BALH Paanch Saal Baad Part 106
Part 106
“Vikram!” Ram tried to keep his voice as low as he can, “This is the
last time I am telling you; it is not possible for me to leave Priya and Pihu
here alone.”
When Pihu just started behaving normal, Priya started entrusting Ram
again, an emergency surfaced. The Japanese Collaborates expressed to back out
from the joint venture if Ram doesn’t show up. Walking off by them will cause a
huge impact on the financial stability of the Kapoor Industries. Few hundreds
of new employees hired for the project will lose their jobs; the capital
invested will be sucked off as per the contract. Vikram had the power of
attorney to execute the dealings but they wanted Ram Kapoor for a reason. Ram
was jammed. Just when he promised Priya to be by her always; this new adverse
situation showed up.
“Ram, try to understand just your decision will affect few hundred
families. Don't be cruel to them just to protect your own. I know Priya needs
you at this crisis. But she will understand if you explain the crisis properly.
I have the power of attorney not some super powers to disguise as Ram Kapoor
over night.” Vikram scorned. “If your family needs you, then your this family
also needs you. You can't run away from your responsibilities towards it.”
“Please stop giving lectures. Let me find a way to tackle this
situation.” Ram frowned. None of them spoke for next few minutes. “Okay. I will
come back in one condition only.”
“What?”
“I will return immediately after they leave for their country. You
will continue to look after everything like you are doing.” Ram asked for his words.
“Okay. As you wish!!”
Under his deep sigh, Ram continued, “Let me talk to Priya. I have to
make her understand about the crisis. I am going to have a tough time ahead
again.” Disconnecting the call Ram sat in silence chalking out a plan to convince
Priya.
Ram walked inside the kitchen and hushed the other domestic helps
there barring them to disclose his presence to their mistress. Directed by
master the two people left the kitchen, keeping Priya unaware of it. She felt
her husband's presence from the fragrance of the perfume that she gifted him
that morning without any occasion. “Mr. Kapoor now when you have managed to
send them away, it is now you who has to assist me.” Priya said without turning
back to him.
“How do you know that I am here?” Ram smiled after he asked.
“Arey I forgot to tell you
I have set spy cams on you. If follows you where ever you go.” Smirked Priya.
“Very funny.” He walked and stood beside her with her length levelled
much below his shoulder height. “What are you cooking?”
“Step down from that stool Ram.” Priya scolded before answering, “It
is not a stand.” Looking down Ram was bemused.
“How do you know I am standing on something?” He asked.
“I know, I look like a dwarf in front of your mighty self, not a Lilliput.”
She smiled keeping her gaze fixed on the cooking pan.
“Accha suno.” Ram turned
her to him holding Priya with his hands. “There is an emergency.” He sighed
before continuing. “I recently collaborate with a Japanese company. Though
Vikram was taking care of everything but they want to meet me.”
“Okay. SO.” Putting the stove to simmer, she looked for an answer.
“I have to go back.”
Nodding her head from side to side, Priya looked down. “Again.. why
Mr. Kapoor. Every time this has to happen?”
“Priya, I tried to convince Vikram. But he said they only want to
meet me, else they will withdraw and you want us to be blamed for the complete
loss?” Ram said.
“I don't want that definitely. But did you ever tried to speak to
the collaborators directly?” asked Priya. “No. You haven't. I knew it. Then you
can't blame Vikram for not accepting. He is working on your behalf. It is
natural for the Japanese people to look for you. Vikram should not be blamed
for not agreeing.” She frowned.
“Priya I am not blaming anyone. I am putting the unavoidable circumstances
to you. Please try to understand. They will never listen to me even.” Pleaded
Ram.
“Don't conclude; when you haven't tried.” Priya scowled. “If you did
try and they didn't agree then I would have believed you.”
“Priya please...” Little annoyed Ram tried to call her back. Denying
his plea Priya walked out instructing the helps to complete the rest.
~~
“Papa, this weekend I have to go all the way to Sydney and you will
not there to cheer me?” Pihu complained after she got update about Ram’s sudden
departure.
“These art things don't need whistling cheer; I thought?” Ram said,
“Why don't you take your mom?”
“I took her with me to Delhi, you remember?” Pihu asked. How can he
forget those days, those were the beautiful days his life.
“Yes I do” he answered.
“So I thought to take you there this time along with her.” Pihu
surprised Ram with her reply. “I forgot to tell you, Apeksha bua helped me with
your tickets and mom’s tickets I got approved from organisers. One parent is
allowed.”
“I disappointed you too.” Ram gasped.
“Me too... what does that means Papa?” Pihu asked, “Who else is
upset for your sudden departure? Though I should tell you I am not upset, I can
understand the crisis. I saw you working hard from here, in the past few
weeks.”
“Are you meeting Advik regular?” bewildered by Pihu’s reactions he
asked. “I mean are you my daughter or someone else disguised as her?”
“Really Papa?” scolded Pihu. “And to your question the answer is
yes. I am meeting him regularly. I mean I just love the new discoveries he is
guiding me into. He is a nice guy and good doctor and Papa please come back
soon. I need your help in something.” She whispered the last lines, “About
Mom.”
“What about her?” Ram whispered back, “Let me tell you; your mother
is mad over me.”
“Oh! Not more than a week. You will come back by then na?”
“I will try.”
“Do it! Else papa, let me tell you, you will be in your grave.” The
father daughter looked stunned to each other. After a few seconds they laughed
together.
~~
“Priya.” Calling his wife he walked inside, “Priya my flight is
sharp at 8 in the evening. Please come here I need to talk to you.” He settled
on the bed. Less than four hours were left for his departure from the country
and two hours to report at the airport. “Please.”
Strolling out his bags Priya came and stood folding her hands near belly.
“Your bags are ready. I think if any thing is left behind you will not mind to
leave it safe with your wife. But...” she felt the pull against her elbow. Falling
safe on the bed her hair got rumbled over her face. Moving them to its place
Ram smiled at his whining wife.
“You look beautiful when you look at me with a raging look.” Ram
smiled, making his grip stronger against her hands.
“Leave me!!” she ordered struggling under his strong hold. She felt
his hand slowly moving up to her forearm and she helplessly felt them getting
laced with hers. “What are you doing?” she furrowed.
“Nothing. Taking what is mine.” Replying in husky voice he lowered his
face. “And now you can't do anything because just now you only said how
mightier I am than you.” He moved his left hand under her back, trailing it to
her waist. “Do you want to say any thing?” Ram said looking at her tormented
face, eyes closed tight against it. There came no reply from her side. She felt
his smile and strong gaze over her. Anticipating his next move she denied
looking to him.
“My arrogant wife.” He smiled and keeping his hand fixed on her
waist he moved her face to him, with her chin.
“Leave me....” herparted lips helpedhim. Without letting her hum
anymore, he sealed her lips with his. Her loose hands tried to get hold of him.
But it failed, affected by her mister’s masterly act. Clutching her wrist; he
kissed her softly. They didn't make love for months but since last time he
never got chance even to kiss her again. Pihu landed herself every single night
in between them, which they welcomed dearly and then this happened, the sudden
departure. How can he leave behind a raging wife? She has to be pacified. His
urge increased with his masterly act conquering her. He came apart with the
need of air. Looking at his wife he smiled and repeated few pecks on her bare
lips, which still remained parted but definitely not welcoming him. Lying on
his back, with head resting on his right hand, he looked beside to find Priya
gasping and breathing heavy. “Still mad over me? Please try to understand. I
will be back as soon as we wrap up. I promise you.”
“Don't come back!” hassling she sat on her place.
“Why?” Ram sat by her, resting his forehead on her shoulder. “Don't
make this difficult for me Priya.”
“I am making this easy for you Mr. Kapoor.” She stood allowing him
to tumble. “I will handle. Trust me!!”
“Priya!! Please.” Ram held her again. Pulling her into his embrace
he pressed himself more to him until she moved her hands up along his back. “I
love you Priya.”
“I love you too Ram. That’s why I expect something from you and
every time you fail me.” Priya dug her face on his chest. In silence they heard
their heart beating loud. They will definitely miss each other badly. But Priya
was in no mood to forgive him this time. Pushing him back from her they stood
parted. “But this time, I will not forgive you.”
“Priya I am helpless.” Ram pleaded again.
“I am too Mr. Kapoor. But you always prioritise your business so I
want you to stay back with your business only. Don't bother about us. I will
keep you updated about every little development but please don't come back to
leave us alone again. It hurts.” A lone tear escaped her eyes. Before it could
spoil her face, she controlled. “Please get ready, Apeksha said you have to
leave by 5 latest by 5.30 for airport.” She stepped back.
Ram helplessly saw her walking back and turning to take the exit
through the door.
Ram surely left by the scheduled flight. Pihu accompanied him to the
airport along with Apeksha but Priya didn't.
Locking herself in her bedroom, she sobbed digging her face on the
pillow. She looked up when her phone cried out loud. Wiping the tears she took
the call in heavy voice from an unknown number.
“Hi Aunty. Mia this side. Actually aunty may I know where Pihu is?”
she asked politely.
“She is not home right now Mia. Please drop me the message if you
wish.” Priya said trying to clear her voice.
“No aunty actually I was checking with her, why she didn't showed up
for the party organized to welcome the new batch?” She expressed her eagerness.
“I see.” Priya looked at the clock, it was almost 9 pm then. “Mia I
will send her once she is back. Will that be okay?”
“Aunty, I am afraid. She already missed it.” Mia replied, “we will
definitely party even now, but less than an hour left to conclude the official party
and she showed no interest in dorm parties.”
“If she wants I will send her to you guys okay!” Priya said with a
smile.
“That will be great aunty!” Excited Mia replied, “I will be waiting
for her. I have to go now aunty, my friends are calling.” She disconnected the
call excusing her self.
“Why didn't Pihu told me about it?” Priya rested against the head
rest of the bed.
~~
9:30 pm , Melbourne Australia
The lights from the moving car that entered through the villa gate
drew Priya’s attention. She waited for Pihu in her room. In no time she walked
inside and stood perplexed to see her mother in the room.
“Before you appeal that I have started stalking you, let me speak.”
Priya defended without being accused. “Mia called me. Though the party you
missed is over. They are having some house party. She said if you want you can
join them. So call her and take the car with you, it's no need to experiment
with new options late night and just drop me a message if you are going to stay
overnight.” Priya stepped to leave.
“I am not going any where. If I had to I would have informed you
earlier.” Pihu replied.
Without any reaction when her mother walked out, she got really
worried. Padding to the door, her eyes traced along with her mother until she
vanished into her room. Pihu sighed.
“What happened?” Apeksha broke her thoughts with sudden touch on
Pihu’s shoulder.
“Nothing. I am just thinking about mom.” Pihu walked inside with
Apeksha walking behind her.
“Why you are worried Pihu?” Asked Apeksha, “I think you had or may I
say have had a problem with her. Her bossy behaviour.”
“I don't want to talk about it.” Refuted Pihu. “If you have any
other thing to speak, please do else leave.”
“Okay. As you wish.” Before leaving Apeksha looked back. She felt
bad for Ram and Priya who was thinking her to recover from the bad phase.
~~
Same Night, 01:00 am.
There was an unexpected knock on the door. Looking up from the book,
Priya checked the time. Putting the book down on the side table, she walked to the
door after putting the house coat around. Finding Pihu at the door she stood
bemused for few minutes. Without initiating any conversation Pihu walked
inside. Placing her mobile on the coffee table she walked inside the changing
room. She might be to the wash room Priya thought. Leaving the door open she
walked back and continued reading. The thud sound made her look up. When Priya
looked up, Pihu have already shut the door and walked to the bed and laying she
hugged her mother. Trying to react, Priya sat bewildered. She found Pihu
snuggling closer to her. Startled she held her daughter.
“Do you
want to ask anything mom?” Pihu asked keeping her eyes shut.
“Hmm..”
“Anything
mom you want to ask me?”
“No. You
sleep beta. It's late.” Priya switched off the lights after putting her
book on the side table.
“Are you
angry with papa?”
“No.
Sleep.” Priya ordered.
“I know you
are angry with him. But you will not show it to me. I am the same Pihu mamma.” She
tried to get her attention in which she failed. “Okay don't speak anything.
Just tell me you are free this weekend no!”
“Yes. But
why?”
“We are
going to Sydney. I have been selected for International art and culture competition.
You are coming with me.” Pihu ordered.
“You are an
adult now Pihu.” Priya gasped, “You can take care of yourself. I will feel
awkward between your friends.”
“Mom.” Pihu
sat up, “You are still angry with me mom.”
“No I am
not. I just want you to grow up quick.”
“Why am I a
burden to you and papa?”
“Really? Do
you think so? Can anytime we can even think like that!!” scolded Priya. “You
are the ....” her voice chocked, “You are the greatest gift we could ever have.
You never were, is or will be a burden to us. Wanting child to grow up doesn't
imply that he/she is a burden to the parents.”
“Then come
with me. Please.”
“Pihu. We
will talk later. Right now sleep please.” Priya closed her eyes.
“If you are
not coming, I will skip it too.” Jumping out of the bed she stormed out of the room.
Next Day,
India|| Sharma Villa.
“Kartick is
that true bhai is coming back?” asked
Natasha quiet irritated.
“Yes.”
Kartick replied after taking the first satisfying sip from the coffee. “You
make awesome coffee now a days!” he took another relishing sip from the cup.
“Put this
down.” Natasha snatched the coffee mug almost spoiling her husband's t-shirt.
“Why he is coming back?”
“Why are
you looking worried Nuts?” Kartick stood up. “Japanese collaborates need him
here and that's why he is heading back. What’s the problem in that?”
“You will
not understand.” Picking up her phone Natasha headed out of the room.
~~
“Apeksha..”
Natasha sounded more worried.
“What
happened? Nuts.” Apeksha asked, “Is everything okay?”
“I should
be asking you that!” retorted Natasha.
“Why?”
“Where are
you now?”
“ I am with
Pihu.”Apeksha tried to guess the worry.
“How and
where is Priya?” Nuts asked startled. “And why bhai left her alone there?”
“Bhai just said that there is some
emergency on business front. Nothing in details. Even I didn't get time to ask
in details.” Apeksha said.
“How is
Priya?” Natasha repeated.
“She is
fine I told you right now.”
“Leave it I
will call her.” Natasha ended the call disallowing Apeksha to respond from the
other side. She could hear Kartick talking to Ram, probably.
“Nuts....”
he voiced, after a while, “I am heading to airport. Sir is here. His flight has
landed.”
“Wait I
will go too.” Nuts rushed out of the bedroom.
~~
Mumbai ,
International Airport.
Ram hugged
his youngest sister. “How are you choti?”
he asked.
“I am fine
bhai!” she sounded offended.
“Did I do
anything wrong?”
“Don't you
think you are forgetting something?” asked Nuts, “It is normal with Kartick to
forget things but I never expected this from you.” Displeased she said.
“What???”
“That this
Sunday is Priya’s birthday!” Nuts shocked Ram.
“Shit!!!”
pressing his hand against the mouth he bobbed out his eyes. “Again!!!”
“Nothing
new with the husbands. But I used to categorize you in a different level. You
proved me wrong.” Nuts scorned. “How could you leave her alone?”
“I really
forgot.” Ram looked lost.
“Even I”
Kartick whispered.
“Disgusting!!”
Nuts walked towards the car.
~~
Melbourne,
Australia.
“Good
Evening Mrs. Kapoor.” Smiling Dev sat on the empty couch by Priya.
“Good
evening and Priya please.” She smiled.
“Apeksha
was saying that you are going to Sydney this weekend?” he asked.
“Not final
yet. I have disappointed Pihu. She expected me to come but I spoiled. I will
try to talk to her after she returns from college.” Priya said under her sigh.
“She is
still not back.”
“No.
Actually she has to make her submission today.” Priya replied, “Apeksha is with
her. She denied taking me along.”
“I found
out a secret of yours.” Dev smirked.
“I don't
have any secret.” Confidently Priya replied.
“I have
found your birthdate along with the year of birth.” Dev whispered, “So I know
your age now. The best secret of a lady.”
“Nothing
secret in it!!” Priya grinned back.
“I was
thinking if we can go out for lunch on weekend. But then I found that you will
be out of town on that day.” Dev said little sad. The confused look from Priya
made him clear about the phrase “We” he used. “You, Pihu, Apeksha, Advik and me, I meant we by all of them.”
“I really
don't want to Dev. Thanks for the thought.” Priya smiled. “I don't celebrate my
birthday.”
“Okay. We
will see.” Dev smiled.
“Excuse
me.” Priya stood and walked to a safe distance from the guest to attend the call
from Natasha. “Hi Natasha.” She tried to feel elated.
“Shut up!!”
she scolded. “I don't want to talk but I am talking, I don't know why?”
“What
happened?”
“Bhai had a safe flight and why did you let
him come back?” Natasha furrowed.
“Does your
brother need my suggestions any day?” Priya smirked.
“You should
have kept him cuff. I really feel bad for you and irritated seeing him to enjoy
unwanted freedom.” Natasha spoke, “It's your birthday this weekend Priya.”
“I know and
he might have forgotten perfectly.”
“He has.”
“Let it be Nuts.
I don't expect anything from him after he broke his promise.” Priya sounded
disheartened.
“What he
did? Tell me acche se khabar le lungi.”
Nuts looked out from the car’s window. The men were few meters away from the
car.
“No. I am
fine Nuts.” Priya looked back with the sound of the door behind. “Nuts I call
you later. Pihu is back from college.”
“Okay.” Nuts
dropped the call and sat back.
“Pihu
wait.” Priya stopped her daughter. “I will come with you to Sydney.”
“Really!!”
happily Pihu voiced.
“Yes.”
“Thank
You... thank you... thank you so much mom.” She cling to her mother out of
excitement. “I can't thank you more Mamma.” Looking happy Pihu ran upstairs.
“What is
going in?” Priya thought. “What Pihu is hiding from me? Is she recovering or
just manipulating us?” Priya asked herself. “Definitely she is up to something
that no one have an idea of. Mr. Kapoor how could you leave me alone this time?
I could never forgive myself and you if Pihuperforms any stunt again.” Priya thought...
Until We
Meet.
Love
NB
Not again Ram again fail to keep his promise to Priya but seeing Priya getting worried about Peehu I also now feel something mischief around as mother always get quick instic when kids are up to something but not happy if Peehu is doing some disaster while Ram is not around Priya nd this is conman things for man to forgot abt birthdays of wife so not have expected even... moving for next....
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