Love gives more pain than pleasure, isn’t it? As Juanita and Shashank walked from the canteen back to the hostel, neither of them was able to talk. Everything suddenly looked so uncertain. What about the future? Where were they headed to? As they sat in silence, they decided to take one step at a time and cross the bridge when they reached it. “Why waste today when tomorrow is not in our control. At least today, we are together. Let’s make the most of it, ” suggested Shashank. This made sense. So they walked to the nearest dhaba, sat for a cup of chai and, for the first time, expressed what they felt for each other. It was an eye-opener for both. When you are in love, many things are felt and left untold. But when you sit down to talk about it and you hear how much the other loves you, the feeling is nothing short of bliss. This gives you a renewed vigour to be together and fight whatever may come along the way. And that is exactly what Juanita and Shashank felt. They were now sure that this relationship was real and meant to be. So, they decided to take the plunge into the future together.
The next question was, how could the future be joint? What do they want to do? Higher studies or get into the job market. Where? How? So many questions lingered on with no clear answer. They gave each other 2 days time and decided that the best decision would be to go on for higher studies. And then the process started–applications, letters, preparation for almost 2 months. And finally, they did manage to get admission to the same university. It all seemed straight out of a Bollywood movie, and Juanita and Shashank were thrilled to get two more years together.
Another new campus and settling in. But when they had each other, ‘Josh’ were relieved. And they both enrolled in the same course. So, they were virtually together. In the same class, on the same campus….almost together at all times. Almost every day after dinner, they met and spent time–studying or simply enjoying each other’s company. Oh! what days they were! Until it felt like someone’s evil eyes threw them off track.
Shashank got a job while studying, and so did Juanita. And this time, they had to stay away after class because they had to report to work. And they went on trips with friends, sometimes together and at other times without the other. Initially, this did not matter. But slowly, the differences set in, cracks began to develop, and soon the cracks widened, making any for a third person. Was the honeymoon period over, after all? Where was the future they planned together? Who is this third person? How did she get in?
janakiweb.wordpress.com 