Hi Friends,
This is in response to a task by Sami for my KOTW. I wrote this in a hurry, so it's ok I guess.
...............................................................................................
Pyar Ka Bandhan
Kranti entered her room wiping her hands. She was feeling very sleepy and it was pretty late too. There were guests at home; they would all be going to their village haveli the next day to celebrate Rang Panchami, which was two days away. She hoped that Sehr had gone to sleep already. Instead she found her daughter playing beside Raj, who was sleeping soundly, a book in his hand.
On seeing her Mother, the little girl got excited and started throwing her toys and blanket around. Sighing inwardly, Kranti picked up the child and started rocking her. She was irritated with Raj; he knew that she would be late to retire for the night and had taken the responsibility to put Sehr to sleep. Sehr was excited to see so many people at home and was reluctant to sleep; her excitement continued in the foreign language in which she conversed with her Mother - a language that Mothers were adept to understanding.
'..
Raj woke up with a start to find Kranti sleeping against the pillow in a half sitting position, little Sehr nestled to her bosom, tiredness and exhaustion clearly marked on her face. The light was still on. Feeling guilty, he stepped down from the bed and turned off the light. Coming back to the bed, he carefully lifted Sehr and put her back on her small mattress, and then coaxed Kranti back to a sleeping position. Kranti muttered something unintelligible in her sleep and pulled Sehr back in her arms. Raj smiled and touched her cheek with his fingers and then settled down herself. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.
'''
The sunlight flooded through the window and Raj squinted his eyes. He opened his eyes to find his wife already dressing.
'I must be really late' he thought, as he removed the quilt in haste. His daughter was also missing from the room.
Kranti saw him getting up through the mirror but kept quiet, and readied herself.
He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her, settling his face on her shoulder. Kranti froze for a moment and then tried to remove his arms, albeit unsuccessfully.
'Good Morning Kranti' Raj wished her in a hushed tone. 'Where's Sehr?'
He didn't miss the annoyed look in her face, she still looked tired.
Kranti looked at him through the mirror and said
'Chaijee came and took Sehr with her. She had woken up already, and was too happy to see her Grandmother.'
'See what an understanding daughter I have' Raj said, trying to draw a hint of smile on his wife's face, but miserably failing to do so.
Kranti managed to remove his arms from around her and turned around,
'Rajbir, there are guests in the house and I don't have time now. Further its Sehr's feeding time too, I am sure you can manage on your own.'
She left the room hurriedly, pulling the dupatta up to cover her head.
Raj realized that her annoyance was not going to go away soon and he had to do something. He couldn't bear to be away from her during Kranti and seeing her tired and upset. Things wouldn't have been so bad hadn't his sister-in-law being pregnant this time around. Chaijee, Buaji were busy with the relatives and so was Kranti. Raj knew that Kranti was not someone who would open her mouth at the slightest increase in workload, but he also knew that she was hard pressed for time with their child, household work as well as their activities with the fellow freedom fighters, which have been put on hold for a day or two. He realized that he had fallen short of his promise made to her that he would be with her in every step of life. It's not that she was going to hold it for long, but he loved her dearly and didn't want her to spend a moment with any sort of negative emotions. She had had suffered enough for seven lives, he thought, as he made his way to the washroom.
''''
It was a busy day indeed. Kewal was making the travel arrangements, Raj left for their haveli immediately after breakfast to make sure that every thing was fine. Some of their relatives have come from Rawalpindi and Karachi, and he didn't want any last minute distractions. He was a bit upset though, he hadn't got a chance to meet Kranti before leaving. He had just indicated to her that he was leaving and she had nodded her head in acknowledgement. She was surrounded by relatives in the kitchen and it was impossible for her to come out, Sehr was in her arms too, chewing her Mother's dupatta.
''.
That Evening
The party reached the handsome haveli late at evening. Kewal had arranged for cars till a certain spot, after which everyone had to board bullock carts which were waiting for them. Kranti's Mamaji and his family had also come along with them, Kranti was happy to be with her sisters, Sehr sleeping peacefully in Nirmal's arms. Sanjay was busy cracking jokes at the expense of his mother in law to keep the party entertained.
Raj had seen to it that food was ready for everybody when they reached home. He had personally looked into the arrangements and was sure that the next morning would be a surprise too for everybody. He hoped that Kranti would be happy too.
Holika dahan over, everybody retired to their respective rooms. They would have to wake up early next morning. Raj saw Kranti carrying Sehr up the steps, talking with Nirmal and Lovely excitedly about something. Last time the entire family had assembled here was during Basant Panchami, which had begun in earnest but which had ended in a disaster due to arrival of Manpreet. Raj shook his head to wipe away the unpleasant memories deciding to make this visit memorable for Kranti.
He reached his room to find the three sisters sitting on the bed, talking and laughing. On seeing him, Nirmal got down from the bed and came and stood in front of Raj.
'Jija-ji' she started 'we are planning to spend the night together. We have met after so many months you see. I hope its fine.'
Sanjay entered the room and stood beside Raj.
Raj smiled at Nirmal and shook his head, his eyes flitting to Kranti for a brief second. Reading nothing in her eyes, he turned around. Sanjay kept his arm around his friend's shoulder and said in a low voice,
'Raj, today it seems both of us have run out of our luck. Come on, let's go to my room.'
'.
Next Morning
Kranti woke up the next day and she smiled at the sight in front of her. Lovely was sleeping with her head on Nirmal's stomach and Nirmal was sleeping with Sehr in her arms. Her smile reached her eyes as she took in the scene, it seemed like an eon had passed, taking away all the simple happiness along with it.
But Kranti did not have any regrets. God has been kind enough to send Rajbir to her life and for giving her a family whom she could call her own. They all loved her and she was willing to go to great lengths for them. And Sehr ' nothing could be more precious to her. And Rajbir.
She tiptoed out of her room; the sky was still dark, she reasoned it would take at least some time more for the daylight to break in. She walked towards Sanjay's room. Though she was annoyed with him, yet she missed him. She knew he wasn't happy staying away from her for the entire day.
The door was locked and Kranti thought better than to knock. She turned around and went down to the hall. The entire house was decorated with flowers and she knew that the gulaal was hidden somewhere safely, so that nobody could find it before time. She went back to her room to freshen up; she wanted to be ready before others woke up. She loved Holi colours.
''.
Raj woke up to see the house buzzing with activity. After changing, he went down with Sanjay. They had gone to sleep late last night as they were overlooking the decorations. His face broke into a smile as he saw everybody dressed in white or light colours, this was going to be fun. His eyes scanned the room to find his wife and daughter. They were not there in the hall, he saw her pacing in the corridor, with Sehr in her arms. It seemed as if Sehr was crying.
He went towards them, his breath caught in his throat. She was looking divine in a pristine white suit, with a deep red coloured dupatta, but it seemed like Sehr was crying.
'What happened?' Raj asked.
Kranti replied 'I don't know. I think she's afraid to see so many people gathered over here.'
Buaji approached them.
'Kranti, we have to be ready for the Puja now. I will take Sehr now, you don't worry about her', she said, taking the crying child from her Mother's arms.
'But Buaji '' Kranti started .
'Don't worry dear, she will be safe with me' Buaji said and withdrew inside.
Raj and Kranti were left standing outside. Kranti smiled a small smile, taking in her husband's appearance. He really looked dapper in white, she thought.
She was about to enter the hall when Raj caught hold of her hand and pulled her towards himself.
'Raj' Kranti nearly shrieked. 'What are you doing? Chaijee's waiting for me inside.'
'Let Chaijee wait' Raj answered back. 'I just want to let you know ''
His words remained unfinished as his Mother's voice came from somewhere nearby.
'Kranti, where are you? Please come and sit with me. Bibirani is not feeling that well.'
Kranti bestowed a sorry look at him and ran inside. Raj followed her inside and found that all the guests and relatives have gathered for the Puja. He sat down beside his Father and Brother, waiting fervently for the festivity to start.
''.
The Puja over, Kranti hurried upstairs with milk for Sehr, hoping against hope that she had not tired out Buaji by then. On entering the room, she found her daughter playing quietly and gurgling while Buaji was telling her some story. Kranti smiled at the scene in front of her and she went and sat beside them. Buaji took the milk form her and encouraged her to go downstairs to play Holi, promising that she would be with Sehr all the while. Kranti felt bad, she didn't want Buaji to miss the celebrations. A look at Kranti's face and Buaji knew what she was thinking.
'Don't worry Kranti and don't feel bad at all. I don't like playing Holi much, so I will be very comfortable over here.'
Kranti smiled at her
'Okay Buaji, but do call me for anything you need.'
'.
Kranti walked towards the staircase, she could see Nirmal, Lovely and some of Raj's cousin assembled in the Hall below. They saw her and started calling for her. Kranti indicated that she was coming downstairs and nearly ran towards the stairs. As she rounded the pillar near the staircase, a hand shot out from behind and stopped her progress. Before she could even realize what was happening, Raj held her firmly in his arms, and dropped a peck on her cheek. He watched bemusedly as a faint colour spread all over and she struggled to set herself free.
'Rajbir! Let me go, everyone's waiting for me downstairs' Kranti said.
'And what about your poor husband? He has also been waiting for long' Raj whispered in her ear, holding her still closer.
'Kranti puttar, where are you?' Kulbhushan's voice boomed from the hall.
Terrified, Kranti looked at Raj.
'Raj please, Bauji is calling. Please let me go.'
Raj was not at all interested 'Let him call. You are with your husband, why are you so worried?'
He pulled her along with to the side, so they were completely hidden from public view. Kranti looked up at her husband and said softly,
'Raj, both of us should be going down now. People are waiting for us to start the celebrations.'
'Is it wrong that I want to play Holi with my wife first? And why are you ignoring me? You know I can't stay away from you.' Raj said slowly and loosened his grip on Kranti.
'You are free to go now Kranti.'
Kranti immediately felt the loss of his arms and looked into his eyes. They were sad. She caught hold of his hand and held it against her cheek.
'Raj, I want you to be the first person to put colour on me. It's the colour of your love that is going to make me immortal for times to come. And I was not ignoring you, I was a bit annoyed. Nothing more, nothing less.'
The love in her eyes gladdened his heart and he pulled her back in his arms and kissed her forehead. His desire reflected in his eyes as he inched towards her lips. But Kranti shook her head slightly.
Raj smiled at her and brought out a small packet from his kurta pocket. He opened it to reveal red vermilion.
Kranti looked at him, her eyes glistening with tears. He picked up a pinch of vermilion and put it on her forehead, filling her parting completely.
A teardrop rolled down her cheek, Raj wiped it quickly. He then took out another packet from his other pocket and applied pink colour on Kranti's cheeks. He then whispered
'You know Kranti, you look awesome in pink.'
Kranti blushed a beetroot red.
Before she could say anything, they heard Chaijee's voice on the staircase.
'Now where did these lovebirds go? I think I will go up and get them downstairs.'
Kranti laughed at Raj's terror-stricken face and she freed herself from his arms. She then picked up some gulaal from the packet and applied it on Raj's cheeks.
'Kranti, we forgot completely. Chaijee told earlier no playing inside the house.'
Both of them looked down at the colour on the floor. They had no time to clean it. Sheepishly, they emerged from behind the pillar and started walking down the stairs. Only to be met with Chaijee at the middle.
Chaijee took in the appearance of her son and bahu and the colors on their faces and the vermilion on her forehead. The look on their faces was priceless, they seemed like school kids caught doing mischief. She looked down at their interlaced fingers and smiled inspite of her resolve to scold them, for breaking the only rule that she had set for not playing Holi inside the house.
She smiled at them and indicated that the others were waiting for them. Nirmal and Lovely came and took Kranti away with them. Raj joined Sanjay and others and went outside.
'''
It was hours later when everyone returned to their rooms, completely drenched in colours. In between, Kranti had come in to check on Buaji and Sehr and found both of them sleeping. She had rejoined her family outside once again, only to be drenched in colours by her cousins this time.
''.
Food was served immediately to the thoroughly tired and hungry party, once they cleansed themselves off the colors and settled down. While the womenfolk busied themselves in the kitchen, the men sat down to relax in the hall, chatting amicably amongst them, their topics of discussion varying from politics to general civic being.
Once they were all satiated, everybody retired to their room for taking rest.
Raj entered his room to find it occupied again by his sisters-in-law and cousins who were all singing together. Kranti was sitting beside Nirmal and she smiled seeing Raj.
'Jijaji, we are all singing,' Lovely informed Raj. 'You also join us.'
Raj replied with a smile
"What will I do alone? I can't play alone against all girls.'
Sanjay entered the room,
'Raj, we two are enough to handle these girls. Why don't we get comfortable?'
Raj sat down on the sofa with Sanjay. He smiled as he saw Sanjay jovially singing with the girls, much to Nirmal's amusement. Kranti also sat quietly watching the others sing.
One of Raj's cousins suddenly said
'Raj, why are you sitting quietly? Poor Sanjay is playing from your side only. There you are sitting quietly and here your wife is sitting quietly. What's the matter?'
'Nothing at all' Raj replied. 'Just feeling a bit tired. Anyway I can't sing, so I am just listening.'
'We are not letting you get off like this Brother' his cousins cried out. 'You sing something for Bhabhi.'
'Oh no' Raj said. 'I can't sing.'
Sanjay nudged Raj and said
'They are not going to leave you, so please sing something. Or do something. Get me out of here too, I am tired.'
Raj looked at Kranti and then he said suddenly
'Ok, I will say something, though not sing. My only condition is that your Bhabhi will have to answer to the sentence I say.'
'Yes, yes' everybody shouted excitedly while Kranti looked mortified.
Raj was now enjoying it. He looked at Kranti and said
'Ok Kranti you start. Say anything you want to.'
Kranti thought for a moment and said, her eyes never leaving her husband's for a moment
'Bandh ho jo rahein meri ''
Raj got up and went and stood in the middle of the room. He beckoned Kranti to join him and replied back,
'Thaam ke chalo baahein meri ''
Kranti got up from the bed and walked towards him. She added,
'Tumko kasam hain, bandho na aise haseen zanjeer se ''
By this time, she has reached Raj and stood in front of him. Raj looked into her eyes and said,
'Milne ki khushi na milne ka gham ''
Kranti continued, smiling a bit
'Khatam yeh jhagde ho jaayen ''
She further continued
'Tu tu na rahein, main main na rahoon ''
Raj smiled back at her and said
'Ek duje mein kho jaaye ''
Raj held Kranti's arms as she added
'Main bhi na chhodu pal bhar yeh daman ''
He pulled her into his arms
'Tu bhi pal bhar roothey na ''
Both of them gazed deeply into each other's eyes and said together
'Pyar ka daman chhootey na''
'Hey hey, take it easy Friends' Sanjay called out. 'We all are in this room too.'
Kranti moved away immediately, her eyes downcast. Feeling shy, she wondered how they could forget the others in the room.
Sanjay continued
'I think we should all go to our own rooms and take some rest. I am sure both Raj and Kranti are tired and they need some time alone.'
He winked at Raj and left the room, pulling Nirmal along with him. The others slowly filed out of the room, chattering amongst themselves.
Soon Raj and Kranti were left alone in the room.
Raj asked 'Where's Sehr?'
'With Parjaaijee' Kranti replied as she went and sat down on the bed.
'She asked me to get some rest and told that she would take care of Sehr.'
'Good' Raj said. 'Maybe we should take some rest now. You look beat.'
'Yes I am' Kranti said, taking off her jewelleries.
Raj came and sat down beside her. He pulled her in his arms and held her close. After a few minutes, he could feel her body going limp and realized that she had fallen asleep.
He gently eased her to the bed and then lay down beside her. She was sound asleep. He circled his arms around her and held her close, her forehead resting against his cheek.
He then closed his eyes.
Life indeed was pleasant.
''..
FINITO
Arjun
Cricket
