Shadows & Sunshine

Ch : 10

Priya rushed towards the washroom as soon as she entered the bedroom, her heart pounding in her chest. Her face was drenched, and the hair strands clung stubbornly to her cheeks. With a trembling hand, she pushed them aside and brought her fingers to her lips, where the sensation of Ram's kiss still lingered. The memory flashed vividly in her mind, a stolen moment of intimacy after seventeen long years. Since Ved, no one had touched her like that.

But instead of regret, she felt an unexpected warmth blossoming within her. It was a sense of cherishment, a quiet acknowledgment of something precious. The kiss had awakened something inside her, something she had buried long ago. Standing there, staring at her reflection, Priya realized she wasn't just looking at the past; she was looking at a future tinged with possibilities she hadn't dared to dream of.

Suddenly, Priya closed her eyes, shaking her head as if to dispel the thoughts swirling in her mind. "What am I even thinking? This is wrong. I can't be like Ved. I can't do the same as he did," she whispered to herself, the words tasting bitter on her tongue. "No, I have to think about my daughter." Her voice trembled, laden with the weight of her guilt and confusion.

She covered her face with her hands, the coolness of her damp palms a stark contrast to the heat of her turmoil. Gripping the edge of the sink with white-knuckled intensity, she tried to steady herself, but frustration surged through her like a tempest.

Just then, she heard Ved's voice echoing from the bedroom. He had arrived home and was talking on the phone, his tone casual and indifferent. The sound of his voice sent a shiver down her spine, a reminder of the man who had once been the center of her world but had now become a symbol of betrayal.

Priya straightened, taking a deep breath. She could hear Ved's footsteps approaching the bedroom door. The familiar cadence of his voice, once comforting, now grated against her raw nerves. She had to gather herself, to find strength for the sake of her daughter. The storm inside her needed to be calmed.

The next week, Ram arrived at the therapy class with a palpable sense of anticipation, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of Priya. The minutes ticked by, and as the class began without her, his heart sank. A heavy disappointment settled over him. Today, he had hoped to see her, to hear her voice, to perhaps receive an apology for the confusion that had marked their last encounter.

As the instructor's voice droned on, Ram found it increasingly difficult to focus. His thoughts were consumed by Priya's absence, and frustration gnawed at him. Finally, he couldn't bear it any longer. He raised his hand, mumbled an excuse about needing some air, and quickly left the room.

Outside, he pulled out his phone with shaking hands, scrolling through his contacts until he found her name. He hesitated for a moment, staring at the screen, before pressing the call button. The phone rang, each tone echoing his growing anxiety. Ram paced back and forth, the walls of the hallway closing in on him as he waited for Priya to answer.

When she finally picked up, there was a brief, charged silence. "Priya," Ram began, his voice thick with unspoken questions and emotions. "Are you okay? I didn't see you in class today. I... I was hoping we could talk." He paused, the words tumbling out in a rush, unable to contain the concern and longing that had been building up inside him.

"Priya," Ram began hesitantly, relief washing over him at the sound of her voice. But before he could say more, she interrupted him.

"No, Ram. I don't think I can make it to the next few classes. My daughter is coming tomorrow, and I have so much to do," Priya explained, her voice tinged with a mixture of weariness and resolve.

Ram's heart sank. He had been looking forward to seeing her, to talking things through. Desperation edged into his voice as he interjected, "Please, Priya, listen. Can we just meet once? I mean..."

But Priya cut him off gently. "No, it's not possible for me today. And it's also the end of the year, so I have to attend a party with Ved."

Ram's grip tightened on his phone, frustration mingling with disappointment. "Okay, fine," he said, a trace of determination hardening his tone. "But I'll be waiting for you outside Central Railway Station after your party. If you want, just stop by. I'll be there at 11."

There was a pause on the line, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Priya sighed softly. "I can't promise anything, Ram."

"I understand," he replied, his voice softer now, but still resolute. "Just... think about it."

With that, they ended the call. Ram stood in the hallway, the distant hum of the therapy class barely reaching him. 

The hours crawled by, each one a testament to his growing anticipation and hope. As the night deepened, he made his way to the Central Railway Station, the city's lights reflecting off the wet pavement. He found a spot near the entrance, leaning against a pillar, his eyes scanning every passerby, his heart beating a little faster each time he thought he saw her.

He glanced at his watch. It was nearing 11. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever the night might bring. For now, all he could do was wait, hoping that Priya would come.

At the party, Priya found herself unable to concentrate on anything. The laughter, the clinking glasses, and the festive music all seemed distant and hollow. Her mind was consumed by thoughts of Ram and his plea to meet later that night. She could hardly think of anything else, the anticipation and uncertainty gnawing at her.

Just then, Ved approached her, concern etched on his face. "What is it? You look lost. Are you okay?" he asked, his voice cutting through the fog of her thoughts.

Priya forced a smile, trying to sound convincing. "Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, but her eyes betrayed her inner turmoil. "When can we leave?" she asked, hoping to escape the crowded room and her conflicting emotions.

Ved looked surprised. "You want to leave? But the party is about to begin after midnight only."

"I’m not feeling comfortable. I want to leave," Priya said, her voice firmer this time, a note of desperation creeping in.

Ved sighed, a hint of frustration in his voice. "But Priya, let's stay together. It's New Year’s."

"Does it really matter?" Priya shot back, her eyes meeting his with an intensity that startled him. "I’m taking the car back home. Give me a call if you need it back," she said, turning away before he could protest.

Ved stood there, watching her as she walked away, his confusion and disappointment palpable. Priya's steps quickened as she made her way to the exit, her heart pounding with each stride. She felt a mix of guilt and determination, but she knew she had to leave.

Outside, the cool night air greeted her, a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere of the party. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts. As she slid into the driver’s seat and started the car, her mind was already on the Central Railway Station and the man who would be waiting for her there.

The streets were quiet, the city holding its breath in anticipation of the New Year. Priya navigated through the dimly lit roads, her resolve strengthening with each passing moment.

At the Central Railway Station, Ram stood beneath the dim glow of a streetlamp, his breath visible in the cold night air. He glanced at his watch; it was just a few minutes before midnight. The station was eerily quiet, the usual hustle subdued by the late hour.

He had been waiting for what felt like an eternity, his hope dwindling with each passing second.As the clock neared 12, Ram felt a wave of resignation wash over him. He sighed, shoulders slumping, and turned to leave. His footsteps echoed softly against the pavement, a stark reminder of his solitude. Just as he was about to disappear into the night, a car pulled up, its headlights cutting through the darkness.

Priya stepped out, her heart racing as she scanned the area. Spotting Ram walking away, she called out, "Ram!" Her voice, filled with urgency and emotion, pierced the silence.Ram stopped in his tracks, his heart skipping a beat. He turned around, his eyes searching for the source of the call. When his gaze met Priya's, time seemed to stand still. The world around them faded, leaving only the two of them in that moment.

Their eyes locked, and in that instant, the clock struck 12. The distant sound of fireworks erupted, celebrating the arrival of the New Year. The sky above them lit up in a dazzling display of colors, but Ram and Priya were oblivious to everything except each other.