Broken Vows (Chapter 7)

Vaidehi never posted their photos on any social media. She used to say, 'social media a dumping zone for memories and I don't want to dump my memories, not even the bad one.' She had Instagram but only to watch reels and sometimes learn more about interior design. Although she had posted some of her college photos on Facebook after graduating, she used social media less keenly.

After a quick, intimate session, Vaidehi felt a little lighter, but Lakshya's mind was occupied with devastating possibilities. Vaidehi served herself some Dal Chawal and joined Lakshya at the table. She mixed it with a spoon and was about to bite when she noticed him.

His eyes were wide open as he was in shock; she knocked on the table twice to grab his attention. What happened? she asked. Nothing was just thinking about work. He lied. Why would Richa send a request to Vaidehi? Do they know each other? I met Vaidehi's friends at our marriage, and I am sure Richa wasn't there. Is this a trap Vaidehi has set to test my loyalty? Am I fucked up now?

He somehow managed to finish food without appetite.

Monday morning was disturbing light for Lakshya and a refreshing ray for Richa. That one kiss distracted Lakshya, and the same kiss changed Richa's life. Lakshya swirled on an office chair, looking out of the glass at empty benches, knowing where he had gone wrong. As he knew, as he expected, this all came to regret only. It is only the start of the end of both his relationships. If Vaidehi learns about this, she will definitely leave him, and so will Richa. Vaidehi would have preferred if Richa was only his friend or an office colleague close enough to be invited to dinner or lunch. Still, Richa was more than a friend, the other half part of a bond that gave existence to his first love, his first relationship. Now only he can wait for Vaidehi to find out about them and watch the destruction. What if Richa finds his reality first? It might cause less damage, and he will have a chance to save his marriage. But how will she know? The only medium to update her about his life is Lakshya himself. The two boats he was standing on started to go opposite ways. He doesn't even have any friends to share this with, but the one real friend, Shiv, will kill him if he tells him. His train of thought derailed when his phone buzzed and flashed a notification from Richa.

Good Morning Love, A heart emoticon. Richa texted.

Good Morning. Hug emoticon. Lakshya replied.

Richa sensed the dry emotion behind his text.

What happened? She texted.

Nothing, why? he replied, trying to sound normal.

Okay, I thought you were stressed about something.

Does she already know? His mind started raising questions.

Before he could think of any reply, he received a message from Vaidehi.

Can we go out for lunch today? Please.

F**k, man! What the hell is happening? he blurted out, disgusted.

Yeah sure. He replied to Vaidehi as calmly as he could.

Rabaru, Advant Business Park? Vaidehi suggested a place.

Lakshya was shocked. Does she know? In 2 minutes, he has asked this same question from himself twice, once on the cause of Richa and now for Vaidehi. This was the place where Lakshya took Richa for their first lunch. This is too late to say anything and too early to predict anything.

Okay. He replied Vaidehi. The only reply that was necessary at that time. Anything less or more could have triggered his own anxiety.

Busy? Texted Richa.

No, no, I was on a call. He lied.

Can't wait to see you.

Actually, I have to go, will see you in the evening. Probably.

Ummm, Okay.

His legs shook at every step he took towards the restaurant. Anxiety equipped his face well. He was sweating.

Lakshya lying on the bed beside Vaidehi, made sure 100 times she was asleep. He then turned her phone silent, dropping brightness, so it did not lighten the room. He unlocked it and swiped to locate the icon of Facebook; he clicked to open it and tapped on the notification icon. Vaidehi was yet to react to this notification. Should I delete this request or let it be? he wondered. He then checked if Richa had contacted Vaidehi on Facebook Messenger. Thank god, she hasn't yet. His eyes didn't even blink that night. Although the lunch with Vaidehi went as usual, his anxiety peaked as if he was expecting a confrontation from Vaidehi.

Two delicate hearts were on the verge of breaking, and the reason was a man who had never fallen in love. The chaos that was once his fuel had started to catch fire. A fire that will not only turn their life into ashes but also burn the spine of their trust in love.