The Chocolate Wrapper

A new start

This event of proposal was 7 years ago. Suraj is now an aspiring doctor who had just completed his graduation and had got admitted in his dream branch of cardiac surgeon in Delhi.

Suraj had always kept himself updated with Shitija's status. He used to regularly check her facebook account, her Instagram and other social media accounts. Suraj has now moved to Delhi for his post graduation studies . His regular day would consist of 16hrs of indoor patients duties and other chores. He hardly used to get 2hrs for himself. But still he would not miss a chance to remember his love, Shitija.

Where on other side , Shitija had become a successful job in a govt. bank. She was a cashier. But was happy with her job. She used to live with her mother and younger brother in Delhi. She moved in just 2 weeks before. She also used to stalk this young man, Suraj. His black eyes always had attracted Shitija, but she was always hesitated to express herself. She was kind of happy herself.

Suraj was working day and night for his dream proffession. He had many proposals in his graduation college form girls of his class and juniors too. But he was never really into that. He had always eyes for his then imaginary girl, Shitija. His colleague, Riya, always used to ask, "What did you saw in that girl that you don't like any other girl?" Suraj used to mock her and answer," I had done Gandharva vivah with her." And then would burst into laughter, hiding his blushing cheeks. He had many good friends and most were females. But he never had a thing for them. There was this one girl with him, Aayushi. He used to like her and had gone on date with her . But somehow he didn't feel comfortable. On the other hand, he would bore Aayushi by talking about Shitija and how she is. And as a result, Aayushi broke up with him. So he was all alone again, with her mashuka who he hoped to show up one day.

Shitija had dated some guys back then. But she never had easy going with them. She met this boy,Anant, he was kind of cool and decent guy. She really liked him a lot and they were colleagues too so they both would still glances during work. Sometimes go out for a movie,dinner. But they were never serious about it and kept it till friendship only. But Shitija's mom was so into marrying her daughter. Whereas Shitija's father died 5 yrs back in a car accident. So now she thought it was good time to marry her daughter . She wasn't wrong,after all Shitija had came up to a suitable age. But Shitija had other plans for her own life. She never had thought of marrying,she wanted to focus on career. But her mom liked her friendship with Anant.

Her mom,out of nowhere asks Shitija if she could invite Anant for dinner. Shitija made a face but couldn't help so she agreed. She went to work. Her day was usual . She was still indulge in her thoughts. While a customer stood there,waiting for the cash. But cashier sahiba was busy in her thoughts. That customer thumped the window and she was awakened from her thoughts. She came to senses and completed the work .

"You are somewhere else,what's happening?",asked Anant while he brought samosa chat for both of them. "It's nothing. My mom want you to come over for dinner." She shrugged. "I don't see that a problem. So when are you inviting me?"asked Anant, mockingly playing with her cheeks. "There's no worry but my mom is acting weird lately. And calling you, I mean you ,for dinner is the signal that's she is going crazy",she mocked back.

Dinners today evening 8oclock. Be on time
She texted him during their work hours.

So all was set. Her mom made all the preparations. She made panner ki sabji with  parathas and a bengali sweet . Shitija was still nervous and confused but somehow handled herself and consoled her thoughts. Anant came and bowed down to Shitija's mother,"God bless you ,beta", her mother blessed him. There was smile and imaginary dulha vali feeling.  Shitija saw it and she was not fine with this all but it was her mom and she can't deny her. So there were some chit chats and then they all sat on dinning table for the dinner.

Her mother served the dishes and they all started to eat after a prayer. The neighbour bought a new carvaan so was playing songs on high volume. It somehow resmebled the situation at Shitija's home. Background song Aaj ki raat hone hai kya . Normal talks about work, Anant's family, and future plannings. Suddenly, Shitija's mother threw a bouncer , "What do you think about our Shitija?", Anant's could not swallow that bite and coughed,"ah, I think she is good. In the sense,she I good in work,sensible. Ahh" He sputtered in a breath.  [I don't know what to do I don't know what to do : Background song]

There was awkwardness on the dinning table. [Itna sannata kyun hai bhai]
All were hit by the bouncer.  Her mother was becoming sweaty. She was trying to talk with Anant but her speech was slurring. Shitija was in her own thoughts and was focussing on her food. But she found her mother's voice slowing down. She took a glance at her but by the time,her mother had already started feeling the pain from her left limb. Shitija could not think of anything ,she was numb. Anant called the ambulance and her mother was taken to emergency ward.

Outside the ward ,Shitija was standing and thinking of it,trying to cope up with situation and she thought she missed something. And her eyes light up,her mother's reports were done  2months back which  stated that her heart is weakining and she can't do heavy workload or emotional workload. But they never took it seriously and now her mother was in hospital because of her ignorance, she cursed herself.

It was 1 o clock in the morning. Anant had went to their home while she waited in the ward. Finally, after 3hrs of desperate mystery and confusion ,the doctor came out ,"Who is with the patient?", Shitija nodded and went to doctor.

The eyes struck each other . She knew that eyes,that black innocent eyes. How could she forget them? On the other hand , the doctor . Dr. Suraj too identified her and was filled with excitement but can't show it. He assured ,"your mother is fine. It was an heart attack. She is out of danger and is in good hands. No need to worry,Shitija." Shitija was still in her thoughts but the last word shaked her , he still remembered her name. And the flashback of 7years took in moments. "Coffee?",he asked . "Yeah sure",she replied confirming that they identified each other. They walked down the stairs towards canteen. Again awkward silence is there. Heart beats thumping . Those memories of school times,all coming to mind like someone just put a dvd of that times.