Snapshots

Unforgivable(I)

The sun was shining, birds were chirping, and all in all, it was one of those typical shiny summer days. School was out for the summer holidays, and I was enjoying the time relaxing at home. I had laughed when Virat had decreed no planning lessons or correcting worksheets for me, but it turned out I did need the break. In the last week, I'd pampered myself at the spa, caught up on some newly released movies, hung out with friends, and mastered a few South Indian dishes.

But on this particular day, I felt lethargic, and not ready to do anything. I was alone at home, as I rarely saw Virat nowadays. He was attending a busy schedule, practise, photoshoots, events and charity eating up his time, so that he always came home late and left early.

I picked up the television remote, idly browsing through the channels, trying to find something interesting to watch. I was just about to give up on it, when I saw a familiar face on a news article. I stopped in eagerness. But then wished I hadn't.

"Captain Virat Kohli Spotted Having Lunch with Mysterious Lady."

And there was my fiancè, coming out of a restaurant with a woman behind him. My eyes narrowed as I recognised the woman. Symmi Parekh. What was she doing with Virat?

3 months ago:

Joyous laughter and cheerfulness surrounded us. We were at Virat's friend Jayti's wedding reception. Jayti was a wonderful girl, and she and I had become fast friends from the moment Virat had introduced us.

The party was at full swing, people dancing, chatting, snacking and making merry. I sat beside Jayti's throne-like chair, content to watch the ceremony.

Well, maybe I was only watching one person, but who could fault me for it? Virat was looking exceptionally dapper in his black kurta and golden patiwala, as he stood near the drinks table, chatting with a couple of his friends. I smiled softly as our eyes met, and he sent me a wink.

"Oh-ho!!!" Jayti whispered in my ear. "Ladki ki toh ladka se dhyan nahin hath raha hai! Pata nahin aaj kiski vivah hai?"

I blushed and gave her a shove. "Teri vivah hai, aur kya. Bahut khubsurat lag rahi hai tu aaj."

"Sukriya", she said, looking at me meaningfully. "But I hope to receive an invitation to another wedding very soon."

I shook my head, but couldn't help my gaze sliding over to where Virat was. Then I looked again.

The two men he was talking to earlier were gone, replaced by a young woman. She was just conversing normally, but her standing just a little too close for usual interactions was giving me a bad feeling.

"Jayti?" I nudged my friend. "Who is that?"

"Who is who?" she said, before following the direction of my stare.

"Symmi!" she said, with an odd connotation in her voice. "She's some distant cousin. But Deepika... uh.... you'd better go there. I haven't got the best of opinions about that girl."

I glanced at her questioningly, but she wasn't going to elaborate. She motioned for me to go.

I walked over to where my beau stood with Symmi. I smiled when Virat's face lit up with a genuine grin on seeing me.

"Hey babe", he said, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me closer. "I was wondering when you'd join me. Here, meet Miss Symmi Parekh. Symmi, this is my fiancè, Deepika."

I was watching the other girl closely, and because of that, I caught the flicker in her eyes at the word 'fiancè', even though she had a sweet smile in place.