Chapter 5

*Vani Pov*

“I know, you wanted to talk to him, but they had to leave early to catch the bus. We don’t get one right after dark and they can’t travel tomorrow with the exams starting from day-after tomorrow.” Aunty explained the moment I walked in her house after freshening up.

“His friend explained to me, Aunty.” I said, smiling and sat for dinner along with her.

“At least you didn’t run immediately with just the news of him in the house.” She mumbled and I frowned.

“He must think I am some crazy person. I shouldn’t have run like that on the roads.” I mumbled back.

“I just want you to get to know him and he does the same. We elders are here only to arrange the wedding. However, you both are the ones who should live life long together.” She said in a serious tone.

“There will be no change of decision from my side no matter what happens unless he actually doesn’t want this.” I said shrugging ignoring the pinching in the heart.

“We will talk about that when he comes here after the exams.” She said nodding.

“Did mom said anything else?” I asked, clearing the dishes.

“No! She just asked me to make you stay in my house at night, and that they will return tomorrow morning.” She replied and walked inside the room.

“I wish I had a word with him and ask him whether he likes me or not.” I mumbled staring at the wall.

“You never wanted to know about that until a few weeks back. What changed it?” she asked with confusion clear in her tone.

“I don’t know!” I mumbled and then remembered that girl’s words.

“After exams, he will be here until he gets a job. Ask him at that time.” She suggested and I sighed, nodding before drifting off into sleep.

*Kamal Pov*

“What happened to you?” someone asked, shaking me and I immediately came out of my thoughts.

“What?” I asked, turning to my side to see David frowning at me.

“You seem to be lost from the moment we left your house. What happened?” Rakesh asked from behind his seat.

“Nothing!” I replied before looking outside.

“He is just in shock after looking at his fiancé, guys.” Girish commented and I didn’t say anything because he is finally right.

“Even we are shocked.” David mumbled sighing.

“She actually seemed to be positive regarding this relation.” Rakesh mumbled bluntly.

“She will change that once I talk to her.” I mumbled back.

“You talked too much just a few hours back, right.” Girish said with sarcasm dripping in his words.

“I… I just… I don’t know.” I mumbled, shaking my head and closed my eyes only to open them in the next second.

Damn those eyes! I thought to myself before closing my eyes and this time started thinking about the study plan and nothing else.

“Tomorrow we all will be free.” Rakesh said, sighing before leaning on the tree while we are waiting for Girish and David.

“We need to search for a job.” I pointed out.

“Why are you so serious about all this? We can have a few days rest.” He said shaking his head.

That’s what I can’t do. My Dad wanted me to be a great doctor and I will be one no matter what.

“Kamal! Our principal is asking for you.” Girish said, walking near to us along with David.

“Why?” I asked him frowning.

“I don’t know!” he replied shrugging.

After ten minutes I returned near my friends only with a feeling of shock covering my features and nothing else.

“What is the matter?” Rakesh asked frowning.

“A few students are selected to go to the states for a one year training.” I replied simply.

“And you are one of them?” he asked happily.

“Yes!” I replied and those three shouted before patting my back.

“This is the time for the party.” One of them shouted and I don’t know whom.

“We have an exam for tomorrow, Rakesh.” Another one said.

“Right!” he mumbled and we all left with me still feeling all this is as a dream.

“One year!” Mom mumbled before slowly sitting in her chair.

“Yes! I got to know a few days back, but thought of telling you directly. They will pay for all expenses and everything, Mom.” I said, smiling at her and sat before her.

“But one year?” she asked, staring at me.

“Not completely a year, but nearly a year. Do you think I shouldn’t take it?” I asked her frowning.

“No! You should take it. I am just… just surprised. Your Dad would have been so proud.” She replied, smiling after a few minutes.

“This will really help my career, mom.” I mumbled and she nodded smiling.

“When do you have to leave?” she asked holding my hand.

“Within two days, Mom. It is just that… I can’t come here in the middle of the year. The transport will cost too much.” I replied looking away.

“Come home when it is over.” She said understanding what I am trying to say.

“I will go and meet Aunty and Uncle.” I said getting up.

“They are not here, Kamal. They all left for Satvi’s marriage.” She said, stopping me in my tracks.

“And you didn’t call her again?” I asked her smiling.

“She will feel regret to miss the marriage this time. And I can’t tell her about your trip until I come to the terms of it by myself.” She replied looking away with a sad expression.

“Mom! I don’t want to have this marriage…” she cut me off by nodding, making me stop in the middle of my words.

“I know! It will not be fair for her to do anything until you return. We will talk about it after your trip.” She said getting up and walked away still lost in her thoughts.

I opened my mouth to say that is not what I want to say, but that to cancel the marriage. However, I stopped myself knowing well she is already sad with the news of me leaving for a long time.

It is not like we both are engaged officially or something. Maybe I should wait for another year and make her understand about all this. I thought and walked inside my room to pack as much stuff as I can.

“I will miss you, mom.” I said hugging her.

“Take care of yourself and call me whenever you can.” She said in a stern voice.

“I will miss you too.” She added sighing.

“You too take care of yourself and call on the number I will give you after reaching there whenever you want in emergencies.” I mumbled frowning at her not wishing to leave her all alone.

“There are many people here to take care of me and mainly a wonderful girl. You need not worry about me at all.” She said smiling.

“And you should be here the moment your course is finished. If possible, bring your friends too.” She added and I nodded before walking away to not miss the bus or else I will miss the flight next day.

I hope my friends will come to the airport to have a few words with them along with to request them to visit my Mom sometimes if they can.

I don’t want to leave her alone, but this is the best opportunity I don’t want to miss. I will just hope for it to finish soon.