Ishima Ishima...Ruhi ran to her mother's room who was filing her partition with sindoor sitting in front of the mirror. Ishima...you are looking pretty today. The little girl said while Ishita smiled and picked her up making her sit in her lap. Thnkew mera bacha. She kissed her daughter and started combing her hair. Ishima..papa is coming back today naa? Ishita nodded as she did her plaits. Yess beta. He will be here by evening. Okk..its done..she said as she tied her hair with a band. Now go and play. Ruhi ran out of room and then house towards her pati's place to call her partener in crime Shravan. Ishita shook her head at her antics and then resumed to her job. I luv you Ravan kumar...and miss you. She picked up a photo kept on the side table and hugged it to herself. Come back soon. She wiped a lone tear at the corner of her eye and stood up to start with her duties of the day.
Ishita...Wats their for snacks today? Asked her Mother In Law. You are in kitchen for past two hours. Mammiji...I have made samose, pakode and pasta too. Actually...am preparing for dinner also...thats why more time. Everything according to Bhai's taste haan bhabhi. Rinki teased her. This is not done Bhabhi...you live with us and make food of our choices everyday but the moment bhai comes, everything according to him. You simply forget us. He made a face. No Romi...Rinki..trust me. Its nothing like that. Oye...stop teasing my daughter now. Mrs. Bhalla shouted. Ishita...You go and get ready beta. Raman will be here any moment. Toshiji kept her hand on her head and asked her to leave.
Ishita checked herself for the nth time in the mirror. Clad in blue saree, Eye liner, Mascara, lip gloss, hair do...everything was according to how he liked. Only problem was blush on her face, which will be the reason of laughter of his siblings. She tried hard to hide it but the thought of him brought only a deeper shade of red on her face. Five years...she sighed...five years of their marriage...and she still felt like a newly wed wife in front of him. Ishita...the voice from living room broke her trance. Raman aa gye...she ran downstairs at once to have a look of the man she had been longing for past one year.
Mihir?? What are you doing here? And where is Raman? Her FIL was asking when she entered the living area. Mihir with two other uniform clad men stood at the door. Vo papaji...Raman Bhai...his voice choked. What? Where is he? Romi ran to him and held him by his shoulder. Where is my bhai? He shook him while Mihir stood silent with his head lowered. Bhalla ji...my heart is sinking. Please ask him to tell where my son is. Its already so late. He should have come by now. Said a crying Toshiji. Actually Romi..we were coming back..on the way...a young boy stopped our bus. Mihir told. He wanted help from us. He lived in some remote village on border. There is a mafia gang in that village who export and import drugs across the border illegaly. They were forcing that boy to join them but he ran for his life and reached us. We are army people...ofcourse we cant let something illegal happen. Bhai was the first to rush that side followed by all of us. They had all sort of weapons. We had called police by then. All of them have been arrested. But before that, in the encounter, they shot bhai and...he was never able to complete the words as tears made their way through his eyes.
Ishita never knew when her knees got weak and she was sitting on the floor motionless. She didnt speak, she didnt cry, she didnt scream. She sat their like a stone...silent and devoid of any expressions. Bhallaji...Raman...Mr. bhalla took his crying wife into hug. But where is he? Asked Romi...I mean. We couldn't find his body Romi. There are few bodies of our men who died. And three bodies, even we couldn't recognize...the face is completely burnt. We have sent them for DNA test.
But if you are not confirmed...how can you say that? Romi questioned. Romi...we know the count of people we were. And how many are here...that too. And the rest are bodies. They have come here to return Bhai's belongings. He pointed to the other two men and motioned them to keep the things. His bag...clothes and gifts for all family members, his wallet, a photo frame which had his family photo, his uniform..which has always been more dear to him than his life, his identity card Lt. Raman Kumar Bhalla with his photo on it. The family members hugged each other crying.
O yun na lamha lamha meri yaad mein
Hoke tanha tanha mere baad mein
Naina ashq na ho
Maana kal se honge hum door
Naina ashq na ho
Naina ashq na ho...
Main na lauta aane waale saal jo
Meri wardi bole mera haal toh
Naina ashq na ho
Yeh samajhna, main hoon majboor
Naina ashq na ho
Naina ashq na ho
**************************
Papa papa...Ishima? Where is papa? Is he back. I have to meet him. This shravan..I hate him. He plays with his papa everyday..even then he played for longer time today. I told him my papa is coming. I have to go...but he said we come to this park on sunday only. Bala peri appa came so late to pick us up. Where is papa ishima? Is he angry on Ruhi? Ruhi said everything in one go and shook her mother vigorously who had been sitting still on the floor since an hour. Rinki tried to call her. Bhabhi...Ruhi is calling you? Get up bhabhi...say something. A crying Rinki tried to call her only to get no response in return. All she could do was pick up her niece and assure her that her papa will be back soon...though she herself never knew if and when she would be able to see her bhai next.
But why is everyone crying and why is papa late? I have to meet him. Asked the innocent child only for others to find fresh tears in their eyes. How will they tell this young kid that they are not sure if she can see her father anymore. They are not sure if he will be here with them or not. Come Ruhi...lets go to your room. Is your homework complete? Other family members gestured her to take her inside.
Whats the bloody problem Mihir? How much time more will it take for tests? Romi shouted on the phone. Look...we wont believe anything until there is a proof of your words. He cut the phone angrily and threw away his phone tensed. Maa papa..why are you crying? Dont you know bhai? He will be ok..am sure. He tried to console them.
**********************
What?? Romi breathed heavily. Are you sure? A sense of relief ran through his spine. He cut the phone. What happened Romi? Papa...bhai's body is not there. What? But they said bodies were...papa one body is not of any army men. Infact they doubt...its one of the villager. But no one knows where Bhai is. Now what? Asked Toshiji. Dont know. Its too late night now. They are saying...a team will go to look for bhai tomorrow morning. Hey mata Rani...pls bring my son back safe. Toshiji prayed crying. Toshiji...dont worry. Raman will be ok. Mr. Bhalla kept hand on her shoulder.
What can I do Bhalla ji? She sat on the chair. It looks like my whole life will go like this only...crying for one or the other. Toshiji?? Since I had been young...first my brother then you. Now that you are retired, Raman joined. I tried to stop him but no one listens to me. By next year Romi will also go. My heart is always in my mouth. One news and I feel like my life is over. Toshiji...stop crying. Infact you should be proud. Your family is serving the nation. Your brother, husband and sons live their life for India..Be Brave Toshiji. You need to be strong. Being a soldier for country is not an easy task.. not everyone has this much guts. And do you think family of soldiers dont have hearts? Countered crying Toshiji. Stop it now Toshiji...see Ishita. She has become silent. He went to her and made her stand. Ishita...come beta...lets go to room. I am sure everything will be fine tomorrow.
Toshiji made her lie down beside Ruhi and Rinki. She snuggled her daughter into herself. Sleep was far away from every eye that night.
***********************
Maa...bhai will be here any moment. Mihir called me to tell. Romi said cutting the phone. Three days...it took them three days to find my son. He had been unconscious for 38 hours before those villagers found him in the remote fields. This is the life you people live. Said a complaining mother. Toshiji...govt. is going to honour Raman with bravery award. Is this time to get disheartened. My chest became broader today. My son has saved many youngsters today who could have addicted to drug. Do you realize that. Said a proud father. And if something would have happened to him? Dont forget Bhallaji...today you are smiling but for last three days...you had been as nervous. No one ate, talked or did any work properly in this home wondering what the news will be. Now your son is coming back Maa. Be happy. Romi said and went towards Ishita who seemed unaffected by any conversation happening. Her eyes were glued to the door and her face expressionless. Bhabhi...Romi called her. Huh? She spoke...her eyes on the door. Bhai will be here Bhabhi...dont worry. There is still time to it. You go and get ready please. You have not been yourself since three days. No Romi...she spoke breathing hard. Let me see Raman once. Bhabhi...okk
..he said and left to call Mihir.
Papa aa gaye. Ruhi's voice made everyone rush towards the door. Ishita let the tears fall from her eyes which she had been controlling since three days. She silently weeped standing at the corner while others ran to see him. Mera Beta...Toshiji hugged him crying. Maa..you again became senty? Raman hugged her back. How many times should I tell you nothing will happen to me. Stop wasting your tears now. He chukled only to earn a slap on his chest. We were so afraid and you are laughing. Do you think its a joke? She chided. No...its not. But you are mother of a soldier...you have to be strong maa. He explained her. Papa...why are you late? You were to come three days back. Yess beta...papa was to come early. He picked her up in his arms. But you know wat? There was an emergency. Some bad people were trying to cheat our country. Papa had to punish them. Haaw papa...cheaters. You fought with them naa? Yess beta...papa had a big fight and handed them to police. Yess...my papa is the best. Ruhi clapped and kissed her father. I love you. I love you too beta. Raman kissed her back. Welcome home my brave son...you once again made me proud. Said Mr. Bhalla hugging him. Thanks Papa. So ready for training? Raman joined hands with Romi hugging him. Yess bro...all set. Mrs. Bhalla shook her head annoyed. Now dont be a cry baby Rinki. Raman hugged her sideways. I am fine...see. We were so worried Bhai. Rinki hugged him wiping her tears. Patting her back, he consoled her. His eyes searched for her. There she stood staring at him as if loading his image into her mind consoling herself...he was here finally in front of her eyes.
He approached her and opened his arms for her. She ran and smashed herself into him with a force hugging him tightly to herself crying profusely. Ishita...he called and she clinged herself more to him...her hands encircling his hand. All she wanted at that moment was to keep him like this forever...and let the reality sink in that he was safe...in her arms. He let her cry..he knew she needed it. To calm herself down. She had seen her life almost destroy...all she wanted now was an assurance. He stroked her back asking her to control herself. After about 10 minutes of healing words from his side, she broke the hug to face him. Crying, she cupped his face with her hands. Their eyes met and they stood in the same postion staring each other. One year, one long year it had been...since they saw each other. Their eyes spoke volumes of love and desires they had inside them. So many emotions...to feel and share. It was he who first registered the surroundings and broke the trance. This is how you people welcome someone who returns home after a gap of one year. Raman kumar Bhalla mode was on. By wetting the shirt...he taunted and left to his room for change.
He must be hungry. Come Ishita...lets arrange food for everyone. Mrs. Bhalla called her and she followed her to the kitchen.
*****************************
Raman entered his room after a quick bath to find his wife combing her hair standing in front of the mirror. The view in front of him made his heart skip a beat. His wife stood there in his gifted red Nightie. He remembered bringing it for her last year. The night I return, I want you to welcome me in this one. He had asked her before leaving. And there she was, clad in the very same dress of his choice, the red nighty...which added to her beauty.
Throwing his towel on the bed, he went and hugged her from behind resting his cheek on her shoulder..his arms encircling her waist as he joined his hands at her lower belly. She tilted a little to give him easy access. He placed a quick peck on her shoulder. These army men...why you have to take bath before sleeping too? She said for him to chukle. Why? You are not able to compose your senses. He teased and burried his head into her neck. His wet hair touched her neck. She shivered and kept her hands on his. Raman? Huh...he nuzzled further into her. I missed you..he said. I missed you too. She smiled. Hmm...I know. Thats why you are all ready. He pointed to her dress up and slid the cloth off her shoulder to have his view. You yourself said you wanted this. She blushed. And trust me Ishita...you look simply gorgeous. I cant take my eyes off you. He said huskily and their eyes met through the mirror. Lost in each other, they kept thinking about their precious moments.
Ishima...papa...their daughter's voice made them face her. Ishita straightened her nighty and Raman started wearing his pyjama taking off his towel which he had forgotten earlier. Wow Ishima...you look so pretty today. This is your new night dress? I have never seen it before. Ishita smiled and picked her up in her arms. Yess baby..your papa bought it for me. She told. And what did you bring for me papa? Raman raised his eyebrows...What? He looked at Ishita...who gestured him to handle her himself. He picked her up and made her sit in his lap. What do you want? He asked. Anything...you have brought? Okk...he took out a packet from his bag. Here it is. Ishita and Ruhi looked at it surprised. Barbie...Ruhi chirped. Thnkew papa. Ruhi kissed him.
So...wats the program today? Asked Raman as Ruhi sat in the center of the bed. Papa and Ruhi both will listen to Mama's story today. Then play with her hairs and then off to sleep. Ruhi gestured with her hands. Come soon..she extended her arms both side. Ruhi will sleep between her mama papa today. They laughed and gave their hands to her seating themselves beside her.
Ruhi lay on top of Raman and ishita beside him with her legs on him and hand one below Raman while other on top of Ruhi. Raman cocooned both the girls into him covering them with his either hands. The father daughter duo listened to Ishima's story and then started playing with her hair. As Ruhi slept, Ishita snuggled closer to Raman and he could feel she was weeping. Ishita?? He called slowly. Hmmm...she faced him at once clearing her face.
You have a swear on me Ishita...you cant cry. I know...she nodded. And trust me...I didnt...there was not a single tear in my eyes in three days. But you cant snatvh the right of crying in front of you Raman. Saying so she burried her face into his chest and started crying. He held her closer. No Ishita...stop it. I was terrified Raman. It felt like...like my life would stop. Like everything is over. Like...shhh...he calmed her. Dont think like this Ishita. See...I am here with you. He made her face him and kissed the tears off her face. You can hold me tightly and relax now. She nodded her head and rested herself on him...sleeping the most peaceful night of her year.
Tere liye saansein aaye
Teri liye jaaye, jaaye re.. jaaye re...
Tere liye saansein aaye
Teri liye jaaye, jaaye re.. jaaye re...
Rabba...
Rabba bairi se bichode jaane kisne banaye
Haaye re, haaye re, haaye re.. doori tadpaaye
Mere baad chaahe aaye yaad meri
Naina ashq na ho
Naina ashq na ho
Naina ashq na ho...
Ashq na ho ho ho...
****************************
Ishita...am going for a party tonight. Dont make dinner for me and definitely no waiting. Raman informed as he entered living area. Beta...you come for 40 days in an year and even then you have to go for parties. You cant eat home made food. Toshiji scolded him. Maa pls...its been 15 days since am eating home made food only. My friends have called me. Out of 40, they ask only one day every year for get together. I cant say no. Raman explained. Let him go naa Toshiji. Wats wrong with you? Okk.
I am sorry...he came and hugged her from behind in kitchen as everyone left for their rooms. What for? She made a face. For giving your time to someone else. I'll take compensation when you return. She laughed. Sure mam...so permission granted? He asked. Ishita pretended to think for a while. Okk...but not too late and drinks..no. Yes mam. By the way what compensation you want during night? There is still time to it. I can do it now only. He held her by her waist. Raman...its kitchen. Let me work. Come to room naa. You go to your friends.
Bhai...this form..just check it once. Romi came and they straightened themselves. Sorry sorry...wrong timing...he was about to turn. No need...show me...Raman asked annoyed. Everyone in this home has wrong timing only.
*****************************
Rain drops touched the earth and Ishita was out of building late night. She inhaled the scent of wet soil by extending her arms as a drop fell on her nose. It was then she felt another pair of hands joining hers in the same extending position. She knew the touch...smiling, she leaned backwards onto him. Back so soon? Was party that boring? She chukled. No...but I knew something more interesting is waiting for me here. He inhaled her scent and made her face him. Their eyes met. Both were wet by now and rain drops were flowing on their faces. He held her waist with one hand while held her one hand with other. She kept her free hand on his shoulder. Waiting? She raised her eyebrow. He chukled. Waiting...He repleated and started swaying with her. Their feet matched, their eyes on other's face...the raindrops being music to their dance.
Waiting for rain...our rain of love. He spoke. The one for which we wait every year. She completed. He kept his hands on her back and while she on his waist as they matched steps with each other.
-To celebrate
-To cherish
Our first Kuch Kuch hota Hai Moment...they spoke in unison and then hugged each other. They danced clinging to each other.
Beete huey lamhon ke taare ginunga main
Aake tujhe khwaabon mein tere milunga main
Jab kabhi halki halki barkha aaye
Jab kabhi dil bhi yunhi bhar sa jaaye
Jab kabhi halki halki barkha aaye
Uss pal jhonka ik banke aaunga main
Us pal zulfe palke daaman chhu jaaunga main
O teri choodi nagmein gaaye jo mere
Teri palkon pe ho saaye jo mere
Naina ashq na ho
Aansu karte humein kamzor
Naina ashk na ho
Naina ashk na ho..
He twirled her around and then grabbed her. Placing his hand on her face, he felt it and then pecked her lips. What started with a normal kiss became wild and passionate and they could feel desire burning them from inside in the rain.
I always wait for one rain when you return. She confessed.
I know. Thats why I rushed to you leaving behind the party. He held her hand as they sat on bench. She kept her head on his shoulder as they shared their moments.
**************************
Aa gye beta? Wat did doctor say? Whats wrong with Ishita? Asked a worried Toshiji as Raman Ishita entered home hand in hand. Raman smiled. Nothing wrong maa. You are going to become dadi for second time. Congratualtions. Raman announced and soon the house was in full party mood.
-I will distribute sweets in whole society.
-Congo Bhai Bhabhi...good news second time.
-I will play with my younger brother now.
Everyone blessed them.
Maa...am leaving day after tomorrow. Tickets are confirmed. Raman told as he returned after taking a phone call. And all the happy faces changed suddenly. Arre...wats wrong? Raman shouted to cheer everyone up. Its party time..lets celebrate. No rona dhona and emotional drama please. 40 days pass so quickly naa...said Toshiji wiping her tears. Maa...pls. Oh thik hai...shava shava...there is good news in house. I will not cry. Romi switched on the music and everyone started dancing to congratulate them.
***************************
Ishita entered her room to find Raman sitting on bed holding his head with his hands. All packing done? She asked as she kept his favourite pinniyan made by mummiji in his bag. Huh...hmm.. he got up and smiled. She ruffled her hand in his hair. I will keep all the sonography reports and photos. We will see and cherish them together next time. She said cupping her face. By the time I'll return, our kid will be in this world. He said..placing his hand on her stomach..sadly or happily...he himself never knew. So wat Raman? His papa is in Army after all. He is the son of a soldier. He will understand it.
I can never give the much required time to my kids and you. He said sitting on couch. These moments of baby birth. You will miss me by your side. She smiled and sat beside him. Raman Kumar bhalla...being emotinal..it doesnt suit you. Dont behave like a crying baby. We know you love us. And more than that you love our country. And we are proud of you. Ruhi tells everyone proudly that my father fights for India. Raman smiled through his tears. She encircled her arms around his neck. Okk...you remember Ruhi birth? She spoke to change his mood.
What? He shook his head. When you came, Ruhi was two months old and when you held her...she was so afraid, she started crying. Raman chukled as he remembered that day. Yess...and for five days, my own daughter kept crying whenever I picked her up. Yeah...the she recognized your touch. He laughed. My own kid was afraid to come in my arms. He smiled sadly. Raman pls..no emotional scene pls. You have made me swear on your name and now yourself. Ok ok..no more. He wiped his tears. Lets celebrate this last night together. He said and picked her up in his arms.
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Finally...done writing. Hope it made some sense. Waiting for reviews.
Jai Hind.
Happy republic Day.
