LOVE NOWADAYS

The young generation and love nowadays!!!

Arjun was out of college but had not yet managed to win a girl's heart. All his friends had found partners for themselves, but he was the only odd one out. He was good looking, sang and danced well, wore the choicest of clothes that actually looked good on him but the girls never took to him. His friends made so much fun of him that he started developing a complex. That's when Chandan bhaiyya came to his rescue.

Chandan bhaiyya was like any other small town guy, happy in his world, a little loud and a little bulky too, now that he was married. He was quite a Romeo in the past, before marriage that is and always was a hot favourite among girls. 

"Worry not", said Chandan bhaiyya when he heard Arjun. With great difficulty he controlled his laughter and suggested ways to woo a girl. But Chandan had mostly tried all. Still he wanted to go ahead because he could not take any more insults. 

"The thing I am going to suggest now is dangerous. You may get beaten up. Your parents may be informed", said Chandan bhaiyya. 

"No problems bhaiyya, I am ready to face anything, just want to prove myself to my friends", was Arjun's reply. Chandan bhaiyya went in and came out with four-five sheets and some trinkets. He handed them to Arjun, who looked up questioning. These are love letters. Hand them over to the girls you like and wait. Arjun was happy and very hopeful. He hugged Chandan bhaiyya, ran out, kicked his motorcycle and went home.

Gattu's help was sought and with the incentive of a ten rupees chocolate, he agreed to act the postman. Radha called him up on the number mentioned in the letter. "Bhaiyya! I always looked up to you as a brother. How could you even think of?" Danger bells rang. He somehow pacified her saying it must be a prank played by a friend.

Twinkle and Deepa didn't react. Seema's Dad spoke to his Dad about the love letter and there was a heated verbal war at night the next day. He was let off with warnings. He was on the verge of setting into a depressive mode when the bell rang. 

"Hello handsome", the voice at the other end said. "Neetu bol rahi hoon" ( Neetu speaking). He was shocked. He was about to fall off his office chair but somehow balanced. After a few pleasantries, they decided to meet in the evening. In the meantime he called a few friends and informed them that he had a girlfriend now. 

Geetu was a day dreamer who dreamt of her " Prince Charming" every minute of the day. She was pretty, dainty, intelligent but had left studies after school due to family pressure. She also yearned to study, roam around the city with friends, have a boyfriend who would always pamper her...but sitting at home it was not possible. This was a God send opportunity and she grabbed it tightly.

They met in the evening. He acted shy, she was coy. Both smiling away more than usual. Geetu was fast-"Jaanu, I always liked you but how did you know!" He was taken aback but was smart enough to cook up stories and profess his love. A treat of chat and bangles for a gift made her day. Geetu sitting on his mobike, her arms wrapped around him were his incentives. He was ecstatic. 

Days passed into months, the love story continued only that now Arjun was weary of the outings as all outings made him lose much of his monthly salaries. For Geetu it had always been a way of getting out of her home and pampering herself without spending a paisa out of her parents' coffers.

And then Geetu stopped seeing him. He was worried but was still at peace. Amma was also pressurising Arjun to get married to the sister-in- law of her sister, Jahnvi. She was good looking and Arjun quite liked her. Then one day Gattu quietly handed him a letter. He opened. It read....

My dear,

Sorry I could not get in touch with you. My parents have selected a boy for me. They want me to get married to him. In fact the wedding cards have been printed too. I am feeling so helpless. But you see it is all about my parents' honour and respect and I have to go ahead with the marriage. Please for old times sake and our friendship, do not try to get in touch with me. 

Wish you all the best.

Goodbye!

He knew it was from Geetu...he heaved a sigh of relief.  A smile on his lips he went to the kitchen and said yes for the girl Amma had chosen for him.

Geetu was out shopping with her friend for her trousseau and Arjun was out for coffee with his friends.

Arjun broke the news of his wedding to Jahnvi.

Sameer was shocked- " But aren't you seeing Geetu?" 

"She was a nice girl but not marriage material. I realised it soon and agreed to Amma's choice. She will always choose the best for me. As it is I have moved on yaar."

"Geetu! What about Arjun? You both loved each other a lot didn't you?"

Geetu looked at her friend, smiled and said," that idiot! No way. He was such a big bore. He did not even have any money to spend on me. It was me who always landed up paying for him. How could I even think of him. Girish is good looking, from Delhi and has lots of money. He really loves me...and you know what, let us not talk about Arjun. I have moved on yaar".

©®Madhumita