually. Long untied hair, red
color kurti, and black jeans were perfectly matching with her
Wheatish complexion. Reema greeted my family members with
Jai Jinendra! She did not even look at me and did not even go by a
hello. Was I invisible to her, or was she purposely being rude?
She is Reema, our girl, her noisy uncle quipped.
He sounded like an older version of Raghu Ram from the
show Roadies.
He was quite an interfering person, who would not even shut
up when the women talked.
And he is Siddhant, my father said to Reema.
Hello, She said to me, and I replied with the same gesture.
The families again started talking with each other. Reema and
I kept quiet. We had eye contacts twice. She had the looks of a
murderer. I wondered why.
After fifteen minutes, Reema's mother asked me if I wanted to
ask any question to Reema. What? I had heard that the boy and the
girl are asked to go talk in a separate room or meet somewhere
else to talk. How can I ask her questions in front of everyone?
Andar moklo banne ne, eklama that noisy bald person
shouted and asked Reema's mother to send both of us into the
room, alone. I thanked him from the bottom of my heart. Reema's
brother asked me to follow him and Reema. He entered the room
first, switched on the lights, fan, and offered me a chair to sit.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
I sat on the chair, and Reema sat on the bed. We were facing
each other now for the very first time. I prayed in my head so she
would take the initiative.
Hi, I took the initiative.
Hi, she smiled.
So? How's your day? I asked.
Fine. She replied.
Good.
Hmm.
So today you took a day off from office? I asked her.
No she replied.
Then?
Half day.
Ok.
Hmm.
There was a biting silence of half a minute. I moved my eyes
all over the room, waiting for her question to come. It did not.
So hows job? I took the initiative again.
Fine, she replied.
Okk. What you do in your job? I asked.
Accounts, she replied.
What's in accounts? I asked.
Means? She asked
I mean day to day transactions or up to finalization?
Haan.
Haan what? Finalization?
Naa.
Then must be a day to day transactions.
Haan.
Good. Enjoying at the job? I asked.
Yes, she replied.
What the hell. Why she could not speak more than one word.
Which kind of accountancy? Trade or non-trade? I asked.
Means? She asked me.
70
Leave it, I said.

Okay, she replied.
Her one-word answers were irritating me. It was as if she had
sworn to someone that she would not speak beyond a single word.
After a few minutes, it was me again, who broke the silence.
So what did you study? I asked.
BCA she replied.
BCA? Then how are you in the job of an accountant? I got
confused. Her qualification had no connection with the kind of job
she was in.
She just smiled. Before the interaction session would turn into
a job interview, I changed the topic.
So you know already that I stay in Dubai. Right?
She nodded.
So would u like to settle down abroad? I asked.
Haan.
Good. Whats your expectation from your life partner? I
asked.
I haven't made such a list finally, she spoke more than one
word.
Still. Every girl has a dream boy, like MY KIND OF MAN.
No. I don't have.
I could not figure out whether she was unhappy regarding
marriage with me or she was genuinely an introvert. It is not very
difficult to figure out a persons interest level from their facial
expressions. Although she was giving one-word answers, she was
smiling. I tried to read her mind by asking stupid but related
questions.
Okay so tell me, who is your favorite actor? I asked.
I don't have a particular choice, she said.
As expected, she was not interested in answering. I had to do
the honors.
Toh pan, Salman Khan?
Haan She replied
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
Thank god, she likes the tough and charming man. I decided
to examine more. I had already decided in my mind that I would
not marry her. I was just enjoying.
Even Ranbir Kapoor is also good, I said.
Haan.
Okay. Therefore, she had a thing for the thin and chocolatey.
How about Shahid Kapoor? I asked.
He is also nice.
I figured she liked cute guys with boyish charm. She was not
upfront or aggressive. She had one fixed answer to all my
questions. A simple yes. I liked the game.
So, whats your favorite movie? I asked.
Not anything in particular.
Hmmmm. Let me guess, DDLJ? I asked.
Yes.
Okay, so you like love stories?
Haan.
How about a Wednesday. Did you like it?
Yes.
The session was now becoming monotonous and tiring for
me. I so wanted to get up and leave, but that would have been very
inappropriate. After almost two minutes of awkward silence, I
asked her if she had in question in mind for me. However, she
denied. Eventually, we both got up and left the dark room. She
directly went to the kitchen, and I went and sat on the sofa again. I
looked at jiju. He raised his eyebrows to ask how the interview
was. A plastic smile was all I had for the question. We all left
Reema's home.
Shu thayu? Kem chup chhe? Papa asked me why I was
silent.
He is angry, Jiju replied him.
Kem? My mother enquired why.
I told them the entire episode. I told them that we did not hit
off and I could not understand her properly. Neither was she
interested in my questions nor did she have one for me. There was
a continued silence in the car and none of us spoke anything.
72
Papa's phone rang while we were having dinner at The Honest

Restaurant, Paldi. His phone was with me. I saw Dinesh Bhai
Paldi flash on his mobile. Reemas father had called. I handed
over the phone to my papa.
Jai Jinendra Saheb Papa greeted Dinesh Bhai.
We all looked at each other, and Mother India whispered in
my ears that He might call to get an answer whether I liked Reema
or not. I told my father to say NO by sign language while he was
talking over the phone.
Haan, badhu saru chhe aam toh. But Siddhant didn't like her
much.
Good shot Papa. I took a breath and started eating the
delicious pav bhaji.
Shu? Haaan. He is saying that Reema is not talking much.
He couldnt figure out her likes and dislikes.
Heer asked me to give her a bite of my pav bhaji. I fed her,
and I was listening to my Papa.
Evu chhe? Don't worry. I will ask Siddhant again. Papa said
to Dinesh Bhai.
I looked at Drishti and gave her a harsh look, as she was the
only one with whom I had the complete right to show my anger in
public.
Okay. I will ask him about his schedule tomorrow and tell
him to meet Reema once again. Papa said.
What the hell! Why should I meet her one more time when
everything was clear?
Okay, chalo. Jai Jinendra, Papa disconnected the call.
He asked me about my schedule for the next day. I informed
him that I would be free the whole day.
What happened? My Mother India asked Papa.
Nothing. Reema's father was saying that it was the first time
for Reema. She was quite nervous. That's why she couldn't talk
much. Let Siddhant and Reema meet one more time. Not at
anyone's home, but any restaurant or cafe when both of them can
spend some time alone, without family.
Hmmm. Sacchi vaat, Drishti said.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
What Sacchi vaat? Papa, it was the first time for me also. I
was not nervous; I was confident. I tried my best to make her
comfortable. But, she couldn't.
Possible Siddhant, she is a girl. It takes time for a girl to open
up in front of any stranger boy. Jiju argued.
Hmmm, I never argued with Jiju. He was my best advisor.
Finally, after a hectic discussion, I agreed to meet Reema one
more time. I dropped a Good night message to Hritisha. Her last
seen showed 2 hours ago. She replied me at 11:00 PM, but I
had already half way into the dream world.
The next day, I called Reema to meet me at Cafe Coffee Day,
Behind GLSIC, and Law Garden. I reached before time just to
recollect the memories of my old college days. Almost six years
passed since I had left my college; everything was same except
tafree with friends.
I parked my bike at the gate of SMPIC College. Suddenly a
girl, whose entire face and the head were covered in a dupatta,
parked her black Honda Activa exactly beside me and said Hi to
me. I was a little shocked and baffled due to her terrorist-like
appearance. I greeted her back. Slowly slowly, the girl uncovered
her face. She was Reema Shah.
To cover their faces and heads with dupatta was the signature
of Amdavadi girls.
We shook hands and went inside the CCD. The initial
awkward silences were customary. I had made up my mind that I
would not marry the girl who was unable to express her views and
feelings. We ordered two cappuccinos. I broke the ice again, as
usual, by asking about her health and family. She still stuck to her
one-word answers.
Reema, I hope you are aware why we met yesterday and why
we are here today. Right? I asked her.
Yes. I know that very well Siddhant. Rema replied.
Thank God! Then please speak something, ask me
something, be comfortable. I am not the dominating or
intimidating type. I liked you before, but you were not expressive
that's why I held back.
Hmmm. You are right.
74
Why are you not saying anything, is there any problem? Do

you like someone else?
No Siddhant, nothing like that.
Then, you don't like me?
No again. You are a very sweet guy.
Then what's the problem? Tell me openly. I will not be hurt
if you tell me the truth. I will understand your situation.
As soon as I finished my sentence, Hritisha called me. I
excused myself and went outside to answer her call. I told her that
I was with Reema and would call her once I am free.
Okay bye. Enjoy Hritisha disconnected the call. I
understood she was terribly upset. I got back to Reema. When I
reached our table, I noticed two cappuccinos lying there.
So, tell me the truth, I asked Reema while sipping my
coffee.
She started crying. No one could see her crying, as she was
not facing the other fellows in CCD.
What happened? Stop crying please.
I offered her a tissue. She wiped her tears. I asked her to have
coffee first and then we could continue our talk if she would
agree.
I am not ready for this marriage Siddhant, she said after the
first sip of her coffee.
Okay. So you too like someone else? I asked.
Me too means? She asked.
How could I tell her that only two days before a girl named
Ruchi rejected me for the same reason?
Ignore Ignore. You continue.
I don't want to marry as of now. I want to settle down in
Canada. I have already started preparing documentation. I want to
study there, want to settle over there.
Not in Dubai? I asked.
I don't know much about Dubai, so I can't say. However, yes,
I have many friends and family members in Canada. So it would
be easy for me to settle down over there.
Point. So, that was why you werent talking much? I asked.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
Yes. I was just trying my best to hear a NO from your side. I

found you as a person of friendly nature. You can get along easily
with anyone and honestly even I liked you.
Thank you very much for the compliment, I shook her hand.
It's okay. I remember once you had told me about your kind
of girl. One who is equally comfortable in a temple, as she is in a
discotheque.
Yup. That's my priority. I don't want a girl who only feels
comfortable in either a mandir or a discotheque. She has to be
both the saint and the sinner!
Yup. So, basically, you want a girl who, even after becoming
your wife, would not stop being your girlfriend? She asked.
You caught me, and you stopped talking to me. You didnt
even talk to me when we met.
Yes. This time you caught me she laughed.
So let me guess, your parents don't want you to settle down
in Canada and are forcing you to get married?
Yes. Too much pressure on me.
No worries. Shit happens! Oops! Sorry for the words, I said.
We both finished our coffee. I paid the bill to the waiter.
There was a minute of awkward silence.
So lets go from here, I said to Reema.
She nodded. We left CCD and reached near our vehicles. She
took out her long hand socks, sunglasses, and the dupatta to cover
her again. I also sat on my bike and started it.
So what to do now? I asked her.
It's your call Siddhant. I do not want to force you to say NO
to me. But I would be glad if you took the right decision.
Girls have the super power to trap the boys with their
diplomatic answers. Sometimes I think what would have
happened if a woman was behind the NIKE brand? Their logo
must be reading, Just do it because it's the right thing to do. In
any case, you don't understand our situation. You just think about
yourself
Don't worry. I won't reveal the main reason. You can say
Siddhant did not like my nature. We both were uncomfortable
76
with each other, even today. I would also say the same. Story
over.
Really? Will you say this?
Yes. No worries I said.
Thank you Siddhant, you are a savior.
Thank you very much.
Bye then. Keep in touch She said.
Sure.
We smiled at each other and shook hands. She resumed her
terrorist look by covering her entire face, barring the eyes, with
her dupatta. I kick-started my bike. She took the way to Paldi, and
I took the way to New Ranip. I was smiling while riding. Two
thumbs down in two days!
I reached home; I told my parents what we had earlier
decided; that we were not comfortable with each other. Papa
called Reema's father and asked him to close our chapter
immediately. Papa returned from the call and informed me that
Reemas father too felt it was the right thing for the two families
to do since Reema too confessed that she was not comfortable
with me.
Thank you very much Siddhant. You owe me one. Reema
sent me a text on WhatsApp. I simply replied with a smiley. It was
the last chat for the both of us.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
SOMETIMES, CONSUMING ALCHOHOL IS

GOOD
(DEDICATED TO ABBAS ABDULALI VASI MAREEZ),
MUJH PAR SITAM KAR GAYE MERI GHAZAL KE SHER,

PADHKAR WOH REHTE HAI DUSRO KE KHAYALO ME
Abbas Abdulali Vasi MAREEZ.'
February 22, 1917 October 19, 1983
I would like to dedicate this particular chapter to my favorite

Gujarati Poet and Ghazal Writer Shri Abbas Abdulali Vasi, aka
MAREEZ .
In this chapter, I have tried to contain all his ghazals and
shayaris at places where they best fit in.
I apologize in advance, in case there has been any mistake
while writing his Ghazals. I solely intend to keep him alive in the
hearts of my readers.
Furthermore, I have written almost all the shayaris and
Ghazals in the Hinglish language.
Special Thanks to Mr. Mohsin Vasi (Son of Late Shri Abbas
Vasi Mareez) for reviewing the chapter and for his blessings.
78
February 2, 2015.
GOA.
Sunny, Arpit, Neelay, Keval and I felt we had achieved the
primary goal of our life; the most awaited Goa trip. We reached
Goa in the morning, as was planned. We spent the entire day on
two beaches. Candolim beach was the place in the morning, which
was near to our hotel and Baga beach in the evening after we had
lunch. At night, we had our dinner at one of the shacks on the
beach and that was followed by an alcohol party.
The next day, we decided to give the beaches a skip and
instead explore the city areas. We had started with Aguada fort
and Chapora fort, which became famous after the Bollywood
movie Dil Chahta Hai. Then we left for Old Goa and Panjim to
visit the church of St. Francis Xavier, aka Basilica of Bom Jesus,
Dona Paula, Mary Immaculate Conception Church and lastly
INOX to catch BABY a Bollywood movie starring Akshay
Kumar in the leading act. The only thing we could think of next
was dinner and so we found a restaurant in Panjim where we
boozed. I wanted to play a prank on my friends, and so I put up an
act of being sloshed to the gills!
My drunken state scared the rest and they decided to leave
with me for our hotel room. However, I did not stop the act and
kept on giving them the scare with my drunken antics.
Bhailog, lets go back to the hotel. His wicket is down. Arpit
announced.
Hudd be! We will go the beach again. You drop the idiot at
the hotel and join us later. Sunny suggested.
No yaar. I am tired too. Lets go the room Keval said.
Then what about our daru party? Neelay asked
Muh me lele daru ko Arpit snapped in frustration.
Everyone laughed. I laughed more dramatically.
Muh me hi leni hai Kamine, gutter me nahi dalni Neelay
said he could only drink the liquor, not pour the stuff in his ass.
Guys, I have an idea! Lets buy a stock of alcohol and well
drink at our room the whole night, what say? Keval suggested.
Great idea. Utha iss ko (get him up). Kick his ass Arpit
asked Sunny to kick me and wake me up.
I was alert about everything.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
From where are we gonna buy those bottles? Sunny asked.

Any wine shop or the supermarket. Dont worry about that
Neelay replied.
Sunny landed a few slaps on my cheeks to get me to my
senses. Arpit pulled me up and whispered in my ear that there
would be a special daru party arranged at our hotel room.
Zahid rehva de mane tabahi bharya gharma, Masjid thi
vdhare ahin aave chhe Khuda yaad I recited a famous ghazal of
the Gujarati Poet Mareez' in answer to that.
Matlab? Arpit was clueless and turned to Keval for the
meaning of the line. Arpit was living in Ahmedabad for the past
nine years, even though he was essentially a Delhi lad. Sunny too
failed miserably in understanding the heavy Gujarati dialect and
asked Keval the meaning of the Shayari.
Rehne de usko tabahi bhare ghar me, matlab beer bar me,
masjid se zyada usko idhar Khuda yaad aate hai Keval translated
for him.
Wah bhaila Neelay praised my shayari recital.
Chup reh na, Gandu Ankit scolded him.
I stood up, hugged the waiter and told him Dua me yaad
rakhna.'
I sat behind Sunnys Activa during the Panjim road trip to our
hotel.
Mujhko yaaro Maaf Karna, main nashe me hun I started
singing loudly on the road. Sunny laughed.
Kya? I asked Sunny
Chup bey Sunny asked me to keep quiet.
Main Nashe me hun I continued the song.
Arpits scooter caught up with ours and he told Sunny that I
was not in my senses.
Jiska Badha bhai ho sharabi, chhota peeye to kya hai
kharabi? I pointed my finger to Arpit and sang another line of the
same song.
Shut your mouth Arpit shouted at me.
We all stopped at Titos supermarket from where we decided
to purchase all the alcohol in the world. Keval bought ten bottles
of his favorite Kingfisher Strong beer; Sunny picked a bottle of
80
Smirnoff vodka. I chose a bottle of Imperial Blue whiskey and

uttered the tagline of the brand Men will be men at Neelay.
Neelay and I decided to share the whiskey. Arpit was the only
non-alcoholic person our group. But, he was interested in tasting
the alcohol in Goa. I noticed that he was discussing something
with Sunny. I guess the first timer was asking for his advice on
choosing his very first drink.
Abey, Make it fast Keval shouted.
One by one, everyone lined up with their bottles on the cash
counter. I noticed six bottles of Bacardi Breezer Orange and
Watermelon flavor.
Dude, are you going to drink this water? Are you kidding
me? Neelay asked Sunny.
Kamine, its not for me. Its for Arpit Sunny replied.
Neelay, ek sher yaad aayo I said the occasion reminded me
of a ghazal.
Everyone went Irshad.
Thayo rakash prem no, vafa ni aabru gayi, Peeta badha thayi
gaya, shura ni aabru gayi I recited a line from a ghazal that
precisely meant how everyone started drinking and lost their pride
in the course.
Super bro super! Neelay hugged me.
We reached our room. Arpit and Sunny were talking to each
other and planning for the next days trip. I was the first one to
quickly change clothes, arrange all the bottles with the packet of
snacks, which we bought earlier along with disposables. Keval
and Neelay came back to our room after freshening up. I revealed
to everyone how I was simply pulling off an act at Panjim.
Bey toppa, take a breath. Why are you always in a hurry?
Keval asked me when Sunny told him that I arranged everything
within ten minutes.
Zindgi na rass ne peevama jaldi karo Mareez ek toh occhi
madira chhe ane galtu jaam chhe I said.
Bhai, you have turned into Mareez now. Neelay said.
Who Mareez? Arpit asked.
You dont know Mareez Saheb? He was a renowned poet of
Gujarat. He was even called the Ghalib of Gujarat. You people
will have to bear with my shayaris by Mareez tonight!
81
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Haan bhai, but please translate it into Hindi for us general

folks. Mane Gujarati nathi fave chhe Arpit said in his weird
Gujarati accent.
Sunny and Arpit also changed their clothes. All five of us sat
in a circle with drinks and snacks in the center.
Bhailog, you guys are my best buddies in the world. I am
worried we might not have as much fun ever again. Arpit said.
Arpit started feeling tipsy after downing two bottles of breezer.
We will enjoy kutte! Sunny said.
I want to recite another shayari of Mareez Saheb, I said
Irshad Neelay encouraged.
Irshad. But in Hindi please Arpit said.
Suno, Especially for Arpit I said.
Arpit tossed his breezer in the air.
Zindgi jeene ka falsafa samaj liya, Jo khushi aayi zindgi me
usko aakhri samaj liya, I said.
Waah bhai Waah, jeeyo jeeyo Arpit cheered and then gulped
down half a bottle of Breezer.
What are you drinking, fuckers? Taste this. This ones a real
drink Arpit said to all of us after finishing his third bottle.
Siddhant, go ahead Neelay urged me to recite another of
Mareezs shayaris
Kalyug me bhi madira ki izzat karo Mareez ke satyug ke
anth ki aakhri nishani hai I said.
To this, Arpit folded his hands and bowed his head to me.
You are great.
Kamino, is it just me who must say all the shayaris? Come
on, you guys must say something as well. I said.
We dont know any, Sunny replied.
Everyone must at least recite one shayari while drinking I
said.
Yes, bro. You are right Arpit spoke in his woozy state.
Haan. Arpit, we start with you. I said
Mmmm. Suno Arpit said
Irshad I said
82
Usne Jahan Jahan kadam rakhe, maine woh jagah chum

li Arpit attempted sincerely.
Wah wah karo, salo! I said
Waaah waaaaah.' shouted all.
Usne jahan jahan kadam rakhe, maine woh jagah chum li,
aur woh bewafa jaake meri maa ko boli ke aunty aapka beta mitti
khata hai.'
We all laughed fiercely till the next fifteen minutes. It was
Kevals turn next. From our knowledge of him, we were pretty
much expecting a despondent shayari from him.
Siddhant, even I know a shayari of Mareez Saheb Keval
said.
Thoko! I said
Shu dard chhe, shu karan chhe. Keval started
Be nabda, speak in Hindi
Kya dard hai, kya kaaran hai, kuch pata nahi, fir bhi dekho
Mareez ko ilaj chahie, Keval said.
Shu vaat chhe nabda, excellent I hugged him.
Neelay, your turn Sunny quipped.
Listen fuckers! Kya batau ke meri premika kya padh rahi
hai Neelay began.
Dofa, School girl? Shame on you! I said.
Shut the fuck up and listen Neelay replied.
Continue Arpit nodded.
Kya batau ke meri premika kya padhti hai, pyar ka maths
mere se Sikh ke woh algebra kisi aur ke sath solve karti hai
Neelay finished.
Wait! I will tell your wife about your love affair with a
school girl Sunny pretended to send a text message to Neelays
wife.
Abey nai bhai, It was just a shayari. I read it on WhatsApp.
Please dont call my wife.'
Neelay got up on his feet and lumbered to Sunny to stop him
from calling his wife. He nudged past me and accidentally
elbowed the glass of whiskey on my hand. The glass titled and the
drink splattered on the floor.
83
Sohil Ashvin Shah
What the fuck! I will kill you I said to Neelay

Sorry sorry Neelay apologized.
Make a new peg Sunny said.
Dost peete peete mujhse kuch zamin par gir jaata hai saki,
mujhe usme hazaro ki pyaas nazar aati hai saki, said the great
Mareez saheb I said.
Done! Now the whole night he will be paying shraddhanjali
to Mareez Saheb Keval said.
With pleasure, bro I said.
Sunny, its your turn said Arpit who was now in a jolly
mood.
I dont know any shayari vayri Sunny replied.
Translate any Mallu song in Hindi. Neelay suggested
Haan, or else recite any WhatsApp messages like these two
kaminas I pointed at Arpit and Neelay.
Sunny unlocked his phone and started searching for any
forwarded message.
Haan suno Sunny said
Irshad bhai Keval said
Aap humse keh ke gaye ki so jayie hum aapke khwabo me
aaenge Sunny started
Waaaaaaaah Arpit screamed.
Sun na waghri and you too Sunny. I dont need any
disturbances. I need some serious ending I said.
Sun le pehle. Woh Hum se kehke gaye ke aap so jayie hum
aapke khwabo me aaenge. Par jabse unhone Yeh kaha Hai tabse
naa neend aati hai, naa khwab aate Hai aur naahi woh. Good
Night Sweet Dreams Sunny finished reading the message.
The message caught us off guard. We asked Sunny about the
person who had sent him the text with the good night message. He
told us that a school friend had sent him. They both liked each
other a lot during school days. It had been eight to nine years
since, and they have lost touch after they left school.
Love shove hua? I asked.
Yes. But we didnt profess our love for each other.'
84
Iss Jahan main aise premi bhi aa jate hai I could not resist
another shayari of Mareez Saheb, at the situation.
Kaise? Neelay asked.
Aise I pointed my finger at Sunny.
ha-ha-ha.'
Iss Jahan main aise premi bhi aa jate hai, Jo vade nahi karte
ek dusre se fir bhi nibha jaate hai.
Sunny touched my feet after I finished reciting the shayari.
Kamino, you both went to Mumbai to meet Ruchi and never
even bothered to tell us the complete story in detail? Arpit said to
Sunny and me.
Leave it, man. I sipped on my third peg of whiskey.
Hatt be! Come on, now tell us everything that has happened
between the two of you Neelay felt more excited than ever.
Woh kya karegi pyaar ki baat, jisko har baat par niyam yaad
aaye, rasme yaad aaye I said
Oh, Devdas. Speak up. You will feel better Arpit played
counselor.
Maine usko chaha tha Ek dum sadgi se, pata nahi tha muje
ke pyaar karne me bhi koi kala honi chahie.' I said. An air of
despondency was spreading in the air and I could feel it.
Mareez saheb. Please tell the story Neelay insisted.
Unki bhi koi majbooriya rahi hogi, koi yun hi bewafa nahi ho
jaata.'
I was continuously reciting ghazals and shayaris of Mareez.
Sunny, forget the idiot. Tell us Ruchi-Siddhant Ki story, Tuje
woh school wali ki Kasam Keval said.
Nothing much really happened on that front. She was simply
confused whether to settle for Siddhant or her best friend Sunny
said.
Ohh. So here too brother, you bit the dust! Arpit spoke as he
laughed.
Muh me le le I jibed.
Everyone laughed.
Hogi Koi kala jo pyaar me jaan dal deti hai, varna sirf
bansuri ki aawaz sunke Radha nahi rizati I said.
85
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Sahi bola bhai ekdum tu Arpit found words even in his

drunken state.
Aur suno I could not have enough of the evening that was
unfolding before me.
Everyone involuntarily went irshad once again.
Rehta tha kabhi uske zulfo ki chhaon main, mere naseeb se
woh andhera bhi gaya, kitni maze ki deewangi hogi pyaar me
yaaro ke jisme Mareez jaisa samazdar bhi kaam se gaya, I
relished on every tiny bit of the lines that escaped my mouth.
Yaar. Now I have got the hang of Mareezs Ghazals. I want
to read more ghazals of Mareez Arpit said.
Dont worry. I have his book in Dubai. You know what? I
am gonna send you a ghazal every day with its Hindi translation.
I said
Better still, post them in our WhatsApp group Neelay said.
Okays. Now that all of you know about Ruchi and me, this
one last shayari is dedicated to Ruchi and our unrequited love. I
smiled and tilted my head back.
Speak up Sunny said.
Haan Jab tak thi tab tak hum dono ke bich me thi, Par Naa
ki baat Kyun Har jagah fel gayi? My head was tipsy, but my
heart was curious.
Bhai, you are a pure devotee of Mareez Saheb.'
Thank you, bhai. I said.
Hmm. Maybe God has got other plans for you Keval said.
Nahi reh. Lady Luck is not in my favor.'
Maybe.'
Ohh Sitamgar, daad toh de Meri tadbeer ko? Izzat rakh leta
hun teri, dosh deke meri takdeer ko I said for God.
Five bottles of breezer had got Arpit under a sea of
intoxication. However, that did not stop us from provoking him.
He was initially apprehensive of downing the last bottle but
eventually gave in. Arpit picked up the last bottle but could not
gather the courage to guzzle all its contents even after five
attempts. He was confused.
Maza nai hai fir bhi bina piye nahi chalega, pyaas badha di
hai humne sharab ko dekar I said.
86
Waaaaah Arpit shouted and gulped down all the liquor in

the bottle in a single go.
We were surprised on seeing variance gradually overpower
the harmless guy. The words that left his mouth made no sense at
all and we could only hear him praise all of us. Arpit was drunk as
a fish.
Guys, see I found an excellent shayari of Mareez saheb from
Google. Neelay said.
Bol Bol The name of Mareez sahib brought alive my
willingness.
Asar aisa nahi dekha hai mene barso ki ibaadat me saki, sirf
do jaam main jeevan badal Gaya saki. Dedicated to Arpit who
praised us after a long time Neelay said.
It was already 2:30 AM. Keval excused himself and went
back to him room to catch some sleep. Now, only me, Sunny and
Neelay were awake. We were half-drunk and half-sleepy. We
decided not to drink anymore and chucked away the empty bottles
into the garbage. Sunny kept the unopened bottle into the fridge.
Let's sleep Neelay said.
I am not sleepy Sunny retorted.
I am half sleepy I said.
Lets go to the Candolim beach. Its walking distance
Neelay suggested.
We put on our slippers and headed towards the Candolim
beach. It was almost 3:00 AM in the morning, but Goa had more
life than life itself. We noticed several foreigners, hippies and
Indian couples who had come for either honeymooning or for
celebrating their stag parties on the beach.
Guys, we will have to come to Goa once again, but this time
with our spouses. I suggested.
Sunny and Neelay agreed.
My phone rang. Hritisha Calling was displayed on my
mobile screen. I picked up the call after a single ring.
Hey, Good morning! I said to Hritisha
Hain? Still awake? I only tried to give you missed call
Hritisha said.
I am in Goa, Habibi. I am not here to sleep I said.
87
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Hmmm. Where are you now? She asked

In a pub with Sunny and Neelay
What the fuck? Its almost half past three in the morning
Siddhant. Go to your room and sleep.'
Peetha Ma Maru maan satat hajri thi chhe, masjid ma roj
jaau, kaun aavkar de? I said
What? What? What? She went.
Nothing, Its a Gujarati shayari of the great Mareez. I said
Hmm. What does it mean?
It means, No one cares if I go to mosque every day since I
get more respect in a beer bar than in a mosque. I said.
Nice. Ghazal always sounds pretty in our own languages she
said
Ho Gujarati ki ya Urdu ki Mareez, Ghazalein likhi jati hai
sirf dil ki zuban me I followed it up with another shayari of
Mareez Sahab.
Subhanallah, Mashaallah, Al Humduliilah she said.
Shukran Habibi I said.
Achha, I am going to take a shower; I will buzz you once I
get ready.'
Okay boss!'
Sunny asked me to whom I was talking to so early in the
morning. I said she was Hritisha, one of my friends from Dubai
who lived in Delhi now.
Why did she wake up so early in the morning? Neelay asked
She works in GENPACT, Delhi. Her job timing is from
morning 5 to afternoon 2 I said
They started insisting me to show them a photo of Hritisha. I
showed them her WhatsApp profile picture in which she was
standing near the sleeping sculpture of Lord Buddha at
Kingdome of Dreams in Gurgaon, wearing a brown jacket and
sunglass. Sunny and Neelay liked her WhatsApp DP, and they got
interested to know more about Hritisha.
I told them how we met at the institute in Dubai. I almost fell
in love with her after hearing her voice over the phone. Our first
fight, our first patch up, and growing friendship. Also, how sad I
had become once she left Dubai and finally, my realizing that it
88
was nothing more than a realization. I also told them about the
time when Hritisha got upset when I had fallen for Ruchi and
when I went to meet Reema for marriage.
Dude, I guess she loves you Sunny said.
Kuch bhi? We are just best buddies I said.
Then go and fall in love with her, dude. I saw the sparks in
your eyes while you were talking to her and while you were
describing her to us, Neelay said
No bro. I dont want to ruin our friendship wala relation I
turned away.
Keep your friendship wala thought in your ass Neelay said
Sunny and Neelay could not stop praising Hritisha and tried to
convince me how she was the just the best person for me.
Please, guys! Just shut the fuck up. You said the very same
things for Ruchi too I said to Sunny.
I did not tell you because I did not want to hurt you. I did not
like her much, Sunny said.
You should have told me back then. now I have doubts about
what you are saying about Hritisha I said.
Fuck you asshole! Sunnys annoyance showed.
Sunny and Neelay went half way into convincing me that
Hritisha loves me. I was desperately looking at my mobile screen
to see Hritisha Calling flash one more time.
She called me again at 4:10 AM
Raat ko khoyi Hui yaad aayii, jaise virane me chupke se
Bahar aayi I said.
Abey, dont you want to sleep? Hritisha asked.
No. I was waiting for your call I said.
Really? She asked.
woh Aa gaye uss baat ki parwah nahi hai, par woh maan
nahi rahe hai ke me unke intezar me tha I said to Sunny.
Shut up! She asked.
I am talking to Sunny I said to Hritisha.
Hey, Bhaggu! She said.
Neelay and Sunny were listening to our conversation while
playing with the beach sand.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
By the way, what are you doing on the beach? She asked.
Nothing. Just talking to you and hanging out with these two
bheekharis I said.
Neelay showed me a middle finger when I introduced him as
a beggar to Hritisha.
Chup! You have so much spare time na? She asked me.
Chize bina kaam ki achhi lagti Hai Teri yaad Main, Vyarth
samay ka Naam bhi pyaar me Interzaar hai Mareezs shayaries
did not cease to be recited.
Siddhant? What happened to you? Suddenly Ghazal
shayariya for me? She asked
I think I am in love with you Hritisha I spoke in one breath.
I looked at Sunny. He was giving me a thumbs up. I winked
back.
Shut up. You are drunk she said.
You know? A person never lies when he is drunk or sleepy. I
am half-drunk and half-sleepy. So I am speaking the truth I said.
She giggled.
Stop laughing. Answer me. Do you love me? I asked.
Keep quiet she said.
Pyaar Ki jaan ban gayi hai yeh lachari, ke tere muh se muje
spasht Naa bhi nahi Mil rahi I said.
Siddhhhaaaaaaannnntttt! her hesitance sounded itself.
Whaaaaaaaaatttt? I said.
Nothing she giggled again.
Sunny and Neelay were enjoying our conversation.
Shu thayu la (what has happened to you)? Neelay asked me.
Yeh aksar thukrana unki mehrbani hai Mareez, dhire dhire
woh kar denge beparwah mujhe I said to Neelay.
Ha ha ha ha ha. Laayo baaki Neelay said.
Oh Oh oh oh oh bhai saaab, control haan? Hritisha laughed
and said to me.
Yeh kya ki pure dil me bas aapka hi Dard ho, Thodi si jagah
karo ke puri duniya ka ghum Sama lun isme I said.
Chup Ho ja kabadi.'
90
Say I love you too Siddhant.'

I hate you Siddhant she giggled.
Sanjog se majboor ho yeh achha bahana hai, chalo muje
Kabul hai ki aap bewafa to nahi ho I said
Oh hello. I am not bewafa okay? Hritisha retorted.
I know. Then say I love you too.'
Bhool ja muje, forget me She laughed.
Neelay listen, I said
Irshaad He jibed.
Nahhhhiiiiiiii Hritisha whispered. I ignored her.
Iss se bada pyaar Ka badla Koi nahi hai Mareez, ke unn ko
bhulne me unki hi izazat mil gayi I said to Neelay.
Neelay touched my feet to tease me.
Ho gaya? Anything else? Hritisha asked.
Aap kal kaise the aur aaj kaise ho gaye, aapke sath me khud
aapko compare nahi kar sakta I said to her
Ha ha ha ha ha. Compare? English word in pure Urdu
shayari? She said
I couldnt find the exact translation of compare in Hindi. So
I used an English word I said.
Nautanki she mocked.
Say I love you too.'
No-No-No-No-No she said.
Yes-Yes-Yes-Yes-Yes I said.
Sunny got irritated with our childish behavior.
I told you right? No means No? She giggled.
Reason being? I asked
I dont have any reason. But its a No She said sternly.
Me kahan keh raha Hun aapki Haan Ho, par Naa keh rahe
ho usme bhi koi majboori honi chaie I said.
Enough haan, Mr. Ghalib.'
Ha Ha Ha. All these are the shyaris of Mareez sahab, a
Gujarati poet who is also known as the Ghalib of Gujarat I said.
Cool.'
Yo babes.'
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
Siddhant, how many pegs are you down by? She asked
Almost 7 I said.
Wow. Proud of you. Huh! Kam to nahi padi na sharab? She
taunted me.
Dost raat ko to kya subhah Ko bhi Pee gaya hun main,
samay sanjog ke isharo se pee gaya hun main, kabhi kisi din
sharab kam mile uski kya shikayat? Kahi baar toh hadd se zayada
pee gaya hun main.''
Stop your shayariya. This is the last and the final time I am
allowing you to drink so heavily. You got to drink within a limit,
not more than two pegs, okay? she said.
Okay madam, anything else? I asked.
Not now. I will give you orders slowly slowly she said.
I will obey them.'
You will have to. Achha listen, its half past four. My cab
would be arriving anytime soon. You go to your room and sleep
she said.
Okay, jaan. Have a great day, love you.'
Shut up! Bye. she laughed.
bye.'
Awesome bro. Mareez saheb really helped you a lot to
confess your feelings to Hritisha Neelay said.
Yeah, finally Sunny added.
Iss kadar chha gayi hai mere khayalo main, Avesh ko le liya
hai mene pyaar main, wo Naa kehkar thodeme nikal lie Mareez,
karni nahi chaie thi jaldi saval main I said.
Abbey. Why are you sad? Sunny asked.
I guess she was hurt by my I love you.'
No way. I dont think so, Neelay said.
Fuck this alcohol I said.
Hahahaha. Consuming alcohol is good, sometimes Sunny
said.
Thi paymane me kitni sidhi madeera, gale se utei Sali bekabu
ban gayi I said.
Bhai, hats off to your Mareez saheb Neelay said.
Yes. He is I said.
92
We spent another half an hour at the Candolim beach. We

discussed everything from the next trip, to girl gossip, to the
different lifestyles seen in Dubai and Ahmedabad.
Reached A WhatsApp message from Hritisha flashed on my
mobile screen.
Great. Have a good day I replied with a heart emoticon.
You too her message appeared with angel smiley emoticon.
Send me your selfie I sent a text to Hritisha.
What? She asked.
Dont ask questions; just send me one, please.'
Okay. Waito!
She sent me her mirror selfie on my WhatsApp number from
the washroom of GENPACT using her Micromax mobile. She
looked stunning in a pink top. Her untied hair, her fair skin and
fresh-as-a-dew face, half-sleepy eyes, and an honest smile forced
me to fall in love with her, At last.
For the first time, I realized what love felt like. I was not
infatuation. It was love. Love that was gradually spreading its
wings and preparing to fly. There were waves in my heart that no
waves on the Goa beach could match!
93
Sohil Ashvin Shah
FIRST PROPOSAL
In spite of being nervous, I expressed my inner feelings to Hritisha
on February 8, 2015. It was my birthday and she asked me about
the gift I desired? I requested a promise from her, never to leave
me alone. She assured that she would always be with me. Initially,
she thought that it was just a friendly gratitude that I was showing
her. However, I accepted that I was in love with her, and I would
like to spend my whole life with her. I wanted her to be my better
half in future.
Hritisha was quite shocked in the beginning. She laughed and
accepted my proposal gladly. I did not know that it would be that
easy. I should have expressed my feelings a long time before. This
was actually the best birthday gift of my life. Since then we
moved further with each other, formal flirting vanished and we
both started getting serious day by day. It was my wrong notion
that long distance relationships do not last. It is absolutely
possible if both partners trust each other.
After one month of discussion and considering future
conditions, we decided to inform our parents regarding our
relationship. I asked Hritisha to send her bio data so that I could
forward it to my father and talk to him further about our
relationship.
It was March 16, 2015, when Hritisha e-mailed her bio data to
me with a weird subject line Socccchhhh Lo. it was damn funny.
I too e-mailed my bio data to her.
When my father saw Hritishas bio data and her photos, which
I had sent him through WhatsApp, he was satisfied and liked her a
lot. He informed my mother about Hritisha and me. My mother
was happy but a bit worried as Hritisha and her family belonged to
Delhi and we were based in Ahmedabad.
I explained to them how I met Hritisha in Dubai, and we knew
each other for last one and half years. I told them that I liked her a
lot and she felt the same for me. My mother disclosed, what
bothered her was the post marriage problem. The problem was
Hritisha was Delhi based so after marriage, my parents would not
be able to visit my in-law's house now and then. This was the only
reason why my parents were about to reject Hritisha. However, I
convinced both of them by saying that her family is very kind, and
there would not be any problem after marriage. Finally, they got
94
convinced and asked me to arrange a telephonic conversation with

her parents.
Muuuuaaaah, Muuuaaaah, muuuaaaaaaaaaah! I started
kissing her over the phone after talking to my parents.
Arrey! What happen? Hritisha asked.
Muaaaah Muaaaaaaaaaah I could not stop myself.
Stoooooop Sidhhaaannntt she shouted.
I stopped.
Now tell me what happened? Why are you kissing your
phone? Hritisha asked surprisingly.
Hritisha my jaan, my darling, my baby, I am not kissing my
phone. I am kissing you.'
Pata Hai pata hai. Now tell me, you had a talk with your
parents right? she asked.
Yes, and they agreed. I said
Thats why you are so happy haan?
Of course, now no one can stop us.
Yoo my bettu.' replied Hritisha
The first time she called me My Bettu, and it became my
favorite nickname.
Muaaaah Muaaaaah Muaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah I started again.
Stop it Siddhant. Mere stomach me butterflies ho rahe hai
jab tum Kiss kar rahe ho. Apna pet pakad ke baith gayi hun.'
Ohhhh, Achhaaaa? Muaaah Muaaaaaaaaaah
Stop it or I will disconnect the call.' Hritisha said angrily.
No no no, sorry'
Hmmm, thats like my bettu.'
Achha listen Hritisha, my dad wants to talk to your parents.
Siddhant. I can convince my mother but convincing my
father is like chewing peanuts made of iron. Hritisha replied
worriedly.
It's okay Hritisha, first, convince your mom and later you
can convince him.' I said consensually
Hmmm. Even I think so Hritisha said thoughtfully
95
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Wait a minute; you have a dog? I asked her when I heard, a

dog barking near to her.
Yess, I have a pet dog, and his name is Jackson.' Said
Hritisha
I dont believe this.'
You dont believe this? Wait, Jackson Shuuuu Shuuu
Siddhant Hritisha naughtily said
The dog started barking over the phone, and I was scared.
Keep him away Hritisha, I hate dogs.
You got scared haan? Asked Hritisha
Yes. I am.'
Hahahahaha.'
Now I will marry you only on one condition that you will
keep Jackson away from me if I come to your home I said.
No way, I am going to bring him with me after marriage.'
said Hritisha
I will not come to the house then.'
No worries, pade rehna bahar.' Hritisha said mischievously.
Uaaaaaaaaana, Mummmyyyy .shaadi cancel I cried fake.
Yeeeehhhh, Happy Independence day Hritisha.'
Ha ha ha! Very funny, now go and convince my mother in
law.' I said.
Ji Bettu
Can I say something?
Yup. Say?
I love you Hritisha
Ha-ha-ha. I love you too bettu
We disconnected the call and I started smiling because the
first time ever in my life I heard the four magical words I love
you too.
I received a message from Hritisha saying Yaar will talk to
my mom tomorrow when dad will not be at home. Okay?
Okay dear, waste of luck.' I replied
What?
I mean Best tough luck.'
96
Bhaaag jaaaaaaa.'
Haha. Sorry, a slip of the tongue. Best of luck my Bacchi.'
Hehe, thanku bachhe.'
No bachhe, only Bettu
Okay, ji, thank you Bettu.'
Day by day, we were stepping forward. We started behaving
like husband and wife. I still remember the next day when Hritisha
told her mother about our relationship, she was quite upset. She
knew that her father would not agree to our marriage. Hritisha
tried to convince her a lot. Even Reet, Hritishas younger sister,
tried to convince her mother. They left no stone unturned to
convince them.
Hritishas mother said she would agree only if Swamiji would
give a green flag to this relationship. Swamiji was called and he
asked for few details about me over the phone.
After getting all the information about me, Swamiji closed his
eyes, saw me in his mind and said that the boy is very sweet,
Hritisha will be happy with him. Hritishas mother was partly
convinced but she was still scared for her fathers response.
97
Sohil Ashvin Shah
FIRST SEX CHAT

Almost fifteen days passed. My parents also started asking me
about the phone conversation with her parents. However, I did not
have any answer, as there was no reply from Hritishas end
regarding this. My parents used to always force on get married as
early as possible because, they would think I was getting old at the
age of twenty-six, and no one would marry me after twenty-seven.
My parents were behaving as if I was their daughter. Even
they did not take that much tension for my elder sister Drishtis
marriage. After all, they are parents and they would always think
well about us.
Hieeeeeee Bettu, Hritisha texted me.
Hmmmmm. Hi, I replied.
What happen?
Nothing.'
So why my bettu is so sad?
Im not.'
You know na, u dont know how to lie?
Hmmmm.'
Fuck your Hmmmmm. Tell me bachhu.'
I told Hritisha how my parents had started pushing me to talk
to her parents regarding our marriage. She apologized and said
that she did not know how to convince her father. I asked Hritisha
whether I would talk to her mother regarding my situation.
However, she refused and promised me to convince her dad soon.
I got quite normal after her promise.
Can I sleep on your chest? I felt butterflies after reading the
text from Hritisha.
Hehehe, Come faaaaasssssst.' I replied
Aa gayi ji.'
Muaaaah, on the forehead.'
Shut up. No gudgudi please.'
Hehe, sleep now. I have already wrapped you in my arms.'
Ji my Chubby Hubby.' Hritisha texted.
OOOuuuuccchh.
What happen? She asked
You gave me a bite on my chest.' I said
98
hehe, It was a love bite.'

Thank God U gave me a love bite on my chest, If it would
have been on my neck then tomorrow, all my colleagues would
have teased me.'
Lol. I am your wife now; I can bite you anywhere.'
Sure, my pleasure.'
Muuuuaaaaaaah, small Kissi on my bettus forehead.'
Hritisha texted
Hehehe. Thank you.' I replied
No welcome. Lol.
We both wanted to divert our mind from the family issue and
started doing romance over the chat.
Accha I want to say something.' I said.
What? Hritisha replied.
Today I took our baby girl to the garden when you were still
at the office.'
Hey, bhagguuuu, from where u got this little girl.'
She is our daughter. Bhul gayi?
Hahaha. Pagal
Listen na. She told me that she needed a younger sibling. She
feels alone sometimes.'
So?
What so? We should fulfill her wish.'
Hers or yours?
My Wish?
Yesss. Ghost of love. Tell na you want sex tonight.'
Smart Girl.
No, not today, I am not in a mood.' She said
Haillaaa, what about my mood? I asked
Sleep. You get nothing tonight.'
Rude wife. Huh
Told u Na before? I am rude. Think again before marrying
me
Haan Haan.
Good. No Sex Tonight she said
Teri no ki aisi ki taisi. See I got out from your lap, hold you
tightly, and going to kiss you.'
99
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Achhaa? See I push you; you fell from the bed, I run away,
going to the bathroom.'
Ohhhh. I run behind you, enter in the bathroom before you
close it, take you under the shower and I am about to open the
shower to make you wet.'
Ha ha hahaha. I push you again and run away.'
I caught you and twisted your hand.'
Nooooooo, Please leave my hand please Siddhant. It hurts.'
No way. Give me a kiss Hritisha and then only I will leave
your hand.'
No, first, leave my hand.'
Ohh really? I leave your hand; hold your waist from the back
side, kissed your neck.'
Hehe, butterflies starts she felt shy.
We were enjoying the love session in the virtual world; I
mean to say e-romance.
Wait, Abhi to start kiya hai. So I kissed your neck, make u
turn around towards me, now you are facing me, I untied your
hair, put my hand on your cheek.' I said.
Stop Pleeeeaasssseee, Gudgudi ho rahi hai.' Hritisha said that
she was feeling butterflies in her stomach while I was explaining
our romance session on WhatsApp.
Shhhhh! dont disturb.' I said.
Okay.'
I continued.
I put my hand on your neck, muuaaaaaah on the forehead,
muaaaah on the right cheek, muaaah on the left cheek, muaaaah
on right neck. Muaaaah on left neck, muaaaaaah on the upper lip,
muaaaah on lower lip and-and-and-and and-and-and
muaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah a loooong lip lock kiss.'
Shttttttttuuuup. I am shivering Pagal. You are making me
shy, even you are a thousand miles away from me and woh bhi
chat me.' Hritisha said
You just imagine. Now after a lip lock, I lift you; put you on
the bed; you removed my t-shirt, and I removed yours, now I am
on you, and again I am going to give you a long lip lock kiss.' I
said.
Abbey, Ganda dimaag wala pati. Huh
100
Shhhhhhh. Dont disturb.'

Stop Stop Stop! See our daughter has woken up, now go and
handle her. Bada aya uska younger sibling laane wala. Lol
yaaaaaaar, no one can beat you. Dont worry. Our daughter
will sleep herself after few minutes. Let's finish our romance.'
Kaisa baap hai. Let me handle her. Ohhh Dont worry beta,
dont cry. I will scold papa today okay. He is disturbing both of us
na? She texted me as she was taking care of our imaginary
daughter.
Jaaa be, I am sleeping.' I texted her in anger.
Sometimes, Hritisha used to spoil my romantic mood by
pulling my leg.
Hahahahaha maza ayaa maza aaya, dhen te neeeennn!'
Huh.'
Hahaha, told you na no sex today.'
Hehe, okay, baba. Some other day.'
Yooo Yooo
Haanji.'
Bettu now you all right Na? She asked me
Haan Bacchi thanks to u.'
Hehe. Muaaaaah for that, chalo now sleepo. You have to go
to the gym in the morning.'
I will baby.'
Goodnight Shonu.'
Muuuuaaaaah My Bettu
GN SD TC MU KU LU
Hein Hein Hein?
Goodnight; Sweet Dreams; Take Care; Miss You; Kiss You;
Love you.'
Hey, bhagguuuu, Ghost of Love. Ditto. Now get lost. Lol
I could not sleep for hours. I imagined the situation, which we
made during out chat, Sorry Sex Chat.
101
Sohil Ashvin Shah
FIRST FIGHT
April 23, 2015.
This was the day when we fought tremendously with each other
for the very first time. I became a bit insecure and disturbed on
that day when Hritisha started narrating her past relationship in
college. She said her ex-boyfriend broke up with her and married
another girl. This unexpected painful incident made her upset and
she took three months to recover herself. This was the time when
her best friend Niraj supported her. Niraj brought back smile on
her face for the second time. Those days Niraj would take her to
malls and restaurants to divert her mind and prevent her thinking
of her painful relationship repeatedly.
I felt jealous and I ordered her to stay away from him.
Hritisha angrily claimed that she never had any liking towards
Niraj, she always considered him as a best friend, nothing more
than that. However, I did not agree with her statement and forced
her to stay away from him.
She disconnected the line without wishing me goodnight. I
kept on calling her, but there was no reply from her end. I did not
sleep that night and waited until she woke up early morning for
office. I noticed that she had read all the messages, which I had
sent her while she was sleeping.
I started calling her again just to say her sorry. I did not know
and wanted to figure out that why I became so insecure and did
not bother to understand her feelings.
On that day, it was me, who forced her to speak out about her
past relationship. She ignored many times, as she knew my nature
and the consequences that, I would become insecure and would
start crying. However, she spoke about it and the fight happened.
It was totally my fault. I could not concentrate on office work
and began thinking how to convince her. I texted her a hell lot of
sorry messages. That day she did not come online for lunch also.
I decided to write an apology letter. Therefore, I took a pen,
went to the washroom and wrote an apology letter on a tissue
paper. The letter was.
102
To My Bacchi,
Of course, I make mistakes; I was not born with USER
MANUAL, But Once I say SORRY,
I mean it.
I am sorry.
I love you
Yours,
Bettu, Pagal, Idiot, Mottu, and Ganda dimaag wala pati.
She took almost a week to forgive me and I believed that I
deserved the punishment.
103
Sohil Ashvin Shah
FIRST PARENTS INTERACTION

I got a fracture on my right hand in the first week of May 2015.
The doctor in Dubai suggested me to take rest for at least fifteen
days. Therefore, I decided to go to India where my mother would
look after me very well. I informed Hritisha that I have to leave
for India. She got worried and wanted to come to Ahmadabad to
take care of me, but she did not have any reason to visit
Ahmadabad.
I reached Ahmadabad, and our family doctor treated me as
well. The doctor informed not to worry much as I would be okay
within five to six days and I could go outside with friends and
family.
Hritisha used to call me every hour to ask about my health.
My mother noticed smile and glow on my face when I used to talk
to Hritisha and one day my father enquired about the next step of
our relationship. I did not have any answer. Both families had
decided separately, neither her parents nor my parents interacted
with each other.
I found that it was a perfect time, as I was in India so, both the
families could at least talk to each other over the phone. Hritisha's
mother Vidhyaben agreed to talk to my dad. Both my dad and
Vidhyaben spoke with each other over the phone. They talked
about everything including financial situations, family cultures,
marriage rituals, etc. Vidhyaben told my dad that she would like
to consult her family Swamiji again and then would let my father
know when they can meet in person. My father also agreed and
decided to talk to our Swamiji as well.
Hritisha's mother and my father both liked each other's family
values. They both agreed to take our relationship further.
At night, Hritisha called me to inform that her mother spoke
to Swamiji and he was very happy with our relationship. He said
that our Kundli was not preferable for marriage, due to less Guna
Match, but both the boy and the girl would be live happily, even
after a few misunderstandings. This was not good for both of us.
After seeing my Kundli Hritishas Swamiji also commented that, I
am brilliant.
That day we were quite happy and relieved. We both
delivered lots of e-kisses over the phone and messages. She told
104
me that her parents agreed to meet my parents and I should decide

to come to Delhi with my family for the meeting.
The next morning when I woke up, my mom took me to the
nearest Derasar, a Jain Temple to pray and thank the God for
saving me from the adverse effects of the fracture.
At Derasar, I saw Dr. Priyanka; we both recognized each
other at first sight. She asked me about my health. My father told
me that he informed Dr. Priyanka's father about my injury. My
father and Dr. Priyankas father were good friends. I greeted Dr.
Priyanka, and we left. I really felt sorry for her when I came to
know from my father that, she got divorced within two months of
her marriage. It happened two and half years ago
Four years ago me and Dr. Priyanka were about to get
married., somehow the things did not work at that moment or let
me say, she was not happy with our engagement, as she did not
want to settle abroad at that point. I did not feel bad, as we both
were not in love with each other, it was our parent's choice so, I
respected her decision and moved on after which I met Hritisha in
Dubai.
Dr. Priyanka and I both of us were socially connected through
Facebook and WhatsApp, but we never texted each other, neither
through Facebook messenger nor over WhatsApp.
Suddenly, I received an unexpected text from Dr. Priyanka,
that evening. She said that it was a pleasure meeting me after four
long years. I thanked her and even consoled her for her divorce.
Replying to that she bravely stated that, she has moved on and it
was just a part of her life.
I informed Hritisha about Dr. Priyanka and me. She
understood me and did not feel bad about it. I was impressed by
Hritishas reaction. She was not like any other girlfriend who
would feel jealous; instead, she was ok with our friendship. She
was mature enough to understand the situation and strong enough
to handle them very carefully. This is why I loved her so much.
I was thankful to God, for sending Hritisha in my life.
'Hi, Good Morning.' I received a text from Dr. Priyanka.
I also wished her the same.
How is your health and what plans for today? asked Dr.
Priyanka.
105
Sohil Ashvin Shah
I am fine, today I am planning to visit Ahmadabad book fair

I replied
Oh wow! Even I would like to buy some books from there
Sath chale? I will pick you up. Well go by my car. Dr. Priyanka
asked.
Sure why not I agreed.
Lol, zyada line mat marna' Hritisha replied me when I told
her that I would be visiting Ahmadabad book fair with Dr.
Priyanka.
My father instructed me not to disclose my affair with
Hritisha to anyone until everything was finalized. I think he was
also right on his way, therefore, I did not tell Dr. Priyanka about
my affair with Hritisha when she asked whether I had any
girlfriend or not.
I purchased some books as per Hritisha's choice. We had ice-
gola and after spending three to four hours, we left for home.
'Why didn't you get jealous when I was with another girl?' I
asked Hritisha, that night.
'Bachhu, I trust you. I know you will never hurt me and its
okay baby; you also need some change. You must be tired of
talking to me daily. Lol!' she replied.
'Bhulega Dil Jis Din Tumhe Woh Din zindgi Ka aakhri din
hoga' I started singing.
'Abbey Filmy Bhoot. Love you mottu.' Hritisha interrupted
'Love you too meri bachhi.'
We talked for a while and slept after wishing good night to
each other.
The next day Arpit, Neelay, Sunny, Keval and I went to
Manek Chowk, the famous night food bazaar in Ahmedabad. I
told them about my love story with Hritisha and informed the
schedule of my Delhi visit and family meeting. As usual, they
abused me in the beginning and then wished me good luck. They
assured me of their help anytime.
106
FIRST BIRTHDAY GIFT

May 24, 2015.
It was Hritishas birthday. She was excited and asked me for
her birthday gift. I told her that no more surprises and gift for
her from now onwards. I thought she would be angry just like
any other girlfriend would be if her boyfriend did not gift her
anything or surprise her on her birthday. To my surprise, I
found her to be calm and normal.
You dont feel sad if I dont gift you anything on your
birthday? I asked.
No. Not really Hritisha said.
Why?
Because I know that you have planned something amazing
for me. Am I correct? She asked.
I hate you Hritisha. You always sprinkle water on my
excitement.'
Hahahahaha, Funki Funki she laughed.
I thought I would annoy you by saying, I do not have any
gift for you.
I confessed that I was just teasing her after which I
surprised her by informing about my visit to Delhi
I will be with you from thirtieth July until first August. I
said
What! Are you serious? I am so happy Siddhant I love
you. Hritisha astonishingly uttered.
Almost two years passed since we saw each other. I
wanted to see her again, but of course not in photos.
I booked a hotel in Paharganj through OYO Rooms,
nearby her home. My dad asked me to meet her family for the
marriage as well, as was decided before.
I told dad that I needed to ask Hritisha first. Dad was of the
opinion that if I met her family this time then I would not have
to visit Delhi again to meet her family. Hritisha asked her
mother. She agreed to the family meeting, but she was not sure
about her fathers decision. However, she assured me that she
would try her level best to convince her dad.
107
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Ultimately Hritisha's father got convinced. Hritishas

cousin Suraj was given the responsibility to talk to me and find
out whether I was suitable for Hritisha or not. He interrogated
me, for almost one and half-hour. I had to tell him everything,
starting from my schooling to my current job and status.
I informed him about my current situation and told him that
I had everything, except my own house. My fathers business
suffered a loss when I was just fifteen years old. My sister
Drishti had to drop her college to support our family. When I
finished my twelve standard exams, I started working. After
ten years of the hard work, we became financially strong, the
only thing we did not have was our own house. Suraj requested
me to give my fathers number to him. He got the same and
honest response from my father also. Suraj was quite impressed
after he got to know everything about me. I found Suraj to be a
sweet natured and friendly person. He assured me if Hritisha
was sure about our relationship, then he would try his level best
to convince her father fully for the marriage.
My father was also impressed with Surajs behavior. Suraj
told my father that he would come down to Ahmedabad soon to
meet my family with Hritisha and Vidhyaben, her mother. This
decision of Suraj gave me some satisfaction.
After talking to Suraj, my father was excited and asked me
to arrange a meeting with Hritishas parents as soon as
possible. All of a sudden, he realized that Hritisha was the best
girl for me. My parents too booked their tickets from
Ahmedabad to Delhi.
Initially, I had planned for three days. One day would be
fully engaged in family gathering, so I just had only two more
days to spend with Hritisha. She knew that I would reach Delhi
on July 30, 2015, as I had already sent her tickets and hotel
booking details. I had arranged for surprises but at the end
moment, a brilliant idea just clicked into my mind.
I decided to reach on July 29, 2015, a day before, just to
surprise Hritisha. Without thinking twice, I rescheduled the
flight. I did not tell Hritisha about my new schedule. I planned
to surprise her at the metro station after her office hours.
108
Google uncle helped me to find the Shastri Park metro station,

the nearest metro station from GENPACT.
However, the problem was her flexible job timings. What
if she would not come out at the regular time? What if she
would come out of the office late? What if she would not go for
her job, that day? I was not willing to take any risks to surprise
her and thought of pinging Shruti, Hritishas best friend and
colleague.
Hey, Siddhant this side. I hope you know me. Hritisha
must have told you about me I texted Shruti on Facebook
messenger.
Hi Siddhant, of course, she told about you, Shruti replied
Thank God. Listen I need your help. Can you do me a
favor? I asked
Yup, go ahead.
I explained Shruti everything and told her that only my
parents and she knew about my surprise visit to Delhi a day
before. Shruti described the route to reach Shastri Park metro
station from Paharganj. I also requested her not to tell Hritisha
about my one more surprise, which I was planning. With an
assertive tone, Shruti agreed to keep it a secret and to inform
me about any last-minute changes to the plan.
Now, I just had to wait for one more month to meet my
love.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
JUST A FEW HOURS TO GO

July 28, 2015
I reached the airport three hours before. After finishing all the
airport formalities, I received Hritishas text at Marhaba Lounge.
Just to give her the surprise I had told her that I would be visiting
Abu Dhabi for an official meeting and would not be able to
receive her call.
She called me to ask whether I had reached the airport safely
or not. I cracked a joke saying I did not reach Abu Dhabi via
flight.
'I just came out from the shower, and I was nude too. Still,
you want to see me?' I replied her when she asked me to send my
photos, just to verify where I was.
'Yes, I don't mind. Send me your nude pic.' Hritisha said
while giggling.
'Shut up, gandi ladki.'
'Wait, Reet wants to talk to you.' Hritisha said.
She handed over the phone to Reet. Although I knew Reet but
it was for the first time we were interacting. Reet informed me that
Hritisha was crying because the tailor ruined her dress, which she
was supposed to wear in a family meeting. Now she will have to
wear something, which she really did not want to wear. I
suggested Reet to ask Hritisha to wear a lovely red saree for the
meet so that my parents would say yes to the relationship instantly
when they would see Hritisha is so beautiful.
I knew Hritisha never liked wearing sarees. The first time she
wore a saree was during her school days and she never wore one
after that.
As expected Hritisha refused to wear a saree as she never
liked it. Suddenly she interrogated me by asking whether I had a
talk with Shruti or not. I straightly denied.
Shruti advised me to wear something beautiful for the family
meeting and asked me not to go to the office on that day with my
Jhalli look. Therefore, now it has confirmed that something is
cooking between you and Shruti. You both are planning
something, am I right? Hritisha said.
No! What plan? Why do I have to plan with Shruti?
Whatever you are thinking is not correct. I lied to her again.
110
Swear to me and say, Hritisha forcibly stated

Okay bye, I have to go to the toilet, I said just to ignore the
topic.
Just when I disconnected the call, she texted me saying that
she would kill me if I reached Delhi and stood in front of her a day
before the actual date of arrival. I did not give her any reply and
deactivated mobile data so that I did not have to lie her any
further.
Lying to her made me feel guilty, but I was not doing
anything wrong. I just wanted to surprise her.
While waiting for the flight I tuned into some music and
started making plans for the next four days. I wanted to make
those four days the most memorable days of my life.
111
Sohil Ashvin Shah
LOVE IN DELHI
DAY 1
SHOCK
July 29, 2015.
'Welcome to Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.' The
in-flight announcement made me excited, as I would be meeting
my would be better half exactly in 12 hours.
I took my hand luggage and headed towards the gate of the
plane. I was walking quite slowly and listening to the songs on my
Mp3 player while noticing each and everything that was going
around trying to make them the best memories of my life. I was
the first passenger to walk out of the plane and the last to reach
passport control counter.
The immigration officer was fighting with one of the staff
members. Their fighting scared me and I switched off the Mp3
player and put it in my pocket. I tried behaving like a proper
gentleman and changed my accent of speaking English when I
started talking to the immigration officer. He saw my face a
couple of times just to confirm whether I was the one whose photo
was on the passport. Finally, he stamped on my passport and
allowed me to leave.
After finishing all the formalities and receiving my entire
luggage, I came outside around 1.30 AM. I called my dad and
informed him that I had reached Delhi safely; he wished me good
luck and bade me goodbye. I purchased a local sim from a store
inside the airport. After coming outside the airport, I took a long
breath and felt the air of the city where my love was living. I was
finding it hard to believe that I reached Delhi finally and for the
first time in my life.
Kidhar jaoge bhai sahab? The person inside the prepaid
taxi booth asked me in his typical Haryanvi accent.
Ji, Paharganj I said
470 rupye.'
I paid the money. As I was traveling, I started gazing at the
city. I had already started loving the city, maybe because of the
fact that Hritisha was residing there.
112
Oodh ke Dhani Preet Ki Chadar, aaya tere shehar me ranjha

tera' the song was playing on radio. The lyrics of the song was
matching with the situation.
I reached my Hotel at Paharganj; paid advance money and
they showed me my room. Out of excitement, I paid two hundred
rupees as a tip to the taxi driver and the housekeeper.
I activated Wi-Fi.
Leaving from Abu Dhabi and heading towards home. Good
morning and haan, the battery of my phone have run totally out of
charge, so it will get switched off soon. I messaged Hritisha.
Hi Shruti just reached the hotel, I will take a short nap and
will wake up around 9 AM I texted.
After waking up around 8:00 AM; I checked my messages on
WhatsApp. One message was from dad carrying a good luck note
and another was Shrutis text welcoming me to India.
So how's Delhi? I saw Hritishas text.
Yaar, I am not in Delhi. I am in Dubai only I answered.
Achha listen, today I have a crucial meeting at the office, so I
will keep my phone in flight mode. It wont be possible for me to
chat today during the lunch break.
I went out of the hotel to explore Paharganj. There was a
strange feeling in my heart. I noticed open electric wires over my
head. There were foreigners and backpackers on the street. There
was an economical hotel but no grocery store or restaurant had
opened till then. I wanted to have a heavy breakfast, which was
not complimentary in my hotel.
I was very hungry so I had two full cups of masala tea and
three Punjabi samosas. By the time I finished my meal I saw few
stores were pulling up their shutters. I bought a face pack, just to
make myself look better than the rest of the days and I also got a
recharge coupon, after which I went back to my hotel room.
After applying the face pack, I waited for an hour. By
10.30AM, I took my shower and waited anxiously. I couldnt
access Wi-Fi, if I did so, Hritisha would have easily understood
that I was in Delhi and not in Dubai because she could have
messaged me and seen me online but if, she would have tried to
call me she couldnt. It was a tough task to pass every single
second and I had to wait for another four and half hours to surprise
Hritisha.
113
Sohil Ashvin Shah
I asked the receptionist about the route to reach Shastri Park

Metro Station. He told me that it would take hardly 45 minutes to
reach Shastri Park metro station from RK Ashram Metro Station,
which was near to my hotel. Finally, I left the room by 11 am.
After leaving the hotel room, I reached RK Ashram Metro
Station. I had to stand in a long queue to buy tickets. It was a
funny experience, as everyone had to give a titanic pose while
crossing the checking point and the security would scrutinize the
passengers thoroughly.
Suddenly the tune My heart will go on started playing in my
mind. Thank God I didnt start reciting the dialogues from the
movie I am flying Jack, I am flying, If I did so then the police
would have forcibly admitted me to the mental hospital.
I took the metro from RK Ashram Metro Station, got down at
Rajiv Chowk. I realized that Rajiv Chowk is the busiest metro
station, just like Burjunam Metro station of Dubai. There was a
hell of a rush, people were pushing against one other just to get
inside and come out of the train. I was confused with blue, red and
yellow lines that were drawn on a map like a spiders web. I was
feeling hesitant to ask anyone about the route as everyone was
busy with catching their respective trains.
I asked a cleaner who seemed to be quite cooperative. She
guided me showing which train would lead me directly towards
Shastri Park. One after the other the station passed. Chandni
Chowk, Chawri Bazar on and on. Finally, I reached my
destination around 12.30 PM.
I still had one and half-hour in my hand. I started roaming
here and there; took a bottle of water and looked for a place where
I could easily disguise myself and Hritisha would not notice me.
Finally, I found a place behind the elevator to hide. I could
see the IT Park from the metro station, where Hritisha used to
work. I was waiting there for one and half hour and the guards
were continuously monitoring me. To prevent the guards
suspecting me as a terrorist, I gave them a sweet smile.
Yes, we are leaving Shruti messaged at sharp 2 PM

Ok, how much time will it take? I asked
Maximum fifteen minutes.'
Okk. I am at Rithala platform just behind the lift, is Hritisha
with you? I asked.
114
Haanji, she is with me and we have already left the place.'

Shruti replied.
Okok I am hiding behind the elevator
Lol. Great, be there. She texted.
Almost fifteen minutes passed but no message from Shruti.
Where are you, guys? I asked impatiently, after all, I was
going to meet her after two years.
Ji, very near to station.'
Okk, so where would you guys will be standing, women
coach side?
No, we'll come near the stairs. Shruti answered.
Superb, I am there only.' I said with huge excitement.
We have reached Shruti messaged
Okk great I am coming.'
I saw Hritisha along with Shruti and another colleague from
behind the lift. Her natural look, no makeup, and messed up hair,
flattered me once again. I noticed that she was also looking around
at the station; maybe she must have felt my presence.
I took a long breath and appeared in front of her. She had a
smile on her face and anger in her eyes. She wanted to say 'why
you have come one day before? However, she could not speak
anything. I wanted to hug her tightly that time, but it was a public
place, therefore, I controlled myself.
Shruti and the other girl were smiling. They asked Hritisha to
stay with me, and they would take the next metro to their houses.
We shook hands and realized that we both were nervous and
excited. We boarded the next metro and I could not stop looking at
Hritisha. I kept staring at her, during the entire metro journey
What Siddhant? Stop staring Hritisha told me with a smile.
I cant, you are beautiful.'
She felt shy and looked at everyone except me. She was
behaving as if she was meeting me for the first time. I could not
keep my eye away from her. She found me staring at her
whenever she looked at me.
Had your lunch? Hritisha asked.
No.
Why?
I was at the metro station for last one and half hours.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
Pagal. What will you have?

Piiizzzaaaaa.'
Motu.' She smiled.
Thank God, she started talking to me and came out of the
shock, that I surprised her. She called Reet and told her that I was
in Delhi already and we were going to eat pizza. Reet suggested
taking me to the Pacific Mall. We reached there and started
strolling. She told me that she tried to find similar shoes from
ZARA, which I had replaced due to size difference and she liked it
a lot.
May I hold your hand? I asked for her permission.
No, not here she was still feeling shy.
We went to the first floor. Hritisha asked me if I wanted to
purchase 'Being Human' T-shirt from the splash. I denied.
Starbucks is in Delhi also. Wow, lucky people like Dubai
people. I teased her when we reached in front of Starbucks.
I ordered her favorite cloud-nine pizza from Dominos. As
we were sitting on the table, I insisted her to sit beside me but she
sat opposite to me. She looked at me and nodded as if she wanted
to say how crazy I was, especially to visit one day before the
scheduled date of arrival, just to give her a surprise. As we were
having Pizza, we noticed a couple, who were hugging and kissing
each other in the food court. Hritisha noticed that I was feeling
embarrassed. She told me that it was normal there. I thought if that
was normal then, I should have also hugged Hritisha at least once,
but I controlled my emotions.
Our order was ready; she went to take the pizza. I asked her to
eat but she was already full because she already had heavy lunch
in the office. After I insisted, she grabbed a single slice. I was
quite sure that she was not hungry but she could not have said no
to the cloud nine pizza. Somehow, her behavior was changing; she
stopped smiling and appeared to be, not interested in whatever I
was saying. I felt a little bit awkward. I noticed her face and was
confused. I tried to figure out whether she was tired or not happy
to see me.
In the metro, too Hritisha asked me to sit far from her. I
understood that she did not want anyone to see her with a boy. I
asked her two to three times if anything was bothering her. She
said she was too much tired after handling work pressures. I
agreed with her statement.
116
We reached to RK Ashram Metro Station. I asked again if I

could at least hold her hand. She rejected.
Leave my hand Siddhant; we are near my home Hritisha
said angrily when I held her hand without her permission as I just
could not control my emotions.
Ok sorry sorry I apologized immediately, but it did hurt my
feelings a lot.
I kept distance while coming out from the metro station. After
saying a simple bye to each other we went apart, she looked quite
upset and afraid, I did not know why. I started walking towards
my hotel and was quite depressed after seeing her behavior. I did
not find her excited or happy, seeing me after so long. When I
turned around to see her I saw that she was talking to some other
girl, maybe her friend. Therefore, I decided to leave and not to
look back again.
I missed three calls from Hritisha due to the poor network.
I reached home she answered when I called her back
Okok, Me too.'
I will message you in a while, bye take care she said in very
soft voice.
Haanji.' I also started speaking 'Hanji.'
Sorry. I texted her.
For what? she replied
For my behavior today. I wont make such mistake again.'
Bhaaag jaaaaaaa she started behaving funny.
Sure? Bhaaag jaau? I asked her seriously whether I should
leave or not?
Shut up! Dramme
Actually, you were looking damn cute, so I tried holding
your hand.'
Hehe, dont worry Mottu.'
I asked Hritisha whether I was looking fat or not. She told me
that I was still a little bit fat compared to her, but in my
photographs, I never looked that fat. It is obvious that I did not
send her the photos in which I looked fat. I told Hritisha that I did
not want to stay anymore in Delhi neither did I want my parents to
meet her parents. I did not want to give her parents a single chance
to reject me.
117
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Hritisha told me that she would try her best to convince them
by saying that I can quickly lose weight. Her mom knew how I
was before when Hritisha showed her my old photographs. I had
lost almost 10 kg in 6 months. She told me that it would be
difficult to convince everyone. Relatives would not see only the
bonding between us. They will judge me like the whole package
from my background, income, status; your inside looks as well as
outer looks.'
I asked her why she was worried about her relatives. She
answered me saying that in future she did not want anyone
pointing fingers at me and claiming me to be fat. In addition,
forget families, what if her dad would say that I am fat? How
difficult it was to convince her father for the family meet.
Hritisha insisted me to not think only about myself and to
think about everyone. I thought a lot and realized that she was
right. Even I would have felt the same way if, I would have been
in her situation.
Hmmm, I said.
Hass de bettu. Do not worry I am with you always. You
know na I am a straightforward girl.'
Hehehe.'
That's like my baby. Muuuuaaaah she replied.
Sorry again.'
It's okay.
I felt relieved after the conversation. I took a shower and
ordered Chinese Hakka noodles. I was constantly thinking about
my weight. I had decided that, as soon as I would reach Dubai, I
would concentrate more on my weight loss.
Dont go to the office tomorrow. Otherwise, you would
become tired again.' I texted Hritisha.
Hahahahahahahahahahaha.'
I dont want to ruin my excitement for surprises.
Another surprise?
Yes.'
Sudhar jaa mottu.'
No, today I did not feel excited due to your silence.'
Lol! I was worried and turned red out of nervousness.
I noticed that.
118
Smart boy. and I am quite expressionless.'

I know. That is why I was asking you repeatedly whether
anything was bothering you
Ohh Hello. You were also nervous.'
Only at the start, hardly for 10-15 Minutes.'
Yes, you were staring at me continuously; I couldnt speak a
single word.'
I will do the same tomorrow also.'
I will wear a Burkha.'
You will be baked inside due to hot weather.'
No worries, there will be AC in the restaurant.'
Hehe. I want this message wali Hritisha tomorrow. Not
Grumpy or else I will directly return to the Hotel.
Woww freedom! Lucky me.
Shut up! How can you be so naughty while chatting?
Arrey baba at that time I was at home, so
Then you will have to be the same tomorrow with me or else
well hang around together but, will talk to each other through
WhatsApp only.'
ROFL. Idiot
And I will hold your hand for sure.'
its okay bettu, but not at a public place.'
Hmm, achha now lets be serious, I will marry only you, I
have decided.'
She also confirmed that she would marry me only and ordered
me to lose more weight as well. Hritisha informed me that she
would leave her house for office by 8:00 AM and asked me to
plan accordingly. I suggested that we should go for a movie,
followed by lunch and after that some nice place where we could
spend some quality time together.
She agreed.
I checked the timings for the movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan at
PVR Rivoli, Connaught Place, which was, of course, Hritishas
favorite movie theater. It was a morning show at 9:30 am and the
hall was almost empty, as it was a weekday. I tried to book the last
row through my Credit Card, but the transaction failed.
Immediately without thinking further, I hired an auto rickshaw
and went to PVR Rivoli to book advance tickets.
119
Sohil Ashvin Shah
The security guard at the cinema hall informed me that the

ticket counter gets closed by 10:00 PM. I messaged Hritisha the
show timing, she replied in the morning saying that she would
reach by 9:00 AM.
120
LOVE IN DELHI
DAY 2
SECOND PROPOSAL
I arrived around 8:15 in the morning at PVR Rivoli and came to
know that the ticket counter will open after 9 am. Shit man! I
could not understand why I was always in a hurry. No one was
there in the theater, not even a cleaner. I was sweating a bit as I
wore a Red t-shirt inside and a cotton 'Being Human' brands
shirt on it. I decided to have breakfast in a cafeteria, which was
just opposite to the theater where I found different types of
Parathas. I ordered my favorite Gobi Paratha.
I noticed a beggar who was searching for food in the dustbin.
As soon as he started eating the paratha, which he had picked up
from the trash bin, I stopped him and ordered fresh Parathas and
tea for him. My heart started crying after seeing his sparkling
eyes. I guess he had not eaten fresh food since many months.
I called Hritisha to ask whether she left office or not. She said
she would be there within five minutes. I checked myself in the
mirror whether I was looking fine or not and would be able to
impress her for the second time. I took four to five selfies and
clicked photos of the theater for preserving it as good memories.
I noticed that she was coming and looking around to find me.
She wore that same black top with flowers, which she bought
specially for the day. We gave a hi-five to each other. That day, I
realized, reality is always quite different from social media chats.
We did sex chat through social media, but in reality, we both were
afraid of hugging each other.
Slowly as the day progressed, two to three couples started
entering the theater. There was also a group of college students
who appeared to have bunked their classes to watch the movie.
We bought tickets as soon as the ticket counter opened. The
security guard did not allow me to enter, with a plastic shopping
bag in which I kept one extra T-shirt and the purse, which I had
bought for Reet. The theater did not have lockers to keep items,
which were not allowed to carry inside the hall, so we had to keep
the shopping bag in a garage behind the theater, which was
secured.
Untie your hair please I asked Hritisha.
121
Sohil Ashvin Shah
No. Not now she said.

I wanted to see how she looks in reality when she leaves her
hair untied. We reached the cinema hall and took our seats. That
was the fifth time I was watching that movie and I was still
enjoying the movie because of Salman Khan.
Can I ask you something? I whispered in her ears.
Kya?
Can I hold your hand now? No one will see us.'
She smiled and held my palm; I too held her hands very
tightly and started playing with her fingers. It was the first time
we touched each other for so long.
It was a magical moment for me. I closed my eyes to feel her
more and more. She also started playing with my fingers, my
palm, and my hand. She kept her head on my shoulder and I
wrapped her in my arms. I kissed her head; we both were enjoying
the moment as well as the movie.
Tu chahie, tu chahie sham aur subhah tu chahie, tu chahie tu
chahie har martaba tu chahie, jitni dafaa zidd ho meri, utni dafaa,
tu chahie I started whispering the song along with the movie.
Hritisha put her finger on my lips and asked me to keep quiet and
let her enjoy the film. I held her more tightly after that.
Abey mottu, you should have let me enjoy the movie. Every
time romance romance romance. Ganda dimaag she smilingly
scolded me.
I wanted to do romance that's why I already saw the movie in
Dubai. How could I love you and Salman Bhai at the same time I
replied
Shut up. Now, what? Where you want to go? Hritisha asked
Let's go to some beautiful and romantic place.'
Hmmm, let me think.'
Let's go to Le Meridian.' I suggested.
Hmmm.okay. I don't have any idea about the food their
haan.' She warned me
Areey it's okay. At least there will be some nice restaurants.
Haan, let's go there then
122
We collected my shopping bag and handed it over to Hritisha.

I asked her to give it to Reet. We hired an auto rickshaw and
reached Le Meridian.
I guess Le Belvedere seems to be a nice place, they serve
Chinese food as well. I think its your favorite I said after
inquiring at the reception at Le Meridian, Connaught Place.
Nice idea, let's go.' She said
We entered into the lift and reached the 20th floor.
Hi, Good afternoon! I have booked a table in the name of
Ms. Hritisha Jain I informed to the manager.
You must be Mr. Siddhant Shah, from Dubai, right? He
confirmed.
Yes, that's me. I winked at him.
Welcome to India Sir. It would be my pleasure to serve you
He shook my hand.
Hritisha sat beside me. We chose the table from where we
could see the fantastic view of Delhi including the Rashtrapati
Bhavan and India Gate.
So you pre-planned everything?' She asked.
Yesssss balak I replied.
You won't change Na?
Never.'
Hmmm and you have booked the table on my name.
Right?
Haan baba. I was searching the best romantic restaurants on
Google. But I don't know why I liked this place so much.'
Bravo Google uncle. Ok, now tell me are there any other
surprises left?
Mmm, still few things are left. Lets order food first.
We ordered her favorite dishes and clicked many selfies and
photographs. After finishing the lunch, the most horrible thing
happened. Hritisha ordered full chocolate pastries for the dessert.
She knew that I hated chocolate cake, but she wanted to tease me
and ordered that. Hritisha forcibly made me eat that by putting it
in my mouth even after I resisted. She burst into laughter after
watching my reaction.
123
Sohil Ashvin Shah
I want some space for a while. I told the restaurant manager

in private when I pretended to go to the washroom in front of
Hritisha.
Sorry Sir, but we dont have such a space the manager said.
I noticed that there was a bar inside the restaurant, which was
not exactly part of the restaurant. One could fag and booze there. I
asked the manager whether we could use the bar for some time
and told him not to send anyone inside the bar for a while. He
refused and said that he would not stop anyone from entering the
bar. I agreed with him and started praying that no one steps into
the bar till we were there.
Come on. Get up I told Hritisha.
What happened? She asked.
Keep quiet and come with me.'
I held her hand and took Hritisha inside the bar. I made her
comfortable on the chair and I tied her eyes my handkerchief on
her eyes so that she could not see anything that was going to
happen.
What are you doing Siddhant?
Wait a minute Bacchi.'
I sat on my knee, held her hands.
Now Just answer my question by saying YES or NO. Okay?
I said to Hritisha.
Hmmm. Okay, she agreed.
Will you harass me for the lifetime?
What?
Say YES or NO only. Will you harass me?
Yes, with pleasure.'
Great. Will you tease me for the lifetime? I asked
Yes.'
Hmm. Will you hold my hand till my last breath?
Shut up Siddhant
Yes or no?
Yess bettu.'
Will you be the owner of Hritisha Movies Pvt. Ltd.? In
future?
124
Hahaha. Yes
Will you ever leave me?
Yes.'
Hein?
Just kidding bachhu, no, I won't.'
Now wait.'
Ab Kya kar rahe ho? Please tell me.
Last. Wait
I removed my shirt, took a Diamond Ring from my pocket.
Now remove the handkerchief I said.
She uncovered her eyes and got shocked by seeing my
posture. Hritisha saw me sitting on my knees with a diamond ring
in my hand. She noticed the mysterious RED T-Shirt on which I
printed her photograph. Hritshuuuu, Will you marry me?
Plss? was written on it.
Hritisha started crying. I could understand that every girl
wants a boy who will make her feel so special, who will love her
like anyone else on earth. She could not stop crying. I hugged her
very tightly for the very first time and she too hugged me back. I
kissed on her forehead and her cheek and licked a teardrop that
was rolling down her cheek. I started kissing her all over the face.
I wiped her tears and tried to lighten her mood.
Iska to jawab de yaar. Roti Hi jaa rahi Hai kabse? I teased
Hritisha, pointing at the question that was written on the t-shirt.
Of course YES mottu she smiled.
Yesss. Yesss, Yesss I started dancing and put the diamond
ring on her finger. She instantly kissed it.
Liked it?
Haan Pagal. Anything else is left, to surprise me? She asked
Oh yes. I have written and composed a song for you.'
Oh, my God. You won't change na?
No Never. Now can I sing for you?
Hoja suru.' She ordered
Okay then. Listen
125
Sohil Ashvin Shah
I held her hands and sat on my knees again. She was still
shivering; maybe she could not get over with the surprise yet. I
started Singing,
Jab same tu aaye, dil mera dhadkaye,
Jab dur tu mujhse jaaye, dil mera tadpaye.
Zara mujhe bata de dun Kya yehi pyaar hai?
Kyun karta dil mera tera intezaar hai
O ooo, Jab samne tu aaye, dil mera dhadkaye,
Jab dur tu mujhse jaaye dil mera tadpaye.
Finished? She asked when I took some pause after singing.

No No. I forgot my lyrics. I am feeling nervous, I dont know
why' I stammered
She burst into laughter
Love you mottu Hritisha kissed me on my forehead.
Haan, yaad aa gaya.'
I started singing the second stanza.
Iltezan tu sunle mere dil ki, Nahi jeena ab to tere bin.
Ishq ka yeh jaam hai Jo tera, nahi peena ab to tere bin.
Raato ki neend churaye, tumhari yeh nigahen,
Meri jaan le jaaye, tumhari yeh adaein,
Zara mujhe bata de tu kya yehi pyaar hai?
Kyun karta dil mera tera intezaar hai?
Jab samne tu aaye, dil mera dhadkaye,
Jab dur tu mujse jaaye, dil mera tadpaye
Waaah Waaah. Bravo Bravo she praised me.

Shukriya madam. I said.
I put on my shirt, and we left the bar.
Congratulation Sir, Congratulation Maam.' The waiter said.
I guess he noticed the happiness on our faces and saw Hritisha
kissing the ring again and again when we were heading towards
the restaurant table
Thank you we both replied.
126
Would you like to have something else, sir?

No thanks. Bill Please
Sure sir He smiled and left.
She leaned on me and kissed my shoulder. We both were
speechless and were enjoying the moment silently. We left the
place after which I entered the washroom to change my t-shirt.
Were you not feeling hot? Itne sare kapde pehnke aaye the?
Hritisha asked.
Actually yes, I was sweating, but it's worth Na?
Haan wo to hai.'
We took a selfie outside the restaurant.
Now where do you want to go? After leaving, the restaurant
Hritisha asked
I am in love with all of Delhi. I replied
So say Dilli, not Delhi.'
Yesss. I am in love with Dilli.' I followed.
I asked her about our next destination, she smiled and replied
that she would have to reach home by five. Therefore, we just had
two hours left to enjoy. She told her mom that she would be late
due to some seminar in the office.
Vidhyaben doesnt know I have come to Dilli? I asked
Hritisha.
I always used to address her mother as Vidhyaben,' and not
Aunty, just for fun.
No. I told my parents that you would come on thirtieth July
evening, which is today.'
Ohhh. Then let's go to some nearby place.' I suggested
Let me guess.'
Humayun's Tomb? I saw it only in movies. I want to see
that.'
mmmm. Okay. Let's go.'
We hired an auto rickshaw and reached to Humayun's Tomb.'
The place was filled with tourists and local people. She paid for
the entrance tickets, as I did not have change. We decided to sit on
a bench near the garden inside and talk to each other rather than
wasting our time by roaming around the whole tomb. We sat very
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
close to each other. Hritisha again kept her head on my shoulder.

Her warmth and love made me emotional and I was about to cry.
Hello Madam, Where are my gifts? I asked Hritisha.
Ohh Shit. I forgot. Wait
She opened her bag and gave me a pink colored T-shirt.
However, I had never used pink colored clothes before, but I liked
it. It was of Being Human brand, which is actually my favorite
brand. It had the word I-N-D-I-A printed on it, with some famous
monuments of Delhi including Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, India
Gate, Taj Mahal and Lotus Temple.
Acchi hai Na? She asked
Ohh I love it. Thanks I said.
I knew that you would like Being Human brand.'
You know everything about me thats why I love you.'
We both kissed each other on our cheeks and took a lot of
selfies again. I still remember when I was clicking our pictures; I
played a prank with Hritisha. I was pretending as if I was clicking
her picture and kept the selfie mode on my phone. She thought I
was taking her photos and she kept on posing. When she asked me
to show her pictures, she realized that I never clicked a single
photo of hers. I was just playing a prank with her.
'Aur kuch?' I asked.
'Wait.'
Hritisha gifted me a coffee mug, which was entirely black.
Initially I did not notice anything but later on, I noticed out of
nowhere that our photos and some quotes were printed on the
mug. They would be visible only after one fills it with hot coffee
or tea. I had never seen such magical cup before. I thanked her for
both the gifts.
'Actually, I forgot to bring a greeting card which I have
specially designed for you Hritisha said.
'You mean handmade cover?'
'Yes.'
'I don't believe this. You are not that much talented' I again
started teasing her.
128
'Achha Bacchu? Now I won't give the card to you and believe
me it's the best card, but you are unlucky as you wont be able to
see it anymore.
'Sorry Sorry, I was just kidding. I want to see.'
'No. Now forget it.' She said angrily
'Plleeeaaaassssseeee' I sat down on my knees
'Ok ok get up. Of course, I will bring it on Saturday, just
remind me.'
'Sure sure.'
Suddenly I bit on her cheeks while we were talking and I
asked Hritisha to keep the red t-shirt along with the diamond ring.
But she refused and gave it back to me. She was hesitant to keep
such an expensive ring with her.
'Means you didn't like the ring. Right?' I asked.
'Are you mad? Of course, I like it.'
'Then why don't you want to keep it with you?'
'What if my mom or anyone else catches me with the ring?'
'Tell them Siddhant gave you.'
'Okay, kis khushi mein?'
'We are going to marry. Tell them he proposed me and gave
me. I can keep the T-shirt with me, as I can understand that it is
quite risky. But you have to keep the ring.'
'Siddhant please try to understand yaar. I can't.'
'It means you are not accepting my marriage proposal.' I said
with an attitude
'Have you lost it Siddhant? Why don't you understand?'
'Keep the ring in your bag always.'
'I keep on changing my bag.'
'Keep it in your wallet.'
'Reet and Mom don't take my permission; if they need money,
they directly take it from my wallet.
'I don't care. It is yours. Keep it or throw it.' I forced
We engaged ourselves in an argument while coming back
from Humayuns Tomb. I did not realize her inconvenience and
started acting immaturely. Hritisha became angry. She stopped
talking to me. I started following her and suddenly it started
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
raining. I put my hand over her head to save her from getting
drenched.
'Leave it, man, I don't like this kind of stuff' she scolded me
and asked me to keep away my hand from her head.
'Which kind of stuff?'
'This, to be romantic in public places. I hate it.'
'I am sorry' I did not want to make her angry.
'Hmmm.'
Hritisha called Reet and said she would be there within half
an hour. Her cheeks became red and I could see the anger in her
eyes. I started blaming myself for ruining our date in the end
moment.
'Bhaiya, Paharganj chaloge?' She asked an auto rickshaw
driver.
'Hanji madam, aaie' he said.
'Kitna loge?'
'80 de dena madam.'
'Dimaag kharab hai? Meter se jaenge.' A real Dilli girl woke
up.
'Nahi madam meter se nahi.'
'Rehn do fir.' She refused finally.
Hritisha was quite angry and started showing her anger to
other people.
'Areey it's okay Bachhi, let's hire the rickshaw. Leave it. 80
toh 80.'
'I know you have lots of money but, I dont want to make a
fool of myself by paying more. If you want to go by that rickshaw,
you can. I will hire another one.'
She became more annoyed. I decided not to speak a word
more and would do whatever she says.
'Sorry bhaiya. Nahi jana hai' I said to the auto rickshaw
driver.
'Kyaa sir, 30 rupye ke lie itni magajmaari' he told to me.
Hritisha gave him an angry look and moved ahead towards
the driver to fight with him. I stopped her and made her calm
down. After a few minutes, we took an auto rickshaw that agreed
130
to go by norms i.e. using the meter. She was still angry and was
not looking at me. I could see her face through the front mirror.
'Give me a ring' I asked
'Leave it.' She said.
'Areey baba, I am serious, give it to me I will take care of it.'
She took the ring from her bag and gave it to me. She was
about to cry.
'Now smile' I said.
'Hmmm,' Hritisha replied.
'What hmmm? I want smile wali Hritisha.'
'Not now please.'
'So when? After my death.'
'Humesha bas bakwas Hi karni hoti hai tuje. Hai Na?' She
slapped me so hard that my right cheek became red; it was her
love, not anger.
'Aaauch, itni zor se?' I said.
'I can slap harder, mind it. Don't say such nonsense things
ever.' She warned me.
I said sorry many times, and finally, she smiled. The auto
rickshaw driver was noticing the whole situation. He smiled at me
when we made eye contact through the side mirror after
everything was on track. I winked at him.
Hritisha got a call from her younger sister Reet when we
reached RK Ashram Metro Station, where the auto rickshaw
driver had dropped us. Reet informed her that all the family
members including bade papas family were going to watch
Bajrangi Bhaijaan.' Hritisha refused to join as she had already
seen the same movie with me in the morning.
Reet asked Hritisha whether she was carrying her house keys
or not?
As Hritisha was not carrying her house keys, she decided to
go to Shrutis place, which was near to her house. She too refused
to join them for dinner and informed Reet that she would have
something at Shrutis place.
What happened? I asked.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
Nothing, the whole family is going for Bajrangi Bhaijaan. So

I will go to Shrutis place till they return as I dont have the house
key.
Hmmm. I replied.
I thought it would take almost four to five hours until her
family members would return home.
Dont go to Shrutis place. Lets spend some more time.' I
suggested
No way, Siddhant, I am already tired. I need some rest and
not in a mood to roam around. She said.
Then lets go to my room. I said.
What? No way, I am scared she said.
Chal na, Khaa nahi jaunga tuje I told.
She agreed to give me company, in my hotel room, as she too
wanted to spend some more quality time with me. She called Reet
to inform her that she would be with me instead of Shruti and
asked her to call her once they were done with dinner and movie.
After we reached my hotel, I unlocked the door and switched
on the light. She noticed my messed up the room.
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LOVE IN DELHI
DAY 2
UNINTENTIONAL INTERCOURSE
How can you mess up your room like this in two days? Dont
know what will happen after our marriage She murmured and
started arranging and folding my clothes.
I sat on the couch and noticed her cleaning my stuff.
Leave it. Its just a hotel room, not my home. Its okay. I
said.
She ignored me and continued her cleaning work. I got up and
hugged her from behind.
Aaauch Siddhant. Leave me she said and pushed me back.
I again hugged her from behind and nuzzled her neck.
Bacchu, Kya irada hai? She asked me what were my
intentions.
Pyaar karne ka I said.
Pyaar Ka bhoot she laughed.
I nuzzled her face and untied her hair by removing her hair
clip. She closed her eyes and rested her head on my chest. I placed
my hands on her belly. I adjusted her hair with my left hand in a
way that I could see her back. I placed my left hand on her neck.
She held my right hand with her left hand, which was on her belly,
and my left hand with her right hand, which was on her neck.
I started sucking the right side of her neck. I could hear her
heavy breath. She pushed my head with her right hand and
allowed me to kiss her neck more passionately.
I love you Siddhant she whispered.
I put my left palm over her lips to indicate not to say anything
and just to enjoy the moment. The ambiance was cozy. Hritisha
again pushed me back when she started feeling orgasm.
She sat on the bed and covered her face with her hands. I took
her to the mirror and hugged her again from behind. Now, we
could see each other in the mirror. I was staring at her reflection in
the mirror and she he raised her eyebrows and asked why I was
staring her.
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We look fantastic together; any other couple would get

jealous after seeing us. I said.
Shut up she smiled and slapped me smoothly on my right
cheek.
She turned around with her front portion facing toward me
and hugged me tightly. She kissed my chest and I kissed her hair.
The fragrance of her hair was the same, which I felt three years
ago in Dubai, while we were traveling together in the metro.
I lifted her face with both my hands and kissed softly on her
upper lip and then she closed her eyes again. I kissed her lower lip
she was breathing heavily; I pushed her against the wall and
started kissing her neck, face, nose, forehead, back, palms, lips,
and all the bare parts of the body
Hritisha snatched my hair; pulled me towards her face and
gave me tight lip kiss. We were continuously smooching. After a
few minutes, our tongues also took part in the competition of
sucking each others lips. She was moaning while kissing me and
pulled me back once I tried to stop her, as I was running out of
breath. She did not want me to stop.
We both crossed the first level of orgasm by sucking each
others lips for more than fifteen minutes. Now, it was time for
level two. She quickly unbuttoned my shirt and started biting my
chest. She was biting me harder, whenever I was moaning and it
was an amazing feeling.
It was my turn now. I pushed her front side of the body
against the wall and opened the zip of her top. Her red colored bra
strap excited me more. I licked her back from waist till neck. She
turned her face towards me when I finished licking her whole
back.
Hritisha looked into my eyes; gave me a horny smile. She
kissed my lips again.
In the process of lovemaking, I finally removed her whole top
and threw it on the bed. We both were half-naked in front of each
other. I nuzzled her face with my right palm. She kissed my palm;
ran away and laid on the bed. She spread her arms wide open and
welcomed me to hug her.
I quickly jumped on her and she gave me a tight hug.
Mottu, your tummy she said and laughed.
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Dont worry, there would not be any MISSION

IMPOSSIBLE just for my tummy I said.
We both laughed and took a break before starting the level
three of the orgasm.
Hritisha slept on my right chest. She was playing with my
right nipple and chest hair. I was playing with her hair.
Dinner? I asked.
No. I am not hungry.'
Why? I asked.
She lifted her head and looked into my eyes. She gave that
horny look again.
Yeh jism sirf khana nahi Janata, janta hai toh bas ek hi
bhookh, jism ki bhookh She said the body wants only one food,
orgasm.
After finishing modified version of Bipasha Basus dialogue,
Hritisha came over my body and kissed my nose. Slowly and
softly, she went down, licking my chest. I closed my eyes, just
then she took off my pants; removed it and threw blindly. I was in
my underwears. The private part of my body became hard. It was
not something unnatural. She then took off her trousers and threw
it somewhere. It was the first time I was seeing her in a two-piece.
The private things inside my underwear and inside her panty
took their place suitably. They both were covered, but still, they
felt the same as they would feel after few minutes, I guess.
I noticed Hritishas red bra with white small dots and dark
brown panties. I started reciting a line from The Fault in our
Stars novel when Hazel Grace thought whether boys do care
about the matching of Girls bra and panty or not? Hritisha laid
over me and licked my left ear.
May I say something? I asked her.
Hmmm, she said while licking my ears.
Your bra is not matching with your panty I burst into
laughter.
She gave me a serious look.
I am not going to lingerie fashion shows every day, so please
shut up.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
She bit on my lower lip. I unhooked her red bra and threw it
away. Hritisha lifted my right hand and allowed me to press her
left boob. I smoothly played with her left breast. I wanted cozier
situation and excused her. I asked her to get me up from the bed.
She slept on the bed, half-naked and I got up from the bed over
her.
Where are you going and what are you doing? She asked
me.
Wait.'
I activated Wi-Fi; opened YouTube and played my most
favorite song Baahon Ke Darmiya, Do pyaar mil rahe Hai from
the movie Khamoshi.
I offered her my hand again for a smooth ballroom dance.
Lets dance I said.
She smiled; held my hand and got up from the bed. We both
took the ballroom dance position. The right half of my body
touched right half of her body. I held Hritishas right hand with
my left hand and clasped each others fingers. I put my right hand
on her back, and she put her left hand and forearm on my right
shoulder.
I looked into her sparkling eyes; we both smiled at each other
and started dancing on the song.
Baahon ke darmiyan do pyaar mil rahe hai,
Jaane kya bole Mann? Dole sun ke badan,
Dhadkan bani zubaan.'
We were doing the ballroom dance very smoothly. No
wildness, no over sexuality. I knew the lyrics, as it was one of my
favorite songs. Therefore, I smoothly put my lips on her upper lip
before the next stanza of the song played.
Khulte bandh hote labon ki yeh ankahi,
Mujse keh rahi Hai ke badhne de bekhudi,
She offered her lower lip to kiss smoothly. The song
continued.
Mil yoon ki daud jaaye, nass nass me bijliyan.'
I kissed her harder after finishing the last line of the first
stanza.
Baahon ke darmiya, do pyaar mil rahe hai,
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Jaane kya bole Mann, Dole sun ke badan,

Dhadkan bani zubaan.'
We did few salsa steps too during the music. Hritisha put her
head on my naked chest after the second stanza of the song gets
over.
Aasman Ko bhi yeh hasin raaz Hai pasand.'
I also started singing with the song. She looked at me; smiled;
kissed on my cheek and again put her head on my chest. I
continued with the song.
Aasma ko bhi yeh hasin raaz Hai pasand
Uljhi uljhi saanson ki aawaz Hai pasand,
Moti luta rahi Hai, Sawan Ki badliya.'
Hritisha also started singing along me.

Bahon ke darmiya, do pyaar mil rahe hai,
Jaane kya bole Mann? Dole sun ke bada,
Dhadkan bani zubaan.
I lifted her when the last stanza of the song was being played.
She covered her hands around my neck and stared at me. My left
hand was on her butt and right hand under her back. I kept
Hritisha on the bed and laid with her. Our upper body was fully
naked and I was rubbing my chest against her boobs. I licked her
cheeks and started squeezing her tits. She was licking and biting
my ears, snatching my hair.
Now, what? I asked.
What do you want? She asked
Final step I said.
She laughed and removed her panties and my underwear. My
private possession was erect and when I saw her fully naked a
sudden surge went through my body.
Protection? I asked her while we were about to have sex.
Its okay; I will take care of that. You just go with the flow,
dont stop she said with her closed eyes.
Hritisha was already at her extreme level of orgasm. She did
not want a break during the sex. Her moaning was increasing
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
continuously and finally, she adjusted my penis into her vagina.

The feeling was more fulfilling and satisfying than masturbating.
After ten minutes of soft strokes, she asked me to thrust
harder and faster. I did whatever she told me to do. I ejaculated in
her vagina. We finished our first sex and felt the most exquisite
feeling of love. We both were tired and I rested my whole body on
hers. We were breathing heavily.
Hritisha nuzzled my hair and kissed me on my cheeks. I
looked at her when she started crying with a smile. I kissed her
forehead and finally lifted my body from hers. She asked me to
sleep for a while.
Then I put my head on her left boob and covered her by
putting my left hand on her right shoulder. She was rubbing my
hair, patting on my cheeks and was trying to make me sleep for a
while; just as if a mother does with her newborn child. I could feel
Hritishas rapid heartbeats.
How much time do you have? I asked her in a baby voice.
Almost one and a half hour to go. She said and kissed me on
my head.
You just sleep. She said.
Ummm. You too I expressed in a baby voice.
She switched off the lights; covered a blanket over both of us
and I kissed her boobs again.
Good night baby I said.
Haha. Good night bachhu she said.
Suddenly, I woke up at 10:30 PM. I noticed that Hritisha was
not there. I switched on the lights and looked around in the room.
None of her stuff was in the room.
I opened WhatsApp.
'Thank you Bettu. Mmuuuuuaaaah'. Hritisha sent a text forty
minutes before.
'For what?' I replied.
She read the replied within a minute.
'For the ring, proposal, gifts, surprises everything. It was an
amazing day for me. I also apologize for being mad at you.
What about Sex? I asked
'Shut up! Ganda Pati She replied.
138
Thanks to you too for making it memorable and beautiful.' I

said.
'Hehehe. Welcome welcome.'
Why didnt you inform me before leaving? I asked Hritisha
You were sleeping like a newborn baby and I did not want to
disturb you. She replied
I took my shower, wore my clothes, collected all my stuff,
kissed you on your forehead and I left. Also, I loved your diamond
ring a lot. She said.
I had selected the diamond ring after checking more than
thirty jewelry stores. I informed
Hritisha expressed that, she never thought that she would be
so special to someone. I told her that whatever I would do from
my side would always be less.
I was noticing since morning that Hritisha was noting down
something on the phone while we were together.
I asked her what exactly she was up to. She answered that she
was noting down all the complaints I had against her and she
would show the list to my sister Drishti.
I will not change even if you complain my sister about this.
Please show me what you have noted. I insisted her to show.
She texted me whatever she had noted:
1. Hritisha is Grumpy
2. Hritisha was mood less
3. I have done crime by coming one day earlier
4. I am leaving for tomorrows flight
5. Hritisha did not untie her hair
6. It was the only ordinary day for Hritisha. Not Special
7. Hritisha did not allow me to hold her hand and to hug
8. I am fat that is why Hritisha will reject me
9. I want to beat Hritisha so harshly
10. There was someone else, Not Hritisha
11. Hritisha whom I know in WhatsApp was so naughty.
12. Hritisha stopped commenting and liking my status on
FB.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
These are the complaints, which I will tell your sister. She
threatened
ROFL. Still, I will not change. Mind It
Hritisha informed me that she would meet me directly when
our family members would gather.
'By the way, what should I wear? I have taken 3-4 shirts and
jeans, but confused.' I asked Hritisha
'Show me.'
I messaged her photos of all the shirts I had bought only for
that special occasion and finally, she suggested me to wear a light
blue shirt with dark blue jeans. She always had a very good sense
of dressing.
'Okay, boss. Done' I texted
After the chat, I went outside to have dinner. I could not find
something nice, so I decided to eat full Punjabi thali at Malhotra's
Restaurant.
'See.' Hritisha had sent me a screenshot of the chats between
her and my cousin Divya.
'Hehehe. I had a talk with her a few minutes back' I replied.
'So you are happy haan?' She said.
'Naa naa, I was just bluffing. Huh.' I teased her
I made a call to my dad to ask them where they were. Dad
informed me they were near Mehsana Gujarat.
How was your day with Hritisha? Dad asked
I felt really nice being with her. I enjoyed a lot I told him
He sounded satisfied and happy after getting the feedback
from my end.
The cause of satisfaction was: I had found someone special
who would take care of me more than them.
I had sent him photos, which we had clicked at Le Meridian
and Humayun's Tomb. He showed to mom, my sister, Jiju and
especially my cute darling Heer. Everyone liked the chemistry
between us. They were also eager and excited to see Hritisha the
next day.
140
LOVE IN DELHI
DAY 3
FAMILY MEETING
July 31, 2015.
I reached New Delhi Railway station at sharp seven in the
morning to bring my parents, sister, Jiju and Heer. The train
'Rajdhani Express' was about ten minutes late. As the train was
about to reach the platform, my excitement to see my family after
almost three months was increasing. Heer noticed me first through
the window and she ran towards the exit.
'Mamaaa, Mama' I heard her voice.
I looked back, and she was standing at the gate of the
compartment. I ran and took her on my lap after which I kissed
her all over her face.
First my Sister Drishti, then Jiju, Dad, and mom stepped out
of the coach. We all were happy to see each other after six months
and I touched everyone's feet.
'Bau patlo thayi gayo chhu.' Thank God! First time in five
years, my mom gave me a compliment that I was losing weight.
Otherwise, whenever she would see me when I traveled to India
from Dubai she would tell me, ' you are gaining weight, please
have some control
'Yess, all thanks to Hritisha. She must have trained him to
lose weight' Jiju said.
Aahan? Then I should also ask her to give me some tips on
how to lose weight' Drishti said.
'No problem. Have aapdi j Gharni chhokri chhe. Sikhvadi
dese' - Dad said to everyone that, now Hritisha would be their
daughter in law soon and she would take care of everyone.
'Let's go now. Baki vaato hotel Par karisu' I suggested and
asked everyone that leg pulling could be done once they reached
the hotel.
All of them were talking about their old memories of Delhi
during the journey from Railway station to Hotel. Jiju had already
made a plan to meet his old friends in the evening on that same
day. Mom was very much impressed by the service provided by
Rajdhani Express train and dad was continuously talking about
foodservice as food comes first to Gujarati People.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
I asked the receptionist to issue the keys of two pre-booked

room. After shifting the luggage, we all gathered in mom and
dads room. I shifted my cot to their room for the next two days.
Dad asked me when they would meet Hritishas family.
I told my dad to call Hritishas father and ask the venue.
'Bettu, uncle, is talking to my dad' Hritisha texted me while
my father was talking to her dad.
'I know I am in front of him only' I replied.
Just like before my dad could not understand her father's
speedy Hindi.
'Le tu kar. tara sasra jode vaat' Dad again pulled my leg by
asking me to talk with my would be a father in law.
'Hanji Uncle, Namaste' first time I spoke with Hritishas dad.
I was quite nervous at that point of time. He was not audible
because of the bad mobile signal. However, I deciphered that,
Hritisha will text you the address.
Nirulas Corner House-K-14, Outer Circle, Connaught Place,
New Delhi, 110001' Hritisha texted me the venue.
'Madam, Timing?'
'3.00 PM. Sharp'
'Done. See you jaan.'
Hritishas family did not want to tell their relatives, that it was
a love marriage. Love marriage was a kind of a sin in their family.
Her parents narrated a story; just to hide the truth from her
relatives. They said that they knew me since they were in Dubai
and I was the only son of her fathers one of the business partners
family, which was a totally fake story.
Hritisha warned me that my family and I should take care
about not to disclose the real story.
In most of the cases in India, a boy and a girl cannot decide
themselves to spend their life with each other, only parents and
relatives can.
Sorry Boss. Hum Bajrangbali ke Bhakt Hai. Hum Kabhi Juth
Nahi Bolte I said a dialogue from the movie BAJRANGI BHAI
JAAN
Abbey Please. Say Yes. I am scared.' Hritisha said
Arrey dont worry. I wont tell anyone.'
'See you bachhu. And best of luck. Love you.'
142
'Same to you bachhi. Love you.'

Mom brought 'Thepla' for me, which was one of my favorite
Gujarati dishes. We all started getting ready after a few
discussions. We had to have lunch with one of my Dad's friend
who had come to Delhi all the way from Faridabad. Aruna Aunty,
Dad's friend asked us to reach Saravana Bhavan at Connaught
Palace by 12:30 PM. We reached by 1:30 PM due to confusion
between two branches of Saravana Bhavan. She booked the table
at Janpath's Saravana Bhavan, and we reached somewhere else.
We all finished our lunch by 2:30 PM. Aruna Aunty decided
to drop us at Narula's. Again, we got confused between Outer
Circle and Inner Circle of Connaught Palace and there was heavy
traffic on road. Hritishas cousin brother Suraj called to ask where
we were and explained us the exact location. We reached at
Nirula's by 3:30 PM, which was half an hour late. I noticed that
Suraj was coming to receive us. We greeted each other. It was our
first meeting after the telephonic conversation.
As I was approaching towards the first floor, my heart was
beating faster and faster. Hritisha, her parents, and her few family
members were waiting for us but my eyes were looking for
Hritisha only. I was sure that she was going to wear Salwar Kamiz
and must be looking gorgeous in ethnic wear.
Jiju, Drishti, and dad went first with Suraj and I came after
them with Heer. Mom was just behind me. I noticed that Hritisha
sat on opposite direction, therefore I could not see her face but, I
was sure that she was Hritisha as she was the only young woman
in that group.
Suraj introduced all of us to Hritishas family members. From
our side, there were only five members. But, from Hritishas side,
there were almost four gentlemen including Hritishas father, her
cousin Suraj, her father's Uncle's son Tauji, her father's sister's
husband Fufaji and five ladies including her mom, Suraj's mom,
her dad's two sisters, and the gorgeous lady Hritisha Jain.
We all greeted each other and settled down. My father
introduced my family to Hritishas family and vice-versa. I was
trying to stare at Hritisha but I was afraid, if anyone caught me
staring at Hritisha then it would have been an embarrassing
situation. However, my eyes could not stop seeing her. She had
put light makeup, straightened her hair and left it untied. She was
wearing mixed orange and yellow Salawar kameez.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
'Bas baka, Bau naa jois, control kar' Jiju whispered in my

ears not to see Hritisha constantly.
I felt bit awkward and gave him a smile.
'So? Was the journey okay?' Finally, Fufaji started to
communicate.
'Yeah, the train journey was fun and we didn't face any
problem.' Dad replied to him.
'When did you come, Siddhant?' Suraj asked.
Fuck! I was in trouble. How could I tell him that I came two
days before and hunting Delhi with his sister for last two days?
'Aaaah, yesterday midnight only' I lied.
'Okay great. So when will you leave?' Suraj asked
'Tomorrow evening is my flight at five.'
'Oh, so you came only for two days from Dubai?'
'Yes, I have Friday and Saturday weekly offs, so I planned
accordingly.'
'Great great.'
Thank God, he believed. Only Hritishas Mom and Reet knew
about my three days trip instead of two.
'So do you like Delhi?' Suraj asked.
'Ohh yes, its a beautiful city' I said.
'Actually, my daughter and son-in-law have lived here for
three years.' Dad said.
'For job or business?' Fufaji asked
'No. For job. I was working in the Diamond market in Karol
Bagh' Jiju replied.
'Okay and then you moved to Ahmedabad?' Tauji asked
'Yes. I have started my own business of ready-made garments'
Jiju informed.
'Got it, Gujarati people are always into Business' Fufaji
cracked a joke, and we all gents started laughing.
Gents group had begun gossiping. Starting from Business; the
stock market; Politics; Narendra Modi, Amit Shah; lifestyle
comparisons of Delhi vs. Ahmedabad and Singapore vs. Dubai;
iPhone vs. Android; iPhone 6 vs. iPhone 6plus; spicy North Indian
food vs. Sweet Gujarati Food; even Delhi metro train vs. Dubai
Metro Train. No topics were left to discuss. I too gave my opinion
and information in between the conversations.
144
I noticed on the other side, the ladies group had also started
their gossips and chitchats. Hritisha was only smiling and nodding
but she was not exchanging any words. Perhaps, she wanted to
behave like a sweet and shy girl in front of the elders. We all did
not feel that it was our first family meeting. Everything was going
smoothly when Fufaji blasted the first bomb.
'Siddhant and Hritisha should meet separately and they can
clarify any queries they have in their mind.' Fufaji advised.
All though all my family members knew that we both were
madly in love with each other, but my dad tried to be formal and
agreed with his suggestion.
'Ja bhaila, khali khali time pass kari aav' Jiju again pulled my
leg by saying, go and do some fake meeting with Hritisha.
Hritisha and I went downstairs and settled in a corner. We
had to behave as if we were meeting for the first time. She had to
shy. We did not talk much I had to keep my dignity and had to
behave like a proper and smart man. The ambiance was just like
how the bride, groom and their family would behave when they
meet for the first time in arranged marriages.
'How dare you call me 'TU'? I am your would be a husband;
give me some respect' I teased Hritisha.
'Tujhe respect degi Meri Jimmy Chhoo.' She said
'Hein?'
'I mean my shoes. It is of Jimmy Choo, brand and I will hit
this on your head.'
'Ohh then Tujhe bhi salute karga mera, Louis Vuitton.'
'What do you mean?'
'See my belt, it is from LV brand. I will hit you with this.'
Then I stood up from the chair, showed her my belt, which was
not from LV and started showing Dabanng Step with the belt.
Everyone started looking at us; she asked me to sit and again
started laughing. We did not know what we were doing. We were
just pulling each other's legs and no one could imagine that this
kind of things also can happen in so-called Arranged Marriage
Meeting.
'Behave yourself' Hritisha said me while laughing.
'Okay. So tell me what is your name?' I was not in the serious
mood and started behaving as if we were meeting for the first
time.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
'My name is Shyam Sundri Rajouriwali' She replied.

She too was in a humorous mood.
'Wow! What a lovely name. Shyam means black and sundri
means, beautiful girl. What a combination.' I laughingly
appreciated
'Yes. It is. The black beauty you know.'
'Got it got it. However, it does not suit you. You are not black
beauty; you are very fair so your name should be, Shwet Sundri
Amulwali.' I said
'Amul wali?'
'Yes. Your color is as white as Amul Milk is. So'
She could not stop her laughter.
'Motu. Stop it now.'
'No way. I have just started balak.' I said.
'Achha? So tell me your name then.' Hritisha asked.
'My name is Kh..Kh..Khan, Kh..KhKhan from the
epiglottis.' I stammered and acted same as Shahrukh Khan did in
the movie My name is Khan
'Kuch bhi Matlab.'
Stopping her from laughing was impossible. She turned fully
red and could not even drink water properly.
However, that was not the end. I started my jokes again.
'So tell me about your qualifications. I asked
'I failed seven times in the first standard. So parents said 'beta,
tumse naa ho paega, tumhare lachhan Hume theek nai lag rahe,
tumse naa ho paega' and I dropped schooling' Hritisha said.
'Ohh. Interesting. It means I am more educated than you are. I
failed only four times in the first standard.
'Bravo Bravo.' She started clapping.
'Merci' I said.
'So what do you do for a living? I mean what job you do?
Hritisha asked.
'I am giving tuitions to the Senior KG students as per my
highest qualification.
We both again started laughing excessively.
'What do you do?' I asked.
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'I am giving tuitions to Junior KG students as I have failed

seven times.'
We both did not know what we were doing at that point. We
were just enjoying the moment. We never laughed so much
before.
Looking at her smile had given me a kind of satisfaction. I
wanted to hug her tight and felt like kissing her.
'What? Again, you are staring at me. Stop it Siddhant' She
said.
'Bloody public place.' I complained
'Why? What happen?'
'I want to hug you.' I said
'Me too.'
'Shit man! If the meeting were at your home, I would have
hugged you.'
'Hahaha. Pagal'
'Our parents would have talked outside, and we would have
been doing romance in your room, in private.'
'Abey Pyaar ke Bhoot, control control.' She stopped me
I hit her on her leg with my shoes. I wanted her to hit softly
but by mistake, I walloped her, immediately I apologized. We had
almost spent more than half an hour. No one takes more than 15
minutes in a private meeting in arranged marriage system.
Suddenly I noticed Suraj running outside the restaurant, it's
then I realized that we had already passed more than half an hour
and our parents were waiting upstairs. Hritisha and I got
completely lost in our jokes, which we were cracking, to each
other. We went upstairs and behaved like an ordinary people who
meet for the first time.
'Be aatli vaar karay? Aa loko tension ma aai gaya' Jiju
whispered in my ears that, you and Hritisha took so long that her
family members got tensed.
'Gappa Marta hata banne' I said that we were just enjoying
our fake meeting.
Tea, coffee, snacks were served.
'What's your favorite Dish Siddhant?' Suraj asked.
'He likes Thepla and khichdi the most' Mom said before me.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
'What? We make khichdi only when someone is sick.' Tauji

Replied.
'Yes. I love Khichdi and Thepla the most.' I said.
'Even when he comes to India during his annual leave; he tells
mummy to cook only khichdi and Thepla for the whole month'
Drishti Said.
'Hritisha, you must learn how to prepare his favorite dishes'
mom said to Hritisha.
'No worries. She knows how to make khichdi but not thepla. I
will teach her how to make Thepla once you send me recipe'
Hritishas mom said to my mom
'Pakka.' My mother India replied.
She smiled and nodded. It was embarrassing for me. I tried
not to make eye contact with anyone for some time.
'Bhai sahab kam bolte hai aisa lagta hai' my father asked
Fufaji.
Hritishas dad was quite calm and was not into conversation
much, as we all noticed that he had said nothing from the time we
entered. Only we and no one else knew in our family that, we both
arranged this family meeting after so many arguments and
fighting.
'Haan, unka nature aisa hi hai, shant Ek dum' Fufaji answered
my dad saying Hritishas father is quite shy.
'So Uncle how's your health now? All okay?' I asked
Hritishas dad.
'Haanji Haanji, ab sab theek hai' Hritishas father said that he
is fine now.
I noticed that he was still unhappy with our relationship.
Almost after one and half-hours of a family meeting. We all came
outside. Suraj arranged a taxi for us and we left bidding farewell
to all.
'So, hows she?' I asked my family about Hritisha.
'Hmm. She is pretty' mom said
'Haan, she looks more beautiful than photos' Jiju told me.
'Her family is also very kind' Drishti stated.
'What about your dad?' I asked
'Hmmm' Dad did not give me any answer.
148
I realized that he became quite upset and the reason was not
known to me. I did not want to drag the matter so, I kept quiet. We
all assembled in our room, as it was quite big and started
discussing more Hritisha and her family. Jiju had already decided
to visit Karol Bag to meet his old colleagues and friends, in the
evening, but dad refused to join us.
He was still upset. I asked mom what had happened to him,
but she could not give any reply and ended with the assumption
that he must be tired of traveling long distance routes. Seeing dad
quiet, mom too refused to give us company to Karol Bag.
Reached. I sent a text to Hritisha after reaching the hotel.
First, Tell Me. Have you changed your clothes? Hritisha
asked.
No. Why?
Reet wants to know how you looked today.'
Wait.'
I had already removed my shirt, but again I wore it and took a
click to send Hritisha so that she could show Reet.
Get slim. Mottu Hritisha told me after seeing the photo
Yes Yes. From Sunday onwards.' I replied
Good boy.'
Can I call you? I asked
Haan. Everyone is downstairs.' Hritisha gave me the
permission
I called Hritisha.
Hello, I said.
Hi Bettu She replied
First of all, let me know, the reaction of your family
members, after seeing me and my family members I asked.
They said I have to decide.'
Then Decide and say yes again.
Hahaha. No. I will say NO.
Should I flush the Ring then? I asked sarcastically.
Shut up! Dont you dare touch my ring. My husband gave
me.' She said
I informed Hritisha, that I was about to leave for Karol Bagh
to meet Jijus old friend and to explore Delhi more. I had put on
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
the same PINK t-shirt, which was gifted to me by her. She asked
me to have lots of fun.
Hritishas mother praised me saying that I looked much better
in real than what I looked in photographs, slimming down a bit
would have made me perfect; she also said that her relatives too
liked my family and me. Besides this, they advised Hritisha to
have some control on her anger.
My reply to this was very logical. I asked her to tell her
parents that Siddhant also needs a strong competitor in anger; that
is why he would marry her.
I told my family about Hritisha and her families opinion
about us, but my dad still seemed to be unhappy. I decided to ask
him after coming from Karol Bagh.
******************
A Girl is staring at me I texted Hritisha, while I was eating
Chaat Masala.
Hahaha, let her see. We Delhi girls always appreciate the
beauty of nature. She replied.
Jiju, Drishti, Heer and Me visited Gaffar Market first, and
then went Karol Bagh and Ramesh Nagar to meet Jijus friends.
We had dinner at one of his friends place. After knowing the
purpose of our visit to Delhi, Jijus friend wished me luck and
offered me to stay at his house in future, if I would come to Delhi
to meet my girlfriend.
We had also seen the old home where Jiju and Drishti used to
live as paying guest with a Sikh Family. I felt the positive vibes
from all the people around me, maybe because was feeling
positive from inside because of Hritishas love,
Bettu I am going off to sleeping, just be ready around 7.00
AM. Lets meet somewhere first, then we will go to Gurudwara
after which we can eat something in McD. See
youGoodnight...I Love you. I received a text from Hritisha
on WhatsApp when I reached the hotel.
Ok boss, I just returned to hotel Don't worry...main
ready ho jaunga. See u baby, and love u, take care I replied.
I changed my clothes. Jiju and Drishti came to our room;
maybe dad had called them. Everyone was quiet and when I
observed dad, he still seemed annoyed. Jiju asked me about the
next days plan so I informed him that, I would leave at seven in
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the morning with Hritisha and visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib first,
and then we would hang around in Connaught Place.
'When will you leave for Dubai?' Drishti asked.
'Departure timing is 5 in the evening. So I will leave
maximum by 2:30 pm' I said.
'So, what about us?' Dad asked. He was still upset.
'Means?' I asked
'You will leave early in the morning with Hritisha, and after
that, you would leave for Airport. Our train will depart at one in
the afternoon. Till then what will we do?'
'You only told me that, you would be meeting your another
old friend.
'I don't want to meet them.' Dad shouted
'Why?'
'I am tired and not feeling well.'
'Okay, then what am I supposed to do?' I asked.
Ignoring my question dad asked me when Hritisha and her
family would let us know their final decision on marriage.
They would inform us within one week. I said
I cannot wait for one week. Hritisha parents must give their
answer by tomorrow. Dad ordered
Please wait and let her parents take some more time to think
about me. It is a question of their daughters future. I tried to
make him understand.
'Sorry dad, it is not possible. I don't agree with you this time.'
I continued
'Why? What's wrong in this?' He questioned me.
'This is about Marriage, a decision about whole life; they are
from girl's side; they have full right to take time and think again
and again.' I defended.
'Why are you defending her parents?' Dad asked.
'I am not defending anyone dad. I just want to tell you that
this is wrong.' I argued
'I know what is wrong and what is not better than you.' Dad
answered.
'No, sorry to say dad, but this time you are wrong. If they say
yes by tomorrow morning, then would you ask them to do
engagement by the evening? I asked.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
'So? What's wrong in that also?' Dad still opposed me

'Mom please tell him to understand the situation.' I said
furiously.
'Don't shout, calm down both of you' mom said.
It was almost midnight and suddenly the ambiance of the
hotel room got very spoiled. Dad and I got engaged in an
argument. .Jiju, Mom, and Drishti were trying to calm us down
and we realized that we were in a hotel room, not at home.
Tell me, why they invited us to meet in a restaurant and not
at their home?' Dad asked.
'Yaar! Now, what is this?' It was frustrating.
'Answer me, why didnt her parents invite us to their home?'
Dad continued.
'What kind of question is this dad?' I asked.
'When a boy and his family come to meet you and see your
daughter for marriage, don't you think they should invite them to
their home?' Dad went on harping.
'It's not necessary. Jiju said taking my side.
'Exactly. Did they treat you bad? Did they behave
improperly?' I asked
Dont counter me.' Dad said.
'Listen, dad, it all depends on culture. Nowadays almost
everyone meets outside and nothing is wrong in this. The primary
concern is the understanding between each other. Whether we met
at home or in a restaurant or on the roadside, it hardly matters. I
tried to explain.
I never thought I would fight with my dad, that also when we
met him after almost six months. I was upset and could not think
of doing anything at that time. I did not wish to ruin my last day in
Delhi. Dads rude behavior made me cry and went off to sleep at
3:00 AM.
152
LOVE IN DELHI
DAY 4
LAST DAY
August 1, 2015.
The next day, I woke up at six in the morning and got ready by
seven. I was still not in the mood to go out. My parents were
sleeping, I left without disturbing anyone and sent a text to Drishti
stating that I would be back by two pm. Hritisha instructed me to
wait at RK Ashram Metro Station.
After having a cup of tea, I reached RK Ashram Metro
Station. I noticed her coming by 'Tuk Tuk,' a battery Rickshaw
and was wearing white kurti with pink embroidery and pink
leggings.
'Never throw this kurti I said
'Why?' She asked.
'You look beautiful in this. Give it to me whenever you want
to throw.'
'Achha? And what will you do with this kurti?' She asked.
'I will keep it safely so that our daughter can use it after
twenty-five years.' I said.
She started blushing after hearing my future plans. A girl
always wants a boy who plans for their future.
We reached Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. The environment was
calm and serene. This was the second time I was visiting the
Gurudwara
It's a ritual that you need to cover your head before you enter
the Gurudwara. Hritisha removed her pink dupatta from her purse
and covered her hair with that, I too covered my head with my
handkerchief; we kept our shoes outside and went inside. Kirtan
sung inside the Gurudwara made the ambiance so spiritual and
divine that I decided to stay there until 2:00 PM. We both bowed
our head together and recited 'ek omkar' mantra.
There was a huge water pond outside the Gurudwara and we
started taking a stroll around the lake. She was looking very
pretty, especially in that pink dupatta with which she had covered
her head. We clicked several photos but I deleted mine, as I was
looking fat.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
We sat near the pond and were watching the fish play inside
the lake. We were just enjoying the moment under the spiritual
atmosphere. Although we were not talking to each other, yet I felt
we were saying many things to each other. We decided to sit near
the pond and watch the playful fishes in it; just then we heard a
Sardars voice.
'Oye putter, aithhe aa,'
'Na papaji, mennu fish dekhni hai.' A kid answered.
One cute Sardar kid about 4-5 years old came and sat in
between Hritisha and me. He was quite cute so I wanted to take
him on my lap. As soon as I lifted him, he started crying. I looked
back; his father was talking to a volunteer of the Gurudwara, so he
did not notice.
Hritisha took him from my hand and gave him a kiss on his
cheek, surprisingly he stopped crying. I still can't understand why
kids always hate me; do I look like a devil? His father came and
apologized if his son had disturbed us. We both said goodbye to
them and started laughing at each other.
You dont know how to handle kids. How would you handle
our kids? Hritisha smilingly said.
I would be the best father in the world. I replied.
'Let's go to McDonald's. It must have opened by now' Hritisha
suggested.
We collected our shoes and headed towards McDonald.
The weather was romantic; it was cloudy, so we decided to
walk as it was not so far. After 15 - 20 minutes of walking we
reached our destination. Hritisha showed me the Airport Express
metro station so that I could reach the airport without facing any
traffic.
We reached the McDonald's at Connaught Place and
discovered that we were the first customers. The manager told me
to wait for a while, as the kitchen was not completely open. I took
his permission to sit until the kitchen opens, and he allowed us.
Oye Madam. Where is my Handmade Greeting Card? I
asked Hritisha.
Haan baba, its with me only, keep quiet; dont laugh please.
She said.
Hritisha opened her tote and gave me an A4 size red
envelope. I was shocked after seeing the cover. Hritisha loves
154
Siddhant was written on it and two hearts were made with some
golden threads. She asked me to open the envelope and see the
main card.
When I removed the envelope, Our Love was mentioned on
the top of the front side of the card and eight more small
envelopes were crafted just below it, which had one-liner
messages inside. One by one, I opened the little envelopes to read
the words.
First Envelope : Delicious Kisses

Second Envelope : Endless Talks
Third Envelope : Warm Embraces
Fourth Envelope : Cherished Moments
Fifth Envelope : Shared Laughter
Sixth Envelope : Cute Romance
Seventh Envelope : Strong Trust
Eighth Envelope : Love-struck Hearts.
Stop. Dont turn the page. Hritisha stopped me from turning

the page and looking at it. She was feeling shy and I could see that
on her face. I turned the page, even after she denied and saw a
beautiful message written inside it.
On the Left side, it was written,
To Siddhant My Love,
Kisses that linger on,
Talks straight from the heart,
Moments those become happy memories,
Hugs that fix it all,
Laughter that lifts our mood,
Romance thats never enough,
Trust weve built along the way,
Hearts that brought us together.
On the Right Side, it was written,
Youve filled my life with
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
The sparkle of your love, making every day

Special and every heartbeat
Count you make falling in love a
Beautiful journey and
I cant imagine happiness so complete
Anywhere else but..
By Your Side
Only Yours,
Hritisha.
Bluffing, too much bluffing in this card I mocked her, but in

reality, I felt lucky to have such a beautiful and caring person in
my life.
Give me back. You dont deserve it Hritisha took the card
back.
Arrey, just pulling your leg. Its amazing, seriously; mann
karta hai pakad ke pappi kar lu ek I said.
Get lost! Pyaar ke bhoot she said.
Oh really? I got up and sat beside her.
Hritisha thought I had come to kiss her after reading the card,
and she became uncomfortable. I told her not to worry, as I would
not kiss her in public place, particularly when CCTV cameras are
there.
Finally, the kitchen opened and started taking orders I ordered
two veg McMuffin burgers with two coffees. Hritisha checked my
phone and found that I had one folder named Hritisha in which
almost 700+ photos of her were saved. She deleted few, which she
did not want me to keep.
As she was surfing my phone she came across Shrutis
message and she realized that it was Shrutis birthday on that day.
Hurriedly she wished her and expressed the feeling of satisfaction,
that she did not miss it. Hritisha also read the conversation, which
Suraj and I exchanged on the day when her parents canceled the
meeting, and I got worried. She assured me that nothing like this
would happen in future.
Now it was my turn to check Hritishas phone. When I started
checking her phone, I saw plenty of her beautiful pictures. She
asked me to transfer the photos I wanted to keep with me. I ended
156
up transferring around 200 photos from her phone to my phone.

Finally, I realized I had almost 900+ pictures of hers in my mobile
at that time.
I asked Hritisha how she got a job in Genpact. She said while
she was doing her MBA one of her friend called her to inform
about the walk-in interviews for freshers in Genpact. Hritisha was
intelligent enough to clear all the levels of the interview and got
the job. She started recalling her old memories and shared few
things with me. She told me how she and her college friends
would bunk college lectures and visit the same McDonalds in
which we were sitting.
So, what about my dowry? I cracked a joke.
Hahaha, you will get nothing okay? Hritisha said.
Whhhhyyyyyyyy?
What why? Taking dowry is a wrong practice and illegal
too. She answered.
No, it's not.
Shut up Siddhant
No Hritisha
Bye, she got up from the chair pretending to be angry and
pushed me.
Areey sorry I was just kidding.' I told her.
Me too.' She said with a smiling face.
Achha will I get nothing? I asked
Bola Na? No means no.' Hritisha roared.
At least two crore rupees? I went on pulling her leg.
Hahaha, shakal dekho, two crores.'
Bas naaaaa? Aisaaa Karne ka naaaaa I made sad face.
Haaaaaan she said.
Achha one crore? I said again mischievously.
No.'
Fifty lacs?
Get lost.
Ten lacs?
Hahahahahahahah
Do not laugh, I am serious
Hmmm
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
Achha naa aapka naa mera, hundred rupees? Deal?'' I started

laughing.
Beta ek futi kaudi nai Milne wali, so shut up. Hritisha
replied.
I pretended to cry like a small baby.
Hehehe, maza aaya maza aaya.' She laughed.
What yaar, now I will marry you only on one condition if
you give me dowry or else I will not finish the marriage rituals in
mandap.' I said.
Hahaha, my family members will beat you in the mandap
with LEATHER SHOES. She mimicked.
Hahahahahahahah.
Le, hass raha hai yeh banda.' Hritisha said.
I imagined something funny.'
What? She asked.
Imagine if I ask for dowry during marriage rituals and as you
said your family members would beat me one by one and after
that, I will wake up and ask Yeh Rishta pakka samju? And again
they will start beating me.' I explained my imagination.
Hahahahahahahah haha, so funny.'
Hehehe.'
Seriously I think no one can beat your sense of humor.' She
complimented me.
Yesssss, even my friends tell me the same, I am far better
than any other comedian on earth.'
Hatt. Jutha.'
Hritisha always used to appreciate my sense of humor. I read
somewhere that if a boy makes a girl laugh; she falls in love with
him. We had spent almost 2 hours at McDonald and I noticed that
the waitress wanted us to leave to make space for other customers.
I paid the bill, and we left the place around 11 pm.
Suddenly Hritisha reminded me that I wanted to purchase a
nice shirt and for that, she took me to Snowhite at Connaught
Place. Again, she selected a light yellow plain shirt, which was
totally opposite to my taste. She asked me to try it and to my
surprise, I was looking more handsome than before. I still
remember, whenever I used to wear it in office in Dubai, everyone
would praise me. Hritisha insisted on paying the bill, but I did not
allow
158
Didi Didi, kuch paise dedo didi A little girl, begged in front
of her.
Kuch nahi milega, chali jaa Hritisha scolded her and asked
her to leave.
I advised her not to talk to the beggars so rudely but she asked
me to keep quiet and explained to me how some beggars are
engaged in trafficking, she even said, some of them are quite rich.
The girl had continuously followed her and pushed her to the
Wengers when she got a scolding from Hritisha.
Just see her guts, she pushed me and asked me to buy a cake
from Wengers. Never show your mercy towards this kind of
people Hritisha said with an angry look.
Yaa yaa. I got it. But at least talk to them nicely. I said.
It depends on whom I am talking to. I never talk like this
with the fruit and vegetable seller as they do not beg; at least She
instantly defended.
I got your point madam, now calm down, please. I am sorry.'
I relaxed her.
Hmmm, its okay; now tell me where you want to have your
lunch? Hritisha asked.
Actually, I dont want to eat more as I am full after eating a
burger.
So what kind of food you will have?
Anything, preferably light.'
Hmm. Lets go to Saravana Bhavan. Well have some nice
light food there.'
Great Idea! Lets go.' I agreed
We reached Saravana Bhavan at Connaught place and ordered
my favorite Coconut Uttapam for me and Masala Dosa for her.
We fed each other with our own hands. Though I do not like
sambhar but as she was feeding me, I had to eat it all. We were
behaving like a typical couple who were madly in love with each
other and did not bother how the people around would think about
them.
Dad gave me a ring to ask where we were, I informed that we
would be reaching the hotel within half an hour. Hritisha bought
some chocolates for Heer. After the lunch, we headed towards our
hotel and I asked Hritisha to meet my family, she agreed.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
As we entered the hotel room, Hritishas attitude changed

radically. She became shy and silent in front of my family. Heer
was watching 'Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chasma' on TV. Once I told
her long time, back that if a Gujarati is not watching 'Tarak
Mehta.... He/she is not an authentic Gujju. She recalled it and
started smiling. I noticed that dad was normal at that time, maybe
everyone tried to make him understand the situation.
'Kyaan Kyaan Fari aavya?' Dad asked us about the places we
visited since morning.
'Pehla Bangla Sahib Gaya, pachi Connaught Palace,
McDonald's and Saravana Bhavan Ma Lunch' I told him the
names of the places we visited.
'And what about you?' I asked.
'Kyaan nai. We woke up quite late and then we went to eat
chhole bhature at Sita Ram' Mom said.
I gave an angry look to Hritisha because she had promised to
bring Sitaram Chholle Bhature for me and she did not.
Hritisha indicated me to show everyone the Yellow shirt.
'See, I bought a Shirt' I said.
'Saras chhe. Color pan saro chhe ane material pan. Kone
select karyo?' Mom praised the shirt and asked who chose the
shirt.
'Tari vahu ae karyo' I said.
Everyone laughed. Hritisha could not understand what I
expressed in the Gujarati language.
'Kya hua?' She asked softly.
'Arrey, He said to mom that her daughter in law selected the
shirt, means you.' Drishti translated it to Hritisha and she too
started laughing.
'How much time left?' Jiju asked.
Bas, almost one hour.' I answered
'Go and start packing' mom ordered.
Drishti, Jiju, and Hritisha also joined me to help me with the
packing, in another room.
When Drishti started packing my bag, suddenly I realized that
I had hidden the diamond ring inside the bag, which Drishti was
meddling with. Immediately I stopped Drishti or else Hritisha
would have to face an awkward situation if Drishti saw the ring.
Only half an hour left so I decided to spend some time with
160
Hritisha alone. Drishti was continuously talking to Hritisha so I

signaled Jiju to take Drishti out of the room for some time.
After they left the room, Hritisha became conscious.
'Have you sent them out...?
Before Hritisha finished her sentence, I locked the door, put
my head on her lap and wrapped her in my arms. I did not speak a
single word for a while. I did not know when we would meet
again, and this thought pained me inside. I started whipping.
'Bettu, don't cry okay?' Hritisha tried to stop me.
She was playing with my hair with her fingers; she was
caressing and pampering me by touching my cheeks and neck. I
held her so tight that no one can take her away from me.
The conflictual emotion was working inside me. I felt like
pausing the time and went on kissing her forehead and cheeks.
I slightly lifted her face with both my hands and was about to
kiss her lips, when she pushed me back and said.
'Someone is coming.' She heard the sound of someone's
footstep.
My parents were coming to check whether I was over with the
packing.
I expected Drishti and Jiju would manage my parents and
would stop them from coming to the room, but they failed.
Hritisha very swiftly opened the lock and I sat quietly, far
from her.
We changed the topic immediately when they were entering.
Ask your parents to give their verdict as soon as possible.
Got it?' I pretentiously asked Hritisha.
'Are you done with your packing? Dad asked.
'Haan bas, we were just talking and were waiting for you all '
I replied.
After few minutes all assembled in my room, only ten minutes
were left to leave for the airport. I signed the blank cheque, which
would help my dad to draw money from my Indian bank account.
'Hello?' I picked up the intercom.
'Sir, Your cab is waiting' the receptionist told me from the
other side
'Great. I will be there in five minutes' I said.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
I picked up my hand luggage and Jiju picked up the another

one. I wanted to hug Hritisha in the lift as we were alone, but I
could not because of CCTV cameras.
'I will miss you' I told Hritisha when we came down.
'Me too mottu' she said. I noticed tears in her eyes.
'So what's the plan now?' I asked.
'I will go to Didis home after some time.' Hritisha said she
would go to her aunts home. Her voice was shivering.
All the family members came down to see me off. The
receptionist introduced me to the cab driver and he picked my
entire luggage and kept it in the cab. I touched the feet of all my
family members, gave a kiss to Heer and Hugged Hritisha in front
of all. She felt quite shy, but I did not want to say a typical BYE.
I got emotional. The flashback of last four days, which I in
Delhi, was running in my mind. I did not want to leave, but I had
to. Again, I had to stay away from my family for almost six more
months. I rushed towards the cab and sat inside immediately, I
said bye to Hritisha and my family.
Bhaiya, jaldi chalo' I said to the cab driver to leave without
wasting a single second. I could not speak properly as I was
feeling depressed and my eyes were teary.
I looked back from inside the car; Hritisha and Drishti were
talking to each other. I could not see her after a few seconds. I was
worried while thinking, whether I was watching her for the last
time or not. I thanked God for the best four days of my life.
I received a call from Hritisha after some time when I was in
the cab.
'Haan mera bachha' I said.
'I am not your bachha; I am your bachha's bachha.'
I did not know that Reet was on the other side.
'Ohh Hi Reet, Sorry I thought Hritisha was calling' I said.
'Naah, she is here only. I wanted to say sorry because I
couldn't meet you.' Reet said.
'It's okay dear, better luck next time.'
'Hmmm. So reached airport?' Reet asked
'No not yet, still fifteen minutes more I guess' I said
'Okay okay, have a safe journey. Wait I will pass the phone to
your bachhi' she said.
162
'Hello,' Hritisha said.

'Haanji.'
'Reached airport?'
'Mmmmm, within fifteen minutes.'
'Hmmm.'
'Achha suno.'
'Muuuuaaaah. I love you.'
The cab driver looked at me through the mirror and smiled at
me.
'Abey Pyaar ke bhut.'
'I love you. I love you. I love you. Mmuuuuuaaaah'
'Mmmmm. Mottu, shut up' Hritisha said.
'Say love you too.'
'I hate you.'
'Achha? Bhaiya jara gaadi ghumalo wapas Paharganj' I told
the driver to take U-turn and take me to Paharganj again.
'Abbey... I love you. Okay? Pagal' She said.
'Give me kiss also.'
'Mmuuuuuaaaah.'
'Oye, Phone Gila ho jaega tera' Reet said to Hritisha not to
kiss over the phone; it will get wet and I heard that.
'Shut up and do your work' She said to Reet.
I started laughing.
'Achha I am going to get fresh. Let me know when you reach
the airport' she told me.
'Sure dear.'
'Bye TC'
I called Hritisha almost one hour later after finishing
Immigration and customs process. She did not pick up the call. I
dropped a text that, I reached the airport and completed all the
airport formalities. Hritisha later on informed that she was
unresponsive because she was sleeping. I was looking at our
selfies, which we clicked during last four days. I told Hritisha that
I did not want to go back and I was missing her badly. When she
said she was missing me too. I started crying in front of the fifty
passengers who were also waiting for the final call of the flight.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
'Don't cry baby. I am always with you, wherever you are. Got
it?'
' :('
Hritisha sent me a selfie to make me smile. I clicked a selfie
of my sad face as well and sent her. She replied whether I forgot
to laugh or what? I tried a lot but could not smile. I was terribly
missing her. The gate of my flight opened. Hritisha told me to
buzz her when I reached Dubai as she was about to leave for her
Didi's home.
Somehow, I managed to stop my tears. Even such beautiful
Air Hostesses of Indigo Airline failed to impress me.
Reached Didis home, see you Bettu. I got a text from
Hritisha when I arrived in Dubai.
Reached I Replied.
She did not respond for almost half an hour. I freshened up
and called my dad to inform him that I arrived in Dubai safely.
They were still at Gurgaon Station.
Two hours passed, and none of my messages were delivered
to her. I again started worrying about her. I could not call because
she was at her relatives home. My roommates asked for a party,
so I ordered pizza for them. I could not even eat properly and was
continuously staring at my mobile screen and waiting for her to
reply. I waited for around five hours.
I was missing Delhi badly; I was missing Hritisha, the
memories of the romantic four days. I did not know when I fell
asleep while staring at our chat window because I was so tired.
I left my Dil (Heart) in Dilli (Delhi).
164
BLACK SUNDAY
August 2, 2015.
Hi, Reet this side; I request you not to text Hritisha on her phone
and do not call her ever. Please, I request you. I got a text from
Reet at 11:15 AM on Facebook messenger.
I was literally shocked after getting this message from Reet. I
ran towards the conference room in the office and was about to
call Hritisha, but then I could not as Reet requested me not to do
so.
Why? What happen? I replied to Reet.
I will tell you later, but please dont call her, please. Her
phone is not with her. She replied.
After receiving the texts from Reet I realized that there must
have been some serious problem because Reet never messaged me
before.
Please tell me now, please I requested her.
I cant tell u now She replied.
Anything serious? I asked her.
Yes, Its serious. Do not try to contact her. She replied.
But what is the problem? I could not stop myself to ask Reet
repeatedly.
Now I have to go, bye, or else I will also be in trouble she
replied.
Please yaar Reet, at least tell me something.
Siddhant! Why dont you understand? Hritishas phone is
with dad.
What?
Yes, now bye.
Bye, please take care of Hritisha.
I was quite scared and tensed after that. I could not
understand, suddenly what happened to her. After informing my
line manager, I left the office that day and directly went to the
temple before reaching home. I begged for Hritishas safety from
Sai Baba and took an oath that; I will do fifty-one fast, without
eating and drinking for the whole day on every Tuesday,
Thursday, and Saturday. I went directly to the washroom as soon
as I reached home. I still remember that I cried for almost 2 hours
continuously.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
Oh, God! Please take care of her. was my only prayer until I
received Hritishas call.
Hi Siddhant Hritisha finally called me.
Yaar Hritisha? What happened to you? Where were you?
Listen carefully; now I am in huge trouble. Please forget
about me and move on.
What are you saying? Is this a joke? My heart was broken. I
could not understand why she said that.
She started crying over the phone while consoling me.
What happened bachhi? Please tell me.'
Papa is not accepting our relationship; there is a huge fight
going on between us since morning.
'Why? What is he saying?'
'I told you before; He doesn't want me to settle down abroad.'
'May I talk to him?'
'Nahi jaan, not now, everyone is quite angry and upset; I will
speak to them later when everything will be under control'
'OK. I will wait then.'
'Stop crying bachhu. I will handle everything. Don't worry.'
'Hmmm.'
'Achha I guess someone is coming, I'll talk to u later, bye'
Hritisha disconnected the call immediately. I wept the entire
night; it was difficult for me to sleep.
At 2:30 AM, while Hritisha was about to leave for office, she
texted me 'Good morning mottu'
I opened the message in no time.
Online? You are not sleeping.
No. I am not feeling good.
She immediately called me and heard my choked up voice.
Please stop crying; I dont want someone crying for me; it
makes me feel guilty. She said.
I was reading our old messages repeatedly and went through
all her photos.
I realized that only her smile could make me strong enough to
fight with the world. However, her smile became my weakness at
that time. I had lost her, maybe.
'Breakfast kiya?' She asked once I reached the office.
166
'No' I replied.
'Why?'
'I am not in a mood to eat.'
'Fine, I will also not eat then' Hritisha said.
'Shut up. You have to eat, or else I will shout on you'
'Why? I am also not in a mood to eat.'
'Haan baba. Kha lunga' I said I will eat something later.
'Meri Kasam?'
'Haan bachhi, Teri Kasam.'
'Good boy; Love you.'
'Love you too bachhi.'
I was amazed by her behavior after such an incident. I knew
she was not happy but she was pretending to be fine and as if,
nothing had happened. I wished to be as strong as her.
'Okay bye, for now, I have to finish some pending work of
last four days.'
'Okay, ji.'
'Mood theek karo and have breakfast.'
'Hmmm.'
'I am going inside; Bye TC'
'Bye, TC. Miss you.'
My colleagues noticed my changed behavior. I was very
happy on the previous day and the sudden and unexpected change
broke me from inside. I did not talk to anyone for the whole day;
my eyes were full of tears, but I controlled them from pouring out.
Everyone asked me what happened and I refused to answer them
and requested them to leave me alone.
Hritisha informed me about her inconvenience in talking to
me, as her mother was near to her. The same thing happened in
the evening; she went offline at 7:00 PM as her dad was about to
reach home after office.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
CONVINCING HER
It was mid of August 2015; I was getting frustrated day by day.
My parents used to ask me about her parents final decision
regarding marriage. Every time I gave them different excuses, as I
never wanted them to know that the answer was NO from
Hritishas side.
. Almost ten days had passed, we had not talked properly.
Every day we used to talk only for 6 to 7 minutes.
I could not concentrate on my daily life. I was suffering from
insomnia, even in the office, I used to stare blankly at my laptop,
without doing anything fruitful. Hritisha stopped wishing me
Good Morning and Good Night, which was her daily habit. Her
cold attitude towards me was driving me crazy and it was going
beyond my tolerance.
Please try to understand Hritisha, I can't live without you I
tried to convince her in each and every, possible and impossible
way.
She was the first girl who loved me back in my entire
Twenty-Six years of life. I had many crushes and one-sided loves
before, but Hritisha was the only girl who loved me actually. I
could not let her go so quickly.
Please, Siddhant, do not spoil my mood by saying the same
thing repeatedly. You know me very well, that once I make up my
mind, I do not shift from my decision. She said.
But what happened yaar? Within twenty-four hours, how can
you change your mind? You have started hating me now.
What is your mom saying? Is she supporting your dad, I
asked her curiously?
No, my mother wants to see you as a son in law but she
cannot go beyond my dads will. She answered.
Should I come to Delhi again to convince your dad? I asked.
No need, I know my father very well, he will never say yes to
this relationship.
Tell him that I would settle down in Delhi within a year. I
think after hearing this, your dad will be okay with this marriage.
Shut up! Siddhanth. Why do you want to play with your
career just for the sake of our relationship? ''
Why? If a girl can leave everything for a boy after marriage,
why can't a boy do so?
168
Your pay scale will be much less than what you get in Dubai.
Dont be so silly, and lets not talk about this anymore.
She was quite protective towards me and my career and was
not ready to sacrifice any of them just for the sake of marriage.
She was being practical and matured. However, the situation
pained her but she was not ready to express it.
She disconnected the call as soon as her father entered the
house from office and messaged me that, for the last time she will
try her level best to convince her mother.
Vidhyaben, her mother, firmly believed in Kundli and
matchmaking before marriage. She again asked the same Swamiji
whether Hritisha and I could still get married or not. Vidhyaben
needed a strong reason to convince Hritisha's father again.
I heard somewhere that if your luck is not in your favor, the
dog can bite you even when you are riding a camel. The same
situation happened to me. Suddenly the Swamiji who was happy
with our marriage changed his opinion too. The same Swamiji
who was praising me two months before started saying the worst
things about me.
Its utter rubbish, I said out of frustration.
Why dont you consult your Swamiji? Hritisha suggested.
Just because of Hritisha I consulted an astrologer in Dubai. He
too advised that our Kundli does not match and we are not made
for each other.
Bullshit! I said to Hritisha.
So now you don't want to believe in Kundli too, right?
Hritisha said.
Yes. I still do not believe. We both know that we can
understand each other very well and it will continue after marriage
also.
You must believe in Kundli Siddhant. Our culture is not
always wrong.
You believe in Kundli Na? Give me an answer, Why Lord
Shri Ram had to suffer in Jungle for fourteen years after marrying
Sita? I asked
What do you mean?
I guess there must have been firm believers in Kundli during
Satyug too. The Gyani Swamiji matched their Kundli before
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
getting married. Then why they both had to go to exile for

fourteen years?' I asked.
'What a silly question this is, I cannot beat you in any
discussion' she said.
'It's all about karma and deep love. God always helps us to
find a way If our love is pure and honest.'
'Really? Then tell me why Lord Shri Krishna could not marry
Radha ji, his one, and only love. Their love was also pure and
honest and on top of that, he was God himself. Still, why he
couldn't help himself to get his love Radha ji?
I was quite for almost two minutes, as I did not have any
answers to her question.
'Bolti bandh Na? It's all in our destiny Siddhant. It would be
better if you can accept the truth and move on with your life.'
'Is it possible for you to move on?' I asked.
'I am not an emotional fool; I always think practically, bye
now.
She disconnected the call.
I also realized Hritisha's situation. She was the elder in her
house; her father was having low blood pressure and was a heart
patient and she was the favorite child of her father. If she settles
down in Dubai with me, she would not see her parents frequently.
At one hand, I respected her decision as being a good daughter but
on the other hand, I felt like I was cheated. My mind and heart
started fighting over the loyalty of Hritisha.
She started avoiding me. She stopped coming online on
WhatsApp and Facebook. She ignored my texts and calls. I did
not know whether she moved on or was just trying to help me in
keeping a distance from her. She blocked me from every social
media and blocked my number too, after my constant harassments.
170
VAIN LIFE
Fifty-Eight days passed, I did not get any single message, call or
e-mail from Hritishas end. She had deactivated her social media
accounts including Facebook, Instagram, Skype, Hike, and
Snapchat. She had blocked my number and did not even reply to
any of my emails. I was not aware what was going on with her
life. At one point, I thought whether she was alive or not.
I booked a ticket from Dubai to Delhi and planned to stay
there from Thursday to Saturday. I reached Delhi on Wednesday
midnight and moved to the hotel by 2:00 AM. After dropping my
handbag on the bed, I left for her place. I waited till 8 o'clock in
the morning standing on the opposite side of Hritishas house, but
she did not leave for her office, maybe she had taken a leave.
However, I did not want to take any chance, so, I went to
Shastri Park metro station prior to her office timings. Again, I
waited till 7:00 PM at the Metro station and did not see her. I
came back to my hotel room with great disappointment and tried
to call her, but her phone was switched off.
The next day, I did the same thing again. However,
unfortunately, my luck was not in my favor. I could not see her.
Hritishas phone was switched off for the entire two days. I
decided to enter her house, but then I realized it would create a
huge scene. I postponed my flight in the evening to the next
morning and dropped Hritisha an e-mail that I would wait at
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib the next day.
The third day, which was a Saturday. I woke up early and
reached Gurudwara by 8 o'clock. Constantly, I was checking my
phone and was expecting a call from Hritisha. I waited since
morning till evening at Darbar for her to come and meet me once
but again Hritisha didnt turn up. Maybe she did not read my e-
mail. Her phone was switched off for the last three days.
I left Delhi but I did not give up. I had to rush, as no one in
the office knew about my visit to Delhi.
Life became miserable; I could not eat properly, could not
sleep properly, and could not work properly. I got a final warning
from my office, for not concentrating on my job. Thanks to my
manager who understood my situation and saved me from being
terminated from the job.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
It was almost eighty-five days since I last talked to Hritisha.

My face turned dull under depression and dark circles started to
appear around my eyes. I was losing interest in talking to others,
in a proper manner; inclusive of my family. It was becoming
difficult to stay at home, as tears would roll down my cheeks
every night. Seeing such condition of mine, my roommates started
asking me all sorts of questions regarding our relationship. Just to
avoid answering them, I decided to spend my night at the creek
side, rather than staying in my room.
One day I called Aaqil and told him about my present
situation. Madeena and Aaqil consoled me and asked me to move
on. I was not in touch with Amrita and got totally detached from
her after finishing the CPA. She became a mother of a child and
was busy taking care of her baby. So I thought of not bothering
her by narrating my awful situation.
Every night I would find a corner and weep alone, where
nobody could see me. I was going mad and depressed. The pain
was becoming unbearable day after day.
Almost Hundred days passed, I was totally out of my control.
The only person who could help me to get out of such situation
was Hritisha. However, I did not know in which world she was
living. I thought music would help me get over from the situation
so, I went to an Indian pub, near to my house. They were playing
Bollywood music. I wanted to enjoy the silence in the loud music.
'Kuch chahie aapko sir?' A waitress at the club asked me.
She was quite tall, slim and fair; anyone would fall in love
with her at the very first sight.
'Red Bull' I said.
'Any drink sir?' She asked.
'No. I don't drink.'
I noticed that almost all men in the pub were trying their level
best to talk to that waitress. The waitress attitude didnt indulge
any cheap nuisance acted by the drunkards.
When a client tried to hold her hand, she instantly called a
bouncer to throw him away from the pub. She brought a Red Bull
along with nuts in a tray and kept it on my table. I looked at her
and she smiled at me. I did not smile back.
'Kya hua sir; Gusse me ho?' She asked me.
172
'Nahi' I said no.

'Achhi baat hai' she winked and left.
I ordered four more Red Bull cans that evening. The waitress
asked me to stop drinking more Red Bulls but I did not listen to
her.
'Sir, My Name is Mahi' she said.
Siddhant I introduced myself.
Take my phone number, call me whenever you visit the pub
next time, so that I can reserve your table' she took my mobile and
saved her number by herself.
Office to home, home to the pub, and pub to the home became
my regular schedule. As the days were passing by, I went on
missing Hritisha more and more.
After a week or so, Mahi said 'Kuch problem ho toh aap muje
bata sakte ho. I am like your friend Sir' she asked me if I could
share my problems with her as a friend.
As soon as she told me that she was my friend, I burst into
tears. I cried so loudly that everyone started looking at me. Many
of them were laughing at me.
'Abey ladki hai kya? Stop crying, you fucker.' one of the
customers passed a comment on me who was already drunk.
I did not listen to him, but Mahi got angry, and she slapped
the customer. She asked her manager for a day off and her
manager approved her half day as she was the most loyal waitress
of the pub. Mahi took me to her place, where no one was present. I
noticed four more beds.
'Don't worry Siddhant; they will come in the morning, after
duty hours,' Mahi pacified me.
I was not in a state of mind to say a single word. I was
holding my tears for last two weeks and as soon as Mahi asked me
to consider her as my friend, I lost my control and started crying.
She sat beside me: I told her about my love story; how Hritisha
and I met, how we got separated, about those four days in Delhi,
everything from the beginning. Tears rolled down her eyes too.
Mahi wiped my tears, removed my shoes and asked me to
sleep for a while. I felt relaxed after sharing my pain with
someone who could feel the same pain as mine. She went to the
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
washroom to change. I was shocked when she came out of the

washroom covering her with a towel and winked at me.
Mahi laid beside me, put her head on my chest and wrapped
me in her arms. I started feeling uncomfortable. She too shared her
story; how her ex-boyfriend used to beat her, forced her into sex
without getting married, forced her not to talk to any male in her
place Hissar, Haryana, not even her cousin brothers. She told me
how frustrated she was with her ex-boyfriend's behavior and came
to Dubai with one of her cousin brother, who was a bar manager
in another pub, without informing her ex-boyfriend.
I consoled her.
I closed my eyes for a while, and I felt that she kissed me on
my forehead when I opened my eyes. She was looking at me.
She untied her hair and again kissed me on my forehead. The
fragrance of her hair seduced me. She went one more step further
and kissed me on my cheeks, bit my neck. I turned my face when
she was about to kiss me on my lips. Gradually she was trying to
unbutton my shirt.
'Stop' I said.
She put her finger on my lips to make me quite, removed my
shirt and started kissing and licking my chest. She removed her
towel. She was completely nude. Mahi unbuckled my pant and
removed it.
I love you Siddhant she whispered into my ears.
I ignored her and closed my eyes. She bit my ears and as soon
as she tried to remove my underwear, I pushed her away. I fetched
my clothes and shoes and stood up to leave. She apologized and
convinced me to stay.
I like you Siddhant. Please dont go she was pleading.
However, I ignored her.
I wanted to apologize to Hritisha for the whole situation. I did
not cross my limits that night. I dialed Hritishas number more
than thirty times, but it was switched off.
'Please help me. I am dying' I dropped her an email.
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BATTI KATTI
'What is your problem man, stop messaging me' Hritisha replied to
my email the next day.
I became extremely excited as she answered me almost after
four months. I jumped from my seat in office. A big smile
overtook my sad face.
'Hey, how are you?' I replied to her email.
'Just say what you want to say.'
'I want to be with u again, I can't live without you. Please
come back.'
'Thats it? Anything else that you want to say?'
'No.'
'Fine, I don't want to come back, Please stop messaging me,
its irritating.'
'What can I do to get u back?'
'Nothing! I do not want to go back to your life.'
'I will commit suicide.'
'Have you gone mad? Think about your Family. How can you
be so mad at a Girl?'
'You are not an ordinary girl for me; you are special to me and
you know that.'
'Oh just shut up and move on.'
'I can't. Please'
'What please?'
'Lets be friends again at least?'
'I don't want to keep any kind of relationship with you okay?'
'Hritisha, we spent a fantastic time together, let's not spoil it.'
'It will be hard for both of us to behave like friends after a
breakup.'
'Lets try once.'
'Okay, I need to think about that, now bye.'
We both stopped the conversation. I was quite happy because
she said that she would again think about our friendship. After one
week, Hritisha accepted my proposal of friendship. She unblocked
me on HIKE Messenger app only. I could see neither her profile
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
picture nor any activities on Hike, as she did not add me as a

favorite. However, I was happy because at least she opened one
door for me to connect.
She had changed the number. I tried the new number on
WhatsApp also, but I guess she had blocked me already from that
as well, or she was still using the same old number for WhatsApp.
We used to chat very formally in the beginning maybe, once in
two days. I was desperate to talk to her all the time just like before
but, I was afraid; what if she would be angry again and would
never accept me for the second time. Therefore, I controlled
myself.
Slowly we started making fun of each other, sharing day-to-
day life experiences, not everything but something, which was
important. I did not know how Hritisha felt for me at that time, but
I was surely in love with her. I could not hate her.
The day of Diwali 2015; a day of celebration for the rest of
the world, but the worst day for me.
I wrote,
Hi Hritisha,
I apologize, as I have been lying to you that I have moved on
and did not love you anymore. It is nothing like that. I still love
you, even more. I just did not want to hurt you and spoil your
mood.
I have tried a lot to get over you. I cannot love anyone else,
and I don't want to. I want to live with you until my last breath, I
want to pamper you also.
I want to be the man with whom you will want to be. I will
lose my weight and will change my over possessive nature, I
promise. Please do not leave me now. I will handle your anger;
you can use me as your stress ball.
Maybe I am wrong, but I still believe that no one can love you
more than me. In addition, if it is true, I will never disappoint you
again; never give you a chance for complaint. I will fight with
everyone if required or I will convince everyone.
Today is the last day of the year, and I do not want to start a
new year with lies and false relationship. You were right; we
cannot be friends after a breakup. I tried a lot to behave like your
friend, but I am not a good actor.
Please consider me as your life partner, again.
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Yours,
Siddhant.
I proposed Hritisha once again because I thought she also felt
the same for me. She gave a hint to me few times that she was
feeling lonely, she looked for someone who can pamper her
exactly the way I was pampering her before. There was nothing
wrong with her thoughts. I knew what she was going through. It's
not easy to move on after a breakup. Hritisha was adamant enough
to tackle the challenges and situations. Of course, she had moved
on. She was just sharing her feelings as a Good friend. However, I
took it wrong again.
'Man, it's enough now. I am blocking you' the only reply I got
from Hritisha after reading my message.
She had already blocked me before I could even respond to
her message. The same situation got repeated. Plenty of emails,
uncountable calls on her new number, sleepless nights, and tearful
eyes.I did not know why I was taking so long to move on, to get
over her. Hritisha also knew that I never give a damn to a person
who does not respect me and shows their attitude to me. But, she
was so special to me that, I just somehow couldnt forget her. She
was still there deep inside my heart.
Divya, my cousin, also warned me that I was getting mad over
a girl. Divya talked with Hritisha about my situation, but Hritisha
requested her to convince me to forget her forever, as she would
never marry me against her parent's decision.
However, thank God it took hardly one week to convince
Hritisha again. She warned me and gave me final chance to move
on.
Hritisha promised me that she would help me to do shopping
for my cousin Divya's wedding, but on one condition, that was,
only when I would lose at least fifteen kg weight before the
second week of January 2016. I did not want to lose that
opportunity, and started working out hard, followed the diet chart
as I had only fifty days left. After few days, our friendship
normalized once again. However, I noticed a little bit change in
Hritishas behavior. I was happy with her response.
Hritisha asked me whether my parents were still thinking
about my marriage or not. It was impossible for me to tell her that
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I still love her and could not think of any other girl, therefore I lied
to her, that my parents were searching girls for me. I had to meet
them once I would come to India on annual leave. I hated myself
for lying to her.
One day, Hritisha sent me her photos along with a boy, I felt
bad but I never had the guts to say so. The pictures were clicked at
a discotheque and it was her company's annual party. I was seeing
her photo after five months. She turned fat, her cheeks and tummy
became chubby. I guess she was not taking care of her diet; she
was not worried about her calories.
The boy's face was quite familiar to me, as I had noticed that
he used to always like and comment Hritishas posts on Facebook.
I was an excellent stalker.
I created another Facebook profile, searched, and got his
name, Avinash Juneja. He commented on Hritishas one of the
cover photos. I checked his timeline; everything was visible to
everyone. It was an open profile. I noticed that his posts were
about love and relationships, and Hritisha had commented and
liked all of his posts. This information cleared my doubt that they
both were sharing a relationship, which was more than a
friendship.
My doubt was cleared. He was none another than Avinash
Juneja. I could not decide whether I should be happy or sad. I
decided to wait and watch.
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DESTROYING MEMORIES
One week passed and Hritisha did not talk to me properly. I used
to see her online but then she was ignoring me. She used to read
my messages but did not reply. I was pretty sure that she was
busy talking or texting Avinash.
Why should I be jealous?
Hritisha clarified that she would not be able to take our
relationship ahead. I was quite lucky that at least she had accepted
my friendship's proposal. We both knew that it's tough to be in
any relationship after a breakup, whether it's friendship or
anything else.
I tried various things just to get her attention.
'I want to get drunk' I texted her over WhatsApp.
She read my message, but instead of answering, she changed
her profile picture and status. She did not bother to reply or pay
heed to my text.
'Whiskey or vodka?' I sent again after half an hour.
'Hmmmm' She replied.
What the Fuck! I still remember when we were in relationship
and when I used to tell her that I want to get drunk, she would
shout at me;
She did not talk to me for the whole day. Her attitude was
changing towards me.
'Ask Avinash Jiju to join me for the drink.'
'No, he is already drunk, let me handle him' within a minute
she replied.
I felt like I was the biggest fucker that time. Why were my
heart and brain not accepting that she did not care for me
anymore; she did not love me anymore? Why was I still thinking
about her? I did not have any answer to these questions.
'Good good, I am happy for you. Enjoy! I replied.
I asked Dipen to join me for a drink. We both went to the
disco and I asked Dipen to take my picture with the glass of
whiskey and cigarette in my hand. He clicked.
I sent the picture to Hritisha and was waiting for her reaction
after seeing me with the glass of alcohol and cigarette. However,
she did not respond. I realized that she did not care what I was
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doing. She was busy chatting with Avinash. I ordered a half bottle
of a whiskey got drunk and got stoned. I was not in my sense.
The next morning when I woke up, Dipen hugged me. I asked
him why suddenly he was showering his love on me. He informed
me about my deeds last night, after getting drunk. I laughed,
danced and I cried a lot in the Disco. I fell down on the road while
we were coming back to our place.
'Dipen, my bro, woh khush matlab me bhi khush' I was
continuously saying this line to him, which meant that I was
happy because Hritisha was happy with her new boyfriend.
Dipen could not see me in such a situation and pleaded to
forget about Hritisha. However, it was next to Impossible for me
to forget her so quickly.
What you did last night?' Hritisha texted me.
'Nothing. Why?' I replied.
'You got drunk and behaved like a street drunkards, right?'
'Who told you?'
'Dipen messaged me and told me each and everything.'
Dipen? How did he get your number? I asked
He told me that he copied my number from your cell phone
while capturing your photos Hritisha explained.
What? Its impossible I said.
It can be possible because you were drunk; you were not in
your sense. It is good he copied my number. Otherwise, I would
have never come to know about your street drunkard avatar She
said.
'Hmmm.'
'What hmmm? Don't you understand I have moved on? I will
never come back in your life. Stay away from me please.'
I got angry. I felt this girl had no heart in her body. I
messaged Avinash on Facebook.
'Dude, Stay away from Hritisha, she was my girlfriend. Stay
away from her.'
'Excuse me! Who the hell are you?' Avinash replied.
'It doesn't matter. You just stay away from her. She is not a
nice girl for you, she will also leave you soon'.
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I had lost my senses that time. I was disrespecting the girl

whom I loved the most.
'Tell me about your past, I mean the relationship between you
and Hritisha' Avinash asked.
I explained him everything. Starting from how I met her in
Dubai, how we got close to each other, how we expressed our
feelings to each other, how we gathered in Delhi after three years,
how we had spent the four days in Delhi, how we broke up. I
informed him each and everything.
'Sex hua tha?' Avinash asked.
'What kind of question is this?'
Just tell me, you guys slept or not?'
'Do you love her?' I asked.
'You just give an answer to my question' He replied.
'Okay if you want to know then I would like to inform you
that we never had any physical relationship, we had the heart to
heart connection which is more important than the physical
relationship, I guess.' I lied.
'Okay.'
'Hmm. and yes if you love her, it should not matter to you. It
was her PAST' I said.
'Don't tell me what to do and what not to do, but, just don't
message me again.' Avinash said.
Tell me. Do you love Hritisha or not? I asked him
No. I do not love her, I am just using her; I fuck her daily.
Anything else do you want to know? Avinash said.
My blood was boiling inside my body. I wanted to slap that
bastard. I decided not to reply him.
'How dare you message Avinash?' Hritisha called me and
screamed.
'I did what I thought was right at that time' I said.
'Why don't you leave me alone? You Moron.'
'Excuse me, mind your language.'
'You also mind your business mister. You fucking irritating
and illiterate person.'
'Stop shouting' I said.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
'You just shut up man' she said.

'I can shout louder, louder, even louder than you.' I increased
my voice and shouted at her too.
'You just spoiled my life; it was my biggest mistake to fall in
love with you. You selfish girl' I said to her.
'Hello mister, how did I spoil your life? I told you a long time
before that I could not marry you, as I cannot go against my
parents wishes. You were the only one who begged and cried in
front of me to keep a relationship with you as a friend. I was
behaving like your friend, but you were on the wrong track, man.
Therefore, it's your problem illiterate man, not mine. Understood?'
Hritisha was right, I lied to her that I have moved on. She was
very clear about our relationship. I had the intention of love, I
realized the things later. I told her so many bad and inappropriate
things, which I should not have.
I told her that her parents did not treat my family well when
we went to Delhi for the family meeting. If her father was not
going to agree then why did they play the game of fake meeting? I
also told her that she never loved me; she was just playing with
my feelings. She never actually loved me. I blamed her for my
financial loss as I spent almost fifty thousand Indian rupees during
my Delhi trip including my flight charges, my parent's flight
charges, hotel fare, diamond ring, gifts for her and the loss
because of my unpaid leaves.
Hritisha disconnected the call by saying that I showed my
original personality to her, which helped her more to forget me.
She thanked God and her parents for not approving our marriage
and she told me that she would pay me back all the money, which
I had spent. She felt that she was the luckiest person on the earth
as I would not be in her life anymore.
Shame on me!
I crossed my limit of anger. I removed all the gifts, which she
gave, and one by one, I destroyed all of them.
Firstly, I got rid of the Diamond ring, which I offered her
while proposing and she asked me to keep with me for future. I
went to the loo and flushed the diamond ring.
Then I removed the red T-shirt on which ' Hritu... will you
marry me... pls... was printed. I took the scissors and cut the t-
182
shirt into the small pieces, including her photo, which was also
printed on the T-shirt.
I also cut the yellow shirt, which I bought from Delhi as per
her choice and the Pink T-shirt of 'Being Human' brand, which she
bought specially for me.
Then I removed the mug on which our photo was printed. My
blood was boiling when I read 'You are my only forever' on the
mug. I threw it on the floor, and it broke.
The last turn was the Greeting card with the handmade cover.
I tore both of them.
I clicked the pictures of all of the destroyed gifts.
'It's over. Goodbye,' I texted her.
'Thank God. I am the happiest person in the world today' She
replied.
Note down my words Ms. Hritisha Jain; you wont be happy
in your life. You broke my heart; you disrespected my love; you
cheated on me. You will not get true love in your life. I will be
the happiest person in the world if I would come to know that you
are Sad and unhappy. I cursed her.
That was it! Hritisha blocked me again. I could not see her
activities through social media.
December 25, 2015, the Christmas day, became the separation
day for both of us.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
COMFORTING HER
January 24, 2016
Dipen, I want to see her, Its been a month. Please check her
WhatsApp profile picture on your phone. I said to Dipen when
we were at a pub in Dubai Nova Hotel, near to my house.
Who? Dipen asked.
Of course Hritisha, who else can it be? I said.
I knew that Dipen must have saved Hritishas number in his
phone and he can see Hritishas profile too.
No way, I wont and I wont allow you to see it as well
Dipen denied many times to see or show me her WhatsApp profile
picture. I begged him by saying that it would be the last time, after
that he could delete her number too. Therefore, neither he nor I
would see her WhatsApp profile, because she had blocked me.
He agreed.
Please come back Papa, I miss you. RIP
I was stunned after reading Hritishas WhatsApp status. I
could not speak a single word and was just staring at the line
RIP. What does that mean? Who expired? Her dad!
Alternatively, maybe she was missing her bade papa whom she
used to call PAPA as well. She had hidden her profile picture and
last seen; only her status was readable.
What happened? Why do you look shocked? Dipen asked
me.
I handed over him the phone and told him to look at Hritishas
WhatsApp status. He gave me the same expressions.
Seriously Siddhant? Dipen asked.
I dont know yaar, how can I confirm the news? I asked.
We were avoiding eye contacts with each other. Suddenly I
realized that I still have Surajs number, Hritishas cousin. I got
up; went out and dialed Surajs number. It was around 11:30 PM
in India and he must be sleepy, but I could not wait till morning.
Siddhant? Whats wrong with you? Suraj asked when he
picked up the call.
Sorry Suraj, I know its too late to call, but tell me the truth,
did Hritishas father expire? I asked him.
Yes, on thirteenth January He said.
184
Tears were rolling down my face.

How?
Due to Low Blood Pressure and Heart Attack
Fuck Man! Can I talk to Hritisha please?
Dude, its too late, and she is not in the condition to speak
with anyone. Please leave her alone for few days. Suraj Said.
Ok Ok, I can understand. Please take care of her and console
her from my side.'
Hmm, Suraj disconnected the call.
I sat on the couch outside the pub and started crying. Dipen
came after paying the bill, I informed him about the truth that
Hritishas father was no more; he died on January 13, 2016. He
took me home and told me to sleep for a while.
The next day, I purchased another internet calling card to call
Hritisha.
Hello? Kaun?
Kaun? Reet? I asked.
Yes, who are you? Reet asked.
I am Siddhant from Dubai, how are you?
Hi, Siddhant. Reet replied. I could feel sadness in her voice
too.
Can I talk to Hritisha please? I asked Reet.
She went downstairs with mummy; her phone is with me,
anything urgent? She asked.
Nothing, I just came to know about uncles death. So, I
thought I should call her.'
Hmm.'
Is everything alright now? You? Hritisha? Aunty? I asked.
Haan.'
Okay. Please let me know if you need my help and tell
Hritisha that I called I said to Reet.
Okay. Bye
Bye. Take care I said.
I knew that Hritisha would not call me back. I wanted to
console her. Therefore, I sent her an e-mail.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
Hi Hritisha,
I came to know that you have lost your father. I am sorry to
hear that this happened to you. I am not sure what to say and
what to do, but do not hesitate if you need my help.
This must be a tough time for you and your family; I can
actually understand. No one can change t GOD's plan. However,
He is in a better place now. We all have to deal with losses and
time heals all the wounds.
Please be strong. Give my regards to Vidhyaben and Reet.
God bless you and your beautiful family. You all will be in my
prayers.
May your father's soul Rest in Peace.
Regards,
Siddhant Shah and Family.
Hritisha replied.
Dont try to be the GOD now. You told me that I would not
be happy in my life ever. Congratulations! Your wish has been
fulfilled. Just because of you, I lost my father. I hate you Siddhant
from the depth of my heart. I mean it. Never show me your face in
my life. You are dead for me Mr. Siddhant. Now it is time for you
to celebrate. Enjoy! In addition, stay away from me. Please
I replied.
Come on Hritisha! I know I said harsh words to you that day.
However, I did not mean them. I cursed you only once, which was
not from the heart even.
Many things in life we say in anger, but that does not mean
that we need to stick to those words. I agree that I cursed you very
badly and I apologized too. However, you need to understand my
situation as well. I was not in a proper state of my mind that day.
Why did you take those BAD words so seriously? I told you
plenty of times that I still love you; I want you back in my life, I
can still fight with the world for you, and I can love you even more
than before. Why didnt you take these words of mine seriously? If
you think that I am bluffing by saying the caring words, you must
186
believe that I may be fooling by saying harsh words too. It should

not always be one-sided Hritisha.
Hritisha replied.
Whatever Siddhant. Please dont fuck my mind and my life.
Stay away from my life. Dont message and call me.
I replied.
Hritisha, are you mad? How can a person make you cry who
always tried to be with you by begging everyone? Yes, I wish for
many things. Life would be much comfortable if we get what we
wish.
I still would like if I could be with you.
I still would like if I can make you laugh,
I still would like if I hug you and tell you dont worry my
Bacchi, everything will be fine.'
I still would like you to pamper me more and more.
I still would like you to take care of me like your child.
I still would like you to become angry when I drink alcohol.
I still would like you to become conscious when I delete my
WhatsApp profile picture.
I still would like you to send me a sound clip of Muuuaaaah
Bettu.'
I still would like you to wake me up in the morning and force
me to go to the gym
I still hope you send me a mirror selfie in the morning from
the washroom of GENPACT
I still would like you to buzz me during your lunchtime.
I still want many things, but not all wishes are fulfilling.
According to the same logic, I told you that You would never be
happy in your life, but that does not mean I wished your sadness.
Please dont think that way and make me feel more guilty. It
was an unfortunate phase of my life, and I lost all my senses.
Forgive me if possible.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
FAMILY...
WHERE LIFE BEGINS
July 2016.
Seven months had passed since I had my last words with Hritisha.
I did not have any single medium to contact her or to see her even.
I lost my job as I could not concentrate on whatever I was doing,
as a result, plenty of errors were found and seven months work
got backlogged.
The top management decided to terminate me after many
warnings and showing sympathy. They had sent me back to India
and canceled my visa and work permit. I did not beg them to give
me more chances; I literally became a dead body.
My family was shocked when they saw me with my luggage.
I did not inform them beforehand that I was about to return to
India forever. They were unaware of my situation and mental
condition. They thought I was fine but I was not.
I want some rest the only answer I had to their questions.
My parents and my grandma noticed the changes in my
physical and mental appearance. They decided to keep quiet for
some time; mom opened my luggage and gave me the nightdress.
I changed my clothes and went to my room. I wanted to cry,
but I forgot how to cry louder. I was crying inside, but my eyes
turned dry; there was not a single drop of tear.
Finally, I slept for 14 hours after a long time.
When I woke up, I noticed Jiju and Drishti. Heer came
running and hugged me. I did not have chocolates for her that
time, but she did not complain as she too understood and noticed
my condition.
Jiju got up from the couch and asked me to sit beside my
grandmother. I did not know why, as soon as I sat beside her, I
rested my head on my grandma's lap. I used to call her Baa
which means grandmother in Gujarati. During my childhood, she
used to love me more than my parents did. I never used to sleep
without seeing her and almost six years have passed since I felt
her touch of love.
'Kai khavu chhe Baka?' Baa asked me if wanted to eat
something.
I nodded and said no.
188
Suddenly, I started crying so loudly that the neighbors ran

towards my house to check if anyone died in my family. I cried
like a small baby, everyone was shocked, as they did not know the
reason behind my tears.
'Mama, radso nai, radso nai' Heer started to console me and I
noticed that she was also crying with me. She asked me not to cry
'Radi leva do ene, bharai gayo chhe andar thi' Jiju told
everyone to let me cry.
After forty-five minutes, I stopped crying. Drishti gave me
water and wiped my tears. Mom offered me dinner but I refused to
eat. She did not listen to me and started feeding me with her own
hand, Baa too joined her. Dad was quite. He could not say any
single word. '
Sorry, Papa, mane job ma thi kadhi mukyo.' I told my dad that
my company terminated me from the job.
They did not react to it much. I told them why I lost my job
due to constant memories of Hritisha. I told them that I could not
forget her even after the one year of a breakup. My parents
decided to give me a break for few days.
All of my friends used to come to my house daily to cheer me
up, they took me outside for a movie or a hangout so that I could
divert my mind. Divya took me to meet her female friend and
asked me to get into a new relationship. However, I was so afraid
of going through such a bad relationship, that it was impossible
for me to get engaged in another relationship and that also with an
unknown person.
After two months, slowly s I started coming off the pain with
the help of family and friends. I started to sit with the family,
began to talk with them, and most importantly I began to SMILE.
'So, now what you want to do?' Dad asked after dinner.
'I will look for another job from tomorrow' I said.
I realized that we were not that much financially settled. Both
my father and I had to earn money to run our house. I knew that I
would not get paid as much as what I used to get in Dubai and it
would be quite difficult in the beginning. However, my parents
were happy that I would live with them.
I desperately looked for a new job from the next day. I
contacted all my former colleagues and managers to ask them
whether they knew about any vacancy in a company and would go
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
with my profile. They asked me why I left my well-settled job in

Dubai and came back to India. I told them that I wanted to live
with my family, as they needed me.
Fortunately, According to my experience and qualification, I
got a job at one of the textile manufacturing company without
much struggle. I started enjoying my new job, tried to gel up with
new colleagues, made new friends and started making female
friends too. However, the problem was that the loneliness of even
few minutes reminded me of Hritisha. There was not a single
night I had spent without remembering her.
Sometimes I tried to search Hritisha in Social media but I
could not get any single information. I made fake profiles on each
social media in which Hritisha was having her account. I checked
all her friends' profile, Relatives' profile, Reet's profile too.
However, I did not get any single clue about Hritisha's present
situation.
I checked her LinkedIn also and noticed that she updated
neither her profile picture nor about her new job. It was still
showing that she was working as Senior Process Associate at
GENPACT.
I could not decide what to do. The negative thoughts were
running through my mind like whether she was alive or not?
Whether she got married or not? Whether she was in Delhi or not?
My frustrations and curiosities were at their peak.
I again decided to contact Suraj. He was the only person who
could give me the information regarding Hritisha. I wanted to send
him a text to ask whether Hritisha was okay or not? However, my
fingers were fighting with my keypad, and again I failed to send
him a text personally.
'The number you have dialed is switched off, aap Jo Vodafone
number ko sampark karna chahte hai woh switched off hai' the
same lady was informing me the same lines for last two years and
even today.
I shut my door and thought of committing suicide by hanging
myself from the ceiling fan. I could not control myself. I was
about to commit suicide then suddenly a Message from Arpit
appeared on our WhatsApp group named BFF: Best F#C@R%S
Forever.
'Haan Siddhantye, kidhar Mara Hai kamine?'
190
I am committing suicide, fucker I replied.

'Abey MC, Teri itni himmat tu hume bina bataye Marne jaa
raha hai? Hein?'
Meanwhile, the Sunny Boy joined the conversation.
'Haan, if you can find any apsara in heaven, do an affair with
her. I guarantee you will die virgin on this planet'
Yaa Yaa BC, as if you had lost your virginity already, right?'
'No personal questions please'
Keval also joined.
'BC quite everyone, let me focus on my work'
'Then do it na, haramkhor' Arpit Replied to Keval.
The conversation was funny and I also forgot that I was about
to commit suicide.
Neelay Joined.
'Lets booze, lets party Fuckers.' Neelay texted.
'Yes yes, let's go.' All agreed except me.
We all know that Gujarat is a dry state, but we always
changed our topic and mood by the subject of liquor. Arpit, the 6
feet tall and a well-built creature of God, threatened me by saying
that I will have to join or else he will kick my ass.
We all reached Ruturaj Tea Stall, opposite to the Gujarat
University within an hour.
Ruturaj Tea Stall was the Beer Bar for us. One can get tea
with musk bun instead of daru with chakhna.
Arpit, Sunny, Keval, Neelay and I were enough to disturb the
people around us at Ruturaj. We did not bother about what the
other people would think about our behavior.
'Aur haan BC, I feel Hritisha got married' I said while
everyone was talking about their ex-girlfriends and their husbands.
Suddenly all four of them became quite. They were looking at
each other, as they could not decide what to say and how to react
to my statement. Sunny said something to Arpit in sign language.
'Let's go somewhere else' Arpit suggested, and all agreed.
We reached Neelay's home. I asked many times why we left
Ruturaj even after the funny conversation, but no one was ready to
reply and tried to avoid my question.
191
Sohil Ashvin Shah
'Are you seriously Happy?' Sunny asked me, finally.

They understood that I was pretending to be happy and to be
funny, but I was feeling the pain deep in my heart.
'Do you want to cry?' Keval asked
'Yes, cry as much as you want, but promise us that you won't
cry from tomorrow' Neelay added.
I cried again, a lot, without a break, without caring, what my
friends would think of me. No one stopped me. They all wanted
me to cry. I was missing Hritisha a lot. I thought that Hritisha
must have settled and married Avinash just the way she came
close to him. This treacherous feeling of jealousy made me cry
more and more.
Sunny wiped my tears after I finished crying. Although I
cried many times before but this time, but I was feeling light-
hearted. Maybe she was well settled and happy with her life. Arpit
called my mom and told her that I would stay at his home that
night.
'I am hungry, salo?' I cracked a joke and told all of them that I
wanted to eat something. I was trying to be normal.
'Be Ganda awaj kar, I will bring everything for you dude. Tari
mate toh Jaan, Jigar, Jangiya ane?' Neelay said in his typical
Gujarati Patel accent.
'Ane Shu topa?' Keval asked Neelay.
'Jantha, topa' I said and laughed.
Everybody started laughing and felt relaxed. I also felt quite
relaxed. We all decided to go to Manekchowk, the famous night
food Bazar in Ahmedabad.
I sat behind Sunny on his Activa.
'Dofe, be happy always.' Sunny told me.
'yes, bro. I said to him.
'Happy Realization Bhai.'
'Hmmm... But, I don't know why I want to meet Hritisha one
last time.' I said
'Why?'
'Pata nai, but I feel something stuck deep in my heart. I want
to see her.'
192
'Hmmm. I can understand your feelings. Try to contact her if

you have any contact details of hers.'
'Wohich problem hai. She blocked me from everywhere. She
had deactivated her all social media accounts. I do not know what
to do. '
'Her cousin also blocked me, even her best friend Shruti
blocked me suddenly after our breakup. I think I am a block
bastard for her.'
We both laughed.
'Hmmm. Leave it. Be happy now.'
We reached to the Manekchowk and ordered Pav Bhaji,
Chinese noodles, Masala Dosa, Gwalior Dosa, Chocolate
sandwich, pineapple sandwich and almost all the things, which
were available at Manekchowk. We ate as if we had been hungry
for the decades.
193
Sohil Ashvin Shah
PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH FATHER

Lets go to Sunvala the next morning, papa asked me to join him
to visit our religious temple at Sunvala Village.
The village is almost hundred kilometers away from
Ahmedabad. My parents used to visit the village twice in a month
to worship our Goddess Brahmani Mataji. The temple was the
best place for me to get peace when I was in India. I also used to
visit the temple with my family twice in a month but I never went
there after returning from Dubai. Therefore, maybe Papa thought
it would be better for me to join him, it was the first time when, I
was not excited to join him, as my mind was not in peace.
However, Papa took a day off from his work so that I could not
say NO to him.
Okay, I will get ready for a while I said.
Mother India refused to join us, as she had to finish few
household chores. Therefore, it was an FATHER-SON trip.
Bolo, Shu problem chhe? Papa asked me while we were on
the way to the temple.
Nothing Papa I said.
Come on! Consider me as your friend. He said.
I smiled and decided not to talk about Hritisha. I increased the
volume of the radio and started listening to my favorite Jockey
RJ Dhvanit after almost six years.
Papa too understood that I needed some more time to pour out
my heart in front of him. He started showing me the developments
of Ahmedabad, newly constructed buildings, monuments, theaters,
restaurants on the highway etc. We reached Kadi Village where
my father had spent his childhood. Although I knew the stories of
his childhood memories already, he recited them again just to
cheer me up.
When we reached Sunvala, I noticed many changes at
Brahmani Maas temple. Papa told me that the new saint of the
temple, Shri Nitishgiri Maharaj, was very active and sharp
minded. He changed each and everything to make the temple more
beautiful. I could feel the magic again when I entered the temple.
We worshiped our Goddess Brahmani Maa. I prayed for the
happiness of, my entire family, and Hritisha.When I looked at my
194
dad, he was also praying very peacefully, maybe for my

happiness.
Papa and Nitishgiri Maharaj started a conversation regarding
the present situation of our family, regarding my past and me.
Nitishgiri Maharaj blessed me. I felt relaxed and no negative
feelings were coming in my mind. There were positive vibes
everywhere.
Lets go to Amrit Restaurant, it has been years since we
visited it I asked my dad to have lunch at my favorite Amrit
Restaurant on the highway.
We ordered our favorite Palak Paneer and Butter Naan along
with masala buttermilk.
Papa, I want to say something I said while eating.
Hmm. Say
I still miss Hritisha and I guess she is happy with someone
else'
Thats why you are sad? He asked.
Of course, papa.'
Dont take it in a negative sense Siddhant. Think that she is
happy now.
But, I wanted to see her happy with me papa.'
Its not possible every time Siddhant that whatever you want,
you would get that. Do you want extra Naan?
Yup,
Papa asked the waiter to bring two more Butter Naans.
See. Everyone has their life Siddhant. You cannot force
anyone to be with you. I agree, she loved you, but that time has
gone. You cannot hold back good times always with you. She has
moved on. What do you think? It was easy for her to move on?
I guess yes.
Of course not, she had some other issues in her life. She
could not go against her fathers will. She chose her family over
her love. She was a brave girl. I respect her decision.
Hmm, I said.
Listen, everyone in the world is born with their shell and they
have their limits.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
Some peoples shells are huge who have the power to do

many things in their entire life, but within their limit and some
peoples shells are small who think that their family and friends
are their only world, just like the frog in the well who thinks that
the well is its entire world. They can do anything for the happiness
of their own people. We should respect both kinds of the people.
My father said.
I passed a Naan to my fathers plate and put one on mine.
Again, you are no one to judge anyones decision whether it
is good or bad. Let me give you an example. There are two types
of people in this world, Pacifists and terrorists. Terrorist spread
terrorism around the world. Its their way to get peace; their way
to live in this world; their way to survive. On the other side,
Pacifists also have their way to live and survive in this world.
Therefore, you cannot judge anyones decision for the sake of
your happiness. Terrorists may be correct on their way of living,
and Pacifists are also right on their way.
I nodded.
But papa, I loved her truly; unconditionally, I crossed all my
limits to convince her. Still, she left me, why? I asked.
Siddhant, tell me one thing, have you been able to convince
each member in our family before each decision you have taken in
your life?
We wanted you to study science after your 10th board; did we
succeed in convincing you? No.
You wanted us to allow you for joining the Film Making
course, did you manage to convince us? No.
You wanted to marry Ruchi, and we wanted you to marry
Reema. Could we convince each other? No.
The moral is, you cannot convince the people who are with
you since your birth, your parents, your family, then how can you
think that Hritisha would get persuaded by you? How long have
you two known each other? Hardly one and half years? Thats it?
Dont blame yourself that you failed to convince her; you tried
your best, but she did not get convinced, then leave it, move on.
I gradually started understanding my fathers examples.
You think that the life is over. How old are you? Twenty-
Seven years?
196
Hmm.'
From now onwards, just add prefix ONLY before your age.
Try to tell yourself that you are ONLY TWENTY-SEVEN years
old and you still need to achieve whatever you want in your life.
Then see the changes in your life. Trust me.
I get your point papa. But why did it happen to me only?
Nothing happened to you beta, and please stop behaving like
a victim. Tell me one thing, why are you always asking WHY
ME? Question when anything wrong happens to you.
Sorry. I could not get you I said.
I mean to say why you blame yourself and behave like a
victim when things go wrong. Just as if Hritisha left you, you
blamed yourself by saying Why me?, when you were terminated
from your job you again blamed yourself by saying Why me?
Its true.'
It is. However, have you asked yourself Why Me when
anything good happens to you? As you were only a B.Com,
graduate and you were earning more than your qualification
allowed when you were in Dubai. Right?
Yes. True
Then why did you not ask yourself Why me? It's unfair for
any other B.Com graduate who was earning far lesser than you
were. You were special beta.
Hmmm.'
You got an excellent job in a short time after returning to
Ahmedabad. Have you asked at that point Why Me? God has
blessed you with loving parents, have you asked God Why Me?
You are a good looking, well-built person with a brain and you
earn well too. Isnt it an extraordinary quality?
Yes, it is I smiled.
Then why did not you ask God Why Me?
I get your point papa, finally I smiled and winked at him.
Thank God, so the point is, start thinking positive also. Never
harm anyone, never do wrong things in your life, forgive the past
but never forget it. God has his way of balancing everyones life.
True I said.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
Raste padeli dhul pan koik vaar kaam ma aave Papa said
that the sand and dust would also be helpful sometimes. He meant
to say that never underestimate anyone in your life.
Samjyo? papa asked.
Ekdum I said.
Lets finish the lunch now.'
Hmm.'
We finished our lunch.
Cheers to Siddhants new life I tossed the glass of
buttermilk with my dad.
Cheers.'
Cheers.'
But papa, something has stuck in my heart, I want to talk to
her one last time.'
Hritisha already blocked you from everywhere but I guess if
you send her the last email, you would feel better.
Wallah?
Haan Wallah? Papa imitated me.
Hmmm.'
198
THE LAST LOVE LETTER.

Siddhant Shah
Wed 08/17/2016 2:45 AM
To: Hritisha Jain (jain.hritisha@gmail.com)
Dear Hritisha Jain,

No one falls in love by choice; it is by chance. No one stays in
love by chance; it is by their work and no one falls out of love by
chance; it is by choice. (Thank you Google for the lovely quote)
Here, I am drizzling out my entire heart and soul, and want to
let you know that you are the only love of my life.
Without you, life has become meaningless, music has become
melody-less, food has become tasteless, flowers have become
colorless, the mind has become restless, and my heart has become
feeling less.
Everyone around here was telling me that you do not deserve
my sincere love; care and feelings as you were continuously
walking in and out of my life. However, I want you to know that
you are worth it.
You have taught me many good and bad things in my life. I
have never thought our relationship would end the way it did,
even in my wildest dreams. However, I know that you have
moved on while I was still stuck in the middle of the path.
It has almost been ten months, okay, ten and half months now
since we last spoke. I wonder if you think of me. Do you look at
my profile? Because I still do and get disappointments.
I know that I have no right to know what is going on in your
life. We both tried our best to keep the relationship alive, I guess,
and I am sorry for how things ended. All I can do is keep moving
forward from here.
I hope you are happy with your new life and Avinash. I hope
he knows he has the best person in his life. I hope he loves you
better than I ever did.
I regret everything that I have done to you and us. I cannot
change the past.
I wish we were still best friends who could tell everything to
each other. I admit that I fell in love with you and I do not regret
any of it for a single minute. I would not take anything back. I
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
wonder if you still think about me when you see something that
used to remind you of us and me makes you think hmm I wish I
could tell Hritisha about this.
It is hard to say but, yes, it is. I do not care about you
anymore, but that is only when I am around people. The fact is I
hide my emotions very well.
So here, I want to write a Sorry and A Thanksgiving note to
you. I hope you would read it at least once in your life.
I regret the fact that I could not give you all you wanted, all
you deserve.
I regret all of the little things that I did to make you mad or
upset.
I regret the fact that I tried, but it just was not good enough.
I regret the fact that it did not work out as we both intended
to.
I regret the drunken text messages and the desperation.
I regret the fact that my emotions failed to control my words.
I regret the fact that I still wait for your breakup with Avinash
and want you to marry me.
I regret being selfish sometimes.
I regret breaking your trust that I would always be your best
friend, not lover after a breakup.
I regret destroying all the lovely gifts, which you had made
and purchased for me.
I regret blaming your family once for our breakup.
I regret wanting more than I got because that is what brought
me to this heartbreak.
However, at the time we first found each other, I knew that
you were exactly what I needed. Therefore, I just want to say
thank you.
Thank you for finding me.
Thank you for being the regular person I needed and for
helping me to navigate my life.
Thank you for late night talks and good morning texts.
Thank you for that Saturday afternoon Skype chats.
Thanks for the mother-like care and all your help regarding
my diet.
200
Thank you for loving me and teaching me to love others as

well.
Thank you for the memorable four days from July 29, 2015,
to August 1, 2015. I will never forget that Delhi trip in my life.
Thank you for teaching me that a person may leave your life
with little explanations, and will not look back.
Thanks for helping me understand what real heartbreak feels
like.
Thank you for teaching me that, Bollywood movies are full of
lies because not every story ends happily.
Thank you for teaching me to let go.
Thank you for showing me, as you took your loving presence
away, that love is not something you can fall in and out of.
Thank you, for now, loving things surround me like my
family, my best friends, my new job, my planning to pursue my
career as a Writer / Director.
Thank you for making me realize that you are not the only
one who loved me.
So many people have constantly loved me.
You made me understand how painful growing up can be.
Loving you helped me discover parts of myself I did not even
know existed. I had no idea what it was like to find myself in
person. You showed me an unexplainable part in my heart that
will always be yours.
I was trying to solve the puzzles of my life. I was adding more
and more people as puzzle pieces for more clarity and for solving
the game. Through the process of putting all these puzzle pieces
together, I realized you were the final piece of my puzzle to finish
the game but until I found that last piece, you decided to break up
with me. Thank you for giving me the gift of understanding that
the final piece of my puzzle can be found only in me.
Thank you for allowing me to find what I am longing for
within myself.
Thank you, thank you, thank you,
Yours Truly,
Bachhu, Bettu, Mottu, Namuna, Kabadi,
Siddhant Shah.
201
Sohil Ashvin Shah
EPILOGUE
Prerna Sharma <sharma.p2407@gmail.com>
Thu 02/16/2018 4:13 PM
To: Sohil Ashvin Shah (write@sohilashvinshah.com)
Dear Sohil,
I hope you remember me. We met at CCD, the day before
yesterday, and you gave me a signed copy of your book to read. I
would like to inform you that I have finished the book and I liked
it. However, I have few questions to ask. Please give me a
convenient time and place to meet you in person again.
Thanks!
With best regards,
Prerna Sharma.
Sohil Ashvin Shah (write@sohilashvinshah.com)

Thu 02/16/2018 6:53 PM
To: Prerna Sharma <sharma.p2407@gmail.com>
Dear Prerna,
Of course, I remember you. I have a good memory. Sure, we

can meet on Sunday at The Jungle Bhookh restaurant, Ellis Bridge
at 12:30 pm.
Please call me on my number mentioned below before
coming.
Sohil
(+91) 9624053007
202
February 18, 2018

The Jungle Bhookh Restaurant, Ahmedabad
Beta, what are you doing? Don't mess up the table clothes, Sohil
said to his niece, Harvi.
Bettu, Don't disturb me. I will make a white bird with this
tissue, Harvi said.
She knew that Sohil's ex-girlfriend used to call him Bettu so
sometimes Harvi too calls him Bettu.
Ok beta, but first tell me what you want to eat? I asked her.
Pastaaaaaaaaa she screamed in the restaurant.
Everybody around them in the restaurant started looking at
her.
A newly married bride who sat next to their table gave Harvi
a flying kiss and told her husband that she wanted their child to be
like a little Angel. Harvi smiled back to the couple.
Pastaaaaa Pastaaaaaa Pastaaaaa Harvi continued screaming.
She realized that she was getting noticed by doing such things.
Naughty girl.
Babu, besi jaa nai toh pela uncle marse. Sohil asked her not
to scream in the restaurant otherwise, the manager of the
restaurant would scold her.
Harvi looked at the manager. He smiled at her and she smiled
back.
Khotu khotu bole chhe bettu, Jo hase chhe e uncle, Harvi
told Sohil that he was lying as the manager was smiling at her.
Sohil laughed and ordered pasta for her.
Prerna called Sohil to inform him that she is at the gate of the
restaurant. Sohil went to the entrance to greet Prerna. She was
again in a boys attire, a loose full sleeve t-shirt, blue jeans, sports
shoes.
They hugged each other, asked about each others health and
settled down on their respective chairs.
So? You read the novel within a day ya? Sohil asked Prerna.
Not in a day, within five to six hours. The whole night.
Ohh great. I hope you liked it as you said over the phone.
Me bhi bajrangbali ki bhakt hun, me bhi kabhi juth nahi
bolti Prerna said.
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
Hahaha. You got me.

She smiled.
Who is she? Prerna asked Sohil, pointing finger at Harvi.
Oh. She is Harvi. My sister's daughter.
She is cute.
Yup.
Is she the one whose photo has been portrayed on your
book's cover page? She asked
Yes. I have adopted her.
Really?
Haanji.
Hanji haan? You have also become Delhi wala. Prerna said.
Hahaha! No comments. Sohil zipped his lips.
Hmm. But seriously, have you adopted Harvi?
Yes. Legally I cannot adopt a girl child, and I cannot be a
single father. So legally, she will be my sister's daughter only. But
I will be her guardian and everything. Sohil said.
Did your sister agree? She asked
Of course. I am Harvi's MAMA; MAA and MAA are equal
to one MAMA. So I love her double than my sister does. Sohil
said
Hmmm. Nice.
And Harvi is free to live anywhere either with my sister or
me.
Prerna nodded. Sohil ordered two cold coffees for both of
them.
Bettu, Can I go to the children play area?
Okay beta, I will tell uncle to send your pasta there. Okay?
Harvi went to the play area, and Sohil told the waiter to serve
her Pizza there.
So tell me Ms. Prerna, why do you want to meet me? Sohil
asked.
Haan. I have some questions. Can I ask if you don't mind?
Prerna asked.
Arrey of course. Go ahead.
204
Is this your real love life story? I mean you fell in love with a
Delhi girl?
Yes. It's true. Almost eighty percent.
Hmm. So what's her name?
Haha. Sorry, let her name be secret. But you can call her
Hritisha.
Starting with an H. Right?
Haha. Right.
Hmm. So did you guys meet in Dubai?
Nope. On a matrimonial site. It was twenty-third February,
two thousand fifteen.
What? Then whom did you meet in Dubai?
No one. Let me tell you; I had already started writing the
story from December two thousand fourteen. I had written few
chapters before I met my Delhi wali girlfriend.
Ohh. Really?
Yup. Hritisha was an imaginary girl for me at that time. My
kind of girl you know?
Got it.
But somehow, I could not write further till I met Hritisha, the
real one. She was the same as my imaginary girl.
Sounds great yaar.
Hmm. Therefore, I added our story in my half-written love
story. I could not finish the novel if I had not met the Real
Hritisha on matrimonial site.
Wow Sohil, then that late night and early morning chats, sex
chats, your four days in Delhi, your unique style of proposing,
parents meeting each other, break up period, everything is true?
Mmmmm. Not really. But, I hardly added five percent
fiction after when we had proposed each other for the first time.
Aww. I will not read again, if I do, I will start crying.
Sohil nodded. The waiter served our coffee on our table.
So did she reply after your last love letter? Prerna asked
Sohil after taking a sip of her coffee.
No. I have doubt whether she read it or not Sohil replied.
205
Sohil Ashvin Shah
She must have read it. It has almost been one and a half year
dude. But she didnt reply.'
I dont know, but at least I said what I wanted to say.'
Hmmm. Are you still waiting for Hritisha? I mean the real
one, Delhi wali?
I dont have much expectation. However, one thing for sure,
I cannot love anyone else in my entire life. I have tried to fall in
love again; I even created my matrimonial account again last
month but I deleted my profile. I see HER reflection in each and
every girl.'
Sohil, I can understand. However, you should fall in love
again. She chose her way; you have to choose your way also.'
Yeah, I have decided already. I wrote a book for her. I
wanted to make my first relationship very special. I want to make
her the special person of my life.'
So it means, you do not have feelings in your heart, right?
Prerna asked
I have, but not for any other girl. Whatever feelings I have in
my heart, is only for HER Sohil replied.
Do you think you would survive alone, without her?
I will try my best. I will try to make my career in film
industry.'
Its not that easy Sohil.'
I know, frankly, I do not want to ruin any other girls life. I
know myself; I cannot love anyone as much as I love Hritisha.
The girl who will come to my life will also come with many
expectations, which I will not be able to fulfill. I have only
feelings for Hritisha, as I said.'
Hmm. Then why the title of your book is Come back to
leave me again? Why you want her to get back in your life
again just to leave you again?
See Prerna; I have not seen her since last one and half year. I
only have her nine hundred forty-seven photographs on my
mobile.'
Really? Do you still have her photographs in your mobile?
Of course, I look at them to motivate myself.'
Wow, Can I see her? Please Sohil
206
No. Let her be a secret.'

I promise Sohil; I wont tell anyone else.'
Kha mummy kasam?
Mummy kasam
Sohil showed the photographs of her ex-girlfriend. Prerna
noticed that he had made a folder in his phone gallery named My
Life in which there were almost 950 photos of his ex-girlfriend.
Prerna saw the photos very carefully.
Wow Sohil, she is gorgeous.
She is beautiful by face and by heart both, she is my angel.
She deserves the best in her life, and I wanted to give her all the
happiness which she deserves, but luck did not favor me Sohil
said
No worries Sohil. You are the real lover of this generation,
where, couples do not believe in commitments.
Thank you for the compliment.'
Sohil finished his cup of coffee.
Haan, toh coming back to my question. Why do you want her
to get back in your life just to leave you again?
As I told you, I havent seen her for last one and half year. I
have tried to see her on Facebook from another fake account also,
but her profile is not public. Only her friends know her activities.'
Hmmm.'
So, I dont know something stuck deeply in my heart. I want
to see her for the very last time, I want to hug her tightly for the
very last time, I want to kiss her for the very last time, I want to
play with her hair for the very last time, I want to gaze at her for
hours for the very last time, I want to explain to her how much I
love her and will love her in future too for the very last time, I
want to make her the special person in the world for me very last
time. I want to ask for her forgiveness for my all kands a very last
time.'
Why last time only?
See, I know that she cannot marry me. Her parents did not
allow her at that time, and she chose her parents over her love. I
respect her decision. Think about that, if Harvi will take the
decision to marry against my decision, definitely I would be a
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Sohil Ashvin Shah
little hurt even though I will support her. I also want my daughter
to be like Hritisha Sohil said.
Hmm. Correct, even I cannot marry against my parent's
decision Prerna said.
Exactly, therefore, I just want to see her one last time. I will
gather all the memories of that day with me and will spend my
entire life with those memories.'
I will cry Sohil. Kash tum mere boyfriend hote.'
Aww. Sorry Prerna, hard luck, better luck in next birth Sohil
said.
Both laughed.
Anyway, there is no comparison between your ex-girlfriend
and me. She is far better than me Sohil.' Prerna said
Sohil winked and smiled.
By the way lekhak babu, you have mentioned three questions
behind the book cover, but you havent answered any of them in
your novel. Why?
I wanted my readers to find out the answers to those
questions. I did not want to write my perception of the questions
in the minds of my readers Sohil Said.
Hmmm. What about the readers like me? I mean who are
illiterate in romance. I want the answers from your side.
No way. Find the answers yourself Sohil winked.
Yaar Sohil, Pleaaaaassseeeeeeeee. Please tell me why does
love always seem beautiful in romantic novels and Bollywood
movies, but not in real life? Prerna asked.
Okay okay, baba. See, Its because God gives love as a gift to
his Special VVIP Children only. The luckiest person can spend his
entire life with someone whom he or she truly loves. And the
individuals who cannot get his or her love, they write romantic
novels or make Bollywood movies, just to tell the unlucky people
that, do not lose hope because love is the most beautiful thing in
the world Sohil replied and laughed.
Very funny. Then why the people who are in love with each
other very deeply, go through a breakup? Why they cannot be in
any relationship after a breakup? Prerna asked.
208
See, the world runs in the formula of Give and Take. The
same method is also applicable in love affairs too. Both should
compromise a little bit and sacrifice to save their relationship.
However, if one person fails to do so, consequently they end
the relationship. You cannot be in any relationship after break up
because one person always believes that he or she will fall in love
with the different person again. Therefore, he or she just hides
their feelings in the name of friendship. On the other side, the
person who has still hope; cannot see another person happy with
anyone else. After break up, he or she always think that another
person should always be happy with him only and sometimes they
make blunders just like I made for which I paid a lot.'
Hmmm. I can understand. But the ex-lovers always try to
deal with damages, instead of trying to stay together again, why?
Prerna, tell me one thing. Just guess if you have a pet dog
whom you love the most and the dog loves you as well. However,
accidently or purposefully, because of the dog, you get hurt.
Maybe he bites you while you were playing with him and it
caused a serious injury. Will you play the same way in future with
that dog? No. Right? You will be cautious or maybe you will not
play at all, but, if you play again, you wont be able to play as
freely as before. Same way, after a breakup, the lovers only
remember their bad experiences with each other.
Haaawww! You mean the lovers are dogs? Prerna laughed
I just gave an example. I could not think something
extraordinary at this time.'
Arrey Just kidding.'
Hmm...So I hope all your doubts are clear now.'
Yuppp. Almost
So shall we leave? Sohil asked.
Yeah sure Prerna Said.
Sohil asked the waiter to bring the bill. He went to bring
Harvi from the childrens play area after paying the bill.
Should I drop you somewhere? I have my car Sohil asked.
No No. I have my Activa. Thanks for asking.'
Thats cool. Chalo beta, say bye to Didi Sohil said to Harvi.
Bye Didi Harvi waved her hands and said bye to Prerna
209
Sohil Ashvin Shah
Aww. bye, sweetie pie. Give me a kiss please Prerna asked

Harvi to give a kiss on her cheeks. Both Harvi and Prerna kissed
each other on their cheeks.
Okay, Sohil. See you. Take care.'
You too Prerna.'
Both hugged each other and said goodbye. Sohil put on his
sunglasses and headed towards his car. Prerna was thinking
something, as she wanted to say something to Sohil. She waited
outside until Sohil brought his car from the parking lot. He noticed
Prerna.
What happened to you Prerna? Any problem? He asked.
Nothing. I was just waiting for you. She said
Why?
I want to tell you something Sohil.'
Haanji, Say? Sohil got down from his car and asked Harvi
to sit inside the car.
I dont know if I should say it or not. However, please move
on in your life. I know that it is hard to live after a break up. I
want to confess that I also passed through the same situation last
year. Although it was a one-sided love. I do not say forget your
love, but you should find someone else who also deserves your
love. I am requesting you as your well-wisher Prerna held Sohils
hand.
Sure Prerna. I will think about that.'
Good Boy. Chal bye.'
Sohil waved his hands and said goodbye to Prerna.
She is not aware that the dust accumulated on the books has
no power to change its story Sohil thought in his mind and
smiled.
210

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Come Back to Leave Me...

Sohil Ashvin Shah

All rights reserved.

First Published: March 2017

SURPRISE ENGAGEMENT ................................................................................ 7

LOVE AT FIRST VOICE ................................................................................... 14

RITISHA, STARTING WITH H' ....................................................................... 22

EFFORTS TO GET HER ATTENTION ............................................................. 32

RENOVATED ATTITUDE ................................................................................ 43

FIRST SPLIT-UP ................................................................................................ 49

ARRANGED MARRIAGE - A POPULAR INDIAN ADVENTURE SPORT ... 51

SOMETIMES, CONSUMING ALCHOHOL IS GOOD ..................................... 78

FIRST PROPOSAL ............................................................................................. 94

FIRST SEX CHAT .............................................................................................. 98

FIRST FIGHT.................................................................................................... 102

FIRST PARENTS INTERACTION ................................................................. 104

FIRST BIRTHDAY GIFT ................................................................................. 107

JUST A FEW HOURS TO GO .......................................................................... 110

LOVE IN DELHI: DAY 1 SHOCK................................................................ 112

LOVE IN DELHI: DAY 2 SECOND PROPOSAL ........................................ 121

LOVE IN DELHI: DAY 2 UNINTENTIONAL INTERCOURSE ................. 133

LOVE IN DELHI: DAY 3 FAMILY MEETING ........................................... 141

LOVE IN DELHI: DAY 4 LAST DAY.......................................................... 153

BLACK SUNDAY ............................................................................................ 165

CONVINCING HER ......................................................................................... 168

VAIN LIFE ........................................................................................................ 171

BATTI KATTI................................................................................................ 175

DESTROYING MEMORIES ............................................................................ 179

FAMILY WHERE LIFE BEGINS .................................................................... 188

PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH FATHER .............................................................. 194

THE LAST LOVE LETTER. ............................................................................ 199

EPILOGUE ........................................................................................................ 202

Not everyone here is out to celebrate Valentines Day, then!

Heres the second one, Can Love Happen Twice? By the

Sohil took out his book.

To Prerna the inspiration Sharma,

story and he seemed too young to be a father of a four-five-year-

Arrey, I am serious. I have still not gotten over the memories

I love you too my love whispered in my ear.

You deserve it, my love. I want to thank you for accepting

Yeah. I am okay. I took a day off to take rest.'

LOVE AT FIRST VOICE

Hey Hanifa, I am fine. Thanks for asking I replied without

me to speak out loud enough for him to hear. He gestured me that

RITISHA, STARTING WITH H'

leaving. I knew I could not afford to waste a single second. I ran

Nothing, She asked me for help to put a water bottle on the

Siddhant, Siddhant Siddhant, Siddhant Rajesh Shah?

Why are you asking me so many questions? Do you want to

I got up and went to the washroom. I burst into tears. My male

You better be. Lol! Maaf kiya.'

EFFORTS TO GET HER ATTENTION

Can we be FB friends if you don't mind? I asked her after

Koi Naa. I will appoint you as the official Costume Designer

Subhah wali morning ji.' I sent a text to Hritisha.

Hmmm. anyway, who am I to tell you what is right and

Hmm. Okay Hritisha said.

I had a special connection with Hritisha. I could not get angry

she had accepted my Filmipanti and immature nature. I liked the

January 22, 2015.

Wait I will come upstairs I was in the basement.

data to your parents as soon as they came to know that your

'Why? Do you want to kiss someone? That's why you won't