20

When he met her

7 years ago

It was the start of fall when the Institute of Management decided to welcome the freshers by organizing a cultural fest. Being a second-year student in the integrated course at IIM Delhi, she was asked by the teacher to perform at the fest. While performing on stage wasn't new to her, it was certainly a challenge, as she had barely spoken to anyone during her first year at college, except for a girl who occasionally sat beside her during tests.

Deciding to pursue college without her brothers was a significant decision for her and the entire Rajvansh family.

It was the first time the family's princess stepped out without the protective shadows of her brothers, venturing into a world full of uncertainties. Her upbringing had been so guarded that it made her an introvert, finding it difficult to talk to people or make friends. All her life, she had Aahana by her side, and she never felt the need to converse with anyone else.

The Rajvansh siblings all pursued their education in prestigious institutes abroad, a path Aridhaan Singh Rajvansh also wanted for his sister. As he was in the final stages of his business master's degree, he wished for her to follow a similar path. However, she chose to stay in her country to be close to her family and overcome her avoidance of social situations. She faced issues settling in, skipping the hostel and agreeing to her brother’s condition to live in a penthouse, with a driver appointed for her daily trips to and from college.

Being an academic prodigy, navigating her studies wasn’t much of a task. However, the stares she received during her first year, due to the bodyguard her brother insisted on, made her uneasy. This semester, she managed to convince her brother to drop the everyday guarding, giving her a bit more freedom. Her brother never wanted to control her life, but letting her navigate a city like Delhi without any safety measures was a significant concern for all of them. Despite his protective instincts, he understood her need for independence and gradually loosened the reins, allowing her more freedom while still keeping a watchful eye on her well-being.

On the other hand, Rudransh Singh Chauhan, the eldest son of the Chauhans, was a man of few but valuable words. As the heir to the Chauhan empire, Rudransh understood his life's goal from a young age: to elevate the Chauhan empire to new heights. Rudransh had always led a life laden with responsibilities and expectations.

His aura exuded the confidence he had meticulously built over the years. This sense of duty shaped every aspect of his existence, fueling his quiet confidence and sharp focus. Though reserved, Rudransh's few words always carried weight, reflecting the discipline and determination instilled in him from a young age. His rare, genuine smile and sparing use of his sharp wit added to his mystery, making him an eye candy to watch. While his demeanor could be intimidating to some, those who took the time to know him discovered a kind and thoughtful individual beneath the stoic exterior. His close friend Rishi, who had been by his side since childhood, often witnessed the softer side of Rudransh, one that was not readily visible to the world.

"It's probably the last fest of college life. Next semester we’ll have our internships and then pass out to intern in your father’s company.

The only enjoyment we’ll afford there will be breathing. Come on, let's go, Rudra," Rishi said, his constant yapping finally breaking Rudransh's concentration on his book.

Rudransh lifted his eyes, squinting at his best friend. "Chauhan Corporation is one of the finest conglomerates in the country. We should be grateful, Rishi, that we cleared the interview. Otherwise, Dad wouldn’t have even allowed us to step into the premises." He turned the page of his book, clicking his tongue.

"I know, let's get going to the fest. You can read Managerial Economics later." Rishi pulled the book from Rudransh's hands and stuffed it into his backpack, then grabbed Rudransh by the collar, dragging him from the canteen chair to the auditorium.

"I hate loud places," Rudransh huffed, adjusting his backpack properly. Rishi just clicked his tongue, grinning widely. "Come on, I heard Ishika is also performing." Rudransh sighed, following his best friend into the auditorium, which was packed with college students. People made way for them as they moved through the crowd. Rishi spanked the head of a junior who was eying them. "Sorry, sir," the first-year students mumbled, getting up from their chairs and walking to the other corner to stand. Rudransh and Rishi took their seats.

"That was cruel," Rudransh said, looking for the juniors who had given up their seats.

"We only have six months left to enjoy the senior privilege. After that, we’ll be the juniors fetching coffees and printing documents," Rishi said, straightening himself in his seat. From their position in the last row, on the topmost stair, they had a clear view of the entire stage.

"It looks like you’re living in the nostalgia of college before it actually gets over," Rudransh noted. Their chatter silenced as the auditorium darkened and the spotlight brightened on the stage.

The grand auditorium buzzed with anticipation, every seat filled. The soft murmur of the crowd faded as the lights dimmed, focusing on the stage adorned with intricate rangoli designs and flowers.

From the shadows, she emerged—a vision of grace in a traditional white dress, embroidered with shimmering golden threads. Jasmine flowers adorned her long hair, adding a subtle fragrance to the air. With a serene smile, she moved to the center of the stage, each step fluid and measured, her anklets chiming softly.

As the soulful melody of the sitar and the rhythmic beats of the tabla began, her body responded like an extension of the music. Her hands moved in delicate mudras, telling a story beyond words. She twirled, the white fabric of her dress billowing like a cloud, her feet tapping out intricate rhythms in perfect sync with the tabla.

Her eyes sparkled, reflecting the emotions of her dance—joy, playfulness, devotion. Rudransh watched in rapt attention, completely entranced by her performance. Each gesture and expression drew him deeper into her narrative.

The tempo quickened, and her dance reached a crescendo, a flurry of spins and leaps executed with breathtaking precision. Her final pose was one of serene stillness, illuminated by an inner light. The music ceased, leaving an echo of her dance hanging in the air.

A moment of profound silence followed, then the hall erupted in thunderous applause. Meanwhile, Rudransh could barely comprehend the scene before his eyes. She acknowledged the applause with a humble namaste, her face glowing with fulfillment. Out of hundreds of faces, her eyes scanned the auditorium and halted on a pair of dark onyx eyes that had been glued to her face since the first beat of the tabla filled the air. Her grey eyes met his, making his heart skip a beat, and a low whisper escaped his lips, “Gracefully beautiful.”

Rishi shook him, forcing him to detach his eyes from the stage just as she exited. “Who is she?” Rudransh asked, turning to Rishi.

“I don’t know. I didn’t hear the name during the announcement,” Rishi shrugged, relaxing into his seat while Rudransh, filled with anticipation, could barely sit still. Without another word, he jumped up and ran out of the auditorium to the participants' room.

“Where are you going?” Rishi's question was long forgotten as Rudransh found himself before the participants' room.

“How can I help you, sir?” one of the coordinators asked.

“Who was the classical performer? Where is she?” Rudransh huffed, confusing the coordinator.

“The last performer?” Rudransh nodded eagerly.

“The one in white?” He nodded again.

“The one who danced classical?” Patience running out, Rudransh glared at the man. “Just tell me already, why are you wasting my time?”

The coordinator shook his head at Rudransh’s slightly raised voice. “She just left; she might be in the corridor.”

Rudransh turned and walked swiftly toward the corridor, anticipation filling his heart. “Please be here,” he muttered, looking around. His eyes finally landed on her standing near the vending machine, the ethereal glow still surrounding her.

He took long strides towards Aradhaya, who was trying to fetch a drink from the vending machine. “Hi!” he breathed out, leaning onto the machine, barely able to contain his excitement.

“Oh, hi… I mean, hello.” Aradhaya froze, startled by the sudden attention from the unknown man. She tried to pull her eyes away from his face, but they kept drifting back to him. Seeing her flustered, a soft chuckle escaped his mouth. As the sound reached her ears, she noticed the deep dimples that graced his cheeks. His dark eyes, pointed nose, and chiseled jaw, coupled with a height of 6'2" and well-maintained hair, made her heart flutter.

“Hey Mahadev, he is so sundar,” she accidentally muttered under her breath, swallowing a lump of nervousness. Rudransh's eyes brightened, and his chuckle deepened while Aradhaya bit her tongue in embarrassment.

The whole corridor watched the scene unfold. Known as a topper in academics and co-curriculars, it was surprising to see Rudransh Singh Chauhan engaging in conversation with Aradhaya Singh Rajvansh, who usually spoke only in response to professors or during presentations.

“Oh, am I?” Rudransh leaned in closer, causing Aradhaya to shut her eyes in embarrassment as her cheeks turned pink.

“No, I didn’t mean that-” she started hurriedly, but his widened smile made her stop.

“So, I’m not sundar?” Rudransh teased, making her slap her forehead in frustration.

“I didn’t mean that. Never mind. How can I help you?” she asked, straightening herself and trying to regain her composure.

“Your performance back there was magnificent,” he complimented her with a bright smile, making her lips curve into a smile too.

“Thank you,” she whispered softly, her voice making his heart do a backflip. “May I know your name?”

“Yeah, I am Aradhaya Singh Rajvansh, a second-year student. And you?”

“I’m Rudransh Singh Chauhan, final year MBA student.” He extended his hand for a handshake, and Aradhaya reluctantly slipped her hand into his, sending jitters down his spine. He bit the inside of his cheek at the effect she had on him from the very first meeting.

“You’re cute,” he blurted out, confusing her. He shook his head, turning towards the vending machine and fetching a can of soft drink. He offered it to her, which she politely declined. “No, please, thank you.”

“Have it, Dhaya,” he insisted, stretching his hand further towards hers.

“No, I’m fine, and it’s Aradhaya,” she corrected him gently, but he clicked his tongue.

“Yes, Dhaya. Have it.” He placed the can in her hand, and she smiled, giving him a small thank you.

“I’ll see you around, Dhaya.” He walked past her, waving his hand while his heart fluttered at her smiling back at him. He scratched his head, feeling overwhelmed by the interaction and replaying it again and again in his mind.

“How did it go?” As Aradhaya reached her penthouse, her phone chimed with Aahana’s video call, her friend's question flashing on the screen immediately.

“It went great!” Aradhaya chirped, making Aahana smile widely on the screen.

“I told you! You were fretting for no good reason. Send me the video!”

“One of the professors made it. I’ll go and ask them tomorrow,” Aradhaya replied.

Aahana frowned. “Why the professor, Aru? There were students present too. Didn’t they make a video?”

Aradhaya clicked her tongue. “You know how it is, Aahana. I’d have to talk to people to ask them for a favor, and I didn’t want to do that.”

Aahana's face sulked more. “Aru, you’re doing the same thing this year too. Make friends! Talk to people! What’s the use of studying and managing everything alone if you don’t want to get out of your reserved nature?”

Aradhaya knew Aahana was right, but talking to people amid the stares was a tough task for her. “I did talk to someone today,” she retorted.

“Oh, finally! Tell me about it.” Aahana's question made her recall the interaction with Rudransh, and her lips curved into a smile.

“Okay, who is he?” Aahana arched a brow at Aradhaya on screen.

“How do you know it’s a ‘he’?”

“You’re blushing, and as much as I remember, you’re straight, so of course, it’s a he,” Aahana listed the facts, making Aradhaya understand.

“Okay, so,” she began, telling Aahana everything from the eye contact in the auditorium to the encounter in the corridor. Aahana gasped in awe, “I ship!!”

Aradhaya giggled at her words. “Come on, I just met him today.”

“And I need his photo ASAP!” The best friends spent the evening ranting about Aradhaya’s potential crush, while Rudransh was no better, talking nonstop about Aradhaya with Rishi—be it her smile, her voice, her expressions, everything was reported in detail to Rishi.

The week passed, and watching a simping Rudransh was now irritating Rishi, who witnessed him awing over his brief interaction with Aradhaya. It was their usual spot in the cafeteria, but instead of a book in Rudransh's hand, there was a can of Coke, with his head thrown back against the chair.

“You know, Rishi, how cute she is,” Rudransh mused. Rishi hummed in response while stuffing his face with a burger.

“You know, how her fingers brushed mine when I gave her the can. Dhaya's Mahadev! I love this can.” Rishi hummed again as Rudransh kissed the can for the second time in fifteen minutes.

“You know, Rishi, her voice, uff! So soft!” Rishi hummed again.

“You know, Rishi, when she smiles, her lips just curve in the best way.”

“You know, Rishi, she called me sundar.”

Rishi, now beyond frustrated, grabbed the can from Rudransh’s hand and gulped down the soda while Rudransh whined, “Rishi!”

The next second, Rudransh was met with a splash of water on his face.

“What the hell!” Rudransh yelled, straightening up and wiping the water from his face.

“You have been behaving like a lost lover for two weeks now. I am tired of hearing you sigh all the time,” Rishi said, putting the glass down and sitting before him.

Rudransh brushed his hair with his fingers, paying no attention to Rishi's complaints. “Are you even listening to me?” Rishi shook him.

Rudransh sighed loudly, eyeing Rishi, then broke into a laugh. “You are impossible, Rudra. Just one encounter with her, that too for a few minutes, and I’ve heard about it over a hundred times this week. Why don’t you go and ask her out? At least give me a variety of content to listen to on repeat,” he suggested, leaning towards the table.

“Arey Rishi, it is not easy. She is very shy, and I don’t want to scare her off,” Rudransh leaned on the table lazily.

“Of course she will be scared if you ask her out, but she would be thrilled to see you stalking her in the corridors,” Rishi mocked.

“Eh, I am not stalking her. I am just stealing some glances at her,” Rudransh defended himself.

“Yeah, yeah. Mr. Shakespeare did very well. Keep doing it. Four months more, and we will get to the internship. Then keep regretting that you had time but chose to ‘steal glances,’” Rishi made his point clear, making Rudransh realize the obvious.

“At 6 in the evening, she goes to the library. I will try talking to her.” Filled with determination, Rudransh rose from the seat, giving a glimmer of hope, but the next moment he lost it and sat back down.

“But what am I going to talk to her about?” Rishi smacked his head, giving Rudransh a poker face.

“She is in third semester, what would be her subject going on?”

“Management accounting, great. I can go with that, Thank you Rishi you are a lifesaver.” Rudransh rose from his seat, confident this time.

Rishi didn’t stop him, typical of a best friend, and waited for Rudransh’s next report about his encounter with his Dhaya.

It was six in the evening, and Aradhaya was on her usual FaceTime call with Aridhaan. “Yug, get aside, let me talk,” Aridhaan’s irritated voice made Aradhaya laugh.

“Bhai, let me tell her about the blonde,” Yug turned his neck, making the eldest sulk more.

“Aru, you know even Bhai said yes to a brunette for the dance last night,” Yagya walked to sit beside Aridhaan, taking the phone from Yug.

“Really, Bhai?? You like her?” Aridhaan slapped his forehead, snatching the phone from the twin. “It’s nothing like that, Aru. I barely get time.”

“You tell, how’s everything and when are you visiting home next?” Aridhaan tossed the topics, talking sincerely, whereas Aradhaya walked through the corridors toward the library.

“Everything is alright, Bhai. It will be midterms next month, so after that, on Diwali. Are you three visiting for Diwali?” Aridhaan bit his lips, making Aradhaya halt her steps. “You three are not visiting for Diwali?”

“But, Bhai! It’s Diwali!” She whined, and Yagya turned the phone toward his side. “Yug and I are coming home after this semester for a whole two months, so don’t be upset.”

“And what about Bhai?”

“He has his game going on, you know, the brunettes and all,” Yug chimed from behind, making Aridhaan chuckle. “Okay, I am visiting you three if you don’t come.” The siblings’ chatter came to an end after Aradhaya reached the library.

Aradhaya registered her entry in the library after greeting the librarian. She went to the shelves, roaming around to get the books. She was busy figuring out the books when someone tugged on her shoulder. She turned around to see Rudransh.

“Peter Atrill has a good take on SWOT analysis,” Aradhaya squinted her eyes as he took a step toward her, making her step back. He stretched his arm, leaning a little on Aradhaya, whose back was now touching the bookshelf.

“Rudransh,” she whispered, the proximity giving her goosebumps.

“Relax, I am taking this book.” He reached for a book on the upper shelves and handed it to Aradhaya, who scanned the title. “Business Accounting.” She arched a brow at him as he stepped back, giving her space.

“Yes, Peter Atrill and Eddie McLaney are among the finest authors in business accounting. I know it’s one of the tough subjects, and you might need help. I’m always here to assist.” Aradhaya parted her lips to say something, but Rudransh continued. “You need not thank me, maybe just buy me a coffee sometime.” Aradhaya giggled at his words, turning to keep the book in its place.

“Thank you, Rudransh, but I’m already done with this course. My brother sent all his books to me; he had a collection of both foreign and Indian authors in his library. Moreover, I covered the third semester, so I’m done with Business Accounting, Business Economics, Database Management, Indian Business Management, and Business Laws. Now I was looking forward to getting started with Company Law and Corporate Taxes.” Aradhaya spoke fluently, moving from the shelves to an isolated table for two, while Rudransh followed her, listening intently.

“God, you are really bright.” He slumped into the seat across from her.

“I’m just keen to learn. I don’t have anything considerable to do, so I learn.” She leaned forward, smiling brightly at him, making a slow chuckle escape his mouth.

“Well, glad to know. I want to know more about you.” He proposed, crossing his arms and leaning forward on the table.

“Why?” She bit her lower lip, sucking it inside to control her smile.

“Because I think I don’t know you enough.” Aradhaya chortled at his words.

“You don’t know me at all.” She scoffed, pushing herself to lean back into the chair and turning the page of the book.

“No, I do. I know you come early to college, sharp at 8, although your classes start at 9:30. You feed the stray dogs on campus and roam around in the garden. In the cafeteria, you have a specific fixed order of fresh lime with a paneer sandwich. You are a trained classical dancer, and you practise every weekend in the auditorium, as there is barely anyone during that time. Every day at 6, you visit the library and go back at 9:30. You have a Maybach S-Class, and your driver drops you at college and picks you up. You are a bright student, topping the last two semesters, but you don’t have any friends.” Rudransh huffed, giving her the information, while Aradhaya’s jaw dropped open listening to him.

“Should I be concerned that you are stalking me, Mr. Chauhan? I can ask my brother to appoint the bodyguard back.” She gasped, while Rudransh chuckled at her words.

“Nice joke.”

“I am serious. You are seriously stalking me, and since when has this been going on?” She closed the book, placing it on the table.

“I am not stalking you. I was just building the courage to talk to you and ask you out. In that process, I just happened to learn your routine.” He shrugged his shoulders innocently, making Aradhaya giggle in response.

“Why do you want to ask me out? You don’t even know me.” She licked her lips, controlling her laugh.

“Mauka toh dijiye aap, thoda hum jaan lenge aapko, thoda aap jaan lena hume.” His tone inclined in the perfect rhythm of poetry, making his dimples grace his face, and Aradhaya couldn’t control her own smile.

“You are special, Dhaya. I don’t know how and why, but you really are.” He relaxed back in his seat, whispering softly, making Aradhaya’s heart skip a beat.

“Tell me something different, Mr. Chauhan. I have been hearing the same my whole life.” She collected her books to walk out of the library while Rudransh followed her beside.

“Well, if the prize is you, I would like to give it a pure shot.” He walked beside her.

“It’s not about the prize, Rudransh. If you claim to want it, ask me like a gentleman you are, not like a stalker.” She turned to him, flashing her light smile.

“With all my might.” He grinned, but his smile dropped when Aradhaya bid him goodbye. “It’s not even 7:30 today.” He checked his watch, showing the time to her.

“It’s my grandfather’s birthday today. I am awaited for the video call for the cake cutting.” Rudransh sighed but smiled at her.

“Wish him a happy birthday from my side too, then.” He walked her toward the main gate. “And what am I supposed to say?”

“That your potential crush wished him a long life and happy birthday.” Aradhaya scoffed at his words and turned to him as they approached her car.

“You wish!” Rudransh opened the door for her, and she took the back seat while the driver waited.

“I pray, Dhaya!” He shut the door, bidding her goodbye, and waited for her car to go past him. He stood there, thankful for the little time he had spent with her.

The night was almost sleepless for both of them—Aradhaya with the anticipation of her next meeting with Rudransh, and Rudransh thinking about ideas to impress her. After tossing and turning in bed all night, he finally came up with something she might like.

The next day, Aradhaya found a bouquet of white roses on her regular seat with a note. With utmost care, she lifted the bouquet, bringing the fresh aroma of the roses closer to her nose. Her lips stretched into a smile as she read the note.

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My dear Dhaya,

Since someone special like you deserves to be asked in a special way, I'm writing this note to wish you a beautiful morning to the beautiful lady. I chose these white roses as a symbol of your purity, thinking they might be your favorite.

P.S: Saw you smelling some in the campus garden one morning hehe...

By the way, I am terrible at expressing myself and struggle to find the right words to convey my thoughts.

If you liked the note and flowers, you can text me ‘thank you’ on my number given below.

##########

Rudransh

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