7 — Reaching Home
After a long day at work and exhausted Ram sat into his car. The shops in the streets were all closed. He looked at his wrist watch. In thirteen minutes it would be twelve. He sat back looking outside the window as the car moved ahead.
He was so tired. He rested his head against the side of the car, looking outside the window. The driver as usual played songs from his Playlist. In minutes it started raining. Instantly he smiled. His face managed to light up in spite of being tired.
He hummed along with the old song that played on the sound system.
Chalaa Jaataa Hoo
Kisee Kee Dhoon Mein
Dhadakate Dil Ke Taraane Liye
Milan Kee Mastee Bharee Aakhon Me
Hajaaro Sapane Suhaane Liye
He blinked reflecting on his life. Somehow after marriage his life had fell into a stable rhythm. Even though his and Priya’s wasn’t a regular marriage. She no longer believed in love and he had come to realizing that there was so much to life than dear old romantic love.
Wo Aalam Bhee Ajab Hogaa
Wo Jab Mere Kareeb
Aayegee Meree Kasam
Kabhee Baiyyaa Chhudaa Legee
Kabhee Has Ke Gale Se
Lag Jaayegee Haay
Meree Baahon Mein Machal Jaayegee
Woh Sachche Zoothhe Bahaane Liye
He smiled as he heard the lyrics. Maybe he’ll always be a romantic at heart. Romance was like honey and he craved sweetness of any kind.
Enjoying the rain and the music time passed quickly. He flexed his neck muscles walking towards the entrance after wishing his driver a very goodnight. The house was quiet and dimly lit. The sudden silence brought back his tiredness.
“Aap aa gaye?”
Ram placed a hand on his chest, freaking out as a figure leapt out of the shadows.
“Dara diya yaar!” He exclaimed taking long breaths.
Priya rolled her eyes. “Drama ki puri dukaan hai. Yeh to Sara Di ko bhi peeche chod dete hain. Sab dramebaaz mere hi kismet mein like hain.” She thought in her mind.
“Tum .. tum mujhe ye… daraane ke liye what kar rahi thi?”
“Haan, mujhe logon ko daraane mein bada Mazaa aata hai,” Priya exclaimed.
Ram rolled his eyes, rubbing his forehead. “Gussa naak par aur sarcasm zabaan par rehta hai iska..” He muttered to himself.
“Kuch kaha aapne?”
“Maine?” He asked confused. “Nahi, kyun? Kuch suna tumne?”
Priya sighed, “Aap ne khaana…. To khaa hi liya hoga.”
“Of course, Khaana toh khaaunga hi naa. Dal Tadka with…. Naa…roti. Normal roti. Bahut achi thi.” Telling her that he had eaten Butter Naan would be — apne per par kulhaadi maarana.
“Tune khaaya… khaana?” He asked.
“Haan. Kab kaa.”
He nodded, wondering why she was still up.
“Toh?” He asked.
“Toh?” She repeated with a questioning look.
“Walk pe jaane ke liye wait kar rahi thi?” He tried a hand at sarcasm.
Priya found it amusing. “Haan, chalein?”
He stared at her trying to figure out if it was sarcasm or not. He noted the ghost of a smile. He was relieved. He shouldn't try a sarcastic comment like that again.
“You didn’t have to wait up for me. There are times when I come late. No one needs to stay up.” He said.
“I had to make sure you don’t eat Maggi or bhel. Your midnight snack.” She said, looking away.
He smiled and then quickly wiped it away. “That’s an awesome idea. Tum khaaogi?” He jested.
“Phir to walk pe bhi jaana padega.”
“I think let’s all it a night. Kisi aur din.” He said putting the matter to rest.
Priya nodded and turned, her smile finally breaking out on her face.
Ram smiled following her. Priya’s small gestures meant much for him. He came home late on many nights after handling foreign meetings or last minute reviews of important projects and presentations. None of his family had ever waited up for him. Forget that, they probably wouldn’t even know he came late.
It felt nice, to come home to someone. Wiping the tears in his eyes, he walked into the room.