BALH Paanch Saal Baad Part 107

Part 107

“What made you call?” Priya’s reply was quiet stern to express displeasure to her man. “You have urgent business right?”

“Priya. Please calm down.” Ram sounded defeated already. “I had no option left. Please try to understand.”

“Tell me quick. What ever you have to say. I have to leave.” Priya dropped her reply between his words.

“Where?”

“Dev is taking us for dinner.” Priya replied. “He asked I said yes.”

“Why the hell he is taking you for dinner?” passively he asked.

“Why is there any offence if he wanted to take us to dinner?”

“No. But why he need to?”

“Don't tell me that you have problem in that too.” Priya asked, allowing him ample time to reply to which he failed. “I don't believe you Mr. Kapoor. After all these years of our marriage you still have such issues. Let me inform you this weekend I will be at Sydney with Pihu.”

“I know. Pihu informed me.” Ram replied straight.

Priya looked back as Apeksha came inside the room knocking subtly at the bedroom door, “Priya we are getting late.” She informed.

“Yeah.” Looking to the vastness of the city that is visible through the ceiling height window stung her eyes, as she held back the tears. Tears blobbed in her eyes, “I have to go.” Under the saddest sigh Priya replied to Ram, and immediately disconnected the connection disallowing him to answer.

“Is everything fine?” Apeksha asked.

“Our relationship is getting complex day by day.” Priya gasped under her whisper. “Please don't mind I can't come along. I will help myself with dinner.”

“Why?”

“Your brother’s over possessiveness.” Priya looked up with a faint smile, at the corner of her lips. “He doesn't say anything but he is definitely not elated to know that Dev is taking us out for dinner, especially me.”

“Oh my God!” Apeksha covered her mouth, “Priya, I wanted to share this earlier with you but something stopped me. Then you guys became busy with Pihu. I didn't want to busy you guys more.” She looked aimlessly searching for a subtle edge to escape, giving up she added, “Okay let me tell you.” Her Adam’s apple danced against the skin of throat. “I and Dev are seeing each other since a long time.”

“I see.” Priya sighed deep.

“We want to marry. But he fears if Bhai has any obligation about it he has a stained marriage.” Apeksha continued to speak looking at Priya, “I wanted to tell you first.”

“Don't worry. Your Bhai don't believe in past. I don't think he will have any problem.” Priya said with a firm touch on Apeksha’s shoulder. “I will talk to him.”

“You are coming with us right!” Apeksha asked looking worried.

“Yes.” Priya’s  smile enlightened Apeksha’s face too.

~~

Same Night, Australia.

“Yeah. I have made all the plans; just need your help to execute it.” Pihu whispered to someone over her phone. “I think it is the best place to show her, where she belongs actually. I am tried of all these. I just want to get rid of it. You guys will reach on time right?” Pihu asked to the caller on the other side. “I have no other options left. I am intimidated by Advik, he is too much authoritative and when he is also not around it is the best possible time bring the cat of the sack. Mom should know what she actually means to me. What I have for her as a gift...” she laughed. “I hope and pray to God everything falls in its place then I am a free bird. With no burdens.” Wishing the caller a safe journey she dropped the call. Walking to the door she confirmed if she hasn't been watched by someone.

Having no one to watch her, Pihu smiled in relief.

Priya,

Why we are moving apart. When you will understand Ram that I need you? I hope someday you think the same way I think. I don't know what Pihu is up to now? You could have helped me in it but again you are gone. When will you understand, that I love only you. Why you are still so possessive for me? I would have never stopped you from going back if once you tried to sort out the crisis on your own. But no, you depended on Vikram, who is representing you. I am not angry because you left me in crisis. But the fact you didn't try a single time is creating havoc inside me. Looking aside her eyes closed to the reflex of the moment that sweetly struck her head.

Few nights back.....

“Priya.. suno naa.” Making a curious face Ram turned Priya fumbling her in her place.

“Kya hain?” Priya bobbed her eyes trying to make an escape from his tight hold, “What are you doing? Pihu will be here any moment.” she tried to scold with the subtle hint of smile.

“When you also want this why you are wasting time by pretending?” Ram pulled up her face holding her chin. “You look beautiful.”

“Stop being so romantic. We are parents to almost adult kids.” Priya aimed her eyes to Ram’s chest, tracing her fingers over the thread work done on her kurta.

“I am planning for another honey moon and this time.” He pulled her closer. “This time no site seeing no roaming around, no craving for foods only you and me.”

“You are getting too much naughty and romantic lately.”

“Why? Am I not allowed to get naughty and romantic with my wife?” Ram smiled, “Then I have to find someone to get naughty with. May be the online sites, blind dating sites help me.”

“Did I complain?” Priya pouted her lips, “I asked the reason.”

“Okay.” Ram pretended to think, “Because lately my wife has been left out by me and it is necessary to remind her that I love her more than anyone and any thing.”

“I love you Ram.” She looked to her husband with a twinkle in her eyes. Ram kept his eyes locked with her intense gaze without a reply for next several minutes. “Don't you have anything to say?” Priya asked.

“Let me think!” Ram furrowed. “Ya.. I like you too...” With Priya clasped against his chest tight he beamed out a smile, “I love you too.”

“Now leave me. Your daughter will be here any moment.” Pushing back Ram a little from his place she tried to move out. Tight grip against her wrist, made her freeze. A slight pull, she is back into his embrace holding his wife from back. The fresh fragrance of her enveloped him. “Please don't go.” He pleaded.

“I have to.” In her sweet voice she replied, turning around she faced her husband. “I have to.” She repeated. With a content smile and after caressing his cheeks with both her hands Priya turned towards the door and unbolted it.

~~

Remembering that day Priya sat on the bed. She breathed a deep sigh.

~~

Sydney.

“If you are not okay with it, I can arrange another room.”Priya mentioned to Pihu who was busy in organizing her bag for the event scheduled on the next day.

“I am fine mom. Why you are behaving unwanted?” She sounded pretty offended. “Please stop belittling me.” She rushed to her opposite direction collecting some essential tools related to her art work. “All these days I wanted to stay with you and tried to say sorry but you are still maintaining that distance created by me. Why?” adjusting her tool apron she frowned.

Maintaining the silence Priya made her daughter more irritated. With a gasp of irritation Pihu looked towards her mother for one last time before leaving the room.

After Pihu left without extending the uneventful conversation Priya smirked behind her, “I will get to know what you are planning now.”

~~

“Where are you guys?” Pihu whispered into the speaker of her phone hiding it from the event organisers who said in instructions that use of mobiles were strictly prohibited. “I see.” She responded after a pause. “Mom is in the room. She is giving me some tough time. She is still angry with me. But she will fail to show it after my master plan.” There was a pause again. “I know I have made mistakes. But mending them is not easy.” Again after a pause Pihu replied under her whisper, “I should be get going. Someone has noticed me.” Without giving time to the speaker on the otherside, she disconnected the call and hide the phone with precision away from the scrutiny’s eyes.

“Are you done girl?” asked the blonde lady in American ascent.

“Almost.” Answered Pihu maintaining a constant smile to avoid the unwanted revelation of her phone hid behind the tool apron. She breathed a sigh of relief after the lady turned and left. She concentrated back on her art work. The content smile on her face pronounced the level of satisfactions. “Done” she called out.

Walking straight out from the gigantic hall she called her mother, in the second ring Priya took it, “Mom. I will be late. There is a minor problem with my work.” Pihu lied. How cleverly she managed to manipulate her mother. Wow. The arched lips into a smile made her look more cunning than she is in real.

Putting her coat around, Pihu walked down the aisle and vanished in the first turn to the left.

~~

The clock struck 12:00 midnight at Sydney. Being in the other half of the globe, it was winter when India was scorching with heat waves. In her deep slumber, Priya cuddled to herself hugging the blanket close to her. The mercury is slipping down with every passing day, being in a tropical country all through her life it was a bit difficult for her to cop up with the odd temperature, but it was not like that she hates cold and snow. Turning and tossing at her place, Priya jumped up and sat pulling another duvet to her. In sleepy eyes as she looked up, a dark silhouette approaching towards her. “Who’s this?” She pressed her lips hard after muttering the words with much difficulty. Winter outside or coldness inside made her do so was not good to be anticipated. “Who..who..??” she called out again. She almost vandalized the side table in search of the bed lamp that ensured its position there few hours back. “Where it could be?” she thought. “I warn you not to ...” she paused in the middle of her conversation. With the unknown darkness nearing, she gulped air in her throat getting more tensed with the sound created from friction of the piezoelectric stone and spring of a lighter. “Wh.. what are you doing?” she managed to voice under her loose breathes.

“Shh...” hissed the dark shadow.

“Who could be it?”Priya thought.

The sound produced from the pressing of the boots against the sandstone floor became more intimidating. And then.... the voice became clear.

“Who would have such courage to wake up my beautiful wife from her peaceful sleep other than her husband?” Along with Ram’s voice he appeared behind the candle light. His smile was soothing. “Happy Birthday Priya.” He placed the cake with white frosting atop with candles bordering it on the bed. “Happy Birthday my love.” He came near and kissed her forehead. Smiling to her he handed her a knife decorated with a red ribbon. “Let's celebrate Mrs. Kapoor. How? It depends; either by slicing the cake or.... your culprit.” The cold gaze of Priya met Ram’s eyes. “Someone is still angry with me. Let's cut this Priya. I am travelling for last 84 hours non stop. Show some mercy. Buddha bhi ho gaya hoon.”

Ignoring Priya starred down to her hands, where the knife laid loose.

“I have a long list of people waiting in India to wish you and here too. But before they intervene our peace, let me celebrate with you.” Pleaded Ram. Putting the knife onto her hands back he asked Priya to blow the candles which almost kissed the death for the wax being constantly burnt.

Sighing Priya blew off the candles quite uninterestingly. Slicing out a piece from the not so huge cake she held it in hand near to her. Priya’s eyes met Ram’s intense gaze. Absorbed in his eyes she forgot to react. Moistening his lips he came closer. With his fingers griping around her wrist he bites a part of it and directed the rest to her. Involuntarily she responded to his unforced and undeclared order. “Happy Birthday.” Taking his wife’s hand he kissed them lovingly.

“I know I am dreaming. My sleep will be interrupted and you will be all gone.” Prompted Priya.

“Really?” Ram smiled. He positioned himself close to her, “Why you think so?” He looked intensely into her eyes.

“Because Pihu is here in my room and you can’t get so intimate with me with her presence.”

“Okay. So...” he smiled before enacting. Resting his hand against her left cheek he kissed her lips softly and before coming apart he made Priya cry out a bit by biting her lower lip. “It is not. I am here in real.”

Her eyes flooded. She moved to hug him but then she stopped. Her ego conquered. “You must be tired. You must sleep. Today is a big day for Pihu, you should look fresh and please don't try to bag her prize intentionally.”

“Priya I am here for you not for Pihu.” Ram stood up, looked irritated.

“Happy Birthday Priya..” called out Nuts, the lights of the room flooded it. “Happy Birthday...”

“Thank You Nuts. What a pleasant surprise.” Priya reciprocated the hug that Nuts opened up and welcomed her into.

“There are lots more to get surprised.” Nuts winked.

“Happy Birthday Badi Maa.” Khush walked in after him came in Pihu, wishing Priya with good wishes on her birthday.

“Thank You.” Priya took both her children intoher embrace. “This is so sweet.” After them, everyone present there in person and virtually from India showered their love and good wishes on Priya. Thankful to her luck Priya felt grateful to every little blessings and love showered. “I think we should call it a night. Today is a huge day for Pihu. She should rest.”

Agreeing with Priya, everyone left to their room. After them Ram locked the room. “May I ask you something?” Priya voiced before Ram could turn to her.

“That what did the Japanese Clients was upto? Did I leave everything behind for you? Did I let the investors take an upper hand over me? Did I disappoint my employees? Etc etc..” Ram smiled framing one question after other fetching it from her head.

“The answer is, my wife asked me to solve the matter on my own. Not with any help. So I did. They had a little query which can be executed and solved in one click. I did so and I am glad that they agreed to my re-proposal and when I informed them about departing for my wife’s birthday they gladly accepted with a gift from them.” Ram pulled out a packet and placed in front of Priya.

“What is this?”

“I don't know they gifted the mistress not me!” Ram shrugged off his shoulder.

Unwrapping Priya found a branded watch inside. “Oh! Watch. I guessed it right.” Ram exclaimed. “It is getting cold you should sleep. I will too after changing into something comfortable.” Pulling out the jacket he threw it on the couch behind and walked to the changing room with change for night clasped in his hand.

~~

“Why you are here?” Priya asked when Ram slipped under the duvet.

“Are you disappointed that I made it ignoring your egoist order not to comeback?” Ram said while turning towards Priya. “Is it so?”

Priya looked into his dark brown eyes, those looked hurt. “Good night.” Ram’s voice shivered her out from the gaze. Within few minutes Ram started snoring and after few more seconds he turned to the opposite direction and slept.

~~

“Now tell me what you want me to do?” Natasha sat by Apeksha when Pihu travelled almost 100^th time around her room in to and fro motion. Hands clasped near her belly, few a time one of her hands were reaching her lips. “Stop this and tell us what you want Pihu?” Natasha sounded impatient. “We have not come here all the way from India in such short notice to see you biting off all your manicured nails.”

“Bua I am thinking.”

“Thinking what?”

“How to get back mom dad together?”

“Really Pihu?” Khush said.

“Shut up Monkey let me think.” Pihu scolded back.

“What is happening? I think they have patched up.” Apeksha interfered.

“No they haven't. Can we send them somewhere direct from here all alone? What about a cruise?” Pihu suggested.

“For no reason. Priya will never agree.” Nuts delivered a confident answer. “There must be a perfect reason to make her agree to leave for a holiday without family. And after all you did.” Nuts looked up to Pihu, “I don't think she will agree to leave you behind.”

“Oh! That’s easy to make her agree with me. But at first we have make a choice of place.” Pihu announced.

“And let me remind you, we are scheduled to visit India in the winter vacations, three weeks later.” Apeksha again poked with an important information.

“Shit!! I almost forgotten about it. That's a genuine problem.” Pihu aimed her eyes to the calendar. “Two problem the place and the holidays.”

“Add three why?” Nuts said.

~~

Next day. Attired in a crimson blue Saree Priya looked to the dresser mirror that goes down till the floor. Ram looked dapper in his Armani suit, he chose to wear her favourite one matched with her favourite tie. Without saying a single word Ram altered his position from the dresser to the couch.

“Shall we leave?” Priya asked without looking back.

“Yeah!” Ram whisked through the newspaper impressing on the headlines only. The pleat on his coats collar looked odd. He missed to correct it. Ram froze at his place with Priya nearing him “What?” he asked trying to read her aim. She corrected the collar and caressed her hand over the coat slowly. Her uneven breathes hinted the turmoil going inside her. “Do you want to say anything Priya?” dearly Ram asked.

“yes I want to.”Shouted her heart inside her head; “Why should I?” translating what her brain triggered she voiced “Nothing.” When she turned to leave; Ram stopped her calling out her name.

“You look beautiful today. Can we go out for a proper date today? It’s your birthday.” Ram cocked his head to little left.

“It is a big day for Pihu. We should concentrate on her.” Again her ego spoke.

“Okay. After it. I don't think it will take a whole day.” Ram kept on trying.

“We must leave.” Priya turned being placid.

“Okay..” disheartened Ram buckled his shoes and followed Priya.

~~

Art Exhibition. 

“You think she will like it?” Pihu asked Mia who came there for supporting Pihu and the college along with few other friends.

“Definitely Pihu.”

“It could be better.” Pihu checked the sculpture from all sides and angles.

“Yes it can be. But it’s good because you are participating for the first time in international level.” Mia encouraged.

“Hey. Come on let’s go.” Pihu said when she saw Priya and Ram heading into the auditorium.They hide behind a pillar trying not to be out from her parents eyes.

Guiding Priya through the crowded hall resting his hands on her back Ram carefully dodged every piece of art and person coming on their way. “There..” he pointed to Pihu’s name. Ram smiled broad looking to the sculpture. Though it was not as perfect as others but it should surely melt Priya’s heart. Stunned by the gesture of her daughter Priya starred at her own sculpture for minutes. “It's beautiful.” Ram whispered.

“Yay. It is.” She responded without taking off her eyes from it, from her own sculpture. She tried to cover her smile, but her eyes, her cheeks in short the complete of her flushed with untethered happiness.

“You like it mom.” Pihu’s voice from her side made Priya more emotional. “Happy Birthday Mom and please take me back.” Pihu managed a smile with tears flooding her eyes.

“Thank You. Thank you beta and you were gone nowhere from me. I was there for you and always will be.” Priya pulled her daughter into a hug. Smiling when Ram tried to embrace his family, Priya shoot herself out from it. Smiling to Pihu she asked her to join the other contestants. Ram briefed a hug to Pihu before she left towards the gathering.

“You are still angry with me?” Ram whispered.

“No I am not.”

“Now I will not try to pacify you Priya. I have had enough.” Raging back as her, in equilibrium Ram paced out of the hall. Priya’s eyes traced along with Ram as he left.

Until we meet.

Love

NB