✔️The single housewife (Completed)

The day of verdicts and shocks (3)

Era's POV

"What's going on." I couldn't help but ask Nisha who held huge colorful balloons and marched besides me.

"I think its judgement time, Era." She said.

"Already?" I couldn't help but ask. I badly wanted the parade to finish and then we could enjoy the day so I could cherish the memories of this beautiful day.

"Yeah. I guess its time the Council decided the fate." Said Nisha grimly. I knew that even she was doubtful about my chances of staying. And why wouldn't she? I mean, even though I outshined myself in the volunteering department, professionally, I was still weak. I hadn't done anything remarkable.

"Don't worry. We are with you." Said Mihir as he held my hand in support. I looked at the person leading the crowd. Why wasn't Neel holding my hand? Why wasn't he imparting the words of support?

"Thanks." I managed to say as the another layer of gloom added to my misery. I mean, it was one thing to be rejected and it was another thing for not getting a verbal support from the guy you loved.

"Trust me, Neel supports you too. Its just that, you know only 50% of the truth." Said Nisha and Mihir signaled her to be quiet. What did she mean by that?

"Ummm sorry we just need to go ahead and check with the music system." Said Nisha as she held Mihir's hand and dragged him ahead.

I stood shocked as the crowd proceeded forward and the flashback of my dreaded past and the visions of my possible future haunted me. While the crowd moved forward, I moved towards the Council Building. There was one last thing I needed to do. For Neel. For myself.

***********************************************************************************************************

Neel's POV

"Where is Era?" I asked my volunteers as I climbed on the stage. The whole crowd had stopped in front of the stage where I took over the microphone and welcome the Council to sit on the already established Dias. As they took their positions, I looked at one chair that was empty. That was supposed to be filled. I couldn't find Era and so there was a brief moment of panic amongst the volunteers as they struggled to search her whereabouts.

When I took over the microphone from her and changed the direction of the crowd, it sucked. I mean it was HER parade and she was supposed to lead it. But I couldn't break the old age tradition could I? Today was the day of judgement as the Council had already communicated the results to me while the whole town eagerly waited for the verdict. If Era loses, it would be a big blow to the confidence that she had just recently acquired.

"Where is Era?" asked Alisha as the Council blindly stared at the crowd.

"Ladies and gentleman, today we are gathered as its the verdict day of our beloved guest, who at such a short span of time became a friend to all of us. She brought a beautiful change into the life of our lands. However, today we will decide her fate. Before that, I request Era to come up on the stage." I announced while the crowd looked around, trying to spot her amongst themselves, calling out her name.

"Era, Please join us on the stage." I announced again and I was certain that the audience could hear the panic from my voice.

Did she run away? or did she hide? But how could she? After all I had been working so hard to remove her stage fear.Oh it was so embarrassing. The crowd joined my dilemma as the silence prevailed.

"Neel!" "Neel"! I saw the crowd roaring as it made a small way for Era. She was riding the bicycle that I had gifted to her! I couldn't help but smile with tears in my eyes.

It had taken me endless hours to teach her how to ride a bike. I had eventually given up although she would request me time and again to teach her and I would give in every time because, lets face it. I enjoyed her company. However she was never able to learn it and eventually we both gave up.

She parked her cycle and came on the stage amid the roaring crowd. The Council members were tight lipped and I wondered if Era to noticed it. I signaled her to stand next to me and handed her the microphone.

"How did you learn to ride the bike all of sudden?" I whispered.

"I always knew how to ride the bicycle." She smiled naughtily.

"What?" I exclaimed in disbelief.

"I was three time winner in the Inter State Cycle Championship during my college days." She whispered.

I had no words. She stumped me with her words.

"You lied to me?" I asked her.

"Yes." she whispered as she looked at the crowd.

"but why?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Lets face it. I love your company as much as you love mine." She gave me the final look and then greeted every council member.

I was flushed beyond belief. Unfortunately the microphone was on and the whole crowd had heard our not-so-subtle conversation. They hooted as I turned pink.

She had given me a shock. But now it was the time for the payback. Today would be the day when she would receive the biggest surprises of her life!