Double Stranded

Chapter 4

23rd January 2005, 6:45 pm

That day Esha was late leaving office, but she sure knew Harris would be waiting just outside the premises. He certainly was a caring guy. She was sure about it especially after the day he serenely
consoled her emotional turmoil. Best thing about him was his evident empathy. He never left her side after that day, without displaying any interest in knowing the reasons behind her breakage. Never asked, never judged.

Instead he was more interested in making her happy with little sweet
gestures, more into bringing her smiles back. Though he had a pathetic sense of humor.

Harris and Esha shared a friendly connection, unlike any other from her previous genre. She knew he was a blessing in disguise. The bonding was amazing especially because they were
more like two tom boys, not opposite genders. He belonged to a middle class family with parents and two younger sisters; drove an old model of Alto. They shared office lunches and even work
stress despite being in separate departments, something rare in this era. He even insistently gave Esha driving classes which she agreed only on her father's pressure. He soon was a trusted family member.

Knowing she was late, her parents would be anxiously waiting for her they drove comparatively faster. Her father greeted them both at the main entrance. Harris knew he could not leave from outside now. They gathered in lounge for tea and chit chat. He had already mingled with her parents. She went to change into her informal attire. By the time she returned he had already left.

"Esha I want to talk to you", seriousness in her mother's accent made her straighten back in her chair at dining table.

"Is everything all right Mom?", she stated, cautiously.

"We've had a discussion about you lately", her father added, "And we agreed its time you start thinking about getting married."

An expression came on her calm face and left in a remarkable pace as she replied, "what's the hurry?" calmly she added, "I mean I love you guys, as much as I love the way my life is.", her tone was too casual, "I don't want any changes"

"Change is imminent dear. All you can do is to adopt it in an acceptable manner on right time and learn to cope up with it", her mother's arguments were always valid she knew.

"We are not imposing it on you Esha", her father's voice had genuine concerns as he asserted further, "But we are sure it's high time you start thinking about it. You never know what comes in future dear"

She knew exactly what they meant. Her parents were her only family. They were concerned about her future without having them around. That very thought shivered her to the core, as she tightly hugged her mother standing beside her.

That night resting on her bed she was full of ceaseless thoughts. She kept trying to get to the head of maze but failed to pinpoint what was actually bothering her. Determined to get to a bottom line she tried to emphasis on her basic fears. Why is the very thought of marrying
troubling her! Is it because she was in love before? 'No...It is not!' her conscience replied, 'that chapter is closed'. Then what is it?

'Would you ever trust anyone again Esha?' her inside voice echoed.

Trust, she realized that moment, was the pedestal of any relationship. What happened with Aanan could not break her enough to never trust anyone in the world ever again. She could not let that happen to herself and her parents. She deserved to be happy. It would be like not trusting the blessings of God Himself, the most merciful of all.

Having decided that she put all her trust in Him and serenely prayed Him in her heart to lead her way, relying on His divine knowledge of what she really needed from life. Because after all He was the one who brought peace back in her heart. Closing her eyes she went to sleep immediately...quite peacefully.