Sanjeee!! I’m so sorry that I couldn’t gift you on your birthday.. I didn’t know.. To be honest.. Sorry for the late wishing and the late gift.. Hehe masters in computers.. Ponne I bow down to you… Nejama.. I’m struggling to complete B.tech.. Me in fifth semester.. Aaaahhh it’s annoying… now now.. No engineering here.. Else I’ll go mad and make you mad too… They say la.. It’s only an engineer who can understand the pain of another engineer… konjam tips kudu maa.. solid one piece la engineering mudichitu veliya vara…
#painofanengineer
So this OS is basically.. Obviously it’s so obvious.. I’m dedicating this one for you.. I do keep track of your story though I have never commented on it.. And I love it.. Keep it up girl..
Story……
As usual.. Please do bear with my typos and grammatical errors
Happy reading ??
Dear Radhika,
Hope you’re all fine. Doing good as always. I don’t know where this is going to go.. But I have truly fallen for you. Even without knowing you. Knowing that we can never have a future together, I fell for you. The way you express yourself.. Your love and passion for whatever you do, pulled me closer to you. I don’t know what you feel for me.. But I have realised you are the one for me. My woman.. My love.. My life.. My everything.. I know it’s weird… Six months.. We’ve just been writing letters to each other and I fell hard for you.. Just by your writing.
I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable. I tried hard controlling my feelings, but I couldn’t. They just happened to pour out.
Remember one thing.. No one can ever take your place. This heart of mine has been stolen by you.
Love you,
Arjun.
A lone tear trickled down the wrinkled cheek as the paper slipped from the trembling wrinkled fingers of an old woman. She got up to catch the paper, but stopped in the mid of her tracks.. Frozen.. Her feet refused to move forward and snatch the paper when she the paper in the hands of her grandson.. Neil.
“Radhu what is this?” he asked flailing the paper in his hand.
“Neil give it back!!” she said in a stern voice.
“Grandma!!” he narrowed his eyes.
“It’s not a topic to gossip on Neil” she crossed her arms.
Despite her attempts to make give it back… it didn’t happen. He went on reading and his eyes widened. He looked at his grandma and then the letter. Back to the letter and her. This kept happening till he was back to his senses.
“Who said this is gossip? This is about your love… you… gave up on for a dirty man like grandpa” he sneered.
“We never met” she sighed.
“When was this letter written?” he asked.
“1966” she replied.
“What?! 50 years?!” his jaw touched the ground.
“Yes” she sighed.
“How do you know each other?” he asked.
She sighed “for the first time in twenty seven years of my life I’m asking you something. You better not back out now gran” he hissed.
“Well.. he was in the army and he had to get down at the station before mine. I got in the train and found a black tin box where I sat. It belonged to him. Looked too expensive. I opened it and found things related to him. Books, pictures of his along with his family and friends. It ad not that hard to identify him as he was there in all the pictures. I found a slip that had details about him. Residential address and where he was posted too. I sent it to the address after reaching home. He wrote back thanking me. My fingers itched to write back and I did. We started writing back and we fell for each other just like that. I would feel broken when he’d not reply back. I’d be so stupid. I’d fail to realise that he was not like us. Not normal beings” she facepalmed herself as she chuckled looking down and Neil smiled at his grandma. She was more of a best friend. She continued “he was a Colonel. He had his own problems. He was busy protecting us and here I would be cursing for not replying and keeping me impatient. He was a person who was passionate and dedicated to his duty. And slowly I fell for him. He’d pour out all his emotions in the letter. He once wrote that he had to switch places and it would cost his life too. He asked me not to expect for his reply if I write back. He told he may not be able to read my reply too. Luckily that operation was delayed due to rain and I got his saying he doesn’t rely on God when I asked him to. I asked him to give it a chance and would expect his reply. And I did receive his reply. But sadly, that was the last letter he wrote to me. The one you’re holding” she sighed as she pointed to the letter in his hand.
“Then what Radhu?” asked an impatient Neil.
“My father… your so called great grandpa, got my alliance fixed. I replied confessing my feelings and about my wedding. I even gave him the idea of eloping and gave him my address too. But, no reply. I don’t know if he got my letter. If he would have,he would have surely replied. But no..” she sighed as she sat back on her rocking chair.
“I hate his handwriting” Neil pursed his lips.
“I had a hard time understanding” she laughed lightly.
“Gran…” Neil dragged.
“What is it Neil?” she looked up at him with a serious expression.
“Why are so low?” Any problem?” she threw questions.
“Nothing” he let out an exasperated sigh.
“Tell me Neil. I know there’s something. Else you’ll not call me gran” she snapped.
“75 year old woman!! I love you so much!! Not even my mom understands me so much” he knelt down taking her wrinkled shivering hands in his.
“I love you too.. now tell what’s eating you inside out” she ruffled his hair.
“I’m in love” he whispered as his head dropped and he corrected his hair.
“What’s wrong in that?” she cupped his face and made him look up at her.
“I haven’t met her till now” he sighed.
“Is this some social networking thing? Facebook?” she shook her head in disappointment.
“No Radhu” he retorted “she’s my pen pal” he smiled.
“Pen pal? Are you kidding? In this technical era too?” her eyes widened.
“Yes Radhu” he chuckled at her shocked state.
“Tell me everything. Her name, her appearance.. everything!!” she shook his shoulders like a kid.
“Calm down. I’ll tell you” he smiled “the name’s Samaira.. Samaira Mehra. A genetic engineer. Don’t know anything about appearance. She refused to send. She said true love lies in the purity of heart and not in appearance and wealth” he smiled.
Radhika gasped. Those were the exact words Arjun used to say. Radhika would keep on writing to him asking him what if she would not be of his type. In appearance and in other ways. He would say the same and promised to love her however she was.
Radhika’s thoughts broke hearing Neil “she’s exactly that. So herself.. passionate. She asked me to meet her at Intercontinental Hotel, which is in marine drive” he said.
“Go then… go my boy. Make your Radhu proud” she cheered as she pulled his cheeks.
“You’re coming with me” he smirked as he dropped the bomb.
“No, I’m not” she threw her hands in the air.
“You are Radhu and that’s final. Tomorrow” he said as he got up and walked inside.
Radhika frowned as she crossed her arms to her chest in a huff, pouting her lips. There was no way winning over that “Dimple King” of hers. She chuckled at the nickname she had given him.
Dimple King.
————————
Dear Colonel,
I hope you are doing well. I was thinking how to confess my feelings and you did it. You can never make me feel uncomfortable. I just hope we were not in this situation. I love you too. With all my heart. But it’s not possible.. you see my father has fixed my wedding with one if his close friend’s son. And I have no interest marrying him.
I have an idea.. let’s run away.. elope. Here’s my address… the exact address.
…………..
…………
…………………
Bombay- xyz
Please.. please make sure to read this. I know it’s impossible. You can’t come for me when you’re in the middle of nowhere. I just want you to carry me in your arms and run away to some place out of reach. How I wish this could happen.
I will still expect you. To come and take me away.
And I will always love you.
Forever yours,
Radhika.
A sigh escaped the lips of the reader as he placed it at his chest,clutching it there. A scowl was heard from the same person when the letter was snatched from him.
“Sam get that back” the voice was hard.
“You think I will daadu? No way!! You’ll get it after I finish reading it” she danced sticking her tongue out.
“Sam..” he gritted his teeth.
“Awwww.. my Ajju looks so cute when angry. You’re handsome though you’re 83. I wish I was not your granddaughter. I would have gone on knees then” she shook her head in disappointment.
He chuckled at his granddaughter’s impossible nature “Sam give it back. It’s something very special” he said.
“I know. That’s why you sit and read this letter every alternative day all alone. I can only see pain and regret cross your eyes” she sighed “now if you’re not going to let me read this, then I’ll read this out loud to everyone in the hall outside” she smirked and her eyebrows danced in mischief.
Arjun sighed and Sam went on reading the letter. Her eyes widened as she finished. Sr looked at her grandfather with a hanging jaw and eyes as wide as the globe.
“This woman loved you so much and you failed her” Sam screamed with the letter dancing in the air in her hand.
“Sam it was not the way you’re thinking. You don’t know anything” he snapped.
“Then tell me. You say I know nothing right? Then spit it out General Mehra” she spat, making the old man cringe to the voice.
“Well” he sighed “she was the one who sowed the seed of smile in me. Was my ray of light and hope. I was this monster and a hard officer. No emotions. But se happened to be this angel. My Angel” he smiled to himself.
“Proceed” she crossed her arms.
“I left my tin box on the train seat. She found it and sent it back. I wrote a thank you letter. Address was on the cover. He replied, which was unexpected. I couldn’t stop myself from replying. We went on writing to each other for six months. I then realized it was impossible. My feelings kept growing for her. She used to encourage me, would never make me feel low or doubt my capabilities. I had to put a full stop. I confessed trying to end it there. But I felt even more burdened. I thought she wouldn’t reply. But you see she replied” he sighed.
“This was the last letter from her” she concluded.
“Yes” she sighed rubbing the back of his neck.
“And you didn’t care to go see her. She gave you her goddamm address. She trusted you” she screamed.
“Sam language” he pointed out.
“Oh, shut up. I’m not listening to you. Not today. You’re nothing, but a coward. I can’t believe you could do such a thing. You keep poking around in others love, but couldn’t fulfill yours” she taunted.
“Sam..” he raised his voice.
“What huh? What Sam? Yeah that’s my name. What in that?” she snapped.
“Samaira..” he was losing his patience.
“Wow!! You called me Samaira which you never did. So happy!!” the words slipped with intense sarcasm.
“Will you shut up Samaira Mehra?!” he screamed with his eyes red.
Sam instantly shut up. For the first time he had screamed at her. For the first time in twenty five years of her life. He addressed her by her full name for the first time. They were more like buddies. Always pulling each other’s legs and Sam throwing pick up lines at him. Arjun’s eyes softened at the state his granddaughter was in. It was not her fault at all. She was his little princess. He cussed under his breath as he raked his fingers through his hair. He threw his frustration on her.
“Baby I’m sorry” he cooed as he pulled her in a hug.
“Why did you let her go?” she asked.
“I went there. But I was too late. She was taking the wows. Around the holy fire. Now, tell me.. how can I stop a wedding in the middle and just pull her with me and run? It’d be a shame. To her and her family. She was expecting me to come. She had her head hung low… face with no smile. She was doing it for the sake of her family. For one second in life I hated myself. For what I was was useless. I couldn’t get my woman. I failed her miserably. I so wish I could have gone sooner. And I hated it when she used to address me Colonel and not Arjun” he sighed.
“That was so cute!!” she squealed “Daadu I’m sorry” she rubbed his shoulder.
“Now tell me why are you so happy?” he ruffled her hair.
“Love daadu love!! I’m in love!!” she spread her arms out and gave a dreamy smile to which Arjun smiled.
“Who is he?” he asked.
“Neil Malhotra” she smiled as she gave another dreamy smile.
“What’s he doing?” he asked.
“Runs an advertising agency called Bird Song. And a very good man of course” she replied.
“How do you know him?” he asked.
“Actually… we’ve never met” she said in a low voice.
“What?!” he gasped.
“Yep. Just like you and your lady it is. We too are pen pals. But this started off for fun and turned out serious” she said.
“Good then. I thought it would be some social network tricks” he heaved a sigh of relief.
“Hehe” she smiled acute one.
“I’ve asked him to come to Intercontinental Hotel tomorrow and he’s coming. With his grandma. And you’re coming with me” she grinned.
“Why me?” he asked.
“You’re an inspiration. Dare you to refuse me” she warned.
“K fine” he chuckled raising his hands in surrender.
The four of them left the next day to the hotel. As always, the Mehras reached first and waited for the Malhotras. The waitress informed Neil and guided him to the table and Radhika went to the pool on the roof soaking her feet. She was humming when she felt a presence next to her.
“May I?” he asked.
“Sure” she smiled.
“You’re alone?” he asked.
“No. I’m her with my grandson. He came to meet his girl” she smiled.
“My granddaughter too” he chuckled “what a coincidence” he smiled.
“Wait a minute…” bath in unison as realization struck and their heads snapped to each other in suspicion.
“Samaira” she said “Neil” he said. Both at the same time.
“Yep” in unison again.
Realization struck again. Radhika realized he was Arjun and he realized it was Radhika. Her eyes filled with tears. But she turned away thinking of reality. Her grandson loved his granddaughter. Nothing can be done now. Arjun’s insides burned seeing her cry. She looked even more beautiful. With all those wrinkles and pale skin. Though they had come across each other for the first time.
FIFTY LONG YEARS….
“Radhika” he whispered as he turned her to face him.
“Yes Colonel. Me” she whispered.
“Retired Major” he smiled.
“Sorry about that. It was 50 years ago” she shook her head smiling.
“How are you?” he asked.
“How do I look?” she asked.
“Beautiful” he replied as he kissed her forehead deep and his lips stayed there for a while and she enjoyed the moment closing her eyes.
“Our grandchildren love each other” she smiled.
“Yes. Just like us” he smiled wiping her tears.
“Us?” she asked.
“Yes. We do love each other. Don’t we?” he asked.
“Yes” she whispered.
“Radhika let’s start afresh. Sam and Neil. You and I. A perfect family” he said as he pulled her closer to him.
“Will it work?” she asked.
“Nothing’s too late in love, my love” he smiled.
“I wish this could have happened fifty years ago” he sighed as she rested her head on his shoulder.
“Still not too late” he said kissing her temple.
“I love you” she whispered.
“Love you too” he said back.
“Gran” Neil called out “daadu” sam called. They were smiling at each other holding hands. But smiled wide when realization struck again.
They’re grandparents were the ones!!
“I guess we did the right thing falling in love” Sam smiled.
“True. They found each other” Neil smiled as he pecked her forehead.
“Love you” she said.
“Love you too” he smiled.
“We’re so happy for you both” both of them squealed as they hugged their grandparents from behind.
“You kids done? Shall we head home?” asked Arjun.
“When are you planning to take my Radhu home?” Neil smirked.
“Right now!” he replied without wasting a second.
“Let’s go then!!” Neil and Sam in unison.
Sanjee I hope you liked it… I would have posted sooner.. but some or the other thing kept coming up front.. sorry ponne.. so sorry.. I hope the others liked it too… Love you all loads… Tc… keep smiling.. bear hugs to all of you