Bride Set off

chapter 23

"Are you sure about the landing time?"

"Yes." Jay nods and check the phone again.

"We are waiting for past forty minutes, he might have arrived early and went home."

"Nope! His flight hasn't arrived. It is delayed." He sighs "Also, I am losing my patience with your questions."

"I am sorry. Piku is upset with me again. I desperately want to go to her but also want to greet Rajan."

"I know." He rolls his eyes.

"What was that?"

"I am mad at you. Wasn't I clear?"

"What did I do to you now?" I give up thinking, dear god I need a break.

"You withdraw your application without even informing me? Am I nothing to you now?"

"I am sorry you felt that way."

"Oh, my feelings are considered now? Thanks." He chuckles.

"I am hurt by that sarcasm. I told you before too, I am doing it. I am taking a step back to help Piku."

"I expected you to wait till Rajan comes."

"He is late. I didn't have that much time." I said leaving him at waiting queue.

I am trying. I hope he would understand but that's too much for me. I just need to cry in restroom and go back to him with food, he might forgive me.

I texted Piku several times but she is ignoring me. Shweta is busy but I need her on my side this time. I texted her word to word detail and hope she would understand. Gosh, this is getting more complicated.

I got out of the restroom and bought snacks for Jay, hoping to trade for an apology.

He was sitting in the waiting area, texting someone. I nudge him and offered snacks.

"This won't mean I forgive you." he said taking all of it.

I sat beside him taking out my phone scrolling screen, getting ignored by Jay and Piku.

I texted Aron asking if he would meet me tomorrow and he replied instantly 'yes'. I need to clear things with him too. One step at a time I need to clear the mess of my life...

"Guys!"

"I am glad that phones are interesting than waiting for me." He said hugging us.

"I miss you." I said and Jay rolled eyes.

"Jay?"

"Later Rajan. I missed you more than her."

"I missed you a lot. You must be tired. Let's go home." I said taking Rajan's luggage

"Okay, you both fought and I am getting more attention. I like it." Rajan giggled.

Oh god, Jay's not going to take easy way and I very much need Rajan's approval. I need to be in his best side now.

Jay drove us back home. I am glad because he doesn't speak when he's driving and I might get a chance to talk to Rajan.

"So, the case went well?"

"Yes. It did, Jay."

Wrong timing to speak Jay. Only if I could kick him right now, I would.

"I am sorry Rashi about hiding this. I wanted to tell you all but I just couldn't bring myself to speak."

"It's okay. I understand. It must be hard for you to revisit those memories. I am sorry."

"It's okay."

Finally, this is a nice time to spill the truth, I must tell him.

"Rajan... umm... I need to talk to you about something, it's more like getting your approval of something."

"Okay?"

Jay stare back for a second and Rajan looked at him.

"I got into PhD program and I took back my application. I am sorry but I think it's better for Piku to take the seat instead of me because her parents are forcing to her marry. It was deal or something that she gets to marry as soon she finishes studying. She applied for PhD program too but she didn't get in. I did and I took back my application and exchanged for her."

I inhale and Jay stopped the car.

"So? Rajan?" Jay looks back.

"It's okay. It's not like there aren't other university." Rajan says and Jay nods.

"But I don't want to join another university. I am sorry."

"That is also okay. Take a break year." Rajan says and jay nod along again.

"I don't want that too. I am sorry. I am just confused right now."

"It's okay Rashi. Take your time, no one is forcing you to do anything. Am I right, Jay?" he stares at Jay and Jay look front and nods.

"Thank you Rajan."

"Is this why you both fought?"

"Sheate my pizza too." Jay said starting the car and Rajan giggles saying, "it's good to be back home."