Reconciled

Just like a Bollywood movie, sepia toned flashback, Ananya imagined. She was packing when Arjun walked in with Sunaina after their visit from the lawyer. Arjun was blank for a moment not understanding what's happening.

Hey! Where you off to?

Oh, hi! I'm going to Mumbai! Chief has a great challenging project for me there. And he has specially recommended me for it. So ya!
Ananya was trying to sound excited to hide the turmoil within her.

Wow! Congrats. How did the coffee date go?
Arjun enquired with absolute no emotion in his voice.

Hmmm... It was great! Felt nice actually. I'm happy am going to Mumbai... Will be able to spend more time with him too.
Ananya was a pathetic liar. She was busy packing her eyes fixed on the clothes on her bed and the suitcase. One eye contact and Arjun would know meeting Neerav was nothing but a farace.

Nice.
Arjun replied disheartened.

Sunaina realized she was an unwanted in the room. She had quietly slipped away during their conversation.

So, when you coming back?
He asked casually.

Ananya's throat choked, the lump didn't let her speak, tears welled up, she looked up to meet Arjun's confused eyes
Never! I'm settling there. Back in Mumbai. I'm thinking about Neerav and me. I think we gave up too soon...
She rambled, muttered and sobbed.

Arjun was dumbstruck. He felt as tough the whole ceiling came crashing down. A sudden rage of anger rose within him. He clenched his fists to control every bit of it.

When were you supposed it tell me?

I got to know yesterday... Chief called... So...

Ya right! Phone call, message, ping, mail... You didn't have a second, right?

I'm sorry, Arjun. But I didn't know how to...

Ya ya its okay! Good luck.
And he stormed out of the room. Ananya hadn't slept the whole night. He hadn't even asked when was she leaving nor did he stop her.

Today when he stood in front of her, she had no words. The jigsaw puzzle fit well and she felt like a dimwit.
If only I had spoken...


Ananya, you didn't even call when you left. I had come home with 20 long stemmed red and yellow carnations when I found the damn post-it on the fridge. Do you even realize what I felt that time? What made you a stone overnight? What made you just... go?

I... didn't... mean...
Ananya had absolutely no words coming to her mind.

Arjun went on.
One small assumption... And look at all this today!

It was painful, Arjun. Calling you and saying a bye was the second most difficult thing I would have to do after leaving you!
Ananya was almost screaming.
I couldn't have possibly said a 'bye'. One more look at your face and I would have changed my mind. I wanted you to be happy. That's all! I would never want to hurt you...

But look at it now! Aren't we hurt aren't we feeling lost aren't we closed? Cause of one stupid assumption...
Arjun continued to ramble.

Then why didn't you stop me? Why didn't you call!!! Why Arjun?

Cause I was fucking mad at you. What choice did you leave me with? No contact number nothing. You didn't even wait to say a bye no call nothing. One damn pink coloured post-it. What a fool I was, holding carnations to wish good luck to the girl I...
Arjun stopped midway not sure if he wanted to continue. He looked up to meet Ananya's eyes that were lost and hopeful.

Forget it! Doesn't matter!
Arjun regained his composure.

I'm sorry.
He meant every syllable of it. He knew what she did was wrong but she wasn't entirely wrong in assuming after what she saw.

Ananya stood there seeing his shoulders droop in defeat and the entire two hour conversation ran in her head. From yelling to this silence, every word rang through her mind. She still held her stand. I'm not wrong!

But suddenly it struck to her it wasn't the matter of right or wrong and that's exactly why Arjun said a sorry. Cause it just doesn't matter. Today, all of it is futile. He's back, standing in front of her.

Ananya walked up to him and gave him a tight hug with tears in her eyes.

I've missed you, you jackass! What took you so long? Idiot!
Ananya rambled more such abuses as she broke down and cried her heart out.

Arjun hugged her back holding her tightly, lightly kissing her head, tears welling up his eyes that he was trying to fight back.
I've missed you too sweetheart. Like crazy, nah even that can't describe it.

He held her close to his heart as she vented out, crying. He once again felt that warmth that he had missed for so many years. She still felt the same. Nothing had changed.

I swear on you god I'm never leaving this girl! Ever!! Thank you... Just for this moment... Thank you! Maybe not the right time to express what I want to say. Later!
Arjun said a silent prayer.

Little did he know not expressing his feelings for the third time was a mistake he would regret... Soon.