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Murali
Murali continued to stare at Pratibha even after she went out of sight to board her plane. His eyes filled with tears. Was it going to be their last meeting? Would he meet her once again in his life? He blamed God for making his life so miserable. He had snatched two women from his life.
Even though Pratibha refused his proposal, she assured Murali she would continue her friendship. But would she talk to him even after marrying Rahul? Wouldn’t she feel Rahul would get hurt? Murali admired Pratibha for being so friendly during her short stay at Hyderabad.
“Murali,” Prakash said.
“Oh, yeah.” Murali forced a smile. “Let’s go now.”
With his heart heavy, Murali walked outside the airport lounge towards a taxi. He sat in a rear seat beside Prakash. His mind was filled with an image of Pratibha leaving the airport lounge. In her sky blue T-shirt and white corduroy pants, Pratibha was beautiful. Murali always saw Falguni in her. They looked like twins.
What was he going to do now? He needed a woman in his life. The only option left for him was to join his hands with Payal and Vasudev. Payal had been insisting he sees a girl belonging to her circle of relatives and gets married. He needed to listen to her advice and settle in his life. His bitter memories would be emptied from his mind once he got married.
“Prakash.” Murali needed to discuss the matter with him. ”What do you think I should do now?”
“Are you talking about your personal life?”
"Yes, I need to move ahead. I don’t think I’ll see Pratibha again.”
“That’s the mistake.”
Murali narrowed his eyes. Was Prakash hinting something about her? “What do you mean?”
“I suggest you wait.”
“What for?”
“Wait for Pratibha.”
Murali’s chest eased. Did Prakash understand something which Murali failed to decipher? “Wait for Pratibha? Did she tell you anything when you met her?”
“She didn’t, but she hinted that she had kept her option of accepting your proposal open.”
Murali heaved a sigh of relief. He too guessed Pratibha was missing Rahul at the party and in the airport. “I also think Pratibha is not yet committed to Rahul.”
“Yes,” Prakash said. ”Rahul’s absence at the party and Pratibha’s not so cheerful face shows us not all is well between them.” He turned to Murali. “Tell me one thing. Would you accept her if she came back to you?”
Murali nodded. “Yes, I still love her.”
“Wow.” Prakash sounded exhilarated. “You're indeed in love with her.”
“Prakash, you already know about my mother’s insistence to see girls belonging to her circle of relatives to get married. What do you think I should tell her?”
Prakash stared down, seemingly contemplating. “Tell your mother you need some time. I hope Payal will agree with you.”
But Murali wasn't sure about it.