Whispers of the Heart

Chapter- 16

"Your marriage?" Nihal asked in disbelief.

"Yes."

"What about your marriage?" Nihal asked slowly.

"Mom and dad have found a boy for me. . . they want me to get married on 15th November."

"I see." Nihal's face turned thunderously dark. Veera became a little nervous. "I met him in September."

"I see."

"Do you really?" Veera asked him and eyed him with uncertainty.

"Yes. Looks like felicitations are in order." He said curtly and drank his glass of lemonade. He looked at the mountains for a brief second and then got up. "We have to reach back home... sorry, I meant back to the Mess before sun set. Let's go."

"Why are you being rude and difficult?" She asked and got up as well. "We can talk about it for 5 minutes." She was being to get annoyed at Nihal's childish behavior but didn't quite understand how to scale the wall he had erected around himself again.

"I am not being rude and difficult. What's there to talk about? You met a boy. You are getting married. I am merely congratulating you. Though why should you come all the way to Udhampur to tell me this is a little uncertain. You should have simply sent a postcard or your wedding card." Nihal said started folding the sheet they'd been sitting on.

"Really? It would not have made an inch's difference to you?" Veera almost shouted in frustration.

"Nah." He said casually.

"Fine." She said and started wrapping up the picnic.

In silence, they both packed their respective bags and started walking down the trail they had ascended this morning. Veera started crying silently as Nihal walked ahead and didn't even glance back to ensure if she was following or not. Veera had a good mind to disappear just to teach him a lesson but knew that at this point, everything was over. Maybe even their friendship. So, he was not romantically interested in her. He was never interested in her. Her heart finally had the answer. He truly didn't care. Though it was extremely hurtful to accept it.

The downward walk was silent, sad and relatively easy. They crossed the area where they had stopped and chatted. Veera wiped her tears with her sleeves. She didn't want Nihal to see her hurt. She felt too raw.

They soon reached the base in good time. They made their way to the Mess. "Jai Hind saab! I hope you like the food?" The Mess In-Charge asked him with a beaming smile. "The cook took real pains to ensure that it was well made." He said.

"Oh Yes, Kishore! They were amazing." Nihal smiled at him.

"That's good, Sir. Madam, I hope you enjoyed the food and the trek with Sir?" Kishore asked Veera.

"It was very enjoyable. Thank you for asking." Veera said softly. "Please convey my appreciation to the Cook as well. He did a commendable job."

"Good to hear madam!" Kishore beamed at her and then gave a salute to Nihal and turned back to the mess.

"Hey!! How was the trek?" Bikram came out of the Mess. "You guys made it back in good time." Bikram checked his watch.

"Yes, it was great." Veera said.

"Then why the sad face? Did something happen?" Bikram asked her and then looked at Nihal.

"No. Nothing happened." Nihal said. Then without giving Bikram to ask further questions he continued in a 'don't dispute it' voice, "listen, do you have space for another person? Veera wants to go back home tomorrow."

Bikram looked at Nihal and then turned to Veera. "I do have space but why this sudden change in plan? Is everything all right? Did you hear something from back home? All good?" Bikram asked concerned.

"Yes, everything is good at home. It's just that Veera's been here for a week now. It's best that she returned home now. Her PhD session will be beginning soon. Initially, I was thinking that I'll take her to Udhampur but now that since you are leaving tomorrow, it would solve the problem." Nihal said to Bikram.

Veera felt fresh tears in her eyes but she refused to cry here in public. So, she was a 'problem' now. She didn't want to show her weakness to Nihal. Maybe it was for the best that she left tomorrow.

"I am... sure." Bikram said slowly trying to understand the sadness on Veera's face. Then he gave a slow smile, "It would my pleasure to have you with us tomorrow. It would make a memorable journey!" he smiled at Veera. Then he turned to Nihal and said, "Great then! I am on my way to meet Pant. Will update him about this development as well."

"Let me come with you. I'll talk to Pant as well." Nihal said.

~

Veera packed all her clothes. It didn't take her long since she had brought very less stuff with her. She had taken her bath and was eating her dinner, alone, in the room. Nihal had come back after his talk with Pant and Bikram and had taken a bath, dressed and gone to the Mess. Veera didn't have the energy or the heart to go and talk to people. She didn't feel up to the task to interact with people when her heart was aching.

There was one thought that kept nagging her. She was simply unable to comprehend  why was Nihal being so ruthless and hurtful? Why was he pushing her away? It was like Nihal had simply shut the door on her face. Again. Why? Except Sartaj, he had never truly let another person in his heart.

Then an idea clicked to her. She knew shecouldn't leave without asking Nihal about it. It was highly possible that shemight not meet him for a very long time if she left tomorrow. She had to gether answers. She would wait for him to come home.