Fortuitously Yours (Previously known as Accidentally Yours)

A Broken Soul

The Mathur family had a tradition of dining together. So, when Rohit came downstairs along with Shanti, Priya and Naina, he could see every member of the house, including the servants, guards and the driver Rakesh, waiting for them at the dinner table. It was a long rectangular 12 seater table, and Mrs Mathur was sitting right at the head of it. One side was filled with all the servants and staff, while the other side was meant for the family members and guests. Rajeshwari signalled Rohit to sit next to her. 

The dinner was lavish, and the atmosphere was relaxing. After the dinner, Rohit had a tendency to walk around for a bit before going to bed. So, he was walking through the garden, when he suddenly heard a faint sound of sobbing. The sound was very light, but Rohit could sense that it was a woman's voice. He started going in that direction, and after some distance, he came in front of a small pool. On the sides of the pool, Priya was sitting alone, with her face hidden by her knees. Evidently, she was the one crying. 

Rohit couldn't understand the situation at first, but when he realised it, he thought of talking to Priya a bit, hoping to relax her. Though Rohit did not like mingling with people, he was kind at heart, and hated tears. So, seeing Priya in this situation, he could not resist himself, and slowly started walking towards her. 

As the distance between them lessened, Rohit could now understand that Priya was not only crying, but was constantly babbling to herself in between the sobs. Rohit came to a spot where he was a few meters away from Priya, and stopped. From there, he could clearly listen to her words. 

"Why Papa? Why did you do this to me? Why?.... (Sobbing).... Was I not your daughter? Didn't you feel sorry for me even once?..... (sob).... Why?.... Why?" 

Rohit was stunned to hear her words. While she was speaking, Rohit could clearly see the anger flaring through her bloodshot eyes. But he was very confused. Why would a girl be so angry at her father? What had he done to her? Rohit wanted to know more. He wanted to talk to her… relax her. But, he was afraid it may lead to unwanted interferences in personal matters, which he clearly did not want. 

Rohit was still in his dilemma of whether or not to go to Priya, when he heard Rajeshwari's voice from a distance. She was coming towards Priya. Rohit understood that he was no longer needed there and hence left for his room. 

The next morning, Rohit woke up early. He had a very light sleep at night because of two reasons, first, he was worried about his father's health, and second, he was feeling sorry for Priya. He kept his thoughts aside, and went out to the balcony to take in the cool and fresh morning air, which has always refreshed him since childhood. 

He was just standing at the balcony, aimlessly observing the sea waves as they were beautifully visible from there, when suddenly he noticed someone like Priya, sitting silently at a small stone bench near the sea shore. He couldn't understand why, but suddenly he had a strange urge to go and talk to her right now! He had met Priya only yesterday, but something about her intrigued him a lot. Whenever he looked into her eyes, he could always sense a wave of underlying pain hidden behind a weary smile. And Rohit wanted to know the reason for that pain. 

Without thinking much, Rohit pulled on his jogging suit and sports shoes, and started jogging towards the shore. As he reached near the stone bench, he could now see Priya sitting alone, with a very painful expression on her face. From her fluffy eyes, it was evident that she had been crying till morning. 

Rohit came near the bench and silently sat down on the other side. Priya was observing the waves thoughtfully, and hence failed to notice Rohit at first. She turned towards him only when he initiated the conversation. 

Rohit: Good Morning! 

Priya: A very good morning. 

Rohit: Wow, that was a very cheerful wish indeed! Well, to be honest, the morning did not seem as good as your wish.