Chapter -8
It was almost dinner time when Sanyukta reached her flat. She had left from office for the super market and shopped for groceries and other utilities required for the week.
She did not feel like cooking so decided to order a pizza for herself. She quickly freshened up and changed into a comfortable set of pyjamas and a sleeveless Tee.
She threw herself on the sofa in her living room and started surfing through the television. Just as she was bored of not finding anything worth watching she came across the local movie channel which was broadcasting Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. The scene that was playing was the one where Kajol has decided to leave college and Shahrukh is convincing her not to do so.
But mera kya hoga? Mujhe mere best friend ki zaroorat hogi toh?' even though she wasn't watching that scene for the first time Sanyukta's heart went out for the boy in front of her.
Everyone has their battles to fight. Kajol in this movie left the love of her life so that she does not become a hurdle between him and his love interest. And I ? I too did the same thing... I left him all alone... I won over his faith, made him believe that I was his best friend and when he actually started expecting from me, I left him. Why? Becoz I feared that I might hurt him further... becoz I had made another promise to the most important man in my life.
Sanyukta was caught in the maze of her own thoughts when her phone rang. It was that most important man in her life. She picked up the phone, Hello! Papa? How are you? Hope your health is OK now.' she enquired cautiously. Her father did not call her often, thus whenever he called she knew that there was an agenda. She held her breath, as she waited for her father to unfold the purpose of his calling.
Sanyu, my sweet daughter! How are you? I just called to check on if you are ok and that if you will ever forgive me.' Mr. Agarwal's voice seemed quite tired.
Papa! Why are you saying such things? From where has this forgiving thing cropped up?' Sanyukta was very worried now.
No beta. Its just that I feel that you havn't forgiven me yet for that Sameer fiasco. I should have enquired about their family background thoroughly before making a public announcement about your engagement with him. He turned out to be a greedy scoundrel. I am so sorry.' Mr. Agarwal was on the verge of breaking down.
But Papa! That was long back. I was in college then. Why are you bringing that up now.' Sanyukta said anxiously.
Hmmm! Yes it was long back. But it did lift up your trust from me. I could not keep the best of your interests in tact. You wanted to pursue your studies and I forced you into that engagement. And moreover it shook your trust from relationships forever.'
No Papa! Nothing like that. Relationships were not even my focus at that time. I got engaged to Sameer because you wanted me to. I would have preferred to chose my studies any day. And that had been my stand everytime, we had a discussion about my career. So you don't have to feel guilty.' Sanyukta tried placating her father, still confused as to why her father had brought this up today.
Then why don;t you agree to meet boys for potential match even today. Your mother keeps sending you so many profiles of good boys, but you don't pay a heed to them.' Mr. Agarwal's tone changed suddenly. It was now that of an irritated father demanding an explanation from his daughter.
Sanyukta took cognizance of the entire conversation and let out a sigh at how her father had dramatised the entire call and coaxed her into discussing marriage. Oh my God Papa! You have been building up this conversation to ask about my intentions regarding getting married.' and she chuckled.
What do I do then? You refuse to discuss this matter with your mother. So I had to do this drama. But seriously tell me? Is there someone, you are seeing? I mean we are open to considering your choice. Rather we would be happy if you have found someone for yourself.' Mr. Agarwal sounded very desperate now.
Papa! I am feeling extremely sleepy now. I am going off to sleep. Gud Night!' and she disconnected the call. God my father is such a melodramatic person.' She sighed and went back to surfing channels on the television.
------------ Flashback -------------
Randhir! Please pass on that spanner to me?' Sanyukta said holding her hand out.
Am I your assistant or what? Can't you just do it on your own.' Randhir spat immediately.
Arre! I am just asking for the spanner. Can;t move from my place otherwise I'll loose the grip on this bolt. That's why. And any which ways.. this is your project too. So mind obliging Mr. Shekhawat?' she said in a calm and composed tone.
Yeah! We were supposed to be partners. But I have got reduced to being your assistant.' Randhir said as he shook his head, but was already helping Sanyukta tighten the bolt.
They both looked up as the bell for the lunch break rang and decided to wind up for the day. As Sanyukta wiped her hands with the dusting cloth, her phone which was kept on the table rang.
Randhir picked it up and saw it was her father calling. He gave it to Sanyukta and signalled her that he was waiting for her in the canteen for lunch.
Hello! Papa! How are you?' Sanyukta enquired, confused at the unlikely timing of her father's call.
Hello! Beta, do you have any exams or practicals this week?' he enquired with a lot of concern.
No Papa! Why? What happened?' Sanyukta asked dreading her father's next lines.
Good Beta. Then you should take leave for the week and immediately come home. I want you to meet this boy from the Mittal family. And if everything goes well, we'll organize a small engagement ceremony this Sunday itself.' Mr. Agarwal said euphorically.
Sunday! Today is Monday. Just 7 days. Papa, what's the hurry? I mean, I'll come home immediately. But then they will want to have the wedding very soon. What about my engineering?' Sanyukta was falling short of breath.
Beta. They are very nice people. They have agreed to your continuing with your studies. So there's no problem. Now you just reach home by tonite.' Mr. Agarwal finished his sentence and disconnected the phone before Sanyukta could react any further.
Sanyukta was only trying to assimilate the just concluded converstion with her father when she felt a hand on her shoulder. What happened Sanyukta? Why are you still standing here. I was waiting for you in the canteen. Hurry up! We have an important lecture to catch up with post lunch break and then we need to get back to the robo-car project. The robotics competition is only 2 weeks away.' Randhir ushered Sanyukta towards the canteen and made her sit on a chair.
Sanyukta was only half listening to Randhir, her thoughts were still hovering around her father's words.
Sanyukta! Where are you lost? What's wrong? Is everything OK?' Randhir shook her to bring her out of her trance.
Oh! Nothing. I am ok.' Sanyukta replied and took up the sandwich which Randhir had already ordered for her.
Oh really! Miss Sanyukta Agarwal, I know I am not your best friend. But definitely I am the one who spends maximum time with you in this campus and thus can conveniently claim to know your attics and behaviour very well. Now come on tell me, what happened. What's bothering you?'
Nothing its personal! But yes one thing, you need to take up the robocar project on your own for the next one week. I am off to home for a personal reason.' Sanyukta said avoiding eye- contact. She was too embarrassed to share the engagement development with anybody right now. After-all she was going to be the first one in her college with an engaged' tag.
Off for one week? You never take leaves. Even when you had viral, you did not miss the classes. Then what personal work has come up that you are taking such a long leave?' Randhir shot back with concern evident in his voice.
I said its personal.' Sanyukta continued to have her sandwich with numerous thoughts hovering in her mind.
Personal! Hmm. I hope you're not getting married or something.' Randhir said sarcastically this time.
Sanyukta got caught off-guard at such prediction from Randhir and all her pent up frustration came out. You think all this is a joke. Its a damned lifetime for god sake. Getting engaged to somebody and then marrying is a very serious turn in one's life.'
Randhir's eyes went wide open at the revelation, You mean you actually are getting engaged? So what about your studies? I mean will you leave the college or what?' Randhir didn't realise that he was loud enough for the passersby to hear him. Sanyukta immediately put a finger on her lips and signalled him to lower his volume.
Sorry! But tell me seriously what is it all about?' Randhir enquired.
Arre Yaar! My grandmother is getting old and she wants to see me married of before anything happens to her. So my dad has been in search of a match for me very desperately. But I always wanted to do my engineering and work thereafter, so I developed this understanding with my father that I will marry on the condition that I shall be allowed pursue my aspirations.' Sanyukta explained.
And now your father has found an appropriate match for you.' Randhir declared as if he had solved a very critical mystery.
Yes! They are a family friend of my mamaji and my parents seem to be very keen on this match. Seems this time i'll be hitched for sure.' Sanyukta was dramatic enough to make it evident that she was also panicked with this development.
OK! Tum jao. I'll handle the stuff here. Just be back in time so that we can give finishing touches to our robo-car and participate in the competition.' Randhir said very understandingly.
Little did he realise at that time, how he would miss Sanyukta, his work-partner only' during this one week.
------------flashback ends-------------
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