Kabir had been out for meetings all day. On getting back, he called Richa to his cabin for a briefing. At the end of their conversation Richa spoke hesitantly.
Richa: Umm. Kabir Sir. I think you should know. Ananya was in the washroom for a long time today and when she came out her eyes were swollen. I tried asking her. But she didn't say anything
Looking at his worried face she quickly added.
It's probably nothing. But I thought you should know.
Kabir: Thank you so much Richa. Ill handle it.
It was moments like these made Richa realize that she had probably been wrong about Kabir. He was completely in love with her friend
Kabir looked out from his cabin. His eyes noticed the puffiness around her eyes. He had an urge to run to Ananya immediately. But he knew he couldn't mix his personal and professional lives.
By the time he got done with work, Ananya and he were the only ones in office. He walked up to her desk.
Kabir: You have been crying? What's upset you so much?
Ananya: Nothing much...
Kabir: If something is enough to make you cry, it's a big deal.
Ananya: I...umm... have been feeling rather unwell for a few days. I did a test and it came out positive.
Kabir: Test?
Ananya: Um...
Suddenly a realization dawned on him
Kabir: You mean a pregnancy test?
Ananya nodded tears streaming down her eyes. Kabir gently wiped the tears and smiled at her.
Kabir: My stupid budbudati reporter what's the need to cry over this? Like you I hope it's a false positive. We have only dated for 6 months and you are still very young and your career... Given we are always so careful, I am quite certain it is.
But. If it is actually positive we'll make the best of it? The most amazing things in life happen unexpectedly, don't they?
Ananya smiled through her tears.
Kabir: Now you have taken an appointment with the doctor? Tomorrow morning? Great.
Next morning Kabir went to Ananyas house to pick her up.
Ananya: You came?
Kabir: Why does that surprise you?
Ananya: Umm.. nothing... Let's go?
At the clinic, the doctor confirmed that the test was wrong and Ananya wasn't pregnant. Ananya jumped with joy and kabir smiled looking at her antics.
Later at his house.
Kabir: You know I stayed awake last night.
Ananya: You too? I was worried sick, Absolutely petrified.
Kabir: Umm.. actually my reason was slightly different. A part of me was excited at the possibility of the news being accurate. So I was thinking of ways to make it work.
So, we'd need to get married much earlier than either of us had planned. But I am sure we could make it work splendidly.
Then I was concerned about your career. And I came up with a great solution. I told you about the offers I have been getting to write a book. Well I have been tempted to take it up and if this news would have been true i would have gone ahead and taken it. I could quit my job at KKN and start working on my book. I could continue doing some freelance work, if and when I got time. That way I could have the flexibility of being at home and your career could remain unhindered.
Ananya looked incredulous.
Ananya: You'd really do that? And here I was concerned that you wouldn't even...
She stopped short. It suddenly struck Kabir why she had been so upset by the news, why she had been surprised to see him in the morning. For once, his usually poker face reflected the pain and anguish he felt.
Kabir: You thought that i wouldn't even accept the child?
Ananya: You.. I... I am sorry for hurting you like this.. It's just that... I was being foolish. Let's not talk about it.
Kabir made an effort to look more positive and said.
This is exactly the thing we need to talk about.
Ananya: It's just that. I still know such little about you. And all the rumors.. My heart doesn't believe a word. But sometimes, my mind starts tricking me.. AND i.. i am sorry.
Kabir: No Ananya, I am the one who should be sorry. I should have told you more about myself. Its just that I have gotten used to suppressing memories related to some parts of my life.. But.. It's time. You deserve to know the truth..
The whole truth..
Here goes...