A Love Story of Sorts - Part 2

(read previous part here)

https://www.imaginedinink.com/post/a-love-story-of-sorts-part-1

This is how it began…

The following Saturday he asked her out. They went dancing and drinking. She was drunk towards the end of the evening. They kissed as they danced, closer, with each number. Much to her embarrassment, by the time they got to dinner, she was sick. She had never felt so much self-humiliation. He took her home and ensured she was safely inside the house. She did not believe he would call her again, though those were his last words. He did. That is how it began. An incomplete love story between them.

He was married. By the time she found out, it was too late. She was already in love with him. He never quite said those words aloud and she, every single time.

"You give too much." he said. It was just a statement. Or so it seemed.

She mulled over it long after he left to return to his home, a family he was rather happy with. He really had no reason to stray.

Dusk turned into twilight and the stars hid behind the lazy smog that had heavily settled over the city. She tried to look for stars. A new moon dimly swung out into hazy visibility and three stars were all the heavens gave her.

He was right. Why should she settle for less when she wanted all of it?

They parted ways as both found work in different cities. It was just as well.

For weeks they still communicated.

After a few months, he called.  His face, that serious self-assured look she saw on him often enough, lit up the phone screen.

She sighed and picked the call.

"How are you? You didn't call?" he asked.

She took in a deep breath, gathering up her life in it. "I know I didn't."

"Why? You forgot me?"

"No. But, I want to." she said. As she spoke she felt a little more courageous.

"Why?" he knew he was not going to like what she had to say but it was inevitable. The ache in her heart stabbed for a few precious seconds but she knew it was what she needed to do.

"You know," she paused, "you were right."

"What about?" he asked. She could hear the rustle of paper and knew he was in the office.

"That I give too much..." she let the words linger, like soft perfume, memories of all the times when she had given too much. "You have indeed given me that gift to accept it."

"So..." he trailed. He knew there was more. She never said anything without reason.

"I'm moving on. I won't be seeing you again. I don't wish to be incomplete. I am done with that. I am beginning to hurt, a lot. If I was in the same city as you, I'd never have this conversation on the phone but I am not sure when I will see you again." the words were now pouring out, quite unable to stop, even as she choked on it and felt herself, once again, rip to pieces.

There was a long silence. She heard him take a deep breath.

"You know you were my best friend,” he said. He sounded just the way he would when he knew he needed to just get a grip on everything and stay brave.

He cut the line.

The tears freely poured and she wondered why she had to go through this. Why did nobody ever want to completely stay?

"I love you so much." she choked on the words in pain. "I am sorry."

He stared at the screen. Taking a deep breath he put it all aside. She was right. He knew she deserved more. He couldn't give it to her, the kind of love and complete togetherness she deserved..."Dammit" he swore. A lone tear found its way down his cheek. " When did you get this emotional?"

He willed himself to reality.

"I love you so much" he whispered. " I am sorry."

© Sandhya Suri

(to be continued)