1960 London Love

Chapter 15

" Hate, they say, blinds a person from all good, but my hate towards Rahul didn't blind me from the purity of Natasha's soul. In fact, I guess her friendship dimmed my hate towards her partner.

The days following our first visit, we toured most of London and the wonderful sights it had to offer. We shared an ice cream near Big Ben, stared at a Picasso painting in the National Gallery and even watched a sunset together at Primrose Hill, holding hands and looking at each other as the sun rays painted us golden.

In all these adventures, we had slowly bonded over, forming a beautiful and serene, yet deep friendship that happens once in a lifetime.

As the days to my departure approached, I realized that my plan of revenge had taken a backseat with all my friendship tours with Natasha. Finally, four days before my departure, I decided to complete another part of my plan and told Natasha that I would visit her that afternoon.

"Sure!" She had said excitedly while clapping her hands and sharing her address with me.

At 4, I was on my way to her apartment, wondering if I was a selfish manipulator for using her to exact my revenge. Friendship and trust had always been the most important to me, but right then, my moral compass was completing its millionth rotation. I was left with nothing but empty voices, one telling me what my heart wanted and the other advocated for my soul. It was difficult to choose between the two.

Fortunately, I reached the door of her apartment before I could lose my mind between them. There was no turning back now, as I rang the bell which chimed with the two familiar musical note: Ding- Dong

Two minutes later, I heard Natasha shuffle her slippered feet towards the door and unlock the door. Her face beamed with happiness at the sight of me.

"Hi", she said as she hugged me, kissing my cheeks. I cheerfully returned her affection and entered her residence.

It was beautiful from inside. Neither overly decorated nor under, but just the right way. The Victorian wallpaper in the plain wall of the drawing-room gave it a touch of royalty. The sofa set too showed off its prominence with its golden hue that reflected in the wooden-glass table. Even the insignificant stuff like lamps and carpets gave the whole room a beauty, and splendor of its own. I couldn't help but marvel at the subtlety and magnificence of my surrounding.

"Like it?" she asked me as she stood beside me. Her fingers slowly interlocked with mine as she looked deep into my eyes, hers shimmering with excitement.

"It's beautiful," I said with a nod, my face gleaming with excitement.

She giggled at my response and pulled me beside her on the sofa. I sat down with a thump and taking the glass of cola that she had already put out for us both, began sipping it slowly.

Soon after, we began chatting, talking about the weather, the cars, the trees, the neighbors, the relatives, and even the hotel. No being or thing that we had met was excused from our gossip. None, but Rahul.

" You still haven't told me why you have come to London?" She complained as she bit into the cookies I had brought from the neighboring bakery, moaning in ecstasy as she did so.

" Unfinished Business," I replied.

She stopped her nibbling and asked, "What unfinished business?"

"Something I am not comfortable speaking about," I said.

"Okay", she shrugged, resuming her gobbling of the cookie. " By the way what are these cookies?"

"Butterscotch from the newly opened bakery down the road."

"Nice", she said with her mouth full, smiling to show her cookie stained teeth. " Need to check it out now."

I couldn't help but cup her cheeks with my hands at this childish behavior of hers.

" You are such a kid", I declared with a smile.

She lunged forward and planted a kiss on my right cheek, pasting some of the crumbs on it in the process.
"Thanks", she mumbled with a stupid grin.

I made a face and wiped my cheek at which she started laughing. I too joined her and we soon doubled over with laughter.

As we regained our composure, Natasha looked at the clock and almost gave a shout, " Oh, its almost time for Rahul to get home?"

"Your Husband?" I asked with a smile.

" Actually, my fiancé", she said, her cheeks burning bright.

"Don't worry", I put my hands on her shoulder, " I will help you ready up some snack for the love of your life."

She smiled at my words and thanked me. We quickly went into the kitchen and switched on the stove. While I put some water in the kettle, Natasha brought out the box containing tea. As we waited for the tea to be made, we sat down at the dining table.

"So how did you two meet?" I asked

Natasha smiled and her eyes sparkled, "At the library where I work. He used to come there a lot to read. I was always the one to bring him the books he asked. Soon he became a regular and we became friends. As time passed, our friendship turned to love and we moved in together. A few weeks back, he proposed to me and I said yes, never to regret my decision."

I smiled at the cute story, although it pained me deep inside.
"It's a beautiful story." I finally said, trying my best to stop my tears which were slowly filling up my eyes.

Fortunately, the kettle whistled just then and I got time to rub the saline water away before rushing into the kitchen to help her. While she lifted the kettle, I brought the teapot. As soon as we finished pouring the tea, the doorbell rang.

"Must be Rahul", Natasha said as she ran out to open the door.

I could hear them greet each other, my heart skipping a beat as I heard the cheater's voice after so long.

I tried to be calm myself and prepare for the confrontation. I took a glass and filled it with water. My hands trembled as I brought it to my lips and gulped it down my parched throat. I slammed down the empty glass and took deep breaths.

" Rahul, meet my best friend, Meera", Natasha announced, as soon as he entered the kitchen.

I turned around to look at him. All his happiness and life drained out of his face as his eyes locked with mine."