Love & Pain: Joy's Untold Story.

With love comes pain, I knew that. But the pain that I was going through today - nobody could decipher it.
I woke up to the constant ringing of the doorbell. I opened one eye, then another and sighed at being woken up so early.
The entire house was filled with heavily dressed, makeup laden people whom I detested.

Today was Richa's wedding. My Richa, my true love. Ever since I knew what love meant, I knew that I loved her. I tiptoed to her room, and watched quietly as she wore her earrings, and did her makeup. 'Stupid girl! Doesn't she know she's naturally pretty and doesn't need any makeup?' I thought to myself.

I had been standing there for almost 15 minutes, but she didn't notice me. I was quite used to that by now. Ever since she had met that Vishal guy, she had stopped noticing me. How I loathed him! What was so special about him? What did he have that I didn't? I could've sang Taylor Swift's 'YOU BELONG WITH ME!' right now but I resisted.

I knew for a fact that I was in deep, irrevocable love. The kind of love that makes you happy, the kind of love that also makes you vulnerable to pain. Yes, I was in pain. Nothing pains more than unrequited love. But them, I didn't know what went wrong. We had a connection for sure - a special bond. I still remember the day we first met. It was the best day of my life. She was wearing a blue summer dress, and black kohl. I was mesmerized. Her dimples, her chirpiness, her curls that she tucked behind her ears every five minutes - everything made me fall for her.

Today was when she'd leave me forever and go to the United States. Why was I having mixed feelings? I should've been happy for her? Right? I tried justifying the feelings to myself. I could feel a strange hollow in my stomach. I couldn't stand being here anymore.

The day passed by and I didn't see Richa till the time all the ceremonies were done, and it was time for 'Bidaai!'
Everyone was howling and crying. Pretentious people, I thought. And them finally she came to me. 'Joy!' she exclaimed, with tears in her eyes.

Was she crying for me? Wasn't she happy? Did she love me? Did she see my pain? A million questions ran through my mind. She hugged me and kissed me on the forehead. I froze. 'You're my best friend! You know that, right? Take care of yourself!' she said and walked away.
She didn't turn back but I wanted to call her back. And I did, only to be unheard. 'Woof!' I exclaimed.
I was Roy, Richa's best friend. Her German Shepherd.