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"I'll check with the doctor," he told his aunt. She was livid that he was letting strangers decide what was best for them. Again. Didn't he learn from the last time that people are selfish and think only about themselves. Like that Bangalan. If she hadn't been allowed into their home, Jiji wouldn't be in this state. Dev froze. It wasn't just Sona's fault. He knew that now.
He couldn't stop her. Like the gentle breeze she came in and shook him awake. He was the one who asked her to stay. He was the one who shared his heart with her. If Ma didn't have any problem, he would have shared his life with her too. Instead, she had stormed out angrily.
Why didn't she understand? She knew how their family worked. His mother had made so many sacrifices when he was younger. It was his turn now. Her every wish was his command. He was like Aladdin's genie, making her life more comfortable. She would take care of everything else. Things got confusing only when the genie had a wish. Maybe he should just stop wishing.
"I know that doctor won't pick up the call. What do they care? If its after office hours they just ignore patients," his aunt went into a rant seeing that he wasn't talking on the phone. He saw the phone book open. His fingers automatically stopped at her name. Wouldn't she answer if he calls?
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Sona came home after a tiring day. "I'll be with you in a minute Dada," she shouted as she took her phone out. It had came to life as soon as she plugged in the charger. She unlocked to check the messages she missed. She paused. He won't call. She kept the device on the table. It had been two days. Aunty must be home by now. If not anything, as a doctor he could call her.
"Did you see my pics?" came in Elena bouncing with enthusiasm. She shook her head. "We went to this mall. It was so cool.. " she prattled on. Sona couldn't focus anymore. She thought about her shopping trip with Dev and his mother. Didn't he see then, she was troubled by their interaction? Even though she tried to be polite, every step he took was towards her was away from aunty's preference. Why was it so hard for him to find the middle ground?
"Ouch!" she shouted when a pillow came flying towards her. She glared at the violent intruder. "Thinking of Dev baby?" Saurab asked. She took a deep breathe. No, this wasn't her fight. She chose to be firm and open with her family. If he wanted a relationship with her, he had to talk to his mother. She could assure aunty of her honest affection and her intent to build a future with him. But he had to admit his feelings. That step was his and his alone.
If a man can't tell his mother how important the woman he loves is, how will he tell the world? She didn't want this anymore. "I'll see the pics on your phone while mine gets charged," she joined her family with a smile
