OS - A Ride with the Bhootnath!
Shobha checked the clock; it was her turn to drop the kids to school. They pooled in for three days of the week and today she was the one to drop them. Plus there was a meeting and she dare not be late. Time to Run!
"Rehaan and Jiya chalo chalo come on hurry up kiddos!" The kids rushed out of the house with their water bottles, sports kits and rushed out of the house. The other boy also stood waiting for them next to their mother's car. Rehaan shared high five and then taking the keys from his mother opened the trunk of the car. And then Shobha saw him, cursing under his breath, banging the steering wheel, trying hard to start his car, that made sounds like it was in no mood to take to the road. Seems like the car had a mood of its own. So what if it made its owner lose some more hair!
Shobha giggled to herself but then realized they had that important meeting lined up. The kids were seated at the back all belted and she started the engine waiting for her car to warm up.
He saw her but simply ignored. The man's ego was bigger than the size of their parking lot thought Shobha, shaking her head...yeah he would never change his attitude. I mean what could he lose just asking for a lift, a ride to the office with her and the children. Oh yes but she forgot he could not stand the kids!
She was just about to change gears but sensibility took over. ...the meeting. Never mind his big fat ego, she would ask him at least.
She put the gear back into parking and said to the kids, "Beta just one minute haan, I will ask Vikram Sir to join us I think he is having some trouble with his car."
Jiya and Rehaan broke into giggles and happy that Bhootnath Uncle had a problem. Shobha corrected them saying that was not a nice thing to say or do. And the importance of the meeting, how it would affect the company she worked. After all Mr. Vikram was their neighbour and it was time for the children to make peace.
Vikram was now making frantic calls to Mahesh to send him a driver. And it did seem that there was none available. Shobha waited before speaking. "What" he barked..."Sir...if you don't mind...you can join me and the kids...I mean a lift in my car."
The guy seemed more mad than before, "Are you crazy? With your notorious kids sitting right behind planning how next to attack me?'
Shobha trying to reason with the man, went on, "Sir I know the kids are really naughty, but they wont trouble you I promise...and I am asking you is because of that meeting lined up at 10! Sir you know what would happen if we are late."
"Sir the school is on the way, just a 10 minute journey that you have to bear with them."
He thought of the meeting, no...he could not jeopardize that...too much was at stake."Fine...what are you standing..let's go!" and simply walked upto her car.
Shobha frowned at his sarcasm and almost ran to her car. He sat and the children announced in unison, "Good Morning Uncle V."
Giving them a stern look, yet surprised at their manners he responded, "Good Morning"
The children oblivious to the tension between the two adults went onto to indulge in their little car games and endless chatter. Each one trying to tell the other that he or she knew better.
A tiny smile touched the corner of his lips. They all did seem smarter than he thought and quite a boisterous lot. Even Shobha's Jiya! The Little Female Brat! He glanced at Shobha driving silently and then engrossed himself with his mobile.
Shobha braked and stopped the car outside the school gates at the drop-off point. The kids picked up their bags from the trunk, still engrossed in their banter. Hurriedly hugged their mother with kisses. Shobha hugged the other boy too and wished them all a good day at school giving them loads of advise on the to do and not to do things.
Vikram listened...thinking...yes this is what his Naani used to do...reminiscing his school days.
Shobha sat at the wheel again and drove in silence. Vikram spoke softly, "They are a handful, aren't they."
She replied, "Yes sir, they are."
He then continued, "It must be hard being a single parent...don't they ask weird questions...they are intuitive aren't they."
Smiling she said, "They do Sir...and like a Magician I have to always have the right answers every time. That's what a Mother is all about."
"Yeah they seem so very happy...in a world of their own!" All Shobha could do was stare at her Boss!
He realized they were getting into a personal conversation so continued clearing his throat, "Can you brief me on the meeting?"
Shobha noticed his uneasiness, "Sure Sir..." and then went onto update him on everything. He listened to her without any interruption. Making mental notes but glanced at her ability to remember things whilst she was driving. Multitasking and women went hand in hand I guess, thought Vikram.
They reached the parking lot of the car, when Vikram said, "Thanks for the lift. I owe you one."
"You are welcome sir." just then her phone rang. It was the school. Rehaan had forgotten the sports kit. She opened the trunk of the car and there it was. She touched her forehead in worry, when Vikram remarked, "Listen Shobha, don't worry I'll arrange for a driver to drop it at school."
She looked at the man in surprise. Taken aback by the offer to help! He really was a puzzle! Quietly she followed him into the lift. He let her go in first and then followed behind.
A kind of awkwardness stood between them...she fidgeted with her phone, he did the same yet he kept looking up to see the tall graceful woman standing there in front of him.. She wasn't what he thought of her earlier. And so a silent truce came to be between Shobha and Vikram...the start to a journey...
hugs
dd
p.s. Carpool idea - Courtesy Shanti05!š
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