Delightful Deception...2

And the day of our departure arrived. We decided to be in touch with each other through e-mails, calls and google+. Mom asked me to take rest for 6 months. I was ready for that.

One day, I was sitting alone in a café. It was a beautiful place. Old music bands music was being played. It was called “Gregorian”. The music was so soothing to ear. I loved it. It was mesmerizing. I slowly sipped my coffee thinking about the party. That girl had still not left my head.

Suddenly I saw her entering the café. My eyes blinked as if I was in a dream. But I was trying to avoid her. She came & sat on a table close to mine. She was facing me, but never noticed me. I continued with my coffee. Suddenly I saw her coming towards me. “I think I have seen you somewhere!” She banged a question on me.

I looked at her, astonished. Returning to my senses, I said,” I am from recent pass-out batch of the University”, “Really? Can I sit with you?” I was not in a state of saying NO to her, so I affirmed. She said.” You are the most talented guy from our college; you have won several prizes for management and technical contests, with some friend of yours.” “Frank is his name” I replied without displaying any interest. But she looked with a twinkle in her eyes. I was amazed. I thought, “All girls, just the same” At last she said, “You don’t have a girlfriend? Why?” “It’s because my type girl cannot exist, no way.” I just got up & said, “And I am leaving for home, should I drop you to home? Or your boyfriend is coming to take you to….home” I completed after a pause. She replied, “I don’t have a boyfriend & why will you drop me home?” I said “I am not those type of guys who leave ladies on way, are you coming? “She looked at me surprised as if her eyes were saying, “What a different guy you are”. She got up & was ready to be with me. On our way I asked her, “You never made any boyfriend or left them”. She said, “We don’t even know each other well, not also names, why are we talking like this? Can we meet sometime later & talk” I wanted to say no, but could not, I don’t know why? 

Delightful Deception...1

I entered the big hall decorated with ribbons, balloons & banners. I was with my best college mate Frank. We were surprised to see the arrangement. Our juniors had accomplished an awesome task to embellish such a big hall. I could read at the end of hall a big banner – “FAREWELL TO THE CLASS OF 2099”. Frank said, “Splendid job isn't it”. I nodded

in affirmation. We were quite type guys always involved in extra research work besides our normal classes. At 24, we were still away from most of the worldly affairs. We preferred working on career than on distractions.

There were other batch-mates present there too. Each one had their girlfriend/boyfriend beside him. We were the only ones who were single. Not so funny, but we considered ourselves different. We roamed around the hall watching the dancing people, boys & girls drinking & smoking. I said, “All crazy maniacs, moving straight to hell”. Frank nodded & added,” And after this they will think only of bed, & not of getting settled with one person, what a world we are living in!”  At the end of hall, I saw a group of juniors sitting & watching mad seniors. Taking a cold-drink in my hand, I dragged Frank towards them. I saw a girl smiling & laughing too much. She had some guy beside her. 

I could not stop and commented, “She looks so innocent”, “and cute” added Frank. I reiterated, “Who knows, can we read anyone’s face, she might just like all other girls around.” “Yes buddy, probably”, Frank said. But something had clicked in my mind, I thought I have seen her somewhere, I cannot guess why. Soon the party was over. We both were returning home in Frank’s car. He asked amazed,” You seem to be so quite since you saw that girl. Are you interested? Tell me buddy, we will try to find her & fix a dinner with you.” I replied in exclamation,” Me? No way, never, it cannot happen ever. My type girl, she cannot exist. She is in my dreams & let her be” “So will you remain a bachelor throughout your life?” “Cannot say, yaar” I replied. Frank smiled silently.

These were our last few moments at the University of California. We had just graduated in Industrial & Business Management. Frank was leaving for Michigan, where he had got a fine job. I had decided to move on to Texas for my higher studies. But I had free time of six months in between. I was joining the winter session of MBA at University of Texas. Soon we got our degrees. 

The Ringing Bell...14

Bell: Thanks a lot, I am leaving, bye.

Ryan: Bell!

Ryan (seriously): Marry me!

Bell: What? Why?

Ryan: I was just thinking what is the best that I can do for you? I got the answer.

Bell (angrily): I think you are just being compassionate. You just want to sympathize with me.

Ryan: Love, I don’t sympathize for whom I care & whom I love. For them, it’s me, my life, everything in me, for them, whom I love & you are the one whom I love like a maniac.

Bell: It’s very hard for me to believe.

Ryan: I know my dear, my awkward behavior has compelled you to think like that. But, now I must confess, I just want to love you. I swear this rose that you gave me, that poem I wrote for you, that view of Alps, this snow that makes you look so beautiful that I want to love you, just you, my dearest. I wish to make you the happiest girl of this world.

In all this adventure, they both had come out of car & now standing in garden.

Bell: Ryan, are you not frightened?

Ryan: Your love is the most precious jewel in my life, it’s my strength to fight & get over everything & every moment it helps me to live & love you & this beautiful life with you. (Sitting before Bell) Marry me, Bell. I love you & I love you, more than my life.

Bell: Dear, you are getting too emotional!!

Ryan: I am emotional only for my love, my sweetheart, my Bell! She has my heart, my life & my every thing in her heart.

Bell: Love, you are going crazy!

Ryan started to look for a flower in the garden)

Ryan: I am crazy after you!!! (Taking out Bell’s rose)   

If I could have just one wish,
I would wish to wake up everyday
to the sound of your breath on my neck,
the warmth of your lips on my cheek,
the touch of your fingers on my skin,
and the feel of your heart beating with mine...
Knowing that I could never find that feeling,
with anyone other than you.

So, my dearest Bell, marry me. 

Bell (smiling): Goodness, you have become a real poet!!

Ryan (sitting before her & giving her the rose): In your love, my mistress, my princess, my love.

Bell (taking the rose & smiling): Sweetheart, will you not like to kiss your bride!!!

The Ringing Bell...13

Frank: Don’t worry, he is just thinking. He will find a solution soon & then start talking again.

Tina: I hope that everything gets fine between them.

Frank: That will, dear, both of them are not as puerile as they seem to.

Tina: I pray. Let’s move in, I need some good music & you, this beautiful evening.

Frank: Me too!!

On the other hand, Ryan was driving his car too slowly. Everything seemed to have stopped. Bell was getting impatient. After 10 minutes, she broke the silence.

Bell: Dear, don’t you want to know how your poem was? It was the first ever something that someone had written just for me. And, I must say, it is most beautiful poem I have ever heard. Thanks a lot for that. I never knew that you can write so well. It was a brilliant effort from your side. But my effort also is worth noticing, the red rose I gave you this morning was the first one from my first garden. Did you like it?

Ryan maintained his silence. Bell was loosing her mood. She tried again after 5 minutes.

Bell: Love, can you see those hills? This view of Alps is so beautiful & this snow is making this moment more beautiful than ever. And most important I am with my Prince Charming. How cute he looks when gets angry… I love his angry face… (Chuckling)

Ryan kept his silence. This was really upsetting Bell. Ultimately, she opened her mouth again.

Bell: I know Ryan, this is my last trip with you. After you leave me, you will never talk to me. You don’t know how sorry I am. (With tears) I wish, love, I could tell you how much I love you. From the day we met, I knew that you would hold my heart in your hands. You did more than that. In fact... you completely own me and every part of me. When I think of you, my heart is so full of love and passion for you that I can hardly contain myself. Whenever I am with you, I forget the world & everything around me. But, I never knew that my love for you is so weak that you will just move away from me?

The car stopped. They had reached their destination. 

The Ringing Bell...12

A Beautiful Life…

On their way back, Ryan maintained his silence. Bell kept on trying to provoke him to say something, but in vain.

Tina: Hey guys, what’s up? How was your time?

Ryan: Fine, sysin.

Frank: So what did you people do?

Bell: Walked, had ice cream & more.

Frank: Hey guys jump into the car, it’s waiting for us. Ryan you take the driver’s seat. You have to take to the disco about which you told us.

Ryan: Ok, bro. But I am not in a mood of talking. I wanna go home.

Tina: What happened?

Bell: Nothing serious sis. (Telling a lie) I just remembered that I have some important work, so I need to return home early.

Frank: Oh no. No work today, at least.

Bell (making a sad face): It’s important.

Frank: That’s why you have such a serious demeanor, Ryan.

Ryan remained silent.

Frank: Anyways, please drop us at the disco.

Bell: Then we will go home.

Tina: Ryan, please drop my sis home. We will return home in a taxi, okay.

Bell: ok, my sweet sis.

All four of them entered the car. Throughout the journey, Ryan kept his silence. At the Disco, they dropped the senior couple. Then Ryan started to drive towards Bell’s home.

Tina: Love, I am really worried about them. Ryan did not spoke in front of us for more than half hour. Something serious must have happened.

Frank: You are right dear. But I know my brother very well. Whenever he is upset, he keeps is silence. He does not get angry at others & but only at himself.

Tina: I am really worried.

The Ringing Bell...11

Ryan went & brought an ice-cream for Bell.

Bell: You remember when I replied in affirmation for your proposal?

Ryan: Can I forget that beautiful evening of 20^th October? Never, my love.

Bell: I also remember when we had a fierce altercation, on what to buy for your brother’s birthday.

Ryan: Yes, it was your decision to give a combined gift. That set of pens you decided to give him was a bogus idea.

Bell (sadly): You have already made me cry regarding that. Do you want me to cry again?

Ryan: Oh so sorry dear. I cannot bring that moment back & hold those dropping pearls from your eyes, but I can promise you one thing, that I will never make you cry. You are my treasure sweetheart and you are my best friend.

Bell: I love you Ryan. (Teasing) Because this ice cream is very tasty…

Ryan: I love you too sweetie. Oh dear, your hazel eyes are so beautiful!!!

Bell: O really, you were about to give me some gifts today.

Ryan: Oh, silly me! Well sweetheart, I have written something for you.

Bell: Sounds good.

Ryan (taking out a paper): Here it goes:

She is the girl...whose hands I want to hold forever,

She is the girl...whose fragrance I wish to smell forever,

She is the girl...whose voice I wanna hear forever,

She is the girl...whom I wish to see smile forever,

She is the girl...whose twinkling eyes mesmerize me always,

She is the girl..., with whom I wanna stay forever,

She is the girl..., to whom I have given my heart,

She is the girl..., whose existence makes me smile always,

She is the girl..., whom I can never forget,

She is the girl of my dreams.

And she is no one but my Bell.

You are the first

--- Fascinating scenery of nature,

--- Cloud of rains,

--- Ray of sun in winters,

--- bud of red rose,

--- First drop of dew on leaves,

--- Desire & inclination of mine,

--- Promise of love,

--- tear of happiness,

---dream of my open eyes,

--- Leaf of pine,

--- Song of Beethoven.

--- Best gift of God for me.

And you are my first love ever!!!

It’s you, just you & only you (for me)!!!

Bell: pooh, pooh!

Ryan: Did you like it?

Bell: It’s too long.

Ryan: That was my first attempt, which I have written for anyone. Tell me, did you like it.

Bell: I am highly impressed.

Ryan: Its for your eyes, for you, for your smile & something that will always make you smile.

I wish I could look in your eyes forever.

Bell (getting serious): Dear, I need to tell you something.

Ryan (getting impatient): What? Whether you liked it or not?

Bell: Something else!

Ryan: Say anything, you want to.  

Bell: Dear, it’s serious. Your seriousness towards me has compelled me to say this.

Ryan (making a sad face): I hope that you are not in love with someone else.

Bell: No dear, you said that you wish to see in my eyes forever. That’s not possible.

Ryan (smiling): Don’t worry; I am not getting blind soon.

Bell: But I am going to die soon, may be 1-2 years.

Ryan (completely astonished): Why?

Bell: Sorry dear, I must have told you, I have Cancer!

Ryan: What? Oh dear, you should have told me!

Bell (sadly): Yes dear, I never told you, I am so sorry!

Ryan: You never said that, not even to me.

Bell: Especially you, because I love you.

Ryan: Oh dear, Oh dear, Oh dear!

And Ryan sat down on a bench, sadly, looking sadly towards the sky. Bell sat next to him.

Bell: Please Ryan, say something.

Ryan kept his silence.

Bell (trying to change mood): Honey, it’s already 5:15 pm; we have to meet your bro. Let’s see what these guys have done in past hour.

Ryan (getting up): Come, let’s go.

The Ringing Bell...10

Just for Your Eyes…

Bell: Thanks a lot for bringing me to this place. This garden is so beautiful.

Ryan: And you are enhancing the charm of this place.

Bell: Here are so many couples out here, where can we sit?

Ryan: Lets walk dear & instead of looking at these people, look in my eyes, you will feel lot better.

Bell: I am always comfortable with you.

Ryan: Look at those red roses sweetheart.

Bell: Yes dear, they look so beautiful.

Ryan went ahead & plucked one of the roses.

Ryan: This rose for my rose.

Bell: Sweetheart, it’s very costly.

Ryan: Dear, I have already paid for tickets.

Bell: But it costs 50 DM.

Ryan: How can you say that?

Bell pointed towards a board. It read, “Anyone who plucks flowers will be fined 50 DM”. Consequently he saw a patrolling officer arriving.

PO: Sir, you are fined 50 DM for your offence. This is a new park & you are not allowed to pluck flowers & all.

Ryan: But, Officer today is day of Love & I have done this for my Lady Love. Cannot my offence be forgiven?

PO: Sorry sir, that’s not possible.

Bell: Sweetheart, am I not worth more than 50 DM? (flickering her eyes quickly)

Ryan: My dearest, you are worthless for me. But I am still not earning. I told you that I am joining my office on 14^th March. So, all this money comes from my brother’s pockets. That’s why I am sorry.

Bell: Dear, don’t get worried. I will talk to him, you pay the fine. We are in love & we are here for something more important, that is our love, so please…

Ryan: OK Officer, have this money. May be some day you will understand what love’s all about.

The officer went away.

Bell: Sweetheart, please don’t get dejected. Let’s walk, can you see those kids playing.

Ryan: Thanks dear, you are so different.

Bell: Do you remember when we met for the first time?

Ryan: Yes, it was my day of convocation at the varsity, on 17^th July. But I saw you for the first time with your sis on 17^th April last year. You looked stunning in your blue gown. You were with my sysin. I was in a hurry for my project work, so I did not talk to you.

Bell: O really, I am amazed.

Ryan: I was not able to forget your charming face till I saw you again after 3 months. Thanks to my sysin, that you were her sis, so I really had a chance with you.

Bell (suspiciously): What chance?

Ryan: Chance to be your Valentine someday my princess. Today that day has arrived.

Bell: Did you fell in love with me then, I mean in April?

Ryan: No dear. I was just attracted towards your mesmerizing charm. Not many girls have grace that you have on your face.

Bell: No one has ever given me compliments that you give and no one has said things the way you do!

Ryan: But your other qualities make you so different, that ultimately I did propose you.

Bell: It was 4^th October, I remember. I was so happy that day. I had a liking for you since we met for the first time. But dear, why did we not meet at your brother’s marriage?

Ryan: That’s because I was away to Belgium. My last semester was extremely busy. But I am happy that we ultimately did find each other.

Bell: Look at these kids sweetheart; they are the best creations of God on this earth.

Ryan: You are right, I love to see kids playing. They make me forget my fatigue. Let’s sit down on that grass. Hey, Will you like to eat something?

Bell: Anything, love.

Ryan: Wait, I will just return.

The Ringing Bell...9

After some time the waitress returned. She placed the order on table.

Tina: Things look really delicious.
Ryan (smiling notoriously): You know the state of my mouth.
Frank: Let’s start guys. I am hungry.
Bell: For sure.

The waitress returned after some more time.

Waitress: So did you all enjoy the food?
Tina: Yes, it was good.
Waitress: Will you like to have something else.
Frank: No thanks. Can you please bring the bill?

Waitress went & returned after few minutes.

Waitress: Here is your bill, sir. It’s total of 54 Marks & 75 Pfennig.
Tina: The price is worth the taste & quality.
Waitress: We assure you taste with hygiene, madam. Please do visit us again. Thanks for coming.

Tina asked Frank,” What’s up guys? What now?”

Ryan: Sysin, there is a new Disco in town. Will you like to see it?
Tina: But I am not going to dance on rock or heavy music. I want something smooth & light, like my honey.
Bell: Me too.
Frank: Good news is this that there are two separate dance floors. One is for crazy people & other for you ladies, something soft to please your hearts.
Tina: So I am ready to move.
Ryan: But I think we should move in at 6 pm. Its 4 pm & we have two hours till then.
Bell: So what will you do till then?
Ryan: May be you would like to see a new park, nearby.
Bell: For sure, sweetie. But I have to return home by 9 pm.
Frank: Don’t worry dear, we will finish off the evening at around 8 pm. Ryan will the drop you to your parent’s place.
Tina (to Frank): What about us?
Frank: Will you like to take a round of this market, sweetheart?
Tina: I am always ready for that.
Frank: So buddy we will meet at 5:30 pm here, sharp. You can move.
Ryan: Sure bro, Au Revoir.

The Ringing Bell...8

Eating out…

Both couples entered the café. One of the waiters showed them way to an empty table. It was a circular table for four people.

Frank said,” Have your seats girls. Today is your day. You too buddy.” A waitress approached them with a menu in her hand. “What will you like to have?” she asked the men. Ryan directed her towards girls, “Ask the ladies”. She turned to ask them.

Tina: I would like to have some Chinese food. I will prefer vegetarian noodles.

Bell: I will like to have the menu, please.

The waitress handed her the menu.

Frank: It’s your turn buddy.

Ryan: Whatever she has. I mean whatever Bell orders.

Frank: Same for me. I mean whatever my wife has ordered, vegetarian noodles for me too.

Bell (smiling & talking to waitress): What is the Black Forest Gateau?

Waitress: It’s a gateau made of chocolate & vanilla sponge soaked in Black Forest kirsch, whipped cream, chocolate bits & cherries.

Ryan: My mouth has started to water already.

Bell (smiling): Well then we will have this & also fried bread rolls with cheese.

Waitress: Will you people like to have something to drink?

Tina: For sure, Orange Juice for me & my husband.

Bell: A cup of coffee, sorry, two cups of coffee for us.

Waitress: So, this is your order: 2 full plates’ noodles, 2 Orange Juices, 2 BFGs, 2 Bread Rolls & 2 cups of Coffee.

Frank: Yes madam.

Waitress: I will just return. Till then you can enjoy some magazines that are kept on that corner. Please do return them there when you leave. Thank you.

The Ringing Bell...7

Store Assistant: Can I help you madam?

Tina: Yes please we are looking for a warm winter dress.

Store Assistant: Please proceed towards that side, (to another assistant). Anne, please help them out.

Store Assistant: For sure. Yes madam, please come to this side. I have to measure your size. Thanks a lot madam. Here we have a large range of winter dresses - gowns, cardigans, over-coats, jackets etc.

Tina (pointing towards a black dress): Do you like this gown, Bell?

Bell: I think I will try.

Store Assistant: Madam, please on your left is the changing room.

Bell: I will just return.

Bell went & returned after a few moments.

Bell: How do I look sis?

Tina: Good.

Frank: As beautiful as ever.

Bell: But I am confused.

Tina: Don’t be, you can try other dresses. (Pointing to a yellow dress) Try this out.

Bell: I don’t like the color. It’s dull yellow.

Both the girls kept on seeing dresses. Frank stood there yawning. In the meantime Ryan arrived.

Ryan: I hope you girls might have decided upon the dress.

Frank (yawning miserably): Not yet, buddy.

Tina: We are doing our work at our speed.

Frank: I can witness that.

Bell (to Ryan): How do I look in this green dress?

Ryan: So, so (pointing to a pink dress) Try this one out. (To Frank): Hold these chips. You both can have it.

Tina: Thanks a lot, honey.

Bell took the dress and went to the changing room. She returned after some time.

Bell: It does not fit well.

Store Assistant: Don’t worry about that madam. Please check for other factors, we can give the dress of your size if you like this.

Bell (to Tina): Feel the cloth, sis.

Tina: It’s good. Do you find it comfortable?

Bell: Yes it is. It feels good. But I am still confused. What do you say Ryan?

Ryan (thinking): Come with me.

He pulled Bell towards a large mirror.

Bell (looking at her dress): It feels good, but…

Ryan: In my 24 years I haven’t seen moon rising with such elegance & charm!

Bell (turning towards a window): Where?

Ryan (smiling & pointing towards the mirror): There sweetheart!!

Bell: So am I looking beautiful?

Ryan: Exquisitely charming, I cannot draw my eyes from you!!

Bell: Then I am gonna have this. Thanks dear. (To Tina) Sis, I have finalized this dress.

Frank (with a sigh): Thanks goodness.

Tina (to Frank): Shut up for a moment. (To Bell) Ok, you really look very beautiful in this.

Do you need a higher size?

Bell (smiling & looking lovingly at Ryan): Yes sis.

Tina (to Store Assistant): Can you please get a higher size of this dress be packed?

Store Assistant: With pleasure, madam.

They all moved towards the cash-deck. Thereafter they finished off with payments.

Frank: I am hungry dear. Can we find a café & have something?

Ryan: I found one on my way to this place.

Bell (still smiling): I am ready to have anything with you.

Tina: Let’s go guys.

All four of them moved towards the Café.

The Ringing Bell...6

At the Shopping Mall…  

The party reached the shopping mall at the center of city. It was a large place with several stores. After getting out of car, they were all ready for fun & frolic.

Frank (winking to Ryan): I hope you girls are ready to conquer these stores.

Tina: What do you mean?

Frank (smiling): I mean that are you both ready to shop, after all this is your favorite past-time?

Bell: It all depends upon my sis.

Tina: I know a store where we have nice dresses at reasonable prices.

Frank (teasing): Thanks goodness.

Ryan: Will you people want to have something to eat?

Tina: For sure, my baby. We are moving to first floor. There is a store for Ladies Fashion accessories. We will be there. We will wait for you there.

Frank (miserably): You can go buddy. I am following these girls to that store.

Tina: Let’s move Bell.

Ryan left to find something to eat. The other three moved to the lift to reach their initial destination for the day.

All three entered the store. 

The Ringing Bell...5

The Tryst begins…

“So are you guys ready?” Frank asked Bell & Ryan as they entered the place. He added,” We have been waiting for you for 15 minutes now.

Frank (to Bell): Happy Birthday Bell. Here is gift for you from me. It’s a set of ear-rings from your sis & me.

Bell (smiling): Very many thanks to you & my loving sis. (Pointing to Ryan) Have both of you planned something for this day?

Frank: Well, first of all we are going to market, may be some departmental store your sis told me about it. She also wants to give you some gift.

Bell (to Tina): Hey sis, I don’t want anything special. This ear-ring is so beautiful, it’s enough for me.

Tina (smiling): But I want to give something special to my sweet dolly.

Bell (smiling): I am so lucky sis.

Ryan: Are u guys not getting late?

Frank: Oh Yes! Let’s move. (To Tina) Sweetheart, will you like to take us all in your new cab?

Tina (smiling): For sure, love. Let’s move.

 

They all moved out of the house. Ryan locked the doors. Both couples were ready to have a drive of fun & enjoyment this great Saturday.

Ryan: Hey sysin! A new car for you, it’s beautiful.

Tina: It’s a gift from your bro. We had a ride this morning.

Frank: Jump in guys.

Bell: It looks cozy & comfortable.

Tina: It is!!

The Ringing Bell...4

She was sitting ready in her room when he reached.

Ryan: Oh dear!! Am I late?

Bell: You are late by 18 years.

Ryan (astonished): What?

Bell (smiling): Just kidding sweetie. Here is my gift for my Valentine.

Ryan (a bit sad): Just a red rose?

Bell (smiling): I have grown this in my garden.

Ryan (smiling): Wow? When did you plant it?

Bell: When you asked me to be your Valentine….don’t you remember my sweetheart, it was in August last year. It was the first time when my ears started to ring with your name!!!

Ryan: But you said that Valentine’s was too far to decide for that.

Bell: But now it’s decided. That’s why you are here, honey.

Ryan: You said it right dear. I forgot to tell you something.

Bell: What?

Ryan: That you look stunning in this red dress. I am glad that you remembered my favorite color.

Bell (teasing): Is red your favorite? When did you tell me that?

Ryan (smiling): Well I don’t remember that. I know you are up to something?

Bell: What am I up to?

Ryan (smiling): To my heart sweetie. Let’s move. You have a great day ahead of you.

Bell: Hey! Are not you forgetting anything?

Ryan: What?

Bell: My gift!!

Ryan: Both your gifts will come to you soon.

Bell (smiling): I will wait. Let’s go!