A Young Love Story...

Part 17 - Destiny and its turns...

Everyone in the room was shocked at first. But soon the reality of the situation dawned upon them. Rishi and his mother were inconsolable for the loss of their loved one, Ananya was inconsolable for pretty much a similar reason.  Her parents made some calls and carried the bad news to many of their common friends and relatives. Vishesh stood helplessly at first and then made a move towards Rishi.

He hugged Rishi and told him, "I have no other words of consolation for you pal, but I am sure your father is relieved of the  immense pain he had. I am a call away whenever you need me. And listen, Ananya is also your friend whenever you need, don't hesitate to call her. Take care of yourself and your mom. Be strong dude." Rishi hugged him back tight and nodded.

He greeted everyone there and took leave. He waved at Ananya. As soon as he was out of the room, Ananya ran after him.
"Vishu... what is all this..? How will we ...?"

Vishesh stopped her from speaking with a wave of his hand. "Anu.. this isn't the time. Go back in. Rishi and his mom need you. Be a good human. And don't speak anything to your parents about it right now. I assure you all will be fine. God knows how much I love you but for now, just go in." He said this and quickly left from there. He was also disturbed with the recent turn of events. He needed some time to reflect.

Ananya came back in. She stood next to her mother and said "Mom.. you and papa go home. I will stay with Rishi. You go home and send some lunch for them."
Though her parents were disappointed with her words and actions sometime ago, right now they were proud of her maturity. They both nodded. They excused themselves and promised to be back in a short while.

Ananya went and sat next to Rishi's mother. "Aunty, please don't cry. Please." She gave her a glass of water. And rubbed her back slowly. Rishi was called by the doctors for some formalities.

Rishi came back in after an hour or so. By then, lunch had arrived too; Ananya's father brought lunch for them. Rishi and his mom refused to eat. Ananya decided to deal with them one at a time. She took the roti and curry and placed  it in the plate sent by her mom. She went to Rishi's mom and literally fed her with her own hands. Rishi was happy seeing this. He fell in love with her all over again. 

After sometime, she went to Rishi and offered him lunch again. Rishi half refused with the intention of having Ananya feed him just like she had fed his mom. Ananya said, "Rishi, please eat. I can't feed you now. Because I know how you feel about me. I won't be comfortable. Please eat Rishi."

Rishi did not argue with her. He held out his plate and asked her to serve.

He went and sat on a chair and  ate in silence. He was disappointed and it showed on his face.

After lunch, all the hospital formalities kept them busy. They were handed the dead body by 5 p.m. They were asked to carry out the last rites as soon as possible.

The last rites were carried out. Vishesh stood by Rishi throughout this process. 

Ananya and her mother couldn't talk to each other straight after this event. It was a week since that day, yet neither had broken the ice  yet. And it was a week since Ananya had spoken to Vishesh.

One evening, Ananya's parents decided to visit Rishi and his mom. Ananya immediately called Vishesh to make a plan to meet him.

Vishesh's mother informed her that he wasn't home and would be back later. On asking about his whereabouts, she was told that Vishesh is at Rishi's place.

Immediately, Ananya told her parents that she would also like to join them. Her parents were happy to hear that. They left to go there.

As soon as they reached Rishi's place, Ananya went directly in and greeted Rishi and his mom. She also smiled at Vishesh. She was so happy to see him after long. He smiled back at her too. He could have called her up all these days but he was worried her parents might not appreciate it in the light of recent events. He did not want issues for her.

They sat talking normally. The grief was much lesser now. Vishesh stood up to take leave. As he was leaving, Ananya's parents called out to him. "Vishesh, please wait. You are a friend of both of them. Also, you have stood with us in our bad times. Please stay back. We need your help."

Upon hearing this, Ananya, Vishesh and Rishi were all surprised.

Ananya's father began talking. "I understand you guys are all young and take quick decisions without thinking much. But we elders have seen more of this world and relationships." He looked at Ananya and said, "You think you are in love with a Bengali. But when you think practically, you will realize how difficult life will get. He will wake up and demand non-veg for breakfast. You will puke all the way. Even if he gives it up, his family won't. This guy Vishesh is your friend right. Ask him." He now looked at Vishesh and said, "Tell me son, am I wrong?? You may fall in love and decide to go vegetarian someday. Will your parents ever be able to give it up? They can't change their likes and dislikes and way of living overnight right?" They looked at him hopefully now.

Ananya wished he would speak in favor of their relationship but Vishesh chose truth. "Yes uncle. You are right. I can do anything for love. But surely can't and won't expect my parents to change. I can't punish them for my mistake."

As he said this, Ananya looked mighty disappointed and her father was happy because he heard what he so wanted to hear and make his daughter hear.

He went on to speak, "In your childishness, you may think of love and emotions as the be-all and end-all. But I have your best interests at heart, so Ananya I am giving you another chance to think. Overcome this dumb idea of love and marriage that you have in your head right now. And rethink about Rishi. I am not forcing you right now. I am only asking you to be realistic and reasonable. We will discuss this again after a few days. Okay?" He stopped.

Rishi's mother spoke, "I agree. Once you think deeply and take a matured decision, you will know what's right and how your father was right. I love you a lot and would be glad to accept you as my daughter."

Vishesh was lost again. He did not know what could he do at all. Rishi kept looking at both his friends, trying to read their minds. He did not know it himself whether he was happy or sad about all of this.

Ananya looked at Vishesh a few times but couldn't establish eye contact. After a few minutes, all of them dispersed.

Vishesh offered to drop Ananya and family home. Her father agreed. On the way, he asked Vishesh what was his father by occupation. Vishesh casually told them about owning two firms, one was into cold-storage and exporting of various meats, and the other was a poultry farm where they reared birds, especially hens.

Ananya was indifferent because she loved the guy and did not care about his other demographics. But her father was deeply disturbed. He said nothing but his eyes and face showed his disapproval of Vishesh and his family's business.

Vishesh dropped them off and left without making much eye contact with Ananya. He did not know at all what should he convey to her so he kept a low profile.

On reaching home, Ananya's father told her, "This guy, Vishesh is a great chap. But you see what a cruel business they own. And did you see how cool and indifferent he was even as he said this.. Makes me feel sad for their life. What a sin they are committing unknowingly... As a friend, you should give him a piece of your mind.. And as for your Bengali boyfriend, Ananya please forget him. I am your father yet I am begging of you. If you love me, you will have to choose between my love and his. Choice is yours." He said and left from there. His wife followed him. Ananya stood there wondering what would happen to her beautiful lovestory!