That late afternoon, just as Sejal was about to have a private conversation with Ken in a quiet corner of the café, someone suddenly stepped in front of them.
It was Dean—his eyes filled with irritation, and his voice laced with that oddly possessive tone.
"Whatever you have to say, say it in front of us.
If there's something private, say it right here—while I'm standing here."
Sejal paused briefly, then calmly but firmly replied—
"No, Dean. This is a personal matter between me and Ken.
It should remain between just the two of us.
Please... don't stay here right now."
Dean didn't respond.
He turned around and walked out of the café, quietly carrying the weight of his silent resentment in his eyes.
And now, across a small wooden table, Ken and Sejal sat facing each other in silence.
Finally, Ken broke the stillness.
"Sejal, why haven't you been talking to your parents properly for so long?
Is everything okay at home?"
Sejal looked a bit confused.
"Why? What happened?"
Ken spoke slowly, but with intent—
"Your parents called me. They're worried.
You haven't been going home, and it's troubling them."
Before Sejal could reply, Ken continued—
"Today, I'll speak directly—no more going in circles.
We've known each other for years, Sejal.
You know the kind of person I am.
You know I've loved you for a long time.
I've told you many times, and even though you never took it seriously…
I'm saying it again today—I'll keep you happy."
Sejal kept her head low, silently listening to every word.
Ken went on—
"Your parents approve of us. They've even spoken to me about it.
If you agree... just say yes once—"
But Sejal gently interrupted him—
"Ken, I've always seen you as a very dear friend.
Please don't ruin that beautiful friendship by forcing it into love.
You'll find someone so much better than me."
Ken fell silent, heart heavy.
In a soft, pained voice, he asked—
"So you want me to step out of your life… is that it?"
Sejal replied gently—
"No, Ken. You're misunderstanding me.
You're an important part of my life.
I can't even imagine myself without you.
If you go away, I'll truly fall apart…"
Ken looked down.
"But you don't understand, Sejal.
I can't see you as just a friend anymore.
Lately… I've started seeing you as my future wife.
Even your family has begun to see me as their son-in-law.
They want us to be together."
Sejal said quietly—
"But Ken… long before you came into my life, Dean was already there."
Ken's voice grew heavier—
"But Dean never loved you! He kept rejecting you, over and over again."
Sejal gave a soft smile—
"Maybe that's true.
But I've loved him from the very beginning.
And that… is my truth."
Ken asked one last question, pain thick in his voice—
"Have you even thought—will your family ever accept your relationship with Dean?"
Sejal looked him in the eyes, unwavering—
"And if they don't, I'll run away and marry Dean.
Love doesn't accept obstacles, Ken."
Ken said nothing more.
His eyes were now filled with quiet heartbreak—
the kind of pain that comes not just from losing someone,
but from never truly having them in the first place.
---
To be continued… 💔