Ecstasy of Heart

Part 3 : The Departure

"Rudr, I am glad that you are finally here!! Why did it take so much time!"

"I was stuck in the traffic and then I had to go to the petrol bunk also so got a little late"

"You call this little!! You are late by 15mins"

"Its just 15 mins stop being all army-ish punctual and stuff. You didn't even join yet !! I am scared about the change you will have after joining"

"Already said you that this was going to be a bumpy ride"

"Now tell me why did you call me"

"Its our engagement tomorrow and you ask why"

"I know its tomorrow not today so why worrying"

"Because I have to go shopping for my dress and dad wants me to go with mom and I won't go with mom. You know we both have differnt choices and then it will take a lot time deciding and I will be tired tomorrow"

"Okay I will take you"

"Thank you rudr you are the best now let me go and tell mom about it. I am glad that I don't have to spend time with her alone"

"Okay" rudr replied with a smile, they were going to be hitched for life but now she was going to go away for a long time. He didn't want her to go but he couldn't say that as he has to be the one supporting her.

The engagement night arrived in a blink of an eye Sanjana stood on the stage nervously, the decision of joining army was easy one when compared to getting engaged last 2 days she enjoyed the attention and pampering she was getting but now standing upon the stage beside Rudr made her realise the gravity of the situation, was she actually ready for such a big commitment. Sanjana saw her dad walking towards her with ring in his hand it was finally time for the ring ceremony.

She almost whisperd "Rudr I want to talk to you"

"Yes tell me" rudr replied

"I want to talk to you alone"

"Sanju the ring ceremony is going to start any minute now"

"I want to talk before that"

"Okay wait let me tell mom" rudr said and walked towards his mom and said something and then signalled sanjana to come, both of them walked to the balcony where they could find some privacy.

"What is it sanju?"

"Rudr I know we talked and decided to have this engagement and give this relation a shot but I want you to promise few things"

"What is it?"

"I will be gone for atleast 3 years and this period I don't want you to wait for me. I want you go out meet people and if you think someone is worth give them a chance let you life continue. Don't put your life on a standstill for me."

"Sanju what is this you said you will give us chance and now you say this on our engagement day"

"We will give ourselves a chance after a I come back but the time I am gone if you find someone I don't want our relation to stop you because 3 years will be a long time and anyhow I plan for 5 year at least but 3 is what dad is agreeing for"

"Sanju but..."

"Rudr this is not fair with you thats why i am asking you to give yourself a chance. Its my choice to join army and because of that you are being forced to put a full stop on your life. Now I want you to promise me that you will give yourself and chance"

"Okay i promise but i am sure I will not find anyone like you"

"Thats absolutely true" sanjana said with a chuckle and they walked towards the stage hand and hand with a smile.

The next day the thakkar household had a weird silence. Manveer thakkar sat in his study room seeing at photo which was almost 15 years old, rubbing the tears in his eyes he walked towards his daughter room with the frame still in his hand. Sanjana heard the knock at her room and turned to see her father come in

"Dad you here, I thought you were doing some office work"

"I was, Sanju here take this" manveer said and forwarded the frame in his hand and spoke.

" I know the memories are all what we have now. I tried to give you a mother, I tried to give you a normal life but I can see I failed you as a father. You don't even want to stay with me now. I am just being a protective father and not wanting you to go but that doesn't mean I am not proud of you" as soon as finished manveer finished his sentence Sanjana hugged him and started crying.

"I love you daddy and I you are the best daddy never ever think that you failed you are the reason to my will power, you are my strength dad" sanjana said and wiped her tears.

"So do you need my help in packing" manveer asked trying to lighten up the situation. That night the father and daughter talked about all the old beautiful memories.

Next morning the breakfast table looked like some feast was going on with sanjana and rudrs family eating.

Manveer thakkar spoke

" Today the life, the happines of our house is leaving to fulfil her dream and sanju we are very proud of you. May this distances only increase the love between Rudr and sanju and come back soon"

"Come on dad, don't think much about it everything will be fine"

"I hope" manveer replied.

Then rudr spoke "Now Sanju is mine uncle once she comes back, I will take her to my home. And this time will pass soon you dont worry".

After the breakfast everyone left for the station to drop sanjana at the station. Before the time for departure everyone left so that sanjana and rudr could have some alone time.

"Sanju, I am going to miss you alot"

"I am also going to miss you rudr, you have always been there for me to listen to my rants. You know that you have a very special place in my life, I know this distances are alot but I am sure we are strong enough to survive this"

"I hope so sanju"

"I want you to take care of my dad, you know I don't trust mom very much. I know that I dont have to tell you but please make sure he stays fit"

"You don't have to worry about that he is like a father to me. Keep me updated always."

"I will" Sanju replied and hugged him.

Its not that Rudr was taken by surprise by the hug but this time it felt different to him, he knew that she was his and once she comes back he would make her his forever. Rudr moved little back and planted a sweet kiss on her forehead letting his lips leave a feeling she would remember. With all the heartfelt goodbyes Sanju finally climbed in the train with the strong determination to fulfil her dream.

Sitting in the train seeing the trees rush by Sanjana was clear yet confused about where her life was headed but she decided to leave all the worries and tension here at the station and just focus on her goal. She was starting a new journey, it was going to be a new life. She knew she had to take some tough decisions.

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Hello everyone,

Finally our story has to come to a point I was desperately waiting for. Next part consists of the entry of my favourite character.

How are you all doing? Would love to get feedback from you guys ?

Stay Safe and Happy Reading !! 🥰