#chap23 #chroniclesoflife #Sagas_by_Irvika #sweetlovestory

Atharva slyly asked, “So Shruti… ready for payback time?” She questioned, “What do you mean?”

To be continued…..

Atharva decided to tease his girl a lil bit. “Well…. Someone had tricked me today… and I don’t like being manipulated,” he said with a straight face.
Shruti was someone who could be easily bullied; his one statement sent her into a frenzy. She thought, ‘I think he is really hurt that I didn’t let him know. But… I thought he will like the surprise… and…’ She happened to glance at Atharva who was driving with full concentration.

He felt her looking at him with uncertainty in her eyes, and realised he had gone over the board, and immediately said, “Hey! Am just kidding!! I already told you that I loved seeing you there…”
Shruti heaved a sigh… had started wondering what had gone wrong… again. She had almost been on the verge of tears, but didn’t utter a word and Atharva cursed himself. “Listen, I was genuinely happy… was just pulling your leg okay?”
She chastised herself for being emotional, and tried to reply, “That’s ok…”

Atharva didn’t know how to change her mood back to her bubbly self. He remembered her mentioning that she used to love singing, and so, switched on the FM. At that time, all lovely romantic songs  from 80s and 90s were playing. After a song or two, she started humming the songs, as she was too shy to sing in front of him yet. She realised, that till date, it had never been that she had restricted herself, though couldn’t stop herself from humming. He heard her and felt relieved, letting her settle down.

Atharva could comprehend that Shruti was a super sensitive girl, although she did come across as outspoken and jovial. He, on the other hand, was reserved, short tempered, unable to mingle with people except those who were close to him, and an equally sentimental fool, but didn’t like to showcase his feelings too often.

Atharva attempted to break the silence. He sincerely complimented her, “You sing quite well it seems. I remember you telling me that you were trained.”
Shruti smiled, “Thank you. I had been in my last year.. it’s called Vishaarad… that is B.A. in Music; needs a lot of practice and that wasn’t possible along with my studies. Hence, took a break and then never ended up completing.”

He commented, “That’s one more thing that is poles apart between us… I am a pathetic singer.”
She blurted, “Oh! And I had always dreamt about getting a life partner whose voice would be melodious. Don’t mind… it was just a wish, not that it matters.” He nodded.

“Nainaa seems to be as chirpy as you… not at all like what you had described,” Atharva observed.
“Oh no… she is a bit like you... can’t mingle easily, though after marriage I can see the changes. She talks freely with the people with whom she can connect. And today, she had a field day… she has over exaggerated huh.. don’t believe everything that she said. I was not as bad as she projected.” Shruti became conscious and defended herself.
He gave a hearty chuckle, and said, “Nothing like that… I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your childhood incidents. Only family members and close friends know us inside out. Believe me, at my place also, no one has let me be at peace. All are poking fun at me, koi maukaa nahi chhod rahe…”

They were both back to normal, when Atharva again broached the topic, wanting to see her reaction.

“Shruti… coming back to the topic… what about some compensation?” He looked at her with a wicked grin, knowing well what kind of compensation she thought he was asking for.
She fumbled, “Atharva… I mean… I don’t know… as in.. don’t you think it’s too soon?” He queried, “Too soon for?”

She didn’t have the guts to answer him and just looked out of the window, nervous as hell. All sorts of possibilities came in her mind, but frankly, even though she simply adored him, she couldn’t think of taking a step further so soon.
He didn’t want to pester her more and said softly, “Shruti relax… I will never compromise on your honour. Am not that kind of a guy…”

He continued, “I simply wished to hear a song from you.. something that is close to your heart. I heard you humming, and I know your love for music… so just wanted to experience it first hand, if you are comfortable.”

She felt very shy, and didn’t know how to respond. He kept quite for a while and softly insisted, “Please? Will you fulfil my wish?” He asked so lovingly that her heart just melted.

She knew endless number of songs… not only the lyrics but along with the background music, but strangely, at present she couldn’t think of even one. His presence and the request did nothing for her nerves, and she went completely blank. She was mulling over which song should she sing, when one finally popped up in her mind. They had reached the other end of Marine Drive by then, an almost 45 mins drive from the restaurant. She was mesmerised by the beauty of the place.

He was looking at her expectantly, when she mumbled, “Can you please take a turn and be on this lane only?”
He nodded and said, “Sure!”

Shruti finally began, her voice shaking a lil owing to the tiny tremors running through her body. She was singing for him for the very first time, and was feeling quite edgy. She began with a clarification, “Frankly, can’t think of any song right now. This one is on my favourite list, and that is the only one coming up in my mind right now.”

She cleared her throat self consciously, fidgeted a bit with her fingers and began singing….

Tujhe dekha to yeh jaana sanam
Pyaar hota hai deewana sanam
Tujhe dekha to yeh jaana sanam
Pyaar hota hai deewana sanam
Ab yahan se kahan jaaye hum
Teri baahon mein mar jaaye hum

Aankhen meri sapne tere
Dil mera, yaadein teri
O, mera hai kya…. La la la
Sab kuch tera... La la la
Jaan teri, saansein teri
Meri aankhon mein aansu tere aa gaye
Muskuraane lage saare gham

Tujhe dekha to yeh jaana sanam
Pyaar hota hai deewana sanam
Ab yahan se kahan jaaye hum
Teri baahon mein mar jaaye hum….

Shruti couldn’t sing any more. She stopped and said, “That’s it please.”

Her body had goosebumps all over, her stomach was in knots… more so coz while singing she realised that it beautifully went well with the kind of affection they had for each other. She was glad he had been only teasing her, not making any unnecessary demands, had respected her. She felt her love for him only increase, and had sung the song wholeheartedly.

Atharva could feel her voice vibrating through his entire system, it had an honesty, and he could feel her love for him through the song. He was over the moon to hear her fulfil his wish and was elated.

He spontaneously clapped his hands and earnestly appreciated her, “Shruti… that was simply awesome! You are really good at singing! Thank you so much for such a delightful payback. I couldn’t have asked for more!”

Shruti was happy, but….

To be continued….

Tujhe dekha toh song link:

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