Nothingit.
Real love begins when , nothing is expected in return.
The Roy Badi was all empty. The floor was cold and devoid of any touch. The usual running servants ,were nowhere to be seen. Binoy Roy Chaudhary had taken everyone to Calcutta , the Bungalow there needed some renovation. Batuk had been there in London, he wasn’t much ready to come back. Bondita had chided him , though she knew that his life has been sealed in lavish velvets since he was born. Somnath had moved to Madras presidency , much to everybody’s surprise had actually married a Tamil writer- Ava Chettiar. She had been a writer in the Gemini studios , which was evidently looking into film production.The studios had already conducted plays - and Somnath for his extreme taste for fashion , had been the head of the fashion department. His letters were full of accolades - of a completely different world , which Bondita and Aniruddh could never be a part off.
Bondita sighed as she read Ava’s letter. She was Bondita’s age. She was 22. Being married 4 years ago , she was much advanced as an individual . Bondita wished for a married life , but it looked a far dream . It was nothing she craved for , because the type of companionship she possessed with her husband was unmatchable. Ava was interested in converting Bondita’s life story as a play.It was progressive and much ahead of its time , and had the perfect ingredient in it for influencing people. “I need to talk to Anirudh Babu , about this.” Bondita thought about it . They were going to be alone tonight. It was nothing awkward, but it made her a bit giddy now. She had started practicing in Tulsipur. She went around patrolling, looking for anything bad happening, maybe one day she was going to be the next Anirudh Roy Chaudhary for some other kid - just like he was her god.
Bondita wasn’t really exaggerating . She had accepted this truth. Whatever he had done , was no less than what god can do for anybody. She saw no day - where her wish wasn’t fulfilled. Anirudh would get the whole house by its brick to get an unavailable ink pot. Bondita’s eyes were watery. This topic just made her overly emotional and she didn’t know how to control it.
“Mishti !!!” Anirudh almost jumped , as he entered the badi. It was raining. The hot winds in Tulsipur , was making them a bit uncomfortable , but with the rain pour , the land was emitting vapours. It was a relief - finally.
“Barrister Babu !” Bondita hurried down , looking at his partially drenched blazer. “You may catch cold !” she scolded him lightly , laughing a bit. “
“Sorry , Barrister madame…”Anirudh chuckled , but proud was visible in the background.
“Oh , just shut up , Anirudh Babu…” Bondita laughed.
“I can say it till this world ends , Mishti… I know how hard we have worked together…” Anirudh spoke with his eyes piercing Bondita’s heart. She felt gravitated towards those heavenly orbes , which were robbing her senses away. There was something so special , today - in that moment , her stomach was fluttering with excitment. “I know…” She said , getting all confused where this conversation was heading to.
Anirudh held her shoulders , but Bondita was quick to act. “ Change your clothes , Anirudh babu, I will get the food ready.”
Anirudh looked at her , as she disappeared behind the kitchen walls in a few seconds. He was not going to force himself on her.
As he reached his room , he saw a letter lying. It was from Ava. He smiled seeing it. But then there was something else lying too. A folded parchment , just like the letter. Maybe Bondita had forgotten to read this.
“Door hai par tera saya hai mujh pe jaane kyun bharaso tujphe
Main nasamjh gyaani hai tu
Main dhul hoon aasman hai tu
Main hoon mitti se hi, vilaayti babu hai tu
Phir bhi mil jaayenge jaise saanjh aur savera
Paraya saa hoke tu lagta apna sa
Rishta tere mera ……”
Anirudh sadly smiled at the letter. Was Bondita writing it to him?
“Rossogulle , ke liye dhanyavad.”
“Un sari kitabon ke liye , dhanyavad.”
“Meri puri zindagi ke liye , dhnyavad.” Bondita walked towards him , with the gratitude as large as the sea.
“not one word more, mishti , just shut up…” Anirudh spoke up his throat shivering. He was overwhelmed was an understatement .
“No…Today I want you to ask something from me….Please….I just don’t know our future anymore , i don’t want to be a burden anymore…” Bondita looked down , her eyes , blinking fast to retain tears.
Anirudh , looked at her stunned. What all she has been thinking ? She had helped him equally , to make his life worth living for.
“ Meri , zindagi main aane ke life , Dhanyavad.’
“Mughe sahi raasta dikhane ke liye , Dhanyavad.”
Bondita , shook her head in a no, as tears fell from her glassy eyes.
“The only thing I want is you , Mishti , only you , as my friend , as my colleague , as my wife….” He let the last words sink in the room, waiting for the walls to hear .
Bondita looked up , her lips played a beautiful shy smile.
“What ?” Anirudh asked , laughing a bit.
“Nothing.” Bondita said , taking away the strand of hair , which was hindering the view of her handsome husband.
~Blithe
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Anupamaa
