Posted:
Never had his boardroom ever feel as tense as this. Well, that is the best example for him to compare stressful situations. There, votes and heated discussions would lead to a decision , a resolution.
Here he sat with his mother, in Sonakshi's living room, with her parents on the opposite side and no one is talking. His mother spoke and he too, but all cajoling seems to bounce off ineffectively.
Bijoy finally spoke as Elena served tea. "Have you any idea, Mrs Dixit, what a scene these two made last week? He shows up there, drinks alcohol and staggers about till he falls, making a scene? And our Sona runs to him like a tragic lover , in a bridal dress, and walks out to send him home?!"
"And you, Mr Dixit, with all your prestige and societal status, is this how a decent man behaves? Making a scene there ? at her engagement? why didn't you come to our house even once to discuss with us if you two loved each other so much!?"
"Marriage is not a game, Mr Dev Dixit. You are asking a woman, to leave her family and come to live with you and your family. To join two life journeys together to a new path. Love is important, but trust makes love stronger."
"Do you know how broken Sona was when you chucked her out of your life last month? I was holding my beautiful baby girl, broken to pieces because the man she loved threw her away! And to think I liked you ! I supported your love story! But you broke her heart, young man. Really badly. "
Dev sat quietly , hands clasped, listening. He knew he had this coming. He foolishly trampled over so many feelings and he must make amends.
"I'm sorry but right now my daughter does not feel like she wants to marry you. She does not think she can trust you to watch out for her in the future. Once she marries you, you will be everything to her. You must take care of her, protect her, shield her , be her strength in good times and bad. Be her friend, be her lover , be her lifelong companion. Do You think you have inspired such trust on her, honestly speaking?" Bijoy spoke earnestly. He wasn't sure the mother and son knew the magnitude of what they were asking for.
"I'm sure they have woven dreams together when they were in love, Mr Bose," Ishwari interjected, " they have had many moments to share hopes and dreams.. we dont have to teach them that..." It bugged her that Mr Bose was scolding him like a father would a wayward son. No one can speak to her successful son this way.
But Dev heard it all. And was very ashamed of his behaviour. Not only was all the words true, but it hit home suddenly that what Mr Bose was saying was on Sonakshi's behalf.
Did she really think he wouldn't take care of her?
I love you Sonakshi! I'll cherish you like treasure !!
Did she think he wouldn't protect her from life's troubles? Be her strength? Didn't she trust him to always love her?
But what have I done to inspire her confidence in me? I left her so abruptly. She begged me. But I turned away from her. I know why I did it. I expected her to understand why I did it. Because she knew me the best.
But what right have I to ask her to come back now?
He searched her face, seated across from him, as furthest away from him as possible. She refused to look at him, just stared at the floor, shamefaced. Like child being taught a lesson.
Was their love such a selfish thing? Here they thought they were sacrificing for their families and yet they ended up causing more hurt and troubles.
Sonakshi won't even look at him.
"In a nutshell, I'm telling you that we are not the bad guys here..." Bijoy explained, " if you two still love each other and want to be together, you need to sit down and talk and come to a decision. I'm not making that mistake again, by forcing Sonakshi to say yes to a marriage when she is silent and conflicted."
"Mr. Dixit, you can see my daughter. Convince her to marry you. Remind her how much you love her. Make her trust you again. If you can convince her , then I will have no objections."
His mother got up to leave, gestured respectfully and said she'd wait in the car. Bijoy and Asha got up too and left. Sonakshi sat staring at her lap.
"Looks like your Baba has given me a green light, Sonakshi..."
Her gaze shot up instantly to his. Anger. Fiery. He felt scorched at the red hot anger in her regard of him. She must be so mad at him that she cant remember she loves him so much.
"I don't know what you're doing , Mr Dixit. Why can't you just let matters be?"
"It's Dev for you. I made a huge scene because I couldn't bear to see you with someone else. I'm sorry for that, but I do love you so. So much it hurts. At the very least i deserve a chance to make it up to you."
"Why? so you can hurt me again? " she whispered. " I won't let you break me again... so just stop this.."
He came to his knees near her and tried to take her hand, but she evaded.
"I love you Sonakshi. It never did go away. I sent you away, but you were still in my heart, every minute, every day. I missed you terribly."
"How was it so easy for you to walk away from me? " she said , her voice wobbling with tears. "I couldn't be so stone hearted, seeing you on the floor like that night. But you could. I waited and waited for you to call me. To come and see me, at least to call me . But you didn't! Not once ! I missed you so much and you just went on as usual. I can't forget that..." She wept into her hands.
"Please Sonakshi... give me a chance. I'll make it up to you. Please don't cry any more. I'm sorry... Your tears are killing me.", he spoke emotionally.
She sat sobbing in earnest and he sat listening to her. Gently, he placed his hand on hers.
"I'll make it up to you, I promise... just promise me you'll pick up the phone when I call...? " She didn't respond, but her sobs quietened. Slowly, he got up to leave.
"I Love you, Sonakshi... "
Love Friendship Dating and Relationships
Bindi
