You and I, plus 2 years of marriage!

CHASTE GANGES

{6}

‘Take it,’ said Rajat and handed his elder brother a glass of chilled Mango milkshake. He took it, raising an eyebrow at his sudden display of affection.

‘Mom told me to give,’ he said curtly.

‘Well, that explains. You saved me from a heart-attack in the nick of the time,’ quipped Ronav. Rajat rolled his eyes and went inside. He stretched his legs on the low table and looked at the sprawling city before him. There was no doubt that Ronav missed Mumbai. He breathed in the humid breeze of the evening. He was home.

Sunaina walked onto the balcony holding a glass and leaned against a pillar. Her son smiled at her.

‘It’s delicious mom.’

She smiled back at him and drank the milkshake.

‘So, how is work?’ she asked casually.

‘A little hectic, but I can manage. Nothing to stress about,’ he said shrugging. She let out a sigh and shook her head.

‘Then why did you get a transfer to Mumbai? You never even mentioned about it during your phone calls. I am sure, you didn’t hide this because you wanted to give us a surprise,’ she said holding his gaze.

Ronav finished drinking the milkshake and placed the glass on the table. He moved his legs from the table and put them on the floor. He neither wanted to lie to his mother nor reveal the truth. It was embarrassing. Sunaina sat down on the chair near him.

‘Rony, what happened? You don’t say much these days. I have seen you quietly brood over something ever since you came back from Chennai. Tell me what is it? Maybe I can help you.’

Wordlessly he sat down at her feet and laid his head on her lap. She affectionately caressed his head. Her touch broke his wall of defence and made him vulnerable. He was tired of pretending that he was alright.

‘I had a heartbreak, mom,’ he whispered. Sunaina was surprised by the revelation. She had not even got a whiff of his relationship all these days. But it was hard to accept that a girl had broken his heart. Her son was a gem. She felt anger for the one who was responsible for his pain. Slowly she kissed his forehead.

‘Life is not easy, so is love. You should move on, my boy,’ she said tenderly. Ronav closed his eyes and let his mother’s words embrace his tortured mind.

***

‘Hi Nithyayuvani!’ greeted Jessica in the waiting lobby. Nithyayuvani gave her a warm smile and shook her hand.

‘Surya informed me about the interview. MD will meet you in a few minutes. By the way, you are well before schedule. Please have a seat,’ insisted Jessica. They both sat down on the comfortable sofa.

‘It has been a while since we met. I think the last time I saw you was during the launch party. Moreover my assignments have increased ever since Ronav left,’ said Jessica letting out a sigh.

Nithyayuvani froze. She had volunteered to interview the Managing Director of that company only to get a chance to meet Ronav again. He had snapped all ties with her in real as well as the virtual world. His mobile number no longer existed. Cognizant of the pair of eyes staring at her, she composed herself.

‘When did he quit?’ she asked trying to keep her voice calm. Jessica laughed lightly.

‘Oh come on, don’t tell me that you don’t know where he went. You both were really close friends. That evening, both of you were so engrossed in conversation and you left together,’ she said recollecting that memorable evening. Nithyayuvani turned crimson hearing her words.

‘I really don’t know that he quit.’

Jessica frowned at her in confusion.

‘Is everything alright, Nithyayuvani? You look disturbed.’

Nithyayuvani managed to give her a slight smile.

‘Nothing… I am fine. Which company has he joined?’

‘He did not quit to join a different company. He requested for a transfer to Mumbai. It has been a fortnight since he left,’ replied Jessica.

The personal assistant of the MD informed Nithyayuvani that she could begin her interview. Jessica escorted her to his cabin. Nithyayuvani thanked her and walked inside with a heavy heart.

***

‘Mumbai?!’ asked Krishna raising his eyebrows. Nihal stopped stirring the paneer gravy gawked at his sister.

‘What rubbish?’ he yelled and walked out of the kitchen after reducing the flame of the stove. Nithyayuvani remained unfazed. His reaction was no surprise for her. She sipped her coffee and glanced at Krishna who was sitting across her at the dining table. There was a silent plea in her look.

‘Baby, relax. Let us first listen to her completely before jumping to conclusions,’ said Krishna running to her rescue.

‘There is nothing to listen Krish! You don’t know this girl. She can be really crazy at times. I have no idea why she wants to jump to Mumbai now.’

‘Anna please, you should help me convince our parents about this. I really have to go to Mumbai. This is important,’ she said with a forlorn hope. Krishna did not miss the pain in her voice. Nihal’s phone started to ring. Talking on the phone, he walked into the kitchen to finish preparing the gravy.

‘This is about him, isn’t it?’ asked Krishna in hushed whisper leaning towards her.

‘Who?’ asked a startled Nithyayuvani.

‘That mystery man, for whom you were crying the other day.’

‘How did you—’

‘He doesn’t hide anything from me. But I am right, aren’t I?’

Wordlessly, she nodded. He smiled at her affectionately.

‘Don’t worry. I will convince him. You should go, Nithya. Give your love a chance. No matter what might be the consequence, you will never regret it.’

Nihal finished cooking. Krishna helped him lay the table for dinner. They began eating in silence.

‘The gravy is delicious!’ beamed Krishna. Nihal gave him a quick kiss unmindful of Nithyayuvani. They no longer had any inhibitions around her and she had grown comfortable with their display of love.

‘I think we should let her go to Mumbai, baby.’

Nihal glared at him.

‘Will you stop pampering her? She cannot always have her way. There is no question of sending her to Mumbai. We are well aware of how safe it is for a woman!’

‘Nihu…please. I think she can take care of herself. She is a very mature and intelligent girl. You are unnecessarily getting paranoid. Moreover I have friends in Mumbai, who can help her,’ said Krishna trying his best to convince Nihal.

‘Now what is the necessary that she MUST go to Mumbai?’ he asked impatiently. Krishna let out a sigh and looked into his eyes.

‘For the same reason why I came to meet you from Lucknow.’

Nithyayuvani stared down at her plate without lifting up her head. Krishna squeezed Nihal’s hand gently.

‘Who is he, Nithya?’ asked Nihal softly. There was no trace of anger in his voice.

‘Ronav,’ she replied looking up.

‘Are you sure, you want to do this?’

‘Anna, trust me. I am only listening to my heart,’ she replied intensely.

                             To be continued...