Hi, guys! Finally,
the chapter. Also, the term Hireath
used in the title loosely translates to longing for a home/place you can never
return or the home that never was'. Heralding
Hiraeth means the overshadowing of the loss of the moments supposed to be
lost forever [for Ranveer] in a few days.
Chapter 26: The Heralding
Hiraeth
Ranveer
went to sleep long after he had overheard the upsetting conversation between
his Mota Babuji and Baa. One was entirely about mistrust and betrayal and
another remained firm on his faith that Ranveer would indeed never betray the
trust put in him. But wasn't he betraying the trust willingly? Ranveer let out
a deep sigh as he tossed on the bed, unable to sleep despite the night growing deeper.
His mind was already made with no intention from deviating from the path
anymore, and thus he decided to have finished his mission before he broke down
into pieces. He was already cracking, bleeding, hurting each day and running
from the truth like a coward. However, he knew he'd reached the end and there
was nowhere he could go anymore either to take the path which pushed Ishani
away from him or turn back and let everyone know that he was in love with
Ishani. In both the ways he was losing her and her friendship. She would always
deem he'd betrayed their friendship by loving her. Ranveer turned aside on the
bed once again, watching the curtain of the rain envelop the surrounding, glimmering
gold as the light from nearby sparkled upon it.
Wondering
about Ishani and their future, their life, and everything that awaited from one
month onwards Ranveer felt himself falling into an uneasy slumber, disturbed by
unpleasant dreams in which he found himself stuck, shackled by invisible threads
spurning him. But deep down he knew they were just the nightmares which would
be gone as soon as he opened his eyes. Slowly, sweating and fearing he closed
eyes tighter and was fast asleep.
A
ringing sound startled Ranveer out of his sleep. He sat up, surprised, wondering
if it was his nightmare, until his eyes fell on the phone nearby, flickering with
bright colours. The caller had disconnected the call by the time he got up.
Ranveer picked up the phone and raised his eyebrows. It was Ishani. He glanced
at the right side on his phone, the time being 12.35 at night. Ranveer realized
he hadn't been asleep for one hour so far. Yawning, he made to dial her number before
his phone rang again.
"Ishani!
he breathed out, panicked. "What happened?
"I
want to meet you. Right now.
She
didn't say anything further and Ranveer knew their spot where she'd want to
meet him. The terrace. He quickly walked out of the servant quarters and
towards the stairs from the Parekh Mansion, hoping no one noticed him. And at
last he stood at the gate of the terrace, panting.
"Ishani,
what's wrong?
She
turned her head towards him and shook her head. "Come here first.
He
did as he stood by her side. The rain had stopped by now, leaving behind gentle
slow sprays of the shower that came tumbling down along with the wind. The body
of water flowing next to their house was calm with no disturbance causing any
stir, and the part of the town on another side lay asleep, yellow lights peeking
from the buildings as a hint of the living. Several times the silence was
broken by the impatient honking of the vehicles, but they passed soon enough. He
looked at Ishani again, finally catching his breath and sat down.
"What
was so urgent?
"Chirag!
Ranveer's
heart sank. At night, half awake, half asleep, he was hardly ready to listen to
what Ishani wanted to talk about Chirag.
"Can't
we talk about it yesterday? he said, feigning drowsiness. "I'm already feeling
asleep.
"But
it's urgent, Ishani said, her voice pleading. "You know, that Chirag came to
my room tonight! Can you believe this, Ranveer? My room!
"What!
And what did you do?
"I
kicked him out of my room, Ishani spoke more proudly.
"Did
he say why he'd come?
Ishani
clucked her tongue. "After I pestered him enough, he said he needed to see
Sharman Bhaiya's room. But why? He never answered.
"Oh!
Ranveer appeared thoughtful. Why Chirag wanted to come into Sharman's room and that
too via Ishani's? "Ishani, he's gone and don't worry, he said at last.
"But,
Ranveer, I don't like this. Whatever is brewing in his mind is beyond me and I
want him not tobe roaming in my house like this.
"Ishani,
he's gone, alright? Don't take too much trouble. We'll talk over this tomorrow--
He had hardly finished when his phone rang once again. It was Gauri on the
other side.
"Ranveer,
can you please come here? Her tone was urgent and Ranveer hummed in his answer
before disconnecting the call.
"Ishani,
he said, looking at her, "You should really not be worrying so much about
Chirag. We'll ask him tomorrow why he was here and by the way, he and Sharman
know each other already, so it could have something to do with that. Maybe?
Ishani
bit her lip. "Are you in hurry?
"Yeah?
"Where
are you going?
Ranveer
opened his mouth to tell her the truth before Gauri's words came back to him. "Do
I have to tell you everything? he spoke, pretending to be annoyed. "Can't you
keep your nose out of my business, Ishani?
Ishani
glared at him, not offended, and pouted. "Go to hell! she murmured. "I asked
you to help me and now you're singing My business!' My business!' song! Go
away.
Ranveer
laughed at her antics and gave her a long quite look.
"What?
Ishani asked and for a moment it felt as if he saw something flicker in her
eyes- something he always noticed when their eyes met and his heart raced- and
it appeared as though his gaze did something... No, this was impossible,
Ranveer told himself and forced himself into reality, and extracted a small flask
out of his pocket.
"Nothing,
he answered, still smiling to himself, and handed over her the bottle. "This
rose water should help you with your eyes. Look what you've made of yourself
from crying.
Her
anger disappeared and Ishani smiled again. "Thank you, Ranveer! she said. "I
swear, no one can take care of me the way you do.
Ishani
turned around and left, her mood lighter. Ranveer remained in daze of her
words, unable to recover from what she'd just said. "Alright, that's true, he said
at last.
Ranveer
arrived Gauri's room, hoping to find her in better state than he'd imagined all
the way from home, only to get surprised in the end. Sharman sat there on the
couch, next to him stood Chirag, eyeing Gauri with surprise. Ranveer followed Romil
and stood beside them.
"Gauri,
what's wrong? Sharman said. "That house is still yours and you have all the
right on it as much we do. You can come home and live there as long as you
want.
Gauri
shook her head. "No, Sharman, the family has already done enough for me and I
can't trouble them for this anymore.
Ranveer's
presence wasn't noticed yet except for Romil as he stood quietly, hoping he
wasn't prying in the family matters of Gauri.
"Gauri,
Sharman said again, "won't you let me do anything for you? See, I wasn't there
at home on your marriage due to my exams, but now I am and I do have this right
on my sister to help her, right?
"But,
Sharman, there really is no need to do that, and trust me. Romil and I are
trying to talk to our family, and hopefully we'll hear from them soon.
"What
until then?
Gauri
remained silent.
"Gauri,
you said you didn't want to take help from us, you said you didn't want to go
home. How on earth are you going to survive until the matters are sorted out?
She
didn't say anything.
"Well,
we did help the way we could without breaking the rules, Chirag spoke in
between and all the eyes were turned towards him. "And, Gauri, do you know
Ranveer had all his life's savings taken from the bank just for you?
Ranveer
gasped at the mention of his name, surprised that Chirag had noticed him coming.
However, the small revelation was barely a pleasing one. Sharman looked at
Ranveer, and Ranveer noticed that he was completely changed from when they'd
last met, two years ago. Sharman had gone to the US for higher studies and barely
returned home. However, since last two years he hadn't turned up at all,
stating that the research on a particular matter was holding him back and he
couldn't miss out the opportunity to explore what he deemed was the most
ambitious work of his career. Baa was disappointed but later agreed when
insisted by everyone in the family.
"Anything
for my Sharman, she'd said, however, the disappointment on her face was clearly
visible.
Since
then they had been in contact virtually but never really met. Ranveer himself
saw Sharman after two years. As he looked at Ranveer his eyes gleamed in a cheerful
glint, his posture calm and he barely seemed distressed over the mess his
sister was in. However, there was a solemn look on his face which surfaced every
time he looked at Gauri, concealing other traits of his personality.
Ranveer
looked awkwardly as all the eyes now stared at him, questioning him. He was
surprised from where did Chirag find out about the amount of money and its
states.
"Ranveer,
you did? Gauri asked, shocked. "But there was no need of that!
"Gauri,
Sharman said, shifting his attention back to her. "See, now you need to come
home. If you're worried about Baa and her orthodox ideas, I'll deal with it.
"Sharman...
"Come
on, Gauri, Chirag said, "I'm sure you don't want others to suffer more? Think
of Ishani and Harshad Uncle. They will always support you, and in case anything
goes wrong, Sharman and I are always there for you.
Gauri
looked at Ranveer and came towards him. "Thank you, Ranveer, she said as she
took him in a hug. "I don't know what else to say and do that will make up for
the trouble I've put you through.
"No
trouble, Gauri, Ranveer said with a smile. "It wasn't a big deal and I'm happy
that you're coming home. Ishani will be very happy.
She
looked at him as though trying to silently explain something words wouldn't be
able to express. Ranveer nodded in encouragement. There was Sharman now who would
look after everything from now and she didn't have to worry about Baa.
"And,
Ranveer, under any circumstances please don't mention anything about us until
we're there. Would you do this?
Ranveer
nodded and left the hotel at Sharman's orders to look after the things at home
before Gauri arrived in the morning. The dawn was drawing near and with that
the traffic of the city increased. By the time Ranveer reached home the sun was
out, spilling his orange rays across the grey town. Ranveer marveled at the beauty
the morning sun could spread so effortlessly. So unlike the clouds or the
rains. He went into his room and checked on the 50,000 rupees kept safe in the drawer.
Now when Gauri was coming home, he could deposit them all back into the bank. For
a moment his mind went back to his parents and their condition, and he wished
he had more money to buy them a new house. Only if they did, his mother wouldn't
have to witness the unnecessary humiliations from his part. Ranveer kept the
money back into the drawer and stretched himself, yawning. The last night's
sleep once again had gone kaput, but he was surprised that he did not feel
sleepy anymore. Amidst his ponderings Ranveer heard the door of his room slam
open as two of his fellow helpers stormed in.
"Baa's
calling you, one of them said.
"Why...?
Ranveer asked, confused.
"We're
ordered to get you in front of her as soon as possible, Ranveer! It's the
matter of our job! another said more sympathetically.
Ranveer
nodded. "Fine, I'll come with you.
Ranveer
was brought to the Parekh Mansion, and he was hardly prepared to see the similar
setup of the day Baa had whipped him after Gauri's marriage. He shivered at the
silence and looked at Ishani. She glanced back at him, her eyes panicky.
Something was wrong.
Ranveer
stood in front of Baa as she gestured the two men to depart. He kept his head
bowed, unsure of what was going on in front him. But he could imagine Ishani
panic as her mother held her back. He could think of Devarsh and Pratiek look
at their grandmother in fear and disgust for what awaited to be witnessed by
them. The rest of the family perhaps waited the hour to be over so that they could
go and busy themselves in their daily chores. Ranveer realized there was no
Mota Babuji at home this time.
"Where
have you been since morning? Baa spoke.
Ranveer
slowly glanced up at her face, remembering his meet with Gauri and Sharman, and
chose to remain silent.
"I
asked where have you been since this morning? Baa asked once again, more
loudly, as she scrambled her way to him with heavy steps.
He
remained silent again.
"Do
you know why are you brought here?
He
looked up, confused.
"Because
Ishani's bangle which Chirag's mother gave her has been stolen, Baa whispered
and gasps of surprise were heard all around the hall.
"Baa--
"Where
is it?
"I
didn-
"I
know you did! Baa shrieked before he could clarify. "Chanchal saw you in
Ishani's room late night. What were you doing there?
He
stayed quiet again.
"If
you don't say a word, I have my own ways to get the truth out of you, Ranveer,
Baa threatened. "And you know that very
well. Ranveer felt an evil glint pass through her eyes and shuddered. The
last time he was whipped for hiding the truth from Baa about Gauri, the memory still
too clear in his mind.
"Baa,
trust me, I didn't do anything. He looked at Ishani, her teary eyes looked at
him and Baa in loop, while her hand was firmly clasped in her mother's.
"Baa,
he's right, Ishani spoke and Falguni Maa gave her a glare, but that didn't placate
Ishani's vehemence this time. "Ranveer will never steal anything from our
house, Baa. We've known him for years! We all know how loyal he is! You can't
doubt his loyalty.
"Shut
up! Baa roared and turned to Ranveer. "Ranveer, do you want to tell the truth
or should I go ahead with what I have in my mind?
Ranveer
watched things with confusion. What was going on? The last time he saw, the
bangle was placed safely on the table in Ishani's room. He hadn't touched it.
"Did
you not go to Ishani's room last night? Baa asked. "Chanchal saw you. Didn't
you, Chanchal?
"Yes,
Baa, yes! I did! she chirped.
Baa
came towards Ranveer, eyeing him maliciously.
"Y-yes,
Baa, Ranveer answered. "I was there. He barely missed the gasps from across
the hall.
"What
were you doing there? Baa pressed. "Aren't you well aware of the rules that no
servant is to be seen within the walls of the mansion at night?
"I
do, Baa.
"Then?
He
remembered Ishani's promise of never letting anyone know of her secret place
and remained silent.
"Ranveer,
my patience level is running out, Baa said, her voice taut and frightening. "Tell
me what were you doing there?
Ranveer
felt a hand slap his cheek, realizing it was Baa, now in her perfectly real
self.
"Chanchal,
go and check into his room! I'm sure you'll find something there, Baa said and
Chanchal Ben trotted out of the hall immediately.
"Baa,
please! It wasn't his fault. The bangle getting lost was my carelessness and
not his fault. Don't do this, Baa, please! Ishani pleaded. "Ranveer, what's wrong
with you? Just tell her you're innocent. Answer her that you didn't do
anything!
"Ishani--
Before
Ranveer could continue, Chanchal Ben stormed in. "Baa, she panted heavily. "I
found this in his room.
"What
is this? Baa raised an enquiring eyebrow.
"Fifty
thousand rupees. Cash! Whoever keeps so much money in their room and too a
servant?
Baa
turned towards Ranveer. "Do you still want to give an explanation?
Ranveer
remained silent.
"Last
time you were beaten to pulp because you wanted to protect Ishani. What's the
new excuse today?
He
remained silent. Gauri and Romil would soon arrive, and it was better the
family came to know everything in Sharman's presence who knew better to handle
them.
"Fine,
Baa said, sighing in exasperation. "Devarsh! Pratiek! Come here!
Without
a question both the boys hobbled towards her and stood, their eyes low.
"Go
and search Ranveer! Who knows he's hiding something in his clothes! Take them
off and search them properly.
Devarsh
and Pratiek appeared reluctant, not moving from their place.
"Have
you two gone deaf? Baa said.
The
boys shook their heads and signaled Ranveer to follow them. He did and was
taken to the study room.
"What's
wrong with Baa! Devarsh said, frustrated. "Ranveer, no need to do that! Come
on, we'll tell her we didn't find anything.
"Exactly,
Pratiek agreed.
"Hey,
guys. Do you know Baa? These are her orders! She'll skin you if she finds out
you disobeyed her.
"To
hell with her orders, Ranveer, Devarsh said. "We know you since childhood and Ishani
was absolutely right. We all trust you never to do anything that's against your
morals. Come on, you've gotten us into trouble hundreds of times for Mota Kaka.
He chuckled. "Let's go.
"Did
you find anything? They heard Baa's voice.
"We're
coming, Baa! Pratiek said, shivering at the old woman's voice. "Come on,
Ranveer! he added slowly in hope not to
be overheard by his grandmother.
The
three boys came out of the room, surprised to find Harshad Parekh entering the hall.
Ranveer saw Ishani heave a sigh of relief as her father came in, infuriated.
"Papa.
Thank God you came! Baa's sent Devarsh and Pratiek to check on Ranveer. Please
stop her!
"Did
you find anything? Baa asked, ignoring the anger on her son's face.
Devarsh
and Pratiek shook their heads. Baa cast a suspicious look at them and then
turned to her son.
"Baa,
you again did this drama? Harshad Parekh said.
"Because
your beloved Ranveer turned out to be the thief, I had to, Baa answered in a
sing-song voice. "Oh, just in case you're unaware of what he did, let me give
you a synopsis: Shweta Metha gave Ishani her bangle as shagun, and when today we needed to see that, the bangle was
nowhere to be seen.
"What--Baa,
you should've checked in her room. I'm sure it would be there somewhere you couldn't
see.
"Still
a blind faith on this servant! Baa chided.
"He
is not a servant, Baa! Harshad
Parekh said, now exasperated. "Ranveer is like a son to me. And the person
you're accusing of stealing a frivolous piece of jewelry is the biggest reason
your son is managing to stand tall in the stock markets.
Baa
huffed only.
"Ranveer,
I'm so, so sorry, he said, turning towards him. "You don't deserve these
accusations. I know you're doing so much for our family and half the things
we'll never be able to repay.
"Mota
Babuji, it's fine, Ranveer said with a slow smile. "The bangle was taken from
Ishani's room, so it's obvious Baa will have her doubts on me.
"No
way, Harshad Parekh said. "I know you can never, ever do anything like this.
You're a diamond, Ranveer. Why would you steal anything from our home?
Ranveer
stayed silent, the trust, the faith of his Mota Babuji overwhelming him
immensely.
"Alright,
Baa said again. "How come Ranveer had fifty thousand rupees in his closet? Are
you giving twenty five thousand each to the father-son duo?
"Baa,
Ranveer can never steal anything and I'm sure, his Mota Babuji said firmly.
"Then
ask him from where did he get all this money if he didn't go and sell the
bangle to a jewelry shop. It's beyond his ability to have so much money on his
own.
"I'll
tell you where he got all the money from. Ranveer saw Chirag walk into the
room and all the eyes fell on him. "Ranveer hasn't done anything he's being
accused of.
"Who
might you be to speak in our family matters? Baa said.
"None,
Chirag replied. "But this matter concerns me too. The bangle you're talking
about is probably the one my mom gave Ishani, right? Apologies to everyone. I
took it.
"You?
Baa appeared shocked.
"Yes.
Ishani was unhappy with the whole matter and I don't want to force her to marry
me. It should be her own decision and not the one taken under any pressure. So,
I took the bangle and forgot to inform her until this morning.
"Do
you know about the money as well? Baa asked.
"That's
Ranveer's savings which he earned with all his hard work of years. He had had
them in his house because he wanted to help Gauri and her husband.
"And
why is that?
Soon
after Sharman entered with Gauri and Romil as an awkward silence ensued in the
mansion. All the people stared at the newcomers while Sharman stood there,
observing each and every one closely.
"What's
wrong, everyone? he asked. "Forgot Sharman?
Chaitali
Kaki jumped to her feet as if awaken from a dream. "Sharman! She ran towards
him enthusiastically. "Whats! Am I dreamings? When did you comes? Why did you
no inform us?
"Maa,
Sharman said, taking his mother in his arms. "I wanted to surprise you all. But
when heard of Gauri and her problems I came sooner than I'd intended to.
The
name of Gauri again brought tension on his face and he looked at Gauri and her
husband who stood beside them, nervousness evident on their faces. To ease the
tension spreading in the hall, he touched his mother's feet and then went to
Baa and the rest of the elders who gave him the blessings.
"Gauri,
Sharman... what is all this? Harshad Parekh asked, worried. "Will someone
explain what's going on?
Sharman
sighed. "Mota Kaka, Gauri's in-laws forced them to get out of the house and they
were living in a hotel since last three days.
"How
does that answer Ranveer's fifty thousand rupees' mystery, Baa cut in rudely.
"Baa,
Sharman said, "Ranveer had taken this money from his bank account to help
Gauri, but since we convinced her to come home, his money wasn't utilized.
Ranveer's
eyes travelled towards Ishani, her own staring at the floor, as if in
disbelief. He wished she looked up at him once but she didn't. In the next
moment, she walked towards Gauri and took her in an embrace.
Ranveer
felt a hand on his shoulder and turned back, only to find his Mota Babuji
staring at him, and this time teary eyed. "I'm sorry, Ranveer, he said and
took Ranveer in his arms. And as he separated, he looked at his mother. "Did
you see that, Baa? Ranveer wasn't stealing anything from our house. Instead, he
was going to give away his lifetime's earning for this family's daughter. And
please, from the next time, be careful about your judgment.
Baa
rolled her eyes.
"Ranveer,
his Mota Babuji said once again, "if you knew all this already, why didn't you tell
us before?
"Mota
Babuji, actually, Gauri had asked me not to inform about her before she
arrived. Ranveer looked at Gauri who eyed him apologetically. Clearly, she did
not want anything to go wrong.
"If
you're done with your servants, can we now think about our daughter, too? Baa
said, miffed with everything going on.
Devarsh
and Pratiek surrounded her immediately, and Ishani stood firm by her side, as
the atmosphere of the house changed gradually. Sharman was welcomed, questioned
about his peculiar ways to surprise the family which never changed. Chaitali
Kaki expressed how he had lost his weight in last two years and looked extremely
thin for someone of his age. Her husband gave her a helpless look, annoyed with
her fitness rants which never brought a blessing in his wife's life (not that
she acknowledged it anyway; she was far too young and pretty in her own and
took pride in that). In a few moments the entire house was full of laughter and
giggles, the tension from a while almost forgotten.
Ranveer
sighed, watching the things go normal once again, when suddenly he felt a
shadow stir towards the entrance of the Parekh Mansion. No one else had seen
it, since nobody else spoke or bothered pointing it out. Slowly, he followed
the path leading towards the door and gasped. His father stood there, his grey
brown knitted and eyes weary stared at his son.
"Baba...
Ranveer came further with quick steps, surprised, and when the shock waved off,
he touched his father's feet. "When did you come?
"A
while ago, his father answered, running a hand through Ranveer's head.
"Maa...
he asked.
"She's
here too, his father answered, faintly smiling.
"Baba,
did you see... here...?
"I
did, he said. "But be thankful your mother didn't. She was tired and went to
the room immediately and I came here to see Mota Bhai. But found all this
happening. He shook his head. "Ranveer, how many times do I have to tell you
to stay away from the family's business? We are the servants and that is our
worth. But we also have our self-respect, right?
Ranveer
nodded.
"To
the big families it doesn't matter if we are insulted or humiliated each day. They
won't care either. But we should. We need to look after ourselves. After the
fiasco on Gauri's marriage, I thought you'd not go to cause troubles again. But
you did.
"I'm
sorry, Baba, Ranveer said. "But did you see Mota Babuji? What did he say?
There
was a strange look in his father's eyes, as though of pity, or maybe he didn't understand
what Ranveer was trying to say. His Mota Babuji didn't see him as a servant.
Not that he minded if he did, but Harshad Parekh always saw people differently,
more differently than the society did, and Ranveer couldn't deny that his Mota Babuji's
trust was everything to him.
"I
think you should see your mother. She was waiting for you, his father spoke in
between of Ranveer's daydreaming.
"I'll go see her, Ranveer said cheerfully as
he came back to reality. He walked towards the alley to the servant quarters
and into his room. There she was, clad in her trademark simple maroon coloured
saree, her hairs fastened in a bun with tulips' garland securing them gracefully.
She never knew to take rest, and as he came inside, Ranveer saw his room was in
different shape altogether.
"Maa,
he whispered, slowly walking towards her and stopped when she stirred and
turned towards him. She hadn't changed at all since he last saw her two and a
half years ago. He rushed towards her and took his mother in a tight embrace. "You're
real! he said, overwhelmed from the burden of the emotions, now going weak as his
mother stood there, taking him in her embrace. For a long, long time he had
missed her, hoped that she would come and ease the pain by her mere presence
and now when he saw her right there, Ranveer couldn't believe his prayers had
truly been answered. He smiled as they separated and he wiped the tears from
his mother's face. "I'm glad you came.
"But
we lost the case, she said in a small voice.
"It's
alright, Maa, Ranveer answered. "This is our house, too, and nobody can take
it from us.
"You're
speaking as if you own this place, she said. "No one loves you here and you still
do so much for them, Ranveer.
"Maa,
if you think I get hurt by Baa's remarks then you're wrong, completely. I don't.
And no matter what Baa says, it's Mota Babuji whose love matters. Also Ishani and
her friendship.
"I
didn't even ask for an explanation, why are you giving me one? his mother
said, uninterested, as she moved ahead to unpack the luggage.
"Maa,
look at me. He turned his mother towards him. "We servants are like that and
the masters are like that. We can't change that fact, so it's better to respect
the people who love us. Maa, Mota Babuji has done so much for us and--
"Ranveer,
I know... she said, looking at him when the look in her eyes suddenly changed.
"What's wrong with you, Ranveer?
He
looked confused. "Wrong with me? I'm fine.
"Doesn't
look like that, she said. "Have you even taken care of yourself since your
father left?
"Maa,
you worry so much, he said, trying to change the topic. "I'm all fine. He
understood she was tired and needed her own time to rest. "Maa, please sit
down. Ranveer looked sideways and saw his father, smiling at them slowly, and beckoned
him towards himself. "Maa, Baba, you both are tired. Get some rest. I'll
prepare some breakfast for you both.
The
morning grew into grey afternoon, black clouds hovering over the sky. Ranveer
returned back to the Parekh Mansion and saw the things had improved since
morning, Gauri smiled as she remained surrounded by her family, Sharman, Devarsh
and Pratiek never leaving her alone. Ishani was nowhere to be seen, and
suddenly Ranveer's eyes fell on Chirag, and sighting him Chirag came towards
Ranveer.
"Hey,
Ranveer! I hope it wasn't all that bad for you, he said, and Ranveer smile
awkwardly.
"Not
at all, he said. "And thank you for saving me.
"Ah,
no worries! You're doing so much for me, what I did was nothing when compared
to that.
"Thanks
again, Ranveer said.
"And
I must say, Ranveer, you do really mean a lot to Harshad uncle and Ishani. I've
never seen anyone being so loving towards their serv- he stopped suddenly.
Ranveer
smiled. "Servant. I know. He looked downward towards the floor, unsure to say anything
anymore.
"You're
lucky, Chirag said after a while. "Ishani loves you so much... as a friend, I
mean, he corrected at Ranveer's glare. "I wonder if she'd ever think of me
that way. He sighed and his eyes followed where Ishani's room was.
Ranveer
stayed silent, hoping to get away without sounding rude to Chirag when a
question suddenly popped into his mind. "How did you know about the money and
all? I don't remember sharing that with you, he asked, trying not to sound suspicious.
"Not
a big deal, Chirag answered airily. "That day in the bank I'd gone there too
to meet someone and found you. Apologies, but I overheard all your
conversation. But yes, I didn't know it was you until you came out and I
realized I'd created a sort of blunder. I'm really sorry. He patted Ranveer's
shoulder in a friendly way and smiled. "I felt really guilty after you'd left,
and hoped I could help you. That's why I was pressing on Gauri to return home
as well.
"It's alright, Ranveer said. "That happens.
"Oh,
have you seen Ishani? Chirag asked suddenly and Ranveer felt something prick
in his chest at Chirag mentioning her name. He shook his head and glanced towards
her room, wondering if she was there.
"Ranveer!
Sharman called him out. "These are the papers I've made for Gauri. Some
investments from the US. Take them into her room please.
Ranveer
smiled and nodded his head. The journey toward the room was uneventful, but
while returning as he passed through Ishani's room, something caught him up by
his elbow and pulled in. Shocked, Ranveer looked around and scowled. Ishani
stood there, her hands on her hips, and she stared at him. No, she glared at
him.
"What
do you think of yourself, Ranveer? Are you some kind of hero? Don't you feel
bad? Don't you feel hurt when people humiliate you every day like this? she
said, her voice choking as she spoke. "How can someone be so careless about
himself! But you know what? I do feel hurt. I do feel bad when anything like
this happens to you. I felt bad today
when Baa insulted you, but you know the worst part? You kept Gauri di's secret
to yourself. It hurt me that you thought about her and not me. She walked past
him and sat on the bed, her eyes teary. "You know, Ranveer, if people hurt me,
taunt me, it doesn't matter so much, but when they humiliate you, it hurts me
so much, Ranveer. So much.
Ranveer
sighed and flicked the drop of tear which threatened to leave his eye. Ishani
continued.
"When
something happens to you or your Baba, none of us bothers with you. It seems,
we don't care about you both. We're so busy in our lives that we don't have the
time for those who look after us. If your Baba falls ill none of us bothers to ask
about him. If you're insulted no one cares about you. We're so selfish. Ishani
sobbed harder, her last words mere whisperes, and shook her head. "Ranveer, you
should speak for yourself. Papa and I can't be around all your life to defend
you.
Ranveer
continued watching her, his fingers aching to wipe away her tears. As he came
to reality, he realized the moist in his own eyes. He wiped his tears and sat
beside her. "Alright, alright, he said, slightly cheerfully. "Whoever said no
one cares about me? Ishani Parekh is shedding gallons of tears for me right now,
she cares about me. Devarsh and
Pratiek were so very reluctant in following Baa's orders, they care about me. And
Mota Babuji... he considers me a family and he proved that again. If you ask
me, Ishani, I wasn't insulted at all. If anything, I think I was elevated to
some higher level in the house. He laughed and Ishani looked at him, while
Ranveer's hand involuntarily moved towards her cheeks and smeared away the tear
stains from her face, his laughter faltering immediately. There came a moment
their eyes met and a long silence followed, stretching further as no movement
took place.
"Stop
being a drama queen, Ranveer. Ishani was the first to come out of the reverie,
and Ranveer looked away, embarrassed at not being careful enough of his feelings.
"I know it all upset you. And, well... I've got something for you.
His
face brightened. "For me? What is it?
Ishani
gestured towards the table.
"Sunny!
Ranveer said as he leapt towards it and found three DVDs of Sunny Leone's latest
movies. "Wow!
"You
love Sunny so much, right? So, enjoy your favorite movies with your favorite Samosas. She brought a tray full of
delicious dish.
"It's
not like that I only watch Sunny's films. At times I watch cartoons too, he
said.
"Cartoons,
when? Ishani asked, surprised.
"Every
day. Whenever you cry like this, you look like a cartoon. He laughed.
"Haha.
Not funny.
Ranveer
appeared thoughtful for a moment, watching her carefully. "But on earth how did
you arrange the DVDs?
"Simple,
Ishani said, as though it wasn't a big deal. "I called the video library and
told them that I'm Ranveer's assistant that's speaking, asked them to send all
the latest movies of Sunny Leone. Unfortunately only 3 were available.
"You're
awesome, Ishani, he said, impressed. "Ranveer's assistant. Meaning,
assistant's assistant. He laughed and Ishani joined him too.
"Now,
now, Ranveer. Are you going to watch the movie or should I play them for you?
"No,
no! No one between Sunny and Ranveer, he said with a chuckle.
Ishani
laughed harder this time. "You're insane!
Alright, I won't come between you and your Sunny. I hope you have fun! Ishani
began walking out of the room, when Ranveer suddenly called her out.
"Ishani!
She turned back. "Thank you.
She
crunched her face and shook her head in amusement. "There's no sorry, no thank
you in friendship, Ranveer! Ishani left and Ranveer remained there, smiling until
the smell of the Samosas reached him.
Time
for a Sunny Leone film!
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