FALSAFA

CHAPTER 26 - It's a No!

The ring dropped from his hand. He stood there all numb. The whole situation went over his head. He was shocked.

His voice trembled as he struggled to speak –

Dhruv: But I thought you too had feelings for me...

Kriti: I do Dhruv, I do like you a lot.

Dhruv: Then what is the problem? You want time? Fine just tell me, I'll wait!

Kriti: It's not that! I don't believe in love anymore! And forever is just a myth. Please don't force me to say yes!

Dhruv: What are you saying Kriti! Is that what you think of me, that I'll force my feelings over you? I have clearly seen love in your eyes... And now you are telling me that you don't believe in love? I don't understand. You show something and say something else!!!

Kriti: Like you, I had a past too.

Dhruv: What do you mean by that? Kriti please tell me clearly. You can't even imagine my condition right now!!!

Kriti: I'll tell you everything.

Dhruv went quiet for Kriti to explain.

[Flashback in Kriti's POV:]

Just like you I too met the first love of my life in college. His name was Rohan. I was madly in love with him. I always wanted to be with him. My happiness knew no bound when he reciprocated the feelings. We started dating.

I thought he was my soul mate. But for him I was just a mere infatuation. I never understood that.

He made a new friend named Neha. More than me he used to spend time with her. Whenever I asked about Neha, he used to get angry and accuse me of suspicion. Each time I was the one to apologize. But I never complained.

After a time I kinda got habituated with everything. Gradually his behavior begun to change. He started getting angry with me easily, cancelled our hangouts, and never thought once before shouting at me in public. I was very frustrated but the thought that we love each other, always stopped me from reacting, until one day.

It was his birthday. I went to his house to surprise him with gifts.

I found the door unlocked. I went in quietly without ringing the bell to keep the suspense.

As I walked in my jaw dropped and my heart broke on what I saw.

Rohan was standing beside his bed and some girl wrapped her arms around him. As he moved a little I saw the face of the girl. It was none other than Neha!

Tears rolled down my eyes. Rohan didn't realize that I was standing there. He leaned forward and kissed her!

I couldn't bear anymore and I shouted – "You cheat!"

Rohan turned with a jerk. He was shocked to see me there at that hour.

Rohan: You.....Now?

Me: Yes you bastard! I came here to surprise you, instead I got surprised myself.

Rohan: Listen, I can explain!

Me: Shut up!

I slapped him hard... That was the first time I've ever hit someone.

By then Neha reacted –

Neha: Hey you can't hit him!!!

Me: You don't dare speak a word bitch! I knew you both had something. I even confronted this jerk about that, but he denied every time! I was a stupid to believe him.

Rohan: It's nothing like you think (stammering).

Me: How much idiot are you actually? It is all crystal clear for me. At least have the minimum courtesy to accept that now!

I turned to Neha and screemed before leaving – Go to hell!!!

[Flashback ends.]

Kriti: (turns to Dhruv) When you had your heart break, your whole family was by your side. But in my case I had no one. I obviously couldn't tell maa. Each time when with her, I had to pretend that everything was good. Even if my heart was crying, I had to keep a smile on my face. And you know what is the most difficult thing – when someone asks how are you and you can't say anything. You just have to put the fake smile on every time. After Rohan cheated on me I thought am I not loveable? If I am then why did he do that to me? why? My trust was broken along with my heart. So when I say I don't believe in love, more than believe I mean that I'm afraid to love. I am afraid that my heart will be broken again.

Dhruv was listening quietly but now he spoke –

Dhruv: So one man cheated you and you decided yourself that no one will love you truly ever again? Please Kriti don't do that. I'm here, standing in front of you. Please don't avoid me for this silly reason (sobbing).

Kriti: It can be silly for you Dhruv, but ask someone who has actually faced it.

Dhruv: So take your time please..... I'll wait for no matter how long you take.

Kriti: I can't do that to you. I don't know how long I will take to trust that I can love again. I can't keep you hanging. Please forget that this all ever happened, and move on with someone who can respect your feelings. Unlike me!!!

Saying that Kriti walked away from Dhruv leaving him in all tears, as he watched her leave.