Ukiyo (noun)
Living in the moment, detached from the bothers of life.
♡♡
".... designing the celebration is not the term we use, we celebrate love. We give them memories to cherish for life. Any of the events may be, they all are based on and connected with the thread of love and we make it beautiful for them. We put colors, decors, and elements but the actual life is Love. It's the love that brims from their eyes, It's the love that shines in their faces and it's love which stretches as the happy grins. Spesh is about celebrating this feeling of happiness. This purity of bonds and everlasting feelings is what makes Spesh what it is." Yusra leaned against the table, palms holding her weight. "So, the group now that I have explained how important this concept is for us as an organization, it's time y'all tell me what is love according to you?"
A girl with a high ponytail and red highlights cleared her throat and the attention shifted to her. "I'm sorry to contradict, But Love is a myth mam just like Forever. We live in a world of Fast flipping relationships. We move from one person to another so quickly like we change clothes. This word does not exist, it's a mirage, an illusion created by society and writers where they personify the subject. All the events and weddings are a symbol of creativity and uniqueness. Their beauty is the mind of the person planning it not an illusion called love."
"You seem to be totally against the topic." Yusra chuckled, smiling at the girl "Tell me your name again please"
"It's Aisha Sinha" The girl nodded answering. Her eyes were calm but challenging at the same time.
"Anyone here who would like to contradict Aisha? But please remember this is just a discussion." She looked around at the interns who she was taking the orientation for. It was their first day here so hesitation was expected. She glanced towards the other person who raised his hand.
"Love is misunderstood as a mirage. People often think of it as an unachievable goal because they fail to identify its existence. Finding love is like finding a rare diamond in a coal mine. We see so many oars, waste soil, and then raw coal that we forget that diving a little deep may get us the diamond, though unrefined, but priceless once it's polished, cut, and shaped. I agree it's hard to find, and a tedious task to make out the difference but when you do, It's worth every effort." A boy countered.
"You missed highlighting the fact that the highest probability of disasters is when you dig deeper." Aisha debated.
"Taking risks means living. Being afraid of disasters will only make one sit back home and one who sits back stays there. He or she misses out on all the beautiful things meant for them." He stated.
"If safety is promised, then sitting back home is a better option than being burnt" the Girl retaliated. "Because Love burns"
The boy tries to reply when Yusra stops then.
"It wasn't a debate guys! You all were supposed to discuss not fight. Aisha and Utkarsh, you've put out your individual opinions, Now I want all to respect them." She sighs looking at the duo who seem to be passing challenging looks to each other. Her eyes swept the length of the room to find anything to be used as an extinguisher.
Her eyes stopped at Mahira who stood at the door of the conference area. Smiling to herself watching the exchange between these twenty-something freshers debating about a complicated topic like that one of Love. Talking about love was like talking about the Economic policies, their agendas, and the unfulfilled promises. Anyone can talk but the suffering is rightly spelled by only a few who have borne the burden.
"Mahi" She cried in relief.
Mahira gaped in surprise at being noticed, She took a tentative step inside and waved at the people present.
"Interns. You already know our Finance head Mrs. Mahira Bose Malik" She introduced her. The interns nodded in acknowledgment.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, I just heard this interesting discussion and couldn't help but stop to hear more."
Yusra cut her off with a wave. "I'm glad you stopped by because I can certainly use your help. You got married for love, your face screams the powerful feelings for your husband whenever he is mentioned so, why don't you clear this air of different opinions?" Yusra almost begged with her eyes, mumbling 'Help me'
"Love" Mahira tasted the word against her lips. She looked at the open space infront. Thinking what the word meant to her, what the word valued in her life. "I think love is exactly like Pandora's box. It is a forbidden mystery. Tantalizing and attractive which the heart constantly pushes you to open and when you follow it, you're bestowed with spells, magical and charming, yet binding and immortal. You either live under it happy, glinting or you break free from it, being wounded and scarred for life. It's like an oasis in the desert; hopeful, motivating, and soothing for the eyes. It can also be compared to the silver lining on a stormy night, a promise of hope and a new beginning. Love is precious to find and when you do, look forward to cherishing it."
"What if one can't find it?" Aisha questioned.
"How can you not find it? It's present in all of us." She stated and decided to elaborate "We all have love in our hearts which we shower on people close to us, to ourselves. Love is not just for a partner. It is also self-love, love for our parents, our friends, and our work. It's there inbuilt in us" She shrugged smiling and the girl shook her head smiling.
"You really made me eat my words back." She grimaced playfully.
"If Love is so precious, Why it is considered an accident?" Another intern, with bright brown eyes and a dimpled smile questioned.
"What's your name?" Mahira asked politely.
"Vedant" He replied.
"Vedant, people are right when they tag love as an accident. Because just like accidents, Love comes to you when you are a mess when you're least expecting and it topples on your head. Sometimes we shrug it off thinking of it to be a burden, completely unaware of its reality or at times when keeping it to ourselves, we try to hold it so tight that it's bruising, It leaves wounds and we end up letting it go. Either way, it's our decision to make. Holding or letting go. Love is trouble. You can't pinpoint it until you're too deep in it." She chuckled amusingly "We all learn to love from the day we are born into this world but as we grow up, with emotions love gets crushed in between. It gets trampled between our needs, expectations, and dreams. On our way to growing up, we lose ourselves and our love in the middle of time. But it comes back, and when it does, cherish it, it's not meant to be held. Let it flow, Let it come to you at its own pace. Feel it, enjoy it, and savor it."
The interns looked at her in awe and so did Yusra.
She had seen the change in the woman infront of her. From the meek, silent, and troubled Mahira Bose to becoming a confident, public speaker Mahira Bose Malik. She knew it was Love that changed her. It was the companionship she got from a man like Rajveer Malik who helped her transform into someone like her.
"Love works weirdly" Yusra started walking towards Mahira in the center, looking at the gradient-looking woman. "It makes you do weird things, feels crazy emotions, and brings changes like no other. You're right Mahi. Love is trouble but a very sweet one."
Mahira grinned at the statement.
"So now, interns please check out your e-mails. The tasks for the week have been allotted to you. You'll have to report to your respective heads for different events in the next hour. Till then please get a brief about the events you'll b co-ordinating and list down your ideas." Yusra instructed them and pulled Mahira out busying them.
"I really admire the way you explained such a typical concept to them so easily. Veer has done wonders on you" She teased her nudging their shoulders together.
"He did" Mahira admitted smugly. "Give a chance to your man and he would do too." She winked.
Yusra was flustered at the mention "He's not my man"
"Danish considers you as his and him yours. It's just you who has to give him the approval." Mahira stated the obvious.
"It's not easy, Mahi." Yusra said pouting.
"Then make it easy" She advised "You know he has got looks and looks bring crushes. Before a girl nabs him, stake your claim. Danish is looking for a hint from the past so many weeks. Give yourself a chance."
"I fear he would leave Mumbai and forget me. Now that the Mumbai branch of ACME is set up. Danish will return back to San Francisco. Long distance will never work between us." She said dejectedly. "Your husband is staying back for you but Danish wouldn't hamper his plans for a new relationship."
"Yusra you're overthinking" Mahira sighed "Stop thinking about the future. Stay in the moment. Danish can stay back but only if you make him. Like Veer, he can operate from here too or you can always go visit him there. Spesh is branching out, new staff is getting on board. Now that you're promoted as the head of HR, you can operate virtually. The working model is shifting to digital platforms. It's achievable if you put your mind to it. Just because of potential happenings in the Future, you can't be destroying your present."
Yusra took a deep breath "Let me think about this...Okay, baba I'll work on it now stop giving this disappointed look."
"That's better" Mahira grinned.
"Now why were you out of your cabin? Work done already Mrs. Malik?" Yusra questioned her faking sternness.
"Sorry mam, I was just taking figures and numbers from Vishal and Alisha to prepare a budget for the coming month. I'm not killing any of my time" she said faking innocence and explaining to Yusra as she was the HR head.
"I'll believe you for today" She continued the act, bursting out in laughter. Mahira followed.
Her smile wiped down as her eyes caught the gaze of familiar brown eyes, they were dull and without the happy, mischievous glimmers. Before Sakshi Verma would have joined them, hopping, grinning, and teasing but today Sakshi passed them a small smile and delved down back into her files and papers.
Mahira felt her heart constricted at the loss of her chirpy nature, Sakshi was the person who tried to make her comfortable in this office, now when she was pulling away from everyone, it was not a sight she liked.
"It's been two weeks of Sakshi acting like this," Yusra said dejectedly. "It's hard to see her like this when she won't even share what's eating her. Never she hid her problems from us. Even V doesn't know what has happened. She keeps saying she needs some space but when? I miss my friend."
"She'll tell us when she's ready. She's aware that we are here for her and that's what matters." Mahira said passing a small smile.
She knew what had happened. She took time to process the details So it was just fair, Sakshi takes her time too. It was big news she was brought face to face with.
Getting to know about a parent she never knew about was hard to digest. As an orphan Sakshi have made peace with no family but now she had two brothers and a father. She was yet to forgive her father but she was trying to make space for Veer and Ron in her life and It's Ayaan who should be thanked for the step. He has been there with Sakshi, being a constant in past two weeks. Taking care of her when she had a breakdown that night.
Rajveer had called him and requested him to stay with her. Ayaan didn't understand the deal before but when he reached her place, Sakshi broke into his arms and let him in on the new findings. He consoled her, whispered sweet nothings in her ears, and made her sleep.
The next day, Rajveer and Ranveer were locked together and had to reconcile knowing that they were to cook together, the brothers acted civil with each other and had finally come up with the idea to order pizzas as they had already burned a pot of chicken, making a mess of their kitchen. The lack of exchange was there but little progress could be seen. The brothers have been at Sakshi's place twice a week, wanting to bond with their sir but Sakshi had distanced herself, requesting for space from everyone. But being stubborn souls, they had coerced her into spending two hours with them, No matter if she was feeling up for it or not.
"I just hope this coming Wedding brings Sakshi back, She loves dressing up, and what better mood lifter if not pampering herself," Yusra suggested. "So this weekend, Is it?"
Mahira nodded grinning "Yeah, Big plans."
"Veer" She shook the sleeping form of her husband. She has been up for quite an hour now, searching for ways to make him agree to her plans. Well, the conclusion to all her thinking was to take advantage of his sleepy stature. A drowsy Rajveer Malik was more compliant with everyone.
Tapping his cheeks and shaking him she poked him in the ribs and he sat upright with a growl of protest. Throwing the pair of jeans and T-Shirt she selected towards him she stood with her hands on hips.
"Get dressed. We are going out." She announced and he looked up from his sleepy stature.
"W..here?" He asked yawning, rubbing his eyes he blinked a few times to get a clear image of her standing bossily in front. "And why are you up so ea...rly. Get back in bed Ira."
"No. No! You just get dressed." She said stepping back, far from his reach.
He grumbled and stood up to go towards the bathroom but turned halfway. "Come again for where are we going?"
"I'll tell you all about it. Just get dressed and come out in 20 minutes." She quickly made her demand clear and made her way out, not waiting for his reply.
With a smile, she greeted Geeta and then a very sleepy Mira who looked ready to pass out.
"Why do I have to give this interview so early in the morning?" She groaned complaining.
"Come on girl. You'll rock it." Mahira laughed ruffling her hair "Now tell me you'll be able to hold the fort for the time I take Veer out? We'll be here by Sunday afternoon most probably."
"Yes. Mahi. I'm a big girl and I can manage on my own. I'll feed Jim-jam five times a day and will take him out twice a day. If I need something I'll give Danish Bhai or Geeta a call, The gates will be locked and I'll be safe. I've to call you once a day. I remember the drill." Mira saluted sipping her green tea.
"Yes. Thank you. I just want these three days to go well." She prayed.
Mira nudged her arm "Everything will be good. Stop frowning. I don't want you to have wrinkles even before you become a mom. Now, why don't you go and change into the outfit I selected?"
Mahira grimaced "Do I really have to? You already packed things for me that I have no idea about and now this outfit. I really look good in this." She said glancing at her navy blue pants and printed white kurta.
"You look good but you need to look hot for your trip. You should hurry up if you want to get there on time. Chop-chop girl." She pushed him to the guest room door and Mahira sighed walking towards it.
She looked helplessly at the outfit laid out on the bed. She took a determined breath and decided to change. Adjusting the shoulders, she looked at her reflection removing non-existing creases from her grey sweater. Mumbai was humid but the drive to this place will be chilling. Yes smiled at Mira's selection.
The door opened and she snapped towards it.
"Jesus! You look divine Mahi" Mira awed, she walked from the door and fake glared at her "Stop tempering with this. It's supposed to stay off-shoulder." Mira pulled her left shoulder down and it slips down giving a view of her milky skin. Her hair was left open and parted in two halves at each side.
"Now this completes your look" Mira passed her a pair of shades and a grey handbag "Perfect" she grinned.
Mahira took an appreciative glance at her. The tight black jeans made her legs seem long and lean with muscles toned. The grey sweater enveloped her in warmth tucked in her jeans and fastened with a black sleek belt. The off-shoulder top cum sweater looked classy on her.
"Ira" Veer called from the living room and Mahira jumped at her place.
"You sure I'll be able to pull this?" She asked Mira who poked her tongue in her cheek.
"Come on girl. You'll rock it." She repeated Mahira's words and earned a fake glare in return "Go now." She pushed her out and Mahira wobbled a little because of her grey heels, holding her balance she took quick breaths and walked towards the hall.
"Ira where are..." Veer trailed with his words, eyes zoning on her as she walked towards him. He took a long leisurely sweep of her, his gaze burning holes but appreciative and amazed. She tucked her hair behind her and saw him trying to speak but his words seemed to be stuck.
"Let's have breakfast and then we should leave. It's a long drive." She said hesitantly and walked to the kitchen, smiling at Geeta who passed her the tray. She placed it on the dinner table and glanced at him. He still stood there with hooded eyes. "Veer?"
His daze broke and he snapped out of it. He walked towards her, yanking her arm he made her look at him. "What's going on here?" he tapped her forehead twice and questioned.
"It's nothing. Not a master plan you're afraid to be a part of" She scoffed. "Now eat. We have to leave"
His eyes narrowed but she didn't explain herself more. Giving up he settled on the chair and started eating. Mahira followed him.
The two were stealing glances at each other, not speaking but gobbling down the contents. His arm muscles strained as he reached the juice jug, giving the navy blue t-shirt a fit. His black slacks paired with black sports shoes. Her husband looked like a supermodel straight out of a fashion magazine, though it was the fact that many business magazines would die to have RV Malik's face plastered on their front page this man liked the privacy. No interviews, No media interactions, and No photoshoots. He had a low profile which helped him with his work. Fewer people know him, fewer chances of privacy intrusion.
Her head ducked down as his brow raised seeing her deep in her checking-out session. He flicked his fingers infront of her face and she looked back up at him.
"I'm asking you something Dave. What are these bags for? Where are we going?" he sounded curious but doubtful as Geeta placed the last bag near the dinning table.
"I'll tell you, first let me eat." She made an excuse.
"Okay. Enough of this suspense." He announced as soon as the last morsel reached her lips. She gulped it down slowly. "I want to know what this pretty head of yours is planning and why the hell Danish is not picking up my calls?" He was irked.
"He won't because you are on official leave for the next two days. No work only vacation." Mahira stated smugly. "Now carry these bags to the car and I'll be there in two minutes."
"Aren't you being very bossy?" He gritted, narrowing his eyes.
"Don't you love it when I'm?" She smirked. He shook his head and did what she asked him.
Quickly collecting her belongings and making sure she packed all of his things, She bid bye to Mira and Geeta and ran towards the elevator and down. Near the car, she found him leaning against it grumbling.
She stood infront of him, her arms going around his waist. "Give me your next two days please." She gave him her puppy eyes and he scoffed.
"You look like a raccoon doing that." He pointed and her face contorted in a pout. "Okay. Whatever you need you get." He sighed and pulled her closer holding her nape. Pecking her lips and letting her adjust to him, he let her initiate the kiss. Smiling as she took the lead and their lips molded against each other. Coaxing and moving in perfect sync like perfectly cut out pieces of puzzle.
"Now can we drive?" She asked breathlessly and he smiled at her flushed cheeks, nodding.
"500 meters straight," the Google assistant said, its voice resonating in the car. He rolled his eyes making her chuckle.
The car drove past the traffics and crowd, cutting to the highway and into the roads giving an amazing and soulful view of nature. Trees surrounded both sides, as Mahira lowered the window, the cold wind hit her face. It felt soothing. He glanced at her and smiled at her happiness. The sun peeked through the curtains of leaves making her skin glow.
He decreased the speed a little and clicked a picture of hers, she snapped out of her trance and looked at him as he lowered the device.
"What did you do?" She asked blushing.
"Clicked my new wallpaper." He replied smugly and increased the pace.
She blushed more and turned to look towards him, staring at him as he drove.
"Stop looking at me or you're never reaching Alibaug. I'll stop the car and start kissing you right here." He warned.
"Doesn't sound like a bad idea." She grinned playfully.
"You Little thing, You're going to pay for all of this." He did glaring at her, biting his smile back.
She laughed and he admired her carefree self. His palm shot to her and he pulled her closer to him. His palm holding her face near to him.
"Veer, you're driving" She glanced towards the road which was mostly empty if not for a car or two at distance.
I know" he hummed. His eyes strayed back to her and then went back to the road. He pulled her more and settled her on his lap.
"What are you doing?" Her eyes widened and she gasped as he settled her legs around his waist. She clung to him stealing glances back at the road.
"Keeping you close," he replied and adjusted one hand on the gear and the other on the steering. Caressing her back every once in a while.
"You're crazy" She stated.
"Only for you dove. Only for you."
I'll be waiting for your definition of love. Do tell me what you think about this word.