Saakshi became the star in my life. Once I brought up the subject of marriage with her. Her eyes then shone like two twinkling stars. “Ankith, I was just anticipating, when you would propose to me. “Yes Saakshi, next month I would be out of this college and might most probably join my dad`s leather business at Delhi and abroad. Before I do that I want you to be my wife. So shall I talk to my parents about us? Saakshi was so excited that she willingly agreed…
That day was so memorable in my life with so many wonderful moments and promises.
Next day Saakshi was absent from college. On enquiring, none seemed to know the reason. Her phone too went on ringing unanswered. I felt like the world tumbling down around me. I didn`t know what to do….A lack luster day crawled out.The shrill ringing of my cell phone woke me up at 2.30 am …and I sat up transfixed at seeing Saakshi`s name displaying on it.
Consternation creeped in when I saw it. What has happened? My mind went berserk with unwanted thoughts. I immediately answered with a desperate shout “Saakshi, where were you I was climbing walls without getting your answer. “.Saakshi Straight away came to the point .She was always very matter of fact type person. At times it had irked me. “Ankith I am so sorry to say that I can’t marry you. I can explain Ankith .
My Father had given his word to his friend on his death bed that I would be his son`s bride, come what may. Since he is no more my mother doesn’t want to go back on his words. Yes Ankith I have decided to marry Srikanth. “Saakshi stopped her volley of words and waited for my reply.
I was shattered .But still I managed to mumble “but why Saakshi. We are so much in love. Don’t you remember our promises? I felt tears welling up. So I stopped and waited. Ankith, please don’t ask me for an explanation. Then I will have to reveal a lot of unpleasant things. I don’t want to do that. Please understand my situation. Ankith you would always adorn the pedestal of my heart.
“With that final words she simply clicked her phone and that was that .Everything just ended.
Just yesterday Saakshi was the pivot of my existence. Today she just vanished in to oblivion. How could I take it all?I felt shattered and devastated. My friends tried in vain to pacify me. I despised all women. Are women so heartless? Or are we the men who are moony and impulsive? Now I felt, falling in love to be a fallen state.
But I was not able to forget Saakshi. Nor was I able to hate her. She had me by an octopus grip emotionally! Men usually take the entire brunt of a failed love affair. Probably because, they are the species who walk around with their hearts up their sleeves. Indeed a vulnerable position for a heart to be in ……
Months rolled by…I joined Dad`s leather business in Delhi. Job was a kind of blessing for me in disguise. Leave alone the lucrative part of it, it was a God send opportunity for me to be away from Delhi and Saakshi as much as possible. A frozen emotion and a stern expression. That was what I came to be.
Within an year I married Sunanda, my dad`s best friend`s daughter. It would be better if said I was forced to marry. Because I was a reluctant person when matters concerning women came up.
Sunanda was a simple girl with a very adjustable nature. She hailed from a middle class family with not much education. A college drop out with lots of love, affection and obedience. But I was Just a meticulous and perfunctory husband. I was not able to give in or respond to any of her cravings. I knew I was wrong .But at the same time I was shackled with my love for Saakshi .Her betrayal had left a deep dent in me .I wondered how or when I would come out of it .I was not even sure whether I wanted a way out.
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