You Are My Home!!#3 (part#33 pg.26 updated 12/04) - Page 18

Sometimes life changes subtly that one can hardly feel the difference, but once the difference is felt dealing with the emotions gets most difficult. It was the same for her too. After her fight last night with her husband she slept with the thoughts of spending whole day with Maan. And since it was her birth day too she decided to make the most of it.

Getting ready in the dress she picked up last night, she took extra time to look pretty. This was the first time she was getting ready for someone else it was a strange kind of feeling, she almost wanted rush back into the washroom to clear the traces of gloss she applied. But then she stopped herself since she liked this silly thing she was doing and moreover it was her birthday, it was ok if she wanted to feel good right.

Adjusting her dupatta with a bright smile she stepped out of the room only to freeze in her spot. Her father was resting on the sofa, trying hard to keep his eyes open kept looking at the cake box. On the other hand, her mother was cursing him from the kitchen since he was being stubborn and was refusing to rest in the room.

Her father was sick from yesterday and she was lost in her own world. When did this happen? she questioned herself, when did her priorities change? Noticing her presence, he quickly got up plastering a smile on his face.

Geet beta come... lets cut the cake... he said opening the box and setting the candle in it.

The single candle in the center of the cake brought back the memories from her childhood, she still remembered how she cried looking at the holes in her mickey mouse birthday cake after the candles were blown. She didn't stop crying until her father brought her a new cake and from then on there was only one candle on the cake and that too on the far end of the cake.

Wiping her moist eyes, she rushed to her father... Papa Cake? When did you get it? She said cuddling next to him

And your fever hasn't reduced... Maa Did you call Doctor uncle?... she said turning towards the kitchen, to see her mom coming with a tray of breakfast.

Haan I did call him. He prescribed a medicine which we had thankfully so if your papa bothers to have his breakfast then he could take his medicine and Probably rest if he pleases. she finished sarcastically...

All that can be done later... Geet first let's cut the cake... he gave the knife to her

But at least wait for Maan... it wont look good otherwise... looking at the falling face of her father she thought to cover up the situation.

No... maa he would be a bit late, Maa won't let him leave without having his breakfast... so its ok she said pulling the table closer

After cutting the cake she pushed her father to go and take rest and if Maan comes he walk a few more steps to the room it wasn't a big deal. After having breakfast and a lot of persuasion he went to his room and sleep took over him as soon as he laid down on his bed. It was around 8am now and since there was still time left for Maan to come she walked out of her parents room and entered the kitchen where her mother was working alone..

She plated a piece of cake for herself and settled on the kitchen counter. Lost in her own world her mother started speaking

It wasn't your papa's fault Geet, it was our luck that you were here on your birthday... your papa was so gloomy since last week thinking about this. This would have been your first birthday without us since your birth you know... she said cupping her cheek

But Maa you shouldn't have let him out of bed... he looked so tired even from sitting with me for few minutes... she kept thinking about it... Are you sure its regular fiver Maa she said frowning a little

we dont know when would be the next we would see you, so your papa was just trying to push is luck...she said chuckling Rauf said he would drop by before he goes to the clinic so don't worry. even before she could continue they heard the gate sound from out side. throwing a glance at each other they rushed to the door.

Maan rang the bell before stepping into the home, there wasn't anyone around and his eyes caught the sight of the box on the side table. He then figured out the cause of his wife's cranky mood last night was.

Exchanging pleasantries with his mother-in-law he went and saw that his father-in-law was resting. He sat a few minutes enquiring about his health, assuring her that they would visit soon and it would be better if they leave before the traffic hours they stepped out of the house.

Every step away from her home was killing her, the guilt of being a selfish daughter was eating away her entire being. Till then she only thought that wasn't good enough for Maan and refused to accept that Maan was her destiny. But now the hurt she would have caused to her parents with her ignorance was getting too much to let it slide.

She couldn't understand what was happening around her anymore as she was only causing pain to all those around her, her parents were all alone, her in-laws wanted someone else as their daughter in law and Maan... he was adjusting and compromising with her!

He could at least have someone who would understand his world if she wasn't there in the picture... with all these thoughts she slowly said what was bugging her all the while

Maan...

Hmmm... he said still concentrating on the road

I wont to go back with you... she said looking straight at him.

I wish i knew which path to move...

the one which's new or the one thats true...

To Be Continued...