Runaway bride

Chapter 13

11:30pm

Simran paced around the living room waiting to receive Durga, she still hadn't returned after the fallout with Arjun.

"Madam you should go to bed, I'll wait for her." Sargum suggested but Simran didn't budge.

"I can't Sargum. I won't be at peace until I see her before I go to bed." she paused.

It seems like there would be a storm tonight, where could she be?

"Girls shouldn't be out at this time." Simran whinned and sat on a chair.

"I'm here mum. I told you not to wait for me" Durga announced her arrival.

"How many more times must I tell you Durga? You shouldn't be out by this time."

"I respect you so much but there's really nothing for me to do here. I can't stay here and let dad insult my Sam."

"It's okay. You should be in bed now, let's go." Simran said and helped Durga to her room.

"I haven't taken a shower yet."

"You'll take it after you rest for a while."

"But I don't want to rest or sleep."

"Durga dear listen to me, yo are not a child anymore."

"I know mum just let me be."

Arjun entered the room unannounced and sat by Durga.

"You're angry with me, aren't you Durga?" but Durga gave him no response and looked away.

"Forgive me dear, your father has been very bad. I shouldn't have treated you like I always did. I should have put your happiness first and I should have respected your choice of a man."

"Are you serious father?"

"Yes, my child very serious, I'll find Sameer for you. I'll even fix the engagement and wedding myself. I was wrong to have belittled him."

"Thank you so much dad."

"You'll sleep now, won't you?"

"Yes. You've you've really made me happy today."

"Simran let her have a shower, she'll sleep after that." Arjun said getting up "I love you Durga."

"I love you too Dad."

Arjun exited the room with Simran following closely.

"What is it Simran?" Arjun stopped in his tracks noticing that someone was following him.

"I was surprised when you told Durga all that. I wanted to ask if it's all true."

"I won't lie to Durga. She's my precious gem Simran. I'll be true to my word."

"What you did was remarkable. I'm pleased that you have changed."

"I'm glad I did."

2 years later

No word had been heard from Sameer, Arjun's effort to find him was futile.

Durga lost all her smiles, her cherished laughter in the house seized. She was at a breaking point, always hot tempered and couldn't be left alone for Simran feared that she would take her own life.

Meera and Vardaan welcomed a baby girl two years ago; Vaishali Rane.

Meera still gave her support to Durga, discouraging her from waiting for Sameer was only going to make matters worse.

Her arrival to the Gupta residence always excited Simran and Sargum because her presence kept Durga occupied, today was one of such days.

"I want to offer my personal thanks to you for being such a good friend to Durga."