Part 22:
On the way back his silence contradicted his want. He wants words to essay his confession, while silence knitted time is denying space. His heart wants to live the moment, finding the rhythm for the new beat. Nestling in the infant emotions, the warmness of breath spread through the body. Her presence became more evident. Weirdly with her beside, leather on the steering, smoothness on the top of the gear, neatly cleaned dashboard felt new. As if he is feeling them for the first time. Everything is new.
While Arjun is living the emotions, Sakshi is procrastinating her thoughts. She does not want to think about passing thoughts. She buried the bundle of emotions which were denied to crop. Those were stones of past. Yet, few seeds against the odds are ready to sprout. They need the sun as a sign to grow. There is a cyclone withering the growing plants.
Arjun after the long pause...
Arjun – Sakshi!
Sakshi rolled eyes to see him. He didn’t say a word.
Sakshi – Mein ne ek mahine ke liye jo samaan chahiyesab ghar pe rakh diya. Time pe banake khana kalo. Subah 6 baje tak milk packetsaajayenge. Mein ne maid ko arrange kar diya hai.
Arjun – Aisa lag raha hai, kabhi wapass nahi aaonge.Humesha ke liye jaa rahe ho?
Sakshi – Ja raha hoon Arjun.
Arjun – Kyun?
Sakshi – Arjun, mein ne pehle he bataya na…
Arjun – Jhoot. Jhoot kaha na mujhse. Mujhe pata hai kitum kyun jaa rahe ho.
Sakshi took a deep breath. Arjun stopped the car under a huge tree spreading its shade over the car. It has flowers dropping with the wind. Arjun turned towards her, while she sat still staring through the glass.
Arjun – Tum unn sabke baatein dil pe kyun le rahe hoSakshi. Unhe baatein karne ke liye kuch na kuch chahiye hota hai. Mein baatkarunga.
Sakshi – Kitne logon se. Ye nahi toh koi air.
Arjun – Par iska matlab ye nahi ki hum unke hisaab sezindagi jiye.
Sakshi sat silent.
Arjun – Matt jao Sakshi.
Sakshi looked at him.
Sakshi (low tone) – Arjun, mein tumhe chod ke thodi jarahi hoon. Mein sirf ghar se jaa rahi hoon.
Arjun – Aisa nahi lag raha hai Sakshi. Tum mujhe chodke jaa rahe ho. Mujhe pata hai. Taki mujhe koi na kahe. Meri izzat barkararrahe. Tum iss liye ja rahe ho, taki inn saka asar Aarav pe na pads.
Sakshi looked at him. His eyes caught hers and she was mildly surprised, because she believed he would understand, but never thought he would read her.
Arjun – Mujhe rishton se bahot pehle dil utt chukkatha Sakshi. Mein ne ghar toot te hua dekha hai. Apne maa ko kudko thod te huadekha hai. Meri papa ke izzat ke bare mein kabhi nahi socha usne. Dil toot gayipapa ka. Par tum aayi Sakshi. Tumne koi hui barose ko wapass leke aayi. Kabhinahi socha tha, mein kisi rishte ko khone ke darr se hil nahi paunga.
Sakshi was not able to believe the hints she is picking.
Arjun – Mein tumhe nahi kho sakti. Tum dono ke binamein apni zindagi soch nahi pa raha hoon. Sakshi.. I love…
Arjun looked into her melting eyes. He hugged her palms with his.
Arjun – I love you Sakshi.
Sakshi’s heart stopped at his words. She pulled her hands from his. Empty space between his palms scared him.
Sakshi – Nahi Arjun. Tum jald baji mein decision le rahe ho. You are scared of change, isi liye ye sabb soch rahe ho.
Before Arjun could reply to her. She spoke.
Sakshi – Mein tumhare liye sahi nahi hoon. Hum dono tumhare zindagi ko rokh denge. You have a life to live. You have respect in society. I am not right for you.
Arjun – Jo mere respect ke bare mein itna soch rahi hai, woh mere liye sahi nahi hai?
Sakshi didn’t say a word.
Sakshi – Tum mere dost ho Arjun. Humesha rahoge. Usse aage kuch nahi.
Arjun’s heart broke into a million pieces. She left nothing to say. Those words were stone shattering mirror. She does not love him. They sat silent for some time. Arjun couldn’t move.
Sakshi – I am sorry Arjun.
Arjun gathering himself together accelerated car to leave. He didn’t want to force her or influence her.
***
Arjun’s House:
By the time they reached, Karan and his daughter left due to family emergency. Nidhi fed Aarav and was put to sleep. Arjun and Sakshiwalked into the house. Arjun was one step behind Sakshi observing her steps. Although she was careful with steps, she got a mask to hide the real pain. Sakshi walked into the room to check on Aarav. Arjun sat in the living room. Nidhiwent to talk to Sakshi.
Nidhi – Pair kaisa hai?
Sakshi – Teekh hai.
Nidhi – I think you should rest. Kal waise bhi Sundayhai. Sab kaam katam kar denge. You got help.
Sakshi didn’t deny. Nidhi saw the tearing eyes. She pressed her shoulder. Sakshi burst into tears. She tried to be strong in front of everyone. She was vulnerable this time. Nidhi sat down beside her and hugged her. Nidhi held her and shushed.
Nidhi – Kya hua Sakhsi? Teekh ho na?
Sakshi – Ha. Teekh hoon.
Nidhi tried to persuade her. Sakshi said she will be fine. Nidhi convinced Sakshi that she will take Aarav with her for today. She believed Sakshi needed some time alone.
***
Thank you so much for your patience and love for the story. All the special people who have sent all the scraps followed up and motivated. This story is dedicated to kushikeepsmile, Arakshi1234 Mahali2905, Marathi_Mulgi and arjun_sakshi. Thanks again for pushing me to complete it. Story is reached its end. Next chapter will be last.
Happy reading!
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