Chasing Dreams - Kalma OS

Malhar unintensionally evasdroped on Kalyani's conversation with her friend and was momentarily stunned to hear her sounding wishful while talking about her dreams. He felt gutted thinking about him being responsible for robbing her of her dreams, her youth, her free spirit and her wander lust. He thought how a teenager got burderend under the responsibility of being a mother, a wife, a domesticated pet and all this happened because of him. How will he look into the mirror and forgive himself of being so unfair to her? More importantly will Kalyani? Will she not feel dejected when she sees all her friends living their life to fullest and loathe him for it? Will Kalyani not abhor him when she feels I took away her chance of being 'Normal' and burdening her with responsibilities? Will she not detest him for tying her and bogging her down while she pursues her career ? Malhar thought hard about this issue and call someone, "Powar, I need you to do something."

Kalyani entered her room and saw an Manila envelope addressed to her lying on her side of bed. She opened the envelope and was surprised to see a railway ticket for herself for next week. She was pondering about who must have done this. Kalyani took the tickets and went to the drawing room where Malhar was playing with Pillu. Kalyani threw the tickets on the table and asked Malhar, "What is this Malharji?" to which he replied innocently, " These are Train tickets to Goa in your name." Kalyani snapped at him and said," I know that but I am asking why?". Malhar said in a calm tone," You shouldnt be asking why but how? I have applied for a week's leave from work. It was anyway long overdue so Commisioner Sir agreed immediately. Moreover it will be good for Moksh and I to spend some time on our own some father son bonding. You dont worry." He stood up with Moksh in his arms, kissed her softly on her cheeks like a feather and whispered in her ears, "Live your life Kalyani. You are no caged bird. These are your wings. Its your right and you have earned this. I know you feel Moksh and this house are your responsibility and it is true but I can always shoulder half of it.You can have off days and holidays you know."

Saying his piece Malhar went to his room half relieved and put Moksh down in his crib. He was just about to change from his uniform when an angry Kalyani stromed into the room and grabbed his collar and yelled, "How dare you do this? Without my permission? How dare you make my decisions for me? Call up the travel agent and tell him to Cancel these tickets." Malhar was awestruck and he stammered ,"Kal...Kalyani what happened? I thought you liked travelling and would appreciate a little holiday. How am I wrong here? Why are you angry at me?" An exasperated Kalyani said, "You still dont get it, do you? You are again repeating your mistake. You are again taking away my freedom of choice like I am some child unable to think for myself and decide for myself. Listen and listen very carefully I love Moksh and he is my son. He is not a burden for me. It is true he is my resopnsibility but this one I love and enjoy. I love when his eyes light up when I enter the room. I love when he needs me. He is and will always be my priority."

Kalyani left his collar while Malhar stood at a distance and looking at her wistfully and said,"But Kalyani what about your dreams and future? What about your career? Your freedom? Your youth?" Kalyani glanced at him outraged and descended towards him and pulled him towards her. She nudged him and held his neck towards her face. She gently bit his lip and gained access to his mouth and kissed him with all the passion and anger and frustration she felt. They both were lost in a world of whirling emotions when they heard Moksh laugh and both parted to look at their laughing son. They moved to his crib and held hands to stand watching him laugh and play. Kalyani put her arm around Malhar as they stood side by side and said, "Does this not look like a good life? You , Moksh and I being happy sounds a bliss to me. You are right I am a free bird. I am a bird with wings ready to fly and as and when needed build nests and also teach it's kids to fly. You are right you can shoulder Moksh's responsibility but how about both of us sharing him. I don't need holidays or days off him like he is a job but I would love holidays and days off with you both. Us as a family. I still dream of traveling the world but with my family. With my mother, my husband and my son. Are you planning to keep me captive because I always thought I had absolute freedom to do as I please, say as I please so I don't know how do you claim I don't have freedom. And About my career? Is your career affected by being married? No right? So how can having a kid detain me from being sucessful. About my youth? That you have to do something about. You know I dont want an elderly husband who cant keep up with me you know."

Kalyani winked at Malhar and playfully said," What was that song from your time? 'Mein kya karu mujhe budda mil gaya'." Malhar tickled Kalyani and said, "Oh I will show you who is budda and who is jawan." They tumbled on the bed and ended up hugging and cuddling each other . Kalyani looked at Malhar with adoring gaze and said,"One more thing dont give leave for next week instead take leave for Two weeks in Summer for a trip to Mahabaleshwar with us." Malhar rolled his eyes and replied, "Yes Madam. Your wish is my command. But I have to warn you, I have a nominal salary so I cant promise you to take you around the world on exotic locations. But I swear I will try to fulfil your each and every dream." Kalyani bit his nose and snuggled even closer and said, "You dont need to worry about that. When I will become a lawyer and start earning I will sponsor our trips. I will be your Sugar Mumma."