When Sanjay came to know of this marriage he was so disheartened that he decided not to come back.
His younger brother Sanket got married to a beautiful girl Prajita and his sister Ritika was married to Ranjeet, her childhood sweetheart.
Time has never stopped for anyone; it proceeds at its pace. Twelve years had passed in a blink of eyes. The boys had grown into handsome teenagers.
Abhi was sincere, he resembled his father, chiselled sharp features, sculpted toned body and like his father, he had a melodious voice and played the guitar as well. Manav, on the other hand, was playful and jovial. He has stark features but with a little plumpness. He was popular among girls.
It was a beautiful morning, the sun had risen and its rays were falling on her face. The room was filled with an alarm. She rose with a jolt. "Oh God, it is 6:30, I should go and wake up the boys or else they would be late for their exam." With that, she went hurriedly towards the boy's room." Wake up boys, you have an exam"
"Mom I have just slept, please five minutes" replied Manav lazily.
She felt two hands hugging from the back, "good morning bua" Abhi said hugging her. Manav also snuggled into her lap.
"You both are behaving like 5 years old. Get up else, you both would be late."Abhi gestures Simmi to leave the room
" What the hell, why did you splash water on me."
"So that you can move your lazy ass and get ready. I'm going, shower up quickly." Abhi went out of the room.
They both came near the temple where Simmi was standing near Naman's picture. Two years back Naman died of cardiac arrest." Mom, why are you sad? I want to see your smiling face before going to give the exam." Manav grumbled like a child.
"Yes bua this is something on which I agree with Manav. We want to see your smiling face before going, it makes our day." Abhi kept his head on her shoulder.
Appreciating all this Simmi smiled and put a tilak (it is an auspicious red dot placed in the middle of the forehead as blessings) and both of them touched her feet to take blessings, then they went bidding her goodbye. Their exams went well.
Today their new session is going to start. Since both of them had to manage their business they took commerce.
There were a few new faces in this session, but one face caught Abhi's eyes. Her beautiful face with beautiful big brown orbs which had so much depth. Her skin was flawless with a pinkish complexion, lips so beautiful and plump and tempting. She looks so delicate." Hey brother, come back to earth." Manav snapped his fingers in front of Abhi.
The teacher then enters "good morning everyone. We have a new student this year. Please come forward, dear. Class this is Pankhuri Khanna. She is a transferred case. "
Abhi pov
Her name is Pankhuri, just like her name, she is soft and delicate as a petal. I am unable to move my eyes from her face. Never saw a girl as beautiful as her. He feels someone is tapping my shoulder.
"Brother close your mouth or else some mosquito will enter" Manav chuckled seeing my ordeal.
The topper of my class Deepti got up to welcome her, "hi, I'm Deepti Srivastava, welcome to our class, come and join me." She grabbed her hand and made her sit next to her.
It was lunch hour so we all went to the canteen." Hello Deepti. Mind if we join you as there are no empty chairs"
"Hi, Abhi, pleasure is mine, " she added with a chuckle.
"Pankhuri meet is Abhimanyu Kapoor and his brother Manav Khurrana. Abhi is the most sincere student of our class".
" Hey, what about me?" irritatingly Manav asked.
"What about you?" Deepti replied.
"Please both of you stop your banters and let's eat. I'm feeling hungry."
All of them started eating. Pankhuri stole a few glances towards Abhi. She found him handsome. Both of them found some positive vibes towards each other. They would steal glances towards each other when they thought another one was not watching.
Today was Saturday, a day everyone was happy for as there would be no classes, only an activity class. This is the only class where Abhi and Manav are not together. Manav goes in for painting and Abhi as expected music.
I hope Miss Pankhuri joins the same activity as you,"teased Manav.
"Why don't you go to your class and stop bothering me ." smirked Abhi. They separated their ways. Although Abhi mocked Manav, he was silently praying it to be real.
As soon as he entered the class the one face he strives to be there was there.
" Abhimanyu Kapoor, you have once again joined the class." The teacher while entering the class stated.
" Yes mam music is my life, I wish to be a great singer. " Abhi said in a cheerful tone.
"I see some new faces in the class, let us get accustomed to each other. All the new students, please introduce yourself. And after the introduction, everyone will sing a few lines so that I can judge your voices".
After the introduction was over. "Let us start with you Abhimanyu. I know you have a melodious voice, but others should also know"
Abhi started with the song
"Ek ladki ko Dekha
to an Aisa Laga
jaise khilta Gulab"
.
Abhi sings while glancing towards Pankhuri. Soon her number comes and she sings
" Ajnabi mujhko bata
Dil Mera Kyun pareshan Hai.
Dekh ke Tujiko lagta hai
Jaise barso ki pehachaan hai "
Pankhuri steals glances towards Abhi while singing.
Miss Parker(teacher)claps for her, "Pankhuri your voice is melodious. As the head of the annual function committee, I announce that in the coming function you and Abhimanyu would perform a duet. Is it okay with you two?" Both of them nodded their heads.
A voice echoes the class "mam, every year I perform with Abhimanyu."
"Devyani, this year I want Pankhuri to perform and who are you to give me advice. I wanted to change so I did and she is better than you. I think I made myself clear. " The teacher snapped at her.
Devyani felt bad upon hearing this. She had a crush on Abhi, but Abhi didn't pay any heed to her.
With time almost everyone started noticing their crush on each other. Although they rarely talk to each other, their body language in the presence of each other spoke a lot. Their eyes speak for themselves.
Devyani was envious of Pankuri. She always tries to play pranks on her, especially in music class or during rehearsal.
Eventually, the day of the concert arrived. Everyone was busy with their work. Meanwhile in the green room ." Hi Pankhuri, how are you feeling"?
"Hi Deepti, I'm nervous as heck. It's my first time on stage. Don't know what to do." Pankhuri was fidgeting with her fingers.
" Don't be nervous, just be yourself." A voice came from behind. They twirled to find Abhi standing there.
"It is easy for you to say. You have performed several times."
"It can be easy for anybody. Just follow one simple rule, nevertheless don't look into the eyes of the audience, look anywhere but not the eyes. There is still time for our performance. Just sit and relax. Everything will be fine, just chill."
"Deepti I think I need to empty my bladder. I will be back in a few minutes." with that Pankhuri goes away.
Subsequently on finishing her business in the washroom, when she attempts to open the door, she fails to open it. This makes her desperate and frightened. She starts banging the door and shouts for help. Blackness starts engulfing her and she starts feeling dizzy.