Part 152: Chandenpur
Dev was looking at Radhika's face in between, Sushma was holding Ruhi in her arms and was talking to her about chandenpur.
Mohan , Rohini, Dadi , along with Sudev were waiting at the gate side of the haweli.
Mohan noted that extra glowing of Dadaji's face, and he knew it was lost for years and now he could see that energy of hope in him easily. Otherwise dadaji was getting ready to hand over his responsibilities in Mohan's hand along with settling Sushma's life where she can feel freedom. Mohan was always cared about him, and was there at any minute like a son to give support. He was enquiring at different places to make sure Sushma's safety, as he doesn't want Sushma to be a burden in others life. Mohan always felt that , babuji never called out for any help, it is him forcing mostly with presence and help. Nad first time seeing him with that radient energy...
Sushma showed one of the biggest room in that big building to Dev and Radhika, and with a smile they moved in..
It was evening time and the men were sitting outside
Dev looking at Mohan: babuji , are you angry with me too
Mohan with a smile: not at all Dev, how can you even think like that. I trust you and there is no reason for me to worry about my daughter when she is with you. But I just want to know what is your next plan here, because if you need any help, I am available.
Dev with a smile: thanks babuji, but nothing specific for now. Now I just want to move on with Dadaji's plans, and then I have plans too. I know I am not going to get that monthly salary any more.
Mohan laughed loud: oh dear, monthly salary, here u need to give that to the farm workers, what I suggest is do an audit of all the belongings here, if you ask dadaji he will be having that perfect lines on everything clearly, so learn how things work here , then move on. Regarding the monthly salary, when you are working in this mud to get your food, why you need a separate salary, even if you don't get one month salary the earth will give you the food to survive. Got it
Dev just smiled: Babuji
Time passed by.
Mohan tried to reach Surender later that night
" Surender, I never asked you for anything, but I am telling you, your son will succeed in this journey, I know what you are thinking now, No Surender, he has all the potential, I am sure if he move with this spirit then he will be a dear person to this village soon, as everyone here only knows how to love him, you will be proud one day"
Surender: Mohan, I am packing stuff , I need to go for a business tour, so, I will talk to you when I come back , ok.
Mohan understood the hideaway of his tone, but then kept the receiver back.
Surender kept the phone down and stood in that patio looking blindly into the darkness.
Suchi came near: why the lie now, why can't you face it. May be that is his destiny. I know you dreamed about him especially after seeing his success. What if all parents dream just like you, wishing their kids to stay with them and look after only their business, how babuji might have felt when you left him in the middle like that.
Surender: Suchi please, don't bring that up now.
Suchi in a very calm voice: I know it is not that, you are happy if he wants to start a new business, if he wants to work for anyone else, and I am sure you will be ok if he say he wants to go back to U.S. , you would have given your ears to listen to him, curious to know about his plans..
Surender : Suchi leave me alone for some time Ok
Suchi coming near: I cannot leave you alone especially when we are under same roof. I told you it is not about your dream, it is not about him leaving , it is his decision, his decision to stay in chandenpur.
Surender looked at Suchi unbelievably
Suchi: ha, I know, he put one step ahead of you, right?
Surender moved his face away
Suchi: why taking that eyes off now, I know it clearly, it is still difficult for you to take that decision, but Dev took it easily and very early. I know it was not easy for him either, he was concerned about us, he was concerned about you, but when he weighed both, he preferred to move on with his heart's words. Your inner mind is telling you at least once you took that decision, but you cannot,... as the time drawn that big thick wall between you and chandenpur, you shrink down to a mere visitor now , and wants to come back here to sleep well, i can understand your mind, you are not that kind of person who hold his son back, but this is hurting you because he took a step which you never thought of.
Suchi went and touched his shoulder: why? Why don't you trust your son, why didn't you send him with that happy smile, don't you know he is gone forever, now he will come as a guest only, in this last two days we not only send our daughter away ,we send our son too. All we can do is to wish for the best for them.
The cry sound from her throat moved the lump behind and Surender felt her sadness.
He turned and Suchi just went and wrapped her arms around him for support, he just stroked on her back and stood silently.
Time ticked by, Suchi feeling better: you know what?
Surrender looked at Suchi's face surprisingly seeing her tone change
Suchi in a very cool , complaining voice: I should have send my kids to medical school only, all these business people have this problem, they won't get settled in one place, always look for something new and go behind it. And then looking at Surender: so now, when is your next trip?
Surender: I was not lying Suchi, tomorrow early morning, why?
Suchi: because I don't want to be alone here. and I promised Radhika something, so now I cannot go alone either
Surender forcefully: what?
Suchi getting normal: that 's a girl talk, you leave that
surrender unable to get it out: don't you have to join back at work?
Suchi: actually I took three weeks off, then how come you got this sudden trip, u suppose to be off too, right
Surender: let's go together Suchi, pack your stuffs too
Suchi widening her eyes: where?
Surender : Australia
Suchi with beaming eyes: sach
Surender: why?
Suchi: that is too good, all this time it was kids kids kids, now let's enjoy our freedom too, let me pack
Surender felt some relief seeing her comfortable talk'
Suchi: for how many days
Surender: for next three weeks, or if you can get the extension go for full month. I have a surprise for you
Suchi: Surprise, what is that?
Surrender: let's get there, will show you.
Suchi: um, oh that is nice, let me call Radhika and let her know, I am sure she will feel jealous, one mt ok
Suchi went to phone and dialed Dev's number: give to radhika beta
Dev gave the phone to Radhika
Suchi asked about Ruhi, surrender was giving his ears, to make him hear more she asked about everything in escalated voice, and put her phone in speaker mode so that surrender can hear it easily
Suchi: Ok beta, and ha, can you guess where we are going tomorrow
Radhika: where mom?
Suchi: to Australia, for a full month, so I won't be making any calls, tell Dev too, ok. And convey my regards to Sushma and dadaji too, ok.
Suddenly Dev grabbed the phone: mom, how is dad?
Suchi looked at Surender with her corner eyes and said: why?
Dev: no mom, I know he doesn't want to talk to me, but I know he do care about me, I know he loves me so much mom, tell him I won't make him feel down, and when you come back from Australia, come to chandenpur, ok. Ruhi is missing you both
Suchi: why, you can come here too, right
Dev: ha I know mom, but, don't know she is crying so much after coming here, maybe after this long journey, she didn't eat anything either, so i don't know
Suchi saw Surender's concerned look at the phone, Suchi turned around and walked away turning the speaker mode change to normal
Suchi : is she ok beta
Dev: ha mom, but , can you come mom with dad
Suchi: ha beta, I will come with dad but not now, later, ok. take care of Ruhi ok.
Dev: ha mom, don't worry about her, but you take care ok
Suchi: um, love yo beta
Dev: love you too mom
Suchi went to their bedroom. Surender was getting very impatient, and he walked in
He waited for suchi to say something but she kept her silence and then bringing an artificial smile: I can use all my new sarees now, I am so happy
Surender lost his patience : vo, is everything ok?
Suchi: ha, I am going to use this box, is that ok?
Surender: ha, no I am asking about
Suchi: ha
Surender: nothing, but then losing his patience: do you need to go to chandenpur now?
Suchi: chandenpur!!! For what, I am getting ready to go to Australia
Surender: vo, I thought CHudki is sick
Suhci in a very cool way: kids are like that, you know sometimes they will adjust within few minutes and sometimes takes days or week, she will be fine, anyway she is with her parents only right, then why we need to worry, tell me what else we need to pack
Surender left the room silently
Suchi knew it is hard for him, but he has to overcome this barrier, and learn to face things little openly especially when it comes to his closer family, he needs to overcome it by himself. He needs to learn to close that distance, or else it will leave him alone forever.
****************************
The night was getting dark. Ruhi slept finally. Dev opened the window panel for the fresh air to move in.
Radhika made Ruhi to sleep in bed and was tapping on her back , making her more comfortable
Dev came and lay on Radhika's side and straightened himself on lying on his back.
Tying her hair up, Radhika rested her head on the pillow next to Ruhi and tried to be comfortable in between Dev and Ruhi.
Dev: Radhika, so we need to get anything specific for Ruhi?
Radhika: no, mom said she will bring all the stuff that we left over at home, so everything is there.
Dev: ok, and what did mom said?
Radhika: you heard it right, that they are going to Australia tomorrow
Dev with a smile: that is good Radhika, they need that time together, all this time she stayed back for us, or for other reason, they never went out alone, so this will be a nice change
Radhika: you think so
Dev: um
Radhika: did mom said anything about dad?
Dev: not really, but I am sure he will forgive me Radhika, he will forgive me for sure.
Radhika: so what's the plan for tomorrow
Dev: so much radhika, I need to wake up early too,
Radhika: already!!
Dev with a smile: um, need to check on how far they finished the Land work for planting, and if everything goes well, then I have to think of doing it in our land too, from the river bank to near the villagers land.
Radhika: what?
Dev: that's what I said Radhika, so much work pending , I need to start early in the morning, Sudev will be waiting for me
Radhika: so you are really into it
Dev: what you think? And so much more , but one by one
Radhika looked at his teasy smile..
The night went quiet .
Suchi made her call from the airport to make sure on Ruhi's health.
The week went just fine and Dev got blended well into the routines of village life as he got sekhar as another assistant to pull on stuff, and Dev tried to move on papers to get the best grape plants from the agriculture office. He did the studies on different varieties and the sweetest ones , most demanding ones and healthy ones.
He chose the best with villagers interest for their field, and went with radhika's and his taste buds for choosing for his land. Mohan was able to pull more help for Dev to get the plowing of the land and other things prior to the plants arrival. Time was passing quick with Ruhi was making Sushma to run all around , making fater movements on her knees.
*********
Suchi and Surender returned from Australia.
Lechu and Sammy went to receive them from airport and lechu was trying to pull the happiness in
Lechu: so how is the new flat mom?
Suchi: very good, so whenever you are ready for a trip, let me know , the key is with me, ok
Lechu: Sammy, when are we going?
Sammy just smiled as he could sense her depressive mood for missing her bro around.
Sammy: so are we going to chandenpur soon?
Suchi looked at Surender, and as if echoing his mind set up: don't think so Sammy, dad has so much work pending and I also need to rejoin, so
Sammy: oh , ok.
Their talk went on.
Radhika called Suchi and talked with her and informed her about the things happening around, how much Dev is into this planting work and how well he is trying to coordinate stuff, and dadaji as his best guide and babuji as his best support,
Days went quick and Suchi was hearing RUhi's play arounds, and whenever it comes to RUhi she put the phone on speaker mode and speak loud for Surender to hear it well. Moreover Lechu and Sammy made their trips to chandenpur and was bringing all those photos to share.
Suchi: so Dev is really busy then?
Sammy: you don't believe mom, I think our job is much easier, he goes early morning and comes back very late
Suchi: ha, that is the difference between this two divisions, you need to dedicate your full time there.
Sammy: but you should see the land, but tell you mom, I am sure there is more in Bro's brain, it is not just this?
Suchi: like what?
Sammy: I don't know clearly, but I am sure he will change the face of chandenpur soon...
Suchi: how is Ruhi then ? missing her papa?
Sammy: that is the funniest part. She goes with Bro to the field and now they have a small shelter too. Later Bhabhi goes with her snacks and then buva and dadaji, one way it is hard work, but other way, Bro can hold RUhi in his arms and talk to others. In between when Bro gets serious, she giggles and that makes the whole scene lighter. He said mostly next weekend they will be coming to Delhi.
Suchi: that is nice, its been long since i saw him..
Sammy: we cannot blame him mom, he is nto even taking a day off...
suchi just imagined her son ...
*******
Suchi was working hard in kitchen making all the possible varieties for her son, Sammy and Lechu also said that they will be there for lunch. Surender went out with clients for some urgent meeting
"Suchiii'."
Suchi paused for a second, her eyes filled with two drops , but then controlling herself , she stood in same position
Coming near , he just wrapped his arms around her shoulder and said: miss you so much Suchi
"how many times I need to tell you not to call me Suchi" her angry tone mumbled
Dev with the happiest smile: oh Suchi, why you need to get angry that fast, um, but tell you as usual you look so pretty when you get angry
Suchi getting irritated: leave me now
Dev releasing his arms: ok baba
He went and sat on the countertop
Suchi looked at him: need water
Dev: no mom, I can take it myself , fridge is in same place only , right
Suchi: Dev
Dev: um
Suchi looked at her son and said: um, I can see the difference, looks like you are not getting any rest, look at your face and all, getting all dark, but see gained lot of weight too.
Dev: um, see that is the best part, now I don't need to do any special exercise, mom this is not simple bulk, look at my muscles... showing his biceps tightened
Suchi: umm ummm.. and how is my little one, and Radhika?
Dev: just fine, Ruhi is feeling better mom
Suchi: I know whenever some changs happens with her, she gets really sick
Dev: ha Radhika packed everything to come with me and she said she is going to stay here for another one week, but then Ruhi started all that fever and cold
Suchi: I can understand that beta, radhiika might be feeling sad , right
Dev: ha mom, she was talking about that only, but don't worry she send a big bag with me for you, now don't worry about the whole month veggie purchase ok
Suchi: Oh Dev, what I am going to do with it, its only me and your dad...
Dev: Sammy and Lehcu is there na
Suchi: ha they are there, they comes once in a while, ha maybe when Sammy goes to see his folks he can take some
"don't worry Bro, we can stay here until we finish this all veggies"
Dev looked at Sammy's voice
Sammy: frankly, its been long since eaten some tasty food.
Dev: what? Lechu not cooking anything?
Sammy cornering his eyes on Lechu: ha h eina, she is, but still ma ki haath ki khane ka swad kuch aur he heina
Dev: um um, now I got it
Sammy: no bro, seriously
Dev: that menas Lechu still didn't learn how to cook!!
Lechu looked at Dev and said: don't underestimate me, what you want to eat, just tell me.
Dev: sach!!!!
Suchi: ha sach, only one thing, the salt maybe little less, or more, the chilli..may be little more or maybe littile too much, you may feel the taste of chicken masala in gobi curry, and
Lechu loudly: mom
Dev tried to control his laugh
Suchi: but tell you frankly Dev, before even tasting the food our dear sammy will say "Lechu, the food is very tasty", so our lechu is so happy, and after that whatever we say it all goes waste as our Lechu's Sammy will support her with another word, I don't know how he is surviving
Lechu: mom, that is called love, Sammy loves me so much
Suchi: I know, but why can't you try to make it better Lechu
Lechu: Sammy, why you are standing silently , tell na how was my gobi Manchurian yesterday
Sammy: the best
Suchi looked at dev and smiled
*********************************************Part 153: ruhi's 1st birthday
thank you friends for stopping by... take careDevika Edited by Devika. - 13 years ago
ooops... i think my granny was better... why did i ask that to you, shaking of my pats from the shoulder...
