The moon

And the stars

Tried their best

But I couldn't

Look away

From you.

While I was going through her profile I noticed that her parents were searching for a groom.That's when I got an idea.

I know she would hate it but how can I let her become someone else's. How can I let her go after realising her worth?

The mere thought itself made my mind go out of control, my fist clenching.

"Come to my cabin." I spoke through the intercom.

I stood up from my chair and went near the floor-length window. I stood there gazing at the beauty in front of me. The serene beauty and calmness of the view being an utter contrast to what I am feeling now.

I have to make this work, I have to make her mine. Because who am I to deny when God himself gives me a second chance in a silver platter?

I heard Satwik enter the room behind me. I instructed him what to do and let him decide how to do part. For he knew me good enough to do his work perfectly, not that he have ever disappointed me.

I could feel his astonishment as it's not every day that his arrogant Boss makes plans about anything outside work which incidentally included a brown eyed princess.

After Satwik left I turned towards the beautiful view in front.

The sea's calmness after all the rivers searching for it finally reached it and dissolved in it.

Calmness after they became one.

There I stood gazing at the Queen's Necklace waiting for my Queen to join me. So that we both could experience the same calmness. Calmness of confluence.

****

I reached home thinking about how to execute my plan. Satwik did exactly what I told him. Even though we don't have any conversation out of work.

We both have this understanding that's why he has been working as my P.A for around 4 years now.

With these thoughts, I entered the main sitting area after composing myself for the drama that's gonna unfold and for the first time I'm gonna act in it too.

As expected there sat Mama with picture in her hand. Dad and Ananya sitting by her side giving me a pitiful glances.

If only they knew...

But I knew I have to play it cool otherwise I won't hear the end of it.

"Abhi go and change your dress I have to talk to you" she commanded in the infamous no-nonsense tone of hers.

I knew my Mama would be smitten by my vixen's charm just like her son did. Because she is who she is. A gem stuck in the cruelty of the world on the basis of gender. And who would understand her better than my Mama.

Never in my life did I think one day I would have to devise a plan for a girl that too one who had no relation with any of my business deals.

I came back after a record time of 5 minutes. I sat beside Mama.

She took my hands in between her hands letting the motherly warmth spread through my hand and calm my whole existence.

Wonder how much a mother can do with just a touch.

"Beta, this time I will not take No for an answer. I'm really sure about this girl. I know she is the one for you. You have to marry her." Mama literally pleaded.

My inner self was doing summersault in happiness.

But I have to play it cool.

"Mom are you sure?"

I said in a tone that didn't give a hint to what's happening inside me.

Perks of being a businessman.

"Yes. All three of us liked her. But she is not that rich or anything but the whole family is really well educated.

She herself is doing 3rd year Engineering in the same college as yours. You would have seen her today.

She was present in the interview you went for."

Of course, how can I forget?

Little did I know the moment she strode into the room with such confidence and elegance that she was strode not only to the room alone rather my life and my heart.

To own my heart.

What???? Heart??

Is it really possible to have a liking to a person to such an extent with just around 15 minutes?

"Abhi please say yes." Mama asked while squeezing the life out of my hand.

"Yes"

The look on all three faces was priceless. I just shrugged as if I had no other option.

On second thought indeed I don't have an option. There is no future that I can possibly view without her in it anymore.

"Really??"

Mom hugged me. All of them hugged me.

***

"What are you playing at Abhimanyu?" Dad came and stood beside me, Both of us staring at the reflection of the moon in the pool.

I knew I can't fool dad so I decided to go with the truth.

"I like her"

Silence......

"She is a strong girl.

But as much as she is strong she would be broken inside.

And no sane person would want their world to be manipulated by someone else.

Especially a girl like her.

You are a brother, I am a father and as a matter of fact, both of us will never allow a situation like this to come over Ananya.

So I am asking you. Are you sure?"

Dad is right I will never allow Ananya in such a situation. I will never allow someone else to force my Ananya to get married with him.

But I like her. My inner self whined.

"YES"

Dad scrutinized my face for a second maybe to find any hint of doubt.

After making sure he didn't find anything.

He continued with absolute resolute in his voice.

"You can go ahead if and only if you are ready to let her go when she says and start the relationship when she is ready. Are we clear?"

Dad told in his no-nonsense tone.

The fact that I was intimated would be an understatement. He is scary.

I thought for a second.

"I promise."

"I am trusting you in this.

Don't make me regret it.

I won't hesitate to break you, dear son. Because you had a choice which sure as hell you are not gonna give her.

So I won't allow you to destroy a girl's life. You know how I can be when you get on my bad side."

My parents have always been like this rather than standing by our side they always opted to stand by their values.

That's what they taught us too.

To always stand by the truth.

He didn't say anything after that.

We both stood there side by side both of us immersed in our thoughts.

I know I am going against my principles.

I knew it will be hard for both of us and she will hate me.

But I also knew it's worth it, she was worth it.

***

Yesterday was hell. I couldn't even concentrate on a small thing.

While the meeting was going on I started laughing like a maniac thinking about how she grilled the interviewer. Stooping only when Satwik nudged my side. When I looked around there was around 20 pair of eyes staring at me.

"Please continue. Mr.Anand will take it from here."

With that, I strode off without looking at their face. The last thing I want do is tarnish my reputation of 8 years just like that.

After that, I just came back home.

Without answering any questioning stares I just went to my rooms and slept it off.

Trust me even in my sleep she haunted me with that elegant smile.

I have to see her.

So here at 6 am I started driving to the campus.

The cool breeze was giving me a sense of comfort. The newspaper boys travelling in cycles starting their day and letting many household know it's time to start their day. Newspaper and morning tea is one normal way to start a day in Indian household.

The birds chirping, people going for morning walk. The small fog that covered the view distracting yet not disturbing. Surely drive in the early morning gives a sense of happiness.

Or maybe the happiness comes from the fact that at the end of the drive leads me to her.

I reached the Main gate.

Thankfully it was not so hard to get in. Perks of being an alumni and also maybe the fact that I am a Shekhawat.

This was exactly one of the reason I went to the USA to start the company.

But now I even started to use the power.

I hate doing this!

But it's worth it.

I parked my car and took a cycle which the watchman gave me.

It's been a long time since I cycled.

Of course, vehicles are not allowed inside the campus.

The slight chilly breeze fluttering through my hair. The air whispering the broken secrets in my ears.

I knew she would come to the canteen more like Satwik told me. I told you he does his job perfectly. I should give him a raise and a day off.

Looking around the campus the same old buildings.

I felt kind of nostalgic.

Good old times...

I heaved a sigh and got off from the cycle.

I stood behind a tree, more like hid behind a tree.

I saw her sitting with a serene expression staring at nothing in particular sipping from a cup.

Probably Caramel Mocha that's what she likes.

A serene expression came over my own face.

This was what I ever needed.

I saw her phone placed on the table and I had this urge to hear her voice

So I took my mobile and ringed her up.

"Hello"

In this morning fog, her voice reaching my ears it was a surreal feeling.

My heart skipped a beat.

I just took a deep breath.

"Hello, who is this?"

And I ended the call before I end up doing something...

I saw her friend Leah John jumping like a Bunny over her.

That brought a smile to my face.

Bunny took her cup and started sipping from it.

How much I wanted to snatch it from that Bunny?

I want Mocha.

Again they went into silence. You could literally see the way they both are comfortable in each other's presence.

Then Bunny asked something.

I could see my girl's facial expression changing to sadness.

Bunny made my girl sad.

Then they got distracted with something from her phone and later started jumping.

Seeing her smile, eyes shining with happiness I again felt peace.

Then Rithwin and Danniel joined their hug.

I didn't quite like that.

I know how much they four mean to each other and I admire their bond.

But why should they touch her?

Then they started leaving.

When I turned towards the cycle a monkey was sitting on it.

See even the monkey was intrigued by her smile.

I shoved him off and started my journey back with a newfound peace.

Hey cuties,

So was it Monkey or Monkeys?

What do you think of the ?

Suggestions are always welcomed.

Let me know.

Leah😉

(Ps: Next update on Wednesday :9pm)