CHAPTER 5 Raman had to spend an extra one and a half hour in Adi's flat as Ruhi refused to leave,clothed in partially dried uniform.Raman was amazed when Ruhi requested dinner to Ishitha.On one hand,Raman wanted to admonish Ruhi for her free behaviour with a woman she met only a few hours before,on the other hand he was grateful that Ruhi was ready to eat without any fuss or drama.He was even more surprised when Ishitha agreed and readily went into the kitchen.
Raman knew that Ishitha was puposefully ignoring any conversation with him.But there were many questions left unanswered in his mind.Hence,when Adi was going into the kitchen to lend Ishitha a hand,Raman insisted that Adi stay with Ruhi while raman help Ishitha out in the kitchen.
Ishitha was busy cutting vegetables.She bent her head to see Raman standing quite close to her.She was startled for a second.
"Sorry,I did not mean to scare you."Rman said in a gentle voice.
"Raman Bhalla apologising!So much change in 11 years?"Ishitha said with a smile
"OK,Dont push it now!"
Both fell into a comfortable silence.
"Adi is very friendly with Ruhi...I did not expect that."
Ishitha's face was impassive.
"Even though you think that I am a scheming,evil woman,I have better things to do than fill Adi's ears with stories against you and your family."
After a short pause,Raman again started.
"Why do you work Ishitha?You have more than enough money"
"NONE OF YOUR BUISNESS RAMAN BHALLA!'.Ishitha put down the knife with more force than necessary.
"Listen carefully Raman.You can talk anything related to Adi with me.I have no problem with Adi spending time with your family.Ruhi can come here anytime.But I would appreciate it very much if you don't nose into my matters.The money I earn is enough to meet every need of Adi.I can assure you that your son is not deprieved of anything in life!'Ishitha finished off passionately.
Raman was taken aback.The Ishitha he married was a person who seldom showed courage to look at his eyes and have a conversation,let alone raise her voice against him.But the Ishitha who stood before him regarded him as her equal.He found this passionate and confident Ishitha absolutely sexy.He frowned upon his own thoughts.
"OK,chill.I will not involve myself in your personal matters."
"That is better"
Ishitha got back to her work ignoring him but,Raman was not yet finished.
"Um...Ishitha..."
"WHAT?"Ishitha barked.
"I...um...I just wanted to say that ...that Adi is a very good boy...quite intelligent...handsome too...he has quite a remarkable personality ...you did a great job and..."
"I wholeheartedly welcome your gratitude Raman,even though expressed indirectly ande belatedly."Ishitha said with a smile.
Raman's face flushed a light shade of pink.He abruptly turned towards the refrigerator,took a bottle of water and fled the kitchen.
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