You’re Trending in my Dreams Read online

  ‘Of course. We can go shopping on every date. It would be so much fun,’ Varun said, sarcastically.

  Malvika gave him an angry look and started walking in the direction of Shopper’s Stop. The afternoon of shopping terror had actually begun for Varun. At first, it seemed okay to him but after looking around for some outfits, Malvika started asking for advice. Varun was now super afraid to say anything wrong. Malvika picked up a top and asked him how it looked on her.

  ‘Wow. Fantastic. Take it,’ Varun said.

  Everything she tried looked fantastic according to Varun even if it didn’t. He was trying to speed up the buying process or they would be at the mall forever but his plan backfired because of her inability to choose from the countless outfits she had picked up.

  ‘I will try out each one of them. You just sit here outside the changing room,’ Malvika stated.

  Varun’s jaw dropped as there were nearly ten outfits in her hands. He just sat there and every time she came out he tried to put on a happy face. But after she had tried around five of them, Varun started to get annoyed and she could sense it.

  ‘Baby, just a few more minutes. You want me to look hot in front of your friends, right? So tolerate this bit.’

  Girls have done a PhD in the art of shopping, Varun thought.

  He felt he had turned twenty years older since he had entered the mall.

  ‘I wish every time I like an outfit on Instagram, it would magically appear in my closet,’ Malvika said, coming out of the dressing room.

  Just when he thought the ordeal was over, she decided to try one more outfit. Varun pushed her back inside the trial room and locked the door. He went closer to her and planted a kiss on her lips. The clothes she was holding in her hands fell to the ground.

  ‘Baby, we’re in a dressing—’ she started to protest but it was too late.

  He took off her top and bit her on the neck. She moaned in ecstasy. Just when she was about to unzip his pants, they heard another girl talking on the phone outside. They made sure they were extra quiet and Varun started saying things like, ‘I like this one on you, but do you think a smaller size will fit you better? Should I go get one?’

  Malvika couldn’t control her laughter. She hurriedly put her top back on and came out of the dressing room. The girl was still talking on the phone and looked in Malvika’s direction as she came out. Within a few seconds, she saw Varun coming out from the same dressing room and gave him a strange look. Varun smiled awkwardly at her and quickly went in the opposite direction. He helped Malvika choose a scarf and bag and they walked to the billing counter to pay for the items. Unfortunately, the same girl who had seen them come out of the dressing room was standing in front of them at the counter. She looked at them with utter disgust on her face. As Malvika left the store, she showed the girl the middle finger.

  Finally, Malvika’s shopping spree was over and the best part was that Varun had survived it. He had also bought himself a cool jacket in the process. As they left, Varun told her he had actually enjoyed the day even though he wasn’t so sure in the beginning, and that he would love to go shopping every day if it was the same as today. Malvika blushed and both of them headed towards the parking lot.

  The sun was about to set as Malvika guided Varun to Kharghar hills. It is a scenic location situated at the western side of the Kharghar township from where you get a helicopter view of the entire township. When they reached the top, Varun was amazed at the beauty of the place. He never knew that in such a crowded city as theirs, there existed a place so beautiful, away from the hustle and bustle of their lives. Varun and Malvika went for a walk together, hand in hand.

  ‘Do you think your dad will accept our relationship?’ Malvika asked as they rested on one of the rocks.

  ‘I am not going to give him an option. It’s my life and he has to accept our love. I have no fear of telling him about our relationship. After all, I love you and you are mine forever,’ Varun said, coming close to her.

  They hugged each other. His words of assurance made all the doubts in Malvika’s mind vanish.

  ‘I will keep telling you I love you until my last breath,’ said Varun. Malvika was ready to sacrifice everything for Varun. She was madly in love and each second with him made her feel like she was a blessed soul. It’s not hard to sacrifice something for someone but it’s hard to find that someone who deserves your sacrifice. Varun deserved it all.

  Minutes later, Varun took out his cell phone and logged on to his Facebook account. Malvika took a peek at his mobile phone and complained, ‘Do you want to spend time with me or be on Facebook?’

  ‘You have to love me the way I am.’

  ‘You can at least leave Facebook alone while you are with me. Are you so addicted to it?’

  ‘As if you are not! Every time you post a status or upload a photo, don’t you tell me to comment on it?’

  ‘We’ve hardly been in a relationship for a day and look at us fighting,’ Malvika said in a sad tone. Varun just smiled and brought his mobile screen closer to her face. He had changed his relationship status from ‘Single’ to ‘Committed’. This brought a smile on Malvika’s face. These days if a guy uploads his relationship status on Facebook or shares his password with his girlfriend, it’s considered a sign of loyalty. Varun had done exactly the same as he knew it would please Malvika and he had no shame in accepting that he was in a relationship.

  ‘I wish there was an option of changing your relationship status to ‘Trying to get into a fight with my girl, so that we can have passionate make-up sex later’, teased Varun as he moved closer to her.

  ‘Shut up,’ Malvika chided, pushing him away.

  Varun and Malvika ate at a nearby dhaba and left soon after as it was getting dark. On the way back home, Malvika rested her head on his shoulders. Never before had she felt so comfortable in her life. She had been in a relationship before and had confessed all about it to Varun. It didn’t change Varun’s outlook towards Malvika. Fate may decide your destiny. But the choices you make decide your fate. Malvika had made the right choice. Every girl deserves a man who makes her forget that her heart has been broken ever!

  Once they reached their flat, Varun told her to go inside, saying he would meet her upstairs in a few minutes.

  Malvika went upstairs while Varun went to a nearby pharmacy and bought a packet of condoms. He had a feeling tonight was going to be the night. Gathering all his courage, he walked back towards the apartment. It was their first time and he wanted to make it special. As he reached upstairs, he opened the door with his keys. He did not want to ring the bell and wake up Ahana and Garima. But luck didn’t favour him as they were awake anyway. Malvika had woken them up to show them her new outfits. Varun stood there, sad and depressed. All his fantasies had come crashing down in no time. He sat quietly on the corner of the bed near the window as the girls checked out her new clothes.

  ‘Even though I have Moods in my pocket, my girlfriend is in no mood to make out,’ Varun thought dejectedly. He took the condom packet from the pocket of his jeans and quickly threw it outside the window.

  ‘Why are you quiet? You can join us,’ Ahana said to Varun.

  ‘I’ve already had enough of this.’ Varun reacted strongly, looking at Malvika.

  He took out his mobile phone and sent her a message on WhatsApp, We had planned something tonight. Forgot?

  Malvika glanced at Varun and gave him a naughty look. She replied, Yes. I remember. I have something in mind. Let them sleep first.

  Varun messaged her back asking what she had in mind. She replied asking him to be patient. But Varun couldn’t control his anxiety and messaged asking, Is the plan on for tonight on or not?

  Malvika started giggling after which Ahana asked her what had happened. She made up a lie saying a friend had sent her a joke. Luckily, Ahana didn’t ask her to read the message else Varun would have jumped from the window. Malvika nodded and Varun’s excitement knew no bounds.

  ‘I’ll be back,’
Varun said and ran out of the house.

  Before anyone could ask where he was going, he had already shut the door. He ran down as fast as he could and reached the back of the apartment. He had come looking for the packet of condoms he had thrown away a few minutes ago. He continued his search for the next few minutes, but to no avail. He switched on the flashlight on his mobile and started looking again. Finally he was able to locate it! When he entered the apartment, he saw Ahana and Garima had gone into their respective rooms.

  ‘How did you manage to do that?’ Varun asked.

  ‘I am smart—you have to agree.’ She winked.

  Varun immediately pulled her close and locked his lips with hers. Malvika pushed him away and told him to be patient. She took him to the terrace. Earlier, it was Varun who had given Malvika a surprise on the terrace, but now he was going to get one. He had no clue why they were going up.

  Once they reached the terrace, he saw a bed sheet in a corner of the terrace, with candles lit all around it. Malvika locked the terrace door so that no one could come up and took Varun to the corner. Varun observed that the candles were arranged in the shape of the letters M and V, the initials of their names. He wondered how she had arranged things in such a short time. He had to accept that she was indeed smarter than he gave her credit for. She had planned to get cosy on an open terrace under the moonlight in the warmth of the candles.

  He went towards her and planted moist kisses all over her body. The cold breeze made them even hornier. His hands were seeking pleasurable places to stroke and caress her. One hand slipped effortlessly into her panties to make love to her womanhood, and as she became wet and opened in invitation, he explored the velvety dew of her pink enclave. She had nothing to do but to lie back, close her eyes and submerge herself in a pool of pleasure.

  ‘You are so wet . . . and it’s turning me on. Don’t scream. Somebody may hear us.’

  ‘It’s already three in the morning. No one will hear even my loudest moans,’ she teased as he fingered her. He pushed Malvika down to the ground and unzipping his jeans, said, ‘I don’t have to teach you what to do.’

  Wanting to reciprocate, to share the sensuous delight in which she was thoroughly immersed, she reached for him to explore his full length, running her fingers up and down, loving the way he responded to her touch, listening to his moans of approval, the way he verbalized his passion, fondling him, rubbing him until he was slippery to the touch. She parted her legs and he inserted his manhood into her depths, taking them both over the most heavenly edge. When it was over, she thought they would just cuddle and sleep, but he kept touching and caressing her, as if reluctant to let the flames of passion diffuse.

  ‘You are an amazing lover,’ she said a few hours after their passionate lovemaking session. ‘You know sex boosts your immune system better than orange juice.’

  ‘Then let’s have sex every day. We won’t have to take medicines ever. I want to make love to you in every room of our house. Would you like that?’

  She wanted to say ‘Oh yes’ but the pragmatic side of her responded first, ‘You know Ahana and Garima stay in the same house. We can’t do that.’

  ‘I know,’ he said, disappointed, ‘but it’s worth dreaming about.’

  As they lay on the ground facing the sky, she silently took Varun’s hand and placed it on her stomach.

  ‘You know some day I will have a life in there,’ she said and a tear fell from her eye. ‘And imagine how happy my husband would be when I tell him that his baby is inside my womb and the next nine months will be tough for him. Medicines, early-morning walks, pregnancy clubs and whatnot. And then, after a long struggle, he or she will finally come out and . . . and . . . and . . .’

  Malvika almost ran out of words and Varun took the lead. ‘And he will call me “Dad”.’

  ‘Will you just be the kid’s father or my husband too?’

  ‘You don’t need to ask such a question. I breathe for you and my life is all yours. No one can take your place ever. It’s the small things that matter in life. Like waking up and realizing that you finally got laid last night.’

  ‘You’re such a dog,’ Malvika complained, much to Varun’s amusement.

  Varun and Malvika had experienced their first time together. A real relationship has fights. Has trust. Has faith. Has tears. Has hurt. Has smiles. Has genuine laughter. Has imperfections and has unconditional love! Varun and Malvika had met by chance and now they couldn’t imagine their lives without each other. True love is not finding the perfect person, it’s finding that someone who is just as messed up as you are and making a messed-up future together!

  Unexpected Moments

  Examination fever was all around, with the exams beginning in a fortnight. Varun was fast asleep in his room, tired after the previous night’s long make-out session. Ahana was frustrated as all the rooms were messy. She decided to clear the clutter so she wouldn’t misplace her important notes. She burst into Varun’s room and kicked him fiercely when she found his socks under the kitchen table. Consequently Varun got up with a hurting rear.

  ‘Can’t you keep your socks in the correct place? Every time I find them scattered around, never in the place where they belong. On the kitchen table, in the sink, stuffed in pockets!’

  It has long been established that losing socks is one of the bizarre evolutionary quirks that guys have developed over the years. Varun was no different. He looked around for Malvika but she had gone to the grocery store. Not paying much heed to Ahana’s complaining, he headed for the washroom.

  ‘I will be cooking today. You girls can take the day off and leave it to me. I will churn out some finger-licking stuff,’ Varun announced.

  Ahana and Garima stared at him for a moment, then burst out in chorus, ‘Is this the after-effect of love?’

  ‘Not really,’ Varun replied from inside the washroom.

  ‘Did you ever lust for Malvika? Tell me the truth.’

  ‘Oh please! No harm in loving and lusting for the same person,’ Varun replied, still in the washroom.

  ‘What’s the difference?’ Garima asked.

  ‘Love is when Malvika wears the dress Varun gifted her.’ Ahana winked.

  ‘And lust?’

  ‘When she wears nothing underneath it.’ Ahana laughed.

  Varun came out in a flash and threw a towel at Ahana to shut her nonsense. Malvika was yet to return and Ahana was in a cheerful mood, nagging Varun.

  ‘You are lucky not to have had any previous relationships. Else it would be difficult to find a girl with the same name,’ she added.

  ‘Why would I be dating a girl with the same name as my ex?’

  ‘See, if you date someone with the same name as your ex, there’s no chance of calling out the wrong name when you are making out,’ Ahana responded.

  Garima laughed, looking at Varun who was now chasing Ahana. Just then the bell rang and Malvika came in.

  ‘Varun is the cook for the day!’ Ahana announced.

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Yes. But I’ll cook only for you. No food for them!’ a frustrated Varun exclaimed.

  Garima laughed and added, ‘Anyhow, we are looking forward to a delicious meal!’

  ‘Varun cooks really well. He had cooked once when both of you were in college. It was simply wow,’ Malvika said, kissing Varun on his cheek.

  The teasing continued for a while before Ahana suggested that they have a party celebrating Varun and Malvika’s relationship. Varun, Malvika and Garima were reluctant about it—there was hardly any time left for the exams and no one had studied seriously. They had just completed their internals on time but had not even gone through the syllabus. Varun still had journals to complete and assignments to submit. Though Ahana too had submissions coming up, she managed to convince everyone to party.

  ‘Four neat drinks are not a joke,’ Varun said while going through the menu.

  The party had begun at Angrezi Pub in CBD, Belapur—an opulent pub with the perfect ambience
for a party.

  ‘Don’t just look at the menu! Order something. In fact order anything at random, I can have it all,’ Ahana stated.

  Varun smiled and ordered the drinks. Happy hours were on and they were getting one drink free with every order.

  ‘Now that’s what makes every Indian happy. Buy one get one free, flat 50 per cent off, Tatkal ticket confirmation, winning a cricket match and happy hours at lounges,’ Malvika exclaimed.

  ‘Indeed, darling,’ said Ahana as she high-fived Malvika.

  They insisted that Garima join them for drinks. Garima resisted. She had never consumed alcohol with them before, but since Varun and Malvika kept insisting, she gave in.

  ‘This time is never going to come back. So drink, fall in love, crush on a new guy every day. Express your feelings. Dream big. Let your imagination loose. Be impulsive. Go crazy. Flirt around. Get your heart broken. Dance madly even if you don’t know how. Click photos in crazy poses. Laugh out loud. Just say what you want. Sing your favourite songs, shout, wander late at night, break the rules, drink as much as you can with your BFF, come up with your own philosophies, smile and make others smile, go for it. Live this age. Live this moment. Cheers, guys!’ Varun declared.

  ‘Because things are only going to get worse. Life will be difficult and your friends will be too busy to indulge in this mindless fun,’ Garima added as she sipped her drink.

  ‘Garima, what do you expect from your partner?’ Malvika asked.

  ‘A good salary.’

  ‘Darling, the person should be honest. A salary is like your period. It comes once in a month and lasts for about five or six days! And then again the same cycle repeats itself.’

  ‘Agreed, but if your period doesn’t come, it means that you are in big trouble.’ Garima laughed.

  They were having a ball of a time, enjoying their drinks and celebrating life. Garima had gulped down five shots in quick succession. At first she felt tipsy, then she excused herself to go to the washroom.