Perfect pair

Rahul was the happiest man on earth that day. It was on that day he was martially engaged to Beena, his childhood sweetheart. Theirs  was  a perfect pair, many who attended the engagement ceremony exclaimed. Their marriage was just two weeks away and preparations were in full swing on both sides.

The young pair used to frequently go on outings and cinemas and enjoyed every bit of the time they spent together. One fine evening, Rahul arrived at Beena’s house as he had promised to take her for a splendid and sumptuous dinner at a five star hotel. Beena was eagerly awaiting Rahul and they both set off and arrived at the most luxurious hotel of the city.

Both chose a corner seat as they could enjoy more privacy and seated opposite to each other. Suddenly, Rahul felt as if someone was observing him somewhere and a glance at the other side made him feel he saw a familiar face. He gazed at the young lady seated a little away. Yes, she was Tina, a college friend of his. It seemed to him as if Tina was fuming with anger and he had to bow his head unable to face her. His mind rolled back Those were the college days and Tina was his best friend. They both used to move around together and everyone in the college believed they were having an affair. But Rahul had not thought so. One fine day, or a fateful day was it, Tina expressed her desire to Rahul, that she loved him and wanted him as her life partner. But how could Rahul accept it when he had made a promise to Beena long back. He politely refused  to accept Tina’s proposal and that was the end of their relationship. From then on both were poles apart.
After the college days this was their first encounter  and Rahul’s heart sank. What would Tina do now ? He silently had his dinner much to the shock of Beena who always saw a talkative Rahul. He moved to wash his hands and saw Tina follow him. “ Hey, Rahul, you are a cheater, I will spoil your marriage, just wait and see,” Tina remarked.

Rahul had no reply. He silently returned to his seat and both he and Beena returned home. Rahul spent several sleepless nights. He thought he should  explain everything to Beena before matters became worse, but could not muster enough courage.

Finally, the wedding day arrived  and everything went on smoothly much to Rahul’s relief. The guests began wishing the newly wedded couple one by one and Rahul saw Tina in the company of a  young man. His heart sank again. As they drew closer, he tried to avoid eye contact with Tina but saw her wink with a cunning smile on her lips. She wished the couple and introduced the young man as her would-be. Her wink had explained everything to Rahul. He was  once again  the most happiest man on this earth.