The Shy Extrovert

Chapter 13

Once we were back, Divyashree aunty stood on the gate with a plate with aarti. She is quite superstitious and said that we might have had an evil eye of someone over us. She continued doing her rituals of aarti and nazar utarna. She revolved a round of red chilies around us. Indian mothers, I say.

It was September and Ashish was quite disturbed. Vrishti's birthday was around. I had a surprise for him. We celebrated her birthday in a different way. We went orphanage and spent the entire day with them. The smile of those children brought back my best friend's smile. I promised him that we shall celebrate this day like this every year.

A few more days went like this and it was death anniversary of Vrishti. Ashu cried and cried for not getting much time with her and cursed himself for not being able to understand the ocean of thoughts within her. I was afraid that he might get into that ocean of despair again.

Those days, we got even closer. Ashu had started smiling but he was weak. He started coming to office but I assured he eats properly and gets proper rest. We had a lot to talk about, the themes and nonsense talks, the events and baseless talks. We worked and tried to get better results and everyone thrived with us as much as we did. He applauded my management skills and the way I handled everything and I blushed.

Time flew and it is New Year's Eve and we are celebrating a yearly turnover of 25 billion USD. I am still trying to cope with rich society norms as this all is not mine it belongs to Ashish. This is his and I am dying to hand over to him. "Congratulations Miss Thakur!"A voice came from behind. I turned to see and what I saw was a real surprise. I could not believe my eyes to see ashu there and that too with his genuine shy smile. "Handle your responsibilities. I am tired." I winked and said to Ashu. "I don't know how to thank you." He said with a sort of discomfort. "You don't need to. You are so useless. Who does this to himself? You forgot your responsibilities for a girl. I know you loved her and she loved you too but that doesn't mean that you would leave living. Who does this? Tell me. Answer me stupid." I cried. He hugged me and we started laughing.

We had a tough time and I am handing over his company all over to him. I am tired of these responsibilities. He whispered, "Marry me beautiful!" I was shocked. He winked and said, "Yes Vaishnavi, I cannot explain how difficult it is to say but please marry me. I cannot get a better life partner than you. You are beautiful and intelligent; you know me and understand my emotions. Please marry me. Even Vrishti wanted you to take care of me forever, and I feel it is the best way we can take care of each other. Don't take me otherwise and trust me I mean it."

"I cannot be your rebound. I will marry you the day your respect for me turns into love." I replied with teary eyes and a smile. I continued, "I am you best friend and will always stand at you back even if you were not a billionaire but I am sorry I cannot marry you for being your wife and not your love."

"I always knew that you never had a boyfriend and you have always loved me." He smirked. "I know you are a girl with dignity. Trust me you are not a rebound." He tried explaining me but I left the place.