Sorry for the delay in posting the new part guys but I promise that I am not delaying it anymore now here is Part 10 and will be updating other very soon will not make you guys wait this time sorry once again for the delay.
Raj came home that evening, Kranti was in a foul mood he tried to ask her the reason but it was Kranti and she did not give him any.
Raj: What's wrong with her now.
Raj tried talking to Kranti a couple of times but she ignored him.
Raj was confused with this recent development. He could sense that some thing was wrong but was not able to point out anything.
Kranti was fuming since she had heard of Saanjh, The name was beautiful but that was not there on Kranti's mind. What was bothering her was the sheer beauty of the girl. She was the prettiest girl she had seen in her life, tall and slender and even in a black and white picture she could sense her kohl lined green eyes, vibrant cheeks and pink lips whose quiver could have stirred mightiest of hearts.
Raj ws once in love with her, BBR had told Kranti.
Raj use to love someone yeah may be. I married him by force spoiling his chances with Saanjh.
Kranti was feeling very bad for Raj and very angry also at the same time. The feeling of sadness was understandable as she thought that he could have had a better life with his lady love but anger was some she could not comprehend. She thought of going and apologizing to Raj with a promise to leave him for ever. However she could not muster the courage of doing that.
She didn't want any revenge on him now and she had been thinking of going away for some time now but then somehow had been delaying the decision.
I have got the family after so many years the one who cares for me and the one who stands by my and I don't want to leave them it will be too painful. Though BBR is a little nasty but she provides a different spice to our lives at least she does not want to harm anyone. I don't want to leave them. I could have left Raj ………………
Such thoughts have been crossing her mind since that evening when BBR sat with her with that old album. She had told her all about Saanjh and Raj, how he use to love her he use to spend time with her at the temple, Though Raj was an atheist but for the sake of this girl he use to go to the temple. Almost everyday and wait for her something which was unheard of in the whole family …..Raj waiting for someone.
Since then Kranti was not in her senses. She was trying to avoid Raj like plague which was beyond his understanding. Raj took it to be some of her mood swings but she could have shared her problems with him like she's been doing off late.
The other day she was very tired and had let Raj massage her shoulders without even thinking once. Raj had been thinking that things have more or less sorted between them and they had developed an unannounced understanding which he hoped would culminate into love sooner or later and was waiting for the day.
Raj came into the room he saw Kranti was lying on the bed with her arm on her head, as if trying to hide her face from the reality.
R: Kranti you alright?
K: (suddenly getting up) Yes I am ok.
R: you don't look good do you have a headache. Come I will apply some balm on your forehead you will feel better.
K: No I said I am ok (She didn't realize she was literally shouting at Raj).
R: I understand Kranti but what's the need of shouting.
K: I am sorry.
R: What for?
K: Never mind leave it. Let me lay the table come and have dinner.
R: I have eaten had to meet a friend.
K: and you forgot that I would be waiting for you Raj. Yeah but why would you bother but did you see that we have been eating together since we went to meet Badi Bi.
Kranti was missing Badi Bi, terribly that day she was one person Kranti could have talked to and she would have helped her understand her feelings as always.
A quite tear rolled doen her cheeks. She quickly turned the other way lest Raj would notice.
Raj went off to sleep and kranti kept turning in her bed all night.
Morning kranti woke up with a heave head and heart Raj had already left. I have slept for too long. She came out of her room and there was no buzz in the house.
Why is everyone sleeping till now? What time is it?
She checked the watch it was 6 in the morning.
Where is Raj he never gets up at this time.
He must have gone to meet Sanjh…no I would have got to know if he was meeting her. Anyway he never gets u at such an early time where has he gone right now.
Kranti's head had started hurting too much of thinking.
Kullu: Hey someone get some water for me.
K: Yes Bauji I am coming.
She started running to the kitchen and she saw BBR coming out of the Kitchen.
BBR: What happened Devrani ji you are in such a hurry?
K: Bauji was asking for water.
BBR: Oh and you will go like this in front of him without your Dupatta.
K: Dupatta….
Her hand suddenly went on her head how come she has forgotten her dupatta before coming out of her room something she had never done in this whole year of being with Raj and his family.
Kranti quietly went upstairs and BBR looked at her intently and smiled.
My plans are working it seems. How can I let you take the honor of a bahu in this house I will ensure that you don't remain the bahu of Lal family. Wait and watch what I do Devrani ji.
In the evening on the dining table everyone was having dinner and Raj was still missing, suddenly Kullu gave out a cry.
Kullu: What the hell who made this dal?
BBR: What happened Bauji?
Kullu: It is full of salt.
BBR: Devrani ji where is your mind these days you know that bauji had high BP and you have added so much salt in the dal.
K: Parchai ji I was careful I don't know how did I add so much salt in the dish.
Kullu: BBR leave this dal give me the vegetable you have made and teach this girl some household work.
K: Sorry Bau ji I will quickly make something for you.
BBR: Leave it I have made some Veggie with less spices Bauji can have it.
K: I am very sorry.
C: Don't worry puttar these things happen and both of you don't make such a hue and cry about it. BBR you too have learnt things slowly and once if Kranti has done some mistake there is no need to pull her up like this. Sit and have your meal.
BBR (Very upset) Yes chaiji.
C: Kranti why are you not having dinner puttar.
K: Chaiji Raj jasnt yet come home….
C: (Smiled) Sure you can wait for him but don't stay hungry if he gets too late.
K: Sure chaiji.
Krani went away and no one noticed that BBR was giving her meaningful looks.
Today chaiji saved you but don't worry one day she will only throw you out of the house today I have just added extra salt in bauji's dal and see you had to see red in front of him. I know you could never be careless for his food howmuch ever upset you might be but don't worry I will take care of it.
Kranti looked at the clock it was already past midnight and Raj was no where to be seen though she was hungry still she did not want to have dinner.
Why should I wait I will go and have dinner now there is a cat and mouse game going on in my tummy.
She went down took some food in plate but she couldn't eat. She left the plate like that and came back to her room.
When did she fall asleep she didn't realize.
In the morning when she woke up she found Raj sleeping peacefully in his bed. She was suddenly relived couldn't understand why but a smile suddenly came on her lips.
While sleeping Raj was looking like a baby she sat beside him on the bed and slowly started caressing his hair. Suddenly Raj woke up.
Kranti got up with a jerk and started going out of the room.
R: what happened?
K: Nothing (her steps becoming faster)
R: Kranti can you please give my shirt for washing to Jagat kaka I came too late last night.
K: What happened you have been getting late these days.
R: Some work…
Kranti picked up his shirt and what is this a long hair on his shirt. She remembered Sanjh's photograph she too has long black hair isn't it.
Kranti felt as if life has been drained out of her body. She walked out of the room with limp steps.
Kranti came back after some time with the morning cup of tea for Raj. Raj had already taken a bath and was combing his hair. He didn't wear his shirt yet something he would not do normally and definitely not when Kranti was around.
Kranti looked at him for a moment and his broad shoulders and chest reminded of that night when she wanted to bury herself in his chest.
Today he looked too happy and oblivious to the world he was whistling and the sound of his sweet whistle was hitting Kranti in the gut like a hammer.
Arjun
Cricket
Udne Ki Aasha
