FOLDED SECRETS

Are White Lies Necessary In A Relationship?

"Why did you put my jeans? And these slippers? I already told you that this time it's different. I will not only meet the shareholders but also make a deal with the emeralds of Arab." Reiva looked irate.
"Take it. You need to wear comfortable clothes when you take a nap and relax. How will you manage to wear those tight skirts and high heels all these four days?", Mayank looked worried.
"This is not important. I need to completely focus on this deal and next up my promotion will be sure.", excited Reiva threw the slippers on the floor and started to lock her luggage.
"But you don't need to overburden yourself. I am there. Next month I will sign a deal for which I will be paid 4 lakhs. After that we can plan for our marriage." Mayank back-hugged Reiva while she was busy curling her hair.
"Isn't it already decided? We will pay equally for our marriage and our new home. Mayank! Please don't start this topic now. I am in a very good mood so don't spoil it." Reiva looked irritated this time.
Releasing his hands and taking a step back Mayank spoke, "Fine! Let's do this later. I'll drop you to the airport tomorrow." Kissing each other goodnight, both went back to their own rooms.
Next morning before Mayank woke up, Reiva had already left. She texted him saying that her colleague came to pick up.
The next four days were utterly busy for Mayank. Only he could afford the night talks with Reiva while he seemed as busy as bee during the daytime. On the fourth night he texted her saying that he will go to pick he up from the airport.

Next morning:

"Hello! Hello Reiva! Where are you?", Mayank called her. "Hello Mayank! What are you talking about? Where are you?" "Of course outside the airport. But where are you? Come out fast. I'll take you somewhere to lighten your mood." "Umm..Mayank...I completely forgot about you. I came back to the company straight from the airport."
From the other side of the phone she only heard "Oh!" "Umm..Mayank! I'm so sorry. But I need to prepare for a meeting right now. Let's talk when I get home. Bye."

That Night:
Reiva opened the lock of the door of her apartment while busily scrolling her phone. It was quarter past 12. The very first thing she did after entering was stretching out her exhausted body on the sofa and then called Mayank. "Mayank! Mayank! Did you already fall asleep? Mayank!!"
No matter how much she called him, Mayank was nowhere to be seen. Reiva pulled herself up from the sofa and went to check his room. The room was dark and silent. She reached for the lights and was disappointed to see the empty room. Suddenly something struck her and she checked her phone. She at once blinked her eyes and glared at the screen. There was a message from Mayank, probably two hours ago, where he told her that he had to go for an emergency meeting.

After a Week:

"Reiva! Let's eat our dinner outside today.", Mayank asked while making their breakfast. "Fine. I'll get off from work at 6 maybe. Send me the location later on.", Reiva said while having a bite of her toast. "Cool! Let's meet at my chosen location with your chosen menu." "Cool!". And both chuckled.
Meanwhile Reiva's phone rang and somehow Mayank sensed a change in their plan and so he already looked low. "Hello! Yes? Ok! I'll reach there on time. Please keep ready the documents and my...." And she looked at Mayank and whispered, "I need to go. Let's meet in the evening. Bye." And she went while continuing with her phone call.
Mayank looked at the door which was just now closed. Perhaps he wanted to say something more to her...perhaps he wanted to discuss something more with her...perhaps!!!
That night:
Mayank called Reiva, "Hello Reiva! I've already sent you the location. I'll be there at 7." From the other side Reiva spoke, "Mayank! Don't make any reservation now. I'll confirm the time and call you back. Bye."
After an hour, Mayank's phone rang. His long waited call was finally there. "Hello Reiva!" "Mayank! I just got out of my office. I'll probably reach there in one or two hour." "Ok! I'm waiting."
Reiva reached the given location and hurriedly parked her car. Mayank noticed her car and went near it. "Mayank! Sorry I just couldn't ignore my seniors." "Fine Reiva. But...". Mayank looked restless. "What?", she asked. "I'm so sorry. The reservations are already full. I don't think we can eat here today." Saying this he lowered his head. "Oh! Now what? Should we go somewhere else?" "But we are already in the outskirts of the city. Now if we again move to the city, we won't make in time. The restaurants will get closed by the time we reach there." Mayank spoke while his head was still lowered. "Then what? It's all your fault. Why did you select such an isolated restaurant?" "Because....because it perfectly fitted your taste and...I..." "Fine!", Reiva cut his words and spoke, "Should we eat at the food stalls? Let's find one on our way back home." Reiva started to head towards her parked car but suddenly she stopped and looked back at Mayank who was still gazing at the restaurant. "Mayank! Come fast. We'll surely eat here someday. And that day will be my treat."
They stopped near a food stall. After getting off her car, Reiva said in a displeased tone, "Are you sure? Should we eat here?" "Of course! The food is excellent here." "No...I mean...look at those utensils. Maybe we can eat something simple at home." "No! Why! We are already here. So let's eat a hearty meal here." Reiva was still stumbling. "I don't know. I'm not that sure. Hope it doesn't make my stomach upset." To this Mayank hold her hands and pulled her near a chair. He made her sit comfortably and then spoke, "How will you know if you don't even try?"
The only person on the stall who worked as the chef as well as the waiter, came and asked what they wanted. "Keema Biryani, lemon chicken, sweet and crispy pork, and do you have prawns?" "Yes", the female chef replied nodding her head. "Ok then make a creamy garlic prawn dish and should we order anything else Reiva? Is there anything you are craving now?" He asked Reiva who still was struggling to adjust on her seat. Reiva smiled and nodded her head. Mayank spoke again to the chef, "Fine! Add some meatballs curry and two colas please." The chef bought two colas and returned to her work place and got busy.
"Are you sure Reiva you are ok with only these things?" Mayank asked her in a serious tone. "Yes Mayank. You have ordered enough for us. But why are you behaving like this?" "What? I'm just trying to have a good meal with you." Reiva smiled and spoke, "But you know you exactly are behaving like the Mayank five years ago. You remember while ordering you mixed up the menu on our first date making me hell embarrassed." She laughed and continued, "And do you remember how you ordered eighteen dishes and all the people gazed at our table full of different dishes. I felt so embarrassed that day. My God! How can someone be so spineless?" And she laughed some more.
Mayank felt low and said in a low tone, "But...but it was all to make you eat something good." "Don't feel sad Mayank. I only shared my memories back when we started to date." Mayank continued with the low tone, "That day I prepared a surprise for you. I bought the necklace which you were craving since a month. After dinner we went to watch a film where you got annoyed when I dozed off in the middle." He curved up his lips slightly and continued, "You are right. It is really embarrassing and peevish that while I remembered our happy moments, you forgot all those and..." "Sir, your order is ready.", saying this the chef placed the dishes on the table and left.
No one talked. Mayank fixed his gaze at the food infront while Reiva was still in shock as to how to reply him. "Just manage today. From next time I'll make the corrections." And Mayank started to eat.

The next few days were as usual busy for both of them. They were busy with their own schedules. But today, it was a different day for Mayank... to put it simply it was a special day for him. He looked happy and cheerful. After completing his work, he called Reiva. "Hello Reiva! Can you come home a bit early today?" "Umm...I am not that busy today...umm...I think I can." "Perfect! Let's meet at home."

That Evening: