PART 13:
Naina, Rahul and Kakun are left at the table the silence is slightly uncomfortable.
Kakun starts to clear the table, a moment later Rahul and Naina help.
'Rahul why don't you sort out Devi Aunty and Dinesh Uncle room while Kakun and I finish in here? Naina says to Rahul
Rahul stops looks from Naina to Kakun and back trying to read Naina expression. His uncertainty shows clearly; he doesn't want to leave Kakun alone, never alone again; he's frightened that Naina may say something that will bring back all Kakun doubts of them being together, raise her guilt that in their being together Naina would be hurt and unhappy. Kakun unselfishness knew no bounds, he was sacred that once again she would put someone else's happiness before hers, before his.'
'Rahul go, I'll be fine.' Kakun replies her love showing in her eyes
'I promise to take care of her Rahul, I know how precious she is to you.' Naina says gently.
Rahul still concerned showing on his face, but resigned 'he knew he had to trust Kakun; she understood his love was real and that they were meant to be, but this belief, this trust had to be both ways.' He nods, 'I'll be back as soon as I've organised everything.' and leaves.
Naina and Kakun tidy the table up by tactic agreement do not say anything, they enter the kitchen and start to clean up,
'Kakun'
'Naina' they both call to each other
They turn and smile but it soon disappears, both know that for one this night was the beginning of all that she ever wanted and other this night was to be the end of all that she ever wanted.
Naina breaks the silence;
'Kakun you and Rahul belong together; I know that and everyone in that room knows that. You must accept it and put whatever doubts, fear or unworthiness you feel away from your mind and heart. You owe yourself and Rahul this, you owe your love this. Don't sacrifice it again and don't think it is selfish to take what has always belonged to you. It would be selfish of you not to take what Rahul is offering and that selfishness would cause only more pain and I know he cannot take anymore he has endured so much.' Naina voice peters out, she remembers that Kakun has endured even more pain then Rahul and it was the worst kind for it had struck at her heart, mind, body and soul and would remain forever.
Kakun walks over to Naina and puts her hands out and holds hers, 'What about you Naina? What about your love? Your love for Rahul? Please don't insult me by telling me you only love him as a friend, I've seen your eyes. I've seen you with him and your love shines through. You are so good for him; you gave him strength when he needed it the most, you protected him when he was hurting, you took care of him when no one else could. Naina you say it is selfish not to take what is mine but the same goes for you, Rahul does love you, you must be blind if you cannot see that.'
'I know he loves me Kakun, he loves me as a dear friend, as you would love a life jacket; it saved your life but that's what it was made for, your grateful for it but you put it aside for you have no further need of it, Rahul love is like that for me. I was only there at his side because you were not, and you are now where you belong, at his side and he has no need for me now or ever again. That is how it should be Kakun, you and Rahul together- so simple don't complicate it.'
Kakun opens her mouth to protest.
'No Kakun, I've made decision and that's it! Now forget everything else and just concentrate on you and Rahul- bus.'
'Did I hear my name mentioned?' Rahul walks in smile of his lips but his eyes are worried as he takes in the scene.