Part Three
Adjustments
Before coming to Mumbai Pratiksha could hear her husband arguing with the person who drove them toward the airport and still is driving us to our destination. I only know that we drop two people already (meaning Ayesha and Chotu) and now its our turn. I could feel my husband glaring at Ra...tha... yeah its Rathore. Finally our vehicle came halting in front of a lodge. At the moment I am extremely confuse. Is he going to leave me at unknown place or does he himself stay here? Many questions and yet no answers. I heard him saying something. I stayed quiet and walk behind him inside the lodge afterwards Rathore drove away.
I saw him picking up his key from the receptionist. I silently follow him toward his room. He open the door and I step inside finding it very small. It only had one single bed and less room to sleep on the floor... and tiny table (few files on it).
Pratiksha sigh
Only hope that the bathroom isn't small. She can held any type of change, but washroom has to be big enough for her.
-
Arjun saw her sighing away. He place her suitcase near by the cupboard. He know his lodge room is very small and yet its perfect for him or it isn't anymore.
He frustratedly push his hair back and march toward her. He place his hand on her shoulder "I know there are many question erupting inside your mind, but its very late. Why don't you fresh up and I'll order something for you to eat?"
-
Hearing the word of food made her sick. She hardly eat outside food only homemade (cook by her mother or herself before it was her Di).
-
Arjun studying her expression. He about to dial a number on his phone "please don't order anything. Its just that today as been very long and tiring for me. I just want to sleep" she told him.
Arjun nod his head and left the room. Giving her privacy. He stood outside the lobby browsing on his phone.
-
Pratiksha slowly remove her jewelries than open her suitcase. She took out her nighty (silky matter with halter neck), but change her mind by choosing simple sari. She went inside the washroom and her every little thought about the washroom shattered. Composing herself. She slowly remove her clothes and step inside the shower stall with many thoughts scaring her.
-
Arjun thought its good time to return now. By now she must have changed and fell asleep. Arjun open his room and same time Pratiksha step out washroom wiping her hair.
Pratiksha stare at him...
Arjun stare at her...
Moment of awkwardness creep up, Arjun finally broke the silent between them. He told her to sleep on the bed "what about you" she asked him.
Arjun: Sleep and me have long relationship of hatred. Anyways stop wasting time. You sleep on the bed and I'll just finish up last minute case details.
Pratiksha just nod her head...
Arjun watch her lay on bed and sleep immediately after closing her eyes.
He sighed and sat on the chair inside his room. He close his eyes for awhile. Working on the case was just excuse for her to sleep without any awkwardness.
Awkward night fades away to dawn. Pratiksha slept peacefully on the bed and Arjun sat awkwardly on the chair sleeping. Pratiksha slowly turning and twisting on the bed because of the sun. She open her eyes looking at her surrounding recalling yesterday's event. She sighed and her eyes search for her husband. She found him sleeping on the chair awkwardly.
She felt guilty.
She got up from the bed and made her way toward Arjun. She touch him on his shoulder. Arjun quickly jerk up and stare at Pratiksha. At first he was confuse than remembered yesterday's event. He tried to smile, but his relationship with smile itself is curse. He kept on looking at her while she told him "because of me.. you are sleeping on this uncomfortable chair. I am sorry. Please forgive me. I promise from tonight you can sleep on the bed. I'll mange else where, but please don't give you your comfort for me" tears already escaping from her eyes. Arjun stood up mechanically started to wipe her tears as if her eyes had magic.
Arjun: Please don't cry. I am use to it. I'll just fresh up. Excuse me.
Pratiksha just watch him enter inside the washroom. She sighed away and thought to take out pair of clothes for him. She open his cupboard and saw few shirts with some trouser. Rolling her eyes she took out navy blue shirt and black trouser. She place them on the bed afterwards began searching for her own clothes. She is confuse between churidar or saree. She wanted to ask her husband, but afraid of him. Lately he spoke nicely with her, but she doesn't want to anger him.
Few minute later
Arjun came out after taking his shower. He saw his wife closing her eyes pointing her finger on dress than sari. He looked at her confusingly.
Pratiksha couldn't choose with her eyes close. She open her eyes and sat on the bed frowning.
Pratiksha sigh: I wish Mom was here. She always help me choose my clothes after Di. I miss you Di.
Arjun himself know the pain of loosing someone. He sat beside her on the bed "are you alright" he asked.
Pratiksha stood up mumbling "I am fine, its just missing Mumma and Di" Arjun sighed and left discussion itself. His phone rang "go and fresh up quickly" he told her before answering his phone.
Pratiksha left without taking her clothes while Arjun saw his clothes arranged on the bed. He got angry, about to throw it away but remembering her tears stopped him. He talk with Shree while changing his clothes in the room.
Pratiksha complete her shower and realize she didn't take her clothes. She open the bathroom door sightly "sunyie" Arjun look toward her "what" he mouthed.
Pratiksha: I forgot my clothes on the bed. Can you please pass them to me?
Arjun nod his head.
-
Everything froze for Shree. He stood numbly listening to voice during his conversation with Arjun Sir. He close his eyes and image flash among the memories hidden inside his heart. Without completing his discussion with Arjun Sir he hang up. His mind kept on thinking about the voice. As if his heart shouting at him excitedly.
"Shree, is everything alright" Chotu asked him.
Shree just nod his head and left.
Leaving Chotu confused.
-
Arjun brought Pratiksha with him to ETF cause of Rathore otherwise he wouldn't care leaving her alone in the lodge, but Rathore is right about her safety and its his responsibility. They both enter inside, but Pratiksha felt uneasy. She clutch onto Arjun's arm forgetting her shyness.
Arjun close his eyes composing himself from bursting out in anger.
Pratiksha felt being dragged inside. She held onto her husband's arm tightly piercing her nails into his skin.
Arjun felt annoyed seeing everyone glare at him. Arjun drag Pratiksha inside conference room hearing gasp. Pratiksha lift up her glaze meeting the eyes of her reflection.
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
8