• Second Chances •

18. Belonging

"Do you think I should tell Mr. Kapoor about our father?" asked Priya.  

Sara sighed and looked up from the cookie dough she was mixing. "Yes. You should."  

Priya shrugged helplessly. She saved the excel sheet she was working on and said, "I don't understand how though. It's just so embarrassing."  

"Why?" Sara pulled a face. "It is embarrassing for Mahendra Sood, if anything. We aren't at fault. He left us. He is the asshole." 

"I know!" mumbled Priya. "I know."

"Then?" 

"I don't know Di," mused Priya. "It's just...I feel a little weird because Mr. Kapoor is in a position to judge me forever."  

Sara sneered. "Who hasn't?" 

Priya dipped a finger in the cookie dough mixture and tasted it. "But he is going to be my husband. It's different."  

"Okay, look Priya. I can talk with him. I am sure he will understand..." offered Sara. "He looks quite intelligent and sorted." 

Priya refused. "No. I should say this. Not you." 

Just then, Priya's mobile rang. She glanced at the screen and saw Ram's name flashing. Giving Sara a look, she said, "Speak of the devil."

Sara chuckled and Priya picked up the phone. As soon as she did, Ram's excited voice greeted her. "Priya! Listen, I got the email from the registrar's office. We have a date for the wedding. It's 15th."  

Priya went numb for a few seconds. But then managed to say something. "15th? Oh."  

"Any problem?" asked Ram.  

"No. It's a great date. It's Dussehra..." whispered Priya. "It's a good and auspicious date." 

"Awesome then. So, I will confirm it?" enquired Ram.  

"I don't think anyone will have a problem with it. So yes, please..." replied Priya.  

"Great!" chirped Ram. "Thank you. I called just for that."

Then he went quiet like he didn't know what else to say to Priya. He whispered, "Okay. Bye." 

Priya smiled. Almost. "Bye." 

Keeping the phone aside, Priya turned her gaze towards Sara. Sara flashed a knowing smile. "Congratulations! You have a wedding date. Finally. But really Priya, I have seen office calls with more feelings than this." 

"Shut up!" chided Priya.  

Laughing, Sara proceeded to roll out the cookie dough. "I am serious though. Aren't you going to even try to build something with him? He seems nice."  

"We will see..." Priya rolled her eyes. 

"God!" Sara rolled her eyes too. That's when Ram called Priya again. 

Priya frowned. "Why is he calling again?" 

"Priya!" Sara scolded her. "Just put the call on speakerphone."

"Fine..." grumbled Priya and received the call. 

This time around, Ram didn't bother to even greet her. He just started to speak. 

"Priya...that honeymoon thing, wait no vacation moon thing, I am thinking of booking the flight on the 15th night itself. As in 16th morning. Hope that is okay for you?" 

Priya blinked on hearing Ram's questions. But Sara yelled in shock. "WHAT?" 

Ram quietened on hearing the loud retort and thought that he made Priya uncomfortable by asking her the details. Wiping his brow, he whispered. "Huh, what? I am so sorry if I said something bad..."