Page 8 of The Art of Taking Second Chances

“Never. We’ll bash our exes when we’re in our nineties and in a retirement home together.”

I laughed again, grateful for her endearing self.

“What did he say?”

“A lot of things, but it’s what I said that bothers me. Or rather what I didn’t say.”

I recapped the encounter for her.

“Tara?” she asked in her gentle, beautiful voice. “Do you really have feelings for him? I mean, I know you do, but they’re in the abstract, right? You’re in love with a certain image of Sameer, your first boyfriend, who knew you better than anyone. It’s a memory you’ve built and carried throughout your life. We all do that. But that’s not the real Sameer, is it?”

“Then why couldn’t I say it to him, Sona? Why couldn’t I tell him to his face that he meant nothing to me anymore?”

“Because you have a history, but it’s time to move on. You have a solid relationship with Sujit. Don’t waste your time and energy chasing an imaginary one. You gave me the same advice once, remember?”

“I know, I know!” I cried. “It’s just that being so close to him again stirred up a lot of buried emotions, but Sameer’s in the past. Plus, Sujit has helped me so much with Aai’s situation. I can never be ungrateful to him.”

“Hey,” Sona said. “I know you feel obligated to Sujit for his help. But I hope that’s not the only thread binding you to him. Is it?”

“No! I didn’t mean it that way. I care about him the way he does about me.”

Thankfully, my phone buzzed in my hand.

“Aai’s calling, Sona. Talk to you later?”

“Sure, but we’ll talk about this.”

“I promise,” I said and ended the call.

“Hi, Aai, I called. Twice,” I teased my mother in Marathi.

“Aga, I was at yoga class, then Shaila called me over for tea. How are you?”

“I’m okay. Tired. Had a long day at work.”

“Do you have any homecooked food, or are you going out to eat?”

I smiled. “I have some leftovers. How are you doing? Are you bored yet?”

“I get bored sometimes, but I go for a walk. It’s getting hotter now. Sujit came over today. He’s such a kind boy.”

Sujit was my age, but anyone my age was a child in her eyes.

“Yes, Sona told me. I just talked to her.”

“She came over too. I’m so glad you have such good people in your life.”

“Yes, Aai, they’re both gems. But it’s a big city. Don’t trust everyone around you, okay? I’m worried about leaving you alone there. You should’ve come here with me. Maybe you would’ve made new friends here.”

“I’ll come for a visit when you’ve settled in. But this is a good routine for me. I have my phone, and I don’t travel too far from the apartment.”

“Okay. I worry about you, that’s all.”

“Don’t worry. Get your work done quickly and come back. It does get lonely without you.”

“I know. There’s no one to bug you all the time,” I teased, visualizing a warm smile on her gentle face. “Okay, I’ll hang up now. I’ll eat something then call Sujit.”

“Bara,” she said and disconnected.

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