Antitrust (Completed)

Part 19: The Rewind

SO, SOMETHING AWESOME HAPPENED GUYS. I REACHED 1K READS!!!! 

Thanks everybody for all the support. Every single read I've received in the last two months has really affected this story. I never thought I'd say this, but I've really enjoyed writing this, and never anticipated how cathartic this process is. It started as just a creative outlet, and now it's a full-fledged story, all thanks to you guys. I seriously never thought I would reach this point, and I sincerely thank the people who have helped this story and just made me feel confident about my writing, even if it's not the best (you know who you are :) ).  

If I’m feeling up to it, a sequel might be in order. #suspense 

Enjoy ;) 

SIX YEARS AGO 

I walked over to the counter where my mom was making breakfast, and sat down on one of the barstools. This apartment was so spacious and luxurious, it reminded me of the hotel suites my cousins and I used to stay in during our college years. Some things never change. 

"Good morning Jay beta," my mom said. "Your father and I are so glad you're here." 

"If he's so glad, where is he?" I retorted, frowning. 

"He's out on business darling," she said, soothingly. She set a piping hot cup of masala chai down in front of men and smiled. I reluctantly smiled back. It was impossible for me to stay mad at my mother for more than thirty seconds. 

I sighed. "Ever since I went to Harvard for my undergrad, he's been so away from the family." 

"He took the job in San Diego for you, Jay. We just didn't want you to have any student loans." 

"I know..." I sighed. 

"We're so proud of you Jay," Mom continued. "You've achieved so much and you're still so young." 

"Oh no, I know where this is going," I said, rolling my eyes and taking a sip of my tea. "Shit," I muttered under my breath. It was still so hot, I burnt my tongue. 

"When are you getting married?!" she exclaimed. 

"I don't know Ma!" I was so sick of this conversation. I will get married when I want to, why doesn't anybody realize that? "I just haven't found anybody yet." 

"There's nobody?" 

"Well there's this girl..." 

"Tell me more," Mom said, leaning in closer as if I was sharing national security secrets with her. 

"Her name is Alana Patel and we work together." 

"Oh no, that's bad." 

"What? Why?" 

"Never mix business and pleasure, everybody knows that." 

"Don't worry nothing's happened yet. We just had drinks a few times," I reassured her. 

"Okay, but you can't marry this girl. She doesn't sound too good." 

I rolled my eyes. "Stop jumping the gun, we're just friends." 

Mom sighed. "I just want you to be happy, ok?" 

"I know that, but I'm just not ready for that long term commitment stuff, ok? I'm only 22 years old." 

"When you're ready, you'll know." 

"Really? I feel like I'll never be ready," I mumbled, staring at my cup. Mom placed a hand on mine. 

"I knew when I loved your father, we were meant to be. I mean, see how happy we are? We're living so nicely in a city as nice as Chicago. Life moves so fast here." 

"How can you be happy when he's halfway across the country all the time?" I frowned.  

"Because I know wherever he is, he still loves me, and I still love him. That's how it works, Jay. Just because he isn't always by my side, doesn’t mean our marriage isn't based on love and trust and commitment." 

"I guess..." 

"You have a lot to learn, but you need to learn it by putting yourself out there. Most of these things are taken in by experience. When you find someone you truly love, somebody you'd take a bullet for, someone who you breathe for, that's when you'll know." 

"This is so depressing," I said disdainfully. 

"Maybe, but think of all the happiness that awaits you!" Mom said, smiling her huge smile at me. I couldn't help but smile back. She was always so optimistic and so free-spirited. I wish I had that in me. I guess we don't always cultivate every quality our parents have. 

"Yeah, I guess I have a lot to learn, but also a lot to experience." 

"That’s the spirit Jay. But promise me one thing, beta." 

"Yeah, anything." 

"When you find her, don't let her go. Under any circumstances. If you know she loves you, fight for her. Fight for her until the end Jay, and then never let her go. Love doesn't come by very often, but when it does, you shouldn't let the moment pass. That's what your father did for me. He flew all the way to India without telling me and convinced my parents to let me marry him." 

"Wow," was all I could manage. The crazy things people do for love. Hopefully I won't have to go through anything that crazy. I mean, yeah, love's great and all. But I'm a man with dignity. I wasn't about to fly across the world for someone to marry me. And what was so great about marriage anyways? You're stuck with the same person for the rest of your life, what was the fun in that? My parents were so old-fashioned. 

"Jay, you need to understand that without love, life wouldn't happen. They go hand-in-hand. So when you find it, you can't let it escape, otherwise you'll regret it for the rest of your life." 

"Ok Mom, I get it." 

"That's my son," she said affectionately, and softly rustled my hair before getting back to work making breakfast. 

Short and sweet, I know. Thought I'd write something from Jay's point of view for a change :) Hope you liked it, I promise I'll have something longer soon! School has really been kicking my ass lately, but as soon as Spring Break inches closer, hopefully it'll get easier. Thanks for all the support once again!!