**
After Zara and Pintu left, she arranged Kamala's room and washed all the dirty clothes in the house.
Her mother went out with Krishna to see if she could get a job. At least, it should be enough to buy medication for him.
Priyanka told Zara's mom to look for a house that wants a housemaid. Hopefully, they get one before the week runs out.
Karan thought she was helpless in this situation. No wonder, he wanted to make a fool out of her.
How can one not be allowed to love in a relationship? What made it sounds so annoying was when he said she should not love outside too.
She wondered if those terms were applied to him or was they only for her?"
She would not be surprised if he says so. The man was heartless. There was no way, he could love a woman even if he wanted to.
Priyanka sighed in frustration as she folded the clothes on the bed. She was too scared to show Kamala the results at first. They were worried about Krishna's health and she hardly sleeps at night.
In the evening, the house was quiet. They did not discuss the results. There was nothing to discuss, other than worrying over money that won't come to them.
"Don't think about it, too much" Kamala would say.
Priyanka knew it was just a way of making her feel better. She checked a few neighbors to see if she could get a loan but nobody was ready to give. They were so poor down here in the slums that loans were hardly given.
If a rich man decides to give out a loan, he knows that the payback will be the other way round. She was not ready to deal with them.
The next morning, Kamala left the house earlier, leaving her with Krishna. Priyanka wish she could go out and look for a job too but Krishna's safety was important.
She called Zara to come over so that they would discuss it.
Zara arrived at her place at 8:00 Am. She was dressed in a long hijab, covering her from head to toe. She usually removes it when she gets inside.
"Good morning dear" She kissed Krishna's forehead and sat next to him. "You have become a big boy."
He smiled, looking at his sister who never noticed his growth.
"Yes. I'm seeing it now" Priyanka took a look at him before laughing "please grow tall so that I can stand behind you when I start a fight."
"Let her not get you involved in her fights" Zara put a hand around his neck.
"Let's see" She narrowed her eyes at him and chuckled. Turning to Zara, she spoke in a serious tone "what did your mom say about the job?"
"Oh, Priya dear" she cried. "I went there to see the owner of the house. She asked me to bring your pictures."
Priyanka knew the rest of the untold story. Many women were afraid of inviting her to work in their homes. They complained of her beauty. It was either their husbands or sons.
"Forget about it. There is no job around" she hissed.
"We will find another, don't worry" Zara added.
Priyanka sighed. She was trying to make her feel better which was not helping. A day has already gone, which means Krish's operation is supposed to take place in less than two weeks.
**
In a room...
There was an empty bottle of wine on the floor. Two glasses were on the table, which was facing the bed. A pair of trousers hung on the edge of the bed.
Karan lay with his back on the bed. His hand supported his chin, with the other cuddling Ira. When he glanced at her, she was still asleep.
Last night was amazing with her, by his side. She helped him to forget the sadness, he was feeling.
At last, he heard a noise off to his right, a sigh or a moan in the blackness.
Ira stretched on the bed and when she noticed that he was still around, a smile appeared on her face "Good morning, dear."
"Morning" Karan kissed her lips. He sat up and ran his hands through his hair.
He asked Salem to inform the family that he won't be coming home late at night. But Sarawasti will still be worried. In fact, she will spend the night praying he comes home safely.
"I will prepare breakfast for you," Ira said, climbing out of the bed.
"No, need. I will soon leave" He picked up his trouser and watch her while standing. Karan checked the time, it was 9:00 AM. There was no work for him this morning. He was going to travel in the evening with Salem. Koran already left two days ahead of the event.
"If you say so" She watched him get dressed. Ira knew that if she insists on anything, he might stay away from her. "Can I ask a question?"
He looked at the wall, then at her "Go ahead."
"Why were you angry, yesterday?" She drew the blanket, covering her legs. "It's been a long since I saw you like that. I was scared."
Karan put on his shirt and sat back on the bed. He did not want to talk about it but since she asked for it. He was going to let it out "Someone rejected yesterday. I propose to her and she said no."
Ira was surprised. This was the first time, she heard that Karan Singh was rejected by a girl. She was curious "who is she?"
"Priyanka Kapoor" He wore his watch and glared into the mirror. After pronouncing her name, he felt like smashing his hand into the mirror.
"She?" Ira asked all of a sudden. She was trying to recall where the name was mentioned to her.
"Do you know her?" Karan was surprised. If they know each other, then they will be a problem. A big one!
"No" She shrugged. "Your grandmother spoke about her few days ago. I was surprised to hear that you have a girlfriend. You didn't tell me."
Karan rolled his eyes up. Who would be stupid to tell his lover that he has a girlfriend?
"Well, it wasn't important" his cheeks revealed the cute dimples.
"What?" She shouted. "It is important. For the first time, you took a girl home to your family. She must be special to you."
Karan shook his head and stared at her. If only she knew the truth, but he won't risk it "Are you jealous?"
"W-why will I be?" Ira tightened her grip on the duvet. She was not supposed to be jealous because something like this was bound to happen someday. She had prepared herself for it.
"You better don't be" He warned. "There is no woman in my life. I will never love."
"Maybe you should give someone a chance again. Priyanka affects you, already."
Karan took his keys and went to where she was sitting. He kissed her forehead, before saying "That's why she will remain at the back of my mind. She won't get in my heart."
"If you say so. Take care and don't hurt yourself again."
He nodded, hurrying out of the house. Priyanka was his past. They will never meet again. He will make sure of it and stay away from anything that weakens him.