CHAPTER 5
“It’s been 2 days I was back in Italy sitting in my office with Pooja in front of me. I haven’t told anyone what happened back at Australian because I know everyone will be angry at me, but I had to keep this as a secret because apart from Rehan and Pooja no one knows Hercules is my husband, dad knows everything about my husband but not the face and my Maa never told him because I told her to keep a promise from everyone. Every time Meenal wants to talk to Pooja someone is always with her, so she never got the chance to talk to her till today.
“Meenal where are you lost earth to Meenal EARTH TO MEENAL “said Pooja joking in bit loudly tone with her but Meenal just nodded her head and gave her small smile.
“Meenal what happened in Australian ever since you came back from there you have been lost and not talking to anyone when we hang out you will sit quietly, I think you miss Neil don’t worry he said he will be back after 2 or 3 days and today is 3rd day so his already in the flight “said Pooja all of sudden in playful tone, Meenal looked at Pooja in the eyes.
“I saw him there “said Meenal in sad and low tone. Pooja was confused what Meenal was talking about because in the past 4 years she never said anything about Hercules and in the begin 2 years she has only cried in her room to hide from everyone, but Pooja knew everything so she thought Meenal cannot talk about him.
“What are you talking about “said Pooja still confused because she through she miss heard her.
“HERCULES, I saw Hercules”
“Pooja felt like she can’t breathe after she heard his name, and she started feeling goosebump all over her body.
“What the hell Meenal what are you talking about you are scaring me “said Pooja little bit loud but all angry and red with fear written all over her face. “Meenal got up from her seat and looked out the window and told Pooja everything that happened in Australian, Pooja was shocked to hear that and was afraid what will happened if he finds her being the reason behind Meenal away from him for all those years, but she was more afraid for Meenal, but Meenal said she made sure no camera saw her face while coming back. Pooja got up from her seat and hugged Meenal.
“Are you sure you’re ok and was that why you were wearing a hijab,” said Pooja.
“Yes, and I am ok, I was so scared but a part of me wanted to see him more and hug him in my arms “said Meenal looking down at her hands and crying. Pooja just looked at her with sad face.
“But you know what he did to you in the past right and ho…………….
“Meenal did not let Pooja finish at shouted “I know what he did but still I loved him with all part of my body I still miss him and I don’t know how but I still care for him Pooja I’m trying to move on but why he had to come in front of me now, I’m trying to forget him please trust me please believe me please “said Meenal crying really badly she dropped on her knees putting her both hands in front of her on the ground to support her balances and cried more, Pooja quickly ran to the door and locked it so no one can open it from outside.
“Meenal “said Pooja in low tone and walked towards her.
“Who has seen the pain of my heart, my eyes huh only God has seen me struggle I sit alone in dark and cry people have only seen me laughing in gatherings and with friend but no one know how much I struggle because I missed him every day every minutes and every second only I know how much I have been through “said Meenal and pooja have kept hugging her like if she lost her hold Meenal will be gone.
“Meenal I never saw you crying after 2 years because you were always laughing and enjoying with us, I never saw you like this for the last 4 years “said Pooja crying her own tears.
“I knew you were on to me that’s why I changed for you for our family for us “said Meenal looking at Pooja in her eyes and gave her sad smile. Pooja was shocked to hear that.
“Meenal, you didn’t you tell me and why would you do that I always through you already moved on not me only but Rehan bhaiya and Maa (Meenal’s mother) also through you moved on “said Pooja in her sad tone.
“How can I move on Pooja; I loved him with all my heart and he took everything from me and when I left him I left my everything with him “said Meenal and got up from the ground and moved to the desk pulling a drawer out and taking all the magazines and newspapers and other times out giving it to Pooja.
“Meenal how easily you stopped talking to me about your feelings huh why didn’t you tell me before Meenal why “said Pooja in low tone looking at the magazines tears still falling down her cheeks.
“I recall him always making me cry before making me laugh I also recall him disturbing me first then consoling me his beautiful laugh was my life and he have taken it away from me, but my heart knows his still there somewhere inside me “said Meenal in a low but heart-breaking tone, Pooja covered her mouth hearing Meenal’s confess but Meenal didn’t cared and looked at Pooja in the eyes.
“If I told you this before I knew you will try and tell me to forget him, but I also didn’t want to hurt you Pooja because I could see how much harder you’re trying to cheer me up every day and I had to make you believe that I was ok “said Meenal and cupped Pooja’s face but Pooja was mad at her.
“But you were not ok Meenal you faked it you made me believe that you’re ok you lied to us to me and Rehan bhaiya to Maa as well Rehan bhaiya always calls Neil or me to talk to you once a month but not too long because his afraid Hercules will find you and tells us everything about his moves to keep you save and away from him but this is how you repaid him us by lying to US “said Pooja loudly pushing Meenal away. But Meenal put her hand on Pooja’s shoulder.
“Please don’t do this to me Pooja Please” Said Meenal in low tone.
“Please Meenal I can’t see you like that ever again the 2 years what I saw was horrible and heart breaking but don’t do this again Meenal please you were lost for 2 years and before running away from Hercules the doctors told you about the baby and you saying you still love him what about here (Pooja pick the newspaper and pointed at the picture of him and Crystal together posing) do you think he still loves you after looking at this I’m 100% sure he just wants you back because you escaped him that’s all he was using you before and he will do it again “said Pooja begging Meenal and Meenal just smiled at her.
“Don’t worry Pooja, I won’t let him control me ever again and remember I’m stronger now and I also have you all, but you must keep this between us and don’t worry I still think about the baby my baby and how you had to put me in rehab “said Meenal and Pooja just nodded her head and hugged Meenal tightly.
“Pain changes people they start to trust less overthink more and constantly shut other people out and that’s what happened to me Pooja but still you guys broke through you broken through and got me back where I’m right now, Yes I still care for him yes I miss him like hell yes I want him here but also I’m done with this I would never go back again and hurt myself like I used to “said Meenal pulling Pooja out from her hug and cupping her face.
“No wonder why dad (Pooja’s father) loves you so much because you pulled us all together that’s why dad calls you his first daughter my elder sister “said Pooja smiling but Meenal just laughed at her wiping her tears away. Suddenly they both heard knock on the door.
“Meenal jiji why is your door lock “said Geet from outside.