I JUST KNEW ! Part 25

We both stood there just looking at each other for few seconds and then my bus appeared, I dint wanted to board it, but then I had to join office. My mind was blank for a moment as if, I dint knew what should I be doing, I turned towards the bus and as I moved a step.

“Don’t take the bus, I will drop you to office… of course, if you are okay with that” said Sanskar with a cute smile. My mind was like how can you say no to this cute smile plus I had so much talking to do with him.  I turned towards the bus driver and made a hand gesture, as asking him to leave without me & the driver left.

I turned towards sanskar and asked him “what are you doing here, I thought you were still in Singapore” and he smiled and said “Shall we walk towards my vehicle; I’ll answer all your questions while I drive you to your office”.

With my heart pacing up I knew this is going to be a great day. I followed Sanskar while he crossed the road. He had his car parked on the other side of the road. When we crossed he said “I reached home last night, I called you from Singapore itself when you asked me when I’ll be back, something went wrong with the line and I couldn’t place a call again.”

I said “alright , But what are doing here was my question” and I smiled. He halted as we approached his car and said “I came to give you lift to your office.” I prompted “What if I would have taken my bus?”. He made a sad face and said“ You know you look great in Saree ” and opened the door of his car. There were funny exchanges of expressions between both of us while I moved in the car.

He started the car and took a U turn saying “When I reached home last night, I got to know that - mom and dad are out to Pune with my uncle and cousins, they will be back day after and I have a holiday today, I had nothing to do right away so, I thought to see you, as you said you wanted to discuss something with me …”

One thing I found very nice about the whole sentence, he said was he has a holiday today, so I said “You have a holiday today, wow … that makes 3 days in a row as its Friday today” he glanced towards me and said “Yes that’s nice actually.. ” we were calm for a while I was observing all the little things inside his car, I remembered the Ganesha’s idol at the centre and recollected that I have seen this earlier. Soon he asked “do you want me to play music ?” and  it came straight out of my mouth “ rather, I prefer having conversation with you ”.

He cleared his throat “Ahem ” and then looked at me “So talk, I am willing to listen”. I started smiling. I said “where did you get my office email id.” And he said “You know you always ask so many questions” and I replied “I always feel curious about a few things.”

“Shreya, I have contacts…. I know a few people from your office they gave me your complete detail -your phone number, email address, your picture, desk number, office address, and few other details. I took it long back before I met you” said Sanskar.

“Haww someone from my office did that ” I was awestruck “This is wrong against the policy …” sanskar was laughing “I know that is why, I wasn’t willing to tell you, but you are Shreya who always wants to know everything and will tell nothing when asked.” He said

“what … when didn’t  I ? I answer you whenever you ask anything  ” I said with a serious expression however I knew I barely did that. We almost reached my office.

I said “Thanks for dropping me” Sanskar said “Any time madam. By the way you can add me on Facebook I have sent you a request.”

The car stopped at the gate and I was in no hurry to go out I asked “When can I see you again.” He smiled “Why you want to see me again?” well I had no answer I guess we both knew why I wanted to see him, but I wasn’t sure if he did feel the same way.

“It’s up to you if you can take out time and mmm if aa” I was figuring out some proper sentence. He gripped his steering and said “You don’t have to be formal Shreya, Tell me when do you want to meet again.” He said without looking at me.

 I said “whenever you are free”. He folded his hands and turned towards me and said “I just told you, I have a holiday today I am free whole day, so now you tell me”. He raised his eyebrows.

 “Lunch tomorrow” I requested and he replied “tomorrow, Lunch .. I am sorry I have to take  my girlfriend out for lunch .” And he was looking closely for my reaction, it was a bluff,  I knew he was free but I played along “Okay then enjoy your lunch and plan something, day after”. I started getting down taking my bag while he prompted “Can we not plan something for today ?” and I answered “We have a release party today so, I cannot plan for today. Thanks and have a good day.” I waved him and entered my office premises.

I JUST KNEW ! Part 24

It’s very funny how we term our ego as self-prestige. Post checking the messages from Sanskar that night, I called him thrice but he dint lift my call. No Idea what got into me but I was very annoyed by that, I thought of dropping him a message then came the evil part of me which said, he is not taking your call just don’t ruin your image  and I did exactly what it said. After a day I again found missed calls from Sanskar as my mobile was on silent mode, while attending the conference. When I called him back, He did not lift. This I am not talking and texting game was on for a few days, until he mailed me on my official email id, the email had attached pictures of him from Singapore.

Again there were only pictures no mail contents no subject only pictures, Well I checked those pictures, he was looking quite cool in them, then I sent these pictures to my personal email, I thought, I can have them in my mobile and check whenever I want. Then I did a smarter thing, I sent him my pictures (The one taken at Sunita’s wedding I especially chose the one in which I was looking prettier, I guess we all do the same) on the reply of the same mail with no subject.

 Next day I found Sanskar’s Friends request on Facebook, I did not accept it I thought to do it later. But I was willing to add him thinking I can check more pictures of him if I add him but then he could do the same so let’s not add him. It’s really funny how your mind plays with you and then there are hormones which control half of your actions.

While I was busy with winding up one of my task, Sherlee appeared asking me to join her for lunch. I took my tiffin and walked with her towards the cafeteria, soon I heard my phone ringing this time, I checked it was sanskar, I thought I must talk I asked sherlee to go and get her food while I will wait at the table, I allowed the phone to ring till I reached the table. Then I lifted and said “So finally” and Sanskar said “What finally, I thought you are ignoring me” and I answered “Why would I do that” Sanskar said “May be some sort of mood swings that women’s deal with ” and I continued “I see, are you back from Singapore?” there was no reply the line was gone I tried calling him again the number was not reachable. Soon Sherlee appeared with her paratha’s and I thought of tasting them so I pushed my mobile aside and started munching on. We discussed project , the party of release which was going to be next day evening and then gossiped about fellow colleagues, later moved back to work. The Project was almost done from our end the testing and fixing of bugs was left. I was leaving home on time it was such a relief I thought.

After I reached home it was India Pakistan cricket match which postponed our dinner we three were glued to the television. India won this time, we added ice-cream to our dinner for celebrating the victory. What a match it was I thought having my ice cream. Mean while Mom asked “You said there is some finishing to be done in this dress” showing me my violet frok I said “Yes mom, here there are two buttons off ” showing her the sleeve. She asked me “when do you want it ?” I said “tomorrow mumma , the party is tomorrow evening.”

She made an angry face, I made again a cute puppy face and like always it worked.

Next day morning I got ready packed my violet dress for party and rest of the things along with my tiffin box. As I reached my bus stop I got a weird feeling like someone is watching me, I checked around there was no one it was 8: 00 AM  and a very few autos appeared and little vehicles moving by. However the feeling continued I checked for my bus on my right of the road, just then someone patted my left shoulder, In a reflex I turned my head and there stood Sanskar. I just couldn’t control that smile, it appear on my face, though I was not wanting to smile specially that big smile.  I was completely surprised with his sudden presence there and I went like “what … you .. .. dream ..  I mean …..what aaa” and like always he started laughing.

I JUST KNEW ! Part 23

There is something about Sarees, not that I am very fond of wearing them, but whenever I do I feel awesome. Maybe cause I am an Indian. Draping saree is an art for sure. It does take time but once you are done, I feel it worth all of that.

I was at the wedding taking pictures along with my colleagues Sherlee and Sadhana there were few others but this time I felt to just hang out along with these two girls. We moved in to the brides dressing room, Sunita was all dressed up in red and white Bengali bridal Saree, with classic eye makeup and huge red bindi.

She was having sips of juice with a straw, when she saw us she was more than amazed She hugged sherlee and the it was my turn. I complemented her “You look gorgeous, I never knew you are Bengali, until today” . She answered “Actually my Mom’s Bengali dad is from Karnataka so I had flavours of both.” Soon there was lots of buzz as the groom party had arrived in the central hall and the ladies started making a Ulu dhwani, its all hard to explain but treat to watch the customs. while the bride was carried towards the central hall by all her cousins.

While sunita was asked to join the groom we took more selfie and chatting with other guest/ relatives of Sunita. I did worry for a while about sunita thinking how would she manage everything at this young age and at the beggining of her married life. Then I gave another thought that I definitely cannot do anything about their life, so better I focus on whatever is going on in my life.

 I really enjoyed the food and wedding, we all even had a nice DJ dance party at the end, before all the guest could leave. On my way back I choose to call my dad to take me home it was very late night, and I was getting too much attention from my fellow colleagues most of them showing concern on dropping me home. & Its tough to say yes to one person when you have another standing next to him who has already come up to you with same help.

I was waiting and chitchatting with Sherlee she said “my boyfriend is about to come, when will uncle come?” I said “any moment he messeged me a while ago that he has started from home.” Soon his boyfriend appeared on a bike they hugged each other and sherlee introduced him to me, I learnt that they both were college buddies. This reminded me of Sumit. However, I just let go of my thoughts and started mingling with Sunny, Sherlee’s boyfriend he was little shorter than sherlee but very friendly and funny at the same time. My phone rang as I checked it was inside my purse and picked it, it was my dad and he asked me to come to main entrance. We three moved to the entrance where I took leave from both and joined dad to leave home.

 I got into the car and dad asked “how was the wedding?” I answered “It was amazing, I am happy that I got to attend a Bengali wedding”. Dad continued “Nice to hear that, by the way mom was trying to call you around an hour back you didn’t receive the call” checking my phone I said really then I found there was 2 missed calls one from mom another from Sanskar. There was also another message “Are you free, can I call ” dated yesterday I wondered How come I dint check this one and then I realized I have turned off all the notifications. I gave a pat on my forehead. And dad asked “what happened?” I said “Nothing papa, some settings in my phone.”

I JUST KNEW ! Part 22

Being Sleep deprived wasn’t new for me. Yet this was different in some way -more tiresome, It was like no good night sleep and tons of tasks.

- 2 and half weeks passed.

I dint receive any text from Sanskar which was much expected. Sometimes, when I used to be immersed in his thoughts, I tried to recollect the complete conversation to figure out if he really said “I will call or text you”.

 However day by day I moved towards smoother end of organizing my tasks and tasks for rest of my team. To boast my spirits I received multiple appreciation mails with “Good Job ” & “Great work ”.

 It was some get-together meeting and announcement of awards for employee of month and quarter. Few of my colleagues were teasing me that I may receive it, as I worked hard for this project, deep inside even I wished to get one at least a small token like emerging star, or whatever. But at the end of all announcements, as my name never appeared I felt haa.. I don’t need any award. But Sashwath who was sitting right beside me, did get one star achiever and he was going on vocation tomorrow , every one gathered around us to congratulate him and I was sort of not very happy or may be jealous of him.

Shashank said “ Bro this was much deserved right ? The cash money you can use for your Honey moon, by the way where are you guys planning to go ?”

Sashwath kept a big smile all the while, thanking every one. Sunita was not present at the scene she was busy with some discussion with HR team. Going back to my desk at staircase I asked Sashwath “You received the award, you are getting married to your love why aren’t you actually looking happy ?” He gave me a scary glance and I choked for a moment.

Sashwath asked “what are you saying ?” I replied “If I was in your place I would have been behaving different, you somehow appeared lost - just smiling weird…. Is this what you call pre-marital jitters” he laughed and said “May be, I am not sure”.

I continued walking towards his desk and asking my questions “haven’t you people planned for honey moon? I mean you have taken really long vocation” He said “I’ll be here in Hyderabad itself with guests and family taking care of Sunita.” I enquired “isn’t she doing well”

He took a deep breath restarting his PC and said “She is fine” and I in no time said “Better she be, You are the one responsible..” and before I could complete my sentence You are the one responsible person among you two . He said in a provoking voice “No I am not responsible all the time, she is equally responsible” all I could do was to keep a serious face because I barely understood what he was trying to say , soon he asked “can you come for coffee , I feel like I am having head ache” I agreed. We went to break out area where he started talking and explaining a lot of things, half of which were not digestible for me. However what I could understand was this marriage wasn’t a planned one it happened early for both of them as Sunita got pregnant and being a friend I wasn’t supposed to discuss this with anyone else.

I JUST KNEW ! Part 21

My phone was beeping I thought it’s already 6, with my sleepy eyes I moved towards my desk and picked my phone to set it to snooze but it wasn’t my alarm. It was a message from Sanskar

“Next time I won’t be in any hurry.”

 And with out even checking the time I replied “OK” and within no time I got another reply

 “Don’t you sleep??”

Which made me check my wall clock it was very dark, patting my forehead I though stupid you are holding mobile in your hand then I checked the time in my mobile it was 2:00 AM, I wasn’t able to believe- it’s only 2, so I switched on my light and checked again my clock the time was same, I guessed half of my mind was still in sleeping mode, So I switched off the lights and lied back thinking I have still 4 hours to sleep. Then my phone beeped, it was him again. I knew it before lifting the phone

Sanskar :I won’t be available, for a few weeks!

 and I enquired texting “Why?” and soon my phone rang I lifted before the first ring could complete my heart started beating faster, I dint knew whether I was worried of talking to him at this late night or it was something else.

“Hello” I said

And he giggled asking “you don’t sleep?”

“I was sleeping, it was your call which disturbed my sleep” I answered

“I see, I thought you were awake as you were responding to my text, Plus I don’t like texting much I prefer a two way conversation” he said and continued “Can we talk or you want to sleep?”

“Why aren’t you asleep ?” I asked with out answering his question.

He giggled again “So that means we can talk, I am not asleep because, I am waiting for my flight at the Delhi terminal, I am leaving to Singapore”

And then a very long conversation begun………

Me :You are in Delhi ?

He : Yes Madam

ME when did you leave to Delhi?

He : at around 8 in the evening, why..

Me : nothing I dint knew you were travelling

He (started laughing )

Me: why are you laughing?

He : How will you be knowing that I am travelling If I don’t tell you.

Me : exactly you dint tell me

He: was I supposed to? (Again laughters)

I became calm, no idea why!

He : hey, what .. what happened are you there or the line is gone?

Me : HMMM…

He: let’s just talk …see I have a project and a seminar to attend I’ll be back probably after 3 weeks and I was not sure that  aaa…

Me : carry on..

He : can we talk something else, I am sure you are not interested in my trip.

Me: Ohooo  and how you know what I am interested in?

He : Dint I tell you I researched you before meeting you .. hmmm?

Me : Yes you did..So now what?

There was a pause I could only hear his breathing…

He : You were looking very pretty today Shreya .. I wished to tell you the same as soon as I saw you but I guess I dint had the courage.

Me: OK…. you too were looking … not bad (I smiled to myself biting my lips)

He : So you said you want to meet again .

Me : Yes I did.

He: Why

Me : I (I took a while framing my answer) … I want to discuss something, there is something I feel you should be knowing about.

He : You can tell now

Me : I can’t keep talking all night, plus you have a flight to board

He : Can I call you again.

Me : Not in the night please..

And he laughed again, this time I joined him.Then he Said

He: I meant when I reach Singapore at day time..

Me: I am keeping busy these days if possible call me in evening ..

He: OK, work load and all ?

Me : Yupp you can say that, But you can call.

He : Hmm……. I’ll text you before calling then, OK ?

Me : Yes !

He : Fine then I’ll take your leave, it was nice talking.

Me : why are you sounding so formal all of a sudden.

He : Well I never spoke to a girl this long on phone I was not able to find suitable line to say bye.

Me: when is your flight

He : mmm more 45 mins to go.

Me: why are you saying bye then.

He : Because I want you to sleep as you have to work tomorrow.

Me: ok Bye

He : bye

Neither did he turned off the call nor did I…. it was again a silence of 33 secs

He: mmm shreya

Me: Yes

He : Just Sleep I don’t know why we are just going on from past one hour

Me : (started giggling) You will meet me after you are back from Singapore right

He : Of course , You have something to discuss you said , so definitely.

Me : I’ll pay next time.

He : haha sure…

Me : So how did you understand that the caller was me, how did you figured it out?

He : Ask me anything else I would answer apart from this one.

Me: OK, What did you tell your family after you visited our place?

He : Wohoooo, you had questionnaire ready !!!

You know I dint knew you are so Sharp and Smart at the same time.

Me: I don’t feel the same way, any way I am waiting for my answer.

He : Why you want to know?

Me : You shouldn’t be giving another question for one question asked.

He : Well I learnt that from you .

Me : I see..

He : Well…. I felt you are not willing for the proposal and you may talk to parents about your boyfriend, so ..

Me : You told your parents that I have a boyfriend.

He: let me complete…I told them that am not ready, ahhh and I need time to think about marriage now.

            Then your dad called my dad and asked again, I said to answer that I am not interested.

Me :Oh

He : yes that was OH and lot of drama at my place.

Me: I am sorry for all that.

He: Shreya

Me : yes..

He : please sleep its 4: 30. Goodday bye

And he cut the call I couldn’t say bye to him.

I JUST KNEW ! Part 20

IF he is not calling or texting you, that means you are not in his mind.

A simple conclusion came up from my populous mind.  I was running out of time, with too many

Tasks on my list, leading a team was new for me, it’s always easy to work when someone is there to assign you work, you know very well how to handle it. However, when it’s to handle the team along with your own set of duties, it becomes hard and harder when part of you is not with you.

I was in a meeting with the client, my offshore and onshore team and frequently checking my mobile, just unlocking and locking it, in a hope that a message would pop up anytime …. However it didn’t.

Time passed too fast and I was on the way back to home imagining - how heavily loaded week it’s going to be and its only Monday. I checked my mobile again there were no messages I gave a thought to call Sanskar, but then dropped the idea. Looking at the vehicles and view passing outside my window I was thinking how good those moments were when I was sitting on the bike with Sanskar and we were having those small conversation.. just then the phone rang…..

My bad my mobile battery was almost drained I could only check that it was Sanskar calling and before I could lift the call it was too late, my phone ditched me it got switched off.

The first thing I did after reaching home was connecting my mobile to charging point and trying hard to switch it on but you see the law of electronics doesn’t work that way, it dint get turned on until till it was charged a bit. My mom called and said “doll are you home, why dint you closed the gate back. Those stray dogs has entered in and they are peeing on our plants”

All I could say was “OH” and left my mobile to chase the dog out of our garden.

                        Lying on my bed that night I felt it was very lengthy day and the time spent with Sanskar was the best one hour, “WOW” I said closing my eyes and then started imagining Sanskar lying beside me in the room. I had an uncontrollable smile on my face and was wondering why am I doing such stupid thing soon I fell asleep.