Disclaimer: This is not a fully formed story. I'm writing it to satisfy my need for a genuine conversation between Abhi and Pragya just once. In my story, both Abhi and Pragya believe their "relationship" is over because Tanu is pregnant (they think it's real). They both expect to move on from each other and I have attempted to free them of the issues so they can speak freely. Below is my prologue to this conversation.
It was the stars she missed the most. No, that wasn't entirely true. It was the stars she allowed herself to miss the most. Sweet relief at the end of those tiresome days when she had to run around, pretending to be someone she was not. She reminded herself that those few moments with the stars before she slept were the only things she could still claim as her own. Everything else had never belonged to her anyway and the sooner she believed that, rather than simply reminding herself to believe that, the sooner she could move on.
She took a deep breath to calm herself, and looked over in slight envy at her sister who slept so soundly. Her sister had always been able to sleep, despite her worries and troubles; she had her dreams, after all. The coveter of stars, though, no longer had any dreams beyond seeing those stars. It had been enough to make it through the day; there was no room to hope for much more.
Pragya's minds started to drift to her troubles. It had been a rough month for Pragya. After leaving her famous husband, she had been stalked by all kinds of people - reporters seeking scandal, fans seeking autographs, neighbors seeking gossip, students seeking a look from the rockstar's estranged wife, his Daadi seeking a reason, her family seeking a smile. She had been stingy in giving out anything though, which only made everyone thirstier for information she would not provide. Soon enough everyone would learn everything anyway - there was no hiding the true reason for her abandonment of the rock star - and the scrutiny would intensify but in the meantime, Pragya told everyone who mattered that her relationship simply didn't work out and everyone quietly accepted, following the lead of the unlikeliest person - Sarla.
It never occurred to Pragya, in all those months that she demeaned herself and allowed herself to be demeaned, that her mother of all people would understand this simple statement, if she only explained it to her rationally. When the time came, when there was no choice left but to leave, this is exactly what Pragya did though. She cited the different backgrounds and lifestyles of husband and wife, using some clear examples like a true academic would. Her mother simply sighed after the lecture and agreed with Pragya. The reaction puzzled Pragya but she was not one to question a welcomed response. Her mother had survived and Pragya hoped she would survive the real reason once it was time to tell it. Pragya had wanted to tell her all along - selfishly, she knew it would absolve her of blame and free her of a million questions - but he asked her if she wouldn't mind waiting a few weeks.
Pragya complied with his wishes, like always, not knowing why she complied with his wishes this time, like always. It was not entirely out of obligation. He had helped her family keep their marriage hall but he made sure she knew it wasn't because of her. He always made sure of that in vile ways. So there was no need for her to be thankful, though she still was to an extent. And she knew when her mother found out about his upcoming news, all sense of gratefulness from the family too would be demolished. But Pragya understood that her husband's life was also about to be put into turmoil. His relationship with his grandmother was about to be put in a tailspin. Pragya knew this was his own fault, but still, against her own will, she felt a small amount of sympathy for him. It was not in her to wish him ill, despite his terrible tendencies. This was especially true when wishing him ill would wish his Daadi ill as well. It was...all too complicated, and all the intelligence and education in the world could not help her figure out her feelings.
Pragya took another deep breath and shifted her eyes back to the ceiling. Her mind had wandered into unpleasant territory she could not successfully navigate and there was nothing up there to distract her. The humidity, the sweat rolling off her brow, Bulbul's light breathing. But no stars. Soon it would be morning, and she would be forced to battle a world of inquisitive looks and buzzing whispers. And that without sleep, it appeared.
Suddenly, she heard a whisper - "Chashmish, I know you're awake."
It was him.
CID
Book Talk
Hindi TV Shows
Ishaani
621