First Place - Julie (jul_93_3)
After the wedding ceremony, Rahul & Anjali left for their honeymoon to Europe. Aman left for London to take care of his business there. Now it has been a year since Rahul and Anjali have been married. They are blissfully happy with Anjali Jr.
It is early in the morning and Anjali Sr. has just come out of the shower and gotten dressed. She pinches herself because she is so happy with Rahul and Anjali Jr. She had never thought that the love of her life, she once lost would be with her again. She tiptoes into Anjali Jr.'s room to wake her up.
Anjali Sr: "Anjali, wake up sweetie, time for school."
Anjali Jr: (yawns) "Aw, Mom it's too early, another ten minutes please."
Anjali Sr: "No, not another ten minutes, you have to get up now or you'll be late for school"
Anjali Jr: (jumps up and hugs Anjali Sr.) "Ok Mom, I'll do it because I love you so much!"
Anjali Sr: "And I love you too sweetie, now come on get going."
Anjali Sr. goes back to her room to wake Rahul up. She looks at her husband lovingly.
Anjali Sr.: "Hey, sleepyhead wake up."
Rahul: (looks at her with sleepy eyes)"Anjali, I was having such a nice dream and your telling me to wake up? I want to finish my dream, I'mgoing back to sleep."
Anjali Sr. "Oh no you don't, if you don't get up, you won't make it to the office on time."
Rahul turns over and grabs Anjali.
Rahul: "If I'm a bit late it doesn't matter, I want to spend some time with you, love."
Anjali Sr: "Rahul, I love your romantic moods but I have to check on Anjali and see if she's ready."
Rahul: "Okay, you win, but tonight we're going out for a romantic dinner and Anjali Jr. can stay with Mom (Rahul's mom)."
Anjali Sr: "Sure sweetheart, that will be great."
At the breakfast table the conversation turns to the summer camp where Anjali Sr. teaches at every year.
Anjali Jr: "Mom would I be able to come to the summer camp this year too."
Anjali Sr: "Sure, it starts next week, right after school close.
Rahul: "Anjali, you are forgetting that next week I am taking Anjali Jr. to America for a visit with her great aunts and uncles, they all wanted to see her."
Anjali Sr: "Oh right, How could I forget. Anjali Jr. you'll have to go with Papa, you can join the camp after you come back."
Anjali Jr: "C'mon Papa, do I have to go to America?"
Rahul: "Yes Anjali, your relatives want to see you, and we are only going for one week, then afterwards we can both join Mom at the summer camp.
Anjali Jr: "Okay Papa, but next year, don't plan anything during the summer camp."
Rahul: "Yes boss, now run along and give grandma a kiss, then I'll drop you to school."
Anjali Sr and Rahul clear the table and discuss the trip to America.
Rahul: "This was the only time that I could plan this trip. Tina's aunts and uncles would really like to see Anjali and I don't want to disappoint them. You know they really wanted you to come too."
Anjali Sr: "I wish I could come, but I can't cancel the summer camp so many kids have signed up and they are really looking forward to it."
Rahul: (hugs Anjali) "I understand, but it's going to be the longest week in history and I'll miss you so much."
Anjali Sr.: "I'll miss you too, love."
The following week, everyone is getting ready for the trip. Anjali Sr. and Rahul's Mom are dropping Rahul and Anjali Jr. at the airport. Anjali Sr.:"Okay Anjali, be on your best behaviour for Papa. Anjali Jr.:"Yes Mom, I will and I'll also take care of Papa."
Anjali Sr.: "That's my girl, now give me a big hug." (hugs Anjali jr)
Rahul: "Hey, what about me?
Anjali Jr.: (Hugs Rahul and whispers in his ear) "I love you and I'll miss you!"
Rahul: "I love you too and don't work too hard at the summer camp.
Anjali Sr.: "Take care, both of you. Bye."
Rahul and Anjali Jr. say goodbye to Rahul's Mom and board their flight. Anjali Sr. and Rahul's Mom go to visit Anjali's Mom.
Anjali's Mom: "You should have accompanied Rahul on this trip."
Anjali Sr.: "Mom, you know that if it weren't for the summer camp. I would have went with them."
Rahul's Mom: "It's okay, Anjali and I will spend quality time at the camp together."
The ladies talked for awhile longer and as Anjali is leaving, her Mom mentions that Aman phoned from London.
Anjali Sr.: "How is Aman doing?"
Anjali's Mom: "He's fine, he was asking how all of you are doing."
Anjali Sr.: "Tell him, he should come visit us sometime."
Anjali's Mom: "I'll mention it next time he calls."
Anjali Sr. and Rahul's Mom go home and pack their suitcases for their trip to the summer camp. They'll be leaving tomorrow evening.
Early the next morning, the phone rings at Anjali's house. Anjali picks up the phone thinking who could be calling so early. Obviously it could not be Rahul because their flight is scheduled to land in America this afternoon.
Anjali: "Hello?"
Anjali's Mom: "Hello Anjali, I'm sorry to call you so early but I was watching the news and ...
Anjali: "What is it Mom, go on.
Anjali's Mom: "On the news it said that the plane going from India to America has crashed."
Anjali starts to cry and the words don't come out.
Anjali: "No Mom, it can't be, maybe you have the wrong flight number."
Anjali's Mom: "No Anjali, you gave us all the flight number in case of emergency and that is the same number that they just announced on the news. I'm so sorry Anjali, but there were no survivors."
Anjali starts screaming hysterically and drops the phone. "Rahul, I can't lose you again." she screams.
Rahul's Mom enters the room and asks Anjali what's wrong. Anjali explains through sobs and Rahul's Mom comforts her and tries to make sense of this tragedy. A week later the funeral takes place. Everyone is there to support Anjali. Aman has also flown in from London for the funeral.
Aman: "Anjali, I know I can't take away the pain you are feeling today but we are all here for you.
Anjali: (sobbing) "Aman, it doesn't make sense, Rahul and Anjali were my life and now they're gone. How do I go one from here?"
Aman: "Time will heal all wounds, Anjali, you are a strong person. And Rahul and Anjali will always be with you, in your memories.
Anjali: "Aman, I am so scared."
Aman: "Anjali, don't be scared, I'll always be here for you."
Anjali: "Aman, thank you so much for coming out here and helping with all the arrangements."
Aman: "Don't mention it."
The funeral takes place afterwards and everyone offers their condolences and go home. Aman goes to talk to Anjali's Mom.
Anjali's Mom: "Aman beta, when is your flight back to London?"
Aman: "Mom, I have decided to stay here indefinitely, if that is okay with you."
Anjali's Mom: "As you wish, Aman, you are welcome to stay here as long as you want."
Days turned into weeks, weeks into months. Anjali withdrew from everyone, kept to herself. Anjali and Rahul's Mom were both worried about her. Aman always went and talked to her, to make her feel better. But Anjali remained passive, for her life stopped after Rahul and Anjali Jr. past away. But Aman did not give up. She wanted Anjali to live life again. One night Anjali was out on the porch, looking at the stars. And Aman came to join her.
Aman: "Anjali?"
Anjali: "Yes"
Aman: "Are you thinking of Rahul?"
Anjali: "I still can't believe he's gone."
Aman: "Anjali, I'd like to tell you something. Rahul and Anjali are not gone. No one can ever take them away from you. They'll always be with you, in your heart. Rahul and Anjali Jr lived life to the fullest, they both would be sad to see you like this. They would want you to live life the way they did. Think about it."
Anjali remained silent and Aman left her to think.
That night when Anjali went to bed, she thought a lot about what Aman said. She thought about the summer camp, where Rahul and Anjali Jr had so much fun with her. She decided that maybe she should open a camp that would teach singing and dancing all year round. Anjali Jr. really loved the summer camp but why only in the summer, kids could come there after school and during holidays too. She could dedicate the camp to Rahul and Anjali Jr. She decided to discuss the idea with Aman the next day.
The next morning Aman was having breakfast and thinking about Anjali. He loved her so much and couldn't bear to see her in so much pain. He was wondering how to help her when Anjali walked in.
Anjali: "Aman, I'd like to discuss something with you."
Aman: "Go ahead, Anjali."
Anjali explained her camp idea to Aman and he was thrilled to hear it. Aman and Anjali started on the project right away. Six months later, the camp was ready. There was a party to celebrate the completion. And at the party, Aman saw Anjali smiling for the first time in months. Aman and Anjali spent a lot of time together. Aman helped Anjali at the camp. And he also took her out to dinner and movies when they both had spare time. Anjali had opened up to Aman, she talked to him about Rahul and Anjali Jr. Slowly, Anjali realised that Aman was such a good friend and he was there whenever she needed him. One evening Aman and Anjali were at the camp when.....
Anjali: "Aman, you have spnet so much time here for me, I hope your business in London is not suffering."
Aman: "There are people who are taking care of my business and plus you are more important."
Anjali: "Why am I more important?"
Aman: "Because you are!"
Anjali: "Aman, I don't want you to ruin your life because of me, you have a life in London, surely you can't stay here indefinitely."
Aman: (looks at Anjali)"Just one word from you and I would stay here forever."
At this Anjali blushed and remained quiet.
That night Anjali thought about Aman, he'd done so much for her. He was such a good friend, but was he more than a friend? Did she have feelings for him? No, she only loved Rahul, there was no one else for her.
More months went by, Aman and Anjali enjoyed each other's company. The first time that Aman laid eyes on Anjali, he knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. It had been a year and half since Rahul and Anjali's death. Life had played such a cruel trick on Anjali. He wanted to make Anjali happy, if she'd let him. Aman spoke to Rahul and Anjali's Mom. He told them that he'd like to marry Anjali with their permission. Both mothers agreed that they'd like to see Anjali wed again and be happy.
The following day, Aman went to see Anjali with a dozen red roses.
Aman: "I brought you something Anjali."
Anjali: "Oh, Aman, they're beautiful."
Aman: "Anjali, I don't know how to say this but I have to tell you this."
Anjali looked puzzled.
Aman: "Anjali, I have always loved you and you are my first and only true love. My life will not be complete without you. When I left for London after your wedding to Rahul, I was heartbroken. I couldn't concentrate on anything and I only thought of you. I'm asking you to give me a chance to make you happy. I want to marry you. I know I can never replace Rahul and I will never try to either. Rahul will always be your first love but if you even have a little bit of space for me in your heart, I would be the happiest man on this earth. I'm not pressuring you to give me an answer right now. Think about it for a couple of weeks and then let me know."
Before Anjali could think of anything to say, Aman walked away.
For the next few days, Anjali thought about Aman's proposal. She spoke to her Mom and Rahul's Mom and both of them encouraged her to give Aman a chance. That night Anjali went outside, it was a clear night and you could see the stars. A shooting star went by and she thought of Rahul, how they both used to wish upon a shooting star. She would never stop loving Rahul, he would alwyas be a part of her. She thought about Aman's proposal again and realized that she had to give him an answer soon. She asked herself if she would be able to give Aman the love he deserves. She thought how close she had gotten to Aman over the past year, and how she was happy with him. But did she love him? It had been only a few days since she hadn't seen Aman, yet she missed him so much. She didn't know what to do.
When Anjali fell asleep that night, she had such a vivid dream. She saw Rahul, he looked so handsome with that grin on his face. He comes towardher and Anjali wants to say so many things to him. But before she can sayanything, Rahul looks at her and says only three words, "Be happy Anjali". And then he disappeared. Anjali keeps on calling for Rahul but he doesn't come instead she sees Aman coming towards her. Anjali wakes up suddenly, her heart beating so fast. Her dream seemed so real. After her dream she had trouble falling asleep.
For the next few days, Anjali couldn't concentrate on anything. She could only hear Rahul's words "Be happy, Anjali.". She realized that happiness for her at this point in her life was Aman. She was only happy when Aman as around her. Her heart ached to see Aman. No matter how much she denied it, she wanted Aman in her life. She had developed strong feelings for him and along the way she had fallen in love with him. She didn't want him to go back to London. She was going to phone him right away, but then she decided to wait and call him tomorrow.
Later that evening, she went to the camp to get some work done. She just couldn't get anything done, she kept on thinking about Aman. She wished Aman was here right now, she wanted to tell him that she loved him. She decided to go home because she couldn't get anything done at the camp. She turned around and started walking towards her car when she saw Aman waiting for her. She was so happy to see him, and Aman looked at her with loving eyes. Anjali opened her arms and her heart to him. Aman rushes over to her and hugs her.
Aman: "I take it the answer is yes."
Anjali: Well, what do you think, of course it's yes."
Aman: "Anjali, you've made me the happiest man on earth."
Anjali: "I love you Aman."
Aman: "I love you too."
A year later, Aman and Anjali were married in a simple ceremony with close friends and family. And the following year, Anjali gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Aman and Anjali named him Rahul. The three of them made a very cute family and they were very happy together.
THE END
Nicki Her & Sabrina Siddiqui
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/kajolisno1