SS :' East or west your heart is the best ( Last part on page 27) - Page 14

The next morning when she woke up, she was neatly tucked up in the bed. She turned the other side searching for Ram. But he was not there. She checked the clock in the side table. It showed 6.30. She called out his name. There was no reply. She went out in search of him. There was noise coming from the kitchen. She went into the kitchen. There he was trying to make coffee. The site was amusing to see.. .. Priya smilingly asked, " What are you trying to do Mr.Kapoor?" Ram turned towards her with a sheepish grin on his face.

P: you could have woke me if you needed coffee.

R: I wanted to make coffee for you.

P: wha...t? You were trying to make coffee for me? why are you trying to make things which are not familiar to you Mr.Kapoor?

R: Actually... I wanted to compensate for spoiling your yesterday night sleep. Wo kya hai na... When I woke up in the morning I saw you. You were sleeping in a very uncomfortable position. It was because of me. But because of you I had a good sleep. So I thought I would make it up to you with coffee and breakfast by my hands...
Priya went towards him, took the cup from him and said," Who said that I didn't sleep properly? With you near me, I can sleep comfortably in any position. But if you insist on compensating then it would be better if you join me for a walk towards beach. Ram gladly accepted. They set out for walking after a refreshing coffee.
After returning from walking, Priya moved to fresh up when Ram stopped her.
R: Priya... Wait. I have to say something to you. Come and sit here.

Priya did as told. Ram continued.

" I have been thinking from morning about Pihu and I have decided certain things. I will say my opinions first then you give your point of views. Though we know the fault is on Pihu, I still want to give her a chance. I know this is wrong, but still I want to give her a chance. Punishing Pihu now will not bring back Varun but I am sure that Pihu will not repeat such a mistake. I will make sure that Varun's family will be made financially secure. I know I cannot compensate for Varun's loss but I don't know any other way. And also I think we owe Vikram and Neha an explanation regarding Pihu, after all they are Pihu's well wishers as much as us. So, I think we should go to Vikram's house after breakfast. Well, that's it. Do you have anything to say about this?"

P: No Mr.Kapoor... You are right. We should tell Vikram and Neha about this. But regarding Pihu... I know you would want to give her a second Chance... As a mother I too want to give her a chance... But, is it right? Doesn't she needs a punishment? Aren't we doing a wrong thing by protecting her.

R: I know Priya...Even I had the dilemma. But punishments are given so that the mistake is not repeated. Trust me. Once our princess recognises her mistake she will never repeat it in her life. Also I will make sure she apologizes to you for speaking bad about you, For ill treating her mother.

P: No Mr.Kapoor. No need for that. She is our princess. Whatever she says it will not affect me. And as you said our princess will not repeat the mistake once she recognises it. I am sure of it. But tell me one thing. How did you gather yourself in a single night. Yesterday night only you told me that you were afraid what will happen in the future and now you have found a solution for all the problems. How was that possible?

R: Very simple Priya. Yesterday night the father in me was more hurt, today the father in me is dominated by the businessman and human being inside me. And also, after being your husband for years I should have learned something from you na... I mean its you who always make life's bigger problems into a smaller one right, so for a change I tried your technique.

P: Hmm...Not bad. Good improvement. Now go and get ready we are getting late to meet the Shergills. I will inform Neha that we are coming.

R: Yes boss...

Ram got up to go but again sat down.

R: Priya, we will do one thing. We will ask Vikram and Neha to come here so that we can speak to them without any disturbance. In their home, Rahul Sammy all will be there. We will not be able to speak freely.

P: Good idea Mr.Kapoor. We will do that. You call Vikram and ask him to come here with Neha.

R: Yesss.. I will call immediately.

He searched for the phone and then he remembered Priya getting it from him and switching it off.

R: Priya, where did you keep my mobile yesterday?

P (from kitchen): Sorry Mr.Kapoor. I totally forgot about it. I think I left it in the car yesterday. Please check it out once. I will prepare something for breakfast.

R: Ok...I will see...

He searched for it in the car and found it. His phone was still in switch off mode. As soon as he switched it on, he found a list of missed calls from Vikram. He knew that once he calls back, vikram is going to scold him nicely. Gathering all the courage needed he called him. Vikram picked the phone in the first ring itself.

R: Hello

V: Hello. Hello Ram.. Hey, where are you? Where did you go yesterday? Is everything alright. Is Priya with you? You could have atleast informed by calling once na... why was your phone switched off yesterday? We were worried... it seems Priya told Neha that you both will come for dinner and then suddenly you both vanished without any information. What happened? Is there any problem?

Ram tried to interfere twice in the middle, then knowing that he couldn't stop Vikram, he kept quiet. After Vikram finished his shooting of questions,

R: Finished? Anything else left to ask? Now a days you have become like Neha yaar. How many questions you ask without leaving a break... Now if you are finished shall I answer your questions?

V: Arrey... here I am worried for you and you are making fun of me. All times. Tell ... where are you?

R: No Vikram. I am not making fun of you. I am really moved with your concern for us. OK. First don't ask me any further questions. I will explain everything to you later. First answer to your question... Yes, there is some problem. I want you and Neha to come to our guest house near the beach.

V: Ram... Is anything serious? What is the problem? Tell it yaar...

R: Vikram. I told you not to ask any questions. Trust me. It is about Pihu. Me and priya need to discuss about Pihu to both of you. So, Now Stop asking further questions and come here with Neha. We are waiting.

V: Sure Sure... We are starting immediately. We will be there as soon as possible.

Vikram and Neha reached at nearly mid noon. Ram and Priya were sitting in the garden leisurely chatting. Neha as ususal was hyper. Seeing them sitting and chatting, she started her bashan.

N : Arrey, what are you two doing? You told it is a serious thing and it is about Pihu but now you are sitting relaxed? What is happening here? We came all the way running and here Mr. & Mrs. Kapoor are sitting are relaxed.

P: Neha... Relax. First sit and take a deep breath. Yes. It is a serious issue but not a problem. We just want to tell you something about Pihu. And also we need some help.

V: Ha.. tell. We wil do whatever is needed.

Ram then gave Vikram the file, told everything about the incident, discussed about how they could help Varun's family. Vikram assured that he will make sure Varun's family gets all the assistance needed without letting Ram's name involve in it. Priya again apologized to Neha. The foursome had a long discussion followed by some general talks over tea and snacks.. Then, Priya and Neha went to kitchen to prepare dinner while Ram and Vikram settled for some business talks over drinks.

IN THE DINING TABLE:

Ram and Vikram were sitting in the table waiting for food.

R( in a high pitch voice): Priya... Priya... Come soon yaar... I am dying of hunger. How much time will you take for preparing a simple diner yaar.

P( From kitchen): Coming Mr.Kapoor... (coming with dishesin both hands): What do you mean by a simple dinner? Do you even know to make a proper coffee without breaking anything?

R: Oy hello madam... I can very well make whatever I want without breaking anything...

P: Ha Ha... I saw in the morning itself, how well you prepared whatever you wanted.

R: hey... That time I was a little sleepy. So I was struggling.. or else I will prepare dinner better than you.

P: Oh. Don't get high hopes... first try to learn how to properly switch on the stove then talk about cooking.

Neha too joined the table.

N: Oye fatty... Don't even imagine of cooking better than Priya. What she said was correct, you cant even prepare a proper coffee...

R: What rubbish? We (pointing to him and Vikram) can cook well... its just that we are not getting time amidst our work to cook. So only we are forced to survive on what you people cook.

P: What do you mean that you are forced? No one here is forcing you... you can go to the kitchen and prepare yourself a proper dinner. Let me and Neha enjoy our simple dinner... go go.

V: Arrey... why are you including me with him? I dint say anything about your cooking. You are a wonderful cook . (in a low tone to himself ) Unlike Neha...

N: Hello mr.Shergill... What do you mean by unlike Neha?

V: Arrey Neha... I didn't say unlike Neha. I said like Neha... Like Neha you also prepare good food Priya.

N: That's it Vikram. You are dead today. I clearly heard what you said.

V: No Baby. Trust me. I didn't say like that.

P: Leave it Neha... Poor Vikram.. Atleast he is not like his friend, accepts that we women cook better than men.

While this conversation was going on, Ram silently sneaked a paratha to his plate and started eating. It was then Priya noticed that Ram was not speaking anything and turned to see him relishing his food closing his eyes. She slowly patted on his shoulder, softly calling Mr.Kapoor... Ram opened his eyes to see all the three glaring at him.

R: What? Why are you all looking at me?

V: Nothing... you continue... Stupid, you started the conversation, dragged my name in the middle, made my get scoldings from Neha, and now when I am getting class from her you are slowly relishing your food... God tactics...

R(slightly bit his tongue between his teeth): What do you want me to do, I was hungry.

The other three burst out laughing. They enjoyed the dinner with non stop banters and some nok jhoks... the eveing turned out to be a lovely one for the four friends. They retired to their rooms for sleep. Vikram and Neha decided to stay for the night.

Later in the night, Ram was disturbed by some voice. When he opened his eyes to see, he saw Priya talking something unclear in sleep. When he tried to wake her up, she simply turned towards him and snuggled more closer. He shook her out of sleep.

P(with a annoyed tone): Kya Mr.Kapoor... Why are you disturbing my sleep?

R: Priya you were blabbering something...

P: Me? No way...

He took her in his embrace placed her head on his chest, adjusted the duvet properly and slept. Priya too slept peacefully hearing her favourite tune in the world, his heart beats...

The next day, all the four of them started their return journey. While in car, Ram explained Priya about how he and Vikram has planned to help Varun's family. Like, how they have planned to open a trust to help children in need of money to pursue higher education and how they will make sure that Varun's brother will get a good education and job. Priya listened everything carefully.

P: Really Mr.Kapoor. After hearing this, I feel relieved. Similarly, if Pihu realizes the mistake then everything will return to normal in our life. I am eagerly waiting for that day. The day when our princess will come back to us.

R( took her hand in his, placed it on his chest): Don't worry Priya. Everything will be alright. Trust me. Very soon everything will be alright.

Hope you guys like it... Waiting for you valuable comments...

I will try to give the next update soon...

Once again sorry for the delay...