Dreams & Love

Raj:"Deepak Deepak my boy. Look at you. You have grown up. I still remember the small frightened kid I took home when your parents died and now look at you." I remained silent but but was blushing at him again and again pointing out that I have grown up. It was weird really seeing him talk like that and I didn't know how to respond so I remained silent and just kept on staring at him like a jackass. Finally he started talking again.

Raj:"Deepak right from an early age you never ceased to amaze me and today I'm proud of the young man sitting in front of me. Yet I can see the same spark in your eyes that I once had many years ago. People like us are never satisfied until we are at the top of our field. The thing is there's one hell of a difference between when I started my struggle and today. On your own you can't reach where I am today. Are you getting what I'm trying to say?"

Deepak:"What do I have to do to get that help sir?" He had a big grin on his face after hearing that. It was almost as if he was expecting that reply.

Raj:"See that's what I like about you my boy. You get right to the point. It took me years of hard work and sleepless nights to build this firm. Now all this can be yours but there are no free lunches in this world my boy. Don't you agree?"

Deepak:"I do sir."

Raj:"Good good so here's the deal, marry Depika. See Deepak I know that you know everything about her so I don't need to lie to you. The truth is I am responsible for how she turned out. Sometimes I wish your aunt was still alive. I doubt if Depika would have turned out like that had she been alive. Anyway I'm sure even your aunt would have liked you to marry Depika". He obviously had practiced this before I came into his mind and as always being the pro that he was, played all his cards to perfection but I was pissed at myself for not thinking about him calling me with this offer and make no mistake about it, that it really was an offer not a proposal. Once again I felt silent after hearing his offer. At points like these us lawyers are busy figuring out the pros and cons of such offers but my mind was too numb to figure them out.

Deepak:"If you don't mind then I need a little time to think this through. Besides you know I'm going on vacation next week sir."

Raj:"Take your time my boy but as you know patience is not one of my strong points. Tell you what, think about it on your vacation and when you get back let me know about it."

Deepak:"I'll do that sir."

Raj:"By the way if you don't mind me asking, why are you going to France all of a sudden? I mean with your salary this trip must be costing you an arm and a leg." He asked curiously.

Deepak:"Hard to explain this sir but as I have been told my parents met for the first time in Paris. It was always one of my dreams to go there one day. I have been saving money for quite some time now but I'm sure it'll be worth it."

Raj:"You know you could have just asked me for money." Really? Somehow I doubt it.

Deepak:"Thanks sir but you have already done too much for me. Anyway if you don't mind I must go now." After getting his permission I got out of the house as soon as possible. I needed some fresh air. Things were moving too fast and I couldn't believe how much had happened in the space of 2 days. As I was standing outside the house my eyes caught someone standing at the open window on the second floor. It was none other than Depika herself. For the first time in my life our eyes locked. There were no emotions on our faces yet our eyes were doing the talking. Was that an silent agreement among us? Only time will tell I guess.

The next few days before going on my dream vacation were really tough for me mentally. I kept on thinking about the offer. On one hand everything that I ever wished for was now being offered to me on a plate, but then again I never imagined or wanted it like that. I always wanted to be where uncle Raj was and lusted after Depika for so long yet the price to achieve these now is very high indeed. Her affairs or even the fact that she just had an abortion was not such a big turn off for me as it would have been for many other men. The thing that was bothering me the most was that she didn't have any feelings for me and I was not sure if I had any for her now. What kind of a marriage will I be in then? Yet I am not a fool. I know that everything has a price in this world. The only question left was, am I willing to pay? I was not so sure about it and needed some time to come to a conclusion. Thankfully I will have plenty of time to think this through in the next few weeks.

Finally the big day arrived. I still remember how excited I was sitting in the plane on my way to Paris. Even though the air hostesses it seemed were trained to make you feel miserable and the food served was horrible, I was just way too happy to care about petty things like these. At last the plane finally landed and after spending almost an hour at the airport going through many pain in the ass procedures I was finally in the city of love, Paris. I took a taxi to my hotel where I had a reservation. It was one of the cheapest ones available there yet to me it still felt like I was paying a fortune. The room that I rented was small and unimpressive with strange red wall paper yet at least it was clean. I was really tired since I hardly slept for 1 minute in the plane due to being overexcited. So I did the logical thing and slept like a baby. I woke up early next morning and was very hungry so decided to go outside for breakfast and inspect my location as well. The hotel was located in one of the poor areas of Paris and but still I couldn't help but admire it. The one thing which I noticed when I was in the taxi yesterday and now was that almost everywhere they were selling french cheeses. Hard to believe that the french are so addicted to cheese considering that I didn't see many fat people around there. In fact even the one's that I did see were men. All the women that I saw were fit and wearing fashionable clothes. After a simple but delicious breakfast I purchased a map of the city.

Before coming to France I read a few magazine articles and searched the internet to find out interesting facts and places to see in Paris. The one thing that really interested me were the different cruises that were offered there. I had never even been on a small boat never mind a cruise in my life. There was a special offer which was just too good to resist so I bought a ticket to the cheapest one available. With the help of my map I reached the cruise just in time. It was a 1 day cruise around the sites of the city. Paris is surrounded by rivers and to see the sights and monuments of the city which included the Eiffel tower and Notre Dame, people prefer these cruises. Different cruises are offered which range from 1-4 days. To see the views more clearly I went up on the deck. Not many people were up there which was a bit strange but maybe they were busy in the ship's restaurant or the tax free shops in the boat. It was a little cold on the deck and the wind was blowing. Among the sharply clad french people I spotted what looked to me like an Indian girl sitting alone on the far end of the deck. There was something about her that attracted me from so far away and I started walking towards her. The closer I got the more mesmerized I become by her beauty. She had long flowing hair which in the wind was looking even more beautiful, deep almond shaped eyes which penetrated through my heart, full lips and fair and flawless skin. Unsurprisingly she had a blanket on her legs considering the strong wind that was blowing. The truth is it felt as if my heart stopped upon seeing her. I heard about such things in movies and read in a few novels as well but never believed it. Could it really be true? Is that what many call love at first sight?

It's only when she raised her eyes that I realized that I was staring at her like a geek for God knows how long? If ever I saw a beauty that can be described as spell binding then she was it. I want to describe her in detail but the truth is there are no words that can do justice to her beauty.

Deepak:"If you don't mind may I sit here." She started looking at the many free tables on the deck and said...

Neha:"I guess so but there are lots of free tables here then why do you want to sit here?" She asked suspiciously.

Deepak:"Well to tell you the truth it's my first time outside India and I don't know anyone here. I saw an Indian sitting here alone and couldn't resist coming here to chat with you but if I'm disturbing you then sorry, I'll leave you alone."

Neha:"No not at all." She said with a smile that dazzled me.

Deepak:"By the way I'm Deepak." I said while extending my hand towards her.

Neha:"Please to meet you Deepak. I'm Neha." She said while shaking my hand. As soon as I touched her it was as if electricity went right through my spine. Her skin was so soft and her hand so delicate.

Neha:"So Deepak what bring you to Paris?"

Deepak:"Err....you'll laugh at me if I tell the truth."

Neha:"Why would I do that? Come on it can't be worse than those who just came to France to enjoy being naked on our beaches in South." My jaw dropped and eyes jumped out of their sockets at what she said. Seeing my reaction she started laughing. My she looked even more pretty while laughing.

Neha:"I was just kidding but seriously if you don't mind then may I ask you what brings you here?" She asked curiously.

Deepak:"Well I lost my parents when I was just a kid. I was just way too young to even remember anything about them. The only thing that made me felt connected with them is through a picture that they took in front of the Eiffel Tower here in Paris. I know it sounds stupid but I always wanted to come here and feel what they must have felt once."

Neha:"No it's not stupid at all. If anything it's heart warming to see your love for your parents." She said that and gently placed her hand on mine. At the same time I couldn't help noticing a few tears that came to her eyes.

Deepak:"What happened? Did I say something wrong?"

Neha:"No it's not you.....I just remembered my father. I used to come with him on this cruise when I was a kid. He was always so excited to bring me here. Like your parents he too died when I was 15 and sometimes I take this cruise to cherish those memories." We kept on talking for hours and neither of us realized how much time went by. It was only when they announced that the boat will reach it's destination in 5 minutes that we realized this. Suddenly I realized that I hadn't asked her about her whereabouts in Paris.

Deepak:"Neha please don't take this the wrong way but the time I spent with you here is some of the best of my life. I don't remember ever being so relaxed as I am here alongside you. If you don't mind then I would love to meet you again and maybe you can show me this beautiful city of yours." She stayed silent for a few seconds upon hearing that and I noticed how her beautiful face that was glowing almost turned sad and grim.

Neha:"Yes what we shared was a lovely day together but maybe it's for the best that both of us will remember the day like this in our memories. I'm sorry but I'm afraid I will not prove to be good company for you."

Deepak:"Why are you saying this Neha? Nothing will make me more happy if you'll agree to accompany me."

Neha:"You feel this way now but I'm sure after seeing this you'll change your mind." She said that and slowly removed her blanket. One of her legs was wooden. I was shocked upon seeing that. We spent so many hours together, yet I was so mesmerized by her beauty and personality that I had not noticed her legs. Well the fact that they were covered didn't helped either but still I couldn't believe what I saw. She gave a sad smile upon seeing my reaction.

Neha:"Don't worry I can understand how you are feeling and if your thinking that, why didn't I tell you before? Well maybe I was feeling lonely and didn't want to lose your company even if I knew it was only for a few hours. By the way please don't feel sorry for me either. I hope you'll have a nice time here and take care." She said that and got up gingerly. The boat arrived and people were getting off now. Finally I got hold of myself.

Deepak:"Neha please don't go. I'm sorry if my reaction hurt your feelings. It was never my intention to hurt you. As for changing my mind, I asked you out because I really enjoyed your company and if you felt the same way about me then I would love to hang out with you." Being a lawyer we are groomed to be convincing even when we are bullshitting yet I didn't have to lie to her. Whatever I said was true. Yes I was shocked upon seeing her with a handicap but that didn't put me off even for a second. Who am I to judge others on their looks?

Neha:"Look Deepak you don't have to do that. Trust me I won't even feel bad. In fact the only way I'll feel bad is if I'll slow you down on your vacation. Trust me It's a great city. Just go out there and enjoy yourself."

Deepak:"Neha kindly look in my eyes. When I first saw you today I saw one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. After spending time with you I realize that not only are you beautiful but have an amazing personality as well. Please don't insult me now by doubting my intentions. What you showed me didn't change my opinion about you in fact if anything now I respect you as well for your courage. Now tell me will you meet me or do you want me to beg for it?" My honest tone and smile finally relaxed her and she smiled again.

Neha:"I would love to."

Deepak:"Great! So where and when will we meet?"

Neha:"Tomorrow 10am if it's fine with you and right there." She said that and pointed her index finger towards the Eiffel tower standing magnificently in the background.

Deepak:"I'll be there." We shook hands and exchanged our mobile numbers before getting off the boat together. Her mom came to get her. Neha introduced us. She looked at me suspiciously but I guess I can understand why? She told Neha that they must go now as it was getting late and before leaving gave me a stare. It was as if she was telling me to stay away from her daughter and don't dare play with her emotions. I don't know why but she made me think of my mother. How lucky are those people that have their parents with them? Anyway I started going back towards my hotel. It was a big day tomorrow and I didn't wanted to disappoint Neha by arriving late on our first date. Wait a minute was that it? Was it really a date? I smiled at that thought and said to myself "lets wait and see."

That night I had the same dream again. In a beautiful city, flowers were blowing in the wind. Right in front of the astonishing Eiffel tower two people were standing holding each other and looking with love at one another. Slowly their heads turn towards me. Only this time it was me and Neha.

The next morning I got up early. Although we were supposed to meet at 10am, I was just way too afraid of being late. I didn't want her to take it the wrong way. She was already low on confidence and it's not hard to understand why? Fact is life is cruel for most people. Even those of us who have no shortcomings physically or mentally sometimes give up when faced with the harsh realities of life. Now just imagine being handicapped and then going through the same challenges of life on top of overcoming the physical shortcomings daily. Without sounding like a real cynic the reality of life is that for most people life sucks and then you die. Being a lawyer we meet people like this on a regular basis and no matter how hard pressed some of these people are, making sure that we'll get our fee upfront is our top priority. So was that it? Am I meeting her just because she's handicapped? I would like to think that's not the case. The chemistry I felt between us yesterday was real. I may know about many of the realities of life because of my profession and having faced a few myself but when it comes to love, well you don't have to look further than the last time I thought I was in love. Speaking of which somehow my mind drifted towards Depika and the offer uncle made me. I would lie if i'd say that it was not very tempting. Even Depika despite her wild side still attracted me. Maybe it was just the case of getting the one who got away. Who knows?

Anyway after taking a shower and dressing myself I set out towards my destination. Just to be on the safe side I got there half an hour early but to my surprise she was already there. It was not hard to see her. First of all it was not really that crowded so early on a working day and secondly, well she will stand out even in a place with thousands of people. Yes she was really that good looking. Upon seeing me her face lit up and she started walking towards me. There was a slight limp when she walked but it wasn't so bad.

Deepak:"Hi Neha and sorry for making you wait." I said while shaking her hand warmly.

Neha:"Oh no not at all. In fact you came early. It's just that I'm a early riser anyway and since I'm free today just came here so early." I later knew that she worked at her mother's flower shop.

Deepak:"Well Neha I don't know about you but I'm starving. Should we go somewhere and have a breakfast first?" She smiled upon hearing that.

Neha:"Yes sure. There a small cafe not far from here." We started towards it with her leading the way. We were having some small talk between us but nothing special. It didn't take long for us to reach that cafe. Although small she told me that the food was good. On a side note Paris is full of cafe's. So if you are ever there and are hungry, chances are that you will not have to go far to find some place to eat. We were having coffee with cake and she was correct. Both the cake and the coffee were out of this world.

Deepak:"So Neha tell me about yourself. As much as you want to. My friends say that I'm a good listener and besides I want to know everything about you."

Neha:"Not much to tell I guess. I'm just an ordinary girl who happens to be crippled as well." Once again the same sadness crept up in her voice which I noticed yesterday.

Deepak:"Neha please don't say this. None of us are perfect and that's what makes us humans. By the way what makes you think you're ordinary? Look from my eyes and you'll see an amazing girl that is truly special. I meant what are your dreams and stuff like that?" That calmed her down.

Neha:"Dreams.......To fall in love and marry that person and of course have kids of my own. I just love kids. That's it I guess." Her eyes were shining when she told me this.

Deepak:"So a normal life in simple words."

Neha:"People who live normal lives like these often don't realize how lucky they are?" I was taken aback by her reply. She was intelligent as well as being beautiful and her simplicity on top of it makes her irresistible.

Neha:"Anyway enough about me. Tell me about yourself and your dreams?" I started telling her how I want to be successful in life and things like that.

When I finally stopped she asked a simple question, "How can you classify being rich as the height of success?" For once in my life I was speechless. We went to the Eiffel Tower afterwords.

It was simply amazing. The first level of the tower features a circular gallery that gives visitors an overview of the tower's history and design, as well as an introduction to some of Paris' most famous sights and monuments. The second level offers noteworthy panoramas of the city, as well as more insight into the tower's history and construction. The top floor provides breathtaking views of the entire city, as well as top-rate dining. The elevator climb of 18 meters (59 ft.) also allows you to fully appreciate the tower's elaborate metal latticework. Neha pointed out that the reason she didn't just take me to the top of the tower for breakfast earlier was because it was just way too expensive.