Part- 14
Geet was quite worried about Meera. Something was not right. Meera was behaving weirdly for past few days. Meer was disturbed about something. Meer had been a pillar for her, a support system for the years she had been just surviving. Now that Geet is away from Meer she was worried about her.
Dev was hurrying towards the reception to go and meet Tara. God knows he had missed Tara. Five days they couldn't even talk. The issue at Gurgaon site had been too demanding and it took away all his time. Whatever time was left was occupied with his catching up with his work in Mumbai.
He would have straight gone to meet Tara but he saw a thoughtful Geet sitting in the corner brooding alone. Geet was looking so down spirited that Dev could not help himself and went near her.
Geet was startled by a sudden hand on her shoulder and saw Dev watching her with concern written all over him.
Dev:" What's the matter Geet? You look sad."
Geet watched on. She did not know for a moment what to answer. Then swallowing down the lump she said softly," Nothing really. You must be here to meet Tara. Let me call her."
Dev: Geet, what's wrong? Please don't try to change the subject."
Geet: "I have a friend in Delhi and she is in trouble. But she is not telling me anything. She is my best friend. She should tell me na??"
Dev smiled. Geet can be such a kid sometimes. Dev softly wiped away her rolling tear drops and said, "Geet, do you tell her everything?"
Geet: "Huh!"
Dev:"This best friend of yours, do you tell her everything about yourself?"
Geet remembered numerous things she never told Meer. Some moments between her and Armaan had been too private to be shared. Even her moments with Maan she had not shared with anyone precisely. Heck, she did not tell him about her staying with Pari.
Dev who had been watching her intently said, " Geet, sometimes we face situations which cannot be shared. Not even to our best friends. That does not mean we stop being friend to them. It is that, sometimes no one can understand our take other than our self. And there is nothing wrong in it. "
Geet looked up to Dev. He was right. Maybe in life you go in separate ways to such an extent that sometimes your best friend can also become stranger.
Dev thought to give Geet some time to process her thoughts and left to meet Tara.
Geet inhaled deeply and took out her cell. It is Saturday evening. She texted Meera: "Hey Meer!!! I know something is wrong and you are disturbed by it. Do talk to me about it when you are ready. Love you dear!!!"
*****
Meera was worried about the impending meeting with Yash. She had no idea what she will speak and what Yash will talk. She came near the MacDonalds only to see Yash standing. Yash was in casuals, a light blue T shirt and black fitted jeans and his hairs ruffling round giving him a boyish look. He smiled as they approached.
Yash watched Meera. She was same as she was years before. She was wearing a multicolored long skirt with a black top paired with a multicolored scarf.
When they were near each other they looked at each other. It seemed for a moment to them that nothing has really changed and they were back in 11th meeting outside the hostel for a date. There was no Pari, no heart breaks, no years of separation between them.
Meera felt uncomfortable with his constant gaze and lowered her eyes bringing Yash out of his reverie and he cleared his throat and said," Hey, you look good."
Meera looked up. She wanted to say many things but all she said was," Thanks!! So?"
Yash:" So, you want to sit inside the Mac D and talk?"
Meera:" Yes that would be fine."
They entered and found themselves a corner two-seater. Yash cleared his throat and asked," So will it be still a mac-chicken burger meal and a brownie?"
Meera smiled. Some things won't change. She said, " Yes. I guess you did not forget after all."
Soon they were seated with their order. Meera was waiting for Yash to start. Clearing her throat she said:
Meera:" Tell me Yash, why did you call me here of all place? What is that you want to talk about?"
Yash:" I want to talk about us Meer."
Meera:" There is no us remember? "
Yash:" I meant about the past. Meer, I know what I did was wrong. I mean not the decision, but may be the approach. I mean, I could have given you some time, prepared you a bit. Only I thought not to stretch things...I wanted to part as your friend Meer. You must know, I have always cared for you."
Meera was watching him speaking about past. She was getting angry by minute trying to figure the guts of the obnoxious man. How dare he proclaim that he cared for her?
Yash watched Mer. He knew his words would anger her and that's what he wanted. To make her angry so she can let go and burst out at him.
Meera took a deep breath praying for some self control and said in a deep mincing voice," How Dare you Mr. Yash to proclaim you care for me? You had known me for ten years and loved me for two years before our break up. And what did you do? You called me up and said about your feelings for some other girl...you did not have the guts to do it to my face. That also after a month we lost Armaan? You knew how badly Geet was ruined, Heck all of us were suffering. I mean Armaan was a family to all of us. He was like a brother to me. And just after one month of his... You did that to me. I couldn't even cry over you. I was too busy tending Geet that I couldn't even f**king cry over you. And then you roamed with Pari right in front of me showing me every bloody day that you have moved on when I was f**king standing at the same place. And now after years you come and tell me that you cared for me? How pathetic can you be Yash? How pathetic..."
Rest of Meera's words were chocked over her tears which were falling rapidly now. The words which started as an outburst of her anger showed her raw wound to the hurt to the man who had actually inflicted them in the first place.
Yash could feel a part of his heart bleeding. What had seemed right then seems so wrong now. Meer did not deserve this.
Meera controlled her rapidly falling tears a bit and looked up. Her eyes were accusing Yash yet there was pain and hurt of years she had tried concealing with her smile. Yash watched on with a heart filled with compassion.
Meera asked with an almost broken voice," Why did you do this to me Yash? Where did my love lack? I had loved you with my everything...wasn't that enough for you? I needed you then Yash. I needed you to cope up with Armaan's death. I needed you to be there while we tried to bring Geet back. I needed you Yash...You had promised me to never leave me. How could you do that to me?"
Even as a drop of tear again started falling from Meer's eyes Yash bent down and wiped it away. He knew he had wronged her but today he understood the extent of his wrongdoings. She had trusted him to be there for her yet he had failed.
Yash spoke in a subdued voice," I know a sorry won't change anything Meer but I am sorry. I know a sorry does not suffice or even change things. But it was not in my hands as well. If anything, think about this that I coped with Armaan's death all alone. You lost one love. I lost four friends. Armaan could never come back but I even lost Sid and Geet. They were a family even to me Meer. But I could never approach them you know why? Because though I always wanted them to choose you I was afraid they will do just that and that... that my dear Meer would have hurt me more than you can possibly imagine. "
Meera watched Yash. He looked vulnerable in that moment. It occurred to her for the first time that maybe it wasn't easy for him too.
Meer asked softly," Then why Yash?"
Yash looked up and said firmly," Because that was the right thing to do Meer."
Meer:" But how can that be the right thing if we both were hurt so badly? I thought you would be happy."
Yash sighed. Meer can be really innocent and nave sometimes. He took a deep breath and said," Meer you asked me right what was your fault in all this. You were not at fault Meer but it wasn't my fault either. Sometimes two good people cannot make a good relationship. I had loved you Meer. I had never faked it. But being together we both were losing ourselves too much and becoming something we were not. I am sorry Meer but at least to me we weren't meant to be. And I did not want to continue this when I was so doubtful of us. It was affecting you negatively. You were withdrawing yourself."
Taking a short pause he continued again," Meer, I had shared my thoughts with Armaan as well. He agreed with me. I am not saying this to justify my acts. I just wanted you to know."
Meera looked up and asked," He knew about it?"
Armaan nodded even as his mind raced back years ago, precisely the night before Armaan died.
Armaan was busy packing when Yash came to his room. Armaan knew Yash enough to understand the look in his eyes. Keeping the things on the bed he sat down and looked at Yash.
Yash thumped on the chair in front of him and said in an exasperated voice," I need a break."
Armaan:" From?"
Yash:" I don't know... studies, peer pressure ...everything."
Armaan:" I have known you for years Yash. You love studies like I love Geet. So spit it out...what exactly is bothering you buddy?"
Yash sighed. He knew Armaan would see through him. But wasn't that the reason why he came to Armaan in the first place?
Armaan waited patiently. He had kind of guessed Yash's issue but he gave Yash the required space...
Yash:" I don't think I can continue the things with Meer. She is a nice girl Armaan and I know all about how pure she is from heart. But thing is I don't connect with her anymore. It's like those stuffs in fairytales... In real life they don't really work. I don't know how to explain you but I don't think I can be happy with Meer. She is not the one for me."
Armaan:" Break up with her."
Yash was stunned. Even though that was precisely the idea in his heart he couldn't proceed with that thinking how hurt Meera would be.
Yash:"Meer would be hurt. I can't hurt her Armaan."
Armaan:" If you have doubts in your mind about her chances are there that you are already out of love Yash. And you will be hurting her more by staying with her. You both deserve a chance to find where you truly belong. If it is with her, you will find your way back to her. Otherwise if you try and compromise now you will be hurting her in a long run. And our Meer is a strong girl. I, Geet, Sid...all of us are there for her. Don't worry. She will be okay."
Yash was still doubtful. He voiced his thoughts saying," Will I be the bad guy then Armaan?"
Armaan smiled. He said softly," Sometimes two good people are not able to make a good relationship. That does not make them a bad person Yash. Remember this always Yash. And if you and Meer are truly meant for each other you will be with her in the end. Else you were never her."
Yash got up and hugged Armaan and said softly," I will hold onto your words Armaan. You have to help Meer cope up with the break up."
Armaan smiled and said," Sure buddy. She is my sweet sister remember. After coming back I might come and beat you up as her brother."
Yash laughed and said, " As long as you spare my specs."
And both the friends laughed. Armaan said," I know what I said will hurt you two now but this hurt will be better than the hurt you will be in if you guys continue."
Meera was stunned. She said softly," So it was Armaan's idea?"
Yash:" Don't think he was wrong. He was right. I mean we would both have been in pain Meer."
Meer:" Yeah!! Just he did not keep his word Yash. He did not stay by my side to help me Yash."
Yash: "You know he kind of did even in his death. Helping Geet had given you strength Meer. Trying to make Geet cope up you had coped up yourself. And by now I am sure love has knocked your doors as well... I am sure Sid finally spoke sometime in all these years..."
Meer who had been nodding her head looked up sharply and said," You knew?"
Yash:" Not from the beginning. I saw it in his eyes when he punched me for breaking your heart. And that was the moment I realized that you are in safe hands and maybe it was the right thing to do after all."
Meera gasped and said," That idiot!!! Who asked him to be hero? "
Yash:" I deserved the punch Meer. But more than that, you deserved that madness, that intensity of love. You are a girl who deserves a person who can love you and appreciate you. Unfortunately I am not that man."
Meer:"But I don't love him Yash. As idiotic as it sounds, I don't think I can love again."
Yash sighed deeply. Meer can be really stubborn sometimes. He said softly," I am not here to give you a lecture on falling in love twice. Just don't bind your heart with me. What you and I had was great, just like a fairytale. But this is reality. Truth is I am happy with Pari and I want you to be happy, and maybe love someone else. So when time comes, let your heart choose its way."
Meer was thoughtful. Yash was right. Today when she came she did not expect anything but now she knew that this meeting was needed. What she couldn't understand at 18 at 22 it was easier to comprehend. She had got her closure finally. Today they will part on friendlier terms. No, she and Yash cannot be friends yet as it is still too painful. But maybe someday they will...
Meer smiled and said," Thank you Yash!"
Yash:" For what Meer?"
Meer:" For this evening. For giving us a better ending."
Yash:" You deserved it Meer. It was the least I could do for you."
Meer:" I should go, it is getting late."
Yash:" Let me drop you Meer. It is not safe to travel alone."
Meer smiled. Some things can never change. She said," Don't worry. Papa is going to pick me up. He texted me few minutes back that he is almost here. Goodbye Yash. "
Yash:" Good bye Meer!! Remember what we had, wasn't fake. It was just not permanent. But I will always care for you as friend."
Meer:" Hmm. Take care Yash!"
Meera went out. She hoped someday in future she can look up to Yash and not wish for him to be her. Maybe that day she can be a friend of Yash again. After all Yash was a really nice friend.
******
Geet had been thinking what to do after sending the text. Suddenly a tst popped up.
Maan:" Hey Miss Song!!! WAASSUP??"
Geet smiled widely. Maan had texted right on time. Maybe it is right moment to distract herself.
Geet:" Nothing much Mr. Stranger... Just thinking on ways to kill time."
Maan:" What's wrong Geet? Everything fine?"
Geet:" Yeah Maan. Just bit worried about my bestie."
Maan:" Hmm, do you want to talk about it?"
Geet:" Not really. I had a nice chat with Dev and I got my perspectives right. ;)"
Maan:" Dve!! Wait a minute .what the hell is he doing there?"
Geet:" Mr. Stranger, you are such a buddhu in matters of heart...of course he is here to meet Naina."
Maan:" Hmm Miss Song, so you know all about love?"
Geet:" Not all but definitely more than you..."
Maan:" Don't tell me you are in love... I thought you were single and I had my chance ;)"
Geet was silent reading the text. Did she give a wrong signal to Maan? She did not want him hurt...
Maan:" Hey Geet...chill yaar, I was just kidding..."
Geet who had been holding her breath almost shouted over the SMS text:
Geet:" MAAAN!!!! You gave me a heart attack there..."
Maan:" HA HA!!! Got you, didn't I?"
Geet:" Arghghgh"
Maan:" Seriously though, I would love to know about your love story. He certainly is a lucky guy."
Geet:" He was lucky. I am unlucky."
Maan:" What are you trying to say Geet?"
Geet:" Not like this Maan. Someday when we are face to face and are not hurrying away somewhere, we will talk about this."
Maan:" Just remember, I am always there to listen Miss Song."
Geet:" I can never thank you enough for that Mr. Stranger. But now let me get going Maan..."
As she stopped texting she wondered why it was easy to share things with Maan and so difficult to share with others. What is this that connects her and Maan together??
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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