Part 2
Raman stood at the wall of windows in his Mumbai Office on the forty-eighth floor,hands on hips and gaze sweeping the city.He was supposed to be in a meeting ,but he sent Mihir instead and here he was moping at the window.
Restless would be an understatement to what he was feeling right now.Before leaving for Mumbai he sent Ishita a text. In that,he mentioned all his plans for them for their future and his desire to take the relationship forward.What all he couldn't say to her directly he wrote it all in the text.
Ishita is his love,his life.He wanted to love her in all ways a man could love a woman.He wanted to belong to her and inturn he wanted to make her his. Eventually,he wanted to have a child with her, the symbol of their love.
But the reaction he got from Ishita was a surprise to him. He knew she loved him but for some reason whenever he tried to get close to her,she would leave from there mentioning one or the other reason.He couldn't actually decipher the what or why of it.
His brain reassured him that may be she was nervous,but his heart ,his once betrayed heart raised all types of questions in him. And whenever his heart wins,how-much ever he suppress his thoughts take him back to the words that haunt him.
"Iam leaving you.How can anyone stay with you. "
He knew he was being silly but he just couldn't shake of this feeling. He was infuriated at himself, right now he would give everything he has if he can get Ishita to hug him and reassure him that he is overthinking and there is nothing to worry about.
He didn't want to drag this thing anymore. He was afraid to stay with his thoughts.He don't know how,but he wanted to go home and talk this with his wife.
Having come to that conclusion he immediately got to work.He instructed Mihir of the work to do there for the next two days, sorted things, packed bags and left for Delhi.
"Ishita... Ishita" He began shouting as soon as he was inside the door of his house.
His found his mother in the kitchen and she was smiling bemusedly. "What ?" He asked.
"Ishita is at her parents house, You were supposed to come tomorrow what are you doing here so early "She asked.
"I finished my work so Iam back "He sidestepped and went to his room with his bag and bouquet of white lilies & pink roses that he bought for her.
He placed the flowers near the bed,showered and changed into his night clothes.
He was in two minds to go and bring her back or to let her enjoy the night.He strolled aimlessly in the apartment compound lost in his thoughts.The night was dark with clouds looming over.
He saw someone approach him and when he looked up it was Bala.He greeted Bala warmly.
"What are you doing here?" Bala asked.
"I just returned from Mumbai and since my wife is busily having fun,Iam just roaming around." Raman replied.
Bala chuckled and muttered. "Even I was getting bored at home, Shravu was with Amma..So I thought to come and check on Vandu...you know hormones, mood swings and all..."
Raman smiled and they both began to wander. The wind picked up and the clouds darkened further with occasional thunder bolts in the sky.
And out of blue,Raman opened up to Bala. "Do you think Ishita likes me?"
For a sec, Bala was stunned, he soon recovered and asked. "What sort of question is that, Ofcourse she likes you.Why did you even get this doubt. Is something wrong,Raman?"
"No its just that..nothing actually happened...Ok, forget that I ever asked you that..."Raman blabbered.
"Raman, I knew something must be bothering you. But I tell you Ishita loves you. I have known her for a long time now, I have seen her go through many things in life ...but I have never seen her this happy or content in life.And all this is because of you."
"With Subbu,the circumstances,the atmosphere everything played a part and they thought they were in love and decided to marry.But as you know, at the first sight of trouble the pack of cards came falling down.Nothing was left to salvage.But with you, it was different.You both grew close with each hurdle.The more things you faced, the more strong you became."
"So , I can confidently tell you , whatever you are thinking it would be some silly misunderstanding.Just talk to her...Everything gets cleared." Bala advised.
Raman who was listening intently nodded his head without actually replying. First drops of the rain hit them.
"Chalo, Lets go get our wives.I need to save my sisters-in-law from my wife,anyways."Bala laughed at his own joke and they went inside.
They both entered the house and rang the bell , but no one appeared.When they checked the door it was unlocked and loud music was playing inside the house. They opened the door wide and the picture that greeted them made them stand rooted to the door. Ishita and Mihika dancing on the table with Vandu and Simmi cheering them.
Ishita,looked up and was shocked to see Bala and Raman there. Bala , on seeing the scene infront of him began laughing...Vandu & Simmi who noticed them finally joined him and began giggling hysterically with hands covering their mouth. But Raman's gaze was fixed on his wife,so when she missed a step and was about to fall,he rushed to herside and took her in his arms.
Mihika who saw all this stepped down from the table, reduced the volume and asked loudly "Jiju, What are you doing here.Aren't you supposed to be in Mumbai".
Before Raman could answer Bala answered,"He came here a day early to surprise his wife but inturn we got surprised." Chuckling he went near Vandu and placed an arm around her "Did you guys have fun.I came here to save them all from you"
"Bala..." Vandu giggled.
Bala turned to Raman and spoke"Raman,Ishu is safe now.You can put her down." He winked.
Ishita who was lost in her husband's eyes came back to herself and hurriedly stepped down from his arms and looked away from him.For some reason she was consciously gazing at all the others except for Raman.
Simmi who noticed all this thought to help her brother and sister-in-law.
She spoke loudly suppressing the chatter of others" What fun time we had.We should do this more often but for now Iam so sleeply.So, good night all."
She pulled Raman & Ishita along with her,they waved good nights to all and went home. Reaching home Simmi took off to her room on the pretext of checking on Ananya.
They reached their room in silence each lost in their own thought.It started drizzling outside now and soft winds blew into the room.The flowers which he earlier placed near the bed welcomed them.
Inside the room, Ishita tried to move towards her cupboard,but Raman pulled her back to where he was standing.She clutched his hand to stop the impact. In the process,she noticed the flowers and turned towards him with a raised eyebrow.
He brought her close to him with his hands on her waist and touched his head to hers.
" I bought them for you on my way home." he replied huskily."Will I get a solo performance on the table top" He continued looking intently into her face.
She blushed profoundly and replied with a sheepish grin "You already got one,remember. Now its my turn. May be you should do it for me."
With a hint of smile he gathered her close kissed her on the forehead and whispered"I have a better idea."
Leaving her,he walked to the cupboard and removed something and started placing them around the room.She noticed those as candles that he brought for her the other day.He lit them and switched off the light.
He turned towards her.The room illuminated in the candle light and she was there in the middle of the room , ethereal in white. Looking at her he took out his cellphone,put a song and placed it on the table.
His eyes still on her,he went and stood near her and extended his right hand. "May I" He asked.
'Saanson Ko Saanson Mein Dhalne Do Zara' started playing from the phone.
With a shy smile she put her hand in his and lifted her eyes to his.
Amid the night and rain,Amid the scent of flowers and caress of wind, Amid the glow of candles and fluttering of hearts, they swayed to the song.
Pushpa Impossible
CID
10