CHAPTER 3

He was annoyed and irritated. I get it, but things are left undone, and we can't let it stay that way forever. We were outside the pub, in a more secure place where no one could hear us.

He was facing the road, not even a second, he thought of facing me and again, I get that.

"What?" Again, the same tone with attitude. Was I the only one in need of closure, not him? He had moved on. I get it, but what about that night? How can he forget and move on like it was nothing?

"I just wanted to talk. Discuss things, as I was confused. I don't think I can discuss this with anyone other than you." "What's there to discuss? It's a drunken mistake; that's it, nothing else." "It was fucking not. Don't feed bullshit to me." By gritting his teeth. He replied. "Well, suit yourself." "We need to discuss what happened. I am stuck." By facing me. "As you can see, I have moved on, and you can too." "Easy to say." "It's not that hard." "I am confused." "I am not. My mind is crystal clear about what I want, and I want Elisa in my life. Don't cause any complications; move on and get a life, okay?" "Without discussing." He sighed. "Oh god, why are you stubborn? As I said nothing to discuss, it was a one-time accident as simple as that. Move on, will you? Don't complicate yourself, and for me, ok." "But." "Listen Landan I am done with this conversation, ok? Move on, I am serious." By saying that, he stormed inside the pub, and I was glued to my spot, not able to process anything.

I took my time trying to distract myself. I couldn't stay for long because my friends might get worried, so I went inside. I took my place beside Arthur. He whispered and asked everything sought out, for which I smiled, neither accepting nor denying that I, myself, was confused. 

Lucas was beside his girlfriend, clinging to her even more. My other friend Alex, who is serving as a police officer, informed us to drink alcohol within limits, as these days drunken driving cases are increasing and leading to accidents. Everyone in the room started sharing their opinion regarding this issue. Lucas took this as a perfect opportunity, and he stated. "Anything could happen while we are drunk, and a few things will be out of her hands. We should not make a big deal out of it. But we should not violate the law. Anything could happen." While saying the last part, he was eyeing me. Was he reassuring me or himself? Three times in a row doesn't suffice as a drunken mistake. Damit.

I tried my best to be as cheerful as I could the whole time. I don't want to be sappy and spoil the atmosphere. Finally, we bid goodbye after midnight.

After reaching home, I freshened up and was lying on the bed. I was rewinding the whole conversation. This should be a two-sided conversation. Where was my opinion on this matter? He said what he wanted to say, and that's the end. Even though I need closure, we need to discuss the issue, right? I am still confused like hell and stuck. I need to move on too, but before that, I wanted to clear things up.

I didn't want to give up on anything without discussing it; I had made up my mind. I called Arthur and collected information about Lucas and where he was working. I still had Lucas's cell number, and my number was still on the block list.

Through Arthur, I came to know Lucas came back due to his dad's health condition, and I didn't know that. He is practicing his medicine in one of the reputable hospitals, and considering his academic and family background, nothing was surprising. Lucas is a brilliant fellow, and without his family background, he could have gotten where he was for sure.

I was on a mission. The next couple of days, I tried my best to get a hold of him. I waited outside the hospital for hours together, but at least once he didn't bother to talk or spare a glance towards me. I even tried to get hold of him at his home, but he lashed out in every attempt. Everything was crushing me inside, and I was not sure what else to do. He was doing his best to make me give up.

I think it's time for me to give up.

One fine day, my manager called me to his cabin. After entering, he told me to take a seat. I waited for a few minutes, and my manager told me about my promotion cum transfer. I was expecting a promotion, but not a transfer. He gave me a knowing look and told me to think calmly and make a decision. He gave me friendly advice, saying that it was a good opportunity and other bullshits. By nodding my head, I exited his cabin.

I was in a daze. I didn't inform anyone, not even my parents. I wanted to think about this thoroughly. Being the only son of my parents will influence my decision, and I don't want anyone involved in this matter. I was getting transferred to another country. Was it a good thing or a bad thing? If I accept, I can escape from the things that are happening. I don't want to seek any more answers. In a new place, surroundings, and distance, I can try to overcome the things that are crushing me inside.

This is a blessing in disguise. 

 A genuine smile appeared on my face after a long time. Before going to sleep, I had made up my mind and emailed my manager regarding the same. 

The next day, my manager congratulated me regarding my promotion and my colleagues too. I was happy and looking forward to experiencing new things in my life.

On the same day, I disclosed to my parents about the promotion and transfer. Of course, they were not happy, but I made them understand how important it was and that I needed it. My parents had witnessed my gloomy state. They tried to discuss it with me, but they were not successful. I made them understand how much this meant to me, and finally, they agreed. I didn't inform any of my friends, and I don't know why. I want to throw them a party at the last moment. They will be shocked, but I am sure they will cope.

I was sitting in the airport, waiting for my plane to arrive. I feel relieved. I don't know why. I was not stressing over the past. I don't need answers anymore. It's like saying goodbye to everything. 

 Is this how Lucas felt when he left the country? He wouldn't come back if it weren't for his dad's condition.

Running away from a problem is a kind of solution rather than addressing and stressing over it. I am totally getting him.

This was the best decision of my life, and I was smiling.