Together, Forever

Their story was to carry on, for long. A simple conclusion like marriage was not destined for them. Vrinda and Shyam were almost there.

In the springs of the new year, when she was totally devastated and was not ready to get into another relationship, her mom announced, “This is it. You have to get married!” Vrinda denied the proposal. She knew that it wasn’t the right time to seek it. Her mom quietly wept and asked her if she can do it for her. Vrinda thought a lot and nodded. She said “I will, only for you!” Little did she know that standing by this promise would mean a sacrifice in every way.

Shyam, in the meanwhile, was busy pursuing his further studies. He had completed his degree course from the best college in the country. He was all the more confident and knew that nothing is impossible. With a new set of friends and a like-minded company, he felt more alive and enthused.

Vrinda had always been in touch with Shyam. Whenever he told her about other girls around, she felt a pang of jealousy. She was dating other guys, but she always believed that Shyam cannot go anywhere. Come what may, he has to be by her side! Strange are the ways you might love someone.

One day, he was chatting with Vrinda on his latest laptop. She seemed to be pretty happy that particular evening. On asking, she told him, that since he was returning she had bought a little gift for him. Shyam was delighted. They talked further about her job and its challenges, his homecoming which involved movement to a new metro for the new job, and so on.

After a long-sweet-and-animated chit-chat. Shyam finally popped the question,

“Vrinda, what have you thought about marriage?”

“I am just not in the right frame of mind to go ahead with it Shyama. Did my mum speak to you about this?”, she replied.

“Are you crazy? I asked you because now we are not at an age of just goofing around, looking for macho men! You have got to think it through!”

“You are right, as I just said, I am just not able to come to terms with it. I have just faced a separation; I am out of energy to even think about it again. And my family has decided to find me a man of their choosing.”

“Vrinda, we are not kids anymore. Don’t you want to make a decision of your own?”

“Yes Shyama, of course, I do!”

“Ok. Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“What had happened to us? Why did we never work out? Why had you left me?”

“Shyama, I am sorry for being a fool! I am not as stable-headed and sorted as you are. I have always had a wandering mind. I was just drifting along! I do realize I have hurt you in the process, but I never intended to. I have always respected you and will continue to do so.”

“Thank you for the kind words, Vrinda. But answer me, what next?”

“I don’t know. I’m not foolish to ask you to take me back, after what I have done repeatedly! Let me pay for my thoughtless actions.”

“But I want you to be a fool again. I want you to ask me. Vrinda! I have always loved you. Will you marry me?”

“Shyama! Are you aware of what you are asking of me?”

“Yes!”

“OK. I am in.”

“So, the venture begins Vrinda. Finally, we will be a couple!”, he chuckled.

“It will not be easy, Shyama. You have to speak to my parents first. I don’t know what will they think of it.”

“Take your time Vrinda. I will speak to them. I am very excited. Let me go and tell my friends here! I am so happy. See you Vrinda. I will be back soon. Let us make it this time.”

“Thank you, Shyama for trusting me. I am so eager to see you. Take care, my man!”

Vrinda smiled but there was a fear in her heart.

***

She was anxious.

Driving to his place, picking him up and going out for lunch at a plush restaurant at Rajouri Garden just seemed to fly by in a few seconds. Her forced smile and calm composure was worrying. His distressed smile and slow movements showed the weight he was carrying.

Both of them sat down at a table, ordered the food and some wine. Little did they speak that day.

Shyam broke the silence and said, “I am sorry Vrinda. I couldn’t foresee these events. I had never intended these things happening.”

“Of course Shyama”, said Vrinda.

“I want you to know that I really tried hard at my place. But my parents would not allow me to marry out of caste, just never occurred to me.”

“But why didn’t you ever discuss it with them?”

“I would have if I could sense it. They have a well-educated son now. They want him to take care of all the financial backlogs and the marriage of my sister before me. Only after that can I think of my own. That too with their choice of girl.”

“I understand all that, but your parents haven’t even met me once!”

“I know, but they are just not ready for it. I am sorry but I can’t help it.”

“My parents were happy with the prospect. I will make a fool of myself in front of the entire family!”

“I am sorry, Vrinda.”

“Yes. I trust your apology now.”

They ate quietly.

Bob Dylan played all along the journey back home, which now seemed to be very long. Vrinda dropped Shyam near his home. His eyes were filled with tears. But poor Shyama was never expressive and didn’t say much just “Take care Vrinda, I love you!”

“I love you too!” She winked at him. Both of them laughed, shook each other’s hand and looked into each other’s eyes for a long time.

She left happy and he left unburdened. They loved each other. It was her karma backfiring. She knew her Shyama was pure.

(Bob Dylan Song)

Well, it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe
Even you don’t know by now

And it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe
It’ll never do somehow

When your rooster crows at the break of dawn
Look out your window, and I’ll be gone

You’re the reason I’m a-traveling on
But don’t think twice, it’s all right.

And it ain’t no use in turning on your light, babe
The light I never knowed

And it ain’t no use in turning on your light, babe
I’m on the dark side of the road

But I wish there was somethin’ you would do or say
To try and make me change my mind and stay

But we never did too much talking anyway
But don’t think twice, it’s all right.

***

(This story is in continuation of the previous story titled as Love and Longing.)