Chennai blues - III

Finally the last part of the torturous series is here :)
Part I
Part II

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"Welcome to Starbucks. What can I get for you today?"

"Two tall Cafe Lattes with cream, a croissant and a muffin"

"Can I get anything else for you sir?"

"Please use fat free"

"And the name on the cup, sir"

"Pramod...P R A M O D"

"Thanks have a good day...Next in line please"

As Pramod stepped out of the line he saw a familiar face.

"Hi Pramod. How are you doing?"

It was as if lightning struck him. "Hey I'm alright...How are you?"

Arjun's eyes welled up. "It has been a long time...hope alls well with you..."

"Yeah...pretty good"

"I still feel sorry for that night"

"In some ways its for all of our good"

"Yes...I think...may be"

"Of course...You should meet Radha. Hey Radha, this is Arjun, the one I was talking to you about. Arjun this is my wife Radha"

"Hi Radha...You both make a great pair". Radha knew everything about Arjun and what happened that night.

"You are so lucky. Pramod is truly a treasure"

"Boss...I'm far from that"

"You have so not changed"

"Coffee for PRAM 'ODD" said the lady. Radha reflected. She was indeed lucky to meet Pramod. And ever since she heard that story she had always wanted to meet Arjun. And today her wish came true. It was about 6-7 years ago. That was when Pramod was not really sure if he wanted to be with Susan. There was a palpable tension in the relationship and one day, after a long discussion and argument with Susan, Pramod went to pick up Arjun from the airport.

Arjun was coming back after six months and it was not difficult to notice that something was amiss with Pramod. Notwithstanding his jet-lag, he made Pramod to take the next exit so that he can drive himself. As Pramod took the exit they heard a small thud behind and some squeaks.

“What’s that”

“Donno man. Let’s just get home soon”

The next day was probably the worst in their lives. Apparently Susan had been following their car and when he took the sudden exit, she tried to take a sharp turn too. The thud they heard was actually Susan’s car toppling over. Help reached her several hours later and she did not survive the crash. Pramod was shaken and Arjun had pangs of guilt for having made Pramod take the exit.

Shortly, after Pramod relocated and soon enough decided to go to Chicago GSB for an MBA. Radha was doing liberal arts at Chicago and after knowing each other for a while they decided to get together. Arjun moved around too and was now an associate vice president of a large American firm.

“You should come home for a dinner”

“Sure man. I’ll call you soon”

“Take care dude”

“Bye…Radha you are a very lucky gal”

“Yes…Indeed” thought Radha as a tear went down for Susan.