SHORT STORY TABLOID

Devanshi stared at the invitation kept on her desk. It was for a new restaurant's opening, just a few blocks away from Devanshi's office. It had been a long time since she had stopped going out and meeting people. Devanshi could have just thrown it away had it been some usual invitation. But there was something different about this. The name of the owner had brought back all those memories which she had so tightly locked inside her.

It has been five years since that incident now, but every picture was still clear in Devanshi's mind. She and Bhupesh were studying law at the college then. She had known Bhupesh since her school days but had starting dating him just recently. Other than Bhupesh she never spoke to any other person other than a few girls in the college. The reason being that Bhupesh didn't like her talking to other boys and girls. Not only that but there were a lot of other things that she was not allowed to do. In the beginning she had problems adjusting with him but somehow she managed. Her parents also knew Bhupesh and Devanshi knew that they would never believe her if she said anything wrong about him. She had no other choice but to try and make that relationship work.

Just outside their college campus was a restaurant where Bhupesh usually took her for dinner. Even Devanshi was always eager to go back to that restaurant. It was not because the food or ambiance but because of Prakash.

Prakash was the waiter at that restaurant. Everytime they went there Prakash used to serve them. Devanshi was instantly attracted to him. There was warmth in his eyes whenever he looked at her. He used to just take their orders and never spoke any extra word. Prakash was a gorgeous man. He was tall and fair. Any women would be attracted to this guy, Devanshi thought.

Devanshi always ignored that attraction she felt. It had been three years now and Devanshi had been going to that restaurant regularly. But other than his name Devanshi knew nothing about Prakash. That day after their last exam everyone was preparing to go back home for the holidays. After finishing all the packing Bhupesh took Devanshi for dinner at the same restaurant. This one year with Bhupesh had been really difficult for Devanshi, but now that she was going home she was happy.

Bhupesh had said that he had planned something special for Devanshi that day. Devanshi was wearing a black velvet dress and had bothered to put a light make up. She looked pretty. But Bhupesh didn't seem to notice it. As they entered the restaurant the manager greeted them at the main gate. He said a formal hello and led them to their table.

"The waiter will take your order in a short while. But may I also say that ma'am you look really pretty today." said the manager and smiled.

"Thank you", Devanshi said and managed a small smile. But all this got wrong with Bhupesh somewhere.

Just as the manager left Bhupesh started shouting at Devanshi. She was caught ofgaurd and almost jumped at his voice. She had never expected him to do any such thing. According to Bhupesh Devanshi had intentionally worn such a dress to attract other men's attention. Devanshi was on the verge of crying. She could not bring herself to say something. All the guests in the restaurant were staring at them but Bhupesh continued shouting.

When the manager saw a scene being created he immediately went to their table to stop him but Bhupesh pushed him back and he fell on the floor.

"Bhupesh.." Devanshi tried to stop him but he turned around and raised his hand to slap her. Devanshi was scared and she closed her eyes tightly with her hand covering her cheeks. But even after two seconds she felt nothing. She opened her eyes to find Prakash standing between her and Bhupesh holding Bhupesh's arm. If Prakash would not have been there Bhupesh would have really slapped her.

Prakash's eyes were filled with rage. He pushed Bhupesh back and called the security guards. He was thrown out of the restaurant immediately. Bhupesh tried his best to break free but nothing helped. Devanshi looked up at Prakash with tears in her eyes and before she could say something she ran out of the restaurant crying.

Bhupesh had embarrassed her to no extend today and on top of that he tried to hit her. Devanshi had never thought that he would go to such an extend.

"Devanshi stop", Prakash called back from behind.

Devanshi stopped in her tracks. She turned behind to find Prakash running towards her. Within seconds he was standing next to her. Devanshi was still crying. Her eyes were red and she was shivering.

"Its late and you should not be walking alone. I am also going that side. Mind if I join you?" Prakash asked.

Devanshi just managed a small nod and they started walking towards her hostel.

Devanshi somehow managed to stop those tears and wiped her face with her hands. "Thanks for all that you did today", Devanshi said.

"Don't mention it. I was just doing my job. And he needed that. Well anyways its good for you. now you don't need to worry about him running your life", Prakash said.

Devanshi looked at him, confused. How did he know about all this?

As if reading her mind Prakash said,"I just guessed by the way he always gives your order also at the restaurant and you never speak much when you are with him."

Devanshi didn't wanted to think about all that now and tried to change the topic.

"So how long have you been working at the restaurant?" Devanshi asked.

"I've been working here for the past two years. I completed my graduation last year. I wish to open my own restaurant one day. I am just waiting for the right opportunity and some investors who would be ready to help me." Prakash replied smiling.

Devanshi looked at him surprised. "But why work at the restaurant. You could have done something else?"

"I am the only working member in my family. I have to support my parents and sisters. I started working here to so that i could cover my college fees and after college it was better to have some income rather than sitting and waiting for investors."

Not only was he smart and good looking but was also aware of his responsibilities and was focused in life. Devanshi respected him for this.

They had reached her hostel. Devanshi thanked him and started walking towards the gate. Prakash lightly touched her arm to stop her. Devanshi turned around and looked at Prakash. There was that same warmth in his eyes.

"You looked beautiful today", he said and smiled.

For two seconds all Devanshi could do was stand there and look at him. Then she did something she had never done. She rose on her toes and kissed him on his cheeks. She said goodnight and ran inside the hostel. By the time she reached her room she was blushing. It was then that she realised that she was in love with Prakash. But she also knew that his focus right now was his family. A little heart broken she went to bed that day. After that she changed her college and moved back with her parents.

Until today she had lost all hopes of meeting Prakash again. But now Prakash was opening his own restaurant and she was also invited. Probably now it was time that she gave her love another chance....