“What happened, Chaits?” Alisha asked a bit concerned – a bit resentful as she thought, she must have bored Chaits…
“Nothing… You know I got to leave with my friends in few hours – I’ve to freshen up” Chaits said smiling at her.
“Here let me put your glass in the sink for you” said Alisha and took the glass from Chats – she was miraculously straight as she walked to kitchen and back.
“I thought you were a bit high when I saw you staggering a bit when you stood… how did you manage to recover so soon…?” asked Chaits in disbelief
Alisha looked at him and couldn’t control her laughter, “I staggered because I was sitting cross-legged for a long time & I’m not used to it” she explained “I’m quite sober & can gulp at least 2-3 more shots…”
Chaits shook his head in disbelief, however, he still got up… he did need a bit of fresh air and freshen up before his friends arrived to pick him up…
Alisha offered to drive him home in her car and he reluctantly agreed. They drove and the car entered the parking “Wouldn’t you invite me to your apartment, Chaits?”
Alisha suddenly popped this question and Chaits had to invite her for a cup of coffee – she was still in her Punjabi suit and she’d picked up her handbag & keys when they left her apartment. They entered his apartment… ‘This is a typical bachelor accommodation’ thought Alisha looking at messy tidiness around.
She entered the kitchen along with Chaits and they had their normal small talk while Chaits instead of brewing coffee poured soft drinks for each – “After heavy drinks, coffee could mean an upset stomach – so let’s pacify by sipping this soft drink-” said Chaits.
“Now it’s your turn to tell me all about you” said Alisha.
“Wow! Alisha… after hearing your story two things come to my mind… 1. You’ve a fascinating past in comparison to mine… 2. You got a good stamina to drink…”
“Thank you” Alisha smiled.
“Hmm…” Chaits paused for a moment, “As far as my past is concerned, it’s boring when compared to yours… My childhood, I spent in Mumbai till I was in fifth – after that… my life changed a bit from normal – my father was selected as a scientist with ISRO & moved to Bangalore. My mom is a Sanskrit pandita and she kept herself busy teaching, preaching and promoting Sanskrit & our Indian values & mythology… so I was sent off to a boarding school at Panchgani. I used to meet my parents only during summer vacations. Now they are settled in Chennai. From there I joined Computer Engineering with Param Shikshan Mandal’s education Trust. That’s where my life started taking shape…” Chaits paused and abruptly stepped into his bedroom as Alisha looked puzzled – he came back with a laptop & looked at Alisha’s raised eyebrows and smiled…
“The audio visual would help you understand my story better… I got photos from my college stored here” he explained…
There was silence as his laptop booted up.
Chaits could see that Alisha was all interested in his past however she seemed a bit restless. It seemed she was holding back something which she now felt a need to say.
Chaits had arranged folders meticulously… he opened the first folder which contained photos from his school days. He showed her the photo of his first bout of boxing when he was in eighth standard… Alisha could see the difference between a frail school boy to tall & muscular Chaits now had… She felt her interest rise to a crescendo as Chaits opened the folder of his early college days.
Slowly, Chaits took her on a visual round of his college campus & Alisha was impressed by its magnitude. Then he started with photos of his classmates & colleagues which included photos of Lucky, Vicky & their friends as well… Vicky especially raised an alarm deep within her… she thought she had seen him or his photo somewhere… but the thought passed off her mind as Chaits continued… She was all eyes & ears when Chaits opened the folder that contained photos of his closest friends… she wanted to know who they were…
Chaits first introduced Chaps – then Amit and then Deb…
“No girls?” asked Alisha.
Chaits smiled as Payal’s photo unfolded – Alisha was looking at her intently – he explained how she’s engaged to Chaps – then he introduced Natasha.
“Tell me Chaits, you seem to be very much attached to your friends… you didn’t speak about your parents as much as you spoke about each of your friend why?”
“It’s not that way “Chaits said, “I’m very to my parents but as you now know I’ve spent most of life away from home – and like you did – I relied on my friends for all my emotional needs – fortunately, I got a group of friends who are like my own family”
“Hmmm – I see” said Alisha, “but then didn’t you fall in love with any of your friends or any other girl in your College? I mean didn’t you ever fall in love?”
Chaits looked at her & blushed and then started laughing.
“What’s so funny about this question?” Alisha asked innocently.
All the response Chaits could give was another fit of laughter.
He got up and walked over to the full size mirror in the hall still laughing & confusing Alisha more….
Finally he controlled his laughter & looked at Alisha through the mirror. Alisha was certain that she saw love in his eyes… “I’m sorry… I couldn’t help but laugh at my fate that brought this coincidence to my life… Yes! When I was in first year of my engineering – I fell madly in love – you also can call it an Infatuation.”
Alisha had her eyebrow raised and wanted to know more about this love affair…
“However, “continued Chaits, “It was always a one sided love affair – I’d seen her and I used to see her every week at least once… I used to date her in my house every week – but she never responded… except in my dreams” and he started laughing again…
“Interesting” Alisha seemed casual about this remark though curiosity was at its peak – she wanted to know who this first love was…
“As fate would be I met her here, in Delhi, few months back and found that she’s more attractive and beautiful now…”
“Attractive & Beautiful?”
“As a personality – she looks much more attractive now & yes – now that I met her here I found her to be very sweet, caring and good hearted and more beautiful from inside as well…”
“She’s here in Delhi?’ Alisha almost shouted this question,” I’ve not met her… you never mentioned her…”
“Well – You’ve definitely met her – you know her better than I do” said Chaits firmly and Alisha’s mind quickly whirled around people she knew -finally her instincts pointed to Jincy… She was the only graceful & attractive person she could have known better than Chaits.
Alisha’s heart skipped a beat as she slowly asked, “May I know who she is?”
Chaits paused for a moment and decided be needed another shot of scotch to tell her who it was…”Would you like to go for a mild shot of scotch… mine seems to have receded…”
“No – not really… you can go ahead if you want to…” said Alisha. She was more interested in knowing the person, who she knew, whom Chaits had fallen madly in love with…
Chaits crossed over to kitchen and on the way said, “Just click on the folder… ‘My First Crush’ and you’ll see her photos…” and disappeared in the kitchen.
Alisha reacted quickly and her hand stopped short of clicking on the folder – she paused for a moment – closed her eyes & concentrated to control the storm of emotions rising in her heart. Finally she made up her mind and clicked, she could see no photo in the folder only a power point presentation… what now?
“Chaits… Please don’t tease me… I see no photos in this folder…” Alisha asked in confused tone.
“Put that presentation on a Power point Show and keep on clicking” said Chaits still in kitchen. He was searching for the bottle of scotch he had kept hidden and used to consume a very little every time he chatted with Priti.
Once again Alisha found the storm of emotions rising in her heart. She could hear the pounding of her heart as it beat faster & stronger she wiped off a thin film of sweat from her forehead and closed her eyes again to regain control – she slowly bent forward & began the slide show…
It was a well decorated slide that appeared on the screen & her curiosity was at its peak… here’s what she saw…
Slide 1: A blank screen … decorative border started from top left corner of the screen and finished – edge to edge – slowly the colour of the screen changed except for the border and she could see fine, small white checks on a faint mauve background – nothing further…
Click 2:-
A faint line, barely visible started drawing an outline of a face – well actually it seemed to be an outline of the hair… and words appeared…
“Wow”
This is a story about my first crush
I ever had in my Life
“It’s You”
Click 3 –
The faint line now took shape of a queenly shoulder
“She’s the most Attractive Face
I’ve seen…”
Click 4:-
The faint line now outlined what seemed to be a jacket or a blazer… faintly replicating a bust of a statue if an artist was in his work to paint a portrait…
“I have fallen for her Courage
That’s rarely seen. In a normal girl…”
Click 5:-
The outline now was more clear in comparison to barely visible with a beady necklace appearing – the figure was familiar- yet Alisha needed to wait till features of face became more prominent… this outline could belong to any beautiful face…
“I Love the way she
Dares to speak the Truth”
Click 6 –
The shade to the outline now changed to show the hairline – no facial feature yet seen… Alisha was appreciating Chaits’ creativity how he managed to raise curiosity of her instincts & yet doesn’t reveal what she wanted to know at one click…
“I Love the Honesty and
The Noble Cause she fights for…”
Click 7:-
Except for the face – the lines and shades are now more clear – enough for any person to guess that this is an outline of a fabulous female…
“I’m hit by her Glamour…”
Click 8:-
A thin line now appeared defining her jawline whilst the balance frame remained steady…
“I Burn with Desire as she spits Fire…”
Click 9 –
Few more faint lines appeared now defining the curve of eyebrows & a small portion of earlobes that peep through the flowing hair…
“Her Crowning Glory
Writes a Story
Etched upon my Heart”
Click 10:
Now the faint line defined lips & Alisha found the features to someone vaguely familiar but unable to recognise the person…
“She has a Personality
That stops millions of Heartbeats…”
Click 11 –
The shades of the portrait changed now showing a black blazer. This blazer blended with long flowing black hair. One can now see a baby pink dress over which a sparkling necklace rested the face is yet vague – no clues – no noticeable features…
“She depicts
The Perfect Woman
I desire & I dream…
To be with… Forever…”
Click 12 –
Suddenly the portrait like lines disappeared & the slide went back to its original mauve checks on white background with thick decorative border running side to side…
“You
Fascinate
Me…”
And the screen blinked… and lo! The face appeared in its full glory with words…
“Alisha”
Blinking away to glory…
Alisha at first was stunned looking at her own photo, which she realized was clicked from a TV set when she was presenting a show. She unknowingly let out a cry of astonishment… her heart beat fast and she felt her knees were going weak.
“Chaits!” she could only call his name loudly for him to hear… and she choked on words as whirlpool of emotions swept her thought process away….
Chaits had now found the bottle & was about to open it when he heard Alisha call him… he wasn’t sure how strong headed Alisha would react…
So he poured a shot gulped at his drink which he felt, he desperately needed. He didn’t want to face Alisha directly now that she knew who his first crush was and he was glad that he’d kept his word by letting the her know the Truth… he started his explanation loud enough for Alisha to hear who was sitting in the hall…
“Alisha… I had to tell you the truth – Sooner or later, you being my best friend, would to meet my group and I know for sure when they see you they’d blurt this out – I don’t want to hide anything from you” he continued nervously sipping at his additional drink…. “You kept your word by telling me everything you were & you are not hiding any moment of your past – neither did you hide any feelings that you have felt…”
‘God! He was very nervous now as well as a bit high on the drinks that he was sipping… it was taking its toll on his alertness… He knew what he wanted to say however be understood he was almost speaking nonsense…
He was so engrossed to his explanation trying to make sense with his jumbled up flow of speech – he didn’t notice Alisha walk into the kitchen and stand – she stood directly behind him & tapped his back.
Chaits turned around… Chaits turned around to find Alisha standing right in front & square… he was absolutely nervous now…
“Chaits…” said Alisha softly but firmly, “I appreciate your honesty and trust you put on me…” she paused…
Chaits’ head was swimming now… the scotch was now taking effect… especially the last nervous shot be gulped seemed to be weighing heavily on his senses now… he felt as if he was numb…
Alisha looked at him… straight in his eyes & once again the old magic of her looks worked & Chaits heart started beating faster… after a moment Alisha turned her eyes away from a direct glance and looked away from him at first and then at him with lowered eyes – she wanted to say something but was holding back… she was trying to formulate a speech that’d exactly portray what she felt…
“Alisha” Chaits broke the silence created by Alisha’s pause as he leaned & rested his butt on the kitchen platform to rest, “you got my undivided attention when you told your story… but… I’ve a feeling that you wanted to say something more…maybe a part of story… that you may have felt irrelevant at that time… which you feel is very important for you to blurt that out… when I was relating my past to you…”
Alisha looked at him once more and lowered her eyes again… “You’re right, Chaits” she murmured… “I do want to say something that’s been very close to my heart for some time now…”
Chaits looked at her – she still had her eyes lowered which put Chaits at unease – till now for every word exchanged, she had met him – eye with an eye – this gesture of her hinted trouble distinctly…. He put a helping hand on her shoulder and gently said, “Look Alisha, I’m your best friend & you’re mine… you can trust me with utmost confidence – you have my word for that…”
This helped Alisha a lot and she took in a deep breath & looked directly at Chaits who put his other arm on her other shoulder like a pin that’s attracted to a magnet – Alisha stepped nearer & hugged Chaits. It was a tight hug – Chaits put his arm around her to comfort her “Hey! What happened?” asked Chaits gently…
Alisha did not loosen her hug & said, “Chaits! Did you ever wonder why I offered you to stay back & share a drink with me? Did it seem odd to you when I asked you to be my best friend & shared my past with you? Wouldn’t you want to know why it was you?”
“That’s too many questions for me to ponder at this moment when I think I’m about to go high & pass out” said Chaits smiling sheepishly,” maybe – you can help me by answering all those questions…”
Alisha looked at him & smiled – there was something in that smile that Chaits liked – it was a positive smile. She hugged him now even tighter & said, “Chaits – I want you to close your eyes – I cannot say it with you looking directly at me this way…”
“Ok” said Chaits & closed his eyes – Alisha made sure they were tightly closed…
“Chaits… I want to share a deep rooted feeling & my most treasured secret now… I hope you’ll understand…”
Chaits kept quiet – his eyes still closed tight… but the feeling of Alisha in so tight hug… beat his heart faster…
“Since the day I realized that my personality that can impress anyone & I got everyone impressed… it started from the day I gave that fiery speech in the competition… I first felt sad but then got used to & started ignoring…” she gulped…
“Go on… I’m listening” said Chaits.
“I’ve always seen lusty looks in eyes of every man I met that includes you as well, but there’s a difference… Lust is natural for any human – those people could never shed their feeling of lust and you – you could shed that away – easily… and the true you, who is someone good at heart with friendly nature, was always there to help me whenever I needed…”
“You’re right Alisha – I got to admit that your personality, your glamorous looks & your husky voice does arouse lusty feelings in me but I’m a person who respects individuality and so I can shed my feelings & put them away because Alisha – I respect you for what you are – My Best Friend…” Alisha smiled at Chaits’ honesty. ‘He can speak truth and not hide his thoughts’ crossed her mind as she still groped around for words to continue what she was saying – never she had fumbled so much – never had she been at loss of words – but here she wanted those exact words which eluded her…
Alisha took another deep breath & continued…
“Chaits… I found you to be too good a person & definitely different from all others – whenever I go back in to the past and see you urging your friends to leave the Dhaba at once – puts a smile on me & I forget all the tensions in my life you’re too innocent & trusting…”
“Hey! I thought you were supposed to reveal your deepest secret – and I find you thinking & talking about me…” said Chaits
Alisha looked at Chaits who was about a bit high but yet not too high…
“Close your eyes” she almost shouted & Chaits obediently shut his eyes tight…
“Well – I’m talking about my deepest secret – You!”
Chaits was taken aback by that statement & opened his eyes & looked at her… as their eyes met; she lowered her eyes & smiled & looked directly at Chaits & said “Chaits! I’ve been pondering over my feelings for past few months & came to a conclusion – I didn’t know the right time nor did I have right words – but now, I can’t keep it a secret any longer – I Love You”
Chaits was not in his correct senses… he responded & kissed her over & over again…. He felt the touch of her soft & long hair & felt better… his hands slowly squeezed her back feeling the softness of her body. Alisha tenderly kissed him back feeling his muscular body.
She had never been so close to a man and had never touched intentionally except to slap or to plant a solid kick – this feeling was different and she was loving it… she felt herself evolving as a woman she wanted Chaits to touch her more …she grabbed Chaits’ hands as they measured her slim waist and slowly pushed them toward her breasts…
His hands touched Alisha’s breasts the feeling of lust in Chaits increased… they were well shaped, soft & warm as he caressed them. His intensity of kisses grew as he once again put his arms around her and started kissing all over her face…
‘God… What am I doing?’ some sense came back to Chaits as he released his grip on Alisha who looked bewildered at this sudden turn of feelings at the same time she looked thrilled at the short romance & surge of lust that she experienced…
“What happened, Chaits?” she asked
“This is not right” said Chaits as he tried to stand straight…
“What’s not right Chaits? It’s right for me… I Love you…” Alisha pleaded Chaits not to stop. She hugged Chaits again however this time there was no response from Chaits…”please tell me what’s wrong – have I done something to hurt your feelings & have I erred somewhere? Didn’t you like me blurting out my feelings for you this way?” Alisha was almost in tears now…
Chaits slowly staggered out of kitchen into the hall and Alisha helped him sit on comfortably placed sofa….
“Nothing is wrong with you, Alisha… you are the best…”
“Please tell me then, I saw the best romantic presentation in my life & it was your own presentation, of your own romantic feelings for me then what…” and Alisha almost choked on her words.
Chaits began in a slurred voice…. he was clearly high on his drinks, “I do agree I did & I still do have those feelings for you…”
Alisha smiled, ‘Oh! How noble of you Chaits… you don’t want to take physical advantage of me when we both are under influence of alcohol, right?’ thus Alisha appreciated him…
Alisha sat close to him & hugged him then she kissed his cheek, “Look at me, Chaits” as Chaits turned & looked at her, she saw him look confused – his eyes were moist which astonished her & he seemed nervous… “Please, tell me what happened? This is not the normal you.”
“Nothing’s wrong with you, Alisha,” Chaits repeated, “and nothings’ wrong with your feelings – the timing is wrong – had this occurred when I was madly in love with you – I’d have loved you the way you wouldn’t even imagine… however, it’s my mistake – I should’ve completed my say about my past before I got up for the drink”
“I – I don’t understand” said Alisha
In a slurred voice Chaits started relating the balance story of his college days. When he related his experience at Go Bananas where he first mistook Priti for Alisha – Alisha was confused & Chaits realizing this asked her to click on folder named ‘Pinky’. Alisha couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the photos of Priti – she surely could pass off as her twin sister – her heart began sinking as Chaits love for Priti began to sink on her. When Chaits related New Year’s when he proposed – Alisha could bear it no longer – she was cursing her fate – she’d have been so happily positioned – Chaits in love with her & then marrying him…
‘Why had he to meet Priti? And why should Priti look exactly the same as me – so much so that she could be her twin sister? Why couldn’t the fate introduce Chaits to me before he met Priti?’
“I understand, Chaits” she said in low voice knowing she had lost her first & her only love… “Priti is luckier than me…. and so she’s rightfully won over a wonderful man like you… however I hope – after knowing everything about me… including my feelings of love for you… I hope… you’d still be my best friend…”
Alisha couldn’t continue – she got up & rushed out of Chaits’ apartment. Her whole life seemed to be in doldrums. Her heart was wailing miserably and yet her mind reminded her that she was – The Tough Alisha Fire…
She didn’t wait for the lift but went running down not bothering to even notice that the corners of staircase walls hurting her as she banged on them at every turn… the physical pain was no pain in comparison to the pain that was rising in her heart…
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