Harsh woke up early that day. He had a trip planned with Jen and he had to get ready and pick her up. Harsh and Jen had a family gettogether with her parents and brother. Though Harsh had already met Jen’s mother and brother, he was yet to meet her father. This very reason made the trip important. Jen loved her family more than anything and Harsh also loved them for being so supportive to Jen throughout her life.
Jen was excited as well as scared for the meet. She had already introduced Harsh to her brother and mother. But this time she would be introducing him as her fiancé. She was sure that her family would love Harsh, but she was not sure how her father would act when he finally meets him. After Harsh proposed Jen, she couldn’t hold herself from calling everyone she loved and telling them about the engagement. She called her mother and talked to her for half an hour and they both ended up crying. Jen was happy beyond explanation and her happiness rolled as tears from her eyes. It was not the first time that Jen was in love or engaged but with Harsh it was different. With him everything was different. He was that one person with whom she felt happy as well as content, like all her searches ended right where he was looking at her and smiling.
Jen got out of her bed and made herself a cup of coffee. She took her phone and checked the gallery and smiled at the pics of her and Harsh and smiled at the morning sun in the east. Jen opened her closet and took one dress after the other and still couldn’t decide which one she should wear for the meet. Then she decided to wear a white top and a black jean. Jen got ready and waited for Harsh to pick her up. When she got inside the car she smiled at Harsh and he smiled back. Jen was sure that he was tensed, and she held his hand tight assuring that everything was going to be fine. It should be because Jen has never been this sure about anything in her life.
Jen and Harsh reached Jen’s parents’ home by noon. Jen’s parents and brother welcomed them and asked Harsh to make himself comfortable. Jen’s sister in law had already arranged the table and her nephew was most excited about the dinner. He is such a cute child. He loves Jen very much and as he knew that Jen loved Harsh, he was very curious to know more about Harsh. Jen’s nephew kept on asking questions about almost everything. Harsh’s family, studies, likes, routine. He acted like an elder who wants to make sure that the guy is right for the girl and it was cute. Harsh liked Shawn right away.
The lunch was overwhelming. Jen’s mother made Harsh eat a lot which he loved all the way. The food was delicious, and the family was love. Jen’s brother and mother talked a lot to Harsh, but her father spoke a very few words throughout the meeting. Harsh was not sure what to understand from it. He tried to figure out if he had done something wrong to invite his displeasure. Harsh thought about all the things that had happened since he had got there and couldn’t understand what he did wrong. Jen’s father intimidated Harsh a bit. The way he looked at Harsh was so judgemental that Harsh wanted to be invisible for some time. Harsh looked at Jen and he found her looking at his side and smiling playfully. She could understand his situation. This is another speciality of Jen. She always knows what is in heart and he don’t even have to say it. She understands but she never tries to get in to a conversation until he is ready. She waits, gives time, but always stays near so that when he needs a hug, she is there close by. She was that kind of person. God’s Zariya to bring happiness and smiles to everyone around her. Harsh smiled back tensely and Jen laughed softly. Harsh also laughed and no one else in the room would ever know the conversation they just had.
After the lunch everyone sat down as a family and talked. Everyone loved Harsh. It is tough to not love him. He is genuine and innocent and puts everyone else before him. Jen looked at Harsh throughout the conversation and she knew that there were tears in her eyes, the kind that no one else can see but herself. When Harsh and Jen was about to leave, Jen’s father asked Harsh to come in to his room for a private conversation. Harsh’s heart started beating faster. He followed Jen’s dad and turned back and looked at Jen with his puppy eyes and Jen smiled assuring him that everything will be alright.
Jen’s dad: So, you two are engaged?
Harsh: Yes Sir.
Jen’s dad: Don’t you think it’s a bit early for getting in to a relationship?
Harsh: What do you mean Sir? We have known each other for more than a year now.
Jen’s dad: Yes. But we had known him for a longer time than that. I think you know about Jen’s past.
Harsh: Yes, I do.
Jen’s dad: The Jen you see right now, this didn’t happen that easily. It took her years to get over the pain that man caused her. My child used to sit and cry for hours. Do you know how it feels when your child cries and as a father you are not able to do anything? I and her mother used to sit down with her not understanding what to do. She has worked hard, never blamed anyone, focused only on her career and now she is here, in her happy space. I want her to be in that happy space always.
Harsh: I understand Sir. I will always keep her happy. I promise.
Jen’s dad: I have heard false promises Harsh. It’s not your fault. I just want to protect my daughter. So, if you are not sure that you are going to stay, break it off now. The pain will be less. I don’t think my child or us can take another heartbreak. I hope you understand. Now you can go.
Jen’s father was teary eyed, and he walked out of the room leaving a confused Harsh.
On their drive back Harsh didn’t speak much and that bothered Jen, but she didn’t ask anything. She knew that he would tell her in sometime but this time it was different. Harsh didn’t say anything to Jen when he dropped her at home or on call at night. Jen was confused. For the next few days Harsh didn’t call much or came to see her. Jen didn’t understand what was happening, but she knew it was serious and she even thought of asking a few times, but he never wanted to speak about it. Harsh was becoming distant and silent.
It was the valentine’s week and Jen’s friends wanted to go to Goa. She was not in the mood but they all compelled her to go. Jen called Harsh and said that she was going to Goa and he was silent for some time and then wished her the best. Jen packed her bag and went to her friend’s house and from there they all went to the airport. Jen got the boarding pass and was waiting for the flight call when her phone rang. It was Harsh.
Harsh: Have you boarded the flight?
Jen: Not yet. What happened?
Harsh: I am outside the airport. They won’t let me in as I don’t have a ticket. (Harsh laughed)
Jen: I will come out now.
Harsh: No, you don’t. Go and enjoy the trip. I will wait for you.
Jen: But that’s not right. You are here, and I want to see you.
Harsh: I will be there your entire life, Jen. This is just a small trip. Come back soon.
Jen felt tears in her eyes and her throat was paining a bit. Harsh’s voice was trembling and she knew that he was holding back his tears and Jen didn’t know why. Harsh had always known that he wouldn’t leave Jen, ever. But it took him days to put it to words.
Harsh: I love you Jennifer Winget.
Jen: I love you too Harshad Chopda. I am coming back.
Harsh: I will be waiting. Always.
Harsh cut the call and walked towards his car and Jen went to board her flight and laughed and made crazy videos with her friends. She was so happy that she couldn’t express it rightly. She smiled and laughed throughout the trip and even made her friends do crazy things. Both Jen and Harsh had known love before but hadn’t known each other. It is not the way you love that make one relationship different from another. Love is always love and it stays the same. It is the people involved in a relationship that make it different and with Jen and Harsh it was damn perfect.
Amrutha
