13. In Search of Love - Sandhya
Prabakar looked a bit edgy.
Pooja looked at him keenly but didn't say anything and waited patiently for Prabakar to start the conversation.
After spending a few minutes looking at the flowers and plants, Prabakar finally looked at Pooja and said,
"Pooja, do you believe that this brother will do only good things for you?"
Pooja was perplexed.
"Praba???"
"Please Pooja, before I tell you what's in my mind, tell me that you trust me"
"Praba, I have trusted you always. I disobeyed your words once and I have suffered for that. I know you would only do good things for me. I believe you whole heartedly!"
Prabakar's face brightened up!
"Thanks Pooja! Thank you so much! I don't know how you would take this"
"Praba please skip all these unnecessary stuff and tell me what's in your mind"
"Yes, yes! I know that's better"
"Yes, tell me Praba"
"Do you really believe that Nikhil has changed?"
Fresh blood gushed through Pooja's face. Her brief intimate moment with her husband few minutes back rushed through her memory.
Her face shone with extra beauty.
Prabakar quietly watched the changing expressions and emotions in his sister's face. But his face was devoid of any emotions.
"I can understand your emotions Pooja but I do not want him to break your heart again"
Pooja looked at her brother questioningly.
"Answer me Pooja, do you really believe Nikhil?"
"Yes Praba… He loves me… I can see that…" stammered Pooja.
"Really?" asked Prabakar sarcastically.
"Praba, sometimes we need to let go of the past and embrace the future."
"I understand Pooja, but what's the reason for Nikhil's sudden change of heart?"
"What do you mean, Praba?"
"He deserted you! He didn't even bother to see how you were doing and now suddenly he is again in love with you??? And you believe him???"
"…"
"Think Pooja! No one can change their own characteristic. If he hated you so much to leave you like a trash in front of my house and didn't bother to look back for so many years, why should he change now? What changed him?"
"I…. I don't know…." Stuttered Pooja.
"Even if it's because of his father, how long will his affection last? He might be acting just to please his father"
"hmmmm…."
"I can't see any other reason for his sudden interest in you"
Prabakar looked at his sister's face. It looked a bit dull with signs of sadness.
His heart melted for her.
"I am sorry to talk like this Pooja, but I don’t want you to get hurt again"
"Praba, I trust you more than anyone else. I know you will only do things that’s good for me.
"Then listen to my words Pooja! Come with me"
"What???"
Prabakar softly patted his sister.
"Yes, Pooja come with me. I want Nikhil to prove to me that he really cares for you before he can be your husband"
"…"
"But… but Praba…"
"I don't want to compel you Pooja. I will stay here for one more day, you take your time, think and decide for yourself."
"Thanks Praba. I will tell you…"
"Sure Pooja! Now, come let's go and join others"
"No Praba, you go ahead, I will come after some time. I want to stay alone for some time"
"I am sorry…………"
"Don’t be! I know you mean good for me. But I just need to clear my mind" interrupted Pooja.
"I can understand! Always remember I am here for you to take care of you…"
Pooja nodded her head…
Prabakar left the place hesitantly.