COMPLICATED LOVE

11. CAREER AND DREAMS

Anu left for job to another city. Luckily Ritu too got placed over there and it has become easy for her to get acquainted. Arun is busy and enjoying his job environment. Rishi is busy in his office works. Sam is pursuing her Mtech.

Fast forward two years two months.....

Anu and Rishi completely lost touch. Neither Arun and Sam ever mentioned about him.

"Anu, I have sent you some photos and details of guys. Some relatives suggested them. Please go through them," her mom suggested.

"Mom, please.. "

"See Anu your are 23 now. I wonder if you can find the one for you by next 2 years, even if you start filtering from now! " She exclaimed.

" Is there a rule that girls should get married before 25? " Anu thought in her mind.

"You know how many girls even got married at 23 in our locality."

"So....? " Anu thought in her mind again.

"I know about your mindset and that you are afraid of relationships. But we want you to have a partner with whom you can live happily." She said

"Yeah! Sure. " Anu muttered only one word, thinking about Rishi, she didn't know how he came in her mind even after all these years. However she didn't think much as career is her priority, moreover it's inappropriate to think about a guy, who is committed already.,

Anu understood their concern. She realized her parents are afraid about her future relationships.

So she chose to avoid debate. That's Anu. She avoids arguing and ranting unnecessarily.

After jotting down last lines of her next story, she stretched on the couch.

.....................

"Anu, why aren't you finishing your book, you have been prioritising short film stories which is part time only. It's been almost 2.5 years! " Ritu said promptly barging into the room.

They both are sharing a room for rent in a hostel. The food, washing clothes, cleaning room everything will be done by the helpers. Rent is bit more but Anu chose to have some free time after getting back from work to invest on her hobbies mainly.

"I don't know, why I'm taking that long, instead of having previous experience. I feel like life isn't okay at all. I'm wondering how I'm going to tell my mom that I left my job." Anu sighed.

Ritu looked at her stumped." You sure to face them?"

"They were short books though. This time it's a college based story , almost done. Gotta post copies and my course certificate tomorrow to publishing houses. "

"Let's go and have dinner! " Ritu said trying to divert Anu.

....................

"Anu! " Reetu screamed, "What's Arun doing in matrimonial site and Tinder? Is he playing pranks again? Our friend shared it in group."

"Why would he?" Anu laughed.

"Seems like he has arguments with Sam! But they looked happy when they showed up here on your birthday last time! " Ritu exclaimed.

Sam got placed in her hometown itself after MTech recently.

Anu recollected they both talking dull on conference call the last week. She sensed something is wrong.

She immediately left for Sam's place on weekdays.

Sam is overjoyed seeing Anu on doorsteps Saturday morning. So does her parents.