Love Life Part 18 - The End!

I got the job! I got the job! I got it! I am so happy.

I packed my stuff to move to Brisbane. I will be living on my own once again but without anybody I know. Tomorrow, I will be leaving Perth & moving further away from Nik.

…........

Brisbane,

This is a beautiful city. I like it. My new apartment is about 30 minutes away from my office. I like the office atmosphere too. Life is going in the positive direction. But, I have to start from scratch to have a social circle. I am trying but being really careful. I don't want to run into anyone who is even remotely associated with Nik. But they say the world is a small place, I hope not!

No matter how nice everything & everyone is, I can't stop thinking of Nik & my stupidity to have chosen him. The days of the abuse I had to undergo keep popping up in my head. I hate him, I hate his friends, I hate men. I am never going to fall in love or marry. Never!

….........

Today I spoke with Veena. She tells me that Nik is bad-mouthing me. He even told his family about me – that he loved me sincerely but I ditched him! I have no words to express my emotions when I hear this type of news. Really? Didn't he trouble me with his so-called love, rules & all? Didn't I tell him that I am not going to see him anymore? Not once but repeatedly. Now I get the 'bad girl' tag while he gets sympathy! Not that I need any sympathy, but I don't need the 'bag girl tag' either!

Anyway, Veena is moving to Canada soon. She is getting married in India this summer & then she will go live with her husband in Edmonton, Canada. Wow! Happy for her!

…..........

I am doing well at my job. My boss suggested I go to Sydney for the next meeting with some of my colleagues. I am excited! This is my first business trip.

….................................................

An year later,

Time flies! It has been over an year since I opened this diary. I read it from the beginning, it brought me tears. How naïve I was to listen to Nik! I can't say I forgot about him & the relationship entirely but I convinced my heart that it was over & I have to move on. So I did. He stopped contacting me, so I guess he moved on too!

During this last year, I changed jobs. I got a better offer at a company in Sydney. I moved here. I made some friends & basically minding my own business! Veena got married & left Australia. I couldn't attend her wedding in India.

I have to confess one thing, after walking out of Nik's relationship; I became stronger, more confident & mature. Maybe it was meant to happen this way.....


Raakesh closed the book. The diary ended with the last entry dated two years ago. He understood that what Radhi went through left a deep impression on her & so she is now terrified of hearing Nik's name through Alok.

He went to find Radhi in the balcony.

''I am sorry about your previous relationship'' he said.

As if there was never-ending flow of water, Radhi's eyes filled with tears again.

''What is there to be sorry about, it is all my bad luck...'' started Radhi but was cut off by Raakesh.

''Why do think it is your bad luck? Aren't these last lines in your diary written by you?

Two years ago you understood that relationship made you walk out & emerge as a strong, confident & mature woman. Now, once you hear about Nik through Alok, where has your strength, your confidence, your maturity gone?'' reasoned Raakesh.

''I am scared Raakesh. I am scared to face Nik. I am scared to face people if my image is tarnished as Alok offered to Nik. I can't start from scratch again. I built everything I have now with great difficulty, I can't let it crumble.''

Raakesh gave a disapproving nod & continued, ''Your thoughts are wrong Radhi. If your own friends are going to act differently towards you because of Alok's or anyone's gossip, then those friends are not worth it. They cannot be good friends if they do not understand you or know you. And if they want to be associated with you only when you have a good image, don't you think they do not deserve you?''

Raakesh's & Radhi's reasoning & discussion continued for the rest of the day. In the end, he convinced her to face the world boldly.

…..........................................

One year later,

Radhi focused less on the gossips about her that were making rounds & gave her 100% to her job. The more you are concerned about what others think, the more you are prone to being sad, hurt & frustrated. Soon enough, her work spoke for her & she got a promotion which required her to move to another branch of her company.

Sometime in between Raakesh realised he is in love with her & is ready to get married. He expressed his wish to her. Radhi's stand on men & marriage hasn't really changed. She replied Raakesh that she isn't ready. But, they still remain close friends. Back in India, both their families are hoping to see their kids happily married. They too know about Raakesh's love.

….............​

P.S. A little secret:
Radhi likes Raakesh more than a friend. She thought many times about love & marriage with him but her heart & mind always end up disagreeing with each other all thanks to Nik's relationship disaster .

Maybe she needs more time to heal completely before plunging into the new love life with Raakesh! Wish her luck!

xxxxxxThe Endxxxxxxx​

 

Thanks swiss! That was really sweet of you