IT WASN'T THAT SIMPLE

CHAPTER TWELVE

Every day, during his journey from his residence to the hospital, Mr. Sen preferred reading medical journals but that day he couldn't concentrate as his conversation with Ayesha kept playing in his mind in a loop. He knew that he had to do something about the recent revelations, but what, was the question.

Because of his confrontation with Ayesha, he was already running late and after reaching the hospital, he kept his personal issues aside and started his morning round to visit his patients without further delay.

Once he was done checking his patients and explaining their families and well-wishers about their conditions, he came back to his cabin, called his wife and detailed her what she missed that morning.

After hearing everything, she kept quiet for some time. Then, she asked, "Do you think Ayesha will elope if we tell her not to marry Punit?"

"I don't think she will run away but I also don't think we have reached that point yet where we have to call off the marriage."

"I know, I know that." Her voice wasn't hiding her worry. "What should we do now? Should we talk to Punit's parents?"

'I think we should. They are still oblivion to our kid's future plans. They deserve to know the truth." Over a hiatus, he continued, "You know, I really expected a bit more from Ayesha and Punit. A bit more transparency and sensible decision making. In fact, I feel that even Sid deserves to know everything."

"No, let's not tell Sid anything now. It will lead to a chaos and I don't want our kids to blame us for causing a rift amongst them. Let us talk to Punit's parents and see what happens."

Once he disconnected the call, he thought for one last time and decided to make the call. "There is no point in wasting time," he muttered to himself. "And it's better if Punit's parents talk to him, rather than us."

On another state, Mr. and Mrs. Rijwani were relishing a heavy lunch while discussing whether or not to surprise Punit and Ayesha with a honeymoon package but the discussion was interrupted by Mr. Sen's phone call.

"Good morning doctor. How are you?" Mr. Rijwani felt contented on receiving a phone call from their 'would be' extended family.

Mr. Sen didn't know what to answer to that. "There is a problem. Ayesha told me the real reason of why they want to delay their marriage."

The smile suddenly disappeared from Mr. Rijwani's face. With all seriousness, he asked, "It's because of Punit, right?"

"Er - somewhat it is, but it isn't that simple."

"Tell me everything" said Mr. Rijwani anxiously. The sudden appearance of seriousness and concern on Mr. Rijwani's visage made his better half weary. She poked him and asked what happened but he mouthed her to wait.

After narrating his morning encounter with Ayesha, Mr. Sen suggested Punit's father, "I think it's better if you talk to Punit. He will open up more to you and in that way, we can have a better understanding of the situation."

"Hmm...I will." He sounded serious and lost in thoughts.

Mr. Sen sensed his state of mind and comforted him. "I can understand what you are feeling right now and I felt the same way when I came to know about it. I think it's going to be ok if we just talk to them."

"I hope so. But you deserve an apology from us. Punit should have come clean to you about the business."

"Oh please! You were as unaware as we were and it's unfair to completely blame Punit for this. My daughter is equally guilty of hiding it."

With a deep sigh, he said, "Don't worry. I will talk to Punit and sort everything out."

As soon as Mr. Rijwani disconnected the call, his wife burst, "WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED?" She was too anxious to act calm and composed.