Time Heals Everything...Almost ✓

Invitation

Time passed in a blur as we sat there talking about ourselves. Gaurav never pushed for information and listened intently to whatever I said. He was a good listener.

"Thank you." I said.

"Why?"

"For being here today."

He was about to say something, but the doorbell interrupted us.

"Are you expecting someone?" He asked me.

I wasn't. I moved to the door and he followed close behind.

I opened the door to my brother and sister in law.

"You guys are early; Rahul said you guys were coming tomorrow." I said in the excitement not realising what I was saying.

"I knew he couldn't keep a secret, good thing we came in today surprising you isn't it?"

"I guess we are the ones to get surprised, Hi I am Gunjan." Gunjan said extending a hand to Gaurav.

"Gaurav" He said accepting the handshake.

"Oh I know. I've heard a lot about you."

"Ditto."

"Why don't we take this conversation inside? Gunjan, you should sit down first of all." Karthik said.

"Yeah, sure."

She had gotten bigger and that was normal. She was in the sixth month of her pregnancy.

"Did you guys have dinner?" I asked.

If they hadn't I could make something for them real quick.

"Yeah we did on the way. Madam is hungry all the time. We had dinner at seven thirty and I have spare food with me in case she gets hungry."

"Oh please, all you are carrying around is some food, I am carrying your baby."

"Yeah babe, I know. That is why I am here."

"Oh please, you are here to drop me off with my sister in law knowing she can take better care of me than you."

"You are staying?" I asked excitedly.

"Oh yes, he won't be able to handle my temper anymore. I know you'll manage though."

"I definitely will. It would be my genuine pleasure." I told her in all honesty.

"I should get going then." Gaurav said reminding me he was still there.

"Oh no, stay. We'll just get changed and be back."

"It is alright, maybe some other time. Right now I feel like I am interrupting quality family time."

"Wait, Rahul and Sneha are coming on Sunday for lunch. Can you make it?" Karthik asked.

'Please say no.' I silently prayed. I knew the news would somehow get out and I would never hear the end of it from the girls if he said yes. After all, the others joining us were couples.

"Sure, why not."

The next day I went to office. I had Meera come over to sign the petitions to be filed in the high court. Gaurav accompanied me to the court. My confidence level was a bit low after the loss, but Gaurav encouraged me, saying this was all a part and parcel of life. I double checked everything, making sure I had included all the important points that could make the case in our favour.

On Saturday evening as I sat with the girls for coffee. I saw Gaurav enter the cafeteria alone. I hoped he wouldn't notice me. I hadn't told my friends about my brother inviting him home for lunch and I intended to keep it that way.

"Hey, do you mind if I join you?" Gaurav asked coming to our table with a coffee cup in hand.

"Of course not." Maya said showing him the empty seat due to Shreya's absence, next to me.

"Maya, how are your kids? The elder one is giving her tenth standard exams this year, right?"

"Correct. She is a bit confused about which stream to take up next year."

"She need not worry about that, I am sure she has a lot of time." Gaurav said.

"What about you Neha, what is new about you."

"Gaurav, you know nothing about me." Neha said laughing.

"Yeah, that is true. I work with these two all day, so I know at least something."

"Of course. Well, it is not your fault that you don't know me, believe me, Rahul doesn't know anything either."

"Rahul doesn't know too huh? Should we be concerned?" He asked and we all burst out laughing.

"Nah Gaurav, except the fact that her parents are deciding on a date for her marriage, nothing is new with her."

"Oh, you are getting married? Congratulations. What is his name?"

"Come on Gaurav, you met him at Shreya's wedding."

"Oh him, I remember, Shravan isn't it?"

"Yeah, that would be him. He is an architect."

"Well then girls, see you later."

"Kavya, I'll be leaving for the day. I'll see you tomorrow."

Here I was hoping he wouldn't mention it. And he ruined it all in just four words.

After making sure he was out of the cafeteria, Neha and Maya started with their questions.

"What was that about?"

"Since when does he tell you when he is leaving the office?"

"I thought I was his PA."

"What did he mean by I'll see you tomorrow."

I was unable to decipher who said what, well, except the PA comment.

"So, he asked me to finish off some work for him after he left, that is why he told me abot leaving for the day."

"And what was that about seeing you tomorrow?" Neha asked.

"Well, you know Karthik, my brother, he kind of invited him over for lunch. Rahul and his wife will also be there. After all they went to the same college. It is like a mini re-union for them. Since they are having it at home, he'll have to see me there." I said.

"That doesn't sound like the complete picture. Spill woman, we need the details." Maya said and I complied.

After I finished, I hoped they would refrain from nasty comments. Thankfully they didn't comment on it, but that didn't stop the amused look on their faces. I couldn't help but blush at the situation in hand. Sunday was going to be a very long day.

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~gowri