Destined Cousins

19| Date night went wrong

It's just another day, it'll pass. But don't let the next day pass the same way.

"So, you're trying to set up your own cousin with your student?" 

Shyam nodded whilst Anjali stared at him in disbelief. 

"Seriously, Sam? This isn't right. You don't have a say in her lovelife," she asserted.

He didn't have an answer, so he shook his head and leaned on the parapet; it was just another day when he met Anjali at her home. As usual, the couple found company in each other at the terrace. Mukundan, her father had went to sleep and Anjali took advantage of her father's trust. Albeit she was guilty about her secret, she had no choice. She wanted to earn Shyam's real love before she introduce him to her father. 

But all went in vain as the eighth month of their relationship culminated, paving way for the ninth; Shyam hadn't confessed yet and she was still hoping for their future. As she dwelled in her contemplation, Shyam held her hand which rested on the railing. She lifted her gaze to look at him and he was already looking at her. Contrary to her expectation, he kissed her forehead and muttered, "Thank you, Anju."

His eyes possessed sincerity and admiration which kind of left her flabbergasted. She had never seen such intense emotions in him. A flint of hope sparked as she buckled up for a heartfelt confession which was soon extinguished by his words.

"You've always been with me in my hard times, Anju. I'm grateful for that. It really means a lot," he said.

Although his words brightened up her mood, she was despondent as he was still not ready to confess. She wondered if he really liked her that way or it had always been one-sided. Howbeit, she was happy to see him reduce his physical gestures; he had started to behave more as a friend and a wellwisher. His flirty nature had diminished and she couldn't help but love him more. But deep inside, she was scared. She feared if the distance between them, physically, would result in their breakup. 

Suddenly, a thought struck her and she cupped his face, pulling him for a kiss. But Shyam retreated, shaking his head. 

"No, Anju. It's not right." He looked uncomfortable and reluctant.

Shocked, Anjali asked, "Aren't you the same guy who pestered me for intimacy?" 

He looked away, his eyes unable to meet hers. "I'm not the same Shyam anymore."

"And what has changed in this one month, Sam? 

"I don't know," he whispered. He was about to speak further but he wasn't able to...

"What the heck is happening here?" A loud voice resonated in the open space and the couple turned back in horror.

It was Mukundan, the retired IPS officer who still held the power to make anyone nervous with his presence. Anjali was in terror. She was speechless and so was Shyam. In the eight months of their relationship, they had never been caught. And there's a first time for everything! They were caught!

"Appa," she whispered, still frozen with his presence.

Mukundan looked at them; particularly at Shyam whose hand held his daughter's hand. The fluorescent lamp emitted enough light for him to figure out the guy's appearance. And he immediately recognised him.

"Isn't he Shyam? Your colleague?"

Anjali nodded, nervously.

"I presume you're in a relationship with him for a while," he commented as Shyam's hold tightened on her hand. 

"Appa-"

"Yes. We're together for about eight months now," Shyam said, breaking the ice.

Mukundan smirked. "Oh! But Mister, I'm talking to my daughter now."

His voice was hoarse enough to shut Shyam's mouth. He felt fear creeping up but he refused to leave his daughter's hand. Anjali, on the other side, was over the moon with Shyam's demeanor. She began to trust him with herself. 

"Appa," she said, fearlessly, "I'm in love with him and I was the once who proposed him first. We wanted to get into a proper understanding before we proceed further. So, we didn't disclose this matter."

Seeing him tranquil and unusually quiet, Shyam mustered courage to talk. "Sir, I understand your fury but I really like your daughter. Give us some time to get to know each other. We w-will get ma-married soon."

The talk about marriage induced a sense of happiness in Anjali. Although she saw through his hesitation when he said so, she was jubilant that he was ready to marry her.

"But I don't think you really love my daughter," Mukundan muttered after what it seemed an hour. He had noticed the stutter in his voice.

Shyam was taken aback as his hold on her hand loosened. Ram's words reverberated in his ears making him think twice. Yes. He cared about her. He wished good for her. But was that really love? He was uncertain. To add on, he had stopped his intimate advances; he didnt possess the same attraction he felt in the beginning. 

Seeing Shyam wordless, he smirked, mockingly. "Get out!"

"Ap-"

"Get out, Mr Shyam! Come back when you have an answer for my question," he said, loud and clear. 

Dejected, Shyam apologised and headed downstairs. Anjali's eyes glistened with tears as she gulped to regulate her broken heart. She expected it from Shyam but still, her heart refused to accept his negligence of her love. If it had occured a month back, she would've coped up considering Shyam's 'not so' caring nature. But now, she wasn't able to digest his departure. 

Mukundan looked at her and his eyes softened. He ambled near her and said, "He doesn't deserve you, my dear. Let it go."

She shook her head, bursting into tears as she glimpsed at Shyam. He was mounted on his bike, set to leave but glanced up to see his girlfriend in tears. He was disappointed in himself but forced a reassuring smile and sped away in his bike.

"He'll come back," she mumbled, her voice dry. She wasn't determined but desperate. 

Before her father could reply, she rushed towards her room and he was left alone in the terrace. He sighed as he witnessed his daughter cry for the man who didn't love her. He was well aware that Shyam wouldn't be back with the answer his daughter sought; with years of experience, he knew what was love. 

"Kids these days! Don't even know the difference between love and attraction." He chuckled, looking at the stars; the brightest of them resembled his wife's favourite celestial sphere.

He reminisced the days with his wife and his eyes coated with tears. They had always wished for their daughter to have a love marriage like theirs. But what could he do when he was left alone, without his other half? And then arrived their daughter with a guy who couldn't even admit feelings for her. Would any sane father agree?

Mukundan sought the best for his daughter and he didn't want a random guy to break her heart in the disguise of love. He would definitely not want Shyam to break her heart; he would never fall in love with her. The last thing he wanted to see was his daughter getting heartbroken. 

It's pointless to expect a rainbow on a bright sunny day. Likewise, it's ridiculous to expect someone to love you when you know they won't. 

...

Hey there, Ambers!

How's the chapter?

Can you feel the character development in Shyam? (There's more to come)

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