Chapter 52: Chapter 52

I'm getting married tomorrow. But I wasn't crying. I didn't feel like crying any more. I had made myself a stone. So it doesn't hurt me anymore. My fate was doomed any way. I was unlucky in love and also marriage. I will never be happy the universe had made sure of that. I heard a knock. It could be the maid forcing me to eat again. I was no hungry. I'm not revolting or anything. I feel like my body had stopped asking for food. I want this ceremony to end.

I walked to the door and opened it. I saw my friend Rita standing there. Her sadness mirrored in her eyes and stance. I don't know why she is feeling pity for me. I was fine. I'm only getting married not going to be hanged. Even though both of the things had the same effect for me.

"You look like shit, " she said.

"I know", I told her with a sad smile.

"Look at you are you even eating"?, she queried me.

"I'm not hungry", I evaded her questions.

"I came here to give you this",she said giving me a letter.

"What is it?", I asked her.

"See for yourself", she said. I opened the letter and the familiar handwriting spoke to me.

I'm sorry. I know you think me as a coward for writing this instead of saying this to your face. But I can't take anymore of your rejection. I know I had been the worst boyfriend to you. I don't deserve you. I met Ramu Kaka today. I wanted to talk to him about you. But he surprised me telling that it was you who gave the jewelry and money. I was shocked. Why didn't you tell me? Maybe you knew that I won't believe you. I have behaved like an asshole. I have no excuse. But only that I was ignorant. I know you are going to get married to Rocky. He is in every way suited for you. I have nothing to offer you. But I have the will power to give you every comfort in this world. I'm going on ship to England tomorrow on the date of your wedding. If you still love me I want you to come with me. We will go to England. If you chose not to come I understand.

Love your Raja

He had put his words very nicely but he had given me a choice whether to go with him or not. He had confessed his feelings for me. This was what I wanted. I was crying every misunderstanding had fallen away. We are going to be together after all. I think fate had shown some mercy on me at last. I smiled and hugged Rita.

"I'm going Rita", I managed to say.

I saw a maid rushing to my room. I looked at her. She was distraught.

"What is it?", I asked her.

There is someone at the door. She said her name is Leila. She doesn't look good. Me and Rita exchanged a look. What does she want? Me and Rita stormed to living room to see her.

She didn't look well. Her face was swollen. I walked near her carefully. I was afraid she will stab me if I give her a chance.

"I'm surprised to see you Leila", I told her. She looked up. I saw no sadness or anger in her eyes only dullness.

"I came to see you. I'm thrown out of house. I have no where to go", she told me.

"This is not my home. I can't let you stay here", I told her.

"I'm pregnant. My parents want me to do an abortion", she said mechanically.

"I don't know what to say", I told her.

"It is Raja's child", she said. I took a huge breath. I had no idea what to say. It seems all the oxygen I had left my body.

"Have you told him?", I asked her.

"I can't he will tell me to get an abortion as well. He shouldn't know till I give birth", she said biting her lips.

"You can stay with me. I will talk to Ravi. Someone please take her to guest room and help her to get cleaned up", I told the maid who nodded her head.

I felt someone hug me so tightly it was Leila. I gently patted her back. I have to help her. She was so much like me thrown out of her own house.

"Thanks Asha. I'm Sorry for all things I had done", she said to me.

"It is OK", I said with a small smile. I watched her leaving with the maid.

"So what of Raja?", asked Rita.

"Tell him I said no", I said tears brimming over my eyes.

"But Asha", she protested.

"It is OK. I have to take care of her. Raja can't take a pregnant woman and me on a ship. Even if we go Ravi would be after us like a hound dog. I'm surprised he hadn't woken up with all the commotion", I said to Rita.

"You should talk to Leila. She must know what you are giving up for her", said Rita.

"There is no need for that. She should never know", I told her.

I walked to the guest room to find Leila lying down. I looked at her stomach. She is carrying the child of Raja. It was my dream but I will never have it. I sat near her she smiled at me.

"Raja is going away to England on a ship", I told her.

"Good so he won't be back till I give birth", said she.

"I don't think he will ever come back", I told her.

"No he will be back", she said.

"How do you know?", I asked her.

"It is simple he can't stay a long time away from you. He will go but I guarantee you that he will be back", said Leila.

"How do you know?", I asked her.

"Because he called me Asha while making love to me. No man will make that mistake unless they are in love", she said with a smile.