Chapter 5
After looking at Niharika’s picture, Samyak can’t stop himself to think about her. He also looked at her Facebook profile. She has kept a security lock so her profile is not public. Two or three photos of her are visible. To Samyak’s luck, their horoscopes also matched. Ajay called Vivek and they discussed and finalized that Ajay and his family should come to Hyderabad. Vivek wants them to look at the city and house first where Niharika has to spend her life if everything goes perfectly. Ajay also agreed. Meanwhile, in Samyak’s office, he is asked to go to Australia for a project for 6 months. He has started his visa processing and other formalities
Ajay, Seema, Niharika and one of Ajay’s brother all arrived at Hyderabad airport on the decided date. Vedant picked up and drop them at the hotel near to his house. They have decided to get freshen up and reach Samyak’s house in the evening for dinner.
Samyak is getting ready in his room and thinking about what he gonna talk to Niharika. He wore a light blue striped shirt and dark blue jeans. He is quite nervous as it is going to be his first official meeting with a girl.
“Bhaiya let’s go. They are about to reach.” Vedant came and asked Samyak to come outside. Anita and Vivek are already outside in the garden. Samyak and Vedant also reached.
The car arrived and everyone started getting down. Samyak is touching their feet and when he stood back, Niharika got down from the car touching up her saree pallu. She is wearing a green chiffon self-printed saree with glitter around and a black lace border on it. She has done a light makeup and her hair is tied with a small clutch. She is looking perfect. Samyak and Niharika looked at each other and smiled. Seema accompanied Niharika inside the house and she also touched Vivek and Anita’s feet.
Anita blessed her and said, “You are looking very beautiful in the saree.”
Niharika smiled and thanked her.
They all sat in the living room and started talking. Ajay asked Samyak about his work, his hobbies, and academics. Seema and Anita were discussing some common relatives whom they found they both knew during their talk. There are some light snacks and tea served on the table. There is still time for the dinner so Anita asked Seema, “If you are fine, Niharika and Samyak can talk in the garden.”
“Yes Sure. Niharika, go dear.” Seema told.
Samyak and Niharika came outside in the garden. Samyak offered Niharika to sit on the swing. They both sat down.
“You are looking very beautiful.” Samyak complimented Niharika.
“Thank you.” Niharika smiled.
“So how was your journey? Is this first time you visited Hyderabad?” Samyak started the conversation. He wants Niharika to feel comfortable.
“It was good. Yes, this is my first visit to Hyderabad.” Niharika is still little nervous.
“Ok.. so you have never been to the southern part of India?”
“No, we went to Kerala once in one of my vacations.”
“Do you like traveling?” Samyak found the topic to continue their conversation.
“Yes, I love to travel. Papa always takes us to different places once a year at least in my vacation. Do you also like traveling?” Niharika is also getting comfortable now.
“Yes I also enjoy going around but I haven’t traveled much yet” Samyak replied and he is happy that Niharika is now relaxed.
“So what else do you like?” asked Samyak.
“I love dancing. I have joined Shaimak Davar’s dance class.”
“That’s great. I can only dance in a Baarat.” They both laughed.
They talked about their likes, dislikes, family, friends, work, football, music, and connected very well with each other. No awkward pause in between. They are going on and on. One topic from others and others from another.
“What are your expectations from your life partner?” Samyak asked Niharika.
“Hmm… I don’t have any list as such. I just want someone who understands me and trusts me. All other things can be managed.” She told with ease.
Samyak loved her simplicity and he is enchanted with her beauty, the way she talks, she carries herself. Everything which he is looking for, she is the answer. Samyak decided somewhere in his heart that she is the one.
“So do you have any question for me?” Samyak checked with Niharika.
Hesitatingly she asked, “Do you… I mean do you smoke or drink?”
Samyak smiled and said, “No I don’t. I believe there are many other ways to enjoy life or relieve your stress.”
Niharika felt happy after listening to his answer. She liked the way Samyak make her feel comfortable during the whole conversation.
“Your favorite cuisine?” They both asked together.
“Chinese.” They both replied together and laughed again.
Vedant came outside to call them for dinner. Everyone had dinner and after a little more talk Ajay and his family left for the hotel.
Seema and Ajay liked the family and Samyak. They thought this is a good match for Niharika. Seema asked Niharika, “So do you like Samyak? How was your conversation with him?”
“He is nice and I am fine with whatever you and Papa decide” Niharika replied.
Seema and Ajay felt relaxed and happy.
On the other side, there is no need to ask Samyak as his face and Vedant’s descriptions made it clear to Anita and Vivek that it’s a Yes.
Vivek called Ajay and told the good news and also heard a Yes from their side as well. Both families met in the morning and decided to do the engagement in Jaipur next week before Samyak leaves for Australia.
Samyak and Niharika have now become friends on Facebook. One week is passed in all the preparations, shopping, and packing for the engagement and Samyak’s onsite visit. Samyak has booked his ticket from Delhi to Sydney for the next day of the engagement, as he has to join there as early as possible.
They all arrived a day before engagement. It is a small function with close family members. Aditya also came with his mother. Kavya’s parents also joined from Samyak’s side.
Most of Niharika’s relatives are from Jaipur so they all gathered up. Niharika wore a light pink color lehenga and net dupatta. She is looking stunning. Samyak wore a beige color kurta and churidar. He is looking very charming. Everyone is saying they are looking perfect together. The ceremony started and both parents happily performed all the rituals and shared gifts with each other. They all danced and in the end, Aditya and Vedant surprised Samyak and Niharika with a beautiful CONGRATULATIONS cake. They cut the cake and fed everyone. With all this Samyak and Niharika hardly get any time to talk.
The next morning Niharika and her family came to the airport to drop Samyak. After check-in, Samyak and Niharika went to take coffee from a shop. Samyak looked at Niharika.
“What are you looking at?” Niharika asked. Her face is turned red.
“You” Samyak said still his eyes set on her innocent face.
“Stop it. I am the same. Not changed overnight.” Niharika said with a smile.
“I know but something has changed overnight. Now you are mine.” Samyak takes out a box from his pocket and gives it to Niharika.
“What’s this?” Niharika asked.
She opened and there is a beautiful bracelet with little charms hanging on it. He took out the bracelet from the box and tied it on Niharika’s hand.
“It is beautiful. Thank you so much.” Niharika looked at it with excitement.
“I will miss you” Samyak said.
“Come back soon” Niharika said.
Samyak’s flight announced for the security check and Vedant waved at him to come.
Samyak took everyone’s blessings and hugged Vedant and proceed towards security check. Before entering the gate, he looked at Niharika again and wave a bye.
Chapter 6
Samyak got a window seat on the plane. The plane took off and he is flying in between clouds. He looked outside from the window. The city is fading gradually and clouds are floating in the sky. He is also on cloud 9 indeed. He has never felt like this before. His heart is happy and sad at the same time. He finally met someone special in his life but he has to travel so far before he can actually spend some more time with Niharika. She is all over in his thoughts, mind, and heart. Her beautiful face, her expressive eyes, innocent smile are still revolving in front of him.
“Ohh boy, what is this happening to me? I want so much to be around her. I wish I could have stayed back or she can come with me. Ahhh… Is this love? Ohh no… that can’t happen so fast? Or maybe it can?” Samyak is talking to himself and smiling. He closed his eyes thinking about her.
When he woke up he is in the new land. The plane landed at Sydney Airport. He got down, collected his luggage and arrived at the apartment. He has to stay at the service apartment provided by his company for the next 6 months. He checked in his room and lied on the bed. He took out his cell phone and connected the wifi. He called his parents.
“Did you reach safely? How is everything there? Did you eat anything? Is it cold there?” Anita showered her series of questions just like any thoughtful and worried mother.
“Everything is fine, Mummy. Don’t worry. I ate on the plane and the weather is also pleasant.” Samyak assured her.
Vivek and Anita talked for some more time with Samyak and given him a few more instructions to take care of himself.
“Ok, now you take some rest. You have to join from tomorrow.” Vivek told Samyak.
“Ok, Papa… I will call tomorrow. Bye.” Samyak said.
“Ok son… take care. Bye.” They both said simultaneously.
Samyak kept the phone down and thought of taking the shower. But he again grabbed his phone and search the contact list. He looked at Niharika’s number and dialed.
“Hello” a sweet voice answered the call.
“Hi… It's Samyak here.”
“Hi… how are you? How was your flight.” Niharika asked Samyak.
“It was good. How are you? Were you busy?” Samyak replied.
“No… No… I was just sitting and looking at engagement pics. Vedant bhaiya shared some.” Niharika told.
“Ohh that’s great. I didn’t get a chance yet to look at them. I called mummy papa and then I thought I call you.”
“Ohh yes… you must be tired. Did you eat something?” Niharika checked.
“No, not yet. I will grab something to eat afterward.” Samyak liked this care from her.
“No, not afterward. First, you eat something and take some rest. You have to join the office tomorrow. We can talk later.” Niharika told him.
He felt so special and cared for the first time. No questions that parents do care about and love their children, but this feeling is different. This is really special.
“Ok as you say, Ma’am.” Samyak smiled.
Niharika also smiled.
They both hung up. This is the first phone call of their courtship period and the chain of phone calls, messages, emails had started. Samyak is getting emotionally attached to Niharika pretty soon. They started talking almost every day after Samyak returned from the office. They talk about everything, their everyday routine, food, office, family, music, movies, books, friends.
Their families were also in touch. They have decided on the wedding date and venue. As soon as Samyak gets back from his trip, they want marriage to happen. So they have started the basic preparations. Close relatives have been informed.
Two months have passed. One Sunday, Samyak called Niharika but she didn’t answer. He sent her a message as well. After a few hours, he got a call from Niharika so he picked up quickly.
“Hi… What’s up? Sorry I couldn’t take your call. I went out with some of my college friends. It was kind of a reunion. And I forgot to carry my phone.” Niharika said.
“Ohh… that’s nice. So did you enjoy it? Meeting old friends would be great.” Samyak asked Niharika.
“Yes, it was good.” She replied lowly.
“You are sounding low. What happened? Is everything fine?” Samyak got something is not right.
“No… nothing to worry. All ok. It's just…” Niharika was not sounding herself today.
“No, I am sure there is something. Tell me, What is it?” Samyak wants to know badly what is bothering Niharika.
“Ahh… actually, I don’t know how you will take it but I want to tell you something. In college, I had a very good friend, Jai. We used to like each other. We were in the same class. We were very serious about our relationship, but after college, when I told my parents about it, they said no. I tried to convince them, but they told me clearly they will never get agree to this. Jai belongs to a different community. I did not want to hurt my parents' feelings and do something against their wishes, so I made myself understand and broke up with him. I haven’t met him after that but today I got to meet him after so many days. I was not expecting him to be there as he moved to a different city.”
It’s a pin drop silence from Samyak’s side. He was not expecting this at all. He is completely speechless.
“Are you there? Hello… Samyak” Niharika checked is he still on the call.
“Hmm,” Samyak said.
“Samyak don’t take me wrong. It was all past. I haven’t spoken to him since then. Why are you not saying anything?”
“I don’t know Niharika what to say. I am… I think you should sleep now. I will call you tomorrow.” Samyak is not in a mood for any further conversation.
“But Samyak…”
“Bye Niharika.”
“Bye.”
They both hang up.
Niharika is feeling very bad about how Samyak reacted to the situation. She couldn’t understand Samyak’s reaction as he hardly spoke anything and disconnected the call suddenly.
Samyak is feeling very uncomfortable after talking to Niharika. He is not able to sleep. His mind not letting him accept the fact that whatever Niharika told him is just her past. His mind started reasoning what if she still has some feelings for Jai. What if, they are still good friends. What if, she is doing this marriage under her family’s pressure. So many ifs and he doesn’t have an answer to any of them.
