A friend they could bank on...

"Dead," said Sanchit broodingly. "Months later I discovered that the groom's family had publicly humiliated her family for trying to cheat them. My thoughtless act had caused a serious crisis in her family. It broke her heart. She held herself responsible for the humiliation and jumped off the cliff."

A long silence followed this revelation. They were both lost in their thoughts. Myra had many questions in her mind yet she hesitated for the fear of offending him. Nonetheless, she mumbled - "Did they…?" 

She wanted to know if they found her dead body but hesitated. How could someone just believe their loved ones were dead unless they saw them die?

Sanchit was thinking on the same lines. He shook his head and said - "No one saw her body. Somebody had seen her jump on the day she went missing. The family looked everywhere for her. They could not find her body. Ultimately, they accepted that she was dead." – he sighed,

Myra tried to express her sympathy but words failed her. "Even you …" she tried to ask if he also believed her dead and did not try to find her.

Sanchit read her thoughts well. "You see, we Raichand men are jinxed…no one has ever been true to the women in their lives. It's a family curse." He sighed. "But you still have a chance. You will not share the fate of other Raichand women."

Myra shook her head. But Sanchit's trail of thoughts did not notice that. "Through you, I may still have a chance to exonerate myself. Go where your heart is…there is nothing for you here…go your way, Myra, you have my blessings."

Myra's anguished heart said in dismay: "But I cannot."

"Why not?" Sanchit was perplexed. "I am releasing you from this meaningless relationship. You are free, Myra; I hold nothing against you. Don't give a damn about people…people talk…don't let them come in your way to happiness."

"It's not them…I don't care about what they will think of the whole situation. But I do care for my family, my father, my brother. As it is, I have risked their reputation – your father suspects them too. I cannot prove him correct by running away into Aman's arms."

"But that is senseless Myra! I have read the transcripts of your conversation –it is evident how much he wants you. Only he can heal your wounds. I will speak to your family, I will tell them everything, I will convince your father to end this bondage."

"You will do no such thing…" –she said passionately.

"But why Myra?" he was exasperated. What a stupid thing she was? Why want to live this meaningless life, when she has a chance to live freely.

She sighed in exhaustion. Her mind was foggy and her eyes ached, still, she must battle on. She said – "I am here because of my father. He sent me here so that you may help my brother. I will step out of this house when he says I can. Until then let's live life as just as before. I will not be a burden to you."

"You mean you will sacrifice your happiness for that of your family's? Its madness Myra…downright foolishness!"

"It may seem so to you. But it's the only way in my world. Those who love their family make such adjustments for each other. I am sure my brother would do the same for me in his turn."

Sanchit was astounded. "What a simpleton!" he thought. "Haven't you noticed that all the men in your life have hurt you at some point? Only Aryaman has been true to you. He means what he says. Do you want to betray him by choosing your family?"

Myra did not have the strength to argue. Her heart was racing but her mind was foggy. She just breathed long breaths and collapsed.

When she opened her eyes, she was in her bed. She craned her neck and saw Sanchit relaxing on the sofa. The lights were dim and the curtains were drawn. She closed her eyes again and dozed off.

She woke up the next day but hardly had the strength to get out of bed. A nurse immediately came to her assistance.

"Who are you?" – Myra asked.

"I am your nurse." – the woman said. "How do you feel now? Should I get you something to eat?"

Myra shook her head. "Where is my husband?"

"He is downstairs, shall I call him?"

She nodded and the nurse hurried out of the room. Sanchit came almost immediately. "How are you?"

"Better," Myra replied.

"Are you hungry?" he asked again.

She nodded. The nurse immediately responded with – "I get something to eat for you." And she went out of the room.

"What happened to me?" – Myra eventually asked.

"You became unconscious in the garden. I brought you here and we called the doctor. He says it's fatigue out of stress. He has advised you complete rest and no more thinking."

Myra sighed, "I want to sit for a while." Sanchit placed the pillows at the backrest and she leaned against them. Her phone rang and he answered it for her.

"She has just woken up… Just a little fatigued, nothing serious… Don't worry I'll take care of her. Do you want to speak with her? Ok, hold on…" He went to Myra and gave her the phone.

"Who is it?" – she asked

"Aryaman," said Sanchit. Myra's hand quivered out of fear. "It's ok." said Sanchit, "He has called several times since yesterday, he is worried for you. Just talk to him."

Myra's hand trembled as she took the phone; "h..h…hello!" Her heart was racing and made breathing difficult. "It's ok" Sanchit assured her, "I'll be in the next room. Just give me a buzz when you are done.

Myra waited for him to go, then turning her attention to Aman she said – "Hello?"

"How are you?" he asked

"Better"

"That's a relief." He sighed, "You scared me."

"Did you call yesterday?" she said coldly

"Yes. I was desperate for you."

"You need not worry. I am fine. I can take care of myself"

"Myra," Aryaman was surprised at her curtness; "what's wrong? Why are you so cold?"

"I don't think we should talk anymore. I cannot endure all this. Don't call again, don't think of me anymore. Move on in your life, get married, have kids…live a good life and forget me."

"Ok… relax. Take rest. I won't disturb you." Aryaman disconnected the phone and called up Sanchit.

Sanchit was surprised, "I thought you were talking to Myra."

"She is panicky. She has told me not to call again; to get married and have kids and forget her." Aryaman complained

Sanchit laughed; "She is such a chicken. You are in for a long and difficult battle."

"She is scared, that's all. She needs emotional support from us right now." – said Aryaman sharply

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it. Besides, she doesn't know what happened in these two days. Call up tomorrow, she'll be fine by then." Sanchit promised.