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Yeh Zindagi… Episode 8
Although the incident had made Sumeet think, he did not talk to Ayesha about it. In fact, he talked very little to her. The talks were mostly about the necessary things and his answers were monosyllables. Ayesha was well aware of the changes that had occurred in Sumeet since that night. He was still the caring guy that he always was but he kept his thoughts to himself and maintained a distance from Ayesha. The walls were up and she just couldn’t get through them.
One day, gathering courage, she finally addressed the matter.
“Are things going to remain the way they are? Are you never going to be yourself again?”
Sumeet did not answer as he did not know how to react to this direct question.
“We have to do something. This is not how we should live our lives!” She sounded really worried.
“That’s just the problem Ayesha. We are just playing ‘house’ not living our lives.” Sumeet finally said.
This time it was her turn to remain silent.
“I know you don’t love me. I was aware of the fact all along. And frankly it did not matter because you were happy living with me. But lately I have observed that whatever you are doing for me is not even out of affection or friendship, it is just gratitude.”
Ayesha just stood there listening to him as whatever he was saying was true.
“You know, I was hoping that along the way you will find love for me. Even if you didn’t, your affection was enough for me to go along the entire life.” He continued, “But in the meanwhile, I didn’t think about your true feelings. And now I fear that one day you will find your true love in someone else and leave me. Even if you decide to stay with me you will remain sad forever. Yes, you are right. This is not how we should live our lives.”
He picked up his mobile phone and started to leave for office. “I will be gone by tonight. Please remember that I will always be there for you as your friend and you will always remain in my memories.”
Ayesha sat down with a thud and just stared at the door which he had closed behind him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn2CZ3MGUu0
It had been more than a week that Sumeet had left their flat while Ayesha still continued to live there. Sumeet had taken up a room at a new location where he now lived alone as company was the last thing he wanted. He met Ritu once or twice but then remained aloof all the while. Finally one day Ritu arrived at his room unannounced. She did not listen to his excuses and barged inside. She poured out coffee from the thermos she was carrying and offered one to Sumeet. Her curly hair looked frizzier than ever and made Sumeet laugh. That finally broke the tension.
Now they started meeting and chatting like before. Ritu was very cautious of not revealing her true feelings to him, but Sumeet this time, was more aware of what was going on in his friend’s mind. Months went by and Sumeet started developing a soft corner for Ritu. It was definitely not love but surely it was more than friendship. These new feelings scared Sumeet to death. He was getting confused between love and friendship and it made him uncomfortable. Here, Ritu too was scared as her old feelings were now getting stronger and stronger. She was scared of getting falling in love again and getting hurt again.
Sumeet now was really agitated with whatever was happening in his life. He knew that Ritu was in love with him and they could have a life together if he wanted. He even considered this for many days and the future, if this was it, looked fairly calm and peaceful. But something kept him from taking the plunge. Something that held him back; a connection that was strong and deep. Ayesha.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5VJj5kh4Hg
