Ashlok FF: Raabta... Do you believe in love? Chap 5 Pg78 - Page 4

She stepped down the airplane. She was supposed to be elated, for she is visiting Pune, her hometown after 13 whole years, but no, her hometown carried sixteen years of memory too... They were pleasant ones, yet they pricked her heart. She picked her luggage and came outside, she found three men standing there with her name card, which read Aastha Kirloskar. Her surname had no value in her life. Alternatively, should she say, she had no value for her surname in her life. She approached those men who were standing there for her. The elderly looking man had a friendly smile on his face; he was the great Mr. Niranjan Agnihotri. The other man was in his early thirties and he was Varad Agnihotri. The man who was in black made her instantly feel connected with, for he wore the same expression she sees each day in the mirror. She shook hands with each one. They took her to the parking lot. Aastha was their client, who came to Pune from Delhi for tenure of three months. Their upcoming scheme, which was approved by the Govt. of India, was a programmed for the poor kids across the country. Aastha got into the car, switched on her mobile phone and called Rehaan, her seven-year-old son.

"Rehaan beta, Mumma has reached Pune. Just fifteen days honey, after that, you'll come to Mumma. Please don't trouble your Chotti Nani, okay? Good boy, now yes, study properly mera baccha, because I can't help you now. You understand right? OK, any doubt, skype me? OK take care. I'll speak with Chotti Nani later, OK. Bye, love you"

Aastha was amused how kids understand more than adults do. Niranjan smiled hearing the mother-son conversation.

"Rehaan. He is your son beta? Which grade is he studying in?"

"Second grade Uncle."

"What is your husband doing?"

Aastha's expression darkened. Her husband? She can't perhaps tell her marital status to them. But she thought otherwise,

"I'm a single mother, Uncle." Aastha answered, trying her best to hide her pain. Varad gave her a pathetic look. She just painfully smiled.

Her answer made Shlok turn his head and look at her. He couldn't imagine his life without his father, who was his pillar of support. He was deeply concerned for Rehaan. Being a single mother in this society is not an easy thing, so he felt during Aastha's stay, she should feel home away from home. But, not only him, but the other two felt the same.

"Beta, we thought of searching a house for you while we first spoke right? But I've changed my mind. You are going to stay with us. Please beta, I insist."

"Uncle, but three months are too long. Though Rehaan is not going to be here for a long time, I don't feel this is right." Aastha was deeply moved by their care, but she didn't want to burden them.

"Aastha, if Rehaan stays, then well and good. Even Kavya will have someone to play with. Please Aastha..." Varad pleaded her.

"Varad Ji, please, you are embarrassing me. Since you insist so much, I'll stay." Aastha said as soon as she felt Varad was going to fall on her feet.

"Call me Dada, like Shlok does." Varad caressed her with a brotherly affection. She smiled and nodded at him.

"Thank you for accepting the offer Aastha. I'm sure Rehaan will have a good time with us." Shlok gave a friendly smile to Aastha.

Chap 1