Raj's Fall Now Kranti's turn-Uptd Part XVI Pg 30 - Page 23

The breeze was slow and soothing. Kranti was sitting on the swing and her good foot was on the ground and she was using the force of it to move the swing lightly. He could sense that she is relaxed and not much was there on her mind may be a relaxed day after so many days on turmoil, tension and grief. He quietly sat beside her on the swing and it stopped moving due to his weight she looked up.

Kranti tried to get up to leave. Raj held her hand and stopped her.

R: Kranti sit here with me please.

K: I have to go fleeing sleepy.

R: Kranti why are you so elusive all the time.

K: Raj I need to go and sleep.

R: Enough Kranti what the hell I missed you like a mad man. I couldn't sleep peacefully for even a single night since I can back from Amritsar, thinking about your well being and you don't even want to sit with me here and talk to me. (His voice was quite loud by now)

K: Raj why do you forget always that we are not the regular married couple at all. We need to be happy and with each other in front of the family and I understand the need of it. But when we are alone then I don't see the need of it. So please stop………

R: You stop it Kranti. Yes I agree we are not the usual married couple but we are a couple and that's the truth. We care for each other and no one, even you can't deny this fact. So why do you keep pretending and fighting with yourself and me. I think it is high time that you accept the fact.

Kranti stood quite and kept looking at his agitated face for a while. Then she turned to leave quietly leaving an angry and frustrated Raj behind her.

Raj kept sitting on the swing thinking he didn't realize how much time had passed his thought process was broken by Kranti's call.

K: Raj don't you have to sleep it is too late now.

R: who……

K: It is late and of you want to sit with me and talk then come inside my foot is hurting need to straighten it up alright.

Raj looked at her puzzled for a moment and then smiled.

Will I ever be able to understand this woman all my life? God

He got up and walked into the room. Kranti had laid her bad at its usual place and was sitting with her back against the wall and a pillow nicely nestled between her back and wall.

Still on the floor never mind at least she is talking now.

K: So how have you been?

Her tone was surprisingly mocking a far cry from her earlier tone of lecturing Kranti.

Raj was slightly taken aback. He was very confused now didn't know what to do.

K: Everyone on the house is been saying that you have been missing me a lot. I must compliment you on your acting skills. And what I am? A fool! Why are you doing this I need to understand it now. I am sure now you are not doing this to get information out for your bosses as I believe that you are a fair fighter. So Mr. Rajbir Lal I need to know the purpose of your pretence and act.

R: Kranti what are you talking about. Me acting? What has gone into your head woman. Now I need to know that. Those snide comments in front of buaji whats all that.

K: Why Raj? You must have been happy that I am away from your life and you could live in peace with your Sa………..

Her senctence was cut short by Raj.

R: With…….what are you talking about Kranti? And whom are you talking about?

K: Raj you need not act now there is no one around.

Her tone was turning into and angry one.

R: Enough Kranti what are you talking about?

K: You are asking me this question Raj.

R: Yes cos I am not able to understand a word of what you are saying.

K: don't tell me you don't know whom and what am I talking about.

R: No I don't.

K: What a liar and actor you are I am leaving I am feeling suffocated around you.

She got up to move out. Raj held her hand in his strong grip.

R: Now tell me what are you talking about and then go where ever you want to.

He hissed.

Kranti turned around and he could sense the fire in her eyes.

K: I am talking about Sanjh Raj and now do you get it.

R: Sanjh……….how come……….

K: Yes Sanjh. And you thought that you will carry on doing things and I will not get to know. At least you could have been fair in doing things. Whats my concern right however you could have told me about this. At least I would have saved you in front of the family incase there was any issue. But you didn't say anything at all. But I don't care about you and your Sanjh or whatever. Good you didn't tell me now leave me I have to go.

Her anger had translated into tears by now. She probably didn't realize what all she was telling Raj and he was standing quietly and listening to her.

K: Leave me hand Raj I have to go.

R: I have left it long time ago Kranti.

Kranti looked at her hand which was not in his grip any more.

K: Fine and Thanks.

She walked out of the room wiping her tears. Raj kept looking at her receding figure not knowing what to say.