Love Haunted - Part 1

The day looked so new to him. The usual green stretch by the waters, looked splendid than any other times. The trees that stood tall, bent down a little to bow to him. The buzzing road that stretches amidst the greens and waters, still cried loud, with its usual honks and screeches. But, the sound did not reach his ears. He was in all smiles and in complete rejuvenation.

“Welcome aboard Karthik!”, greeted his manager. Everything looked pleasant since the dawn, including his new boss's smile. It was Karthik’s first day at work, at his most aspired Journal corporate. After few years of Journalism with amateur magazines, he finally managed to land in a big name, that he always dreamt of. Photography is his passion, even more than that. His heart beat would sound just like the clicks in a camera. Such, is his love!

His new Cabin looked plain and simple. But his mind already started to workout a little plan to revamp it, to reflect his personal touch. Right from the policies of the company to the locations of basic needs in the campus, were all briefed to him. First day at work was very light and he had more time to feel proud and happy for his achievement.

In the evening, on his way back home, he decided to sit down on the bench under the tree, near the waters. He only remembered sitting there to ease off his anxiety and pain of failure. But, he felt so relieved and relaxed today, that he in fact took time to watch the sun hiding away, turning the white waters, gold. He cursed himself for not having noticed this beautiful phenomenon before. The birds, flowing water, the breeze, the leaves and every element of nature, made his evening enticing.

As he was happily glancing around, he saw something glittering beneath the leaves, under the tree. He stood up and reached to it, only to find a ring. It looked different. It had a flat square blue crystal, with tiny golden squares on its corners. He had never seen a blue crystal before and it looked absolutely marvelous. He wore it in his little finger, wondering whether it is meant for men or women. When he turned around, he saw a beautiful girl, sitting on the bench, from which he just walked away. Her free falling hair was waving gracefully in the breeze. Her magnetic eyes would never fail to attract any heart. The cutest smile and rosy lips were ravishing. She looked slim and tender. There was a glow of serenity all around her. She sat there like a statue, composed and calm.

Love Haunted - Part 2

That night, karthik could hardly sleep. He lay still on his bed, staring at the spinning fan. The beauty she saw in the dimmest light of the dusk, made his heart skip a beat and lose his breath. He felt something choking him and marbles rolled inside his belly. This weird feeling made him uncomfortable but happy. 'what on earth is happening to me?!’, he wondered to himself, 'not all the best moments can rush up on the same day, but it happened to me. Can there be a day better than this!’

He couldn't stop himself from thinking about her and she kept disturbing him in his thoughts often. Next day, he couldn't get a glimpse of her in the morning, but decided to stroll around the park, until he finds her in the evening.

The romantic breeze swirled around him, when he saw her in the park, just like the previous day. The lovely dusk, the golden light, the shining moon and the breathtaking angel - what else does one need?! For the first time, he felt an extravagant bliss rushing through his head. He wanted to talk to her or at least smile at her, just to make her aware of his presence in this universe. But, he couldn't gather a tiny bit of courage. He stood behind the tree and admired her from a distance. Days rolled by, but his story never progressed.

He slowly got busier with his work, and the field work would eat away most of his time. He never missed to stop by the park everyday, but it would be pitch dark and the romantic hues would be all gone, including his secret crush. Few weeks went by and Karthik missed the glimpse of the girl and the girl too. Even though he knew nothing about her, something from inside kept reassuring him that he has found the love of his life and soon things will fall in place.

Love Haunted - Part 3

It was the day of judgement for an iconic MP, for the crimes of murder and witness eviction. A riotous tension was slowly fuming in the court campus and was about to explode any time. When the verdict was out and the MP was charged for his crimes, there was instant outburst in the campus. There were weapons and gun shots, that popped up from nowhere and the uproar was horrific. In this commotion, Karthik got badly injured and he broke his right arm, in lieu of saving his camera. Karthik and his crew were all injured and were taken to the hospital.

With loads of bandages on his right arm and a couple of plasters on his forehead, he sat down on his favourite bench by the Waters, to calm down and ease of the tension within him. His mind was raging with anger, but he felt helpless when he iterated the morning incident in his mind. He couldn't understand why the system is so bad and the politicians are downright criminals. He was wondered by the fact that people still believe them and elect them. As he was fighting this mental battle, he forgot to admire the sunset, which he always loved. Also, he failed to notice his girl, who was sitting at the other end of the bench. He hung his head low and was deep in his thoughts.

The girl looked at him. In a sugary voice she asked, “Hi! Are you alright?”

The voice disturbed him and he looked up to see where it was from. He was stunned to see the girl, smiling at him. He felt as if his throat was jammed and found it hard to utter a word.

“Are you ok?”, the girl questioned again.

“Ya...ya”, replied Karthik, unable to take his eyes off her. He was holding the biggest possible smile on his face and obviously looked funny and flirty. The responsible citizen and the angry young man in him, suddenly disappeared and he is now lovesick, infected with infatuation.

Love Haunted - Part 4

The days and his life was getting prettier. His thoughts were filled by her and he was dying to know more about her. Some days, he would even rehearse his questions, just like the heroes in movies. He had met her very few times , but never managed even to get to know her name. In those few meetings, she only asked him about the fractured hand and never bothered to know anything more.

This evening, he was so determined to stop the kindergarten talks and get into some serious conversation. First, he wanted to know her name and next is to get her number. That was his agenda for tonight's meet.

He went to the spot on time and put his work on pause for few hours. She was already sitting there, as gorgeous as ever.

“Hi”, said Karthik. He knows his heart was pumping with a loud thud and his legs were little shaky. His body was mildly trembling and he was going breathless on and off. But, he cleverly hid all those phenomenon and appeared composed.

She smiled at him and started gazing the water.

“May I ask you something?”, He asked.

“Yes”

“May I ask your beautiful name?”

“It took so long for you to ask this? Well, I am Priya”

He smiled and blushed.

“Nice name!”

She smiled in return, for the compliment.

There was a brief pause.

“I am Karthik. I work in”, and he started to lecture on his job, residence and other details. He lately wondered whether she is listening or at least interested in getting to know his whereabouts. He went silent for a couple of minutes.

She looked at him and smiled again. He took it as the acknowledgement for downloading all his details to her. Then something flashed in his mind - agenda #2.

“May I ask you something else?”, he questioned gently.

She again replied with a smile.

“May I get your number?”

“You can always find me here”, she replied instantly.

He never expected that and wasn't sure how to react. He gave a blunt smile and kept quiet. After a while she stood up, walked past the trees and disappeared. He did not bother to follow her. He wouldn't do that, for he is a gentleman by heart.

Even in the consecutive meetings, he would hardly get any answer for his questions. Even though he tried hard to probe her to answer, she would never open up. All the answers she gave was a simple smile. Still, he was happy, for her smile spoke a million words, which he alone understands. His desire to know her whereabouts started to fade away and he was dying only to see her and smile. He loved those few minutes with her and wished he could meet her everyday. But it doesn't happen with his work, as he has a pile of milestones to achieve and prove him worthy, to his boss and to his team.

Love Haunted - Part 5

One fine day, as Karthik zoomed to the park, for his divine task of flirting with his crush, he was welcomed with a big shock of Priya crying. Her eyes were red and ‘tear’fall were rolling down her cheeks, profusely. He had no idea about why Priya was crying. Still, he too wanted to cry out loud. An unknown pain spread across his chest region and suddenly some severe anger gushed through his nerves and he literally wanted to uproot the 4 feet thick tree, by which he was standing and throw it away. In this hallucinated anguish, he tried breaking a small branch that dangled just above his head, only to end up with a small cut in his palm. But, the branch remained in tact.

“You alright Priya?”, asked Karthik caringly, with his throat choking.

She raised her head and looked at him. 'Oh! The merciless world! What did you do to my sweetheart?’, he cursed within himself.

“I hope so Karthik. But, I am not”, replied Priya in a shaky voice.

He just heard his heart break into pieces, after he heard what she just said.

“What's bothering you Priya?”

After a brief pause, she replied, “Today is Raj’s birthday. He is not with me” and she continued to weep.

“May I ask you who is that..”, asked Karthik. He is now a bit nervous.

“He is someone special”, she replied.

After few minutes, she went away.

He did not speak a word more. He felt, something at the bottom of his heart, is trying to pull it down.

He lied still on his bed, looking at the spinning squeaky fan. He rewinded the whole day in his head. 'Got up damn late and got damn late to work…. Couldn't get a clear picture of that accused who got masked in a second, after he exited the court.. the four pictures that I managed to take went out of focus…. Boss was really mad… team had a giggle and I got trolled… and the best of all… the climax of the day was when she said about someone special… who the hell are you man?!’, he sighed to himself.

Then suddenly he thought, 'that someone special could be anybody other than a boyfriend, isn't it? It could be a special dad - oh no no no..sorry mother-in-law. It could be a special brother - sounds better, or it could be a special friend - ya maybe! But, one thing is very obvious -  I am fooling myself and it must be her boyfriend. A girl of that age will have just one problem in life and that's her boyfriend’. As he kept thinking about it over and over, he started feeling depressed, 'how can the worst things queue up in a single day? Back to back!’

The unexpected disappointment and the overwhelming daydreams about her, started to burn him from inside and he desperately wanted to grab the earth by its head and kick it far away and run and hide somewhere, in this vast Universe.

He grabbed his laptop and started to Google about Raj. He browsed through many feeds of actors and got fed up. Suddenly, he landed in an article about the iconic MP, who was indirectly the reason behind his fracture, that took a month to heal. There was a mention about someone called 'Raj’. It was a news article, talking about drug smuggling. He ignored the article, wondering why would a girl like her would deal with a criminal.

Love Haunted - Part 6

A couple of days later, he came to the park on time and saw her watching the waters,  quiet and composed. She looked dazzling, as ever she used to be. He took a halt near the tree, whose branch could never be broken by him and started to replay his day, in his mind. It was just another day - nothing bad and nothing good. So, he thought it will be ok to meet her. A little ray of hope went flashing in his mind that Priya’s special someone might not be as special as a boyfriend.

“Hi Priya!”, said Karthik and sat next to her.

“Hi Karthik! How are you?”, replied Priya, with her signature sweet smile.

He started to feel better.

“I am good! How about you? Are you alright now?”

“Yeah, I am fine. Thanks!”

He started to feel relaxed and good. He absolutely had no clue, that a lightning is awaiting to hit his head hard, right at the centre.

“You were terribly upset, couple of days back. I am sorry, I couldn't make you feel better, then”, said Karthik apologetically.

“Please don't be Karthik… Honestly, I should be sorry for upsetting your evening the other day.

“No not at all… May I ask you something?”

“Yes”

“Who is Raj?”

He noticed her big smile slowly shrinking and her eyes widening. She was looking pale and the all time glow, suddenly vanished.

“I am Sorry. I didn't mean to…”

“He is my love, my life and my breath”, interrupted Priya.

“He is my world and I can't see anything beyond him in this world. He…”, continued Priya, discoursing about Raj, but Karthik couldn't hear anything more. His ears blocked and his eyes turned wet, instantly. The least expected worst, just happened and he certainly felt a lightning strike his head, right at the centre. He wanted to walk away, but he couldn't do that and he wouldn't do that. The feeling of loss and failure engulfed him and set an invisible and invincible fire upon him.

In spite, he regained his poise, started listening to her and nodded his head as an acknowledgement.

“You say you love him so much, but why do you wanna cry? What happened to him?”

“He is not with me”

“Is he not alive?”, asked Karthik, reluctantly.

“More or less, yes! He is behind the bars. He is convicted of murder and smuggling and was given a life term sentence. But, he is innocent. I couldn't do anything to help him. I can only sit and cry here for hours together”, replied Priya and started to cry.

“Priya, please don't cry. Don't worry. I shall do anything and everything to help you and Raj out of this. Can you tell me exactly what happened?”

Priya started to unveil her past.

Love Haunted - Part 7

It was yet another lazy night in the hospital. Priya was on her night duty. She started working as nurse six months back, soon after her University. She put her heart and soul into the job. For her, her job is holy and her commitment is the gratitude towards the holy Almighty.

In the sleepy hour of the night, a guy in his late twenties was brought in stretcher, into the emergency unit. His left leg was soaked up in blood and he was screaming in pain. If for anyone else, the patient would have fainted. Such, is the trauma! Priya being nurse in charge for emergency, was in disbelief to find him conscious.

A couple of doctors attended him and he immediately underwent surgery. His agonizing screams settled, after chloroforming him. An hour later, he was moved to ICU and was kept under observation.

Doctors discussed the treatment and recovery procedures with the person who accompanied the wounded soul.

“Nurse! Make sure his family is informed and send me his observations every two hours”, said one of the doctors, to Priya.

The past two hours looked like a hurricane in action for Priya and now everything is calm and quiet. Being new to such real time scenarios, it might take quite some time for her to get used to such fuss in a hospital.

The patient was sleeping peacefully under the spell of sedation. She looked into his case sheets. His name is Raj. The cause for his injury was mentioned as 'Accident’.

“Sir, please can you get these medicines?”, said Priya extending a prescription to the person who accompanied Raj.

“Sure sister. How is he?”

“He is sleeping. He will be under observation until tomorrow. By the way, have you informed his family?”

“Yes yes, I have informed his father”

“And you are?”

“I am Pandian, working in his Company as Manager”

“Ok. So how did he get hurt?”

“He has a company that exports idols abroad. Today we were about to send a consignment. We have workers to pack the idols and load them to the container. Still, he would get down to their level and used to work alongside. Today, accidentally he slipped an idol and while trying to save it, unfortunately it landed on his leg and within seconds there was blood everywhere”

“What was the idol made of? Ceramic or plaster?”

“Sister, it is made of rock. 4 feet high. Weighs 118 kilos. Ceramic and plasters are for kids, not for traditional artisans like us”

Then he left to get the medicines.

‘How could one be so careless?! It's good to love one's job, but not at the cost of oneself. I love my job, but I take all precautions and follow protocols to stay away from possible infections’, thought Priya and felt proud of herself. Then she went back to the emergency ward to check how Raj is doing. He was still sleeping peacefully.

Love Haunted - Part 8

Next day, after finishing her shift, Priya left early in the morning. Before leaving, she visited Raj, just to find out how he was doing. He was still asleep.

She tried getting some sleep at home. But she couldn't. Simply, she couldn't sleep for no reason and in spite of tiring night shifts. She checked the time. It was closer to noon. She got ready to work. Her mom looked at her in disbelief. Still, she managed to convince her that it's way too boring to sit at him and that she likes day shifts, as it generally stays busy.

When she reached the hospital, her peers scrutinized her just like her mom. And she managed to answer them the way she tackled her mom.

She went to Raj’s room, to continue with her duty. She saw him awake and talking briskly with his Manager. 'Oh God! He must be a beast. Talking so loudly and energetically! Probably he mistook the fractures for scratches’, thought Priya.

“Excuse me! Please don't talk too much and strain yourself. You need lot of rest”, interrupted Priya.

Raj looked straight into her eyes. The room went dead silent. She instantly got frightened by his look and quietly walked out of his room.

'How rude!’, she thought.

After a couple of hours, he was moved to a special ward, still under the emergency wing. After the doctor's visit, Priya carried out her routine checks and observations.

“Sir, I need to wipe your body with warm water and get you changed. This is to purely avoid bed sore, that you might develop as a result of lying down continuously”, said Priya to Raj.

He looked at her in disbelief.

“Are you telling me that you are going to undress me?”, asked Raj plainly.

She never expected this question.

“Oh no no! I don't mean that way”, replied Priya. She was feeling restless about his question and was confused whether to feel shy or to be angry. She simply left the room, without saying a word more.

After few minutes, she came in and asked him, “Where is your attender by the way?”

“He already left”, replied Raj.

“Isn't there anybody from your family here yet?”

“Well, my dad might be here tomorrow. He couldn't come over because of the floods in the southern region. But, why?”

“Alright! Then please let me do my duty”

Priya fetched a tub of warm water and a soft white towel. Raj guessed what was about to happen.

“C'mon, you can't do this”

“Sir, this is my job”

“Listen you are too young and obviously unmarried. I can't take off my clothes”

This time she was determined to cut this conversation and finish off her work.

“It doesn't matter whether I am young or old. This is my job and I get paid for this. Also, I never bother whether my patient is a handsome young man or a wrinkle cuddling old man. It doesn't make any difference to me”, said Priya sternly.

She then started to untie the knots in his hospital pyjama and took it off. He was lying there half nude, feeling very shy and helpless.

She dipped the towel in the warm water, squeezed it and gently rubbed it all over his chest. Her tender fingers that caressed across his chest, sprouted some weird feelings in his heart. He couldn't comprehend that lovely warmth he is feeling, but certainly he never experienced it before. 

Love Haunted - Part 9

That night, Doctor set him off the saline drips and advised to start clear liquid diet. Priya still continued to observe him and updated the records.

“Where can I find your attender?”, asked Priya to Raj.

“Sorry my father is still stuck. He didn't reach yet”

“Anyone else around?”

“Nobody”, said Raj in a low voice.

“We need to start your diet. Alright, I'll take care”, replied Priya and walked away.

After few minutes, she came back with a bowl of rice porridge. She sat next to him and tucked a paper napkin around the neckline of his pyjamas. She fed him the first spoon of the diet. Raj didn't offend or say anything. He clearly understood his physical condition and was finding it hard to move a muscle. IVs on the back of his hands, made them sore and he was certain that he can't even feed himself.

He silently tasted the porridge, which had zero flavours. Priya also stayed calm and did not utter a word.

Dinner routine came to an end and as a finishing touch, she gave him the prescribed pills and off she went home.

He was lying there all alone, slowly drifting into sleep as the sleeping pills get into action. But, Priya was finding it a bit hard to fall asleep. Even though every bit of her was dead tired, her mind was very fresh and was restless.

It was something about him, that kept her awake. She wasn't sure. She doesn't know much about him. But, something unknown kept disturbing her. She slept off without realising.

Next morning, she reached the hospital much earlier than her usual time. She went to Raj's room. He was awake, lying in the bed and staring at the panels on the ceiling. “Good morning”, said Priya.

“Morning”

“Had a good night sleep?”

“Yeah”

“Good. You need lot of rest. By the way, I will get your breakfast in a couple of minutes”, said Priya and left him alone, to stare the panels again.

She came back, prepared him for his diet and started to feed him. He looked at her face. She was totally focussing on the spoon’s journey from bowl to his lips and vice versa. His eyes slowly started to wander around her face. He looked at her eyes, cheeks, lips and the pretty little smile. She was ravishingly beautiful. He was so mesmerised, that at one point he forget to open up his mouth when she fed and eventually the porridge got spilled. He came back to his realisation and smiled at her bluntly. He was looking silly and Priya's pretty little smile grew a bit bigger. She did not complain, but carried on cleaning and feeding him.

It was closer to noon. Priya visited him to change his clothes and give him a warm wipe. He already started to feel shy. She took off his pyjamas and wiped the warm towel across his chest. The same weird feeling crept in him and he couldn't take his eyes off her. Her tender fingers gently stroked his chest and he felt an instant relief from all pain in his body. It seduced him into a sedation without a sedative.

Love Haunted - Part 10

Priya made sure that Raj was taken good care of. His food, drink, medicines and other services were offered to him on time. She was well aware that she has been taking extra care of him. But, she couldn't help it and honestly, she loved her job now, than ever.

Later that evening, she saw Raj talking with someone, who was seated by his side and his manager was standing next to him. She entered the room and carried out her routine checks.

“How is he now?”, asked that person. He was a bit elderly and must be in his late fifties. He was bald with a dark complexion. He was wearing glasses and looked lean. Priya sensed a bit of resemblance between Raj and this man.

Instead of answering his question, she immediately questioned, ”may I ask you who you are?”

“I am his father”, replied the man politely.

“Oh! Don't you worry about him. He is really recovering well. Soon, he will get back to normal. He might need to stay for some more days just to make sure that his fractures heal pretty well and that he is out of danger to carry on with his normal duties, after he is discharged”, replied Priya humbly.

Raj’s father smiled at her and nodded as an acknowledgement.

Later that night, she brought dinner for Raj. She saw him talking with his dad and they both were laughing. His manager wasn't there. It is hard to see a rapport between a son and a father. She had seen and heard a lot about son-father relationship. Though, a son and a father love each other the most, they tend to stay apart as opposite poles. She had heard of stories where every little conversation ends up in a quarrel. This love and fight controversy is always a mystery, but lovely. But, for the first time she has been witnessing something incredible. Raj doesn't seem to stop talking and his dad doesn't seem to stop laughing.

“Excuse me”, she interrupted, “I have got dinner for him”, said Priya to Raj's dad and continued, “By the way where is his mother?”

After a brief pause, “She is no more”, replied his father and continued, “had she been here, she wouldn't have let this happen to my son”

Priya felt sorry.

“Sorry I didn't mean to”, said Priya.

“It doesn't matter”, replied his father and left the room.

She continued with her duty and started to feed him the plain porridge. She was feeling sorry for them both. She wasn't smiling.

“You ok?”, asked Raj.

“Yes”, replied Priya hesitantly.

“Any problem? You look upset”

“I am sorry, I shouldn't have spoken about your mother. I made you both upset”

“Don't be sorry, you didn't upset my dad or me. My mom is long gone and we are very much used to this vacuum that she had left behind”

“But, did I spoil your evening? Your father was smiling and I spoiled his mood”

“No no, you did not. He was tired of long journey from our native town. The floods had caused quite a good damage in our place. And I am here in the hospital. So he was feeling a bit low. I was just trying to cheer him up. After a good rest, he will be alright tomorrow”, consoled Raj and smiled at her.

His words and especially his smile made her feel better. She was wondering as if where he has been hiding this lovely smile all these days.

Love Haunted - Part 11

That night, as Priya was having her dinner, her thoughts started to crawl around Raj. She was having her favorite meal. Her mom has prepared it to perfection. She looked at her mom, who was busy in the kitchen. She thought how her life would have gone miserable, if her mom was not around. Her mom is her beautician, dietician, assistant, caretaker, secretary and what not. Her mom is her shadow. Priya will lose her mind, if her mom is out and about even for one day. She was able to understand the pain that Raj and his dad are experiencing. The emptiness from inside and out, with which one should learn to live is a lifetime challenge. Time might soothe the pain, but it can't completely wipe off the memories.

“Priya what are you thinking? Your food is going cold”, interrupted Priya's mom.

Priya sunk into her thoughts and when she came back to the reality, immediately she uttered, “Thank you mom. The food is delicious. I love it”

Her mom having never heard any compliments from her before, got emotional when she heard those words. Will there be anything better that could happen to a mom, more than the credits from her child.

Priya couldn't stop thinking about Raj. She had known people fighting a silent battle of building themselves, after their dear loss. But, she felt sorry and overwhelming sympathy for Raj. The missing feminine elements in his life, troubled her. Her mind was racing through to compensate for those missing elements. But, she was not sure!

Next morning, she reached her work early. She rushed to Raj’s room, even though there wasn't any need. Still she went, for her silly heart drove her so.

Raj was lying down, with eyes wide open, staring at the panels on the ceiling. He was smiling and seemed to be lost in his own world. He did not notice Priya.

For the first time, Priya noticed her heart race and she was a bit restless.

“Good morning”, wished Priya, with a cute grin on her face.

“Very good morning”, replied Raj.

Love Haunted - Part 12

Priya wanted to say something to Raj, but she herself couldn't figure out what it is. She stood there, hesitating to walk away and kept staring at him. She felt an overwhelming shyness engulfing her. She couldn't resist smiling at him. Raj, was also undergoing the typical phenomenon. He couldn't take his eyes off her either. His seductive smile, froze Priya. They both encountered the race between calm and calamity in their hearts.

Few minutes later, they both came back to reality and Priya rushed out of the door. Raj didn't stop her. He was a bit shy to do so. He smiled to himself and started staring at the door, instead of ceiling panels. He was slowly getting addicted to see Priya.

Priya came back after a while, to provide him  breakfast. Raj was alright to help himself, but he pretended that his arms are too sore and wanted her to feed him. Priya clearly knew that he was lying, but that is what she wanted too. As she sat next to him and started feeding, she couldn't help herself looking at him now and then. He was obviously looking at her and never even tried to move his eyeballs. When their eyes meet and emotions collide, they both would freeze and get into 'Love Coma’. Then, after a minute or two, they would regain consciousness and would blush. This 'Love Coma’ drama started to happen frequently and they both fell in love with each other, knowingly unknowingly.

Later that day, Priya came to his room, to wipe him with warm water and get changed. Raj was eagerly waiting for that. The thought of her tender fingers, crawling on his chest, gave him an ecstatic ecstasy.

She undressed him and wet the towel with warm water. She wrung out the excess water and started to wipe him gently. She turned pink and the intensity of her shyness went high, that she suddenly stopped what she has been doing and turned away to leave. Raj loved every moment of her discomposure, but swiftly grabbed her left wrist when she tried to leave. Priya’s heart froze in shock and she lost her breath.

She stood there still, not knowing how to react.

“Don't go… come, sit next to me”, said Raj and he put on the pajamas himself.

Priya sat next to him and was squeezing her fingers.

“May I ask you something?”, questioned Raj.

“Yes”, replied Priya.

“What's your name?”

She looked up at him and continued, “it took so long for you to ask this?!”

Raj smiled bluntly.

“Priya”, she said and again she went pink.

“Priya… I love..”

She looked at him with all curiosity to hear the next word.

“that name…”, said Raj bluntly. He couldn't say what he actually wanted to say. Her eyes were flirtatious.

Priya did not expect that, but couldn't control laughing when he stumbled to speak his heart out. She quickly ran out of his room and sprinted to her changing room. She locked herself up and was still laughing. She looked up at the mirror. She looked beautiful than ever and started crying for some strange happiness that she never experienced before. 

Love Haunted - Part 13

“Dad, are you sure about this business offer?”, questioned Raj, with his head full of uncertainty.

“Yes yes, I think we can go ahead with this proposal… Raj, sometimes we long for an opportunity to knock our doors. But, when it actually arrives, most of us don't greet it, fearing that we don't have the calibre to take advantage of the opportunity. I believe in YOU, more than you do and I am sure you can do this”, convinced Raj’s father.

Raj’s manager, Pandian was standing quietly, listening to the conversation.

The room went silent for few minutes. Raj was deep in his thoughts.

“Pandian, why would a company of such a grand portfolio, would choose to partner with us?”, questioned Raj.

“Sir, they don't simply do business with anybody in the industry. They are very particular about the quality and trustworthy of a set up. Even though we are small, we are renowned for our quality and uniqueness. That is why they were interested in working with us”

Raj doesn't seem to be convinced. He looked confused.

“Raj, there is nothing to be worried of… you are capable enough to do that”, assured his dad.

“But dad, we have a small workshop with handful artisans. I am wondering how we could manage such a big business proposal, with minimum resource!”, worried Raj.

“Do you think they wouldn't have thought about it? They agreed to support us by all means, as we start scaling our workshop. They looked genuine to me and I want to see my son soaring high above, overcoming all the odds and pains”, reassured his dad.

Priya understood that they are having a serious conversation and that Raj did not even notice when Priya stopped by. She also did not intend to disturb them and waited patiently, until everything is done with.

Lately, Priya saw Raj’s father and manager leave his room. Then she hurried to feed him his dinner and pills. As she entered the room, with overwhelming excitement, Raj was lost in his thoughts. She waited for a while, but he doesn't seem to realise what's happening around.

“Dinner time!!”, cheered Priya.

Raj looked up at her and gave her a sweet smile. She instantly got mesmerized, just like every other time.

“Sorry Priya. I didn't notice you”

“It's ok. I came here sometime back and you didn't notice then either. You three were in the middle of a serious discussion. So, I didn't wanted to bother you… Well, it's already late and you should have been done with your dinner by now… I will get you ready for dinner”, said Priya and started to prepare him for the meal.

He was smiling cheekily and she was inquisitive as if why.

“Why are you laughing like that?”

“I never thought you could talk so much!”

“What?!”

“Nothing.. just feeling very happy”

Priya blushed and Raj admired!!

Love Haunted - Part 14

Raj loved Priya to the moon and back. He only felt that his injury was purely a divine blessing. The emptiness that his mother had left behind, seemed to shrink, day by day. He couldn't stop visualising how heavenly his life is going to be, until his last breath. Having come from a financially struggling family, having lost his dear mother at a tender age and having stumbled and struggled in every step of life, this new feel of love towards Priya, gave him an eternal serenity. He never looked beyond his business, until he met her. He had sculpted beautiful idols and had seen many in his life. But, his brain and heart were as solid as the stones he handled. He always worried about his father, the only soul living for Raj. He knew how life has been mean to his dad and he wanted to make his final chapters, peaceful and happy. He hardly thought about himself and never in million years, expected to fall in love.

He was only glad that he found a true love. He is happy to carry the additional responsibilities on his shoulders. His heart and mind started motivating him to work harder, to build a beautiful future for his love.

The new business proposal is grand and challenging, but Raj was all determined to face the music. Scaling his workshop by three times, investing in machineries, increasing workforce, cash flow, streamlining the process and co-ordinating the production is not an easy walk. Raj is well aware of that. But, his heart was filled with positivity and he definitely wanted to do it.

On and off, Pandian and Raj’s father would visit him and the trio would get into serious conversation about their new business proposal. Rest of the times, he had no other bigger jobs than to flirt with Priya.

Priya loved every single moment with him. His eyes and smile clutched her heart, every single time. She wished to get glued next to him, so that she would admire her beloved, day in and day out. She took care of him with utmost care and concern. Everything appeared new and lovely to her. She enjoyed daydreaming and moon watching. This age old moon, never looked so beautiful to her, before. But now, she would spend all night talking to the moon, even though it is million miles away.

Love Haunted - Part 15

One morning, as Priya was happily strolling to Raj’s room, she saw his dad just exiting. He looked at her and gave a pale smile. He didn't bother to ask anything and simply walked away. He looked very low and upset. Priya was worried and felt something wasn't right. She entered Raj’s room and got shook up to find him crying. He was sitting upright, with his head hanging low. Tears were dropping on his palm and he did not move a muscle. A high degree of fear, ran through Priya's mind and a heavy sadness, filled her heart. She slowly paced towards him and sat next to him. She wiped off his tears with her tender fingers. Raj looked up at her and smiled vaguely. He then wiped his face with his hands and gave another lifeless smile to Priya. She had only experienced tickling butterflies, whenever he smiled. But, for the first time, she felt so much pain instead.

“What happened Raj?”, asked Priya in a very low voice.

“Nothing Priya. I am fine”, replied Raj. He knew that she was already worried and didn't wanted to trouble her anymore.

“Won't you share even with me?”, asked Priya longingly.

“Hey Priya! Don't worry… today is my mother's death anniversary… I miss her so much… I always do!... This day, many years back, I watched my mom slowly leave me forever, on her deathbed… She was looking at me, with her eyes wide open and I always feel that her eyes are still looking at me…”

He went silent for few minutes and continued, “Every year, this day, I used to perform the rituals. But, it's heartbreaking for my dad and me, that I couldn't carry on doing it, this year. I wish I didn't get hurt”. As Raj spoke those words, he started to weep again. But, soon composed himself. He looked at Priya. She was staring at the floor. She imagined the very words that Raj just said. 'What would have happened, if you were not hurt, Raj? We would have never met and my life would never be this beautiful. I can't think of a life without you. I understand your pain, but I find that a blessing… I Love you Raj! Love you so much!!’, she thought and as these thoughts were running in her mind, she started to weep as well.

Raj was distressed to see her like that.

“Hey Priya! What happened? Sorry! Did I trouble you? Did I hurt you?”

“No Raj… not at all”

“My dad used to say that everything happens for a reason… I never believed that, but I regret now. Had I not got hurt, I would have never met you and my life would have never been this beautiful”

Priya was astonished to hear that. It looked as if he read her mind. She was glad that Raj feels the same way, as she did. She is now both crying and smiling.

Love Haunted - Part 16

The Chief Doctor examined Raj thoroughly. Raj’s father, Priya and the duty Doctor were all there. Chief Doctor expressed that he was glad with Raj’s progress and that he can be discharged. Priya couldn't accept the reality, but still carried out her duties. She was happy to see him better, but she was depressed that those lovely moments may have to await to be re-lived. But, on top of everything, her tiny, secret expectation grew enormously, in a matter of an hour. Everyday, she would expect Raj to propose to her, like the filmy ways. She used to imagine all the possible cute expressions. Flowers, ring, going down on knees, cards, walk under the moon, candlelight dinners, a romantic letter - she imagined anything and everything.

She waited patiently all these days for him to open up. And now she is all desperate to hear the words, ‘I love you’, from Raj. She couldn't talk anything to him, really. His dad left to sort out the finances. She was expecting that the right moment have arrived. She was anxious and confused whether he would propose. He was talking about everything on this earth, except what she has been desperately waiting for.

Finally, after she had gone past her threshold level of patience, Priya spoke to him.

“Raj, I just wanted to know something. This is serious and important”

“Tell me Priya”

“Are you really interested in me? Or is this all a joke?”

“What?”

Raj was very furious. His serene face turned violent.

“Don't be mad Raj. I honestly want to know whether we are going to take this relationship further? Or Had everything come to a halt?”

“What the hell are you saying Priya? Do I look like a womanizer to flirt with random girls and walk away after having fun??”

Even Priya got nervous and her mind was raging.

“YOU never spoke about US. You never expressed your love and you never let me know your heart, either. What do you expect me to do?”

“Honestly tell me, what do you expect me to do? In what way do I have to affirm my love for you?”

“Did you ever bother to propose me? Where you not interested in knowing my mind?”

“What?! Listen! The day I fell in love with you, was the day I decided that my future is YOU. You are mine. You belong to me and we are going to live a beautiful life. We are going to be together forever and ever. Don't you talk to me like that, ever again!”

Priya couldn't control her anger. She is mad, really mad. But she doesn't know whom she is mad at. She is unsure whether she is being silly or Raj being rude. She felt her desires were genuine, but Raj’s words were more perfect.

She didn't know what to say. Her cheeks went red and teardrops were all set to roll down. Unable to handle the tension, Priya simply walked out of the room. Priya did not talk to him and neither did he. She could see that Raj was upset. But, she was upset too. It looked like neither of them tried to break the ice. It's the little tint of egoism that causes all misunderstandings in a relationship. The anger, disappointment, expectations and a little ego is well sufficient to do enough damage.

Early evening, Raj’s father and his manager came back to take Raj back home. As they left the room, Priya stood next to the door, as a gesture of bidding bye. She stuck a pale smile on her lips. Raj walked out of the room lastly. He stood for a second next to Priya. He didn't look at her or talk to her. He walked out and disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Priya watched all these calmly. She was totally shattered inside, that she couldn't even cry. She took a couple of days off work. She missed Raj and the feeling of going to work made her sick. 

Love Haunted - Part 17

Two days later, Priya was back to work. Whenever she walked past the room where Raj stayed, her legs would freeze for a while and then would let her go. His smile, his eyes, his voice and his face kept flashing one after the other in her mind. She couldn't talk about this turmoil to her mom, as she is walking on a blind path and knows not where it is going to take her. She couldn't share her sorrows with her friends at work, because they are all already busy gossiping about her. She is too weak to cry in loneliness, either. It is going to be three days already, since she heard back from Raj. When she met him, she believed that her life is going to be a bed of roses, but she actually forgot that there were thorns too and she needs to deal with it!!

That evening, she was called at the front desk of the hospital. Priya went hesitatingly, but instantly went super happy when she found Raj waiting there.

“Hi Priya!”, said Raj with his signature smile.

Priya was already hypnotised. But, she composed herself and tried to look arrogant. Instead, she looked silly and cute.

“Why are you here, Raj? We have nothing to talk about”, replied Priya sternly.

“Hey! I have an appointment with the Doctor. Just a follow up”, said Raj, smiling cheekily.

Priya couldn't hide her disappointment and that could be clearly seen on her face.

“Oh ok! You should go to first floor. His consultation room will be at the end of the corridor, on your right”, said Priya in a low voice.

Raj couldn't control laughing.

“Hey Priya! What am I going to do by meeting that Doctor? It would have been nice if it was a female Doctor!! You know, I always wanted to marry a Doctor”

“Oh is it? What a splendid ambition!! You can find the list of female Doctors working here, on the board at the reception. Try your luck. Good bye!”, said Priya angrily and started to walk away. Damn! She was fuming in anger and this time for real.

“Hey stop Priya! Stop please!! I was just kidding"

Priya stopped and looked at him. Her eyes were full of pain and disappointment.

“Priya, you know I have changed my mind and decided to marry a nurse. It's ok! I can adjust”, said Raj and cheekily chuckled.

Priya stood there stunned. She wasn't angry but wasn't really happy. Her disappointment faded away but she wasn't excited either. She thought of grabbing his collar and probably...kiss him!!! C’mon she couldn't do it, as it is a public place.

Raj smiled at her. What a romantic flick was that!!! Priya too smiled back, and her lost blush could now be found on her cheeks.

Raj took her to the green stretch, near the waters. Priya looked prettier than ever before. Raj had only seen her in bland white uniform. But, she is now dazzling in her golden yellow ethnic suit. The dusk was heart throbbing for Raj with his beloved by his side. He did not speak a word, neither did Priya. The romantic hues were whirlpooling around them and their hearts spoke a million words. They looked at each other and admired, as if they were meeting after a million years. Their eyes collided and stayed so. Their hearts started to get heavier and heavier because of the overflowing love.

When eyes collide,

The hearts decide,

Your future is I

And that of mine is you!!

The flowing waters,

Singing sweet melody!

The birds and trees,

Are dancing in harmony!

The sun is shy,

He is hiding by!

The world awaits moon,

But I already own one!

Let's run to the sky,

Through the path of clouds

And run around mad

Collecting the stars!

Let's run beyond this earth!

Let's live beyond this life!

Let's love beyond the infinity!

Let's die beyond the eternity!!!