"What did you want to talk about so urgently Adi?", asked Karan sipping his favorite ice tea.
He and Aditi were at their usual hangout, by the lake side. They had frequented this place many a times in the last three years, occasionally with friends, but mostly just the two of them. Today appeared no different,but Karan sensed Aditi was occupied with some other thoughts.
"Karan, for the last few days I was thinking about our future.", Aditi spoke softly.
"What about it Aditi. The future is ours, you and me together forever."
"Karan, can you get serious for once. In two weeks, we will be graduating. Have you thought what you want to do next."
"You know my interviews for MBA admissions are scheduled in the next month."
"I know that Karan", Aditi interrupted him. "I am asking you about us."
"What about us Aditi, I don't understand. We have been through this a lot of times before. You will get into your dream company, I will finish my MBA and then we will be together."
"Karan, you are talking about two years of being away, occupied with our priorities."
"I am not sure how that will change anything Aditi. Being away will not change my love for you Aditi. However filmy that may sound, that is a fact."
"Karan, Lets get engaged", Aditi looked into his eyes.
The statement caught Karan by surprise. "What?, he blurted out", trying very hard not to lose his cool. "Get engaged? What is wrong with you Aditi."
"I don't see anything wrong in getting engaged Karan. I am not sure what is so surprising.", Aditi raised her voice by a pitch.
"Aditi, is this because you don't believe me? You want a commitment from me and hence this idea of getting engaged?"
Karan's questions were met by a silent stare from Aditi.
"Adi, tell me you are just kidding. I cannot believe that you are doubting my commitment towards you."
"I am not doubting anything Karan, I am just saying let us get engaged. Let us talk to our parents, tell them about our relationship and get engaged. I am very sure neither my parents nor your parents will object. I am sure they already know about us. Let us just make the obvious more obvious".
"If it is so obvious then why do you want to do this Aditi", Karan shot back with his question.
"Why do you not want to do this Karan, is there something I am missing here"
Karan did not answer straight away. He paused as if trying to put his thoughts together. When he started to speak, he looked straight at Aditi.
"I need time Aditi. I need to settle down in my career before I can talk to amma or appa about this."
"What do you mean by settle down?", Aditi struggled for words.
"Look Aditi, you know what my family has been through financially. But for my uncle's help, my family would have been no where close to where we are now. Even in these circumstances, my parents made sure I was always happy. They gave me a chance to study at a reputed college, never ever saying no to my whims and fancies. I know all that my dad had been through but he never backed off from giving us the best."
"Karan, listen", Aditi tried to interrupt him.
"Let me finish Adi.", Karan continued."I wanted to make it big in business for the same reason. I want to be the reason for my parents happiness and make sure all their sacrifices do not go in vain. It is time for me to start building towards my dream."
"So do I Karan, I want you to be successful for the very same reason. I don't see how our decision now is going to change your dream", Aditi was trying hard to control her emotions.
"I cannot go to my parents and talk about this now Aditi. I will need time. Let me settle down and start a career. I am sure my parents would not say no, but please understand my situation. When they are expecting me to start making a career, I cannot talk to them about this."
Aditi was stunned after Karan's outburst. Struggling to hold her tears back, she tried to speak, "I still don't understand Karan. You want me to wait for three years so that you can settle down and then comeback to me. Did you think of what I am supposed to do Karan?"
"I sincerely wish you succeed but what if you take more than three years. How can you be sure it is only three and not eight. You want me to keep waiting for you till you settle down. How do you define settling down Karan?. Would a well paid job mean settling down or would a successful business qualify as being successful." Aditi was no longer trying to hide her emotions.
"Aditi, I Love you and you know that as well. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You and my career are both important to me. For a better future for both of us, I have to make sure my career takes off in the right path."
"I cannot understand what future you are talking of Karan, when you are not bothered about the present. The future you are talking of is all about you."
"I have not seen this coming Karan and i feel ashamed of myself for thinking I knew everything about you."
"It is not that Aditi. Please.", Karan pleaded her.
"It is over Karan. I never ever imagined I would say this, but it is all over."
"Stop saying that Aditi", Karan's voice was barely audible to Aditi as she walked out.
It had been almost three years since the discussion happened.The morning after the discussion, Aditi regretted her decision to walk out without talking it out. May be Karan's argument had a reason and she was unable to see through it. But try as much she could not get over the discussion.
The next few days, Aditi barely spoke or met anybody. The argument had left her numb and she needed to time to recoup. As she started to move on with life it was her childhood friend Kumar who made sure she was back to her bubbly normal self. As time passed, so did her feeling of regret.
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