Do You Believe In Soul Mates? Part 8 (FINAL)

       2 months later

‘Hey there soul mate! How’s it going? Guess what my book got published. I am a big man now! I met Ram the other day. I’ve never told you this but i used to call him pig face! Ha-ha. Please don’t hate me.’ Prem said jokingly. Life had come a full circle in 2 years. The place where Prem and Laila had first met the story was back to the same place. The graveyard where his father was buried. But today next to his father’s grave was another grave. His Laila was buried right next to his father. He came to meet her every month.

  Just as Prem was about to leave he heard a person crying behind him. He turned and saw a girl crying in front of a grave. He didn't know why but he felt a warm feeling when he saw the girl. Something similar to when he saw Laila for the first time. He walked towards the girl. From the small broken sentences that she was mumbling Prem gathered the grave was of her father’s.

‘Excuse me miss, I don’t mean to intrude. But I’m sure your father was a great man. Your tears are hurting him. I’m sure you don’t want to hurt him. So smile. Smile so bright that your father also is forced to smile along with you.’ Prem told her smiling.

The girl looked up at Prem and smiled.

‘I agree with you. My father also said the same thing when he died. Thank you. Hi by the way. I am Laila.’  She said smiling.

Prem stunned for a minute stared at the girl.

‘Prem’ he said holding his hand forward.

Shaking his hand Laila said, ‘Hey Prem, i know this may sound weird but do you believe in Soul Mates?’

THE END

Do You Believe In Soul Mates? Part 7

'I’m sorry; we've done all we could now it’s up to God.' 

      'GOD??? how can a doctor talk about things like God??? He's just making excuses my love. He like all other doctors in India are just lazy. But don't worry my love. I will take you abroad. Get you treated from one of the best doctor's. Hell why just one? All of them! You will be fine Laila. You will. I promise you that' saying this Prem put down his head on Laila's stomach. The fact that the love of his life was laying unconscious in front of him hadn't sunk in yet. She was fighting the biggest battle, the battle of life and death. All alone! 

         Slowly getting up Prem walked out of the ICU. Outside he found Laila's mother crying. He went to her and put her arms around her while she cried her heart out. Prem had promised Laila that he won't cry so he didn't shed a single tear. 

       'Mr. Prem, may I have a word with you in private?' the doctor asked Prem.

'I'll be right back mom. Stay calm OK?' Prem told Laila's mother. 

'Mr. Prem I want to be frank with you. We are losing Laila by the minute. I would suggest her family members and you bid farewell. Only a miracle can save her.' the doctor told Prem.

Prem smiled and slowly walked out without saying anything. He went into the ICU. Sitting next to Laila he held her hand and said, ‘Laila these people say you are going to leave me and go. Ha-ha. Can you believe that? They don’t know our bond. You can’t leave me. Please Laila. You can’t leave me.’ For the first time in 2 years since his father’s first death anniversary did Prem cry. Suddenly Prem felt a movement in his hands. Laila’s fingers were moving in his hands. Happily Prem looked at Laila’s face and saw her eyes open very slowly.

‘Prem’ Laila whispered slowly.

‘Laila! My love! Wait.. ill just go get the doctor’ Prem said while getting up.

‘No, stay with me. Right here. I have to tell you something’

‘My love that can wait. Let the doctor check you first! After all we have a lifetime together.’ Prem said smiling.

‘Yes Prem. We will be together forever. But not in this world. I have to go now Prem. And you have to let me go.’ Laila said.

Realizing what Laila was saying he was shocked. He couldn't move.

‘No Laila. You can’t leave me! I won’t let you leave me.’

‘Have a good life my Prem. And most importantly move on from me. If there is anything that i have learnt, it is life is too uncertain. Don’t waste time on me. Live your life to the fullest.’ Laila said smiling.

‘Laila no! Please! Please!!!’ Prem begged Laila.

‘I’m not scared anymore Prem. I will always love you my soul mate.’ Laila said while stroking Prem’s cheek.

Prem couldn't take it anymore. He ran out and called the doctors. But by the time the doctors came Laila was gone. Though the doctors kept trying to revive Laila. Though the machines around Laila kept beeping Prem knew the exact moment when Laila had left the world and gone. Among all the chaos in the ICU Prem slowly walked back and banged his back to the wall and sat down.

‘I love you too my soul mate’ he whispered and a single tear rolled down his cheek.

TO BE CONTINUED

       

Do You Believe In Soul Mates? Part 6

Present Day

‘You love me! I know you do! Admit it already...’ Prem said. It had been almost a year, (11 months 30 days to be exact) since they had shared their first kiss. The minute their lips met Prem was off to dream land and so was Laila. This was the most magical kiss they had ever had. The fireworks and all the other stuff that all the romance novels boasted about was not present. But they could feel each other deep down. With that one kiss they could feel each other’s soul. After a little while Laila realized what she was doing and pulled away. She looked embarrassed, but that was soon turned into laughter after she saw Prem’s face. He was still in dream land and his facial expression was priceless. Without wasting anytime she removed her phone and *click* she clicked his photo. The flash from the mobile brought Prem out from his dream world and he looked shocked for a minute. Later he realized what had happened and looked cunningly at Laila. Laila knew that look, she knew she was dead meat!

    ‘Keep it low please.’ the nurse came and told them off. The position that the nurse caught them in was weird, Laila was laying flat on her back on Prem’s bed and Prem on top of her trying hard to get her mobile. The fight was disturbed due to the nurse and after she left Laila and Prem looked at each other. They had never been this close before. So close, yet so far. They looked at each other’s face yet it felt like they were looking at each other’s soul. Gradually Laila moved around looking uncomfortable. Prem got off her and looked at her apologetically. They looked at each other for a minute and blasted into laughter. They laughed so hard like there was no tomorrow. They tried to help each other to keep quiet so the nurse wouldn't come again, but all in vain. Laila till date thinks to herself, why didn't the nurse comment on the weird position she found them in? Life is weird. That night a new bond, a new understanding was created between Prem and Laila. Laila knew now that Prem was hers and she was Prem's. Yet she was scared.

      Laila finally admitted to Prem that she was in love with him but didn't want to tag the relation yet as she wasn't ready. Prem readily agreed and said he didn't want anything from her other than her happiness. As long as she was happy, he was happy.

Today was new years eve and Prem had asked Laila to be his date to the annual ball.

‘Why should I go with you?’

‘Cause you love me! Duh!’

‘Says who?’

‘Oh! Come on! I'm not having this talk again! Your coming with me! I don’t care’

‘Bossy much?’

‘Yes! I'm going to pick you up at 8 p.m. sharp! Do you understand?’

‘Fine! Mr. Bossy Pants’ Laila mumbled under her breath.

‘Hey! I heard that.’

Later at Laila’s house

‘Leela, my friend! Happy new year! Hows it going???’ Laila said over the phone. She wanted to call her best friend and tell her about her love.

‘Laila? Oh Laila! I've missed you so much where have you been?’ Leela said almost in tears.

‘I;m sorry yaar. Been busy. But what’s wrong?? Is Manish alright?’ Laila inquired about her best friend and her husband.

‘.....’ There was a long silence over the phone. All Laila could hear was sobbing.

‘Leels please talk to me love? Whats wrong? Is Manish troubling you? Just tell me. I wont leave him!’ Laila said assuming the worst.

‘You have to leave him Laila because he has left us all and gone away.’

Not understanding what her friend meant Laila asked, ‘What? I don’t quite get you?’

‘He's dead Laila. Do you get me now? Or should i make it simpler for you?’ Leela said angrily and banged the phone down.

*beep* *beep*

That's all that Laila could hear. Her friend didn't even give her time to let the news sink in. For nearly 2 minutes Laila was frozen with the receiver still in her hand. Suddenly a vibration in her pocket got her out of her state. Keeping the receiver aside she took out her mobile from her pocket and stared at her screen. The photo of the one she loved was flashing along with him name – Prem.

Receiving the call she cut Prem’s sentence of and said, ‘I want to see you right now’

‘ Hello to you to my love. Its only been an hour since we met. Miss me already?’

‘Prem I'm not joking! I want to meet you right now.’ Laila said seriously.

Understanding that something was wrong Prem said, ‘Laila we are going to meet in 3 hours anyway. Cant it wait?’

‘No Prem! Right now. Meet me at our usual in 10 minutes’ Laila said before cutting the call.

She needed to tell him how much she loved him. Life is uncertain. She knew that after her brother’s death. But instead of making the most of the time that she had she wasted it thinking about the future. She came to her senses now. She didn't want to lose anymore time without Prem being in her life. She wanted to marry him as soon as possible and start living the future she had always dreamt off. Taking her car keys she quickly left her house and started her car. All the way she was smiling and was so happy. She wanted to see Prem so badly. She crossed all the speeding limits and broke all signals. She was 5 minutes far from the place. Just one more signal she said to herself. Going blindly she didn't see the red light, she didn't see the truck coming from the other side either. All she saw was her future with Prem. And thats all she saw too after she went unconscious after the big collision. 

TO BE CONTINUED

Do You Believe In Soul Mates? Part 5

‘Your moods off, you didn't even bid Ram a proper farewell. You behaved really badly in front of him Prem. I was really looking forward to this meeting.’ Laila said disappointed.

‘I’m sorry miss; did your donkey behave badly in front of your horse?’

‘What are you talking about????’

‘I’ll tell you a story, there was once a landlord. He owned a donkey and a horse. Whenever he wanted to go out he traveled on the horse. The horse had good sense of direction and made him look good too! So one day someone asked him if you have a horse why do you keep a donkey? He answered, when I want to reach somewhere I use my horse, and when I want to get lost I use my donkey.’

‘OK..... So what’s your point?’ Laila asked.

‘Point is, when you need a sense of direction, when you need some good and valuable advice in life you turn to your horse, Ram. And when you want to get lost in your thoughts and words you turn to your donkey, me. I don’t blame you for it though! He is Mr. Ram after all.’

Laila was shocked for a minute. She wanted to shake Prem and yell at him that the reason she turns to Prem is not because he is her donkey but because he is the only one she is comfortable in talking with! Out of the million people in the world, among all her friends and family only Prem has the capacity to calm her down by just listening to her. That’s why she only shares with him those problems that she doesn't need advice on, but only needs pouring of the heart.

But she couldn't do that. It would mean showing emotions. It would mean showing feelings.

‘Fine Prem, if that’s what you feel I can’t help you. Take your medicines and sleep well.’ She said and started walking out.

‘I don’t believe you. I don’t bloody believe you! You hurt me Laila. I am angry! Doesn't that make any difference to you? Don’t you feel anything??’ Prem said disbelievingly with a hint of desperation in his voice.

‘No Prem, I don’t have feelings and I would like to keep it in that way.’ Laila said coldly.

‘Stop it Laila! Just stop it! I know you've been through a lot in life, but who doesn't? Learn to live Laila before it is too late!”

‘I don’t need advice from the donkey Prem. Your right. You are a donkey to me and people don’t have feelings for donkeys. So please leave me alone and go to sleep.’

Prem couldn't stand it anymore. He knew Laila was lying. He needed to show her that she loved him too. Getting up from his bed he started walking towards her. ‘Are u sure you don’t feel anything?’

‘Yes i don’t! Please get back to bed Pre...’

Before Laila could finish her sentence Prem crashed his lips upon hers and they shared their first kiss. In Room No. 202 of Inamdar Hospital between a heated argument, Prem and Laila share their first kiss. How ironic!

TO BE CONTINUED

       

Do You Believe In Soul Mates? Part 4

(One Year Later)

‘Arghhh! This beep sound is driving me crazy!’ Laila said whispering to herself. ‘Sleep well my Prem; I’ll just go get a cup of coffee.’ She said as she bid her crazy lover farewell. Life had been crazy for Laila. Since that fateful day that she met Prem for the first time life had never been the same. She still laughs to herself when she remembers the time Prem had asked her that question. “Do you believe in soul mates’ did she believe in soul mates? She sure as hell asks herself the same question every day. She loved Prem. She loved Prem with all her heart. She loved his smile. She loved his eyes. She loved his giving nature and his maturity. She loved his personality. She often told him, ‘You’re filled with 90% bullshit, but there is this 10% thing about you that I can’t find anywhere else! So thank your stars and your genes mister for that 10% of whatever that is!’ Truth be told, she loved everything about him. Even when he clumsily does stuff that annoy the hell out of her. She loves him when he spoils her clothes, steals her food or keeps removing her clip from her hair. Every annoying, cute, silly act of his made her fall more and more in love with him. But she was scared to admit it. She had shut her heart to all emotions so hardly that there was no place for Prem's love. That fateful day when Prem asked her if she believed in soul mates, she walked away after reddening Prem’s cheek with a tight slap. Whereas in reality she wanted to redden his cheek with her lipsticks mark. After loads of convincing from Prem’s side for nearly 6 months she finally agreed that there was something between them. Some connection and she was with him only till she could figure out what it is. And after that she will be gone faster than wind.

           Currently they were in the latest relationship status of our generation, “UNTAGGED”. Prem never shied away from admitting his feelings from Laila. But her brother’s death had hardened her to the core. She wasn't sure she would be able to handle another blow caused due the loss of a person close to her. She thought staying alone and not opening her heart at all would be the best. As it’s said, ‘Once bitten, twice shy’.

Prem had recently met with an accident. Nothing severe, the old rascal would survive. But he sure had Laila's heart stop beating for a minute.

“Emotional pain is above all. If you ever want to get rid of physical pain ask someone to hurt you emotionally. Then see how the physical pain flies out of the window” Prem thought to himself. If looks could kill the ‘pig faced guy’ as Prem had named him, would be dead long back. “I know she smells good you idiot! But get away from her already.......” Prem was beyond frustrated.

As Laila and ‘pig faced guy started walking towards Prem he looked away and acted as if he couldn't care less about Laila’s whereabouts.

‘Prem meet my childhood friend Ram. We've been super close like forever. If ever I need anyone for advice I turn to him. He’s my rock! The best person in my life.’  Laila said smiling at her friend.

“WHAT THE HELL DID SHE JUST SAY??? Advice??? She never needs advice. Just a shoulder to cry on! Isn't that what she always said to me when I wanted to give her advice?” Prem thought to himself while smiling sweetly and shaking Mr. Ram pig face’s hand.

‘So Ram you know Laila for long huh? Guess you know all her secrets then?

‘Yea mate, all her secrets, and I've also seen her in her diaper! No Laila? Ha-ha’

Before Ram could finish his sentence Laila charged towards him with a pillow ready to attack. While they got busy fighting and joking with each other they forgot about one person. Prem was left all alone to his thoughts,

“I don’t blame her! I mean look at her! She’s beautiful, smart and beyond being intelligent. And look at him! He’s like a carbon copy of her. Not that I am into guys, but he was hot and looked like one of those intellectual types. Laila would obviously want help from him, advice from him! Who am I! Nothing! So I don’t blame her when she comes to me when she wants, Nothingness.”

TO BE CONTINUED

Do You Believe In Soul Mates? Part 3

Awkwardly getting up Prem had a sheepish grin on his face. While scratching the back of his head he said, ‘hey there! So we meet again.’

‘Yea, I’m so sorry for slamming into you. I wasn't concentrating on the road.’ Laila said looking guilty.

‘That’s OK, I wasn't any better at the concentrating part.’ Prem said grinning like an idiot. He couldn't believe that Laila was standing right in front of him. He was in a state of surprise and didn't know what more to say. He continued standing there like an idiot grinning away to glory. Laila too was in a similar state. She felt warm around Prem. She couldn't describe the feeling, Prem made her feel safe and secure. She forgot all her problems around him. But at the same time he made her feel restless.

‘OK then, I’ll see you around’ said Laila as she walked away.

Realizing that he was going to lose her again, Prem shouted, ‘WAIT!’

Though Laila stopped other people walking around them in the market place to stopped giving him weird looks. Again embarrassed in front of her he was starting to feel like the biggest fool born on earth.

Laila didn't want to leave. She didn't want to walk away. But Prem wasn't saying anything so she thought its best she walks away. All the while she hoped that he would stop her. Her prayers were answered when she heard the loud wait from his mouth. When she turned around she forgot her surroundings. She forgot the people around her. All she could see and focus on was this vulnerable and adorable guy standing in front of her. He was actually blushing. All she could do was just gaze at him and admire his perfection.

Prem had to some damage control! First the love of his life finds him crying and then he embarrasses himself twice in front of her! He just had to do something to make things right. So when Laila asked him, “Yes Prem? Is there something you want to tell me?’ without thinking he said, ‘Yes, indeed there is Laila. I know this will sound weird as we have barely met each other two times in just a day. But I must ask you this! Do you believe in soul mates Laila?

To Be Continued 

प्रेरणा 

       

Do You Believe In Soul Mates? Part 2

Today Laila thought it was a normal day. She wasn't expecting anything much or exciting to happen. As usual she woke up and finished all her morning chores. Later she sneaked out of her house and went to the cemetery to meet Sam. Her little brother. He had died in an accident 5 years ago when he was just 10. Till date Laila blamed herself for her brother’s death. Weird part of the day was while walking back home she couldn't get the thoughts of the sweet stranger out of her mind. She knew for sure she hadn't met him anywhere before now but she felt as if she had known him for ages. After reaching home she took a shower and left for the market. While walking again thoughts of this stranger crept into her mind. She jabbed her earphones into her ears and increased the volumes. As Atif Aslam sexy voice flowed into her mind all the thoughts of the sweet stranger  drowned out.

       Singing and step dancing to the beat Laila closed her eyes and lost herself to the music. Music always calmed her down. If it wasn't for her music she would have never been able to overcome the grief of her little brother. But she was rudely woken up from this dream heaven of hers as she bashed into some person. Her earphones fell out of her ears as her I-phone dropped to the ground and broke into two. Angrily she looked up to find the very person who had been invading her thoughts from this morning. He had a cute startled look on his face. This cause Laila to giggle and she looked away blushing. Standing in front of her she found her sweet stranger – Prem who had fallen flat on his butt.

       On his way back home he was singing and dancing. He was so happy. Through out his childhood Prem had seen his parents together. They were truly what people called soul mates. When you saw them together you could help but let out an ‘awwww’ sound. Prem always longed for his soul mate. He wanted to feel the happiness his parents got by being in each other’s company. He wanted to feel the joy they got in fighting with each other for no reason. Mostly he wanted to understand how his mother felt the presence of his father even after he had gone. And today he could feel all of that. He wanted to be with Laila. He wanted to make her happy. He wanted to bash up all the cheap guys faces who dared to flirt with his Laila. He wanted to fight with her for no reason. He wanted to take her in his arms and dance for joy. What a day to find her too! Just when he asked his father for someone Laila came along. He was ready to become anything for her. Thinking to himself he started laughing, another Majnu fallen in love with Laila.

       “Gone out. Please go to the market and buy vegetables for lunch.” This was the note that Prem found outside his house stuck to the door.

 ‘Sure mom’ he said aloud. Walking towards the market suddenly a thought struck his mind. How was he going to find Laila again? This made him sad. Mumbai! A city filled with thousands of people. Hundreds of Laila's. How was he going to find her?

 ‘Dad! I need help” he said looking towards the sky! Next minute he found his butt slammed to the floor. He was startled and shocked for a minute. Then he looked up and saw that angelic face again. When he looked up he saw his soul mate – Laila who was laughing at him! What irony!

To Be Continued

प्रेरणा