You and I, plus 2 years of marriage!

ALMOST IN Love…

{1}

Dhwani looked around and let out a sigh. There were around 35 participants in the seminar hall. All of them were there to attend a seminar on Resource and Time management organized by a reputed consultancy. General Managers and HR Managers from a few reputed companies were invited to attend the seminar which was to be delivered by an eminent personality. She had paid little attention to the details of the seminar when the CEO of her company told her to attend it. She was never interested in attending such seminars and listening to hours of boring lectures. Except her, all others seemed to be quite geared up for the session. She was undoubtedly the youngest among them and that was also one of the reasons for her disinterest.

Checking her mails on phone, she hoped that the seminar would be over at the said time. After a delay of 20 minutes, the organizers escorted the guest speaker to the dais. Dhwani looked up and there was a catch in her throat.

I have seen him before!

The speaker was a tall young man dressed immaculately in a blue shirt and beige pants. He had a stubble and a moustache which suited his face with sharp features. She was quite certain that she had seen him before but could not really recall where. It was then that the organiser introduced the guest speaker to the audience. Blood was drained out of her face once she heard his name.

Jacob Williams.

‘Ladies and gentleman put your hands together for Mr. Jacob Williams, a budding director whose short movie ‘One night at the library’ has been winning accolades at the Short Films Festival across the country. Today we are honoured…’

Dhwani could barely register what the organizer was saying with so much enthusiasm. Later Jacob took his place and began speaking about his experiences and how important Resource and Time Management was in making a movie. She had not forgotten him and could vividly remember the past that she had put behind her after so much effort. She looked away from him and closed her eyes for a few moments.

Jacob Williams… Telecommunications Engineering, Institute for Engineering Excellence… Two years junior… popular as Jake among students… member of the Cultural Committee and organiser of the farewell party…

The forgotten past stretched its vicious tentacles and enveloped her as the vivid images flooded her mind. Jacob was in no way connected to her misery but he had brought back all those painful memories that she had locked deep inside her heart. Suddenly everyone began laughing and she opened her eyes. Apparently he had cracked a joke and the eager audience was reacting to it. With much effort, she composed herself and looked up at him. His appearance had changed remarkably. He was no longer the lanky boy that she had seen at college. He had grown up into man and it was indeed his moustache and stubble which made it difficult for her to recognize him initially. She tried to calm her mind and listened to him. He was indeed a good orator who could keep his listeners focused on him.

I am just over reacting! It’s been 9 years since I left college. He is not going to recognize me. It is impossible for him to remember me. I have barely spoken to him at college. As soon as his speech ends, I should make a move.

Dhwani continued to listen to his speech but made sure not to look at him for more than a few seconds. At one instant, Jacob turned towards her and their eyes met for a brief moment. She let out a sigh in relief when he showed no signs of recognition and turned towards the other end. In a similar manner their eyes met for a couple of times. His speech ended with a thunderous applause from the audience. Later there was a question and answer session. He smartly answered the questions from the audience. Suddenly the gentleman sitting right next to Dhwani raised his had to ask a question. She shifted uncomfortable in her chair. Jacob listened to the question but shot frequent glances at her while answering. Later he smiled at her and she was forced to give him a hesitant smile.

After a few minutes the seminar was over and the organiser announced that the participants should kindly move to the banquet hall for lunch. Slowly everyone started dispersing, while some of them crowded around Jacob for further discussion. Dhwani quickly walked up to Ashok, one of the members of the organising committee for the event.

‘Ashok, kindly excuse me but I won’t be able to stay back for lunch. I have an important appointment in an hour,’ she said politely.

‘Oh that is really unfortunate, but I can understand. Anyway how was the session? What do you say about our young speaker?’ he asked with an expectant smile.

‘He was amazing and I quite enjoyed his speech. I am sorry, but I really should be leaving soon,’ she said with slight impatience. Ashok smiled and shook her hand before letting her go. She walked a few steps towards the exit and realized that she had left behind her handbag in a hurry. Cursing under her breath she quickly went the chair where she was seated and picked up her bag. She paced towards the door when she heard his voice.

‘Excuse me, ma’am.’

Dhwani immediately stopped and winced. It was him. Slowly she turned around but kept her face expressionless. Jacob quickly went and stood in front of her.

‘I think we have met before…’ he said frowning.

Shoot!

‘I don’t think so,’ she replied politely. He smiled at her sheepishly.

‘Please don’t mistake me, but your face looks familiar to me. I have a strong feeling that we have indeed met in the past.’

‘I am extremely sorry Mr. Jacob, but I think you are mistaken. We have never met before. If you would kindly excuse me, I have to leave right away,’ she said with urgency.

‘Oh… I am sorry, ma’am. You please carry on,’ he said apologetically. She left the place without wasting another second. Jacob stood there rubbing his forehead, deep in thought.

I am sure we have met before, but where?

‘Hey, what happened? Shall we go for lunch?’ asked Ashok patting his shoulder. Jacob was unwillingly pulled away from his reverie.

‘I saw a lady in the audience and she looked very familiar to me. I spoke to her now, but she denied having met me before.’

‘Whom are you referring to?’

‘The young lady seated in the third row, fifth seat from my left,’ he said accurately.

‘The one who left the venue a few moments ago?’ asked Ashok with a smile.

‘Yeah.’

‘She is the youngest among today’s participants. Quite intelligent, smart and beautiful. Anywhere she goes, she is bound to leave an impact on people. But she had some important appointment in an hour, otherwise I would have personally introduced her to you.’

‘What is her name?’ asked Jacob instantly.

‘Dhwani.’

‘Her full name?’ demanded Jacob impatiently.

‘Dhwani Radhakrishna,’ said Ashok after thinking for a moment.

Dhwani Radhakrishna!

Jacob needed no further details. He instantly recalled his senior from college. Her name had been so unique that it was impossible to not recollect it. His frown deepened.

Why did she pretend to be a stranger? Did she really not recognize me? That’s impossible!

‘Do you know her?’ asked Ashok still unsure.

‘Of course, I do,’ he said staring at the door through which she had walked out a few minutes ago.

                               To be continued...