Part 3
Virat, without having his breakfast, followed his mother to her room. This left the entire chakram gang members surprised.
Ashwini's room
Ashwini (knowing Virat was in her room) ignored him completely and did not respond to any of his apologies. Virat shattered by his mother's ignorance turned to get out of the room when Ashwini's motherly instincts provoked her to stop her son and ask him those questions which she had reserved since the day she has known about his and Pakhi's relationship. She called him still showing her back to him, "Virat..."
Virat stopped and came running to his mother like a small kid who happily runs to his mother on seeing her after a long time. He hugged her from behind and asked her to forgive him only once.
Ashwini removed his hold and turned towards him. She said,"kuch sawaalon ke jawaab chahiye. Mujhe jawaab dene ki zaroorat nahi hai tu khud hi soch inke baare mein." Saying so, she continued "Kya Sai sach mein teri sirf zimmedari hai?"
He nodded his head signifying a yes. She again continued with her question asking him not to reply. Her questions:
"Agar sirf zimmedari thi to shaadi kyun kiya?"
"Agar shaadi ki majboori hi thi, to iss ghar mein kyun laya jab tujhe wo pasand nahi hai. Kisi hostel mein bhej deta."
Virat could not believe if it was his mother who was asking him these questions. He asked her," Aap Sai ko hostel bhejna chahthi hai?"
Ashwini replied sternly,"Haan, koi bhi yahi chahegi ki uski beti sukoon aur shanti se rahe. Agar aisa raha ghar to kabhi doctor nahi ban paayegi."
Virat looked at her teary-eyed. His mother was completely right. But why was it hurting him so much to send Sai to hostel. It was true that if someone has to study, they need a peaceful environment. The very thought of Sai not being in front of his eyes was itself unbearable for him.
Ashwini continued (looking into Virat's eyes, probably, she got her answers), "18 saal ki ladki hai, masti mazak karne ki umar hai naa ki thaane sunne ki". With that she finished her questioning session and asked him to quickly leave as he was getting late for his work.
On his way to the police station, his mother's words kept ringing in his ears. Was he really doing things out of duty and responsibility towards Sai or was it something else. Why did he marry Sai? Why could he not simply be her legal guardian? Why was the promise given to Pakhi now becoming a burden for him? He had to somehow talk to Sai and clear all the misunderstandings so that he could take her along with him to Ladakh.
Upon reaching the station, Virat came to know that he would be in night duty for next three days. The news broke him apart as this would mean he will not be able to see Sai for the next three days and also, will not be able to talk with her. He kept looking at Sai's profile picture on his Whatsapp ID list.
On the other hand, Sai was also equally missing Virat. She thought it was easy to ignore him, not talk to him, not see him but it was not. She did not understand this new found feeling inside her for Virat. She was lost all through her classes and her bestie Arjun (her friend since school days) helped her somehow to cope with the classes. Post college hours, she got a call from Virat. Jumping with joy, she picked the call and said,"Haan Virat Sir....."
Virat (lost and dreamy hearing her voice) thought to himself as to how much he missed this voice. It has been almost 24 hours that he heard her voice. However, he had only called to inform that he would be on a night duty deputation for the next three days. "Sai... wo main teen din ke liye night duty par hoon.... to tum apna khayal rakhna aur teek se khaana khaa lene"
Sai (her enlightened face sunk immediately): Kya.... kyun... aap mujhe akela.... stopped suddenly and started thinking why was she going to feel alone without him. What was she trying to convey him.
Virat was happy to realise that even she missed him the same way he did. He had to cut the call soon as there were other calls lined up for him,"Take care Sai... kuch ho to call karna... teek hai" (disconnected)
Sai was hurt but at the same time she was also happy that he called her to inform about his shifts considering her important enough to know about his work rotations.
With both of them lost in their own thoughts of analyzing and finding what was happening to them..... "Ghum hai kisi ke pyaar meiin"..... plays in the background.
Sorry for the irregular and late updates. Padke batanaa.