Megha's POV :
It's the start of a new year, and here I am, standing in front of Ganpati Bappa for blessings. It's an old habit of mine-whether it's my birthday, New Year, or any family member's birthday, I always begin the day with Bappa's blessings. I never want to change this ritual of mine ; I just love it . And today , just like always, I am here to continue my tradition.
"Today feels different... like something is going to happen , or something is waiting for me . Okay , not just today but from the day when that babaji come in my life and announce a bhavishyawani . But let's hope everything turns out great-amazing even-and maybe with a little bit of adventure in my life, okay Bappa ? " I say in my heart. After bidding goodbye to Bappa, I make my way towards my hostel.
Yes, I got admission to a "thoda good but bohot jyada ghatiya" MBA college in Pune. And yes, it was me who applied for this college, but of course, you only truly know about a college after you join it. Before that, it sounds like a dream college.
Anyway, no point crying over it now-there's no other option but to continue my master's here. I just finished my first semester last week, and now I'm free to go home . After buying some peda prasad from a shop near the temple, I head towards one of my friend's flats.
Her mother is here because of our exams-both my friends were unable to manage studies and household chores together, so they called her. Since my own Aai isn't here, I thought, why not take blessings from her mother? After all," Maa toh Maa hoti hai". That's how I start my day-happy, hopeful, and ready for the year ahead.
I'm especially excited today because it's a new year, a new day... maybe even a new beginning. And I plan to surprise my Friend by going home. "Yehhh!" I think to myself . I knock on the door, and my friend's mother opens it. "Suuuupppprise!" I shout. But instead of happy faces, I get... a shock. Yes, a shock-because I see my two friends sleeping in the hall, and one just coming out of the bedroom.
So, you will ask me, what is the shock in it? Let me tell you-only Ritika and Sneha share the flat together, but here Asmita is present too. Okay, leave it. Aunty says hi to me and I enter in.
After talking with her, I get to know that they all planned to celebrate the 31st at Ritika's place-and I am not invited. I feel bad about it... but what can I do, na? Okay, I feel very, very, very bad at this time, and definitely, I can do something, but instead I just make my way toward their kitchen, take out a bowl, leave some prasad in it, and make my way towards my hostel.
I like aunty-she is very sweet-but what I felt there... I just couldn't stay one more minute. So I leave the place hurriedly and angrily, making my way to my hostel.
And today, I learn the first lesson of the very first day of the new year:
'' Don't waste your time, love, and efforts on people who don't deserve it.''
Later, I return to my hostel-my " kum best jyada worst" hostel. I greet the watchman uncle and drag myself towards my room on the third floor. "Uff, ye sidiyaa..." I mutter under my breath. When I open the door, silence greets me. My roommates aren't here-all thanks to me. They'd invited me last night to join them for the day, but I had chosen to visit my so-called friends instead. Now they're probably enjoying a movie or lunch at some aesthetic restaurant, while here I am-alone... and lonely.
I just want to cry.
Author's POV:
The morning sun filters into Thakur Haveli, where the entire family is gathered in the temple of Lord Krishna, located on the left side of the grand hall, opposite the dining area. Hands joined and heads bowed, they pray for blessings for the family. Chandraprakash and Avantika perform the aarti, distributing it among everyone. One by one, the children touch their feet, take blessings from the elders, and then head to the dining table for breakfast.
During their casual conversation, Sanjay says, "Parmar from the opposition was spotted with Rathi near Sarada. "Uday looks up. "And what do you think, bhaisa? What could be the reason behind their meeting?" Sanjay replies, "Right now, I have no idea. But I think we shouldn't ignore it." "So, should we ask Rathi about it directly?" Uday questions.
"No," Chandraprakash interjects. "If we ask him now, he'll definitely create a fuss over it. And we can't make it public-it would cause conflict in the party. We know him well. When the election high command refused to give a ticket to his son, he created a huge scene over it... and he still hasn't moved past it."
All the men nod in agreement, while the women quietly listen. They don't involve themselves in politics-speaking only in front of the media when necessary . "Vikram," Chandraprakash says firmly, "keep a close eye on both of them, and don't let anyone know about it." "Yes, Dadusa. Don't worry," Vikram replies . After a little more discussion, everyone leaves for their respective workplaces.
It's a sunny afternoon. Arjun is overseeing arrangements in his hotel when a group of people walk in. From their attire and demeanor, it's clear they belong to a wealthy family. They're four girls and three boys-the men in casuals, the women dressed beautifully . One girl, tall and beautiful, is wearing a yellow floral knee-length frock. The group heads to their reserved table on the first floor, near a large window overlooking the garden. As they settle in and place their order, she-Misha-glances outside, her eyes catching sight of a man in the garden talking to his staff, instructing them to make sure everything is perfect.
Noticing her gaze, her friend leans closer. "Where are you looking, Misha ?" "Nothing," Misha says quickly, pulling her attention back to the table . The starters arrive, and they enjoy their conversation until one of the boys notices someone near the entrance.
"Misha, isn't he the same man your dad is planning your marriage with?" he asks . Misha follows his gaze and sees a man in a black blazer talking to a guest-it's Arjun.
Before she can respond, Bhoomi speaks up, "Yes, he's the same man, bro."Everyone reacts with an "ohh," and before anyone else can speak, Bhoomi adds teasingly, "So that's why you chose this hotel for lunch !" "It's not me who chose the hotel. But yash... it's near his office," Misha admits."And you happily agreed to it, right?" Yash teases ." It's not like that. You all know it. Stop making a scene, guys," she replies.
Neha chimes in, "I think you should talk to him."
"Yes, and maybe we'll get a discount too," Yash jokes-earning an "are you serious?" look from everyone.
"No, you idiot," Neha rolls her eyes, then turns to Misha. "It'll give you both a chance to know each other and make your own decision. Otherwise, you'll just have to agree to this alliance blindly, because we all know our family cant see anything else except business and profit . "
Everyone agrees. Misha hesitates. "But how can I just go and talk to him directly ? "Rahul suggests, "Just say hi, hello... exchange a couple of lines. If you feel he's okay, continue. Otherwise, excuse yourself . "They all agree again, and Misha thinks maybe Neha is right-it's better to talk to him now than regret later . After dinner, as they prepare to leave, Misha approaches Arjun.
"Hi, Arjun," she says hesitantly."Hi," Arjun replies blankly-she's the last person he expected to see at this hour. They know each other only by name and face, through occasional greetings at functions. He knows she is the daughter of Mr. Oswal . After a pause, he asks, "You here? I mean, what brings you here ?" "Just came with friends for lunch. It's New Year, after all," she smiles."Oh," he says. "But in the afternoon ? Most people prefer the evening for such outings ." His tone carries curiosity-he knows how much his family wants him married, and wonders if this meeting was a setup.
She shrugs. "Everyone has different plans for the evening-some with family, some with partners, and some at typical parties ." Relieved that it's just coincidence, Arjun relaxes.
They exchange polite conversation about their work-avoiding any mention of marriage. Misha doesn't quite know how to keep the conversation flowing, and neither does Arjun, both being aware yet cautious.
What they don't notice are the two eyes watching them from a safe distance . That person quietly takes out their phone, snaps a picture of the two, and smirks before sending it to someone . After wishing each other well, Misha heads towards the exit, and Arjun walks back to the kitchen to continue his work.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Write a comment ...