Shadows of the Past

Chapter 6 Extra Affairs

Rajesh stood by the window, staring out at the night sky, his mind lost in turmoil. The conversation with Neha had left him more confused than ever. Jayanthi’s confession had opened up old wounds he thought were healed. And now, here he was, trying to balance his emotions between two women who meant the world to him.

Neha sat quietly on the couch, her arms folded across her chest, waiting for Rajesh to speak. The silence between them was deafening. Rajesh finally turned around, his voice soft but firm.

“I don’t know what to do, Neha,” he admitted. “I didn’t expect Jayanthi to come back like this, and now… I’m torn.”

“Torn between what, Rajesh? Between the past and the present?” Neha’s voice was laced with frustration. “Or are you torn between two women—one who was once your everything and one who’s standing right in front of you?”

Rajesh rubbed his temples, the pressure of the situation mounting. “It’s not that simple. I love you, Neha, but Jayanthi was a huge part of my life. When she tells me she still has feelings for me, it brings back memories I thought I had buried.”

Neha’s eyes flashed with anger. “Memories? That’s all they are, Rajesh. You’ve built a life with me, not her. But now she’s back, and suddenly you’re questioning everything? That’s not fair to me.”

“I’m not questioning us!” Rajesh protested, his voice rising. “I’m just… I’m overwhelmed. I need time to process everything.”

Neha stood up, crossing the room to stand in front of him. “Time? How much time, Rajesh? While you’re figuring out your feelings, I’m just supposed to wait and see if you still want to be with me?”

Rajesh met her gaze, his heart heavy with guilt. “I don’t want to hurt you, Neha. But I don’t want to rush into a decision I’m not ready for. Can’t you understand that?”

Neha shook her head, her voice trembling. “I understand that you’re confused, but I can’t put my life on hold while you decide whether or not I’m the one you want to be with. I deserve someone who’s sure about me, Rajesh. Not someone who’s stuck in the past.”

Rajesh’s chest tightened as he saw the pain in Neha’s eyes. He wanted to reach out, to comfort her, but he knew his words would only fall short. Before he could say anything, Neha turned away, heading toward the bedroom.

“I’m going to sleep,” she said quietly. “I need time too.”

As she closed the door behind her, Rajesh felt the weight of the night settle over him. He sat back down on the couch, his mind racing. He knew Neha was right—he needed to make a decision. But how could he choose when both women held pieces of his heart?

His phone buzzed again. Another message from Jayanthi. **"Rajesh, I’m serious about what I said. We need to talk. I can’t wait much longer."**

Rajesh stared at the screen, the pressure of his decision growing heavier with each passing second. What was he supposed to do? How could he move forward when the past refused to let go?