Day we met

Chapter 36- Rough patch

After a long and exhausting day of searching, I finally managed to secure a part-time job at a local store. It was a small victory amid our uncertain circumstances. When I returned home that evening, tired but relieved, Saakshi wasn't there to greet me as usual. Concern immediately crept in, and I dialed her number to check on her whereabouts.

"I'm with Dad. I'll be home in about 30 minutes," she calmly reassured me over the phone. Her words brought a sense of relief, knowing she was safe and on her way back.

When Saakshi arrived, her face bore a mixture of calm composure and underlying worry. Sensing her unease, I couldn't help but ask, "Did you tell your Dad about our situation?" It was a question laced with apprehension, unsure of how her father would react to our current challenges.

"Don't worry, Ric. I didn't say anything about us," she replied softly, her hand reaching out to hold mine in a gesture of reassurance. Her touch conveyed understanding, reminding me that despite the hardships, we were in this together.

"How was your day?" she asked, trying to shift the focus away from our worries. I reached into my pocket and handed her the day's earnings, hoping to share a glimmer of positivity amidst our struggles. Her expression turned questioning as she inspected the modest sum.

"I managed to secure a job at a store," I explained with a hint of optimism, gently brushing her hair to comfort her. "It's not ideal, but it's a start."

However, instead of relief or pride, Saakshi's eyes welled up with tears, her emotions bubbling over after a day of tension and uncertainty. She started apologizing profusely, blaming herself for our predicament and the hardships we faced together.

No matter how gently I tried to console her, she continued to sob softly in my embrace. Her tears were a poignant reminder of our shared vulnerability in the face of adversity. Frustration began to well up within me, a mix of helplessness and anger at our circumstances.

In a moment of impatience, my words slipped out sharper than intended, "If you ever cry about this again, I won't talk to you!" The weight of my outburst hung heavily in the air, filled with tension and regret. I knew instantly that my harsh reaction stemmed more from my internal struggle than from any fault of hers.

Caught in the intensity of the moment, I realized the depth of Saakshi's emotional turmoil and my shortcomings in providing the support she needed. Despite my frustration and exhaustion, I knew I had to find a way to be a pillar of strength and understanding for her, especially during these challenging times that tested our resilience and love for each other.

As the weeks passed by in the same repetitive routine, I found myself balancing three days of work at the store with the remaining four days dedicated to attending college. I have transferred from my old campus to a new campus which is in my native place. Juggling both responsibilities was physically and mentally demanding, yet I was driven by the determination to continue my education while contributing financially to our household.

Throughout this time, Saakshi's concern for me was palpable, though she masked it with unwavering strength. Despite the weight of her worries, she never let a single tear betray her emotions. Instead, every evening after my exhausting days, she would tenderly massage my head, offering a silent gesture of support and love.

Our life settled into a predictable pattern, filled with long days and little time for rest or leisure. The weeks passed monotonously, marked by early mornings at the store and late nights spent studying. Despite the challenges, our bond grew stronger as we faced each hurdle together.

Then, one ordinary day at the store, the owner's abrupt announcement shattered our fragile stability. His stern expression and decisive words echoed in my mind: "I'll hire a new person. You don't need to come here anymore. You can leave." His blunt dismissal hit me hard, the reality sinking in that my inconsistent attendance due to college commitments had cost me my job.

I nodded in resignation, swallowing the disappointment and frustration that threatened to overwhelm me. I understood his perspective-reliability and consistency were paramount in any job, qualities that I had failed to uphold.

As I left the store that day, the weight of uncertainty hung heavy on my shoulders. Losing the job meant losing a crucial source of income that supported both Saakshi and me. It meant facing yet another obstacle in our already challenging journey together.

However, amidst the uncertainty, a flicker of determination ignited within me. I knew I had to find another way forward, not just for myself but for Saakshi too. Our shared dreams and aspirations were too precious to let go. And so, with renewed resolve, I began to explore new opportunities, determined to overcome this setback and build a brighter future for us both.

The decision weighed heavily on my mind as I contemplated buying a cab to secure a source of income. Needing funds urgently, I approached a money lender who agreed to lend me the necessary amount but demanded collateral in return. Without fully considering the implications, I hurried home and approached my Dad and Ryan, asking them to sign the house documents as collateral. I assured them that I would repay the loan once I secured a job after completing my studies.

However, tension soon arose within my family. My sister-in-law, typically supportive but now concerned about the risks, pulled my brother aside and warned him against helping me. I overheard her cautioning him, "What if he can't repay? Don't put our home at risk." Her words stung, casting doubt on my hopes. To my relief, my brother stood by my side, arguing vehemently with his wife. Their disagreement escalated, and in a moment of desperation, she threatened him with an ultimatum: "If you help your brother, forget about me and your children."

I was crushed. Until then, I had held my sister-in-law in high regard, viewing her as a pillar of support. Now, her true intentions appeared-she had only pretended to be kind. It was a painful realization that in times of hardship, true colors often surface. Despite the turmoil, my brother's unwavering belief in me shone through. He convinced our father to sign the papers, ensuring I could proceed with purchasing the cab.

With the cab now in my possession, I felt a surge of relief and determination. Finally, I had a means to earn money to cover our living expenses. A friend came to my aid, helping me with my college fees, which I promised to repay once I received a scholarship. Their support was a blessing in my time of need, a reminder that true friends stand by you through thick and thin.

Grateful for the support I received amidst the challenges, I looked ahead with renewed determination, ready to face the future and overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead.

I woke up early and rushed off to college, leaving before Saakshi had even woken up. I had a document to submit, and today was the deadline, so I didn't waste a second. The day passed quickly with the rush of finishing up my work and making sure everything was in order.

On my way back home, Saakshi texted me her location. She wanted me to pick her up, but when I arrived at the address she sent, the whole area was enveloped in darkness. It was disorienting, and I strained to see clearly, my steps cautious in the dim light.

A sudden beam of light passed by, briefly illuminating a silhouette ahead of me. I assumed it was Saakshi, teasing me as she knew I wasn't afraid of the dark. "Are you done playing around? Let's go," I called out, not bothering to turn around immediately. After a moment of silence, I turned back, realizing my mistake. "Sorry, I thought you were my wife," I apologized to the person standing behind me.

Feeling embarrassed, I resumed walking, hoping to find Saakshi soon and make our way home together. The incident reminded me of how much I relied on her presence and how easily I could be fooled in the darkness

How was the chapter?

Isn't it too much ......hope no one would go through this kind of situation