It was yet another day. Shravan sat on the park bench. He had his family album with him. Its so truly said that words are just a matter of time. Only memories remain with us forever.
Nagmein Hain...
Shikwein Hain...
Kisse Hain, Baatein Hain...
Baatein, Bhool Jaati Hain
Yaadein, Yaad Aati Hain
Softly, a hand was placed on his shoulder.
"Shravan"
She was here.
"Sumo"
He said. The name itself sounded so good. And it was a pleasure seeing her now.
"Tumhaare ghar gayi thi. Kaka ne kaha tum office nahi gaye. Toh mujhe laga ki tum yahan hoge."
Indeed, only she could find him.
"Kuch socha... Tumne?", she asked.
"Zindagi mein sabne chodd diya mera saath. Chota tha toh Maa ne chodd diya, college mein tumne chodd diya . Ab Papa ne chodd diya. Sochne chala toh dimaag ne bhi saath chodd diya."
Sumo suppressed a sob. He was in deep pain.
"Then listen to your heart", suggested Suman.
"Papa HAS done wrong with Maa. And Maa has done wrong with me. Who to blame?", he reasoned.
"Don't leave Uncle, Shravan. Aunty didn't intend to create rift between you two. She just wants your love. If you move away from uncle, it will be proved forever that your mom was wrong. She separated you two. And trust me, its not a good feeling to hear things about your mother."
"You mean to say I live with both and make my life, hell?"
"Resolve differences between them", she said almost immediately.
"My work is just to guide you. The decision is of your own. Coz its your life and I don't want to interfere."
Shravan knew she was hurt by what he had been saying all this while. He had almost insulted her, whether it was the party or that cabin meeting. But he had lost his cool. What was his fault?
Suman picked up her bag and left. She had her own respect after all. She didn't Like dashing and poking into people's llives. But she was only a little soft when it came to Shravan, because he was different. Yet, she wasn't ready to compromise on her respect. If he wasnt sorry about it, she wasn't interested in talking to him either.
That Day
Park
Ramnath had returned from Jaipur. He could no longer 'extend' his conference. And once he was back, Shravan wasted no time in digging into the matter. He , along with his father, left for the Park. He selected the place because he wanted a fresh atmosphere for a fresh beginning.
The three of them stood facing each other while Sumo stood a little far away.
"I love you Maa", he began.
Ramnath looked down and wept secretly. It was all over for him. Everything seemed a blank.
Shravan held her hand. Nirmala's joy knew no bounds. Her faith, her trust had paid off. A ray of hope could be seen. She got her son back. Tears of joy dripped from her eyes.
"But I also trust you Papa."
Ramnath looked up, suddenly. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. He still trusted him? Loved him? He seemed so overjoyed.
"And I want to live the rest of my life with both of you."
They both hugged him on either sides. The small family was back again, after ages of separation. It was a happy moment.
Sumo was so so happy on seeing this. She involuntarily moved ahead. She was just about to pat Shravan's shoulder when she felt she shouldn't disturb this moment. So she moved away but soon was jerked as Shravan held her hand, while still hugging his parents.
He shook his head, telling her not to leave. But she let go of his hand and slowly backed away. Then she turned and disappeared into the dark of the night.
