True Side

Chapter 3

I ring the doorbell and stand there waiting for Deva to open the door. I look at the roses I and Rishi planted six months ago. Just then Deva opens the door and says "Oh Nitya, How are you? Come inside."

I go in and sit in the sofa. Deva sits facing me. I ask "How is aunty?"

He says "Mom is fine, but not totally alright. Anyway why did you have to come here?"

I say "My dad wants me to...wants me to marry Siddharth. Everything is happening so soon. So Deva I need your help. I am not able to decide what to do."

Deva silently says "I think this is a correct decision Nitya. You should marry Siddharth. Because you need to carry on and accept the fact that Rishi is gone."

I look at Deva and the photo of Rishi hanging on the wall. I am still confused. I stand up from my chair and say "I am leaving. See you soon."

I walk out thinking what to do. I go to my car. I keep moving towards my home still thinking what to do.

***********

Siddharth asks "So you have decided?" My dad and mom also look hopeful to listen a yes from me. I say "Ya. I am ready to marry you. Even I need to carry on, isn't it?"

At that my mother comes and hugs me and others start clapping. I look at Siddharth and he too looks at me, a wide smile on his face. My dad says "I will call Siddharth parents."

He gestures my mom to come out leaving us together. Siddharth says "I am really happy today. Next month on 26th is my birthday. We will marry on that day, ok?"

I nod and say "Fine. Siddharth I don't think you will be happy with me. You supported me at the time I needed support. You were always there for me, but I don't think I can support you the same way."

Siddharth says "Nitya I just need you by my side. Don't worry everything will be normal again. Don't worry."

Siddharth smiles and goes. I go into my room. I look at mine and Rishi's photo on the wall and other one on my table. I go to the table and take it away and remove the photo on the wall and put it inside the stash.

Rishi is my past. He is gone. Siddharth is my present and future. I need to carry on and forget Rishi.

COMING UP: 'I turn the photograph to see something scribbled over it.

'Your father and that man will kill me.'

I throw the photo down. What did I just read? I pick up the photo again and read it. 'Your father and that man will kill me.'