P.S. I Still Love You - Part 3

The sun was setting and the lights brightened up the New York City. It was 8pm and Arvind returned home from another day at work. He headed straight to the shower. The pain was still there. Eyes were still moist. He wanted to cry and call out for help, but to no avail. His despondency had taken a toll on his mental health. He was searching for Natasha all around the house but there was no Natasha. Memories of Natasha just did not leave his mind, his heart and soul. He ate his dinner and decided to sleep early. He had a long list of clients waiting to meet him the next day.

Arvind had started Marriage Counselling Centre in down town New York. He worked as a Marriage counsellor. The divorce rates in New York City were at all time high. Arvind’s marriage counselling techniques were unique which in turn had increased his popularity. It was just 6 months back that he decided to start a new life in a new country so that the pain of Natasha not being around could ease. He had immersed himself so much in his counselling work and clients that sometimes he would sleep back in his marriage counseling office. His popularity was increasing by the numbers. He had helped save alot of marriages.

There were days when Arvind's Marriage Counseling office became battle ground for couple arguing with each other. This was one such day. A young married Indian couple entered his office. Arvind greeted them with a cheerful smile. “Welcome Mr and Mrs Malhotra. So tell me, how can I help you people? As Jatin began to speak, he was stopped by his wife Pooja. “Wait I will speak first” Pooja ordered. “Even here you want to argue” Jatin replied back. “Ladies first, have you forgotten your manners Jatin? Pooja asked in an annoyed tone. “Okay both of you; stop” Arvind said with a smile. “This is our problem Arvind. We fight on small issues which become a big fight later on” Pooja answered. “We sometimes fail to understand each other” Pooja continued “and that hampers our relationship. Jatin also cribs alot. He has a huge ego problem. Suddenly Jatin interrupted “As if you don’t have”. Dont try to act like a Goddess”. “Thats enough guys. Chill” Arvind interrupted Jatin. “I know what your problem is” Arvind continued “but for now, both of you just stay calm and listen to me.”

Arvind got up, took his file and sat on his chair. “I will be asking you people some questions one by one and the other cannot interrupt when Iam asking. If I ask Jatin any question, Pooja you cannot interrupt me or Jatin, and the same goes for you Jatin. I will start with Jatin” Arvind informed.

“Jatin what is that you don’t like about Pooja? Arvind asked. “She cribs alot, she has wild mood swings sometimes and she always wants some attention” Pooja was about to open her mouth to protest when Arvind stopped her” Pooja, be patient, you will have your chance”.

“She sometimes fails to understand me. She feels that Im neglecting her, which is not the case” Jatin continued. “She feels that I don’t love her enough and don’t give her enough time, but she fails to realize that I have to work and earn money so that we can lead a happy life. New York is not a cheap city by any stretch of imagination. We argue on petty issues which then become big fight later on. In a nutshell I feel we are not compatible”

Arvind requested “Pooja your chance” “ Jatin is right, we are not that compatible as we thought earlier” “He doesn’t understand my feelings or emotions. He is too immersed in work. Ask him how many intimate moments have we shared after getting married” Arvind was carefully listening. Pooja continued ” Every woman has a dream of a man that she will eventually marry. She dreams of a man who will care for her, make her feel special and love her for the rest of her life. She dreams of a husband with whom she can be friends with. Jatin only loves his work and not me. He doesn’t even bother to ask me how was my day, what problems I faced during the day at work. He is so disinterested” These words started resonating in Arvind’s mind. It was as if Natasha was speaking. The pain again started. These were the same words Natasha had used. Arvind wanted to cry right in front of his clients, but he knew he couldn’t.

“So many times I ask him to plan a small vacation or a trip, but the answer I get, is that he is tired” Pooja complained. “I want our marriage to work, but this is just not happening. It seems love was a thing of past. We fight like animals sometimes and the grudge remains for a week and then we don’t talk. Jatin just doesn’t take any interest in my life”. “That is not the case, and you know that Pooja” Jatin interrupted. “Jatin you cannot break the rules that were set before” Arvind censured Jatin, still feeling the pain.

“Well, I have heard enough and I know what your problem is” Arvind said in an assuring tone. “Both of you will be staying separately for a period of 7days” Arvind continued “No phone calls, no smses, no mails, absolutely no communication. After 7 days you will meet me again i.e. next Sunday at 10am. We shall take it from there.” Pooja and Jatin both looked surprised. “ May I ask you why” Jatin asked in a surprised tone. “No, you may not. Do as I say, if you want to save your marriage” Arvind replied back. “Jatin, you have to stay at home, Pooja go to any of your friend’s house and you are not going to tell Jatin where you are going. You guys have to do this exercise sincerely for it to succeed. Pooja you will leave now and you are not going to tell Jatin where all the things are kept, like his shoes, socks, Kitchen stuff etc. You may leave now. Jatin you will leave after 20 mins or so”. Arvind ordered. Pooja left the room, took the cab and headed to her friend’s place. “What crap is this Arvind?” Jatin asked in an annoying tone. “You have to bear with me and be patient. Iam doing this for your own good” Arvind replied in a calm tone.

7 days later

Arvind was sitting in his office and was expecting the Malhotra couple. He took out Natasha’s photo and became nostalgic. All the memories came back and with it the pain of not having her. The silence in the room was broken when Pooja came in. “Hello Arvind. I must say your exercise did wonders. Pooja continued ”I did miss Jatin alot, I do realize the importance of being together. I was having thoughts of getting divorced but I have dropped that idea”. Pooja was interrupted when Jatin also entered. They gave I-miss-you-so-much look. “So Jatin, how was it?” Arvind asked “I must admit, I cannot live without Pooja. I had a hard time managing our home, I used to reach office late because I had to prepare lunch for myself, I skipped breakfast as I did not get time, I had nobody to talk to, it was the most horrible week of my life” Jatin admitted. Jatin then looked towards pooja and said “Pooja Iam sorry for the times I have let you down, please forgive me” Jatin continued “ Life without you is not worth living” Tears came down Pooja’s eyes and she muttered “ Im sorry too Jatin, I promise I wont complain and be the most loving wife, you can ever imagine” They both hugged. Tears were flowing through Arvind’s eyes and the pain reduced.

Pooja said cheerfully“Thanks Arvind for your counselling. Iam glad we came to you. Your wife must be really lucky to have such a wonderful husband. You know all the tricks of making marriages work.” Arvind started feeling guilty. He then looked up and said ”She is the most unfortunate woman, guys” I will show you something. Arvind then removed a piece of paper and gave it to Pooja. She started reading it. Her eyes became moist. She was now crying profusely. How could she do this Arvind?” Pooja asked in a choked voice. She then handed the paper to Jatin. Jatin started reading it

“ Dear Arvind

To be contd...

Copyright © 2009