He had been shopping when he spotted her. He ducked behind a pillar to avoid been seen by her. He didn't know why he did that…maybe because he didn't want to hurt her anymore. Maybe he didn't want to be filled with guilt again…maybe….he couldn't finger the exact reason, but knew he didn't want her to see him. His daughter came running down the aisle yelling "papa papa …" everyone turned to see who was screaming. She did too…but she didn't notice him, she just smiled at his daughter and moved on. He scooped his daughter up in his arms and she kissed him on the cheek, this display of affection smeared his cheeks with the chocolate which she was trying pry open unsuccessfully from the wrapper and in the end settled for eating it with the wrapper and not too neatly either. He laughed at her, and removed another bar which he opened for her to be awarded with the best smile in the world. She was just like her mother. His eyes riveted back to her…there she was….he walked stealthily with his girl in his arms and observed her. She seemed happy….yes she did….he wasn't just telling himself that….she genuinely seemed happy.
He was glad….she had found happiness after all the hurt and betrayal he had caused her. But god knew he meant none of it…his love for another just surpassed what he felt for her. He never planned on cheating on her. But he was in the middle of it before he could stop himself. Four years…he was seeing her four years later….she looked as beautiful as he could remember. He wondered who was the reason for her happiness.
She moved to the next aisle…which is when he noticed….she sported a positive bump in her belly. She was pregnant….no wonder she was glowing. She had always loved children and often talked of having a big family. She had loved his family like her own…past memories came flooding back. Stop he said….we have all moved on….but he still curiously followed her.
He remembered the last time he had seen her. For a considerable time she was beginning to suspect his behavior. He made up excuses of work for it. But the truth was he was spending time with someone else. That someone was the one he loved. How was he to tell her that he didn't love her, but someone else. She wouldn't believe him. She trusted him completely…come what may. She had endured so much for him. Yet this was one time when her trust in him belied it self. One day out of the blue she confronted him, he obviously denied vehemently and rubbished her suggestions that he didn't care about her. He did care about her…a lot….but he could love no one else. She accepted it for a while…but the seed was suspicion was sown and he acted in numerous ways to water it.
She barged into the office one day finally and had caught him red handed. He was proclaiming his love for another woman right in front of her. They hugged and she wailed…."how could you do this to me shiv….how could you ? I gave you my life and this is how u repay me." She took one step towards him and slapped him. They both tried to explain to her that they meant to tell her in a couple of days. They didn't do it intentionally…but she wouldn't listen. She was just too angry to do so. He called out her name in vain but she didn't stop. She disappeared from his life on that day. He hadn't seen her since then….seeing her now made jolted him to the past and he was brought back by his daughter…his angel…"papa…why are we in this section...the toy section is out there…u promised me…" yes of course darling. They had named their daughter after her. His wife had insisted on doing so. She was one of the prime reasons they were together today.
His eyes scouted around to find her again…and what he saw made him really happy. Her companion was none other than Anupam…his best friend,brother,mentor…..another person who had not spoken to him in four years. He knew anupam was angry with him for other reasons apart from his betrayal. He never imagined they would get together after all they had been through…truly love works in mysterious ways….he broke out into a smile when he saw their affection for each other. Dada was probably flirting with her (as was his nature) and she was playfully ribbing him and blushing furiously. They were buying baby supplies….they looked so happy with each other. He couldn't wait to tell his wife. They had often talked about her and what she would be doing and if she was happy. Today cleared all their doubts. Two people whom he cared for were together and in bliss.
He again came back to reality to find his daughter tugging at his pants and making a sad face….oh he couldn't see her sad even for a fleeting moment…"yes baby, go pick out the toy of your choice". Her face broke out immediately into a smile and she sped away. Just like her mother…knows how which way to wind me up. Chuckling he followed her and paid the bill. He cast one last glance at her and wished both of them luck silently and went out of the store.
On reaching home, his daughter sped out of the car to show her mother her latest acquisition…."mamma mamma…look what papa bought me….its so pretty…"
"shiv your spoiling her rotten"…."well she deserves to be…and I'll continue to do so."
He came and gave his wife a hug and kissed her on the cheek…and he sat down on the couch…..happy with his life and thanking the powers that be for it.
"Gauri… you'll never believe whom I saw at the mall today".
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The end