GAME MAKER - PART - 3
(To better synchronize with this story’s flow, I recommend read previous Two parts of the story)
But despite his fears, Rajat couldn't help but hope that one day, he would find the courage to share his feelings with Tanya, to take that leap of faith and lay his heart bare before her. Until then, he contented himself with the warmth of her friendship, cherishing each moment they shared as a precious gift from the universe.
As Rajat and Tanya sat across from each other in the cozy confines of the canteen, Rajat couldn't help but feel a pang of apprehension fluttering in his chest. He had called Tanya for this meeting with a purpose, yet the words seemed to stick in his throat as he struggled to find the right moment to speak.
Tanya, ever perceptive, noticed the tension in his demeanor and wasted no time in voicing her concern. "Rajat, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft with genuine worry. "Is everything okay with you?"
Rajat took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation ahead. "Yeah, everything's fine," he replied, his words tinged with uncertainty. "But there's something I need to tell you. I have to go to Mumbai for a few days for work."
Tanya's expression softened with understanding, though a hint of sadness flickered in her eyes. "Oh," she murmured, her voice tinged with disappointment. "When will you be back?"
Rajat's heart swelled with gratitude for her understanding as he explained, "Approximately after ten days."
Despite her initial reaction, Tanya offered him a reassuring smile. "It's okay, not a big deal," she said, her words carrying a warmth that eased Rajat's worries. "Go and do your work as best as you are. I know you will succeed. Best of luck. We'll meet after ten days. In the meantime, we'll keep in touch on the phone."
Rajat felt a rush of gratitude wash over him at her words, her unwavering support a balm to his soul. As their conversation continued, Tanya couldn't help but express her concern for his well-being. "Rajat, make sure you have healthy food and take care with proper rest," she advised, her caring nature shining through.
Her words resonated deeply with Rajat, a reminder of the special bond they shared. "Yeah, sure Tanya," he replied, his heart swelling with affection. "Don't worry, I'll take care."
As they parted ways, Rajat couldn't help but feel a sense of reassurance wash over him. With Tanya's words of encouragement echoing in his mind, he embarked on his journey to Mumbai with renewed determination, his heart filled with the knowledge that he had someone special waiting for him to return.
With the familiar sights and sounds of Ahmedabad welcoming him back, Rajat wasted no time in reaching out to Tanya, eager to reunite after his brief absence. Dialing her number, he waited anxiously for her to pick up, his heart racing with anticipation.
"Tanya," he said as soon as she answered, the excitement evident in his voice. "I've landed in Ahmedabad. Let's meet tomorrow."
Tanya's response was filled with warmth and concern. "Sure, Rajat," she replied, her voice soft with affection. "Are you okay?"
Rajat couldn't help but smile at her caring nature, her words a soothing balm to his soul. "Yeah," he assured her, his tone filled with enthusiasm. "I'm fantastic."
And with that, the stage was set for their long-awaited reunion, their bond stronger than ever as they looked forward to the promise of tomorrow.
As Rajat and Tanya found themselves sharing the elevator once again, Rajat's heart brimmed with excitement at the prospect of finally catching up with Tanya after his ten-day absence. But as he greeted her with a cheerful "Hey Tanya, how are you?" he couldn't help but notice the sadness that lingered in her eyes.
Tanya's lack of response left Rajat feeling uneasy, his concern growing with each passing moment. "Tanya," he called out a little louder, hoping to draw her attention. "Are you okay? What's wrong? I asked you something."
After what felt like an eternity, Tanya finally met Rajat's gaze, her expression distant and troubled. With a heavy sigh, she replied, "Yeah, yeah, I'm okay. How was your trip? Everything okay?"
Rajat's heart sank at Tanya's distant demeanor, his worry for her well-being mounting with each passing second. Sensing that something was amiss, he seized upon an idea. "Tanya," he said suddenly, his voice filled with determination. "Can we meet at the canteen during lunchtime?"
Caught in the whirlwind of her thoughts, Tanya hesitated for a moment before reluctantly agreeing. "Okay," she replied softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
As the elevator doors opened, Rajat couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gripped him. But with a newfound resolve to uncover the truth behind Tanya's sadness, he embarked on his day with a singular purpose, determined to be there for her in whatever way she needed.
As Rajat sat across from Tanya in the canteen, his heart heavy with concern, he began to share his experiences from his time in Mumbai, hoping to lift her spirits with tales of his adventures. But despite his best efforts, Tanya remained distant, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.
Sensing her distress, Rajat set aside his own stories and gently broached the subject that weighed heavily on his mind. "Tanya, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.
With a heavy heart, Tanya finally opened up to Rajat, revealing the turmoil that had been brewing within her. Her parents had begun the search for a potential husband, their actions casting a shadow of uncertainty over her future. "I don't want to marry someone I barely know," she confessed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I want to marry someone who cares for me, who loves me, someone I can truly be happy with. I'm just not ready for marriage yet."
Rajat felt a surge of determination course through him as he listened to Tanya's words. "Tanya, don't worry," he reassured her, his voice filled with conviction. "We'll talk to your parents. They'll understand."
But Tanya shook her head, her doubts still lingering. "No, Rajat," she replied sadly. "They won't understand. They'll never see things from my perspective."
Undeterred, Rajat made a silent vow to himself to stand by Tanya's side, no matter what challenges lay ahead. Gathering his courage, he posed a question that had weighed heavily on his heart for far too long. "Tanya, do you like or love someone?" he asked, his words heavy with anticipation.
Tanya's response caught him off guard, her admission leaving him reeling with uncertainty. "No, Rajat," she replied softly. "You're my best friend. I don't have anyone else."
In that moment, Rajat found himself at a crossroads, torn between the fear of rejection and the hope of something more. Unsure of how to proceed, he resolved to tread carefully, knowing that the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty. But one thing was certain - he would do whatever it took to protect and support Tanya, the person who had come to mean everything to him.
(This is a work/writing of fiction, names, characters, business, places, events, locals, locations, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental. The views expressed within this story do not necessarily reflect the views of the writer/author.)
