New FF-2nd chance at Love-Completed-PG 81-08/08/2014 - Page 9

As the day of launch came closer, the whole team was working against deadlines. Many days they had to pull all-nighters. Malhotra Industries had a huge palatial guest house in the office premises itself and he had made it available to the team members, in case they wanted to use it during these busy days. Many of the team, including Kalpana and Neha had left some of their clothes and other items in the guest house and would stay there overnight, if required.

Kalpana was really happy these days. She loved working these long hours , as she had no time to feel sad or think about her past. She enjoyed the company of all her team members, but she had grown very close to Neha.

Neha had taken Kalpi under her wing and had become an elder sister to her. Kalpi had told her entire story to Neha. Neha was the first person with whom she had shared her life-story, apart from people who were already involved in it. She felt lighter after talking to Neha, as Neha was totally non judgmental and very understanding. After listening to everything Neha had hugged her and Kalpi felt at peace.

Neha said " Kalpi, you have faced a lot in your life, but remember a relationship break-up is not the end of the world. When my husband left me for another woman, I thought my life had ended, but it was the best thing that happened to me. I have a great life now, my career, my kids and my friends all make me really happy.

Kalpi said, "My mind understands all this, but my heart still hurts."

Neha replied "Kalpi, you may feel the pain, but whenever you get a chance to be happy, allow the happiness to come into your life. Slowly happiness will erase all the pain. Also take responsibility for your own happiness. Don't wait for your mother, father or Raghav to make you happy, because it will never happen. Find your own happiness. Learn to be a little selfish, being selfish is not bad, it is human."

"My mom always told me that being selfish is wrong", Kalpi muttered.

"What I have heard from you about your mom, I can definitely say that she does not practice what she preaches. She has always been selfish and has always got what she wanted by hook or crook."

Kalpi finally understood what she always knew in her heart. Everyone always praised her mother as being a God-like character, but she always did what she felt was right, even if it hurt others.

It was as if a weight had been lifted from her heart finally. It was as if finally she had escaped from a cage of her mother's expectations.

She had previously decided that she would be successful for herself, but now she decided that she would be happy because she deserved her share of happiness.