Part II:
Sarika had come back from the airport after giving send off to Vinod. Malhotras who stayed in Delhi had paid a visit just as friends. It wasn't a formal dekhna dikhana kind. But everyone knew what they felt inside. At home she had met him, but had informed her dad that she wasn't interested & had she had already chosen her life partner. Prashant after that had been very close to her dad. He was working as software engineer n part time in the evening as a Yoga trainer. Her dad would always go to attend the Yoga classes. He would always tell Sarika that he is such a descent n nice boy. But would continue saying, may be he deserved someone much better than u & would start laughing. It was after a gap of 2yrs that she saw him today. She would hate him for the simple reason that in these 2yrs his dad had began to love him a lot n also pull her leg by talking about how fantastic personality this guy had in front of Vinod. She would yell even if heard his name.
Sarika came to present, looked aside, this man whose name also she didn't wish to hear was in front. She was sitting besides n trying to stare at her dad for calling him. Sarikas dad kept smiling. They reached the creek
Her Dad & mom started telling Prashant how nicely n fast he drove, Sarika was irritated, she said, "Come on its just that the traffic was less today. Anybody can drive like this." She told her dad, "Dad why did u bring him here, I am not taking this. I broke off from Vinod that doesn't mean I will accept this entry; I am telling u ….dad. I am getting more upset. I don't want to…" Her dad interrupted, "Sarika, listen he is my friend. I am not thinking abt u two in that sense. He is mature, sensible n nice person. He is my friend. Drive's well, knows this place properly n had free time today. I called him, he agreed. Now don't overreact. Ok". His Dad said this with such confidence that Sarika was left confused. Sarika was sitting near the creek playing with the water with her feet n her Mom & Dad went to have a walk away. Sarika didn't mind as she knew her Dad was always romantic at heart, age never mattered, though she did mind to sit beside this friend of her dad. Prashant came close to her n asked, "Sarika, u don't like me?"
Sarika: Like? Well nothing like that. Its just we don't know each other well. Anyways after that refusal to ur marriage proposal, we surely will feel awkward to talk.
Prashant: I know. Ur dad loves u a lot. He requested me to come, n we share an excellent relationship. I admire his way of living n his sense of humour. I couldn't say no. He has a very special place in my heart.
Sarika: That's something which irritates me, why does he feel so close to u? I mean I am his daughter n there was a time he would not pamper anyone else not even mama but me. But after meeting u, he keeps talking so much abt u. I am jealous of u getting so much space in his heart.
Prashant: Oh, thats so nice of uncle. Actually u know he joined my Yoga classes. We began discussing everything, from his business, politics, sports n our views gel well. That's it, for me in friendship age doesn't matter n there is so much to learn from him. I started admiring his courage n will. He has shared so many experiences of his life. Obviously as a dad, he did think abt our marriage initially but than we never gave it much importance to discuss it over again.
Sarika: Ok!
She kept silent, may be she wanted to know the other way round, that her father still now discussed her with his friends, she wanted to hear that her father was concerned about her & that's the only thing on his mind ever. She knew she was being selfish but she always felt after rejecting the proposal of Prashant n talking abt Vinod she had suddenly lost the much love n closeness with her father which she shared before.
Sarika: Prashant, dad never discussed abt me?
Prashant: Hmmmm Not much!
Sarika: Oh! & u?
Prashant was a bit shocked…but he knew she was a bit confused…he smiled…& kept staring at her. Sarika suddenly realised what she asked….she was embarrassed…..yet tried to say..
Sarika: I meant, did u ask anything n than dad said anything abt me….aaa…
Prashant smiled: I do think abt u, as my friend's daughter. We really don't discuss u often. That doesn't mean ur dad doesn't luv u its just there isn't anything to discuss with me abt u for him
Sarika: Ok. (Still Sarika wasn't convinced….)
Sarika's parents came, Prashant n Sarika's dad kept talking abt the adventure trips of each others n soon it was time to go back.
Dad u pampered me n loved me made me feel so special,
Ur little Princess is sad & ur support n love for her is most essential….
36