Never Letting Go

Never Letting Go

"Sonia I am inviting you to come up to Vancouver. You better get over here before I sent a search party," Kirat stated to his cousin.

"Kirat I have to find a job. Besides I don't want to be a burden," Sonia insisted.

"You're not going to be one. If you don't come up here, then who will be the second witness for the wedding?" Kirat inquired.

Sonia sighed. "Who's the other witness?" Sonia inquired. "You'll have to come here and see," Kirat said with a chuckle before hanging up.

Sonia couldn't just skip her cousin's wedding. Most likely Kirat could find another witness to replace her. However he was the only relative she had kept contact with in the past few months. She packed her bags and got a flight to Vancouver the following morning. She surprised to find a complete stranger awaiting her arrival. He held a sign that said "Waiting for Sonia Khanna."

"Is this some kind of joke?" Sonia exclaimed. "No, I am here for you Ms. Khanna," the stranger replied.

"Then who is the person who sent you here?" Sonia inquired. "Kirat Mehra," the stranger replied.

"Then who do you happen to be?" she asked. "My name will be revealed to you in due time, "the stranger replied before grabbing her wrist and heading towards a black jeep.

---

"Let go!" Sonia stammered. She was completely baffled at this guy's behavior. Bad thoughts began invading her mind. Maybe he was some crook who had overheard her cousin on the phone and he was now trying to take advantage of the fact she was alone.

"Where are you taking me?" Sonia pressed.

"Where your arrival is being anticipated," the stranger retorted.

He pushed her into the passenger seat while quickly stuffing her bags in the backseat. Then he headed to the driver's side.

'You don't happen to have a Canadian driver's license, so you?" he inquired.

---

Sonia glared at him incuriously. "No I don't. I usually get around by taxis anyway. What do these questions have to with anything?" Sonia asked.

The stranger grinned. "That means I get to show you the beauty of Vancouver I," he stated gleefully before pulling out of the parking lot.

Five miles later, Sonia realized her cell phone was dead. Fortunately this guy didn't seem too bad. However as the minutes changed on the clock, she became for paranoid. The intensity of this feeling increased, despite the fact she really was in no danger. Suddenly she jumped out of the car, bruising her shoulder in the process. The stranger stopped the car and rushed towards her.

"Are you alright? Seriously I was going to get this grand introduction by Kirat and Anita, now I guess, it's ruined," the stranger stated glumly. "Anita? How do you know Kirat's fiancée?" Sonia exclaimed.

The stranger smiled slightly. "Anita is my cousin."

---

Kirat was avidly awaiting their arrival. Anita and he secretly hoped that their wedding on November 4 would become doubly blessed if Sonia got settled with his best friend who was Anita's cousin. He suddenly spotted the two coming up the driveway. Sonia was rubbing her shoulder as she reached for a suitcase. Then Kirat smiled with glee as his friend took the heavier suitcase from Sonia's grasp. Kirat opened the door for them. Sonia winced as Anita's cousin placed the suitcase on the floor and headed into the kitchen.

"What happened to you? Did you try to carry something too heavy?" Kirat inquired.

"She jumped!" Anita's cousin stated with an ice pack and apple in hand. He gave Sonia the ice pack and continued biting his apple.

"Did you try to beat him?" Kirat exclaimed. Sonia glared at her cousin incredously.

"Of course not! I just couldn't trust him. Kirat Bhaiya, he didn't even tell me his name. After I jumped out, he admitted he was Anita's cousin," Sonia said exasperated.

"You jumped out of a running car?" Kirat exclaimed in disbelief.

"Come back here! Sonia this is Rahul Japlota, Anita's first cousin. He introduced us last year," Kirat stated.

Sonia shook hands with him grudgingly. Later Anita arrived at 5:30 p.m. She was displeased with Rahul's behavior.

"I'm so sorry that my cousin was such a jerk," Anita said.

"He helped her with those heavy bags. Goodness knows what you girls keep in those things," Kirat exclaimed.

Anita gave him a stern look before taking him aside. Sonia was left alone until Rahul came back from his apartment.

"I guess you really don't want to see me right now," Rahul stated.

---

Sonia shook her head. "So you and Kirat Bhaiya were roommates in college?" Sonia inquired.

Rahul was surprised at her question. "Yeah we were. We moved here to Vancouver two years ago, "Rahul stated.

Then suddenly Kirat called out that it was time for them to play pool. The guys went to have their one on one game while Anita and Sonia began chatting.

"I'm happy for you two," Sonia commented.

Anita thanked her. "Tell me have you fallen in love Sonia? It's he greatest feeling." Anita exclaimed.

Sonia turned grim. "Guys in general only treat me like an acquaintance, nothing more," Sonia stated.

"Sonia you shouldn't think that way!" Anita stated.

"I am only saying what I know is true," Sonia stammered before rushing towards her room. Anita exchanged a glance with Kirat. Sonia wouldn't be left alone if they could help it.

The following morning, Rahul and Anita arrived the weekly brunch. Ever since Anita and Kirat had gotten together, the three of them would meet on Saturday mornings this week it was Kirat's turn to play host. Anita and Kirat headed out to get some fresh ingredients while Rahul and Sonia began setting up. Sonia excused herself. Rahul spotted her eating some pills. "Sonia is everything alright? How's your shoulder?" Rahul inquired.

Sonia hesitated. She wasn't sure if Rahul needed to know but he could make a big deal about it. "If you don't want to tell me…," Rahul trailed off. "Then you can always find out from my cousin, right?" Sonia said. She grabbed the bottle of pills. "I have minor bronchitis. This medication is temporary. I don't need a doctor or you to tell anyone about this okay?" Sonia stated. Rahul nodded. They had just met; he understood that she couldn't just tell him everything at once.

---

They had uneventful brunch before Anita and Sonia headed out for shopping and the guys headed to the local ice hockey place. "Sonia is you alright? You seem a bit pale," Anita commented after they had returned to Kirat's place two hours later.

"It's just some medication for a cough. It makes me feel a bit strange," Sonia retorted. Anita could sense Sonia was hiding something. She noticed the guys were home and went to talk to them. Sonia sat in the family room, and started flipping channels Rahul came in a few minutes later. He sat down quietly. Five minutes later, Sonia started to get annoyed because she felt his eyes were staring through her.

"Okay shoot! Tell me what's on your mind!" Sonia exclaimed.

"Okay. Sonia have you been diagnosed with depression or something?" Rahul inquired.

Sonia practically jumped out of her chair. "What? Have you been easing dropping? I am not crazy! It's for impending cough. I am supposed to eat like five pills. I swear it will be over and done with before the wedding!" Sonia exclaimed before rushing out of the room.

Meanwhile…

"Anita my cousin isn't troubled," Kirat stammered.

"Then why is so pale and depressed all the time?" Anita inquired. "I don't know! Perhaps it's a side effect of the medication like she told you!" Kirat exclaimed before rushing out the door. He ended up joining Sonia on the swing on the front porch. "Sonia I got your back. If they want to accuse you of something even before they know you, they are insane!" Kirat stammered. "Thanks Bhaiya. Only you can understand me," Sonia stated. "Then promise me that if you need me, you'll not hesitate," Kirat demanded, Sonia nodded. "As along as you don't sacfrice your happiness in the process," Sonia stated before going on a walk. "Make sure you're back by eight!" Kirat called after her. Sonia turned and retorted," Or you'll send a search party after me!"

---

"I'm heading home now. If I see her, I'll tell her to come home," Rahul promised as he headed out the door. Kirat sighed. Sonia sure had gone on long walk. Normally he wouldn't be worried but this was her first time in Vancouver. Rahul scanned the area. Then he saw her, walking around two blocks away. "Sonia do you mind if I join you?" Rahul inquired as he caught up to her. "You already have," Sonia retorted. Sonia clutched her sweater around herself. "Kirat is expecting you home soon," Rahul commented. Sonia merely nodded. "You know before you caught up to me, I always thought I was going to walk this path alone," Sonia said solemnly. "What path?" Rahul asked, confused. "It's symbolism, you wouldn't understand," Sonia muttered as she trudged a few steps ahead before she suddenly turned back to look at him with a strange expression. It seemed like time was frozen in time as if something had shocked her. Before she realized it, she was falling.

Rahul was by her side as she crumpled to the floor. The last things she said before blacking out was," It must be a side effect of the medication. Then she slumped over. Rahul grabbed her and started driving towards the hospital. "Kirat, she had some kind of reaction to some meds! Yeah I'm taking her to St. Mary's now," Rahul stammered before hanging up. He glanced over at Sonia. He didn't understand what was causing him to be so concerned about a girl he'd met yesterday.

---

"So what was it?" Kirat inquired once the doctor emerged. "The medication Sonia was taking was extremely strong. Her immune system was weakened by this. She needs to stay over night since we had to pump her stomach," the doctor stated. Kirat sighed. So the papers he'd signed hadn't been for an extreme procedure after all. Anita tapped him on the shoulder. "Kirat you can relax. We'll bring her home in the morning," Anita said assurlingly. Kirat grinned slightly. "It's your cousin that needs to be told that. Look at him over there!" Kirat exclaimed. Surely Rahul sat staring through the window, looking at Sonia as if she'd disappear. "Why do I seem like there is some connection between us?" Rahul pondered aloud as he sat down across from her bed. Anita entered a moment later. "Rahul are you coming? We all will come get her in the morning," Anita stated. Rahul shook his head. "It doesn't seem safe to just leave her alone," Rahul commented. "She'll be fine Rahul. Even Kirat is going home," Anita said. Rahul looked solemnly at Anita. "See you in the morning Anita," he said as he remained in his seat. Anita shook her head. Kirat met her outside. "What happened? Rahul isn't coming?" Kirat inquired. Anita shook her head. "Maybe I should talk to him…," Kirat trailed off. Anita stopped him. "He loves her, Kirat," Anita stated. Kirat stood shocked before he nodded with understanding. They left together, thinking of their early days.

---

Sonia's treatment was finished by Saturday. Now she could finally recuperate in the environment of her choosing. It felt great to be home. She didn't recall hitting the ground or how long she was out of it. No one wanted to remind her. However she did know Rahul had saved her. "I don't know why you helped me, but I am grateful for it," Sonia stated. Rahul grinned. "You know I never got a chance to show you the real Vancouver. Stay ready at midnight tomorrow," Rahul stated. "Why?" Sonia started to ask. Then it dawned on her, it was the beginning of Halloween.

---

Sonia pondered where they might be going as she waited for the clock to chime midnight. Then she heard a knock at her window. Sonia crept over to the window. It was Rahul. "Why are you knocking at my window?" Sonia inquired. "Why are you in your pajamas? I knocked on your window, because I know Kirat is going to be the one picking up the phone around here," Rahul retorted. "Don't worry. I'll just go change quickly," Sonia assured him. "Don't take forever like Anita!" Rahul called after her. Surprisingly, Sonia returned in ten minutes sporting an orange sweater and blue jeans. "That was fast!" Rahul commented as he helped her down from the window. "Practice from the job I had," Sonia retorted. "What exactly did you do?" Rahul inquired. "I worked for a security company. The assignment in Albany, NY finished up last week and Louisiana headquarters was destroyed by the hurricanes," Sonia retorted. "So what type of job would you like to have now?" Rahul asked they continued walking. "I'm searching for one right now. I like working for security," Sonia stated

"So was jumping out of my car, a measure you learned from your last job?" Rahul inquired. Sonia sighed. "Rahul what I did was silly. Let's discuss something else," Sonia insisted. "Okay, so where are you looking to work. Are you staying here or going to Albany? Louisiana holds nothing at this point," Rahul added. "Well I am not technically relieved from my current job," Sonia stated.

Rahul stopped short. "What do you mean by that?" Sonia turned to look at him firmly. "I was on leave until they started a new project. The problem is I couldn't get in touch with my superiors before I arrived here," Sonia stated. "Now I get why you were so insecure that day," Rahul stated. Sonia grimaced slightly. They arrived in the Cajun area of the city. "So they can just come and recruit you again?" Rahul asked. "Yeah if there is an assignment here in Vancouver or someplace else, I'll have to leave right away. I told Kirat that it wasn't..," Sonia trailed off. In the distance she noticed someone, who was presumed dead two months ago. He was an ex-co-worker, who'd betrayed his employers a year ago.

---

Rahul noticed that Sonia had turned pale. Considering the blustery weather, it was odd for her face to be so pale. "Sonia is you feeling alright?" Rahul inquired. Sonia nodded. "I think I've just seen the reason for my recruitment," Sonia commented. "Is your boss here?" Rahul inquired. Sonia shook her head. "The man named Damien Cogsworth is a traitor. We received tips he'd perished down in Louisiana, but I guess our tipster didn't make it out," Sonia retorted. "Well do you want to confront him?" Rahul inquired as the hid behind a psychic 's stall. "No. If I reveal that I know him, he'll have the advantaBesides I'm not armed. Let's go on with your plan," Sonia retorted as she peered over at Damien.

Rahul led her to all the stalls. Sonia was amazed how much of the Cajun culture remained in Vancouver. She'd always assumed there was only Cajun influence remaining in Louisiana and Quebec. Around six in the morning, they made their way to a Cajun eatery for breakfast. After they finished eating, they headed to Kirat's place. "Thanks for tonight, I had a great time. I'm sorry that you'll have a tough time at work today because of me," Sonia stated. Rahul grinned. "Don't worry! Besides it's my favorite time of year. I'm glad I had you to share it," Rahul retorted gleefully.

Suddenly Kirat opened the door. "Sonia where have you been?' Kirat exclaimed. Spotting Rahul with her he seemed relieved for a second before exclaiming." Please don't tell me, you two got married last night!." Rahul and Sonia exchanged glances. " Uh Kirat Bhaiya , why would we do that?," Sonia said in disbelief. "Phew! Thank goodness you didn't get influenced by that Britney Spears. I was afraid the whole time you lived in Louisiana that you'd get married to some loser," Kirat stammered. He let Sonia in and turned to Rahul. "Thanks man!" Kirat stated. Rahul frowned. "What for?" Kirat grinned. 'Not marrying my cousin before inviting me to the wedding," Kirat retorted. Rahul shook his head and headed home.

Trick or Treat-

---

The doorbell rang. Sonia finished getting ready and headed over to the door. She opened the door and stood there perplexed for a moment. "Trick or treat, Sonia," the individual stated. Sonia glowered at him. The scoundrel had found Kirat's place. Before she knew it, he was dragging her out the door. In the midst of the struggle, a plant splattered on the floor.

When Kirat and Anita returned from shopping, they glanced at the shattered plant in dismay. Anita headed to find Sonia while Kirat put the bags down. A moment later, Anita burst back in the hallway. "Kirat all her shoes besides for her slippers are here!" Anita exclaimed. "Maybe she had an important call for a job or something?"Kirat pondered. "She would have left a message. She was supposed to go to the temple with me today," Anita stated. "So are we having a traditional wedding now?" Kirat inquired. "No but she will eventually if she all right," Anita hissed. "I hope she told Rahul something," Kirat muttered as he dialed.

"Hey Rahul! Yeah is Sonia with you?" Kirat asked. Rahul retorted," No I was just going to call her. What's wrong?" Rahul asked, Kirat turned to Anita and gave her fearful look. Kirat described the situation to Rahul. 'Did she tell you anything that could help?" Kirat inquired. Rahul recalled something from breakfast that morning.

---

Flashback

"Well, if you have to leave suddenly, how will we know if you are in trouble or not?" Rahul inquired. Sonia thought for a moment. Then she grinned. "You know that money plant Kirat Bhaiya loves? If I am in trouble I'll knock it down," Sonia stated. Rahul nodded. "Kirat would kill you if you knocked down for any other reason." "I know that is why I have resisted the urge of destroying it thus far," Sonia stated as their order arrived.

Rahul sighed. "I hate to break to you but Sonia is in trouble," Rahul stated.

The threesome examined the whole house including Sonia's room. Anita claimed to know everything in Sonia's wardrobe." She was wearing her pink sari and pink slippers when she was abducted," Anita stated when the Canadian Intelligence officers arrived. "This is a very serious matter. We were actually preparing Miss Khanna to become a member of our team since her old employer agreed to let us hire her," one of the officers stated. "When were you supposed to come by?" Rahul inquired. "Tomorrow was the selected date," the female officer replied. After they set up a few bugging devices, they left. "Sonia is going to be the one jump starting this agency," Kirat muttered. "There isn't much they can do. After all she has been only for a few days," Anita stated. Rahul was lost in thoughts for a moment. "Well we can look for him ourselves. I may know the name of the guy who was responsible," Rahul commented. Kirat and Anita looked at him astonished.

Meanwhile Sonia struggled to overpower Damien from the driver's seat. Suddenly the car veered off the curve. Damien jumped into the raven, but Sonia was left unconscious in the car. The car tethered on the edge.

Kirat, Anita and Rahul split up to get friends and co-workers to be on the look out for anyone named Damien. Eventually Kirat and Anita returned to their homes dismayed and hoping Rahul would find Sonia in time. Rahul was traveling in a taxi towards a winding road. Police were scouring the raven while staring down at the car which would soon crash to the very bottom and explode. It was a very precarious situation. Someone needed be very brave and crazy to climb down and save the remaining occupant of the car. Suddenly it started to rain fiercely. Rahul approached the area just then.

He noticed the cop car leaving. Rahul realized there had to be someone in danger. He got out of the cab ad rushed towards the scene of the accident. There he saw the top of a familiar head. She stirred. "She's alive!" Rahul exclaimed to the cop who'd turned around. The cop pulled out a rope. "Good thing you showed up now, otherwise we'd assume that victim was a lost case. She wasn't moving before," the cop added. Rahul grabbed the rope and headed down to get Sonia out of the car. When he came back up with her, the cop helped them get up. "You sure must love her! Good luck!" the cop exclaimed. Rahul helped Sonia into the taxi. He turned back to thank the cop, but he was gone. Perhaps the cop had been an angel. Rahul grinned with a relief as the taxi driver sped off.

---

Sonia was running a slight fever but by Thursday was almost good as new. There still was the impending headache from when the car crashed. Kirat handed Sonia soup. "I'm so sorry the first time you're here and look what's happened!" Kirat exclaimed. "Don't worry! Tomorrow you'll be married and then I'll go back to work," Sonia stated. "What about Rahul?" Kirat inquired. "Well if we are meant to be, then I'll get a job here," Sonia retorted. Kirat sighed. "I really hope Rahul has the guts to keep you in his life," Kirat thought to himself.

---

November 4th

Kirat and Anita were prounced husband and wife by the judge and they headed quickly to the car to catch their flight. Unknown to Rahul and Sonia, their cousins had time linger. After all they wanted their wish to come true before they headed for their honeymoon. Rahul stood firmly as Sonia walked over to him. "Well I have two offers one is here in Vancouver and another in Albany," Sonia commented. Rahul replied," That's great! Um, Sonia I would love it if you stayed here," Rahul stated. "Why?" Sonia inquired. She wanted to be sure. "Rahul grabbed her wrist before she could move another inch. " I am never letting go of you. I can't stand it if you went away again," Rahul stated. Sonia was shocked at how amazing this felt. "The first time I met you, I wanted you to leave me. But now I don't want you to ever let go. I promise I'm never going to leave you," Sonia stated. "That means we better start planning a wedding!" Kirat and Anita exclaimed from behind. Rahul and Sonia turned together to give them hugs. Then Kirat and Anita really had to leave. When Rahul and Sonia were left alone, Rahul asked," So how does a traditional wedding sound in December?" Sonia grinned. "Great as along as we invite the family. It doesn't seem l the same without them," Sonia commented before they headed to catch a taxi.

---

The End

The promise was made

Between two that were meant

To be

They went through many twists and turns

Within days of their first meeting,'

They were bound for life.

She faced turmoil but he never let her fight alone.

He arrived in time to save her from destruction.

She gave him a reason to shine

And enjoy life.

They completed each other

And promised "Never letting go "