Sara's Trilemma

Aftermath

A knock on the door woke me from a peaceful sleep. The events from a few hours before came back like a tight a slap on the face. Kush had calmed me down after the incessant weeping and put me to sleep. I had told him to take my calls for me. I was in no mood to talk and listen to any explanation.

"Who is it?" I called out.

"It's me," said Tanya. Her sound sounded weak from the other side of the door.

I sighed as another pain shot towards my heart. Did Tanya know about Sid being somebody else? Or was she a victim of their lies as well? I got up and opened the door.

Tanya stood with grim expressions. "Sara, Kush told me what happened," she murmured and walked inside. Without replying, I went to the bed and slumped back on it.

"Did you know the truth about Sid and Rishi?" I asked, cutting the chase.

She did not answer, instead settled on the bed, with her feet up. She looked undecided yet calm. Finally, she faced me and began, "Sara, do you remember when I had stopped talking with Rishi?"

I recollected the memory; it was just after Sid pretended to be my boyfriend in front of Viraj. She didn't tell the exact truth behind her irritation that day.

"Well, that was the time when Rishi was afraid to tell me the truth. So he kind of distanced himself from me," she explained; grey expressions wavered on her façade.

"When did he tell you then?"

"The night at the gala," she answered, now looking away. "He promised me not to tell you because Sid was planning to back to DC. And then you and Kush got together. I am so sorry, Sara. I really am. If I would have known your feelings- actually I guessed a little but was not sure- I would have told you, even if I would mean to end with Rishi."

I sighed realizing that she was not the one who lied. "You don't need to call him Siddharth anymore. His name is Jayden." I murmured, burying my head in the pillow.

She opened her mouth to reply and then thought for a while and quieted.

"Tanya, I need to get away for a few days. It's a harsh information to process."

"No, sweetie. You need to talk to Sid. Whatever he has done, it was for a reason. He got carried away, I accept. But give him a fair chance to explain himself," she said, placing her hand on my back in a comforting gesture.

I thought hard silently. And then told her that I needed break from this chaos. The letter, which lay in the drawer, just in reach. But the distance seemed like an eternity to conquer. My parents had caused deep scars in my fragile young heart. Yes, it was a long time ago, but those scars were yet to heal. Every time, I got carried away in missing them, Lyra was there, reminding me of their betrayal and negligence. They never cared. So why would they pretend now?

I didn't even realize when Tanya left. I laid there on the bed, limp and lost. I had switched off my cell phone to ignore his calls to meet in the evening. It was painful to see his picture and get a stab in the heart, one more time. Everything about him was a lie. He had told Anamika to reassign me as her assistant, perhaps, bought the empty praises she ever gave me. He thought of me as a charity. He did that as a favour to my dad, who apparently wanted me to grow in my career. Sure! It would have hampered their reputation. A daughter, who was a mere intern at a magazine office derided my dad's, the successful corporate lawyer's status. Why can't just they disown me? And spare me from their perfect prosperous life?

I shook my head and opened my laptop and searched for a relaxing trip. One of the entries described a resort in a forest, near Calicut, which was comparatively cheap. I booked in the spur of the moment. This was not going to suffice. So then, I checked the latest flight going to Calicut. It was in the evening. That made it perfect. I spent a hefty amount on last minute fare and sighed in relief.

I needed to think straight and be away from Sid's blatant lies. But before I needed to speak with Anamika and let her know of my trip and ask for formal leave. When I called her, she answered right away.

"I hope you have a good reason to call on Sunday," Anamika said.

"Yes," I nodded. "I need a week long leave. I am going out of town."

"What?"

"Yes, Ms. Vora. I am calling to inform you that I will not be in the office for next whole week."

"Look. Sara. Whatever is your reason, it cannot be good enough as we have series of initiatives meeting in JP for the duration. You know it's important. I suggest to take the leave in next month instead," she answered, in a strange cool voice.

"No. I am leaving now and will see you on the next Monday. And Miss. Vora, I know about Jayden and his request to you. Thanks for the opportunity. But if you feel that I am not up to the position I am favoured, you can just put me back to the intern position," I stated, and without further waiting, I added, "Bye, Ms. Vora. See you next Monday."

I hung the phone and stared at the receiver. This was necessary for my own settling.

Before I could change my mind: Sid's face constantly flashing before me. The kiss, his confession and his hope. I sighed and packed the bag with few clothes, hiking shoes, my laptop with good old paperback novels. I changed into a top, lying next to my sight and wore the jeans and was out of the door of my room.

Outside, Tanya and Kush were sitting on the chairs by the kitchen counter. As soon as I was in their sight, they scrambled up. "Where are you going?" Kush burst in panic. Tanya's face mirrored his expressions.

"Away for a while." I sighed and added, "Don't worry you guys. My mind is exploding with thoughts. I need to a peaceful place to be in. A good distraction. I will be fine. I will be back in some days and we will be the same again."

Kush came forward in a hurry. "Take me with you. Please. For my sake!" he murmured, hesitating to come closer in my space. Suddenly I was aware of the changed scenario of our feelings, actually only my feelings. I knew, he still loved me.

"I already feel bad, Kush. Don't make it harder for me," I mumbled, tears inadvertently slipping from my eyes.

"I will come with you then," Tanya suggested in a meek voice. She too launched herself in front of me. "I will not disturb you in your solitude. Just let me be there for you."

"Please. Don't. I will be fine. I promise. I just to need to leave before Sid comes. I will not be able to face him," I cried vehemently.

"Alright. I will drop you to the station, wherever you are headed," Kush said, taking my bag from me.

Reluctantly I agreed and we headed off to the airport in chaotic silence.

**Surprise. Next chapter will be posted within an hour. And it is Sid's POV!!**