Chapter 367

Thirty minutes later they were out. When Pryag was alone the mystery lady had given him her number. She was indeed attractive and that had absolutely flattered Pryag. Diya was a bit restless as Pryag had not said anything and she was reluctant to start the conversation. Akshar was on her mind and she wanted to give him a call later tonight but really wanted to know how Pryag felt. She did not want to talk to Akshar until she was able to discuss everything with Pryag. With all this in the back of her mind and when she was pondering if she should start the subject again or not, Pryag broke the silence. “Diya, Do you know I actually spoke with the mystery maiden? She gave me her number when you were out to the restroom.” Diya was surprised. Then she responded, “Wow! I didn’t know so much could happen in five minutes.” In order to steer the topic towards the direction she wanted, she said, “Surprising that she would come over and give you her number when you are dining with another woman.” Pryag said, “She asked me if you were my girlfriend. I said that we are just friends and nothing more. That is true isn't it?" He gave her a look and continued. "You have been dating someone and I have also known it for a while. When I repeatedly see the same car in your drive way it is not that difficult to put one and one together." He paused for a minute and said, "At least I am not that dumb." Diya didn't know what to say, she just walked with him. Pryag continued, "If you have been dating someone and you consider enough to talk to me about him, I know he must have made quite an impression on you. May I add you are not that easy to impress. Flattery might make way to it but doesn't really last that long. Whoever this person is you must definitely feel something for him."

Diya glanced at him for a second. She was so surprised at how he could know everything about her. On second thought he had known her all her adult life. But it was still surprising and her guilt about her hurting him eased a bit as she realized that he kind of knew what was happening around him. Then she said, "Pryag, I am not sure what would be the right thing to say" and she paused for a couple of seconds and continued "Neither did I intend to keep this a secret or something like that nor did I plan on it, our paths crossed and..." she didn't know what else to say further. Pryag said, "That is fine Diya. Things happen when you least expect them to. We have drifted apart and when I thought that I was seeing the light at the other end of the tunnel...." he paused and took a deep breath. Diya was concerned and was like a kid watching the climax of a movie sitting at the edge of the seat. Pryag continued. "Diya, I love you and I always will. There are one of the two things that are happening here. Either you have been seeing this guy and you feel that I should know about it because you are serious about him and or you want us to pick up where we left off and you want to be honest with me. Or there is a third possibility that you feel compelled to tell me because of your guilt or you are forced to make a decision. Or it could be all of the above reasons." Diya was spellbound. She couldn't believe that he could read her so well. It was just too much and her lips quivered in shock. She took deep breaths to revive herself. He continued, "Let me be honest with you too. If you decide that you feel a connection with this mystery guy and want to continue to see him, which obviously means that you are ending things with me. I can't say that I am happy for you. Because as much as I love you, I am not a saint to say that I am happy as long as you are happy. But life has taught me some valuable lessons, so I think life is too precious to waste any time pondering." They both got into the car and he said "Well, maybe you need some time to spend with someone to realize what I really mean to you. Or is that you already realized that and that is why we are having this conversation?"