A Young Love Story...

Part 11 - Time for Truth

The days were passing by quickly, and Ananya was unsure even now. She thought a lot about the issues. She did like Vishesh, but she also liked Rishi. Both of them cared for her, both of them showered so much attention. That is what was the confusing part. She did not know who was a better choice. Time and again, she chose Rishi for the fact that Rishi and she belonged to the same community and their parents knew each other too. May be if she got involved with him, her parents would agree for their marriage. As for Vishesh, she liked him a lot more than she liked Rishi, but the odds against her future with him were many. So, in her mind, she said to herself, that though she likes Vishesh, she will have to forget a future with him. It would never happen. 

Everyday Rishi came in only for one lecture or two. After classes too, he would rush to the store. Ananya could hardly talk to him. On that Thursday, Rishi did not turn up. He hadn't been calling her even. She felt a little bad. She decided she would call him that evening. She hadn't been talking to Vishesh much except a wave of hi or bye. That day Vishesh was leaving after class, and she called him from behind. 

"Vishu... I want to talk to you, do you have time?"

Vishesh was glad she wanted to talk. "Of course I have time. Anytime for you. Where do you want to talk?" he asked. He did not suggest anything because he knew she would reject easily. 

"Let us go to Barista? It is quiet and less occupied. Coffee Day is always buzzing with people. I want to talk in peace.." Vishesh was very happy that she chose to go out with him, and 'talk in peace' bit gave him immense relief. 

They took an auto to the nearest Barista. They both ordered flavored smoothies. They occupied a comfortable sofa. Ananya started talking immediately. "Vishu... I cannot wait till April 15th myself. But what I am going to say will be hurtful. Please do forgive me for it..." She started crying. Vishesh's heart sank. He did know she was in two minds, about him and Rishi. But when she asked forgivance, it obviously meant she had chosen Rishi over him, and that she was going to cut him out. He was choked, and had a lump in his throat.

"Anu...no..don't do that. Please Anu. I love you. I know I had assured you it is okay for  you to not love me in return. But now that you are almost going to say it, I am not prepared... Please Anu. Trust me, I will die. I may not actually die, but I will lose my life a bit by bit each moment you are with Rishi. What is it in Rishi that I lack Anu?" he was crying like a baby!

Anu was crying too. "No, Vishu, no! I can't see you breaking down. You are the strong one. I really do like you.. Or should I say love you. But you know what, we have no future, my parents will never ever accept us or our love. I don't know if I can tolerate a heartbreak once we are seriously involved in a relationship. So, I am breaking it up even before it starts. Trust me I do love you. I have missed being with you, but I am glad it stopped before it became a habit.. Please don't cry and make it difficult for me..."Her hand was on his. And their foreheads were leaning against each other's. Both of them cried for a long time. Then, Vishu cleared his throat and spoke up. 

"Anu... If it is future that is bothersome, you very well should cut it out right now. But you see, it is not future that is worrisome, it is your parents' acceptance that is worrying you. Please give this a chance. If our love is true, it will stand the test of time. It will win hearts. Your parents will not object. Provided you and I are committed to it. Your parents will not mind you marrying me, when they see how much I love you, how I care for you.. Your parents will not mind the alliance because we are a respected family, and well-off financially too. Just don't walk away because of an assumption. Please Anu, give it a chance. Give me a chance."

"Vishu, this may sound stupid or immaterial to you, but you know, the bigger issues are never a problem. It is the smaller issues that crop up regularly, daily. I belong to a religious family. My father bathes our God everyday, before putting even one morsel of food in his mouth. When he comes to know, I am in love with a Bengali guy, who eats fish everyday, it will kill him. And he will be shattered that his daughter forgot his preaching and teaching. I cannot stand the smell of even egg, how will I ever survive Vishu? Marriage is not just emotional decision, it is a practical one too. And ours is surely emotionally sound, but practically, nearly impossible... Vishu, I love you. But I cannot get married to you." She was trying to drive sense into him. 

"Anu... I am not trying to woo you by any means. But the truth is you are above and beyond all these things. I liked you when I used to see you, but never thought of all these things. But after coming in contact with you, in just these last few days I have fallen so much in love with you, that I can quit non-veg for you. You cannot stand the smell of egg, I will give up egg. I can't ask my parents to change for you. But what I can do is for you to stay in a place where there will never be such issues for you. You can continue to follow your religion, your customs, I will never ask you to take over my customs. I mean... Anu all this is ridiculous reasoning. What matters is Love! If you love me, and I love you, all else will fall into place. Please Anu! Don't be unreasonable." He was making sense, even to Anu. 

"Vishu.. I am scared.. I am only thinking about what if, what if, what if.. My parents, I don't want to hurt them. I..."

"Anu, there is still time for all this. Can you please give a chance to our love? Just answer me... do you love me? Are you sure of that?" 

She nodded. 

"Are you sure Rishi is no where in picture?"

She raised her eyebrows... "Vishu.. I like him, but definitely not love him. I have realized that." 

"Great. Then promise me one thing. Will you?"he looked into her eyes. 

"Yes.. What is it?"she asked. 

"Forget the concerns about marriage and future. Live in the present. If you love me, give it a chance to flourish. I will never force you to take any decision emotionally. I will sit down with you and weigh all the possibilities practically. But for now, just promise to be with me..." He held her hand tight. 

She nodded her head, and tightened her grip on his hand. It was a promise.