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Priya looked around the venue searching for Jay. She had just left him for 2 minutes and now he was lost in the sea of faces. Not that it was difficult to locate him. A tall foreigner could be distinguished from among a crowd of Indians. A little distance ahead she found him chatting with Ahmed. Whatever they were discussing seemed very animated. She made her way through the crowd.
Ahmed: Ahh..there she is..
Priya: Hey Ahmed..so all set for the D Day?
Ahmed: Yeah...finally after 6 months of effort we are finally getting married. He looked over at Ayesha as he said that with pride in his eyes.
Priya: Yeah..your's is quite a love story..So glad that the parents finally agreed..
Jay: Why do you guys have to give so much importance to parents? I mean its your life right?
Priya rolled her eyes at Jay, sometimes he went overboard with his my life my rules funda.
Ahmed: Thats true Jay but at the end of it what the use of happiness if we cannot share it with others. I am sure with you guys too Priya's parents approval would be very important.
Priya nodded her head..Ahmed and Ayesha belonged to the same class as Priya and after fierce parents opposition had finally managed to get the nod for their relationship and marriage. Ahmed had thrown this party to celebrate with his friends in the USA. The marriage was to happen in India within 2 months.
Priya: Ahmed, when you post the photos on FB please do not tag me.
Ahmed: Sure Priya, don't worry about that. By the way how is the job search coming through?
Priya: Nothing much to speak on that front, i still have not a single offer anywhere.
Ahmed: So if you don't get a job...Ahmed left the sentence mid air..
Priya: Guess i have to move back to India, and keep trying for a job here.
Ahmed: You know Priya, i would so love to be back in India..with my family..friends..Here all the luxuries are there but that life is something else only. Anyways you both enjoy yourself, i ll be back.
Jay: You look nice in this..what you call that Saree right?
Priya: Yes..and i must say this kurta suits you too..You should wear it more often..
Jay: Nay..its too much for me. I mean it makes me uncomfortable..Don't you think Ahmed has wasted a lot of money on this? I mean a party just for his friends here in USA..
Priya only half heard what Jay said. She looked intently at someone who had just entered the party. Elizabeth walked in with her group of friends, wearing a saree. Elizabeth was Jay's ex and Priya hated the sight of her.
Priya: Why is she here?
Jay: Who?
Priya: Your ex..see her nerve wearing a saree..
Jay: Priya..relax..she is Ayesha's friend and must have got invited. Why do you get so hyper everytime you see her.
Priya: Because i do not like her. Big Capital letters NOT LIKE her..
Jay: Ok calm down will you..You don't have to talk to her..
Priya: Yeah..but she has to talk to you and you cannot just ignore her right?
Jay: Priya, whats wrong with you? She was my ex girl and she is a friend. Whats the big deal if she talks to me. Its not as if i ll go running after her. You know i am also sick and tired with this discussion over and over again. Beth and me are friends and its ok that we talk once a while. Grow up..don't be such a cry baby..
Priya was about to retort something when she found Beth approaching them. She walked seductively to where Jay was standing.
Beth: Hey Jay, lovely party isnt it? So glad i have you for company.
Priya linked her arm with Jay's.
Jay: Nice to see you Beth...
Priya glared at Jay. Whenever Beth was around she always became insecure about Jay.
Beth: Heard that you lost the job..poor thing. Are you searching for another one?
Priya: Thanks for your concern..i ll get a job soon..
Beth: Wish you luck..do let me know if you need my help..She threw Jay a flying kiss and walked off..
Priya: Did you see? This is how she behaves and that is exactly the reason i do not want you to be talking to her.
Jay: Priya this is absolutely ridiculous. Don't you trust me?
Priya: I do Jay, but when i think of the scenario where i am back there in India and you all alone here with her..its so arghhh!!!
Before Jay could speak anything Priya's cell buzzed. It was her cousin sister. Although she was elder to Priya by almost 6 yrs they bonded really well. Priya picked up the call.
Priya: Hey Suhani..
Suhani: Hey kiddo..whats up?
Priya: Almost on the verge of returning back to India..
Suhani: What? have you gotten married to Jay and are coming to India to speak to Uncle Aunty?
Priya: No...why on earth did you think that? Right now i in a more of Rehne ko ghar nahi ..sone ko bistar nahi category
Suhani: Don't tell me the Goras are deporting you?
Priya laughed at that.
Priya: No not that..i kinda lost the only job i had secured and now i am unable to get another one. With my dwindling funds i only have the option of returning back to India.
Suhani: Ohh then come back na..or is Mr. Jay stopping you..
Priya looked at Jay who was speaking to Beth..
Priya: No he has not stopped me.
Suhani sensed the sadness in her voice.
Suhani: Priya, are you alright? Some problem between you and Jay?
Priya: No not exactly a problem but this whole thing of me going back to India has not affected him that much. I mean i know we will be in touch but still.
Suhani: Maybe you need to give him time..but i really feel you should come back. See you have tried your best, there is no harm in coming back to India.
Priya: I know that but i am so afraid regarding this relationship. I want it to work out
Suhani: Then ask Jay to move to India, he can do that much for you
Priya: No ways..he has been here his entire life, i cannot ask him to move.
Suhani: Same with you Priya, you have been here your entire life. Come back here and we will sort it out.
Priya: You think moving back would be such a great idea?
Suhani: Priya, if you are destined to be there nothing would stop you. I will not say that its the same life here, but what i can guarantee you here is happiness..We all miss you Priya and we would love to have you back. Once things get better you can always go back but right now its more sensible to move back.
Priya: I still have a few days to go before i get to decide, i mean i have applied for a company.
Suhani: Well that reminds me can you send me your resume, one of my client company is hiring.
Priya: Ok, i ll send that to you.
Suhani: So you are coming home right?
Priya: I have to discuss this with Jay first only then can i let you know.
Suhani: Sure, take you time..chalo bye
Priya disconnected the call and looked at Jay. He was standing all by himself. During this few days she had tried not to think of her relationship with Jay, but she could not keep that thought away for a long time. Here, everyone knew about Jay but she had never thought of a situation where she would have to be in a long distance relationship. She and Jay were in a relationship but she always felt there was something lacking in that...something that gave her insecurity. She decided to speak to Jay. Her attention was diverted with sounds of loud cheering. She walked towards the crowd. A game of truth and dare was in progress. It was Beth's turn and she walked up to the jar of chits and picked up one. She read it and looked up at the crowd.
Beth: It says i have to kiss someone..
Priya watched with horror as amid loud clapping and cheers Beth walked up to Jay and planted a full blown kiss on his lips. As they parted she gave Jay a sly smile and triumphantly looked at Priya.
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Ram leaned back in his chair going through Priya's profile again. He wondered why she had not replied to his mail yet. Marriage had not been on his mind but when Priya's father had sent him the proposal he had wanted to give it a shot.
Still stuck on her ? Apurva asked Ram. Apurva worked with Ram in the same organisation and they were on the same team along with Vidyut.
Ram: No..i am not stuck anywhere..
Ram: Ever since you got her details you go through her profile atleast once a day. If there ever was a Viva on this you would pass with flying colours..
Ram laughed at her observation.
Ram: You know what Apu, i am just wondering she has not replied. I mean she must have seen the mail right?
Apurva: And i can bet my entire life on the fact that she won't reply. Any self respecting woman won't reply.
Ram: What? It was a simple email.
Apurva Simple? I only add people who i know? You call that simple...I ll tell you in simple words what it means..it has rude and arrogant stamped all over it Mr.
Ram: Vidyut told me it sounded ok
Apurva: Now i get it..of all people you had to take advise from him? He is only named Vidyut, if you ask me he has no spark at all..not even 10 watts..
Ram: Poor guy, you are always after him..
Apurva : Please not me..did you speak to Sunita, she told me that you would be shortlisting the candidates.
Ram: Nope, i leave for the trek tomorrow so i won't be there. Its all hers.
Apurva: Oh Yeah i forgot..you are not there from tomorrow, my torture starts.
Ram: hey..he is not that bad...
Apurva: I wish that was true..I need to go..see you after 10 days..
Ram bade Apu goodbye and checked his gmail one last time. For 10 days there would not be any access to mail. There was no mail from Priya. Ram sighed and closed down the laptop. Maybe as Apu said she would never reply to him.
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Priya observed Jay as he just stood there devoid of any emotion that would give away what he was thinking. Jay slowly walked up to Priya and stood besides her..
For a few moments there was complete silence between them.
Priya: Jay i have to move back to India.
Jay: Priya..you are not deciding this because of what happened right now is it?
Priya: No Jay...I trust you enough to be bothered by these little things. Its just that the sooner i accept the reality the better. I can always move back once i get a good job offer, meanwhile i can take up a job in India..gather some experience and also speak to my parents about us..
Jay: You really will speak to them?
Priya: I guess i have too...are you not sure about us?
Jay: No darling..thats not what i meant..I mean its fantastic if you are willing to tell them about us. You can create the base and i can meet them when i come down for Ahmed's wedding..
Priya: You will?
Jay: Afcourse Priya..anything for you.
Jay opened his arms and embraced Priya. Priya tilted her head to look at Beth who looked stung . She flashed a smile at her...tit for tat seemed so good.
To be Continued...
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