28~ The First Date
ADHYAY
"Breathe in, breathe out Isha. Think positive", I gently told my sister who was shivering in fear.
She again had a nightmare. The past few weeks weren't normal.
She is trying to come out of her shell but even the slightest disturbance triggers her.
Mom and dad are doing everything to make her happy but it's just, some things take time.
If you ask me, she's doing better. She started talking to everyone, comes out of her room for dinner and even went shopping with mom, but again, he has given her a lot of trauma.
It has been 2 weeks since I came to know what happened and I even lodged a complaint after I had read the laws.
But when I went to the police station, he was not ready to listen to me when he heard that it was regarding that Richie. I don't want to take that man's name!
I was angered beyond control. The Constitution straightway writes that any person who harasses a woman or demeans her sexually shall be fined or punished, but why would they listen?
After all, money is everything. I do earn a lot but it's nothing in front of his riches.
God knows how much money he is feeding to those policemen who fail to realise that because of their hunger, they are destroying an innocent girl's life.
"I-I c-can't d-do t-this", she mumbled and I sighed. Taking her hand in mine, trying to comfort her, I said, "You can, just focus on good memories. Think nice. Nothing will happen".
She nodded and closed her eyes, trying to do what I said.
"Adhyay! Your phone", I heard my mother yell from outside and I stood up immediately.
Glancing one last time at my sister, I went outside her room.
I took my phone from my mother's hand but was greeted by a teasing look.
I glanced at the caller ID and then internally groaned. Why did mom have to see my phone?
Glaring at my mother who only looked at me teasingly, I went to my room and locked the door.
Since the day my parents came to know that Akriti asked for marriage, they have not stopped teasing me!
They don't know why she agreed to marry.
I fed them a cooked up story, I don't want my parents to think negatively about her, especially mum.
"Hey!", I greeted my now fiance. Well, my parents talked to her mumma and they got the wedding date finalised after four months.
It's too early according to my mother who needs to shop and arrange everything.
She needs it to be perfect and grand despite my choice of having a simple court marriage.
Hrishika was equally participating in the preparations trying to become normal but as I said, some scars heal with time.
"Hi", Akriti greeted slowly. And just like that, I died here!
For a minute, there was complete silence from both of the sides. She didn't say anything nor did I.
"How's Hrishika?", she asked first. She always does. Whenever she calls or whenever we meet, it's the first question she asks. She really cares for my sister and not because of me, just because she is supportive and caring, as a human.
"She's doing fine", I replied.
"That's great! I read an article and you know, you can sue him. Court will punish him", she said and I sighed. But I don't have enough proof. We just have a few security camera recordings and that too without voice.
"I know, but what about proof?", I queried.
"At least try once, talk to a lawyer!", she demanded.
"Yeah, I will", I said. I don't know how he will really get punished. He has money and an influence on people. The rich get away with whatever shit they do but it's us, the normal people who suffer.
"You should", she affirmed. I should but I am scared of the consequences.
He is freaking rich and what if he blackmails me by kidnapping any of my family?
I know I'm being dramatic but I can't help but think about that!
I am a simple person with zero knowledge of how these things work.
I was satisfied with my work but suddenly my easy life got disturbed.
More than that, my sister and family are dealing with so much stress and trauma.
"Okay, I'll talk to a lawyer, fine?", I asked.
"Yep. Anyways, I needed to ask something", she said and I hummed, eager to know her question.
"Adrija said that before marriage, you know-
"I don't know, please enlighten me ma'am".
"She said, umm that we should go on a date", Akriti finally and my jaw dropped. Is she asking me on a date? And that too because Adrija asked her to? Is Adrija stupid? Yes, she is! Why does she need to poke her leg everytime in my matters and embarrass me always?
"S-she said we should go on a date?", I reconfirmed.
I couldn't believe how easily Akriti put it up!
One day she says that she is just marrying me for her mother and the other day she is asking me on a date.
She is confused! Like literally, how confused she is?
Either you like me or not? What is this middle way?
First she asks me not to hope for a normal relationship with her and then suddenly her mind changes and here she is asking me for a date!
"O-only if you wish", she said sadly and here I melted.
I can't say no even if I want to. She's confused but I am ready to give her time to sort whatever is going on in her heart.
I think she likes me but because of her father, she is too scared to give in.
How do I make her believe that I won't harm her? All I will give her is my love?
"Do you want to?", I asked.
"We can try once", she said and just like that I agreed.
I can't believe how hopelessly I have fallen in love with her.
I agree with everything she says. Not even my mother could ever command me to do something but Akriti, I'll be ready to give my life if she asks.
I won't say that I'll bring stars and moon for her because it's scientifically impossible and everyone says that.
My love for her is much more than the stars and moon's worth.
"Don't embarrass yourself and act like a gentleman", my mother reminded me for the hundredth time while adjusting my tie.
"I know mom, I am not a 5 year old kid", I complained and she rolled her eyes.
"I know but you are just like your dad, stupid and dumb. That man didn't take me on a single date!", my mother said and huffed. I chuckled and asked, "And?"
"And he was boring as hell. He always had one place in mind whenever we used to go out during college, that is, ice cream parlour", she grumbled, making me laugh. Looks like mum misses those days with dad.
"We never went out for trips", my mother complained like a child.
"Jhooti! I took you and kids on 10 trips till date", my father yelled and came inside my room with his arms crossed.
"Yeah, 10 trips in 30 years! People go on 3-4 trips a year and we take 1 trip every 3 years. What's the ratio?", my mother yelled at him while I thoroughly enjoyed the show. They are adorable. Even after 33 years of marriage, they still behave like kids.
"Because you always said 'focus on work Hriday, we can do all this later'!" Dad bellowed and that was the end of my patience. I ended up bursting into laughter while both of them threw sharp glares at me.
"Yeah yeah keep laughing, I'll laugh when your wife enters the house",dad taunted.
"And before that, don't forget to clean the kitchen Husband dearest", my mother commanded my father who groaned and glared at mumma.
"Wasn't it your chance today?", he asked and my mother shook her head in denial. Pointing her index finger at him she said, "I cooked and cleaned yesterday so today is your turn. Go, don't waste time"
Dad rolled his eyes and went away. Turning, my mother clasped her hands with a satisfied smile and said, "And you, be good to her. Pull a chair for her, offer her water and don't forget to compliment her".
Holding my mother's shoulders, I replied, "Yes Maa, I'll be fine. Don't worry. Take care of Hrishika. See you later".
She tiptoed and kissed my forehead in motherly affection.
"All the best bacha", she whispered and I smiled.
Taking my mobile phone and keys, I went to the garage to take out my car.
I specially washed and made it sparkly clean today so that Akriti won't feel disgusted.
Everyone hates a muddy car! Even me too but I feel lazy and often end up not washing it every week.
I drove to her apartment and called her.
In a few minutes she was downstairs making me smile.
Today, she was wearing a peach floral dress and her beautiful curly hair was left open.
But, my smile changed into a frown when I saw that tissue paper Tushar behind her.
Why does he has to be there every single fucking time?
She was talking to him with a smile! Frustrated by the scene unfolding before me, I blew the horn a little too harshly so that Akriti could remember that I was waiting for her.
She nearly jumped on the spot due to the loud horn. A minuscule smile formed on my face seeing her reactions but I hid it as soon as it came. I am not like this, but seeing her with that Tissue paper makes me furious.
She waved him goodbye with a smile which should be only reserved for me if I might. I hate when she smiles at him, my insides burn. She opened the passenger door and sat in the front, where she belonged.
"You scared me! I was on the verge of a cardiac arrest hearing the loud horn", she said as soon as I started the car.
"I'm sorry", I apologised sincerely but not looking at her, instead concentrating on the road ahead.
"So?", we both simultaneously asked once we were out of her apartment complex. I looked at her and we both smiled at each other for the coincidence.
"I don't know", she mumbled looking down. I concentrated back on the road and nodded. She asked me on a date and she doesn't know where to go.
"It's fine. I know a place", I said. She nodded and asked, "Can I switch on the radio, please?"
Oh you don't need to ask! What's mine is yours, even I and my soul. You own me, my heart and my senses, Akriti.
I nodded and she switched the radio on. Adjusting the sound she sat back, relaxed.
She closed her eyes, relishing the soft melodies that rang inside my car. She looked beautiful today, she always does. I still don't understand how someone can be so perfect and beautiful. It's like God took an eternity to craft her.
I applied brakes when I saw my favourite place, and also the place where I saw the jealous form of my Akriti.
"Isn't that the same restaurant where you met that colleague of yours?", Akriti asked bitterly as if disgusted even by the thought of it. I chuckled and nodded. I just wanted to see this, her reaction is killer.
"Why? Don't you want to go there?", I teasingly asked and she rolled her eyes.
"Why would you ask that? I am fine with it", she said and opened the car gate.
I wanted to laugh loudly. I live for this reaction.
That day, she was upset because I was having lunch with Dr. Mehta.
She thought that I was dating her. It sounds absurd but one thing I learnt about women is that they are unpredictable with sudden change of moods.
Shaking my head, I went out and locked my car.
Stuffing my hands in my pants, I followed her.
She chose the corner most seat and before I could pull out a chair for her, she sat.
I am not telling this to my mother. She'll beat me with a bat.
I don't remember how many times she reminded me to pull out a chair for Akriti and look, what I did.
I took a seat in front of her and looked at my watch. It was 8.56 already.
She turned the pages of the menu boringly. Unable to choose anything, she closed it and pushed it away while I only enjoyed seeing her antics.
"What happened? You don't wanna eat anything?", I asked opening the menu and she shook her head.
"I want to but I don't know what to order.
You see", she said with a cute frown on her face.
I turned the pages and stopped at my favourite dish.
I don't know if she'll like it but I suggested it anyway.
Her lips curled into a glamorous smile and she nodded eagerly. I called the waiter to take our orders.
"Is that how a date is supposed to be?", I asked Akriti. She shrugged her shoulders and said, "I don't know, I never dated anyone before".
"Makes two of us".
"What? You never had a girlfriend before?", she asked hysterically. I nodded but her eyes widened.
"How could you not? You are everything a girl wishes for!"
"But they weren't the woman I wished for", I simply said.
She opened and closed her mouth to say something but didn't say a thing.
If I had wished, I could have gotten married years back when my mother forced me to meet a woman but I was committed that the only woman I'll marry will be Aadhya and if she denies, I won't.
"What did you even find in me? I mean how could you even love me?
I am not beautiful, do not have perfect skin, no straight hair and am short and plump.
I am not beautiful yet you claim you love me?
", she said and I sighed. How can she doubt herself?
She's brilliant, kind and intelligent. She made herself into a strong independent woman. Isn't it enough?
"See yourself the way I see you, Akriti. Look in the mirror, you will see an independent woman who built herself. Look at the lady who is an inspiration for many. Look at the eyes which contain love for all. You say you are not beautiful, but to me you are the prettiest woman in the world".
She looked down and said, "That's flattering. You won't say this after marriage".
I closed my eyes for a second, frustrated by her self doubt. Even though I doubt myself, what she is doing is not done. She needs to understand that she is loved the way she is, no one is asking to change!
"We'll know. I don't know what the future holds for us", I stated.
"What if you fall out of love and you start hating me?", she softly asked and I snorted.
"Akriti, look, I don't know the future but I'll try. I'll compromise even if I am right because in the end, the relationship matters, but if we end up separating our ways, that will be a mutual decision", I said.
She nodded at what I said and I sighed. How a simple question of hers changed into a serious discussion! I understand she doesn't trusts me or any of men because of her father, but I absolutely hate it when she says negative things like this.
Awkward silence had surrounded her when the waiter laid out the plates and cutlery. He served both of us and then with a bow went away. I looked at the downcast face of Akriti and asked, "Are you fine?"
She nodded with a tiny smile and replied, "Of course, the food is delicious isn't it?"
"Yeah it is. Afterall my choice is nice", I teasingly said trying to uplift her mood but she only nodded and looked down at her food again.
I too silently ate my food, not knowing how to make her happy.
I didn't say anything wrong but that hurt her.
What I said wasn't meant to offend her, but she took it to heart.
"I don't know anything about you", she slowly said and looked up. I gazed in her almond eyes and asked, "What do you want to know?"
"Everything, for starters, your favourite colour", she said and I smiled remembering the beautiful memory I share with my favourite colour.
"Yellow, I love yellow", I replied and she scrunched her eyebrows probably thinking about my unusual colour choice.
"That's unusual! Most of the men love black or blue. Why do you like yellow?", she asked curiously. I smiled. Yellow, I love yellow because the first time I had seen Akriti, she was wearing a yellow coloured frock. I was 6 then, without any knowledge of love.
She was just 3 and a shy girl. I remember that vividly as if it happened just yesterday.
Adrija and I were playing in the park when Akriti and her mother joined us.
Akriti was very shy when she saw me. She refused to play with us.
Adrija and I were making mud castles. That was the first day I had seen her, and from that 6 year old boy, I grew into a 32 year old man but still loving that one girl with pigtails who stole my heart.
Super long chapter!
It was of 3000 words. The next chapters will be long too!
And do you know you completed reading 110 pages of this book and 50000 words?
And half of the story is still remaining! Imagine me holding a published paperback of this story. How dreamy it would be!
Forgive me for my hysterics ??
And now something more interesting! I asked AI to create pictures of Akriti, Adhyay and Amayra.
Have a look
Is that how you imagined them as well? Because they are just like I imagined! They are so pretty!!
Did you like them?
One more thing before I end, I think this story will take some more time.
I know you all are waiting for marriage and romance but it's not that simple. I'm trying to take things slow to give it a realistic touch. It's the first draft of the story.
I am actually considering it to publish it on Kindle or go for traditional publishing after I have completed it and made the necessary changes.
So, I need to make it more realistic and interesting to read.
And for that, my first draft needs to be a bit mature so that I refine it and finally go through the publishing process.
Therefore,I ask for your patience and support.
I am myself wanting to complete it as soon as possible but just as Adhyay said, "Some things take time".
Thanks a lot for reading upto here. Don't forget to drop your votes and reviews on the chapter.