You are mine only

3. The memories

With a nod of acknowledgment, Jay absorbed Virat's instructions and exited the office, fully aware of the weight carried by the seriousness in his boss's eyes. He comprehended the significance of following each word meticulously, understanding the consequences that awaited him if he failed to meet Virat's expectations.

Stepping into action without delay, Jay set the wheels in motion to execute Virat's directives. He ensured that every detail was handled promptly and efficiently, leaving no room for errors or omissions. Jay recognized the importance of maintaining the utmost professionalism and discretion, especially considering the delicate nature of Ranjana's presence and Virat's personal interest in her.

Following a brief yet formal interview process, Ranjana was offered the job she had sought. With her acceptance, she returned home, knowing that tomorrow would mark the beginning of a new chapter in her professional journey. Adjusting to a new work environment and acquainting herself with new colleagues would become her focus as she prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

As Ranjana arrived home, the weight of her recent accomplishment failed to bring the expected happiness. Despite securing a job in the company that many dreamt of working for, along with a salary exceeding her expectations, a sense of dissatisfaction lingered within her. Collapsing onto the sofa, she sighed deeply, the weight of her emotions clouding her thoughts.

Just as melancholy settled upon her, her phone abruptly interrupted the silence, its screen displaying the name "Neelu." Ranjana's eyes fixated on the screen, recognizing the caller. Neelu—a dear friend who had been a constant source of support throughout her journey. With a glimmer of hope, Ranjana answered the call, longing for a conversation that might offer solace or guidance in her current state of mind.

"Hi, Neelu," Ranjana greeted, her voice tinged with a mix of weariness and anticipation.

Neelu, who had played a significant role in Ranjana's life since she had run away from home eight years ago, had always been a pillar of support. Their friendship had blossomed over the years, and Neelu's decision to marry an Indian man in Germany had led her to extend an invitation to Ranjana to join her to Germany. Recognizing the need for a fresh start, Neelu had been determined to ensure that Ranjana wouldn't be left alone in India, offering her an opportunity to leave the past behind and embrace a new life in Germany.

Overjoyed by the news of Ranjana's recent job success, Neelu expressed her delight, her voice brimming with genuine happiness. The two friends decided to celebrate the occasion by sharing a meal together in the evening, a gesture that warmed Ranjana's heart and brought a glimmer of comfort amidst her inner turmoil.

As the conversation continued, plans were made, and the anticipation of their upcoming dinner filled Ranjana with a sense of companionship and hope.

In the evening...

Neelu's gaze bore into Ranjana's downcast face, her voice filled with frustration and concern. She couldn't fathom why her friend, despite achieving a significant milestone, seemed unable to find happiness. Neelu yearned for Ranjana to break free from the chains of her past and embrace the present.

"But Ranjana, this is something to be happy about!" Neelu pleaded, her voice laced with earnestness. "You have a good position, a well-paid job. It's time to let go of the past and learn to find joy in the present."

Ranjana's sigh carried the weight of her resignation. "My happiness doesn't lie in a position or a salary," she murmured. "You know that I'm merely working to make a living."

Neelu understood the depth of Ranjana's words, the longing that lay beneath the surface.

Eight years had passed, and Neelu believed that time could heal wounds and fade memories. She gently held Ranjana's palm in hers, hoping to impart some solace.

"Ranjana, it's been so long. He must have moved on, built a life of his own," Neelu reassured, her voice filled with compassion. "You need to stop searching for him, let go of the past, and focus on your own happiness."

But Ranjana's eyes sparkled with a glimmer of unwavering love. "He can't forget me," she whispered, determination etched in her voice. "I will continue to search for him as long as I'm alive. No matter where he is in this vast world, I believe he still carries me in his heart."

Neelu, weary from countless attempts to persuade Ranjana, felt a tinge of helplessness. She longed for her friend to find peace and move forward, but the power of love held Ranjana captive, refusing to release its grip on her heart.

At the same night…

Lying on his luxurious bed, Virat Goyal indulged in the solitude of his thoughts.

The scent of his body mingled with the air, a lingering reminder of his presence in the room. His lips, once accustomed to radiating smiles, now remained devoid of any feeling.

How long had it been since a genuine smile had graced his face?

Time seemed to blur as the weight of his past pressed upon him, leaving no room for happiness to flourish.

A lone tear escaped from the corner of Virat's closed eyes, tracing a path down his cheek before merging into his brown hair.

It was a silent manifestation of the pain he had carried within him for so long. Today, like every other day, he found himself retracing the footsteps of his memories, seeking solace in the past.

But today was different.

Today, when his gaze fell upon Ranjana after eight long years, his heart skipped a beat. The floodgates of emotion threatened to burst open, urging him to embrace her, to confess the nights he had spent shedding tears in her absence. He yearned to hold her tightly and convey the depth of his longing during those eight years apart.

Despite Ranjana's background of belonging to a successful business family and her marriage to a business person, her life took an unexpected turn after her father's death.