The promise

Mangalore Today News Network

Rahul was very worried that day. He had to take a major decision that would change the course of his life. He was in a dilemma. His mother had chosen a bride for him and was adamant that he married her. But what about Sushma his best friend ? He will be accused of ditching her if he agreed to wed the girl of his mother’s choice. His mother had set a deadline which ended that day and Rahul just didn’t know what to do. He heard his mother’s footsteps outside and soon she was in wanting to know his decision.

“Yes mom, I will marry the girl of your choice,” he said with a heavy heart. There was a flash of smile on his mother’s face  and she soon went out. Within  a few days there was hustle and bustle in the house. Rahul’s mother had wasted no time in fixing the marriage date. Rahul had seen the girl’s photograph. A pretty face, he thought, but somehow he couldn’t like it as it was Sushma who had pervaded his mind and heart. How can I convince her now ? The thought itself left  him more worried. In a few moments he was ready, he called Sushma’s mobile and told he wanted to meet her immediately. They met at their regular place-one of the popular restaurants of the town. Sushma greeted him with a smile and soon Rahul explained everything to her and also of his ensuing wedding. To his utter surprise, Sushma seemed to take things too lightly. “Congrats Rahul, I am happy for you.” It was Rahul’s turn to be surprised. But he didn’t show it but just wondered how Sushma took the issue so lightly.

He returned home. Days flew like minutes and soon the wedding day arrived and the wedding took place in a grand manner. Rahul had a glimpse of his beautiful wife Maina who smiled at him shyly. Among the guests was Sushma who greeted the couple with a beautiful bouquet. She seemed to be knowing Maina as both exchanged a few words. Rahul couldn’t hear them but he saw no glimpse of pain in Sushma’s  face. Why?

During the course of the day, the newly wedded couple thought of having a brief chat in a silent corner. Rahul was just waiting to ask her “ Do you know Sushma ?” Maina smiled and said “Yes, she is my friend who had promised to find a good husband for me and she kept up her promise by finding you for me.” It was Rahul’s turn to be shocked. How could Sushma do it when she should have known that he was in love with her?  Just then it flashed to his mind what Sushma had said one day “ Rahul, I want to find a good bride for you.” Rahul had taken her lightly then, but she had kept her words. Rahul was only her best friend and nothing more than that. It was Rahul who had wrongly understood her.Maina was there smiling as usual. “My dear Rahul, don’t you know ? Sushma chose you as her friend, just to make you my life partner!”n