I Have You - Episode 30: Does it mean I accepted him without even realizing it?

Days were passing! I was looking for new homes. Finding a home suitable for my taste was really difficult! And then this thing happened and I forgot about searching for a new home for me.

I was working at the office. My mom called me! She never calls me during office hours. I went out to take the call. The call was disconnected before I took it. I was about to call back and she called me again. I took the call and she started asking casual questions. I asked her to call in the evening if there is nothing important to speak about. And then she told me why she called me.
"Ash Darling! You said your landlord was your classmate!", she was speaking.
Now, what did she know! Why was she asking about Teja?
"Yes, Mom! His name is Teja! Why are you asking about him now?", I asked her.
"Do you like him?", she asked me. I was surprised to hear that. What is happening?
I answered her, "No!". She said, "Ooh! You don't like him!". This is getting hectic.
"Mooom! Why are you asking me these! I am working here! What's going on?", I shouted at her.
She was giggling. "Moo..m!", I was about to ask her again and she answered me, "Teja's grandmother called us today. She spoke to me and Papa! She wants you to marry her grandson.".
"What? Teja?", I was in shock. She was telling all those words Teja's grandmother spoke to them.
And before she disconnected, she asked me a question. "Ash! What do you think?". I shouted at her with anger. I was irritated with Teja's actions, "Mom! Pleaa..see!".
She giggled again and said, "Let's take some time to think about this!".
I disconnected her call before she completed speaking.

I was taking a deep breath. I was planning what to do next! I went to Vennela and told her what my mom said to me. She was surprised to hear that, "Wow! Teja did that! Or maybe this is totally my grandmother's idea! Whatever it may be! I like that! Welcome to the family!". She was teasing me and I was already in irritation. I left her and went to call Anshu. Anshu should have known about this from before. Let's speak to her. I called her, she took the call and was speaking like she knew nothing.
"Anshu! My mom called me! She said Teja's grandmother wants me to marry Teja!", I told her.
"Oh! So it already reached you! The grandmother is really effective!", She said.
I asked her, "So, you were there with her all the time! You knew it all from the beginning! And you didn't tell me?".
She asked me back, "What will you do if I tell you earlier! It's the same! Isn't it?". What will I do?
I was listening to Anshu, "Teja's winning this game and I like it! Welcome to the family!".
I didn't listen to what she has to speak and I disconnected her call. I didn't take any calls from that moment. I finished my work and left home.

I sat in silence at the penthouse. I didn't cook yet. It was 10 PM. Even, Vennela wasn't bothering me today. I was lost in thoughts. I lost my anger and was thinking with a cool mind. I decided I should speak to Teja first! I called him and asked him to meet him. He was standing in front of me after a few minutes. "I think you should tell me what's happening!", I told him.
He smiled and started speaking, "I hinted Padma that I like you! She took the lead!".
I didn't know what to do? Shall I get angry with him or Shall I ignore this? He was speaking again.
"Ash! What will you do now? My grandmother is very sensitive. If you reject her proposal, she will never speak to you again!".
"Teja! Are you blackmailing me?", I shouted at him.
He was laughing and told me that he was just having fun. He asked me if I had my dinner. I told him that I didn't. He asked me to wait at the canopy shelter behind the penthouse. I waited. Vennela brought me some food. I was concentrating on my food and Teja entered.
"If you were that hungry! You should eat first! Instead of thinking about me!", he was happy to say those words. Vennela smiled.
"Who was thinking about you? Always thinking so high of yourself", I scolded him.
He laughed and sat opposite to me. He asked again, "Ash! Will, you marry me?".
It was the same place and the same words. I laughed out. Vennela was surprised by Teja's words and my laughter. She was looking at me with questions in mind. I felt questions flowing in my mind too.

When he proposed to me here for the first time, I ran away after rejecting him. This time I am still sitting in front of him and I was laughing. Does it mean I accepted him without even realizing it?


-(to be continued)





Authored by Shabbu White

I Have You - Episode 29: I thought I can hide this forever! But!

"Anvesh! I remember that you wanted to buy me a purple watch too! So that's the case!", I joked and laughed at Anvesh sarcastically.
He looked at me, felt relieved and started speaking, "I thought you will bang my head with this box! Now! You are in a good mood! I can explain this!".
He continued, "Many years back! Teja gave this watch to Shree! Shree came to my office, she waited for me until I met her! She gave this to me and asked me to get this back to its real owner!".
I told him, "But I don't think I am that person!".
I thought for a moment and spoke to him, "Anvesh! You do one thing! You take my watch too and give these watches to Teja!".
Anvesh smiled and asked to hear his full story, "I went to Teja first! He gave me two options! Throw it away! OR Give it to Ash! You know Teja! He is strict with his words! Even though this watch is a bad memory..".
He was thinking and looking at the watch he brought, "Ash! I never spoke about those days! I and Teja went through a lot of embarrassment, pain, and loneliness when an incident happened in our lives. This watch is a memory from those days. Still, if I throw it I will feel like something really beautiful which holds beautiful feelings and memories will be lost. But, if you have it! It will have a new life and a new meaning!".
I was impressed with those words, "Anvesh! I never thought you were this poetic! I am so much impressed! I never thought you can even speak like this! Anyway! Just leave it there! I will hold it for you!".
He was happy to hear that. He was smiling to himself. He said he has to leave! Closed his bag and left the penthouse.


A few minutes later Vennela arrived, "I heard Anvesh speaking to Teja! I am curious! I want to have a look at that old watch! Can I Ash?".
I told her that she can use it if she wants. She smiled and opened it. After she looked at it, she said that it looks almost similar to the one I was wearing now.
I was wearing the purple watch! Oh Yes! I wore it in the morning when I didn't find my watch in the morning and also I was wearing a purple shirt. I went to the dressing table, removed the watch, placed in the drawer and I saw the watch which I wear to the office under my bed.
"Ash! There is something in this watch box!", Vennela handed over a wrapped paper slip from the watch box. I was very curious and I opened it! 121`"Ash! Teja is someone who has to be treasured!" These were the words written on it.
I laughed, Vennela saw that and she started laughing too.
`I asked Vennela, "I know why I am laughing! Why are you laughing?".
"Because you are laughing!", she looked at me and we started laughing again.
"Shree was the one who left Teja. Even Shree is sending recommendations for Teja!", Vennela heard me and started laughing more.
Shree regrets being separated from Teja and she sends a note to me asking me to treasure him. Interesting!


It was a weekend! I and Vennela were playing a game at the penthouse. I called Anvesh, he didn't take my call. I ignored that and was concentrating on my game. Anshu called me casually. She was speaking usual stuff and was reveling some interesting things about Teja's grandmother. She said that it's fun having the grandmother around. She asked me what were my weekend plans. I told her that I called Anvesh to ask the same question but he didn't take my call. She said that Anvesh could be busy vacating his place. Oh! I was surprised to learn that! I told Anshu that he didn't tell me about that and asked her where he was going. She told me that it was somewhere nearby his old place and that could be the reason he didn't tell me about that. I felt that this was fishy! I spoke to Anshu and disconnected her call. I took Vennela and went to Anvesh's place for a walk.

I saw Anvesh and Teja carrying some bags and going towards the house I liked a few days back! Vennela saw Teja and called him. We should have quietly followed them first Vennela! Teja and Anvesh saw us! They dropped the bags and approached us.
Anvesh spoke to me, "I thought I can hide this forever! But!".
Anvesh was looking at Teja's face and he spoke again, "Ash! This was all Teja's idea!".
Teja was smiling in a childish way. I shouted at Anvesh, "I liked that house. You snatched it away from me! It's difficult finding homes like that! Where will I go when Teja's parents are back!". Anvesh was showing his teeth to me. Teja interrupted me, "Ash! That won't be necessary!". I ordered him to stop speaking and left them there.

Vennela was following me. She was trying to hold back her smile. I asked her not to hold back and tell me what is the reason.
She said, "Teja's commitment! It is impressive!". Here's the sister with a recommendation! Again!
I told her, "His commitment! Really impressive! But I am irritated by his actions! Protect your brother! Someday I will kick him for sure".
She smiled at me and I smiled back at her. I got hungry and I took her to eat Aaloo paratha.

I remembered something and I asked her, "When are your parents coming back from the tour?".
She thought for a moment and answered me, "Maybe next month!".
I spoke to Vennela in panic, "But I still didn't find a new place! You should have told me Vennela!". She smiled and said, "They were just planning that yesterday! But it's not sure yet! And.. Teja asked me not to bother you by telling this!".
It looks like I have to start my house hunting again. I also had an option to rent the house they will vacate on the second floor. That way! I can meet with Vennela every day and have fun!


-(to be continued)





Authored by Shabbu White

I Have You - Episode 28: He took a box from his bag. I was curious and I opened it.

I spoke to Teja, "These aren't a computer program! You write some code and hurray everything's connected! It is my feeling! How can you change it?".

He smiled and said nothing. What can he say? He is still digesting the words I spoke to him. I should leave him alone. I was about to leave and I saw Vennela arriving. I remembered an unread message from Vennela. I took my mobile and saw it. It was, "Ash! Do you still want freedom from me?". I replied back, "Yes! 😜". She was walking inside, stopped and saw my message. She looked at me, smiled and came to me, "Ash! Ash!". We were just smiling at each other like mad people.

"Vennela, please help me vacate the other bedroom. Teja wants to get some renovations done in that room. It's better if we get that done today!". Vennela and I went back to the penthouse and started vacating the other room. I was remembering the words Teja spoke before Vennela arrived.

"Ash! You had an option to like Anvesh! Now you have an option to accept me! I think you can rule out Anvesh! When I proposed to you, he was always behind me encouraging. He never stood up saying, "Stay away Teja! She is my girl!" So.. ruled out! There would be one more option for you, to marry some person your parents will choose for you. I heard someone say a known devil is better than an unknown angel. I am that known devil. I am the best option in any case.".
"Stop boasting Teja!", I told him.
He spoke out immediately, "I said I am a devil! In what case it can be considered as boasting!".
I clarified to him, "You said you are the best option! That is called boasting! Anyway, You are not a devil! No need to feel bad about yourself!".
He was happy to hear that, "If I am not a devil! I am an angel! Isn't it? Still the best option for you!". He called Anvesh and was telling him that I called him an angel. I denied it.
Teja asked me, "But I am Mr. Arrrogant! Why did you say that I am not a devil?".
I replied to him, "Because you are not a devil! I know that!".
I should just ask him to stop and spoke to Teja, "Teja! These aren't a computer program! You write some code and hurray everything's connected! It is my feeling! How can you change it? It would be better if you forget all about this!". He smiled, sighed a 'No' to my words, stood up and went to the juice counter.

Now when I remember his words, they feel good. There was nothing wrong with his words.

Next-Day! I cooked breakfast for me and Vennela. She was getting late and she wasn't even taking her call. I went to her home. It was locked and I was going back. I met Vennela and Teja near the stairs.
"Ash! Please wait for a few minutes! I will get ready! We can start soon!", Vennela was requesting me.
I smiled back and said, "I will pack breakfast for you!".
She was happy and was going inside.
Teja asked Vennela, "What about my breakfast?".
She answered him saying, "You can just eat anything! I will eat at Ashs' place!".
Teja was thinking while he spoke these words, "I think I heard this somewhere!".
Vennela smiled. She was happy to say this to Teja, "You always say these words to me when you are planning to visit Anvesh's place.".
She went inside. Teja was standing in front of me. We were silent.
I need to speak something, "Where are you people coming from?".
"We went to drop Padma at Anshu's place.", He told me.
"I heard this name somewhere!", I was speaking to myself.
"My grandmother! She is here!", Teja spoke to me and he continued, "We went to drop her at Anshu's place! Uncle and Aunty were also here. Vennela was getting late so, I brought her here. I should have had my breakfast when Anshu asked me. Uh-uh".
We smiled at each other and dispersed.


After work, I was relaxing and watching some songs on TV. I heard someone ring my doorbell. It must be Vennela but I kept the door open for her. Why is she ringing the bell? I opened the door. It was Anvesh! I was surprised! He never visited us at the penthouse even when Anshu was living here. He looked at me and started laughing.
"What?", I asked him curiously.
He said, "I have never seen you dressed so funny!".
I realized that I was in my pajamas and I didn't even brush my hair yet. I made Anvesh sit on the sofa. I went inside, brushed my hair and sat with him. I lowered the TV volume.
"Anvesh! What bring's you here?", I asked him.
He was speaking with hesitation, "I have to hand this over to you!".

He took a box from his bag. I was curious and I opened it. It was a purple watch. It was similar to the one I have.
"What is this Anvesh?", I shouted at him.
He was speechless. He was showing weird kind of expressions on his face. He was scared to hand this over to me. Yet! he is here to do that. It looks like he won't be speaking anymore. I would have to ask him some questions to understand the situation.



-(to be continued)





Authored by Shabbu White

I Have You - Episode 27: If I make you feel connected! Would you accept me?

Vennela was standing in front of me! She was about to cry because I was ignoring her.
"I am not mad at youVennela!", I told her.
She asked me, "Then why are you behaving like this?".
"Your brother!" I answered her.
She was silent and she started looking into her phone. She showed me her credit card statement, "See! I am the one who bought that watch!".
I countered her back saying, "Even if you pay! I am very sure it is your brother who selected it! I also know why he selected that watch in particular!".
"What you said is true! I won't deny it!" she spoke those words and was still standing inform of me.
"Vennela! I am really not mad you! I want to be alone! Please leave for now!" She listened to my words, agreed with me and left me alone.

Next day! I was at home all day. I rejected to meet anyone. I rejected to speak to anyone. I cooked my dinner and finished it all. I was getting bored, so I looked at my mobile. I saw missed calls from my mom and a few other messages. I intentionally muted my phone. I don't want anyone to disturb me. I ignored the messages and called my mom back. She asked me if I ate. I told her that I ate. She asked me if I cooked at home. She is like that. I assured her that I cooked at home. She felt that I was not in a good mood. She asked me what's happening. I told her that it was nothing. She was inquiring me, "Ash darling! Are you mad? Is it because I told you that I cannot come and live with you? Why don't you leave that job there? Or get a transfer? Or find a new job here? Are you speaking to Anshu? How is she? Don't you want to come back home? At least plan a vacation? This! That! Blah! Blah!". I listened to her and disconnected her call. There were messages from Anshu, Anvesh, Vennela and Teja.
I looked at Teja's first! "Ash! We should speak! I will wait at the juice bar near our home!"
Anvesh's message was "Sorry Ash!". Anshu's message was "Ash! You call me back, else I will kick you hard!". I smiled after reading Anshu's message and called her back. I didn't speak much. She could read my bad mood from my words. She told me that I should speak to Teja. She told me that Teja and Anvesh are the juice bar. I listened to her words and disconnected her call. I thought for a few minutes, I was avoiding to speak about Teja's feelings from the time he proposed to me. I decided it is time to speak to him. I washed my face. Changed into casual wear. I walked to the juice bar.

I entered the juice bar. Teja and Anvesh were seated at a table. I went to them and sat opposite Anvesh ignoring Teja. Anvesh smiled at me, he said sorry, stood up and went to order something for me. Teja changed his seat and sat opposite me. He was using a convincing tone.
"Ash! Why are you like this? Be yourself!".
"Who is the reason for my bad mood?", I made it clear to him that it was him.
"Ash! I am sorry! I lied to Shree! But I felt great lying to her!", he was smiling.
At that moment, I felt better. Is it because I helped him feel great in front of his ex-girlfriend? The person who is an indirect reason for Anvesh's suffering back in those days. I wasn't speaking a word and was into my thoughts.
"Ash! Please speak up! I said I am sorry!", he was requesting and Anvesh was back with the juice. He handed it over to me, took his mobile phone and went to call someone. I was concentrating on my juice. Ignore T E J A!
"Ash! Let's speak! Speak about us!", he said. I stopped him saying, "There is no "US" !".
He smiled and asked me, "Why did you say no when I proposed you?".
I said, "A No is a No!".
He spoke, "Yes! I heard it! I asked why? what's the reason?".
I asked him back, "Did I ever behave like I will say yes if you propose me?".
"No! But you were so much into Anvesh, I had to hurry up! This was the only way I could make you think about me! I don't want you to think about him!", he was pointing to Anvesh. I wasn't speaking.
He started speaking again, "Ash! I want to know the reason? Is it because I am arrogant!"
"Is it because you don't like me?" "Is it because you like Anvesh more?"
"Is it because of the college days?" "Is it because of the penthouse?"
My answer was no for all his questions. He asked me, "Then what's the reason for the rejection Ash!". I could feel the pain in his words. He spoke out again, "And you are not yourself from few days. That doesn't feel good!". I have to give him a proper answer. He was looking at me waiting for me to speak.
"Teja! I don't hate you! That doesn't mean I love you! I like you as a friend! You are a good guy! There is no need to hurt you!", I was speaking and he was listening carefully. I continued, "I wasn't interested in you. You come to me and you propose to me. I had no reason to dance, say yes to you and jump into a relationship! I don't feel a connection between us!". I was done speaking. He was into his thoughts. A smile came onto his face. I smiled back at him.
He was so confident speaking, "If I make you feel connected! Would you accept me?".
I answered him right away, "Yes!". Why did I say yes?  I was curious and I asked him, "But? What can anyone do about that?". He answered me, "I don't know but I will have to find a way!". His confidence made me smile. I wished him all the best!
He asked me, "Did you eat anything?".
I answered, "The only thing I am doing from yesterday is eating!".
We both smiled at each other!

-(to be continued)






Authored  by Shabbu White