My Guiding Star

Part Fifteen

Ranjan's eyes gleamed with meaning and haven't answered immediately. 

"As you know I went to my Uncle's home the next day. I never returned home till I finished my MBA. The first few months I tried to contact Swathi a couple of times and expected her to contact me. I first thought that she could have blamed me because of the shock that her father found about us. And maybe she would reach me and explain about that. But when she didn't contact me, I realized that I was just an entertainment for her. I should say it was big blow for me. But now I don't have anything to say about that. In fact I am able to laugh thinking about those days"

Niranjana know it is stupid to feel disappointed. What did she expect? As he would say that he never loved her and it was a mistake. She should feel happy that he considered it to be a past. Upon this thought she felt bright.

After paying the bill they started back home. Niranjana is feeling elated throughout the journey. That talked as what they call as sweet nothings. She felt they reached home soon and wished if they can drive a little longer. The she consoled herself as he is near her and she have all the time in the world. She gave a start when Ranjan asked her something. 

"What is it Ranjan? I didn't get it." She asked him again.

"Where are you? I asked if you want to come home. You haven't met mom yet right. You saw her before going to college. She will be happy to see you. Also you haven't come to see my new home yet." Niranjana happily agreed to him as he eased the car into his house.

"Is that you Niru? How have you grown up? When Bala told, I never thought you would have changed this lovely. Come in dear. Wait, I will bring coffee for you both. All this travel would have been tiresome." Saraswathi hugged Niranjana warmly and took her inside the house.

"Mom, I will have coffee later. Let me freshen up and I have to make couple of calls to office. I have to reach them before they leave for the day. Niranjana, I will take you home later. Wait for me." Saraswathi took Niranjana into the kitchen once Ranjan disappeared into his room.

"I can't believe it's since 6 years I saw you. Time is running very fast. At least I saw Sanjana often but never you. Bala was telling that you are planning for masters. Are you planning to go to Chennai again?" Niranjana smiled fondly at Saraswathi 

"Yes Aunty, I am preparing for the Masters entrance. But I cannot decide on the college before knowing the marks. But If I get a seat, I am planning to join in this locality. I don't want to miss Mom and Dad again." She laughed happily with her aunt without knowing that Saraswathi is about to drop a bomb on Niranjana's head.

"Do you remember Swathi Niranjana?" Saraswathi's question made her smile waver, but she managed to ask back "Why aunty?" 

"I hope you know about Swathi and Ranjan. It was bad time that created problems between them. But you see when me and Uncle went to a marriage last week, we met Swathi's dad. He had also come for the marriage. He apologized for the past. Swathi have also completed her MBA. He is now interested in Swathi and Ranjan's marriage. I know Ranjan will be happy on this, but Uncle have asked some time to answer Swathi's dad. I don't know what is there to think on this."

"Have you spoke to Ranjan about this?" Niranjana chocked her question. 

"We haven't yet Niru, but I am sure that he will be happy on this. I see no reason to wait." Saraswathi answered happily. 

Niranjana had no idea on how she excused herself and reached her home. She know Ranjan would be happy to accept this proposal. After all Swathi was his chosen girl. She reached her room and all the tears that she had controlled for that past six years had burst out.