This post is written in response to the two hundred and thirty fifth edition of Fiction Monday hosted on Void Thoughts by Vinitha Dileep. The prompt for this edition is delay. If you like it, do say so in the comments. I would love to hear from you.
He rang the door bell, his hands sweating. “Would she still be waiting?” he wondered. She had said that she would wait for him forever. His confidence returned and he let out the breath he hadn’t realised he was holding.
Her mother opened the door and stared at him in astonishment. “Atharv, is that you? Where have you been all these years! Come in, come in. Radhika is not at home, but she will be here any moment.
A few minutes later, Radhika entered the house. He could hear her laughing and talking to her mother. She seemed very happy.
“Atharv is here,” said her mother.
Radhika looked at the calendar. ‘Oh dear! I had forgotten. Two years ago we had decided to meet again today.” she said as she entered the living room.
She had forgotten! How was that possible. They were destined for each other. He knew that, even if it was he who had suggested delaying taking their relationship to the next level. Well now he was ready, and he was sure, she was as well.
“Hi Atharv! Nice to see you again after so long.!”
“Hi Rads, Same here. You have no idea how much I have longed to see you. I know I was the one who pushed away from commitment. But everyday I realised how much I loved you. I can’t live another day without you. Will you make me the happiest man in the world by becoming my wife?”
“I’m sorry Atharv! I can’t make you or anyone else happy,” Radhika replied. “That you have to do for yourself. After crying night after night for you, I realised that I can only make myself happy. I am not responsible for anyone else’s happiness and no one is responsible for mine. I have found my happiness and it does not include anyone else.”
