Book 1 of the Love and Duty Series
Anirudh Roy, the steadfast and disciplined army officer, had always lived by a set of principles, none of which involved love. His life revolved around duty, honor, and the pursuit of his ambitions. Marriage, child...
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April, 2018
Dhairya
The past month went into a jiffy. I got a promotion, a decent increase in salary and of course books. I read fifteen books in a month. Despite all of this, I couldn't forget Anirudh Roy. I thought if I will occupy myself with work then I will stop thinking about him. But, no, it's almost like he has sworn not to exit from my thoughts. Everytime I go to sleep I think about him. In the office, I think about him. Even while reading, I think about him. He might be long gone, we never talked after that day. All my days are going by wondering how he might be where he is posted. All I want is for him to be safe and healthy.
Yawning, I shut down my laptop as I complete replying to the mails. Unlocking my phone, I look at the messenger, hoping that it's a message from him. In these thirty days, I acquired a habit to open the messenger regularly because I want us to talk but he never messaged me, nor did I. After the day at the library, I kept thinking if I was right by asking him for our friendship. Maybe, he just agreed because he was too uncomfortable with me. Of course, why wouldn't he be? I am just a stranger to him.
I sigh and lay down on the bed, looking at the ceiling. How did I get so comfortable with him? And why is he not leaving my thoughts? Am I in love with him? Of course not! How can I fall in love with a man with whom I didn't even talk much? As beautiful as the thought of love at first sight sounds, I dunno if it's real.
Not able to sleep, I get up again and put on my slippers. Maybe I just need a break. I am thinking way too much about him. It's not like my father would like if I pop up saying, 'Hi papa, I like someone I just met'. Even though he is a cuddly bear, he would absolutely hate it when he comes to know that his daughter fell in love with a man she barely knows. My father is strict but at the same time, he cares for me a lot. He doesn't want me to face any problems. But he doesn't realise that keeping me in a fantasy zone won't help me. He did everything for me, pampered me but at the same time, he didn't want me to go. And that's why I have been avoiding him for a few days.
I go to the balcony and stand with the support of the railing in the dark night. There was no moon today or else I would have asked him why I think nonstop about Anirudh. I look up at the stars wondering how he would be doing when my phone pings with a message. Eagerly, I unlock my phone but my face fells when I see it is Shruti who is sending me a picture of a baby she just delivered. I smile sadly and zoom the picture. The baby looked cute and all red. Is that how I looked when I was born?
"Congratulations Dr. Shruti", I type with a wink emoji.
I smile as I read her message saying, "I think I might be able to do your delivery once you get pregnant". There was a wink emoji added at the end. I giggle as I get reminded of the conversation we had when we started college.
"And what makes you think that I will come to you?" I type away with a giggle. Unwantedly, his picture again swirls in my mind. Why do I end up picturing him in everything I do? I seriously need a doctor to check upon me. I am getting insane.
