Reo and Me

Thirty

Aisha's POV

Mom and dad had left for India to start getting ready for wedding preparations which was going to be held in Delhi.

Time was flying. The wedding was next year in February, coincidentally a few days shy of Valentine's Day. I walked quickly to my office, the chilly December air biting me.

The streets were decorated for Christmas. I had immersed myself in work and in my free time would either be with June or Sameer. He had introduced me to his entire circle, most of whom were doctors. We were also supposed to be attending the hospital's Christmas Ball, which was being held early. I was then leaving for Tokyo just around New Year for three days.

It was all set. It had already been two weeks since the engagement. In that time, I and Sameer got to know each other once again. Reo was still who I loved but Sameer was being completely patient. I was worried his patience would run out soon.

I walked into the warm office, the lights dim except for my cabin. I sat at the desk and cracked my knuckles- it was going to be a long night.

———

I had been working for three hours when my phone rang. The caller ID showed Sameer. I picked up.

"Hi Sameer." I said, still typing.

"You're still working?" He asked, worried. My heart lightened a little at his concern.

"It's nearly 2." He continued. I glanced at my wall clock. It was actually nearing 2 in the night. "I'll wrap up right now." I said, already in the process of shutting my laptop down.

"I'm coming to pick you up." He said.

"No need, I'll take a taxi." I said. My car was as usual, at the mechanic for servicing. I really needed to buy a new car.

"I was at the hospital for an emergency surgery. I'll pick you up, it's okay." He persisted.

"If you say so. Give me a ring when you reach, I'll be right down-"

"I'm already here Aisha." He cut me off.

"Oh. I'll be downstairs in a minute." For once in a long time, I was excited to see someone. I felt pampered. I shook my head- the guilt coming over me. Reo.

I grabbed my stuff and went downstairs, fast walking. I was actually longing to see Sameer. We had been talking in our free time and he had spared no moment to pamper me. It was actually what I needed.

We even went on an overnight trip to Paris. It was really enjoyable- it was as if the college Sameer was back. We obviously got two hotel rooms- he respected my privacy at all times. We spent the two days exploring the city and doing cliche tourist things like dining in front of the Eiffel and watching it glimmer at midnight.

It was really out a movie- I was slowly become happier again. Reo still affected me but not to a very high extent anymore. I was slowly moving on from him, with Sameer by my side.

Sameer was right in front of the building in his sleek new car and he grinned at me as I sat in.

"Hey beautiful." He said. I wasn't expecting any reaction but to my surprise, something fluttered inside me.

I was missing someone calling me an endearment, that's all. Nothing more, nothing less.

I just blushed. "How was work?" I asked him as he drove.

"Well I had to come in for a surgery at the hospital. It was an emergency neurological condition, required immediate operation." He said, focused on driving.

I listened in awe. It was so cool being a doctor, that too a neurosurgeon.

"How was your work? You shouldn't work such long hours." He glanced at me.

"I had some work to finish so I decided to stay longer." I stared at the engagement ring glimmering on my finger. It didn't feel as heavy.

I kept my hands on my lap, staring out the window. We sat in a comfortable silence. "Do you want to stop by for food?" He asked.

"I am kind of hungry." I admitted. I hadn't had anything since lunch.

We pulled into a McDonalds driveway, where we got burgers, fries and a milkshake. We drove for sometime before Sameer pulled over to the side of the road. They were mostly empty, except for a few one or two odd cars.

We ate our burgers, joking about stuff. We reminisced old college memories, talking about friends and our relationship.

"I still loved you when we broke up." Sameer said and I almost didn't hear him. I swallowed my burger and looked at him. My heart was beating rapidly.

"I still remember how I cried alone in our apartment, sitting on the empty bed. The closet was empty and there was that single note you left on the table." I listened silently, remembering what I had written.

Sameer
I'm sorry to be doing this. I hate how I have to end something so beautiful but I can't do it anymore. This makes me sound selfish but I'm slowly losing priority in your life.
I hope you live happily. Thank you for all the beautiful memories of the past two years. You'll always be special to me.
I love you.
Aisha

Sameer stopped his story, almost as if he understood that I was recalling the letter. Tears lined my eyes.

"I loved you when we ended and I still love you Aisha. I can't tell you how many times I've thanked God for bringing us back together. I know you still love Reo, and honestly, it makes me feel incredibly jealous but I want to wait for you Aisha. Thank you for giving me a chance again." He smiled at me, his eyes filled with genuinely thankfulness.

We stared at each other before I grabbed his hand nervously. He seemed shocked because I had never gotten physical with him before. I entwined my fingers with his, hoping that it was enough to tell him that I was going to continue giving him a chance.

His smile returned as he grabbed my hand even tighter. We sat silently in the car, staring out at the lake on whose surface the moon's reflection sparkled brilliantly.