MAUSAM
I had never been to Kapoor's office before.
With my revelation of going to college,
He looked shocked.
And then he left me alone,
With nothing to do,
I decided to roam the office.
But then decided against it.
What would she do if someone questioned her?
So she stayed put in the office.
"Is there something I can do?" She asked him.
He was consumed in his work and at my question, his eyes slowly lifted to mine.
" What?"
I repeated myself.
" No , not really. But why do you wanna do something? You could just play with your phone." He said.
I scowled.
" What am I? A kid , why would I play with my phone. I don't play games." I retorted.
What did he think of me!
He looked puzzled ," you don't?" He said , voice filled with disbelief.
I felt my jaw dropped.
I decided not to bother with him.
And without replying to him ,
I stormed out of his office.
I heard him calling me but I ignored him.
As I left , my phone ringed.
It was Reyansh.
Ugh , to me , I had not talked to him in last 10 years.
But for him,
It must be a day or two.
We used to talk daily.
I took a long breath and answered it.
" Hello."
"Hi , Golu." He said.
Hearing his voice , made my eyes tear.
After I got my divorce,
And I was abandoned by everyone,
I had relied on him at first,
But then
It didn't seem right.
I was being a burden on him.
So I cut ties with him.
And being a gentleman that he was,
He respected my decision.
Just like me ,
He had gotten married.
And that too , this year.
I remember it well,
At the birthday party of Aarav,
His fiancee introduced herself to me.
I put away the hurt and replied,
" Ya , kya hua?"
" Ab tumse baat karne ke liye bhi wajah chahiye." He chuckled.
" ESI baat nahi he.
Me tumse milna chahti hu.
Kuch kaam tha." I asked him.
He paused. " Today?"
I hmmed.
" Aaj to possible nahi he,
Kal ice caffee me milte he, thik he"
He said.
" Nahi, kal nahi. "I said.
" No?" He sounded shocked.
He laughed a little," esa to kya kaam he tujhe?"
I frowned,"kal Aarav ki birthday party he."
Every year My mother in law arranged a birthday party for Aarav,
The grand party was always on Sunday or some holiday so as to not disturb Aarav's scheduled.
" So? You are attending it.?" He asked slowly.
He sounded wary.
I nodded , and because he could not see me , I said , " yes , how could I not?"
" You never did before, I mean you were always forced. So are you being forced this time too?" He asked.
" Um , no. I just want to attend.
As I told you , I have to talk to you.
Let's fix a date from the day after tomorrow."
And I ended the call.
As I turned ,
I saw Armaan glaring at me.
Oh , god , now he will misunderstand me for sure.
" Armaan ." I called out but he turned his back and left.
9/2/24