ArjunPari#52 Wednesday 17July2013 I want to know more about you.. How can I take a life time decision without knowing you..

We were having lunch at a restaurent nearby office, I was staring the sky through window and was thinking about nothing. Pari was seated next to me, she initiated the conversation.

'I heard that your brother and her fiancé are waiting because of a good muhurath(time fixed to perform a ritual)!'

'Yes Pari, My Uncle and Aunt believe in all that stuff and my family always respects their beliefs. So we are waiting for the best muhurath(time fixed to perform a ritual).'

'What about you? Do you believe in all that stuff?' She smiled, and the same smile was reflected on mine.

'My beliefs are different. I believe that, for a relationship which has to be cherished for lifetime, nothing like good time or good sign is required.'

'Then.. what is required?'

'I believe that understanding is the foundation of a relationship.'

Mahita opened her eyes wide and interrupted me. Pari was looking at me strangely. I was doubtfully looking at them and Mahita cleared my confusion.

'Did you hear that conversation, we were having in office?'

'No Mahita, I didn't'

'Are you telling the truth?'

'Looks like he is telling the truth!' Kiran assured her.

'We were speaking about relations this morning and Pari said the same thing as you said. I am really surprised.'

Now the person in surprise was me.

'All this is influence of books you are reading Arjun!'

'You are reading?? You said you don't read much!' I was caught red handedly, Kiran should not have revealed that.

I started reading books which Pari already read after I came to know that she likes reading. I just wanted to know how she feels, I don’t want to be muted when she is speaking about her favorite author and I am just wondering what she is speaking about. I will not let that happen. Even a little thing of her's is an important subject to me.

I said 'Just having fun!'

'Just having fun!' She repeated those words with a smile.

Pari smiled again and diverted the topic. We were all having fun at lunch. I was looking how the bill amount would be higher. I was asking questions like 'Which is the best at your restaurent' 'Which is the costliest dessert?' to the attender. Kiran is going to pay how much I eat, it's his party. Every time ,he used to kick me when I tried to do such things. But, this time he was just smiling and enjoying. Why wouldn't he.. Now he is the happiest man on earth..Soon.. I will be too..

Pari started again. She was curious to know about me. Questions were flowing like ganga(River in North India).

'I see that you are good at teaching but what about managing?'

'I am not sure.. but will learn..You can help me out..'

'Me? How can you trust me?'

'This way! Your dad is a very good businees man, he thinks about his staff and his brand value. He wouldn't just handle it all to you without trusting your skills. He knows more about you than I do and he is the one whom I have trust in!'

It was a big explaination but left the best impression of me on her. I was speaking good about her first best man in life – her father. My future father in law, I started respecting his views even before getting married. This can be one of the reasons for Pari to accept me.

The questions continued and I continued impressing her. That was going too much with us both, I started feeling uncomfortable.

'Pari, let's speak later.' I smiled.

'I think this is a good time.I want to know more about you.. How can I take a lifetime decision without knowing you..' She enquired.

'I am feeling a little uncomfortable.' I whispered to her.

'Do not! Everyone knows everything' she spoke into my ears with a big smile.

'What?' I shouted out.

'Yes! I and Kiran narrated everything to everyone..Even to your roommates..'

'What?' I faced them and they were all nodding.

Oh no! My love story is all public now. I would like a little private love story. Now that it is all open, I have to go with it. Little disappointed.

'Why are you turning red?' Pari asked me.

'My love story is all public now!' I whispered into her ears and she laughed out.

'Dont call it one.. Until I wave a green signal Arjun' She whispered to me.

Now we were all full with food in our bellies. It was Mounica on call and Kiran's speaker was on.

'Hi all! How are you?'

'We are good! Thank you for the party?' Pari was speaking.

'Is Kiran happy with the bill?'

'No! He is not. His eyes are wide open from the time it came into his hands' We all laughed out.

'Then you people really ate well.' Mounica smiled.

'Yes we did! And Mounica..' She paused 'You are a lucky one for having a funny guy in our life.'

'Thank you..He is a funny one!' Mounica answered.

'Pari.. To admitt you are a lucky one too.' Everyone was staring at me. I made the speaker off immediately and spoke to Mounica privately. Everyone was laughing at me and I was turning red again. Pari was laughing at me and I was feeling good about my red face.

-Arjun Krishna

ArjunPari#51 Tuesday 16July2013 She was resembling an angel..

Last night, I fell asleep thinking about my life and Pari. I was now, determined what to do with my life. I woke up with a smile after a good sleep. I was arranging my thoughts and was neglecting breakfast. Kiran was angry with my behavior and he started scolding me. I neglected him. I explained to Kiran in bus what I wanted to do with my life. He was happy to hear that and I was happy to speak out about my goals for the first time in my life.

I wanted to share it with Pari. I was looking for her everywhere.. In the bus we boarded.. At the lift lobby.. Where are you Pari? I was standing inside the lift car with disappointment, the door was closing and someone reopened it.. I was looking at the person who entered; Kiran pinched me and said "This is not your dream!" It was Pari but her look was new, which made me believe that it was my dream. She was wearing a new white salwaar kameez and her little long hair was tied back with a beautiful white butterfly. She resembled an angel as I see in movies. Her shining white duppatta would suffice with the wings of an angel. My Pari was looking so beautiful that I stood there silent, watching her.

I didn’t realize that my ears were not working until we got down at our floor. She shouted on me. "I am waving a HI for the fourth time and you are not even responding. What's wrong with you?"

I was still silent and was staring her. She got angry and walked away. Kiran scolded me for strange behaviour and asked why I am behaving strange.

"She is looking like an angel to me.”

“You have got mad Arjun!” He smiled and left me there.

I was thinking how to tell her that she is really looking like an angel to my eyes. I am going to do that. I am brave enough..

I went to her. She was speaking to our team lead. The discussion was over and he asked her.

“What’s special today? You are looking good!”

‘Thank you.. Nothing’s special.. It was a gift and I can’t wait for an occasion to wear it.. It is beautiful..’

“Yes it is..” I too wanted to say that it was beautiful and she resembled an angel.

“Who gifted it?’ That was the wrong question but I asked it.

“My cousin bought it for me..The one who wanted to marry me.” Her smile was little mischievous.

I was there to compliment her but now I was acting strangely and differently. I was staring her in silence and many questions were inside my head.

Why did her cousin bought her such a good gift? Why not me?

Why did she say that she can’t wait to wear it. Is she having any feelings on him?

Am I feeling jealous about it inside my heart?Oh no!

Pari raised her head and smiled. I smiled and returned back to my desk. Why did I go to her and what did I do? Aarggh.. I should have said her those words which I wanted to tell her.

I was concentrating on my food and Kiran said out.

‘You should reserve your child’s seat at Arjun’s school. It is going to be the best one.’

I almost spitted out my food. He was explaining to all of them that I have decided to work on setting a school on my defined standards and principles. I wanted to tell Pari myself. Kiran spoiled it but I didn’t feel bad because she waved a smile after hearing all that and that smile soothed me. It brought me more confidence.

Pari spoke to me. ‘That is why you thanked me yesterday!’

‘Yes it is’ I smiled. And.. I said ‘Thank you for that Pari! It was a good hint for me’

Pari is too smart for me. Sometimes I feel like I am not completely eligible to have her but I will do every other thing which will make me fit for her.

All day long I was trying to tell her that she’s resembling an angel but I couldn’t. This was not a brave act. But I will.. If not this time then it will be the other..

-Arjun Krishna

ArjunPari#50 Monday 15July2013 It will be surely a Yes! I BELIEVE IN IT :-)

I was on my bed, early in the morning and was thinking..
"I have chosen my life partner. I am a lucky one who found the best. Now, I promise my self.. I will make Pari happy.. Not just happy..the happiest..
I suddenly remember my problem chosing my career path..I have to decide before Pari asks about that..This question is little disturbing!"
I was thinking deeply and was neglecting food while having breakfast. Kiran observed that. He came to me and offered me a spoon of Upma from his plate.
"Concentrate on food Arjun! You can dream later.."
I smiled at him and said "I am thinking..not dreaming! I am 22 years old and I don't know what to do with my life. It is time to decide it and I am worried about it.."
"Oh my God! Arjun! One day and I can see so much change in you!"
"Listem my dear son Kiran! ONE SHOULD NOT FALL IN LOVE.. THEY MUST RISE IN LOVE"
"Well said..well said..Swami Arjunananda.!"
We both laughed at each other. We had a little disciussion on this but it was of no use. I did not figure out what I wanted out of my life.
I started my day at office thinking
"I have to think! What am I? What will I be?"
I don't know when Pari entered Office, She was suddenly sitting by my side and started speaking.
"Arjun! I need to know about this..Plese explain me.."
I started explaining and in very less time she got familiar about that.
"Arjun! You explain too well. It is very easy to understand what you say. You have it in your blood."
"I didn't get it"
"You have teaching in your blood. Your Mom and Dad have inherited you this golden charecteristic"
"Thank You" I was thinking and I bursted out "Now I know!!"
"What?"
"Pari..that I will explain you later!"
I was about to sleep and Kiran asked me with concern.
"I can see that you are excited. Its good but am worried. She didn't say a Yes.."
"It will be surely a Yes! I BELIEVE IN IT"
Thinking about all questions of  today....
Continued next day..........

-Arjun Krishna

ArjunPari#45 Wednesday 10July2013 Oh! Am sorry about that! She already left!!

I was trying hard to sleep but I was very excited that I couldn't. I was happy that we landed in Hyderabad. We hired an auto early in the morning with the highest we can pay. Kiran was excited that he agreed to pay more to the auto driver. That auto driver was lucky that he found us as customers. I was playing pranks on kiran and he was enjoying it.

We reached their bungalow. Madhu Uncle was there in his jogging dress reading newspaper.

'Surprise Madhu Uncle!' He was happy seeing us.

'Where's Mounica? We are here to surprise her?' Kiran spoke out boldly.

Uncle's eyes were suddenly dull 'Oh! Am sorry about that! She already left'

'What?' We both shouted.

'Yes! It was yesterday. Didn't she tell you?'

'We should have called her once Kiran!' I said to him. He was feeling bad.

'You didn't call her? You should have called her!' He laughed out and we heard a voice.

'Hey daddy!'

We turned our heads and it was her. We were delighted. She was surprised seeing us there.

'I am sorry guys!' Her dad left leaving us three there.

'Mounica! Am glad you are here. Uncle almost killed us.' I admitted and Kiran said 'I am happy seeing you.' He was staring into her eyes. I think I should not be here but how to go away.

I can smell that aunt's cooking and I found that she was making 'Pulihora(lemon rice). I was attracted.

'I am suddenly hungry. I will bring you both breakfast.' I stood and went to Kitchen.

Aunty and Uncle were discussing what he did with us few minutes ago. Aunt was laughing at us. I went to her and greeted. She insisted to get fresh before having breakfast. I was sent to Ravi brother's room. It was not yet designed, I was expecting a lot and then I came to know that the couple shifted to another room which was bigger. When I went down after having a bath, Aunt was serving breakfast to Kiran and Mounica. Everthing was looking great. Kiran and Mounica were smiling, but I was curious what happened.

'Did you have a bath Kiran?' I smiled.

'I was hungry Arjun! So Aunt suggested only to brush my teeth instead of a bath' Everyone was smiling at him.

'Arjun! Am happy you both planned to come here before I leave. Thank you' She said.

'Mounica! We didn't plan. It was a sudden one. Arjun was longing to see you.' Kiran said.

We had a long chat along with carroms. It lasted till lunch. It was a feast cooked for us. I was concentrating on my food and Kiran on Mounica. Why is he disturbing her with his looks.

'Kiran! What happened in the morning?' I whispered in his ears.

'I said everything to her.' Kiran said.

'Everything? Did it go well?'

'I think so! I said everything!'

Kiran said everything in few minutes. Did he express himself in his own style or he was a little bit romantic? How did he do that? He is a brave one. I was saving my questions for him.

'Kiran! Then what are you doing now. Will you cause a problem now?'

'Looks like I will!'

'Why?' I moved my lips.

'I didn't get her. She just smiled and said nothing. I want it clear. Is she okay with it or not?'

'Stop whispering to each other and start concentrating on food' Mounica shouted on us.

Soon after lunch, we came out to get her some gifts. I bought some chocolates for her. Kiran was still thinking. And I started giving suggestions.

'Buy some chocolates?'

'That! you already bought for her. I want something different.'

'Buy some flowers?'

'It is good but I want something other?'

'Are you thinking of some showpiece.. or a comedy piece?' I was laughing.

'Stop it Arjun! I know now what to buy for her! Arjun! Let's go!'

He made us stop at a place where a lot of watch stalls were available.

'A watch..Hmm!' I smiled.

He showed me a watch and I went to flashback.

We were on a visit to Mounica's home on summer vacation.  She had shown us a watch. It was woven which was colorful and beautiful. The wrist band had light brown colored beads in it forming 'BEST FRIEND', it's one end was attached to a small dial which had little dummy diamonds on it and the other end to a hook which beautifully holds the dial. She insisted us to buy it for her but we rejected saying it was too much colorful. And today we are here searching for it and Kiran found it.

'Where did you people go?' She shouted on us.

I handed over some chocolates to her. She smiled and started eating.

She asked Kiran 'What did you bring Kiran?'

'Nothing!'

'Nothing?' She asked in disappointment.

'Mounica! I am here right! What is the need of gifts?' We all smiled.

She was leaving as there was an announcement that her plane was about to leave. Kiran took her aside, took her wrist and replaced her watch with the one he bought for her. She was happy.

'Did you remember this?' he asked in happiness.

She nodded horizontally. Kiran was about to feel bad and she said 'Yes Kiran! I remember it!'. His eyes were lit and were sparkling.

She said something into Kiran's ear. And she went away waving us. I was feeling good that we were happy.

Madhu Uncle suggested taking their car to Bangalore but we rejected softly and managed again to catch a bus and were seated comfortly.

I was very much curious what she said to him secretly. I was requesting him to reveal.

'Please Kiran! Tell me.!'

'Why don't you ask Mounica?'

'I want to hear from you! Pleaseee!'

'She said..' I was hearing.

'She said that..' I was still hearing.

'She said that she will say a 'Yes' after she returns to India.'

'Yeah!' I shouted and everyone was staring me in the bus.

-Arjun Krishna

ArjunPari#44 Tuesday 09July2013 We started running towards the bus, it was waiting for us..

I was running behind Kiran and he stopped beside the bus. It was 11 PM and we were glad that we caught it. Tomorrow morning we will be in Hyderabad. Things were too fast today that we were very much excited. We were looking forward to give Mounica a surprise. We will give her a very memorable sendoff tomorrow. Kiran was unable to control his smile on his lips and I was making fun of him. He was looking at his watch every two minutes.

'Kiran! Give me your watch! Stop doing that!'

He smiled 'Please Arjun! Leave me alone for this single day!'

'I will not! I will never!' We both smiled again.

Time was running fast for me and slower for him. He is waiting to meet her. He was thinking what to present her. He wants every second to pass as fast as it can! And today's memories were passing through my neurons, making me happy.

TODAY MORNING

I was getting ready for office. Kiran was still asleep. He didn't sleep well last few days, I didn't disturb him. I had my breakfast and went to office. I was busy with work today.

I was thinking ‘Pari would come tomorrow. What will she say? What will happen to me? What will I do?’ I was wishing for this day to end faster. Thoughts of Pari, Kiran and Mounica surrounded me all day. I was having coffee at canteen. Kiran was sitting in front of me.

'Arjun! I was worrying without any reason. I was just confused.'

'Is it? How did you figure it out?'

'Let me explain? He started 'Kavitha knows about Mounica and me. We have hidden nothing from each other. I am feeling fear unnecessarily.'

'Do you people have that clarity?'

'Yes! I just spoke to her and we cleared everything. She laughed at me for being a fool and encouraged me to call Mounica and say all my feelings to her.'

Kiran is too good with this issue. I was thinking what to do but he already acted for a good solution. Now Kavitha will not be hurt, we were feeling great.

'Wow! It sounds great! Why don’t you call Mounica then?'

'I am trying to collect some courage. Arjun! I need sometime and I need you!'

'I am always there. What are you worrying about now?'

'What if something goes wrong and what if it results in our break up? I like you guys and I don't want to go away?'

'Stop thinking like that Kiran. I will be there to handle such things. I promise!'

He was feeling good. I was having loads of work. I was very busy with the work. I have to attend few discussions. I did not manage to ask Kiran if he called Mounica. When I went to his desk, he already left for the day.

I entered the room. He was texting on his mobile. He saw me and said 'I was waiting for you. Let's have dinner together.'

I got myself fresh and we were having dinner.

'Kiran! Did you call her?'

'Who?' He smiled mischievously.

'So! You didn't do that!'

'Arjun! We have a lot of time. I need some time to express myself!'

'Stop waiting Kiran! What if she falls for someone else or if she gets married. You are preparing yourself to express yourself and consuming time. Let's not make it too late.'

‘Hmmm!’ he nodded and started eating more.

I was lying on my bed thinking about this. My mobile had a notification. I opened it.

I was suddenly happy. My body was feeling my heart beat. I was made alive. It was Pari.

'What happened to Kiran?' She asked.

'He is fine. He is beside me.'

'He is behaving strangely. Take care of him.'

'He is doing well. Don’t worry. What did he say to you? Was it strange?'

'He was joking with me that he will no more make fun of me, because he is leaving me.'

I was feeling it funny. I was making fun of her now.

'Yes Pari.. Do not feel bad but he has seriously found someone who makes him happy.'

She was also feeling it fun.

'Oh no! Why? How did this happen?'

'Mounica :)'

'Wow! Great.!'

'Pari, I thought you were feeling bad :p'

'Yes I was :D But I am happy that Kiran is happy'

'Oh! How nice you are! :p'

'Hahaaha :D'

I wanted to know what happened with her, I was about to ask..and I saw that message.

'I forgot to tell you that my cousin rejected marrying me!'

'What?' My heart was bouncing with happiness.

'I will explain all that to you later. It is a small thing but a big story.'

I said to her what happened to Kiran. She said a thing and it touched my heart.

'No! Tell Kiran to meet her face to face. A call/message will not do.. They will not convey feelings but eyes will do it completely.'

'Yeah! You are right!'

I called a friend of mine and he arranged two tickets for us. I said 'Let's go meet her and give her a surprise!' and he agreed instantly. I made Kiran and me leave as soon as possible. We changed our clothes and we started. We had only 30 minutes to reach but there were no buses to reach in time. Shiva arranged a bike for us and he dropped us near the bus stand. And we started running towards the bus, it was waiting for us..

-Arjun Krishna