Forget-Me-Not: Taste of Freedom

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

        Abhay sat all alone in the living room, watching and re-watching Ananya's video. He'd replayed it so many times that he'd ended up memorizing certain parts. A part of him wanted to delete the video and never think about it again, but the other part of him wanted to keep watching her, wanted to remember her and never let go of her. However, he knew it wasn't going to work. Someday, he had to let go. She was gone... his life hadn't ended. Someday, he would have to move on. But for now, he just wanted to be with her.

      As he watched her video, he couldn't help thinking about certain things. What had she lied to him about? Why was that part cut from the video? Was it Ananya who decided not to put it after all? Or did someone else do it? Who was the person filming her? She must know them, or Ananya wouldn't ask for their help. Was that person still looking out for them? He didn't know. He knew nothing at all.

      God, Abhay thought to himself, so many secrets.

       The night was cool and pleasant. Curtains rustled in the slight breeze, and soft static from the TV filled the room. He'd just stopped playing her video for the sixteenth time. He'd finally decided that he'd gone from doting husband to sprouting lunatic. His stomach gave a low rumble... he was hungry.

      As Abhay went to the kitchen to fix himself some dinner, his phone beeped with a new message. Frowning, he unlocked it and stared at the screen. It was Vidhi. A wave of warmth and comfort surged through him at her name.

      "Do you need someone to get you Chinese takeout?"

       He smiled slightly to himself. Then he typed out a reply. "That would be nice."

       Minutes later, another message arrived. "Order sent to your place; food should arrive in a while."

      "Not fair. I thought you were getting it."

       "I said 'someone', not me. Besides, dad needs me. Can't come. Some other time, maybe."

       "Well, at least you thought about asking me."

       "Still being sarcastic?"

       "Birth defect."

      "You bet." Then a moment later, another message followed  it. "And by the way, don't watch Ananya's video over and over. It will turn you into a crazy freak."

       He blinked. How did she know? "I'm afraid you're too late; that advice would have worked better an hour ago."

      "Better late than never."

       An unexpected smile lit up his face. Yeah, better late than never, indeed. "Thanks, Vidhi. Seriously. For everything."

      "No problem."

       "And by the way, don't tear up now. It will turn you into an uncontrollable water pipe."

      "Whatever, Mr. Know It All."

      "Did you have dinner?"

       "Yes, just. That's why I remembered you."

      "Well, at least you did."

       "Don't be coy. And tip the delivery guy nicely; I made them do some extra work."