Not without You.

It was another Monday life of the people.People were late to their respective offices after unsuccessfully trying to catch up on everything on weekend including Rest. This is what working class promise every week to catch up on life over the weekend but usually miss the target. The Lure of another weekend is what keeps them going. Ruchika was dragging herself to work like many. Her struggles with life include juggling office and her Parents.

Struggle with Parents was real.Society want's everyone to settle down I guess marriage was created by someone who was too depressed with his life.Society is monster everyone is scared of. The level of acceptability is always one level higher.Any 12th pass should have been a graduate, at least. A graduate should have Job. One who has Job should be Married. Once you have married you should have a kid. Its Ploy to get everyone on the same boat. Parents are one who becomes the target of the society's sinister plan.They try all the tricks including emotional blackmail and we fall into the trap, we want to avoid.It's only matter of time.

Ruchika has avoided that trap till now. She has been meeting guys but thankfully they didn't suit her parents taste either.Closest Ruchika has come to liking guy was with Rohan. But then it had left into the oblivion.

It was a start of Winter when office arranges one of many Employee engagement events. Today, they received the mail with respect to Quiz contest. This mail sent Ruchika in nostalgic mode, about days when Rohan was still her colleague. Last time, Rohan had egged Ruchika to be his partner in a quiz. This was one is many ways, how Rohan wanted to spend his time with her. How he wanted her to like him.He wanted her to know the real Rohan as the opposite of his office persona.He tried and gave up.He was really fond of her. Ruchika was surprised when Rohan didn't participate in Quiz. He sat in an audience and answered every question which came audience way. He did that to the point where, everyone in the audience, including the host to ask, why didn't you participate in the quiz. "I didn't get the partner", he quipped. You do not need one ?. Yes, I do. was Rohan reply.Ruchika asked  him the same question. " Not without you " Rohan explained.Ruchika was overwhelmed at that.This was one of her weak moments where she wanted to say yes to him.

Rohan was her Office Colleague. Smart, Educated may not be hot looking. He was smitten by Ruchika.He was not. sure why Ruchika was declining his advances. Ruchika, however, was unsure, fully determine to marry someone her parents chose.But she had her share of weak moments.She knew   Rohan was egging her for long. he had qualities she looked forward. If he was from her community, perhaps it was instant yes.But somehow their weak moment didn't collide.Rohan was soon transferred to the onsite location on special assignment.Out fo sight out of mind, this love story had breathed it last.

A loud thud brought Ruchika brought back to present. It was Pawan  Khanna. New Employee. Last six months since Pawan had joined had made people cringe.He was this all-knowing snooty who insulted everyone's  intelligence.He was smart but his arrogant nature made everyone hate him. Once quiz was announced, his nuisance exploded. He announces he is going to win because the office was full of stupid people and no one would beat him. Ruchika was the subject of his taunts in the past. She had enough of his wits.and wanted to teach him the lesson.He wanted him to lose to show him his place.Ruchika decided to participate in the quiz  and started scouting for a partner. Today she invariably wished Rohan was still here when failed to find the decent one. As the deadline of enrolling was near She gave her nomination for quiz without partner. Quiz club has assured her that they would pair her if someone else was too looking for a partner.This way, she had a chance of someone with strong chances rather than choosing an uninterested friend in the office.

Pawan Khanna on other hand paired with Shruti.Shruthi was Ruchika teammate  She was in fierce competition with whatever Ruchika does. She was a smart and quick thinker. This made their pair almost unbeatable. Pawan and Shruthi went gaga all over the office with the incumbent win on Quiz day. The Whole office thought that the declaration of their name for winners was a mere formality.

It was quiz day and all were set for the big quiz. Ruchika went to the venue with a crossed fingers. She hoped that her partner for the day was good enough. At least a face saver in front of Pawan and Shruthi.

 . Ruchika asked the organiser if they were able to find the partner.They said that they had last minute request and He would join but he was out of town.If not she would have to convince any one of her colleagues.As soon everyone took seat Ruchika was eagerly waiting for her partner to arrive. Her time was worth the wait as  Rohan walked in, with his travel bag.Ruchika was surprised, When Rohan joined Ruchika, you came all the way to participate in this stupid quiz. When you didn't participate when you were here?. Yes, because you wanted me here, said Rohan..How do you know that? asked Ruchika. I just know, said Rohan.

When Rohan received mail for the quiz, it was nostalgic for him too. He remembered his promise "Not without you" .to Ruchika. He secretly wished he was still based at corporate so that he would ask Ruchika again.Quiz became a topic of discussion during his official conversation with a colleague who was quiz committee member.You are still on corporate rolls and still participate in the quiz and anyway, Ruchika is looking for the partner. Rohan joys knew no bounds. He decided to pull off surprise. He preponed his home visit by a month to pull off this coup.

As the quiz progressed, as it was expected Pawan and Shruthi were killing it .Ruchika and Rohan were not far behind. Rohan has taken a back seat in this pair. He only answered the question Ruchika was not sure of.He wanted Ruchika to win this on her own. And win they did, Pawan and Shruthi were embarrassed after their tall claims. It was foot in mouth for both of them, after coming close second to Rohan & Ruchika .Ruchika was overwelmed at a great win. This would smoothen out Pawan for sure and  Congratulations poured in.

As euphoria died, Ruchika turned to Rohan. Both were looking at each other. Words elapsed their mouth.their eyes were gazing. Rohan was seeing soo much love Ruchika had hidden from him .Ruchika on another hand cursing herself on why did she didn't acknowledge him till now. Feeling of being so important for someone just overwhelmed her.In the moment of silence, both acknowledge the feelings for each other. So? Rohan finally broke the silence.When are you going back? asked Ruchika. In a couple of days, answered Rohan. Can We meet over coffee after office? Ruchika suggested. I will wait for you, Rohan answered enthusiastically.But, Why did you come just today? You had all the time to book the ticket in advance after a declaration of quiz event. But you registered only at end moment, said Rohan. So you didn't want to participate in this quiz?asked Ruchika. " Not without you " answered Rohan

#Love #Office #Romance #OfficeRomance #Quiz #UP #Cricket

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Blind Date - Surprise

.....Continued from Blind Date- Confusion

"So your are the Real Rohan?'  said the  First girl approaching him,  Smile escaped  Rohan's Lips. He fell in love at first sight and second as well, all in the span of 15 minutes.



Shreya was relieved, Rohan was no drop dead hot but had an average looking guy. She was still flustered by what had transpired.  She tried to explain the confusion. Rohan, in turn, told her that he was a silent observer in all this.Shreya was embarrassed about her silly mistake.
Rohan was observing  Shreya  White Hidesign Clutch. Rohan silent observations are his data collection techniques which tell a lot about people. You are looking flustered, what will you have? asked Rohan. "Mocca Frappe' she said unthinkingly, obviously she go-to drink by default, guessed and noted Rohan.
So what kind of girl you are looking for? asked Shreya. This question bothered Rohan. He didn't know what he was looking for. When the right one comes along he will just know. And Just Today He fell in Love at first sight for Shreya. Why did he fell in love with her not anyone till now ? would ask any logical person. No one knows anyone has an answer. If it was mathematics there would be a formula to prove it. Not in love, I guess.
All this Love thing seems silly for a logical person.Love is overrated they say. But Ideal match which you think will suit you may not be perfect for you.Rohan told her ' Someone who would make his heart beat faster ".
Shreya Rolled her eyes on this answer. She was anything but romantic. She came with a checklist. She agreed to come on this Blind date when her friend assured her that guy was from her own Community. Her parent wish was top of the list for her.Rohan ticked most of her boxes concerning the job, education, looks, and community.  She expected Rohan would come with a similar checklist. Hoping this goes through. She was trying to gauge his checklist to fit in it.  She was unaware, she had already ticked the boxes with her first look  His heart was already beating faster.

Both were relieved. Their Date was Level 1 from both their perspective for different reasons although.

Rohan who was telling her stories of his past, his friends, his crushes. Shreya on other hand was just listening trying to fit in with her encouragement. But Rohan wanted to hear Shreyas stories.

Rohan was quite surprised how would they agree on so many things.Even Rohan best friends don't agree on Many things.Rohan now began the weird experiment of a portrayal of person he never was.He wanted to know Shreyas views on the thing which are uncompromising in his life.And then it was simply clear why a blind date was turning into arrange Marriage meeting. Someone Desperately trying to fit in other person's scheme of thing Trying to become the person you are not. When seeking acceptance was more important than your own choice.Shreya walked straight into Rohan trap.

Rohan was surprised seemingly sensible &  independent girl was behaving like this. Rohan shared his apprehensions with her. Shreya was caught in a fix.She admitted her stance. Her family was after her life for getting married.Shreya had an idea of a perfect guy in her mind when she set out to find her soulmate .but year later she was left empty handed.Every new guy she met, missed out few qualities in her checklist. Last guy was better than this she would always wonder till time. In hindsight, she had ruined her chances with guys who she thought were perfect.  

Today Shreya wanted to make it good by being positive at the start looking only at the problems if any.With Rohan, she didn't find any glaring problems to start with. However, when Rohan started experimenting she had issues but played along in hope.Rohan was relieved with that admission. 

Thereafter their discussion was more open about each other. They discussed office, life, choices and aspirations. Rohan was realising Shreya was entirely different from him Shreya was outgoing and go-getter to Rohan balanced guy who believed in stability. They bonded over travel nevertheless. Shreya was impressed how Rohan managed to sneak to different places when she was struggling to take a vacation for two years now,. 

They were finding the common ground began liking each other. The time flew. Soon it was time to go.It got over so soon, Shreya didn't want to let Rohan Go. Rohan on other hand had similar feelings. Whether she will meet me again? What if she didn't?  They started walking towards exit .and soon it was time to let her go.Rohan asked her, holding his breath, will we meet again? .Shreya said she will think about it. Rohan took it for as No.

Following week Rohan was busy in office. But often thought about Shreya's once he was alone even after hard day work. He checks his cell for Shreya message every now and then. Even when he got up in mid of the night.He even blocked her number in distress, unblocking in a few minutes later.


Rohan in anticipation had complete forgot that he hadn't sent her message as well.What if she was waiting for his message.? he kept his male ego aside and sent her message.
Hiiii...  with three I's and four dots.He typed 5 dots and deleted one as if it mattered the most thing. Can we meet up again ? he asked.

I was waiting for you to ask me since eternity, replied Shreya.Rohan wouldn't sleep that night.His story was just going to begin.

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