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Let Life Surprise You

by Neha Singhal
(Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India)

It was eight in the morning and I was late by 15 minutes. Above that it was Monday morning the hardest one to get up and go for work. The morning on which you counsel yourself with pretty good reasons to go for work. However, somewhere your inner voice keeps on echoing inside "You Liar". But, I never knew that this Monday morning is going to give a new turn to my life. Hi, I am Shweta Khanna, an MBA working with an Events Management Company at Noida.


Every morning I take a metro at around 8:05 am from Patel Nagar (Delhi)so as to reach my office on time. But, today this seems unrealistic. I was hopping the stairs of metro station quickly so that I can take the earliest possible metro. At that time my eyes could only see the picture of punching machine at my office with time running on it. Presuming all the adversities that could happen today on being late I reached the platform. The doors of the metro were about to close. At that time I was feeling like a bull and the metro doors were a red cloth for me.I ran to attack and I jumped into the train before the doors could close. Wowwwww!!!!! I made it.

A storm of happiness overwhelmed me and I awarded myself in mind for this achievement. While I was busy in celebrating my success I heard a heavy voice from behind calling my name Shweta!! I turned around, oh my God, he was Ravi.
"Is that you Shweta?? I really can't believe that its you." He asked me with a gesture of surprise and happiness.
"Hey!!! Ravi, how are you? Its been such a pleasure to see you after a longtime," I said. Ravi and I were batchmates in MBA. His main stream was Finance. But, to me figures were the biggest horror. So, I opted for HR. We shared a casual friendship.

Me: So, what are you doing these days?
Ravi: Well, I work in Accor group as Manager Finance in Gurgaon.
Me: That's good.
Ravi: So, what about you? What are you doing?
Me: I work in Noida for an Events Management Company in their HR division. So, are you in touch with other people?
Ravi: Yes, but few ones only that too occasionally. Get too engrossed with work so do not get much time.

In between this chit chat, the hard working lady announcing every station reminded me that my station was arriving.

Me: I need to get down. It was really nice meeting you, Ravi.
Ravi: Hey give me your contact number.
I left my number with him and got down in a hurry.

I was lying on my bed recalling my best ever Monday morning. Meeting Ravi was not less than a treat to me. It reminded me of some beautiful memories which were like a secret treasure in my heart. Ravi was a simple and honest person. I always admired his simplicity and down to earth nature. His well focussed approach towards his goals and an optimistic attitude towards life always attracted me towards him.

I was working on my system, struggling with all the monotony of my work, when my phone buzzed. It was an unknown number. I felt like screwing the person if he would offer me any medical insurance policy or a free credit card. With all these things in my mind I picked up the phone and said "Hello". Needless to mention that the word "Hello" carried all my frustration at that point of time.

The voice from the other side came "You can be a little polite, pretty lady".

Me: Thanks for complementing me, but, may I know who is this?
The other side said, "It's me, Ravi."
Me: Oh Hi! How are you?
Ravi: Great
Me: How are you doing?
Ravi: Good.
Me: Since it was an unknown number so I thought it might be a promotional call.
Ravi: Oh that's absolutely fine.
Me: So, how come you call me?
Ravi: Just wanted to tell you that, you were looking gorgeous that day.
Me: (in a state of confusion) well thanks!!
Ravi: When do you get free from work? Let's catch up.
Me: Yeah sure, but some other day. Today I am very occupied.
Ravi: This weekend?
Me: Not sure. Will try
Ravi: This weekend done. I know you can make it.
Me: okkkaaaay
Ravi: Great. I would be eagerly waiting for this weekend. Bye...
Me: Bye..

I kept the phone but his last words made me a little restless. Hearing such words from Ravi came to me as a surprise.

After two days he again called me up to ask about our weekend plans. We decided to meet at United Coffee House in Connaught Place.

"What would you have?" Ravi asked me.
Me: A Capaccino
He ordered two Capaccino and some cookies.
"So, what's up?" He asked me to start up a conversation.
Me: Nothing much just routine things, office and all.
Ravi: Good and how is your life apart from work? Partying and catching up with friends and all?
Me: Come on Ravi, you know me. I'm not a party person and you know how reserved I am.
Ravi: Yeah I know and
that's what I like about you. Your simplicity and honesty.

I looked at him in surprise. The person who never used to give girls a second look is trying to flatter me since the day we met.

Me: Oh really!! Am I so??
Ravi: Yes, you are dear ( with a smile)

I felt a little shy. My heart started beating fast. My cheeks were red. Oh my god, I was blushing. It was the first time I was been praised by a guy and the person was Ravi, whom I secretly adored in my heart.

It was a wonderful evening. I enjoyed Ravi's company. I felt various butterflies in my stomach remembering about that evening. My heart was filled with joy. But, somewhere my mind did not want me to feel this joy. It didn't want this spark to get fire. I knew if I will continue to meet Ravi, I will surely fall in love with him. I already had a soft corner for him. He was the person whom I always adored. Although we shared just a casual friendship during our college days, still there was something unsaid between us. There was a tussle between my heart and mind. My heart wanted to feel this new colour in my life but my mind was constantly telling me to stay away from this. In the middle of this I got a text from Ravi. "It was great meeting you. I had the best time with you. When are we meeting next?"

On reading the message, a shiver ran in my body and I got goose bumps. I read the message again and again. I really wanted to tell him that being with him was the most wonderful time for me too. But, owing to all the ifs and buts which were already jumping inside me, I replied, "Ravi it's not that easy for me to make it up."
Ravi: Why???

Me: I generally remain busy with my work and I don't freak out much often. It was just you insisted me so I came to meet you; otherwise every time it's not possible.
Ravi: Didn't you like meeting me?
Me: I do but...
Ravi: Then why do you want to stop this?
Me: Because it's not right. I have been raised in a very conservative atmosphere mugging up all the basic behavioural traits of an ideal Indian girl. Meeting and hanging out with a person doesn't fit into this.
Ravi: I got your point and I truly agree with you. But, suppressing your feelings and desires just to fit into the image of an ideal Indian girl is also not correct. If you like someone and enjoy his company, then it's nowhere wrong to move ahead. I like you and want to know you more. I would be waiting for you at the same place tomorrow. Please come...

His words started roaming around in my head. I could not sleep that night. Next day I took a day off from work. I was very restless. I read the messages we exchanged during night. Trust me it was really difficult to make my heart win over my mind.

I went to meet Ravi. He was already there. He smiled and said, "I'm glad you came."
I smiled back and sat down. "So, how are you?" He asked.
I looked into his eyes and just nodded my head with a smile. He made out the state of my mind. He immediately said, "Let's go for a walk." I was quite. "Come," he said. We went out in the fresh air. When you have so many dilemmas in your mind trust me a fresh air walk is the best. I was feeling choked inside but out here I was very much comfortable. Ravi started, "why you look so tense? Do you feel you are doing any crime meeting me?"
Me: I told you last night also that the values and morals given to me doesn't allow me to be with you.
Ravi: Leave everything apart. Just listen to your feelings and tell me what do you want.

I don't know what magic this person was having. In just two meetings and few texts he knew how to handle me and give me a sigh of relief. Just thinking all this and admiring him I kept quite.

He started again. "Okay, let me tell you first. Shweta, I like being with you. I adore your simplicity, since the day I met you in college. I am glad that God gave me another chance to have you in my life and I don't want to loose it. I truly love you and want to be with you for the rest of my life. Don't bother about anything else. Just feel free to follow your heart."

My throat was choked and my eyes were wet. Ravi held me in his arms. To me they were the best place to rest. Holding him tight I said "I love you too"...

We dated for three years and then decided to marry. Life is good and I am glad that I listened to my heart and not my mind.

To sum up I would say "Be open to life as you never know when it will surprise you."
***

Comments for Let Life Surprise You

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Aug 19, 2017
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Excellent Story
by: Siddhartha Dua

You are just a fab writer Neha..

The way you expounded the conversation between Khanna and Ravi was mind boggling. I am craving to read more.

Do check out my blog and tell me how is it

http://obsoletereality.com

Aug 12, 2017
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Very impressive and connecting
by: Nidhi Aggarwal

Dear Neha,
This creation by you is really very impressive and anyone can easily connect with the storyline. Why u had kept such a creative talent hidden inside yourself? Kindly keep up this good work and keep providing good stories or novels to the public to refresh them from the day-to-day pressures.

Aug 11, 2017
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Keep going
by: prachika saxena

Good peice of work. Keep writing. More than anything it is important to follow your passion and listen to your heart. And well.... your story says the same 😊👍🏻

Aug 11, 2017
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What a wonderful narration
by: Ankur Jain

its always great to start with what we love and gone through with. Simply nice pick of word, easy to read for all and most importantly have not gone to lengths to make it bore
Cheers bhabhi, keep on writing.

Aug 11, 2017
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Simply brilliant
by: krishan gopal

I knew since begining that this lady have some brilliant talent which will come out with shining stars.. and here she is... efforts are superb and I look forward for some more brilliant write ups from her in future.. keep it up...!!!!

Aug 10, 2017
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Sweet n relatable
by: Reema Mehta

A story that narrates a typical middle class girl who feels trapped in the moral n ethics taught to her where the orthodox upbringing doesn't allow to her to take decisions even for her own life. But sometimes it is important to follow your own dreams.Well done Neha my Rockstar you succeed to reflect a true tussle of mind n heart through a simple yet effectively narrated story.I am proud of you n wish to see more great stuff from you.All the best.

Aug 10, 2017
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Sweet!
by: Shail Kaushik

Such a sweet, romantic story! Great work, Neha - keep it up!

Aug 10, 2017
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Excellent work
by: Sonia

Good job Neha
I really like the story. It's very interested and beautifully framed.

Aug 10, 2017
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Really Impressive
by: Swati Aggarwal

Its just simply WOW!!!....so glad to see all this stuff...
To write something is to share a part of your soul with world....keep going👍

Aug 10, 2017
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Like a poetry
by: Kartik & Aakanksha Vaid

Amazing job neha singhal. It felt like a Poetry. The selection of words is commendable and you have the potential to become a great writer in the near future. Looking forward for more of such stuff from you.

Aug 10, 2017
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Great job !
by: Margi Bhagatia

A fabulous story line which flows smooth..Feeling of a girl came from conservative family clearly reflects! The tittle just put me into a thought for adopting 'Let Life surprise you'for Me by looking at my present situation! I might found a book by Neha singhal one day in Crossword ! Kudos!!

Aug 10, 2017
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Hi
by: Rashmi Dubey

Dear Neha,

Very nice initiate. A simple but very nicely written. Keep it up. Great work.

Aug 10, 2017
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Owsum
by: Sahil Dave

Amazing lines... really like it...

Aug 10, 2017
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Like a poetry!
by: Aakanksha vaid

Amazing job neha singhal! Looking forward for such more beautiful stuff from you.

Aug 10, 2017
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Superb
by: Your Name:aayushi vaid

Xcellent use of words and expression of feelings...

Aug 10, 2017
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Good work
by: Rupa Palit

Amazing...... It's like watching a short story with the chilled feeling that what's the next step of the girl.....good work.keep writing

Aug 10, 2017
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Excellent effort
by: Vijay Kapur

Wow Neha, Great Hidden Potential. Speaks a lot about your personality. A great effort to pen down the thoughts with clarity.
Lord Almighty may bless you.

Aug 10, 2017
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Nice one
by: Sangeetha Akkiraju

Good one Neha... enjoyed reading the story...keep on writing for readers like us

Aug 10, 2017
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Emotional
by: Sapan Jani

Recalled those days when I've such feelings for someone special (fortunately she is my wife today). Really, story-line is very good. Feeling touched. Old memories of golden days hidden somewhere in a safe corner of my heart just awaken. Thank you for inspiring myself to meet my real-self. Keep up the good work, keep writing..Good luck

Aug 10, 2017
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Wonderful story
by: Dr.T.Paramasivan

The 'story telling' is unique and vocabulary is simple and appealing. The author has the potential to become one of the most admired story tellers of our times.

Aug 10, 2017
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Great narration
by: Aditya

The words used are very engrossing and gives you a picture of how and what is happening...

Aug 10, 2017
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One of the best i have gone through
by: Luv Sharma

Enjoyed reading the stuff, binds reader with it.

Keep up the good work.

Aug 10, 2017
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Fabulous fiction writing
by: Radhika Sachade

Good job neha...its heart touching story. .want to see you with next one...keep it up..

Aug 10, 2017
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Wow
by: Anjali

That's really a great work.simple n realistic. Well done.

Aug 10, 2017
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Fantabulous
by: Megha goel

Very true, life is full of surprises, very well written Neha, i didn't know about your this hidden talent. Keep going and all d best

Aug 10, 2017
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Heart touching!
by: Manjushri Rajput

Nicely written, all the best for next

Aug 10, 2017
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Great job..
by: Anupriya sharma

Amazing effort.The time you put in really shows !!keep up the good work .

Aug 10, 2017
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Good Story
by: Virendra Gupta

Good

Aug 10, 2017
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Wonderful Writing Talent
by: Ashok Vaid

This wonderful piece of fiction by Neha Singhal is the proof of her hidden and so far untapped writing potential. The flow of the story is well worded and keeps the reader glued to the piece of writing. Well done Neha. Wish to see more from you on this acore. .. Keep it up...Best Wishes.

Aug 10, 2017
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Loved reading this!!
by: Akanksha Sharma

Beautifully articulated story, which is very relatable for anyone. Kudos! Will look forward to more :)

Aug 10, 2017
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So real story
by: Vineet Singhal

It's superb & quite realistic to the life of an Indian girl from a moderate Family. Keep it up..

Aug 10, 2017
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Too good
by: Kush sharma:

Nice article. Proud of you

Aug 10, 2017
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A classic film plot
by: Sudipta Dutta

A good attempt by someone writing her first book.Could see a mature novelist in making.

Aug 10, 2017
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Awesome
by: Suruchi Sharma

It's really fabulous story and speaks about the hidden talent of yours. Keep writing and all the best

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