'Oh my god! You look so beautiful.'
'Thanks! I was afraid it might be too gorgeous. My mom forced me to wear this.'
'Of course not. Believe me, when your to-be-fianc will see you, he is going to faint.'
She smiled cheekily, a faint pink coming on to her cheeks. Taking care as to not tread on her sequined dress, she climbed down the stairs.
Everyone was waiting for her downstairs. Including her fianc. She couldn't help but smile at him. He had been one of her best friends since KMA . .. and also hopelessly in love with her. it had been quite amusing as well as flattering that time, actually, to see someone else so much in love with you. She had always regarded him very highly. And she had to admit.. he did look very ruggedly handsome in his suit. He held out a hand for her, and she accepted. His touch was warm, caring, loving and affectionate but she did not feel a spark. She did not feel any electricity when she touched him. She had asked herself the question many times.. Did she love him? and each time she had decided with a NO. but he was like her brother, her best friend.. and she knew that she will have a very happy life with him. happy.. but loveless. And she could do nothing to change that. The person she loved had left her.. all alone to face the world.
'Do you really have to go now?'
'Yes, darling. I have too. See, the country needs me. The militants need me.. I am their last hope, sweetheart, I have to go.'
'But I need you too,' she whined, ' what will I do without you?'
'I will come back for you, I promise.'
'And if you don't?'
'then, you have to promise me that you will marry someone else and be happy. Don't rot over me.. do you promise?' he took her hands in his.
'I promise too.. but you have to come back. I will be waiting for you.' She smiled softly.
' I love you, Raj.'
He smiled sadly, as he moved towards the door. 'don't I get a response?' she asked.
He couldn't do it. He couldn't tell her that he loved him. He wouldn't be able to leave her then. It was better this way, he resolved.
'Of course, darling,' he smiled, ' Bye.. and I will see you soon.' He turned to leave but felt her tug his hand.
'don't you love me?' her eyes were sad and anxious, almost begging him for an affirmative.'
'No,' he whispered, even if it broke his heart to do so, 'No. I like you, I care for you.. but I don't love you. I'm sorry.. I'm sorry Naina.' Fighting the tears which were threatening to fall down, he went out.
Those were the last words she had herd from him. and here she was, almost a year later.. fulfilling her promise by marrying someone else. She heard someone vaguely say
' So its final then. The wedding is two weeks from today.'
People came to congratulate her, and she tried to smile.
On the far corner, the picture of Captain Rajveer from her graduation night fell on the floor and smashed into pieces.
Anupamaa
