TLLF Chapter 24 updt 15/8 Pg 21 - Page 9

CHAPTER 17

It was her first time to go out on her own. She locked the main door apart from the latch being extra careful. It was a pleasant view to her eyes to see the morning sun but all of a sudden her thoughts took astriction (Why was there a need of being so stubborn?). She spoke to herself

Oh God. Leave mall I can't even see a single shop on the roads

Oh c'mon you remained pigheaded.

Shit.

She looked up with gleaming eyes on seeing a woman cradling a baby in perambulator, and paced up the speed to reach her to ask her about the daily walkthrough. The lady seemed in her early thirties from distance. While walking she thought she heard someone calling out name Shantanu, which was familiar to her abruptly slowing down her speed, but fell unstably on her ears that was considered in her second attempt. Khanak stopped and looked behind and opened her mouth in shock to see the same old lady she met the other day in the flight.

Oh dear!!how are you? I expected you to be seen here but not so soon. And I forgot your name so called out your husband's. But I was sure you will acknowledge on hearing his name. with a mischief in her eyes. You seem warm about him.

Khanak still dint know her name and smiled instead as had no name of hers to call her.

What happened? You still dint recognize me? We had met in the flight.

Ofcourse Aunty I remember. I just don't know your name.

Don't call me aunty. Am I that old? Just 20 yrs elder to you. Oh..my bad..thats my carelessness. I almost open up my whole life and forget to tell my name only. I am so sorry. I am Nameeta Delcosa. Call me Naamy. That's my husband's last wish. She winked playfully.

Ohk Aunty. I mean Naamy

That's my girl. Ok so where are you going early morning? Did your husband assign you some work?

No actually..

Ah ha..dont tell me. Stop taking his side.

Actually Naamy can you just help me in finding a grocery shop? I wanted to buy some household stuff.

Ofcourse dear. There is one right after we cross this street.

They walked for about 5-7 minutes and there she saw a grocery store. It was quite big for the area. It was very different than those in India. It was very clean with workers in their uniforms tidily dressed. It has two floors with 3 sections by partitions. She was relieved to see that almost everything was covered in the mall. The daily needed stuff was there. While scrutinizing the place with every detail a very short and puffy looking male stood next to her.

How can I help you? Very politely

I am looking for the spices. Where can I find it.

After guessing that she is an Indian which was not that challenging from her attire he guided her to the last section. Looking at which she was happy as though a small kid was given a lolly pop surprisingly. Yeah these ones. Thankyou so much.

You are welcome ma'am.

Her cell rang at the payment counter with a loud buzz which made her fluster. Without looking at the caller ID, while giving the cashier money she answered the call hello in a rushing tone.

Hello Khanak. How are you my child?

Mama that's you I can't believe it. The name only her family addresses her with was a key to trigger her up.

Damadji Had asked me to call on it as a surprise.

Oh..I am fine. How are you? And how's Papa'..and Payu?Khanak came out from the mall with two carry bags in her hand. Sitting on the nearby settee outside.

Beta take some break before asking a new question. Ragini said with a small laughter.

Umm hmmm'

All are fine here. Papa is also very good after the company received a new project. And Payu as usual is in her own world. She has her exams approaching near still the little girl is not bothered. U know her!!

Oh yes..she has her board exams. The time she realized she had almost forgotten everything about her family being busy in her problems.

Hows Shantanu? Is he with you?

No Mama I was out for buying some household stuff. He is in the office.

How come he let you out alone of the house? You don't even know the place.He should have been careful.

Mama he never wanted me to go out. I only was headstrong at my decision to go out.

They had a short talk after that when Khanak hung up when she was called by Naamy.

Mama I will talk to you later.I will call you back once I am back home.

K. Khanak take care beta. Bye

Bye Mama.

On further asking Khanak told Naamy that it was her mom from India. They walked to their houses. After reaching back home Khanak thanked her for accompanying her at the mall.

Thanks Naamy. Will you like to see my house?

Yeah sure. Naamy was very open and frank in her nature.

Khanak showed her whole ground floor and went upstairs to show the bedrooms. Two consecutive bedrooms seemed well equipped with beds and wardrobes. And the remaining two were closed and not touched.

On seeing their rooms.

Is anyone else staying with you two?

Khanak anticipated this question coming up. Panic stricken she answered No. only we two are staying here'but

Then why two different rooms? Before Khanak could complete.

Actually we arrived and immediately had a party to attend so we needed two washrooms. Khanak could not pretend .It was never in her nature which was easily ensnared by old lady.

Listen dear. I am quite old but don't think I don't understand what is going on. Don't forget I am 20 years experienced than you. We people understand what is on people's mind just by scrutinizing them with a gentle tone. And stopped herself in the middle to make sure she is not over interfering in their life at such an early stage.

Naamy helped her in organizing the stuff in kitchen. She had snacks made by Khanak and praised her with a tinge of tease in it.

I am sure Shantanu married you because of your cooking skills. Which Khanak laughed away.

Ohk I will take you a leave now. Got some important work.

K. Naamy. You want me to drop you to yours?

That's fine dear. By the way I stay in plot no 18 just 16 plots away. Visit me anytime you feel.

Sure .Bye.

After she left Khanak cooked lunch for both of them wondering how she would drop it to his office. She lifted the phone when at the same time she got a call from Shantanu

Hello. I just called to tell that I will be coming home for lunch. Don't send it here. You need anything for preparing lunch

Ok fine. No I have got it. Its ready actually.

K I will be there in 10-15 mins. And he hung up.

At the dining table

He asked her for assistance in arranging the table but she refused and he stood there watching her doing it.

Mama had called today. She exactly knew how to start the conversation.

Oh that's great. What she said?

Nothing special.. just a general talk. keeping all the bowls and plates on the table.

Hmmm. Hows everyone at home?

All are doing well. She sat in one of the chairs pulling back another for him.

She had made many varieties of Indian food. She served him.

How come you came home early today?

Actually the pain had increased and so I could not even hold the files properly.

Why you don't consult to a doctor?

No need. I hate doctors. I hate when they insert that injection in my body.

But then that will increase your pain. Now let's go. I will accompany you. Authority in her tone.

They had lunch. And Khanak called on Madhavi's cell to ask about the doctor she knows here while he was in his room. After it occurred engaged she tried Khushboo's

Hi Khanak. What made you think of me today? As after you guys have found privacy you don't remember anyone around. Not even your family.

No. Bhabi its nothing like that. We have just come 3days ago. Even you know that.

Ok baba I am just kidding. So tell me..in a conciliatory tone.

Bhabi can you suggest me any doctor here'.I

OH MY GOD. Are you pregnant? Khushboo in her typical avid intonation screamed on the phone before Khanak could complete her sentence.

Bhabi just..

Again Khushboo started When this happened? How?

Bhabi chill!! Please listen to me.Its nothing like that.

Wha..then why you asking for a doctor? A sudden change in her tone.

No Bhabi I wanted to know for Shantanu .He actually hurt his hand last night so..

How?What happened how. Madhavi who listened to it from distance came near and snatched phone from her on hearing about the hurt Shantanu faced.

Mom..Umm. While coming back from party last night.

Before she could say anything Shantanu nabbed the phone from her to bypass her telling Madhavi about the last night's mishap.

Hello Mom. While coming back I was opening the car door when by mistake my keys fell down and my hand fell on a hard stone and I hurt my hand.

He was quite determined about his family never coming to know about his personal life containing a catastrophe. Madhavi told him to visit Doctor Jane who was known by Sunil.

For a minute when Khushboo said that Khanak is pregnant, I thought all distress between you two is over. I was so happy. But..I am sure I will get to hear that some or the other time.

They had to go by a taxicab as they dint have a driver available and Shantanu's hand not in a condition to drive. And he dint let her drive as the traffic rules were completely different than those in India.

In the cab

They sat on the three seater settee in first row. He sat at the window seat to avoid the jostle in the moving bus, she sat next to him. They reached the place in next half an hour. Entering the clinic he referred him about Sunil and they had a brief conversation on it. Shantanu moved his hand as Dr. Jane instructed him and examined his hand closely checking for abnormalities.

It seems you have some minor cuts due to iron, so you need to take TT injection for avoiding any kind of infection. And I will also write down some medicines and ointments for him. Looking at Khanak.

Ok. Khanak responded.

But Doctor the iron was not rusted Gulping down a lump in his throat which demonstrated his phobia for injection.

Yes Shantanu but we are not sure about it, are we? Smiling a soft smile at his kiddish behavior. Completely opposite to his features which were more like an angry man. He made Shantanu sit on the bedstead and requested Khanak to come there. Can you just help me pull his sleeve up so that it will be easier for me.

Yes sure. She ran up to hold his hand. The moment her hand touched his arm he felt it going numb and he grieved in pain the moment he felt the syringe coming out. She held him tight as if throwing away the pain. He for the first time sensed the warmth in her for him. Dr Jane made a dressing on his hand and instructed some ointments.

Very nice update. Plz update soon. Was waiting from wed for ur update.