KALINA (Book 3: The Elixir Series)

7.

Tomorrow comes and Kali woke up earlier for her scheduled meeting with someone. Going out of her house, she was surprised to see Bhoi waiting for her.

"Hi, besh!" he greeted cheerfully.

She returned the greeting with a smile. She can't just let her relationship with them be affected because of what happened. Besides, Bhoi is like her brother-in-law because of Miya.

"Why didn't you call me? How long have you been waiting here?" Kali asked.

Bhoi shrugged, "It's okay. I just arrived,"

"I don't buy that but anyway, what can I help you with?" Kali said.

"Can we talk for a moment?" Bhoi asked.

Kali tilts her head, "Did you and Miya fight?"

Bhoi chuckled and shakes his head, "We're good,"

With that, Kali understood it was about Kith. Her demeanor changed a bit.

Sighing, "Okay. But I have a meeting at 9," she answered.

"This will be quick. I just need you to listen," he said.

"Alright. Come inside," she invited him in.

They are now sitting in the living room. Bhoi soon tells her the reason behind Kith's actions. She remained stoic the whole time.

"Don't get me wrong, but why are you telling me this?" she asked softly. "I mean, why now?" she added.

"I just want you to understand my brother," Bhoi answered.

"Honestly, I do understand your brother that's why it hurt so much," she admits.

They are looking into each other's eyes. Kali sighed, "You're saying that it was because he always put his loved ones first. Am I not his loved one?" she asked.

"You know that he loves you," Bhoi defended.

Kali scoffed, "We were about to marry each other that day, but he chose her. He didn't even bother to talk to me for us to come up with something together. No. He decided on his own leaving me in the dark once again," Kali said. Her voice is trembling.

"You wanna know how I see it from my perspective?" Kali's heart is beating fast. Not getting a response, she goes on.

"It was a cowardly move. He did it because he doesn't want to feel guilty. He doesn't want to look selfish if he chooses me. Because choosing me is the same as choosing himself. Why, Bhoi? Why can't he choose his happiness for once?" she asked. Tears are forming in her eyes but she's trying her best to contain them.

"He always tends to sacrifice his own sake," Bhoi said sadly.

But Kali shook her head, disagreeing. "This time he didn't. It was me who he sacrificed," Kali said wiping her tears. They both took a deep breath.

Bhoi understood the underlying meaning of it. But he can't do anything about it.

"And just to be clear, I don't hate him. I just wanted to give myself some space. With what happened, I realized that it was time to put myself first. I understand him because I am like that too. It doesn't matter even if it hurt me as long as my loved ones are happy. But on this matter, I guess he and I were different," she smiled sadly at the latter part.

"I'm sorry," Bhoi said.

Kali smiled shaking her head, "It's okay. Past is past. Let's not dwell on it,"

Bhoi could only sigh. They fell into a dead silence that was interrupted by Kali's phone getting a message.

Checking it, she stands up, "I'm sorry, Bhoi, but I really need to go," she said. Her appointment is almost at the venue.