I hear his words. I know they are reasonable. I know he’s just a founder trying to do damage control. But reason always doesn’t cut it. What I hear is that he’s giving up on me. He’s abandoning me. When things get difficult, people leave. That’s the only truth I know. I understand his abandonment, and yet it doesn’t make it any better.
‘So what are you saying, Kunal?’ I ask, my voice turning defensive, sharp.
‘I’m trying to tell you what’s happening right now.’
‘Are you telling me this is my fault? That I should have handled my personal crisis more discreetly so it wouldn’t spoil your brand?’
‘No, that’s not what I’m saying at all,’ he says, a hint of frustration finally entering his tone.
‘That’s exactly what you’re saying!’
‘I’m saying this is a mess. But it’s a mess that can be solved.’
‘What?’ I ask.
‘I mean... it’s not good publicity, but the kids are on our side,’ he says.
‘What?’
He sighs. ‘What I’m worried about is us.’
‘What us?’ I say, my voice barely a whisper.
‘I think I will get my heart broken with you,’ he admits.
‘What are you talking about? I don’t—’
‘All that’s going on in your life, I think I’m imposing and getting ideas about the future... while you’re still healing... your friends are healing... I think I want to step back from this.’
His words are just fog. ‘So, what are you saying?’ I ask.
‘I’m saying that...’ he says nervously. ‘I’m going to say this bluntly, okay? I think I should stop hitting on you and be a founder. We work together, that’s it.’
‘Because of . . .’ I trail off.
‘Raghav... his sister. There’s a lot of complication around you. And I don’t want to get hurt, or be overwhelmed by it all. Maybe when the time is right...’ his voice trails.
‘You mean the time will be right when Raghav’s not around, is it? That’s what you think,’ I say, my voice sharp again.
‘I’m not sure,’ he says. ‘... I don’t think we should make it tougher than it already is. For you and for me.’
‘Fine,’ I say. My free hand grips the railing. ‘I can live with that.’
There’s a short silence.
‘Cool,’ he says. ‘If you need anything, let me know. And chill about the work. We will handle the next few days. You come back when you’re okay.’
‘I’m okay right now. We have a Zoom at three. I will join.’
‘Cool,’ he says.
‘Cool,’ I say and hang up.
I turn around, and Raghav is standing there, leaning against the doorframe, a smirk on his face. His arms are crossed loosely, one eyebrow raised.
‘What?’ I snap.
‘Nothing,’ he says, that slow, toxic smile spreading across his face. ‘He dumped you, didn’t he?’
