Tearing a page from her notebook and fetching a pen, he wrote what he felt on that piece of paper and kept it inside her book. He gathered all her belongings from the cot and went to her room. Karan was smart enough to not knock and startle her again, so he just kept the books outside her door. With a slight smile, Karan left for his room while rubbing his nape sheepishly and thinking how good of a sleep he'll have today (due to some close moments of theirs 😉).

The next morning, as Monami woke and stepped out of her room yawning, she stepped on something unusual and as she looked down, she was surprised to see her books which she had left on the terrace last night along with a letter on it. As she picked it up and when she was about to open it to see what's the content in it and that's when she heard Supriya calling out her name loudly. Keeping the books along with the letter on the bed, Monami hurriedly rushed downstairs to see what the matter is. 

As she reached downstairs, she saw everyone waiting for her at the breakfast table. She surely slept late yesterday, so woke up a little late and the guilt was evident on her face. With timid steps, Monami went to the table and joined everyone. 

Raghuveer - Monami beta, kal raat der se soi thi?

Monami (sheepishly) - Um..hanji uncle, padhte-padhte kal kitni der ho gayi..pata hi nahi chala. Sorry, kal se time se uthungi. 

Raghuveer just smiled at her and continued the general sweet talks they have and that's when Supriya noticed something. Behind her back, Monami had crossed her fingers, and Supriya knows that she does that only when she's lying but why was she lying to Raghuveer, that was a big question.

Supriya - Beta, baat der se uthne ki nahi hai, baat ye hai ki tumhe apni health ka khayal rakhna chahiye. Vo to achha hua Karan ne mujhe tumhe uthhane se mana kardiya varna to main tumhe jaldi hi utha deti.

Listening to Karan's name, a shy smile came on Monami's face that didn't go unnoticed by Supriya. Secretively Monami lifted her gaze and looked at Karan only to remember what all happened last night. She blushed instantly just at the memory of the moment, and she was somewhere sure that Karan was also thinking the same thing. Though the memory of last night was still afresh in Karan's mind but the reason behind his broad smile was something else. 

Karan (in mind) - I think Monami ne vo letter padh liya hai. Shayad isliye hi itna muskura rahi hai. Vaise, ye madam subah-subah bhi kitni khubsurat lagti hain. 

With this thought, Karan hurriedly completed his breakfast with others, and everyone departed for their respective works. In midafternoon, Karan had gone for some important deal to Delhi and was supposed to be back in a day. Monami & Supriya were in the kitchen, giggling and talking as Monami just took a break from her study session and decided to look for Supriya. And Raghuveer was in the lawn with a very respected person of the nearby village. That man looked broad and strong, with a long white beard and an aura similar to Raghuveer. 

Raghuveer - Ji kahiye Akhilesh ji, aaj Raghupur mein kaise?

Akhilesh - Pranam Sarpanch ji, bus aapse milne ka dil kiya to chale aaye. Vaise, aaye to bahot zaroori kaam se hi hain lekin fir bhi, chai ke liye bhi nahi puchhenge kya?

Raghuveer - Hahaa...kaisi baat kardi Akhilesh ji, bilkul pilayenge chai!

Chuckling on Akhilesh's statement, Raghuveer asked one of his house help to go and get tea for both of them. The servant went and made chai for both of them, but to assist him and being a sweetheart, Monami decided to help him. 

Monami - Laaiye kaka, main le jati hoon chai.

The house help agreed and Monami took the tea for both of them out in the lawn. With a sweet, short smile, Monami greeted Akhilesh and very delicately, served tea to both of them and very politely, went inside. 

Akhilesh - Chaliye Sarpanch ji, zara mudde ki baat kar lete hain. Main aapke ghar ki iss ladki ko jaanta hoon. Mere bete ko ye bahot pasand hai. (With joint hands) Humara saubhagya hoga agar ye bachi humare ghar ki bahu banegi to. 

Raghuveer stood up in surprise being followed by Akhilesh. Raghuveer was not able to decide anything or say something as a lot of thoughts got cluttered in his mind. Monami's will, her studies and her future, everything mattered to him the most at the moment.

Raghuveer - Dekhiye Akhilesh ji, main abhi kuchh nahi keh sakta. Monami meri beti jaisi hai, bina jaane-parkhe main kaise uska haath kisike haath mein dedu? Vo abhi Doctori ki padhai kar rahi hai, puri zindagi hai uski, vo jaisa chahegi..aisa hi hoga. 

Akhilesh - Sarpanch ji, main aapki baat samajhta hoon aur uska pura-pura maan bhi rakhhta hoon. Kuchh din pehle, bazaar mein mere bete ne aapki beti ko dekha tha aur na-jaane kya jaadu ho gaya hai uspe. Sarpanch ji, mera beta Aneesh aapki Monami ke liye jaan tak dene ke liye taiyaar hai. Hume Monami ki padhai se koi dikkat nahi hai. Bus ek baar, iss rishte ke baare mein achhe se sochiyega. 

Raghuveer - Akhilesh ji, ye to humari khush-kismati hogi ki Monami aap jaise logo ke ghar jayegi. Maine bhi Aneesh ko dekha hai, jaanta hoon main use. Meri taraf se to iss rishte ke liye haan hai, ek baar main zara apni patni aur Monami ki ray (opinion) bhi jaankar aata hoon. Aap thoda intezaar kariye zara!

Requesting him to wait, Raghuveer went inside the house to the kitchen leaving behind Akhilesh who sat there smirking and waiting. In the kitchen, when Raghuveer saw Monami laughing wholeheartedly, his eyes softened a little as he cannot believe that this little girl has grown up so big that now offers for her alliances started coming their doors. Entering the kitchen, Raghuveer shocked both the women, when he lovingly caressed Monami's head with a wide smile on his face. 

Supriya - Karan ke papa, kya hua? Aur bahar kaun aaya hai?

Raghuveer - Supriya, humari bachi itni badi ho gayi hai ki ab uske shaadi ke rishte bhi aane lag gaye. Akhilesh ji Suryagarh ke bahot jaane-maane log hain, unke parivaar ka bahot naam hai unke gao mein. Unhone apne bete Aneesh ke liye humari Monami ka haath maanga hai! Bata, beta tu abhi shaadi karne ke liye taiyaar hai kya? Milna chahegi ek baar Aneesh se?

The words that came out of Raghuveer's throat had totally different impacts on both the women. Wide smile of happiness and excitement appeared on Supriya's face as Monami's wedding was definitely a dream for her but at the back of her mind. While exclaiming with happiness and joy, both Supriya and Raghuveer looked towards Monami to hear what she thinks about this proposal. 

Hearing about some guy from Raghuveer, that too for her alliance, Monami was blank, and her face went pale. She has never ever thought on this topic before. Her heart thumped in nervousness and no word escaped her throat. When she averted her gaze towards Raghuveer and Supriya, her throat died, and she gulped the lump that had formed in her throat. The shine in their eyes was shouting excitement and joy and she hates breaking hearts. 

Raghuveer - Bata beta, milegi Akhilesh ji ke bete se.

All those favors that Raghuveer and Supriya did for her till date flashed in front of Monami's eyes. They've never seen her as an outsider rather have always considered her as their own daughter. Even she has respected them and loved them like her own parents. They've never denied when she has asked them for further studies or anything that she had wanted, so according to her, now she has no option of denying them. 

But her heart is somewhere else, lost in some beautiful memories of sometime. Monami has closed her eyes for a second to think what she should reply and all she saw was darkness, obviously. But amidst that darkness, a figure stood in brightness. Someone with jet black, silky hair & hard deep eyes that could even sink the deepest oceans in them. Before, she could analyze any further, Monami opened her eyes with a jolt as maybe somewhere or the other, her heart knew that very own person. 

Supriya - Dekh beta, vo bahot achhe log hain, teri aage ki padhai ke liye bhi maan gaye hain. Tere uncle achhe se jaante bhi hain unhe, yaha paas hi ke gao se hain. (Cupping her face) Bata bete, ek baar to milegi na unse?

Monami (looking down) - Aap dono ko jaisa theek lage. 

Saying so, Monami rushed to her room with the fastest speed that she could catch. The doubts and worries clouded her mind, and she was not getting any clarity and surety. She has agreed to meet that guy just for her uncle and aunty's happiness but in that empty room, all she could hear was her fastly beating her. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Supriya and Raghuveer's hearts have been filled with joy. They've always wanted the best for Monami and her receiving such a great proposal, seemed like a dream come true for them. 

Supriya (smiling at Monami's antics) - Lagta hai rishte ki baat se sharma gayi!

Raghuveer - Hm, main Akhilesh ji ke paas jaata hoon. Tum Monami ke paas jao, thodi baat karo usse. Maine bhi aise achanak shaadi ke liye puchh liya, ghabra gayi hogi. 

Supriya agreed happily and departed towards Monami's room while Raghuveer went to the lawn outside, where Akhilesh was still waiting. Upon seeing Raghuveer, Akhilesh stood up out of respect and curiosity. The smile that was on Raghuveer's face when he came out in the lawn was somewhat giving, making Akhilesh slightly excited.

Akhilesh (with folded hands) - To kya faisla liye beti ne, Sarpanch ji?

 Raghuveer (holding his folded hands) - Nahi nahi, aap haath mat jodiye Akhilesh ji, bacho ne agar ek dusre ko pasand kar liye to aap to humare samdhi ho jayenge. 

Getting the hint in his words, Akhilesh was overjoyed and both the men hugged each other in happiness as all they want is happiness for their respective kids. After a whole lot of conversation between the two, Raghuveer bid adieu to Akhilesh as he too was eager to go back home and inform Aneesh about the good news. 

As decided earlier, Supriya went to Monami's room and found her sitting on the bed with her book opened on her lap. But she wasn't studying, rather she was staring at nothing. Supriya somewhat understood her mind and with a sweet smile, went in and sat in front of her, startling her. 

Monami - Arre, aunty aap?

Supriya - Haan beta, kya hua? Pareshan lag rahi ho beta?

Monami exhaled a deep breath as she's surely worried about the situation that had happened with her in just a swift of time and she's really not able to cope up with this change. Without uttering anything, Monami just hugged Supriya who was in front of her and with arms encircled around her, Supriya too hugged her back and tried giving Monami the comfort she's trying to find. Supriya caressed Monami's back and both of them stayed in the hug for some more time before separating. 

Supriya (keeping her palm on Monami's cheek) - Bata bache, kya hua? Ghabrahat ho rahi hai?

Monami - Haan aunty, pata nahi kya ho raha hai..yaha (pointing towards her heart), yaha na kuchh ho raha hai, jo shayad nhi hona chahiye. Ajeeb se feeling hai ye! Main kuchh samajh nahi paa rahi hoon. 

Hearing to Monami's problem, Supriya stared at Monami for a few seconds and then burst into laughter, making Monami squint her eyes at her. Supriya is very well known about this feeling; she too had experienced this. This warmth that spreads in your chest when someone's about to enter your life is very confusing and uncomfortable. 

Supriya - Monami, beta..har ladki ko ek na ek din aisi feeling zaroor aati hai. Jab humari zindagi kisi se judne wali hoti hai na to dil ki ye ghabrahat hoti hi hai. Ye kuchh ajeeb nahi hai! Tu dekhna, jab kal tu Aneesh se milegi na, to ye saari ghabrahat ek dum se chhu ho jaegi. Main jaanti hoon, aise ek dum se shaadi ki baat se dil seham jaata hai, lekin beta har ladki ko ek na ek din to sasural jaana hi hota hai! Achha, filhaal main chalti hoon, tu padhai karle!

Without getting much, Monami just nodded in agreement to Supriya's words and Supriya left but not before kissing Monami's forehead just like a mother. Hearing Supriya's words, all Monami could think about was the happiness that is on Raghuveer and Supriya's face when she agreed to meet that guy. Now Monami was again alone, sitting on her bed and thinking on the same topic. According to Supriya, her nervousness and the strange feeling that's occupying her heart would shoo away when she'll meet her potential groom, but Monami wasn't convinced anywhere. 

Monami (to herself) - Aise kaise ghabrahat theek ho jaegi, unse milkar to ghabrahat badh jaegi na! Humsafar to koi aisa hona chahiye jiske khayal hi mann shaant aur dhadkane badhane, dono ke liye kaafi ho! Uff...kya ho raha hai?!

Getting irritated by the random thoughts that were entering her mind, Monami just stood up and went for a stroll near the not so crowded area of the village, that is near the farms. Getting a friend along, they both started to walk randomly on that empty road. When Monami's friend, Koel saw Monami being completely lost in her thoughts, she couldn't resist anymore and thought to enquire. 

Koel - Monami, tumhe aakhir hua kya hai? Dopahar se shaam ho gayi magar tum ho kii muh kholne ka naam hi nahi le rahi..aakhir baat kya hai?!

Under the orange sky, Monami just looked at the sky and then at the road and just gave a thought upon the recent happenings of her life. Just last night, she had a very hearty talk with someone whom she doesn't even properly knows and today, she has agreed to meet a guy who's suggested by her uncle-aunty, that too without knowing him. 

Monami - Kya hi batau Koel?! Kuchh samajh nahi aa raha. Ghabrahat aur bechaini si ho rahi hai. Maine uncle-aunty ka maan rakhte hue uss ladke se milne ke liye haan to kar diya, magar mera dil nahi maan raha. Aisa lag raha hai ki uss upar wale ne mere liye bhi kisi ko banaya hai, lekin shayad vo ye ladka nahi hai! Tu kuchh bata na, kya karu main ab?! 

Koel (whispering in her ear) - Monami, tere dil mein koi hai kya?

Monami gasped loudly at Koel's question and her eyes widened as such thought never crossed her mind. Averting her gaze towards the empty fields, Monami exhaled a few deep breaths to calm her running heart. Feeling the dulling warmth of the sun and the strong cold gushes of air, Monami closed her eyes and tried to understand her own heart. Again, those jet-black hair and beautiful hard deep eyes made their way in her mind and yet again, Monami opened her eyes with a jolt. 

Monami (quiet loudly) - Nahi nahi, bilkul nahi! M..mere dil mein koi nahi hai. Ab main iss baare mein aur nahi sochne wali, main chup-chaap uss ladke se kal mil lungi! Bus, final!

By the way Monami just exclaimed everything out in no seconds, Koel somewhat knew what's going in her mind and she's just not ready to follow the direction her heart is leading her to. Keeping her hand on Monami's shoulder, Koel gave Monami the assurance and comfort she needed and decided to change the topic for good. 

Koel - Vaise, Sarpanch ji ke bete kaise hain? Tujhe to pata hoga na unke baare mein, ek hi chhat ke neeche rehte ho dono. Dikhne mein to bade achhe hain vo, swabhav kaisa hai?

The moment Koel mentioned about Karan, a different calmness shined in Monami's eyes, and her lips slightly curved into a smile. His name was alone enough to make her already pink cheeks red. Thinking about him, all she could remember was not his physical appearance but how he truly is. Though it's just been a few days of her knowing him but still, the comfort she got with him while sharing her hearty thoughts, was surely something that no one could provide her, not even in years. 

Monami (dreamily) - Vo...vo to bahut.. (after a pause) bahot achhe hain vo!

While saying so, Monami's eyes were twinkling like stars. Though Monami said just a few words about Karan but they had a very deep meaning behind. Being lost in her own thoughts, Monami started walking towards her home as if she's a lost puppy. Koel who was confused by this sudden change in Monami, just prayed for her betterment and goodwill.

The whole night went in confusion and dissatisfaction and Monami just kept tossing around on the bed as sleep was far far away from her eyes. Being tired of this continuous acts of trying to sleep, she finally decided to get up and do a little revision for her upcoming exams.

Picking up the bundle of her books, Monami sat near the window and opened one of her books only to see something falling from it. It was a letter!💌 The letter that Karan had left on her doorstep, that she was about to read in the morning but got no time.

Monami (opening that letter) - Chalo dekhte hain aakhir iss letter mein kya hai?

Under the soothing moonlight of the full moon, Monami eagerly opened the fold of the letter and some small flowers of 'raat ki rani' fell from it. With a broad smile, Monami picked up those delicate flowers and took a good sniff of those delicate flowers and placed them in her hair, making them proud of their existence.

Now was the most awaited moment. Finally, Monami started to read those apt words that had together made that letter a meaningful one. It was a shayri instead of simple sentences and reading a shayri written for her for the first time, definitely made Monami's heart beat a little faster.

"Halki si hasi, saaf ishara bhi nahi..
Jaan bhi le li, jaan se maara bhi nahi!
Palke tumari jhuki, dil humara ruka..
Dil chura bhi liya, aur apna diya bhi nahi!
Chamka to chaand tha, laga tumhara chehra..
Dhadkane rok bhi di, dhadkane badha bhi di!
Tumhara haath tha mere haath mein, tumne chhuda bhi liya..
Apna bana bhi liya, magar apnapan jataya bhi nahi!
Aashiq to bahot dekhe honge, magar koi hamsa na...
Pyaar kar sakte hain, aur pyaar mein intezaar bhi!

 Monami, na jaane kab, kaha, kyu aur kaise..but I've started falling for you! Mujhe tumhari aankho ke vo aansu chahiye, tumhare labon ka vo rona chahiye, tumhara haathon ki vo hichkichahat chahiye...Monami, mujhe tumhara pyaar chahiye! "

In shock, the letter fell from her hand as her hands started shivering. This was the most unexpected thing that had happened. Just in a few days, Karan fell for her and now as he has confessed about his feelings, the uneasiness in Monami's heart increased and her beaths got heavier.

Monami (with wide eyes) - Ye..ye kya likha hai inhone?!

Monami was speechless and couldn't comprehend anything. Many many questions rose in her mind but she got answer of none. Tomorrow she's going to meet the guy who Raghuveer has seen for her alliance and just now, she got to know about Karan's feelings. Friendship of Karan and respect towards his feelings was on one side and Raghuveer's commitments are on the another side, while Monami is stuck between the two very important things.

Though Monami was not able to believe the words she read just now but something was way more important than that letter, which was her feelings. She herself didn't know what she felt for Karan, he's just the son of those two angel-like people who gave her a new life and nothing more, but is this the whole truth?

Out of nowhere, the flashes of 'that night' started coming into Monami's mind when she poured her heart in front of Karan. The comfort, the belief that he provided her with is what all she's deprived of. No one till date has ever asked about her opinions or what's going on her mind, but this man didn't hesitate once before giving her the space she needed. Telling him everything about herself felt like a relief, but why? What is he to her? Nothing, right?!

Monami (to herself) - Nahi nahi...main Karan ji ke baare mein aisa-vaisa kuchh nahi soch sakti. Mera aur unka koi rishta nahi hai!

Lieing to her own self, Monami layed on the bed in an attempt to sleep but sleep was way far away from her eyes. The moment she used to close her eyes, the same pair of eyes came in front of her which are making her so restless. Monami feared that these eyes which are appearing again and again in front of her belongs to whom she's thinking about it.

Closing her eyes tightly and with a thought to give no importance to the direction her bloody heart is giving her, Monami held the pillow in between her hands and dung her face into it.

Monami (in mind) - Ho sakta hai main kal uski ho jau, jisko uncle ne pasand kiya hai. Karan ji zaroor koi mazaak kar rahe honge, ye sab kuchh kabhi sach nahi ho sakta, kabhi bhi nahi!

Considering everything what he wrote and what she felt a mere joke, with thoughts of meeting Aneesh in her mind, Monami finally slept while the moon and the stars smiled sheepishly at these turns of destiny who's destination is known by none.

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