Falling For You

~Chapter #11~

Vineet is thoughtful after the incident in the college. He reaches home and spends some time with his Ma(Ruhana's mom, whom he refers as Maa). The lady advises him to try doing the things that he loves. His mother is watching him from above and she will be happy, only when she will see him leading a happy life.

Vineet is thinking about the words that Ruhana and her mother have said to him. He realises that Ruhana is right - - she only wants him to be happy, she finds time for him, she is always around him and he serves silence to her. While, on the other hand, he let Rhea touch him, he didn't shout at the girl but was being polite. That's the difference. The girl who wants to see him smiling is scolded and she is served with silence while the others are handled calmly.

After the dinner, Vineet moves on the terrace while Ruhana spends her time with her parents and then rushes on the terrace. It's their daily ritual. He plays his guitar - - her favorite songs and she savors the music. She is sitting on the swing while he is standing taking the support of the railing and playing the guitar. Her eyes are closed. Vineet looks at her for a while, there is a calmness on her face. He stares at her for a while, and then suddenly stops playing the guitar and moves near to the swing. He keeps his guitar on the swing, his eyes still fixated on her.

She opens her eyes as she doesn't hear the music and finds him sitting on his knees on the floor. She's confused.

"What happened? Why did you stop playing music? All okay? " she asks, placing her palm on his cheek.

"All okay, Ruu! It's just that I realised the reality. And I should thank you for it." Vineet says, her eyes never leaving hers.

"Vineet! Can you please speak in simple words? Please!" Ruhana looks at him.

"I am sorry!" he says, downing his gaze.

"Sorry! But why? You're never mistaken, Vineet. Then, why are you seeking an apology?" Ruhana looks at him, she is bewildered with his act.

He holds her hands. He knows many questions are bubbling in her mind, and he needs to clarify them. She makes him sit on the swing and looks at him.

"Is something bugging you? Look Vineet, whatever I said in college was right. I am sorry if it hurts you, but you do it every day with your silence. I just want my best friend back. I can't imagine my life without you, buddy." She says, water wells up in his eyes.

Vineet glances at her, she's being true to her words. He has grown up to be a silent guy, and she's the only chirping bird in the house. She's always around him and he usually ends up scolding her or shouting at her. But she doesn't leave her habit. She continues to do all her things to make him smile, she'd even do naughtiness to make him scold her, at least he will talk to her and it's enough for her. All she wants is to have him by her side and she makes sure that she feels it every day.

Ruhana's trance is broken as Vineet holds her hands in his and he looks into her eyes. She can read some uncertainty in his eyes. He takes a deep breath.

"I know, you do it all to make me happy. But, you know, I try, but I am unable to do it. I don't know why?" He takes a deep breath.

"Try doing it for yourself, Vineet. Or for me! If you still consider me your friend." Ruhana looks at him.

"You're the only friend I have. All others become selfish." he whispers, but he's being honest.

"That's why, I ask you to smile, I ask you to bond with others. Silence is good for the people you hate or the ones who underestimate you, not for me, I suppose." Ruhana says while looking into his eyes.

"Main wo sab bhul nahi pata." He stands up from his place and says dejectedly.

He stands near the railing, keeping his hands on the same. Ruhana looks at her and moves to stand beside her. She keeps her hand on his and looks at the moon.

"Chand ko bhi toh grahan lagta hain, Vineet. Uski chamak har roz kam hoti hain, par wo har raat nikalta hain. It doesn't give up, it shines with all it's might. One incident should not affect you this much." Ruhana says, while he looks at her.

"I know it was bad, even I miss Mom.(Vineet's mother). But it doesn't mean that you put a shell around yourself. At least, I don't deserve this. We used to have so much fun back then. Why not now, Vineet???" Ruhana asks while looking at him and holds his hands.

"It's not so easy!" Vineet says it again.

"Life is not easy, Vineet. You remember when my Grandpa passed away, she told me that he's a star in the sky. I don't know if it's true, but she's surely seeing you from the heavens above. Why can't you smile for mom's sake, if not for mine?? " Ruhana says.

Vineet takes a deep sigh, he knows she is right. He should move on, for the sake of his loved ones, for Ruhana, for her parents. He sighs deeply. She's looking at him keenly, waiting for a response. He holds her hands.

" You're right, Ruhana. Maa said the same thing to me today, I am sorry for hurting you." He breaks his silence.

"Vineet, take your time, but open up. Don't live in your shell. I am not asking you to forget it, she's your mom, you can't forget it, but you can move on. She's in my memories too, but we can't live our life this way. You're getting me right?" Ruhana looks at him.

" I know, and I promise, I'll try my best this time. " Vineet says, gazing at her.

Her lips curve into a smile and she hugs him, while he embraces her in his arms. She thanks him for understanding, while he's lost in his past. He says something that leaves Ruhana shocked, for it's hard for her to believe.

To Be Continued.

What did Vineet say?

What happened in the past?

Stay tuned.