Coming out of the building, Raman curtly fobbed off a few reporters. Security guards made way for him. Angrily, he slammed the door of his Audi convertible, harshly. Even in the blaze of red he winced at his carelessness to the car.
Why are you so pissed that she is dating someone?' cursing that thought, Raman presses the accelerator hard. Screeching the car took off.
Part 17
Bombay
Finally, at 8.50 in the night, an exhausted ishita staggered inside the Khanna residence.
You look like crap!' Ishita muttered.
Massaging Ishita's shoulders, Shagun propelled her towards the sofa.
Oh that feels good Shags. You wont believe what that man made me do.' Ishita stretched her tired form on the leather sofa.
oh no... what?' shagun asked, cupping her face, in utter shock.
"cut it down drama queen!' Raman gave me truckloads of work to finish before I left tonight.'
Shagun chuckled sympathetically.
anyway, you guys please feel free to leave, where's my little munchkins?' Ishita inquired.
You obviously haven't checked your messages. We cancelled our plans. Advey has fever.'
Darn! How much is it?' Ishita asked, sitting up concerned.
A little less than hundred. Hopefully, hell be okay after a goodnights sleep. Why don't I pour us a glass of chilled wine, order some food and rent a good movie? Lets have an impromptu ladies-night-in,' Shagun suggested.
Prefect! But are you sure Ashok wont mind/'
"Ash is not here. We were supposed to meet long lost college bud of his, so sent him himself. Changfa or anaicha?' Shagun asked, upholding up two home-delivery menues.
Changfa. Be sure to order paneer tikka also,' Ishita said, picking up the editorial page lying on the sofa.
What are you reading?'
Shagun, a newspaper glutton, subscribed to numerous and actually read each page, start to finish.
there was a very interesting article, on that molestation incident which happened a few months ago in Mumbai on new years eve,' Shagun replied, fetching the wine.
Cant believe few groups had the audacity to hold the women's attire responsible for the depravity,' ishita recalled, bummed.
Shagun rudely snorted. When women covered from head to toe or draped in six yards of cloth are not safe from determined perverts, how dare any of us think any different?'
Ishita shook her head. Its absolutely depressing! For instance, someone in front of you accidentlly drops a thousand bucks. Whether you steal the money or give it back is a reflection of your character, not the person who dropped it.'
Point melore?' Shagun asked.
Similarly, if a man assaults a women wearing a mini skirt and ignores a fully clad female, that is a reflection of his character and not the women's. the man is the pervert, the criminal, not the women. She is a victim!' Ishita asserted.
That's true!' Shagun agreed, handing Ishita the wine.
No one really cares anymore for what is right and what is wrong. All sides have political ambitions, vested interested or too damn busy lives to bother. Anyhow, I am going to hug Advey. I need to hold him.' Ishita got to her feet.
(Author's note: sorry guys these news always infuriate me and I am a damn feminist so please bear me hihihi)
I want all the details of what happened between you and Mr.Midas. every single sordid bit,' Shagun called out, using one of the tags the press had anointed raman with.
I knew there has to be a selfish reason for you to offer me food,' taunted Ishita disappearing in the little tots room.
Im not paying either.'
Finally, close to 11.30 pm, Ishita got to her house. Her mother was up, dutifully watching the last from her regimen of tv soaps. One would think doctor prescribed them.
Now, who died or had plastic surgery?' Ishita teased lying down on the sofa, resting her head in Amma's lap.
Contrary to popular belief and frequent squabbles, Ishita was quite close to her mom and vise versa. Only neither of them said it, probably waiting to spot a pig whizzing around.
Madhavi stroking her hair murmured, Tired, Ishu?'
Hmm!' Ishita shut her eyes, enjoying the relazing strokes. There was something about a mothers touch. It always eased whatever the ailment.
You work so hard in the office and then have to baby sit for your friends,' Madhavi grumbled, massaging her almost asleep daughters scalp.
Maa, you know I do it because I want to. I love Advey.'
When will you have your own and get married?'
Cool mom, very modern,' Ishita remarked.
What do you mean?'
Have a kid and then get married, very bold and beautiful types!' Ishita teased.
Madhavi had a laugh. Be serious, Ishu!'
Please can we change the topic? Kindly tell me what was the highlight of your and papa's day.' Ishita snuggled deeper in her mothers lap.
Nothing really! Oh yes, Raman called.'
Ishita's eyes shot open and she stiffly sat up. Raman Bhalla called?'
Yes, Raman Bhalla of course! Who else do we know by that name?'
So wht did he call?' Ishita asked, keeping her mother focused.
What do you mean why did he call? He called to say hello, talked to you appa and me for quite some time. We also discussed plans of receiving Toshi didi at the airport.'
That's all!'
"raman told me something else missy!' Madhavi playfully whacked her on the arm.
What was that for?' Ishita muttered.
Why dint you call up and tell us Raman bought Ace Advertising Agency?' Madhavi rebucked.
Sorry! The new takeover really kept me busy.' You cannot imagine how, Ishita contemplated.
Well anyway, I told him everything about your good-for-nothing company!' Madhavi confessed, sagely.
What did you tell him?' Ishita demanded, all imaginary antennas buzzing.
About how that Mrs Shukla makes you work so hard, for mere peanuts; about the lack of communication and creativity in the higher management of the company.' Madhavi's expression was smug.
Mom, sometimes you speak too much!' Ishita flared.
That's the thanks I get.'
Whatever! Please do tell what Raman's response was?'
Verbatim?' Madhavi teased
Amma!'
raman said, "now that im there, ill make sure Ishita gets everything she truly deserves." See what a thoughtful boy,' Madhavi chattered, as Ishita abruptly got up, heading towards her bedroom.
Thoughtful? Yeah sure! Even Dr Hannibal Lector was very thoughtful. Killing and eating his victims, was all he thought about,' ishita muttered, drawing the covers over her head.
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here is the update guys.. i know its short sorry but as i promised everyday update... so here it is..
Music Corner
Itti Si Khushi Sab TV
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