Chapter 6

twerping

@twerping

Ishita waited outside AGM Memorial School. It was almost time for the bell to ring and her tiny carpoolers to tumble out through the imposing gates. A few of the parents who were waiting along with her gave her smiles. She watched the moms, dads, maids and drivers waiting for the children to emerge and felt a familiar pang. It was perhaps one of those cruel ironies of life that one such as herself who would never be able to have a child of her own would be destined to lead a life where she is constantly surrounded by children and the happiness they bring.

As she waited, she let herself into one of those private fantasies that she would die rather than share with another living soul. She imagined herself waiting for her child. And as she let herself dream, Ruhi burst through the portals and ran straight towards her. The girl had taken to hugging her Ishita aunty every day after school got over. Ishita returned the hug and blinked away the tears that threatened to spill over. Then with Ruhi beside her, chattering about the day's events, she waited for the three boys to come out. As they waited, suddenly Ruhi tugged at her hand. 

"Papa!" cried Ruhi and leaving Ishita's hand, ran into the crowd of parents. Ishita's worry however disappeared as she saw Raman Kumar Bhalla standing at one corner of the assembled crowd. Ruhi headed straight towards him and he bent down and picked her up in one clean swoop. Wearing dark glares and dressed in a swanky business suit, the man looked like he had just walked off the cover of some fashion magazine. Then setting his daughter down, Mr. Bhalla took the excited child's hand and father and daughter, together, walked back towards where Ishita stood, drinking in the sight of a deliriously happy Ruhi.

As Raman took off his sunglasses, Ishita wondered what it was about men with kids that made women go weak in the knees. Shaking off her silliness, she smiled at Raman.

"What a surprise, Mr. Bhalla!"

Ruhi piped in, trying to sound all grown up, "Papa, your work got over?"

Raman ruefully thought back to the series of meetings he had lined up for him. Looking at Ishita Iyer, he swallowed his frustration and returned his daughter's smile. 

"I wanted to see what my Ruhi was up to when I'm not around." As he spoke, Raman turned his eyes on Ishita who was, all of a sudden, exposed to the incredibly intense and piercing gaze of Raman Kumar Bhalla that the society pages never tired of waxing eloquent over. The impact of the gaze would have been stronger if Ishita had not been far too occupied in trying to catch sight of the three naughty pygmies as she had named the trio of Shravan, Deepak and Parmeet. 

Raman observed the woman, her face  bearing a smile, even as her eyes searched through the crowd. The restlessness that had become his stolid companion had disappeared and he felt a pleasure fill him. It was so subtle that he himself wasn't aware of this. If he had been aware, Raman Kumar Bhalla would have known better than to remain in the company of a woman who brought forth feelings he had cast away from his life the day Shagun cast him away from hers.

As they waited, a lady sidled up to them. Alone, Ishita had barely drawn any attention from the parents other than an occasional smile. With Raman Kumar Bhalla beside her in his expensive suit and his Mercedes standing a few feet away from them, they apparently now warranted further investigation.

However, Ishita's heart sank at the sight of the lady who was standing before them. Mrs. Mehta, society lady and trophy wife if there ever was one. Ishita had seen her often flirting elegantly and openly with the men who would come to collect their children. Clad in her sleek designer saree and backless blouse, with her silky hair pushed into a casual chignon, this was a woman who was used to appreciative male gaze wherever she went.

"Hello Ruhi," said Mrs. Mehta, her eyes slipping from Ruhi to size up Raman. Ruhi, heady with the bliss of her papa coming to pick her up, grinned up at the lady.

"Hello Mrs. Mehta!"

"It's great to finally meet Ruhi's parent" said Mrs. Mehta, her warm and inviting eyes trained on Raman.

Ishita marvelled at the mix of boldness and coyness in this woman. No wonder she had men falling over themselves to please her. She wondered how Ruhi's papa would handle this onslaught of feminine charms.

Raman looked at Mrs. Mehta with chagrin. He knew this kind of women only too well. Always on the look out for fresh prey, such women were dime a dozen in the society parties that he was forced to attend. He gave a terse smile in her direction and that seemed to be enough encouragement for her to stick around, gushing about how everyone was delighted with Ruhi and how she was certain the child took after her father.

Meanwhile, the trio of boys arrived, tired and ready to be whizzed off to their respective homes. Ishita looked back at where Raman Bhalla stood listening to Mrs. Mehta ramble on with a frantic look in his eyes. 

It was highly amusing to watch him look so dazed. This was the same man who had their complex in thrall with his ferocious presence, keeping all the gossiping aunties at arm's length with one glare. She turned to him and interrupting Mrs. Mehta's flow, asked politely if he would take Ruhi home with him while she pushed off with the boys.

Raman said he'll take Ruhi home and quickly wishing the two ladies farewell, retreated into the security of his car with his daughter in tow. As he started the car, he watched Ishita pile the three boys into her car in his rear view mirror. He hadn't liked the glint of amusement that shone in her eyes as Mrs. Mehta had spoken to him.

His musings were interrupted by Ruhi demanding that he help her with the seat belt.

"Ishita aunty always puts it on for me," she said with a look that was reminiscent of Toshiji in a bad mood.

"Well, you should have brought her along then," said Raman, amused. This set Ruhi off again.

"Papa, wouldn't it be perfect if we could have Ishita aunty here with us?" mumbled Ruhi as he eased her into her seat and helped her with the seat belt.

It sure would, thought Raman to himself, even as he gave her a bemused look before driving off.