As told by Tulasi

CHAPTER 3 - Friends

Meeting Karthik again was something I never expected to happen. Truly, life is a bitch. Though I was surprised hearing that he is married, I felt happy knowing that he moved on, instead of crying over me. However, I was proven wrong when I started living with them.

On my first day in their house, I realized that things are not fine and that I am responsible for it. I felt guilty knowing that I am the reason for Sindhu's unhappy life. She may be a stranger to me but the minute I met her, I realized that she is the perfect partner for Karthik.

A wonderful girl for a wonderful man.

In the beginning, I thought he's still stuck up on me which might be the reason behind their unhealthy relationship. But as days passed, it's apparent that Karthik is madly in love with his wife. The only problem with him is that he cannot express his feelings.

You'll never understand what's going on with him unless you know him well enough which might be the reason why Sindhu couldn't realize his love. But, me being close to him for a long time made me figure out everything.

I wanted to help them but I don't want to interfere. I hoped that Sindhu will figure it out eventually, as she is very smart, just like she figured out my pregnancy.

I realized that I was pregnant when I went back to my parents' house after being thrown out. It was then did I decide that I have to work for my kid since my father's retired and can't support a new born.

But, that's not as easy as told. If only I retained my job at Infosys a few more weeks, I wouldn't have faced this problem.

I am thankful that Karthik is willing to help me but it's not every day, you find jobs that match your capabilities.

As days passed, Sindhu and I became close friends and I am glad that it is her and not some other girl who married him. They made me feel so comfortable in their home that I couldn't leave; in spite of knowing that my presence may cause a bigger mess.

And it did. But, I could do nothing about it, apart from encouraging Karthik to get her back. In the week of not finding Sindhu's whereabouts, Karthik was depressed that he might never find her. Those days made me realize how much he loved her.

Ever since I am back, I saw warmth in his eyes that he always had when he saw me. It showed me how much he cared for me. But when he saw his wife, it's different altogether. He looked at her like she is the most precious thing of his life; like she is all that mattered to him.

And he never saw me like that, even when we were together. Never. Not even once.

If only Sindhu knew about it, they wouldn't have faced that heartache.

The one good thing that happened from everything they faced together was, it made them strong as a couple. They can face anything that life throws on them as long as they are together which they will be.

After Sindhu's return, there was a drastic change in Karthik. Gone was the guy who was shy and quiet; in his place came a different man who laughed more and enjoyed teasing his wife.

It came as a surprise to me since it took months to make him comfortable with me. Even then, he talked less and never questioned about my parents or my life.

Maybe, Sindhu brings the best out of him.

It felt good to finally see them together. What they share is something very rare to find.

Seeing them together made me realize how much I missed my husband.

Does he even think about me?

Amidst the new found happiness of my friends, I got a call from my father bearing sad news. He said that my mother-in law is trying to get his son married again for dowry and looking for probable matches. One of his friends who is related to that evil woman informed him and he wanted me to know about it.

I couldn't sleep as I kept thinking about it. I have no doubt that my mom-in law is capable of doing that. But, Vinay? I never expected that from him.

Did he forget me already?

How will he react knowing that I am bearing his heir? Will he support me or will he be the same way he always was?

Unable to sleep, I went to the living where I found Sindhu patiently waiting for Karthik to arrive home. When will Vinay and I be like that? Or maybe the most appropriate question would be 'will we ever be like that?'

As much as I wanted to keep my new found problem, a secret so as not to disturb my friends' lives, I couldn't do that. I had to finally reveal everything when Sindhu figured out that something's wrong with me. Her questionnaire made me realize that I don't want to spend the rest of my life like this; not without Vinay.

It made me decide to go back to Vizag and fight for him.

Before going, I had to make sure that Karthik is alright. I know that he is happy but I also know that he is scared to take the BIG step with his wife.

In order to know his insecurities and encourage him further, I started asking him questions. I am reluctant in the beginning to ask something so personal, but his expressions are worth everything.

If he was the same Karthik I knew, he wouldn't have answered at all. And so, it surprised me when he did, making me understand that he changed a lot in the past few weeks.

It also made me wonder what a few years of being with Sindhu would do to him.

Everything good; that I am sure of.

Leaving friends was always bad; especially when it's someone like Sindhu who's almost like a sister. Our experiences have definitely tied us together and she would be remain to be my friend for lifetime.

It is weird, getting along with my ex-boyfriend's wife but if that's the only way to meet my new best friend, then I don't mind it that much.

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What Tulasi faced was something that happened to a friend of my friend. What will you do if you were in her position?

I will write the true story at the end of this book.

Thank you so much for the support..

- JANAKI S