Part 1 - Crushed
Ishita excitedly climbed the stairs of the apartment since her Akka's house is only on the first floor, she never waited for the lift.In the morning she convinced Raman that they should surprise Akka & Jiju after work.So, here she was outside their flat ringing the bell.When she pinged Raman on the way, he informed her that he would be there in 20 mins.
Vandita opened the door with her usual serene air but was shocked to see her sister there and Ishita's yell of 'surprise' brought her back to reality. "Ishu, what are you doing here? I mean come on in... Err Why didn't you call?" She babbled.
"What Akka, Should I call & visit my sister's home. Anyways this is called surprise,and this is for Shravu,baby & my Jiju. Since you are not happy to see me , you can return to whatever work you are doing." Saying this she turned searching for Shravu and stood rooted to the ground. Subbu, his wife & their one year old baby were sitting in the living room.
Shocked,was a small word for her feelings. She knew she had to face him again at some time or the other but she always thought she would know before hand about it and would be prepared for it.Her first instinct was to flee.But again she counseled herself that he doesn't affect her life anymore, so there is no need to runaway. Abandoning that thought she moved further into the living room.
"I should face him this time and give it all a rest", she decided.
Subbu who was watching her stood up and invited her in."Hi Ishu,How have you been?" He asked. She composed herself plastered a smile on her face and sat opposite him.
"Iam good.Hope you people are doing good too."she replied glancing at his wife and son.
Vandu excused her self on the pretext of tea on the stove and moved inside.She always made it a point to avoid this very confrontation.She didn't want her sister to face this looser again.She only tolerated Subbu for Bala, because she doesn't want to be the reason for break up between brothers.She also didn't want to leave Ishita and Subbu alone, but she wanted Bala home now, so she was trying to reach him on phone.
Subbu's wife sensed the situation and excused herself with the baby. Subbu saw his wife move into the bedroom and returned his gaze to Ishita.
"So, I have heard you are married.Congratulations"He wished.
"Thank You" Ishita replied.
"Are you happy?" He asked. At that question her tense face relaxed and started glowing.
It shouldn't bother him as to what happens in her life.He was the one who pushed her aside.He has a wife and a son.But somehow seeing her glow made him jealous. He used to be the reason for the glow but now here they are sitting like strangers.
"Does he love you?" He further probed.
She lifted her eyes and for the first time looked him in the eye."That is none of your business but since you are so eager let me clarify.Yes, He adores me and Iam the most happiest person in the world" She replied with a smile.
"Yeah, What's not to love? He got a beautiful caretaker for his children.In his place even I wouldn't have hesitated to marry you.Then may be I would have been spared with all these accusing eyes you people shower on me, every time I visit." He hissed. And strangely after this break out he felt relived. This has been in his mind for the longest time and he is happy that somehow he said it all.Whenever his conscious pricks him on his desertion of Ishita, he comforts himself with this argument and now he finally got a chance to voice it out.
The smile froze on her face. Even, If he planned meticulously he couldn't have hurt her more. He took the needle and directly punched it on her most vulnerable part.
But hiding her hurt , she replied "You are welcome to your perception, but that doesn't change a thing. I don't have anything to say to you or prove to you. Iam sitting infront of you for only reason that this is Jiju's house. I think we both should move on and stop causing Akka & Jiju more trouble. You don't have to speak to me & I don't even care If you visit or not.It doesn't matter to me anymore. And the next time do stay in your limits."
At the same moment Vandu returned with the tea cups. She finally got through Bala and informed him of the situation and asked him to be home,soon.
Raman reached there before Bala.When he entered the hall, he saw a tall guy with Bala's features talking with his wife and her sister.He immediately recognized him. And for some reason he didn't like it.
He talked with Ishita about Subbu in the past and she assured him that Subbu is out of her system.Color him insecure,jealous or petty he don't care but he doesn't want his wife to talk to that looser.
He greeted Vandita with a warm smile and without even a glance at Subbu's direction, informed Ishita that Ruhi called with some emergency and they need to leave immediately. Ishita was relieved to hear that ,she stood up and walked with him to the door.
Bala greeted them there and forced them to stay for a little bit.Vandita ,who guessed the reason didn't compel them to stay.Raman informed them that they would visit again, and this time with prior notice so that unpleasant scenarios could be avoided. With a tight smile and a final glance at Subbu , he moved out.
They were both in the car and Raman was driving.
Raman couldn't believe that he had finally seen that idiot.He didn't like him.Period. He don't like the fact that he had his wife's heart and attention at some point of time.He slowly glanced to Ishita's direction to decipher what she was thinking.
Ishita was looking out through the window."Is what Subbu said true. Is it easy for Raman to love me because he doesn't need children from me." She pondered. She remembered all their special moments and one part of her heart knows that, it's not true.But the remaining three parts refused to be comforted and they kept clouding her judgement,pushing her to depression.
Trust Subbu to hit at my weak spot' She thought.
"What is there in the mind of hers? Does seeing him again reminded her of all the good times." Raman wondered. That thought made him even more restless.
"Why is she not talking to me, what is it that is eating at her.She knows that she can share anything with me, then why is she not willing"He puzzled again. He wanted to shake her and ask her what she was thinking, but he was afraid of the answer.
They reached home with each lost in their thoughts.He informed her that he would park the car and come.She nodded softly and left from there.
Edited by Anuhyaa - 10 years ago
Udne Ki Aasha
10