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Rudra sat on the couch, just a few inches away from Soumya. He looked at her wide, open eyes with their anxiety and her soft skin with some color returning to it. It was a face that invoked myriads of memories, deep seated emotions, and a fierce sense of attachment in him.He felt a little speechless for a while.
As Soumya felt the mounting tension within her, she decided to break the silence. “Let’s talk. You wanted to tell me something about your feelings and why you did what you did. I have had a lot of time to think about it and I have come to the decision that I should act my age and face my fears. You start because I have to tell you something as well and might take me a lot of effort and time to tell it.” Soumya finished her speech and looked upwards to think if she had missed any point. Satisfied that she hadn’t, she looked back at Rudra with a somber face.
Rudra stared at her with dropped jaw for a couple of seconds and burst out laughing. She looked adorable but extremely funny with her “going to the gallows” expression. “Did you prepare for this talk? Don’t tell me you studied and researched for this too.”
Soumya glared at him, her face red. Rudra placed his palms on both of her cheeks to test his guess. “My God! I was right. Your cheeks ARE burning hot.That means you did do that!”
“So?” Soumya said in an irritated tone. “What’s wrong with preparing for a situation that is challenging? It helps to go over all the points in advance. And you keep laughing and joking, while someone will come and we won’t have discussed anything important.”
Rudra stopped laughing. “You are right. I don’t want to delay this anymore. But what’s all this about fear and challenges. It’s just Rudra after all, Sumo Somu Soma Sumi. Why fear from me? I am your friend right? And since you have brought up challenges and fears, I want you to go first. As it is, you have prepared your presentation. I don’t want you to forget it. And while you talk, I’ll prepare my speech. ” Rudra kept a perfectly serious face while he said this.
Soumya stared at him to assess if he was mocking her. Then she drooped her shoulders in defeat. “Even if he is, what can I do. This is not a time for arguments.” She took a deep breath and began. ” Just after I came back, when I said I missed you too, I wasn’t being polite. It’s the truth. I felt your absence in my life every single day while I was there and you were here. I thought about the two years I stayed here after the confrontation with Aai. I thought about how supportive you were and everyone else was to ensure I stayed focused. I thought about how you encouraged me to pursue my higher studies in the U.S. I thought about how you stayed in touch in spite of all the changes your own life had undergone and how incredibly busy you had become.”
Soumya paused, swallowing back the lump that was beginning to hurt her throat. “I sometimes also thought about that freak wedding that meant nothing but that set into motion a series of events that now form the basic structure of my life and mean the world to me. And I thought, if it could reveal so many valuable relationships and a determination to excel, it couldn’t have been all bad. I don’t regret it anymore. That confrontation gave my mother a son she had been craving for, and showed me that I had a much stronger friendship than I had realized. All these years I have been thinking about these things. And I wondered how changed you would be. I also wondered if you had a new girlfriend.”
Rudra breathed in sharply in between his spellbound concentration on what Soumya was saying. But he kept quiet. “My God! I only new the tip of the iceberg.” he thought listening intently.
Soumya continued, ” And then I came back and met you again. You are same in many ways and have changed in many. The overall result is that I constantly feel drawn to you. You can lighten up my somber moods and brighten up dull days. Yet you have this maturity of having seen a lot of stuff over the years. I am completely baffled by this. I don’t know where to go from here.” she fell silent looking a little out of breath from speaking so much.
Rudra looked down at his hands. “Why do you think I kissed you last night?”
“Because you were all charged up? And the timing, and setting, and the pleasantness of the atmosphere induced the urge in you?” Soumya said uncertainly.
Rudra was incredulous. “Charged up about what?”
“About being around Simran all day.”
Rudra felt like he had crashed from a floating cloud straight to the ground.”Simran? Ye kahaa se tapak gayee?What the jahannum are you talking about?”
Soumya looked very confused at his reaction. ” Tapak gayee? You brought her from the airport. Spent time looking at her all afternoon and evening. She is your type so she charged you up. That’s my understanding.”
Rudra had a thoroughly disgusted expression on his face. ” You claim to be intelligent? What kind of nonsensical theory is that? Yuck! I was charged up by her so I came and kissed you? Ewww! What disgusting stuff have you witnessed in the last two years?Worse! Who have you been hanging out with?”
Soumya was taken aback by his reaction. ” I am not disgusting. I was just putting two and two together.”
“And you came up with five? I officially pass on the title of duffer to you. You have earned it. Did it not occur to you that I might have kissed you because I felt like kissing YOU? Have you checked the mirror lately?”
“Oh hello!” Soumya said feeling incensed. ” I have no complex. I know I am pretty decent looking and there will be many nice men interested in me. So I am not some complexed, depressed person.” Then taking a deep breath she said very quietly, almost in a whisper.
“But the question is, can I be attractive to YOU? Can I generate interest in you. Seeing you next to Simran, brought back in full force the huge gap between what is attractive to you, and what I am. So no it didn’t occur to me that you wanted to …kiss me!”
” First, it’s not “what is”. It is “what was attractive to me”. Four years ago. Since then I have grown, unlike you. You probably are still in love with Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck! Moving on though, if that’s what you thought why did you kiss me back? Or were you imagining I was Tom or Jerry, depending on your taste?”
“I am not the only one who thought that about you and Simran.” Soumya cried, very angrily at his mention of cartoon characters. Her anger made her lose her composure and control, and she spoke without inhibition, “And I kissed you back because I couldn’t help it! I think I have been in blasted love with you and have no idea what to do with that. But that’s my problem. What’s your excuse Mr. High and Mighty?”
Rudra took in what she had said. He smiled lazily and held her close. “My excuse? That I love you? I have for the last three years or more? Although I did not fully recognize and label my feelings untill a few months ago.”
Soumya looked at him stunned. “But how is that…”
“Oh grow up already! People fall in love for different reasons and in different ways. I realized over the years that the girl I felt most closely attached to, had deepest affection for, and was most at ease with was you. For me, that is love. Even if I was not physically attracted to you when I first met you. I was in a different zone then. So? Big deal! I always felt attached to you. You were always a comforting presence. I always had deeper conversations with you. If you do not consider that the root of love then you are too shallow. Stay near me and I’ll give you some depth.”
Soumya struggled to get out of his hold but couldn’t. ” I am shallow! And YOU, YOU are deep?”
“Yes. You are fixated upon my definition of hot from four, five years ago and refuse to see my definition of love today.”
“And you do not find Simran hot?”
” I do. Don’t you? Are you in love with her and want to marry her?”
Soumya was at loss for words. She stopped struggling and slowly, hugged him back. ” I guess I do have growing up to do. I’ll stay very close to you. Give me some depth.”
“Oh you don’t even know the tip of how much depth I am going to be giving you.” Rudra said laughing as he kissed her. “Soumya, our relationship is based in experiences and survival of attachment in spite of terrible trials and separation. You’ll see, it will be an ishqbaazi of it’s own kind. And when I am giving you that depth training, I will explain to you in complete detail, how each of your physical attribute is attractive to me. So that we are past that crap once and for all.”
Soumya laughed. Then to her disappointment, he separated her from his comforting embrace.
“We have to tell the family immediately. There will be rituals and ceremonies then. But until then…” Rudra smiled as he took out a golden foil wrapped piece of chocolate from his pocket. He held it out to her, “Soumya, will you be my best friend forever and marry me. Again?”
Soumya smiled, her face glowing with happiness. Unable to speak, she nodded.
Rudra unwrapped the chocolate carefully and popped it in her mouth. Then he folded the golden foil in a long strip, held up her left hand, and wrapped the golden strip around the base of her ring finger, twisting it tightly on the bottom of her finger. “Till eternity do us part.” he said softly.
Soumya felt warm tears rolling down her cheeks and drip on to his hand that was holding hers. ” Do you have another piece of chocolate.” She asked through her soft sobs. “I have no ring for you.”
” No more chocolate. But you can give me something more important. You have given me your word to be with me forever right?” Rudra asked looking into her eyes.
She nodded wiping her tears with the back of her free hand.
“Then seal that promise with a kiss.”
Soumya leaned forward and kissed him softly on his lips. Then she drew back gradually.
“We’ll have to tell the family. Simran’s mother might not like this news.” Soumya said nervously.
“Aah! So you heard some rubbish from her and came to those nonsensical conclusions. Don’t worry, I have a feeling, Simran can handle her mother. And barring three people, who have no clue about our past, the rest of the family has been waiting for this news since the day you came back. Now they can have their peace of mind. Now shall we go to bed? Separately? Until we get the license to do it together?”
Soumya blushed heavily and got up to leave. Hand in hand they walked over to the door to go back upstairs and into the next phase of their lives.
_______________________________________________
Thanks for reading Everyone. After having stopped at a delicate moment in the last update, I felt compelled to write this one as soon as possible. So here it is. I have tried to keep the essence of Rudra and Soumya in this update. Hope it won’t disappoint. Please leave a comment if you can. I really want to know whether my approach was satisfactory. Have a blessed day Everyone☺
40 Comments
It is awesome dii…. Rudra maturily handle the situation and confusion of soumya…..
With lots of love and care dii… Eagerly waiting for the next update
Thanks so much Nikita ☺
Awesome….
Rudra handled it so maturely…
Soumya’s emotions were so well expressed…
Waiting fr d nxt… 🙂
Thanks Shivika ☺
I’m a silent reader but today’s update is amazing I really love it. I really appreciate your work keep it up darling
Thanks for reading and commenting Kelly. Really appreciate it ☺
Amazinggg ?
Thanks Aarti?
there are no words to describe how I felt
the chapter was……mersmising & incrideble of course its the most beautiful of all chapters
it almost was a part of miracle,a wonder how beautifully the heartfelt lovers confessed
Soumya all anger,insecurities,confusions just melted away in Rudra’s embrace
confession in anger is the best when its spoken right,I cn say,by reading about these two
At last,their life’s sorted & its such a relif
cant thank u more,for the chapter as I waited long for this confession part
thank u soooo very much &plz update a little later so the value if the upcoming chapter apprciates
Thanks so much Aashi. Your constant support has been a motivating force. When I wrote about On and Aashi I fell for them. Now writing about Rudra and Soumya, I have fallen for Rudra. ? I am also very happy to think of them finally satisfied and completely with each other. Thank you for keeping your faith in my writing and waiting patiently. I really appreciate it ☺
Wow wow wow, this was definitely worth the wait. From road to redemption through serendipity to this, your an amazing writer.
Thanks so much Aisha? That really means a lot.
Awesome….I love this mature rudra??? the way he handle the situation was fabulous..!!amazing episode loved it to the core waiting for next update soon
Thanks Niriha. I am glad you liked this part. I will update soon ☺
Awesome…. loved the epi…it’s just fantastic….
Thanks so much Lilly? Really appreciate it.
Wow…Rudra became very Matured!! Loved him…he handles things perfectly…Missed Anya..plz want some scenes of her…waiting for Om’s revelation of sweet news to family .plz post soon dear ..i cant able to wait more..
Thanks Adhya. Yes, next episode Anya will have a major role to play. I will update soon ☺
JAW DROPPING… have you ever heard this word… damn good… uhhh… no words…
Thanks so much Amore. I really appreciate your comment ☺
perrrffffect!!!
Thanks Nikita?
GOOD JOB DIYAA, i mean on posting it soon 🙂 and i don’t think i’ve laughed and blushed like this in a long time! this was a truly amazing chapter! loved rudy’s special comments, in the last one too, although i forgot to mention it there in a rush. saumya’s mickey mouse and donald duck joke was so hilarious! 😀 not that i think she was being childish too, because i totally get it how she could still be stuck with his college image. and the last part… oooff! totally fell for rudy’s swoony avatar!
so, keep up the good work of not making your fans wait and post next soon too 🙂 waiting eagerly for prinku-shikhar story’s climax 🙂
Thanks Samm?Yeah, I partly wanted to not make my readers wait, and partly terrified that I would lose my train of thought again. So I became an owl and wrote this down. Now I regrouping and gathering energy for Prikhar climax, Simran resolution, and On and Aashi’s big news. I fell for Rudy myself. Ye Maine kyaa create Kar diya, ki khud hi doob gayee?
Working on the next one. Thanks again for commenting ☺
The conversation was really amazing.”Till eternity do us part”-I was watching a movie today and it had the same dialogue as their marriage promise or whatever that is called—strange but lovely coincidence ???
Thanks Tanz. And wow! That’s quite a coincidence and yes, it’s lovely?
Soma Sumo Sumi has finally decided to take Rudra’s surname. I guess she was impatient so took Rudra’s name Duffer!!!! Go Soumya go!! You and Rudra have interchanged personalities I guess. But still both are one of their kind.
HOW DO U MANAGE TO KEEP CONFESSIONS SO HEARTFELT EACH TIME???? Two people just letting their hearts talk with a promise to live together by love. No awkward moments. This is one of the many features that make your writings so unique.
Now how will Aanya decide what to celebrate more – arrival of a partner or promotion of her Soma masi to chachi???? Itni si Jaan ko itniiiiii saari preparations karni padegi. But don’t worry dear and call me for help if all the couples are busy romancing 😉
Keep rocking with this impeccably wonderful drug. And post soooooon if possible *Aanya’s cute face*
Thanks Sanjukta ?Your comments always make my day. Good thought, what will Anya do? My, she will have a lot to say on this topic. If confessions don’t touch my heart then I wait till I get a better idea. At one point I was so stuck with these two that I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to write an interesting one for them. Thank God, this worked out ok. Yes, we have a new Duffer Singh Oberoi in town it seems? Thanks so much for commenting.
Amazing one diyaa!! Loved rudra, he handled everything with much ease..
Eagerly waiting for the nxt…update asap!
Thanks Bhavana. I will update soon ☺
I just loved it…I read all 16 episode in one go n really feel awesome Coz there is only few ffs r about Rumya separately n ur gf is best please upload soon n after this ff start new ff about Rumya please???????
Thanks so much Pratibha. For reading and for commenting. I am glad you are liking this take on Rumya story. I’ll update soon ☺
Sorry di this time I m late.
My most awaited scene…… But now I don’t know what to say.
Just SPEECHLESS…..
MINDBLOWING…! Trust me di after reading this part I felt some happiness… I loved the way Rudra handle this situation. Now waiting for Prikhar’s story progress n Omaashi’s big moment….
Take care n bye di……..
Thanks Gayathri. No problems Yaar. I know everyone is busy. As long as I hear from my readers , I am a happy camper ? I am so happy that this update brought a smile to you. It was my kind of romance, full of humor and sweetness. Thanks again for commenting. Will update soon ☺
Hey Diyaa di !! This one is awesome. Loved the chapter through and through. Post soon☺
Thanks so much Jerry. Really appreciate it. Will update soon ☺
Hey Diyaa first of all sorry for delay in commenting.
I was just speechless reading the chapter. That was so awesome. Rudy has matured a lot during him separation with his Sumo has he not… I think they interchanged their personality when she went for her higher studies and that is why now Saumya is now new duffer singh oberoi ?
Anya has mixed Aashi and Chachi into Aachi. What will she now call her Sumi maasi – Suchi? Am looking forward to the family reaction to both Om-Aashi and Rudy-Sumi news and of-course Anya’s cute antics on the same.
Oh dear, Sorry for long comment…
Hi Fffan. I am glad to see your comment. ☺ I know, this chapter had a role-switch between Rudra and Soumya. I had fun imagining the charming Rudra getting Soumya to see things. ? Suchi is such a cute name. I am also trying to think from Anya’s point of view. What will she think about the two new situations that will be presented to her.? Thanks again for your detailed comment. I really enjoyed reading it. Will update soon ☺
Diyaa,
Firstly, my apologies for being absent for a long while. I had the last three updates bookmarked and having a little free time, I finally have completed reading them. ?
About all the updates, I’m spellbound. I’ve no idea of how you can maturely handle and take care of all the relationships, but then, I do realise you’ve experienced a lot, pretty much more than us and this might not be that difficult for you as it seems to us, at least me.
Every character has its own identity, goals, challenges and everything. The plot resembles reality so perfectly that penning it down probably is just imaginary. Each of the relationships you’ve dealt with in all the spin offs are worth appreciating, and EXPRESSIONS UNFETTERED is developing excellently.
I shall be looking forward to the next update. ?
– Ria
Wow, and the RUMYa- and they become one be perfect than this. I love each and every character of your FF. They seem to be real, appealing and each one having individual role and significant existence. Fantabulously Fabulous!