A Scene : Raj & Kranti (For Namita)

The clock struck twelve as the back gate of the Lal residence opened and then closed after a brief minute. The air was biting cold, it being early January and the black shawl covered figure hurried to the dark staircase. A shaft of moonlight fell on a part of the staircase, illuminating the path to some extent. As the figure turned around the bend to enter the corridor, the edge of the shawl caught hold of a metal flower vase, sending it clanging across the floor. The sound was deafening as it broke the stillness of the night.

The other members woke up abruptly from their sleep as lights went on in their rooms, as well as the light on the hallway. Before anything could be understood, a hand shot from behind the curtains of a room, wrapping itself around a wrist, pulling the person inside the room and then closing the door soundlessly behind them. This room was also dark, except for moonbeams casting hazy glow across the room. Holding the figure securely, who was now being pulled towards the open window, the person waiting inside the room was merciless. Only when he reached the window that he loosened his grip, as his other hand went and removed the shawl covering the face of the woman.

'Kranti' he whispered 'where have you been?'.

As the face of the woman was revealed, Raj marvelled at her beauty, comparing her to the moon in the sky and finding her even more lovelier.

'That's none of your business' Kranti retorted, as she struggled to free her wrist. 'I have already told you Raj that we won't interfere in each other's life no matter what.'

Raj smiled a bit 'Yes I do remember but that's what you decided and informed me, I didn't tell you anything.'

By this time Kranti had been able to free herself and she now threw the shawl away, shivering a bit. Raj was surprised to find her dressed in a simple handloom churidaar, not that it made any difference to him. She was the quintessential beauty in his eyes and he longed to hug her.

Raj knew that his wife was involved in KK activities and he did not stop her, though he was continuously worried about her. In fact, everyone in his family knew Kranti was a Krantikari, fighting for her country. What they didn't know that she still visited her group and took part in their actions, albeit in a hushed up way. Raj's Father was not well and Kranti didn't want him to know anything about her present freedom fighter status. But Raj knew and was constantly worried. He knew English spies were everywhere and though he empathized with the KK views of liberating the nation, yet he was worried lest Kranti gets caught.

He watched as Kranti folded the black shawl and kept it inside the almirah; and then went inside to change. Someone banged on the door and Raj went to open it. His Mother was standing outside alongwith his sister-in-law.

'Raj, didn't you hear the crashing sound?' she asked.

'What sound? Oh! The sound of the vase falling? Yes I did hear it' He replied.

'Then why didn't you come outside to check?' Bibirani, his sister-in-law asked, her eyebrows assuming an interesting shape.

Raj smiled, knowing that she was trying to smell a rat

'Parjaaiji, haven't you noticed that it's so windy tonight? And the windows to the hallway are open. Isn't it natural that one of the billowing curtains might have caught the vase and caused it to drop?'

Not known as someone to give up, BBR tried to peer inside the room 'Where's Devraniji?'

'In the washroom' Raj replied nonchalantly. He then suddenly added

'She has been throwing up tonight. Don't know what she ate..'

BBR made a face and walked away. After all it was she who had cooked dinner.

Chaijee also turned away towards her room, while a chuckling Raj closed the door behind them.

Kranti had heard what Raj had told BBR, she had exited the washroom then. And she was furious. She came and stood in front of Raj, her eyes asking for an explanation.

'Well I had to give something back to Parjaaiji for interfering so much in our marital life' Raj said in a somber tone.

'And you had to say that I was throwing up?' Kranti asked, her voice rising by a notch.

Raj stared at her, she was looking so beautiful, her hair open, a dot of vermilion on her forehead; but yes, she was as obstinate as a child. He replied impatiently

'What did you expect me to say? That you returned from one of your KK meetings? You know it's so difficult for me to lie to Chaijee.'

'And I am forcing you to lie' Kranti retorted back.

'Shh' Raj said suddenly, his ears trained to the door.

Kranti looked at him puzzled 'What's it?'

Raj clapped her mouth with his hand and pulled her close, willing her to keep quiet. He had heard footsteps outside their room and knew that it must be his sister-in-law. Obviously Kranti hadn't heard anything and she was yet to know BBR's true colours. Their room was still dark and Raj hoped that he had shut the door firmly. He looked down at Kranti and removed his hand, though he didn't leave her immediately. She looked at him questioningly.

'Parjaaiji' he said.

'What if she thinks something else?' she asked in a whisper.

He looked down at her surprised, it had not entered his mind at all. Her eyes were intoxicating and he forgot what he was thinking for a moment.

'Who cares?' he finally said.

Kranti looked at him surprised and then said

'I do.'

She tried to look away but Raj held her chin and turned her face towards him, one of his arm wrapped protectively around her waist, holding her across his chest. She felt warm and safe and secure in his arms.

'I do too Kranti' he finally said. 'And I hope someday this will be the biggest truth in our lives'.

Kranti sighed and laid her head against his chest and closes her eyes.

FINITO

Rachna 👏

Originally posted by: jyoti06

Rachna after reading these short stories from you..I m really getting greedy and wishing that something similar is shown in the serial too😳...but I know those morons will never show such a beautiful scene😡...

Now that Raj too has become a KK,I think both RK can do the Raat-Jaagrans together😉😆...It will b interesting to see Raj trying to help out Kranti in her KK activities and Kranti slowly feeling secure under his arms😳..

It was a very well thought out scene Rachna👏👏👏...and also beautifully written😳