13-10-2026, 06:49 PM
Lunch was served a little later.
Bapu sat at the head of the dining table, while Mai brought the remaining dishes from the kitchen. Shaktil and Vishal sat together, discussing old memories and the changes that had taken place since Vishal went abroad.
Shubha served the food and listened quietly.
She was relieved that Vishal had agreed to respect her marriage, but she still felt nervous whenever he looked in her direction. She worried that a small expression or an innocent conversation might reveal that they had known each other long before the wedding.
Bapu (Father-in-law, 55): "Vishal, it's good to see you spending time with Shaktil again. He has always spoken highly of your friendship. Young people nowadays are busy with their own lives, and it's not easy to maintain a friendship for so many years. I hope you continue to support each other, especially now that Shaktil has taken on new family responsibilities. A good friend is someone who offers advice when needed and stands beside you during difficult times."
Vishal: "You're right, Bapu. Shaktil and I have shared many experiences, and I value our friendship. I know his responsibilities will be different now, but that doesn't mean our friendship has to change. I'll always wish him well, and whenever he needs my support, I'll try to be there for him."
Mai (Mother-in-law, 52): "That's nice to hear, Vishal. Shaktil may not always say what is troubling him, especially when the shop becomes busy. Sometimes he keeps everything to himself because he doesn't want to worry others. Now that he's married, I hope he learns to share his thoughts with Shubha as well. A peaceful home depends on people being willing to listen to one another."
Shaktil: "Amma, I'm not that bad! I know I can become too focused on the shop, but I'm trying to change. I don't want Shubha to feel that she has to compete with my work for my attention. I'll do my best to make time for her and ensure that we share our responsibilities. Marriage is a new chapter, and I want to handle it properly."
Shubha: "I appreciate that, Shaktil. I know your business is important, and I don't expect you to abandon your responsibilities. I only hope that we can maintain a balance between work and family. Even a short conversation at the end of a busy day can make a difference when two people genuinely care about understanding each other."
Vishal listened to her words.
He remembered how they had once spoken about their future. The familiarity of her voice made him feel sad again, but he reminded himself of the promise he had made.
He would not allow his emotions to interfere with her marriage.
After lunch, Bapu went outside to attend to some work, and Mai began clearing the dining table. Shaktil received another call from the shop.
Shaktil: "Vishal, I need to speak to my employee for a few minutes. There's a small issue with tomorrow's stock delivery. Please make yourself comfortable. Shubha, could you show him where the water is kept? I'll be back shortly, and then we can all sit together."
Shubha: "Of course. I'll show him."
Vishal followed Shubha into the adjoining sitting area.
She placed a glass of water on the table and stood at a comfortable distance from him.
For a moment, both were silent.
Vishal: "Shubha, I wanted to thank you for what you said earlier. I know it wasn't easy for you to speak so directly, especially when you've only just entered your husband's family. I've been thinking about your advice, and I realise that I was focusing too much on my own shock. I kept thinking about what I had lost without considering the life you have now. You were right to remind me that my feelings are my responsibility, not something you should have to solve for me."
Shubha: "I'm glad you've understood that, Vishal. I don't want you to think that I'm denying our past or saying that you have no right to feel sad. We were once close, and those memories may remain with both of us. But remembering something and trying to bring it back are two different things. I have entered a marriage with a man who trusts me, and I must give that relationship a fair chance. I want you to do the same for yourself. Don't spend the rest of your life measuring every new experience against what happened between us."
Vishal looked at her thoughtfully.
Vishal: "Sometimes I wonder whether I should have tried harder when we were together. Perhaps there were things I could have handled differently. Seeing you today made me question all those old decisions. But I know that repeatedly asking what might have happened won't change the present. I need to accept that our lives have taken different directions. I don't want to become someone who lives only in memories and misses every opportunity in front of him."
Shubha: "That's a good way to look at it. If you believe there were mistakes in your past, learn from them. Don't use them to punish yourself forever. You have your own future, your own work, and the opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with someone when you're ready. You deserve to be happy too, Vishal, but that happiness cannot depend on me returning to a relationship I have already left behind. You need to find a way forward that belongs to you."
He nodded slowly.
Vishal: "I'll try. I think I was afraid that accepting your marriage would mean admitting that the most important part of my past was completely over. But perhaps accepting it is the only way I can stop hurting myself. I won't interfere with your relationship, and I won't ask you to explain decisions you've already made. I'll be careful about our conversations, and I won't put you in an uncomfortable position. You can trust me to respect the life you're building with Shaktil."
Shubha's expression softened.
Shubha: "Thank you for saying that. I don't want us to carry bitterness towards each other. We cannot change what happened years ago, and we don't need to turn those memories into something ugly. We can acknowledge that our lives once crossed and still accept that we have different responsibilities now. Please don't isolate yourself or make a sudden decision because you're upset. Give yourself time, focus on your work, and speak to someone you trust if you feel overwhelmed. You don't have to solve every feeling in a single day."
Vishal gave a faint smile.
Vishal: "You haven't changed as much as I thought, Shubha. Even now, when you're the one facing a difficult situation, you're still trying to make sure that I don't make a mistake. I'll listen to you. I'll give myself time, and I'll stop expecting the past to provide answers for everything happening in my present. I can't promise that seeing you will never hurt, but I can promise that I won't turn that hurt into a problem for you or Shaktil."
Shubha: "That's enough for now. You don't need to prove anything to me. Just keep your word to yourself. Be a good friend to Shaktil, and let him enjoy his married life without suspicion or unnecessary complications. He has welcomed you into his home because he trusts you. Please protect that trust. And when you eventually return abroad or begin a new chapter of your life, do it because you want to move forward, not because you're trying to escape your feelings."
Vishal took a deep breath.
For the first time since the wedding, he felt that his thoughts had become a little clearer.
Vishal: "I understand, Shubha. I'll respect your marriage and keep my friendship with Shaktil honest. I won't ask you to meet me secretly, and I won't create situations that could cause misunderstandings between you and your husband. If we happen to speak in the future, I'll remember the boundaries you've explained. I need to accept reality rather than make life harder for everyone because I'm struggling to accept it."
Shubha nodded.
She had not expected the conversation to remove all the pain, but she was grateful that Vishal was willing to listen.
At that moment, Shaktil returned.
Shaktil: "There you are! I thought I would have to come searching for both of you. The shop issue is sorted out now. Vishal, are you staying for the evening, or do you have other plans? We could go out for tea later and catch up properly. There are so many things I want to ask you about your time abroad."
Vishal: "I can stay for a little while longer, da. We were just talking about life, work, and adjusting to new responsibilities. Shubha gave me some sensible advice about accepting changes instead of worrying too much about things that cannot be changed. I think I needed to hear that today."
Shaktil laughed.
Shaktil: "That sounds exactly like Shubha. I've only been married for a short time, but I'm already discovering that she thinks carefully before she speaks. Perhaps I should start asking her for advice whenever the shop gives me trouble! In any case, I'm glad you're both getting along. It makes me happy to know that my wife and my closest friend can speak comfortably with each other."
Shubha smiled, though a small ache remained inside her.
Shubha: "Vishal has been respectful, Shaktil. I think it's important for people to listen to one another, especially when life brings unexpected situations. We cannot control every event that happens around us, but we can choose how we respond to it. I hope our home will always be a place where people can speak honestly without hurting one another."
Shaktil: "I agree with you completely. I want our home to be peaceful, and I want everyone in my life to feel respected. I know marriage will have its challenges, but I believe we can handle them if we remain patient and honest. I don't expect everything to be perfect. I only want us to keep trying to understand each other."
Vishal looked at his friend and then at Shubha.
He realised that the two people standing before him were beginning a life together. Whatever his personal feelings might be, he had no right to turn their happiness into a source of pain.
He stood up and placed a hand on Shaktil's shoulder.
Vishal: "Shaktil, I should probably leave soon. I've enjoyed spending time with you today, and I'm happy to see that you're settling into married life. Remember that you can always call me if you need anything. I may not be able to solve every problem, but I'll always listen. Take good care of Shubha, and make sure you both have time for yourselves despite the responsibilities of the shop."
Shaktil: "Thank you, da. I appreciate that. Come whenever you can, and don't disappear for months without calling me. Now that you're back in India, I expect you to stay in touch. I'll call you later this evening if I finish the shop work early."
Vishal turned towards Shubha.
Vishal: "Take care, Shubha. I hope you have a happy married life. I meant what I said earlier. I'll respect your decisions and give myself time to move forward. You don't need to worry about me creating difficulties for you. I wish you and Shaktil the best."
Shubha: "Thank you, Vishal. I hope you find peace and happiness too. Please take care of yourself, and don't let one painful surprise make you lose faith in your future. Life can still bring good things when we allow ourselves to move forward."
Vishal left the house.
Shubha watched him walk away before turning back towards the living room.
Shaktil came beside her.
Shaktil: "Shubha, are you all right? You've seemed a little thoughtful since Vishal arrived. I know the wedding and the move have been tiring, but if anything is troubling you, you can talk to me. I may not understand everything immediately, but I'll listen. I don't want you to feel that you have to carry every worry alone just because you're my wife."
Shubha looked at her husband.
She knew that she could not allow her confusion to continue indefinitely. Shaktil deserved a marriage in which both partners could gradually build trust and emotional closeness.
Shubha: "I'm all right, Shaktil. Seeing someone unexpectedly can bring back old memories, and sometimes it takes a little time to settle your thoughts. But I don't want those memories to decide how I live today. I'm grateful for the way you've treated me, especially when I felt nervous last night. I want to keep getting to know you and build our relationship with patience and honesty. I hope we'll continue to give each other the space and understanding we need."
Shaktil gently smiled.
Shaktil: "That's all I want too, Shubha. We don't have to understand every part of each other immediately. We'll take things one day at a time, and whenever something worries either of us, we'll try to talk about it. I want our marriage to become a relationship in which we can both feel comfortable, respected, and happy. We have only just begun, and I'm looking forward to discovering the person you are as we share our lives."
Shubha returned his smile.
For the first time that day, she felt a little more hopeful about the future.
Her past with Vishal had been real, and she could not erase it from her memories. But she could choose not to let it control her actions.
Vishal had promised to respect her marriage.
Shaktil had shown her patience and kindness.
And Shubha knew that the next chapter of her life would depend on the choices she made from that moment onwards.
The past had returned unexpectedly, but it did not have to determine the future.
TO BE CONTINUED...
My Telegram ID: Msivamuruganm
Bapu sat at the head of the dining table, while Mai brought the remaining dishes from the kitchen. Shaktil and Vishal sat together, discussing old memories and the changes that had taken place since Vishal went abroad.
Shubha served the food and listened quietly.
She was relieved that Vishal had agreed to respect her marriage, but she still felt nervous whenever he looked in her direction. She worried that a small expression or an innocent conversation might reveal that they had known each other long before the wedding.
Bapu (Father-in-law, 55): "Vishal, it's good to see you spending time with Shaktil again. He has always spoken highly of your friendship. Young people nowadays are busy with their own lives, and it's not easy to maintain a friendship for so many years. I hope you continue to support each other, especially now that Shaktil has taken on new family responsibilities. A good friend is someone who offers advice when needed and stands beside you during difficult times."
Vishal: "You're right, Bapu. Shaktil and I have shared many experiences, and I value our friendship. I know his responsibilities will be different now, but that doesn't mean our friendship has to change. I'll always wish him well, and whenever he needs my support, I'll try to be there for him."
Mai (Mother-in-law, 52): "That's nice to hear, Vishal. Shaktil may not always say what is troubling him, especially when the shop becomes busy. Sometimes he keeps everything to himself because he doesn't want to worry others. Now that he's married, I hope he learns to share his thoughts with Shubha as well. A peaceful home depends on people being willing to listen to one another."
Shaktil: "Amma, I'm not that bad! I know I can become too focused on the shop, but I'm trying to change. I don't want Shubha to feel that she has to compete with my work for my attention. I'll do my best to make time for her and ensure that we share our responsibilities. Marriage is a new chapter, and I want to handle it properly."
Shubha: "I appreciate that, Shaktil. I know your business is important, and I don't expect you to abandon your responsibilities. I only hope that we can maintain a balance between work and family. Even a short conversation at the end of a busy day can make a difference when two people genuinely care about understanding each other."
Vishal listened to her words.
He remembered how they had once spoken about their future. The familiarity of her voice made him feel sad again, but he reminded himself of the promise he had made.
He would not allow his emotions to interfere with her marriage.
After lunch, Bapu went outside to attend to some work, and Mai began clearing the dining table. Shaktil received another call from the shop.
Shaktil: "Vishal, I need to speak to my employee for a few minutes. There's a small issue with tomorrow's stock delivery. Please make yourself comfortable. Shubha, could you show him where the water is kept? I'll be back shortly, and then we can all sit together."
Shubha: "Of course. I'll show him."
Vishal followed Shubha into the adjoining sitting area.
She placed a glass of water on the table and stood at a comfortable distance from him.
For a moment, both were silent.
Vishal: "Shubha, I wanted to thank you for what you said earlier. I know it wasn't easy for you to speak so directly, especially when you've only just entered your husband's family. I've been thinking about your advice, and I realise that I was focusing too much on my own shock. I kept thinking about what I had lost without considering the life you have now. You were right to remind me that my feelings are my responsibility, not something you should have to solve for me."
Shubha: "I'm glad you've understood that, Vishal. I don't want you to think that I'm denying our past or saying that you have no right to feel sad. We were once close, and those memories may remain with both of us. But remembering something and trying to bring it back are two different things. I have entered a marriage with a man who trusts me, and I must give that relationship a fair chance. I want you to do the same for yourself. Don't spend the rest of your life measuring every new experience against what happened between us."
Vishal looked at her thoughtfully.
Vishal: "Sometimes I wonder whether I should have tried harder when we were together. Perhaps there were things I could have handled differently. Seeing you today made me question all those old decisions. But I know that repeatedly asking what might have happened won't change the present. I need to accept that our lives have taken different directions. I don't want to become someone who lives only in memories and misses every opportunity in front of him."
Shubha: "That's a good way to look at it. If you believe there were mistakes in your past, learn from them. Don't use them to punish yourself forever. You have your own future, your own work, and the opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with someone when you're ready. You deserve to be happy too, Vishal, but that happiness cannot depend on me returning to a relationship I have already left behind. You need to find a way forward that belongs to you."
He nodded slowly.
Vishal: "I'll try. I think I was afraid that accepting your marriage would mean admitting that the most important part of my past was completely over. But perhaps accepting it is the only way I can stop hurting myself. I won't interfere with your relationship, and I won't ask you to explain decisions you've already made. I'll be careful about our conversations, and I won't put you in an uncomfortable position. You can trust me to respect the life you're building with Shaktil."
Shubha's expression softened.
Shubha: "Thank you for saying that. I don't want us to carry bitterness towards each other. We cannot change what happened years ago, and we don't need to turn those memories into something ugly. We can acknowledge that our lives once crossed and still accept that we have different responsibilities now. Please don't isolate yourself or make a sudden decision because you're upset. Give yourself time, focus on your work, and speak to someone you trust if you feel overwhelmed. You don't have to solve every feeling in a single day."
Vishal gave a faint smile.
Vishal: "You haven't changed as much as I thought, Shubha. Even now, when you're the one facing a difficult situation, you're still trying to make sure that I don't make a mistake. I'll listen to you. I'll give myself time, and I'll stop expecting the past to provide answers for everything happening in my present. I can't promise that seeing you will never hurt, but I can promise that I won't turn that hurt into a problem for you or Shaktil."
Shubha: "That's enough for now. You don't need to prove anything to me. Just keep your word to yourself. Be a good friend to Shaktil, and let him enjoy his married life without suspicion or unnecessary complications. He has welcomed you into his home because he trusts you. Please protect that trust. And when you eventually return abroad or begin a new chapter of your life, do it because you want to move forward, not because you're trying to escape your feelings."
Vishal took a deep breath.
For the first time since the wedding, he felt that his thoughts had become a little clearer.
Vishal: "I understand, Shubha. I'll respect your marriage and keep my friendship with Shaktil honest. I won't ask you to meet me secretly, and I won't create situations that could cause misunderstandings between you and your husband. If we happen to speak in the future, I'll remember the boundaries you've explained. I need to accept reality rather than make life harder for everyone because I'm struggling to accept it."
Shubha nodded.
She had not expected the conversation to remove all the pain, but she was grateful that Vishal was willing to listen.
At that moment, Shaktil returned.
Shaktil: "There you are! I thought I would have to come searching for both of you. The shop issue is sorted out now. Vishal, are you staying for the evening, or do you have other plans? We could go out for tea later and catch up properly. There are so many things I want to ask you about your time abroad."
Vishal: "I can stay for a little while longer, da. We were just talking about life, work, and adjusting to new responsibilities. Shubha gave me some sensible advice about accepting changes instead of worrying too much about things that cannot be changed. I think I needed to hear that today."
Shaktil laughed.
Shaktil: "That sounds exactly like Shubha. I've only been married for a short time, but I'm already discovering that she thinks carefully before she speaks. Perhaps I should start asking her for advice whenever the shop gives me trouble! In any case, I'm glad you're both getting along. It makes me happy to know that my wife and my closest friend can speak comfortably with each other."
Shubha smiled, though a small ache remained inside her.
Shubha: "Vishal has been respectful, Shaktil. I think it's important for people to listen to one another, especially when life brings unexpected situations. We cannot control every event that happens around us, but we can choose how we respond to it. I hope our home will always be a place where people can speak honestly without hurting one another."
Shaktil: "I agree with you completely. I want our home to be peaceful, and I want everyone in my life to feel respected. I know marriage will have its challenges, but I believe we can handle them if we remain patient and honest. I don't expect everything to be perfect. I only want us to keep trying to understand each other."
Vishal looked at his friend and then at Shubha.
He realised that the two people standing before him were beginning a life together. Whatever his personal feelings might be, he had no right to turn their happiness into a source of pain.
He stood up and placed a hand on Shaktil's shoulder.
Vishal: "Shaktil, I should probably leave soon. I've enjoyed spending time with you today, and I'm happy to see that you're settling into married life. Remember that you can always call me if you need anything. I may not be able to solve every problem, but I'll always listen. Take good care of Shubha, and make sure you both have time for yourselves despite the responsibilities of the shop."
Shaktil: "Thank you, da. I appreciate that. Come whenever you can, and don't disappear for months without calling me. Now that you're back in India, I expect you to stay in touch. I'll call you later this evening if I finish the shop work early."
Vishal turned towards Shubha.
Vishal: "Take care, Shubha. I hope you have a happy married life. I meant what I said earlier. I'll respect your decisions and give myself time to move forward. You don't need to worry about me creating difficulties for you. I wish you and Shaktil the best."
Shubha: "Thank you, Vishal. I hope you find peace and happiness too. Please take care of yourself, and don't let one painful surprise make you lose faith in your future. Life can still bring good things when we allow ourselves to move forward."
Vishal left the house.
Shubha watched him walk away before turning back towards the living room.
Shaktil came beside her.
Shaktil: "Shubha, are you all right? You've seemed a little thoughtful since Vishal arrived. I know the wedding and the move have been tiring, but if anything is troubling you, you can talk to me. I may not understand everything immediately, but I'll listen. I don't want you to feel that you have to carry every worry alone just because you're my wife."
Shubha looked at her husband.
She knew that she could not allow her confusion to continue indefinitely. Shaktil deserved a marriage in which both partners could gradually build trust and emotional closeness.
Shubha: "I'm all right, Shaktil. Seeing someone unexpectedly can bring back old memories, and sometimes it takes a little time to settle your thoughts. But I don't want those memories to decide how I live today. I'm grateful for the way you've treated me, especially when I felt nervous last night. I want to keep getting to know you and build our relationship with patience and honesty. I hope we'll continue to give each other the space and understanding we need."
Shaktil gently smiled.
Shaktil: "That's all I want too, Shubha. We don't have to understand every part of each other immediately. We'll take things one day at a time, and whenever something worries either of us, we'll try to talk about it. I want our marriage to become a relationship in which we can both feel comfortable, respected, and happy. We have only just begun, and I'm looking forward to discovering the person you are as we share our lives."
Shubha returned his smile.
For the first time that day, she felt a little more hopeful about the future.
Her past with Vishal had been real, and she could not erase it from her memories. But she could choose not to let it control her actions.
Vishal had promised to respect her marriage.
Shaktil had shown her patience and kindness.
And Shubha knew that the next chapter of her life would depend on the choices she made from that moment onwards.
The past had returned unexpectedly, but it did not have to determine the future.
TO BE CONTINUED...
My Telegram ID: Msivamuruganm
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