Arshi - SS It's Time To Move On (completed) - Page 3

Part - II

Priyanka came back to reality hearing footsteps behind. She turned around to find Khushi was hesitatingly standing at the terrace entrance. Priyanka warmly smiled at her & ask her to join her.

Wo, actually I didn't know that you were here. I came with Aakansha & buaji & dadi, uncle & aunty were busy with them. Since, nobody else were there , thought of visiting the terrace'. Khushi explained.

Why are you giving so many explanations Khush. You can come here, whenever you want.'

After taking a momentary pause, Priyanka continued ,'I am sorry Khush for your loss. I really am. Did you tell uncle & aunty about it'?

I haven't yet. I don't know, how to tell them . But still I have to. Buaji is going to inform them about the Puja'.

A silence followed then. Nobody knows what to talk. Priyanka has always like Khushi as a child. When Anjali used to complain how naughty a child she is , Priyanka used to laugh it off. But, the situation that they are in now , Priyanka doesn't know how to feel for the girl standing infront of her , whose sister has apparently taken away her love.

After sometime, Priyanka started speaking ,' I never knew about Aakash- Payal , not even Anju'. Without sensing any interruption from Khushi , she continued & started sharing her own feelings, which she never discussed with anyone, not even Anjali, after Aakash left them.

I always have a crush for Aakash. But I was so busy in my dreams & have a fairytale like future that I never bothered to think about Aakash's feelings. My obsession for Aakash have cost us everything'

I didn't know what exactly happened . Amma - bauji didn't told me anything. Jiji & jeejaji always get sad with the mention of any family member. Even then, they didn't share anything. & I never asked anything to Arnav. I only knew, that elders were angry with jiji & jeejaji. I knew that you were married to jeejaji. Then what happened all of a sudden, I have no clue'.

Hmmm... You were a child back then Khush. & at the time, when everything took place, you were in Bangalore doing your graduation.

Do you also blame jiji for everything'?

With a deep sigh , Priyanka continued ,'After going through regular counseling session for last 5 years, I have realized many things Khush . One of them being Payal was never at fault.

Though this statement shocked Khushi , but she didn't say anything.

"I have realized Khush , that whatever it was there, it was due to my obsession, my crazy love for Aakash. He never said he loved me . Hell, he never noticed me. Anju & my dreams, without considering other facts or aspects , I build my hopes on my imagination. So, when the reality hits me, I was not able to accept that. All my childhood & my teens, I believed I love Aakash & I will be having my happily ever-after with him only. But , I forgot, that the person with whom I have imagining my future with is completely oblivious to everything related to me. He politely rejected my feelings , but it infuriated me. The hurt was still there. I emotionally blackmailed him, tried to manipulate him, & when nothing worked betrayed him . Not only him, I hurt my parents too. I thought, if this marriage happens, come whatever may, Aakash will be never separated from me. But I was wrong. & though in these years, I slowly come to a point to accept that fault is basically mine, I don't know how to amend my mistakes. As deep down, I still love him & I can never get over him.'

Jeejaji used to blame himself for many things. He believed that may be subconsciously he did something that lead you on. He felt guilty of cutting all ties with his family. He felt guilty of staying in a live-in relationship with jiji & was unable to give her a legal marital status. He knew deep down it hurts jiji a lot. But everybody were helpless. So, he allowed me & Arnav to be in touch with you guys.'

I can understand'. Priyanka was feeling quite light. In all these years, she has come to a point of realisation, that she is at fault. Even, she was ready for the divorce & want to to talk to elders & Aaksh . But before she could ask for forgiveness, or initiate the process, all this happened. Talking to Khushi has helped her finally admit her fault to her own self. It brought a closure to her heart as well. She doesn't know, had they been alive, would they have forgiven her ? But it's never too late. There is still something, she can do for them.