The Bond Of Trust

4. Damage

It was after midnight when Veer barged into Madhav's house.

Madhav was busy creating reports for next day, when he was distracted by the door that was snapped open. He was surprised to see a disheaveled Veer.
His hair was messy, as if he had brushed his fingers through them in frustration.
Madhav looked at him flabbergasted and offered him a glass of water.
Veer pushed Madhav's hand away, rejecting it.

"What's wrong Veer?" Madhav asked in concern.

Veer looked up at him with pain in his eyes. He paused to get a moment of contemplation.

"Are you cheating on Anjali?" Veer asked.

"Are you out of your mind?" Madhav snapped.

"I saw you with someone. Who was that?" Veer asked in same calm demeanor.

Madhav rolled his eyes.
"What is troubling you Veer? This is not you. Tell me. May be I can help." Madhav asked in a calmer tone.

"Only you can help me." Veer replied.

Madhav blinked his eyes in assurance.

"Who was that girl?" Veer asked.

Madhav widened his eyes. But chose to keep quiet.

"Which girl?" he pretended innocence.

Veer sighed.

"You were with a girl this evening. Don't lie. I was there too. Who is she?"

"She is my friend and a very distant relative too. Why do you ask?"

Veer raked his fingers through his hair and gave out a frustrated sigh.

"Madhav, I am looking for that girl from last two weeks. Please tell me who she is."

Madhav blinked rapidly.

"What did she do? Look, I know she can be mischievous sometimes, but it is what she is. Just forget anything ever happened. I apologize.... "

"I want to marry her." Veer cut his rambling off.

"Huh?" Madhav was more than just surprised now.

Veer rolled his eyes once and looked at him.

"I want to marry her. I was looking for her from so many days. Tell me about her?" Veer spoke up.

Madhav laughed out loud.

"What is so funny?" Veer was offended now.

"Nice joke." Madhav said.

"Why is she married?" Veer was filled with dread, as he recalled Kabir's words.

"No. She is not. But you don't even know who she is and you want to marry her? Grow up Veer. I thought you are pretty serious with the concept of marriage." Madhav reprimanded him.

"Yes I don't know her. But I still like her. And I am determined to marry her. So, just tell me about her." Veer was adamant.

Madhav shook his head.
"Anaya. Anaya Verma. She is the only daughter of the prestigious lawyer Mr. Shekhar Verma. You can try courting her, but she is a tough nut to crack." Madhav explained.

"Don't worry. I will ask for her hand in a traditional way. Through my parents." Veer said proudly.

Madhav gave him a blank look. And Veer raised his eyebrows.

"Just remember. She lives her life on her own terms. One no from her, and her parents won't give you a second chance." 

That night, Veer knocked on the door of his parent's bedroom.
He explained them the situation and told them about his side of the story. His mother was not so impressed,but his father was looking at the matter positively.