There is something to be said about living in a large family. While even the meekest might occasionally sigh over the lack of privacy, there is nothing quite like a crowd to be inconspicuous in.
And that is what Paro had been trying to do for the past half-hour.
She had been hovering nervously behind Maithili, alternately cursing the fact that she was taller than her, and the foolishness of wearing such a bright orange dupatta.
Every time she'd consider going back to his room to retrieve a more sober one, however, she would imagine trying to explain her action to Kakisa-- who had eyes like a hawk-- and she would chicken out.
In the six hours since that early morning phone call informing them of his release and imminent arrival, she had laughed out loud in relief, thoroughly swept and dusted the already sparkling floors and shelves of his room, tripped all over the kitchen cooking a variety of dishes, and finally been sent off to bathe and dress by an irate Kakisa and amused Maithili.
In a fit of giddy joy, she'd chosen the orange dupatta and an armful of matching bangles that clinked when she walked-- mirroring her restless gaiety.
The phone call had said that he would be arriving at noon. And it was already half past. The whole family had gathered onto the portico (with varying degrees of reluctance) to await his arrival.
The waiting period however, had done no good to Paro.
Now that the initial shock, relief, and joy had subsided, as had her whirlwind of activity, doubt had begun to creep in. A mixture of anticipation, anxiety, and fear was making her stomach churn until she wasn't sure that the parathas she'd eaten for breakfast would stay down any longer.
Just as she had opened her mouth, asking to be excused for a few minutes, one of the standard BSD jeeps roared up to the Haveli and screeched to a halt. The doors opened almost immediately, and Paro felt completely bewildered by her sudden urge to burst into tears, as a tall figure wearing a familiar scowl emerged.
He squinted in the harsh sunlight, and she used the opportunity to eagerly scan his appearance. His hair had grown longer than he liked and he wore a thick beard. She realized with a pang that he looked gaunt and sickly and was walking with a slight limp. While the old untamed fire continued to burn in his eyes, it flickered uncertainly, as though it might go out if a rough wind blew.
As Rudra made his way to his family, Paro shrank back into the shadows, trying to steady her suddenly erratic heartbeat. Maybe he wouldn't notice her right away. Maybe she could slink away and hide for a while. Maybe...
Paro never had the chance to finish her thought as his eyes clashed with hers, and he held her gaze-- the flame as searing and steady as ever.
Drat this dupatta!
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Ye Hai Mohabbatein
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
