Hi friends…
I’m really sorry… I know I’m literally late this time… All thanks to my bad health…
Please accept my apologies and keep reading… Good or bad, please do comment…
It is a short part, but still tried to update…
Let’s get started… Happy reading…
Radhika: Nikki, I’ll be right back… (She walked out without waiting for any response.)
Arjun: (Felt broken. He cursed the day he met Vaishali. He cursed the day he started messing up with one night stands.)
Neil: Sammy, take Kittu and Athu to the restaurant… I’ll join you guys soon, along with Ra…
The three left, leaving Neil and Arjun behind.
Neil: (Clearing his throat.) It had been a long day, I think you should relax for a while…
Arjun: No, I’m fine…
Neil: (Taking a deep breath to control his anger, he walked towards Arjun. Standing in front of him, he locked his eyes with the other, by cupping his face.) Hear me out loud and clear, Arjun, our bond will remain the same, come what may… And I hate when someone whom I care for is hurt or stressed… (After a pause.) Go and rest…
Arjun: (Exhaling a long breath, he walked out.)
In the garden,
Neil: (Without a word, pulled his little sister’s head to his chest and cradled her. He could feel the wetness absorbed by his shirt, but didn’t questioned or spoke a word about it.)
Radhika: (Lifting her head from his chest and looking straight into his eyes.) Will you promise me something…?
Neil: (Controlling the tears that are threatening to fall, nodded his head once.) Yes…
Radhika: Promise me that, if the child turns to be his, you won’t hurt anyone… Not him nor yourself…
Neil: (A lone tear escaped his eyes.)
Radhika: I want the baby to be happy with his/her parents… Both the parents, not anyone…
Neil: (Nodded his head weakly. Once again pulled her into his embrace.)
Radhika: (She snuggled closer in his arms.)
Neil: Will you be able to let go of him, forget him and start a new life, Ra…?
Radhika: (Stiffened in his embrace.)
Neil: (Could feel the difference. Exhaling a long breath.) Forget it, we’ll see to it later… (He broke the hug and stepped forward grabbing her hand.)
Radhika: I can’t, Nikki… (She said with tears rolling down her eyes. Her head was hung low.)
Neil: (Halted and closed his eyes tight to control himself.) Let’s go, Ra… All are waiting for us…
They walked silently and joined with Sammy and the twins, in the restaurant. Sammy did every single thing to make her feel comfortable. Kittu and Athu entertained her and kept her away from all tensions. Neil was silently absorbing his family.
Sammy: Guys, I’ll be right back… (She walked out of the restaurant.)
Kittu: Arre, now where is she going…?
Athu: Shut up, maybe she remembered some important work…
Kittu: (Shrugged his shoulders.) Ok…
Neil: (Thinking.) I know, Sammy, you walked out to check on him… You trust him and care for him more… You want to support him at this weak moment… I just hope he lets you inside and share his pain…
In Arjun’s room,
Arjun was deeply immersed in memories of his past, lady, love, pain and her return. His trance was broken by the opening of the door.
Arjun: (Without turning.) What are you doing here, Sam…?
Sammy: To comfort my friend…
Arjun: (Sighing.) I’m fine Sam…
Sammy: No Arjun… You aren’t… It is not wrong to seek support, Arjun… Stop straining yourself… (Taking a seat beside him and taking his hand in hers.) You know Arjun, first time when we met, you were with Neil, and you had no intention to have any contact with me…
Arjun: (Smiled at the memory.) Hmmm… I had no intention to think about lady or love… In any manner…
Sammy: Yes… And it was the same you, who comforted me and stood as a support when life took a drastic turn in my life with Neil… If not for you and you support, I would have lost my life, my love, my everything…
Arjun: (Sensed her tears and comforted her with an arm hug.)
Sammy: (Resting her head on his shoulder.) You proved yourself caring and lovable, just a fake and strong wall covered the true you… And I was happy to see the real you… Because of you, I have my love with me… It was your support that safeguarded me, Arjun… (Looking into his eyes.) Let me in, Arjun… Let me support you… I can’t see my only friend whom I consider as my older brother suffer all alone…
Arjun: (Had tears of joy.) Feelings are mutual dear… Maybe initially I was unfair to you, but you always made me feel safe and home… You triggered the caring side of me… You was and will always remain my friend, my little sister, whom I had adored since the beginning…
Sammy: You mean to say, you had been hiding your care for me since our first meet…
Arjun: (Shrugged his shoulders with a smile.)
Sammy: You idiot… I’m not going to leave you today…
There begin the ‘chase me’ game. Finally, they settled on the couch and laughed out loud. They shared a hug and comforted each other.
Arjun: (In mind.) Thank you, Sam…
Sammy: (In mind.) We are inseparables, Arjun…
Lots of Love,
Anci