Part 12
Delhi Civil Court - June 14th, 11 am
“We are gathered here for the temporary custody hearing of minor Ruhi Bhalla. The contenders are biological mother Shagun Arora and biological father Raman Bhalla. May the proceedings begin,” Judge Bakshi declared with such conviction that there was no doubt who commanded the courtroom.
The contenders in question were seated on opposite sides of the courtroom in the front row, Raman on the left and Shagun on the right. Shagun sat with Ashok beside her, and apart from a couple secretaries, their side was relatively empty. In contrast, Raman had the support of the big Bhalla family. Mihir sat beside Raman occasionally offering him some water or a snack, considering he hadn’t eaten anything since he woke up. Toshi and Omprakash Bhalla sat in the second row along with Pulkit and Simi who had arrived there with Ananya to support Raman. Rinki and Romi wanted to come too but their father forbade them from skipping class. They left reluctantly with the promise of coming during their lunch break, after their morning lectures were over and before their evening classes started.
Ishita sat in the third row, away from the Bhallas, giving them space to be a family. Truthfully speaking, that was actually her excuse to isolate herself. Toshi and Simi had offered her a seat with them in the second row, but she declined. Amma and Appa wanted to be here to support her but she forced them to stay home with Ruhi. She was going to be called during the lunch recess by the judge and there was no reason for her to be here before then to witness her parents fighting in court. She even urged Mihika, Vandu, and Bala to continue with their jobs. She didn’t want anyone around her. She was going to lose the center of her universe today. Her world was coming off its axis. It would break her like nothing ever had, and she refused to put her family through such misery again.
The proceedings began. Both lawyers made their respective cases. Shagun’s lawyer painted a picture of a poor helpless woman who had to let go of her baby due to circumstances but has now shown up to right her wrongs and take care of her daughter. With Ashok by her side, she had the financial footing to provide for her and the emotional support to take care of her. The focus of his argument, however, was Shagun’s motherly love. She, as the mother, had the biggest right on Ruhi and she, as the mother, would be the best for Ruhi. The judge seemed to buy every part of his argument.
Raman’s lawyer Pathak, claimed that unlike Shagun, Raman had his entire family by his side to raise Ruhi. Her grandparents, her aunts and uncles, and even the Iyer family. In terms of money, he was no further behind than Ashok. His business was among the top most in the city, if not the country. He has known Ruhi on a personal level for much longer than Shagun and so she was bonded with him. It was only right not to uproot Ruhi from the family where she has already found her home.
Then, the cross-questioning started. Shagun’s lawyer pointed out as many flaws as he could in Raman ranging from his anger to his drinking habits. He questioned him in the witness box on how much time he spent with Ruhi, proving that he spent the majority of his time in his office and barely took out time for Ruhi.
Pathak questioned Shagun on her decision to leave Ruhi in the orphanage when she easily could have left her at Raman’s doorstep. However, his questions were met with fake inaudible sobs rather than answers, and the judge had to step in and stop the questioning.
Once the lawyers were done, Judge Bakshi laid her pen down and began to think. She saw that financially both parents were on equal footing. Both also had a support system. Shagun had Ashok while Raman had his family. But at the end of the day, she had to evaluate both parents, not their supporters. Shagun had made her case very clear: she loved Ruhi and was willing to go any lengths for her. She saw it in her words and actions. She promised to love her and look after her. On the other hand, Raman’s priorities seemed to lie elsewhere. He spent way too much time at work and not enough with Ruhi. He hadn’t denied his anger or alcohol problems making him a bad candidate to be a parent. The decision seemed more than clear to her. Shagun should get custody.
After years of being in the courtroom, Pathak was an expert in discerning the judge’s biases and picking up on who they would favor. And he could clearly see that Judge Bakshi was swayed against Raman. There was very little hope left for Raman.
“Maine dono paksho ki daleelein sun li hai aur samajh bhi li hain. Lekin apna faisla sunaane se pehle, mujhe do logon ki statement leni hain. Dr. Iyer, who is the child’s foster mother, and the child in question, Ruhi Bhalla. Dr. Iyer, please present yourself in the witness box,” the judge ordered.
It was time. She had to go up there and physically give away a piece of her heart. She tried standing up but instead, Ishita felt the energy drain from her legs such that they couldn’t support her anymore. Before she lost her balance however, two arms came up behind and held her by her shoulders. Vandu akka and Bala jeeju. They were here. And even though she had asked them not to come, she couldn’t be more thankful to see some familiar faces.
“It’s our lunch break and we’re free for a few hours, so we’re here for you Ishu,” Vandu said. “You can do this. I know you can.”
“Stay strong, Ishu. You got this,” Bala added.
As she found her balance again, Ishita took a deep breath and made her way to the front of the room. Shagun was cool as a cucumber. She was assured that Ishita would favor her. Raman’s face was indiscernible but through his eyes, Ishita could tell he was nervous to his core.
Once she was in the witness box and took the oath to say nothing but the truth, the judge spoke to her.
“Dr. Ishita Iyer, as the child’s adoptive mother, I want to hear your thoughts. Both parties here have been fighting for themselves to get Ruhi’s custody. I want you to speak on Ruhi’s behalf and contribute your opinion about where Ruhi would be the happiest and healthiest.”
“Your honour, I believe that Ruhi’s best interests lie in staying with her father and her paternal family. She is very close to each of them and has laid down roots. Uprooting her from the only family she’s known would be detrimental to her. They all love her more than anything.”
Both Raman and Shagun were shocked. The former pleasantly so, and the latter not so much. Neither could believe that Ishita had chosen Raman. Pathak breathed a sigh of relief. Their case was coming on track. But the judge was yet to be convinced.
“I understand that her grandparents and aunts and uncles adore her, but it is her father who would be responsible for raising her. Do you think Mr. Bhalla has what it takes? From what I’ve seen, his work is much more important to him than his child.”
“Your honour, Raman Bhalla isn’t the man to make great shows of emotion. But he will go to any length for the people he loves. And I can say without a shadow of doubt, that he loves his daughter. You might think he is too preoccupied with work but that is because he has been shifting his entire business from Mumbai to Delhi. The entire Bhalla family has shifted from their old flat to a new one that is right in front of ours just to be closer to Ruhi. What more proof do you want about his priorities? Trust me, he is a committed father.”
“And what about his temper? His drinking?”
Ishita was stumped here. She didn’t approve of that herself.
“Your honour, everyone has flaws. But Raman’s temper and his drinking has never posed a problem for Ruhi. I can attest to that.”
“How was your interaction with Shagun? She might not be bonded with Ruhi yet, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have what it takes.”
“I’m not thinking about what Shagun and Raman want, your honour. I’m only thinking about what Ruhi needs. Shagun can definitely have a relationship with her but not full custody. And definitely not this abruptly. The truth is that she plans on sending Ruhi to a hostel in the near future. That is not fair to her. She’d be robbed of a loving family and emotional support altogether. My final statement is that Ruhi would be happiest with the Bhalla family.”
“Okay, Dr. Iyer. I have noted your statement. The court will now take a short recess for lunch during which I’d like to speak to Ruhi Bhalla. Is she here?”
“She is on her way with my parents,” Ishita replied.
“Perfect.”
The judge temporarily dismissed everyone for the lunch break. One by one, people filed out of the court and gathered outside. Raman, Mihir, and Pathak stood together while Mr. and Mrs. Bhalla sat on a bench. Ishita stood nearby with Bala and Vandu. Romi and Rinki were just pulling up to the entrance when they all arrived outside. While their parents caught them up with the proceedings, Simi and Pulkit took their leave to go home for Ananya’s lunch and afternoon nap.
“Main Appa ko call karti hoon ki woh kahan reh gaye. Ruhi ko abhi judge se baat karni hogi,” Ishita mentioned. She dug through her purse to fish out her phone and dialed her father’s number only to hear the ringtone come from behind her.
She turned around to see her parents, Mihika, and Ruhi.
“Mihika, tum kyun aayi? Don’t you have work?”
“Maine aadhi din ki chutthi li hain akka. Aaj ke din aap ko akeli thodi chodti?”
Fortunately, Mihika was saved from a scolding session from her big sister by the arrival of the judge.
“Excuse me, Ruhi aa gayi hain kya?”
“Yes, she’s here,” Raman replied. “Ruhi, idhar aao.”
The little girl galloped to her father on cue.
“Dekho, yeh judge aunty hain. Maine aur Ishimaa ne aapko samjhaya tha na, ki aap ko unse aaj baat karni hain? To woh aap ko bulaane aayi hain. Woh aap ko jo bhi puche, uska jawaab dena, thik hai? Bilkul darna nahi.”
“Okay papa.”
The judge put out her hand for Ruhi to hold and she grabbed it. But before she went inside, she glanced back one last time to her happy place, Ishimaa. Ishita nodded reassuringly at Ruhi whose frown was now replaced with a smile. She turned around and went inside with Judge Meeta Bakshi.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Judge Meeta Bakshi’s office - 12:15 pm
Ruhi was seated with the judge on a leather couch. She liked this judge aunty. She was kind and funny. She was nice enough to get a cheese sandwich and orange juice for her. Ruhi sat there munching on the sandwich as the judge slowly eased into conversation.
“Aapko sandwich kaisi lagi Ruhi?”
“Acchi hain aunty.”
“Aap ki favorite hain?”
She nodded.
“Hmmm. Aap ko aur kya pasand hai?”
“Barbie, coloring, Dadi ke haath ke chole bhature, aur… aur…” she tapped her finger on her chin deep in thought. “Aur yaad nahi aa raha,” she giggled.
“Koi baat nahi. Aap yeh batao, aap ko apni family mein se kaun sab se zyada pasand hai?”
“Mujhe sab log pasand hai, aunty. Mumma, papa…”
“Aap ko mumma pasand hai?” She was surprised to hear this considering Ishita’s previous statement.
“Haan. Mumma to sabse zyada pasand hai. Woh mujhse bahot pyaar karti hain. Woh bahot achhi stories sunati hain raat ko. Aur mujhe huggy kar ke soti hain.”
Bakshi realized what the confusion was now. By mumma, Ruhi meant Ishita, not Shagun.
“Beta, main aapki Ishita mumma ke baare mein nahi puch rahi hoon. Main to Shagun mumma ke baare mein puch rahi hoon.”
“Nahi! Woh meri mumma nahi hain. Sirf Ishimaa hi meri mumma hain!”
“Accha, aap mujhe yeh batao, aap ki Ishimaa ke alawa aap ka favorite person kaun hai?”
“Papa mere favorite person hain.”
“Really?”
“Haan.”
“Aap ko apni family ke baare mein aur kya accha lagta hain?”
“Sab kuch. Tata, pati, dadu, dadi mujhse bahot love karte hain. Aur chitti, periamma, bua, periappa, chachu sab mere saath khelte hain aur masti karte hain.”
“Aap ko bahot maza aata hai?”
“Haan. Main phir Shravu aur Ananya ke saath bhi khelti hoon.”
“Woh kaun hai?”
“Shravu Vandu periamma ka son hai. Aur Ananya Simi bua ki daughter hain. Woh mere brother and sister hain.”
“Yeh to bahot acchi baat hain.”
“Judge aunty?”
“Yes beta?”
“Mujhe yahi pe rehna hain. Ishimaa, papa aur sab ke saath. Mujhe woh doosri aunty ke saath nahi jaana.”
The pooling tears and pleading innocence in Ruhi’s eyes melted Bakshi’s heart.
“Ok beta. Don’t worry. Aap ko hum leke chale aap ki family ke paas?”
“Haan.”
“Let’s go.”
Meeta Bakshi took Ruhi’s hand and led her outside to find her family. She now realized that she had been wrong in being biased towards the mother. Ishita’s statement, Ruhi’s interaction with Raman outside the court, the trust she placed in her father, and everything that Ruhi said just now forced Bakshi to think in a different perspective.
“Ishimaa!” Ruhi exclaimed when she saw Ishita. She left the judge’s hand and ran towards her to be embraced in a hug.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Delhi Civil Court - 12:40 pm
The time had come for the judge’s decision on Ruhi’s temporary custody. Everyone was on edge. Raman didn’t know if the judge was convinced that he deserved Ruhi. Shagun had no idea where the case would go now that Ishita’s statement had backfired. She also didn’t know what Ruhi would have said to the judge. Ashok sat there fuming at Shagun’s stupidity in assuming that Ishita was on her side. Ishita clutched Ruhi and held onto her trying to salvage the few moments that she could before she was taken away.
Judge Bakshi wrote down her statement and addressed the courtroom.
“In light of new evidence, namely the foster mother’s statement and the child’s wishes, the court decides to grant temporary custody to the biological father Raman Bhalla. Permanent custody will be decided pending a review of at least three months. Please be advised that I will keep a close watch on the case. That means you, Mr. Bhalla. You have yet to win permanent custody. Use these few months to show the court that you truly deserve her. Court adjourned.”
And with the strike of the gavel, the court had been dismissed.
The Bhallas and Iyers broke out into applause and celebration. Pathak turned around and hugged Raman. He was followed by Mihir and Romi and Rinki and his parents. The Iyers congratulated the Bhallas one by one. Through the corner of his eye, Raman saw Ashok and Shagun storm out with their lawyer following closely behind, and he couldn’t help but feel triumphant.
“Ishimaa, judge aunty ne kya kaha?” Ruhi asked Ishita. Seeing her family celebrate was reassuring but she needed verbal confirmation.
“Judge aunty ne kaha ki aap papa ke paas rahoge. Shagun mumma ke paas nahi.”
“Yay!!!” she screamed and jumped around.
The noise grew so loud that the guard had to come in and usher them all outside. They made it outside all right, but the noise did not quiet down.
“Oh meri Ruhi ghar aa gayi hain! Bhalla ji, hum is ravivar ko itni badi party rakhenge. Puri society ko bulayenge. Suna Romi, Rinki? Oh meri bacchi ghar aa gayi hain!!” Toshi was particularly over the moon after the judge’s decision.
“Ha ha Toshi ji, zaroor,” her husband reassured. “Bahot bada jashn hoga. Lekin filhal to ghar chaliye?”
It took a while, but eventually, all the Bhallas and Iyers were sent off towards home. Ruhi travelled with Toshi and Omprakash, while Romi and Rinki went off on his bike. Amma, Appa, and Mihika left together, and Vandu and Bala made their way back to their college. Ishita, Raman, and Mihir stayed back at Pathak’s request. He needed to talk with them.
“Whatever it is Pathak, please hurry up. I have to make it back to my office,” Raman commanded.
“Not at all bhai,” Mihir interjected sternly. “You almost lost Ruhi’s custody because of your misplaced priorities. Go home and spend time with her. I’ll take care of the office for today.”
“Mihir, boss main hu ya tu?”
“Mihir sahi keh raha hain, Raman bhai,” Pathak conceded. “This was one of the things I wanted to talk about. The judge is going to be watching closely. You have to make changes about your work, your drinking habits, and your temper. Spend more time at home. Ease on the alcohol. This time is crucial if you want to get permanent custody.”
“Fine. Mihir, you go to the office but I’ll be available by phone and email if you need me. I want updates every other hour. Do you get that?”
“Yes bhai, I got it.” Saying so, Mihir left for their office.
“Anything else Pathak?” Raman asked.
“Yes, just one more thing. Like I said, this period of three months is crucial to get Ruhi’s custody. One of the court’s requirements is that Ruhi has to stay with the parent who holds custody.”
“You mean Ruhi has to move into the Bhalla house?” Ishita asked.
“Yes Ishita ji.”
“Okay. I’ll start packing her stuff today. She should be ready to move in a few days. Anything else?” She kept her face as straight as possible even as her stomach flipped inside. It was real. Ruhi was leaving.
“Nothing else. That’s all. I’ll take your leave now. Congrats once again Bhai.”
Once Pathak left, Ishita and Raman were left alone in a deafening silence.
“Tumhe ghar chod du?” Raman tried to make conversation.
“Nahi, main apni gaadi le ke aayi hoon.”
Raman wasn’t used to a quiet Ishita. She either lectured or fought but she was never this quiet. Ever since she gave her statement, Raman had been wanting to thank her but couldn’t find neither the opportunity nor the words. Now would be the perfect time.
“Ishita…”
“Haan?”
“Actually I wanted to say…” he was interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone. It was his home phone. He picked up.
“Hello?”
“Raman puttar!” his mother spoke. “Ruhi tere aur Ishita ke baare mein puch rahi hain. Tum dono kab tak aaoge?”
“Main bas abhi aa raha hoon, maa.” He put his hand on his phone and asked Ishita, “Tum kab tak ghar aaogi? Ruhi is asking for us.”
“Mujhe abhi clinic jaana hain. I’ll be home by 5:30.”
He spoke into the phone again. “Maa, main abhi aa raha hoon. Ishita clinic jaa rahi hain. Woh shaam ko aayegi.”
“Thik hain, puttar. Jaldi aana.” And he hung up the phone.
“Aap kuch keh rahe the?” Ishita reminded him.
Oh yeah, that. He should probably thank her now.
“Kuch nahi. Main abhi ghar jaata hoon. Baad mein milte hain.”
“Okay. Bye.”
Both Ishita and Raman made their way to their cars. While Raman drove away, Ishita was still digging in her purse for her keys.
“ISHEETA!” Shagun’s shrill voice almost made Ishita jump out of her own skin. She turned around to see Shagun fuming.
“Isheeta! Yeh tumne kya kiya? Tumne to mujhe assure kiya tha ki tum mujhe support karogi! To phir aaj Raman ke support mein gawahi kyun di?”
“Maine aisa kabhi nahi kaha tha ki main aap ke favor mein statement dungi, Shagun. Maine kaha tha ki main Ruhi ke favor mein statement dungi. Aur Ruhi ki bhalaai isi mein hai ki woh Bhalla family ke paas rahe. Aap chahe to visitation rights maang sakti hain aur Ruhi ke saath rishta bana sakti hain. Lekin custody is too big of a step.”
“Isheeta, main un Bhallas ke saath koi rishta nahi rakhna chahti. Agar tumne mujhe favor kiya hota to main khud Ruhi ki dekhbhaal karti. Uski acchi tarah se parvarish karti.”
“Waise hi jaise aapne apne bete Aditya ki parvarish ki? Use hostel bhej ke, apni family se door karke?”
Shagun was speechless. She stared at Ishita jawdropped. She had never anticipated that Raman would open up about their past.
“Mujhe aap ki sacchai acche se pata hain. Woh forms aur brochures isiliye the taki aap Ruhi ko bhi hostel bhej sake. Aur woh main nahi hone de sakti thi. Sorry.”
Ishita finally found her key and drove off, leaving Shagun standing there infuriated.
“This is not over Isheeta. I promise you. Iska jawaab to tumhe milkar rahega.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Akash Ganga Society Hall - June 17th, 4 pm
The society hall was decorated with pink and purple balloons and streamers, all to Ruhi’s liking. Energetic Punjabi and Bollywood music played from the speaker system. A variety of spicy and sweet dishes were lined up along the side in a buffet style. After all, Toshi Bhalla’s granddaughter had come home for good. The entire society was gathered there to celebrate. Ruhi was the center of attention. She danced with Shravu, Mihika, Mihir, Romi, and Rinki in the middle of the hall. Her grandparents joined her occasionally as well. Toshi even managed to pull in Raman for a dance or two, even though he spent most of the party sitting alone checking his email and coordinating with his clients.
Amma, Appa, Vandu, and Bala were seated at a table with some vegetarian snacks that Toshi had specially arranged for them. While they were all happy for Ruhi and the Bhallas, they couldn’t find any joy in dancing with them. After all, they were worried sick for Ishita.. She had spent every spare second of the past few days either packing up Ruhi’s stuff or snuggling with her. She had even taken a break from the clinic to cherish as much time she had left as Ruhi’s mother. Nevertheless, despite her best efforts of coping with her loss, she was miserable. They had all tried their best to support her, but it didn’t seem to help. Even now, while everyone was downstairs celebrating, she was upstairs packing up the last of Ruhi’s things. She would be moving out tonight.
“Amma, Ishu kaisi hain?” Vandu asked.
“Woh bahot dukhi hain, Vandu. Woh humse kuch share hi nahi karti. Kehti hain, she will be fine. I don’t understand, main usko kya bolu.”
Vishwa put a hand on his wife’s shoulder in an effort to ease her worry. “Madhu, tum zyada stress mat lo. Ishu ko thoda time do. Woh apne aap ko sambhal legi.”
Across the room, Mihika and Mihir were in a similar conversation.
“Mihika, I’m so happy for bhai! Unhe finally unke haq ki khushi mili hai itne time baad,” Mihir exclaimed.
“Tumhara bhai khush to lag nahi raha. Kab se apne phone mein ghusa hua hain.” Mihika nodded in the direction of Raman.
“Mihika, tum unhe nahi jaanti. Woh apni khushi nahi dikhaate lekin woh khush zaroor hain.”
“Yeah right.”
“Tumhe achanak kya hua hain?”
“What do you mean kya hua hain? Sab log yahan itne khush hain. Tumhe apne bhai ki jeet pe itni khushi ho rahi hain, lekin meri akka? Woh to haar gayi na? Ab unka kya hoga? Woh Ruhi ke bina kaise rahengi?”
“I’m sorry Miku. Maine woh to socha hi nahi. Kaisi hain tumhari akka? Kahan hain woh?”
“Woh upar hain. Ruhi ka bacha kucha saamaan pack kar rahi hain.”
“Tumhe unke paas nahi jaana?”
“Woh nahi chaahti ki koi unke liye pareshaan ho. In fact, she’s the one who sent us all down here to celebrate. She wants to stay alone. This is her problem, you see. She’ll take care of everyone, she’ll ease others’ pain, but she won’t let anyone help her. She’ll suffer in silence and hide her wounds until they’re either gone or just easier to hide.”
“She’s not too different from Raman Bhai in that manner. Bhai also refuses to let anyone else see his pain. So he hides it all under a mask. Do you want to go to your sister? Does she need help in packing?”
“No, she needs to do this by herself. She needs to pack Ruhi’s stuff and get closure for herself.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Upstairs, Iyer house, Ruhi & Ishita’s bedroom
Ishita had packed up most of Ruhi’s clothes and toys the night before. Now, all that was left was her essentials. One by one, she packed up her things -- her toothbrush, her favorite hair comb with Rapunzel on it, her towels, her favorite blanket, and her coloring books and barbie dolls. Each and every object had precious memories attached to it that were etched into Ishita’s heart. The past five months flashed in front of her eyes like a flipbook. These five months had been the happiest that she had ever been. She was a mother to the most precious child she could have asked for. And she couldn’t believe that she wasn’t going to be her mother anymore. Her Ishimaa. It seemed so real and unreal at the same time. Her chest tightened at the thought of it but her mind refused to believe it was true.
Convincing Ruhi had been the worst part. She and Raman had told Ruhi that she needed to move to Papa’s house after the trial, but she refused to budge. It took a lot of coaxing from her grandmother for her to even consider it. Eventually, Raman managed to convince her to move with him by saying that she stayed with mumma for five months. It was only fair that papa got to stay with her too. Ishita was happy to see Raman coming into his element as a parent without even realizing it. He and Ruhi would be just fine. She, on the other hand, maybe not so much.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Bhalla/Iyer Residence - 9:30 pm
The party had left everyone exhausted, especially their tiny munchkin Ruhi. All she wanted to do was lie in bed and drift to sleep. But when she arrived at the door to her house with the rest of her family, she saw Ishita standing there with her bags.
“Ishimaa, meri bags yahan kyun hain?”
“Aap bhul gaye bacche? Aaj se aap papa ke ghar pe rahoge na?”
“Oh yeah. Main to bhul hi gayi.”
“Chalo, hum aap ko wahan settle kar dete hain.”
“Ruhi, dadi ke paas aaja. Main tujhe tera kamra dikhati hoon.” Toshi picked her granddaughter up and took her to her own room. Ishita, Raman, Romi, and Rinki followed behind her with Ruhi’s luggage.
Ruhi’s room was designed especially for her, exactly to her liking. It was painted in canary yellow and baby pink pastel colors, with a large poster of Rapunzel over her bed. Her bedding was white and pink to match the room, and she had her own desk filled with crayons and color pencils. Ruhi marveled at her new room even though her exhaustion was apparent as she stifled a yawn.
“Ruhi, abhi aap so jao. Dekho, kitni neend aa rahi hain aapko?” Ishita said. “Main aap ka brush aur nightdress nikalti hoon.”
Soon enough, Ishita had changed Ruhi into her nightdress and tucked her into bed. For the last time, she told her a story and Ruhi drifted into the land of fairies and princesses.
“Ruhi so gayi kya?” Raman asked her when she emerged into the living room. By this time, the rest of his family had gone to bed.
“Haan. Bas abhi abhi aankh lagi hain uski.”
“Thik hain.”
“Raman, uska acche se khayal rakhna.”
“That I will.”
“Just check on her at night also. Woh kya hai na, woh apna left leg kick karti hain kabhi aur blanket uchal deti hain. To use wapas cover karna padta hain.”
“Thik hain. I’ll check on her.”
“Aur… aur woh kabhi kabhi khaane ke waqt bahot zid karti hain ki use vegetables nahi khaane. To use daatke khilana padta hain.”
“All right…”
“Aur woh bahot der tak soti hain subah. To use time par uthana padega warna woh raat no jaldi nahi soyegi aur uska schedule mess up ho jaayega.”
“Ok, I’ll…”
“Aur haan, use raat ko story sune bina neend nahi aati so you better learn some fables and fairytales… aur…”
“Ishita!” Raman said sternly. “Calm down. She’s going to be fine. We’ll take care of her.”
“I know, I know. Actually woh kabhi mere bina rahi nahi hain na, isiliye mujhe chinta hoti hain. Sach kahun toh, main bhi uske bina nahi rahi hoon. Woh to shayad reh legi mere bina, lekin main kaise…” Ishita couldn’t speak any further as she choked back on a brick of tears. She wasn’t strong enough to hold them in this time and let her tears flow down her cheeks.
“Ishita…”
Before Raman could say anything, Ishita made a quick escape.
Raman slumped down on the couch of his living room. When he saw Shagun and Ashok’s faces today after he won the case, he felt victorious. But all of a sudden the victory didn’t seem to have its appeal. He seriously doubted his ability to be a good parent. And he couldn’t help but feel responsible for separating Ruhi and Ishita, even if it wasn’t his fault. When he first met her, he hated the sight of her. He hated that she had more control over his daughter than he did. Because the last time a woman had control of his kid, he had lost his kid. Shagun had kept his kids away from him for no good reason other than to make him miserable. She had placed Adi in a boarding school and Ruhi in an orphanage. And then there was this woman, Ishita. She had the biggest hand in reconnecting him with his daughter even with the risk that she’d lose her. Yet, she did the right thing, ignoring her pain. He could be annoyed with her all he wanted, but that woman deserved respect.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Ishita wiped her tears away and composed herself before she entered her home. It was a good call since her family was right there in the living room waiting for her.
“Ishu, all ok na?” Vandu asked as she patted the empty seat next to her.
“Yes akka. I’m ok,” Ishita replied and took the seat next to her sister. “Ruhi so gayi hain. She’ll be fine.”
“I’m asking about you.”
“I’m fine too. Don’t worry.”
“Vandu, we need to get going. Tomorrow is Monday. We all have to get up bright and early,” Bala said. “Ishu, are you sure you’re ok?”
“Haa jeeju, main thik hoon. Aap log jao. Dekho, Shravu ko to already kitni neend aa rahi hain,” she pointed to her nephew who was half asleep on the couch.
“One minute. Bala, Vandu, mujhe aur tumhare appa ko ek baat karni hain sabse,” Madhu announced. “Vishwa, bolo.”
“Ishu ke liye ek rishta aaya hain.”
“Appa, no! Aap bhi? Maine bola tha mujhe shaadi nahi karni!” Ishita cried.
“Ishu, pehle sun to lo. Yeh rishta hume bahot pehle aaya tha. Aur humne mana bhi kar diya tha kyunki tumhare paas Ruhi thi. Lekin ab Ruhi chali gayi hain aur tumhe move on karna hoga. Woh log ab bhi yeh rishta karna chahte hain. Aur sabse acchi baat to yeh hai ki hum sab ladke ko bhi jaante hain aur uski family ko bhi.”
“Ladka hain kaun, Appa?” Bala asked.
“Abhimanyu Raghav.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
comment:
p_commentcount