Shreya--
My friend vaishali called me later in evening after I spent my whole day with Tanmay. First we played badminton then lunch. I was talking to my friend casually. I love my friend, even though we are that Long distance friends for years, but I feel most close to her. Never left me. And I am prior for her. Same goes for me. Unlike ...(Let's talk another time that how I dumped aside in one good friendship, but I am grateful, not everyone is same.)
Vaishali - Shreya ... I feel You're just hearing not listening. Where is your mind Today?
Shreya - I met tanmay today...
I told her, week ago that, Tanmay and me not going to work.. so topic is closed forever...but now I just changed my mind...
Vaishali - Why?...what for? Look Shreya, I told you the very first time you agreed to meet him, I told you it would never work. He was in long relationship, it's a complete waste of time... because no matter whatever happens that guy will always have feelings for her. And we don't get involved in complicated situations--they only invite troubles.
(She's right. I know. But I want to take risk this time. But I can't tell her whole truth. I can't believe me and tanmay now have our own secret. I feel like betraying my own friend. But I can't help it, Vaishali, I want to have new life. Where I live on my own terms.)
Shreya- Calm down. Vaishu... People can move on. He's totally changed.
Vaishali - What ? God... Shreya don't you dare to tell me that you're really thinking in that direction....
Shreya- I am thinking... I think, if we meet more... positive things can happen for both of us. Who doesn't have past... everyone have pain...
My friend got angry, her expression showing that if I am joking with her, I should stop right now. She's serious.
Vaishali - Are you joking with me ? Who doesn't have past? But Girl, you never even been in a relationship. And don't think I don't know the kind of man you literally dream for.... Shreya you deserve real love and real attention, person who adore and cherish you, choose you...you have everything...why you go for a man who may never open his heart to you?...even if you somehow make it work, *** ex of his can't be trusted and he might walk away, the moment his feelings for her reignite.
(She's damn right. But as per our plan, we are not going to fall for eachother. But it should be noted that, agreement can't be broken because of this.)
Shreya - Calm down, vaishali !! Everybody deserves second chance. Just let us meet and decide where it goes. I mean we didn't decide to marry right away.
(She didn't buy this. This is real love.)
Vaishali - What second chance? Chance to destroy your mental health ?...I am completely against it. If it takes me going to your home and talking to your parents,to make you understand what you're getting into... I will.Everything will be stop then. They will handle it.
Shreya- Ok. I swear I won't do anything to harm or hurt myself intentionally....I will get clarity about his feelings and I will ask him his intentions about our relationship. If he's not clear, I will not proceed. I promise ok.
Vaishali - I don't trust him for god sake. Is he using any black magic on you ? Why you're interested in first place. This is not you. You're so smart for this.
( I knew it. If I spoke casually, staying on the surface, she'd never believe me. So I had to use my greatest weapon - my feelings with good tone. No matter what she always respects my feelings.)
Shreya - Vaishali.... I feel familiar and safe with him..even though he makes pathetic jokes, and behave weirdly. I've never felt safe with any man before. You know that. I can be myself with him. And he also like badminton. Our conversations are never boring. Right now, It feels like good friendship. But I feel we could be good for eachother.
Vaishali - Oh, so I've lost my friend. You already like him, Shreya ...( She put her one hand on his head, as if I declared I am crazy in love with Tanmay)
Fine. you date him first. But when you decide to take things towards marriage, I'll talk to him myself. Ok then, Bye.. I am tired and still need to eat dinner. As you made me depressed.
Shreya - You'll never lose me my lovely duck. Fine. After You talk to him, I will take any further decision. Ok. Bye my love.. Goodnight, sweetdreams. Love you.
Vaishali - Goodnight.( With not so happy face) Love you too. Fool girl.
----------- Same day- Afternoon -----------
Shreya---
Shreya- Nice game. I didn't think that you could play this well without practice. When was last you played badminton ?
Tanmay- Even though I may look lazy. But I've been hitting gym everyday lately. So l'm physically active. Last time I played was probably in college.
Shreya- Nice... Let's order food.
Tanmay- I am starving today. I will eat paneer...
(We ordered food... Then casually went through our phones as we'd been away for hours. Game had been good so I felt good. Then I noticed Tanmay looking at me.)
Shreya - What...?
Tanmay- ( he smiled teasingly, he always seemed so satisfied when he saw me get irritated.)
What ..what... let's discuss the main points of this lunch date. Because I don't want to talk about it when I am full with food..I just want to sleep blissfully. Sunday afternoon are blessing.
Shreya - Sometimes, I really think are you the heartbroken person or just annoying person... Let's talk. Go ahead. Tell me in detail how it works.
Tanmay - I am annoying person for you. I really like it. So fun. Just look at your face. ( He show my reflection on his phone screen- and I put that down.)
Ok fine. See this is normal paperwork. Called as contractual agreements. This will include our basic information ( party A and B), Each person's own terms. Like me and you, will not cross each other's boundaries (emotional, physical mainly as in our case financially both are independent), will get official certificate of marriage but as per contract, we will be separated within two years, with consent of eachother. My friend Nilay is lawyer, only three of us knowing about this to maintain confidentiality, as you know it can never be accepted in our case if anyone other knows. It's on non-judicial stamp paper, with signatures of both parties, get notarized.
( I nodded. I understand. What tanmay meant by freedom in our previous conversation is clear agenda of this agreement. I thought long after he left from my house, finding love and the possibility of finding good man, seems so hard and irritating. I am personally ready to live single whole life if, I can't find suitable match. But parents or society are not in favour of this. It's only possible if I start something away from house. I dream to work in Europe. Some countries there, are safe for women. Later, I will ask my best friend to live with me as she always do WFH. Anything can be planned if you're not in toxic relationship. If I find good man later he turned into jerk, I don't want to imagine myself getting emotionally drained. With Tanmay, it's clearly new opportunities to grow, but individually, nowadays even romantic couples can't bring this bright side of individual improvement to the relationship. And there is no risk of getting drained in any way Mentally, physically, emotionally or financially. Seems nice deal to me. But this agreement is like more of my requirement then Tanmay. He's man. He can do anything he wants. Why he must need to marry ? So I asked him.)
Shreya - Why...? Who's stopping you leaving your home and start peaceful life without this agreement or extra person?
He smiled.
Tanmay- You exactly why I decided to meet you. This. You ask exact questions that needed to be asked.
I looked at him with blank expressions. I am tired of nonsense today.
Tanmay - I have mental condition dear. My parents are worried. Friends also. Nobody wants me to stay alone. If I do so I will hurt them. My mom wants me to see normal.
Shreya - still. You're pulling big drama for that. After two years also, they will get hurt...
He suddenly got in serious mode,
Tanmay- Shreya, I always thought of others before my wishes. Sometimes lover and some time family. I never give myself enough space. Sometimes you don't need any emotions. You just want to exist. Peacefully. And what about your story, is any different? You're not even allowed to relocate to other city for job alone? That's wrong. What if we don't find eachother. You might ended up with guy, who will decide for you after your family. Like where you should live or go or do the job. All depends on him, not you. I might end up in worst condition. More chaos in family. My mom's health is not so good. It maybe seems like cruel and unethical or selfish arrangement but it is what it is.
(He's right. It's time to put own self first. Rather than thinking much.)
Shreya- Hmm... Can I..
Tanmay- Take your time this week, let's meet next week again for game. Be ready with answer..
Shreya- Thankyou...
Tanmay - me too...
(And we both returned to our path)