Kaleidoscope of memoirs : Reflections

"Shonaa! Mujhe rona aaraha hai."(I feel like crying!)Laksh whined,as the hair stylist wrapped his body from shoulder with a piece of cloth.He had to go to the men's salon for chopping off his hair following their classes as Dhruv had reminded him again about "the task" during the lunch break. Swara and Nikhil tagged along, to give him moral support.

" Such a crybaby you are, whining as if someone have stolen your favourite candy. Arey! Don't start again, yaar. My ears are almost bleeding 'cause of you. Think about me too. I still can't decide should I laugh at you, cry over our shitty day or shout in anger?"

"Wow! Perks of having a crazy girl as your BFF. Lucky is so lucky!Do one thing. Start your Bharatanatyam or Bhangra over here. "Lucky said sarcastically as he swivelled around his chair.

Nikhil adjusted his glasses and and started, "Oye! Stop calling my sis crazy. And what's the fuss about your hair, huh? They were actually being thoughtful, if you ask my opinion. At least you'll look decent, not like a punk the way you do right now. And why you had to be so adamant about that song? Pehle din se hi unn logon se panga lene ki kya jarurat tha? "(What was the need to take a dig at those people at the very first day?)

"You phattu(coward)!Scaredy cat! Don't make me open my mouth."Laksh seemed angry, "I'm not hypocrite like you, got it? My words are my oath and I mean them. Now you're showing so much love for your sister! What were you doing, when that Sanskar..."

"SHUT UP. Woh naam mat le Lucky. (Don't utter that name Lucky!)"Swara's eyes were spitting fire, "Bloody rogue! Ullu ke patthe!(Son of an owl!) Stupid monkey face! Because of him my first day at college was a nightmare."

"Aww! Nicknames for him already,haan? Not bad! But seriously, you always had a long queue of admirers behind you. What's the big deal? At least this guy can match you in hotness." Laksh smirked and grinned in a teasing manner.
" Saara zamaanaa.. (All around the world)
Haseenon ka deewana... (Are craze for pretty gals)
Shona kahe phir kyun... (Then why say you, Shona )
Bura hai dil lagaana!(It's crime to fall in love!)Ouch!" He sang in his horrible voice when Swara hit him with a hair brush .

"Et tu Brutus?Here I was mourning over the impending death of your hair and you're making fun of me?"Swara said angrily, her arms were crossed against her chest.

"Sorry yaar! To tell the truth I'm a bit grateful.Because of him I was saved from singing that disastrous song. Behna!(Sisters)Ewwww!!" Laksh shuddered,

"Grateful my foot!You'll eat your words tomorrow when your dreamgirl will escape after watching  your almost shaved head. Aur Mera bhai Phattu?(And you call my Bro coward?) What are you ? Superhero?Oh puh-lease! As always this Swara  Singhania was the one to come to your rescue from those jerks. "Swara tauntingly replied.

"Don't remind me again yaar!Main loot gaya, barbad ho gaya. I'm finished!It's all over!)My hair, Shona! MY HAIR! I'll definitely  look like a joker tomorrow. "Laksh again started to whine.

Swara was furious on those guys. She was very protective of her best friend since their high school days. She could get the cause of his aversion. When she and her cousin Nikhil met him for the first time during their 5th grade, Laksh was a shy, studious boy with big glasses and cropped hair. He often got bullied a lot, and Swara due to her inherent nature turned to be his saviour and later best ever buddy.  During 8th grade, the bullying got worse. Some boys who were jealous of Laksh for his friendship with Swara, physically assaulted him and mocked him in front of whole school. He was deeply traumatised from the event. Since then Swara had taken the charge of his grooming , turning him into a  dashing youth.

"Already you're a joker, with or without hair. Don't be so stressed about it. But I'll never forgive those guys. They dared to mess with me, forced their will on you, just because they could." She looked at hairstylist, "Anyways, let's get this done Joe. Leave at least 2 inch longer hair at the top. Then trim the sides and back. His spikes will be still visible this way. So..."

"Sweety, you never disappoint me with your ideas." Joe gave a satisfied smile, " If you weren't into architecture I would've suggested you to be a fashion stylist. You know, for models and actors?"

"Naah Joe. Wrong advice. She can be a model or heroine herself even without any styling for her.  Why she should waste her time for some jokers?" Swara turned abruptly and clashed into someone's rock hard chest,who steadied her by holding her arms. She looked up only to face that familiar face.

"YOU? What are you doing here?"She yelled, finding a mesmerized Sanskar who was looking at her infuriated face in amusement, with his keen dark chocolate eyes.

"Excuse me!I should ask this question, not you. For your kind information, this is a men' s salon. Or  was Joe so impressed that he gave you a job already, sweetheart?" He smirked having noticed the cute little red nose and those honey brown fiery eyes.

" Leave me, you idiot! And I'm not your  sweetheart!" She sounded irritated. Sanskar stepped back and pouted as if he had to do the most unpleasant work just now.

"Better! Now ask them for whatever you've come here. And please leave." She still watched him in suspicion.

Sanskar started singing leaving everyone around him surprised
"How am I supposed to leave you now
When you're looking like that?
I can't believe what I just gave away
Now I can't take it back.
I don't wanna get lost
I don't wanna live my life without you
How am I supposed to leave you now
When you're looking like that?"

As soon as he started singing Swara recalled the morning incident with horror and stepped back. Nikhil and Lucky came forward this time ready to intervene if needed.

" Don't trouble my Sister, we ...we won't tolerate it every time!" Nikhil  confronted Sanskar in a shaky voice.

"Hey! It's my salon, not a high school musical guys. You're wasting my peak hours." Joe seemed dismayed, especially noticing Laksh still wearing that protective cover. "Not done Sanky,not done."

"Haan Sir, why do you try to flaunt your cultural talents whenever you meet her? First time poetry, now song, next time what? Drama?" Laksh tried to look stern, but he was getting curious and finding the situation really funny.

"What can you expect from a habitual flirt like him Lucky? And what next time?" Swara again threatened him pointing her finger towards him, " Listen, Mr Whatever you are. Dare you mess with me again or you'll see the worst of me!"

"I'd love to see the worst of you, Sherni Shona!" Sanskar winked at her."But you bring the best of me,sweetheart. I decided to give someone happiness. Sorry Joe! You'll lose a customer today."

"Indeed we'll be happy if you leave today, Sir!"Swara sighed in relief.

Sanskar grinned, " Who told you I'm leaving? Mr Joker, you can keep your precious hair."Swara was going to say something but Laksh jumped out of excitement."Thank you Bro! Thanks a lot!" He was so relieved that he didn't mind Sanskar calling him a joker.

Swara didn't wait for a second more. "I'm leaving guys. Lucky, aana hai to aaja nahi to raat me yaha pe hi so jana.(If you feel like then come otherwise sleep here only at night!)" She rushed towards the exit but stopped for a while. She turned back and glanced straight into Sanskar's eyes. "Thanks... But please, don't call him joker next time." she smiled.

Sanskar ran his fingers through his hair and  replied a playful manner, "If this brings out your lovely smile more often, then fair enough! It's a deal. No one will trouble these two, it's  Sanskar Maheshwari's promise."

"Thanks again. And goodbye!"Swara couldn't find any words at that moment. No longer Sanskar was some the mean bully in her eyes, her perception had gradually  changed over last few minutes.

He  let out as if he had heard her inner thoughts, "Swara, I'm not that bad as a person. But you're really bad in giving names. Bloody rogue, Ullu ke patthe, stupid monkey face,pathological flirt... all are misfit for me. Better luck next time! Or perhaps you should stick to just Sanskar."

She left the salon not wanting to face him. How embarrassing for her and how mean of him! That guy had the gall of eavesdropping on their conversation! The boys quickly followed her...

Sanskar shaking his head was about to take a seat,  when Laksh came back running.
"Flirt kar ke kuch nahi hone wala!(Flirting is not going to work at all!)The methods you've tried previously with other girls won't work for her. Jyada karo ge toh thappad padne ka chance hai!(You've the chance of getting slaps if you overdo those type things.)"

"Are you giving me tips or threats? Jealous much, Lucky boy?"Sanskar sneered, "Why should I answer you? Are you his boyfriend ?" He was back to his arrogant avatar but inside he was tensed to know what would be his reply. Sanskar, himself was being green with envy whenever he noticed their great bonding. Irony of his question!

"Keep this attitude in your pocket Bro. Stay in good terms with me, way to Shona's heart will be closer by default. Consider yourself Lucky, 'cause Lucky likes you!" Laksh bragged, holding his own collar.Then he whispered, "You were awesome this morning. Any other girl would've agreed to even marry you let alone fall in love!"

Sanskar's lips curled upwards,eyes had a faraway look,almost dreamy."She is different.That's why probably for the first time ever in my life I'm being drawn towards a girl. Time will tell me should I travel down that road or not."

Present: Some relations cross trial of fire

"Shona!" Laksh shouted from the doorstep. "How could you? Don't you understand how much pain we feel when you utter those words? For once think about the emotions of your friends your family. If not anyone else, at least try to think about Sanskar Jeeju! He's on the verge of breaking down.For God's sake don't tear him apart!"

"Ussi ki liye hi to keh rahi hoon!Lucky, I beg you! Khud mar dal mujhe ya zeher leke aa. (I'm telling this for only the sake of him!Lucky I beg you! Kill me yourself or get me some poison!) I can't handle this pain anymore!"she was screaming in physical pain and anguish.Sanskar held her shaking body with his both arms from back.

"Shhh Shona! Not one more word. Enough rubbish was said for one day! You've to live.... and fight only because I'll  be there for you."He tried to calm down an agitated Swara who was squirming in his arms. Soon she felt drowsy as the Morphine injected earlier gradually started its effect on her.

He laid her on bed and removed the bed sheet over her face . Doctors said any clothing shouldn't touch the wound. But after removing the cloth the sweet lover inside him turned into a Demon vying for blood.  His eyes reflected  both tears and flares. Laksh put a hand on his shoulder,
"Jiju, please come out. I've something very important to talk about."

Sanskar and Laksh came outside of her cabin, thunders covered their once brightened face. Sanskar couldn't hold himself anymore. He sat on a bench and broke down.
"What was her fault Lucky? Why destiny gave those most blissful days if it had planned for a living hell for us? I can't see her this way Lucky... I can't see her!"

Lucky immediately sat down and held his collar, "Are you planning to ditch her Jeeju? Are you saying you can't stand her burnt face? Dare you hurt Shona like that or I'll kill that Sahil first, then you! She deserves better than some coward guy."He growled in a dangerous voice.

Sanskar couldn't bear his accusatory  tone,"Stop!How could you think me as someone that shallow, haan? How could you assume I'll leave her?I can't see her writhing in pain, wailing in despair and you thought... I can't even dream of doing that to her, to us, even if she wants that."

Laksh held his hands immediately. He was moved, seeing the depth of Sanskar's emotions and... also embarrassed," Sorry Jeeju! Pagal ho gaya tha main(I had become mad)... Nahi to aapko kaise galat samajh kar baitha. (Otherwise how could I misunderstand you?) Sorry, I was afraid for Shona that's why..."

Sanskar smiled a little, for the first time after that incident. "Crazy guy! Shona was right about you. Nautanki!(Drama queen!) But I'm happy... Fate snatched her everything but at least was kind enough to leave a lucky charm for her, her best friend Lucky, who have guts to threaten THE Sanskar Maheshwari! Anyways, why did you call me outside?"

"It's about that b**tard, Sahil Sengupta."

Sanskar felt that his whole body and mind caught on a fire. "Don't tell me he's still roaming free after destroying my Shona's life! I'll not spare the police force if-"

"He has been caught Jeeju. You've called to the police station for identification."Laksh cut him in between, trying his best not to lose his cool.

So after half an hour they were seen in Andheri Police station, in front of a lockup. The officer in charge asked a constable to open the lock.

"Dekh lijiye Mr Maheshwari.(Check him Mr Maheshwari.) Is he the same man who threw acid on your fiancée?" the officer asked pointing towards a man who stood facing the wall.

"Yes Mr Maheshwari. Gaur se dekhiye!"(Look at me very carefully!)Sahil turned, sneering in victory, "Am I the same man, who had turned your fiance's once upon a time beautiful face so ugly that even you can't bear to look at?"

And that's it! Sanskar couldn't control himself anymore."YOU BLOODY SON OF B***H!"He growled and punched on Sahil's nose, causing him to bleed. Sahil still had a crooked smirk on his lips which brought in another powerful punch, now the angle of his mouth was cracked and bleeding. Sanskar now pounced for his throat, but the constable and Laksh dragged him away, out of the lockup.

ACP Gautam Solanki was furious. "Mr Maheshwari!Control yourself! You're here to punish him for his crime, not to become a murderer yourself. So, was he the one?"His voice became sympathetic as he noticed Sanskar closed his eyes in pain.

Sanskar was still shaking in rage. He nodded. "Yes, Officer. He was the one. Will you give me 5 minutes? I want to talk with this scoundrel. Don't worry. I'll stay outside."

ACP Solanki left with Laksh to finish the legal formalities . Sanskar turned to face Sahil again. He still had a devilish smirk , giving a damn about his wound.

"Was that supposed to be a revenge, Sanskar? Then sorry to say you couldn't defeat me. I won this time and didn't let you win Swara too!"He wiped the blood dripping from his nose and mouth,with the back of his hand.

"You ask for revenge? Be careful what you wish for. You'll beg for death. You'll suffer. You'll repent the day you dared to mess with my Shona's life. I'll return the pain you have caused her, with interest thousand times more. And you're talking about winning? My Shona is not a trophy for anyone to win. Insaan hai woh, tere jaise janwar nahi.(She's a human being, not an animal like you!) "Sanskar conveyed all his hatred as he threatened him in a low voice.

"Right! Aab to woh trophy kehne ka layek bhi nehi.(She is no more suitable to be called as a trophy now!) Tsk tsk Sanskar! For her we all had been crazy, hadn't we? Kitna khush tha tu, uss par apna haq jatake? (How overjoyed you were, after claiming her!)What did you used to call her? Princess? Kuch fayda hua? Jala diya na maine? Tere sapne, tere pyaar, tere ex fiancee Swara ko?"(What was the use? Didn't I put them all into flames?Your dreams, your love, your ex fiancee Swara?)Sahil again tried to hurt his already wounded heart.

"Khabardar Sahil.(Beware Sahil!) Don't you dare take her name by your filthy, gutter mouth!" Sanskar clenched his teeth. "What do you think you can destroy her life? Or break our marriage? Sorry to disappoint you. My Swara is still precious, both inside and outside. Aur jalane ki baat kiya na? Dekh le na, ek din Agni sakshi maan kar woh meri zindagi roshan karegi.(And you're talking about flames, right? Watch out, for one day she'll take oath with me before the sacred fire and brighten my life!)And you? I'll make sure you'll never come out of this darkness!"

Sahil laughed like a maniac."You can't keep me behind bars for long, Mr Maheshwari! I'm not just any other Tom,Dick or Harry. How long that ACP are going to keep the owner of Sengupta industries? Today or tomorrow I'll come out."

Sanskar turned to leave but not before giving a final threat"Oh believe me, Mr Sengupta! Pray that you can stay inside. For that's the only way your pain will be less. "

.....................
Swara woke up to see a bouquet of white carnations,and a card on it. It read...

"I want nothing more
than to align my body
with yours.
     lips to lips..
          scars to scars.
    pulse to pulse.
                 just let me.

Dear Shona,
You know what is the hidden message behind white carnations? They transpire good luck and pure love.I want to give my entire share of good fortune to you, at this moment you need it more than anyone else.

You know I've been loving you since forever and will continue to do so.  Perhaps you need these flowers to remind you my love is  not like some candy floss that vanishes in the thin air in an instant when someone tries to engulf it.

These flowers are not a bunch of white carnations,rather my share of good luck and a desperate attempt to prove my undying love for you.

Forever yours,
Your would be husband
Sanskar

================================

****Title Song:
When you're lookin' like that : is a song sung by Irish boy band Westlife for their 2nd album 'Coast to coast'(2000). 

♡♡Author's note:
Dear Readers, this is my small tribute to all the true lovers on the eve of Valentine's day.
Love is not only happiness and passion. Love is not only warm and fuzzy feelings.
Sometimes love means holding each other and crying together. Sometimes love means wiping those tears and kissing those swollen eyes...
❤HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!❤

S. Dyuti