KEERTHANA

Next day after the outing, me and Vikram did not talk properly. I was back to work. I got permission from my in-laws. They agreed. I had an important project, so I was busy as the deadline neared. I forgot about apologising. He was in his own track.

He was packing the things for his departure. I said nothing. I know he is angry. I continued my routine. The day of his departure arrived. We went to the station and dropped him.

He was talking with others. Finally he came to me just for the sake of coming. "Take care. And don't forget that I did not forgive you." He glared at me and boarded the train.

From now on, for 11 months I am free. No cold war. No acting. Nothing. I waved my hand with others as the train took off. Vikram also waved his hand.

VIKRAM

Keerthana did not talk anything after the horrible outing. She went to office and probably had more work. First of all, I myself did not approach her. She irritated me for the past events I think so.

I was sitting in the window seat. My friends were talking and chatting. I lost myself in deep thoughts. My maternal uncle was an army officer. He used to tell me stories when he came for vacations. He also explained me about the high ranks in army.

When I was 12 years, he passed away in a terrorist attack. He was given many honours after that. That inspired me a lot and I decided to become an army officer.

I was very disciplined by nature and very conservative. I took the type of job which was of my nature. I loved my profession. I always think about these things when I go to Jammu. I am on my way to do my service.

KEERTHANA

I was happy to be a member of this family. My dream has come true except Vikram. The house had a big lawn and a small garage.

I loved my family. Let me introduce them.

My mother-in-law Lakshmi Narayanaswami. Retired Botany professor. Good at making hand-made things. Loves cooking. Cares a lot for me and she is my next mother.

My father-in-law Narayanaswami. Criminal lawyer in high court of Chennai. Loves books like me. A good companion. Next father.

My sister-in-law Nandita. Mechanical engineer. 2 years younger to me. Loves shopping like me. I share my opinion about Vikram to her. We do many mischievous things together. Partner in crime.

Vikram's and Nandita's grandmother Subbulakshmi. Calm and sweet. Always chants one's name: Vikram. Loves sweets and asks me to get it secretly.

And lastly, Tyson. It is our pet dog. 5 years old. Loves me and protects me during our walks.

This is my new family. We play games on Saturday nights.
We watch serials at night. We go out on Sundays. Thank you God for everything.

Everyday was good except some unexpected days. Its because unexpected people call you. One day Vikram called the landline. I took and answered it.

"Hello?" No reply.
"Hello who is it?"
"Its Vikram on this side." Oh God! Expect the unexpected.

"Oh its you." I was not able to answer. I was wondering what should I speak.
"For your kind attention, I will call like this whenever I get free time and you are wasting it. Hand it over to mom"  I felt the irritation in his voice.

I called my mother-in-law and she told, "Its your call. You speak." But immediately she grabbed the receiver and started to talk. I went inside.

I was practicing myself to talk to him in order to make everyone believe that me and Vikram are in good terms. Nandita saw me practicing and told, "Oh come on. You went out together and still you are nervous. That too for Vikram." She laughed so much. I smiled.

VIKRAM

Me and Keerthana pretended to be talking. She tells "Okay, fine, good,....." I will be silent. Once, I asked her.

"Are you interested in me?"
"What?!!" She was shocked.
"That's why you are taking the phone immediately by running and jumping. Mom said everything."
"In your dreams Vikram. Don't even imagine me like that." She said and gave the receiver to my dad.

But now it is going to be nearly one year. I am going to return back to my home. It was like just a puff of dust. I couldn't believe it. But this holiday won't be as peaceful as I expected. I boarded the train.

KEERTHANA

Is it one year or one month? So fast. And tomorrow Vikram is coming. He will be the same. As expressionless like a statue. At least statues have some expressions on their faces. He is an expressionless statue.

Come on Keerthana. Only one month. Take it as a challenge.

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Hey my dear readers, Keerthana and Vikram are gonna be facing a big challenge in next chapter: Meeting each other. Again. Still their fight is going on. Will they manage to bring it down?

Read and enjoy the chapter until then and please do vote for me 😊