Perfectly good parents, huh? Did that exist or was that too ideal? “Why are you fixated on marriage all of a sudden? Aren't you projecting your Bua's intentions on me? We are still too young. I'm only twenty-three for God's sake! Focus on your career first.” 
“Fine!” Rithik exclaimed, getting annoyed by the second. “Imagine it's been a few years. You're twenty- six now and I'm twenty-nine. You are a successful engineer and I'm running a successful business. Now- will you consider marrying me?” 
My lips opened and closed like a fish. This wasn't the kind of proposal I expected from him. I tensed as I replied meekly. “Yes... I might then.” 
“You might?” Rithik repeated my words in anger, his head tilted at me. He threw his hands in exasperation while I swallowed. “Wow! So will you marry someone else then?” 
“No! I won't marry anyone else.” 
“But you won't marry me either?” 
“It's not like that!” 
“Then what is it, Natasha? What's making it so hard to decide?” He held my shoulders, his eyes boring both hurt and rage. “What do you think we were doing all this time, huh? Roleplaying? Did you ever imagine a future with me?” 
“I wouldn't say never, but not in a way you are bombarding me either.” I laughed despite feeling the complete opposite inside. He retracted his hand while I placed mine over my chest as it constricted a little. I was so not up for this drama. 
Unfortunately, it seemed like Rithik had a fire up his arse as he continued on with the ridiculous discussion. I said how I wanted to be with him. That much I was sure of, and if everything went alright, I'd entertain a future with him, too. But it was as if he wanted all answers right this instant. Answers which I didn't have. Why the tables turn from avoidance from him to an argument against me? Curse that old hag! 
In the end, I only repeated what I told him since the beginning of his impromptu visit today. To avoid me. 
“Fine. Have it your way. Let's avoid each other this time,” He stepped closer until our noses almost touched. “But remember, unlike in the past, I won't knock your door this time. You'll be the one coming to me on your accord. And if you are not even capable of that... Then consider us over for good this time.”
The scene of his back retreating towards the door became watery before my eyes. I blinked off to get a clear view but then Rithik surprised himself by returning to get back his keys. 
“Perhaps you really ought to fix yourself, Natasha. Visit a therapist and get your mountain of insecurities checked. Maybe then, you might actually commit to something.” 
“Rithik, that's enough! Get out at once!” Khushboo intervened for the first time in the evening, pointing her arm to the door. I almost forgot she was here. She held my shoulders from behind but I was too busy looking at the emotions unfurling on his face. He took one last look at me before shutting the door behind us with a thud. 
Perhaps I'd been holding onto my sanity all this time. The moment Rithik left, my legs gave up and I fell on to my knees, breathing a mile.  Khushboo held me on, perhaps telling me something but I couldn't hear all of it. The past few weeks had taken a mental and physical toll on me and it was affecting my body as well. At this point, my true wish was to run off to the far ends of the earth. Away from Rithik, his friends, his relative, my parents, colleagues, everyone. At this point, everyone pissed me off. Even Khushboo who was only looking out for me. 
Khushboo made me sit on the bed and checked my blood pressure which was insanely low. Hypertension was probably the cause of it. Fortunately, there was a coconut water stall nearby. She quickly ran to fetch it while I told her to fuck off. I regretted it later on. As embarrassing as it was, she was only looking out for me. Later on, Ayesha arrived and we watched a movie together. I was glad they didn't pry on my matter with Rithik as much. It almost felt like I was single again. Almost.