Kartik reached ‘Woodlands cafe’, his favourite cafe, at the same time 6pm, just like every other week. But these days he visited the cafe more as a Saturday ritual, all alone but just for nostalgia sake. He settled down in his favourite corner and just then, a message flashed on his mobile screen. It was from her, his Revathi!
He opened it excitedly.
Hi Kartik!
It’s been soo many days since we last met.
26 days!..he messaged back.
Haha ..ok.
It’s my first day at work, Kartik!
Wish me good luck.
What?! So you did take up a job eventually.
Ok then! Goodbye!…he messaged.
He just couldn’t accept it.
How could she? He had explained multiple times, yet, she had gone against his wishes.
He had clearly told her there was no need to, then why did she!! he lamented, “It’s over!”
A few seconds later, a waitress came to take his order.
Signalling that he will order later, he just ushered her away.
He was lost in deep thought when his favourite song played. He was so lost and upset, he didn’t even realise it. With his favourite music playing in the background, he went back to that day when he had first met her. Two months ago, same cafe, same time and same seat by the window.
She had come to meet him. It was love at first sight. He liked her instantly. Homely and simple, just like he wanted.
He remembered her response when he had proposed to her, just after a few days of outings together,
“Sorry Kartik! I like you but I need some more time, please!”
He was taken aback but he agreed reluctantly.
A month passed.
Exactly after a month, perfectionist Kartik announced confidently,
“So, let’s get married!”
Revathi was not ready.
She somehow mustered courage and told him that she was looking for a job and would think of marriage only later.
This came out of the blue!
Kartik didn’t see this coming!
“Job? No way! Why do you have to work? I’ll take care of the house and also you, my darling.”
“Hello Sir!
What would you like to order?”asked the waitress.
Kartik was suddenly brought back to the present.
“Will you please leave me alone!” he shouted rudely and then, as an afterthought, said,
“Eh you.. Wait! Get me a coffee and kindly shut down the music. I am sick of this song and this jarring music!”
“Sir! The DJ is a new joinee. Please give me a moment. I’ll go check myself!”, the manager came rushing.
The instructions in place, the mic adjusted, volume checked and in minutes, everything was back to normal.
People around were enjoying but Kartik was in no mood to understand or appreciate.
He had his coffee, he paid and left.
It was all over!!
Dear diary,
It was a long day today.
My first day at the cafe as a DJ, was a rollercoaster of emotions. It started as a dream come true, my dream job! I was so excited. As expected, Kartik came and I was happy to see him. I was lucky too, to even play his favourite song. I hoped he would be surprised. But leave alone accepting my decision to work, Kartik didn’t even recognise my voice. That’s when reality struck as a bolt from the blue! How could he, when he has only, always been full of himself! A great talker but never a great listener, every single time!
Today was my last meeting with Kartik. He didn’t see me but I saw him. Actually, I saw through him only today. I saw what I had overlooked when I was with him.
I was so overwhelmed by his care and affection, I never realised it wasn’t love for me! All those were his choices, his interests, his problems, his expectations! I am glad I followed my heart and stuck to my decision to do what I wanted and not what he wanted me to be!
I have no regrets.
I am relieved and free from the clutches of an overprotective and a controlling nature in the disguise of love.
