PART 5
Karthik was silent on his way back home. Priya tried talking to him but he spoke in one words, just to reply to what Priya was asking him. As they reached home, Karthik went straight into his room. Priya followed him in.
"Whats wrong kiddo? What happened to you?", Priya asked finally, unable to understand what he was thinking. "Di, i'll get married only if you do. Not before you.", Karthik spoke out. "Kiddo!", Priya exclaimed"Listen to me. Considering all that happened, its not easy for me. You get that? No one would want a wife who cant give him a child." Priya tried to explain.
"Had it not been for me, you would have been perfectly alright now di. Its my fault. But di, im not marrying before you do, and im adamant on that part. I've told Nuts about this and she agrees to my say.", Karthik said and left the room.
Priya stood there rooted thinking of how she can explain the reality to her little brother. He just didnt seem to understand.
At dinner, Priya was told that there was another guy coming to see her tomorrow.
Meanwhile, at KM, Ram and Vikram were sitting at the study, discussing work. Just then, Nuts came in. "Bhai, Vikram bhai, I need to tell you something." "Yes choti, what is it?" "Im in love bhai." "What??",Ram exclaimed. "Are you sure? What if the guy turns out to be like that ba****d?",Ram said sounding concerned. "No bhai, nothing of the sort is happening this time. Karthik dosent even know im your sister. Hes not with me for money bhai. Trust me", Natasha tried to explain. Ram, however, wasnt convinced. "Ram, if nuts says he dosent know shes your sister, maybe we shoud see. It might work out this time." Ram nodded slightly. "Can we meet his family choti?", Vikram asked.
"Of course bhai, in fact, Karthiks sister has invited us to their place. Its Thursday today. We could meet on Saturday, if you are free." nuts said. "Sure, inform them we'll come on Saturday, in the evening." Ram said. Nuts went back happily.
The next day, Priya was at the NGO. The kids were at their school and Priya was sitting alone on a bench, lost in thoughts. Ram came in to see a very sad and glum Priya.
"Hi!", he said walking upto her. She looked up to see Ram standing there, dressed handsomely as ever, with the same adorable smile on his face. "Hi!", she replied back smiling at him. One look at Ram couldmake her feel better. She was always calm in his presence.
Ram, on the other hand, was unhappy seeing Priya in this state. Her sad face made him unhappy too. His heart ached when he saw her, but he didnt know why.
He sat down next to her and turned to look at her. "Whats wrong Priya? You look tensed!.", he asked. "No nothing, just tired.", she tried to hide her feelings. "Oh really! You want me to believe that?" Ram snorted back.
Priya was amazed to see how well this man understood her. None of her other friends did. But Ram, he always understood her feelings.
Priya looked up to see him looking at her expectantly. "Say it Priya. U'll feel better. And you know you can talk to me about anything.", he said.
She got up to leave when she felt Ram holding her wrist. He stood up still holding her hand and went to stand right in front if her. He cupped her face, making her look at him. "Trust me Priya! Please", he said pleading.
One look at him and she knew she trusted him. She knew he would understand her. He wouldnt arrive at conclusions. Tears were flowong through Priyas eyes. She looked down at the ground. And in one instant move, she hugged him.
"I cant do this Ram. Not anymore. Im tired. Really." she was crying.
Ram was too shocked for a moment to react. His reflexes got numb. Slowly coming back to senses, he too wrapped his arms around her shoulder.
Priya felt at home when Ram hugged her back. She felt as though she belonged there. She felt relieved. Comfort was what she needed at that time.
Ram was slowly running his hands on her back as if yo calm her down. "Shh Priya, stop crying. Please. I dont know what you are talking about, but dont do it if you dont want to. Everyone has a choice.", he said.
"I dont Ram. I have to live with it all life", she exclaimed as she broke the hug. Ram slowly made her sit back on the bench and kneeled down before her, holding her hands in his. "What is it Priya? Im worried. Are you alright?"
Priya then went on to narrate how, in her childhood, she had hurt herself. It was sankranti and Priya and Karthik were flying kites with some friends of theirs. They were at a building under construction. In the excitement of the game, Karthik reached the edge of the floor. He was about to lose balance when Priya saved him. However, she herself fell down and a rod pierced into her lower abdomen, leading to complications.
By the time she finished the story, fresh set of tears formed her eyes. "and now, my brother is adamant that he wont marry unless I do. I have to meet another prospective groom today Ram. And I just dont have the capacity to bear another rejection", Priya completed. Ram was speechless. He just quietly sat up next to her and wrapped his arms around her shoulder. Priya was digging her head into his chest, crying. "Priya, its alright. Its not your fault. If someone dosent understand you, they dont deserve you. You dont need to feel sad or guilty. Its their loss. They are losing out on a chance to know someone wonderful." Ram said smiling.
Talking to Ram made Priya feel much better. No one, not even her parents could make her feel better when it came to this topic.
The evening at the Sahrmas was very similar to the day Raizadas had come. However, everyone saw a changed Priya that day. She wasnt sad or guilty about what happened. In fact, she looked happy. She sounded normal. During dinner, Karthik informed everyone that nuts was coming the next day with her family. Priya had spoken at home about them and their parents were happy for Karthik.
Later that night, Priya was lying on her bed, reading her favourite novel, when Ram called on her phone.
"Hey", he said cheerfully. "Hope all went well", he asked. "Yes, everything was awesome", she replied back. Rams face fell immediately. Though he wanted Priya happy, he couldnt help but be sad at the thought of her going away from him.
He really loved being with her. He was restless since the time he knew Priya was looking for guys. He manager to get his cheerful tone back and said, "well then, when do I get to meet him?" "Meet who Ram?", Priya asked puzzled. "Your hone wala pati", he said. "Who said im getting married? I promised Peehu right that im not leaving her and goin anywhere."
Ram was confused now. "Well you just said everything was awesome" "Yes Ram, everything was awesome. Only because of you. You were right. If someone dosent understand me, they dont deserve me. I said no." "What!" Ram exclaimed. So you not getting married? "No", she replied. Ram felt relieved. He was unable to understand his hear. He could not make sense to his feelings.
Hey guys!! I know its small.. N its crap.. But thats all I could manage now.. Next update I promise will be good..
Thanks for the support guys.. Keep it coming!!
Anupamaa
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
