That's The Way We Met Part 8

I got up with an early morning kiss from Riya who was up before me. Sonam came to our room and told us to get ready.

'So how was your night?' Mohit asked while holding Sonam lovingly from behind.

'I think Riya can tell you better. Her nail marks on my body should tell you the story.' I said teasing her as I went to the washroom. I could hear Sonam laughing.

We left our room and called for the driver. We had planned to visit Solang Valley to play snow games and have some fun. It was was hardly a few kilometres away from our resort. The road was the same as that leading to Rohtang Pa.s.s. Parachutes in the clear blue sky, dense pine trees, and snow-capped mountains made the sight picture perfect. No wonder Ma.n.a.li is called 'Switzerland' of India. Our trips to Rohtang Pa.s.s and Solang Valley proved that right. It was extremely beautiful and offered an enthralling view of the snowcapped Himalayas.

I took out one cigarette from my pack and smoked.

'Now this is what I call having a good time,' said Sonam throwing a s...o...b..ll at me.

I picked up one and threw it back on her face and she toppled down on the snow losing her balance. She stood up to get back at me but slipped and fell down again. Next was Riya who too slipped trying to help Sonam up. We burst out laughing at the silliness of it all.

Next we decided to try paragliding. A cable car took us to the peak of the mountain along with our pilots carrying a big backpack containing the parachutes. As we moved up, the valley looked like a tiny dot and in a while, we disappeared behind the hills.

As we wore our helmet and harness, we decided to go one by one. I was super nervous, this being my first experience. It knew it would be one h.e.l.l of a thrilling moment. The pilot gave us the green signal and I started moving ahead along with him. The gear was heavier than I had imagined. After a few steps, I was lifted up above the ground. As we flew in the air, the noise cooled down, the valley looked too small, and the dense pine trees and white snow seemed like a rolled-out carpet. The strong winds helped our parachute to take free falls and gain height in seconds. I could hear Riya and Sonam's screams but couldn't see Mohit anywhere.

As we prepared for the landing, I wished for it to never come to an end. I could feel the speed of falling down. My heart raced twice than normal. Soon everyone landed down safely except for Mohit. We waited for him for sometime but there was no sign of him anywhere. We tried looking for the organizer but he too seemed missing.

We calmed down when we saw Mohit land safely a few feet away. He and the pilot had crashed in the first take off, but in the second, they had been successful.

'It was a thrilling experience! I was so afraid that I kept my eyes tightly shut althrough,' said Riya.

We tried skiing next but I just couldn't get the hang of it. I tried my best but would always topple down after every few steps. It was pathetic! Everyone made fun of me.

Next, we took tickets of the ropeway. Riya and I went behind Sonam and Mohit's cable car. We saw the wonderful view of Ma.n.a.li from 13000 feet above sea level. The cable car was packed and we were comfortably seated. Riya showed me Mohit's cable car, which I hadn't noticed earlier. Both were cuddling even at a height of 13000 feet!

Oh what dangers does love make one take, I thought to myself.

'They look so cute when sitting close to each other.' said Riya pointing towards their cable car just ahead of us.

'Yes, they do! They will soon get engaged once Mohit tells everything to his parents.' I said.

We gave high five to each other and got down from the ropeway with a smile on our faces.

Once back on the ground, Mohit asked us, 'How was the ride?'

We continued laughing and I said, 'The ride was fine, but what we do know is that you surely were having a ball of a time with each other in the cable car.'

Both of them looked at us like small children found eating in the cla.s.s without the teacher's permission.

We headed back towards the resort.

We first had our dinner and then decided to prepare a bonfire. It was a chilly winter night and the snow glittered on the nearby mountains. We locked our rooms and told the manager of the resort to make special arrangements. We paid him an additional amount for doing so. We asked him to set up the bonfire on the riverbank near our resort. Once set up, Sonam and Mohit sat on the other side of fire exactly in front of us. We could not see the river but could hear its gurgling sound.

We decided to play a game in which each person would have to share his or her most memorable experience in their relations.h.i.+p. We liked the idea and told Sonam to begin.

Sonam looked at Mohit and said, 'I don't know what made me fall for you. I still think about the exact reason why I love you. Was it your looks or your nature? However, whatever it is the fact remains that I love you and I want to marry you soon. I remember how nervous you were when you were at my home with my parents. Your expression told me that you feared rejection. It made me smile then and it still makes me smile now. I can close my eyes and visualize you in the same state. You looked so innocent, even though I can hardly call you that knowing the real you. The moments that we have shared in the past few days will always be close to my heart.'

Next up was Riya who spoke about me.

'I just love watching you and how your eyes sparkle when I am about to say something to you. The glow that appears in them is what I live for. I had many special moments with you but the one that I will cherish for life is when we went to Siddhivinayak temple and took the seven promises. I know you love me more and what you did last night will always remain special to me. I believe people come in your life for a reason, to guide you and help you see yourself. Your presence makes me realize that I am beautiful. Thank you for everything, my sweet little baby. I pray to G.o.d everyday to bless you with everything you deserve. I will love you until the end of time.'

I was speechless. I knew she wasn't someone who like to express her feelings very often. I embraced her leaving all the worries behind and thanked her for accepting me wholeheartedly.

I was the next one to speak. I said, 'Everyday, I feel my pa.s.sion growing for you. I feel that our hearts beat in tandem with each other. Every morning, I look in the mirror and ask myself, "Do I still love Riya the same way as I did when I first met her?" and my reflection always answers back with a resounding "yes". I had heard that love grows stale over time, but with you my darling, the feeling just grows more intense every day. Some love stories cannot be predicted. Ours is one such story but I can a.s.sure you our best moment is yet to come. I live for that day and I wish that day will come soon. I want to marry you near the sea, maybe Marine Drive. I always imagine how, after the ceremony is over, you will sit in the car and I will drive us towards our new home. The girls in our family don't wear Punjabi chuda in marriage, but I want you to wear it. You will be dressed in my favourite red saree with a silver border on it. I will look at the chuda in your hand and smile. You will coyly glance at me and I will smile seeing you blush. All the way while driving, I would think of how beautiful you looked on our wedding night. We will enter our apartment to a new life together. I will wake up by the tinkling sound of your chuda everyday.'

No one spoke anything until Sonam shouted, 'This is so f.u.c.king romantic. Mohit, learn something from your friend.'

Riya couldn't resist kissing me after my elaborate description of the wedding day. Sonam and Mohit covered their eyes out of embarra.s.sment.

Mohit was finally the last one to speak. He spoke about Sonam, 'Since day one, we have shared something incredible, something that most people only dream of having in their lives. I had been searching you for all my life. You are sincere, caring, loving, and I wouldn't trade you for the world. I am so thankful and blessed that you loved me as much as I love you. Our life together is amazing now, and together after marriage it will only get better. It may come as a surprise to you, but I have decided that we will fly to Ahmedabad tomorrow and meet my parents. I will introduce you to them so that we can get their approval and proceed with our engagement. We should not hold ourselves from tying the knot. I love you and can't wait to get engaged to you.'

'What? Are you serious? We are supposed to be going back to Delhi tomorrow if you remember,' I shouted along with Riya.

'Tell your parents that your official tour has been extended by two more days. We will fly to Ahmedabad tomorrow and return to Mumbai in two days time. I will not go back to Mumbai before making it official,' exclaimed Mohit.

Sonam stood speechless in one corner, teary eyed. Mohit couldn't hold back his tears either. Both of them hugged tightly and wept. The night turned emotional. The thought of the engagement gave us gooseb.u.mps too. I could sense their happiness while they hugged one another-they were really taking it to the next level.

Seeking Approval.

The next day, we checked out from the resort, carrying with us the sweet memories of Ma.n.a.li. We took the bus to Delhi, reminiscing about the last three days fondly. How the days have flown, I thought boarding the bus.

'I will never forget the night that we spent together in Ma.n.a.li. When we will be old together, I will look back at my life and remember this trip as one of the most memorable,' Riya smiled.

It was a long journey to Delhi. We reached the ISBT bus station after fourteen long hours. From there, we took an autorickshaw to the Delhi Airport.

Once at the airport, I checked our luggage to see if everything was in place before boarding the flight for Ahmedabad. It was then that I realized that my laptop bag was missing.

'Riya, I can't find my laptop bag! If it is lost, I am f.u.c.ked big time,' I shouted in confusion, still searching for my bag.

'Check again. It must be in your main suitcase,' said Mohit.

'How can you be so careless? You should have checked your bag when we got down from the bus,' said Riya.

I looked everywhere but could not find the bag. Feeling dejected, I boarded the flight along with the rest. They tried to console me and keep me calm throughout the journey to Ahmedabad. But I sat removed from the others, feeling too low to talk. Riya tried her best to console me but to no use. Since it had been a birthday gift from my Mom, it was doubly special to me. I could imagine how terrible she would feel if I told her I had lost it on the trip.

'Don't worry. I will buy a new one for you. Now can you please smile for my sake?' said Riya.

'It's okay. You don't have to buy me a new one. I will manage somehow,' I a.s.sured her with a dull face.

'I haven't given you a choice. If I say I will get you one, it means I will. I don't want any discussion over it. Smile now.'

I gave her a half-hearted one. She knew there was no arguing with her over this issue. I had no choice but to agree with her.

We reached Ahmedabad. Mohit's driver was waiting for us outside the airport to take us back in his car. He pointed out Shahi Baug and IIM Ahmedabad to us. Driving through CG road, we reached his house at Paldi. His Mom welcomed us with a gracious 'kemcho'. Her warm greeting made us feel like we had known her for ages even though in actuality, the three of us were meeting her for the first time. I had heard a lot about Gujrati hospitality and how the families are loving and give guests a warm welcome.

Mohit introduced everyone to his Mom and grandmother. We greeted them by touching their feet. His Dad had already retired for the day and was asleep in his room.

After exchanging pleasantries with the elders, Mohit's Mom served us dinner consisting of theplas with pickle.

Then we went inside Mohit's room.

'I love your Mom. She is so sweet,' said Sonam.

'Oh, so you like your new mother-in-law already?' teased Riya. 'Just wait till you guys get married.'

Sonam blushed like a new bride.

After a hectic day, we needed some rest. Mohit and I decided to sleep in the guest room while the girls took the other room. After three nights together, it was hard sleeping away from them.

Tomorrow was a big day, one which would decide the fate of Sonam and Mohit's love story. We slept uneasily that night, not knowing what the new day would bring with it. What would be the ultimate outcome of their fairy tale? A fairy tale that had begun just few months back, and that was now going to be cemented by their engagement. We all waited with eagerness for the day when Mohit and Sonam would officially be declared a couple.

Rahe phoolon ki tarah zindagi aapki,

Chand se bhi haseen ho zindagi aapki,

Kabhi gham ki parchai na pade ye dua hai meri,

Har pal khus.h.i.+yon se bhari rahe zindagi teri.

Mohit got up before sunrise and woke me up to accompany him for a jog in Parimal Garden. Since his Dad jogged in that particular park every day, Mohit wanted to tell him the truth about his relations.h.i.+p with Sonam there itself. After getting fresh, we left for Parimal Garden on Mohit's bike. His Dad had already left for a park a while back.

Mohit was extremely nervous and repeatedly asked the same question about how his Dad would react. I calmed him down and told him to relax.

Spotting his Dad from afar near the water fountain, Mohit walked towards him and introduced me. His Dad looked like a typical Gujarati businessman.

'Dad, I need to talk about something really important with you,' he said nervously.

'What is the matter, Mohit? Is everything fine at work?' asked his father.

'Yes everything's fine, Dad. I am here with my friends. We took a detour from our business trip to talk about something really important with you. I have been dating Sonam for the past two months and we have now decided to get engaged with your permission. I know it's too soon for you, but you can take your time to think about it. She is the perfect girl for me, Dad. She cares for me and has strong family values. She is a typical Punjabi girl from Delhi,' Mohit said.

'Punjabi? A non-vegetarian? How will she adjust? Didn't you think about these things earlier? I don't want to say anything right now. Let's go home and discuss it,' said Mohit father with a heavy tone.

Mohit remained quiet all the way home.

When we entered the house, we saw that the entire living room was packed to capacity with what looked like Mohit's relatives. I presumed they had been called by his parents to discuss the pressing issue at hand. It looked like a scene straight out of a fish market. Finally, Mohit's father broke the commotion.

'Today's generation, I tell you! We have never restricted you from doing anything in life, have we Mohit? We agreed to all your demands and wishes. Still, you didn't care to inform us about Sonam. You should have at least told your mother about it. You come home and out of the blue tell us that you want to get engaged to her. That's not how it's done,' reproached his Dad.

Mohit remained silent. Sonam and Riya looked visibly afraid to say anything. His Mom tried her best to reason it out with his Dad saying, 'Sonam is a nice girl with strong morals and a sensible head on her shoulders.' But she failed to elicit any kind of favourable response from her husband.

Mohit's Dad gave Sonam his phone and told her to dial the number to her parent's house. Punching in the number, Sonam handed the phone back to him. Taking it, he got up from his place and went to the lawn behind the house. He spoke for around thirty minutes. Occasionally, we peeped outside the window to check what was going on and were somewhat relieved on seeing him smiling. We took it as a good signal, but did not want to unnecessarily jump to any conclusions and get disappointed later on.

He came in and asked Sonam to come with him outside. What the h.e.l.l is happening? I thought to myself. Why the h.e.l.l does every love story have a twist! Why can't G.o.d make a love story which cruises along smoothly and ends straight at death?

A few minutes later, Uncle came in with Sonam and announced that he needed some more time to think. All the relatives slowly left for their respective houses.

We all looked at Sonam to enquire about what she was asked, but she kept quiet.

All four of us went into Mohit's room and sat on the bed with tensed minds. His Mom came into our room and gave us the a.s.surance that Uncle would ultimately agree for the marriage and that there was no way he could go against Mohit's decision.

Sonam hugged Mohit's Mom and broke down. The poor girl must be having a hard time with all this. Aunty gently stroked her hair back, and that seemed to have a calming effect on her as her sobs eventually subsided. Who says mothers-in-law can't be mothers? I thought seeing them.

Sonam ultimately gave away the discussion she had with Mohit's father. She said the he was mostly worried about her family's living style as compared to their own. He said that the two cultures were vastly different from each other and that it would be very difficult for her to adjust with them. They didn't eat non-vegetarian food at all, and when Mohit wanted to eat it, he had to go outside to do so. Not only that, he also made her understand how Punjabis and Gujaratis have a completely different style of living from each other. And then he left it at that.

Before we could say anything, Uncle entered the room and sat next to Sonam, saying, 'Child, I have never opposed Mohit's decision. If he is happy with this union, I don't mind it. I was just a bit hurt about the fact that he never informed us or even mentioned anything to us on the phone. So the sudden decision to get engaged came as a bit of a shock to us. We don't know anything about you and your family, and we can't decide about our son's future within a second.'

Sonam was already beginning to tear up.

'Now darling, hold onto those precious tears for a little while,' requested Uncle and continued, 'When I went out for a talk with your Dad on the phone, he seemed like a real gentleman and said he would be happy to give away his daughter to Mohit. I told him we were equally lucky to have you as our new daughter. So, all we have to now do is put our heads together and fix a date for your engagement. But today evening, I have decided to throw a grand party for our relatives to announce your engagement. I hope you all are happy now.'

Mohit jumped off from the bed and hugged his Dad. He touched his parents' feet along with Sonam to receive their blessings.

Vows to take and prayers to say, promises to be kept on the engagement day! Tears will be shed when the rings will be exchanged, and they will be one step closer to eternal bliss. She will look gorgeous in a bride's dress. They will dance to the tune of love. Two hands will embrace forever. Two souls will be fused together by commitment. Two hearts will join by the purest form of love.

Sonam was with Mohit's family before the function. It was just a small party held to announce their engagement.

The entire house was decorated with flowers. The atmosphere of the party was vivacious, vibrant, and lively. Gujarat is known for its liveliness. The house was slowly flooded with people. I was standing alone drinking juice and eating ganthias and kachoris. Riya was with Sonam, while Mohit was getting ready.

Sonam came downstairs with Mohit's Mom and Riya, with Mohit following closely behind.

Mohit looked dapper in a black suit with a silver motif on it. But Sonam was indeed the showstopper that day. All eyes were on her as she descended the stairs. Even though her outfit was of a lovely colour, and not the flashy ones that most girls wear on their special day, she still looked stunning. She was wearing a traditional Gujarati sari in red having an intricate pattern of squares in gold woven along its border. I gathered some people whispering that the sari is called Gharchola. It was embellished with heavy sequins all through the pleats, giving it a royal look. Her hair was neatly tied in a side bun, and a heavy dupatta rested on top of her head. She was also wearing a diamond set with matching earrings that added grace to the overall look. An intricate nose ring called 'nath' completed the look. In short, Sonam looked divine.

Riya too looked gorgeous in a pink and silver saree. She spotted me from afar and came and stood beside me. We had snacks and dinner while Sonam was introduced to all the family members one by one. Everyone seemed to take an instant liking to her. And since no party in Gujarat is complete without Garba, we all were asked to join in as the music echoed. I was the worse at it, while Riya danced like a pro and tried teaching me a few moves. I didn't even want to partic.i.p.ate but Mohit forced me to do so. Occasionally, Riya looked at me and laughed seeing my awkwardness. Finally, the party drew to a close.

'Beta, we welcome you in our family with open arms. We'll take care of you the same way your parents did for so many years. You can share everything with us and please think of us as your parents and not your in-laws,' said Mohit's Mom affectionately. Mohit's Mom a.s.sured her that she will be a daughter to their family, not a daughter-in-law.

Sonam couldn't stop her tears. When a girl leaves her parents with whom she has stayed all her life and enters a completely new family, she hopes of receiving the same love and affection from them. With Sonam, it was no different.

I thought of how she was such a lucky girl to get such a supportive family. I hugged Mohit and congratulated him on the engagement.

We left for Mumbai the next day. We had to join our offices and report to our manager with an application for taking extended leaves. Both Sonam's and Mohit's parents had decided that they would meet in a week or two and decide the engagement date. It was not possible for Mohit and Sonam to join them due to work. Moreover, both of them wanted to let their parents meet alone. We landed in Mumbai after an eventful week. But my thoughts kept going back to Riya and our future togrther. Would our love story walk the same path as Mohit's and Sonam's? Or would there be something unpredictable, something which could change the course of our paths entirely? Few things are better left unsaid!