"Hi".
"Hi".
Both had said their hellos and then kept quiet as they waited for the other to start a conversation.
"I must admit i was reluctant to this idea, but I am glad I am sitting at this restaurant, in front of you," Rishabh said.
Radha smiled, then softly spoke, "How do you know the Kara's?"
"Didn't Mel tell you the connection? I am Natasha's husband," he said.
"Oh shit! You are her brother in law, the one who was always away on the sea, aren't you?" asked Radha, astonished.
He nodded.
"I am so sorry for your loss. I had met Natasha a couple of times, sweet girl. You were a chef at a cruise liner, right?" she questioned.
"I gave it up after Natasha was diagnosed with ..." he said, but didn't complete his sentence.
"I think Mel knew I would have backed out had she told me it was you. She just told me the boy was a widower and ran a few restaurants in the city," she said.
"Should we fact check? She said you were a close friend and were engaged once. And yes, the remaining is true about me," he said as he looked at her face awaiting a reply.
She took a sip of the wine kept in front of her and replied, "Yes".
He waited for her to say something more, but she didn't utter a word. Realising her reluctance, he asked her about her work and they continued talking through the dinner. When they had finished their meal, he asked, "Home or somewhere else? Beach maybe".
Radha smiled.
They drove to the beach and parked the open roof car as close overlooking the sea as possible.
As they both looked at the crashing waves, Radha said, "He was my childhood friend. He proposed, I accepted, we got engaged and the war broke out. He was a captain in the army".
"You waited for all these years?".
"I was in love with him. There was hope that he would return. Last year, however they finally gave us all his things and officially..." Radha stopped.
"You still love him, don't you?" he asked her.
"Just as same as you still love Natasha. These beautiful people will always be a part of our lives. I am seeking a man who will understand this fact and accept it," Radha retaliated.
"Let's go," Rishabh said.
She nodded.
The while ride, both of them kept quiet. When they reached outside her home, he stopped the car, turned towards her and said, "You know for the longest time I used to dread tomorrow. But now, I can't wait for it".
"Tomorrow?"
"I see you in my tomorrow, in my life," Rishabh said and then continued, "If you will have me".
Radha smiled.
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