We Found Love

Part 01

Episode 02 – My Baby

“Skylark” was a 50,000 square foot mansion just on the outskirts of Hope City. It had 8 bedrooms 5 bathrooms a spacious and lovely garden, an infinity pool on the top-floor overlooking the majestic view of the city, a basketball court , a tennis court, an exclusive home theatre, gym and bar. And of course a staff quarters. Pranay bought this big beautiful mansion when he and Leila decided to live together. Few months into dating, they had grown so fond of each other that , even hours of distancing was unbearable to them. They both first met each other at “FLAMES”, Hope City’s Mega Music Biennale.

Leila was there along with her sister and friends. The 3 day music festival witnessed the presence of number of national and international artists and Pranay was the star of the show. All his performances saw jam-packed audience. “Country Music Records”– who were the organisers and the city administration was very happy that the festival was a huge success and it had increased the potential of Hope City to become number one tourist hotspot in the country. Country Music Records even throwed a party for Pranay for his contribution to the festival’s success. Leila was invited as well. He saw her sitting across a few tables with a champagne glass in hand and laughing heartily at something stupid a guy next to her said. The moment he saw her— unaware of his stare, she turned at him too and their eyes met. It was an instant connect of their souls. He saw his pure reflection in her eyes, and she saw hers in his eyes.

They walked to the bar counter. “One Cosmopolitan, please! ” both said at once. Pranay then laughed and said, “I’ll take a different one if you mind”. “No I don’t mind, Cosmopolitan is my favourite” said Leila. “Yea, mine too, wanna dance?” asked Pranay. “Sure” she said and they damced the whole night away with martini and lots of giggles. She had flirted with many men before but Pranay was not a usual one, she thought. His sense of humor, his smile and his sweet voice made her fall for him. Pranay too had flinged with a number of girls before, but never had his heart throbbed for anyone like it did for Leila. He felt her aura was hypnotising. He lost himself completely in her. Months later, what began as a heated attraction turned out to be a more serious relationship.

Five years now, Pranay and Leila were a popular celebrity couple who were closely followed by the paparazzi. Details of their personal life was a staple for the media. Leila was the second daughter of real estate mogul Ramesh Kumar and former model Smitha. Her elder sister Maya was also a successful supermodel. Both the sisters were highest paid in the country. Many aspiring fellow models looked at them with envy. Though they had put in efforts to become supermodels, they still had their influential parents to their back and now that they were famous, every brand, every designer was eager to work with them. But despite all their dominant background, Leila and Maya remained humble, kind hearted and friendly with everyone.

Rohan and Pranay drove from the airport to the house. Leila was not at home, she was to walk the ramp for “Kinha” at Hope City Fashion Hall that evening and so she was already there rehearsing. It was the annual fashion week which saw the attendance of a huge list of celebrities including film stars, musicians, artists, socialites and business magnates. “I won’t be able to come with you Pranay, Sitara has asked me to meet her cousin, we are thinking of purchasing the apartment we saw the other day” said Rohan. Sitara was Rohan’s wife. They both were childhood friends who had got married recently. “Carry on Ro, I will go there myself, anyway it’s a surprise for her! ” winked Pranay. ” I got you bro” said Rohan and went away.

Pranay took a long shower, refreshed , played video games, had a sumptuous meal, and then drove to the Fashion Hall. It was a glittery evening, the stage was all set and the audience were eagerly waiting for the show to begin. “Kinha” was a well known global clothing brand by renowned designer duo Krishna and Nisha. They were exhibiting their latest collection of cocktail dresses in this show. Leila and Maya were showstoppers of the evening. The show began and each model started walking the ramp, displaying eye-catchy dresses. It was Leila’s turn – she came up to the audience in absolute confidence, then all of sudden she noticed the most mesmerizing pair of eyes looking at her from the front row. She smiled brightly, her face lit up– it was her love, her babe, her everything. She winked at him, turned back and walked.

The show ended, designers Krishna and Nisha were applauded for their wonderful collection and they thanked all the models who walked the ramp. Pranay could not contain his excitement and neither could Leila. He went backstage, greeted Maya and caught Leila in his arms. She was happy as a little girl to see him. They both kissed and she screamed at him, “How much I missed you babe!?” “I know right!! come let’s forget that we were really away for these many days, shall we?” said Pranay cupping her pretty face.

From that evening until the next couple of weeks, they were two people who were madly in love, totally ignoring the world, immersing themselves in each other, playing, talking, shopping, laughing, meeting friends, eating and endlessly loving. And finally, it was that day of the month– Pranay’s birthday. Leila had been waiting to celebrate him. She had secretly planned a party for him. She had invited all his best buddies.

Pranay was turning 30. “Happy birthday babe! I love you, get ready for the surprise tonight..!” Leila had whispered in his ears when he woke up in the morning. He had smiled at her. She had been jumping around with joy doing things that he loved all day. But Pranay had been feeling low since morning. He felt like he was lost. Leila’s excitement was too much for him to handle, he felt that something was always demanded of him when he was with her, he loved her but her vibe always distracted him. He felt there was madness behind her beauty.

The night turned in, Pranay’s bestfriends were all at his home. Everyone wished him, they all raised a toast for his good health and success. The music was blasting, party was full on but Pranay still wasn’t himself. Leila had sensed his uneasiness before, but she thought he would be alright when he saw his friends. She saw him cornering himself from the crowd. She couldn’t take it anymore. She went to him, hugged and said, “Baby, I don’t want you to ruin your day, take this, forget your worries. Come let’s just live”

Pranay said nothing but took it from her and ate it. He felt better. He saw her enchanting face near him, everything around him seemed to float about, everyone seemed like angels inviting him to heaven, he felt so light, he thought he was stupid to have not discovered this feeling before. He looked at the lights and went like…..

To be continued…