Broken Beads

Chapter 7

Riya heard door bell , taking a deep breath she unlocked the door and came face to face with Vani. ''You are no ready?''

''I will be out in 5''

''No, dress up. Its family event and family should be at their best.'' Riya nodded disappearing in the room. Vaani stared at the flowers and he crumbled note on the table. Vaani slowly picked it up and read it. She so wanted to help these wo but Shaan had asked her not to interfere, she huffed. Crumbling the note further, she placed it back from where she picked it. She had to figure out a way to help them without annoying Shaan.

''I am ready.'' Vaani gave an appreciating glance to her friend. Riya was blessed with beauty and a little touch up made her look like a nymph. Vaani did a small act of warding off the evil eye before two friends walked out of Riya's apartment. Vaani gave one glance to the bouquet , it had found a place in Riya's home , this was a sign of hope

***

Arun stood leaning on the balcony, with Lakshay married and Varun in London, he and Naman had made good friends with Amisha. They met once a week , all of them had been worried about Varun. While Riya had crossed the phase of self harm, Varun was still there. They worried Riya's rejection might make him take a drastic step. 

''Varun didn't respond to my last message. I am worried.'' Naman voiced his thoughts. 

''What if Riya breaks his heart? what if she inflicts a pain he can't take.'' Amisha asked worried.

''One of us should be there.'' Arun added

''He wouldn't like it.'' Naman dismissed.

''He doesn't have to know.'' Amisha said and both guys looked at her. '' Yes, he doesn't have to know. One of you can be there and keep an eye on him. He will need all the support we can offer.'' 

''I will go.'' Naman declared and the decision was made

***

Riya held Vaani's daughter in her arms cooing the small baby. ''Thought of a name?'' Shaan asked. Riya smiled, ''Can you describe the feeling of her father?''

Shaan thought but words failed him. ''I guess, its hard to express in words.''

Riya smiled again. ''Yes, she is like a dream cum true. A wish granted, and we will call her Sapna!''

Shaan grinned wide. He loved the name, he called for Vaani and she clapped in delight. ''I loved it. Now, Dr. Shaan, handle your daughter . We have a lot to speak.'' Vaani handed Shaan his daughter, dragging Riya along. Riya went about meeting all Vaani introduced her to and  some were totally mesmerized. Riya looked breathtaking, for Riya, his was Vaani's way of making her feel included but Vaani was pushing Riya off limits to face he feelings which were buried in a deep corner of her heart. Those feelings had to come out for Riya to move forward, either with or without Varun.

The party lasted post midnight and Shaan offered to drop her home but Riya declined. She knew her way home and all these years have taught her to be safe. Moreover, she wanted the new parents to have some family time. 

Riya made the payment to her cab driver as he dropped her outside her apartment complex. Her eyes went to teenage couple who stood smiling at each other , oblivious to the world around them. She smiled, but didn't realize that today the sight of  love immersed couple  didn't repel her. In fact, they made her smile.

Waving at the security she made her way to her apartment.  Humming a song, she stepped in, her eyes freezing on the bouquet. She felt the softness of the petals, her mind making a decision. She will conclude everything.

***

''Sapna! Its a beautiful name.'' Vaani beamed. Shaan nodded a little distracted. "what's wrong?''

''Riya, she was different. Something about her   just changed with a snap of fingers.''

''Is it good or bad.''

Shaan shook his head. ''I wish I could put a finger on it but I am worried, she had been in darkness for very long. I don't want her sinking into that phase again.''

Vaani stayed quite and then asked with lot of hesitation. ''Can I ask you something?'' Shaan nodded

''Had her parents been supportive, would that betrayal by Varun still be this big? After all, he was a kid as well.''

Shaan knew what Vaani meant, he had thought over it too. what happened with Riya was common happening in big schools as young minds were reckless. But the wound wouldn't hurt this deep if her parents would have supported her. All Riya wanted was that one person whom she called her own. That one soul that would just be hers and the love she has always been deprived off.

''A betrayal is a betrayal. She trusted him, his single truth would have saved her years of pain. She would have gone through all had he stood by her. It isn't big or small. Its her heart that her broke.''

''Don't be angry, but none other than him can heal her.'' Vaani added

Shaan nodded. ''I have known that since the day I met her. But she has realize that.''

''Will she?''

''Time will.'' Shaan said hugging his wife. he made a small prayer to the universe to bless his dear friend.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------