Tears of Joy or Sorrow Part 20 on pg 39 - Page 10

The beginning of a bright new day ushers in new beginnings. The sun is just showing its bright face to this part of the world; it is still that time of the day when you can stare directly into the sun and see its radiance, and not be blinded by its radiance. The birds are busy waking up and chirping as they are getting ready for another bright new day. The streets are bustling with activity; vendors are getting ready with their goods and opening their small stores, some people are out on their early morning walks. Yet others are ready to meet the challenges of the new day and face all that comes their way.

The whole world seems to be happy and cheerful this morning. Celebrating the reunion of a soul – one soul that rested in two bodies who were physically separated from each other even though they were connected spiritually during these five long years. Ram and Priya are still in bed even as the first rays of the sun are slowly peeping into their room getting ready to remove the darkness that of the previous night. Priya stirs in her bed as the rays of the sun hit her eyes. She rubs her eyes with her hand and wonders for a brief moment where she is. Within a matter of seconds all the happenings of the previous day flash past her and she turns to look at her very life sleeping so soundly next to her. She stares into his childlike face and can't help noticing the innocence and peace that is still in his face. He looks like a little child sleeping peacefully oblivious of the world around him. A small curve slowly creeps up on her lips and soon grows into a broad smile which lights up her eyes. Her Ram looks so angelic and innocent and she says a silent prayer "God, please keep him happy and don't let that innocence and childlike nature ever change. Let this day be the beginning of many many years of happiness that he so richly deserves". She slowly gets out of bed so that she doesn't disturb him and draws the blinds so that the sun's rays do not wake him up from his sleep. She goes into the rest room and brushes her teeth and is getting ready to shower when she realizes that she doesn't have a change of clothes. She comes out with her hair down and goes into Pihu's room. She smiles as she sees both Pihu and Kush fast asleep. Kush has his hand covering his ear to block out Pihu's snores. "Poor boy, must have had a rough night" she thought stifling a giggle. She goes back to her room and out of the door. The maids are all busy with their morning chores and she sees Ma out in the living room with the newspaper.

Priya walks up to KK and bends to touch her feet: Good morning Ma.

KK: Good morning Priya, hope you had a good night's rest.

Priya: Yes Ma, I don't think I slept this well in a long time. It was a very restful night. Can I make you a cup of tea Ma?

KK: Why don't you sit down, I will ask Bansi kaka to bring you a cup of tea along with mine.

Priya: Ma, if you don't mind I would like to make the tea myself. I know Mr. Kapoor will wake up shortly and I want to make some tea for him. Bansi kaka told me that he stopped drinking tea after I left. So if you are in a mood for Adrak wali Chai, I can make you a cup too.

KK looks at Priya, smiles and shakes her head. She gets up from her chair and gives Priya a big hug: Priya, I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you here back where you belong. I felt so miserable when I came back to KM without you. If it wasn't for you, I would not have come back here. I have so much to talk with you, but first you have to get well and strong. Please take care of your health first and then everything will fall in place.

Priya eyes well up and begin to overflow down her cheeks: Ma, I am one of the luckiest human beings alive today. I have the love of my life and my family back with me after five long years and I never thought I would see this day again. Ma, I promise to take care of myself and my family, but please don't refuse me the pleasure of doing something for all of you, something that I have missed for these five years.

KK wipes her tears and lets her go to the kitchen: Just this once Priya, and after this you have to take rest. I am sure once the children get up you will be tempted to do things for them. Give yourself a couple of days to regain your strength and then I will not stop you. For now, Soumya will help you and she will take care of us. We have missed you for five years and are willing to wait for another two days.

Priya is happy and goes into the kitchen. Soon she comes out with the trolley, serves tea to KK and then takes it into Ram's room. The room is still dark as the curtains are drawn really close. She is making sure that sunlight doesn't disturb Ram. Once she is in the room, she looks at the clock and it is already seven in the morning. She goes and lays down beside Ram who is still asleep and stares into his face adoringly. She just can't get her eyes off his innocent child like expression and is so tempted to touch him. She hesitates for a couple of minutes and then cannot resist it any longer. She smiles at him and runs her fingers through his hair and bends forward and kisses him on his forehead. He stirs and stretches as he opens his eyes slowly. Through the dim light that has penetrated through the fairly thick curtains, he can see his lady love bend over and kiss him.

Priya: Good morning Ram.

Ram: Aah! What a lovely way to begin my day with my wife calling me by my name and kissing me! What more can I ask for other than to be woken up every morning in the same fashion? Priya, please promise me that you will be the last face I see before I go to bed and the very first one when I wake up the next day.

Priya sits up beside him: I promise you Ram. If you are ready to get out of bed, please go and brush your teeth and we can have our morning tea before the children wake up.

Ram: What! The children are not up yet? Then he remembers that it is the weekend and they do not have school. "Last night was very exciting and a late one too, so I guess they are tired," he says.

Priya goes to the windows and opens the blinds to let the sunshine iflood the room banishing the darkness of the previous night. Ram gets out of bed and brushes his teeth and comes back into the room, settles down on one of the chairs in the room while Priya pours out the tea in both the cups, mixes the sugar and gives him his cup.

Ram: I don't believe that you have forgotten our ritual.

Priya: Oh! I'm sorry Ram. She bends her face to avoid eye contact with him as her face changes color. Ram is amused at the way the tips of her ears turn dark pink with embarrassment as he smiles back at her. Priya takes a sip from his cup and gives it back to him: Here, now I hope you like your tea.

Ram: Ah yes! My morning cup of tea is never sweet until you take the first sip from it and by the way, the doctor ordered rest. Who let you into the kitchen to exert yourself?

Priya shrugs her shoulders and bites her lower lip: I am sorry Ram, but I had to make your tea first thing in the morning. My day is not complete without that. I promised Ma that I would not go into the kitchen the rest of the day for the next couple of days. I will only make your tea in the morning. I promise. She holds her ears with both her hands and gives Ram a sad look.

Ram: Apology accepted. Sigh! How I missed this for the past five years!

He says that and bites his tongue and shrugs his shoulders: Sorry Priya, I do not want to bring back the bitter and sad memories of the past and let it spoil our present and future. Let us promise each other to pretend the five years never happened and move forward with happiness and enthusiasm.

Priya nods in agreement and they enjoy their tea. In the meantime the children wake up and come running into their room. Priya takes both Pihu and Kush into her arms and embraces them and kisses them.

Priya: Good morning Baby and good morning Champ. Hope you both slept well last night. She winks at Kush and gives him a naughty grin.

Kush: Badi ma, do you know that Pihu also snores like Papa? She snores really loud and I could not sleep for a long time. I put my hands across my ears and finally fell asleep. I think I need ear muffs if I am going to sleep in her room

Pihu looks upset: No Mamma, I don't snore. Kush is making it all up.

Priya takes Pihu in her arms and smiles: It's okay Pihu, we still love you even if you snore. I cannot sleep unless I hear either you or your Papa snoring. It is like a lullaby for me. She purses her lips and gives a side glance to Ram.

Ram picks up Pihu and Kush and gives them a big hug: Good morning Kush and Pihu! I hope you are ready to take care of Mamma today?

Priya gets up to go to Pihu's room and Ram catches hold of her arm and pulls her back. She falls in his lap and stares into his eyes. Both of them are lost in each other's eyes when Pihu and Kush giggle and they come out of it. Priya suddenly turns shy and quickly gets out of his lap and stands up. She looks enquiringly at Ram: What was all that about? She seems to be saying to him.

Ram: Where are you off to my dear Busy-body? Remember what the doctor said. I can take care of the children and there are others in the home who will most willing help out with them. Saying this to Priya, he turns towards the children: Now Kush and Pihu, Mamma needs some rest so I want you to be good children and go and brush your teeth and get ready. Once you are ready you can come back to our room and we will make plans for the day.

Pihu and Kush are very excited and rush to their rooms to get ready. Ram gets up from the chair and leads Priya back to bed. He sits by her side and holds her face in the palms of both his hands. He looks deeply into her beady eyes and bends to kiss her on her forehead. Priya closes her eyes a warm sensation runs through her whole body. His proximity is playing havoc with her senses and she is having a hard time controlling her mind. Ram notices her body tighten as he is holding her face and moving close to her. He stops himself and moves back and as he is moving back Priya opens her eyes wide and looks at him in wonder: "Why did you stop?" her eyes are saying to him.

He just smiles at her and shakes his head sideways: Now doesn't seem to be a good idea. I will wait for a few days till you are stronger. He goes to the rest room and comes out looking fresh after a shower. He is wearing a casual tee shirt and jeans and begins to blush as Priya is looking at him from head to toe with an amused look in her eyes.

Priya: Ha, my Prince Charming! You look very handsome and I think you should dress casually more often. Your formal wear makes you look very unapproachable and this way you seem to be more relaxed.

Ram gives Priya a shy smile and he scratches his temple with his left hand. Priya smiles back.

Priya: Ram, I want to take a shower and I need some clothes. Can I go to the apartment and bring some clothes over?

Ram: That will not be necessary. I have already called Choti and she should be on her way with your clothes and other stuff that you might need till you are up and about.

Priya smiles: How does he do this all the time? He is always thinking ahead and seems to read what is on my mind. I love the way he cares for me, I love just about everything about this man – my man. She says to herself.

Soon Nuts is there with a bag for Priya. Both Kush and Pihu are very excited to see their Bua there. They are very attached to her and she is also very patient and enjoys hanging out with them. She feels she has deprived her family of the happiness of having a child because of selfish and childish reasons. Her family is paying a big price for her mistakes.

Priya goes in for a shower and comes out with a glow on her face – the inner happiness makes her look all the more beautiful. She is wearing a light blue kurti and jeans and looks stunning. Ram looks at her and raises his eyebrows admiring his beautiful wife.

Ram asks Bansi kaka to bring breakfast to the room and Priya protests: I know the doctor said I needed rest, but I also need to walk around without exerting myself. If I stay in bed all the time, I will be stiff by the end of the day and then I will need to do something to recover from my recovery. She giggles and Ram frowns.

Ram: If I let you go out of this room, I know you will be all over the house running around like nothing ever happened to you.

Priya: Please Ram; I want to eat with the rest of the family like old times. I promise to come back to our room to take rest for most parts of the day. Please let me take a walk in the garden for a little bit so that I get some fresh air.

Ram shakes his head from side to side. This woman of mine is so stubborn and somehow finds an excuse that seems very logical: I guess you are right as usual. Let us go and have breakfast.

As they come to the dining table everyone turns around to look at Priya. KK is very happy to see her at the table and she offers her a seat next to Rams. They ask Nuts to join them, but she refuses as she has already had breakfast with her family at her home. Since the children are done with breakfast already she takes them out in the garden to play with them. Priya watches them go out with Nuts and is lost in thought. Ram snaps his fingers and brings her back to reality. They all have breakfast together and notice that Mamaji is also at the table looking lost.

Ram: Good morning Mamaji, is everything alright? You look very subdued and pensive.

Mamaji: Good maarning beta. I am fine. I was just wondering where Ayesha was. I am unable to reach her on her phone too. I hope she is alright.

Ram: Haan Mamaji, she is fine. She has gone out of station with her friends and should be back by Monday. She probably doesn't have signal wherever she is.

Ram has Ayesha's phone with him and has been saving all the messages he has been sending Ayesha. He remembers Ayesha's warning about Mamaji and is trying his best to get some evidence against him. Priya looks at Ram and signs to him not to worry about Mamaji.

Mamaji has noticed Priya's presence in KM and that makes him all the more worried about Ayesha's whereabouts. He tries to get Kush to himself but Ram is watching his every move and makes sure that Kush is not alone with him. He also warns Choti about Mamaji's intentions and tells her to keep Kush away from him.

After breakfast Ram and Priya excuse themselves and go out in the garden. They see Nuts playing with Kush and Pihu and are very happy.

Priya: Natasha will make a good mother. She is so patient and loving with both Pihu and Kush and they have both taken to her so well.

The children want to go back to Sharma house with Nuts. Ram looks at Priya and notices the discomfort in her face.

Priya: Nuts, I do hope you understand. I have nothing against you or Papa or Ma. It is just that after all that happened while I was in the hospital, I just want the children to be here in front of my eyes. I am not too comfortable with Mamaji and don't know what his intentions are.

Nuts: Bhabhi, I totally understand how you feel. It is just that I enjoy having them with me especially during the weekends when I can spend time with them. Once Mamaji is taken care of, I will take them over to spend the weekend with me. Chal, I have to go now, I promised Mummyji that I will make lunch so have to get started. Sigh! I don't know when Karthik is going to come back. I miss him so much.

Ram is not paying attention to what Nuts is saying. He is thinking about what to do with Mamaji for the time being: I think I am going to send Mamaji to Delhi on some official work for now and then think up of something till we gather enough proof to put him behind bars.

Priya: Can't you send him back abroad? I don't feel comfortable having family in jail.

Ram: Priya, I know how you feel but you have to realize that he is not family. He is Niharikas brother and so not related to any of us. Also you have to stop being so nice to everyone as that is what gets us in trouble.

They sit for sometime on the garden swing and go back inside. Once inside, Priya calls the children also inside and the four of them settle down to play some board games. They have a fun filled morning and then everyone gathers around the table for lunch. Everyone is so happy that Priya is back in their midst. Dadi especially is very pleased and smiling as she watches Priya. After lunch, Ram takes Priya into the room along with the children and tells them to take a nap while he takes care of some important business. Priya knows what he is talking about and tells the children to bring a book and a video, so they can read and then watch a movie together.

Ram makes some phone calls and in a couple of hours we see Mamaji leaving KM with a suitcase. Ram smiles and goes into his room to see Priya asleep and Pihu and Kush are watching a children's movie. He tells them to go into Pihu's room and play quietly as everyone is resting. He again goes into her room and locks the door from inside so that no one can go into her room without his knowledge. He leaves the door between their rooms open so the children do not get scared. He is just making sure that they are safe and is a little tense with the situation. He doesn't trust Mamaji and just wants the children to be safe.

He goes back to his room and lays down beside Priya. He turns his head and looks at her. Even while she is asleep she looks so radiant and beautiful. He notices that the color is slowly coming back to her face and is glad that she is getting the rest she needs. He smiles to himself and picks up his iPad and is playing a game. He uses the ear buds so that Priya is not disturbed with the sound.

Well friends, that is my first update for this year. With your kind words and encouragement, I hope this is the first of many more to come. Happy New Year once again.

Wow...new begginings in the new year!!😃😃 love the positivity!!!!