The Choice

Chapter-9

Praveen found himself at crossroads, he couldn't decide which way to go. Talk to Kajal and convince her to stay back , sort things out with Tarun or go and smack Tarun. He didn't know the exact matter but his instinct could guess it easily. He ran to the place where the friends had gathered, his feet halted at a distance hearing the words, it took him just a second to conclude, ''Tarun , you should have stood up for your choice.'' Zenab preached and Praveen clapped

''Do you really think this man is capable of standing up for anything? Can you Tarun?''

Traun frowned at Praveen's sudden question. ''Ignore him, he is a waste'' Sejal interjected

Praveen laughed aloud, he was aware Kajal must have left by now. Moving to Saqib he gave him a firm hand shake, ''I applaud you for marrying such a venomous female.'' Zenab was about to retort but Praveen had enough, ''Shut up! Both of you. And Tarun Mehra, Congratulations! You are free of the unwanted choice your mother pushed you too. Your wife...'' He shook his head , ''Correction....Kajal, just walked out on you. The Traun Mehra got rejected...and rest of you Applauds for breaking your so called idol's marriage even before it started.'' Praveen was sarcastic in a way that none had guts to open their mouth.

''That's her loss''

''Shutup! Will you? Do you have any idea what you girls have done.'' Saqib was mad at his wife and Sejal. He loved Zenab and ignored her pricey attitude taking it to be her childishness but now he felt miserable for not stopping her before, ''Sejal if you are dreaming to be his wife, let me enlighten you after this episode Devyani Aunty won't even spit on your face, let alone glance at it.'' Turning to Tarun he added, ''What are you doing sitting here, go stop her.''

''She is gone, and Tarun you just lost the most precious thing of your life.'' Tarun couldn't move. Blood drained off his limbs, he had come here to spend some good time with his friends. He wanted to Kajal to get comfortable with them, but life took a different turn. He didn't know what to say and how to react.

''Sir, you asked for a cab.'' The voice of the bell boy broke the deafening silence.

Praveen nodded, ''yes'' Turning to his friends he smiled, ''I am leaving too. I don't want to waste my time and energy with people like you.''

''Praveen, please stay he needs you.'' Saqib requested

Praveen shook his head, ''No, he is better off with that false praises and people like them. I am no more his friend, he disappointed me too much this time.'' Praveen gave his childhood friend a pity full look before leaving the place. ''Tarun go, even if means following her to world's end. She is your wife.'' Saqib shook Tarun, but to his annoyance Tarun sat there all frozen and disoriented. Saqib dragged Zenab away giving her an earful and slowly others too walked off, leaving Tarun alone with his misery

With lot of effort he lifted his body up making his way to the room which was now  just his. He couldn't think, he never expected or wanted Kajal to hear those unkind words. But who was he kidding, deep down in his heart he knew he was at fault

Swiping the key, he unlocked the door and moved in, the emptiness came as a slap. She didn't find him worthy enough even for a confrontation, she just walked off. He swallowed the dryness as his palm wiped his sweaty forehead. He hoped that she chose to go back to their house and wait for him, pulling his phone he quickly checked for flights. All for the nights and morning were full, he was forced to book one for next day evening. ''I will talk to her, she will listen to me. She isn't unreasonable, she can't just walk out of a marriage.'' He consoled himself gaining a temporary relief, but his hopes shattered when he found her ring next to his pillow. He picked it up, staring at it for long couldn't she leave a note? He questioned, but who was he to ask for answer when it was him who had put a big question mark on their relation. Throwing his body back on the bed, he held his head in his hand. Why life had to take his route?