ONLY TRUTHS NO LIES………
Chapter – 1
It’s That night , which I never expected . especially from him . my phone got another message from him .
I am dying……
I was like what? And messaged hii….
He said hi…… and continued like
I have been trying for you since this morning. Where were you ,not online ??
No , I was just busy with my sister’s wedding shopping. Is everything fine ?
Yaa i am fine .Just messaged the wrong person.
Ohh ,that’s fine. I hope you are ok?
Yaa…… I am alright. Wait,can you wait for a minute?
I was like yeah……sure.
Exactly after a minute , i got a message from him,
I really don’t know how to say this.but i just don’t want any regrets in my life .So I am here with a lot of courage to tell you .
Maybe this is too early but I feel like telling you . I really feel peaceful and comfortable when I talk to you . I LOVE YOU . Let’s not bring this topic up again . Tell me whenever you want to.
Just by seeing that message my reaction was , WHAT THE HELL?
Is this a prank…?
Do you really think that I make fun of such feelings? It was really tough for me but I couldn’t stop or hide my feelings with you,this shows how comfortable I am with you .
Please, respond fast and at least for my happiness just say yes, saanvi .
See these boys,just before he said to take time,and now he is forcing me to answer him right away ,that too a positive reply. My mini me got excited for a minute,and I call it navi. It is a nice rhyming saanvi , navi . no don’t get deviated navi please help me.
After a minute of thought ,i replied ‘ call me tomorrow’
Then he started behaving so desperately to answer him right away.
After a lot of struggle I convinced him to call me tomorrow morning at 9 .
Then he messaged me, i will wait for you ,and tonight I can’t sleep with this excitement.
Oh bullshit, same line in every film.
Shut up navi,I think he is serious about me.
Don’t act stupid. He is making you emotionally weak and trying to fool you, saanvi. Stay strong. And now just say bye.
‘Good night, bye’ , I messaged him. He saw my message but I know he is not going to say bye so fast.
As expected ,i saw his message
Tomorrow morning in my life is waiting for your entry. I will be waiting for you.
Oh this is so filmy,but nice to hear .
Stop fooling around saanvi ,just say no. my inner voice is so angry at me.
‘Bye’ was my reply ,for such a great filmy dialogue.
He replied, I LOVE YOU.
I said bye………..
Maybe I am night blinded just for this message from you. He pinged me.
He is acting very romantic,cute. Ohhhuuuuuueeee….sooo cute. Said honey.
Please don’t get shocked,honey is a simple indian girl ,with an emotional heart and a very romantic inner voice of mine.whereas navi is a strong,practical,independent and bold brain of mine.
After some time ,I went offline.
Hi, I am saanvi prakash.I live in chennai .I finished my engineering entrance exam a month ago. And waiting for my result. My exam didn’t go very well. I am an ambivert .
So, I have a huge circle with less people. My life is cool ,peaceful. I am a very ambitious and studious person.
I have recently downloaded instagram to promote my online tuitions. I am a chemistry teacher and earn. Now I think you got a clear idea about me.
I started getting friend requests from all my school and college mates. One day I got a request from Rahul Krishna,my high school friend,the person I was chatting with before. He is a medical aspirant. But wiser than me.and stay’s in bangalore. With no thought I accepted his request and followed back.
Maybe that’s a major mistake.
That day he messaged me on instagram,
Hi saanvi,
How are you?
I thought to make some fun because he was the only boy who spoke to me in my school.
Hii i am saanvi’s mom.are you her friend?
Yes aunty . her school friend .
Sorry aunty
Why?
I didn’t know that this is your account ,aunty.
It’s ok .No problem. Because I am only saanvi. And this is a prank.( laughing emoji)
What? ( angry emoji)
Sorry, it’s just for fun .
Ohh, can saanvi prakash do pranks? I thought you were a very reserved person.
It’s been so long since I spoke to a school friend. So I am happy.
Oh ok, school boys felt that you are a bookworm,never friendly with boys.
Hello,excuse me.I am funny too.
Hey,if you don’t mind, can I get your contact number? Just to add in our school whats app group.
Yaa sure. ( maybe this is the second mistake that i have done)
96******34 .
And your’s ?
70******89
Ok,bye .
bye.
Next day,
Good morning,saanvi – message from rahul
Good morning,
Had breakfast?
No actually,i just woke up
What ? its 11 am
Ya ,actually i am a night owl .
Oh ,that’s fine.
What are you doing? – rahul
Nothing much.you?
Listening to music.
Ohh ok carryon ,bye.
Bye.
Same day ,evening,
Hi, saanvi – message on instagram from sruthi
Hi,sruthi .How are you?
Yaa , fine . you?
Good.so long, right?
Yaa,maybe after 2 years ,after school we were not in touch?
Yaa,I am an asocial personality.
Even our friends feel the same ,never spoke to boys,tough to laugh at least,never to birthday parties in school.
( that’s a bit rude but i am a boring person) are you in touch with any school friends?
Not really.but a few are on insta and some are with me in the same college. Rajesh,harsha,rohit,rahul just message me for a month or two.
Ohh ok. What about our college whats app group?
What? We don’t even have one.
Whatttt?????? Then why did Rahul ask for my number to add to the group!!!!!
Maybe sruthi doesn’t know about that group.
Ok sruthi ,byee. Message you later.
Bye saanvi.
After 2 days,
I got a call from him. A call for 2 hours.
Actually ,I hate long conversations on the phone.since it is a call with school friends after 2 and ½ years ,I couldn’t deny it.
We spoke about my boring behaviour,his active nature,other friends,IAS coaching which is really out of topic,cricket,politics,cinema,music,and every shit on this planet.
And finally when i say bye,he reluctantly said bye
I didn’t notice that day,but today i understood his intentions
Later on we were in regular touch with each other on calls. But we never saw each other’s faces.
One day during our conversation he told me about a funny incident with his school friends who are really like aliens to me.
When they are planning a startup.its about newspapers.collecting newspapers from every house and selling them in bulk for a reasonable price and recycling papers. They made ID cards ,visiting cards and a small office setup.Even some girls of our class helped these boys,but I never knew this idea of them.I already told you that I live in my own world. Back to the point, they went to a colony to ask for newspapers ,and some aunty asked them why do they want these newspapers ? They explained the whole plan of the startup to her and she was totally convinced with it.Meanwhile a regular newspaper dealer visited their street and that aunty refused to give newspapers to him. Dealer was so depressed about this idea of a startup and took a visiting card from them.
Next day, they got a big deal from an unknown number .They were excited . Approximately 50 kgs of paper .so , harsha,rahul,chaitanya went to that road in an auto.A hulk like person is standing on the road waiting for them,they met him and asked them to follow him.
Here the action begins,or maybe drama,
He took them into a very dark,and isolated street where a don is standing near a bike.they reached the exact location . Then came a small gang .They tried to beat ,threaten, and even tried to attack them with dogs. Obviously,Harsha changed his words that he has no connection with this startup,but chaitanya was brave,rahul kept quiet and all of them came to compromise. Everyone reached their house safely.but from the next day they didn’t even get the topic of startup.
He narrated this entire story to me on call for half an hour,
I said,“It’s adventurous right?
He said,ya ,it is.
But you could have increased your character,ofcourse boys does the same thing with girls
You could have exacerbated your character. I said.
No,no,i can’t do that with you.i try to be as honest as possible with you.
Then I didn’t know that he was trying to flirt with me. I thought he was a gentleman.
After some time our conversation ended.
One day , we were chatting and in between a conversation we got age topic
Suddenly he asked me for my date of birth and I said it.
Really??? Is his reply.
I asked why?
Nothing, you are 10 months older to me, he said.
Ohh ok. Was my casual reply.
Can i call you akka ( sister) ?,he said
I was so casual and said it’s your wish and anyways i don’t have a younger brother.
He then revealed that it was a prank.and he is two months elder to me.
And i sent him laughing emojis
That’s why I didn’t believe that he proposed to me,because most of our conversations are pranks.
And the conversation was deviated to dussehra preparations.
And i wished him advance happy dussehra
He replied that he can’t take advance wishes
I asked why?
He gave me a logical reasoning, that advance wishes will be greeted only when you won’t be available on that day or you try to avoid them in future.
I felt is logical and took my wishes back
He sent me laughing emojis. Because laughing is my only expression.
He said that he couldn’t chat with anyone for such a long time,he is too lazy to type.but he doesn’t know how he can chat with me. Again my reply is smiley emojis.
The next day he sent me a message to call him
I called him,and he told me about his bicycle accident which he met that evening
I felt that he has no friends in college to share with and calling me everyday
As I am free at home and all my friends already got their admissions into some colleges ,I attended all his calls. But I really didn’t expect this.
Slowly our calls and chats declined but regularly i got messages from him to call or messages like how are you? .
I got busy with my sister’s engagement,wedding,shopping,admission,and my online teaching.
That day when I went shopping I got a message from him. Call me
I said I am busy shopping.
Ok call me when free ok? From him
Yaa sure i said
Next night I got a message from him. A LOVE PROPOSAL.
Tomorrow at 9 I should reply to him . What should I say?
Suddenly navi and honey appeared in front of me.
Navi : say NO
Honey : no, say YES
Me: please shut up, my decision is no but how to tell him.
Honey: why are you acting so rude? He is so cute.
Me: I told you to shut up.I am not in a position to handle this responsibility,it’s so huge for me.
Navi: exactly say strong, say it confidently.
Me: But how?
Honey: be polite. He is emotional and sensitive.
Navi: no, say it as hard as possible so that he doesn’t disturb your future.
Me: neither his feelings nor my future should be disturbed. Make a plan.
Honey: at least tell us why your answer is NO?
Me: I don’t believe in these relations like love, marriage. People change with time and even me . I don’t like it if my loved ones hate me.
Honey: don’t think so far.he doesn’t even know how you look.maybe he is genuine.
Navi: You should. It’s your future.when you are not clear about the present don’t take decisions about the future.even i don’t know how he looks now.it’s never about looks to accept or reject.its about the feeling,opinion.
Me: exactly. Now stop this shit and tell me how to say NO?
Navi: be honest and tell him what you feel about him.
Honey: ha,but be kind.
Me: please don’t confuse me .I will do something.both of you just get lost.
Honey ,navi : ok,bye darling.
Horrible night with a lot of thoughts,but I am clear about my friendship towards him .Actually that is my advantage.
Next day morning it’s 9 am . I spoke to him about my decision and asked .why me?
He replied, please don’t ask me that question because I don’t know .But I really like you and feel pleasant when I talk to you.
Me: We are so good as friends,I don’t want to ruin this.
Rahul: I feel it would be even better if we are a pair.
me : breaking friendship for love is foolish . and there is no guarantee for any relationship
Rahul: trust is the solution for any problem.do you trust me?
I was silent for a few minutes. Because I don’t trust anyone.
Rahul; and I never felt to get a rakhi from you.i really like you from school days
Me: what?
Rahul: yes ,but never tried to express my feelings.
Me: why?
Rahul: because you never spoke to boys and spoke just a couple of times with me.and basically we were kids then.i felt thats the wrong time.
Me: oh! Suddenly we are adults now right? We are just 18
Rahul: I know. But it’s too late to share my opinion about you. What do you think about me?
Me: You are better than me in education. Doctor to be. Rich life,well mannered ,happy family but why me?
Rahul: I really felt alone after our tenth,something was missing but now i feel complete with you.in college my life was hell,i am trying to recover with your friendship.
Me: exactly that my point,please don’t disturb our friendship with this stupid love.
Rahul: I am really happy for your good impression of me.
Me: you stupid , i have good opinion on you but not what you wanted from me.i am really scared of expectations and relations are full of expectations.
Rahul: I just expect you .That’s it.
Me: That is very tough for me. I am very patient till now and am trying to answer in a very kind way.lets leave all this right now.
Rahul: Is that a NO?
Me: hmm….. See, let’s not make this a huge thing . Let’s delete and block each other’s numbers.
Rahul: number can be deleted from phone but not from heart.
Honey dont get over excited,it is a recent film dialogue.- said navi.
Me: This may be our last call rahul.
Rahul; I wish ,it may not be.
Me: I am really sorry ,I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.
Rahul: Then did you accept?
Me: no but i respected it and spoke to you.
Rahul: I may leave you now but not forever,I will be back again in your life.
Me:what?
Rahul: yes,in this entire conversation you never said you hate me,i will be a better person and be back . because I respect your opinion.
Me: I request you to not say this to any of our school friends please.
Rahul: Of course,they just know us as classmates,let them think the same.
Me: thanks for that.bye
Rahul: Why aren’t you leaving by saying bye?
Me: I still find you in call so .not by having some feelings.however you are still my friend.
Rahul: I didn’t say anything about feelings now,why are you saying that?
Actually you don’t know about feelings.
Me: yes i don’t know and don’t want to know also.and this is so rude rahul.just as i rejected you, you can’t talk to me in this way.
Rahul: I am sorry,but…..
Me: you still deserve a better girl.and forget me when you are with her.
Rahul; you are the best,not better.
Me: ok rahul,goodbye.
I blocked him and deleted his contact and deleted my insta account.
I wish I would never find him in my life ever.
Chapter – 2
After 2 years,
I got a call from an unknown number.
Some anonymous person, is this saanvi prakash?
Yes,who is this?
Hii,saanvi .Do you remember me?
Not really,who are you?
Rahul krishna,this is my new number.
After a few seconds I responded,hii rahul.
Nice to hear from you,after 2 years saanvi .
What’s the matter rahul?
Are you still in touch with any of our school friends,saanvi?
Not really,I am not on social media and I lost my phone last year and lost all my contacts.
Ohh ok,actually all our school friends are planning for a reunion of the tenth class batch.
So,I felt like inviting you.its been 5 years.
That’s nice,so who is organising? when?where?
It’s me obviously.29th of this month. chennai.
Ohh,I have a project submission and group discussion at the end of this month.
Since i am in bangalore,i am convenient with that date and everyone accepted.so,could you please prepone your plans please.
I will try but it is really impossible.
Please make sure you attend.
Ok i will,but leave in 1 hour.
Ya,that’s cool.
venue?
I will share with you the location.
Ok then, bye
Bye, see you soon.
Reunion day,
With lot of 96 film vibes,
I went to the location which he sent me.I never even knew that this place existed.
No one is here.I thought I was early.
Its 6 pm,
A person with a well dressed,tall,beard is walking towards me.
He addressed me with my name, saanvi.
I finally realised that he is rahul.
Hii,rahul.
Long time yaar!!!!! ( with a very excited voice)
Yaa rahul.( in normal tone).where are everyone?
They will be here in 20 mins .As an organizer I thought I should be first but you are here so early.
Yaa ,as i said i have my presentation now so,i thought to be early and meet everyone.
Meanwhile, his phone rang.he left to another table and started speaking to someone on call.
I was just wondering about the ambience of that place.its so nice,fully decorated,colourful,with light music,lighting,and most importantly mild fragrance.
And I was just counting how many 500 /- notes do I have? Because it looks like a costly place.how ever i am full,my lunch was heavy.
Meanwhile he finished his call and started staring at me.
It made me a bit uncomfortable.but i was busy with counting the number of tissues on the table.
He took a flower from the nearby vase and started approaching me.
I looked at him.
You look beautiful saanvi,pretty actually cute.and handed the flower to me.
Thanks rahul.i took the flower from him even without touching his hand.but please don’t ask me why.
Where are these people? Never ontime. I said.
Shall we order something? He said.
Ya sure.i said in nervousness.
So,one veg fried rice ,for you?
I will just order a watermelon juice.
No,no this is my treat .I will pay for it. He said
No,I am full.i am ordering even this just to give you some company.
Ohh now I got it ,are you on a diet?
No ,I don’t believe in superstitions like dieting,really I am fine with juice.
Sure?
Ya ,sure.
Ok,waiter -one veg fried rice and one special watermelon juice .( i looked at him surprising)
Ok sir said that waiter, sir food will be here in 15 minutes and left.
I started looking at my watch,phone,at the entrance.
It is 6:11 that’s it.I have to leave by 7.i said to myself.
Ok , we can’t waste our time by waiting.lets play a game.said rahul.
Game? We are not still in 10th grade rahul.
Never let the child in you die.this is something you told me in one of our calls.
Yaa but…
Shhhh…. Listen we can’t stare at eachother like this,it’s embarrassing so let’s make this time fun.
Ok.
Two truths, one lie.
After a minute of thought,I agreed.
Ok let me start.
Rahul:
1- I have 30 watches.
2- i hate oily food
3- I hate people who stink.
Me: 1 is true ,2 is false ,3 is true
Rahul; mannnn…!!!! That’s actually true. How come?
Me; simple,this place smells really good,maybe as organiser you did this
and you ordered fried rice ,how would you hate oil? And I just guessed about watches.
Rahul; nice…your senses are so sharp.ok now it’s your turn.
Me: fine.
1- i am gonna be a writer after my btech.
2- i love politics
3- I love the colour red.
Rahul: 3-false,2-false,1-true.
Me; that’s actually right.how?
Rahul; you love white clothes but you look gorgeous in red since school days.once for correction i took your notes and saw some dialogues in it,i thought some random film dialogues but came to know that you write well and finally you believe in social service but feel politics is not only the way to serve people.
Me: great research!!!!
Rahul: no,just random observation.
Me: Is your observation only on me or everybody in class?
Rahul: I really have my eyes on the people who are polite with me.and who i really like.
Me: ok ,next is you ( out of nervousness)
Rahul: 1- i have someone in my life …… and that is you.
2- i really love you
3- i want to marry you
Me: ( stunned ) but looking at him. Looking at the entrance.
Waiter: sir,madam your order is here.
Me; thank you ( ran into wash room to wash hands)
Looking in the mirror,I asked myself, did he just propose to me?
It’s not safe to stay here,leave as soon as possible.ok idea.
I texted sreya ,hey sreya i am in trouble,can you just call me in two minutes? Please.
My plan is to leave this place as if i got an emergency call.
But as I left the restroom ,my scene was quite different.
Dining hall is full of random people and hotel staff holding roses,Rahul on his knees with a ring in his right hand.
As I approached him ,he started talking.
I tried to forget you millions of times since the past 2 years but billions of times I kept falling in love with you.i even tried to be in relation with others but felt guilty because you are in my heart.then i realised i couldn’t stay with anyone except you.i can feel the love and care of my mother with you.even a minute more away from you may cause me immense pain.and trust me,I TRULY LOVE YOU.
Me: still looking at the entrance
Rahul; I just felt like meeting you and talking to you about us,there is nothing like a reunion.i just invited you today.i can’t accept if you say no to meet me,so i said that this is a reunion.
I am sorry . I hope you understand my feelings……….WILL YOU MARRY ME? ( he lifted the ring )
I am still shocked , am I on a date now? Isn’t this a reunion?
People around me are just going mad and shouting to say yes,say yes…..yes…yess….
I am confused. thank god navi and honey are out of station today,if not they would have confused me even more.
I am just staring at everyone and Rahul like a statue.
I can find tears full of rahul eyes.he would just cry if i say no now.
I saw Shreya calling me ,but now I am not in a position to answer it .so ,I just cut the call .
It’s almost 7 now,i have to leave said to myself and went to my table ,placed a 500/- note on the table,took my bag and went out of the hotel.rahul started following me and screaming my name but i ignored it.he ran behind me and we reached the main gate of the hotel
I looked at him and asked
What have you done?
What happened,saanvi?
Inside,why did you do that?
I just felt like telling you saanvi.
Even after knowing my answer, why did you do that ?Have you gone mad?
I thought after many years you would miss me and accept me.
What? You are always and will always remain my friend ,rahul. Actually it’s my mistake to accept your friend request,to give my number,to be friendly,to come to this damn hotel like a fool for this nonsense false reunion.
Saanvi?
What? I just barked like a mad person but seriously I am so angry.
Saanvi,do you have someone in your life?
It’s better to say that I am not single to escape from this situation and this person,I thought .
And i said yes ,i am not single and i have someone in my life and looked at him
I can find he is crying and cry even more if I leave.but i have no choice.
I have to leave .
I left that place by taking a cab.i want to go home,actually i am not in a mood to participate in group discussion and give a presentation.
I messaged sreya that i am not well and can’t meet now?
And switched off my phone.
I saw him crying from the side mirror of my cab,he was still staring at my cab.
I never looked back. And did not want to .
Chapter – 3
It’s 7:45 pm .I reached home.and switched on my phone.
I saw tons of messages from my friends about the presentation,they postponed it to next month 9 th . And Rahul’s message whether i reached home safe or not?
I saw all these messages but didn’t reply to any.
I went and took a hot shower to get rid of these emotions.
Returned to my bed , switched off my phone again and slept like a devil due to these presentations and work
I was restless for 15 days. Along with all of this i have a pressure of my mother to visit them
And come to bangalore.i have been delaying that for 4 months.
Next day, at 8 am my alarm rang and I had a very bad headache last night.and that alarm sound was irritating.
Felt like killing the clock if it was living.
Directly into the kitchen, I made black coffee .It felt like a hangover for me.
I went to my balcony,my heaven on this earth. After ten minutes i got a call from anitha akka
She is my best friend prerana’s sister.
Close to me and my go to person for every problem.
She called me and invited me for her engagement and wanted me to attend , organise every event . Her engagement is on 15 th of next month.and wedding is on 30th .
That means only one month from today.
Anitha akka called me for her engagement shopping today.i am not well but i have to be there for akka.
By 10am ,I was waiting for them near the shopping mall.i saw akka coming out of a black car along with prerana and groom .
Anitha akka introduced me to the groom, he is arjun.and she is saanvi.
I said hi arjun.even he greeted me in a very polite way.
They looked like a perfect pair.Maybe because I like Anitha akka.I really admire her.
We then moved into the mall.and all of us were excited.
Bride and groom went to select their clothes.
I started selecting dresses for prerana.
Meanwhile I saw Rahul entering the mall. I don’t know why I started hiding.is he stalking me?
Rahul Went to Arjun,and they were so close.arjun introduced anitha to rahul.
Anitha akka called me and prerana,i went to them with a confused face.
Arjun said meet my brother rahul.and anitha said she is my sister prerana and my sister’s friend saanvi.
We were just stunned.even Rahul was.
There is another boy with rahul.he is Adi ,Arjun’s friend.
Again the bride and groom left us and were busy with their shopping.
We left for the ladies zone and they went to the men’s section.
I just minded my work and prerana was busy with dress selection.
Rahul is looking at me in between and even me.
After 1 hour we left the shop and went to a coffee shop nearby.
Six of us became so close within no time of our chat. Except me and rahul.
Anitha and Arjun were cute. They needed some privacy and went to a separate table.
Common thing which matches in adi and prerana is that Adi is a photographer and prerana is a photo addict.they went to one corner of cafe and started taking photos.
That was so awkward that only me and Rahul were on a separate table that went towards the corner of the room.
Rahul started apologising and said that he is actually here in chennai just for his brother’s marriage.and he would stay here for a month.and i just kept nodding my head.
Anitha,prerana,adi,arjun none of them knew that me and rahul have known each other since 5 years. We were just strangers to them.
Rahul asked me about Anitha and how she is related to me. And I explained to him.
He asked me ‘ will you join us for the rest of the shopping ? and stay till the wedding is finished?’
I actually want to be with Anitha akka and prerana in every part of the wedding but even after knowing that Rahul is the groom’s brother and will stay till the wedding ends ,it is not right to be a part of the wedding. Navi said to me.
( yaa , navi and honey are back)
Honey said ‘ hey saanvi, please stay for anitha akka’
Meanwhile Adi,prerana returned and even arjun ,anitha.
My headache increased even more. I said bye,everyone and tried to leave.
But anitha akka took me to a side and started arguing with me
Why are you leaving so early? Arjun and I want to go out for a drive ,can you and prerana manage at home? Please.
No,akka .I have not been feeling well since morning.I am here just for you.and even now my head is aching. I will tell prerana to manage at home.
Hey, pack your back for a month and stay in my home till the wedding is finished.i will take care of the rest of the things.
No,akka no,never. I have project to finish,please akka
No,listen to me come and stay .It will be easy for you to manage even your college ,because your college is near my home.
I know that even Rahul will stay with me ,in the same house for 1 month.so,I can’t afford to face him again and again.
I said no akka,and tried to leave that place but akka was very disappointed with my behaviour .I can’t see her like that so,I agreed to her plan.akka was so happy.i really want her to smile all the time.
Anitha akka and arjun left in their car.
four of us took a cab and went to my place. I packed all my things with a lot of doubts,locked the door and entered the cab again.
We went to Anitha and Prerana’s house .I went to Padma aunty and said that Anitha went to a nearby temple and Arjun left for his house.
Aunty was serious at first but later she realised that Anitha went to the temple for some special baba pooja .
Now my brain is about to blast. I asked for some medicine to prerana.and she said she doesn’t have one.
After a few minutes rahul gave me a blue colour strip and asked to take 1 tablet for every 6 hours in two doses .Maybe he heard me talking to prerana.
It’s funny because he was the reason for my headache and now he is treating me.
I don’t even know that I am here with my school friend,who loves me,in the same house after 5 years.
I thanked him and went back to my room. Got freshen up and was waiting for lunch.
More than 15 people were in the same house. I went to Padma aunty and Anand uncle and said that i can’t become a burden for them and asked them to allow me to leave.
But their reply was’ you are just like my daughter and daughters are never a burden to parents,stay here as long as you feel,we came to know that you have some health issues ,so take rest and help prerana in wedding planning.i was emotionally touched .i started weeping and returned back to dining hall.we all had a very funny conversation during lunch but rahul kept quiet . I noticed that he is inconvenient with my presence .
I went back to my room and slept. I woke up and saw it was 4 in the evening .It’s my time to walk.
I went out with prerana’s pet dog choco. I felt peaceful. Spoke to my parents about my shifting to prerana’s house. And they felt safe for me.
I returned home by 5 ,I went to the terrace and saw anitha and arjun returning home.
Then prerana came to the terrace for me.prerna is such a great girl not just good and such a comfortable person to live with.
She came to me and asked whether I was ok or not?
I said,i am fine
Prerana: I am not asking about your physical health. About your thoughts? So seriously thinking about something .I have been noticing you even from morning you were dull.last night your phone was switched off. If any issues trust me,I will never be judgemental,you can share it.
I couldn’t hide it anymore with prerana and said everything about rahul.
I hugged her and just about to cry but navi said don’t be an emotional fool near your friend.
She looked at my face and asked me do you love him?
I said NO.
Then why are you so insecure?
I shouldn’t have been so close to him.it was my mistake but forever and ever he is my friend.
I can’t see him feeling uncomfortable just because of our personal issues in his own brother’s wedding.
Don’t over think saanvi,it’s time to enjoy.it is a wedding.so have fun.because from tomorrow we can’t avoid rahul. So,talk to him.if possible.i will support you in any situation and most importantly let’s not tell this to anitha akka.
I kept nodding my head. a small breeze of a smile touched my face.
Chapter – 4
That night I was on the terrace after my dinner . Full moon,cool breeze,full of plants and weather about to rain.I felt so happy because I am a nature lover.
I heard Rahul’s voice from behind. Hi, saanvi.
Hii.
What’s the plan for shopping tomorrow?
Nothing but padma aunty and uncle are making calls and inviting everyone tomorrow.
Ohh,ok.do you have your college? What time?
Yaa . 9 am
Ok.can i drop you?
What ?The other day he proposed to me. And now,how innocent!!!
I was about to say no but he stopped my flow and said
Hey!! I am sorry for whatever has happened but why can’t we just be friends like before?
See, we are here not only to attend a wedding but also to arrange a wedding .So it’s better to be cooperative .And most importantly Anitha and Arjun shouldn’t know all that happened between us.
Navi and honey got activated and for the first time they stood on the same word,see saanvi it’s now sure that you have to stay in the same house with this boy for 1 month,you can’t avoid him completely so, the better option you have is to make friends.
I said ‘ ok rahul.lets be friends but on one condition even this relationship of friends is only until this wedding gets finished.later on lets just move on with our lives without even having contact. Deal?
After a minute of thought,and a lot of emotional looks at me,he said ok.
So, now we are temporary friends ,right? He asked me.
Yes.we are.
Ok then can i drop you tomorrow to your college?
Even now my answer is no.because my college is nearby.i can go by bus.and thanks for asking.
He waved his hand as a sigh of bye and left the terrace.
Next morning I was actually late and waiting for my bus near the bus stop , and I forgot my textbook at home but I can’t go now.
I saw him coming
He came near me and said I found your book on the table ,here you go.
Thanks rahul.actually I was late and lost my bus.
Honey said hey rahul,ask me for a drive,drop me at my college.
Ok ,let’s wait for the next bus or can I book a cab.
No,Rahul, it may take time .I will go in auto.
Ok ,can I come with you to your college?
What? But why?
Hello miss! I am your temporary friend now.let me see your college friends
Oh! Now are you taking advantage of our deal? Whatever, I am getting late.bye.
I took an auto and left.
My midterm exams are also about to start.
So,i have a full packed programs this month.wedding,exams,presentation,and bangalore visit.
I came to the canteen for lunch and I saw all my friends in a crowd. I went near that crowd and asked what happened?
They then pointed rahul.
I was really shocked.
( all shocks,or maybe awkward moments of my life are linked with this boy)
I went to him and asked why are you here?
Meanwhile all my friends asked me to introduce him.
This is shreya,anjali,raja,hari,vikram,ajay.Guys,he is Rahul,my school friend.
No,no actually,we are temporary friends, said rahul.
What temporary friends?? What is it?? All my friends were so curious to know.
I felt really embarrassed.
Guys,guys actually we are busy with wedding arrangements ,so i am leaving now.rahul ?shall we go?
No,no let him stay for 5 more minutes.bro just tell us about saanvi in school.was she so strict even in school? Asked vikram.
Ahhhhhh!!!!!!! Said rahul.
Rahul wait.This is enough ok – i said.
Bro,don’t feel scared of anyone.tell us bro.said ajay.
Yaa, actually she was so strict especially with boys. We are like monsters to her.
But apart from all of this she used to only talk to me. Very good girl.
All our class boys ,we used to comment on her, avoid her, ignore her. But she never got offended .I used to protect her from every boy. And she used to protect me from teachers.
Good memories ,very sweet days.
( he again paused for a minute and looked at me)
Actually I even got carried away.
I said ok,now shall we go?
Hey,stop .Bro everything is clear but what is this temporary friend? Asked hari.
I interrupted him and left that place by saying bye.
After a couple of minutes , Rahul followed me and we met near the ground
I asked him to leave
But why?What did I do saanvi?
Why did you tell them about temporary friends?
Ohh i thought ,they actually know about our love story.
Excuse me.it is a one sided love story.not our.and why did you come here? To my college.
Felt like meeting your friends .
Ohhh don’t bluff .Tell me the correct reason.
Actually, I am curious to see your boyfriend.
What boyfriend? ( after a minute i realised that i lied near him that i am not single).ya,ya there he is varun.my senior.
Just a minute.I went near varun.
Varun,my senior.I first met him on my freshers day. He is a smart,intelligent,active,decent boy. He is an orphan.
Especially very protective about me.he saved me from ragging many times.
I went near him and explained my current situation and act as my boyfriend for a week.I know that he will agree because he is very friendly and understands me.and i am not a stupid too,i know that varun is in a relation with some other girl,who stays in UK.
He first denied but later on i said i have no other option and pleaded him.so he agreed.
We went near rahul,
Rahul,this is varun.varun,this is rahul.
They greeted each other.
During this crucial scene my professor called me so I left them. After 15 minutes i came back to the ground and did not find varun.but saw rahul in the car.
I entered the car .Rahul and I started to go home.
Rahul,where is varun?
He didn’t reply.
Where is he?
He went to the library with his friends.
When?
We spoke for 10 minutes about our careers and then he said bye and left.
Ohh thank god nothing much happened.i said to myself
Varun is lucky, and a very good person.rahul said.
I looked at him without any emotion.
He likes you a lot,saanvi. I can see that in his eyes.
You idiot, he already has someone in his life.i said to myself.
Rahul,but don’t say this to anyone in my college because Varun has some issues, so he never let me meet him in college.and even today i don’t even have his number.
What is that true? He asked.
Yes ,we don’t talk much.
Sorry to ask but may I know who proposed first?
Again,I paused. I Proposed to him first. That too, on the first day I saw him.
On our freshers day.
Ohh ok,he said.his expressions changed .
Meanwhile we reached home.i rushed into my room and called prerana.she is in her designing class.after 1 minute. I saw a call from her.
I answered her call in a hurry and said my false love story with Varun, real temporary friendship with rahul,rahul’s visit to my college, rahul and varun’s meet.
As soon as I said that, she became silent and then started scolding me.
I asked why?
She said ‘ saanvi, why are you complicating things’.
No,Prerana .Varun already has a girlfriend and he is my only solution from rahul. Varun understood me and obeyed my plan. And if Rahul knows that i am in love with another person,he will never try to cross his line again. I made the right step.
Yaa,but what about college friends? Asked prerana.
I said to Rahul to not tell anything about Varun and me because it may cause issues to varun.
Ok saanvi, now i think you are really getting out of all this.
Yes, I said and cut the call.
Chapter – 5
That evening, me and anitha akka went out for a walk.
Akka spoke about her wedding fantasies,
She needed a red lehenga for her engagement,yellow one for haldi,white one for sangeet,dark pink saree for wedding.
She explained to me about function halls,decoration,catering,etc…
I asked in wonder, why are you telling all this to me akka?
Of Course,it’s you and Prerana who have to arrange all this.
No akka , i have my mid term exams this month end. I have to prepare for them.
When do you have your exams?
On 25,27,29 th.
That’s good, haldi is on 27 th morning, mehandi on 28th afternoon, sangeeth on 28 th night ,
You can write your exams happily. Ok,take leave from 15 th to 30 th of this month.prepare from home. So that you can help prerana when needed.
Ok akka,even i felt the same, my health is getting better now.i will take care of your wedding.
That’s my girl,give me a hug.
Love u akka. Love you too saanvi.
And we kept on walking.
Ha saanvi!!!!,rahul and adi will also help you and prerana because grooms side they have many customs about traditional south indian wedding.
I reluctantly said ok akka.and then we moved into the home.
Next morning,I went to college and wrote my leave letter and submitted it to the principal sir.
I went to class and met my friends. I said ,I am taking leave for 15 days.
They continuously started asking me about rahul.i said I am busy and invited all of them to the wedding and left my class.
I saw Varun near my class and went to him.
Hii varun.
Hii.
Thank you so much for saving me from yesterday’s situation.
That’s okay.saanvi.
My sister,Anitha’s wedding is on 30 th of this month and engagement is on 15th.please come.
Yaa sure. By the way, you are looking so beautiful in this dress,saanvi.
Thanks varun.
Shall we take a selfie?
Yaa,sure actually i don’t even have your number.yesterday rahul asked for our photos and your phone number.i somehow managed that.
We then took a picture.
Your number? He asked me .
96******34.
Ok,I will message you, he said.
Ok varun,bye
Bye.
I reached home and started reading. After 3 hours , about 11 in the afternoon anitha akka
Asked me to get ready . to buy engagement rings and order wedding cards.
It’s already 3rd. Only 12 days left for the engagement. Prerana,Rahul,Adi and I were waiting in a coffee shop .Actually we want the bride and groom to enjoy their privacy. So,they went to buy rings.
Everyone is busy with their phones.then rahul said its boring.shall we all play a game?
I choked on a mouthful of milkshake.
Adi got excited and said yes let’s play. But what?
Rahul said, two truths and one lie.
I seriously looked at him. And he even looked at me.
Prerana understood the situation and said no,no let’s play truth or dare.
Everyone agreed.
Rahul started spinning the bottle .
First it’s Adi’s turn.he chose truth.
Prerana asked him what his girlfriend’s name was?
No,I am single, said adi.
Prerana was really happy internally,that I could sense by seeing her eyes.
Next it’s prerana’s turn
She chose to dare.
Adi asked her to enact a weird situation with her best friend.
Me and prerana enacted that situation when she was completely drunk.
That was funny.
Next it’s Rahul’s turn.
He chose the truth.
Adi asked him about his first love.
Rahul looked at me, and started talking about love on phone calls without using my name.
Adi said wow,that’s really nice man..!!!!! What did she reply? Adi questioned.
Rahul said she rejected me .
What? Such a fool…..how can someone lose a gem like you mann….really she is unlucky .but what is the reason? Adi was curious .
Spontaneously I said, maybe she really feels you like a best friend.not more or less than that.and most importantly without knowing a girl completely how can you propose to her.
It’s harder to lose a best friend than losing a lover ( from a recent book) .So logically she must be under a lot of pain.
Everybody looked at me. And asked how do you know?
I just felt …….her situation,so……..i am sorry to interfere.i said.
Continue rahul.said adi.
Maybe she’s right,it’s my fault to hurry up.
No,rahul.it’s not your fault.adi said.
We all looked at each other’s faces for the next 5 seconds.
Adi spinned the bottle again and it’s my turn now.
Prerana asked me the truth or dare?
I chose dare.
Adi and Prerana asked me to go near that grey shirt guy and offer him a marriage proposal right away without looking at his face.
I said no,never.
They forced me to do it.
I saw Rahul’s face .It’s like a half boiled omelette.
I went near that grey shirt man and said,hi ,i have been observing you for the past 5 minutes .i really liked you.shall we get married right away?Please,don’t turn back because I can’t face you.May I know your reply?
Prerana and Adi started screaming and whistling for my dare.
I turned back and started moving towards my seat.but,i heard a voice saanvi?
I saw his face and it was varun.
Hey, saanvi, what is this? He asked.
No varun actually we were playing and this is my dare to do.i am really sorry varun.
No,that’s ok.
Shall we go?
We went to our table and I introduced Varun to prerana and adi. This is Varun,my senior.
Not just a senior,she is my girl friend.varun said.
I looked at Varun and rahul.
Varun held my hand and Rahul just stared at us.
Ohhhh!!!! Ohhhh!!!!! Adi and Prerana shouted.
Please join us bro,adi said.
No guys ,I have to leave bye.
Bye,saanvi.
Bye ,bye.
Meanwhile ,Arjun called Rahul and said they finished their shopping.we left the cafe and picked anitha and arjun.we then went to a wedding cards shop .
Our two final options are pista green and light blue cards.
We picked up a pista green card and noted the details on a piece of paper.
Card is like
Bride anitha kumari weds Arjun chandra kanth
Venue: golden beach resort,injambakkam,chennai
Timings: 30 th november , night 7 pm.
From srimati.padma kumari and sri.anand prasad.
Please,come,attend the most happiest day of our lives.and bless the bride and groom.
We ordered about 400 cards.They gave us a discount of 15%.We were very happy for them.rahul paid the advance amount.Then we left home.so , day 2 of our shopping was finished. We returned home by 5 in the evening. Again I started reading.
Chapter – 6
For 4 days we were busy. We started engagement arrangements.the next day i had my presentation. Rahul And I were decent friends. We crossed the zone of insecurity .
Actually, I was preparing for a presentation but apart from that I have to read for an exam and finish my assignment. I went to the terrace with my books,bag,and water bottle. There I first started preparing for the presentation but Rahul and prerana came up to the terrace .I thought to ask prerana for help but she immediately went down to check her engagement outfit fittings.
Rahul,asked me ‘ any help?’
I couldn’t stop him because he already took my books into his arms.
I asked him to write my 3 pages left out assignment.
Honey said that you rejected him,he is your temporary friend, and you are using him for your own cause.great ahahh?
Navi said no,this is not right . take your book away.
Then I started behaving weird .I took away my book and said I can finish it on my own.
I know that I was so rude with him.but he answered me politely ‘ hey,listen! Temporary friends also can share work when needed don’t worry I will do this .
I couldn’t oppose him anymore. So I said ok .
He finished my work in 20 mins and I finished my preparation in 30 mins.
It’s already 11 pm. I said thanks.
He said, all the best for tomorrow’s presentation.
Thanks rahul. Good night.bye
First time I smiled when he was talking to me.
I then went to my room.
Its 9th november. My presentation went very well and my professors were totally impressed.
Next, I have to go shopping for engagement.
Rahul Came to pick me up and then we went to the shopping mall.
I have tried a violet lehenga and I had my love at first sight with it.
Actually, even Rahul liked it.
We were completely normal now . just like friends.
And we even scold others a lot in our free time,and converse about our school days.
Everything is set for engagement. Function hall,catering,shopping,jewellery,invitations everything went perfect.
15 th november , engagement day
Everybody came and blessed this new couple.
They were stunning and anitha akka is just like an angel in a green saree.
Rahul wore a red kurta paired with blue jeans.
Every girl in the function is actually talking about Rahul and some of them tried to flirt with him also.
That day went very well.
Around 1 pm , Varun came to the venue.
I introduced him to Padma aunty and anand uncle as my senior and friend.
But aunty whispered in my ear that varun looks good and me and varuns pair is very cute,
If I need any help, she will talk to my mother about my wedding with varun.
I just gave a fake and nervous smile at her.later she became busy.
I asked Varun to have lunch.
He even asked me to come.
I said I have some work and meet you later.
But varun was very different that day.moody,sad,calm.
I didn’t know what happened.
Around 3 we all had our lunch,left the hall.and reached home around 5 in the evening.
My phone got a message from varun……hey can we meet at 7?
Varun,I am so tired now. Can we meet tomorrow please?
He saw my message but no reply.
Ok can you come to anitha akkas house by 7? I have been staying at her house for the past 15 days.
He sent me an ok, thanks message.
I shared the location with him.
Exactly at 7 I got a call from him to come to the park which is on the corner of that street.
I can sense something was going wrong.
I went to the park and saw him standing near a bench under a big tree.
I said, varun?
He ran near me and hugged me, and started crying.
Varun!!!! Are you ok?? What happened???
He didn’t reply .
Varun,stop it and tell me what happened?
We sat on the nearby bench.
I wiped his eyes and said don’t cry.
Then after 5 mins he started coming into the main matter.
Manasa left me.
Who? That UK girl? Your girlfriend?
She is not my girlfriend anymore.she got engaged with some russian guy.
What? How could she do that?How do you know?
Today she called me and informed me that she got engaged yesterday and is going to get married.
Such a witch!!!!! . ok, please don’t cry. You really deserve a better person than her in your life.like, the whole college is around you, especially girls are going crazy for you. Listen to me .I know It’s hard to move on .But you can’t get into the thoughts of an idiot who doesn’t care for you anymore.and waste your life
But how could she do this to me??? Varun cried.
I already told you she is an idiot. Ok do this. Write all your feelings about her on a paper and destroy that paper and after doing that she will never be in your life anymore.because by then your emotion will be full filled .trust me this works.
I gave him a pen and paper.
he looked at me as if i am mad but started writing
After 10 mins, he tore that paper,smashed it with his leg,burned it with a lighter,and then mixed that ash in a nearby pond.
And screamed,very very loud.
He looked at me. I went near him and looked into his eyes.
How are you feeling now?
Thanks ,saanvi. At least I lost that guilty feeling of why I loved her?
This is Saanvi’s magic .I said. We laughed .
He hugged me .I patted his shoulder.
Chapter – 7
November 16 th, next day to engagement
I finished my work and went to a gift shop because it is Prerana’s birthday.
I bought her a printed mug which has our photo in it and went to a nursery to buy a plant.
It was 10 am , we all surprised her with a small birthday setup in the garden.
Anitha,Arjun,Rahul,Adi,prerana’s friends and me.
Another shock on that day was adi proposed prerana.obviously , prerana accepted it.
They looked very happy and cute.
But I went near prerana and asked how did you both come to know each other?
She said, ‘We have very similar personalities and I really liked him from the first moment I saw him’.
I was very happy for them.
Anitha, Arjun are having their privacy and prerana,adi too.
Prerana’s friends were busy in gossipping.
Rahul came to me and said, look! They are cute right?
Yaa ! !!!!!!
The other day you were telling about your love story,but didn’t continue…….asked rahul
Yaa, nothing much.we never stay in contact.we rarely talk on campus.just a few days ago i got his number.
Then,how are you still in love with him?
Love is not about time or distance.it is about trust.
Yaa , you are right. Time can change but love never.
We looked at eachother …………………..prerana called us.
She introduced’ hi guys! This is Adi,my boyfriend’. we all laughed .
That day was fun.we went to an amusement park and had a great time.
Later on I was completely into my exam preparation.
On nov 17th, Varun called me.
Hii ,I hope you are fine?
Yaa i am good.thanks for that day.i was a bit emotional .sorry for that
No,no it’s ok. Good to hear from you.
Ok,fine ,bye
Bye.
Later on we were regularly in touch. Chats,calls,small talks.
On the 25th november my exam day went well,not as horrible as i thought.
Varun came near me and we were having a conversation about our library.
Rahul came to pick me.he saw me and Varun in the ground and came to us.
Hi,varun….said rahul
Hi,rahul……
What’s up?Love birds?
Nothing,exams,library,books,same old stuff…
Ohhh cool shall we go saanvi?
Yaa sure. Bye varun.meet you tomorrow.
Maybe Rahul is accepting that I and Varun are in a relation.thats better.
HALDI DAY ,27 th november.i finished my exam and returned home.
Everybody became yellow.but i was really busy because prerana went to invite guests after haldi,i was helping padma aunty at home.and even rahul helped me.
I was exhausted that day………….this may continue for the rest of the wedding.
28th november, afternoon.
We had our mehandi function where no men were allowed.
Completely girls kingdom,dance,songs,and full of high.
That night we had our sangeeth ,which was epic. Boys,girls,dance,music,dj,madness………
Aunty and uncle spent lots of money for this wedding.
Actually,Varun attended the sangeeth.he was so good on the dance floor.
He feels dance as a therapy.
29th november,
I went to the college ,but everyone was staring at me….
I didn’t know why but my friends asked me are you in a relationship with varun?
What? I was shocked.
Yaa…some of your and varuns pics are on notice board….
I ran to the notice board and saw the pictures of Varun hugging me in the park that day.
There is a huge crowd around the notice board.
I took all those photos and ran upstairs.
Meanwhile I saw Varun in an empty class.
Varun what is this?
I don’t know.
I think someone is stalking us.
What? I don’t know what’s happening…
Finish your exam and leave this place.
Ok.
I finished my exam and left the hall in a hurry and again I saw another set of the same photos on the notice board.
You don’t have any idea what I was feeling then.
I took all those photos and ran.
Rahul came to pick me and without a word I entered the car.
He saw me nervous and kept asking me what happened?
I was quiet .
I reached home and kept myself busy.
I felt ok by evening.
Varun called me around 8 pm.
Varun?
He kept gasping and asked me to check my instagram story and whatsapp dp,facebook
Varun,i don’t have any account in fb and insta
What?
I will send you screenshots .At least check your whatsapp .
What happened?just a second i will check
I opened my whatsapp.
The pic when rahul was proposing to me on the reunion day was posted with the line ‘i hate you idiot,rahul.why do you follow me all the time? Just get lost’
And another pic of varun and me in the park with “ my new boyfriend”
Suddenly ,I felt the world crumble around me.
Tears rolled down my face.
Meanwhile,Varun sent me the same pics from my social media accounts which do not exist at all.
I tried to delete those pics from my whatsapp status but they were out of my control.
Out of frustration I hit my phone to the floor of my room.
Prerana and Rahul ran into my room because of that sound.
I hugged prerana and started crying.
Saanvi,what happened?
Open and check my whatsapp status please…..please…..
Rahul opened his whatsapp and saw my status.
I rushed to rahul and said rahul please don’t believe this ,you know that i would never do that.
Please believe me rahul please…….i cried.
Of Course i trust you.but who did this?
I don’t know even on college notice board my photos with varun were placed.i removed it but again someone placed them again
And…and….i don’t even have social media accounts but someone created and posted the same posts.
I was unable to delete them also………i don’t know what to do now.
Rahul came near me and asked me to sit and have some water.
It took me a minute to calm down.
Ok tell me who told you about these pictures?
Varun called me a few minutes ago to see my whatsapp.
Ok ok . I will somehow fix this,trust me. Give me your phone.
I gave him my phone.and prerana came to me and consoled me.
They were in my room for that complete night.
Chapter – 8
THE WEDDING DAY,
I was still nervous but in that wedding atmosphere I felt good.
We actually celebrated that day as a festival.
That was a royal wedding.
Bride and groom were on cloudnight.
Rahul took care of me that day,whenever I was dull,he made me cheer up.
Wedding got finished by 3 in the afternoon. And from 8 we have reception.
Even my friends attended the reception ,they were really supportive. I love them.
They bought anitha akka a gift and even me.
Akkas gift was a beautiful wall hanger and for me they bought my leave extension for 10 days from principal sir.
I said, thank you guys, I really needed this.
Ajay said,shut up.this is what we can do as friends at least….
Love you guys………..and then a group hug.
I went to the back side of the hall which was facing the beach.and sat on a big stone.
I automatically started crying.
Are you ok? Asked varun.
That was a bit scary, but i said i am fine.
Where was your phone?I have been trying you since evening.but thought that you would be busy.
Yaa,my phone is with rahul.he was trying to fix those whatsapp photos.
Ohh! I think Rahul is ok now?I mean your relation with rahul……….???
Varun, listen ! He was my friend and will remain my friend.
No,no I didn’t mean to judge you,but you were with him shopping for this wedding right ?
He is leaving for bangalore in a couple of days ,so i was a bit close to him.that’s it.
Ohh ok. Actually saanvi,the thing is i thought after breakup i would be lost but i am ok because of you,thanks yaar.
No thanks anymore,this is your hundredth time varun,stop it.
The thing is,I really like you,I LOVE YOU.saanvi. What do you think about me?
Not anymore navi and honey stay inside only.This time i will handle this situation.
Varun,I don’t have any space for anyone in my life now.I have no opinion on love or marriage.
Please don’t think of my concern for you as love.it’s not your fault or some fault in you.
This is my perspective towards any new relationship.i am not ready for all this.i hope you understand.
He looked at me for a few seconds.
I just wanted to tell this and clear my emotion,saanvi.
I didn’t expect anything from you.
I am sorry varun,I hope you understand my current situation.first of all we should find that bastard who took our pictures.i need your help for this………….if you don’t mind.
Definitely,because that’s my picture too.don’t worry lets find him.
We left that place and reached the reception hall.he again hugged me and said bye,good night and that was spontaneous.
Bye,rahul…..said i.
Varun???I am varun.
Sorry.bye varun.good night.
I left anitha akka’s home and went to my flat.
That night Rahul came to my room and returned my phone.
This phone is now safe to use .I asked my techie friend to solve that social media accounts issue .He will answer me by tomorrow.
Thanks rahul.but i think this is not the issue which gets solved so easily.
Don’t overthink.let’s wait and see.who he is?
My phone got a message.my picture from my own phone camera automatically,from an unknown number.
I showed it to Rahul and said the problem is not solved yet.
I messaged who are you?
He started sending me my photos one after the other……
Who the hell are you?
Don’t try to trace me .My location will change every single minute.and don’t try to act smart and go to police.i always have my eyes on you.
I was completely shattered.rahul took the phone from me.
Hey!!! You bloody dog, why are you following her? Rahul messaged him.
Rahul! Stay out of it .Anyways she is not your girlfriend.so chill bro.
Saanvi? I think he is watching us.rahul said. He knows that I messaged him now.
Then,my phone got a call from an unknown number.
I lifted it and I heard some cat voice in it .Yaa,it is talking tom voice.it said hi,saanvi.
Who are you? I asked.
Ask something which is useful for you.
What do you want?
Yes,this is the right question.I want you to cry.
What?
Yes, cry now.
Please return those photos ,please!!!!
Ok .one simple question: kill or marry …..your options rahul,varun.
What rubbish?
No. answer to this to get your photos.
I looked at Rahul and spoke to him about the question.
Rahul said…choose me as kill ,lets see what he can do?
I nervously said I will kill rahul and marry varun.
Ohhh….even this is the advice of rahul right? No problem .Now KILL RAHUL.
WHAT…………????????
Yaaa,you chose to kill him right .Do it.or you have a swap option.KILL VARUN AND MARRY RAHUL.
This is ridiculous.i can’t do this.please i beg you .return my photos back please…..
Hey!! Don’t act innocent. I even have your nude photos with me.if you don’t kill him.i will upload your photos in internet.he said.and cut the call.
Meanwhile prerana,adi and varun entered my room.
I started crying and Rahul started explaining everything to them.
Varun came to me and sat next to me.
Don’t worry saanvi,we are with you. He consoled me.i leaned on his shoulder and started crying and his left hand was on my head.
Rahul came to us and showed me my phone. Call from that unknown number again.
In that call,he asked everyone to leave my room except me.
I am alone in the room. I said.
Good,dont try to do something stupid.i hacked rahul,varun,prerana everyones phones.
You can’t escape from me or find me.the only option you have is to do as i say.
What should I do?
KILL…………………KILL…………………KILL……………………HIM.
I can’t kill any of them.please!!!!
No chance babes……….KILL OR DIE.
No,please……………I cried
Hey,if you say this to anyone I will tell Rahul about your fake love story with varun.
And your secret affair with rahul to varun.upload your pics,ruin your career,life.
Whattttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes.so do as i say.tomorrow morning 10 is your deadline. Decide and tell me.varun or rahul.
The call got disconnected.
I just have the next 13 hours in my life to decide,Varun or rahul.
Bloody, 13 HOURS. TIK TIK,TIK TIK, TIK TIK.
Chapter – 9
I called varun……
Varun,please go.go home.i am ok.i will sort this out by myself.
I called Rahul and said I will solve this on my own.please and please inform even prerana to not come to my room till tomorrow morning.
I left my phone and started walking in my room.i asked them to leave because i know that he is watching me and he is watching me through them.but don’t know how.
It’s 12 am,and I saw my wall clock.
I wanted to talk to Varun but I thought it wasn’t safe for him.
I got a slip of paper into my room. With a note, kill him.
I became brave this time and understood the truth that I should face this.
I started thinking like a writer.
The next day at 9 ,I made up my mind and waited for his call.
But another call hit my phone.
It was Varun, I didn’t answer his call.
At 10,sharp. I got a call from that black mailer .But I didn’t hear his voice, only heard some TV headlines .
Person named Varun died in a car accident around 9:20.
My phone slipped from my hand and i don’t know i started running.
I went to that accident place.
Crowd,media,police,ambulance.
I went to see him but…………
The car was completely burnt……..
I kept on crying and screaming.
Constable came to me and asked who are you?
I didn’t answer him and …………..
I went to inspector
He asked me who are you?
I am Varun’s friend.
He is inspector ranjith . rude,arrogant yet sensible person.
Do you have his parents’ contact?
No,sir.he is an orphan.
Look,his body is completely burnt .I know it is uncomfortable and very hard to know this.please control yourself.
Can I see him please?Inspector,please.
No,mam.we are taking him to the government hospital.lets talk there.
I followed the ambulance.
Prerana,adi,rahul saw me in news coverage and came to the hospital.
I kept on crying,prerana sat next to me.
Hospital staff took Varun’s body for postmortem.
A nurse came to me and asked for my signature ,she returned me his phone,watch,wallet,and chain.
I broke down into tears.
Suddenly after 5 mins I got a flash in my head and opened his phone.
His home screen has our selfie ( the other day we took in the college).
He also got calls from that blackmailer………
Maybe…….
I ran to my home…….
I heard my phone ringing…………
rahul followed me.
Call from that black mailer.
He said, varun is no more…………
You bastard !!!! how could you kill him…
Me?I didn’t, instead it’s you who killed him.
Me???
Yaa ,check your phone.he called you at 9 when i was trying to kill him.but you didn’t answer his call because he had some threat from me.if you would have lifted his call ,that would be another story.
I cried.
Hey! Don’t cry .The game is not over yet, this is just a punishment as you didnt play the game well.get ready for round 2.
You rogue!!!!
Ah!ah! Your ex is waiting for you near the door.byeeeeeeeee.
I turned back and saw rahul.
Rahul saw me and came to me.
I hugged him and cried .
I realised that i made a mistake.and confessed to rahul about me and varun.
Rahul,! Varun is not my boyfriend .He is just my senior and friend.as we have to stay in the same house to organise a wedding,i thought it would be uncomfortable for you and lied to you.
Varun had a girlfriend in the UK but she broke up with him a month ago.after that we were in touch daily.on anitha akkas wedding night ,he proposed to me but i didn’t accept it. We continued to be healthy friends.but now all this is because of me……
And even now ,i am telling this because that bastard is black mailing me that he would tell this to you.and i can’t afford to lose even you rahul.
It took no time for him to accept my mistake,he said it’s fine.i can understand.
He even gave me a shock.that he knew this already.
I looked at him ,what??
Yes,on the wedding day when he was proposing to you .I came looking for you.and heard your complete conversation by standing behind a rock which is above you.i understood your situation and did not question you saanvi.
Did you listen to our conversation?
Yes.
Did you find anyone there?
No ,it’s dark and all the other sounds were dominated by sea susurrare.
That blackmailer was also there that night.
Maybe we can get some information,if you go and check the hotel CCTV footage.
Chapter – 10
CCTV footage has zero clues and we were depressed and lost all our hopes.
Blackmailer called me ,ohh! Now you are trying to trace me? Good, but you can’t do this without my help.
we will get you,bastard.
Great! Your round 2 is on.find me? And he cut the call.
We have to find him Rahul,he killed varun.
We then went to the police station to find out about Varun’s case.
Inspector Ranjith said,no further clues but still we are working on it. And please note down your details on a piece of paper and hand it over to our constable.
Ok,sir.
Then we went to Rahul’s friend and found out who is hacking our phones?
He took my phone and asked to return in 1 hour .
I opened Varun’s phone and saw his contact list. He had only 11 contacts in his phone.
Father george-caretaker in the orphanage,Rahul’s number,my number,manasa, ambulance,police,and 5 others.
His gallery has barely 50 pics.
And whats app conversations only with me and father george . actually varun’s birthday is on
Christmas day.
After 1 hour we went to Rahul’s friend to collect my phone.
He said,this is hard to crack,this hacker is very smart,he made his location change every second.
Can we find him?
I will ask my friend and let you know in 2 days.he said.
We left that place and reached my home.
He called me and asked did you find me?
I said,yes I found you.
Ohh ok tell me.
You are a coward.
Make sure you are ok when you talk to me.i have your life .if you…
Shut up you idiot.face me if you can.dont hide .
You want to see me right ? win round 3 and i will be right beside you. Save Rahul from me.
Please don’t harm Rahul.This issue is between you and me .
No….no……this issue is between you,me ,rahul,varun.
What did they do? What did I do ?
All of you ruined me.emotionally,psychologically.
Who are you? My voice went a bit low.
Hello! You can’t beg me now? Accept my challenge. Call ended.
I looked at rahul and said rahul! Please leave and stay safe.
He said his next target is you.
Me??? Let me face it saanvi.
No Rahul,I can’t lose you.stay away from me and stay safe somewhere.
Saanvi…….
Please go away……don’t call me either.
He left and I was alone.
I had no contact with the world for 5 hours.no phones,no people around me.my mom suddenly started calling me but ignored her for the 6 th time.
Then my maid suji entered the home.
Suji,did you find anyone down ?
No,saanvi.watchman gave me this parcel.This may be your dress.
Ok,place it on the table suji.
The next day I went to Rahul’s flat.I found him on this bed in an unconscious state.
I went near him,I was worried.
Rahul woke up and said hi,just a minute i will be back in a minute.
Thankgod Rahul is safe.
Blackmailer messaged me, fear?? Don’t worry.I was not serious about yesterday’s challenge.rahul is safe.
I messaged what do you want?
I didn’t get a reply.
What should I do to save rahul?
Game is not over yet.round 3. Save Rahul from me if you can.
I asked Rahul,when are you going to bangalore?
Maybe in a week.
No,leave now.
Why?
Please ,I will handle this alone. Please go.
But,are you…
Don’t say anything.please .
Ok,fine but what about details about that guy?
Give me your friend’s number and I will meet him tomorrow.
Ok.
I went with him to the railway station . He left.
I messaged the blackmailer . I sent him away,please don’t harm him. Let’s meet.
Ok,go home and get that parcel you got yesterday.
I went home and opened that parcel. It is in tomorrow’s newspaper that the Chennai to Bangalore train crashed.
I immediately called rahul.
Ha,saanvi.
Rahul just get out of that train.
Why? Are you ok?
Please rahul.
Ok.i am in the next station .I will come .
I called him and asked…why are you doing this to me? Its like torture.
See….i gave you a clue yesterday itself.be conscious.
Sorry,but after all of this ,why can’t you excuse me?
He didn’t answer.I think the call was disconnected.
The next day I went to Rahul’s friend ,but he left the station.
For a month,I didn’t get any threatening calls. And no accident happened to that train.
Rahul went to Bangalore and became busy with his life.
I couldn’t overcome such huge changes in my life.
Police closed Varun’s case as an accident.
That was december 28 th. my calling bell rang.
I opened the door and was surprised. Actually,shocked.
It was varun.
Chapter – 11
Yes,it was varun.
He came to me and said hii
Are you alive?
Yes,I am.
How come? Accident?body?Police case?
Can I come in?? He asked me.
Yaa
After having a glass of water.
That day i had to leave ,i went to hyderabad for christmas celebrations and i was there with father george.
Then I saw this accident in the news.
Actually ,that day my watchman took my car keys ,as that car is registered on my name ,everyone thought that was me.
After listening to all of this,I went and hugged him.
And don’t know why I said,I love you varun.
He was surprised and said me too.
That day I was completely with varun.
Asusual rahul tried to call me .
I ignored him.
We were at the beach .
Varun! That blackmailer never called or messaged me after that.
But even now I feel that he is watching me.
I felt insecure as I was the only reason for your death all these days.
But now you are here,with me.
I am really happy. Said I.
Varun looked at me and said don’t worry i am here with you .
We smiled.
That night ,Rahul called more than 26 times.
I answered his call 27 th times.
Hello.
Saanvi!! This is important.i am trying to call you for 5 days.
I know rahul.please stay away from me.i am with Varun,and we are planning to get married.
Whatttttt???? No saanvi.i have to tell you something urgent .please!!!!
No rahul.varun is alive .I am happy for him.
I am still scared that a blackmailer is watching me.so please !!!! Don’t call me again.
And I cut the call.
The next two days Me and varun were very happy and we planned for a private new year party.
It was 31 st night.9pm
I called Prerana and told her about me and varun.That day we had a lot of fun.we danced.
We sat opposite each other.it was 11 pm.
I said,varun,what is the motto of that blackmailer? Why did he call me?plan to kill you? Why did he do all of this?
Varun interrupted me.
He said, don’t overthink.enjoy this moment.
And he knelt on his knees and took out a ring from his suit pocket.
Will you marry me?
I was so happy this time,
Bell ring interrupted us.
4 th,5 th time.
I went to open the door.
I saw prerana ,adi and rahul!!!!!!!
They entered my flat within a split second.
They wished varun.i found sarcasm on their faces.
I asked,guys !! Surprise??
Adi said , yaa!! On the occasion of the return of varun.let’s celebrate this new year.
Yaa,but we are sorry .we disturbed you.carry on said prerana.
No,no we are just talking.let’s have dinner.said I
We all had dinner in silence.
After the dinner, adi said we still have half an hour for 12 so,let’s fill this time.let’s play 2 truths and one lie.
This time Rahul looked at me.
I said ok .
We started playing, everyone’s face was so serious but I was having fun.
Rahul started the game.
- I need to announce something important.
- This varun is a liar.
- He is the blackmailer
Chapter – 12
I stood and said,Rahul, this is enough.i can’t handle this anymore.you are insulting him and me too.
Rahul said,no saanvi,he is a fraud.i will prove you.
I shouted ,get out rahul.
Adi stood and said saanvi listen to him.
Prerana supported him.
Varun was facing the ground.
I said, no adi,this rahul wants me and varun to get separated.so he is manipulating you.
Adi said, me is not a cheater.the person beside you is a big manipulator.
Rahul came to me and said,
Answer me saanvi,
When did varun take your number?
A month ago.
When did that blackmailer start making threatening calls?
Next day of wedding.which is when varun proposed to you.
Where is Varun all these days?
In hyderabad
With whom?
Father george
Really???
Yes,I think so.
Ok,what is the main motto of that blackmailer?
I don’t know.
Ok, did you get any information about varun all these days?
Yes I took father georges number from college register to get varun’s photos.
Did you get them?
Yes ,in whatsapp
How does the college register George’s number?
Because he is Varun’s guardian.
Father george!!!!! Rahul said.
I saw a pastor entering the room.
Rahul said,he is father george. And you know what he doesn’t have a phone at all.
How can he send you images on whatsapp?
Father george came to me and said saanvi,this varun ran out of our orphanage when he was 17 . He came back when he joined college for guardian signature.
After that day I saw him today only.
Rahul asked father , did you meet him for Christmas in hyderabad?
No,I didn’t meet him.I went to Mumbai for Christmas.
Look saanvi,this is the truth. That day when I took your phone,I installed a spy camera app in your phone.
As every criminal is not so smart,this varun I also.he handled a phone as father Joseph but simply is one the name of varun only.
When my friend took your phone to investigate. We found this.then for the first time I got doubt on him.but to confirm it I installed this spy app.
The day when he came I saw him handling your phone without your presence and tried to delete father Joseph contact from the spy cam.
Then I doubted him for the second time.
I came to Chennai and met Prerana ,adi.
We went to father George and explained everything to him. Said rahul.
So, mister varun it’s time for you to speak.
Why?
I saw Varun with teary eyes.
He started telling
I am an orphan.no one liked me . I left the orphanage for my freedom.
I met Manasa in college. We were in love .But she cheated me. I felt like killing her.
Then I saw saanvi . I liked her. But I know she would reject me if I proposed to her then.i thought of making an emotional connection with her. Then came his rahul.when saanvi told her story about rahul , I felt really happy that she doesn’t have feelings for him.
That day In coffee shop ,when she asked me to marry her I was so happy.
I wanted it to come true .
The other day in park ,I planned to act and hide a camera but I saw her concern towards me.i thought she is the one.
I didn’t know how to express my feelings.
So I pinned those pics on the notice board,again and again.
But that day when she rejected me I couldn’t take that.
Then I started being a blackmailer .
I wanted that Rahul to get lost from saanvis life.i thought to kill him.but that’s not what I wanted.i wanted to be in her life .so I started creating a concern towards varun.
Varuns death made her more emotional, guilty.
And I thought this game would finish when varun returned back .
Everything was perfect…..perfect …….
But again this rahul……..
These are the original colors.saanvi….
Said rahul.
I went to Varun with teary eyes and slapped him.
Threatening a person that you would upload her nude pics online is not love you bastard.
I ran into my room.
I heard voices but after a few minutes they stopped.
I came out of the room.
I didn’t find father george and varun there.
Adi,prerana, Rahul wished me happy new year.i looked at them and gave a smile .
Rahul came to me and observed that I was nervous.
He said, the evil which came into your life is now destroyed .So stay happy.
Happy new year……..
After that I never thought or saw varun ever.
……………
HAPPY NEW YEAR…. ….
ONLY TRUTHS NO LIES………
Chapter – 1
It’s That night , which I never expected . especially from him . my phone got another message from him .
I am dying……
I was like what? And messaged hii….
He said hi…… and continued like
I have been trying for you since this morning. Where were you ,not online ??
No , I was just busy with my sister’s wedding shopping. Is everything fine ?
Yaa i am fine .Just messaged the wrong person.
Ohh ,that’s fine. I hope you are ok?
Yaa…… I am alright. Wait,can you wait for a minute?
I was like yeah……sure.
Exactly after a minute , i got a message from him,
I really don’t know how to say this.but i just don’t want any regrets in my life .So I am here with a lot of courage to tell you .
Maybe this is too early but I feel like telling you . I really feel peaceful and comfortable when I talk to you . I LOVE YOU . Let’s not bring this topic up again . Tell me whenever you want to.
Just by seeing that message my reaction was , WHAT THE HELL?
Is this a prank…?
Do you really think that I make fun of such feelings? It was really tough for me but I couldn’t stop or hide my feelings with you,this shows how comfortable I am with you .
Please, respond fast and at least for my happiness just say yes, saanvi .
See these boys,just before he said to take time,and now he is forcing me to answer him right away ,that too a positive reply. My mini me got excited for a minute,and I call it navi. It is a nice rhyming saanvi , navi . no don’t get deviated navi please help me.
After a minute of thought ,i replied ‘ call me tomorrow’
Then he started behaving so desperately to answer him right away.
After a lot of struggle I convinced him to call me tomorrow morning at 9 .
Then he messaged me, i will wait for you ,and tonight I can’t sleep with this excitement.
Oh bullshit, same line in every film.
Shut up navi,I think he is serious about me.
Don’t act stupid. He is making you emotionally weak and trying to fool you, saanvi. Stay strong. And now just say bye.
‘Good night, bye’ , I messaged him. He saw my message but I know he is not going to say bye so fast.
As expected ,i saw his message
Tomorrow morning in my life is waiting for your entry. I will be waiting for you.
Oh this is so filmy,but nice to hear .
Stop fooling around saanvi ,just say no. my inner voice is so angry at me.
‘Bye’ was my reply ,for such a great filmy dialogue.
He replied, I LOVE YOU.
I said bye………..
Maybe I am night blinded just for this message from you. He pinged me.
He is acting very romantic,cute. Ohhhuuuuuueeee….sooo cute. Said honey.
Please don’t get shocked,honey is a simple indian girl ,with an emotional heart and a very romantic inner voice of mine.whereas navi is a strong,practical,independent and bold brain of mine.
After some time ,I went offline.
Hi, I am saanvi prakash.I live in chennai .I finished my engineering entrance exam a month ago. And waiting for my result. My exam didn’t go very well. I am an ambivert .
So, I have a huge circle with less people. My life is cool ,peaceful. I am a very ambitious and studious person.
I have recently downloaded instagram to promote my online tuitions. I am a chemistry teacher and earn. Now I think you got a clear idea about me.
I started getting friend requests from all my school and college mates. One day I got a request from Rahul Krishna,my high school friend,the person I was chatting with before. He is a medical aspirant. But wiser than me.and stay’s in bangalore. With no thought I accepted his request and followed back.
Maybe that’s a major mistake.
That day he messaged me on instagram,
Hi saanvi,
How are you?
I thought to make some fun because he was the only boy who spoke to me in my school.
Hii i am saanvi’s mom.are you her friend?
Yes aunty . her school friend .
Sorry aunty
Why?
I didn’t know that this is your account ,aunty.
It’s ok .No problem. Because I am only saanvi. And this is a prank.( laughing emoji)
What? ( angry emoji)
Sorry, it’s just for fun .
Ohh, can saanvi prakash do pranks? I thought you were a very reserved person.
It’s been so long since I spoke to a school friend. So I am happy.
Oh ok, school boys felt that you are a bookworm,never friendly with boys.
Hello,excuse me.I am funny too.
Hey,if you don’t mind, can I get your contact number? Just to add in our school whats app group.
Yaa sure. ( maybe this is the second mistake that i have done)
96******34 .
And your’s ?
70******89
Ok,bye .
bye.
Next day,
Good morning,saanvi – message from rahul
Good morning,
Had breakfast?
No actually,i just woke up
What ? its 11 am
Ya ,actually i am a night owl .
Oh ,that’s fine.
What are you doing? – rahul
Nothing much.you?
Listening to music.
Ohh ok carryon ,bye.
Bye.
Same day ,evening,
Hi, saanvi – message on instagram from sruthi
Hi,sruthi .How are you?
Yaa , fine . you?
Good.so long, right?
Yaa,maybe after 2 years ,after school we were not in touch?
Yaa,I am an asocial personality.
Even our friends feel the same ,never spoke to boys,tough to laugh at least,never to birthday parties in school.
( that’s a bit rude but i am a boring person) are you in touch with any school friends?
Not really.but a few are on insta and some are with me in the same college. Rajesh,harsha,rohit,rahul just message me for a month or two.
Ohh ok. What about our college whats app group?
What? We don’t even have one.
Whatttt?????? Then why did Rahul ask for my number to add to the group!!!!!
Maybe sruthi doesn’t know about that group.
Ok sruthi ,byee. Message you later.
Bye saanvi.
After 2 days,
I got a call from him. A call for 2 hours.
Actually ,I hate long conversations on the phone.since it is a call with school friends after 2 and ½ years ,I couldn’t deny it.
We spoke about my boring behaviour,his active nature,other friends,IAS coaching which is really out of topic,cricket,politics,cinema,music,and every shit on this planet.
And finally when i say bye,he reluctantly said bye
I didn’t notice that day,but today i understood his intentions
Later on we were in regular touch with each other on calls. But we never saw each other’s faces.
One day during our conversation he told me about a funny incident with his school friends who are really like aliens to me.
When they are planning a startup.its about newspapers.collecting newspapers from every house and selling them in bulk for a reasonable price and recycling papers. They made ID cards ,visiting cards and a small office setup.Even some girls of our class helped these boys,but I never knew this idea of them.I already told you that I live in my own world. Back to the point, they went to a colony to ask for newspapers ,and some aunty asked them why do they want these newspapers ? They explained the whole plan of the startup to her and she was totally convinced with it.Meanwhile a regular newspaper dealer visited their street and that aunty refused to give newspapers to him. Dealer was so depressed about this idea of a startup and took a visiting card from them.
Next day, they got a big deal from an unknown number .They were excited . Approximately 50 kgs of paper .so , harsha,rahul,chaitanya went to that road in an auto.A hulk like person is standing on the road waiting for them,they met him and asked them to follow him.
Here the action begins,or maybe drama,
He took them into a very dark,and isolated street where a don is standing near a bike.they reached the exact location . Then came a small gang .They tried to beat ,threaten, and even tried to attack them with dogs. Obviously,Harsha changed his words that he has no connection with this startup,but chaitanya was brave,rahul kept quiet and all of them came to compromise. Everyone reached their house safely.but from the next day they didn’t even get the topic of startup.
He narrated this entire story to me on call for half an hour,
I said,“It’s adventurous right?
He said,ya ,it is.
But you could have increased your character,ofcourse boys does the same thing with girls
You could have exacerbated your character. I said.
No,no,i can’t do that with you.i try to be as honest as possible with you.
Then I didn’t know that he was trying to flirt with me. I thought he was a gentleman.
After some time our conversation ended.
One day , we were chatting and in between a conversation we got age topic
Suddenly he asked me for my date of birth and I said it.
Really??? Is his reply.
I asked why?
Nothing, you are 10 months older to me, he said.
Ohh ok. Was my casual reply.
Can i call you akka ( sister) ?,he said
I was so casual and said it’s your wish and anyways i don’t have a younger brother.
He then revealed that it was a prank.and he is two months elder to me.
And i sent him laughing emojis
That’s why I didn’t believe that he proposed to me,because most of our conversations are pranks.
And the conversation was deviated to dussehra preparations.
And i wished him advance happy dussehra
He replied that he can’t take advance wishes
I asked why?
He gave me a logical reasoning, that advance wishes will be greeted only when you won’t be available on that day or you try to avoid them in future.
I felt is logical and took my wishes back
He sent me laughing emojis. Because laughing is my only expression.
He said that he couldn’t chat with anyone for such a long time,he is too lazy to type.but he doesn’t know how he can chat with me. Again my reply is smiley emojis.
The next day he sent me a message to call him
I called him,and he told me about his bicycle accident which he met that evening
I felt that he has no friends in college to share with and calling me everyday
As I am free at home and all my friends already got their admissions into some colleges ,I attended all his calls. But I really didn’t expect this.
Slowly our calls and chats declined but regularly i got messages from him to call or messages like how are you? .
I got busy with my sister’s engagement,wedding,shopping,admission,and my online teaching.
That day when I went shopping I got a message from him. Call me
I said I am busy shopping.
Ok call me when free ok? From him
Yaa sure i said
Next night I got a message from him. A LOVE PROPOSAL.
Tomorrow at 9 I should reply to him . What should I say?
Suddenly navi and honey appeared in front of me.
Navi : say NO
Honey : no, say YES
Me: please shut up, my decision is no but how to tell him.
Honey: why are you acting so rude? He is so cute.
Me: I told you to shut up.I am not in a position to handle this responsibility,it’s so huge for me.
Navi: exactly say strong, say it confidently.
Me: But how?
Honey: be polite. He is emotional and sensitive.
Navi: no, say it as hard as possible so that he doesn’t disturb your future.
Me: neither his feelings nor my future should be disturbed. Make a plan.
Honey: at least tell us why your answer is NO?
Me: I don’t believe in these relations like love, marriage. People change with time and even me . I don’t like it if my loved ones hate me.
Honey: don’t think so far.he doesn’t even know how you look.maybe he is genuine.
Navi: You should. It’s your future.when you are not clear about the present don’t take decisions about the future.even i don’t know how he looks now.it’s never about looks to accept or reject.its about the feeling,opinion.
Me: exactly. Now stop this shit and tell me how to say NO?
Navi: be honest and tell him what you feel about him.
Honey: ha,but be kind.
Me: please don’t confuse me .I will do something.both of you just get lost.
Honey ,navi : ok,bye darling.
Horrible night with a lot of thoughts,but I am clear about my friendship towards him .Actually that is my advantage.
Next day morning it’s 9 am . I spoke to him about my decision and asked .why me?
He replied, please don’t ask me that question because I don’t know .But I really like you and feel pleasant when I talk to you.
Me: We are so good as friends,I don’t want to ruin this.
Rahul: I feel it would be even better if we are a pair.
me : breaking friendship for love is foolish . and there is no guarantee for any relationship
Rahul: trust is the solution for any problem.do you trust me?
I was silent for a few minutes. Because I don’t trust anyone.
Rahul; and I never felt to get a rakhi from you.i really like you from school days
Me: what?
Rahul: yes ,but never tried to express my feelings.
Me: why?
Rahul: because you never spoke to boys and spoke just a couple of times with me.and basically we were kids then.i felt thats the wrong time.
Me: oh! Suddenly we are adults now right? We are just 18
Rahul: I know. But it’s too late to share my opinion about you. What do you think about me?
Me: You are better than me in education. Doctor to be. Rich life,well mannered ,happy family but why me?
Rahul: I really felt alone after our tenth,something was missing but now i feel complete with you.in college my life was hell,i am trying to recover with your friendship.
Me: exactly that my point,please don’t disturb our friendship with this stupid love.
Rahul: I am really happy for your good impression of me.
Me: you stupid , i have good opinion on you but not what you wanted from me.i am really scared of expectations and relations are full of expectations.
Rahul: I just expect you .That’s it.
Me: That is very tough for me. I am very patient till now and am trying to answer in a very kind way.lets leave all this right now.
Rahul: Is that a NO?
Me: hmm….. See, let’s not make this a huge thing . Let’s delete and block each other’s numbers.
Rahul: number can be deleted from phone but not from heart.
Honey dont get over excited,it is a recent film dialogue.- said navi.
Me: This may be our last call rahul.
Rahul; I wish ,it may not be.
Me: I am really sorry ,I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.
Rahul: Then did you accept?
Me: no but i respected it and spoke to you.
Rahul: I may leave you now but not forever,I will be back again in your life.
Me:what?
Rahul: yes,in this entire conversation you never said you hate me,i will be a better person and be back . because I respect your opinion.
Me: I request you to not say this to any of our school friends please.
Rahul: Of course,they just know us as classmates,let them think the same.
Me: thanks for that.bye
Rahul: Why aren’t you leaving by saying bye?
Me: I still find you in call so .not by having some feelings.however you are still my friend.
Rahul: I didn’t say anything about feelings now,why are you saying that?
Actually you don’t know about feelings.
Me: yes i don’t know and don’t want to know also.and this is so rude rahul.just as i rejected you, you can’t talk to me in this way.
Rahul: I am sorry,but…..
Me: you still deserve a better girl.and forget me when you are with her.
Rahul; you are the best,not better.
Me: ok rahul,goodbye.
I blocked him and deleted his contact and deleted my insta account.
I wish I would never find him in my life ever.
Chapter – 2
After 2 years,
I got a call from an unknown number.
Some anonymous person, is this saanvi prakash?
Yes,who is this?
Hii,saanvi .Do you remember me?
Not really,who are you?
Rahul krishna,this is my new number.
After a few seconds I responded,hii rahul.
Nice to hear from you,after 2 years saanvi .
What’s the matter rahul?
Are you still in touch with any of our school friends,saanvi?
Not really,I am not on social media and I lost my phone last year and lost all my contacts.
Ohh ok,actually all our school friends are planning for a reunion of the tenth class batch.
So,I felt like inviting you.its been 5 years.
That’s nice,so who is organising? when?where?
It’s me obviously.29th of this month. chennai.
Ohh,I have a project submission and group discussion at the end of this month.
Since i am in bangalore,i am convenient with that date and everyone accepted.so,could you please prepone your plans please.
I will try but it is really impossible.
Please make sure you attend.
Ok i will,but leave in 1 hour.
Ya,that’s cool.
venue?
I will share with you the location.
Ok then, bye
Bye, see you soon.
Reunion day,
With lot of 96 film vibes,
I went to the location which he sent me.I never even knew that this place existed.
No one is here.I thought I was early.
Its 6 pm,
A person with a well dressed,tall,beard is walking towards me.
He addressed me with my name, saanvi.
I finally realised that he is rahul.
Hii,rahul.
Long time yaar!!!!! ( with a very excited voice)
Yaa rahul.( in normal tone).where are everyone?
They will be here in 20 mins .As an organizer I thought I should be first but you are here so early.
Yaa ,as i said i have my presentation now so,i thought to be early and meet everyone.
Meanwhile, his phone rang.he left to another table and started speaking to someone on call.
I was just wondering about the ambience of that place.its so nice,fully decorated,colourful,with light music,lighting,and most importantly mild fragrance.
And I was just counting how many 500 /- notes do I have? Because it looks like a costly place.how ever i am full,my lunch was heavy.
Meanwhile he finished his call and started staring at me.
It made me a bit uncomfortable.but i was busy with counting the number of tissues on the table.
He took a flower from the nearby vase and started approaching me.
I looked at him.
You look beautiful saanvi,pretty actually cute.and handed the flower to me.
Thanks rahul.i took the flower from him even without touching his hand.but please don’t ask me why.
Where are these people? Never ontime. I said.
Shall we order something? He said.
Ya sure.i said in nervousness.
So,one veg fried rice ,for you?
I will just order a watermelon juice.
No,no this is my treat .I will pay for it. He said
No,I am full.i am ordering even this just to give you some company.
Ohh now I got it ,are you on a diet?
No ,I don’t believe in superstitions like dieting,really I am fine with juice.
Sure?
Ya ,sure.
Ok,waiter -one veg fried rice and one special watermelon juice .( i looked at him surprising)
Ok sir said that waiter, sir food will be here in 15 minutes and left.
I started looking at my watch,phone,at the entrance.
It is 6:11 that’s it.I have to leave by 7.i said to myself.
Ok , we can’t waste our time by waiting.lets play a game.said rahul.
Game? We are not still in 10th grade rahul.
Never let the child in you die.this is something you told me in one of our calls.
Yaa but…
Shhhh…. Listen we can’t stare at eachother like this,it’s embarrassing so let’s make this time fun.
Ok.
Two truths, one lie.
After a minute of thought,I agreed.
Ok let me start.
Rahul:
1- I have 30 watches.
2- i hate oily food
3- I hate people who stink.
Me: 1 is true ,2 is false ,3 is true
Rahul; mannnn…!!!! That’s actually true. How come?
Me; simple,this place smells really good,maybe as organiser you did this
and you ordered fried rice ,how would you hate oil? And I just guessed about watches.
Rahul; nice…your senses are so sharp.ok now it’s your turn.
Me: fine.
1- i am gonna be a writer after my btech.
2- i love politics
3- I love the colour red.
Rahul: 3-false,2-false,1-true.
Me; that’s actually right.how?
Rahul; you love white clothes but you look gorgeous in red since school days.once for correction i took your notes and saw some dialogues in it,i thought some random film dialogues but came to know that you write well and finally you believe in social service but feel politics is not only the way to serve people.
Me: great research!!!!
Rahul: no,just random observation.
Me: Is your observation only on me or everybody in class?
Rahul: I really have my eyes on the people who are polite with me.and who i really like.
Me: ok ,next is you ( out of nervousness)
Rahul: 1- i have someone in my life …… and that is you.
2- i really love you
3- i want to marry you
Me: ( stunned ) but looking at him. Looking at the entrance.
Waiter: sir,madam your order is here.
Me; thank you ( ran into wash room to wash hands)
Looking in the mirror,I asked myself, did he just propose to me?
It’s not safe to stay here,leave as soon as possible.ok idea.
I texted sreya ,hey sreya i am in trouble,can you just call me in two minutes? Please.
My plan is to leave this place as if i got an emergency call.
But as I left the restroom ,my scene was quite different.
Dining hall is full of random people and hotel staff holding roses,Rahul on his knees with a ring in his right hand.
As I approached him ,he started talking.
I tried to forget you millions of times since the past 2 years but billions of times I kept falling in love with you.i even tried to be in relation with others but felt guilty because you are in my heart.then i realised i couldn’t stay with anyone except you.i can feel the love and care of my mother with you.even a minute more away from you may cause me immense pain.and trust me,I TRULY LOVE YOU.
Me: still looking at the entrance
Rahul; I just felt like meeting you and talking to you about us,there is nothing like a reunion.i just invited you today.i can’t accept if you say no to meet me,so i said that this is a reunion.
I am sorry . I hope you understand my feelings……….WILL YOU MARRY ME? ( he lifted the ring )
I am still shocked , am I on a date now? Isn’t this a reunion?
People around me are just going mad and shouting to say yes,say yes…..yes…yess….
I am confused. thank god navi and honey are out of station today,if not they would have confused me even more.
I am just staring at everyone and Rahul like a statue.
I can find tears full of rahul eyes.he would just cry if i say no now.
I saw Shreya calling me ,but now I am not in a position to answer it .so ,I just cut the call .
It’s almost 7 now,i have to leave said to myself and went to my table ,placed a 500/- note on the table,took my bag and went out of the hotel.rahul started following me and screaming my name but i ignored it.he ran behind me and we reached the main gate of the hotel
I looked at him and asked
What have you done?
What happened,saanvi?
Inside,why did you do that?
I just felt like telling you saanvi.
Even after knowing my answer, why did you do that ?Have you gone mad?
I thought after many years you would miss me and accept me.
What? You are always and will always remain my friend ,rahul. Actually it’s my mistake to accept your friend request,to give my number,to be friendly,to come to this damn hotel like a fool for this nonsense false reunion.
Saanvi?
What? I just barked like a mad person but seriously I am so angry.
Saanvi,do you have someone in your life?
It’s better to say that I am not single to escape from this situation and this person,I thought .
And i said yes ,i am not single and i have someone in my life and looked at him
I can find he is crying and cry even more if I leave.but i have no choice.
I have to leave .
I left that place by taking a cab.i want to go home,actually i am not in a mood to participate in group discussion and give a presentation.
I messaged sreya that i am not well and can’t meet now?
And switched off my phone.
I saw him crying from the side mirror of my cab,he was still staring at my cab.
I never looked back. And did not want to .
Chapter – 3
It’s 7:45 pm .I reached home.and switched on my phone.
I saw tons of messages from my friends about the presentation,they postponed it to next month 9 th . And Rahul’s message whether i reached home safe or not?
I saw all these messages but didn’t reply to any.
I went and took a hot shower to get rid of these emotions.
Returned to my bed , switched off my phone again and slept like a devil due to these presentations and work
I was restless for 15 days. Along with all of this i have a pressure of my mother to visit them
And come to bangalore.i have been delaying that for 4 months.
Next day, at 8 am my alarm rang and I had a very bad headache last night.and that alarm sound was irritating.
Felt like killing the clock if it was living.
Directly into the kitchen, I made black coffee .It felt like a hangover for me.
I went to my balcony,my heaven on this earth. After ten minutes i got a call from anitha akka
She is my best friend prerana’s sister.
Close to me and my go to person for every problem.
She called me and invited me for her engagement and wanted me to attend , organise every event . Her engagement is on 15 th of next month.and wedding is on 30th .
That means only one month from today.
Anitha akka called me for her engagement shopping today.i am not well but i have to be there for akka.
By 10am ,I was waiting for them near the shopping mall.i saw akka coming out of a black car along with prerana and groom .
Anitha akka introduced me to the groom, he is arjun.and she is saanvi.
I said hi arjun.even he greeted me in a very polite way.
They looked like a perfect pair.Maybe because I like Anitha akka.I really admire her.
We then moved into the mall.and all of us were excited.
Bride and groom went to select their clothes.
I started selecting dresses for prerana.
Meanwhile I saw Rahul entering the mall. I don’t know why I started hiding.is he stalking me?
Rahul Went to Arjun,and they were so close.arjun introduced anitha to rahul.
Anitha akka called me and prerana,i went to them with a confused face.
Arjun said meet my brother rahul.and anitha said she is my sister prerana and my sister’s friend saanvi.
We were just stunned.even Rahul was.
There is another boy with rahul.he is Adi ,Arjun’s friend.
Again the bride and groom left us and were busy with their shopping.
We left for the ladies zone and they went to the men’s section.
I just minded my work and prerana was busy with dress selection.
Rahul is looking at me in between and even me.
After 1 hour we left the shop and went to a coffee shop nearby.
Six of us became so close within no time of our chat. Except me and rahul.
Anitha and Arjun were cute. They needed some privacy and went to a separate table.
Common thing which matches in adi and prerana is that Adi is a photographer and prerana is a photo addict.they went to one corner of cafe and started taking photos.
That was so awkward that only me and Rahul were on a separate table that went towards the corner of the room.
Rahul started apologising and said that he is actually here in chennai just for his brother’s marriage.and he would stay here for a month.and i just kept nodding my head.
Anitha,prerana,adi,arjun none of them knew that me and rahul have known each other since 5 years. We were just strangers to them.
Rahul asked me about Anitha and how she is related to me. And I explained to him.
He asked me ‘ will you join us for the rest of the shopping ? and stay till the wedding is finished?’
I actually want to be with Anitha akka and prerana in every part of the wedding but even after knowing that Rahul is the groom’s brother and will stay till the wedding ends ,it is not right to be a part of the wedding. Navi said to me.
( yaa , navi and honey are back)
Honey said ‘ hey saanvi, please stay for anitha akka’
Meanwhile Adi,prerana returned and even arjun ,anitha.
My headache increased even more. I said bye,everyone and tried to leave.
But anitha akka took me to a side and started arguing with me
Why are you leaving so early? Arjun and I want to go out for a drive ,can you and prerana manage at home? Please.
No,akka .I have not been feeling well since morning.I am here just for you.and even now my head is aching. I will tell prerana to manage at home.
Hey, pack your back for a month and stay in my home till the wedding is finished.i will take care of the rest of the things.
No,akka no,never. I have project to finish,please akka
No,listen to me come and stay .It will be easy for you to manage even your college ,because your college is near my home.
I know that even Rahul will stay with me ,in the same house for 1 month.so,I can’t afford to face him again and again.
I said no akka,and tried to leave that place but akka was very disappointed with my behaviour .I can’t see her like that so,I agreed to her plan.akka was so happy.i really want her to smile all the time.
Anitha akka and arjun left in their car.
four of us took a cab and went to my place. I packed all my things with a lot of doubts,locked the door and entered the cab again.
We went to Anitha and Prerana’s house .I went to Padma aunty and said that Anitha went to a nearby temple and Arjun left for his house.
Aunty was serious at first but later she realised that Anitha went to the temple for some special baba pooja .
Now my brain is about to blast. I asked for some medicine to prerana.and she said she doesn’t have one.
After a few minutes rahul gave me a blue colour strip and asked to take 1 tablet for every 6 hours in two doses .Maybe he heard me talking to prerana.
It’s funny because he was the reason for my headache and now he is treating me.
I don’t even know that I am here with my school friend,who loves me,in the same house after 5 years.
I thanked him and went back to my room. Got freshen up and was waiting for lunch.
More than 15 people were in the same house. I went to Padma aunty and Anand uncle and said that i can’t become a burden for them and asked them to allow me to leave.
But their reply was’ you are just like my daughter and daughters are never a burden to parents,stay here as long as you feel,we came to know that you have some health issues ,so take rest and help prerana in wedding planning.i was emotionally touched .i started weeping and returned back to dining hall.we all had a very funny conversation during lunch but rahul kept quiet . I noticed that he is inconvenient with my presence .
I went back to my room and slept. I woke up and saw it was 4 in the evening .It’s my time to walk.
I went out with prerana’s pet dog choco. I felt peaceful. Spoke to my parents about my shifting to prerana’s house. And they felt safe for me.
I returned home by 5 ,I went to the terrace and saw anitha and arjun returning home.
Then prerana came to the terrace for me.prerna is such a great girl not just good and such a comfortable person to live with.
She came to me and asked whether I was ok or not?
I said,i am fine
Prerana: I am not asking about your physical health. About your thoughts? So seriously thinking about something .I have been noticing you even from morning you were dull.last night your phone was switched off. If any issues trust me,I will never be judgemental,you can share it.
I couldn’t hide it anymore with prerana and said everything about rahul.
I hugged her and just about to cry but navi said don’t be an emotional fool near your friend.
She looked at my face and asked me do you love him?
I said NO.
Then why are you so insecure?
I shouldn’t have been so close to him.it was my mistake but forever and ever he is my friend.
I can’t see him feeling uncomfortable just because of our personal issues in his own brother’s wedding.
Don’t over think saanvi,it’s time to enjoy.it is a wedding.so have fun.because from tomorrow we can’t avoid rahul. So,talk to him.if possible.i will support you in any situation and most importantly let’s not tell this to anitha akka.
I kept nodding my head. a small breeze of a smile touched my face.
Chapter – 4
That night I was on the terrace after my dinner . Full moon,cool breeze,full of plants and weather about to rain.I felt so happy because I am a nature lover.
I heard Rahul’s voice from behind. Hi, saanvi.
Hii.
What’s the plan for shopping tomorrow?
Nothing but padma aunty and uncle are making calls and inviting everyone tomorrow.
Ohh,ok.do you have your college? What time?
Yaa . 9 am
Ok.can i drop you?
What ?The other day he proposed to me. And now,how innocent!!!
I was about to say no but he stopped my flow and said
Hey!! I am sorry for whatever has happened but why can’t we just be friends like before?
See, we are here not only to attend a wedding but also to arrange a wedding .So it’s better to be cooperative .And most importantly Anitha and Arjun shouldn’t know all that happened between us.
Navi and honey got activated and for the first time they stood on the same word,see saanvi it’s now sure that you have to stay in the same house with this boy for 1 month,you can’t avoid him completely so, the better option you have is to make friends.
I said ‘ ok rahul.lets be friends but on one condition even this relationship of friends is only until this wedding gets finished.later on lets just move on with our lives without even having contact. Deal?
After a minute of thought,and a lot of emotional looks at me,he said ok.
So, now we are temporary friends ,right? He asked me.
Yes.we are.
Ok then can i drop you tomorrow to your college?
Even now my answer is no.because my college is nearby.i can go by bus.and thanks for asking.
He waved his hand as a sigh of bye and left the terrace.
Next morning I was actually late and waiting for my bus near the bus stop , and I forgot my textbook at home but I can’t go now.
I saw him coming
He came near me and said I found your book on the table ,here you go.
Thanks rahul.actually I was late and lost my bus.
Honey said hey rahul,ask me for a drive,drop me at my college.
Ok ,let’s wait for the next bus or can I book a cab.
No,Rahul, it may take time .I will go in auto.
Ok ,can I come with you to your college?
What? But why?
Hello miss! I am your temporary friend now.let me see your college friends
Oh! Now are you taking advantage of our deal? Whatever, I am getting late.bye.
I took an auto and left.
My midterm exams are also about to start.
So,i have a full packed programs this month.wedding,exams,presentation,and bangalore visit.
I came to the canteen for lunch and I saw all my friends in a crowd. I went near that crowd and asked what happened?
They then pointed rahul.
I was really shocked.
( all shocks,or maybe awkward moments of my life are linked with this boy)
I went to him and asked why are you here?
Meanwhile all my friends asked me to introduce him.
This is shreya,anjali,raja,hari,vikram,ajay.Guys,he is Rahul,my school friend.
No,no actually,we are temporary friends, said rahul.
What temporary friends?? What is it?? All my friends were so curious to know.
I felt really embarrassed.
Guys,guys actually we are busy with wedding arrangements ,so i am leaving now.rahul ?shall we go?
No,no let him stay for 5 more minutes.bro just tell us about saanvi in school.was she so strict even in school? Asked vikram.
Ahhhhhh!!!!!!! Said rahul.
Rahul wait.This is enough ok – i said.
Bro,don’t feel scared of anyone.tell us bro.said ajay.
Yaa, actually she was so strict especially with boys. We are like monsters to her.
But apart from all of this she used to only talk to me. Very good girl.
All our class boys ,we used to comment on her, avoid her, ignore her. But she never got offended .I used to protect her from every boy. And she used to protect me from teachers.
Good memories ,very sweet days.
( he again paused for a minute and looked at me)
Actually I even got carried away.
I said ok,now shall we go?
Hey,stop .Bro everything is clear but what is this temporary friend? Asked hari.
I interrupted him and left that place by saying bye.
After a couple of minutes , Rahul followed me and we met near the ground
I asked him to leave
But why?What did I do saanvi?
Why did you tell them about temporary friends?
Ohh i thought ,they actually know about our love story.
Excuse me.it is a one sided love story.not our.and why did you come here? To my college.
Felt like meeting your friends .
Ohhh don’t bluff .Tell me the correct reason.
Actually, I am curious to see your boyfriend.
What boyfriend? ( after a minute i realised that i lied near him that i am not single).ya,ya there he is varun.my senior.
Just a minute.I went near varun.
Varun,my senior.I first met him on my freshers day. He is a smart,intelligent,active,decent boy. He is an orphan.
Especially very protective about me.he saved me from ragging many times.
I went near him and explained my current situation and act as my boyfriend for a week.I know that he will agree because he is very friendly and understands me.and i am not a stupid too,i know that varun is in a relation with some other girl,who stays in UK.
He first denied but later on i said i have no other option and pleaded him.so he agreed.
We went near rahul,
Rahul,this is varun.varun,this is rahul.
They greeted each other.
During this crucial scene my professor called me so I left them. After 15 minutes i came back to the ground and did not find varun.but saw rahul in the car.
I entered the car .Rahul and I started to go home.
Rahul,where is varun?
He didn’t reply.
Where is he?
He went to the library with his friends.
When?
We spoke for 10 minutes about our careers and then he said bye and left.
Ohh thank god nothing much happened.i said to myself
Varun is lucky, and a very good person.rahul said.
I looked at him without any emotion.
He likes you a lot,saanvi. I can see that in his eyes.
You idiot, he already has someone in his life.i said to myself.
Rahul,but don’t say this to anyone in my college because Varun has some issues, so he never let me meet him in college.and even today i don’t even have his number.
What is that true? He asked.
Yes ,we don’t talk much.
Sorry to ask but may I know who proposed first?
Again,I paused. I Proposed to him first. That too, on the first day I saw him.
On our freshers day.
Ohh ok,he said.his expressions changed .
Meanwhile we reached home.i rushed into my room and called prerana.she is in her designing class.after 1 minute. I saw a call from her.
I answered her call in a hurry and said my false love story with Varun, real temporary friendship with rahul,rahul’s visit to my college, rahul and varun’s meet.
As soon as I said that, she became silent and then started scolding me.
I asked why?
She said ‘ saanvi, why are you complicating things’.
No,Prerana .Varun already has a girlfriend and he is my only solution from rahul. Varun understood me and obeyed my plan. And if Rahul knows that i am in love with another person,he will never try to cross his line again. I made the right step.
Yaa,but what about college friends? Asked prerana.
I said to Rahul to not tell anything about Varun and me because it may cause issues to varun.
Ok saanvi, now i think you are really getting out of all this.
Yes, I said and cut the call.
Chapter – 5
That evening, me and anitha akka went out for a walk.
Akka spoke about her wedding fantasies,
She needed a red lehenga for her engagement,yellow one for haldi,white one for sangeet,dark pink saree for wedding.
She explained to me about function halls,decoration,catering,etc…
I asked in wonder, why are you telling all this to me akka?
Of Course,it’s you and Prerana who have to arrange all this.
No akka , i have my mid term exams this month end. I have to prepare for them.
When do you have your exams?
On 25,27,29 th.
That’s good, haldi is on 27 th morning, mehandi on 28th afternoon, sangeeth on 28 th night ,
You can write your exams happily. Ok,take leave from 15 th to 30 th of this month.prepare from home. So that you can help prerana when needed.
Ok akka,even i felt the same, my health is getting better now.i will take care of your wedding.
That’s my girl,give me a hug.
Love u akka. Love you too saanvi.
And we kept on walking.
Ha saanvi!!!!,rahul and adi will also help you and prerana because grooms side they have many customs about traditional south indian wedding.
I reluctantly said ok akka.and then we moved into the home.
Next morning,I went to college and wrote my leave letter and submitted it to the principal sir.
I went to class and met my friends. I said ,I am taking leave for 15 days.
They continuously started asking me about rahul.i said I am busy and invited all of them to the wedding and left my class.
I saw Varun near my class and went to him.
Hii varun.
Hii.
Thank you so much for saving me from yesterday’s situation.
That’s okay.saanvi.
My sister,Anitha’s wedding is on 30 th of this month and engagement is on 15th.please come.
Yaa sure. By the way, you are looking so beautiful in this dress,saanvi.
Thanks varun.
Shall we take a selfie?
Yaa,sure actually i don’t even have your number.yesterday rahul asked for our photos and your phone number.i somehow managed that.
We then took a picture.
Your number? He asked me .
96******34.
Ok,I will message you, he said.
Ok varun,bye
Bye.
I reached home and started reading. After 3 hours , about 11 in the afternoon anitha akka
Asked me to get ready . to buy engagement rings and order wedding cards.
It’s already 3rd. Only 12 days left for the engagement. Prerana,Rahul,Adi and I were waiting in a coffee shop .Actually we want the bride and groom to enjoy their privacy. So,they went to buy rings.
Everyone is busy with their phones.then rahul said its boring.shall we all play a game?
I choked on a mouthful of milkshake.
Adi got excited and said yes let’s play. But what?
Rahul said, two truths and one lie.
I seriously looked at him. And he even looked at me.
Prerana understood the situation and said no,no let’s play truth or dare.
Everyone agreed.
Rahul started spinning the bottle .
First it’s Adi’s turn.he chose truth.
Prerana asked him what his girlfriend’s name was?
No,I am single, said adi.
Prerana was really happy internally,that I could sense by seeing her eyes.
Next it’s prerana’s turn
She chose to dare.
Adi asked her to enact a weird situation with her best friend.
Me and prerana enacted that situation when she was completely drunk.
That was funny.
Next it’s Rahul’s turn.
He chose the truth.
Adi asked him about his first love.
Rahul looked at me, and started talking about love on phone calls without using my name.
Adi said wow,that’s really nice man..!!!!! What did she reply? Adi questioned.
Rahul said she rejected me .
What? Such a fool…..how can someone lose a gem like you mann….really she is unlucky .but what is the reason? Adi was curious .
Spontaneously I said, maybe she really feels you like a best friend.not more or less than that.and most importantly without knowing a girl completely how can you propose to her.
It’s harder to lose a best friend than losing a lover ( from a recent book) .So logically she must be under a lot of pain.
Everybody looked at me. And asked how do you know?
I just felt …….her situation,so……..i am sorry to interfere.i said.
Continue rahul.said adi.
Maybe she’s right,it’s my fault to hurry up.
No,rahul.it’s not your fault.adi said.
We all looked at each other’s faces for the next 5 seconds.
Adi spinned the bottle again and it’s my turn now.
Prerana asked me the truth or dare?
I chose dare.
Adi and Prerana asked me to go near that grey shirt guy and offer him a marriage proposal right away without looking at his face.
I said no,never.
They forced me to do it.
I saw Rahul’s face .It’s like a half boiled omelette.
I went near that grey shirt man and said,hi ,i have been observing you for the past 5 minutes .i really liked you.shall we get married right away?Please,don’t turn back because I can’t face you.May I know your reply?
Prerana and Adi started screaming and whistling for my dare.
I turned back and started moving towards my seat.but,i heard a voice saanvi?
I saw his face and it was varun.
Hey, saanvi, what is this? He asked.
No varun actually we were playing and this is my dare to do.i am really sorry varun.
No,that’s ok.
Shall we go?
We went to our table and I introduced Varun to prerana and adi. This is Varun,my senior.
Not just a senior,she is my girl friend.varun said.
I looked at Varun and rahul.
Varun held my hand and Rahul just stared at us.
Ohhhh!!!! Ohhhh!!!!! Adi and Prerana shouted.
Please join us bro,adi said.
No guys ,I have to leave bye.
Bye,saanvi.
Bye ,bye.
Meanwhile ,Arjun called Rahul and said they finished their shopping.we left the cafe and picked anitha and arjun.we then went to a wedding cards shop .
Our two final options are pista green and light blue cards.
We picked up a pista green card and noted the details on a piece of paper.
Card is like
Bride anitha kumari weds Arjun chandra kanth
Venue: golden beach resort,injambakkam,chennai
Timings: 30 th november , night 7 pm.
From srimati.padma kumari and sri.anand prasad.
Please,come,attend the most happiest day of our lives.and bless the bride and groom.
We ordered about 400 cards.They gave us a discount of 15%.We were very happy for them.rahul paid the advance amount.Then we left home.so , day 2 of our shopping was finished. We returned home by 5 in the evening. Again I started reading.
Chapter – 6
For 4 days we were busy. We started engagement arrangements.the next day i had my presentation. Rahul And I were decent friends. We crossed the zone of insecurity .
Actually, I was preparing for a presentation but apart from that I have to read for an exam and finish my assignment. I went to the terrace with my books,bag,and water bottle. There I first started preparing for the presentation but Rahul and prerana came up to the terrace .I thought to ask prerana for help but she immediately went down to check her engagement outfit fittings.
Rahul,asked me ‘ any help?’
I couldn’t stop him because he already took my books into his arms.
I asked him to write my 3 pages left out assignment.
Honey said that you rejected him,he is your temporary friend, and you are using him for your own cause.great ahahh?
Navi said no,this is not right . take your book away.
Then I started behaving weird .I took away my book and said I can finish it on my own.
I know that I was so rude with him.but he answered me politely ‘ hey,listen! Temporary friends also can share work when needed don’t worry I will do this .
I couldn’t oppose him anymore. So I said ok .
He finished my work in 20 mins and I finished my preparation in 30 mins.
It’s already 11 pm. I said thanks.
He said, all the best for tomorrow’s presentation.
Thanks rahul. Good night.bye
First time I smiled when he was talking to me.
I then went to my room.
Its 9th november. My presentation went very well and my professors were totally impressed.
Next, I have to go shopping for engagement.
Rahul Came to pick me up and then we went to the shopping mall.
I have tried a violet lehenga and I had my love at first sight with it.
Actually, even Rahul liked it.
We were completely normal now . just like friends.
And we even scold others a lot in our free time,and converse about our school days.
Everything is set for engagement. Function hall,catering,shopping,jewellery,invitations everything went perfect.
15 th november , engagement day
Everybody came and blessed this new couple.
They were stunning and anitha akka is just like an angel in a green saree.
Rahul wore a red kurta paired with blue jeans.
Every girl in the function is actually talking about Rahul and some of them tried to flirt with him also.
That day went very well.
Around 1 pm , Varun came to the venue.
I introduced him to Padma aunty and anand uncle as my senior and friend.
But aunty whispered in my ear that varun looks good and me and varuns pair is very cute,
If I need any help, she will talk to my mother about my wedding with varun.
I just gave a fake and nervous smile at her.later she became busy.
I asked Varun to have lunch.
He even asked me to come.
I said I have some work and meet you later.
But varun was very different that day.moody,sad,calm.
I didn’t know what happened.
Around 3 we all had our lunch,left the hall.and reached home around 5 in the evening.
My phone got a message from varun……hey can we meet at 7?
Varun,I am so tired now. Can we meet tomorrow please?
He saw my message but no reply.
Ok can you come to anitha akkas house by 7? I have been staying at her house for the past 15 days.
He sent me an ok, thanks message.
I shared the location with him.
Exactly at 7 I got a call from him to come to the park which is on the corner of that street.
I can sense something was going wrong.
I went to the park and saw him standing near a bench under a big tree.
I said, varun?
He ran near me and hugged me, and started crying.
Varun!!!! Are you ok?? What happened???
He didn’t reply .
Varun,stop it and tell me what happened?
We sat on the nearby bench.
I wiped his eyes and said don’t cry.
Then after 5 mins he started coming into the main matter.
Manasa left me.
Who? That UK girl? Your girlfriend?
She is not my girlfriend anymore.she got engaged with some russian guy.
What? How could she do that?How do you know?
Today she called me and informed me that she got engaged yesterday and is going to get married.
Such a witch!!!!! . ok, please don’t cry. You really deserve a better person than her in your life.like, the whole college is around you, especially girls are going crazy for you. Listen to me .I know It’s hard to move on .But you can’t get into the thoughts of an idiot who doesn’t care for you anymore.and waste your life
But how could she do this to me??? Varun cried.
I already told you she is an idiot. Ok do this. Write all your feelings about her on a paper and destroy that paper and after doing that she will never be in your life anymore.because by then your emotion will be full filled .trust me this works.
I gave him a pen and paper.
he looked at me as if i am mad but started writing
After 10 mins, he tore that paper,smashed it with his leg,burned it with a lighter,and then mixed that ash in a nearby pond.
And screamed,very very loud.
He looked at me. I went near him and looked into his eyes.
How are you feeling now?
Thanks ,saanvi. At least I lost that guilty feeling of why I loved her?
This is Saanvi’s magic .I said. We laughed .
He hugged me .I patted his shoulder.
Chapter – 7
November 16 th, next day to engagement
I finished my work and went to a gift shop because it is Prerana’s birthday.
I bought her a printed mug which has our photo in it and went to a nursery to buy a plant.
It was 10 am , we all surprised her with a small birthday setup in the garden.
Anitha,Arjun,Rahul,Adi,prerana’s friends and me.
Another shock on that day was adi proposed prerana.obviously , prerana accepted it.
They looked very happy and cute.
But I went near prerana and asked how did you both come to know each other?
She said, ‘We have very similar personalities and I really liked him from the first moment I saw him’.
I was very happy for them.
Anitha, Arjun are having their privacy and prerana,adi too.
Prerana’s friends were busy in gossipping.
Rahul came to me and said, look! They are cute right?
Yaa ! !!!!!!
The other day you were telling about your love story,but didn’t continue…….asked rahul
Yaa, nothing much.we never stay in contact.we rarely talk on campus.just a few days ago i got his number.
Then,how are you still in love with him?
Love is not about time or distance.it is about trust.
Yaa , you are right. Time can change but love never.
We looked at eachother …………………..prerana called us.
She introduced’ hi guys! This is Adi,my boyfriend’. we all laughed .
That day was fun.we went to an amusement park and had a great time.
Later on I was completely into my exam preparation.
On nov 17th, Varun called me.
Hii ,I hope you are fine?
Yaa i am good.thanks for that day.i was a bit emotional .sorry for that
No,no it’s ok. Good to hear from you.
Ok,fine ,bye
Bye.
Later on we were regularly in touch. Chats,calls,small talks.
On the 25th november my exam day went well,not as horrible as i thought.
Varun came near me and we were having a conversation about our library.
Rahul came to pick me.he saw me and Varun in the ground and came to us.
Hi,varun….said rahul
Hi,rahul……
What’s up?Love birds?
Nothing,exams,library,books,same old stuff…
Ohhh cool shall we go saanvi?
Yaa sure. Bye varun.meet you tomorrow.
Maybe Rahul is accepting that I and Varun are in a relation.thats better.
HALDI DAY ,27 th november.i finished my exam and returned home.
Everybody became yellow.but i was really busy because prerana went to invite guests after haldi,i was helping padma aunty at home.and even rahul helped me.
I was exhausted that day………….this may continue for the rest of the wedding.
28th november, afternoon.
We had our mehandi function where no men were allowed.
Completely girls kingdom,dance,songs,and full of high.
That night we had our sangeeth ,which was epic. Boys,girls,dance,music,dj,madness………
Aunty and uncle spent lots of money for this wedding.
Actually,Varun attended the sangeeth.he was so good on the dance floor.
He feels dance as a therapy.
29th november,
I went to the college ,but everyone was staring at me….
I didn’t know why but my friends asked me are you in a relationship with varun?
What? I was shocked.
Yaa…some of your and varuns pics are on notice board….
I ran to the notice board and saw the pictures of Varun hugging me in the park that day.
There is a huge crowd around the notice board.
I took all those photos and ran upstairs.
Meanwhile I saw Varun in an empty class.
Varun what is this?
I don’t know.
I think someone is stalking us.
What? I don’t know what’s happening…
Finish your exam and leave this place.
Ok.
I finished my exam and left the hall in a hurry and again I saw another set of the same photos on the notice board.
You don’t have any idea what I was feeling then.
I took all those photos and ran.
Rahul came to pick me and without a word I entered the car.
He saw me nervous and kept asking me what happened?
I was quiet .
I reached home and kept myself busy.
I felt ok by evening.
Varun called me around 8 pm.
Varun?
He kept gasping and asked me to check my instagram story and whatsapp dp,facebook
Varun,i don’t have any account in fb and insta
What?
I will send you screenshots .At least check your whatsapp .
What happened?just a second i will check
I opened my whatsapp.
The pic when rahul was proposing to me on the reunion day was posted with the line ‘i hate you idiot,rahul.why do you follow me all the time? Just get lost’
And another pic of varun and me in the park with “ my new boyfriend”
Suddenly ,I felt the world crumble around me.
Tears rolled down my face.
Meanwhile,Varun sent me the same pics from my social media accounts which do not exist at all.
I tried to delete those pics from my whatsapp status but they were out of my control.
Out of frustration I hit my phone to the floor of my room.
Prerana and Rahul ran into my room because of that sound.
I hugged prerana and started crying.
Saanvi,what happened?
Open and check my whatsapp status please…..please…..
Rahul opened his whatsapp and saw my status.
I rushed to rahul and said rahul please don’t believe this ,you know that i would never do that.
Please believe me rahul please…….i cried.
Of Course i trust you.but who did this?
I don’t know even on college notice board my photos with varun were placed.i removed it but again someone placed them again
And…and….i don’t even have social media accounts but someone created and posted the same posts.
I was unable to delete them also………i don’t know what to do now.
Rahul came near me and asked me to sit and have some water.
It took me a minute to calm down.
Ok tell me who told you about these pictures?
Varun called me a few minutes ago to see my whatsapp.
Ok ok . I will somehow fix this,trust me. Give me your phone.
I gave him my phone.and prerana came to me and consoled me.
They were in my room for that complete night.
Chapter – 8
THE WEDDING DAY,
I was still nervous but in that wedding atmosphere I felt good.
We actually celebrated that day as a festival.
That was a royal wedding.
Bride and groom were on cloudnight.
Rahul took care of me that day,whenever I was dull,he made me cheer up.
Wedding got finished by 3 in the afternoon. And from 8 we have reception.
Even my friends attended the reception ,they were really supportive. I love them.
They bought anitha akka a gift and even me.
Akkas gift was a beautiful wall hanger and for me they bought my leave extension for 10 days from principal sir.
I said, thank you guys, I really needed this.
Ajay said,shut up.this is what we can do as friends at least….
Love you guys………..and then a group hug.
I went to the back side of the hall which was facing the beach.and sat on a big stone.
I automatically started crying.
Are you ok? Asked varun.
That was a bit scary, but i said i am fine.
Where was your phone?I have been trying you since evening.but thought that you would be busy.
Yaa,my phone is with rahul.he was trying to fix those whatsapp photos.
Ohh! I think Rahul is ok now?I mean your relation with rahul……….???
Varun, listen ! He was my friend and will remain my friend.
No,no I didn’t mean to judge you,but you were with him shopping for this wedding right ?
He is leaving for bangalore in a couple of days ,so i was a bit close to him.that’s it.
Ohh ok. Actually saanvi,the thing is i thought after breakup i would be lost but i am ok because of you,thanks yaar.
No thanks anymore,this is your hundredth time varun,stop it.
The thing is,I really like you,I LOVE YOU.saanvi. What do you think about me?
Not anymore navi and honey stay inside only.This time i will handle this situation.
Varun,I don’t have any space for anyone in my life now.I have no opinion on love or marriage.
Please don’t think of my concern for you as love.it’s not your fault or some fault in you.
This is my perspective towards any new relationship.i am not ready for all this.i hope you understand.
He looked at me for a few seconds.
I just wanted to tell this and clear my emotion,saanvi.
I didn’t expect anything from you.
I am sorry varun,I hope you understand my current situation.first of all we should find that bastard who took our pictures.i need your help for this………….if you don’t mind.
Definitely,because that’s my picture too.don’t worry lets find him.
We left that place and reached the reception hall.he again hugged me and said bye,good night and that was spontaneous.
Bye,rahul…..said i.
Varun???I am varun.
Sorry.bye varun.good night.
I left anitha akka’s home and went to my flat.
That night Rahul came to my room and returned my phone.
This phone is now safe to use .I asked my techie friend to solve that social media accounts issue .He will answer me by tomorrow.
Thanks rahul.but i think this is not the issue which gets solved so easily.
Don’t overthink.let’s wait and see.who he is?
My phone got a message.my picture from my own phone camera automatically,from an unknown number.
I showed it to Rahul and said the problem is not solved yet.
I messaged who are you?
He started sending me my photos one after the other……
Who the hell are you?
Don’t try to trace me .My location will change every single minute.and don’t try to act smart and go to police.i always have my eyes on you.
I was completely shattered.rahul took the phone from me.
Hey!!! You bloody dog, why are you following her? Rahul messaged him.
Rahul! Stay out of it .Anyways she is not your girlfriend.so chill bro.
Saanvi? I think he is watching us.rahul said. He knows that I messaged him now.
Then,my phone got a call from an unknown number.
I lifted it and I heard some cat voice in it .Yaa,it is talking tom voice.it said hi,saanvi.
Who are you? I asked.
Ask something which is useful for you.
What do you want?
Yes,this is the right question.I want you to cry.
What?
Yes, cry now.
Please return those photos ,please!!!!
Ok .one simple question: kill or marry …..your options rahul,varun.
What rubbish?
No. answer to this to get your photos.
I looked at Rahul and spoke to him about the question.
Rahul said…choose me as kill ,lets see what he can do?
I nervously said I will kill rahul and marry varun.
Ohhh….even this is the advice of rahul right? No problem .Now KILL RAHUL.
WHAT…………????????
Yaaa,you chose to kill him right .Do it.or you have a swap option.KILL VARUN AND MARRY RAHUL.
This is ridiculous.i can’t do this.please i beg you .return my photos back please…..
Hey!! Don’t act innocent. I even have your nude photos with me.if you don’t kill him.i will upload your photos in internet.he said.and cut the call.
Meanwhile prerana,adi and varun entered my room.
I started crying and Rahul started explaining everything to them.
Varun came to me and sat next to me.
Don’t worry saanvi,we are with you. He consoled me.i leaned on his shoulder and started crying and his left hand was on my head.
Rahul came to us and showed me my phone. Call from that unknown number again.
In that call,he asked everyone to leave my room except me.
I am alone in the room. I said.
Good,dont try to do something stupid.i hacked rahul,varun,prerana everyones phones.
You can’t escape from me or find me.the only option you have is to do as i say.
What should I do?
KILL…………………KILL…………………KILL……………………HIM.
I can’t kill any of them.please!!!!
No chance babes……….KILL OR DIE.
No,please……………I cried
Hey,if you say this to anyone I will tell Rahul about your fake love story with varun.
And your secret affair with rahul to varun.upload your pics,ruin your career,life.
Whattttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes.so do as i say.tomorrow morning 10 is your deadline. Decide and tell me.varun or rahul.
The call got disconnected.
I just have the next 13 hours in my life to decide,Varun or rahul.
Bloody, 13 HOURS. TIK TIK,TIK TIK, TIK TIK.
Chapter – 9
I called varun……
Varun,please go.go home.i am ok.i will sort this out by myself.
I called Rahul and said I will solve this on my own.please and please inform even prerana to not come to my room till tomorrow morning.
I left my phone and started walking in my room.i asked them to leave because i know that he is watching me and he is watching me through them.but don’t know how.
It’s 12 am,and I saw my wall clock.
I wanted to talk to Varun but I thought it wasn’t safe for him.
I got a slip of paper into my room. With a note, kill him.
I became brave this time and understood the truth that I should face this.
I started thinking like a writer.
The next day at 9 ,I made up my mind and waited for his call.
But another call hit my phone.
It was Varun, I didn’t answer his call.
At 10,sharp. I got a call from that black mailer .But I didn’t hear his voice, only heard some TV headlines .
Person named Varun died in a car accident around 9:20.
My phone slipped from my hand and i don’t know i started running.
I went to that accident place.
Crowd,media,police,ambulance.
I went to see him but…………
The car was completely burnt……..
I kept on crying and screaming.
Constable came to me and asked who are you?
I didn’t answer him and …………..
I went to inspector
He asked me who are you?
I am Varun’s friend.
He is inspector ranjith . rude,arrogant yet sensible person.
Do you have his parents’ contact?
No,sir.he is an orphan.
Look,his body is completely burnt .I know it is uncomfortable and very hard to know this.please control yourself.
Can I see him please?Inspector,please.
No,mam.we are taking him to the government hospital.lets talk there.
I followed the ambulance.
Prerana,adi,rahul saw me in news coverage and came to the hospital.
I kept on crying,prerana sat next to me.
Hospital staff took Varun’s body for postmortem.
A nurse came to me and asked for my signature ,she returned me his phone,watch,wallet,and chain.
I broke down into tears.
Suddenly after 5 mins I got a flash in my head and opened his phone.
His home screen has our selfie ( the other day we took in the college).
He also got calls from that blackmailer………
Maybe…….
I ran to my home…….
I heard my phone ringing…………
rahul followed me.
Call from that black mailer.
He said, varun is no more…………
You bastard !!!! how could you kill him…
Me?I didn’t, instead it’s you who killed him.
Me???
Yaa ,check your phone.he called you at 9 when i was trying to kill him.but you didn’t answer his call because he had some threat from me.if you would have lifted his call ,that would be another story.
I cried.
Hey! Don’t cry .The game is not over yet, this is just a punishment as you didnt play the game well.get ready for round 2.
You rogue!!!!
Ah!ah! Your ex is waiting for you near the door.byeeeeeeeee.
I turned back and saw rahul.
Rahul saw me and came to me.
I hugged him and cried .
I realised that i made a mistake.and confessed to rahul about me and varun.
Rahul,! Varun is not my boyfriend .He is just my senior and friend.as we have to stay in the same house to organise a wedding,i thought it would be uncomfortable for you and lied to you.
Varun had a girlfriend in the UK but she broke up with him a month ago.after that we were in touch daily.on anitha akkas wedding night ,he proposed to me but i didn’t accept it. We continued to be healthy friends.but now all this is because of me……
And even now ,i am telling this because that bastard is black mailing me that he would tell this to you.and i can’t afford to lose even you rahul.
It took no time for him to accept my mistake,he said it’s fine.i can understand.
He even gave me a shock.that he knew this already.
I looked at him ,what??
Yes,on the wedding day when he was proposing to you .I came looking for you.and heard your complete conversation by standing behind a rock which is above you.i understood your situation and did not question you saanvi.
Did you listen to our conversation?
Yes.
Did you find anyone there?
No ,it’s dark and all the other sounds were dominated by sea susurrare.
That blackmailer was also there that night.
Maybe we can get some information,if you go and check the hotel CCTV footage.
Chapter – 10
CCTV footage has zero clues and we were depressed and lost all our hopes.
Blackmailer called me ,ohh! Now you are trying to trace me? Good, but you can’t do this without my help.
we will get you,bastard.
Great! Your round 2 is on.find me? And he cut the call.
We have to find him Rahul,he killed varun.
We then went to the police station to find out about Varun’s case.
Inspector Ranjith said,no further clues but still we are working on it. And please note down your details on a piece of paper and hand it over to our constable.
Ok,sir.
Then we went to Rahul’s friend and found out who is hacking our phones?
He took my phone and asked to return in 1 hour .
I opened Varun’s phone and saw his contact list. He had only 11 contacts in his phone.
Father george-caretaker in the orphanage,Rahul’s number,my number,manasa, ambulance,police,and 5 others.
His gallery has barely 50 pics.
And whats app conversations only with me and father george . actually varun’s birthday is on
Christmas day.
After 1 hour we went to Rahul’s friend to collect my phone.
He said,this is hard to crack,this hacker is very smart,he made his location change every second.
Can we find him?
I will ask my friend and let you know in 2 days.he said.
We left that place and reached my home.
He called me and asked did you find me?
I said,yes I found you.
Ohh ok tell me.
You are a coward.
Make sure you are ok when you talk to me.i have your life .if you…
Shut up you idiot.face me if you can.dont hide .
You want to see me right ? win round 3 and i will be right beside you. Save Rahul from me.
Please don’t harm Rahul.This issue is between you and me .
No….no……this issue is between you,me ,rahul,varun.
What did they do? What did I do ?
All of you ruined me.emotionally,psychologically.
Who are you? My voice went a bit low.
Hello! You can’t beg me now? Accept my challenge. Call ended.
I looked at rahul and said rahul! Please leave and stay safe.
He said his next target is you.
Me??? Let me face it saanvi.
No Rahul,I can’t lose you.stay away from me and stay safe somewhere.
Saanvi…….
Please go away……don’t call me either.
He left and I was alone.
I had no contact with the world for 5 hours.no phones,no people around me.my mom suddenly started calling me but ignored her for the 6 th time.
Then my maid suji entered the home.
Suji,did you find anyone down ?
No,saanvi.watchman gave me this parcel.This may be your dress.
Ok,place it on the table suji.
The next day I went to Rahul’s flat.I found him on this bed in an unconscious state.
I went near him,I was worried.
Rahul woke up and said hi,just a minute i will be back in a minute.
Thankgod Rahul is safe.
Blackmailer messaged me, fear?? Don’t worry.I was not serious about yesterday’s challenge.rahul is safe.
I messaged what do you want?
I didn’t get a reply.
What should I do to save rahul?
Game is not over yet.round 3. Save Rahul from me if you can.
I asked Rahul,when are you going to bangalore?
Maybe in a week.
No,leave now.
Why?
Please ,I will handle this alone. Please go.
But,are you…
Don’t say anything.please .
Ok,fine but what about details about that guy?
Give me your friend’s number and I will meet him tomorrow.
Ok.
I went with him to the railway station . He left.
I messaged the blackmailer . I sent him away,please don’t harm him. Let’s meet.
Ok,go home and get that parcel you got yesterday.
I went home and opened that parcel. It is in tomorrow’s newspaper that the Chennai to Bangalore train crashed.
I immediately called rahul.
Ha,saanvi.
Rahul just get out of that train.
Why? Are you ok?
Please rahul.
Ok.i am in the next station .I will come .
I called him and asked…why are you doing this to me? Its like torture.
See….i gave you a clue yesterday itself.be conscious.
Sorry,but after all of this ,why can’t you excuse me?
He didn’t answer.I think the call was disconnected.
The next day I went to Rahul’s friend ,but he left the station.
For a month,I didn’t get any threatening calls. And no accident happened to that train.
Rahul went to Bangalore and became busy with his life.
I couldn’t overcome such huge changes in my life.
Police closed Varun’s case as an accident.
That was december 28 th. my calling bell rang.
I opened the door and was surprised. Actually,shocked.
It was varun.
Chapter – 11
Yes,it was varun.
He came to me and said hii
Are you alive?
Yes,I am.
How come? Accident?body?Police case?
Can I come in?? He asked me.
Yaa
After having a glass of water.
That day i had to leave ,i went to hyderabad for christmas celebrations and i was there with father george.
Then I saw this accident in the news.
Actually ,that day my watchman took my car keys ,as that car is registered on my name ,everyone thought that was me.
After listening to all of this,I went and hugged him.
And don’t know why I said,I love you varun.
He was surprised and said me too.
That day I was completely with varun.
Asusual rahul tried to call me .
I ignored him.
We were at the beach .
Varun! That blackmailer never called or messaged me after that.
But even now I feel that he is watching me.
I felt insecure as I was the only reason for your death all these days.
But now you are here,with me.
I am really happy. Said I.
Varun looked at me and said don’t worry i am here with you .
We smiled.
That night ,Rahul called more than 26 times.
I answered his call 27 th times.
Hello.
Saanvi!! This is important.i am trying to call you for 5 days.
I know rahul.please stay away from me.i am with Varun,and we are planning to get married.
Whatttttt???? No saanvi.i have to tell you something urgent .please!!!!
No rahul.varun is alive .I am happy for him.
I am still scared that a blackmailer is watching me.so please !!!! Don’t call me again.
And I cut the call.
The next two days Me and varun were very happy and we planned for a private new year party.
It was 31 st night.9pm
I called Prerana and told her about me and varun.That day we had a lot of fun.we danced.
We sat opposite each other.it was 11 pm.
I said,varun,what is the motto of that blackmailer? Why did he call me?plan to kill you? Why did he do all of this?
Varun interrupted me.
He said, don’t overthink.enjoy this moment.
And he knelt on his knees and took out a ring from his suit pocket.
Will you marry me?
I was so happy this time,
Bell ring interrupted us.
4 th,5 th time.
I went to open the door.
I saw prerana ,adi and rahul!!!!!!!
They entered my flat within a split second.
They wished varun.i found sarcasm on their faces.
I asked,guys !! Surprise??
Adi said , yaa!! On the occasion of the return of varun.let’s celebrate this new year.
Yaa,but we are sorry .we disturbed you.carry on said prerana.
No,no we are just talking.let’s have dinner.said I
We all had dinner in silence.
After the dinner, adi said we still have half an hour for 12 so,let’s fill this time.let’s play 2 truths and one lie.
This time Rahul looked at me.
I said ok .
We started playing, everyone’s face was so serious but I was having fun.
Rahul started the game.
- I need to announce something important.
- This varun is a liar.
- He is the blackmailer
Chapter – 12
I stood and said,Rahul, this is enough.i can’t handle this anymore.you are insulting him and me too.
Rahul said,no saanvi,he is a fraud.i will prove you.
I shouted ,get out rahul.
Adi stood and said saanvi listen to him.
Prerana supported him.
Varun was facing the ground.
I said, no adi,this rahul wants me and varun to get separated.so he is manipulating you.
Adi said, me is not a cheater.the person beside you is a big manipulator.
Rahul came to me and said,
Answer me saanvi,
When did varun take your number?
A month ago.
When did that blackmailer start making threatening calls?
Next day of wedding.which is when varun proposed to you.
Where is Varun all these days?
In hyderabad
With whom?
Father george
Really???
Yes,I think so.
Ok,what is the main motto of that blackmailer?
I don’t know.
Ok, did you get any information about varun all these days?
Yes I took father georges number from college register to get varun’s photos.
Did you get them?
Yes ,in whatsapp
How does the college register George’s number?
Because he is Varun’s guardian.
Father george!!!!! Rahul said.
I saw a pastor entering the room.
Rahul said,he is father george. And you know what he doesn’t have a phone at all.
How can he send you images on whatsapp?
Father george came to me and said saanvi,this varun ran out of our orphanage when he was 17 . He came back when he joined college for guardian signature.
After that day I saw him today only.
Rahul asked father , did you meet him for Christmas in hyderabad?
No,I didn’t meet him.I went to Mumbai for Christmas.
Look saanvi,this is the truth. That day when I took your phone,I installed a spy camera app in your phone.
As every criminal is not so smart,this varun I also.he handled a phone as father Joseph but simply is one the name of varun only.
When my friend took your phone to investigate. We found this.then for the first time I got doubt on him.but to confirm it I installed this spy app.
The day when he came I saw him handling your phone without your presence and tried to delete father Joseph contact from the spy cam.
Then I doubted him for the second time.
I came to Chennai and met Prerana ,adi.
We went to father George and explained everything to him. Said rahul.
So, mister varun it’s time for you to speak.
Why?
I saw Varun with teary eyes.
He started telling
I am an orphan.no one liked me . I left the orphanage for my freedom.
I met Manasa in college. We were in love .But she cheated me. I felt like killing her.
Then I saw saanvi . I liked her. But I know she would reject me if I proposed to her then.i thought of making an emotional connection with her. Then came his rahul.when saanvi told her story about rahul , I felt really happy that she doesn’t have feelings for him.
That day In coffee shop ,when she asked me to marry her I was so happy.
I wanted it to come true .
The other day in park ,I planned to act and hide a camera but I saw her concern towards me.i thought she is the one.
I didn’t know how to express my feelings.
So I pinned those pics on the notice board,again and again.
But that day when she rejected me I couldn’t take that.
Then I started being a blackmailer .
I wanted that Rahul to get lost from saanvis life.i thought to kill him.but that’s not what I wanted.i wanted to be in her life .so I started creating a concern towards varun.
Varuns death made her more emotional, guilty.
And I thought this game would finish when varun returned back .
Everything was perfect…..perfect …….
But again this rahul……..
These are the original colors.saanvi….
Said rahul.
I went to Varun with teary eyes and slapped him.
Threatening a person that you would upload her nude pics online is not love you bastard.
I ran into my room.
I heard voices but after a few minutes they stopped.
I came out of the room.
I didn’t find father george and varun there.
Adi,prerana, Rahul wished me happy new year.i looked at them and gave a smile .
Rahul came to me and observed that I was nervous.
He said, the evil which came into your life is now destroyed .So stay happy.
Happy new year……..
After that I never thought or saw varun ever…
By Rangavalli Ambadipudi
Participate in Creative writing Contest & International Essay Contest and win fabulous prizes.
