Nothing Between Us...

By Sanchit Mehrotra

Two people, when in love, dream and crave to stay together,
forever. For some, dreams become reality; for few others, destiny
has other plans – shattering their dreams into pieces, separating
the lovers, and destroying their lives in the process.
Nothing Between Us... is one such love story. Siddharth fell in
love with his childhood friend Avantika, and dreamt of spending
the rest of his life by her side. Everything was working in his
favour, before destiny decided against it and intervened.
Heart-broken, Siddharth gathers pieces of broken dreams from his
soul, unable to move on from the past that brought his life on the
crossroads, and him face to face with Kaya. She too loves
Siddharth, and dreams of a future with him. But she cannot
fathom a way to resist and overcome the battle between his heart
and conscience.
Battling the demons of the past, and desperately trying to build up
a new relationship with Kaya, Siddharth’s trials are never-ending, because destiny plays its cards.
Will Siddharth be able to move on and make a fresh beginning with Kaya?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Srishti Publishers
• Release date: Feb 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9789382665106

Book preview

SRISHTI PUBLISHERS & DISTRIBUTORS

N-16, C. R. Park

New Delhi 110 019

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First published by

Srishti Publishers & Distributors in 2014

Copyright © Sanchit Mehrotra, 2014

All characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

The author asserts the moral right to be identifited as the author of this work.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Publishers.

Typeset by Eshu Graphic

CONTENTS

BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE ……

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE ……

First of all, I would like to thank God for whatever I have, for it has kept me satisfied and serene, yet craving for more. I would like to thank my parents, for always showering their love and support on me, and never pushing their wills on me; supporting me and encouraging me in whatever decisions I took in life. Thank you Mom for telling the world around you and me that I write, even to Papa, and encouraging me to get my work published; otherwise my work would have stayed only with me, enclosed in the confines of my laptop. Love you Mom and Papa. Most importantly, I would like to thank my loving sister Smriti, my biggest critic and supporter, for her immense love and support I would also like to thank my charming wife Shuvi for accepting my company for this memorable journey called life.

I would like to thank my buddies, for being with me through thick and thin. Naming any single one of you would undermine the other’s presence in my life, for you, my friends, have been a vital support for me, always there for me when I needed you, one way or the other. Thank you all.

I would also express my gratitude to my relatives, colleagues and teachers, who always pushed me to strive and succeed, and showered their blessings, even though raising eyebrows at my aspirations. If you hadn’t supported me then, despite having qualms about my capabilities, I wouldn’t have dreamt big and pushed myself so hard to make my dreams a reality.

And finally, that source of inspiration, still unknown to me. I don’t know what it is, but it has always been with me, my guiding light.

1

"If only a bigger catastrophe could happen in my life, it would be my own death; soul escaping from the mortal body. In my worst nightmares I hadn’t seen anything this devastating. And devastating it was for my heart, for the girl I love more than myself was there in front of my eyes, lying calmly like an angel, but on a pile of wood. My heart was beating faster than normal in anticipation of the thought that this was the last time I’d see Avantika.

December winds were blowing through my hair; trying to shake me, tell me that my Avantika was no more. She has left me, stranded and lonely. I wished to kiss those blissful eyes one last time, but my legs were betraying my will. I was there, standing frozen, a chill running down my spine. And the chill was not because of the December breeze for sure."

Thoughts were stampeding Siddharth’s mind. Siddharth someone put a hand on his shoulder. He looked behind him. Ronit and Deepak were standing there. He was not willing to say a word. He looked in front again, to see the face of Avantika one last time, before it was covered by a big log.

"Come on Siddharth, say something. This silence is killing you from inside. At least cry. Break free of your oblivion." Deepak held his hand. Siddharth jerked it free. Avantika’s father was busy performing the last rites as instructed by the priest. Deepak and Ronit stood by Siddharth’s side, seeing their attempts going to waste. He was looking at Avantika. His eyes were getting dry by every passing moment; every breeze was stealing moisture from his sleep deprived eyes.

Avantika’s father finally lifted the torch, and ignited her motionless body, buried under a pile of quintals of copse. Avantika is dead Siddharth. Cry for God’s sake. Say something. Deepak started shaking him again. She’s not dead. He mumbled slowly. She’s dead Siddharth. Avantika has left you forever. Ronit held Siddharth’s hand, his throat choked.

"My Avantika cannot die. She cannot leave me. She promised that she will stay with me forever"

"Avantika is dead Siddharth. She has left us. A tear fell from Ronit’s eye. He slapped him. For God’s sake, wake up Siddharth."

Siddharth felt like he was brought back from oblivion. He looked at Deepak and Ronit, and then towards Avantika. Flames had engulfed her. She cannot die, my Avantika cannot leave me. He sat down on his knees. Tears started falling from his eyes. Ronit and Deepak brought him back to his feet, and literally dragged him into the car.

Deepak started the car, turning it back towards Siddharth’s home.

"The sun was going down the horizon. The city started to illuminate with artificial lightings. My heart sank into unidentifiable pits of darkness. Her face lingers in front of my eyes, taking my mind back to the time, when it all started."

2

Siddharth, get up…….. Siddharth…….

What mom? Siddharth pushed back the blanket from his face, his eyes still closed. Can’t a person sleep even on Sunday? His hand was searching for his cell phone near the pillow. His fingers got entwined in the wires of ear-plugs, and he starts pulling them, finally locating his cell phone, still attached to the cord.

Siddharth……

It’s just eight in the morning mom. He saw the time in his mobile with a partially open left eye Let me sleep.

There’s someone waiting for you in the drawing room.

Then tell the person to come after eleven at least. Siddharth again covered his head with the blanket.

You still don’t bolt your door while sleeping huh.

Avantika….No, I must be dreaming Siddharth mumbled, and shifted his position. Thud: a pillow hit him on his head.

Wake up Sid. Get up you idiot. Avantika shouted.

O Shit. Siddharth hurriedly sat up, and saw Avantika standing next to him.

Hey Avantika, when did you come from Kolkata? Siddharth said, rubbing his eyes.

Last night. And I came to meet you first thing in the morning. But now I think I should have taken appointment from the Oh-So-Busy-hotshot but still not an architect Mr. Siddharth ‘Attitude’ Chopra. I will come after eleven. Oh sorry, can I have your secretary’s phone number, so that I can fix a meeting?

You look so cute when angry. Just like a little baby.

Don’t you dare flatter me. I’m so livid! Avantika started tapping her feet.

I’m sorry Avantika. Mom should have told me.

Now you listen to me. I came from Kolkata, so far away, not to waste my time on a moron like you. She picked up his towel from the chair and tossed it towards him, making a bull’s eye for Siddharth’s head without intention.

Avantika….

At least have some decency. Either you stop sleeping in those stupid shorts and tee, or bolt the door while sleeping. And there’s a lady standing in the room. Come on, get into your bathroom, get fresh, and put a decent track suit or night suit on.

Excuse me! Siddharth pulled the towel over his head on to his shoulders First thing, you have the audacity to enter my room without knocking…

Since childhood Sid; I have this right since childhood. Now what’s the second thing?

Err……Forget it. There’s no point arguing with you, fully aware of the fact that I can’t win. Siddharth got up from the bed.

That’s like my good boy. Avantika threw her arms around his neck, It’s so good to see you after such a long time.

Same here Avantika. Siddharth hugged her back.

Come now, aunty is waiting with breakfast. Avantika said, heading towards the door.

A quick introduction first. Siddharth Chopra, an architecture student in his final year, son of renowned real estate tycoon Sooraj Chopra and Shalini Chopra lives with his family in Noida. Avantika Khanna moved to their neighbourhood from Ludhiana when she was ten, along with her parents Pooja and Alok Khanna, and her younger brother Abhinav. Alok Khanna is in garment manufacturing and export. Since then, both the families have shared a great camaraderie. Avantika has just completed her Fashion Designing from Kolkata. Siddharth and Avantika are childhood friends, went to the same school, enjoyed each other’s company, shared each others’ secrets. Because of difference in aptitude, went to different colleges, and now meet only during vacations, but remain in touch through other means, e-mails, messages, et al.

Deepak Taneja and Ronit Berry are Siddharth’s school pals, and are still in confusion regarding his relationship status with Avantika.

3

Siddharth came back in the evening from another gruelling day at the site. Fourth year had ended, and he had started accompanying his father to the construction sites to gain experience, and inputs for his project in the fifth year. Despite it being a Sunday, he had to rush to the site with his father because of some mismatch in blueprints and the actual construction.

Mom, I’m back.

Where’s your father?

He headed for the club. He said he will spend some time there with Khanna uncle. He might get late.

By the way, Avantika was asking about you. She came in the afternoon.

I received her message.

You guys often message each other, don’t you?

More often than you think, Mom. Does it matter?

No. Her mother said with a sheepish grin.

What?

Nothing. She said, her grin getting broader.

Sometimes I don’t understand you mom. Siddharth gives a confused look I’m in my room

Moments later, the door bell rang. Shalini opened the door. Hi Aunty! Avantika was there at the door, along with her mother.

Hi Pooja. Come on in Avantika. Siddharth…….

I saw his car outside. He must be in his room. Catch you two ladies later. Avantika ran towards Siddharth’s room, and almost jerked the door open. Siddharth……O Shit Siddharth had just stepped out of the shower, with a towel draped around him. Avantika turned the corner in the bedroom. For good reason, Siddharth felt embarrassed with no shirt on and his brown hair still dripping water down his skin. Oh. Sorry, I ….. Avantika started. She was clearly embarrassed.

No, it’s OK. Siddharth tried to put her at ease, getting back into the bathroom.

I didn’t realize. I’ll just… She went out of the room, closing the door behind her. Tell me when I can come in. She said from outside.

It’s ok now Avantika. You can come in.

Avantika carefully opened the door, and found Siddharth in front of his dresser in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, combing his hair.

Why don’t you bolt your door? She was still upset and embarrassed.

It makes no sense discussing that, because no one else comes in without knocking on the door. But you…. Siddharth shook his head in disagreement.

Sorry about that. By the way Sid, have you been working out?

Very funny.

No, seriously, She paused for a second. Sid, you turned into a hottie! She plopped on the bed and looked at him again. Why won’t you confess to working out?

Because I don’t; just some basketball in college. That’s it.

Ah huh…..I’ll tell all my future boyfriends to play basketball then. Avantika winked. Just then, there was a knock on the door. Siddharth.

Come on in mom

Shalini and Pooja enter the room "Siddharth, your father called from the club. He and Alok Bhaisahab are calling me and Pooja there. We will also be having dinner there. Decide what you kids want to do, get something prepared at home for dinner or will order something to eat."

Actually Aunty. Avantika interrupted, We were also thinking of going out. Weren’t we, Sid?

Huh! Siddharth looked at Avantika, puzzled. She was looking intently at him. There was the same twinkle in her eyes as childhood; God, why was this girl so unpredictable, Siddharth thought.

Yeah…yeah, we will hang out. He blurted out.

It’s all set then. Pooja said Come on Shalini. You kids better come back before we do.

Of course Ma; right Sid. Avantika held his arm.

Have a good time then. and both the mothers left the room.

God Avantika, what are you up to now?

Oh, come on, Sid. I waited the whole day to have a word with you. We haven’t met for almost a year because of our respective colleges. I want to have some good time with you. Don’t you?

How can I dare say no to you Avantika?

Good. I’m going to get ready. Pick me up in fifteen minutes.

When was the last time we went out Siddharth started scratching his head.

Siddharth put on his shoes, and a shirt on the tee he was wearing, and headed out. The night was a little cool with not a single cloud, making the stars sparkle softly. Not even the moon dared challenge the stars that night. He drove to Avantika’s house, and gave her a missed call. He then came out of the car and stood against the side of the car, gazing at the stars until he felt a poke in the ribs.

His eyes travelled down to find Avantika standing next to him, also looking at the stars above. She wore a simple black dress with thin straps and a plunging neckline and back. The dress fell at an angle across her legs from mid-calf on one side to just above the knee on the other. There was kohl in her eyes, and gloss on her pink lips, giving them a shimmer. A bracelet was there on her right wrist, with dangling charms that reflected the streetlight. She held a matching black clutch purse in her left hand. The black dress was in huge contrast to Avantika’s pinkish white complexion, kissing every curve of her svelte figure almost perfectly. Her waist length, wavy, auburn hairs which she tied in a ponytail since morning were cascading freely over her shoulder. And not to forget her matching black stilettos, adding a couple more inches to her height, but still short of Siddharth’s six feet frame.

Avantika looks beautiful, as if that’s anything new. The thought crossed Siddharth’s mind. Wow, you look gorgeous. Siddharth gave a wolf whistle, and received another poke in his ribs from her.

That hurts! Siddharth grimaced.

Sorry. Avantika smiled as usual.

"Nice dress by the way. I will have to do