Stay With Me Forever

6. Chapter 3

SHAURYA

[ PRESENT ]

I reach college & go into my cabin, to look through the files I'll need for today's lunch meeting.

My laptop pings with a video call request, it's Dhruv Bhatia my college friend ringing me after 10 odd years.

I receive it, "Heya Man ! How have you been? I know you're the busiest & most talked & desirable man of the town but that doesn't mean you have to refrain from catching up with your friends !! " he complains

"Nothing much bruh, I was just stuck with work, I wanted to attend the reunion but I was out of town" I lie, I didn't go because invitation cited to bring partners, the only thing I'm impoverished of.

"Fine, I'll fall for your lie" he chuckles & I roll my eyes. He continues " I'm marrying this month, we have a huge wedding planned & I want your presence in every ceremony & this time I'm not gonna buy any of your excuses, I want to enjoy like old days like we did back in college" he demands, as if things are still as simpler as they used to be back in those times.

"I can't promise but I'll surely try to be there on your special journey" I fake a smile, I'm not going if again they want me to make a couple entry with someone.

"Huh !! You can manage it I know that, if Shagun too can fly down from UK for wedding, you at least could make an appearance while living in the same city. Also since she's back in town, you two can rekindle what was left behind, weren't you two a thing ? I heard you two were about to get hitched. Plus it solves your problem of bringing in a partner. You two would make a fab couple entry " he says as if reading my mind regarding couple entry & laughs hysterically annoying me to the core.

" I'll see what can be done, my team shall RSVP you" I say stoically & cut the call. I know it was rude but how dare anyone tell me to consider someone other than her as my partner, she is the only one & she'll be the only one, what may come till eternity.

But mention of a familiar name takes me down to the memory lane...

[ 5 YEARS AGO ]

"Sir, Shagun ma'am is waiting outside, she needs your signature on some documents" the peon said.

"Ask her to wait outside." I reply

Shagun Kapoor my fiancé, oops sorry !! My ex-fiancé, I'm not habitual calling her that since we had broken up yesterday only after dating for 4 years and 9 months on the auspicious occasion of our engagement.

The moment we were supposed to slip rings onto each other's fingers, she chose to slip out her hand from my hold just because I couldn't stand her leaving me behind to pursue her doctorate from oh so prestigious Cambridge University. Oh no no ! I'm no misogynist that you may seem to think, actually the fact is I always wanted a woman who would look after my home while I'll be the bread-winner for the family, and I honestly told Shagun about it on the first day itself when we started dating. And that gracious lady had not taken the pain to intimate me even for once, let alone discuss during the whole process of admission which usually lasts about a year, she decided on her own regarding our future without even considering to consult me even for once.

On top of that she has the nerve to tell me that we can get engaged now & when she'll return, we'll marry, as if I don't know how it goes - She'll go to study & return, even if we end up marrying, she'd want to do a job & she'll find no time to manage home, because there's a limit to what a human can handle & especially when they're women, and one fine day she'll choose to flee leaving me behind like she's doing now, doesn't all women follow the same pattern.

So to end this vicious cycle for once & all I asked her to choose between me and her studies, of course the wily lady tried gaslighting me into changing my decision of breaking up, she also tried to guilt trip me by saying she has invested her time in this relationship & ofc the trump card of I love yous, what a conniving act of convenience. I too was equally invested, I've always been there for her & it's me who is being left behind, if she can choose for her career without consulting me then I too can choose how much or if at all I want to compromise.

★★★★

Bell goes off, it's time for my class, I arrange my table, pick up my coat from the armchair & walk towards the door
As I pull the door, Shagun stands up from the sofa infront of my cabin & walks towards me & before she could say anything I quietly say "It's my class right now Ms.Kapoor, keep your documents I'll send them to you once they're done.", dismissing her as I walk away.

After my class, I reach for the staff-teacher's meeting in conference hall, everyone fills in the room & 'oh of course Shagun too marks her entry', she too is alumnus & teacher at SIAC just like I am.

Before starting the meeting Mrs. Bhiwandkar, a teacher from our department hands me a card , I look questioningly at her & she answers "Sir, since Shagun ma'am has made us & this institution so proud we students & staff are throwing a farewell party wishing her best, we would be honoured if you make an appearance as a guest of honour".

"See Mrs. Bhiwandkar I'd love to come if my commitments allow me, but I shall definitely try" I casually smirk & Shagun face lights up with hope.

"If you don't mind can we please progress with the meeting, so please take your seats" I request the people gathered.

Meeting starts & ends smoothly where we discussed syllabus, class plan & mid terms & projects.

★★★★

To be continued....

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

This will be the only track that I'm adopting from show's storyline, this is the best way to bring out Shaurya's character & I couldn't think anything better than this. It'll be finished in next chapter itself & there on we'll have fresh tracks. 😊❤️

This update was getting too long, over 2.8k+ words, so I decided to divide it into 2 parts, I'll be updating the next part in sometime today itself & then we'll be done for this week & I'll update again next week.

Your each read review & vote is valuable for me, if you liked it please do it & share with your friends too.

Till then take care & stay safe ❤️
Love
MUHADDISAAA