One of the most expensive wedding hall in India. glowed like a palace of lights. The air buzzed with greetings, clinking cups of coffee and tea from caterers, and the soft hum of laughter. Amidst the bustle, a car halted outside. Ashok stepped out hastily, weaving through the crowd into the wedding hall.
Inside, as the priest tied the wedding bindi to Arjun, his aunt Kousalya lovingly nudged him, saying, "Move a bit."
At that moment, Kousalya’s husband Anandarao and their son Ashok entered the room. Arjun turned his head with a soft smile and asked:
"Hey... Did Anu's family arrive yet?"
Ashok and Anandarao exchanged a heavy look before Ashok turned toward Arjun, troubled. Arjun’s smile faded. Something was off.
"What happened, Uncle?" he asked, sensing the tension.
Kousalya paused mid-ritual, glancing anxiously at her husband.
Anandarau stepped forward, voice low and hesitant:
"Arjun... Anu married someone else and... left for America last night."
Arjun froze. For a second, his mind refused to accept it.
Then, forcing a smile: "Is this a joke? Anu marrying someone else? That’s absurd..."
Ashok’s silence was louder than any answer. He looked up and said quietly: "Dad’s telling the truth."
Arjun’s confusion deepened. "I just spoke to her last night. How can this be?"
Ashok handed him a few papers. Arjun stared at him, heart racing, before slowly opening them.
Flight tickets.
Names: Anu and Mahesh.
His hands trembled. The papers slipped to the floor, drifting like dry leaves.
The wedding hall fell silent.
Kousalya gripped Arjun’s arm, panic rising in her voice. "Arjun? Arjun?"
Tears welled in Arjun’s eyes, though he didn’t fully register them.
He looked at his aunt.
"You know Anu better than anyone, right? Do you really believe she'd do this?"
He wiped his eyes. Anger flared.
"No. Anu would never do this. Something is wrong. I’ll go bring her back."
Ashok tried to stop him, but Arjun pulled away and ran.
Ashok followed, grabbing the car keys. "Get in! I’ll drive."
Arjun said nothing and got in. Ashok kept glancing at him during the ride—Arjun looked broken, staring blankly ahead.
The car halted near Anu’s house. Arjun rushed up the stairs. Ashok followed.
He banged on the door. "Anu! Open the door!"
Soumya opened it, startled. "Arjun, please—"
He didn’t wait. He barged in. "Where’s Anu? I need to talk to her!"
Soumya tried stopping him. "Please Arjun... Mom is asleep... Don’t cause a scene."
"You’re lying! Where is she?" he shouted, grabbing her arm.
She jerked free, tears welling up.
"She’s gone, Arjun... She didn’t even tell me. I’m her childhood friend and she left without a word. She’s gone... and she’s not coming back."
Arjun’s last thread of hope snapped.
He walked out like a ghost. Ashok trailed silently behind. Rain poured.
They walked in silence, soaked. No lights, only the noise of traffic and occasional honks filled the night.
Suddenly, Arjun collapsed on the street, crying uncontrollably.
Ashok moved to help... but stopped. He stood, watching, helpless.
—
Two years later...
A rugged man with a thick beard sat alone in a bar, nursing a beer and cigarette. His eyes looked distant, his soul—drenched in silence.
Ashok arrived with his cousin Karthik and sat across from him.
Arjun didn’t react.
Karthik grabbed a cigarette and mocked:
"Still stuck in the past? She left you two years ago, bro. Grow up. That beard, that face—what is this? Heartbreak fashion?"
Arjun’s eyes flashed. Ashok warned Karthik with a glare, but Karthik didn’t stop.
"Someone has to tell him! We’ve all had breakups. We move on. Sincere girls don’t exist anymore. Be practical!"
Arjun rose in fury and slapped Karthik.
Silence.
Arjun, voice shaking:
"You think I’m some street dog switching girls on mood swings? You think I live checking if I still look good while bleeding inside?"
He glared at Karthik.
"Only those who’ve loved truly understand this pain. You never will."
He turned to leave.
Ashok stood and spoke firmly:
"Yes, only those who love sincerely understand... but that includes Priya."
Arjun froze. Confused.
"You’re so trapped in your belief that only your pain matters—you failed to see someone else’s love. Priya’s been waiting, afraid you won’t come to the wedding or love her. She knows you still love Anu. And yet, she’s ready to spend her life with you."
Arjun was speechless.
Ashok continued:
"You think holding onto pain is love? No, Arjun. Love is what Priya is doing—choosing you, knowing she may never get your heart."
He placed a hand on Karthik’s shoulder.
"Let’s go."
They walked out.
Arjun stood still, silent as stone...
To be continued....
