DEV
✨

'Love.... Relationships...Family...are all a blessing from the almighty however Friendship is one relationship we choose and I'm overwhelmed to have a friend like you Harish...The Sharma's have always been there time and again for Kapoor's always...Both in our bad and good times. I will always be thankful to my mother Soudamini Kapoor to have made friends with Harish's mom Veena aunty when they ditched that stupid guy on whom they both had a crush upon and they rather chose their friendship rather than fighting over the guy!!!' my dad Hrishikesh Kapoor joked while the crowd in the large party hall of the cruise burst out laughing as I see my grandmother hiding her face and Veena aunty hugging her and laughing out of loudly. It's when Veena aunty says...

'Hrishi Puttar...that guy was not worth our time and effort although he looked like Dilip Kumar ...' and the crowd hooted loudly for them while my Daadi spoke up...

'Come on Veena...He was good looking but he was not even near to what Samarjitji was!!!' and everyone hooted loudly for my Daadi while I chuckled.

'I would definitely agree to that...The Samarjit Kapoor was one hella handsome man!!!' Veena Daadi adds on when my dad says lifting his champagne flute high in air adding...

'Well good looks run in the Kapoor household...like father like son!!! Like grandsons...' he says pointing towards me and Dhruv while we both giggle and raise our glasses too and I circle my arm around Dhruv's shoulder and pull him into a side hug...

My dad continues...
'But really thank you so much you guys for joining us all for our 45th wedding anniversary cruise trip and making this so memorable for us all specially when Dhruv and Ahaana give us the best wedding anniversary gift that we are turning grandparents...' My dad says again when the crowd goes 'Awww' and my mom Gayathri Kapoor kisses Ahaana's forehead and she blushes like a rose. I as well look at Ahaana and wish her to which she passes me a smile saying 'Thanks Dev Bhai' although that smile wasn't a full one like how she would during our childhood days. Ahaana was my only friend from the other gender otherwise Dev Kapoor doesn't make friends.

Ahaana, Dhruv and I were childhood friends. They were two years younger to me. We weren't hangout buddies but I was their protector. Me and my gang popularly called 'The three musketeers' were like the rowdies and bad boys in school and college days but for Dhruv and Ahaana we were Dev Bhai, Rony Bhai and Archit Bhai. We were all protective about Ahaana because she was the only girl in our gang and she was always the sweet, innocent and soft spoken one. We three felt the need to protect her. I never differentiated between her and Helisha my sister. I even made sure to have grilled Dhruv my own blood when he decided to date Ahaana. On their engagement ceremony Rony and Archit even warned Dhruv to break his face if he hurt Ahaana.

But then what happened between me and her sister 3 years ago changed the entire equation between us. She was same with Archit and Rony however with me she would maintain a good amount of distance. I was the last in the family to know that I was turning an uncle. Last night when Ahaana fed everyone cake as we celebrated the good news she fed cake to everyone except me. When I fed her the cake she simply passed me a half smile and said a formal thank you and left from there. She was still upset with me.

Why just she... even Harish uncle and Sonal aunty passed me half hearted smiles. Veena Daadi wouldn't see my face after that incident. Even today she simply huffed and looked elsewhere when I greeted her.

My father raises a toast in air and the party hall is echoing with loud claps. The crowd disperses and yet again I feel lonely all over again.

I walk towards the deck of the cruise and look at the beautiful stars in the sky as I sip my champagne from the flute.

Damn it I was missing my besties Rony and Archit both. Those idiots were stuck in Canada due to some work. However because this cruise trip also has a boarding stop at Halifax, Archit and Rony would join in from there. Those idiots would miss 2 nights of the cruise party however I was glad they will join for the next 3 nights and 2 days finally when we would reach our destination New Jersey where I had planned a grand party for everyone in honour of my parents anniversary and Dhruv-Ahaana's new baby's arrival making it a week long vacation and then we finally go back to India and I would stay at New Jersey.

New Jersey since last 3 years was home. It kills me to stay away from my family specially when I see that sadness in my father's smile and that longing in my mother's eyes but I know if I stayed there I would have to face Harish uncle regularly at meetings. Ahaana's eyes which would question me and that is something I couldn't take. The reason why I gave up the CEO position of Kapoor Group of Industries and asked Dhruv to take over from me.

My designer house Gaya's is already a huge name and a billion dollar business on its own. It's expanding and I would better give it my hundred percent and let Dhruv handle the Kapoor empire. My grandmother was pissed with my decision because she has seen the amount of hardwork I put into the Kapoor empire but I know till my father and Harish uncle are around Dhruv can handle it all by himself. He is a smart one. Yes there was a huge impact when I quit the CEO position but then I needed mental peace. I couldn't face Harish uncle's sad face and Ahaana's angry eyes every now and then and ofcourse the stupid media who have always been my best buddies. They kept printing about my breakup every single damn day not letting me forget about the worst thing I did to her!!!

There was not a single day their articles reminded me how heartless I was. How badly I treated her. How insensitive I was and what a 'Devil' I am.

New Jersey gave me my most required sanity. Escaping isn't the solution but at times when there is nothing that you can understand running away atleast gives you a fresh breath of air. I needed that fresh breath of air where I could breathe...

And come on...she also didn't stay in India. She also left India after that incident. She also ran away.

Ran away???? Or left???

Left is the right word!!!

What options did I leave for her after that evening where I mocked and humiliated her. I was drunk and yes it was only our friends but then no one ever gave me the rights of calling her those means names. I called her clingy!!!

Damn things alcohol makes me do!!!

When I sobered out I saw the news break out where she had announced about our broken engagement calling it 'Mutual' and a 'No further questions please' was been stuck onto reporters face. When news leaked out that I humiliated her at a party she simply called all that to be a 'fake rumour' and confirmed that we both were incompatible and that she doesn't want to waste her time with someone who doesn't understand her!!!

She didn't let anyone point a finger at me and she simply left the country for good. I couldn't stay there either. Years later I heard she was in Canada. Never did I have the guts to dig more about it. Her social media handle also unfollowed me. Her account was made private. I avoided every news related to her. All I knew was she had begun her own business in Canada but I wasn't bothered because Kapoor's don't have any running business in Canada nor did I want to target Gaya's expansion to Canada.

But right now I was worried because this cruise was on its way to Halifax, Nova Scotia which is nothing but Canada!!! I was probably breathing in the same air as she is!!!

'Goodnight Bhai...We are leaving to our room' I heard Dhruv as I turn around to see him and Ahaana.

I smile and walk closer to them saying...
'Is Ahaana ok?' and I see Ahaana looking elsewhere. I know she heard me but she chooses to ignore.

'Ahmmm yes...it's just the water sickness and the first trimester' Dhruv covers up although I know it's none of both and it's 'Me'!!!

Since I had boarded the cruise Ahaana's mood was off. This was a bad idea I always knew it but Dhruv and Daadi were adamant that I join in for our parents sake. They both leave to their room and I also make a move to my room.

I change into my tshirt and pajamas and lie on my comfortable bed and close my eyes...

Brown eyes... Medium shoulder length hair...that baby like giggle when she says...

'Dev!!! I will take care! Don't worry...Go to sleep' and boom in one go I open my eyes.

Her again!!!

I have been dreaming about her since she left. It's like she had turned a nightmare. The same dream everyday. The face I was trying to forget kept flashing every night and only I knew how I was dealing with this.

I had begun doing yoga, kick boxing, jogging, breathing exercises, meditations but nothing helped!!!

I simply gulped a glass of water and walked towards the window. We were nearing the shore. Probably once Archit and Rony are here I'll feel better.

The cruise reached Halifax and the captain had announced that we are reaching the shore and that everyone had 2 hours as the cruise would halt here.

As we reached the port I noticed my boys waving for us and the moment cruise halted Rony and Archit climb in and we hug each other tightly. They run into Dhruv and Ahaana and pull them into a tighter hug. Ahaana is giggling and happy with them. She only hates my presence after that girl whose heart I broke...the girl with whom my engagement broke years ago was her younger sister.

Everyone decide to go for a quick stall hopping by the coast but I give it a miss as I decide to stick to my guitar and my room. I see Ahaana doesn't like my company and I didn't want to spoil their outing, rest I can party with Archit and Rony on the cruise there is nothing that could distract me.

Rony insists we hit a pub but I deny and stay back in the ship. There is this brunette babe who has been giving me all lusty looks since yesterday. She introduced herself to be one of our business associate's daughter. Her name was Daisy and she was an aspiring model. Last night she kissed me and although I wasn't interested at all I needed some distraction as all that was running in my head was 'We are in Canada'. I gave in as she kissed me but even when her lips were all over my face the only face that kept wandering in my head was her.

I was going crazy. The air in Canada is crazy. But the Brunette whatever her name was Daisy or Dodo!!! Was a little too desperate and I was in no mood to attract more hate so I decided to stay in my room and play a guitar.

Hours later the announcement was made by captain that everyone has boarded and we were sailing again.

By now it was afternoon and I decided to take a shower and join in for a pool party at the deck while elders had a buffet lunch inside.

I put on my grey printed bandana shirt and black shorts along with my goggle. My thick beard to add onto my messy look leaving the first two buttons undone of my shirt I stepped into the party earning a gaze from every girl in the party. Rony in a light blue shorts was already in the pool and Archit in his red shorts and white floral shirt and a hat joined me in giving me a hi-five. We took a easy chair next to Ahaana who was in her yellow sundress soaking some sun. She greeted Archit with a hug and threw a 'Hello' on my face but she didn't look happy at all. It's like the minute she saw me she simply got up from her chair and walked towards Dhruv. I noticed she and Dhruv were talking...no....arguing about something. Were they having a fight because of me??? I see Dhruv trying to calm her down and that's when I feel someone rubbing my forearm and I see the brunette girl lying next to me in her red thong bikini and passing me a sultry look.

'Wanna take a dip D baby' she offers and I hear Archit clearing his throat while her hand still rubs my forearm trying to warm me up but I simply want to throw up. She was getting under my skin now. I was getting irritated.

'No I'm good...Just leave me alone I need to spend time with my family' I offer but she simply smirks and shamelessly sits on my lap and tries to play with the button of my shirt whispering...

'How about me and you... spending some 'good' time in my room?' she asks and Archit coughs more rigorously. I pass him a look and say 'You must really get a COVID test done if you cough that much!!!' and he presses his lips more trying to hide his laughter as he whispers in my ears saying 'And if you go at this rate with girls you will soon need to test for STD' and I roll my eyes as I tell him ..

'I don't want to be with her...she is sticking around too much!!!' I carefully don't use the word clingy. The last time I used that word on someone I broke their heart. But this one was really too much. She wasn't getting the point that I didn't want to be around her. She was taking this thing too far and I didn't want to be around her. So this time I told her in a little more rougher tone.

'Miss!!! You are making me uncomfortable! Can you please get up and leave us alone!!!' and she probably got annoyed. She got up from my lap and left from there doing a perfect catwalk from there. Archit kept looking at her with pout while I remind him about his fiance Pooja and that she is a bone specialist who can also break good amount of bones.

Rony joins us as he says...
'That brunette babe looked upset!!!'

'Should I remind you about your fiance Kisha as well?' I ask while Rony argues saying

'Oh come on...she was really trying hard to seduce you Dev!!! I mean come on...you are the D.K...Everyone knows half the female population here is either staring at you like a piece of meat...rest are planning how to approach you!!! Except Ahaana I don't see a girl who is not interested in you here!!!' to which I hear a voice from behind me saying...

'Even you have my attention too DBC' and I turn around to see Helisha in a black bikini join us.

'Oh my god sexy legs when did you hop on the cruise...' I hug her while she hugs me too...

'I co ordinated with Dhruv Bhai who told me about Archit Bhai and Rony Bhai being in Canada too and here I am!!! You liked the surpise???' she asked and I smiled saying

'I loved it sweetheart... how's studies and when are you coming to New Jersey for your internship?' I ask and she smiles saying...

'Its all going good Bhai...it's just that I don't think I will need to travel to New Jersey to do my internship at Gaya's...there is a famous designer house called Tan-Anisha's who has given me an internship opportunity and they are loving my work so far. If all goes good I may even get absorbed by them.' she says and I smile.

'Tan-Anisha's never heard that before!!!' I say as she smiles and says...

'Its Canada's one of fastest growing designer house and the best part is the owners are Indians too!!!' she squeals and I smile at her happiness. My little Heli had grown up into a big girl now. She was my mother's sister's daughter and a royal princess too but she was always the hardworking, down to earth bubbly kid. The only one who didn't judge me for my choices till date.

✨

'Truth or Dare!!!' Archit asks Heli and she says 'Ummmmm Truuuuth' and everyone makes fun of her...

'Fattu....Darpok....Scared cat!!!' they call her names and she huffs and comes to hug me saying...

'See na DBC they are all calling me names!!!' and I look at everyone saying

'My princess is not scared of anyone! I will break your noses if you call her names! And specially you Dhruv!!!' I say looking at Dhruv while Heli hides her face in my chest pointing a finger at him.

'This rat of a girl always does this since her childhood days!!! Cry baby!!!'

'DBC seeeeee he is again doing it!!!' Heli whines when I simply push Dhruv into the pool while the entire crowd bursts out laughing.

No one makes fun of my little Heli!!!

'Ok now ask her a question!!!' I say and Archit asks...

'Do you have a boyfriend Heli???' and we notice Heli bite her lower lip and then look at me and nod a yes while we are shocked. She slowly confesses that she is in love with her boss and one of the owner's of Tan-Anisha's...

'His name is Tanmay Sharma Bhai and he is a sweetheart!!!' she blushes and although I nod a ok I mentally make a note to do a proper background check about this man.

That's when Heli says he is also on the ship as he was also invited. I wonder how? But then I tell her that I wish to meet him.

The bottle spins and this time it stops on me and I choose 'Dare'.

Heli says 'Whoever is the last girl on the pool side go on your knees and sing a song for her!!!' while my eyes widen in shock.

'Heli...no no...no girls involved in my case...you know they complicate things'

'Oh come on DBC...It's no big deal...I haven't asked you kiss the girl!!!' she pouts and I regret taking part in this stupid game.

Without a go I keep walking towards the last girl on the pool side ...Her back is facing me...she had worn a blue and white striped bikini. The only girl in the crowd with a hair tied into a bun instead of it being left open. I notice her removing her scarf tied across her waist being thrown away from her perfect round ass as I admire her perfect figure while she suddenly takes a jump into the water.

I wait for her to come out but she takes lapses and swims like a fish. She was fast and smooth. She wasn't like the others who were either soaking the sun or were in the pool for formality. This one knew her business well.

I notice a business magazine along with a goggles, a sunblock spf cream, mobile phone and a glass of chocolate milkshake on the side table by the easy chair she was sitting on. She sounded the intellectual types unlike the bimbos here. I saw she was swimming back in this direction and I quickly get on my knees and sang a Punjabi folk number. Suddenly I hear a loud thundering. It looked like weather suddenly changed??? Rains in the month of April??? Wasn't it bright and sunny few minutes ago???

I close my eyes to concentrate. Safer the better to sing in Punjabi. Atleast she wouldn't know the meaning...

🎵
Jo tu akhiyan de samne nahi rehna
Tu Bibba sadda dil mod de...
🎶

I And that's when I see her stepping out of the pool...My eyes fall at her wet feet as she steps out of water. Her left leg had a black thread suddenly giving me a quick sign damn she must be an Indian.

At the same time I hear Heli who had come along with her boyfriend near me saying...

'DBC...meet Tanmay...' and I turn around to see his face looking grumpy and mad as he asks Heli...

'What on earth is your brother doing on his knees infront of her???' and then I hear a voice...
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'Dev!!!'

And I feel all the air being knocked out of my lungs...My hands go cold...my ears turn red...my lips quiver. I lift my head to meet the gaze of that one woman I had been running away day and night all day...all night...when in consciousness and in dreams... when alone or with someone else...in loneliness and crowd...

She my biggest nightmare was standing infront of me...

In a two piece white and blue bikini...hair tied into a bun... water dripping down from her perfectly carved mermaid like body and eyes as wide as saucers.

'Ish.....Ish....Ishaani Sharma???' I whisper and she is as shocked as I am...

'Ddddev...D.K???' and I hear Tanmay from behind asking...

'What the hell??? He is D.K???' and she opens and closes her mouth a couple of times and when I try to get up she takes a step back and slips over the water on the tiles and I run to catch hold of her so her head doesn't hit the floor and in the course of that I loose my balance too and we both fall down and without a warning my lips land on hers!!!

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Tandadaaaaaaa!!!

So Dev and Ishaani met again 😬😉

So here's #Dishani's Shot 1...

This is a celebration book so I'm trying to cover as many memories and instances as possible.

Do tell me who are your favorite characters in the book Poles Apart- Hate or Love🙃

Hope you are enjoying this book. Sorry you had to wait as I was down with fever and I was keeping unwell. I am still recovering.

I hope you enjoyed the first shot.

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