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