Nairan OS: Choices

Naina couldn't believe the wide range of emotions she had been feeling the past few days. The last day of teej was not a day she wanted to come soon. It was her dooms day. Pass and you live a life that you dreamed about with the man that had taken your heart. Fail and you return home with your mother who will accept you as who you are but you the lose the only man you had loved. Naina's heart had been in her mouth since morning. This was a decision she didn't want to make. As the day went by she put on her brave face as she always did and kept motivating Karan to perform. He performed with full enthusiasm and excitement that her heart welled up. She clapped like she never had before. Trying to get rid of the worrying tension that was settling in.

She had tried her best in all the rituals. Every single one. Maasi mass turned out to be a plotter. She had tried to create obstacles but she had overcome them for Karan. Now standing in a line to do the sindoor pooja, the final step. She felt she could make it. She looked at Karan those eyes that showed the trust he had in her. She wished she didn't have to break it. He had been so broken when she had gone away for a few days. How would he stand up if she was leaving forever? The thoughts flooded her mind as Naina was given the sindoor box but before she could take it, papa had stopped them, told her to prove herself as a test.

She tried to get her words out but she had to stand still for a moment and take it in. This is it she thought. The win or the loss. She comforted Karan as he went off. He will be fine right? Her Heart said yes. He has to be. As they eagerly waited for the doctors to give out their opinion, Naina's heart thumped louder and louder. What was taking them so long? Will she lose her Karan forever? She saw them walking down now and tried to look at Karan's face looking for an answer but it was completely blank. He didn't know the answer himself.

Finally the doctors let it out. He is cured. He is completely fine. Her heart jumped with happiness. On that day, she felt she could never be happier. She had rushed over to give him a hug. He had nicely averted it but no worries they were together now and they could hug a millions times in their coming future together. Her smile was so wide. It only got wider when she was announced a new blushing bride. Their eyes met. You are always mine, but I will make you mine again said his eyes. She shied. That night she had slept an almost too peaceful sleep which she hadn't slept in days.

It wasn't long before her heart shattered. As days went by and each ritual took place. She enjoyed herself and saw how much Karan enjoyed himself too. But there was a new problem. Sawri. She didn't know why her happiness never lasts long. As she finally put the pieces together of Maasi ma's truth. She overheard the demand also from Pushpa. You must marry my daughter to Karan she was saying. Now again on a path where she had to choose. Her di's happiness or the only man she would ever love. Life was tough. She felt that again and again.

She thought about how much her sister had done for her. Yes it was time to sacrifice. Give up her love for her sister. She would be able to adjust without Karan but her sister wouldn't be able to live without Kunal. I will do what I must, she told herself. So here sitting in front of the mirror, completely dressed as a bride, Naina thought of Maasi mas challenge in the morning. Chali jao yahan se, jeene do tumhari di ko. She stood up, it was time for her to go. She took her suitcase and started to head off. She took one last look at Karan's picture on her table. I love you, she said. I hope you understand. With a tear running down her cheek, she left.

It had been hours since she left and here she sat at the train station with a ticket in hand. She was still in her wedding gown and people kept looking. But she was too upset to care. The wedding must be over now. The tears didn't seem to stop. Her heart ached in agony. I'm sorry Karan she cried. I'm so sorry. Ab sorry Bol rahi ho, came a reply. Naina looked up shocked. Karan tum. There stood Karan in his wedding clothes. Kuch bhi soche bina tum chali ayi, he asked accusingly. She tried to explain but he cut her off. Hum sab ko sach batha chal gaya hai. Mein Sawri se shadhi nahi karoonga. Par Karan she tried to argue. Kya socha that tumne, ki tum chali jaogi aur mein khush reh paunga? Her heart ached as more tears fell. I'm sorry was all she managed to say. Pagal he said as she pulled her towards him, giving a small grin.

Her heart thumped louder once more. Mein tumse pyaar kartha hoon usse nahi. The world stopped around her. She blushed. He slowly held her face in his hands. Please ghar chalo. Sab intezaaar kar rahe hain. Shadhi bhi toh karni hai, warna tessri shadi karni padegi. She laughed. Her heart felt so warm. She pinched herself to make sure this wasn't a dream. It wasn't. He was really here. He was really taking her home. For a moment all her thoughts slipped out of her mind. What happened to Sawri? Pushpa? No she would face everything. She took his hand as he lead her out of the railway station. Towards a new life. A life she wanted with all her heart. A life full of dreams and love. A life with Karan.