Page 64 of Can This Be Love?

13 June 2013.

I have sent him twenty emails.

And called him thirty-four times.

And visited his hospital three times.

Nothing.

15 June 2013.

Purva walked away the moment he saw me approaching. It hurt more than I had ever imagined anything could.

18 June 2013.

‘I am now losing patience with that obstinate man,’ I said exasperatedly into the phone.

‘Of course,’ said Pitajee mildly. ‘He is the one who is at fault…’

‘Yes!’ I said indignantly, conveniently ignoring the sarcasm. ‘It’s not like I went away and married the first man I found walking his dog on the street outside my house.’

‘So, Kasturi, tell me, what did you do?’

‘I just acted a little … you know … pricey,’ I said, delicately shrugging my shoulders.

‘And?’

‘And threw a small tantrum, which, might I add, we’re all allowed, every once in a while.’

‘And?’

‘Errr…’

‘And?’ Pitajee insisted.

‘Umm … returned the engagement ring,’ I replied, my voice tiny now.

‘And?’

‘And cancelled the wedding…’ I said, deflating like a punctured balloon.

Okay, I get it.

23 June 2013.

The latest from our revered doctor is that he has changed his phone number with the primary purpose of avoiding me. Of course, I got his new number from Anu about two milliseconds after he changed it. Ha!

27 June 2013.

I called on his new number eleven times and he did not pick up. I called him from Vijaywada’s phone and he answered instantly.

However, Purva stuck to his obstinate guns and cancelled the call the moment I said hello.

29 June 2013.

‘Dogs,’ said Mr Vijaywada, pulling a chair next to me.

‘What about them, Mr Vijaywada?’ I asked, trying hard to sound interested. The things I do to keep my job.