Shade in the Sun

Chapter 5

Kriti and Gaurav didn't speak on their way back. Gaurav concentrated on driving while Sreeja was lost in her thoughts.

'How would Kriti manage on her own? She is strong, stronger than I ever was, but her life without Vikram seems unimaginable.' She thought.

She looked outside. It was evening and the sun was soft. Her gaze stuck at the slight portions of the sun which were visible between the clouds. She felt something different, like never before. She started thinking again - 'So much has changed in the last few years. The perfect couple was lost.' She started thinking about her own life. 'What all has happened and what all could happen to them. Life is an exam where the syllabus is unknown and question papers are not set.' she realized.

She couldn't sleep that night. She kept thinking- 'How would her life be without Gaurav? Memories from the past flooded in. On Diwali, it was Gaurav who supported her in everything. Fetching stuff, helping her in the preparations and decoration. She thought she failed when no one came over. She never thought about how Gaurav felt. He was a part of it too. He never bothered about his feelings and was there for her always. She was upset that day and slept without having dinner, but Gaurav came to bed right after her. He too didn't have anything,' she realized. While she was upset, he was busy thinking of ways to cheer her up. The next day he took her for an outing. She was so happy that night. He inspired her to take up painting lessons. He didn't stop there, he ensured that she pursued her passion. He would wake up early to drop her at her class every morning, even when he would come home late from work. He never asked her to cook anything special for him and never complained about the food. He was her shade in the sun, her shelter in the rain. Love, like respect, isn't something you get; it's something you give. Gaurav has always known that.'

The next day, Avantika invited Sreeja to stay at her place for a few days. Sreeja had to catch the 7 pm train and Gaurav accompanied her to the platform.

After dropping her, he turned to leave. Just when she was about to board the train, she turned and ran towards Gaurav and held him tight, like she wanted them to stay like this forever. A single tear rolled down from her eye. She looked at Gaurav, she wanted to say something but chose silence, and he replied.