ArjunPari#42 Sunday 07July2013 There were a lot of questions which the time has to answer..

Mounica was back into her original form. She was wearing a jeans and kurta. She tied her hair tightly. Everyone went to bride's residency but we were left here. We wanted to spend some time together and were deciding to go somewhere out. Mounica gathered all her cousins and wanted to visit 'Wonderla'.

We started in a big car. Her cousins were silent. I was wondering if they can speak. I was feeling sleepy after sometime. Kiran and Mounica were also silent. I insisted them to speak about something.

' Then.??' he started thinking.

'Lets play 'anthakshari' – the ultimate game.' He said out after thinking.

We three were a team and her cousins were a team. Her cousin, Akshita - She sings like a cuckoo. I instantly became her fan. We were surprised by her song, it was similar to the original version of song. By the time we reached 'Wonder la'.. we were all friends. Akshita was a silent one but a fun lover. Mounica and I were encouraging her to get on rides and Kiran was happy watching us. He was happy with smaller ones. I and Mounica were making fun of him.

After having a lot of fun, we were eating at the food court. Kiran sat beside Mounica. Mounica, instantly woke up from there and took another seat. I shouted 'Kiran! You people fought again??'

'Yes!!' he smiled and faced Mounica. 'Forgive me Mounica!' he said out.

'Are you seriously apologizing?' Mounica asked him.

'Yes! I am truly sorry!' Kiran admitted. He was sincere.

I was looking at them with my wide opened mouth. Kiran never apologize her. Today! ‘the 7^th july of 2013’ should be recorded in history. Both of them smiled at each other without fighting after a very very long time.

We succeeded going back before the whole family arrived at her Uncle's Villa. Everyone was getting ready to leave. The whole world was moving, but two people were seated and were smiling at each other. Ravi brother and his bride, they were having a chat. They were looking good, the newlywed couple. I was curious what was making her laugh out like that. I interrupted their discussion and Ravi brother was narrating her about his college days. He was making us laugh and I could not control. He was a very mischievous one back in college.

I was looking for Mounica and Kiran. I found them on the terrace. When I reached there, they were shouting on each other as usual. But, this time it looked serious. She left us saying that she has to help her mom pack things. I scolded Kiran and insisted him to stop fighting with her as it was reaching its peak level. He is always hurting her.

It was time that everyone was leaving. Mounica said good bye to us. We returned to our room. I was very much tired. I was rolling on my bed. The last thought for the day was 'Pari.. What will happen? Will she say a yes? Will I still think about her after that? Will I end up in pain? Am I really ready to face everything? Do I have courage to lose her? If not how will I express to her? How will she accept me? How will all these happen? There were a lot of questions which the time has to answer..

-Arjun Krishna

ArjunPari#41 Saturday 06July2013 The wedding was fun and we had a surprise too..

I woke up with a headache. I was prepared, even if Pari says a Yes/No.. I was prepared to protect myself from that situation. Kiran was getting ready by the time I woke up. 'Mounica is waiting for us at the wedding hall and we are still here!' he shouted and smiled at me. I hurried to bathroom.

We have to be with Mounica today, smiling and cheering. It is a very happy occasion for her. We were planning for a great wedding ahead and Madhu Uncle had given us few responsibilities to take care. I have forgotten what happened yesterday and I have to share Mounica's happiness.

Mounica called us thrice before we reached the wedding hall. Everything was well arranged, the hall was beautiful. The beauty of the wedding hall filled my heart with happiness. The wedding procedure will start at 01:56 PM and will end at 10:30 PM at night. We were looking for Mounica, and when we saw her.. We did not recognize her.

'Where can I find Mounica? Auntyji!' Kiran was joking. She smiled.

'You are looking awesome!' I complimented her and started joking 'What did you do to yourself? You look like a girl!' She laughed out and said 'Thank you Arjun!'

She was looking beautiful. There were curls in her hair. Simple make up and shining jewelery. She had lost weight specially for this occasion, and she was really looking great.. The sari was adding more beauty to her personality. The Mounica, which we see everyday no more existed.

'Oohh! This is Mounica!!' He was pretending 'I can't believe this. A beautiful Aunty.. Ooh!'

'Thank you Kiran! Dad's looking for you, please meet him.'

'Okay. I will go to him.' He left.

'Arjun! Go to my brother, he needs your help.'

'Okay Madam' We smiled and parted.

Everything was going faster. In no time, the ceremonies started. I never had a look on bride's photograph, and it was a surprise when we saw her in the ceremony for the first time. Kiran and I were surprised with her features. She was like a doll. Her cheeks were shining. Where did Ravi brother find her? She resembles an angel as we see in movies.

The wedding hall was filled, and obviously many young girls were there. I and Kiran occasionally met each other, had discussions on beautiful girls, sometimes Mounica joined us and gave us profile of those girls and then.. Someone calls.. “Arjun! come here..” “Kiran! do this..” “Mounica! meet them..” I felt, as if my own brother was getting married. This would be rehearsal for my brother's marriage.

I was speaking to Kiran at the entrance. I heard Asha's voice, I moved forward and it was her, my family and Kiran's family. It has been a long time since I met Kiran's mom and dad. Everyone was there. It was a surprise, both of us were disappointed that they rejected to attend. Mounica did it and was very happy to see them there, so was Madhu Uncle and Aunty, they were there to welcome them. They were discussing about Asha'a marriage and were having fun, my dad started joking around with Mounica. My Dad always liked her, he always makes fun of her and Mounica likes it too. They both were a great combination of humor. I, Kiran and Mom used to enjoy a lot with them.

The Marriage went on well. It was life time event of happiness. The food was great and I really ate a lot. Everything was done now and we were seated under the sky. The hall was almost empty. Mounica joined us after few minutes. We were discussing how good things went in the marriage and how we made friendship with our new sister- the bride.

'She liked you people.' Mounica admitted.

'Sure!' I said.

'Why did you change your costume so many times..as if it was your marriage?' Kiran asked Mounica.

'It is my brother's marriage Kiran! My only brother!'

'You were just showing off!' Kiran laughed out.

'Stop making fun of me Kiran!' Mounica shouted on Kiran and started speaking 'We get ready beautifully at marriages, so that we may get some handsome guy to get married.' She smiled.

'Ohoo ohooho!' I was teasing Mounica.

'Ohh! I forgot to tell. My parents were discussing about one. They asked for approval also.'

'What?' Kiran almost shouted 'Who wants to marry someone like you?'

She looked angry and she started describing the match which her parents discussed with her 'Heard that he is an MS graduate from USA and his salary is around 1.5 million per year. I didn’t see his picture but sounds like he is a handsome guy..'

Kiran interrupted 'I am feeling sleepy. I am going to sleep' and he went away.

'Whatever! I said to mom and dad that I don’t want to get married now!' Mounica ended the conversation and left me there.

Madhu Uncle joined me. We were having fun.

'Why don’t you marry my daughter? I like you very much son!'

I smiled and said 'Please Uncle! Mounica and I will kill each other if such thing happens.' He laughed out.

'And these days the only thing I think about is Pari. I don’t know how will I handle this'

He smiled and said 'It will be wonderful Arjun! Everything will turn out good.' I was feeling good. I was thinking, it would be wonderful if Pari rejects him and comes back soon.. Come back soon Pari..

-Arjun Krishna

ArjunPari#40 Friday 05July2013 It is time to LEAVE.. Will miss you guys.. I will try to come soon..

I was a little bit free. I was at Pari's desk. She was in a hurry to finish all her work. I enquired her why she was in a hurry.

'I have to catch a train!' She said.

I remembered that she has to meet her cousin. I offered her help but she refused it and she did it all in time.

She was asking someone to go along with her. She wanted to have some food and then to station. My luck!! Everyone other than Kiran was busy. I was happy that it was only him. We were packing to leave. I and Pari were waiting for him to come. He came there, with a sad expression.

'I wish I could come with you Pari, to say Bye to you.. But....'

'But?” She smiled.

'I suddenly got some work and I have to stay back' I understood that he was acting smart to let both of us leave without him. I have to let him come. I alone with Pari.. No...

'It’s okay! We will come early tomorrow and I will help you buddy.' I showed out an evil smile.

'No! I am in hurry. You people leave.' He waved a bye and rushed to his cubicle.

My love Guru, is always smart enough to create situations for me.

'We will never fall for the same girl. And if you fall for one, I will be there to guide you.'

He will be there even if I don't want him to.

We went to Uncle’s tiffin stall, she wanted to eat there. We were seated there. There was a thing that I was curious to know.

‘Are you thinking about your cousin?’

‘Yeah..’ She smiled and said ‘I am thinking how to say a ‘No’ without hurting him.’ She continued.

‘Shall I say that I don’t have any feelings for him.. or .. I don’t want him as a husband.. or..’

She spoke out many options. Every reason looked genuine and sincere to me, because I wanted her to say a ‘No’ to him. I was feeling happy and excited inside.

We had a lot, he cooks in such a way. He has a golden hand which brings taste to the food. And the only thing I know the best, is eating.. :D I was curious if Pari knows cooking.

‘It is delicious. I feel eating more. I was curious if you knew how to cook?’

She smiled ‘Not a lot.. Hmm this is a good reason to escape marriage Arjun..!’. I smiled.

We were in a bus to railway station. She was into thoughts and I didn't interrupt her.

We were standing and waiting for the train to arrive. I went and got a water bottle for her. She already packed few books for her. There was announcement that the train was about to arrive.

‘I am not sure if I can a say a ‘No’ to my Dad. It is difficult, I have to think about him again..’

My heart was beating faster in pain and the sound of arriving train was increasing.

‘I may say a ‘Yes’ . I don’t know.. Am not sure.!!’

I don’t know what to say but I have to say something good. I can’t disappoint her as a friend. Also I cannot hurt myself. I was in a bad shape but I have to speak.

‘Whatever decision you take.. Be confident about it.. Make sure, that you will be happy for that decision..’  I forced a smile. What did I say now? Did I encourage her to take whatever decision she wanted? What did I do?

She got into the train. ‘It is time to leave.. Will miss you guys.. I will try to come soon.. Enjoy the wedding!’ She said those words and disappeared inside.

I sat down there. ‘I may say a ‘Yes’ .’ those words were playing in my ears repeatedly. The train was leaving, I felt as if she was leaving me and I was helpless. My heart was frozen now, in disbelief that she said that. I never thought that my love story would be out of my control some day. This was the day and I couldn't do anything but to feel bad.

I did not realize that it was already an hour, until Kiran called me to come back soon. “I may say a ‘Yes’”. “I may say a ‘Yes’” I slept with an effort.

-Arjun Krishna

ArjunPari#39 Thursday 04July2013 2 states : Arjun from Andhra Pradesh and Parineeti from Delhi. :D

Her family already reached the Villa. I was sleeping in the car. I could hear Kiran and Mounica were trying to speak lower as I was sleeping. I felt like they were fighting. They always did it. So it didn't wake me up. She threw a pillow onto him, but it fell on me and it woke me up. She was sitting in the front seat. As I woke up, the environment changed and they were hiding some thing. I was not successful to dig it out. Mounica's voice was low and husky as if she cried. I would do whatever to see her laugh loud. I started behaving crazily.

'Mounica Darling! Shall I sing a songgg for you' and I started 'Tujhey dekhaa tho ye jaana sanam.. pyaar hai deewana sanam..' She shouted on me to stop. 'I knew I was worse but I was not that bad... It will not kill people at least..' She laughed on me and said 'You will not kill people but will make them mad..' I succeeded.

It was 12:45 AM, she dropped us at our room. She got down to say a bye, her eyes were red and wet. She got back into car and it started again to her uncle's Villa. I was angry at Kiran.

'Did you say something to Mounica?'

'No! Nothing like that.'

I wondered if she cried or her eyes were red because she was feeling sleepy.

'Why did you get that doubt?' He inquired.

'Just like that! I heard you people fight.'

'What?' he shouted. He lowered his volume as our roommates were sleeping. 'Did you hear everything?' he asked me curiously.

'Not clearly' as soon as I said that 'Oh. Then fine!' he smiled.

I was curious to know but I was also feeling sleepy. And I found myself awake in the morning.. It was getting late, so I hurried to office along with Kiran.

We were standing in the bus. I heard her. And it was clearly her! She was seated and was reading a book. It was '2 States'. I thought, 'You and Me – Two states.. our story will become a huge success if Chetan Bhagat has written it.' I was laughing inside me. I was hoping for a good end in the story and I believed it will.

'When did you start?'

'Yesterday' She smiled. 'I was trying to read it from days but I succeeded yesterday and I will complete it. It is fun. Did you read it?'

'I am not much interested in reading fiction books but I know the story in this book. Mounica narrated me when she was reading, long ago in college.' I said 'She reads a lot.'

'I too.. but these days am not getting time to spare. But I am back!!' She smiled.

I was into thoughts. I will speak Telugu to her father in future, he will slap me and will ask me to speak in Hindi. Pari will somehow manage with my Telugu family. But the one who will face trouble is me. How I am going to convince two families. The real thing, am going to face in future. I have to show all my skill. Thinking all this I smiled. She saw me smiling and she smiled back.

I don't know why the topic was 'Age difference of couple'. Mahitha was joking 'Love is blind to see age'. Kiran laughed out and suggested her to marry a old man. It was fun in that discussion. Neha was supporting Mahitha that she said right thing. I remembered that her boy friend was elder to her and how happy they were. But how it will be after they get married? I wish them all happiness. Shiva was staring us with disinterest in topic. So I included him into talk and started making fun. We were asking the age of the same girl with whom we used to tease him.

'She is 4 years elder' He admitted.

'How did you know' Kiran teased.

'Circle man.. My friend circle!' He laughed.

'4 years is a very good gap for a couple to be happy together' She was teasing Shiva.

I laughed at him and then a thought passed my brain and I was into my thoughts.

“'4 years is a very good gap for a couple to be happy together” Those words were ringing with high frequency in my mind. Her Cousin!! he is 4 years elder to her. Did she mean it? Is she having a second thought about him? Is she? I sat there in shock and wondered.. Is she?

-Arjun Krishna

ArjunPari#38 Wednesday 03July2013 I am ready to hear an answer, how harsh it may be to my heart.. I am ready.!

Yesterday, the clouds were clear in my love story. I was glad Kiran knew it and now I have nothing to hide. I was feeling infinitely energetic, even if it's known to Pari, I am ready to hear an answer, how harsh it may be to my heart. I have decided that I will not let her go away and I will give her some more time to know more about me. What Kiran says is that the more you know about each, the closer will you get. To warn, he said.. It may also lead to problems like misunderstandings and quarrels. But this is me, who will never let such things to conquer my life. Confidence increased and faith in love too.

Today we have to finish our work faster and have to meet Mounica in the evening. We have planned to have dinner together today. I and Kiran were in a rush. Pari and Neha were interrupting us - for fun. All day in office was spent with my PC and my eyes were exhausted. I was waiting for Kiran at the entrance of my office. Then, Pari was passing me.. She was returning after a coffee break. She smiled at me. My brain came out of programs,code all other stuff and it was fresh. I was feeling good now. They waved a bye to me. And the day started in real.

Kiran went to washroom, washed his face and was combing his hair. I was looking at him with a smile.

'It is not your marriage, we are going to!' I joked.

‘I wanted to look good to my Mounica darling.' He laughed.

'You Idiot. How many girl friends will you want? Kavitha.. Mounica..' He was laughing out loud.

'I am just joking brother. And..' he paused 'I am not yet sure about Kavitha as you are sure about Pari' he grinned. I just listened to what he was saying and wondering what importance does Kavitha have in his life. I have ever seen him having fun with girls but have never seen him fall for one. Is it Kavitha? If not why is he too much interested in her. How to make this clear for me?

We were at Rajadhani after buying a lot of things for marriage. Madhu Uncle, Aunt and Ravi brother were still searching for some stuff and we were waiting for them. Kiran got a call, he went out for answering it.

'I heard about Pari. Kiran said about it!' Mounica admitted.

I smiled and said 'I am glad you knew. I would have told you before that fellow, but he is always a step ahead.' I started explaining how all this happened to me. Mounica enjoyed it. I could see that she wanted to hear more. It was fun thinking about Pari when she is not near. I narrated all my story.

'Who is this Kavitha?' She asked.

'It is his child hood friend who is back after years. They spent hours on phone messaging and calling each other.' I explained and asked her 'How do you know her?' her eyes were calm and she answered 'The call he got now..' She paused.. 'It’s her'. I was looking at her and her family was there now. Kiran joined us after 5 minutes.

Mounica started narrating my story to her family. They were teasing me for that and I was blushing. Expressions of Mounica were different after Pari and Kavitha entered into the discussion. Is she happy for us or something was wrong! Is she feeling bad because our friend ship will be threatened because of our new friends?

There was nothing which ever interrupted or caused problem in our friendship. Is she having fear of losing us? I want to assure her that nothing like that existed and will never exist. I wanted to apologize that I did not reach her in the past few days and I did. She just replied with a smile and I felt good. But something else existed, that I was curious to know. What was that? What?

-Arjun Krishna

ArjunPari#37 Tuesday 02July2013 Kiran knows everything.. My God father..!! My love guru..

My eyes were swollen. I did not sleep well last night after trying hard. Everyone in room was rewinding yesterday's fall from bed and was laughing at me. The same happened in office, Kiran also said to my Project lead about my fall, when he was curious about my swollen eyes. Everyone was curious why I spoiled my sleep yesterday. Shiva and Pari were making stories on my dreams.

Shiva started 'He was walking on a road. It was too dark. It was calm and romantic.' Everyone started laughing at me and he continued. 'And then suddenly a beautiful girl, say Deepika Padukoney' I was smiling and he added more spices to the story 'Deepika came running towards him. She was screaming for help and you got hold of her. You assured her that you would help her.'

'What?' I shouted on Shiva and was laughing. I showed my muscles as if I resembled Prabhas (Telugu actor). Everyone was laughing at my funny behavior and Pari continued the script of my dream. She was almost staring into my eyes to narrate the story and my heart, it was uncontrollable. Why does it beat faster when such things happen? And my eyes they started speaking my feelings. I was trying to hide my feelings and was listening to her.

'And then few people.. sorry rowdies(bad guys) were there. Arjun, single handedly was fighting with them.'

'Why was I fighting with single hand when I have two?' I enquired and everyone was smiling at that question.

Pari smiled and answered 'You are having Deepika's hand in other' They laughed again.. 'And later, every bad guy was screaming for help. You took Deepika's hand and ran into a station. You both boarded a train which leaves to Chennai.' Everyone started singing and laughing..

“I saw throw your hands up

And touch the sky ay ay **?

Everybody, move your body

There is no party like a party in Chennai”

(Chennai Express theme song**)

The day went with jokes and pranks on me. It was coffee break, I was overdosed with laughter, the pain in my heart, the real reason for my sleeplessness surrounded my brain. I suddenly got up and went into smoking zone. I do not know what they were feeling back in canteen.

The thoughts were surrounding me. She said a 'Yes' in my dream. She said a 'No' in my dream. Whatever she will say to me, it will surely bring pain to my heart. I was less confident getting a 'Yes'. I was only thinking how to handle a 'No'. The night passed with horrible dreams. My heart was beating faster disturbing every part of my body. I was so deep into my thoughts that I did not see Kiran standing beside me. I realized when he placed his arm on my shoulder. The words he spoke shocked me.

'Arjun! Stop worrying about Pari..' I stared into his eyes , my eyes were red. 'I know everything!! I know you like Pari and you are planning to express it.' My eyes were speaking and they asked for a reason. 'Be seated!' he started from beginning 'I started suspecting this when you said that you were dreaming of Parineeti Chopra. I knew that you never watched her movies. I was also sure that you were not even aware how she looks. I have also observed that you were speaking to a girl, which I have never seen before. You go to a game, go to lunch, go to breakfast leaving me alone.. with her!! Why will I not know? I came to know that something wrong was going on. I confirmed this, when you were taking out her name last night in dreams.' I was surprised to listen all that. I sat there silent.

And Kiran started assuring me..

“She will not say a 'Yes' now.” I was staring him in disappointment  “Don't worry she will also not say a 'No'. I think she likes you and as far as I know she is interested in you too. But I think you should take more time. Give her some more time, everything will be alright. Do not freak yourself.” He left me there and when I was back… I was back!!

The day went on with all humor caused by my swollen eyes and the clouds were clear. Thanks to you my buddy, Kiran..

-Arjun Krishna