Page 31 of That Same Old Love

Samrat was the chairman of his company, and even though he didn’t bother about normal operations or projects, he still had a huge influence in what could happen within his own company.

God, I hope I’m not fired again for the second time within a week. And simply for working on a project that I enjoy contributing to.

She walked a little dejectedly towards the main hall and as soon as she walked in, she was amazed with the decorations. It was like a teenage girl’s dream come true with understated pinks and purples everywhere, while also staying classy for the adults’ sake. There was a huge table to the right side of the entrance that held all the gifts. She dropped her gift on the table and went towards the dining hall that was connected to the main hall via a wide and long pathway.

Her steps faltered when she saw a profile of a stunningly good looking man, talking to someone animatedly, and laughing in a very familiar manner.

Oh my God, Sidhu!

* * *

Sidhu knew it was Mahi, the moment one of his business partners told him that a woman was approaching them and left them alone.

During their college days, he and Mahi had a strange ability to sense each other’s presence, even amongst hundreds of people around. They also knew what was going on in each other’s minds, and finish each other’s sentences, amusing all of their friends.

“I love you, Mahi. You and me… what we have is real. We are soul mates, and I promise you that we will love each other like this until we die—hopefully when we are a hundred, and in each other’s arms, surrounded by our great grandchildren.”

He had told her that several times during the four years of college, when they had been together. He had been madly in love with her, and thought that she had reciprocated it.

“Hello Sidhu,” Mahi greeted softly, looking at him with a small smile. “You look great, Sidhu. How have you been?” she asked him, as though they were distant friends, and not someone who had promised to love, cherish and marry each other.

He remembered how heartbroken he had been after finding out that she left him, and married someone else. She didn’t even have the decency to inform him about it, or to even break up with him properly. He had found out from another classmate about her wedding.

He had hated her with a passion for a while, for breaking his heart and then turning him into a sad broken boy.

“I’m doing fine,” he said. “I have been blessed with an amazing wife and a daughter.”

“I know.” Mahi smiled at him as though she was genuinely happy for him.

“I heard your marriage didn’t work out. And that you are back to India for good.” He kept a polite tone.

“Yes. Some things are not meant to be,” she said softly.

A pang pierced him, along with a flood of emotions he couldn’t quite interpret.

“I love you so much Sidhu. You are the only person in the world who can truly understand me. I know I want to be with you and offer you everything I have, including my body.”

But he resisted her, even though she made it very difficult to.

“I love you too Mahi and I respect you. Our first time will be on our first night as husband and wife.”

She laughed. “God Sidhu. You are so old fashioned. Okay… let’s at least make out again.”

Sidhu had cherished her. People thought he was blind and not aware of how she would lash out at people, hurting them. But he knew her reasons, and what had driven her to behave that way. He didn’t approve of her actions, but he had loved her and accepted her with all her faults.

She was looking at him imploringly. “Sidhu… I—”

“Mahi, can you please come here for a moment.” As soon as Samrat called her, Sidhu noticed how her expression had changed into dread.

* * *

Samrat was annoyed seeing Mahi with Sidhu, especially because he was concerned about his sister witnessing their meeting.

“I wanted to let you know that you are no longer allowed to participate or listen into the important and confidential calls at work. You can perform your role as a team lead for the job you were hired or you can quit. That’s your choice.”

Mahi didn’t look shocked as Samrat expected. She just nodded jerkily and excused herself, walking away from there.

Sidhu was looking at Samrat reproachfully, but didn’t comment.

---