Inseparable - 4

 "Good morning Esha. I have talked to a few consultants of which two turned up for the investment. And there's one more name KSA Ltd, who wants to meet us before starting the investment process." Kushal walked inside my cabin, his eyes fixed in the print out copy of the consultants list.

"Morning Morning, come sit. Great great. Then why wait. Book a meeting with KSA Ltd asap."
"Sure thing, Esha. Well your eyes seems tired. Haven't had a good sleep last night?"
Kushal noticed. I immediately turned my eyes to the laptop saying, "Yeah, I prepared the model and the logo, as instructed by Ravi Sir, so that he could enjoy his family vacation in Kolkata."
Kushal gave a short laugh. He called the guy from the canteen for two cup of coffee.
"Sorry Esha. I woke up late so ran to office without breakfast."
"Yeah no problem. I too need some coffee. It was a long night, last night."
We both started working for the next four hours continuously. I really enjoyed working with him. He seemed funny sometimes. Today, he was in blue shirt. "Looks good though" - I thought.
We took a break. "So, I don't know much about you. Any girlfriend?"
"No...haha! Betrayed twice. So now just focused in life. Family resides in Tezpur. Got this job for being that "self-independent dude". Things are okay only. Let's see how RRC would treat me."
"Aah nice. Earning matters. If the project goes well, not to worry...you can be upgrade yourself in your Resume."
"And what about you? Boyfriend? Sorry I was asking randomly. Don't mind though."
"Aree not an issue. I am married to a broken marriage. No contact with a husband who sleeps around with women. Financially supporting his father. And my family just ignores me as I am a married girl who's single and working here, far from home."
"Uhh...alright got it. So never thought of divorcing?"
"Fortunately, I will divorce him soon. Last night thought about it a little."
"Okay now I get it why your eyes were exhausted like hell."
I cleaned my throat. "Hmmm. Perhaps."







5 days later -

I seemed happy nowadays. I wore good looking perfect to office like I did before my marriage. I enjoyed Kushal's company as he always tried to keep me busy with work or talk. So that I don't have to be alone with my thoughts. The Kushal I fell in love with at college and the Kushal I had been talking to are poles apart. Ravi sir had also talked to me about it after he arrived from Kolkata. He too noticed along with the rest of my colleagues how I and Kushal get along with each other. I don't know but life seemed to be okay now. But would it last for longer?
Arjun called me. Since I was in my meeting I couldn't receive. After completing my presentation I walked out of the conference room. Kushal showed me a gesture from his cabin for coffee. I answered waving my phone call. He understood and waited a little.
"Hey...I was in my meeting. So sorry. So what's up? Divorce papers approved?"
"Yeah...well I met your husband today. He told me he was thinking of marrying my wife and there was a little tiff between the two of us. I thought that you should know about it. See, we have met just once, but I can understand you. I won't let you destroy your life such a way. Call Rajbanshi and immediately file the divorce. Or else you will be fucked up later."
Having heard it, I felt like my body had just stopped working. But, yes I had to do it anyhow. Then why not? It's now. Or never. Anvesha Rai.

"Yeah...thank you so much for informing me. I will get to him soon."
I looked at Kushal disconnecting the call. He gave me a curious face, probably what's happening kinda look. He came to me. "Are you okay?" and grabbed my shoulder. That was the first physical contact we had. And it felt so good. Maybe, he cared. Maybe not.
"Can we go to the canteen?"
I explained him everything. In detail. He hold my hands while sitting across each other in the four cornered square table of the canteen. As I was narrating, tears came rolling down my eyes. I couldn't stop them. Kushal's grasp on my hand was more strong then seconds ago.
"Esha. Stop crying. See, we all are here for you. RRC need you. You can't break down this way na. I am here for you. See, God has showed you the path now. It's now or never Esha. Just call Rajbanshi. File a divorce now. I am with you Esha. Trust me."
I don't know but being Kushal near me, I saw a ray of hope. Like I could do something for myself now. I could think about myself for a few minutes. It was not a selfish thing, but self - realization. My fingers automatically went to Rajbanshi's number.
"Hi. This is Anvesha Rai. I happened to get your number from your client Arjun Singha."

.......

Kushal cared about me. But this was not worth it. He was a single boy living his life. Why should I destroy his life dragging him to this vicious circle of mess. I watched him as he brought ice-creams for us. He walked towards me with a smile. I was leaning against his bike, waiting and thinking.
"There you go ma'am. Ice-cream. I hope it can lighten up your mood."
I took them and said, "kushal don't..."
"Kushal don't ma'am me? Is that what you're going to say?"
We both laughed. After this long day, he thought of taking me near the riverside so that atleast I don't overthink for a few moment about life.
"Kush, why do you always have to make me smile? It won't give a increment to your salary, will it?"
He laughed. I took a spoonful of the vanilla. "Mmm it's nice tough".
"Esha, it's not about that. I genuinely feel good being with you. I like you for your maturity. And boys, always are attracted to maturity."
"Thank you. Life was a mess, seriously. But then I happened to meet you and now I can...yeah I can survive for a few more days."
"Shhhh." He put his index finger on my lips. "Never ever talk of surviving. Always talk about living it. And remember, I am always there for you...no matter what."
My ears turned hot. I literally was turning warm. God, he was so innocent and kind.
"I should have met you earlier. Maybe then you could have saved me from those girls who betrayed."
A smile came across my lips. Things were falling into places. But I became worried. Because whenever I smile or feel good about myself, things always turn down. As God had written only crap in my life.
"Kushal. I become worried sometimes. It's just that God becomes jealous if he notices that Anvesha Rai is happy...."
I laughed. "No...never. Nothing's bad gonna happen."
He was always positive about life. And me, a bullshit mind filled with negativity.
He dropped me at my place. I really loved the evening we spent together. I felt good about myself.
"Thanks for today." I messaged him.
After two minutes, he replied, "Anytime Esha. Always with you."