SHOT 1
The entire Oberoi Mansion was beautifully decorated, preparations for the wedding were going on in full swing, the entire family was busy doing preparations, there was great hustle and bustle around, happiness was dwelling in all corners of the mansion.
Omkara’s room,
Om was standing in front of the mirror, he looked at his reflection, his intense eyes that always portrayed his emotions, were today unable to read his own thoughts,
Omkara (thinking): What is wrong with me? Why I am feeling like I am doing something wrong? I am getting married to someone I really like then why I am feeling that something is not right. She is such a nice and kind person, she has always helped me with the problems in my life, my family loves her, she loves my family, then what is this feeling in me.
Om was confused as to what was happening to him, as he was lost in thoughts, Rudra and Priyanka entered his room, he came out of his trance and looked at them,
Rudra: I never thought that this day will come so soon, O, aap to itni jaldi paraya dhan ban gaye. (He hugged Om tightly and started shedding his fake tears)
Omkara: Shut up Rudra and stop your high voltage melodrama.
Rudra: No one cares for me and my emotions in this house. But not for long, just let my Bhabhi come.
Om and Priyanka looked at him with, “nothing-can-happen-of-him” wala look.
Omkara: Did Shivaay come?
Priyanka: He is on his way, he’ll reach in half an hour.
Jhanvi: If you all are done talking, shall we go down?
They all come down.
Om went and sat down in the mandap. The priest started with the rituals.
Priest: Please call the bride.
Dadi: Pinky, jaa hamari bahu ko le aa.
Pinky nodded and left with Priyanka.
All eyes turned to the stairs, as Pinky and Priyanka came down with the bride, the royal red outfit flaunted as she walked, she was looking beautiful as ever.
Dadi: Anika, puttar, ekdum soni lag rahi hai tu aaj.
Anika took Dadi’s blessings and went and sat beside Om. They both looked at each other and smiled.
Omkara (whispered to Rudra): Where is Shivaay, why hasn’t he reached yet?
Rudra: Bhaiya will come soon. Don’t worry O.
The rituals were going on but Om’s attention was still at the door, he was waiting for his brother, how could Shivaay be late today, Om was eagerly waiting for his brother.
Priest: Now you both get up for the pheras.
Om and Anika stood up, Om took the first step and Anika followed him, Om’s half attention was still at the door. He was walking when he realized that Anika had stopped, he turned behind and looked at her.
Anika was looking at the entrance as Shivaay entered, she was shocked to see him, so was Shivaay shocked to see her, without thinking for a second, Anika got down from the mandap and ran towards Shivaay. All of them were shocked seeing this. Shivaay stood motionless as he saw Anika coming towards him, she stood in front of Shivaay, both looked at each other with tear filled eyes, they share a painful eye-lock,
Anika: Shivaay…
Shivaay: Anika…
They looked at each other and hugged each other tightly. Anika was crying badly and Shivaay was calming her down.
Shivaay: Anika, please stop crying. You know naa, I can’t see you like this. Please Anika.
Anika calmed herself and Shivaay wiped her tears and planted a soft kiss on her fore-head.
Shivaay: Now give me that adorable smile. (Anika smiled) now that’s like my girl.
They both smiled looking at each other.
Pinky: Oh my mata, Shivaay, Anika, what is all this happening?
Shivaay-Anika were brought out of their world by Pinky’s voice. They turned around to look at the shocked expressions of their family. It was then that reality struck Anika and she moved away from Shivaay, she looked at herself and then at Om.
Anika (thinking): Why is life so cruel with me always? I am getting married and at the same time I met Shivaay again. I love Shivaay but I can’t leave Om like this, I can’t leave this family that loves me so much.
Om walked down the mandap and stood in front of Shivaay,
Shivaay: Om, wo…
Om hugged Shivaay tightly, at first Shivaay was surprised but soon he too reciprocated. Soon Rudra and Priyanka too joined the hug, all had tears seeing this, after sometime they broke the hug.
Omkara: I thought you’d miss it.
Shivaay: How could I miss my brother’s wedding?
Omkara: Yes, Anika, you never told me that you know Shivaay.
Anika: Om, wo…
Shivaay: Because she didn’t know that I am your brother or that I am an Oberoi.
Pinky: I am not understanding anything. Will you both explain it in detail?
Shivaay: I’ll explain everything mom, but first let’s finish Om’s wedding.
Anika looked at Shivaay in shock. Others were also confused.
Anika: Shivaay, what are you saying?
Shivaay: Anika (And it was then that Shivaay looked at Anika properly, the bridal attire, the varmala and the knot her dupatta had, he was taken aback, he looked at her eyes and saw tears rolling down her cheeks) Anika, you are Om’s…. (He couldn’t complete the sentence)
Rudra: Yes, Bhaiya but why are you so shocked?
Anika: No Rudra, no one is shocked here.
Omkara: I am feeling that you both are hiding something.
Shivaay: No Om, it’s nothing like that.
Anika: Haa Om, what you are feeling is wrong.
All of them were surprised by Shivaay-Anika’s instant replies.
Rudra: O, now even I am feeling that Bhaiya-Bhabhi are hiding something.
Pinky: OMM, these children are confusing me even more.
Dadi: Billu, Anika, what is that you both are hiding?
Shivaay: Dadi, the thing is…. wo…. ….
Jhanvi: Shivaay, what are you saying, say it clearly.
Anika: I’ll say it, Shivaay and I know each other from the past two years.
FLASHBACK
New Delhi
Shivaay was there to attend a conference.
He was going in his car when he saw someone waiting on the road, it was raining heavily, so he decided to offer the person a lift. He stopped the car and rolled down the window glass, he looked at the girl as she was busy drying her hair, her earrings were moving in a rhythm as she moved her hair for drying, he was lost in her beauty, when she realized that someone was looking at her, she looked up and saw him staring at her, their eyes met and they shared an eye-lock.
Shivaay’s phone rang and they looked away. After disconnecting the call, Shivaay looked at her again,
Shivaay: I don’t think it’ll stop raining anytime soon. So, may I drop you somewhere?
Anika: No thanks, I’ll manage.
Shivaay: Don’t worry, I won’t kidnap you.
Anika: No, it’s not like that.
Shivaay: So, shall we? (he opened the door of the car)
Anika thought for a while, she looked at him and smiled and sat in the car.
FLASHBACK ENDS
All of them were listening as Anika further told their story,
Anika: After that, we got to know that we were going to the same conference. We talked about many things, we became friends but were completely unaware of each other’s family background. We kept in touch even after coming back to Mumbai, and one day, I got to know that Shivaay has met with an accident.
All of them were shocked listening to this.
Anika: Om, you remember the day we had met for the first time, near that cliff. (Om nodded) I was there looking for Shivaay.
Omkara: So, that day you were talking about Shivaay.
Anika: Yes.
FLASHBACK TO 6 MONTHS AGO
Oberoi Mansion,
Om was working on a painting when his phone rang, he picked up the call,
Omkara: Hello
POC: Sir, Inspector Sharma here.
Omkara: What happened Inspector?
Inspector: Sir, a car has met with an accident near Range Hills cliff, it has Oberoi symbol on it. You please come here soon.
Om was shaken, the phone fell from his hand and he immediately rushed to the accident site.
Near the cliff,
Om got down from the car and ran towards the end of the cliff. He looked around and saw the police, he went to them.
Omkara: Where is inspector Sharma?
Person: I am Inspector Sharma, I have called you.
Omkara: Where is she?
Inspector: Sir, I am sorry to say but the person sitting in the car, I am afraid is no more.
Om was completely shaken after hearing these words. He fell on the ground and shouted at the top of his voice,
Omkara: ISHANA
Tears were flowing from his eyes. He bent his head down and was crying badly. He remembered all the moments he had spent with Ishana, her smile, her laughter, her voice, everything about her was going on around in his mind.
Om was lost in himself when he heard someone crying near him, he looked around and saw Anika, she was crying badly. Om didn’t know, who she was or why she was there, he stood up and went to her.
Anika: Why did you do this…why did you leave me…. I love you so much…. I can’t leave without you…. Please come back.
Om was listening to all this, he kept his hand on her shoulder and she looked at him. To Om’s shock, Anika just hugged him tightly and started crying, he was taken aback and calmed her down.
Before Om could ask her anything, Anika fell unconscious and he brought her to Oberoi Mansion.
FLASHBACK ENDS
Anika: When I got consciousness, I was here.
Omkara: That means that day, you were talking of Shivaay.
Shivaay: Yes Om, she was there for me.
Rudra: But Bhaiya, you never told us anything about your accident. We only knew about one accident that happened that day, and it was of Ishana bha… (He realizes what he was going to say, all turn sad especially Om) I mean Ishana Didi.
Omkara: Haa Shivaay, we never knew you had any accident. Also, the police also informed us that there was only one car there.
Shivaay: I didn’t tell you all earlier because I didn’t want you all to be worried. There was only one car there because Ishana and I were in the same car. My car broke down and she was passing by, she saw me and we were together.
Anika: Shivaay, but who saved you and why didn’t you meet me earlier?
Shivaay: I don’t know Anika, when I woke up, I was in the hospital. I was told that a girl brought me there. I asked them who she was but they didn’t know her. But Anika, I did go to your house, only to know that you had shifted somewhere else. I thought I had lost you, so I went to London and returned today, only for Om.
Dadi: Shivaay puttar, if you are here, then where is Ishana? You said you were together, then where is she?
Shivaay: Dadi….
Om was eagerly waiting for Shivaay to answer, the hope that Ishana was alive was enough to bring back life to him.
Anika: What happened Shivaay? Say something.
Shivaay looked at Om, who was waiting for Shivaay to say it.
Shivaay: Dadi, I don’t know, I was alone in the hospital. I enquired about her but they told me, I was admitted alone. I couldn’t tell this to you all. I wanted to tell you all after sometime but when I got to know that Om is getting married, I thought, I shouldn’t tell you all.
Listening to Shivaay, Om’s last hope also died, tears were flowing from his eyes.
There was silence in the entire mansion.
No one understood what to say or do further.
Anika was happy that Shivaay was safe and there with her but she couldn’t leave Om, at least not now. If Shivaay hadn’t come, she would have married Om.
Shivaay was happy that Anika was there, back in his life but he couldn’t stop her marriage with Om, at least not now. If he hadn’t come, Anika would have been Om’s wife anyways.
Om was still in shock, he didn’t know what to do, but he gathered his courage and said.
Omkara: Anika, the wedding is still incomplete, let’s complete that first.
All of them looked at Om with shock, however no one opposed him, neither Shivaay nor Anika.
Anika looked at Shivaay, both had tears in their eyes, but Anika composed herself and walked and sat back in the mandap.
Omkara: Shivaay, do I have to give you special invitation, go and sit with her.
Everyone looked surprised at Om.
Shivaay: Om…
Omkara: What did you both think, after knowing the truth I would let your story be incomplete.
Shivaay hugged Om tightly, Rudra too joined them.
Everyone was happy.
Shivaay and Anika got married.
Shivaay-Anika took blessing from all elders.
All of them were now sitting in the main hall.
Pinky: I still have a doubt.
Shakti: Pinky, why are you thinking so much about all this?
Jhanvi: Ask Pinky, what is your doubt?
Pinky: Anika, you knew Shivaay for so long then why didn’t you recognize him in any of our family photos hung up on the walls.
Rudra: Haa Choti Maa, even I had the same doubt. If Bhabhi knew Shivaay Bhaiya, why didn’t you ask us about him from the photos.
Anika: Even I was shocked after seeing Shivaay’s photos here but I thought this is not my Shivaay, and you all didn’t talk about his accident or were worried for him. Also, I didn’t know anyone from Shivaay’s family, so I wasn’t sure whether to ask you all or not. Also, you all talked to him regularly, so I thought it is just a coincidence.
Dadi: Ok, now enough of all these talks. Shivaay, you must be tired. Take rest. We’ll talk tomorrow.
Shivaay: Yes Dadi.
They all go to their respective rooms.
Shivaay’s room,
Shivaay freshened up and came back from the washroom, when he saw Anika sitting lost in thoughts,
Shivaay: Anika
There was no response from her. He went and sat beside her.
Shivaay: Anika, what happened? (He said placing a hand on her shoulder)
Anika (coming out of her thoughts): Nothing Shivaay
Shivaay: You can tell me Anika, what is bothering you?
Anika: Shivaay, I am thinking about Om.
Shivaay: About Om, why?
Anika: Shivaay, our story got completed today but Om, his story is incomplete. When Jhanvi aunty had asked me to marry Om, I had promised her that I’d bring happiness back in Om’s life but I couldn’t keep my promise.
Shivaay: Who said you didn’t keep your promise? We’ll together fulfill this promise.
Anika: But how Shivaay?
Shivaay: Well we can start by making him Chachu.
Anika: Shivaay (she blushed)
Shivaay: Are what did I say?
Anika: Shivaay…
She just buried herself in Shivaay’s embrace, who smiled feeling content.
Next day, Oberoi Mansion,
They all were having breakfast.
Shivaay-Anika were thinking about how to bring happiness back in Om’s life. Om was just looking at the food, he hadn’t eaten a single bite. Jhanvi was sad seeing Om like this, Tej comforted her. All of them were eating quietly lost in their own world.
Omkara: Ok guys, bye I must go to the gallery, I’ll get late.
Before anyone could stop him, he left.
Jhanvi: I don’t know when he’ll get out of all this. He is missing Ishana more now.
Tej: Don’t worry Jhanvi, he’ll be alright. Let’s give him his time.
Shivaay: Don’t worry Badi Maa, I am back now, I’ll make everything fine. Trust me.
Jhanvi: I know Shivaay, I trust you more than myself. I know you’ll bring happiness back in Om’s life.
Everyone had their breakfast and retired to their work.
Om’s gallery,
Om was sitting lost, blankly staring at the unfinished painting before him.
All the moments he had spent with Ishana were flashing in front of him, he couldn’t stop thinking about her.
FLASHBACK TO THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT
Ishana was getting ready when Om came to her room,
Ishana: Om, I’ll be late, so don’t worry.
But Om didn’t say anything, Ishana looked at him and understood the matter.
Ishana: Om, I know you don’t want me to go but you know naa, she is my childhood friend, I must go.
Omkara: Ishu, can’t you change your plan or shift it to some other day.
Ishana: Om, it’s her wedding, how can I change my plan.
Omkara: I won’t talk to you then.
Ishana: Om, see if you make faces like this I won’t go.
Omkara: Sachi, you won’t go.
Ishana (in a sad tone): If you are unhappy, I won’t go. Although I wish to go, but I won’t go.
Om realizes that she is sad.
Omkara: Ishu, I was just saying like that. You should go.
Ishana: Really
Omkara: Of course,
Ishana: Ok, bye. I’ll come soon.
Ishana is about to go when Om holds her hand, she looked at him in surprise,
Ishana: Om…
Omkara: I’ll be waiting, come soon.
He kisses her forehead. Ishana smiled and left.
FLASHBACK ENDS
Omkara: I am still waiting for you, Ishu, when will you come?
I hope you all will like this story. Please do comment and share your views about the same.
KEEP READING AND SMILING!!!
TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE!!!
4 Comments
Wonderful start.
Thank you dost.
I hope you will like this short story.
Beautiful start… Feeling bad for Om… Is Ishana still alive??
Thank you so much.
That you’ll know soon.