Page 8 of Since You Came Along

Meera had not expected this kind of honesty, but she understood. She wouldn’t demand love from anyone, especiallysomeone who had already given it to another. A question lingered in her mind.

‘What did you tell the other girls?’

‘I told them enough, but not the full story,’ Raghav answered, shaking his head. ‘They were looking for a love story, but I... I couldn’t give them that.’

Meera nodded, sensing the heaviness of the burden he carried. She could see the quiet grief simmering in his eyes. She had experienced her own share of heartbreak, but nothing as devastating as his. Her heart ached for him, and she wished she could ease that pain.

It was her turn now, she realised. It was time to tell her own story.

‘I was in a relationship with a guy for four years. I met Rutvik in my first year of college. He was the first person I truly loved. A smile from him could brighten my entire day.’ Her voice wavered as the memories of happier times turned bitter. ‘But now, every recollection only brings me misery.’

Raghav listened, his eyes fixed on her. He knew he was being let into her world.

‘Two years after we graduated, we were serious enough to consider getting married.’ She gave a humourless laugh and added, ‘At least I was.’

Raghav had a terrible feeling about where this was heading, and he didn’t like it one bit.

‘One day, Siya told me she’d seen Rutvik at a coffee shop with another girl. At first, I brushed it off, thinking maybe he was just meeting a friend and forgot to mention it. But then she added they looked... cosy. That didn’t sit right with me. Rutvik wasn’tthe type for public displays of affection. Even with me, he always acted reserved and distant in public.’

She fidgeted with the ring on her hand, trying to calm the anxiety building within her. Raghav hated seeing the flicker of pain and anger shadow her expression.

‘I decided to confront him,’ Meera continued. ‘I went to his place, hoping it was just a misunderstanding. But when I walked into his room… there he was, in bed with her. The same bed where he’d held me and told me he loved me for the first time.’

Her lips pressed into a tight line as she fought to steady her emotions. ‘He didn’t even have the decency to look guilty. He just sat there, like I’d caught him doing something as trivial as forgetting to call me back.’

Raghav felt his chest tighten. ‘I’m sorry you had to go through that, Meera,’ he offered.

‘So am I,’ Meera replied, her tone sharp yet filled with sadness. ‘I’d gone there to sort things out. I had been thinking of inviting him to meet my parents. Thank God I didn’t.’

She paused, gathering herself before looking up at him. ‘I loved him with all my heart, and he didn’t even think twice before shattering it into a million pieces. For him, it was just a casual fling. So when you say you can’t love someone the way you loved her, I understand. Because I know I am incapable of loving anyone at all.’

Raghav nodded solemnly. He couldn’t fathom the pain of betrayal, but he knew what it was like to lose a future you’d imagined with someone you loved.

‘So, what you’re looking for in a marriage might seem selfish to others, but to me it doesn’t. Because that’s exactly what I wanttoo. I’m not looking for a love story, Raghav. I gave up on love a long time ago. All I want is companionship, loyalty, and respect. That’s it.’

Raghav stared at her, unsure of how to respond. For the first time, he felt a sense of relief that he’d opened up to someone who understood. Before he could speak, Meera raised a hand to stop him.

‘There’s one thing I need to make clear,’ she said. ‘I’m not looking for a replacement for Rutvik. The man I marry will have his own place in my life.’

Raghav reached out and took her hand, mirroring the gesture she had offered earlier. Oddly enough, it comforted him as much as it seemed to comfort her.

‘I’m not looking for a replacement for Nica either,’ he said. ‘Whoever I marry will be my partner in her own right, with her own strength. I’m loyal, Meera. That word might not mean much to you anymore, but it means everything to me. I wouldn’t have considered marriage if I didn’t believe I could honour my relationship with my wife. She’ll be my equal in every way, never a substitute.’

Their eyes met, and finally, they both shared a sincere smile that reflected their shared understanding and respect.

Raghav said, leaning back. ‘Well, that was a bit heavy for so early in the day.’

‘Agreed. I think I need coffee now,’ Meera replied with a chuckle.

‘Would you like to grab a pizza instead? There’s a nice place nearby,’ he offered, a teasing glint in his eye. ‘Besides, you’ve talked so much, it’s lunchtime already.’

‘Me? Talk too much? You’re confused,’ she said, rolling her eyes. ‘You’re the one with a flair for drama.’

As they left the café, their playful banter eased the tension. Mahesh watched them from behind the counter, a knowing smile spreading across his face. Sunita leaned closer to him and whispered, ‘This might just work out.’

Standing behind the counter, they watched Raghav and Meera leave the café, their laughter filling the air as they teased each other. A quiet wish formed in their heart, and they hoped that this was the start of something real for them.

Chapter 5

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