Parineet was feeling fine. Light like a winged bird, who's out of cage, whose wings were once clipped for no reason. A prisoner out of shackles, in which she was tied for no crime. She never knew confiding everything, into Taran would be so simple and satisfying for her soul.
Certainly, she can't deny that Ayaan was the first outsider to know about her condition, her past and her secrets but it was a necessity for her to tell him all that, not her will. She had to, she never wanted it.
Though Ayaan is the reason, now she was more comfortable with herself, her skin and her agonising past, she was in awe of Taran's considerate behaviour towards her.
A doctor has to be a listener, to heal his patient, he does things without judging and questioning his patient's character or story.
But Taran is no more her doctor. He's her friend, a three day old friend who had all the rights to judge her, to think of her in whichever way his mind could, he is not bound to her by any duties or professionalism. But he did what she never expected out of anyone. Parineet always feared of letting out her truth to people. She didn't try to mingle up with sweet people of her society, her neighbours next doors because of her fears and insecurities. But Taran's words, his lent ears, his sound voice, his believe in her, has washed her with a sense of relief, security and assurance.
Before the phone call, she had decided to say a sorry and tell him to not force her into this friendship she has initiated. She didn't want him to expect something because she may let him down. Because she was so trapped by the baggage of her deeds and her past. But when he called up, she couldn't help but cry. She cried because she was almost close to lose the one friend she made in this city. She cried because she thought he was ignoring her and this feeling was eating her mental peace away. She couldn't control the raging emotions, the haywire sentiments and complex feelings she had for Taran at that moment. She saw him as the only friend, confidant she can't dare to lose. So bipolar of her? Huh. Though Ayaan didn't mention this disorder but she felt like one sufferer.
Taran's words acted as a balm to her pain. He was only busy. He didn't ignore her. Just like Neeti. He reminds her of Neeti very closely nowadays.
The way she never ignored her, Taran assured her that he won't do it. Not only her, he never ignores any of his friends. That's how he is.
She was elated, relieved but guilt ridden because she is not like him. Parineet is avoiding Neeti since last four months and now she has told it on her face that she would not keep in touch.
Why? Because Neeti's pregnant with Rajeev's child.
Parineet sobbed a little more. Why she can't be strong like Taran? Why she can't forget and forgive everything? She knows it's too early for all this, since she is in the middle of the process. Healing and recovering from your past is not a quick process. It's the lengthiest one. What if she gets lost? She had numerous questions in her mind at that time but Taran made it easier for her. It came naturally to her, to went out, to yell the truth to him.
And he was there for her, she could feel it. He was not making fun of her, judging her for her gross thoughts, instead he made her feel special, strong and sane.
Taran called her again the same evening.
"Hello Parineet!"
"Hey!" She replied in a timid voice. As usual.
"Are you fine champ?" He asked smilingly to boost her moral.
"I'm fine. And I am not a champion."
"C'mon I told you. You are one fighter. And you will win it."
"I hope so." Her answers were short and curt, but she meant her words. She really hopes that she comes out as a fighter and wins the battles life has thrown in her way.
"You know what. Girls are always more stronger than men. God has created them like that. Running a whole house, being the perfect mother, sister, wife to us as*holes is a task." She chuckled much to Taran's surprise and he smiled at her innocence.
"You women, take menstruation - which is a condition of constant bleeding for almost a week so casually. Like that? I mean we men can't surely can't do it so sportingly I bet. You bring the utmost joys and happiness to this world by giving birth to a life. And on the top of all these gifted abilities, you have learned to excel in every damn field of both profession and emotion.
You know what Parineet, we men, largely, I'm not saying all, but yes most of us, just dump girls, sometimes cheat on them and still are keen on finding a perfect match. A girl who should be perfect for them, not thinking once if we would be perfect for them or not. And on our worst behaviours, We take heartbreaks to ego. But you. You handled heartbreak in the most elegant way. You chose happiness for your best friend, freedom for yourself and left him guilty. And now you are an amazing fighter against depression, waiting to rule your life with love and warmth. You have surely taken a hard decision but it gonna be worth it in the end. I can promise you that. Just don't waver at your confidence, don't think low of yourself. Life would be beautiful. And you have me by your side. Ayaan and Vikram too."
Parineet couldn't interrupt him once in his long speech, in fact she didn't realise she had held her breath before she let it out once he stopped. She could listen him all the time. His words are magical. But she is also aware of herself and her capabilities. She's not that strong but definitely not a loser.
"Taran. I don't know how to thank you..." She said finally after a long pause. She could not find words to match his great ones easily.
"What you said, is definitely the truth but it sounded so much easier than it is. I am not that much determined as you mentioned but I promise you that I won't disappoint you." These words brought a satisfactory smile on his face. A grin which is the result of her courage and self belief. He was more than happy that he could help.
"I know that. I'm proud of you!" He truly is.
Taran wanted to meet her personally but for some reason, didn't act accordingly. He wanted her to take time, process his words and work upon them. Moreover he himself needed time to digest her reality with more ease.
In all this hassle of comforting her, he forgot about himself. Getting to know that she was in love with someone before, though he used to guess it, was a difficult for him. And he didn't know why!
Did he like her? Does he like her? Has he began to adore her? He is confused about all this but one thing is very clear to him that her past has somewhere pricked him a little.
She was married. To someone else.
She was in love. With someone else.
Taran, on the other hand was mad at that guy. Rajeev.
"What a f*cking bastard." Taran hit the punching bag very furiously in the gym.
The thought that he cheated on Parineet, lured her to a world of illusions and framed another innocent girl in all this mess wasn't going well with Taran. Till now, in his life, whatever he has seen, and the number of people he is acquainted to, or has a relationship with, have been very simple.
Ayaan and he had so many relationships in their lives. They broke up, someone broke up with them and they were back to square one. Infidelity was never in their dictionary. His mom dad - they had an arranged marriage, fell for each other so strongly and till now, they are together. Her mother is very much in love with his late father, which actually makes his belief in love stronger.
He himself, had relationships, one night stands, a non dating relationship with Shikha but infidelity? Bigamy? Never ever.
Taran has never seen or heard such a complex situation in his entire life. He saw simple love stories and that's what he manifests for himself. A part of him feels pity and sad for an innocent and chaste Parineet who had to go through all this, without any fault. Life can be very cruel sometimes. His heart ached for her. She didn't deserve all this.
Taran stopped boxing and wiped away the sweat beads from his forehead with a towel. He picked up his phone and called Ayaan to arrange for Parineet's therapy session at the earliest.
"I'll arrange it for her tomorrow." He said.
"Thank you brother!" Taran felt something heavy lifted off from his chest. He was relieved.
Parineet and Ayaan met the next day. She didn't think that Taran would actually make him arrange this session so early. But the sweet best friend he is. Best friend? Can people have two best friends?
Parineet pondered about this without blinking her eyes and she decided. No one can take Neeti's place or share it. But Taran in a very short period of time has taken a special place in her life, so he will be her special friend. He's like a fairy god mother to her damsel in distress. He uses his magical wand and everything falls into place. Things become easier. She is becoming better. She wonders how he does that. So smoothly and efficiently. He's a angel in disguise of human. She doesn't want to over exaggerate but atleast for her, he is.
The therapy helped her more. She was more vocal. Parineet told Ayaan what bothers her and what has stopped affecting her. She told him about her insecurities which are now a little less overpowering than they were before talking to Taran. All because of his best friend and her special friend Taran. Ayaan was taken aback by the sudden developments in the relationship shared by Parineet and Taran, but equally happy too. At least now they both won't fight and will behave decently with each other.
"I told you right. We are not a bad company to you." Ayaan chuckled and Parineet happily nodded.
"Parineet just be yourself. Talk it out not because you have to, don't take it as a liability on your shoulders. Making connections and bonds is a thing that comes out from within. Just the way you broke down in front of Taran, uncalled. It should be an act of free will." Ayaan added.
He was also vehemently amazed by the progess Parineet has shown. She is able to control her inaccurate emotions now. He assured her that the way she reacted was not the best but not the worst too. It was the least expected thing, considering the stage of therapy she is at. Also she isn't suicidal, and insomnia is no longer her best friend. All this fulfilled Parineet with more strength and willpower to overrule her clinical depression. Ayaan was proud of her. Another success story of his medical practice was in making.
As soon as she left, Ayaan dialed Taran's phone number to inform him. This time, his intention was not to tease but to genuinely tell him that his friend is doing fine.
"Was she fine? Was she gloomy? Tell me Ayaan." Taran said excusing himself from the last appointment. He got free just then.
"Breathe Taran breathe. I am here to answer your questions. Damn!" Ayaan couldn't help but laugh. This girl has Taran on chokehold, he thought.
"Yeah. I am sorry. I should not be so overprotective." Taran sighed in defeat. He is conflicted. His thoughts, his worries, his constant urge to meet her have grown ten folds since yesterday. And he's not liking it. It is not his place to feel so strongly for her.
"No! I didn't mean that. You are not over protective. Afterall without your knowledge, she just broke down in front of you and told you all of that, anyone could have got worried for her the way you did. It's fine brother." Ayaan's words calmed down his thumping heart. He tends to solve his every problem without even saying. A true friend indeed.
"She has suffered through a lot Taran. I know each and every detail. It was a painful time for her. Still is." Ayaan added and Taran could not agree more. She never deserved this.
"She is not in touch with her best friend who keeps on calling, messaging her. Even if Parineet tried to stay away and forget, the situation didn't help. But I am glad she is fine now." Taran's eyes went wide with horror, but wasn't it obvious? No best friend can let go of their friend so easily. Specially when she doesn't know what went wrong. It is actually very frustrating for Neeti, if he considers the other side of the story.
"Parineet have me now. I would try my best to make her move on. I just hope she tells Neeti the truth when time comes. It's not fair to her either." He replied clearing his throat. Ayaan could sense the sincerity behind his words. To lighten up the mood, he said "Well Parineet said the same. She has you! Oh my goodness I can't tell how much she was praising you. I felt jealous." He wasn't lying though.
"What did she say?" Ayaan got startled by Taran 's overexcited voice. The effect she already has on her, bewilders Ayaan.
Recieving a thirty seconds silence and then an eruption of a good laughter from the other side, embarassed Taran. If he has seen him jumping from his chair and standing up in curiosity, Ayaan wouldn't have let him live in peace. Glad they were talking on phone. Taran breathed.
"Friendship is blooming at a good pace I see." Ayaan teased.
"I doubt if it turns into love and I may end up cheating on you." Taran scoffed.
"You doubt it? I am sure of it." Ayaan laughed and Taran realised that no way he can win against Ayaan. This guy never leaves a chance to tease him.
"Only Zainab can fix your stupid mind." Taran sighed giving up.
"She is already on my mind Taran. Bro I can't tell you what it feels like to be in love." His voice sounded drunk in love. High. Dreamy. Taran was utterly happy for his best friend. Finally the mighty Ayaan has found a girl who has made him crazy and fall in love.
"I'm jealous of you!"
"I can understand. Also I wanna tell you something.." Ayaan was shy.
"You guys kissed?" Taran said before Ayaan could tell and his eyes went wide in surprise as his friend nodded happily.
"Oh man! You are so in a rush." Taran added as Ayaan shyly hummed in positive.
"She kissed me when we were inside the elevator. Not I -"
"- Oh my goodness. Lucky bitch you are!"
"I know. My heart is in a puddle ever since."
"Lover boy is sick. Wait did you guys -"
"- NO!" Ayaan shrieked.
"We didn't do anything as wild as you think. We just went on a coffee date. And 'that' only gonna happen after our nikaah."
"Oh my god. Nikaah and all haan? I can't believe you are saying this. I was surprised when you told me she is the daughter of Mr Sultan and he chose you for her. But listening about marriage from you is definitely a bigger shock than that. I need time to recover from this." Taran huffed dramatically. Ayaan has never been serious in relationships because he thought no one could satiate him. And actually he never got satisfied. He always kept looking for someone as perfect as him. Surely he's one self centered and narcissistic guy but in the process of letting down the advances thrown by so many women, towards him, he was very mature and never disrespectful.
"I can feel you Taran. Even I am shocked with myself. But that's how it is. Okay gotta go. She is here." Ayaan winked and hurriedly disconnected. He can't forget how he only met Zainab two days back, properly and now she has agreed to date him.
When she kissed him that day in the elevator taking him by surprise, it was the best day of his life.
"She is a fu*king goddess Taran." He had told his best friend. There are no simpler words he could define her with. Zainab is a walking drug and he is addicted to her. He has already surrendered himself to her mercy.
As she walked in his living room, carrying her slender body so confidently, she looked like a temptress. Zainab, was clad in a spaghetti top, a skin fit jeans and an expensive cream coloured shrug over the top. She carries causal looks so effortlessly that Ayaan gets clean bowled. Zainab curved her lips in the sweetest smile and hugged him. Ayaan threw his arms around her as he was enjoying this time with her very much.
Two hours passed and they talked about everything. Their preferences, choices, likes and dislikes. They had many things in common with difference of opinions. Zainab never felt happier than this and she was happy to oblige by his father's choice for her. He surely chose the best.
"So when are you thinking on giving up on this?" Zainab asked as Ayaan let out a drag of cigarette in front of her. She doesn't want to sound annoying and controlling but she does have a problem with this habit of him. She is fine with causal drinking but smoking has never been on her list.
"I am already on it. For a chain smoker like me, I have reduced the count to two per day."
"Liar!"
"Okay fine! For now its five per day. But ain't it a progress?"
"I appreciate it. And I'm sorry if I sound like a maniac, arguing and telling you the same thing over and over again. But I never wanted that quality in my husband. I am just a little obsessed with this thing."
"With cigarettes?" Ayaan joked and she threw a pillow towards him while giggling.
"With my no smoking campaign!"
"I very well understand your concern Zainab. And even I was keen to stop this but never found an end to this vicious circle but you! I can't let you go Zainab. I don't want to lose you at the hands of this packet, which ultimately harms me too." Ayaan was never more serious in his life than this and Zainab could feel the sincerity in his words. She is so happy that he is her companion. Life partners can never be perfect. No human is. The one who puts in efforts and try to overcome his/her shortcomings for you is the true life partner. A little of affordable compromises, efforts, sacrifices and unbreakable trust makes life more meaningful and worthy and Zainab has realised this really soon with Ayaan. Surely they started this relationship like the way two teenagers start a casual fling but they were very serious. They fell for each other's wittiness and confidence. And since then, they are on a spree to take it slow, so that they can spend time to know each other better.
"I just have one thing in mind, and I can't help but tell you." Ayaan said in a flushed manner.
"Transparency is the key Ayaan."
"I know that's why I wanted to tell you something. I don't know if you are aware about or not but your father has begun to enquire about me through my colleagues."
"What? I didn't know -"
"You remember I told you about Taran. My best friend who works with me at the same hospital, your dad called him up to ask about me, my personal details. And God knows how many colleagues he must have called for the same reason."
"I am sorry Ayaan." Zainab slipped her hand on his thigh, her eyes were full of guilt. Ayaan placed her hand on his and replied "I felt useless Zainab. He should not have done that. Firstly he chose me as your match and didn't bother to inform me about anything and next inspite of approaching me, he opted this way of intruding in my privacy. I didn't like it."
"I am genuinely sorry Ayaan. I'll talk to abba about this today. He knows we have started dating and he is fine with it. I don't know why he did this then." She caressed his left cheek and smiled sadly.
"Don't be stressed. I just preferred to tell you all this rather than hiding. I would like to have a chat with your father soon. Tell him. I want to meet him." Zainab's eyes shimmered with happiness. The way Ayaan has been brave, bold and sure about them in just three days, has made her free from worries.
She resisted but these words didn't help her much in giving a brief peck on Ayaan's cheek. He blushed vigorously in reaction and this made her giggle.
"I'll tell him what you said. Okay. I think I should leave now. It's already late." She said and Ayaan nodded half heartedly. He escorted her to the main doors.
Love is the best feeling he has experienced so far. It makes you smile, understand things better, makes you feel complete. Falling in love can be fast paced as his own case and can be a very long journey of care and realisation just the way he could see it happening with his best friend.
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A/N : What do you guys think of this chapter?
In between the lines, Parineet and Taran made a very good progress. Should we begin with the love story or not?
*Author winks*
Xoxo!