Ajay knew it was more than friendship. He knew the feelings were mutual. She is nothing like the girls he has met all his life. She was matured, down to earth and had the elegance. He had liked her since their first meeting. Ajay joined his post graduation course a couple of weeks late due to some personal reasons. He soon clicked with all his batch mates. He was introduced by his roommate to Madhu. At first sight, he knew he is attracted to her. He tried to shed of his feelings for her initially, hoping it was just infatuation. But the more he knew her, the more he liked her. He knew they were becoming the best friends.
Madhu who was always considered the reserved type was close only to Ajay in their batch. Everyone who knew Ajay and Madhu, agreed they made a great couple. Many times friends teased Madhu about her relation with Ajay. She never agreed or denied.. As time progressed, they were secretly stealing glances at each other. . Irrespective of the fact that they were studying in the same class, sitting a bench apart and staying in the same building, they seemed to miss each other more than ever.. They were constantly mailing, chatting with each other and calling each other all the time.
When Ajay thought things were going well, he soon saw some changes in Madhu. She was very upset for the past few days. Every time they spoke, she kept talking about her parents. She was worried if she would able to meet their expectations and at the same time live life the way she wants. He kept assuring her that things would fall in place soon. Though she never mentioned about marriage, Ajay realized may be she is being pressurized to get married. Since they had never openly talked about their love for one another, Ajay knew it is high time he proposed her and sorted out things.
Being the romantic he was, he was just waiting for the right moment. He decided to propose her on Valentine’s Day which also happens to be her B’Day. He was excited and was looking forward to it. Just a week before the Val’D, Madhu mailed him a picture of a guy. Ajay knew something was wrong. He waited for their classes to end. Grabbed Madhu by her hand and took her to the park. Madhu was scared. She constantly asked Ajay to leave hold off her. Once they reached their favorite spot, Ajay let his hold off her and apologized for his behavior. He decided to clear things before it goes too far.. But the moment he looked in to her eyes. He was speechless. He just wanted to look at her for hours and hours..He could not speak a word.
Madhu blasted him for his behavior. She later told him about the guy whose picture she had mailed earlier. She confessed that it was a proposal her parents had finalized for her and she would be travelling back home to meet the guy in person. Ajay kept staring at her with teary eyes. As if she felt his heart ache.. She continued that she is not ready for the marriage now and plans on denying the proposal. Ajay just wished he could tell her, how relieved he was. Instead, he just smiled. He knew he had to make her B’Day the most memorable day in her life.
A week later, Madhu returned to classes after her trip home. She talked to Ajay with her usual enthusiasm… He was scared to ask her about things that happened back at home. He did not want to hear anything bad. He assured himself, things were fine or else Madhu would have told him. She never had hidden anything from him..
It was Valentine’s Day..It was 5.00 in the evening, Madhu was supposed to meet him at their favorite spot in the park. Ajay waited eagerly with the cards and the gifts,rehearsing the exact wordings for his proposal. He could feel his heart racing as Madhu walked in.. They talked for an hour about classes, climate, the park, college etc . When Ajay was about to hand her the valentine’s card, Madhu said “ Ajay, You are my best friend… I want to share the news with you first.. I am engaged..” and she proudly showed off her engagement bling.
Ajay was blank.. He could not find the words to congratulate her. He felt as if he is choking to death…Unaware of his emotions ,Madhu started narrating her trip back home, the discussion she had about marriage with her parents. She mentioned that she discussed with her mom about her feelings for Ajay. And suddenly how it dawned on her that may be Ajay doesn’t love her as he never expressed anything like that..After meeting Swaroop, her fiance, she felt may be she should give it a shot.
She was glowing with happiness at that very moment… Ajay wanted to tell her that he too has feelings for her but he knew his action would just make things tough for Madhu. Ajay was happy for her and all he wanted was her happiness….
