The 13 Year Itch

A shared plate of momos and two cups of tea was the staple for Diya and Ved after the coaching class for all four years. They were the cutest couple in the class. They started dating from class 9th onwards and now they are ready for college, four long years already.

Diya was a bright student and school topper in 10th. Now she is in 12th and within just a couple of days she will be joining a prestigious engineering institute of India.

Ved on the other hand was a smart kid but never into studies. He somehow just managed to pass his 10th and 12th classes. He was planning to join BBA in some unknown college. But anyways they were very much in love and school is just a small part of our life. Success is never measured by school marks.

Diya was very much excited for her college and beginning of a new journey. Ved should obviously be supportive and encouraging but on the contrary he was angry on Diya for moving out of their small town. He wanted her to stay back and study something in the same city. As per Ved, ultimately Diya was going to be a housewife, so her degrees hardly mattered.

Diya convinced him and promised that they will meet every month and left town.

Diya started flourishing in college and Ved started flunking every single exam.On their meetings Ved would spend like crazy and Diya paid everything from her pocket money.

Diya did realise this was wrong but she earnestly believed that everything will change with the strength of love. And soon enough Ved will become responsible.

The day when Diya got placement, Ved dropped out of his college for some business startups.

Even though he had innumerable business ideas, nothing materialized for Ved due to his negligence and irresponsibility.

Diya believed in Ved. She always encouraged him and help him in every possible way physically, financially and emotionally.

Diya was busy collecting bricks for her castle of dreams but Ved had some other plans altogether.

Instead of cheering her on a successful career, he started getting insecured and wanted to control all her activities. He even started abusing and name calling her when she met other people or went for any parties.

Diya 's life was becoming miserable due to Ved. She started getting frustrated and was physically harming herself. She even came to know about Ved's affairs and other relationships. Inspite of everything Ved always managed to cajole her into continuing the relationship.

Once Diya gets settled in the job and all, her parents wanted her to get married. She also felt her parents suggestion was justified and discussed it with Ved. He refused unabashedly, "Now I am not ready to take up such responsibility.I am a free bird let me enjoy for some more time" - was his response. 

Diya did not expect this. 13 years of relationship is long enough.Till date he has no job, no earnings and no professional qualifications. He is not even trying for any of these.

The strings of the relationship were snapping one after the other.

Back in town one day Diya went to meet Ved's mom.They were discussing about future and wedding and then his mother said -" Diya you can never get a guy like Ved. Just refuse your parents about marriage, be adamant. Maybe after you people turn 30, Ved will be ready for settling down and your parents will have no other options left. Nobody marries a girl after 30."

Ved was happy with his mother's suggestions and gave a thumps up.

He further added :" for the next 5 years we can take lots of world tours with your salary and have loads of fun."

This was the hammer in the coffin. 

Diya barely managed to hold her tears and all she could say was "Breakup" before leaving his house.

10 years down the line, Diya has a loving husband, beautiful little girl and luxurious life in Mumbai.

After a successful corporate career, now she is a best selling author, happy, contented and respected.

And nobody cared enough to keep any updates about Ved and his family.