PART ELEVEN - THE CREMA
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Shekhawat," I said softly, smiling as I walked towards him for a handshake. He had a slight smile on his face as we shook hands. My eyes were tearing up upon seeing him after so many long years. I didn't feel like letting go, but I had to considering we weren't alone.
"Pleasure to meet you too Sir," I extended my hand to the other gentleman.
"Mrs. Mittal, it's a pleasure to meet you as well," he replied back. I saw Randhir flinch at the mention of my name from the corner of my eyes. "But I'll have to take your leave. Mr. Shekhawat will be conducting this interview alone. Good luck," he wished me before heading out.
And as he neared the door, he quickly added, "Remember what I told you Randhir!"
Randhir escorted him to the elevator where they both had a short conversation. The door was still ajar and I could hear Randhir ordering the receptionist to not bother him at any point during the interview.
I smiled hearing the authority in his voice after so long. Gulping down the lump in my throat, I waited patiently for him. It was only until I heard the door shut that I realized he had already entered the room. I stood up facing him, my tears threatening to spill out at any moment now.
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"Randhir!" she said ever so softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. I stepped towards her, not knowing what I was doing at the moment. But I went to her and stood right across her. No words came to my mouth. I wanted to tell her how good it felt to see her again, but I didn't. I wanted to tell her how much I still love her, but I didn't. I wanted to ask her why she left me, but I didn't.
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I stood there, taking in everything about him. Those eyes, still a window to his soul. I used to love seeing my reflection in them, and so I took this chance to relive that.
Seeing him again brought back all those memories that I reminisced every single day of my life after I had walked out of his life. I wanted to kiss him once again, to embrace him, to feel his touch; but I was afraid. I didn't know what to do, so I stayed quiet, letting the silence speak for me instead.
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She had a dazed look in her eyes, one I could recognize immediately. I leaned in slowly, waiting to gauge her reaction. Upon sensing no hesitation, I hugged her. My voice was betraying me right now. I missed you so much Farzi, my heart screamed out yet my voice stayed numb.
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As his hands snaked around me, I felt at peace after what seemed like an eternity. The chaos in my heart was put to a still by one touch of his. I couldn't hold myself back anymore; I clutched his shirt tightly and leaned in, letting the tears fall.
He patted my back as he tried to stop me from crying, but that only made me feel worse.
Why did I ever think leaving him was a good idea? How could I do this to Randhir despite knowing how broken he was before? Where did the Sanyukta, who promised him her lifetime, go on that day?
I blamed myself for all this, knowing very well that it was all and only my fault.
"I'm sorry Randhir!" I cried out, in between my tears. He held out a glass of water for me, "Drink this and calm down Sanyukta!"
I took the cup and drank it in one go, my throat still feeling parched. I stopped crying, but every time I looked at him, I would start tearing up. Seeing him still care the same way about me made me feel terrible. It made me feel unworthy of ever having received his love.
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Even after these years, it hurt to watch her cry. And despite not knowing what was going on in her life, I knew just why she was crying. She felt guilty for hurting me. Ashamed for not trusting me with the truth. But I had long forgotten those few shades of hers. I remembered the infinite other shades which made her the girl I fell in love with.
"Randhir," she spoke, her voice hoarse from all the crying. "I just..." she paused, clearing her throat. "I just want you to know Randhir, I'm not here to explain myself. I didn't even know I had an interview here, that too with you, until my agency called. I know I have no right to expect you to even listen to what I..."
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But as she kept talking, I couldn't hold myself back anymore and kissed her fiercely. She dropped the files that she had been fiddling with as she wrapped her arms around my neck, digging her fingers in my hair. I pushed her towards the wall, pinning her arms up above her as I deepened the kiss. She responded with equal, if not more, passion. But as I tried to hold her fingers, I felt a sharp stone on her finger. It took me a moment to realize what it was, but when I did, the reality dawned on me.
I backed off, but she didn't let me go.
"I can explain..."
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