IT'S TIME NOW

Later in the evening after coming back from the office, I'm just sitting in my room and thinking about what dad said in the morning. That's a really good idea, but then I was confused. I don''t know what Arjun is thinking. I mean, as a friend I promised to design his interiors, but then dad is now asking to start my company and then design it officially. I want to talk to Arjun and know his opinion first, if he's okay then I'll think about starting my company. I don't know why, but I'm feeling that Arjun wouldn't mind, but still I want to be sure. And if I start my company, then I'll just hire one or 2 employees for the first. I want to start as a small scale company and then grow it according to the needs and profits. Now if I start my company, then I'll just have to look for a location which can accomodate like five to six cabins. I mean for the start, that'll be great. But now I've to also think about budget, what to do and whom to hire. There's so much work to be done. I just hope, everythink goes well. Also I don't want to delay Arjun's plans because of me, if he's ok with me starting company. So, I've to make everything ready. There's so much in my plate right now. But just then my mobile started ringing, it was Arjun. I don't know what he'd say, I've been avoiding him since afternoon, after we came back from lunch. Dad also gave green signal for the location we have finalized for Arjun's restaurant. Vinod uncle is talking to them, soon the deal will be finalized. I'm scared, I don't know if I should just pick the call and talk to him or just ignore him and then talk when I've absorbed all the things. But it started ringing again, so this time I answered.

As soon as I answered, he asked me to come out immediately and cut the call immediately. I took my phone and came out. I saw Arjun waiting for me in his car, when I walked towards him, he asked me to hop in. After getting into his car, I tried talking to him, but he didn't reply anything. He was just driving, then he took me to his home.

After reaching his home, I asked him, "Now will you tell me? Why did you call me? And what's wrong with you, why are you silent all the way and not answering any of my questions?" He replied, "No, you tell me, why are you avoiding me since afternoon?" Now I don't have an answer. I stammered, "No, I wasn't avoiding you."

Arjun said, "Come on Dhrithi, don't lie. Atleast not to me. Are you worried about something? You know that you can tell me anything, right? Then why are you avoiding me?" I replied, "Yes, I was avoiding you. But my intention was not to avoid you." Arjun replied, "Dhrithi what are you saying? Listen to yourself, I don't understand anything."

I replied, "You'll understand, if you let me complete. So, will you let me complete?" he rolled his eyes and nodded his head and I continued, "Yes, I was avoiding you, because I don't know what you were thinking about Dad's idea. I don't know how you're gonna react for that. But my intention was not to avoid you, because it was also too much for me to digest. So, I wanted to process the whole thing, get an idea about it and then wanted to talk to you. That's the reason I wasn't talking to you. Now did you understand?"

Arjun, "Yes, I got you. But what will I think about uncle's idea. I mean that's a great idea. Infact I was thinking why didn't I get that idea. In that way, both of us can kickstart our careers. It's time both of us start our careers." I replied, "Does that mean you did not feel bad?"

Arjun said, "I didnot say that. Yes, I did feel bad." I said, "Hey, I'm sorry. I didnot expect dad to say something like that. I'm really sorry." He said, "Why are you saying sorry? I should be the one asking sorry. Because of me, you got ready to take up the position of CEO. And uncle was upset. So, I should be the one asking sorry."

I replied, "Hey, you don't need to say sorry. It wasn't your mistake. I should have talked to Dad regarding this whole matter, and then decide something. I acted foolish. But that was not my question. I wanted to ask you that did you feel bad that dad asked me to start my company and then design interiors for your restaurant?"

Arjun said, "Why would I feel bad for that? That's a great idea. You know, this even helped me come out of my guilt trip. Ever since, you said that you'll take up the responsibilities of the company. Somewhere I was feeling guilty that you've to sacrifice your dream for me. But this way, both of us can fulfill our dreams."

I just hugged him tightly and said, "Thankyou... thankyou so much. You know I was so worried that you might be feeling bad. You don't know what all stupid things came to my mind. But now, I'm at peace and I'm so happy. Thankyou again. I love you and you're the best." That just came out of my mouth randomly. And I realized what I said later, after saying it out. I mean it came out so naturally. I have never said it to Arjun. I did said that to Veer, so many times, but that's different. I said it out, but now I'm feeling something. I'm feeling as if my insides are churning. I came out of the hug. Then Arjun said, "Thank you to you too. You know I was also worried that may be you're upset with me, that uncle is upset with you. And that is why you're avoiding me. But now I understood, that's not the reason and I'm so glad that you aren't upset me. I was worried like hell, when you weren't talking to me and avoiding me. Thank you once again and never do this to me." I smiled at him and that eased my awkwardness.