HER DESTINATION : A MARATHI LOVE STORY

Chapter 16

CHAPTER-16

Akshay came running as soon he saw Gauri running towards the emergency exit. He came to where Simran was standing and said her to keep quiet and get back to her work. Then he came towards the emergency exit and saw her shivering form sitting on the stairs, her head dropped to her knees.

Akshay: Gauri...
He came close to her until he was sitting just beside her gently pulling her towards him.
"Gauri, babe I told you right we're in this together, allow me to help you, darling"

Gauri thought for a while and looked at him and found him waiting for her as long as she could have told him to, but she thought now it was high time and she was tired of fighting with herself.

Gauri: Somewhere private.

Akshay: Sure.
He made some calls and within minutes they found themselves on a secluded floor away from any crowd.

Akshay: This floor is ours and this is my hide in this whole hotel and now yours too, you can come and go as you, please.

Gauri: Let's sit.
Akshay took her to the balcony where he found peace most of the time. He sat with her beside him, holding her hands giving her the much-needed support he could provide, and she could ask without hesitation.

It all started at my first office back then it was just us the new juniors and some seniors. There I met him, my ex, Anshul Shetty. Yeah from his surname one could say he was from an altogether different religion but what can we say it was love at first sight. I used to find him attractive back then but now I despise even holding his stare for more than 1 sec. He used to keep staring at me and whenever my colleagues went for some doubts he would ask them about me. Gradually they started teasing me with his name. It happened very fast and we were in a steady relationship, I let him meet my college friends who were initially opposing me to carrying this ahead seeing the difference in our religion but the way he took care of me and my things they were convinced he was the right one for me. Then the day came when things started spiralling for me. Dad had a heart attack, I had to take leave from the office, and I couldn't respond to the calls or text messages my colleagues and friends left, was just answering family and boss's calls to update them on the situation here. A few days after e brought Dad home and I joined back the office but things had changed. His friends would look at me with accusing eyes even hatred as if I stole something important of theirs. He was not there in the office. I told them what had happened back then to my colleagues and they were supportive while his friends continued the same behaviour and loaded me with a week's work in that, I couldn't contact him and when I did he said. 

Anshul: Mil gaya time, friends se. Friends kaha sirf best friend na. Itna hi tha toh usko hi boyfriend bana leti na, muzhe kyu fasaya.

He said much more that acted as a glass piece breaking my trust and hope in him permanently. Then we stopped talking for a few days. One day he came to apologize when he learnt about the real story but by then I had been suffering from severe stress and depression which cost my health. I started suffering from PCOS, months would pass by and I wouldn't have my regular menses. After one year, I told him about it and he broke up without saying a word. From that day onwards I stopped pursuing him or for that matter anyone. I kind of lost belief that a boy would want a girl without her feminine qualities, without that they consider her as trash.

Akshay took a while contemplating what to say next still rubbing her hands and giving her silent support.

Akshay: I got it but I still didn't understand your today behaviour?

Gauri: That man, I didn't like his touch, I felt suffocated, I suddenly remembered Anshul's touch.

Akshay: And mine?

Gauri: Your touch calms me and makes me feel like I was roaming the deserts till now and like I met my home.

Akshay: Okay I'm flattered but about the depression?

Gauri: Unknown to the reason Dad made me visit therapists so I'm out of it now but,

Akshay: Did the PCOS remain?

Gauri: No it got cured with a change in lifestyle and eating habits.

Akshay: There is a but I understand you are not comfortable sharing. It's okay I could wait.

Gauri: You would know soon. Btw we're here for your meal.

Akshay: Yeah, and wanted to tell you what went down at Walawalkar Niwas.

Gauri: Order first and then.

Akshay ordered for himself and on the safer side for her too.

Akshay: So my Kaka Kaku came along with my brother and vahini and they were discussing our marriage and things escalated suddenly.

He told her what happened while feeding her in between.

Gauri: So now what, am I supposed to leave my job or is our marriage cancelled?

Akshay: How about none of the above? I need you with me, however, you are, end of the story.

Gauri: Oh okay.

Akshay: Don't stress over this, I will make them understand. You just relax and take care of yourself. Trust me on this, I won't leave you for anyone.

Gauri: Let's go, drop me at the office I've some work to finish.

Akshay: Sure, come.

Akshay waited till Gauri entered the premises and waved at him to go but from the fake smile on her face, he knew she was going to stress over the matter and he had to do something sooner.

He came back to his workplace to find Kiran, his Dad waiting for him.

Akshay: Dad, you here, everything okay?

Kiran: I heard Gauri was here and you didn't let anyone in your cabin. I had come as soon as I heard but Chetan said you ordered him.

Akshay: After what happened at home, I wanted to see her and with what right were you going to meet her?

Kiran: I could talk to her as my friend's daughter.

Akshay: Dad she doesn't need this, she has suffered already and unknowingly I hurt her too.

Dad: You told her what happened, what did she say?

Akshay: That's what is the problem she didn't say a word but she was sure very much upset and knowing her I know something would happen for which we are not ready.