I Was Called His

Five Years Ago

I lit the display of my phone, the battery was full, the signal of the network was full, the phone was looking healthy. It had been six months completed. He might make a call at any time. I kept my phone in my hand, instead of dropping it in my handbag. I didn't wanna miss his call and lose the opportunity to talk to him. I was eagerly waiting for it.

After all, We were going to talk to each other after one month. The last time we talked on the cell phone, on 28 February, When his ship must have found its way to shore. I clearly remember that day, I randomly punched on his number while he was hovering in my brain, indeed he had overpowered my thinking. Undoubtedly, he ruled my mind, my heart. I was so happy as I was counting the days. He told me on the twenty-eight of February that he would be back after one month.

It was my birthday, next month and we were also getting married soon. I didn't know when, but soon according to his promise. I was extremely excited that I was on the seventh sky. I hadn't ever thought I would get happiness too. But yeah! Here I was and my happiness was only a few seconds/minutes or days away from me.

' I love him more than anything else in this world. He is the reason for my happiness.'

"You like this, Suhana? " Rita's sharp voice brought me back to reality. It was so crowded in the market and I was feeling like a hundred flies were buzzing in my ears. But if you wanted a discount, it was a fabulous plan to shop on weekends. She was holding silver earrings between her fingers.

"Yeah! Pretty much. Are you suggesting me Or buying it for yourself?" I chuckled.

Rita is taller than me, with dark straight hair. Her brown skin is flawless. She's a slim girl with an oval face. I haven't seen her being in a serious relationship with anyone. She dates more than one guy. Strange but true.

"I thought, you'd forget to buy yourself anything, I guess..." She clicked her tongue." Your dreamy world is enough, ain't it? " She teased.

"Indeed, I'm a one-man girl. I don't have more than one boyfriend. How can I make them buy for me by ordering from a jeweler on special demand, if this is out of stock here? " I teased back.

She hit me on my arm and glared at me. She hated the explanation of her bad habit in public when a cute guy was ogling at her, "Ouch! It hurts! Girl. "I pretended.

"Oo... Are you hurt, baby? You should not marry then....you know. "She teased back, winking at me.

"Ewww... Shut up!" I made a face. I hated her double-meaning talk.

"Come on! Suhana, you are just twenty! Why are you in such a hurry? Enjoy your life at least." She said. I could tell, she was serious now.

"Turning twenty-one next month, I'm marrying, he loves me the way I love him. I'm not your kind. I'm happy with what I am. I'll marry one day, why not now? " I corrected her and asked with a slight shrug of my right shoulder.

"But you....." She was cut off by the sound of my phone's ringing.

It brought a huge smile to my face, It must be Jagraj. I thought. When I beheld the screen, my smile disappeared. The call was from mom.

"Hey, mom . . . . . Yeah! It's crowded here, we'll be back soon.... yes mom, bye. " I shook my head, frowning at the screen.

" Er... Your stepmom!"

" She's not my stepmom, just her habits and ways are like one. " Rita was looking at me, continuously, "What are you looking for? " I asked.

"What if he broke your heart? " She asked with a serious face.

"The way you break your boyfriends' hearts! " I frowned.

"What if he?" She poked her pinky finger in my arm.

"What rubbish!!! it's not happening, not even in dreams. " I confirmed her. I was confirmed like he** that he would never break my heart.

"If we're going according to your count, it's been fifteen-day up to six months. Do you think he deserves all your love and loyalty, and this waiting? I mean look at you, girl! You are the most beautiful girl in the town. You are the dream girl of every boy. On the second hand, he is...... I am not getting any quality of his. You deserve better than him. He makes you wait a lot. I didn't find it good." She sighed. She fanned her hand as it was hot outside.

"First thing, it's his job. He never made me wait. Second! He will never cheat on me. I trust him. " I answered her.

"Does he trust you?" She raised her eyebrows.

He checked my phone whenever we met. But it was normal, wasn't it?

I raised my eyebrows in a challenge and stared at her. She seemed to swear to spoil my day today, I guessed. Before I could reply to her, someone hugged me from behind.

"Her genuine friends are still alive, we will break his bones if he would dare to break our angel's heart. " Mini replied from behind me and it was Sippy, who was hugging me. We studied together in school and now, we were in college.

Mini is two inches shorter than me. Rita and Mini are real sisters. But most people take her as my sister. She has dark straight hair like Rita. Her creamy skin is flawless, a round face. She's my mother's favorite. Rita and Mini have the same eyes, dark.

Sippy is tall like Rita. Her hair is brown and long. Her eyes are dark brown. Her face is oval and fair skin.

I turned around and hugged both tightly, "I thought, you forgot me, as you must meet some heavy discount on your favorite brand. " I smirked.

"She has an eye on your boyfriend, careful Suhana. " Sippy said, glaring at Rita.

"Hold on! Hold on girls, you can continue your war, after shopping. I don't wanna wear old clothes at my bestie's wedding. " Mini smiled and winked at me.

"Good point, let's go and enjoy ourselves. " I said with a smile.

My phone buzzed in my hand again. This time I didn't want my hopes up. Still! Excitedly, I glanced at the screen and then rolled my eyes.

All this was the fault of Monica. I thought while glaring at the display.

I hit on a green icon and hoisted it up to my ear.

"Hello, Suhana! How are you? " His excited voice could be heard through the buzz of the crowd.

"I'm fine. How are you, Rahul? " I asked him with a smile.

"You broke my heart, babe. You know how much I love you. It's you, who floated in my thinking, my dreams, and every second of my life spent thinking about you. " He said in a flirting tone.

But I could feel he was hurt. But what could I do? I didn't love him. I didn't feel for him as he felt for me, He was more than a brother and a friend.

"Rahul! " I pursed my lips as he was sitting in front of me, "You know I love Jagraj. I've told you many times. Why are you hurting yourself and me with such talk? " I asked him. I knew he explained his pain every time in his jokes but it hurt me to know that I was the cause of it.

"He's not good for you. I'll keep you happy, I swear of my mother. That f*****! He doesn't deserve you, " He said pleadingly and angrily.

"Enough, Rahul. If you are gonna talk like this. I'm not gonna talk to you. " I threatened him and this always worked with him.

"Okay, fine! " He loudly said, getting irritated, "Kev wants to talk to you. " He said.

Kev was his best friend and both were in the marketing business. Kev often talked to me when Rahul wanted to say something to me and I ignored him. I still remembered the last time. He called me. Kev said he was standing between the crossroad and shouting. It was extremely hurting for me. Kev put the phone on speaker. I could hear Rahul very clearly, ' I Love You, Suhana. ' I disconnected the call at that time and I didn't talk to him for almost a week. I could not break anyone's heart.

"Hello, Kev. How are you? " I asked him.

"Bhabhi, Rahul doesn't eat properly. Why don't you tell him yes? "Kev asked in his serious voice. ( Bhabhi is a word for brother's wife in India)

I knew this was gonna come. I kept silent and tears started to pierce my eyes. My throat got choked, "Why are you hurting me, Rahul? " I asked him and tears slipped from my eyes. My voice was cracking while speaking the words.

"Hey! Babe! Are you crying? " Rahul must have snatched the phone from Kev's hand and put it on speaker.

"What do you expect? I've told you. You are a nice person but I'm not good for you. "I told him.

"Are you f****ng kidding me, Suhana? You are perfect for me. Indeed, everyone wants a girl like you. If no one deserves you, it's he, Jagraj. " He said with hatred.

I couldn't tolerate it anymore. I was feeling the evil one here. Who was breaking the hearts? I had feelings for someone else. How could I feign to love? I was cursing the day when Monica compelled me to talk to him. I told him ' I'm in a relationship but Rahul was so stubborn. I disconnected the call and lost sight of it for a while.

"Suhana! Ain't you hungry? " Mini shouted from behind,

Immediately, I brushed my fingers over my cheeks and smiled, "Yeah! Coming. " I said to her loudly and shoved my phone into my handbag.

I joined my friends. They have already finished their half food. I wasn't feeling hungry anymore. I could understand how it felt when you liked someone and you couldn't get him for some reason. I was seventeen years old when I went out with my Aunt. There I met a boy. He was so handsome, fair complexion and had amber eyes, and had black long hair, six feet tall. He gazed at me through his amber eyes. He didn't remove his gaze for a second. At that time, I wanted to marry him.

' I know it's stupid. If you'll ask me now. I still say yes. I haven't seen anyone handsome like him.'

Indeed, I was thinking my dad is the most handsome man in this world, today's Justin Bieber was equal to my dad when I was a kiddo. But he changed my option. I still remembered his name when one of the employees called him, "Arnav Sir, Boss is looking for you. " It wasn't just his handsomeness, there was some kind of innocence in his eyes.

I remembered his gaze, his face. I could still feel him with closed eyes, gazing at me and before going out of the hall. He glanced at me through the mirror. I never felt like that before. I felt real joy. First time in my life, for all that time, I forgot my parents too.

"You are not eating." Rita's sharp voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

I nodded with a smile. I was struggling to hide my smile but could not. People must be thinking that I was a crazy girl.

' By the way, Jagraj also has Amber eyes. I loved his eyes the most. '

Present

Nervously, I fumble with my seat belt. My hands are sweating, even though it is air-conditioned. I haven't eaten anything, fearing the feeling of vomit. My mind is blocked. I want to jump out of the plane before it takes off.

I sat on the plane for the first time. This is gonna be hell hours. Frankly, it doesn't matter. This stupid seatbelt isn't gonna help me. I frown deeply, resting my head back and staring up at the white ceiling.

"Let me help you, ma'am. " A gorgeous air hostess says in her sweet voice.

Before I could reply to her, she did it instantly. I'm feeling stupid. I could not tie my seat belt.

" Thanks, " I smile, looking up at her.

" My pleasure, ma'am. " She smiles and walks away in her pointed heels.

The breakup has killed my interest in living and enjoying my life. I curse Rita under my breath. Why can't she get her wedding functions done in India? I put my head between my knees when the plane began on the runway. I don't think I could survive it.

Flashback:

(Seven years ago)

28 December

I was in a green suit and my long brown hair was curly and falling back behind. I was missing Mini, she was one of my best friends. I was away from my bestie, in Mumbai. I grabbed a black pin from my pink handbag and used it to hold my hair in place. On my last birthday, she gifted me all the colors of hairpins and clips. She always did something different from me. Although I hadn't celebrated my birthday officially ever.

My family was having their brunch and I wasn't hungry. I took a walk at the seashore. The water was murky but it was splendid. After all, I was seeing the sea for the first time. I hadn't felt so happy before. I was spending the best time of my life here. It was freedom from my cage, my parent's house.

It was also my first time. When I saw him, Jagraj. He was in a white t-shirt, black trousers, and a black cap. He had brown skin and dark black hair. He was taller than me, five feet eleven inches.

"He's been chasing you for two days. " My cousin, Mona, whispered in my ear.

I crooked my head and looked at her with a slight smile, "I don't know, " I shrugged my shoulders.

"He likes you. He's still looking at you. " She nudged my shoulder. She wanted me to gaze in his direction, but when I saw, no one was looking at me.

I glanced at him again. It was his eyes that I noticed. It was weird but I found his eyes beautiful. I had seen such eyes before.

ARNAV! But he's not him.

He was walking toward me with his friend. Strange! His friend was dressed exactly like him. I just stood my ground, Neither he nor I purchased this place. He stopped one long step away from me with a huge grin on his face. For me, he was so close that I could see the pores of his skin. He brought up his hand with a small note in his hand.

Genuinely speaking, I didn't know what was happening. I never talked to a boy outside of my family before. I didn't even know why he was giving it to me. I was so dumb. I shook my head in no.

"No! " He winced.

I was scared that my mother would come and beat the hell out of me. He went away. I was sad because he was sad. I liked his eyes. I smiled and turned away from him, adding this to my good memories.

PRESENT

(A Weak Ago)

My bestie, Mini, sent a wrapped gift for me. It wasn't my birthday. Indeed, I didn't celebrate my birthday or any special occasions in my life. But I attended the parties of the people in my life who loved me without any reason, who never judged me.

When I opened it, it was an air ticket for San Francisco California. My phone rang in my hand. I pressed my lips in a straight line. I instantly received it and I didn't allow her to say hello.

"Why did you send this to me? " I bluntly asked her. I didn't want to go out of my cage. I felt safe in it. Mostly, I was addicted to it.

"Wo! Wo! Break the chain of your anger, Angel. You need a change, so you are coming here. I thought time will heal your wounds. "I could feel her sadness and concern for me, "But I was wrong. It's Rita's wedding. You're coming here," she ordered.

' But I don't need it. I don't need anyone's pity. I chose to be like this, live like this, why can't they respect my decision? '

"I'm glad the way I'm. Time can't heal everything. You can congratulate her from my side. I can't come. " I replied to her.

I tried to keep my voice soft. I didn't mean to hurt her feelings but I just needed to be alone. I'm used to it. They should also get used to it.

"Suhana Kashyap! You are coming here, no matter what. Your parents have already approved this. Your luggage has been packed. You are coming with or without your desire. I don't wanna hear any more pathetic things from you." She scolded me. I could hear laughter of Rita from behind.

"You can't force me, " I told her.

"Yes, I can. Now move your a** girl." I heard the double beep.

"Great! She hung up on me. " I kicked the wall slightly. I didn't want to break my nails in anger.

Arnav's POV

My heart is beating fast. I rush ahead as I don't want to miss my flight. My cousin is getting married this weekend. After attending the wedding, I will trap for the next three months.

You must be thinking! Where? I'm a merchant Navy guy. People think we spent a happy life there. It's quite difficult to keep yourself away from your parents, family and especially friends. But we make friends every day. I don't have time to flirt with a slim beauty who passes her best smile at my side. I wink at her, but I don't stop my feet. I'm exhausted. I want to relax in my seat for the next sixteen hours. My heart beats for only one girl, my girl, Suhana! I still remember her name and face. That's all I know about her. She's a beauty from heaven.

I board. I want to slip in my seat and want to take a nap. My eyes freeze when I glance at, with whom I'm going to share this journey.

She's the same girl whom I'm finding for fucking Eight years. First time I saw her was when she had come to our store. I still remember her eyes. It's light chocolate brown eyes with blue rings.

Damn! She's looking more beautiful than before! I don't wanna use this word for her but she's sexy!

She's looking uneasy and anxious. Abruptly, she throws her head over her knees. Her long dark brown wavy hair spread all over her back which is shading natural red.

I'm smiling like a toddler who gets a basket of chocolates. I cover my face with my hoodie and put on sunglasses. I don't know what she would think about this look. I want to see how she behaves with a stranger. I want to know, is she worth these eight years? I take my seat. Her hand is resting on her seat's arm.

"Hey! Are you okay? "I ask her to start the conversation.

She raises her head. Her face is an inverted triangle reminding me of Scarlett Johansson. Her lips are full, slightly red, and glossy. Her creamy skin is flawless and glowing. She's naturally beautiful, with no makeup. I dream of her every night.

She glares at me with her mesmerizing eyes. Her lips are contorted in disgust. She glares at me. I hold back my smile, " Excuse me." She says to the passing air hostess, averting her eyes from me. She fully ignores me.

"How can I help you, ma'am? " She asks her.

"Can you please take this dumbass out of my eyes? I don't want this shit around me. " She says with a taste of anger.

My eyes widened. I thank the sunglasses.

' She is damn rude, man! But I love it. '

"Woh girl! Mind your language. I respect girls. " I couldn't take away the shock from my voice.

She slightly draws her face at my side, "It was decent, you big oaf! Don't compel me to be worse." She coldly glares at me as if she'd kill me with her eyes.

' I'm the luckiest one because she had already killed me with her mesmerizing eyes when she glanced at me some years ago. '

That rudeness was enough, for now, I couldn't take her misbehavior and rudeness any longer.

I have liked her since the day I saw her. I love her.

I remove my hood and stare at her. Her eyes widen and her red lips part in shock. "I'm sorry. " She almost squeals and clamps her mouth with both hands. I dismiss the air hostess, who is still standing beside me and staring down at us.

I am damn sure she doesn't need to throw me away to another seat now, "You're forgiven." I lean in closer, but I don't invade her private space.

' Second name of love is respect. '

She lowers her gaze and digs her green polished nails in the pad of her other fingers. I want to reach her hand and wrap my fingers around her tender hands. Ecstasy is a very small word to describe my mood now.

Finally, She's in front of me. Thank you, God. I won't let her go away from me now. I close my eyes and say the prayers.

I want her to start the conversation. But she'll not. I curse myself for using this stupid hood thing on her. She is looking sad. She doesn't say anything, "Are you okay? " I ask her politely.

"Yes, it's the first time. I'm traveling by plane. " She says as she throws her head on the headrest and closes her eyes.

"Do you want some water? "I ask her. She's looking sick. I want to hug her. But she could slap me. I don't wanna lose her. I get her back after fu**** years.

"You shouldn't sit here. There's a high possibility, I'm going to be sick." She says, her voice was telling how drained she is feeling. I'm worried about her.

"Did you eat something?" She looks like she has a habit of dieting. I'm fearing she'll faint. She's slim but gorgeous.

"I didn't. It would help me not to vomit, you know." She quickly glances at me and stares down at her hands in her lap.

Her eyes, Gosh! I love them.

Her one look is enough to make any man fall in love with her. She blinks her long lashes and looks away again. I want to capture every moment with her. But first I need to know, is she married or single? Undoubtedly, her widened eyes were telling me that she remembered our first meeting. She didn't mention it.

' I will do it when she's asleep. I can invade her handbag and find out her details from her documents. '

I smile at my evil brain. But for her, I want to be a good one. I pray for her to be single. I want her to be in a conversation with me, so she could forget her fright from flying, "By the way! I'm Arnav Singh Oberoi," I extend my hand.

' Please give me the honor to feel your skin. '

She hesitates but extends her hand. She put her hand in my hand only for a second. Immediately she pulls it back. It startles me. But it is her first journey on the plane. So I shouldn't mind. At least, I know she is vulnerable like a petal of roses, "Suhana, " She whispers.

' I know, Jaan! ' But I don't say it out loud.

She clenches the arm of the chair when the plane begins its speed. She tightly shut her eyes. I can't see her like this when I know I can help her. I put my hand on the back of her hand. She snaps open her eyes wider, giving me a full look of her beautiful eyes.

' She's an angel on earth. '

When the plane is in the air. I remove my hand. She doesn't complain but she also doesn't look at me after that. I gaze at her. Her lips part in a huge smile as she stares out of the window. She bites her lips when fear clouds her beautiful features, "You should eat, Suhana." I told her.

"Um.." She chews on her bottom lip and shakes her head in no.

' Shit! She's killing me. '

"Are you planning to eat at the landing of the plane?" I ask her. She nods her head and blinks innocently. "Suhana! " She glances at me with parted lips. I like my effect on her, "We're not traveling from Chandigarh to Mumbai. You'll faint." I tell her.

"That'd be better," she whispers.

She always leaves me surprised. I raise my eyebrows in a question. Instead of answering, she turns to look out of the window, "Are you alone? I mean, where's your family? " I ask to know more about her.

"Oh! You mean to ask....." She stops, biting back a sarcastic reply.

' Has she gotten bored with me? That's not a good sign. But I'll try my best after knowing her status. '

For now, I will keep silent and wait for her to sleep.

I keep an eye on her. It doesn't take long. She sleeps quickly. I was waiting for it. I hold her handbag. I know it is wrong.

Everything is fair in love.

I am watching her through the corner of my eyes. She doesn't stir. I don't have to dig much. I quickly opened her passport and other documents. There is written her father's name instead of her husband's name. I sigh in relief looking for her detail as a smile stretches on my lips.

' Her full name is Suhana Kashyap. Age: twenty-five. Perfect, I'm twenty-six. I regret that I have wasted eight years without my perfect match, without her.'

I quickly put it back as she is sleeping calmly. I don't want her to startle and hate me. Before anyone could see me and put an accusation of being a thief. I close my eyes with a smile, resting my head back.