Drabble - All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye (26th's Precap)

'I'm getting married.'

His heart sped up rapidly, and for a minute he thought she could see it. Run faster and faster and faster with no signs of slowing down. His throat was dry, and he wondered if he would be able to speak if he tried to.

She took in his silence and stared at the book still open in front of her on the canteen table. The words seemed blurred and hazy and she squeezed her eyes shut.

'My dad had a heart attack. I .. I got a call from the hospital this morning. From my brother, actually. He was admitted yesterday.'

When he said nothing at all, she looked at him and hoped she didn't look as miserable as she felt. 'My fiance thinks it's all because of the pressure he's under with my marriage. With .. me, really. My brother agrees and they both- all of them think it's only right if I get married now.'

His jaws clenched, and she thought he looked like he was desperately trying to choke down the urge to scream. The veins near his temples popped out angrily, and she took a step closer.

'It'll not be a problem for the .. uh, Dream Team. Even without me, there will be six of you and ..'

Randhir's eyes snapped, and she stopped talking.

'Just like that?'

'Randhir ..'

'So I guess that's it? Sanyukta Agarwal,' his voice shook but he held firm, 'obsessed, ambitious, ruthless .. Sanyukta Agarwal. Driven by her dreams. They are not important anymore, isn't it?'

Her eyes warmed and tears spilled, sizzling her temper. The mid afternoon sun blared at her back.

'No.'

He looked like she'd slapped him, and she lifted her chin. Wiping her tears, she repeated firmly. 'No, they're not.'

For a moment they were quiet. Then he spoke up.

'That's what everyone does, can you see it now?' He gave a bitter laugh, and took a step back, 'everyone leaves right when it matters.'

Her breath left abruptly.

'Goodbye, Sanyukta Agarwal. It was nice meeting you.'

...

John Mayer's "All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye"