Chapter 23

6 months ago

MaDiee

@MaDiee

Hello people!

I'm back with another update of the series. Give it a try...

Coincidentally yours! 

Part 23 - Too late?

Pratap sat holding his head in both his palms. He was fighting his own internal battles, when a hand on his shoulder startled him. He looked up to see his mother looking stunning in her maroon and black saree. But it was her face, void of smile, that made Pratap lower his eyes.

"What made my son to leave his own party mid-way?" She asked softly, sitting beside him. Hint of stern voice made him lower his head in reply.

"That was rude" She put her hand caressing his head. Somewhat calming him down a little, urging him to speak up. He breathed in.

"She'll go back Ranima" She didn't ask who...as he spoke almost after patient five minutes. He looked away at that.

"That's what you wanted since the day she came, isn't it?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.

"But that's not what I want now!" He spoke instantly, pouting with a frown, making her suppress a chuckle.

It was her plan to choose her friend Hansa's daughter, Ajabde, as officer Ranaji was looking for. It was also her plan to make her stay at their home, to change her son's perspectives towards life and start living it. But she had no plans to send her back, wasn't it?

"Then what do you want?" Ranima asked lovingly, forcing him to think.

"Huh?" He had not thought about it.

What did he want? He was confused and angry? knowing the recent revelations and developments? Not knowing what he felt, was more challenging for a sorted man like him? Why he didn't like the fact that she won't stay with them forever like this? Did Ranima understand his super attachment towards Ajabde? Did  Ajabde also know? What did she feel? Did she feel anything? For them, for him? Then why would she leave?...

"Mann mein rakhne se kuch nahi hoga..." He looked up at the distant voice, as Ranima started walking back to their home, when he was in his own thought process.

"Waqt rehte dil ki baat zabaan pe aa jaaye, ussi mein sab ki bhalai hoti hai Pratap..." She assured him, knowing well the emotional struggle her son was feeling right now. She gave him some space to think and helped him with a hint smiling

"Talk to her"

By the time Pratap reached the corridor to their rooms, Ajabde was already asleep. He sighed at her sleeping figure and closed the half-opened door. Glancing at their me spot, 'balcony', he left for his room. Today was a big day and some actions were yet to make for tomorrow.

*

He was already up for their usual early morning routine. Did he sleep? Don't know.

"Akhiyaan... Hari darshan ko pyaasi!"

The melodious bhajan filled the home as he was up with some determination in his mind. Today he will clear everything. He will ask whatever he wanted to know. Today, they will talk.

He freshened up fast, reaching to their pooja room, where others were already present. He took the ashka when Ajabde was having prasad.

At the breakfast table, Ranima and Ajabde were having a non-stop chat. Later, Ranaji asked her to accompany her in his study, before they left for office. He could not get a chance to talk to her alone.

When he was ready, she finally came out in the hall. He thought, he will get a chance to talk in the car. Pratap was surprised, as two cars approached them. Before he could understand, she was taking blessings of his parents. When he was about to call her, a servant came placing her luggage as Ranima gave her a parcel.

"Thode din aur ruk jati meri bachhi" Ranaji sounded sad?

"Phir milenge na, Ranaji" Ajabde tried to sound normal.

"Who leaves this early Ajab?" Ranima pouted at Ajabde.

"Security checks and boarding procedures mein time lagta hai na Ranima." She hung her sling back on shoulder.

"I've packed some food. Garam garam hai... Have it when its hot only" She held her hand.

"Thank you Ranima. Flight ko time hai, I will have it on time" She hugged her tight as Ranima pecked her forehead.

"Have a safe journey" Ranaji put his hand on her head.

"You too take care Ranaji" He nodded as she side hugged him.

"Keep having occasional cheat meals..." She whispered winking, as Ranaji nodded laughing.

Wait. Is she leaving already? No body told him.

"Tumne bataya nahi?" Pratap could barely ask her.

"Tum mile hi nahi"

Was she disappointed? Yes, she was.

She had waited long, for him to show up. But he was lost and she lost him.

"Arre, par itni jaldi kya hai?" Pratap fumbled in his mind.

She smiled to him, spared a last glance, before sitting in the car.

That's it?

Before Pratap could think or react, the car drove off the porch. Pratap stared at the empty path for a while, trying to sink in that she was gone.

***

So, that's it for the day. Hope you liked it.

MaDiee