Infinity House

Awestruck was an understatement. Malay couldn’t tear his eyes off the beauty who walked up to him, shook his soul with just a subtle gesture of shaking hands and walked past him like a breeze of fresh air.

He couldn’t thank his stars enough to make him retrace his idea of skipping the school’s farewell and grimaced when his initial idea of chilling with his friends over a carton of beers and silly talks rushed back into his mind. Of course, he loved his friends to the moon and back. But maybe, the destiny as well thinks it’s time the school’s heart-throb gets the cupid’s arrow pierced right into his chest. And looks like the plan is already into action.

Gazing in the direction the 5 feet 4 tall gorgeousness walked away, Malay stood rooted to his place while his forwarded hand remained hung in air and jaw dropped to the floor. Soon, the people around erupted into giggles, girls blushing and boys glaring. Well, it isn’t a periodic activity that his classmates get to witness. The prestigious Warrior High’s quarterback, Malay Mallik is blessed with looks to kill. Girls went gaga over him. A look from him and you witness the entire female population have heart eyes and drool at the corner of their lips. And that oh-so-sexy smirk on his perfectly kissable lips is just a cherry on the cake. Hence, having the college Greek god gawking at a Cinderella, like she’s his most beautiful reality did make people wonder if the sun rose from the west.

Anyways, Malay came back from his gazing session because of a harsh shake and sharp scream that hit his eardrums. “Malaaaaayyyyyy!!” screamed Aviral, his buddy, or should I say, his best friend who knew him like a mirror. Annoyed being pulled out from the best daydream he had ever seen, Malay sends an irritated glare to Aviral and throws a disinterested ‘What’ towards him. “Well, I know I am an epitome of beauty seeing which you are star-struck, but would you mind taking that hand of yours back? It’s been 28 mins and 42 seconds ever since people who pass by have been playing ‘shake it with MM’ and you’ve been completely oblivious about it.” Aviral comments while cocking his eyebrow, a playfully evil grin plastered on his face. That’s when Malay looks around him. Smiling sheepishly and rubbing his nape while being embarrassed, he sighs dreamily and places his fisted right hand over his heart, and says, “I am whipped!”

Dressed in a royal blue, off the shoulder, sequin dress, Yuvika looked like the definition of Indian Rapunzel. While giggling with her friend, she felt a strongly heated gaze of certain someone hitting her back. Before she could turn around and see who the stares belonged to, she hears Avanti squeal, “Yuviiiii, Guess what?” Chuckling at her only friend’s excitement, Yuvika asks, “What is it, Avanti?” “Prithvi asked me out just a while ago! My fairytale of having my version of DDLJ is finally coming true. But looks like Bhauji is going to get replaced by Gabbar like a father of mine!” She ends with a pout. Unable to control herself, Yuvika bursts out laughing at her best friend’s cuteness. “Aww! Don’t worry, babe. I’ll make sure my Simran flies away with her Raj and gets her happily ever after.” Avanti grins as wide as her facial muscles support and hugs her lifeline to her dear heart. Friends for life, sisters by heart, Yuvika and Avanti are what you read in your books to be soul-sisters. Yuvika is the typical girl next door, meek yet feisty, silent by looks, but her doe-shaped eyes speak volumes. Her beauty lies in her innocence and blush that creeps on her cheeks now and then. Pouty pink lips with the aura of a sun, Yuvika can make any guy turn back and gaze at her with a smile on his face. 

“Avanti, I guess we shou….” Yuvika was cut in between her sentence by some high pitch girlish squeals. “OMG! The Band of brothers is performing tonight!!!” “Goodness, Malay looks so hot in his black tux.” “I can totally get myself gagged by him” followed by some giggles. These fangirls! Yuvika almost choked on her saliva when she heard the last statement. Her cheeks turned red and eyes wide open. Avanti couldn’t stop her giggles. “Let’s go Yuvi. Wouldn’t want to miss the last chance to check out the OGs.” This brings her to the beginning of the night. Gathering every bit of courage in her, Yuvika walks up to Malay as he was conversing with a classmate. This was probably her first and last chance to have a conversation with him. If only she knew! Clearing her throat, she says, “Hey!” This grabs Malay’s attention and he turns to get lost in a world of deep black orbs. Yuvika gets nervous and decides to rant about what she wants to say and run away. She then flashes a nervous yet beautiful smile and says, “Congratulations on winning the inter-school cup. And all the best for your career ahead.” She then puts her hand ahead for a handshake. Malay puts his hand ahead absent-mindedly. Not to forget, neither of them missed the tingles down their spine when their skin touched. Hurriedly, she left even before Malay could say a word, to avoid getting herself embarrassed for the sudden bold act of hers leaving Malay in a love daze that was unknown to her. Sighing at the not-so-old memory, Yuvika drags her feat towards the stage with her heart thumping hard against her chest. Why not? It’s Malay Mallik on stage after all. Her one true love.

To say Yuvika admired Malay is an understatement. What she felt for him was beyond admiration. She loved him, wished for his well-being, prayed for his victory before his every soccer match. The ever so quiet and composed Yuvika, danced and screamed in euphoria when it was announced that Malay was the new quarterback of Warrior high’s soccer team. She secretly slipped in a congratulations card into his locker. Her eyes always searched for him. Her grin went wide whenever her ears got lucky with his voice. Observing from behind the pillars, wait after school hours just to see him practice, secretly listen to his melodious laughter. Oh, what not? Stalker much? Nah, just a well-wisher who was hopelessly in love. Malay and Yuvika were technically in the same class for twelve long years. Malay was the star student. Teachers to students, everyone adored him for his impeccable performance both on and off the ground. Popularity and attention were Malay’s middle and last names. So, Malay being Malay didn’t have any idea about Yuvika’s existence. While Yuvika was the polar opposite. She hardly spoke unless spoken to and had only one forever friend. Her classmates knew her as the silent kid who didn’t interact much. Other than Avanti, books were Yuvika’s only friends.

While everyone was planning for the perfect dress, hairdo, and make-up for the once-in-a-lifetime farewell party, Yuvika was deciding whether she should watch ‘The Notebook’ or ‘A walk to remember’ with her one true love, the Baskin Robbin’s cookie and cream. *dreamy sighs*. But unfortunately, her perfect date night gets ruined when Avanti barges in with her crocodile tears and breathtakingly beautiful party dress. Yuvika unknowingly melts into a puddle seeing her best friend’s puppy eyes. ‘How difficult can it get? Maybe, staring at Malay for one last night can help me survive a thousand years with his memories.’ Blushing at her thoughts, Yuvika decides on farewell over movie night!

Band of Brothers! One for all, all for one. That is what they said and believed. Malay Mallik, the lead singer and guitarist. Aviral Gupta on the keyboard and Neil Khanna, the calm and composed percussionist and drummer. The Band of brothers was known for three things: Gorgeous looks, Music and friendship anyone could wish for. A word against one of them, and the other two would rip your head and body apart. They practically grew up together. Advantages of having your parents as best pals to one another. Malay, Aviral and Neil had their emotions directly proportional to one another. They were brothers, friends for life! They fought, pulled each other’s legs, cried together when Rahul Jayker jumps off the bridge for Arohi’s good future. Well, that’s a secret! For the outside world, they are rough and tough dudes with a scorching hot face and sharp as knife jawline. Those drool-worthy looks. *Sighs*

Initially, the plan was to roll on the floor over each other while sipping beer and talking all kinds of nonsense, but eventually, not being able to handle Avi’s whines for attending the farewell anymore, Malay and Neil gave in having no other choice. Anything to make their baby friend smile. Told ya, one for all and all for one.

The crowd was roaring and high on spirit. “Malay, Malay, Malay!” “We love you, Aviralll!!!” “Neil rocks!” Screams and squeals everywhere. It just amplifies ten times more as soon as the band enters the stage. For one last performance to the school that gave them everything.

Giving the crowd a smirk and while tuning his guitar, Malay throws a look towards his audience. And that’s when his eyes meet with certain doe-shaped ones that knocked his breath away for the second time in the night. Yuvika tears her gaze that was stuck on him as soon as she realized Malay was looking in her direction. Poor kid didn’t realize he wasn’t looking in her direction but was gazing at her.

He turns back and whispers something to his band. Aviral and Neil show a thumbs up with a smirk plastered on their face. The night is definitely going to be eventful for the soon-to-be love birds.

Turning back to the crowd, Malay spots Yuvika and smiles. He starts to strum his guitar.

Hmm… hmm…

Tujhse hi to mili hai rahat

Tu hi to meri hai chahat

Tujhse hi to judi zindagi

The moment she hears these lines slip out in her favorite voice, Yuvika jerks her head in the direction of the stage, her eyes stop and get locked with the most beautiful pair of chocolaty brown orbs that were gazing at her already with the world’s softness in them and a smile on his lips.

 Teri yaadein hain kuch adhoori

 Saans aadhi hai kuch hai poori

 Aankhon mein hai kaisi ye nami

Yuvika couldn’t hold her smile and broke into a wide grin. Seeing her smile with her eyes twinkling brighter than stars, Malay’s heart did a backflip.

 Mera mann kehne laga

 Paas aake na tu door jaa

 Chhoone de honth tere

 Zara saanson mein apni basa aa

She couldn’t hide her blush any longer, hence broke the eye lock they’ve been having since forever and looked away. This made our boy frown but soon he smirked seeing the redness taking its place on her soft cheeks.

The crowd and people around were going crazy with the love in the air and Malay’s voice didn’t help either. It just made everyone go weak in their knees with mushy hearts.

Hmmm

Tujhe apna bana loon

Tujhe tujh se chura loon

Tujhe khud mein chhupa loon sahiba

Ik mujh pe karam ho

Tu hi mera sanam ho

Teri mujh pe nazar ho sahiba

With those blushy eyes, she slowly raised her eyelids to get lost. Their eyes spoke in the language of their own.

Hmmmaa aa

Mar main jaaunga reh na paaun

Gham judai ka seh na paaun

Aye tujhe pyaar ka vaasta

Teri yaadein hai kuchh adhoori

Saans aadhi hai kuch hai poori

Aankhon mein hai kaisi ye nami

Raat ke chaand tale

Aagosh mein meri tu aa

Baahon mein le lo mujhe

Zara sapno mein apne basa

Hereafter, neither did they break the eye lock, nor did their eyes stop talking. Every word Malay sang traveled straight from his heart to hers. 

Mera mann kehne laga

Paas aake na tu door jaa

Chhoone de honth tere

Zara saanson mein apni basa aa.

The song ends with Malay winking at Yuvika and the latter almost had a cardiac arrest out of surprise and shock. Her jaw got buried into the ground and this made Malay chuckle. Her reaction was obvious! Come on, it’s not always you get to see The Malay Mallik simping over a girl.

As soon as Malay ended, everyone erupted and came out of the trance they were put into. A row of ‘Once more’ and ‘love you’ were heard. Sneakily, Yuvika slipped out of the crowd and walked out of the party hall with her heart thumping wildly as if it’s all set to pop out of her chest. Malay panics on not finding the angelic face which suddenly became his necessity to survive. That’s when he sees Avanti smirking at him and pointing him towards the garden area, the direction into which Yuvika escaped. Avanti didn’t miss the look-look game her friend was playing with the school’s hottie. Flashing her one of his best smiles, Malay rushed towards the garden dropping his guitar down. 

With her back towards him, Malay sees Yuvika holding her chest and huffing badly as if she ran a 500 meters marathon. His thoughts made him chuckle. Walking slowly in her direction, Malay clears his throat to grab Yuvika’s attention. Poor kid flinches and jerks back as soon as she realizes someone’s presence. Turning in the direction, Yuvika gasps seeing Malay so close for the second time in the night. Nope! Not happening. Definitely, a dream. She pinches herself and tries to test it if it was a dream. This makes Malay break into laughter. Seeing him laugh so carefreely, Yuvika smiles and quickly prays for him to always remain this happy. Feeling her gaze, he looks at Yuvika only to get lost in her eyes, again.

This time, she clears her throat to get him out of his dream world. “You sang beautifully well.” And smiles. Oh! That smile. Malay almost mewed like a happy kitten seeing her smile. Composing himself, he smirks before saying, “Well, the person whom I sang for definitely is beyond beautiful.” Frowning at his words and being the naïve kid she is, Yuvika comes to a conclusion that was beyond Malay’s imagination. Her crush talking about his girlfriend after singing a whole song without breaking the eye lock with her wasn’t even the last thing she wanted. Not to forget, that wink. Yuvika’s eyes moistened as soon as she made reached the conclusion.

Malay had a panic attack as soon as he saw her eyes having tears roll down. Without a second thought, he moves closer and pulls her into his arms and cups her face. He gently wipes her tears away and says, “Hey! Why would you cry, sweetheart? I’m sorry if I said something wrong. I promise to take back my words, but please stop those pearls sliding down your pretty face. They are way too precious for me.” This made Yuvika stop and she blushed with her mouth making an ‘O’, surprised listening to Malay’s soft and love-lazed voice. And boy! ‘Did he just refer to me as sweetheart??!?’ Anyways, the fresh realization made her smile which got a grin on Malay’s face. Wrapping his hands around her waist and pulling her closer, he asks, “Now that you are fine, would you mind telling me what just happened, Sweetie?” The proximity did nothing but make her turn into a ripe tomato and to top it, his husky voice and hands drawing soft and soothing circles on her waist. ‘God!!!! Please stop me from blabbering something stupid’ After taking a deep breath, she speaks, “Umm, you sai-d you sang the so-n-g for som-eone spe-ci-al and beau-t-i-ful. So, I tho-u-gh-t you sang it for your gir-l-friend? She stuttered badly. “Girlfriend?” Confused, Malay didn’t realize he spoke out loud. “Yeah, Ahana. Right?” She says dejectedly. Malay bursts into fits of laughter. He leans ahead and pecks the tip of her nose and says, “God, you are so cute when you get jealous. I wish I could gobble you up right now, doll face!” Pouting at him, she looks away. It took every ounce of Malay’s self-control to not kiss the life out of Yuvika’s pout. But he wouldn’t want her to think he’s a creepy pervert now, does he? He already lost a bit of his control and ended up winding his arms around her and pecking her nose. But he loved how she fit perfectly in his arms just like she belonged to him. ‘Actually, she does.’ He thinks and smiles. Frowning at his out-of-nowhere smile, “Why are you smiling?” ‘Great, Yuvi! Brownie points for not stuttering.’ “Because, Honeybun, I was just thinking how my arms are just made for you and how perfectly you fit into them.” Blush, blush and more blush! ”God, I love the way you blush.” “I wasn’t blushing.” “Sure thing, but cheeks say otherwise.” And the smirking monster returns.

Unable to put her feelings into words, Yuvika hugs him making Malay freeze in his place. Realizing her sudden action and wanting mother Earth to swallow her alive, Yuvika was about to pull herself back when Malay pulls her back and hugs her tight while pushing his face into the crook of her neck. “And FYI, I am very much single. Ahana is nothing but a sister to me since she’s Neil’s baby sister. And about my first statement, I can’t promise if I’ll remain single before we leave this garden.” He ends his husky monologue and releases his warm breath onto her skin. Goosebumps erupt on her skin with his mere breath. Seeing the effect he has on her, he pulls himself back. He sees a hair strand of hers disturbing his view by sitting on her face and puts it behind the curve of her ear gently. Placing his finger under her chin, he slowly lifts her face until her eyes meet his. Her eyes were screaming love and so were his. 

Without holding back anymore, Malay goes on his knees, “Sugarplum, I’ve never thought there’s something like love at first sight. I use to laugh at all those romantic chic-lit stories that said a guy meets a girl and boom! They fall in love and happily ever after, until now, when I am experiencing it myself. Your smile makes me grin. Your blush makes me proud. Your tears make me weak. I can’t and don’t want to forget the feeling of having you in my arms. Always and forever. I know it all started just a few hours ago, but I want to tell my love at first sight tale to our grandkids while you still blush the same way like you are right now, 50 years from now! Will you be my girlfriend, Sunshine? Will you make me the happiest man alive right now by saying a yes because I love you. Love me like crazy and accept my love? Please?” Yuvika was a crying mess. She was shaking with tear struck face and a smile on her face. It was her dream come true. Malay, her Malay, on one knee, asking her to be all his. She couldn’t get any happier. She got onto her knees and hugged him like her life depended on it. Malay couldn’t hold his happiness and hugged her back. Just when he thought he couldn’t get any more delighted than he already was, his ecstasy increased by thousand folds when he heard a meek yet confident ‘YES’ from the girl in his arms. His girlfriend. Ah, How much he loved the sounding of it. 

Grinning like idiots and standing on their feet. Malay kissed her forehead as if promising her a thousand years of his. His lips lingered on her skin for a little longer. But who cares? It was a promise. A promise reciprocated most beautifully. They dusted the grass on their clothes and walked into the hall hand in hand. Suddenly, Malay stops and “Baby, umm, I’m pretty embarrassed to ask this but, what’s your name, Love?” Smirking for the first time in her life, Yuvika moves one step closer, she whispers in his ears, “I am your sweetheart, sweetie, doll face, honeybun, sugarplum, sunshine, baby and love.” And she steps back to see Malay’s eyes sparkling with happiness. Not before she knocks the air out of his lungs by saying, “I am your girlfriend and you are the love of my life for a thousand years and beyond!”.

THE END