Mohan's babysitting!

Bhatnagars' house Sunday late morning!
Megha is busy in the kitchen. Lots of noise from the living room! Megha gives a peep with a smile to see Mohan playing Snakes n' Ladders with the Addu and Nanhi. Pari is sitting beside them and playing with her toys!

Megha's phone ringing, Mohan sees it to find Prerna calling! He picks up the phone and walks to the kitchen saying hello to Prerna. When Megha tries to hold the phone on her shoulder while working in the kitchen, Mohan holds the phone against Megha's ears and signs her to talk! Megha smiles at him and continues her talking with Prerna.

Megha says "No Prerna, I can't come for a shopping. Who will take care of the kids at home?"

Mohan looks at her and tries to say something then he himself talks with Prerna on phone "Don't worry Bhabhi, Megha will join you for the shopping!"

Disconnecting the phone Mohan says "You are always at home doing things for us. Why don't you go out for sometime and do some masti with your friend"

Megha asks "What do you think Mohan? I can't take the kids with me and can't leave them too!"

Mohan "Kids will be just fine! I will take care of them"

Megha is surprised and asks "Do you know what you are getting yourself into?"

Mohan "Worry not! I can handle everything well and fine! You just enjoy"

Megha is very reluctant to go but Mohan manages to send her out after lunch. Megha gives all instructions about the kids' routine to Mohan and Mohan is just nodding his head for everything!

Mohans asks "Anything for me Mirchi?"

Megha places her hand on his face and smiles saying "You take care yourself too".

Megha then leaves with doubtful face but also with a grin hoping that everything goes alright!
Nanhi comes along to say Goodbye to Megha and looks @ Mohan "Do you think you can handle this, spiderman?"

Mohan "Hey Chavvanni, We will do all masti and only fun!"

Nanhi "Yes, that's what Pari and Addu are doing now!"

Mohan gives a confused look and runs into the house he sees the entire fridge content is outside everywhere! Mohan was about to shout then seeing the smiles on Pari's face his face changes into smile as well! Mohan gives a look @ Nanhi and she understands! All of them join together to make a mess out of everything which is a mess already! They throw tomatoes at each other, apply curd on others' faces, play with the vegetables! They have fun and laughter finally a messy kitchen in display!

Then in FF mode Mohan helps them cleaned and dressed up, while Nanhi helps him out in cleaning the kitchen as well! Then they all settled down for a game with toys in the living room! All of a sudden Pari starts crying!

Nanhi says "Spiderman, she must be hungry!"

Mohan "Naah Chavvani! Mummy has told the time for her food. We will wait for another hour"

But Pari's cry continues Nanhi looks @ him then Mohan says "Haa naa.. I will give food to her now! Do you kids too want to eat something?"

Addu and Nanhi settle down with some snacks while Mohan prepares some cereal food for Pari.

Mohan tastes it while preparing and says "WOW! This tastes very good!" And he adds more to the bowl! He then starts feeding Pari while he eats some in between!

Later, Megha enters the house to see the scene Addu and Nanhi munching on the snacks while Mohan's back is seen!

Nanhi and Addu in chorus "Hiyyaa Mummy!"

Mohan slowly turns towards Megha with a face covered in cereals around his mouth! Megha looks @ Pari where both her hands are inside the cereal bowl and her face is completely a mess! Looked like Pari was trying to eat on her own as Mohan was busy eating himself!

Mohan puts 'Angel' to sleep!

The Bhatnagars house @ night! Sleepy
Nanhi and Addu sleeping in their room! Megha checks on them and goes to her room where she sees the scene as follows:
Mohan is in sitting posture laying his back on a pillow while stretching his legs on bed! He is holding the baby across his chest and both of them in deep sleep! Day Dreaming
Megha gives a satisfcatory look at dad-daughter duo in this posture! She smiles and says to herself "God save you from evil eyes!".
She goes closer to them and tries to take the baby to put her in her crib! Mohan wakes up and shows action like to say "Its ok leave us like this"
Megha - "Both of you will not get to sleep well!"
Mohan - "Mirchi Madam, have you forgotten the nights when we had slept like this?"
Flashback of Wedding night @ terrace and Nepal where MM sleeping in sitting posture Megha resting her head on Mohan's shoulder and Mohan on Megha's head!
Mohan winks at her and shows in action to say "My shoulder is free for you, come on"
Megha smiles at him and relaxes next to him to rest her head on his shoulder!
Morning sun!
Megha is busy in the kitchen! Nanhi goes to MM's room! The bed is empty. She walks to the bathroom and sees none there as well!

She comes to Megha and asks "Mummy, Where is Spiderman? Where did he go very early in the morning?"

Megha "He must be still sleeping in the room, beta"

Nanhi "But I checked the room he is not there!"

Megha wonders "Has he got up so early?"

Nanhi "He is not there in the bathroom too"

Megha is now confused and walks to the room while Nanhi follows her! By now Addu too joins them! Megha looks around the room and checks the bathroom! Comes out checks the house while Nanhi and Addu follows her everywhere!

Megha is worried now and calls "Mohan, Mohan"
Nanhi "Spiderman, Where are you?"

They hear some sound from inside! All of them run to MM's room! They hear the sound coming from the baby's crib! They walk closer to it to see the scene:
Mohan squeezed himself and sleeping inside the crib face up and mouth agape! While the baby is sleeping on his chest and giving small coos in her sleep. All of them laughing out loud at this scene!

Mohan's New Born!

One fine day Megha insists on going for baby shopping.

Mohan says "You are due any day this week and why are you so stubborn about this shopping? I will get them all by myself, don't worry"

Megha gives a teasing look at Mohan

"So, Mr. Mohan Bhatnagar thinks that he can do baby shopping too??!!" and smiles at him thoughtfully! "Ok fine, let's see"
Later, Mohan comes in with a huge shopping bag! Nanhi and Addu run towards him and helps him out. Megha joins them and everyone opens up the bag to reveal the contents inside one by one.

A set of packed snacks ranging from cereals, candies, biscuits, chocolates!

Megha looks @ Mohan "So you will feed the baby all these things after he/she is born?"

Mohan "Haa naa.. See that is what Nanhi and Addu are eating too! All ekdam good quality items! Very tasty and healthy!".

Megha finds some packets opened up and sensing that Mohan has eaten them smiles to herself! Then she pulls a huge set of clothing from inside all over sized for a newborn!

"So you know how big the baby will be when it is born?"

Mohan stretches out his hands wide enough showing a size "This much?"

Then seeing Megha's look he keeps reducing little by little coming to some size "It can't be smaller than this. Then how will I carry the baby and go on a bike ride??"

Megha is shocked to hear this! "What? You planning to take the new born on a bike ride?"

"Then what! Come and see what I have got"

Mohan takes Megha out while the kids tag along, to the bike where they all see a scene - A small seat on the front of the bike!

"How is it?"

"Its fine for the baby but not now!" says Megha!

"Why not now? I'm planning to ride you both back home from the hospital!"

Megha is all gone giddy with this idea of Mohan's!

My Random Pages!

Random Page 1 – A page from Megha’s diary:

The day began just as beautiful as always. I relish the everyday moment of Mohan hugging me from behind when I get busy in the kitchen in my morning routine. He continuing his sleep, resting his head on my shoulders, along with his hug, is a beauty to watch. It is so adorable to see his innocent face when he sleeps. Then starts our lovely little conversation sharing our tea, without anybody else flashing in.

And today I came out of my den to make my move.

“Busy day ahead?” I asked

“Not really! Any plans?”

“Shall we go out in the evening?” I hoped that I didn’t sound desperate

“Uhh!!” He was surprised and the look he gave at me, huh, I was completely floored. I found only adoration for me in those lovely eyes. I wished I am lost in them forever never to come back. I managed to pull out some words from my throat

“Is it ok?”

“Haaan! Of course it is ok”

Mohan said in a stammering voice. I controlled a chuckle seeing his confused face. When he has that look, I lose myself and would want to kiss him. I did exactly the same. I kissed him on his cheek leaving him dumbfounded and turned away as if to continue my routine. Behind me, I could easily imagine him touching his cheeks with a blush wondering whether to make his move or not. I visualize him picking his attitude and coming closer to me, trying to find a right action to perform. Just then I turned to face him with my hands full of wheat flour and blew it on his face. I giggled at a powder filled face and ran away from there.

The day was absolutely lovely with frequent phone calls from Mohan. It appeared to me that the whole day he wasn’t focusing on work but thinking about making the evening special for me. When I heard the bell ringing before noon, I thought it was Mohan. But he had home delivered a beautiful lavender shade saree with carnations spread everywhere. Followed it was a beautiful flower bouquet with all yellow flowers.

There was a note with it that read “Mrs. Bhatnagar, Be ready for a special event to enjoy every moment of it!”

I found myself smiling and if someone had seen me then, they would have teased my blush for a teenage girl. As the clock ticked, I was feeling nervous and sensing butterflies in me. When Mohan walked in, I did not miss to see my beauty in his eyes. He was gazing at me without a blink and that said it all! The surprise on his face was so evident when he found his casual attire spread on the bed for him. His quick changeover now took my breath away. Does it appear only to me or is it the truth that he looks stunning in every outfit? I hoped that my own eyes don’t cast evil spell on him! He must have read my mind as he said

“God save me from beautiful eyes!”

I just gave a smile to which he further added “God, also save me from this pretty smile!”

When we both walked out of the house with I holding his arm and he encircling his arm around my waist, I felt my day was just perfect. Little did I know that the day was way beyond any perfection!

First our car broke down half way through the restaurant. It was raining heavily thus making it difficult to find any rick or cab. He offered me the rain jacket stored in the car.

“Come let us share it!” My suggestion surprised him

I asked him to wear it then I stood in front of him facing my back to him. I stretched my arms along with his, into the jacket’s sleeves. Then zipped the jacket in front of me! With our body so close to each other forming one and our arms almost single with our palms peeping out of the jacket, we must have been looking like a huge sized human with two heads!

“Is this fine?”

“Haannn!!” I sensed that he was stunned in amazement and I felt his fast heartbeat on my back

“Mohan, Are you ok?” I turned my face to look at him but my lips brushed his cheek and we froze for a moment

“I think so” I blushed at his expression which said otherwise

“Ok! Relax and we will start walking now”

“Relax in this position?” He paused then continued “You mean like this? Left Right, Left Right” He waved the hands along with mine as if performing a parade. This made me laugh and I wondered how easy it was to be with him. I felt like hugging him but our position did not let me. I pulled my arms together to hug myself which brought his hands around me as well.

“Mrs. Bhatnagar, do we have any idea of reaching the restaurant?”

“Do you think we have that idea?”

“I am getting many ideas now” I felt his breath near my neck as he whispered the words into my ears

We managed to walk some distance and reached a dhaba brightly lit. Loud music was playing and some customers were dancing. Though Mohan wasn’t happy I convinced him to eat there and cancel the reservation at the restaurant.

“On one condition, Megha. We will sit down to eat in the same position, without removing our jacket”

Though I liked the idea, I didn’t let him know that. Instead I tried to lift my hand to spank him. He sensed it and resisted. We had a petty fight of our hands inside the jacket sleeve.

When we settled down on a table, I started missing the warmth of his body that was so soothing on mine. I just hoped he had the same feeling and when I looked at his eyes, they said whatever I wanted to know.

We haven’t realized how hungry we were till the food was served. We hogged on everything that was there in front of us. I wished those moments never ended which was filled with tease, laughter and blushes.

“Thank you Mrs. Bhatnagar! Though the day was nothing like I planned, it was lot more special than I had ever imagined”

Mohan took my hands and kissed them. I snuggled to him closer on the bed acknowledging his statement. I am not going to write anything that happened under the bedcovers that was bliss in every way.

Random Page 2 – A peep through the window:

“Paapu, today my friends are coming home for a sleepover” Rimjhim was sitting with Megha doing her homework while Mohan was sitting on the couch with Nanhi and watching news on TV.

“Haan! What is that?” Mohan looked at Nanhi doubtfully to which Nanhi showed a face palm

“I’ve invited my friends to come home. We will play some games and have fun. Then they will all sleep together in my room”

“What? Don’t they have their own home?” Mohan’s response put them all to laughter

“Hey Spiderman, sunna!” Nanhi’s address made him giggle and he turned towards her

“Haan bolna!” He continued her tease

“This is all their way of staying connected socially. Modern kids, you know!” Nanhi explained seriously

“Whatever!”

Just then a group of boys and girls, of Rimjhim’s age rushed into the house. Rimjhim welcomed them and introduced her family

“Paapu, these are my friends”

Mohan leaned towards Nanhi and asked her in her ears “Hey Chavvanni, there are boys too!”

“Haan Spiderman! Rimjhim must be popular among boys too!”

 “Arrey yaar! What kind of musibat is this?” Mohan took Rimjhim aside

“Jaan, you can play games, have fun for some time. Then you got to send them home in the night, okay?”

“Arrey Paapu! This is sleepover and they will go back home only tomorrow. That too it’s a weekend, so they may stay back for one more night as well!”

“Oh no!” Mohan was completely taken aback by Rimjhim’s full-fledged plan

“Oh yes! Look at the bags that they are carrying!” Mohan gave a shocked look at the duffel bag each of the kid carried with them. By then Nanhi and Megha came close to Mohan and Rimjhim

“Megha, I should call their parents and tell them that their kids have run away from their homes”

“Mohan, we all mothers had talked about this already. This way kids get to be independent”

“Are they under some foreign rulers now they are fighting for their independence day?”

“Paapu, they are my friends!” Rimjhim mocked an angry look

“Arrey Jaan, I am your friend too! Come we will play games and have fun! We will all sleep together!”

“Jikki! Please make Paapu understand!” Rimjhim started throwing tantrums

“Rimjhim beta, you go and talk to your friends. Give them something to drink. Nanhi beta, you too help Rimjhim”

“Di! Look at Paapu!” Rimjhim started complaining to Nanhi

“Arrey Rimjhim, Spiderman is the best paapu! He is just being funny” Nanhi convinced her and took her away from there

Megha took Mohan into their room. After a while when they came back to the living room, they saw the kids dancing and shouting. Guru who was dancing with them as well, looked at a staring Mohan and stopped. Mohan squeezed his eyebrows at a chuckling Nanhi

“Jaan, take your friends to your room and help them settle down”

“You are the best Paapu!” Rimjhim came running to hug Mohan and she winked at Megha who was standing behind

Mohan looked at the jumping kids and he stared at the boy who called Rimjhim ‘Jaanu’! Before he could say anything he was stopped by his phone ring

“Hey Piddi, have you reached Bhopal? Don’t come home! There is no place here for you! In fact for me as well. Let us stay in some hotel” Nanhi and Megha were laughing at Mohan who was talking to Addu on the other side. As he walked out of the house to pick up Addu from the bus stand he gave an annoyed look

Later in the night, Mohan was walking towards the kitchen looking for Megha. He stopped there near the door hearing Navika’s tensed voice inside.

“Mummy, do you think Spiderman will be ok with all this?”

“Isn’t he your friend and you know him better, beta?” Megha smiled at Nanhi who was smiling then

“Haan, that’s there! And that’s why I’m worried for him”

“Meaning?”

“I know how much he had missed me all these years. All his letters for me say that and he had been very upset when I hadn’t replied to any of them”

“Nanhi, you need not write letters to him. You are very much here in Bhopal” Megha tried to bring a smile on her

“Mummy, listen! It’s only in these few months after I came to stay with him, he’s happy that I am still his same old friend”

“Not just old friend but his best friend!” Megha held Nanhi’s cheeks and smiled at her

“And will he be okay to share his best friend with another?” Nanhi’s eyes were very confused and worried

“By sharing it with Beera, is your love going to reduce for your Spiderman?”

“No, never!”

“That’s my dear Nanhi! You have a very big heart and you have always loved your dear ones equally without indifference!” Megha kissed Nanhi on her forehead

“Thank you, Mummy” Nanhi hugged Megha, while Mohan watched them from the door which Megha did not miss to see. Mohan curved his lips and sighed while Megha blinked her eyes slightly assuring him that everything would be alright

As always Mohan entered Nanhi’s room to bid her good night. He sat next to her who was sleeping peacefully. He smoothed her hair and smiled at her adoringly. He turned to look at the photo on the side table. It was of him with little and grown up Nanhi in a single frame. He took it in his hand and said in a low voice “Chavvanni, I can’t believe that you are grown up! I am proud of you as you start your own life, but I will miss you a lot!” He then kissed on her forehead and stood up

“I will miss you too Spiderman!” Nanhi sat up and held his hands like a small kid

The next day morning, Beera and his family visited the Bhatnagars’ family officially to talk about the engagement of Nanhi and Beera. Mohan and Beera, though had met earlier casually, found it little uncomfortable in each other’s presence. Mohan tried to be friendly hiding all his evaluation mode but it appeared to him that he didn’t succeed much.

Mohan was sitting alone while Megha took them to show around the house, Nanhi sat by Mohan’s side. She extended her palm with two chocolates, in front of him.

“My teacher once had told me to share things with my friend”

Mohan took one chocolate from her and opened it up. When he was about to put it in his mouth he saw that Nanhi didn’t open hers.

“Are you not eating?” She nodded her head as if no

“Saving it for another friend?” Mohan asked her without expecting any answer

He bit his chocolate into two halves and put one half into her mouth. Both of them smiled.

Nanhi then joined Beera and family. She took Beera aside and gave the other chocolate to him.

“Thought of sharing it with my friend” Nanhi told him

Beera opened it up and bit the chocolate into two halves and put one half into Nanhi’s mouth. Both of them smiled. Nanhi found Mohan looking at them admiringly. She smiled at him and he showed thumbs up to her!

Random Page 3 – A quick hack through Mohan’s laptop:

Megha – You are a wonder and a treasure to me! I cherish every moment when I find a new secret revealed out of you! I will be delighted to play this treasure hunt with you, be it in every birth of mine, if there is any!

I entered the house late in the night, one day and found you sitting in the living room, reading a book. You turned your head to glance at me and then appeared to be engrossed in the book again. Oh come on! Am I invisible to you?

“Have the kids gone to sleep already?” I asked hiding my disappointment but you didn’t respond

“Megha, are you lost somewhere?” I asked again

“Good that I am not lost in your eyes, yet!” You sulked

“Megha! Angry?” I chuckled inside me as I always love this angry mirchi madam of mine but I didn’t show that I enjoyed it. I sat close to you on the couch and put my arms around you.

“Refresh and come. I will serve you dinner” You closed the book, trying to get away from me. I knew you so well and didn’t let my chance lost. I held you back that made you stumble in your position and fall on my lap. All that I needed for that moment!

“Arrey, Mirchi Madam! Is there anything that I can do, to cool you down?” My whisper in your ears must have done something to you. I sensed it from the way your body responded to my touch and breath. My arm circled around your waist, with my fingers touching your bare skin there. By God, I thank this saree which gives simple ways of pleasure in me exploring you! There you gasped and I caught it before you hid it! Thank you for loving me and my ways of loving you, Megha!

“I don’t want to cool down” I don’t know how but you managed to pull yourself away from me much to my displeasure. I gotta learn that trick from you, my lady!

As you walked towards the kitchen, all I wanted to do was run and carry you in my arms much to your ado. I still got my day, dear!

“By the way, what is my mistake, Mrs. Bhatnagar?” The annoyed look on your face was so evident that I had to control crackling up

“Mistake and Mohan? No way! It’s just that I get a kick out being mad at you with no reason” Your response was hilarious and I wanted to applaud for every expression of yours. Control yourself, Mohan!

“Sounds interesting, Megha! But I get a kick out of cajoling you when you are mad at me!”

I know you feel like smiling inside while smirking on the out. That was the only sign I needed to grab your hand and pull you on the bed next to me.

“How can you do this to me, Mohan?”

“Why can’t I?” I stopped my hands that was soothing your cheek

“Not that, you silly!”

“Ok, thanks” I was rejoicing the fact that you wanted me to continue my soothing and so I did. You are so adorable, Megha!

“Why did you send the car with the driver?”

“Because you needed the car!”

“For what?”

“I remember you saying about shopping”

“WOW Mohan! You remember that! I am so impressed!” And yes I am impressed by your sarcasm, dear!

“What is it, Megha?” I did not want to prolong your agony anymore

“I don’t think you will understand”

“Try me, Mrs. Bhatnagar”

The look on your face showed me something very new about you. Whatever you were thinking at that moment, I liked that and wanted that to be fulfilled in every way to keep that expression on your face, forever, if possible. You make me think crazy!

“It’s not the shopping that matters but going with you matters”

You spilled some part of the beans and why did I think there is something more to it. My eyes traced your body swaying, while you walked towards the window looking elsewhere, still thinking how much to say. Am I still stranger to you? Am I nowhere near you, to hold your secrets? I didn’t want to think anymore

“I feel like, I am the happiest person in the world! In every way, I feel blessed and contented! Nanhi, Addu, Rimjhim… What else would I want?”

Your pause and delay killed me almost but I waited. I know this is something about me!

“Mohan, you are the best I can ask for… ” I see a ‘but’ coming next!

“I may sound greedy but I am spoilt by love… by you”

That was a refreshing moment for me! I would be more than happy to spoil you with my love. But is that a complaint, dear?

“Almost every couple assumes the default expectation of baby, from their marriage… And you…”

Your voice was feeble and it appeared to me that you were out of words but not thoughts. I didn’t want to see you hurting yourself in search of words. I got you! You sure didn’t hear me coming closer to you when I startled you with my fingers closing your mouth

“Not anymore, Megha”

I expected eyes full of tears which I found there but it surprised me to see a gleam of smile amidst the tears. What is going on your mind, Megha?

“I know you very well Mohan. You are not seeing us as one of those couples. And I adore and respect you more for that” Isn’t it going too formal and sentimental

“Enough Megha”

“I will always miss bearing a child for you. If times were any different, I would have loved to experience it together. And I want you to know that, Mohan” That I didn’t expect

Your eyes were still gleaming and I knew in that moment, what it would have taken for you to open up. I can never say the same about me. If at all I had any thought like that, I doubt whether I have had the guts to open up like you. I adore you more, Megha! You are anew and afresh to me, all over again!

All I could do was hug you close enough to show how much the moment meant to me. I wished that I did everything that I could to express whatever I was feeling then. Are we making ourselves too serious?

“By the way, what is this got to do with shopping together?” I had to break the silence and in a lighter way

“The shopping was planned for Tannu-Aarti’s to be born baby” Your voice was crackling in joy

“So?”

“I thought we will share the moments of joy together” Your lips curved into a shy smile making me freeze in that minute

“You did?”

“What?”

“Shopping!”

“I am still waiting, Mr. Bhatnagar” I know you would have been shocked to see me vanish away into the bathroom only to see me back again dressed up

“Are you ready, Megha?”

“You are too early for tomorrow’s shopping!” Your laughter made the day more beautiful for me. I love you, Megha!

The baby shopping day was lot more fun and I had never imagined a simple gesture of you trying a baby bib on me could do wonders to our moment of togetherness. We are in our 40s! So what? Miracles do happen, Megha!

Random Page 4: Eavesdropped from behind the doors of Bhatnagar Mansion and Juna Mohalla

“Are you sure, Jiji?” Megha’s voice was shaking. Her eyes were both raging in anger and worrying in tears

“Ok Jiji! I will talk to Mohan and we will be there, as early as possible” She looked shattered when she disconnected the phone

She thought of calling Mohan then she paused and settled with sending a text message to him. Later she kept herself busy with the household chores trying to be lost into deep thinking and lost in time as well

“I tried calling you many times” Mohan’s voice stopped her work for a while but then she continued without heeding to him

“Look, 10 missed calls!”

“When you know that I am not taking the calls, why try again and again?” She tried to stay calm

“But without talking how will I know the problem?” Mohan was trying to cheer her up

“Even if you know are you going to support me?” She still didn’t look at him

“Oh my love! How can you not trust me?” Mohan’s playful attempt did not get him any expected response

“Then fine. Let us go now and handle it immediately without any delay” She turned to face him

“Uffooo, Megha! He is not a kid and for heaven’s sake don’t treat him like one”

“If he is not a kid then better he not behave like one”

“You can’t expect to wrap him up in a towel and carry around, Megha”

“If only I can do that!” Megha looked like all she wanted then was to just do that. She looked away again

Mohan walked towards Megha and held her shoulder to turn her around. She looked at him with tear filled eyes which shocked Mohan.

“Megha! What is this?” He hugged her and tried to console her

“So you want me to come and just witness the drama out there, right? Ok I will do that”

“I am just going to scare him and instill some fear in him”

“Do you think he will be scared of you, Mirchi Madam? He is not poor Mohan Bhatnagar!” He smiled

Megha chuckled through her tears still cuddled in his arms. She poked his chest which he enjoyed and did not allow her to free herself away from his hug.

“Do you really want to go, Megha?” He teased her

She sprang away from him suddenly and started packing things quickly. She had packed some homemade snacks for Addu earlier which she threw into the bag in a hurry or anger, Mohan couldn’t say

“Poor Piddi! God save him” He murmured before moving away from there

Mohan looked worried for carrying out a war trip to Indore. But when Guru, Nanhi and Rimjhim joined them in the car, it appeared to be a picnic trip to him. And that comforted him a little

*Poo rushed on her i20 behind MM’s car, to catch the drama from Indore. Hope she finds a better wall to hide for the eavesdropping there as well*

 “Jiji, where is Addu?” Before Megha entered the house she started her enquiry

“Megha, calm down! Come inside and refresh first” Jiji tried her best

“No Jiji! I want to talk to Addu immediately”

“Addu is not here”

“What? Where did he go?”

“College! Where else? Today is not a holiday” Jiji looked her usual cool

“But he got a Warning memo from the college, right?” Megha was confused

Jiji showed her the letter addressed to them from Addu’s college Principal

“They have asked the parents to meet the Principal, if necessary!” Megha sat down with her head on palms

“How bad could it be?” She was worried

“Megha, relax! Why do you confuse yourself? Let us call Addu and find out” Mohan sat next to her holding her

“No Mohan! We will go to meet the Principal”

Mohan was not happy about this but he didn’t want to upset Megha further with his argument

“Yes Sir” Mohan and Megha turned around to find Addu entering the Principal’s office. Addu was shocked to find them there

“Aditya, it’s good that your parents have volunteered to meet me, before I could take any further action” The Principal looked very proud of himself as if he had achieved something

“But Sir, we already discussed this. I haven’t done anything” Addu gave an angry look at Megha and Mohan

Megha stared at him back angrily while Mohan was trying to find some clues out of Addu’s expressions. He found only irritation and anger but no guilt

“They have found cricket bats and stumps at the spot where the fight happened” Megha didn’t mean to shout but she couldn’t control her disappointment which burst out as anger. Mohan tried his best to play his role quietly as she expected him to do so

“Mummy, I am not the only one who plays cricket in this campus! Please don’t assume things without knowing anything”

“I know now. Your Principal had just updated us with the story” Megha accused him

“Don’t you want to ask me or believe me?” Addu said in his defense

“I don’t want to listen to any of your stories” The moment Megha let out those words she regretted for it. She couldn’t get those spoken words back. Mohan shook his head in disbelief for what Megha said. He held her hands trying to calm her down. She then turned to talk to the Principal

“We are sorry on behalf of him, Sir! Please tell us what the action you are planning to take next?”

Addu’s face instantly changed into disappointment and it appeared as if he was about to cry but he didn’t. He took his steps towards the door when he heard Mohan

“Shall I say something?” Addu stopped to look at Mohan

“Sir, do you have any proof that Addu was there when this happened?” Mohan asked the Principal

“No! The junior boys were badly hurt that they were unable to pinpoint and tell who and who were there. But they identified a few and those boys accepted it”

“Did they identify Addu I mean Aditya?” Mohan looked a little comfortable probing further

“Not specifically! But his friends were involved”

“That doesn’t mean Aditya is involved too! He says that he was not there”

“He may be lying” Principal’s irresponsible answer irritated both Mohan and Addu

“No he is not! If anything Addu is but he doesn’t lie about these things. I believe him”

Addu was proud and happy to hear those words after so much of insult he had undergone so far. A sigh of content passed through him. He looked at everyone proudly knowing someone is there to support and believe him

“Did you check with the other guys about Aditya’s presence, who accepted their action?” Mohan kept on asking questions to which the Principal did not have any positive responses to prove Addu’s mistake

“Ok I will investigate further before taking any actions on Aditya. Thanks for your co-operation” The Principal closed his stand

When Mohan and Megha walked out of Principal’s room, Addu was very quiet. Though he looked upset with Megha, the satisfaction for the final result was obvious on his face. He gave a thankful look at Mohan which Mohan acknowledged proudly

“I should have believed you, instead of a stranger. I am sorry, Addu” Megha touched Addu’s shoulders which he swiftly pushed aside and walked towards his bike at the parking lot. Mohan held her consolingly and said

“He will be fine, Megha”

“Thanks Mohan”

They both shared a look of understanding for each other’s stand on the situation

“And I am sorry that I didn’t obey your order, Mirchi Madam” He winked at her

“Thanks for not obeying Mr. Musibat! Actually, you are my problem solver but the name suits you well” Megha winked back which surprised him. He held his chest and pretended to faint

When Mohan and Megha entered Vyass’ house at Juna Mohalla, it appeared to be in a festival mood. Nanhi and Rimjhim were celebrating Addu’s moment of small victory. They had cooked a special snack, all by themselves and were serving everyone. Addu was happy and enjoying the snacks which Guru was feeding him

“Is that a celebration or punishment?” Mohan walked in making fun of the girls

“Spiderman”

“Paapu” Both said in chorus and kicked their legs on the floor

“I am so full and can’t eat anything” Mohan tried his luck to stay away

Nanhi and Rimjhim glared at each other and winked and jumped at Mohan filling his mouth with handful of snacks from their bowls. Mohan was almost popping out his eyes tasting the spicy stuff inside his mouth!

Random Page 5: Poo in Fancy dress avatar – An Executive delivering prize to The Bhatnagars!

 “Hurray!” It was almost a scream from Rimjhim when Megha received the prize coupons

“But who bought the tickets?” Megha was doubtful

“Jikki, don’t you remember our shopping that day? They gave raffle tickets for bills above 5000” Rimjhim was excited looking at the coupons. Megha smiled at her enthusiasm while Nanhi joined them asking

“What is that?”

“Fun City Prize coupons!”

“Yahooo!! That’s awesome” Addu jumped in grabbing the coupons and reading the details

Guru entered the living room hearing the joyful noises around

“Did we win a lottery?” His innocent look made everyone giggle

“Yeah dude!  We won a lottery” Rimjhim hung her hands around his neck smiling

“How much money, baby?”

“No Money, Guru! A visit to the theme park Fun City!”

“Oh! What is there?”

“Arrey, it has Vegetable market and grocery shops” Mohan walked in teasing him. Guru squeezed his nose in mockery back at him

“Mohan, it’s for our whole family! The date is up to us to decide. When shall we go?” Megha asked seriously

“Hey Sunnna! It’s not park with garden and flowers! It has water rides and other dangerous rides! You will get scared” Mohan appeared to be scaring Megha to which she sighed and replied

“Mohan, I know that and I know you will be scared!”

Megha turned to look at Addu and Nanhi who tried hard to hide a chuckle. Rimjhim was confused

“What is it, Jikki?”

“Nothing Sweetie! Your paapu is scared of heights and rides!” Megha winked at a fuming Mohan

“No way! My Paapu is super hero and very brave” Rimjhim took her seat on Mohan’s lap holding him around his neck. Mohan smiled at her proudly

“Haaan Haan! Bhaiya is too brave that he will jump around the buildings just like a Spiderman!” Guru covered his mouth trying to hide his chuckle. Mohan gave a boyish stare at him

“Hey Spiderman, sunnna!!!” Nanhi started in Mohan’s typical style “Come and show your action out there my hero!”

“Hero or Zero we will know it there” Addu joined Guru with a hi-five and both giggled out loud

“Hey Piddi! Have you forgotten how you glued to me during our ride in Nepal?”

“That was a long time back! Now I have grown up, Dad!”

“Ok let us see!” Mohan declared

“Hurray! That’s my sweet paapu!” Rimjhim kissed him and ran to Megha and hugged her

“Jikki, I know you are brave and would you ride with me?”

“Yes sweetie! We are a team and we will see who screams with joy and who with fear!” Megha raised her eyebrows looking at Mohan as if challenging him

“Then it is a challenge! Boys vs Girls!” Addu jumped in front of Mohan raising his thumb against Megha. Nanhi and Rimjhim joined Megha and all of them raised their thumbs against him. Guru joined Addu as well and was pulling Mohan

“Arrey yaar! Why do you want to put me into trouble?”

“Uffo Bhaiya! We cannot back off! It’s our prestige issue”

“Haana you and your prestige cooker!”

“Come on Dad! You can do it!” Addu and Guru managed to pull out his thumb to accept the challenge

Mohan winked at Megha which she duly acknowledged with a reply wink. Mohan walked past her brushing her shoulders

“Take care of your saree while riding, Mrs. Bhatnagar!” He whispered in her ears

Megha pursed her lips as if to ignore him and thoughtfully smiled before entering her room. When she came out dressed in jeans and printed t-shirt, everyone was astonished! Mohan let out a whistle in joy looking at her from top to bottom.

*Poo, the Executive, managed to convince the Bhatnagar family, that she will be needed to be present there with them to guide them through the day’s events*

When the Bhatnagars arrived at the Fun City around noon, the place was full of noise and screams of joy! The smell of popcorn and other snacks were filled in the air. Every fun ride was on and full with a long queue still waiting their turns.

“Arrey yaar! Look at the queue! Come we will go back” Mohan fussed

“Paapu, look at the train ride. That’s got a small line! Come, you gotta start your first ride with me!” Rimjhim almost dragged him to the kids’ train ride

“Bhaiya, that’s very correct for you. Have fun!” Guru never missed opportunity to tease Mohan

“Arrey Jaan! That’s for kids and they will not allow me”

“No problem sir, this is family train. Everyone can go” The man at the ride said much to Mohan’s annoyance

Everyone joined Mohan and Rimjhim in the train. They were laughing and clapping along with Rimjhim as they enjoyed the ride

“So, what say Mrs. Bhatnagar? Was that a scream of fear or joy?” Mohan asked

“That was very brave of you, Mr. Bhatnagar” Megha clapped her hands teasing him

“A bet! Let’s ride the roller coaster then?” Mohan challenged her

“No! This is my turn with Spiderman!” Nanhi held his hands and pulled him towards the roller coaster ride

Megha joined Rimjhim in a car while Guru and Addu took the car that led the ride. As they rode through they were hooting and whistling aloud. Mohan was almost giddy when they slid out of the cars

“Now Go karting!” Addu announced

“Arrey Piddi! What is it in you? A riding ghost?”

“Dad, you are getting old!” Addu teased

“Hey sunna! Old is gold!“

“Oh bhaiya! Look there!” Guru pointed towards the Dashing cars

Everyone rushed towards it and claimed their cars. Guru and Rimjhim took a car together. Everyone started dashing each other aiming at their chosen enemy. When they came out of the booth they were almost tired and headed towards the food counter. After food, they covered almost all the park pulling each other ride after ride. When they finally entered the water park, they were amused to see the wet crowd and to hear the shrilling voice filled in the air. They dipped themselves too with water in the family slide, wave pool and aqua disco.

“Hello old man” Megha whispered in his ears when they were slowly dancing to the disco tunes under water

“I am never old for certain things!” He stared at her adoringly and curved his lips into a teasing smile. Megha turned pink with shy when he closed the gap between them

“Jikki!” Rimjhim popped up in between them “I want to go to the washroom”

Mohan and Megha shared a pouting look at each other as Megha walked away with Rimjhim. By the time everyone dried themselves it was late in the evening. If anyone should believe in magic then it had to be there in an amusement park. The park was in complete contrast to the dusty daylight settings. Every riding machine was in colorful glitter with artificial lights that gave a different outlook to the entire setup. It was a mesmerizing view seeing the shadows of the flying cars around the area.

“Come with me” Mohan suddenly held Megha’s hands and pulled her to somewhere

He stopped in front of the Ferris wheel! 

“Mohan, are we?”

“Hold my hands! As you know I am afraid of heights!” He winked at her

They got into a cart and hooked the bar. As the wheel started moving up, both of them were thrilled and held each other's hands closely. As the wheel rode faster and faster their screams of joy saw no bound. Both were holding each other firmly, sharing the fear and pleasure at the same time. As the wheel slowed down, they relaxed in each other's arms. One by one the cart was getting unloaded for the new loading. Their cart was on the top.

 “Isn’t this amazing, Megha?”

“Yes it is, Mohan!”

From top of the wheel, they watched the colored lights of the park and the city stretching out beyond! Her face looked so fresh in the cool air and under the dim lights! He held her face in his hands and felt everything was so perfect and so right in his life! The noise and people below appeared to be in a different world and there they were all alone in their own world! Their passenger car was gently rocking and it was like a romantic dance in the breeze! They were just holding their gaze to each other and wanted to make the moment special for themselves. They gently kissed each other in the open air under the dark sky, just offering the pleasure to each other without any demand.

She settled her head on his shoulders facing up towards the sky. The stars were scattered above them and the moon was moving between the clouds! The air was cool and she felt little shiver. He held his arms around her, joining her in watching the sky scene. Nothing else seemed to happen around them!

 “I love you, Megha!”

“I love you, Mohan!”

They heard the claps around them when they realized that their cart reached the lower end and was waiting for them to slide out. Mohan proudly acknowledged the audience and got out to extend his hand to Megha. She took it shyly and stepped out, and they were greeted by their happy smiling family.

 

The Next Page - A sequel

The Next Page - A Sequel

Prologue:

Original Storyline for Season 1 as follows: Mohan Bhatnagar was a carefree bachelor who was a crime reporter. He came to stay in Juna Mohalla, Indore next to Mrs. Megha Vyas’s house. Mrs. Megha Vyas was a widow with two kids, living with her in-laws family. Megha has a daughter named Navika called as Nanhi who was 10 year old and a son named Aditya called as Addu who was 8 years old. Mohan and Megha have had bitter encounters through which they start with a hate relationship for each other. Slowly Mohan fell in love with Megha much to her dismay. With continuous efforts and not give up attitude Mohan won Megha’s heart and got married to her. Mohan have always had sweet and loving relationship with Nanhi but never went along well with Addu. Addu did not like Mohan and disliked the fact that his mother married him. He had always hated him and many times expressed it explicitly.

A season 2 was initiated with a follow up story to this sequence with a leap of 12 years. Here it was showed that Mohan and Megha had to be separated by circumstances. Here is my story, taking these wonderful characters into account and keeping the separation in mind.

Other characters involved in the story are Guru – Mohan’s cook but who is more than a friend and guide to Mohan. Jiji – Megha’s father-in-law’s sister who is a mother like figure to Megha. Renu – Megha’s co-sister. Tannu – Renu’s son.

Page 1:

Mohan in his bedroom sitting on the bed, next to Rimjhim, who was sleeping! He held a letter and a photograph of grown up Addu and Nanhi together smiling with Megha! He smiled at the signature of the letter "Lovingly - Your Mirchi"

He has Flashback!

After the bitter moment with Addu @ his school - Mohan slapping Addu for keep insisting on "step father" clause! Nanhi watched this and queried him for his action! Mohan felt bad, said "Sorry" and tried to explain the kids! Nanhi understood him and she helped Mohan in making Addu understand as well! Addu was never in mood to heed to anyone.

Back @ home, Megha put Addu on her lap and was told story about Kanha, Yasodha and Nanda! How Krishna got attached to his parents who adopted him! Addu got very angry and shouted "I know what you are trying to say! I don't want to listen to it." Addu ran off and Nanhi followed him to the room!

Mohan looked worried seeing all this and put his face down covered in his hands! Megha walked towards him and placed her hand on his shoulder, gently! Mohan turned to her and held her hands in his

"Megha, I am sorry! You know I should not have slapped"

Megha cut him in and said "I understand Mohan! Addu gets very difficult at times and I know it! He needs more time!"

Mohan gave a teasing smile at her "Anything more than my Mirchi Madam?"

Megha smiled back triumphantly "There you see! So what is your problem in getting to Addu when it was done with me?!"

"Do you think? I don't know why, but I am losing my hopes, Megha!" he said in a weak voice!

Megha sat in front of Mohan, held his cheeks in both her hands, and turned to make him face her!

"Really? Mr. Musibat in musibat, himself??!!" Mohan gave a feeble smile @ Megha's tease while she continued

"Nanhi's Spiderman can never lose hopes, you know! What will Nanhi think of you if she gets to know that something is not possible by her spiderman?"

Mohan closed his eyes as if something hurt him! Megha swiftly stood up and held Mohan close to her! He hugged her around her waist and rested his head there, feeling all his pain relieved! She smoothened his hair with her hands

"Relax Mohan! Everything will be alright!" He squeezed his eyes and tightened his grip around Megha's waist

"Megha, Hold me like this forever and I am sure everything will be alright!"

Nanhi ran in and hugged Megha from behind "Sure, everything will be alright!" Mohan and Megha looked at Nanhi and smiled at her brightly! Nanhi walked towards Mohan "Don't worry Spiderman, I sure believe that you can make Addu love you as much as I do! May be you were too lazy all this while"

Everyone laughed! Mohan adored Nanhi's simple way of making him smile! He said in his usual style "Hey chavvanni, sunna! Why is your brother so unlike you? Piddi!".

Nanhi stared him down, in mocking anger, crossing her arms! Mohan actioned to hold his ear as if to say sorry and hugged her

"Your belief in me makes me all the more strong and wants me to do better!"

Megha intruded "If papa beti is done with their lovey shovey dialogues, shall we think of doing something about Addu?"

Mohan asked Nanhi "Where is Addu?"

Nanhi actioned to show that Addu is sleeping! The trio got seated around and started thinking!

"I have an idea! We will lock Spiderman and Addu in a room for one full week! Spiderman will sure be able to convince Addu, that he is the best papa in the world!" Nanhi giggled saying this!

Mohan gave a grave look at her!

"Naa Naa! These two might end up hurting each other or sit doing nothing in some corners of the room!"

Megha and Nanhi laughed at this imagination while Mohan got all funnily furious and acted like spanking Nanhi, which she smartly escaped!

Mohan jumped in "How about I and Addu going on a full day outing doing all sorts of fun?"

Megha looked interested and asked "What kinda of fun stuff?"

Mohan thought hard and mumbled to himself "I should take this Piddi to Pub or Discotheque to completely bowl him down!"

Megha tried to understand his murmurs but in vain "Mohan??"

"I will take Addu to some movie or bowling"

"Bowling will be best! He loves it!" Megha said happily!

Nanhi ran into Mohan's arms and kissed him! "Best of luck, Spiderman!"

Mohan hugged her warmly "I need it very much, Nanhi"

The following day the boys - Mohan, Guru and Addu went on their outing plan while the girls planned some shopping and temple visit for themselves.

In the evening Nanhi was looking at the door waiting for the boys to return. Megha called from the kitchen "Nanhi, Come and have your dinner!"

"No maa, I am waiting for Addu and Spiderman! Will have dinner with them"

Megha walked to her "They might finish their dinner from outside, beta"

"Naa, Spiderman promised me that he will be back for dinner and will play carom with me before going to sleep"

Just then the boys walked in, Addu as usual in his angry mood and the others showing no expressions. But they all looked very tired. "Spiderman, how was Addu's day out?"cheered Nanhi!

Addu ran into Megha's arms "Mummy, Nobody likes me! I hate being here and going anywhere with him"

Megha gave a confused look at Mohan, where he was all seen very upset! Guru gave a pouting look, showing that nothing went good out there!

"Addu beta, everyone loves you so much and don't you trust your mummy?" Addu looked unconvinced. "I made your favorite snack. Don't you wanna eat?"

As Megha and Addu moved away from there, Nanhi came to Mohan "What happened, Spiderman?"

"Arrey yaar! What to say! It all started well. Later, one by one went wrong and we ended up fighting for every silly matter. And see, now we are back to square one!"

Nanhi put her hand on top of her head as if to say hopeless! Mohan gave a helpless look while Guru was smilingly looking at them! Megha came in "Nanhi, Are you ready to have your dinner, now?" Mohan looked expectantly at Megha to read her expression but there was none that he could see! Then Megha gave a mockingly angry look at him and set the table for them. Mohan now joined Nanhi at the table and started his usual chat, knowing that Megha was cool.

Later in the night, Megha put the kids to sleep and came out looking for Mohan. He was found sitting near the window and looking out somewhere but not really looking anywhere! She garlanded her hands around him from behind and bent close to his ears "What is it Mr. Bhatnagar?"

In any other situation he would have pulled her into his lap to continue the play with his Mirchi! But now he forced his mind to work into serious thoughts.

"Megha, I am scared! What if Addu doesn't approve me at all? What if he continues to hate me like this?"

"Why is it like that?"

"I am trying, you know"

"I know"

"And I am failing too"

"I don't think so"

He gave a dry smile to her but then took her hands to his lips and placed a soft kiss there. She sat next to him and rested her head on his shoulders.

"I was worried that you wouldn't try. But I am happy for what's happening"

Mohan gave a confused look at her.

"Yeah I know the results aren't what we want but I hope we will be there someday".

She held his arms and closed her eyes peacefully getting into sleep.

Raging and anger, Mohan was ready to face but expectations and high hopes, he was highly scared of them. He dreaded to think of the outcome, if a failure arose on his part, would bring on her. He closed his eyes and tilted his head onto hers. They sat there in their favorite position, and fell asleep through the night.

Flashback ends.

Guru came into the room and saw Mohan lost in his thoughts. "Bhaiya, Is anything wrong?"

He came closer and saw the photograph in Mohan's hands. Guru smiled and took it from him.

"How pretty they look, hai na? Look at Addu, how grown up he is!"

"I will never be able to get those lost days, where I missed to see their growing up, Guru"

"Bhaiya, Please don't think like that"

Mohan and Guru, walked out of the room and sat in the balcony.

"I see only empty space in that part of their lives"

"Bhabhi has filled that space with everything that you could cherish for. You should be happy for that"

Mohan nodded in agreement. "You know, Addu has been selected as the captain for his college cricket team. And Megha thinks that he is still following the trick that I taught him long back!"

Mohan continued "Nanhi has joined as Junior Reporter in AI. Megha thinks that she is more like me than her!"

Guru smiled cheerfully "Bhabhi makes you feel part of the family even in your absence!"

Mohan was all the more hurt and squeezed his eyes in pain. "Oh! I miss her!"

Guru gave an understanding look at him "Bhaiya, listen to me. Write to bhabhi that you want to meet her"

 "No Guru! I don't have the guts to walk away from Megha, after I meet her. And I don't want to give her any more pain than what she already has"

"Ohho Bhaiya! Why are you doing this to yourself? At least talk to her on the phone."

"Why isn't everything that simple, Guru?"

"If you think it is simple, then it is!"

"Every time I get a letter from Megha, I am looking for that one line asking me to come back and saying that 'Everything is alright now'. But I am not sure whether that day would ever come by!"

Guru could read Mohan's thoughts and did not want to say anything to disturb him further.

"Chalo Bhaiya, sleep well. Rimmy's new kathak teacher is coming in tomorrow morning. Hope this one continues to stay" Deviating Mohan's thoughts Guru walked off from the room.

Mohan looked at Rimjhim adoringly and smiled to himself. "Same to same like my mirchi. Hope you like this teacher at least!"

Page 2:

Megha was  at the Post Office looking into her Post Box. A cheerful smile spread across her lips on seeing a white envelope inside. She gently picked it up to see the words written in bold letters at the back “From - Mohan Bhatnagar PB No. 176” She traced the name with her fingers lingering on every letter in it.

Megha found herself smiling at the picture of Mohan and Rimjhim smiling at her. She put herself comfortable on the park bench and started reading the letter.

My Dear Megha,

Every time I start writing a letter to you, I could only feel the way you feel my presence when you open my letter. I see the tears waiting to drop from your eyes! My hands don’t move knowing that they are supposed to be there with you to wipe it off. Meghaaa…

Megha felt a lump in her throat and it was hard for her to swallow the tears waiting to peep. She could read the “Megha, I miss you” hidden in his call! She just closed her eyes for few seconds, took in the message and continued reading. She could see only blank space before the next paragraph started. She imagined Mohan typing, erasing and retyping; finally to leave the space blank for her to read his feelings. She could feel a moment of joy, knowing what he felt there. But couldn’t help feeling a prick of pain added to it as well.

Our family picture is just perfect. Chavvanni looks so pretty and adorable! Just then I checked that you are there in the picture too! J You got to pick up some tips from my chavvanni! I will write to her so she takes care of you.

A smile crossed at the corner of Megha’s lips. She knows how much Mohan must be missing Nanhi. She sees the other letter inside the envelope which is addressed to her. Megha is worried that this letter too will be left unopened like the others. Mohan has never asked in his letter, for Nanhi’s reply. That may be because he had understood Nanhi’s upset with him. Megha could feel the sense of missing his dear friend, in the way he mentioned about Nanhi, in his letters.

Addu is growing into a handsome young man! I know where that comes from J

Jaanu has successfully chased away her third kathak teacher now! I don’t know how many more are on the line before she finds the best and that must be you J The other day she was asking about your hair! What color, how long and what hair style – So many questions that I just couldn’t help…

Megha understood what Mohan went through with Rimjhim’s simple questions about her. He would have wanted to touch Megha’s hair that had always made him shiver of joy.

Megha did not wonder why Mohan hadn’t written anything more about Addu. She knew what Mohan wanted to know but he would never ask until the message goes out from her. She ached to heal Mohan for those unwritten hurt that he shared. She closed her eyes in pain.

She has Flashback!

Megha practicing kathak dance at home while Mohan comes back from work. He watches her adoringly then slowly comes from behind and hugs her leaving her choked in shying happiness! He rubs his lips softly around her neck leaving Megha mesmerized by love. She turns towards him to hold her hands around his neck and rubs her nose into his. Mohan holds her tightly as if he had arrested her into him.

“Mr.Bhatnagar, don’t you remember kids are at home?”

“Well! I saw them playing outside, Mrs. Bhatnagar”

“Oh! My reporter has done his research well before his mission. That’s impressive!”

“Yes! Very well prepared for my mission and you know that I don’t leave any of my task unfinished”

Mohan winks at her wickedly for which Megha goes all red and pink. She closes down the gap between them pulling him nearer by his shirt collar. Unexpected to this prank of hers, Mohan loses his control giving way for her to escape his arrest. When he gets his senses and tries to catch hold of her again, he bumps into Addu who just entered into the house.

Addu shows his usual angry face to him and runs into Megha “I don’t want to play with anyone mummy! All are cheating and playing tricks with me. They are making fool of me”

“You are the captain of the street team and you can make them play fair”

“No, I quit that because I am in no mood to lead the team”

 “But you love that and remember how proud you were when you were selected?”

“I am bored of everything and now I don’t want to play cricket at all”

Megha and Mohan are stunned to hear this. They knew how much Addu loved cricket and being the captain of his team.

Mohan walks to him “Addu, Come I will talk to them and we will see who goes against us”

“I don’t want any of your support. It’s all because of you I lost everything!”

Megha rises her voice “Addu, You don’t talk to him like that”

“Yes, I will, I will, I will!”

He runs into his room and shuts the door against them.

Mohan looks upset. Megha goes to him “Mohan, I am just thinking. Why don’t we go out somewhere as a family? We would get some exclusive time to spend with the kids and know them better”

Mohan knows that Megha is just trying to convince him though she couldn’t help the situation much. Anyway he wants to believe that what she suggests would bring some magic into his relationship with Addu. He agrees to it.

Megha is packing the suitcases while Addu walks in.

“Where are we going, mummy?”

“To a beautiful resort where you get to play games, swim in the pool and do all you want to”

Addu is all happy and Megha sees twinkle in his eyes. She thinks to herself ‘Hope all your happiness and ours too get doubled’

Just then Mohan walks in. Addu sees him and cuddles into Megha as if he is going to lose her. Mohan and Megha look at each other helpless and not knowing what is going inside that little mind.

At the railway station, Addu clinging to Megha.

“Mummy, I don’t want to go anywhere”

“It will be lot of fun, beta. You must like it”

Looking at Mohan he says “No, I don’t”

Megha gives a blank look at Mohan when he turns away blank as well. Nanhi walks to Addu.

“Addu, We both will fly kites and we will play cricket too”

“Ok”

“Spiderman will teach us all tricks in the game”

Addu doesn’t respond and keeps quite at the mention of Mohan. It looked like he is seriously affected with the thought of Mohan joining them to the trip.

Nanhi turns to look at Mohan. He is all lost his patience now.

“Arrey yaar! What have I done to you Addu? Why are doing this to me?”

No answer from Addu. He keeps staring at Mohan. Then he turns to Megha and Nanhi. As everyone has zeroed in on Addu, he gets angry and runs off from there. All the others start running behind him, while Mohan reaches Addu in a swift action and catches hold of him.

“No Addu, don’t do this. You will be lost or hurt”

“Never mind. Nobody cares for me so it is better something happens to me”

Mohan felt a slap inside him. This isn’t going easy and he dreads of something terrible coming to them.

“Ok Addu. We are not going anywhere. Let us get back home now”

“I am not going anywhere with you”

Megha goes closer to Addu and takes his hands to kiss them. Addu hugs into her and sobs.

“Mummy, I am scared and don’t want to go anywhere”

“Ok beta! As you wish. We will get back home”

Nanhi and Addu stop by a shop to a get something for themselves while Mohan and Megha are lost in serious thoughts. They get back their senses on a scream from Nanhi “Addduuuu…”

They see Nanhi standing alone at the shop but Addu nowhere near her.

“Spiderman, Mummy! Addu is not here. I don’t know where he has gone.”

All of them start looking for Addu everywhere around the station asking people about him. Mohan looks into the train compartments. Fear struck in everyone’s face and they all looked dead after a search for more than two hours. Nanhi tired of crying and running around just dozes off on the platform. Megha sits next to her not knowing what else to do. Mohan sees this image and feels a sharp pain in his heart. He thinks to himself ‘What happened to Addu? Are we not going to find him at all? What if something bad befalls him?’

Just then he feels a hand pressing his shoulder and turns around to find the railway police standing.

“Sir, Are you the one who had complained about a lost boy at the station?”

Mohan found it hard to get back his normalcy before he could utter “Yes, Sir! It’s me”

“We received a message from the General Hospital about some boy met with an accident while crossing the road near the station”

Mohan is shocked and he could feel sweat falling through his forehead.

“It looks like nothing serious but he has some bad bruises and has been admitted. Can you please…”

Mohan did not let him complete his sentence “Yes, I want to go and see”

Megha is inconsolable the moment she heard the news. Before they could reach the hospital, thousands of thoughts wavered into Mohan’s minds. When they found the boy to be Addu, it was like their heartbeats came back for them all in one go. Addu looked fine except for scratches in hands/legs and a deep cut on his forehead.

Mohan couldn’t control his tear which was holding its way till then. He just stepped out of the ward and burst out while Megha followed him only to find him shudder in her hug.

Flashback ends.

Megha looked back into the letter to read the last paragraph that made her want to cry of joy and worry.

Megha, I know this must be difficult for you but I wanted to ask for it. As Nanhi is coming down to Bhopal for her Training Program at the AI branch here, I would love to have her stay with me. You sure know that I had written about this to her as well but as you know I may need your help here.

Megha could feel the hesitant way of Mohan’s words and how much he feared for the response, if it did not happen the way he loved it to happen. She wished for things to be very simple and easy for everyone. She closed the letter back into the envelope, wiped off the drop of tear on her cheek and got up determined for the next course of action.

Page 3:

Back in her house, Megha saved the envelope in a box of envelopes inside her closet. She gently touched them and gave a brief smile of satisfaction. She thought to herself ‘Mohan, I will try my best to get the one thing that you are asking for, which I always wanted you to have’.

Megha walked into Nanhi’s room where she was engrossed reading and collecting articles for her new job. She lifted her head to give a sharp look at Megha then got back to her work. Megha knew this look of Nanhi which means she doesn’t like to be disturbed. And this was what her response would be most of the time when Megha returned from the Post Office.

Megha just placed the envelope on the table and sat next to her. Nanhi looked at the “From – Your Spiderman” words on it and couldn’t help a twinkle in her eye. Megha did not miss to see those sparkles every time she handed over the letter to Nanhi.

“Your Spiderman is very proud of you for your new job”

No response from Nanhi. Megha continued.

“Kids’ growing up and settling down always make the parents so proud of them”

“That must be for the parent who is part of the kid’s life”

“Staying close or far away, parents will never become strangers”

“Kids cannot appreciate long-distance relationship”

“But you knew Mohan has always been part of our lives. He knows everything that is happening around us. His presence is felt in every moment that we share”

“Only through letters”

“And in our thoughts”

“Mummy we are through with this many times and why start again when I don’t agree to what you are going to say!”

“You must know how much he misses you and how much he would love to talk to you”

“Did I stop him talking to me and did I ask him to go away from us?”

“Whatever had happened, we are always a family and that will never change. And I want you to do something for the happiness in the family”

Nanhi gave a confused look at Megha.

“Mohan would love to have you stay with him when you are in Bhopal doing the training”

“But Mummy, you know…”

Megha cut her through “Nanhi beta, I have never forced you to do things. And I would not want to do it now too. But I would want you to think through this with open mind without any rage”

“Mummy…”

“No, That’s too fast. Take your time to think through and I will talk to you again.”

Before moving out Megha said in a cheerful voice

 “There is a latest picture of Mohan and Jaanu! If you want to see you can!”

Megha waved the picture in her hands like a fan just so that Nanhi could glance at the details. Then she left in on top of the envelope and got out of the room with a smile on her face.

Nanhi gave a soft look at the things awaiting her on the table. She turned around to check on Megha. She slowly moved her fingers on the photo and takes it in her hands. She couldn’t resist a smile on herself on seeing a smiling Mohan. She gently touched his chin and raised her hands, as if to remember the special gesture the Chavvanni-Spiderman duo shared. She then gave an envious look at Rimjhim just to remind herself the space that she lost to her! The special space that she shared in her Spiderman’s heart and life!

She took the envelope and went to her closet. There she pulled out a box full of unopened envelopes addressed “From – Your Spiderman” except for one. She took that opened letter to read those faded lines.

Hey Chavvanni, sunnna….

Oh! I find it very odd to write to you but I know this will help us much more than what we think. I miss you so much, Chavvanni. I hear the bell ringing almost every day! I feel like you are sitting and talking to me all the time. Whatever happened to us as a family has nothing to do with you. Our relationship remains the same and I want you to know that. Everyone makes mistakes and we just try to do the best to keep things alive without letting them dying. Hope you understand this one day or the other. But now I want you to know that I am always here for you, even when you don’t need me.

Lovingly Yours,
Spiderman

‘This is your first letter to me, Spiderman! And I had never thought that this will be the one that would keep me away from you for this long. You don’t know how much I cried reading this letter. You were never near me to wipe my tears or to hold me or to call “Hey, Chavvanni, sunna”. I never dared to open any of the other letters knowing that they are just words from you without your nearness to me.’

Nanhi was in tears while saying all this to her.

‘Every time I receive a letter from you, more than the joy that they bring, I could feel my fears rising with them. I see them as the element that keeps you away from me. They bring the message that you are not coming back any soon. They only indicate me that the day hasn’t come yet. So I never felt like opening them. You might be thinking that I am angry with you but I love you so much to be in angry with you.’

Nanhi picked the picture in her hands.

‘I know I had lost all my growing up years with you. Miss those days that would have made me know the person that you are and made you know the person that I am. And whenever I think of those empty space filled in my years, I feel very jealous of Jaanu who is sharing that special bond with you.’

Nanhi couldn’t bring herself to put the new envelope into the box. She touched and felt as if this one is something to bring her closer to her Spiderman. She wanted to treat this one as not the usual bomb but as a flower bouquet inviting her into her Spiderman’s life once again. She finally opened it.

Hey Chavvanni, sunna….

Have I ever told you that I am very proud of you? If not, then I want to now. I am so proud of you! You are the sweetest and most beautiful daughter, I could ever ask for! You came in as an angel into my life bringing the most beautiful moments, which I always cherish. I would love to relive those beautiful moments with my dear Chavvanni. Will you please do me the favor of staying with me, dear? I promise, I will behave well and will provide you with clean towels and hankies! J

Yours lovingly,
Spiderman

A moment of joy engrossed Nanhi and she dwelled in it closing her eyes. Finally the day had come to her which she always wanted to see, sooner than later.

She has Flashback!

Nanhi is sitting next to a sleeping Addu who is back from the hospital. She finds Mohan and Megha sitting outside, holding hands. Though very feeble, she could overhear their serious conversation.

“Mohan, Don’t worry. Everything is going to be alright”

“I too want to think like it but I know Megha, it is not happening”

“We have just started Mohan and still have long way to go. You..”

Mohan intrudes “The long way will only make it worse, Megha”

“You never know…”

Again Mohan cuts in “I know! I know! Yes, I know that feeling”

Mohan puts his hands over his head and faces his head blankly looking at the floor. Megha looks worried but with dazed expression moves to him.

“I could relate myself with the situation and not know what I should do next.”

“You and your dad?”

Mohan nods in agreement “I had never let him explain things to me and adamantly held on to my prejudice”

“Don’t you think you are trying different than your father?”

“This is not about me, Megha. Now this is about Addu!”

Megha struck with the realization. “Unless he opens up this is not going to be easy?”

 “Shall we do with a counselor?”

“I don’t want to pressurize him Megha. It may take turns for worse”

“Then?”

“It’s only when I moved away from my dad that I appreciated his efforts to reconcile with me. By then he was too far away from me. And we never made it to work!”

Megha is dreading to think what is going on in Mohan’s mind.

“I don’t want anything to come between us that would kill our love for each other, Megha”

“What are you saying, Mohan?”

“My constant presence could bring trouble to Addu and I am scared of anything untoward happening to him”

Megha is not ready to hear anything more but the fear is vanishing away knowing how things would turn, if otherwise.

“I will go away somewhere for a while”

A horrified Nanhi runs into Mohan “No Spiderman!” Mohan hugs her into him and consoles her sobbing.

“Hey Chavvanni, sunna! Why are you crying like this? I am not gone forever. I will be visiting you every now and then”

Megha comes closer to them and touches Mohan’s shoulder not knowing whether this is going to work as they expect. She vaguely looks at Addu who is sleeping so peacefully.

Flashback ends.

Nanhi couldn’t get past what happened after that. Every time Mohan visited them, Addu’s behavior became worse. His weekly visits became monthly then yearly till they completely stopped 8 years back. After that it is only his letters that connected them. She was even angry with Megha for supporting Mohan.

‘I believed you Spiderman, but things didn’t turn out as you said. Why didn’t you stay with us and find a better way than this? And now you ask me to come and stay with you? What should I do?’

Page 4:

Nanhi wiped off her tears on hearing the knock on her door. Megha walked in and saw the letter opened. She smiled but on seeing a teary eyed Nanhi, she got concerned.

“Nanhi, What is it, beta?”

“I am just thinking how it will be to meet him after so many years”

Megha showed a joy of satisfaction and was happy that Nanhi was considering of going there.

“I am not forcing you to do anything, Nanhi. I and Mohan will be very happy if you decide to go there. But we totally understand if you don’t want to.”

Megha looked at Nanhi’s face, intensely, to know what’s running there, when she stressed on the ‘not want to’ part. She was very sure that Nanhi would be filled with joy for wanting to go to Mohan, but would she accept it that easy? Megha was determined to break through that barrier this time, so Mohan could get at least this one wish that he had asked her.

“I know it must be difficult initially but in the three months that you are going to stay there, you will get comfortable.”

“Rimjhim…” she hesitated.

“She is such a sweet little girl and you sure will like her”

Nanhi thought to herself ‘No mummy! She is not the problem but I am. I don’t know how I am going to deal with my own feelings whenever I see her and Mohan bonding’

“Nanhi, Inform your office about the change of plan in your stay”

“No mummy! I will stay with Spiderman..” Nanhi was surprised to see how easy the name fell through her. She wondered ‘was it this easy all this while and it’s just that I didn’t recognize it?’ She hated to accept the fact that she hasn’t moved on yet. She continued.

“I will stay with Spiderman for two or three days before moving into my company accommodation.”

Megha was disappointed but did not want to say anything more. She just hoped that everything falls in place soon.

“Ok beta. Come I will help you packing”

“No mummy, I will take care”

Megha walked out of the room to see Addu sitting on the sofa watching TV. She was shocked and wondered when he had arrived. She hoped that he hadn’t heard any of their conversation.

“Addu, when did you come? Are you not keeping well? I thought you will be late after the party at your friend’s place”

“No mummy, I got headache and couldn’t stand the loud music, so I came off”

 “Oh dear! Wait, I will get you some hot tea. In minutes your headache will be gone”

Addu gave a puzzled look at Megha who by then had vanished into the kitchen. A few minutes later when Megha sat next to Addu giving him the tea, Addu accidentally stomped her leg.

“Sorry Mummy”

“It’s ok beta. Nothing happened.”

Addu was quiet for a while then asked “Mummy, Did I hurt you?”

“Not at all!” Megha responded in haste and when she looked at him, she wasn’t sure what he’s asking this for. She just brushed her hands on his hair and smiled at him. He gave back a guilty smile and looked like he tried to hide something in his eyes.

Megha said casually “Nanhi will be leaving for Bhopal tomorrow”

“Will you feel lonely after she is gone, Mummy?”

Megha was stunned to hear this. “Why Addu? You are here with me. Moreover, Nanhi is gone only for few months and she will be back soon. Even if we miss her, she sure can make a weekend trip home.”

“But will she, mummy?”

Megha was confused and not sure what Addu was trying to say or ask.

“Looks like you are very confused, beta. What is it?”

Addu did not say anything. He forced himself to smile at her and just laid his head on her lap. Megha couldn’t figure anything from his act. She knew that this isn’t Addu’s reaction whenever he heard them talking about Mohan. So she was sure that he hadn’t known about their conversation but she was worried about what was going on in his mind now.

Megha couldn’t help remembering Addu’s reactions, whenever she tried to talk about Mohan. The otherwise obedient and well behaved Addu either went into his own den or threw upon tantrums on every silly matter. She understood that Addu isn’t there yet and he needed more time. It is only with perseverance that she could reach anywhere close to what she wanted for her family. From then it had never been a turn back for her, giving all the support Addu wanted from her to make him feel secured. She tried everything of her capacity, leaving no stones unturned, to make him her priority in every simple way. And her only hope is to have Addu come out of the shell on his own to accept Mohan in his own way.

She just brushed through his hairs and let him be on her lap, without disturbing him. Just then Nanhi walked into the living room.

“Mummy, I am done with my packing. Should I inform Spi…” She just held back her words on seeing Addu.

“Is Addu not keeping well, Mummy?”

“No, I am not! I’m just trying to steal mummy’s lap for myself before you claim it!”

Addu winked at her playfully trying to get back in form. Nanhi came in to occupy the other side of Megha’s lap and said teasingly “I am fine in sharing it with you!”

Megha was surprised but was happy to see Addu talking in his usual way. She always enjoyed the brother-sister pranks and games pulling each other. Her heart seems to be full in those times, forgetting all other shortcomings in her life. During those moments, she wondered what filled Mohan’s heart in their absence and hoped that Rimjhim filled those empty spaces for him.

She has Flashback.

After one year of separation, Mohan visits his family hoping to stay with them forever. He decides to make his visit a surprise and makes his entry late into the night. He opens the house with the keys with him and without making any noise enters his room. He is so mesmerized and captivated in awe watching a peacefully sleeping Megha. He could see a smile on her lips and it appeared to him that she is in her own dreams. He says to himself “I wish I am there filling your dreams, Megha! Because I want that sweet smile meant only for me!”

He keeps his bag aside and slowly slips onto the bed next to her. Turning towards her he rests his head on his arms so that he gets to see her very close. He admires her adoringly and wanted to pull her towards him. But he couldn’t force himself to intrude her dream, which he thinks is about them.

He slowly removes the hair falling on her face with his other hand and traces his fingers on the side of her face. She just twists her lips at the corners as if disturbed by breeze. Mohan bends closer to her and blows air on her eyes. She opens her eyes to see Mohan’s face hazily and closes them back ignoring the fact. He smiles and moves further close to kiss her eyes gently. The touch of those soft lips shivers her senses, to make her eyes wide open.

“Mohan!” When she was about to sit up, Mohan falls on her to hug her back into position and responds “Megha”. Megha shies away seeing Mohan’s face so close to hers, his nose rubbing into hers.

Mohan asked “What was it?”

“What?”

“Your dream!”

“My dream?”

“I know you were dreaming and I was there in it. Tell me, Megha!”

Megha pushes him away and turns to face him.

“So Mr. Bhatnagar thinks that I dream only about him?”

“It’s only this Mr.Bhatnagar who can bring that attractive smile on Mrs. Bhatnagar”

“Don’t be over-confident, Mr. Bhatnagar. I feel sorry for you”

She holds his nose tenderly and shakes his head left to right.

“It is not always about you, Mister”

Mohan pretends to be angry and turns his back to her. Megha smiles at his action and continues

“There is a prince in my dream who doesn’t know to tie his shoe laces, doesn’t know how to talk to kids/elders and is always playful. He is very lovely in his heart and I have lost my heart to him. Now I’m trying to find him to get him locked in my hands”

As she goes on about her Prince, Mohan spreads a huge grin on his lips, enjoying her description. She quietly rubs his back of the shoulder and slowly moves her hands to his front as if to pacify him. When she was least expecting, Mohan pulls her hands to him, to place soft kisses on them. Then he locks himself into her arms “See, You locked me into you forever! I can never be lost again”

She hugs him closer to her and kisses on his shoulders. “I love you, Mohan”

His eyes brighten up with her endearment. He turns to her and kisses on her cheeks “I love you, Megha”

They just relished their bliss of togetherness in each other’s’ arms. Little did they know that that would be their last night together and there is a long separation awaiting them later.

When Mohan had finally shared his opinion of an indefinite separation the next day, Megha was shaken to death. Though she could only second his opinion in every way, she dreaded to accept it. While Mohan himself was shattered and was upset, Megha walked to him. She took his hands into hers and looked him into his eyes. She could only see the pain that he is trying to hide there.

“I want you to take with you someone from here”

Mohan gives a confused look at her puzzle.

“Nanhi”

Mohan is astonished at the vision of her suggestion but gets into senses immediately. He just pressed her hands with soft intensity.

“Megha, I am fine; and I will be fine”

Flashback ends.

“Mummyyyy…” Nanhi and Addu have been calling Megha in chorus. It looked like they both were trying to grab her attention in their own ways, and Megha gave them the much needed smile and laughter watching them.

Page 5:

Mohan was in his Bhopal house looking at one of the rooms in awe. Guru walked in with a cup of coffee for him and looked at him strangely.

“What happened bhaiya? Are you not happy with the room décor?”

“Naa Guru! I’m more than happy and just imagining Chavvanni walking into the room, all surprised!”

Guru looked worried “Bhaiya, Are you sure, Nanhi will come to stay with us?”

“Guru, I know my Chavvanni! She is sure upset and angry with me. But she can’t stay away for long!”

Rimjhim came in running and hugged Mohan. “Who is coming to our home, Paapu?”

“Someone just like you”

“Is it a girl or boy?”

“Sweet little girl”

“Ok good! I will be happy to play with girls. I’m bored playing with these two boys” She mocks at them and runs into her room.

Mohan and Guru smiled at each other. Guru prayed to God. “Hope all goes well!!”

“Guru, everything will go well if you prepare good food for my Chavvanni!”

Guru crossed his arms with pouted lips. Mohan smiled at him.

“Bhaiya, do you know what food Nanhi likes? I will make all her special items giving her a big surprise!”

Mohan showed a frowned face. “Guru, I am scared now. 8 years and Chavvanni must have changed a lot. Her habits, likes and dislikes. So many unknown things to me. Do you think she still likes me the same way as earlier? Does she still want to see me as her Spiderman?”

Mohan sat down with a concerned and worried look on his face.

“Arrey yaar! Why didn’t she write to me any time at all? How I wish I know all about her now.”

“Ohho Bhaiya, Don’t worry. She will just be our sweet little Nanhi, as always.”

“Guru, Should I get some gift for her, when I go to receive her at the station?”

“What will you get for her?”

Mohan thought for a while “I know what I should get for her. Also I have to add one more thing to her room.”

In the night Mohan in his room, lost in his thoughts, while Rimjhim was sleeping next to him. Mohan remembered those days when Nanhi used to hug him and sleep.

Mohan has Flashback.

Mohan and Megha sitting next to each other, on that night before he was leaving for the last time.

“Mohan, Will we all be together anytime soon?”

“That day is not too far, Megha”

“I trust you,Mohan”

Megha looks at him hopefully but she could just see a lifeless expression on Mohan’s face. They both knew what the truth is going to be but could only smile at each other consolingly. Megha rests her head on Mohan’s shoulder. She slowly lets her hands around his waist to hold them tightly, as if not ready to let him go anywhere. Mohan could feel the warmth and tension in that hold. He turns towards her and kisses on her head. Holds around her squeezingly closer to him, returning the feel of possessiveness that she shared with him. Tears of separation flow through their cheeks and they were just left like this with no words.

Nanhi is found sitting on the swing. Mohan walks towards and sits next to her. Nanhi looks at him and she is filled with tears. Mohan is so heartbroken to see her like this and he hugs her. He kisses on her forehead and tries to hold himself strong.

“Hey chavvanni, sunna! Don’t cry”

“Spiderman, you told that you will be with us forever!”

Mohan is hurt but hiding it to himself he says “Nothing changes even now, Chavvanni. We are always together”

“Sachchi?”

“Muchchi!”

Mohan knew his words weren’t that easy as always but he had say that to make himself believe in that. He wanted to be as innocent as Nanhi to believe in simple magic happening around them. He touches her chin which she returns as well, to give a hi-five finishing their usual action of endearment.

He gives her a card and flowers. The card reads ‘To my Best Friend! Our Friendship is forever!’ signed as ‘Spiderman’. Nanhi gives a big grin and hugs him.

“Chavvanni, I want you to be the support for your Mummy. She must be feeling very alone when I am gone”

“You know that I will. What about you Spiderman?”

Mohan couldn’t help himself from taking a deep breath. Then he says with a teasing smile “Guru is there with me. He will take care and we will manage”

He could only sense that his mind is doing all the talking but his heart is so restless that he could feel waves inside him. He just hopes that he could find a way to control them and keep himself intact, for the sake of everyone.

Flashback ends.

Mohan continued to sit through the night in his thoughts. He never let go off the latest family picture sent by Megha. He just hoped he recognized Nanhi without any trouble at the station.

Mohan was at the railway station. He held a card and flowers in his hands. He looked very restless and got irritated when the announcement said “The train from Indore is 10 minutes delayed”.

“Arrey yaar! 10 minutes! I’ve been waiting since 6 am for the 7 O’ clock train and now it’s delayed 10 more minutes!”

He felt as if his heart is going to burst out anytime with excitement. He said to himself “Mohan Bhatnagar, Don’t worry nothing will happen to you”. He smiled to himself and couldn’t believe or reason any of his acts. But he looked so contented amidst the excitement and felt the main purpose of his wait is going to be paid in full. The sight of the train made him more nervous and he touched his heart to feel the beat there. He closed his eyes for a while before starting to relive his Spiderman days again.

The station was not crowded much and the passengers getting down from the train were very few as well. It wasn’t difficult to spot Nanhi walking with her trolley suitcase on the platform. She hadn’t spotted Mohan yet. The moment Mohan’s eyes laid on her he just couldn’t feel a gasp escaping from him. He just murmured to himself “Chavvanni!”

He just walked towards her while Nanhi spotted him. Her footsteps stopped automatically and she couldn’t sense what her feelings are then. She tried to smile but she did not feel any movement in her facial muscles and it appeared that she had frozen in the hot summer. Mohan slowly moved closer to her and he gave a look at her from top to bottom. He was just so happy as if to see a long lost friend and also a proud father. His hands wanted to touch his Chavvanni’s chin and greet her in their special way, but somehow he couldn’t feel his hands moving at all.

When he finally managed to bring his hands up, Nanhi was not sure what to expect. She sure was not ready for a hand shake with him. If his hands were reaching her chin then she was not at all sure whether she could bring herself to return the gesture as always. She wanted to believe that it comes out as natural as earlier but she didn’t dare to face it if otherwise.

As if Mohan understood what is going on inside her, he hesitantly stopped his hand halfway. He then took the card and flowers from the other hand to give to her. She looked relieved of her confusion and disappointed for her need at the same time. She took them from his hands and smiled at him. He tried to say something but then realized that his voice isn’t coming out. He cleared his throat and brought himself to say something that he thought is appropriate at that time.

“I will take your bag”

She wanted to say no, but she found it better to handover the bag than to try saying something which she thought wasn’t possible for some more time. And she thought that it will never be for very long time. They started walking together sharing a look and smile with each other. They could feel a sense of familiarity in the strangers between them. They were not sure whether it is a good sign or bad. But they wanted to leave it to forces of nature to take over instead of them taking things in their hands.

Page 6:

Till Mohan and Nanhi got into the car, they did not realize that tears of joy had been peeping through and they both tried to wave it away without sharing with each other. It was a very quiet drive when Mohan finally stopped the car in front of the house. He found the 20 minutes’ drive longer than his wait at the railway station. He released a sigh when he entered the house with Nanhi and took her directly to her room. He wanted her entry to be special before she goes through any other moments in the house. He put her bag inside and was looking at her adoringly. He just felt himself and his home very complete.

Nanhi was amused to see a huge portrait of her own smiling at her from the bedside wall. She could see a collage photo frame filled with photos of her, at various occasions during her past years, decorating the room side wall. She turned around to look at Mohan with awe and couldn’t help slipping out of the emotional control that she was holding till then. Mohan rushed to her and wanted to wipe her tears. Just then Guru made his entry looking for them.

“Bhaiya, What happened? Has Nanhi come with you?” The moment Guru saw Nanhi his face brightened with a big grin.

“Nanhi!” He went to her and gave her a hug as naturally as if he is seeing her after just yesterday. Mohan was surprised to see how easily Guru brought himself with Nanhi. And he was taken aback with wonder when Nanhi reciprocated the same ease and comfort with Guru.

She said smilingly “Guru, Look! You got dirt on your shirt. Did you forget to wear your apron?”

“Oh yeah! I was just in a hurry to prepare something for you before you arrive” Guru said happily and was amazed at Nanhi’s thoughtfulness.

Guru gave a proud look back at Mohan and raised his eyebrows as if to say ‘See, I told you that she will be the same sweet Nanhi’. Mohan gave him a mock angry look to say ‘I know!’

“Where is my little friend?” Rimjhim showed up like a flash. Everyone turned around to look at the kid standing at the door. Nanhi’s eyes met Rimjhim’s for a while and then looked away to see Mohan. He smiled at Rimjhim and then sensed those questioning eyes on him. He turned to look at Nanhi who had by then hidden all her glances from anybody in the room. She kept her fingers crossed at her sides not sure what she is hoping for. Mohan didn’t miss to watch this and he could feel her pain. It hurt him so much to know what Nanhi must be thinking then and he just tilted his head as if to say to himself ‘Arrey yaar, Chavvanni!’ He wanted to take her into his arms, to say that she means everything to him as earlier and nothing has changed between them, ever since he knew her. Guru’s voice brought him back into senses.

“Baby, look, this is Nanhi. Your little friend”

“But isn’t she big enough to be little?!” She giggled.

Guru and Mohan looked at each other and then turned to look at Nanhi who is looking nowhere.

“Jaan” Nanhi looked up at his endearment which Mohan didn’t fail to notice. He continued “This is my little Chavvanni who is just grown up into a lovely girl. You will sure find your little friend in her and then you will forget me and Guru here”

Rimjhim laughed at this description, went to hug Mohan “I will never forget my pappu who so loves me!” She pulled him down to her to place a kiss on his cheeks. Nanhi looked at them only to give way for more restlessness in her and her eyes met Mohan’s. He quickly changed the track of conversation.

“You should be hungry. Shall we go for breakfast?”

Nanhi told indirectly to him “I need to freshen up before that. I will join you all later”

Though Mohan looked disappointed, he consoled himself and felt happy for those first few words she spoke with him. Before he moved out of the room, he just stopped for a while at the door, turned to look at her. He saw her putting the flowers that he gave, into an empty vase kept on the table. She then opened the card to read those words ‘To my Best Friend! Our Friendship is forever!’ signed as ‘Spiderman’. She felt a shiver in her and a tear of happiness rolled over her cheek. He felt contended at this scene and walked out touching his chest, as if to soothe himself.

Megha was busy in the kitchen when she got call from Nanhi.

“Nanhi, I have been waiting for your call, why so late? Is everything fine, beta?”

“Yes, mummy. I am fine but I can’t say whether I am fine with everything here. I don’t know yet.”

Megha couldn’t help getting worried but hoped it must the initial hiccups for Nanhi there.

“Don’t worry, Nanhi. You will be fine.”

Megha did not know what else to say. She didn’t dare to ask anything about Mohan. Knowing about him and his well-being over the letters was different. She couldn’t believe that she gets to sense his presence while talking to Nanhi. And the thought of he being anywhere near Nanhi when she’s on the phone, thrilled her. She couldn’t compose herself to hear his voice anytime when she’s on the phone with Nanhi. She could feel butterflies in her stomach out of excitement brought by the sudden change in her life. She wanted to enjoy this change but wasn’t sure whether this is a change for good!

“Mummy!” Nanhi’s voice brought her back from her thoughts.

“Nanhi, Do call me whenever you need to. I will wait for your call”

Nanhi understood what Megha wanted to say. She decided to call Megha only when she is alone.

“Ok Mummy, I will talk to you later.”

“Ok beta, Bye. Take care of yourself!”

Megha was relieved on getting disconnected from the call but wasn’t sure whether she was happy about that. She thought to herself ‘I am sorry, Mohan. I don’t know how I can gather myself if I ever have to talk to you but then not be with you. I don’t want to punish ourselves like that and we will be safe this way.’

She then realized that she hasn’t asked about Rimjhim and Nanhi’s meeting with her. And she hoped that Nanhi be able to find a friend in that little girl. Nanhi has always been good and loving with kids. Megha remembered how much Nanhi loved Addu and helped him come out of his insecurities. She had always compromised her preferences with Megha for his sake. Megha smiled in pride thinking how Nanhi would manage and share her Spiderman with Rimjhim.

Nanhi walked into the kitchen and was amused to hear Guru singing some Bollywood song very badly.

“Guru, you still haven’t learnt to sing any song correctly?” She giggled and placed herself on the kitchen platform looking around the food items. Guru gave a sulking look at her comments but was cheerfully singing aloud to make her laugh again.

“Nanhi, check the taste and tell me how you like it?”

“It’s just perfect, Guru!” She then looks at Guru from top to bottom, finds his apron intact and then she stares at his pants.

“Guru, when did you change to centimeter from millimeter? Finally you listened to me and started wearing pants now”

They continued their chatting and laughter, while Rimjhim walked in.

“Why is it so noisy here?”

“Baby, Nanhi has so many jokes to share. Do you want to hear some?”

“I don’t want jokes. Do you know stories? I like stories”

“Yes! I know lot of stories. What kind of stories do you want?”

“I don’t know but my paapu tells me very good stories about animals, birds and anything”

Nanhi just shut herself down on hearing this and couldn’t help thinking about the special bond her Spiderman shared with this little girl. Guru noticed this in her.

“Nanhi, what food items do you like. Give me the list so that I can prepare one or the other every day for all through the three months”

“No Guru, I will not stay here for that long. I will be moving into my office accommodation in a day or two.”

Just then Mohan entered there and was shocked to hear this. Nanhi saw Mohan and did not say anything more. Rimjhim jumped onto Mohan’s shoulders and waved him to ride her to the dining hall. As they moved out, Nanhi grabbed something to eat from the bowls.

“Guru, I am going to my office to check everything for my work tomorrow. I may be late, so don’t wait for me for dinner.”

“But for lunch and today is Sunday. We will have lunch together at home”

“No problem Guru. I will pack something from this”

As Nanhi walked past Mohan in the dining hall, Mohan just stared at her in loss. But he was determined to do something about this silence between them. He smiled at the thought that waved inside him.

Late into the night when Nanhi entered the house, she thought everyone must have slept. She wanted to vanish into her room without anyone noticing her. When she was about to enter her room she heard a bell ringing.

“Hey Chavvanni, Sunna!”

A small smile spread across Nanhi’s lips and she turned to look at Mohan standing there at his door, smiling at her. He walked towards her slowly.

“I want to show you something”

He took her hands and walked her to the balcony. A beautiful swing was sitting there which was just absorbing the pleasant moonlight on it. She rejoiced the feel that this sight brought in her. She reminisced those days when she shared beautiful friendly moments with her Spiderman on a swing back home. He found himself pleased too and took her to sit on the swing.

“I missed you so much, Chavvanni?”

“Doesn’t that tell you how much I to must have missed you too, Spi…” she held herself back from saying it. Mohan could feel the hurt in knowing her forcefully breaking her sentence.

“I am sorry, Chavvanni. I would want to make it up with you in every way. Will you let me?”

Nanhi couldn’t let herself look at him but she kept quiet. Taking her silence as an acknowledgment to his plea, he continued.

“This is your home. I don’t want you to stay anywhere outside.”

When Nanhi was about to object Mohan stopped her. “Please, Chavvanni! Give me once chance to make things right with you”

Nanhi did not speak anything. “Arrey yaar, sunna! Please!”

“It’s only with you, I have asked so many please, any time! And you know that”

Nanhi smiled at this statement as she remembered Mohan’s Lovely Singh avatar. Mohan smiled back and gave her a questioning look.

“Arrey yaar, Where were you this late?”

“Ohho Spider…” when Nanhi tried to disconnect her statement again, Mohan looked at her with a pout, but she continued to detail her day’s adventure.

“On the way to my office, I met with an accident. This guy without even seeing me just came dashed me on his bike. As he applied sudden brake, I wasn’t hurt but he slipped off, only to break his TV” She was laughing at her own little adventure and how she fought with him on the middle of the road.

She started narrating the incident with the man who is going to hold a special place in her future, which she did not know then. Mohan was looking at her in pride and missed to give attention to the rival who is going to steal his little Chavvanni’s heart.

Page 7:

“Mummy, I and my friends are planning for two months Industrial Training program, this summer” Addu came inside the kitchen with full enthusiasm.

“That’s very nice beta!” Megha joined him in his excitement and she gave him a sweet as a little celebration.

“I have applied for few companies here in Indore and some out stations as well”

“Hope you get it in Indore itself. I will be alone if you are gone too” Megha looked at him with a pout.

Addu put his hands around Megha’s shoulders lovingly “Then why don’t you come with me too”

“You know that I can’t!”

“Oh yeah! Your summer camp and kathak classes!”

“Did you talk to Nanhi?”

“No Mummy. She too didn’t call me. See she is already forgotten us”

Megha looked at him not knowing what he meant by this but she then did not want to put too much thought into his simple statements. She thought he must be missing her. Just while she was indulged in her thoughts, her phone started ringing. It was from Nanhi. Addu jumped in to pick it up.

“Hello Ms. Navika Madam! How are you?”

Nanhi was startled to hear Addu but composed herself. “Hey Addu! How come you are at home at this hour?”

“Oh WOW! You have become a detective instead of a super duper reporter!”

“Haaa Haa Haa Very funny!”

“Madam, have you forgotten me after going there?”

Nanhi shocked but realized it must be about her not calling him.

“I think your girlfriends were keeping you very busy, and so I didn’t get through your line”

“You liar! Anyway I can accommodate my hopeless sister amidst my busy girlfriends”

Megha looked at him with wide eyes while Addu winked at her smilingly. She listened to their conversation before Addu gave back the phone to her.

“Nanhi beta, How was your first day at the office?”

“Awesome Mummy. I like everything about the office here. And also the home”

Megha heard it as a whisper from Nanhi and her face brightened with happiness.

“I am very happy to hear this, Nanhi. I know…”

Nanhi cuts her in to say “But I am still worried, Mummy and I am unable to be myself” She thought how she could not get herself to call her Spiderman with endearment and how she gets sensitive whenever Rimjhim is around with Mohan. But she did not want to say everything to Megha making her worry more. Nanhi wanted to give a try to handle her feelings on her own. She hoped to get through them sooner or later without letting Mohan or Megha know about it.

“Nanhi, Don’t stress yourself, beta. We are fine with anything that you want to do.”

“Yes Mummy, I know that and I love you, Mummy”

Just then Mohan crossed her room when he heard this. He just froze where he was and felt a sudden rush of pleasure inside him. He felt as if he could hear his heartbeat on knowing that a few steps away, his world of happiness is waiting on the other side of the phone. He just picked his own phone and opened Megha’s photo from there. He traced his fingers softly on the picture and felt a shiver running through him. ‘I am sorry, Megha. I would not want to hurt ourselves this way’. He walks off from there without turning back.

As Nanhi was finishing her talk on the phone, Rimjhim jumped in front of her scaring her “Boooohhh”

Nanhi was alarmed “Huuuu… Oh You!”

“Whom are you talking to?”

“My Mummy” Then she held back her tongue realizing what she just said.

“Oh!” Rimjhim just put her fingers on cheeks as if to be seriously thinking or trying to remember something. She went running outside only to come back like a flash.

“Is this the one?” She was holding a frame with an old photo of MMNA together.

Nanhi got emotional looking at it and took it from Rimjhim’s hands. She started thinking of those few good old days of their togetherness.

“Can I also talk to her?”

Nanhi was taken aback on Rimjhim’s request.

“Pappu has this picture on our bedside table. He says that this is our family. Every day he tells stories about her which makes me want to see and talk to her, always”

Nanhi gave a pained look at her and tears flow through her cheeks. She did not realize what this little girl had been going through all these days. She wanted to think what a beautiful family they would have made if they were all together.

“You want to talk to her now?” Nanhi asked her wiping her tears.

“Oh yeah!” Rimjhim said excitedly.

Nanhi dialed Megha’s number again. She ensured that she heard Megha’s voice the other side then handed over the phone to Rimjhim.

“Hello” Rimjhim’s voice was like a murmur.

Megha trembled on the other side knowing the little voice. She tried to pull out her voice but couldn’t. She rejoiced the moment with tearful eyes.

“Jaanu!” finally Megha managed to utter her affectionate address.

Rimjhim pushed herself up in excitement on hearing a voice that she has been waiting for. She had never wanted to trouble Mohan asking for anything beyond the stories that he had shared. She always believed that her Paapu would not deprive her of any happiness. And she chose to understand him by not misunderstanding his disconnect from the family that matters the most to him. She, just like Mohan, decided to wait for the happiness to fall in place when the time comes for it.

“Can I call you often to hear your voice?”

“Sure beta, anytime!” Megha responded with a troubled voice and did not know what else to tell her.

 “What shall I call you?”

Megha was unable to react when she heard Rimjhim herself saying something from her side.

“Shall I call you Jhansi Rani?”

Megha chuckled and asked “Jhansi Rani? Why?”

“Paapu always tells stories about you and he describes you as Jhansi Rani in them”

Megha reflected a glow on hearing about Mohan and his description for her. She felt those sleeping butterflies fluttering inside her, awakening every sense of hers.

“Ok Jaanu! Then Jhansi Rani, it is!”

“Jaanu and Jhansi are friends now” Rimjhim gave a hi-five to Nanhi sitting next to her, who was watching her adoringly all this while.

“Ok bye Jhansi. I will talk to you later. Now I have my kathak teacher coming in to trouble me”

“Ok bye Jaanu!” Megha smiled thoughtfully remembering Mohan’s letters about Jaanu’s chase away mission of Kathak teachers.

Nanhi wanted to bring those enthusiastic smiles fixed on Rimjhim’s face forever. She sensed the feel of missing in that little girl; same as that she had in her age.

It was just a week since Nanhi had started living in Bhopal’s house, but she could feel a sense of belonging there already. Fun and laughter filled her talks with Guru; teasing and playful moments with Rimjhim; carefree talks with Mohan about her work and day’s events. But she still kept a cover on her emotions that she had forced upon her and did not want to come out of it. She had the need to safeguard herself from becoming weak. She had to do this so that she doesn’t have heartbreak if the situation arises to leave Mohan again.

Mohan understood the need for Nanhi to protect her heart. And he did not try forcing her to get out of the shield. He decided to wait for the day to come on its own and just hoped that it happens soon, so that he can rebuild the confidence in his little Chavvani, once again.

Mohan made it a habit in these few days, that he sees a peacefully sleeping Nanhi, before he retires for the day. He finds the pleasure of fulfillment of those lost days kissing her good night in her sleep. Many times he hadn’t realized that he gets the good night back after he moves out of the room. Nanhi realized herself slipping off her guard but still tried to hold onto it.

One fine morning at breakfast, Rimjhim announced “I want to go for Summer Camp”

Mohan surprised but responded happily “Mast decision! I know kids enjoy and love summer camps”

He gave a smiling look at Nanhi remembering the day when Nanhi explained him about her Summer Camp.

“But I want to join a camp where they teach Kathak!”

“Ok let us search for camps like that” Mohan said in a cool tone.

“Search and get me in soon! I will be bored otherwise”

Mohan found some centers listed on the internet search when his eyes caught upon one name there, Nanhi too announced the same name from her side.

“Sunshine Summer Camp, Indore”

Guru pitched in “But how can baby go there all alone and stay without us?”

“Not to worry, Guru! They have special accommodation for outstation kids as well” Nanhi supported her choice.

“Is kathak dance good there?” Rimjhim had her doubts.

“Ekdum best! The Kathak Dance teacher there is the best and you will not find anybody else loveable like her” Nanhi looked at Mohan’s changing expression when she said that.

She did not intend to hurt him but she wanted to give a try to get their family happiness some way or the other. More than anything, she wanted Rimjhim to experience a mother’s love. And it had to be her mother’s love which is all the more special. She smiled to herself before sitting next to Mohan.

“Hey sunnna!”

Mohan choked on the juice that he was drinking on hearing Nanhi’s addressing. He gave her an admiring and adoring smile, which had traces of pride for his little Chavvanni.

“Rimjhim will be very happy in this summer camp because they have the special caretakers out there” Nanhi winked at him to which Mohan chuckled.

“But isn’t it true that kathak teachers are scarier than Monkey Man” Mohan teased her for which Nanhi pointed her fingers at him as if to warn him. Mohan acts as if to bite her fingers and both laugh at each other’s childish behavior.

Page 8:

Megha couldn’t come out of the shock when Addu announced that he is going to Bhopal for his Industrial Training in a Printing & Publishing Company. She wanted to believe that it’s all good luck coming in to turn things for better but she couldn’t help dread the fate as well. Somehow she managed to convince herself not to interpret too much. She decided to let her life take its own turns and make her family cross the junctions without intrusions.

“Mummy, why don’t you cancel the summer camp program and come with me?”

“No, Addu beta! I have committed to this program and some kids are coming to stay here from out station as well”

“I hope I will find time to visit Nanhi. If the company isn’t insisting on staying in-house, then we could have rented an apartment to stay together”

“I would tell you both to have your own experiences to learn from” Megha maintained a composed statement without revealing any anxiety in her voice.

“That’s like my mummy! She may not want to disturbed amidst her busy schedules and meetings”

Megha raised her eyebrows looking at Addu who is looking at her seriously. She wasn’t sure what is running in Addu’s minds but she wanted to believe the outlook he is portraying. Sometimes it felt as if she is dealing with a big unknown factor with him, but she couldn’t dare to question his intentions too much.

“Cool Mummy! And I too would not want to be troubled when I plan outings with my girlfriend”

Saying this Addu started laughing triumphantly getting his prank with her. Megha smiled taking it light and easy with him.

“Don’t forget to talk to me every day, Addu”

“I will not and you know it, Mummy”

When he said this and looked at her strongly, Megha wasn’t sure whether to be happy or be worried about it. Sometimes she wanted Addu to get on himself and move away from the intense bond that he shared with her. She fears that it might turn him too much into a shell making him incapable of being emotionally independent. Many times she misses Mohan’s support on matters like this and she doubts her own capacity in upbringing all by herself.

In the next few days Megha got busy with her school summer camp arrangements. She was in charge of the accommodation setup for the kids and ensured that they are ready for the kids’ admission the next day. She found herself filled with excitement for the days to come and little did she know that there is a sweet surprise awaiting her.

Megha was checking her wardrobe when her hands found a blue color hand printed silk saree. She traced her fingers on the fabric to feel the moments attached to it.

She has Flashback.

Mohan and Megha are in a saree shop.

“Show all the best sarees that you have in your shop” Mohan asks the salesman and smiles at Megha.

“Mr. Bhatnagar, are you sure you have enough money in your pocket?” Megha teases him in her usual tone.

“Mrs. Bhatnagar, worry not! I have credit card with me” he winks at her and shuts down on receiving an angry stare from Megha.

As they started looking at the sarees the salesman showed them, Mohan kept nudging Megha to pick everything that comes into his hands. She wasn’t sure what his intention was then. She loses her patience and walks away from there.

“Megha, what happened?” Mohan asks innocently.

“When you don’t have the intention to buy saree then why did you bring me here?” Megha fumes with anger.

“No sarees are good here. See nothing goes well with your complexion”

“You are so stingy”

Megha walks out of the shop angrily while Mohan follows her hastily. She sits on the bike not touching him and leaving space between them. Mohan smiles to himself on this and applies brakes often to make her dash on to him. Megha’s anger sees no bounds and she rages into the house the moment the bike stops. Mohan teasingly blinks and runs behind her as if not knowing what’s happening.

“I am hungry, Megha”

“No food today”

“What kind of wife leaving your husband starved like this?”

“Mean husband’s Mirchi wife”

Mohan laughs out loud on this response from Megha. He slowly walks to her and clasps his arms around her. She tries to free herself but he doesn’t let her.

“It’s been days I have seen this Mirchi avatar of yours” Mohan teases her further.

“You will now see only this avatar hereafter”

“I hope so” Mohan waves a shopping bag in front of her.

Megha’s eyes open up widely in surprise. She grabs it from him and opens it up hurriedly. She takes out a blue color hand printed silk saree. Mohan looks at her in adoration and with a pride of excitement.

“You, you, you!” She starts chasing him as if to spank him to which Mohan pretends to run away. Before she reaches him, he catches hold of her and pulls her closer to him.

“Thank you” He says it as a whisper into her ears.

Megha looks at him questioningly. She did not completely understand what he is gaining out of this but she is filled with joy for every act of his. He just takes the saree and drapes it on her shoulder.

“Just perfect! I selected this the moment I entered the shop” His eyes glittered in pride.

Flashback ends.

Megha was looking pretty in her joy filled face, meeting the kids entering the camp. As she was welcoming the kids, she felt a soft hand on hers. She turned to look at a smiling Rimjhim standing in front of her. She was shocked in sweet surprise and the smile transferred into her face.

“Hi, Jhansi” Rimjhim recognized Megha the moment she spotted her in the campus.

Megha tried but failed to recognize her own voice. She just hugged and kissed Rimjhim. Just then she realized a moment of realization in her. Slowly and steadily she raised her head to look around. She wasn’t sure what or whom to expect there but she felt waves rushing inside her.

“Hello Megha bhabhi”

She turned to face Guru standing in front of her. She felt a disappointment inside which she was able to hide successfully. She really felt happy seeing Guru after so many years. She realized a completion in her missed links of relationships.

“Hi Guru! How are you?”

“Very good. How are you bhabhi?”

She smiled vaguely but did not hesitate to show her expression of joy in meeting him.

“Good and I am very happy to see you here”

“Rimjhim wanted to join the summer camp here”

“Oh! I am very glad you chose us” Megha did not know what she meant but words just flew out of her mouth before she could realize it.

As they were talking, Megha did not realize those curious eyes wavering through the crowd to get a glimpse of her from far. Mohan just emerged out of the rental car and immediately his eyes spotted Megha in the bright blue saree. He did not escape the memory flashing the moment they shared with that saree.

He uttered out loud “Just perfect!”

He was pleased to witness the bond created between Megha and Rimjhim. He did not want to miss this moment in his life and dared to face the fateful separation after everything. He closed his eyes as if to register and capture the moment for his memory. He stood still there without being aware of his surroundings.

“Bhaiya” Guru shook him again.

Mohan got back into his senses and looked at Guru.

“Everything went fine and baby is quite comfortably settled”

“Do you think she misses me?”

Guru looked at him doubtfully and he was sure that he knows what Mohan wanted to know. He says “Ofcourse she misses you”. Mohan smiles at him knowingly.

In Bhopal, Addu is found restless on his training day one. He walks into the office along with his group of friends. They were a group of 3 boys and 2 girls. They gathered at the Admin office and started their induction formalities. As they were filing the forms of applications, Addu couldn’t help but notice the man entering into the office premises. He was shocked and confused. He tried to catch a better view of the person and he confirmed it. It is Mohan Bhatnagar entering into his office cabin.

“Who is he?” Addu asked his friends.

“He is Mohan Bhatnagar, the founder of the company. He is also the editor in chief of the news department” said the front office assistant.

Addu wasn’t sure whether he is surprised or shocked or upset. But he knew for sure that his days in Bhopal are not going to be as easy as he imagined.

Page 9:

Nanhi’s days at AI have been interesting to her in many ways. She found them motivating primarily because of her passion for it and additionally having a challenging team that included Beera. They both had been the rivals from day one and the competition between them never ceased to increase.

“Helloji! There you are finally giving me my heartbeat” Beera’s sarcastic statement welcomed Nanhi inside the office.

“What do you want?” She did not hesitate to hide her anger.

“My heart” He did not lose his sarcastic tone.

She gave an annoyed look at him. “May be you should try it from the market. You might get some cheap ones”

Beera walked to her with a stern face “Where is the Case Study file? Why can’t you save it in the share folders?”

“If you had used the time in searching for the file instead of using it to find dialogues for me, you could have done your job by now”

 “I know my job but do you know yours?” Beera was not ready to give up.

“For your kind information, I’m here to learn that and I am improving. Hope you get some time to learn and improve as well”

Beera pretended to be hurt and walked past her to continue his work. And he did ensure that what she said about the files was true, before giving it up from his side.

Their tit for tat in everything made them equally competitive and irresistible. They both had their passion for work thus making them try to beat each other in every way that is possible, to show the superiority. Initially Nanhi found Beera irritating but slowly she started enjoying their wavelength which made her look forward to the days with challenge from him. He too appeared to be enjoying her presence and the equal competition from her.

Nanhi entered home in her usual enthusiasm and she found Guru watching TV while doing his household chores. She gave a cheerful smile at his dancing moves to the tunes on the earphones.

“Is it the TV or the music or the work, Guru?”

When Guru did not pay attention, Nanhi slowly removed the earphones plug and giggled at his startled reaction.

“Oh Nanhi, it’s you?”

“Which one keeps you going Guru - The TV or the music or the work?” She queried again.

“I don’t understand”

“Your enthusiasm and cheer never faded away anytime. So I was just wondering what keeps you going so energetic and active”

“It is love and passion” Guru smiled proudly saying this.

“Ware waah! What a dialogue, Guru!” Nanhi claps her hands cheerfully.

“WOW! Guru, you have become a great philosopher”, Mohan walks in clapping his hands as well.

Guru shies away in both pride and embarrassment. “Bhaiya, you too” He just tried to walk away from there when Mohan blocked his way.

“Arrey yaar, Guru! Come on, we want to hear more”

“What you want to hear?” Guru asked with a pouted smile.

“More about your love and passion” Mohan teased him with a wink.

“Is it? Then here it is! I love you!”

Mohan stifled in cough and his eyes were wide open on this response. Guru and Nanhi looked at each other and cracked out in laughter.

“I will go get tea for you” Guru said with an appraised voice.

“Ekdum mast tea, Guru” Mohan managed to get back normal after the scene.

“Filled with lots of love” Nanhi giggled and finished the conversation trail as Guru vanished into the kitchen.

Nanhi and Mohan celebrated with a hi-five slapping their palms together. It was on the fly and they did not realize it, until Mohan raised his hands to touch her chin. Even after days, Nanhi hasn’t been resolved to bring herself to their usual adoring gesture, which she missed to the core. Mohan just took a seat the dining table next to Nanhi.

“So, how are your training days?”

“Very interesting!” And Nanhi started like a cracker when it came about her work and her office days. She also was very easy in her conversation anything about her colleagues including Beera. Mohan listened to her attentively and was happy that she’s able to express the lighter moments from her life easily with him. He wanted her to share her emotional moments too in similar manner and he decided to wait for her to come out on her own. But he never misses an opportunity to be at her service whenever she needed him. Like the other day when Guru called him at his office to inform him about Nanhi illness, Mohan rushed back home to be at her side to nurse her. When Nanhi enquired him about shops where she could get some work related materials, Mohan volunteered to get them by him. He hoped her to come out of the shell and claim her rights from her Spiderman. How much he wished that to happen too soon for he missed his friend the most in the past years.

Conversation on the dining table during dinner was quite normal and at times filled with laughter from jokes. But Nanhi could feel a difference in Mohan’s voice or eyes. He wasn’t his usual self. It then stuck to Nanhi, that he must be missing Rimjhim who is away in the Summer camp. Her heart clenched with the thought and she ached to heal his pain. But she did not know how and where to start as she had her own pain piled up for years. She decided to heal them for herself first and then move on to support her friend.

That night Nanhi set herself alone on the swing in the balcony, with those unopened letters from Mohan next to her. She took the courage to let herself loose of her upheld emotions all these years. She wanted to feel the pain and heal it through, to move on, for her Spiderman. She went through each and every letter carefully line by line, digesting every word in them, slowly and steadily. By the time she finished reading them all, tears were rolling down her cheek and she stopped wiping them off knowing it’s of no use. She put them all back in her box and closed her eyes trying to recall those special lines that meant more than anything to her.

The second letter where it read

Arrey Yaar! I miss you so much yaar! And I am really getting mad when I am not seeing any reply from you! Please don’t do this to me, Chavvanni! Chide me for leaving you, Scream or Yell! Do something, baby but please don’t keep quiet! For my sake and for your sake, dear!

One of the letters during her high school days which read

Hey Chavvanni, Sunna! How are you my little girl? What’s going on with you? I want to know so many things happening in and around you. Knowing that I am not near you to wipe off those tears when mummy scolds you or not there to see those lovely expressions when you win the prize in school competition or not able to hug you when you are scared of those nightmares, I feel like something is killing me inside. Write to me everything dear and I am all ears to listen to them every moment.

The letter which she identified as the one which reflected Megha’s pain during one of those taunting days from Renu

The last letter when I read your Mummy’s letter, I felt a pain in her. I don’t want to ask about it making her hurt more. I am sure you are there to take care of her, but I don’t know why I feel very heavy after reading those words in her letter. How I wish I knew what is there in her eyes. Who other than you, I could ask all these things about your Mummy? After all you are the only friend that I can share these emotions. If only I can read those emotions in your own little words too. I miss you, Chavvanni!

As Nanhi was lost in her own thoughts she did not realize the presence of Mohan. When he wiped off her tears, she alarmed and opened her eyes. On seeing Mohan next to her, she couldn’t control herself anymore and started crying out loud like a child. Mohan held her close to him and tears rolled off from his eyes. He wasn’t sure whether it was happy or sad tears, but he was at present happy for whatever happening between him and his Chavvani. He released a sigh of relief when Nanhi sobs reduced and slowly dies off. He sat next to her holding her in his shoulders.

“I missed you so much, Chavvani”

“I missed you this much, Spiderman” Nanhi stretched her hands wide apart to show the size of her missing.

After so many years, when Mohan heard her addressing him like that, Mohan could only let another drop of tear and a smile spread on his lips. He released her from his arms and raised his hands to touch her chin which came naturally to him and to his surprise got Nanhi reciprocate the same as naturally as ever. When they finished their gesture with a slap of their palms, they could only hug to each other, relieved of all the pain held uptight so far.

“Are you missing Rimjhim, Spiderman?”

Mohan was taken aback on this and looked at Nanhi. There was no trace of jealousy which he had always seen in her earlier.

“I am missing your Mummy, Chavvani”

Nanhi gave a confused look at Mohan’s response. Mohan held her hands tightly in his and bit his lips as if to hide his pain.

“I see your Mummy’s reflection in Rimjhim and I know Jaan is safe in your Mummy’s hands”

“And now you miss Mummy’s image around you?”

Mohan looks at Nanhi and how exactly she could read him, as always. He is happy to have his friend back with him to heal his pain. Nanhi rests her head on his shoulders while Mohan brushes her head and kisses her, curing each other. Nanhi falls asleep while Mohan gets back to remembering the image of him at the park awaiting Megha. Megha walks towards them staring at the image of Mohan with baby Rimjhim in his hands.

On the other hand Megha who just then put Rimjhim to sleep in her dormitory, found herself lost in the flashback of that day at the park when she met Mohan with baby Rimjhim.

Page 10:

Mohan and Megha have Flashback.

Megha was confused and worried when she received a call from Mohan asking her to meet him. She wanted to believe that Mohan is in Indore bringing good news for their life but not sure how and what. She was excited about their meeting after long time and she couldn’t control the butterflies in her stomach. When she finally met him at the park, the image of Mohan with a baby, terrified her. Before she could near Mohan, in those few seconds, her world whirled around her.

“Mohan, Are you ok?” She was in tears by the time she uttered those words

Mohan was out of words as well and he wiped her tears off. He hugged her along with the baby. As Megha relaxed in his arms, her fingers tingled with the little one’s skin. She just realized the baby’s presence and moved out of him. Mohan forced himself out of the cheerful mood to get into the serious conversation that he wanted to have with Megha.

“Megha, in one of my anti-crime operation, there was a huge attack by the criminals thus losing most of the victims. This is the only one survived and I didn’t have the heart to leave it out with some orphanage” Mohan was emotional while he explained further about the incident and how bad the kids’ parents were killed.

Megha was filled with tears and took the baby into her arms. The picture of this image made Mohan’s heart contented and he registered it in him with a smile.

“Megha, I was sure that I don’t want to leave the baby anywhere but I am not sure what I am going to do next”

“Mohan, I am so proud of you! I am sure you know what you want to do next” Megha smiled at him knowingly.

“Yes Megha, I want us to adopt this kid” Mohan’s voice was amused

“And then?”

“We will be her parents”

“And then?”

“Then what, Megha?”

By then the baby started crying, to which Megha attended by swinging her in her arms. Mohan rejoiced as if he is a proud father for a new born. He couldn’t understand the strange feeling formed in him from the moment he held the baby in his hands.

“Mohan, are you sure you can do this?”

“Megha, I don’t know but I want to”

He held her hands in his and was trying to communicate what he feels inside. He wanted to say so many things about how he gets connected with her through this baby; how he wanted the baby to be the symbol of their love for the rest of their life; how he wanted his every sense of missing her and his family, to be filled with this little life around him. How he wished that he could put them all in words to describe his sentiments attached to the baby. But Megha did not need his feelings described through his words to understand. She could see them all in his eyes; feel them through his touch; sense them by his body language. Her happiness in knowing the sentimental man hidden behind his carefree outlook, reached no boundaries. Her lips fluttered to say something but in vain. All she could mumble was “I am falling in love with you all over again”

“Huh?” Mohan though failed to read those mumbling words, was lost in that love filled eyes of hers.

“Did you say something?” He asked again.

Megha immediately wore a teasing smile on her lips and said in a casual tone “Just wondering about the problems that my Mr. Musibat brings to me”

Mohan chuckles through his tears and relieves himself from the pressure by resting his head on hers. That was a perfect image of an extended family of theirs.

“So, what should we name you, little angel?” Megha picked those soft pink hands to her cheeks.

“Jhilmil! Isn’t she sparkling like a star?” Mohan was full of pride for his little wonder.

“Yes, she is! But Jhilimil…” Megha wrinkled her eyebrows showing her disinterest in the name.

“Rimjhim!” Mohan jumped up in enthusiasm for coming up with something just perfect and right. He couldn’t help relating it with the name ‘Megha’.

“Ok! Rimjhim it is!” Megha agreed to it.

“What next, Mohan?”

“Megha, as you know, I don’t know ABC of baby care. Guru is still roaming around in his half pants”

Megha grins at a helpless Mohan and his genuine confession on his fear of handling the baby. She says to herself ‘How I wish I am near you in every walks of your days and how I want this baby to be our own little bundle of joy’. Mohan jerks her out of her daydreams.

After much discussion they come out with a plan. Mohan rents out a room in Indore, for 20 days where Megha can visit them during the day, to get a routine set for Mohan and Rimjhim. Meanwhile they completed the adoption formalities where Mohan and Megha signed as the proud parents of the sweet package from heaven. Rimjhim was a few months older than 1 year when they adopted her.

“Oho, baby, Come to Mummy!”

“No, No, Come to Paapu!”

Guru was filled with laughter on seeing Mohan and Megha in the room, fighting to get the attention from Rimjhim. When Megha entered the room that morning, after giving a well-planned explanation at Vyass’ house, she met an exhausted Mohan and Guru. From their looks, it was obvious to her that Rimjhim gave a tough time leaving them sleepless in the night. Mohan looked like a complete disaster with scattered hair, tired body but his eyes never missed to twinkle in sparkles on spotting Megha. He was happy for both Rimjhim and the time he got to spend with Megha, though as a temporary arrangement.

“Come to Paapu” Mohan was all energetic to play with Rimjhim

When Rimjhim chose to cling to Megha, Mohan pretended to be angry showing a pout. But he adored the image of Megha and Rimjhim together, swallowing in every detail of the image, for his memory.

“Give me, I will feed her” Mohan took the bottle of milk from Megha. He wanted to learn everything before the days could fly off. And he never missed to observe the mummy-daughter duo in action anytime. He looked in greed to take in such scenes, as much as he could to fill his empty spaces in the future. He saved all those images as photographs in his mind.

“Jaan” He muttered while he was playing with Rimjhim

When Rimjhim responded to it cheerfully, Mohan found no limits to his amusement.

“Megha, look at this” He replayed the scene with his endearing address to Rimjhim.

“Mr. Bhatnagar, do you have any time for anyone else, now?”

“Hello Mirchi Madam, are you jealous?”

“Naah! I am happy that I got my freedom now”

“Oh! Is that so? Then here it is, enjoy your freedom fully” He pulled her into his embrace along with Rimjhim, squeezing her tightly. As his hair tickled through Rimjhim’s soft skin, she started giggling. The proud parents were amused and filled with happiness for their life.

“I am hungry, will you feed me?” Mohan asked Rimjhim. She fed him her food from the bowl. Those little hands applied food all over his face with little food getting inside his mouth. Mohan was all smiles and his stomach filled with the smiles of the little angel. Megha admired the whole scene and filled herself with those memories as well.

The other day when Megha visited them a little early, she found Mohan sleeping with his face flat down. Rimjhim who was sitting next to him was playing with his hair. Megha smiled at them and took her into her arms. As Rimjhim showed her hands at Mohan, Megha made her sit on his back. The kid started jumping up and down as if she is on a ride, triggering laughter in Megha. Mohan woke up to see the beautiful scene of laughing Megha and Rimjhim.

“Are mom and daughter having fun at the cost of me?” He mocked an angry look

When Megha squeezed his nose to taper his anger, Rimjhim reflected the same action with her little hands.

“You too, Jaan?” Mohan hugged her and wished all his mornings are like this forever.

Those 20 days were so eventful making Mohan filled with memories for the years to come. The bonding between Mohan and Rimjhim formed very naturally but he felt that Megha played a major role in the process. He tied everything related to him and Rimjhim, with Megha because he wanted her to be part of them even after she is gone.

Flashback ends.

Megha and Mohan wipe off their tears in their lonely night. Mohan carries a sleeping Nanhi back to her room and kisses her good night before retiring into his. Megha who was holding Rimjhim’s hands on her bed did not feel like moving away from there.

Page 11:

Addu was not sure whether he is ready for the challenge in front of him. For the past few months, when he felt himself as a failure, he was much upset for everything that he had turned out to be. He was not happy and he wanted to prove something out of him. The more he thought about his emotional imbalance state, the more he wanted to come out of it. Now with fate bringing him back with Mohan’s presence, he wanted to face it with courage. He decided to be a different person and wanted to be a man.

“Hi Ragi, Hi Buvi” Addu wished the girls when he met them at the office

“Hi Aditya!” Just Buvi responded while Ragini just ignored him. Addu disappointed and upset on this response but managed to recover soon.

“Where are the boys?” Buvi asked him

“They are still getting ready but I came off thinking that we will start the day early”

“As if it’s going to make big difference!” Ragi gave an insulting look at Addu which made him feel inferior.

It has been Ragini who made Addu’s life changing moments in good and bad ways. He went crazy for her within those initial few months of togetherness. Though Ragini initially encouraged his attentions on her, she couldn’t move on easily with him for many reasons. He wasn’t the usual energetic, lively, carefree boy that girls normally attracted to. He was too sensitive and obssessive, which were beyond her imagination. His attachment to every trivial thing made him difficult to handle. She started ignoring him which hurt Addu’s feelings. He decided to do something about it and move on in life as a different person. Though he did not know how, but he wanted to give a try.

“Hi boys and girls!” Karan welcomed them with a bright smile.

“You will be reporting to me during your training period here” He started explaining them the agenda of their training and the various departments that they will be visiting during their tenure there.

“Will we be meeting the Chief Editor of the company as well?” Addu did not know what he wanted to hear.

“May be or may be not! It depends” Karan continued his lecture on other things

Mohan in his cabin recollecting his morning in his office. He just could not believe his eyes on spotting Addu in his office premises. As he got to know his intention of visit here, he was proud of his little Piddi! But concerned at the same time, to imaging what would happen he gets to see him here. He felt joy of happiness inside him knowing that his kids are around him so close. All he wanted to believe is life is taking a good turn for himself and his family. He opened Megha’s picture on his mobile “Megha, I know what is going on inside you. I too want to make things easy for you, my dear but I just don’t know how!” He holds her picture on to his chest and closes his eyes lost in her thoughts.

“May I come in?” Mohan’s thoughts were disturbed by a voice.

“Yes, Come in” Mohan brought himself back to senses

“Bhai, It’s me” Karan walked in casually

“Tell me, Karan”

“Are you ok, Bhai? Shall I come later?”

“I am fine, Karan! What’s the matter?”

“The training students” The moment he said that Mohan stared at confusedly.

“They would like to meet you! Do you have time for them?”

Mohan’s emotions saw no boundaries and he wasn’t sure what to expect but he wished that the time just freezes there. He nodded in agreement. As much as he wanted to go through the moment, he also wanted to leap through it. When he entered the conference room where the students were assembled, he just gazed through them all. He hoped he doesn’t recognize Addu in the group but he failed. His eyes caught at the sight of Addu whose head was bent down looking at the notepad in his hand. As Karan asked them to introduce themselves, Addu gave his name just as Aditya without any surname.

As Mohan delivered his speech looking everyone in the room he glanced through Addu few. Addu’s face was blank and expression less. Mohan then had the question whether Addu wanted to be recognized by him. It appeared to him that he was happy that Mohan did not recognize him. And Mohan decided to play it that way from his side. He wasn’t clear whether this takes them somewhere but he wanted to believe that it would.

“Sir, Do we get to meet you often while we are here?” Addu’s question took him by surprise

“Yeah sure, you are always welcome!” He did not want to sound too excited about it

As Mohan walked out of the room, he could sense Addu looking at him intensely and he wanted to believe that there is no hatred in his eyes. Before he entered his cabin, he felt a motion behind him and turned to see Addu standing there.

“Nice meeting you, Sir” He extended his hands for a quick handshake. And this is when Mohan found a smile on Addu’s face. It looked like there was a relief on his face, may be his disguise gave him that.

“Pleasure is mine” Mohan meant every word of it. He controlled his urge to share a hug with his Piddi

By the time Mohan sat on his chair, he was in turmoil of emotions mixed of everything. He just remembered all those uneventful moments with Addu and felt a pain spread inside him. He said to himself ‘How I wish I could revert them all back’. Just then a knock on the door and Karan’s entry got his normal form.

“Good that you met them”

“Why do you say that?”

“Oh! This boy, Aditya! He was just pestering me from the moment I started with my discussion with them. He was so keen on meeting you and it looked like he will run into your room on his own”

Mohan could not make out anything on this description of Addu’s act. He wanted to think that it is foor good and not otherwise. He smiled to himself at the thought of his Piddi running into him any moment.

“You let him meet me anytime when he wants to”

“Are you sure?”

“Cent percent!”

Addu was in high spirits after his meeting with Mohan. He was happy that he was able to hide his identity successfully from him. He wanted it to be that way to make things easy for him. He was not there yet to revive the relationship with Mohan, just like that. He expected it to grow on its own with a push from his side in every possible way. He thought this as the perfect opportunity to start his make over to be a different person. He retired in his room happily and called Megha and Nanhi with enthusiasm.

As Mohan entered the house, he heard the bell ringing. He saw a smiling Nanhi on the bell waving her hands at him. As she walked towards the swing and sat there, Mohan tried his stunts around the sofa and tables, as if he is doing his Spiderman way of reaching his Chavvani. Nanhi laughed at this action but was enjoying it. As he reached her they greeted each other with their usual gesture. Mohan settled himself on the swing as well.

“What happened, Spiderman? Looks like you are in a very happy mood!”

“Yes, you can say that!!!”

“Even I am happy and have a good news for you!”

“About Piddi and his Training Program?”

“WOW! Very right! How do you know that?”

“He has doing his training in my company”

Nanhi couldn’t help remembering the same situation with Mohan and Megha, during their working together at PL. She laughed first and then looked worried.

“Is he ok?”

“Looks like it! He even insisted on meeting me, you know?”

“Oh! Is that good or bad, Spiderman?”

“Hey Chavvani! Tension not. Everything will be alright” He wanted to believe his own words as well.

“Sachchi?” Nanhi extended her hands in front of him

“Muchchi!” Mohan assured her with his hands. Nanhi hugged him with a happy smile

“Shall we go out to eat icecream?” Nanhi asked him like a child

“Haanaa, I would love it! Come let’s go!”

Mohan put his arms around Nanhi and took her out to a near by Icecream parlour.

When Megha ended her call with Addu, she was just left with a sigh of relief. He did not talk anything about his encounter with Mohan but he sounded very enthusiatic and alive. Megha was proud to hear him like that and trusted that everything will be alright.

“Boohhooo”

Megha alarmed and jumped out at the sound. When she met a twinkling Rimjhim near her with full of laughter, she joined her in her laughs.

“Ohhoo!!! It’s you Jaan? You scared me, you know!”

“But you are Jhansi ki Rani, the brave woman in my paapu’s stories!”

“Yeah, you are right! Thanks for reminding me that” She winked at the little girl

“Can I ask you something?”

“Anything, beta!”

“Will you take me out for an icecream?”

“Ofcourse I will!”

Megha held Rimjhim’s hands in hers and walked towards the near by Icecream stall.

Page 12:

“I want to!” Addu’s response was instant when Karan asked for volunteers from the team, who could work for an exclusive assignment with Mohan.

“And one more?” As Karan continued Jayesh raised his hands.

“Ok! Aditya and Jayesh will work this while the others continue to follow the program agenda”

Ragini was giggling while Buvi asked “What happened, Ragi?”

“Pappu trying his hands on speciality and going to hurt his bumps from Mohan Sir” She continued her teasing and giggling. Though Addu was raging outside hearing it he was deeply hurt inside being referred like this by Ragini. After all, his game plan is to change this impression of him in her.

Mohan smiled in victory on knowing that Addu has volunteered for the assignment through which he gets to meet him often.

“This is an assignment in which you work on integrating the functional processes of various departments in our organization. As an end product you arrive at a Project Demonstration detailing out the integration process. Use any asset or tool that you need but the product has to be impressive which can be a used as marketing strategy for our company in future”

Addu was all in awe as Mohan’s went on with his description of the assignment, in his cabin. He was impressed with the attitude and authority with which Mohan worked around the company. He believed that this is what he wanted to be after his own transformation. He looked up to Mohan as an inspirational factor and nothing more. He wasn’t in hope to have anything beyond, and he preferred to keep it that way. And for that he strictly relied upon keeping himself under the mask.

In the first two weeks, it was easy for Addu to meet Mohan and discuss anything about his work. Slowly the pressure started to settle down and Addu was in a hurry to see the changes in his self. As he foresaw delay in his own alteration, his focus deterred and he started avoiding his encounters with Mohan.

“This is not happening” Mohan’s voice was high when he checked the assignment status with the boys

Then he slowed down his tone to continue “I understand, integration is difficult but it’s not impossible. You observe the individuals very closely and try to pull out the matching factors to gel them together”

“But everyone have their own flaws and when the more they are put together the more they fall out of place” Addu defended their stand

As their conversation built up, they both realized that their talks are not about the departments and the work, anymore. They deviated and started focusing on their own characters and how they fall apart when needed to be bound together. Both stopped their thought exchange for a while.

“Sir, We are trying everything that we could” Jayesh stammered through his voice to remove the silence

“Is that your best you could put in?” Mohan looked intensely at Addu

Unable to control himself anymore, Addu stood up raising his voice

“Yes! That’s all what I have in me” Addu’s irritation was very clear in his response and Mohan was taken aback not knowing what made him react this way

“No, I don’t think so! You can do lot better” Mohan wasn’t ready to give up

“As if you know me better than myself?”

“Yes, I know better…” Mohan held his statement back and continued after a pause “Because this is no rocket science and I see that you guys are smarter than what you think”

“But we are failing” Addu’s voice did not see any slowdown

“No! That’s too quick for you to decide” Mohan was impatient

“Don’t push me”

“I am asking you to do more”

“Sorry Sir, If you think we are not fitting the bill then you can drop us from this assignment” Addu couldn’t contain himself in Mohan’s presence anymore and he walked out of the cabin

As Mohan did not expect him to walk out like that, he was left with anger and failed to compose himself

“Aditya, Stop! Nobody walks out on me like that” Mohan’s voice was on top when he came out of his cabin. Addu stopped wherever he was. Everyone around looked at them strangely while Mohan realized the situation.

“I expect the work to be continued by you and Jayesh. No more discussion on this” Mohan closed it on this note and got back into his cabin

As Mohan assimilated through the day’s events in his calmness, he realized the ups and downs of their conversation. He felt that Addu was right about being pushed to deliver. Mohan found that his own impatience in getting back to his family, made him push Addu in whatever his deed was. He felt upset about the pressure that imposed on Addu.

“Arrey yaar! What have I done?” He covered his face with his own hands in disappointment. He pulled out his phone to open Megha’s picture and started talking to himself.

“Oh Megha! Hope I haven’t closed all the doors for us. Do you think I went overboard? I don’t know why but I want everything to be alright very soon. You don’t know how much I miss you!”

Just then his phone started ringing with call from Rimjhim. His face brightened up with a smile and picked it up immediately

“Oh My Jaan!! I love you I love you I love you!!! I miss you so so much” He showered kisses on the phone without waiting for Rimjhim’s voice from the other side.

On the other side Rimjhim was holding the phone to Megha’s ears and all those endearments and kisses from Mohan were received by Megha. Her face turned pink in shy as she recognized the voice. When Rimjhim ran into her to extend the phone, she did not know what it was for. It was an unexpected moment for Megha and she just froze there not knowing what to do next. A smiling Rimjhim put the phone back into her ears

“Hiiiii Paaapu!!!! Have you found someone more important than me? You have forgotten to call me today” Rimjhim started her complaint list

“Hey Jaan! Could that happen anytime?”

Megha was lost in those chilling moment again. Mohan’s voice so close to her ears was like honey dripping inside her. Those endearments were still vibrating and shaking her in ecstasy. Finally those kisses, she could not help herself touching her cheeks as if she felt his lips on them! She turned pink all over again in the thought of Mohan being so close to her and showering his love on her. When Rimjhim pulled her saree tip, Megha forced herself out of those lost moments. She looked at her adoringly as Rimjhim continued her busy talks with Mohan. Megha was wondering what would have been Mohan’s reaction had he known who received his presents. She blushed on imagining a blushing Mohan.

That night, Mohan and Karan were in serious discussion in Mohan’s house, when Karan received a phone call. He sounded worried and concerned on hearing the news from the other side. “Ok! Don’t panic. I am coming there”

“Abbey! Where are you going now?” Mohan questioned him

“It’s call from Jayesh. They are in a pub drinking. Now Aditya is drunk and misbehaving”

Mohan is shocked to hear this.

“The pub manager is threatening to call the police”

“Ok! I am going there” Mohan stood up instantly

“Bhai, You?”

“You are supposed to cover this news and I can’t afford to lose this segment” Mohan managed to relate himself in sense without letting down his cool

Mohan took the location details and contact numbers from Karan before rushing to his car.By the time he pulled over at the pub, he was not his own self and imagined the worst. He met the boys at the reception where Addu was shouting at everyone and it looked like he was doing that for quite some time.

“Sir, are these your boys?” Mohan was stopped by an elderly man who appeared to be the manager.

“Yes! Is it..”

The manager cut himself in “I got to report this to poilce as we have few damages done by this boy”

“No Sir! I will pay for the loss. We will settle it down now here itself”

Mohan took a while to convince the manager before he settled down on the payment. When Mohan is finished, he looked at Addu who is still in his own state. Its only during the driving Mohan started his questionairre.

“Is this Aditya’s first time? I mean drinking”

“Yes yes, Sir” Jayesh was pulling words out of his own mouth. They did not expect Mohan to arrive there to save them. As Addu is not in conscience of anything happening around, he was worried about him and how Mohan would react to his behavior.

“What happened?”

“After he fought with you” Mohan stared at him to which he swallowed his words and said “After the discussion in your cabin, Aditya shut himself in his room for a while. Then all of a sudden he burst out asking us to join him for drinks. He had never joined us for drinks anytime earlier and so we were surprised. But we thought he has finally got into league and so we didn’t stop him”

Mohan was not sure whether to be happy or worried. Happy because he’s proud of his son but sad that he is the reason for his drinking. He just swayed a look at the back seat where the two boys were alert with eyes wide open while Addu with all energy drained down was murmuring something. He felt both angry and pity for his little Piddi! As the boys insisted on getting back to the company guest house, Mohan offered to take Aditya with him. Though confused, they couldn’t say anything to him.

“Guru, Open the outhouse and wait for me there”

“Uffoo Bhaiya! What’s the problem you got into now?” Guru sensed a tension in Mohan’s voice and assumed some problem

“Abbey, I am alright. Is Nanhi sleeping?”

“Haan! She is. But tell me where did you go?”

“To the pub. Stop asking so many questions as like my wife” Mohan disconnected the phone

“Ohho! Disconnected? Why is bhaiya doing this to me?” Guru was restless waiting at the outhouse and rushed out on seeing the car headlights flashing through.

As Mohan went around to pull Addu out, Guru was shocked. “Who is this bhaiya? Did you kidnap someone?” Mohan gave an angry stare at Guru, and cleared the hair falling on Addu’s face. He then carried Addu on his shoulder and walked inside the outhouse.

“Oh! Bhaiya, This is Addu! Did you beat him up?” Guru rushed behind Mohan continuing his blabber. Mohan placed Addu on the sofa and turned towards Guru still carrying his angry stare.

“This Piddi fell drunk and started doing lots of drama at the pub”

“Oh! I always thought Addu is like Megha bhabhi but he turned out to be like you!” Guru ignoring Mohan’s stare went closer to Addu. “Isn’t he looking handsome, bhaiya?”

“Yeah, Take some photos of him so we can send it to the matrimonial” Mohan said in an angry teasing tone. Mohan started removing Addu’s shoes and proceeded to get him cleaned from the mess.

“Arrey, are you going to help or going to just admire your groom?” Mohan sounded cool and he was calming down

After they both managed to freshen up Addu and put him on the bed, they fell on the sofa tired. They looked at each other and smiled remembering those old days when Addu gave tough time getting ready, whenever Megha was not around.

“I am not a pappu boy! I am a man! I am Mohan Bhatnagar!” Addu was mumbling these words in his sleep. Mohan and Guru looked at Addu  and at each other confused.

The next morning, Addu woke up holding his head “Mummy, Mummy! Arggh! This headache”

“Have this tea and you will be ok”

Addu looked up to see Mohan offering him a steaming cup of tea and was shocked.

Page 13:

“Hello darling! What are you doing tomorrow?”

“I am preparing lunch for my sweetheart!”

“Are you taking me on a date?”

“Ohh!!! Do you know what that means?”

“Haan! My Paapu has told me about it!”

“Your Paapu teaches you all these things?”

“Haan! Everytime he goes on a date, I used to wonder what it was. Then he explained me about it”

Megha and Rimjhim were talking sitting at the school campus, planning for the weekend. Megha fumed at the thought of Mohan going out with other women. She did not want to believe the kid’s words but she could not hide her jealousy as well.

“Your Paapu and his teachings!” She thought of closing the topic but before she could stop, she blurted out the question.

“What kind of girls do your Paapu go out with?” Megha bit her tongue as the words slipped out

“Girls? I have not seen any!” Rimjhim looked confused

Megha furrowed her brows in confusion.  “Then?”

“He goes to the terrace all alone”

Megha gave a questioning look as Rimjhim continued “You know Jhansi Rani, one day I followed Paapu without him knowing and found his secret”

Megha too joined in her curiosity and asked “Oh! Smart 007! Tell me what you found”

“Hmm… That I won’t”

“Ohhh!!! Why?”

“Because that’s a secret!”

“But what could there be secret between darling and her sweetheart”

Rimjhim folded here hands as if resistant to Megha’s temptations, but as Megha tickled her, Rimjhim started giggling then burst out in laughter.

“Then wait till tomorrow!” Megha was sure that pressing Rimjhim is of no use anymore. She had to wait for their lunch date next day. She hoped to save herself from nightmares between this timeline. She thought to herself ‘Mr. Musibat, What kind of musibat have you brought me this time? You better be nice, Mr. Mohan Bhatnagar’

Back in Mohan’s outhouse, Addu wasn’t out of his shock. He was sipping his tea quietly with Mohan sitting next to him. When he opened his eyes and found Mohan in front of him, he looked around and found that he was in a new place. As he tried to speak, Mohan pushed the tea cup in his hands and moved to be seated on the sofa. Addu did not have a choice other than to take the cup and join him there.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Sir! I’m sorry I don’t remember” Addu could not finish his sentence as he tried to recollect the previous night. He remembered vaguely about the things that happened in the pub. But later he went blank again.

“It happens” Mohan appeared to be focused on the newspaper

“Can you please excuse me for a while?” Addu tried to hide his nervousness.

“Want to check with your friends about last night? You can ask me!”

“Did I? Was there any? Is everything ok?” Addu groped for words

“Are you looking for an achievement certificate on your first timing?”

Addu managed to stay quiet. Mohan felt guilty and with a nod he folded the newspaper, to turn towards Addu. Addu was just staring at his cup and lost in thoughts. He sighed and appeared to be saying to himself ‘Arrey yaar, what have you done?’

“It’s ok boy! You wanted to talk to your friends. Please go ahead”

As Addu walked out with his mobile, Mohan was staring at him with blank thoughts. Then he got back to his newspaper. Just then Guru walked in with the breakfast tray

“Bhaiya, Has Addu woken up? I have got him hot and good breakfast” He looked like a curious kid

“Abbey, you behave like you are his wife now”

“Why? Are you jealous?” Guru giggled as Mohan looked at him furiously

When Addu came back inside, Guru was about to open his mouth “Hey, Ad…” when Mohan cut him in

“Aditya, this is Guru, my homemaker, I mean he takes care of everything in my home including me”

As Addu extended his hands for a handshake, Guru swayed it away and gave him a good hug. Mohan again thought how easily it is for Guru to do things that he wanted to do. Though Addu wasn’t ready for it, but he found it comfortable as if he was with his old buddy.

“I am sorry Sir, for the trouble” Addu finally managed to say those words while they were having their breakfast together.

“That’s ok!”

“And I’m also sorry for what happened in the office” Addu wasn’t looking at Mohan while saying this

“I am sorry too. I think you can take your own time” Mohan did not know which one he meant but they did not talk anything after that.

“Spiderman! I am waiting for you, come on fast!”

After sending Addu away, as Mohan entered his house, he heard Nanhi who was waiting at the dining table.

“No! I just had my breakfast…” He bit his lips and nodded his head “I just thinking I will have my breakfast little late”

“Naah Spiderman! I am hungry and I can’t wait any longer. And you know I will not eat without you”

“Arrey yaar! What is this musibat now!” When Nanhi looked at him angrily “Naah! Not you Chavvanni! My stomach”

As Mohan joined her at the table, Guru was smiling

“Abbey, looks like you are finding lots of fun today!”

“Haan! It’s all with your blessings, bhaiya. Take this, eat some more”

Later during the day, Mohan was surprised to see a white envelope inside the Post box in one of his regular visits, though he did not expect any there.

Dear Mr. Mohan Bhatnagar,

I’m sorry to say that I have fallen in love with someone very close to my heart. I realized this the last time when I was on a date with my little sweetheart. I prepared a lovely lunch for her who showered all the love in the world on me. I also got to know a secret of this special person, who loves me so dearly. I gotta say that his dating plans with me are really sweet. We wore just hankies for these dates and he talks sweet nothings with me during those special moments on his terrace! And I am sure you don’t mind me loving this person all the more everytime I think about him.

Mohan smiled at these lines as he remembered his dates on the terrace where he makes his and Megha’s hankies talk to each other. And he had non stop sweet talks going on with his Mirchi Madam and her Mr. Musibat. He said aloud to himself ‘Oh Mirchi! You took Jaan your side already? Jaan, you too?’

And it also happened that the other day I received a phone call from him and he just showered me with his “I love you” and lots of kisses! I wanted him to know that I received all those love with thanks and in pink! I could now easily imagine the pink color on his cheeks as well.

Mohan went blushing and curled his lip, to remember the specific instance of showering kisses on the phone. He did not have trouble imagining a blushing Megha on the other side.

“Hey Spiderman! What’s that?”

Mohan tried to hide the letter but in vain.

“Haai haai! Love letter from Mummy?”

“Sunnna!!! Naah this is something else”

“Spiderman, You are glowing in red! Look at you!” Nanhi tried to pull the letter while Mohan saved it against her

“Haanaa! Love letter from my girlfriend”

“Uffooo!!! Then I gotta read it. I will have to complaint to Mummy”

“Hey Chavanni! You are too small for these”

“Very funny! Anyway I am Spiderman’s best friend, so no secrets between us”

“Arrey yaar!!!  That’s black mail. I am not falling prey”

“I will not let you escape”

They both started running around as they both tried to win each other. Guru came in between as Mohan tried to hide behind him while Chavvanni was jumping around to grab the letter.

“I am looking for a paper to write my shopping list. Thanks bhaiya” Guru grabbed the letter from his hand and started moving away casually.

“Abbey! Do you always choose wrong papers to write your shopping list? Stop! Give me that”

As Mohan stood with his hands on the hips, beaming an angry look, Guru and Nanhi laughed at him and pretended to be reading the letter.

“Oh My darling, How are you? Did you eat well? Do I come in your dreams every night?” Nanhi was mocking and teasing

“Haaannaaa… You will never know my Mirchi Madam and her love for me” Mohan walked towards them and he pulled out the letter from her hands

“But this letter is something special from my Cheeni Madam” He smiled and kissed the letter in style making them laugh further.

Page 14:

“Jikki, Jikki”

“Who is this Jikki, sweetie?” Megha always found Rimjhim energetic and enthusiastic. Rimjhim had never missed an opportunity to express her love for Megha, in every way.

“It’s you my dear Jhansi ki Rani!” Megha laughed out loud and wondered how Mohan was managing there without this little sparkler

When Megha decided to bring Rimjhim with her home for the next few days, Rimjhim had no bounds to her happiness. She liked Megha and wanted to be with her anytime of the day. When she entered the house, she met Renu who was practicing for a speech in English.

“Hello ladeej and gantlemen! It ij my pleajure to meet you all. Dhis is a spejial occajion for you as you gat to meet me today. ”

“Haaa haaa! What a burfomance!!!” Rimjhim just burst out in laughter and claps

Though Megha tried to hold herself down, she could not help chuckling. Renu stared at them

“Who is this shaitan?”

“Who is this peepa?”

Jiji walked laughing at Rimjhim’s instant response and said to Renu “Kids are like mirror! They reflect what you want them to! Look what happened” Renu ignored her and continued her practice.

“Jiji, this is Rimjhim, my favorite student from the Summer Camp. Sweetie, this is Jijibua”

Jiji understood her context and did not want Renu to know anything.

”Hi Jijibua! Can you make me a nice dress for me too?” Jiji was surprise at her request and found Rimjhim checking the dress that she was holding in her hands.

“Sure I will, babyji!” Rimjhim gave a smile shyly at Jiji’s address and she hugged her

“She is such a sweet darling and knows only to love” As Megha praised her, Rimjhim hugged her and said “Just like my Jikki”

Rimjhim settled comfortably in the living room when Megha took her things inside. Rimhjim noticed Renu standing on the table and talking, as if she’s on a public stage. Mischievously Rimjhim just shook the table and Renu got terrified at the shake. She started chasing Rimjhim who laughed and ran around giving a challenge to Renu.

“Looks like Renu got some tough rival now” Jiji laughed telling Megha

*****

“Do you mind if I join you guys?” Nanhi and Beera turned as they heard the voice

“Spii Spii Spiderman!!!” Nanhi stammered

“Yes, yes! Spying Spiderman” Mohan pulled a chair to join them at the table

When Mohan was driving through the Coffee shop, he found Nanhi’s new scooty parked there. As he had time in hand, he thought of giving a surprise visit to her, when she’s lazing with her friends. When he found Nanhi alone with Beera, he wasn’t sure what to make out of it. He thought of returning without disturbing them but then he went ahead to peep in their conversation, just out of curiosity.

“Hai! I am Beera. Nice to meet you” Beera pitched in knowing that no words are coming out of Nanhi

“Hello! I am Mohan. Are you sure?”

“What?”

“Are you sure it was nice meeting me here?” Mohan winked at him to which Beera was just smiling

“Hey Chavvanni, sunna! Looks like flies are getting inside your mouth! Close it” Mohan turned too Nanhi and patted her back. Beera was trying to control his laughter hearing the name ‘Chavvanni’

“Hey Spiderman, sunna” Mohan and Beera both were astonished on this response from Nanhi

Mohan and Nanhi looked at each other; they remembered their good old days and cracked up leaving Beera no choice other than to join them in their laughter. Nanhi sensed that Mohan was evaluating Beera amidst their casual talks.

“What is this, Spiderman?”

“What is this, Chavvanni?”

Finally when Beera left Nanhi and Mohan both let out at the same, the question pestering them throughout their conversation.

“Do you doubt me?” Again they had the same words out at the same time. Both laughed at this situation which relieved the discomfort between them.

“Arrey yaar! Would you stop me from looking out for my little Chavvani?” Mohan pushed her on the forehead smilingly and put his arms around her shoulders, making her feel like his little girl

“I am grown enough to know what I am doing”

“Yeah I can see that”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing! Just like that. Look at your dress! You used to wear that uniform and worry about it being short! Now, it’s the same size but you never complain about it” Mohan teased at her looking at the skirt she was wearing

“Ufff!!! Spiderman, this is quite long enough for this generation. You should see those ultra miniskirts that my colleague Anu, wears! All the boys are behind her the moment she’s in office”

“Good for me! Hope Beera is not one among them!” He said looking at somewhere to which Nanhi slightly swatted him with her palms

“Beera is a sweet guy. Do you remember the TV breaking story I told you? It is Beera. The day when I met him at the office was really very funny. He was holding his laptop tight enough to crush it as if saving it from me” Nanhi started laughing remembering those instances as she elaborated more about their petty fights and how they became friends now.

“I did not expect that he would turn out to be very good friend of mine” Mohan was looking at her as if judging her statements and matching it with her expressions

“By the way, what’s the thing with this Beera?” Mohan went back to square one and started running asking this, Nanhi chased him both laughing like little pranksters

*****

“Look what I have in my hands” Addu was waving some tickets in front of his friends

It had been good days for Addu at the office since his interesting stint with Mohan. Addu found he putting in additional efforts to work towards the assignment, to make it the best. And he was surprised to know he is trying to impress Mohan, this time around, and not anyone else. He even started taking interest in his outlook which he was not worried about earlier. He did not have time to think about anything else apart from his work and he was happy about it.

“Hurray! Cricket? WOW!!” Jayesh grabbed the tickets to check the details

“Yeah! I am very happy and wanted to celebrate it with you all”

“Can I join your celebrations?” Addu turned to look at Mohan smiling at him

“Yes, yes Sir!” Addu managed to respond

“Just let me know the day and time. We will go together”

“Ok Sir”

Mohan did not stop by to check Addu’s reaction to know whether he is happy or confused about his intrusion. And he did not want to bother about it too much as he wanted to spend some time with Addu. He thought he will make this opportunity special for both of them.

*****

“How do I look?” Megha was amazed to look at Rimjhim who was just reflecting her own image

“Perfect and Beautiful”

Rimjhim insisted on dressing up like Megha. When Megha managed to get all her styles implied on the little girl, she was stunned to see the transformation. She wondered whether Mohan too saw her own reflection in this little life around him. She found tears of happiness rolling down her cheeks burying herself in his thoughts.

“Arrey yaar! Hey Mirchi Madam!” Megha hastily wiped off her tears and raised her eyebrows at Rimjhim’s call

“Ohhh! You too?”

“Why? Is it only Paapu who has the right to call you that?” Rimjhim teased her and Megha squeezed her nose then tickled her

Jiji was overwhelmed at this scene and thought ‘Oh God! Let the same happiness stay with our family always’

*****

Mohan was again surprised to see an envelope inside his postbox. The moment he laid his eyes on the photo of Rimjhim dressed up like Megha, his eyes twinkled in joy and he could express it only by dropping a tear. As he checked the other photos, he turned pink and full of smiles on seeing Megha dressed up like Rimjhim in a pink jumpsuit. He blushed at the imagined sight of her in front of him.

Page 15:

The cricket stadium was crowded crazy and everywhere ardent fans were screaming, whistling, cheering up in their own styles. Mohan was found shouting on top of his voice, hooting in joy and jumping like a kid. He was amused to see Addu joining him in the merriment out there. They both slapped each other palms and hugged for a victorious moment in the game. Then both realized their act and Mohan wanted to create a comfort level with Addu on this.

“Thanks, Addu!” He paused on this then continued “Hope you don’t mind me calling you like that!”

“Sir!” Addu was confused not knowing whether Mohan is going somewhere with this

“I have a son whose name is Aditya and we call him fondly Addu”

“Oh!” Addu went blank without any words

“Today I have had the happiness as if I had spent time with my own son!” On seeing Addu at loss of words, Mohan wanted to say something to end this conversation

“It’s ok. Take it easy boy. I will not call you that anymore”

“No Sir! It’s ok with me” Addu said after a little gap

Mohan could not believe his own ears and looked at Addu whose eyes stared somewhere on the playground. It was obvious to him that Addu was not focused on the game anymore. Mohan pulled Addu to him in a hug and patted on his back.

“Don’t worry! You needn’t call me dad!” Addu was shocked but Mohan just winked and smiled.

Mohan chose to drive and Addu sat next to him. They found topics easily to talk about, be it the game they just watched or the songs played in the car stereo or the new movie releases. Addu felt in ease and comfort, as if he has been always connected with Mohan, without any break. But he also thought and wanted to believe that this relationship is only skin deep. On a whole Addu found the day eventful and satisfying. But he was also left confused.  He decided not to dwell further in confusions, and enjoy the drive back to the guest house.

“Thanks boys and girls! We should do this often”

“Yes Sir! We too would love to” Jayesh and Buvi said in chorus

“Did you both really watch the game?” Mohan teased them and they were embarrassed knowing how they were lost in each other throughout the match

*****

Megha’s eyes were filled with tears of happiness on seeing the envelope in her post box. Though their exchange of communication mostly revolved around the kids, she always found those deep hidden love messages for her. The feelings that the secret words brought in her made her feel Mohan’s presence near her all the time. She imagined holding his hands and walking for a long time. She felt his warmth knowing that his shoulders were there to hold her head anytime.

My dear Cheeni Madam,

It is really strange for me to write a letter like this because now I feel like a teenager fallen in love for the first time! It’s only you who can do this to me and I am sure you know that! I sense a feel of urge to see you hiding behind my bike, while you are walking on the street! I feel like stealing a glimpse of you in secret while you are busy in your work. All those feelings of falling in love with you all over again makes me go crazy and weak at the knees. Don’t ask me how, but I know that you can sense what’s going on inside me at this moment and what I would want to do to you, if you were near me!

Megha’s cheeks were flushed in pink and she tried to hide it, as if someone watched her special moments with Mohan. She behaved like a scared teenager herself hiding the letter from none around her. She smiled at her own silliness and continued to read.

And it is never fair to steal presents without their knowledge. I got to ask you to return them all with interest and principal, nothing less; only more!

Megha’s lips curved in a shy smile knowing what he meant and the way he had asked for them to be returned. She imagined herself giving those kisses on Mohan’s cheeks and she covered her face with her hands, like a new bride. She held the letter to her chest for a while before putting it into her box of collection.

She has Flashback:

Megha was keeping the folded clothes inside the wardrobe and when she turned to bump into Mohan who was standing close to her watching her. She terrified and lost her balance. Mohan held her by her waist which made her jump in tickling sensation. They both lost the balance and fell on the floor, Megha resting on top of Mohan. When Megha tried to get up, Mohan pulled her close to him enclosing her around her back. Her nose touched his and Mohan rubbed hers gently with his.

“What is this prank, Mohan? Let me go” Megha mocked an angry look but did not show any sign to move

“Megha, you are a cheat with your words but not with your eyes!”

“Ohhoo!!! So what do you read in my eyes?”

“Those beautiful eyes say to me not to leave you! And to hold you even tighter and do something something!”

“Something, something?”

“Yes!” Mohan rolled her over to put her down and placed himself on the top. Mohan kissed her forhead “This” He kissed her eyes “This” He kissed her cheeks “This” Megha turned away when he tried to kiss her lips. He smiled, kissed her ears and then bit her earlobes which tickled her. She sprang herself up to a sitting position

“What’s up Mr. Bhatnagar? You are in romantic mood today!”

“I am ready to stay in this mood all days throughout the year, if you want me to!” He winked at her and made her close her eyes. She felt something moving softly around her neck. He moved her in front of the mirror. She opened her eyes to see a beautiful gold neck chain with small diamonds studded in the line, glittering there. Mohan was smiling behind her with a look of adoration just for her.

“That’s very beautiful, Mohan”

“Happy Wedding Anniversary, Megha!”

“Mohan, I am already getting too possessive about this chain. This will be there on me forever no matter what else I wear for any occasion”

“Ohho!!! You need not become so senti, Mirchi! It doesn’t suit you” Mohan teased her.

 “Oh is it? Let me see whether Mr. Bhatnagar has any sentiments with him or not!”

Megha closed his eyes with her fingers and took something out of her bag. She stretched his hands and tied a bracelet on his right hand. She took his hand and placed it around her in embrace facing her back to him. He opened his eyes to see their reflection together in the mirror. He could see the glittering gold bracelet on his hand which was holding her shoulders in hug. She pulled her closer to touch her back on his chest leaving no space between them.

“Now I will not tease for you being sentimental” Mohan kissed the bare backside of her neck leaving her with a tingling sensation. As she closed her eyes enjoying the feel of his lips there, he was amused and continued his kisses there. Unable to control herself any more she turned to face him and hugged him squeezing her face into his chest. They were lost in those moments and the ones followed, without knowing for how long.

 “Jikki, What’s all these?” Rimjhim’s voice brought Megha out of her Flashback moment

“Letters!” Megha just rushed herself to close the box

“Can I read them?”

“You will be bored Sweetie! Shall we play some game?” Megha thought of diverting the topic

“Ok!”

As they walked out of the room, Rimjhim asked “Are those letters for you from Paapu?”

Megha was dumbstruck and groping for words before which Rimjhim continued “I am going to write a letter to Paapu!”

Megha was surprised to see how easily Rimjhim got adapted to any situation and she felt like a proud mother. She did not realize her phone ringing and Rimjhim picked it up.

“Thanks for calling. You are now talking to Miss Rimjhim. How may I help you?” Rimjhim went on nonstop on the phone.

Addu was confused to hear a little voice on his mother’s phone.

“Is this Mrs. Megha Bhatnagar’s number?”

“Yes, it is. But she is busy making food for her little angel. Who are you, uncle?”

“Uncle?! Do I sound like an uncle?”

“I don’t know that. But I know only boyfriends or uncles”

“Haven’t you heard anything about brother?”

“Oh! Can I fight with you and then always I get to be the winner?”

“What? Why?”

“Because I heard that’s what brothers to his little sister!”

“Someone has cheated you. Big brothers are stronger than you and so they get to win all the time, you know!”

“But they are also loving than what you know” Rimjhim disconnected the phone angrily

“What happened Sweetie? Why so sad?”

“All because of that brother on the phone”

The phone started ringing again which Megha picked up.

“Addu beta! How are you?”

“Who was that earlier on the phone, Mummy?”

Megha just paused a while before continuing “It is Rimjhim. She is a favorite student of mine from the Summer Camp”

“Oh! You got someone from the Camp to stay at home?”

Megha managed his questions with some stories and then moved on with her usual talks with him. After disconnecting the phone she managed to bring a smile on Rimjhim’s angry face as well with some special stories for her too.

Page 16:

“Hello Mummy!” Megha was surprised to see Addu standing in front of her full of smiles

“Addu!”

“Haan! How is my surprise?”

“You did not tell me that you are coming”

“That’s the surprise, Mummy!” Addu teased her but went blank on Megha’s expressions

“You are not happy to see me, Mummy?”

“Ohho Addu! How will I not be? I am just..” Megha did not complete her sentence Rimjhim jumped in between them

“Jikki, who is this?”

“Oh, you are Rimjhim?”

“Oh, you are the phone uncle?”

“Uncle? I told you brother!”

“What? Brother? But you are not as loving as a brother! So I will call you Uncle!”

“No I will not let you call me that”

“Try and stop me! Uncle, uncle, uncle” Rimjhim ran away screaming and leaving him to chase her

Megha was relieved that she was saved from their introduction and prayed that things remain as it is. A little later during the day, Megha found Addu and Rimjhim fighting for the TV remote.

“Hey pataka, what is this? All the time you are watching cartoons. Give me the remote. I want to watch cricket match”

“No! This is my TV time and my favorite cartoon is going on”

“My favorite teams are playing too”

Both were pulling the remote from either side. Addu managed to pull it hard leaving Rimjhim fall off. She cried and went to Megha

“Jikki, I don’t want this uncle in this house” Addu looked at her angrily while Megha consoled her.

“Leave him, sweetie. Come let us play carom”

Megha managed to win her smile and they sat down for the carom game next to Addu. Megha said something in secret to Rimjhim’s ears for which she laughed looking at Addu. One by one Renu, Jiji and Tannu joined them at the carom table making the game interesting. They were screaming in joy and clapping, making the place loud in noise. Addu could not focus on the TV anymore and he moved towards the gang on the table. Unknowingly he started helping Rimjhim in the game.

“Hey uncle! You are playing good!”

“Hello pataka! I am the champion in the game!” Addu lifted his shirt collar in pride

“My paapu is a champion too! You gotta win him for me to believe you” Rimjhim challenged him

“Challenge? Anytime!”

Megha raised her brows looking at them and she lost herself in the old memories of Addu, Nanhi, Mohan and herself having fun playing carom. She remembered the Flashback moment with a happy face of Mohan watching Addu jumping out of pride on winning the game.

****

Back in Bhopal, Nanhi, Mohan and Guru were celebrating on their super shots on the carom board.

“Hey Sunna! Nobody can beat me up here” Mohan lifted his shirt collar in pride

“Naa Spiderman! Addu always beats you up in carom”

As Nanhi blurt out those words, they were lost in the old memories. Mohan remembered the Flashback moment with a happy face of Megha watching them celebrating the game.

“Spiderman, missing someone?”

“Yeah very much!” Mohan noticed Nanhi’s phone beeping every now and then with text messages.

“Why don’t you meet?”

“Yeah sure we will! When shall we?”

“Spiderman, are you serious?”

"Haan why not? He looks like a good guy”

“He? Whom are you talking about?”

“Beera! Who else did you think?” Mohan winked at her

“Who is this Beera?” Guru came in with a plate of snacks

“Chavvanni’s boyfriend”

“Nanhi?” Guru was shocked

“Guru, nothing like that. Spiderman is lying and making fun of me”

“Uffoo bhaiya! Why are you doing this? Nanhi is sweet and innocent”

“And that’s why I am worried about” Mohan mumbled those words not letting others hear them

“You and your reporter mind! Always looking for some story” Guru teased him

“Haaannaa! Why don’t you tell me some story from your favorite TV serial?” Mohan uttered annoyingly leaving Guru fumed with false anger

****

Addu was celebrating his first bike, distributing sweets and giving rides to his colleagues and friends.

“That’s a cool bike, man” Jayesh was praising every part of the new bike

“Give me a ride” Buvi insisted and got her ride too

Addu was busy but did not fail to notice Ragini watching him from her seat. He offered her sweets which she did not refuse surprisingly. He found that Ragini was not treating him like earlier. She was showing interest in his activities and his talks. Addu was happy about it but did not want to take it forward. He kept things detached and enjoyed the pleasure distantly without getting involved.

“Why don’t you take Ragi for a ride” when Jayesh asked, Addu closed the topic saying

“Some lessons are for lifetime. One should not commit the same mistakes again. I am better off this way”

“Do I get a ride too?” Addu was surprised by the request that came from Mohan

“Sir! You on my bike?”

“Yes, why not? It’s a wonderful opportunity to ride behind a youth!” Mohan winked at him

Everyone cheered up for the boys. A nervous Addu wasn’t sure what he was doing but he managed the ride. He almost jumped a signal on the road but held back in line. The traffic policeman was much in distress and took them aside without heeding to any of his pleads.

“Sir, sir! I just stopped it and did not jump the signal, Sir!” Addu was pleading with the policeman

“Rules are rules, boy! Show me the papers” As the policeman started his scrutiny, Mohan was irritated by his approach

“Arrey yaar, there is no mistake of his and why do you stop us?”

“So, you are talking rules too? Then ok stay here. Give me the keys”

“May I?” Mohan asked for the keys from Addu

As Mohan took the keys, he signed him to sit. Addu looked around to see the policemen busy with the others. He jumped on to the pillion seat. Mohan pressed the button and vroom the bike. Within seconds they were out of the spot leaving the others far behind. They did not realize that a simple ride could be so much fun. Addu let himself loose and stretched his arms wide open as if flying behind Mohan. They were laughing their hearts out from their little misbehavior.

“Don’t tell your Mummy, ok?” Mohan bit his lips wondering how to revert what he just said

“Sir?” Addu paused to look at Mohan not knowing what he meant

“Normally mothers don’t like such things and your mom might get worried if you get in trouble” Mohan managed to get some sensible reason for his goof up

“You are right, Sir! My Mummy is very strict that way and she will spank me if she gets to know it”

“I know! Tell me about it!” Mohan slapped his forehead for another mistake of his

“I mean to say; even my wife is like that. Ok shall we go?” Mohan closed the topic

****

“Dude, is everything going fine as per our plans?”

“Haan baby! All are set! I and Nanhi will take care of everything”

 “Ok bye”

Rimjhim was planning for a birthday bash for Mohan. She had earlier requested Megha to take her to Bhopal for a day, on Mohan’s birthday. Megha knew no bounds of joy on hearing Mohan’s name and being reminded of his birthday. She was even delighted at the thought of seeing him after so many years.

“Jikki, Shall we go?”

“Yes sweetie” Megha tried hard to hide her nervousness

“Will you stay with me, Jikki?”

“No beta! I will drop you at home and have to get back home the same day” Megha prayed that everything goes as per her plans

Megha wanted to see Mohan but wasn’t ready to meet him yet. She was determined to hide herself only to witness those beautiful moments of Mohan with his lovely daughters. Though she knew that Addu was doing well she did not want to know anything more about his relationship with Mohan. She believed that some things are better left without any intrusion. On top of anything, she was tired of meddling with things and dreaded the expectations and disappointments that they brought to her.

Page 17:

“Guru, get those streamers and balloons here”

“Haan Nanhi, put some here too!” Guru showed Mohan’s laptop on the desk

“Guru, that’s laptop”

“Bhaiya’s favorite one. He loves it so much and he will be happy to see it decorated”

Nanhi laughed at Guru’s comment but he ignored and started decorating Mohan’s laptop as well.

“Guru, is food and everything ready. Spiderman has gone to the airport to send off his clients. We should get them all ready before he comes in”

“Haan Nanhi, everything is set on the dining table. All bhaiya’s favorite dishes”

“Ok then I will arrange the cake and gifts here on this table”

As they were moving around hastily, they did not notice Rimjhim running inside the house. Megha hesitated behind the door and Rimjhim came back confirming that Mohan was not in. She was surprised to see herself disappointed in hearing the news. The first steps inside the house were like magic for her. She felt a familiarity in every aura of the house. The big portrait of Megha, Nanhi and Addu on the living room wall made her feel like home. She remembered the photo of a smiling Mohan and Rimjhim in the photo frame next to that. She found a smiling Mohan alone in another frame and traced her fingers on his face.

“Bhabhi!” Guru’s voice turned her to face him

“How are you, Guru?”

“I am very happy to see you here. Bhaiya’s birthday will be all the more special for him today”

“No Guru! I came to drop Rimjhim and I am leaving now”

“Mummy” Nanhi screamed in pleasure on seeing Megha. She ran into her arms “I don’t know how is Spiderman going to take all this happiness at one go”

Megha managed to convince them all about her leaving. Guru and Nanhi were upset but they understood what Megha meant and realized that the day has not yet come for them. Just then they saw the car headlights flashing inside. As per their plan Guru went to switch off the main power.

Mohan walked inside the house filled with darkness.

“Arrey yaar, Guru, where are you? What happened to the lights?”

“Spiderman” Nanhi came from behind and blindfolded him

“Hey Chavvani, what is all this?”

“Ssh!” Nanhi silenced him and made him sit on a chair near the decorated table

“Arrey yaar! Tell me what is happening?”

Megha walked towards Mohan in silence and knelt down in front of him on the floor. She looked at him intensely and read every detail of him to have them written deep into her. She appeared to be devouring every part of Mohan and swallowing them greedily. Her hands moved along the outline of his face, shoulders and hands without touching them. Tears of joy and pain rolled down her cheeks and she tried hard not to let out any sound of gasp. Finally, she kissed her index finger and placed it a little away from his lips. It took all her strength to walk away from there, leaving him unknown to whatever had happened.

“Surprise!” Guru switched back the lights while Nanhi removed the cloth from his eyes

Mohan looked around the decoration and the table in front of him.

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you” Guru and Nanhi started singing while Mohan cut the cake. Mohan fed a piece of cake to Nanhi then turned to feed Guru, while Rimjhim jumped in between to grab it from him.

“Happy birthday, Paapu” She hugged and kissed him

“Jaan!!! When did you come?” He hugged her back tightly showing how much he had missed her. Nanhi joined their hug too.

Megha watched Mohan rejoicing in the shower of love from his lovely daughters and quickly walked off from there, capturing every moment of the event inside her.

“Happy birthday Mohan and I am sorry” she said it aloud when she was alone and rushed into an auto at the end of the street.

“Jaan! How did you come?” Rimjhim did not answer Mohan instead gave a gift to him. Mohan smiled and kissed her. As he collected and opened the gifts from Nanhi and Guru, he noticed his decorated laptop.

“Arrey yaar! What is this?”

“Haan bhaiya it’s my idea! Isn’t it nice?”

“Haanaaa... Tomorrow onwards make her bath and do some makeup too”

“You are always like this!” Guru pouted and was about to clear the laptop decoration

“Hey sunna! It’s ok, leave it for today! It’s nice” Mohan smiled and hugged him

Mohan then spotted a small gift box near the laptop. He picked it up and looked around. He opened it slowly to find a single earring smiling at him. He looked up to see around, ran outside to look everywhere unbelievably, not sure what he was looking for. As he stood there feeling the tender breeze on him, he imagined Megha tracing her fingers on his face slowly to close his eyes. He felt her finger tip on his lips as if sharing a kiss. He shivered and opened his eyes to an empty space around him.

“Megha” He released a sound of whisper and touched his chest as if in pain. He picked the earring from the little box, gave a small shaking movement to it and then folded it his hands tightly, to heal his pain.

Megha was sitting on a window seat in the bus to Indore. She was remembering every moment of her proximity with Mohan in the house. She looked at Mohan smiling at her, in the small photo frame that she flicked from the house. She ached to touch him, feel him and lose herself in his embrace. She closed her eyes in pain holding the frame tightly, to heal her pain.

Both Megha and Mohan lost in Flashback, from wherever they were.

“Is this the time to come home? Why were you not picking my phone calls? Didn’t I remind you so many times in the morning to get back home early today?” Megha was going non-stop from the moment Mohan entered the house.

“What happened to you? Why are you shouting like this? “

“What else do you expect me to do? How long we have been waiting for you!”

“Did I ask you wait for me? Now I am very tired and have no energy to argue with you. Please leave me alone for a while”

“Ok! Whatever you wish for” Megha was about to walk out of the living room when Mohan stopped her

“Arrey yaar! What is your problem now?”

“My problem? Ok fine. Let it be my problem and I don’t want you to deal with it”

Mohan did not stop her anymore. He just fell on the couch closing his eyes. A little later, he opened his eyes and looked around. Only then he saw the decorations and the cake in the room. He remembered the morning when Nanhi and Megha wished him for his birthday. Megha also told him to come home early in the evening so that they can go out for dinner. He checked the time and it was little past 11 in the night.

“Arrey yaar! What have I done?” He held his head in his hands not knowing what to do

He went inside the kids’ bedroom to find Nanhi and Addu sleeping. Megha was neither there nor in their room. He found her sitting on the swing in the balcony. He sat next to her while she moved to sit away from him. He kept on closing the distance between them finally cornering her to the other end of the swing. When she was about to get up, Mohan dropped his head on her lap and stretched his legs on the swing, making himself comfortable.

“I know sorry is a small word but I still wanted to say it, Megha”

“Why do you have to do things for which you want to ask sorry later?”

“So that I can get my chance to coax my Mirchi Madam” He smiled at her

“Your flattery is not going to work”

“I haven’t started any yet!” He crossed his arms and looked straight into her eyes. She avoided looking at him turning her face.

Without moving from his position, Mohan reached his hands to her hair, pulled out the hair clip, letting the curls fall on her face. He spread out the tresses that fell on his face, playing rolls with them.

“Have I told you any time?”

“What?” She turned to look at him now trying hard to keep the anger intact

“You look beautiful with your hair open like this”

“What is the use of it when you don’t have time?” Megha tried to control from blushing and forced herself to keep her anger. Mohan smiled at her remark

“If I have all the time with me, then?” He lifted his head from his lap, put his hands around her head and pulled her closer to him

“Then you will have spend them all looking for words to cajole me” She took the chance, pushed him away from her and got away from the swing.

Though Mohan unexpected it, he managed to hold her hands and stopped her. He stood up and closed down the space between them. Megha was facing her back to him. He slowly moved her long locks of hair away to get a view of her neck. She could feel his breath so close that her body shivered in excitement. He rubbed his nose tip softly on the sidelines of her neck, sending a tingling sensation through her spine leaving every bone of hers brittle.

Mohan looked adoringly at a frozen Megha, let go off her hands and moved back leaving enough space between them. Megha felt a sudden release of all the rush inside her and turned around to look at Mohan who was smiling at her teasingly.

“And you thought my flattery isn’t working?” He winked at her

“You tricked me?” Megha hit on his chest mockingly

“But it was all the truth” Mohan locked her to him with his hands around her back

“I am still angry with you” Megha’s eyes said otherwise

“Yes, I can see that” Mohan smiled at her speaking eyes

“The kids were waiting to eat the cake”

“Ok first things first” Mohan took her to the kids’ bedroom where he had already shifted the cake. He cut the cake, fed it to the kids and put them back to sleep. He then scooped Megha along with him into their room.

“Where is my birthday gift?”

“You missed it because you were late” Megha was getting ready for bed removing her accessories

“No I didn’t!” Mohan helped her removing her bangles, necklace and earrings. He picked her earring and said “This is the one”

“So Mr. Mohan Bhatnagar wants to wear earring?” Megha laughed at him

“This is for me to keep! Not to be worn, Mrs. Megha Bhatnagar”

“Ok Mr. Romancer, now that you got your gift, you can sleep. I will get my makeup cleaned”

“I will do that for you. I can use some makeup too”

Mohan blocked Megha’s way. His eyes twinkled with anticipation and Megha blushed on his intentions. They were lost in each other’s arms on bed sharing the same dream. In the morning, Megha turned pink seeing all her cosmetics marked on Mohan’s face and body.

“Good job Mr. Clean” She smiled and kissed the cheeks of a sleeping Mohan leaving more marks there.

Flashback ends.

Mohan wiped his face as if he had marks left there even now. He smiled to himself and turned around to look at a happy Rimjhim and Nanhi spraying snow on each other. He joined them in their fun too.

Page 18:

“Megha, it is so unfair of you. How can you do this to me?” Mohan was sitting alone on the swing holding Megha’s earring and talking to it

He couldn’t believe any word of Rimjhim when she told him about Megha’s visit to Bhopal house. And how Megha managed to convince them all and leave without meeting him. But he sure believed that she would have seen him before leaving.

“From when did you become so selfish? You stole a glimpse of me but left me with nothing of you” Mohan looked at the earring again, then remembered those moments of him stealing a few glances of Megha when leaving Rimjhim there for the first time. He curved his lips in a wry smile on knowing their ‘hide and seek’ game played on each other.

“Oh Megha! How do you expect me stay calm, now I know that you came here, saw me and left with some part of me that are both going to hurt and heal you in many ways” He bit his lips in pain and folded the earring tightly into his fist releasing a heavy sigh.

Mohan was unable to sleep well. He was walking inside the living room lost in his thoughts.

“Uffoo bhaiya, I know this will happen!” Guru walked in

“Sunna! What do you think had happened now?” Mohan responded annoyingly

“I know that you will miss Megha bhabhi”

“Haaanaa! You are a genius and you know everything” Mohan sat on the couch trying to be normal

“I am not a genius bhaiya, but I am a love genius, especially in your love story!” Guru smiled in pride

“You and your bakwas stories”

“Bhaiya, say anything about me but not about my maa-baapu stories” Guru answered pouting and crossing his arms

“Haaana!!” Mohan smiled remembering those love stories and how it worked in favor of him many times

“But I don’t have time for them and I want to sleep now” Mohan stretched himself on the couch in the living room

“Bhaiya, I am very sure that you will not sleep tonight” Guru was not ready to give up and sat down next to him

“Arrey yaar! What do you want me to do now?” Mohan pursed his lips

“I don’t know”

“Then why did you start this?”

“I din’t! You did!”

Mohan gave a cold stare at Guru and tried to close his eyes without saying anything.

“You are gone crazy and I am sure something will come out of this craziness” Guru murmured to himself before retiring. Mohan was staring at the ceiling without any sign of sleeping

“You are finding it all fun, right” Guru was shocked to hear Mohan’s voice early in the morning when he was busy in the kitchen

“Bhaiya, what happened? Is your health ok?” Guru showed sincere concern

“Chup! You know that I didn’t sleep at all and now asking for my well being?”

“What did I do bhaiya?”

“Nothing! You are one innocent child” Mohan was furious over his own mental state

“Bhaiya, I am telling you..”

“What, what are you telling me? Are you asking me to meet Megha now?” Mohan burst out what had been pricking him all night

“No… I didn’t mean…”

“Should I talk to her?”

“Bhaiya, When did I…”

“Arrey yaar! Should I write/talk to her that I want to meet her now?”

Guru kept quiet knowing what Mohan wanted to do but unable to do for whatever reason it was.

“Bhaiya, Yes that is what you have to do now”

“But how will I? What reason do I have? We are nowhere near our mission and how different it is now than earlier?”

“Addu is here with you now! Isn’t that a big difference, bhaiya?”

“I don’t even know whether he likes me and whether he is fine being with me”

“Correct bhaiya! Then you will have to wait” Guru did not know what else to say, so he played along

 “Arrey yaar! What are you saying? Megha doesn’t know about anything going on between me and Addu”

“Correct bhaiya” Guru was confused now

“How could you be so irresponsible Guru? Poor her, waiting there with lots of hope and here you are asking me to wait”

Guru raised his brows in surprise and giggled at Mohan’s state of confusion.

“I will have to meet her Guru. I will have to fill her with the details”

“Correct bhaiya” Guru was not confused anymore and he knew things are going to be fine with Mohan

“Hey sunna! I know you are laughing at me” Mohan curved his lips to one side trying to hide his own embarrassment

“People laugh when they are happy” Guru grinned widely showing his happiness. Mohan returned the grin with the same level happiness and walked out contented.

“Guru, I have something to tell you” Nanhi rushed to Guru a little later

“What is it this time?” Guru asked worriedly remembering Nanhi’s little pranks in the past

“Arrey, this is nothing like that. This is about Spiderman”

“Oh!” Guru is lot more worried now

“I know Spiderman is missing Mummy after knowing that she was here last night”

“Haan, that is there”

“I am planning to make them meet”

“Nanhi…” Guru was shocked and wanted to tell her about Mohan’s plans

“Don’t say anything and stop me. I am sure this is going to work well for them both”

“But Nanhi…”

“No Guru! I don’t want to hear anything against my plan” Nanhi rushed out without giving another minute for Guru to say anything

“Oh God! Please save bhaiya and me too”

****

“Mummy!”

Megha was greeted by Nanhi at her office. When Nanhi called her to invite her for an office party celebrating her team’s success story, Megha was proud of her little daughter’s achievement. But she was concerned and worried about visiting Bhopal again. Nanhi insisted on having her mother beside her on the special occasion and informed Megha that she hasn’t invited Mohan. Though Megha was surprised about her information, she decided to believe Nanhi and agreed to go to the party.

“Congratulations beta! This is a nice office”

“Isn’t it? I like it very much here”

Megha hugged and kissed Nanhi out of pride and excitement. She was happy that she decided to be part of her daughter’s happiness. She forgot all confusions about Bhopal and started socializing with Nanhi’s colleagues and their family.

As Megha was talking to someone, she glanced through the figure that entered the party hall and was stunned. Mohan looked charming and handsome in a sky blue shirt and a black suit. She wanted to walk to him and touch him but she couldn’t move here legs. She felt like they were glued to the floor underneath. As Mohan’s view was blocked with people moving around, she whirled her head here and there to get those momentary sights of him. She smiled when he smiled at someone. She nodded her head along with his head. Its only when she saw Nanhi greeting Mohan, she got back to her senses.

“Nanhi, is this all your plan?” She thought to herself and decided to do something about it. She wasn’t sure whether she was ready to meet Mohan now only to leave him again in a little while. When she realized that Nanhi was looking around for her, she hid herself behind a decorated pillar in the hall.

“Spiderman, I have a surprise for you” Nanhi’s excitement found no bounds

“Haan I know about your surprise” Nanhi wrinkled her brows and thought ‘Guru?’

“By the way what’s surprise in it. I know he will look smart and handsome”

“Who?”

“Beera” Mohan winked at her but was evaluating her reactions

“Spiderman, you are hopeless! Anyway that’s not the surprise. Wait here I will come back”

As Nanhi vanished into the crowd, Mohan just walked towards the drinks area and picked a welcome drink. He smiled at some familiar faces and started his casual conversation. When he glanced through the other people, he spotted a bright sea green saree facing her back towards him far away. His heart beat stopped for a minute recognizing the woman of his life. He found the place static around him. His eyes traced through the sideline of her face and he froze there. He dreaded even to blink thinking that his dream might be lost.

That is when it happened. Megha’s eyes wandered again to find Mohan in the crowd when she finally spotted him gazing at her. Their eyes met and stayed there. Neither of them moved and they didn’t think they ever would be able to. They found every muscle, every nerve and every bone in their body not aiding them to emote what they wanted to. Megha wanted to smile but her lips felt dried and useless. Mohan wanted to nod but he did not feel his head on his body.

Finally tears of joy oozed out to prove them the magical moment was for real. They never wanted those moments to fade away and preferred to stand there cherishing them. But the reality stuck in the form of an announcement calling for Navika to accept the Youth Achievement Award. As they applauded, they looked at each other sharing the proud moment for their little Nanhi. They managed to take those little steps towards each other smiling amidst their tears.

“Congratulations” They both uttered at the same moment celebrating the joy. And they were amused to hear the voice of the others

They touched each other’s cheeks and wiped the tears. They did not remove the hands and were lingering on their touch to feel each other. They quenched all their thirst of missing each other, by drinking deep into their eyes. They then moved on to trace from top to bottom carefully noting down every detail. He picked her hand from his cheeks and kissed it. She rested her head on his chest and hugged him tightly showing how much she missed him all these years. Mohan did not fail to reciprocate his feelings. They both were lost in each other for a very long time till music brought them back.

They moved aside away from the crowd. He did not let go off her right hand and folded it tightly into his fist. She smoothed his hair with her left hand and asked

“So much hair?”

“No time for a haircut”

Both laughed at their conversation. Nanhi jumped in between them

“Yahooo! I did it!”

“Yes, you did it” Mohan and Megha acknowledged her in chorus and hugged her together

Mohan and Megha did not leave by each other’s side during the rest of the party. They ate, drank, talked and laughed together. As the time flew by, they started sensing the separation coming by. They held their hands like scared teenagers not ready to let go off for fear of the parting moment.

“Hello Mohan!” A sweet female voice intruded them

“Hello Anu”

Anu gave a warm hug to Mohan thus leaving Mohan to remove his hands from Megha and returning the gesture to Anu.

“Megha, this is Anu. My good old friend”

Mohan introduced Anu to Megha and they started their conversation. Megha was standing there for a while when Nanhi took her to meet some other friends of hers. Megha never took her eyes off Mohan and she wasn’t sure of what she was thinking. She found herself fuming like a normal wife, angry with her husband for trivial things as if it was their daily routine.

“Hey Megha, Where did you go? I was looking for you” Mohan came back to take her hands again

“Thank God for that” Megha did not let go off his hands but wasn’t ready to keep quiet

“What is it Mrs. Bhatnagar?”

“So you remember that I am your wife?”

He pulled her closer to him by her waist, looked at her intensely and said “Any doubts?”

“Then why did you not introduce me to her?”

“To whom?”

“Anu! Your good old friend!” Megha was angry and sulked while saying that

“I really didn’t…”

“Didn’t know how to introduce me?”

“Haan.. Oh No…” Mohan was blabbering and was at loss of words

“No problem. Keep thinking about it by then I will leave” She started walking towards the exit while Mohan stopped her taking her hands.

“Megha” He drew her close to him “Is my Mirchi jealous?” He whispered in her ears

Megha moved her face near to his, leaving almost no space in between “I don’t have to” she said hoarsely and ran out of the hall. Before Mohan could realize what was happening, she was far away and vanished into the dark outside.

He ran behind her when a beep on his phone stopped him. He found a text message from Megha

“Before I could lose my strength I better leave. I am very happy and I want it to remain. I love you - Megha”

Mohan closed his eyes and gripped the phone close to his heart.

Page 19:

Mohan and Megha spent the night alone, replaying every moment of their togetherness that day. Mohan was tempted to call Megha but did not find the courage to make it. He understood Megha’s feelings and her reason to stay away. He remembered the letter for Megha, which he had dropped that morning before leaving for Nanhi’s office party.

“Arrey yaar! What kind of musibat that I have put her into, again?”

He thought to retrieve the letter but then concluded to leave things as is.

***

“Sir, you were looking for us?” Jayesh entered Mohan’s office

 “Where is Aditya?” Mohan asked casually

“Sir, he is on leave today. He is not keeping well”

“What happened? Is anything serious?” Mohan tried hard to hide his concern

“Nothing serious, Sir. He is mentally upset about something personal”

Mohan got worried thinking what could have upset Addu. He dreaded to think anything that could be related to his meeting with Megha.

“Do you know anything about his personal life?” Mohan hated himself to ask about Addu to others but he desperately needed some lead on this

“Yes Sir, a little”

Mohan stopped himself from asking anything further and decided to take the courage of facing Addu directly. He said in his mind ‘If anything I have to do, then it has to be now’

 “Ok never mind. You can go”

Mohan picked the phone wanting to call Megha then halted. He informed his secretary to cancel his assignments for the day and rushed out of the office. While he was driving he received a call from Nanhi.

“Spiderman, are you busy?”

“I am never busy for my Chavvanni, but yes I am”

“Then ok, I will talk to you later”

“Sunna! What is it about?”

“About Addu” Mohan applied a sudden break

“What happened to Addu?”

“Looks like he is upset about something. I tried to talk to him but he is not ready to tell anything”

“Piddi and his mood swings” Mohan uttered worriedly

“Did you fight with him, Spiderman?”

“Arrey yaar! Do I look like that to you? Ok don’t worry about that. I will take care”

“Ok bye”

Mohan was more confused and worried now. He wasn’t sure what to expect but continued to drive towards the guest house. By the time he reached Addu he was playing and replaying the possible scenes of his encounter with him. He was shocked to see what he actually got there.

“Addu, are you ok?”

Addu was quiet and calm sitting on the floor, in a corner of the room staring at the empty walls. It looked like he had cried for long time. His eyes were puffy and tired. On seeing Mohan, Addu was tensed but did not move or say anything.

“Addu, what is it boy?” Mohan went closer and sat next to him on the floor. He touched his hand and forehead to check on him. It took a long time for Mohan to get Addu talk to him. Finally when Addu broke the silence it was only with his little sobs that took Mohan by surprise.

“I hate myself”

Mohan was hurt hearing this and was aching to do anything to comfort Addu.

“But I love you” Addu turned to look at him doubtfully. Mohan managed to say “I mean to say I like you”

“Why would you?”

“Because you are young, smart and energetic”

“No I am not. I am just a sensitive and emotional fool”

“Oh! Being sensitive and emotional are good! Those don’t make you a fool”

“But I do foolish things because of these touchy feelings in me”

“Like?” Mohan was afraid to hear a response but he was getting ready for anything

“Falling in love”

Mohan was shocked but was relieved to hear this. He raised his brows in surprise knowing that Addu was in love. He did not know whether he was happy about it but he certainly was not upset. He wondered why but he thought it was good for Addu to be in love.

“Is that wrong to fall in love?” Mohan sat comfortably resting his back on the wall

“I don’t know but it’s so wrong for me. I get very sensitive, cry and do things which I hate doing”

“Can I tell you something? It’s not an advice but something which always works for me”

Addu was quiet and Mohan took this as a sign for him to continue.

“One can cry because they are sensitive and in touch with feelings. But the feelings that they are sensitive to, should be that of others and not of their own”

Addu looked at him confused not understanding what Mohan meant. Mohan continued to clear his confusion.

“You said that you are in love. Isn’t that a good thing and shouldn’t you feel happy about it?”

Addu did not have an answer to this.

“If your tears are for the feelings of the one you love, then you will be happy to shed those. It hurts you only if those are tears are bound with your own feelings”

Addu looked at Mohan now forgotten about what his hurt was for. Instead he started thinking about the feelings of his loved ones, his mother, sister and the man standing in front of him. He was lost thinking whether he was getting selfish because of his love and that’s why he hated to fall in love.

“Addu, I must say this. I am proud of you. At your age, kids actually falling deeply in love and just attraction are very rare.  And if you focus these emotions in the right direction, then you will be the happiest” Mohan patted on Addu’s back.

“Thank you, Sir” Addu thanked Mohan who was leaving after a long talk with him. Addu got comfortable in sharing some of his deep feelings with Mohan. Mohan was pleased to be part of Addu’s life in some way even if it did not mean anything about his own presence in it. He left the place with complete satisfaction.

***

“Megha, are you not going to school today?”

“No Jiji. I am not keeping well”

Jiji doubted Megha’s response and somehow she felt that Megha was lying. Megha got to know that Mohan was coming to drop Rimjhim back in school. She did not have the courage to face him once more only to depart again. She decided to play it safe by staying back home.

“Jikki!” Megha was shocked to hear Rimjhim’s voice at the door

“Looks like Rimjhim has come” Jiji went out happily

Megha heard Jiji welcoming someone with a happy tone and she froze. She had images of Mohan walking inside the house. She closed her eyes waiting for those moments to fade away and pass by without her interference. But she heard Jiji calling her. Megha took all her nerve to move herself and face the reality. As she walked into the living room, Rimjhim ran into her arms.

“Jikki, I missed you so much!”

“Me too, sweetie” She hugged Rimjhim and kissed her

“Hello Megha bhabhi”

Megha lifted her head to see Guru smiling in front of her. She was greatly disappointed not to see Mohan there. She hid her letdown and welcomed Guru inside and attended to them. She wondered what made Mohan change his decision.

“Has it become so easy for you to avoid me, Mohan?” She burst out in an empty room when she was alone.

“Didn’t I disturb you as much as you disturbed me?” She squeezed her fists together in rage.

“Mr. Bhatnagar, you are gone. Nobody can save you now” She picked the phone to call him and vent out her frustration.

Megha was standing in front of the mirror. Before the phone started ringing she held back and ended the call. “Am I behaving like a new lover angry with her boyfriend?”

She laughed at her image in the mirror. She slapped her forehead with the phone, as if to chide her silly reaction.

***

“So what is it about?”

“What about what?”

Nanhi lost her patience in Mohan’s response over the phone. She waited for hours before calling him to know Addu’s state and Mohan played around without revealing anything.

“Spiderman, if I get to see you now, even Mummy cannot save you” Nanhi fumed in anger while Mohan laughed in amusement

“Hey Chavvanni, sunna! Tension not! There is no problem”

“Did you talk to Addu and find out what bothers him?”

“Haanaa! He is not piddi anymore! He’s grown up enough to fall in love” Mohan smiled through his voice

“Oh! Is it that Ragini? I knew it!” Nanhi did not know whether she was happy or worried for Addu

“Sunna! I don’t know the girl but whoever it is, she better be good with Addu. He is such a nice boy”

“Spiderman, are you giving good conduct certificate for Addu? What a day!” Nanhi teased him

“After all I am the dad here!” Mohan smiled with pride

“I love you Spiderman. And I know you will sure support me in my love life too, right?”

“Definitely!”

“Sachchi?”

“Muchchi! Ok, now I am getting late. Bye”

Nanhi was confused on the other side of the phone with Mohan’s dull reactions for her statement. Mohan put the phone back and was about to start his car when Nanhi’s words stuck him clearly.

“What? Love life?”

He hurried to pick up the phone and dial Nanhi again. Nanhi understood Mohan’s confusion and his reason to call again. She smiled and answered the phone.

“Haan Spiderman, anything urgent?” She asked teasingly

“Hey Chavvanni, did you say about me supporting your love life?”

“What? I did not say anything like that” Nanhi giggled

“Arrey yaar! I know you said something like that”

“Spiderman, are you not getting late? I too gotta go now”

Mohan started digging without letting her disconnect while Nanhi played around without letting out any details. She was amused with the way Mohan went possessive about his little Chavvanni and how he treated her like a child. She felt as if she has earned back all those childhood days that she missed with her Spiderman.

***

Mohan was restless waiting at the restaurant. It was the day and time for which he had asked Megha to meet him, in his letter. He was sure that Megha must have received the letter but was not sure whether she would be coming to meet him again. He did not want to assume things and so went ahead with his plans to be there on time. He kept on ordering juice whenever the waiter asked for anything else. As he was checking his watch from time to time a sweet voice intruded him.

“Hello Mohan!”

Mohan turned to find a smiling Anu, looking completely dressed for a party.

“Arrey yaar, what kind of musibat again?” He chided himself mentally

“Oh Hai Anu!”

“Are you alone? Shall I join you?”

“Yeah, oh No…” Mohan stuttered when he heard a voice from behind

“Aji sunte ho!”

Mohan turned to find a smiling Megha, looking gorgeous in her cream and brick red color saree.

Page 20:

"Aji sunte ho!" Mohan turned hearing the voice and brightened up seeing Megha!

As Megha walked towards Mohan, everything around him seemed to be hazy. He stood up from his seat. He had eyes only for her and did not close them even for a moment.

“Hello, Anu” She greeted Anu with a warm smile

“Oh Hai! You…”

“I am Megha” Megha shook her hands with Anu

“Bhatnagar. Mrs. Megha Bhatnagar” Mohan jumped in, not taking his eyes off Megha

“Ohhh!! Mrs. Bhatnagar? Mohan…” Anu turned to Mohan questioningly

“Yes I am Mohan’s wife!” Megha cut in and said assertively. She cornered her eyes to look at Mohan who was proudly smiling at her but she did not smile back. Mohan pursed his lips in disappointment and looked down.

“Anu, your dress is very pretty” Megha diverted the conversation

“Thanks. Nice meeting you” Anu was about to bid a goodbye

“Oh sure, see you..” Mohan was in a hurry to send her away

“Please don’t bother. You can join us” Megha invited her overriding Mohan’s words

“Are you sure?” Anu was ready to join them

Mohan said “No”

Megha said “Yes”

Anu looked at both of them confusedly

“Mohan, that’s not fair to send away your friend like that” Megha said casually

Mohan did not dream anything about his meeting with Megha but he was not expecting anything like the one happening either. He was waiting to talk so many things with Megha and she was there playing all her plans against him.

Megha pulled a chair for Anu and she took a seat next to Mohan on the sofa seat opposite the table. Mohan’s mood instantly changed into a happy one. He moved close to her making him comfortably seated. The restaurant was cozy that provided an ambience for romantic couples with dim lights and slow music.

“Isn’t the place nice and romantic?” Mohan looked at Megha with amused smile

“Yeah it is” Anu responded looking around and asked “Are you sure, I am not intruding?”

“Not at all! I am sure she is fine” Mohan turned to Megha and smiled at her teasingly. Megha understood that he was trying to play the game back on her.

“Mohan, may be Anu has other plans” She put her hand on Mohan’s and emoted with her eyes as if to ask ‘What is this?’ Mohan grabbed her hand, twisted his lips playfully and responded back with his eyes shaking his shoulder as if to say ‘I don’t know’. Megha tried to pull her hand away but he didn’t let her. She was glowing pink in embarrassment but he appeared to be enjoying her discomfort.

Anu looked at them trying to understand what was going on between them. Before they could respond to her, they were disturbed by the waiter

“Excuse me sir, order please”

Mohan took the menu card leaving Megha’s hands and she just put them back on her lap much to his dismay. They placed some order and continued their conversation. Mohan kept on bothering Megha during the meal. He was either grabbing something from her plate or trying to whisper something in her ears. Though Megha was acting annoyed with his behavior, she was personally enjoying his advances towards her. Anu was watching them quizzically. With laughter and conversation, they finished their meal.

“It’s a pleasure meeting you Megha” Anu stood up to shake her hands with Megha who was lost thinking what to say. Before Megha could say anything Mohan tried to cover her up.

“That’s great catching up with you, Anu” Mohan was full of smiles

Anu smiled at him and came closer to him. To his surprise she hugged him and whispered in his ears “Looks like you had fun at the cost of me! Now enjoy your game with this too”. She kissed his cheeks and said aloud “Bye darling, see you soon”

Mohan was dumbstruck. Megha’s eyes widened and she appeared shocked. She watched behind Anu who walked triumphantly smiling at them. When she turned to look at Mohan, he was standing mouth agape. She took the glass of water from the table and about to splash on him when he turned to see her with the water.

“Oh No Megha! I did not do anything”

“Then what was that?”

“That was to tease me and to get me into trouble”

“Oh now you mean to say that I am the troublemaker?”

“You started it all. Why did you ask her to stay back?”

“I was just playing and having some fun seeing you annoyed” Megha turned back hurt and walked a few steps from there. Mohan took her hands and stopped her from moving further.

“Even I was playing and having fun! I didn’t mean it to go overboard. I am sorry”

A tender smile formed on Megha’s lips. She turned to face him and started voicing out in his carefree style.

“Hey Sunna! You needn’t get so senti! Life is very long! Such petty fights can be given and taken back always!” Megha said this and started laughing

Mohan admired at her wit and smile remembering their old days. He took her hands into his and he moved closer to her.

“I want this long life of mine to be simple and beautiful with you near me, now and always”

Megha returned a warm smile holding his hands tightly into hers “Me too”

They both went back to their table and sat next to each other like earlier, without leaving their hands. They were again disturbed by the waiter.
“Sir, any more order?”
They looked at each other and smiled. Megha picked the menu and ordered something at random to send the waiter away. They both laughed at their own mischief and lost into their conversation after a while. Mohan filled her in with the details of he and Addu’s get along in office. Megha was listening to everything with her eyes wide unable to believe. When Mohan finished off the story with the latest encounter of Addu’s love story, Megha was completely shocked.

“Addu is in love with a girl?”

“Yeah girl, and that’s good! Isn’t it amazing?” Mohan was amused in his own way
“How can he?” Megha expressed unbelievably

“Why can’t he?” Mohan was defending Addu

“He is such a kid, Mohan” Megha took her stand of a protective and possessive mother

“Megha, you are being a kid!” Mohan tried convincing her and Megha was surprised on that as well

“Ok, you acting like the cool dad? No wonder Nanhi is positive about her Spiderman favoring her as well” Megha knew how Mohan would get protective about Nanhi. So she tried her chance to make him understand her stand here with Addu.

“What? What does this have anything to do with Chavvanni?”

“Oh! Don’t you know that? She likes someone!” Megha studied Mohan’s reaction
“Haana! But Chavvanni doesn’t like him that way. She is a kid, you know!” Mohan guarded his own reaction and tried to act like everything was normal
“Now you are being a kid, Mohan” Megha tried hard to hide her amusement
“Arrey yaar! Chavvanni is an innocent baby. She doesn’t know what she is doing”
“And Addu is quite grown up and knows everything?” Megha got to the point making Mohan surrender

“Ok, I get what you are saying”

It took a long time for them to convince in either of their choices for the others. Finally after all their talk about the kids, they decided to come in terms with the reality and behave like matured adult and treat their kids like adults as well.

“Promise me that you won’t do any drama against Addu’s choice. Ok?” Mohan was trying to cut a deal for his boy

“Ok! I will support him but will make him understand what he is getting into”

Mohan shook his head hopelessly with Megha’s response.

“Tell me that you will not get over protective about Nanhi thus hating Beera, ok?” Megha tried to calm down sharing her pressure with Mohan

“I will sure want to know that he is good and worth of my little Chavvanni!”

“Boys will always be boys!” Megha hit Mohan playfully. Mohan took her hand to hold it close to his heart.
“What will I do without you, teacherji? How I wish we remain like this forever!” Mohan held her closely and posed face up, as if they were in dreamland.
“You can’t Sir! We are closing” Mohan jumped out and released Megha when the waiter said that
“No problem, we don’t mind” Mohan said casually and turned to continue his talks.
“Enough Mohan! Let’s go” Megha insisted
“When are you opening again for dinner?” Mohan asked seriously to the waiter. Megha was embarrassed and flushed in pink. She almost dragged him out of the restaurant.

Page 21:

Megha insisted on meeting Addu before leaving for Indore to which Mohan was raising concerns.

“Arrey yaar! Don’t you believe me? If not as a father at least as a friend, I take good care of him” Mohan appeared to be throwing tantrums

“Mohan, I know you are taking good care of your friend! But that doesn’t mean a mother should not check on her sick son!” Megha tried to compose herself as if she was dealing a kid

“I know you will talk to him about that girl” Mohan said and looked somewhere else to avoid her eyes

“Won’t you believe me?” Megha turned him to face her

“Haaan… Naaahh… All mothers are one and the same when it comes to their son’s love” Mohan twisted his lips

“Oh! You think I am like your mummy? Monnuu…” Megha teased and stressed on the name to irritate him

Mohan gave an angry look at her which turned into a sweet smile on seeing her mimic.

“For the 1000^th time I am telling you that I won’t talk anything about the girl or his love! Are you happy?”
“No I am not!”
“Oh! Why is that?” Megha raised her brows surprised by his response

“You will be gone without seeing me before leaving Bhopal” Mohan touched her cheeks softly giving a painful look remembering their separation again

Megha returned the gesture by placing her hand on his cheeks, trying to heal his pain and hers as well. He then took her face into his hands, took in every feature of hers into him as if to get as much as he could. Her eyes were pleading him saying not to leave her and keep her like that forever. He bit his lips in knowing her plea, rested his head on hers helplessly. They did not know how long they stood there like that lost in each other’s emotions.

***

“Addu!”

“Mummy!”

Addu was sweetly surprised on seeing Megha in his room. He ran to her and hugged her affectionately showing how much he needed her there. He could not control anymore and let out soft sobs.

“What happened, Addu? Why are you crying?” Megha was really shocked to see him in that state

As she consoled him, she found that he was not letting out any of his reasons for his mental illness but was trying to take solace in his mother’s lap for his physical illness. She decided to stick to her role as a mother and appease a demanding kid. She quickly prepared some food of his likes and fed him. She even called Nanhi to join them.

“Arrey Addu! What are you doing sitting inside the house all day” Nanhi tried to cheer him up

“Because I have fever” Addu defended himself

“Because I have fever! Mummy I don’t want to go to school” Nanhi mimicked him and acted as if crying rubbing her eyes

“Mummy, look at her making fun of me” Addu complained like a kid

Just then he received a phone call from ‘Boss’. Addu quickly picked it to move away from there, while Megha and Nanhi noticed his behavior pretending to ignore it as well.

“Yes Sir! No Sir, I am absolutely fine. Thanks, Sir” Megha and Nanhi overheard the monologues from Addu and smiled at each other in knowing the person, on the phone.

“Acchaa bacchu! Now you are absolutely fine?” Megha teased him when he returned

“Haan Mummy! He is very much fine to go out and have ice cream!” Nanhi joined her

“Ok, we will go” Addu’s cheerful response surprised them both

***

It was a lovely treat to watch Megha, Nanhi and Addu enjoying together at the nearby park. Mohan did not mean to stalk them but could not resist his urge to see his family at least from afar. He remembered those good old days when he was mesmerized by the simple smile of Megha who was just happy seeing her kids’ happiness. He found the same smile spreading through her lips then and he wished to do anything, to keep her smile glued there forever.

“I miss us! And all of us being together” Mohan said to himself poking his chest with his fist

Mohan wanted to break the game and reveal the truth about him knowing Addu. But he needed the right time and he thought Addu was not ready yet at his current state. So he decided to wait for some more time but chided himself for continuing the game. He hated everything that kept him out of the pretty picture in front of him. He imagined himself and Rimjhim amidst the lovely group having fun throwing ice cream on each other.

Mohan’s phone rang and he looked at Rimjhim’s picture smiling at him. He cheerfully picked up the phone

“Jaan! 100 years to you! Muuaaahhh!!!” Mohan expressed his controlled emotions on the phone

“Sachchi?”

“Muchchi!”

“What are you doing paapu? Missing me?”

“Yes Jaan! Very much!” He looked at his family

“Then come to me! Simple” Rimjhim’s innocent words soothed his ache

As he relaxed talking his usual way with Rimjhim, he found Nanhi leaving the place on her scooty, while Addu took Megha with him on his bike.

***

“Mummy, are you sure?”

Addu was asking Megha, sitting next to her, in the waiting bus she boarded back to Indore.

“Haan baaba! I will be very much fine. Now can you quit being like my protective husb…” Megha stopped without finishing her sentence. Addu looked at her surprised to hear her mention anything about Mohan after very long time.

“Shall I get you a water bottle?” Addu diverted

Megha waved her water bottle in front of him and smiled.

“I am very happy Addu, you acting like a man taking care of me” Megha proudly did the gesture as if to break evil eyes on him

“Is that enough, Mummy? You contented with my happiness?” Addu became emotional on saying the words

“What else a mother wants, beta?” Megha tried to ignore thinking his intentions

“As a woman, don’t you have your own wishes or desires, Mummy?” Addu did not know what he expected but he started with the flow of his emotions

Megha and Addu were intruded by the whistle blow of the bus conductor and the bus movement.

“I am sorry Mummy!” Addu hugged Megha and got down from the bus

As the bus moved, Megha could see him waving with tears in his eyes. She was staring at him till he was lost as a small figure far away. She closed her eyes to replay Addu’s conversation with her. She was wondering what went off him during those few seconds. She wished to know more but was scared to hold any expectations as well.

She felt a sudden jerk in the bus which came to a halt. She heard the conductor and driver shouting at someone before the bus started moving. She looked through the window ignoring everything, trying to focus on something that she did not know. She sensed someone sitting next to her. She turned and shocked to see the smiling face looking at her intensely.

“Mohan, you?”

“Yes, me!” Mohan turned and sit comfortably on his seat

“What are you doing here? The bus is moving” Megha panicked

“Haana! If not then how will we get to Indore?” He teased her

“Are you kidding?”

“Do you think so?” He winked at her

“Let me guess! I know you are missing Rimjhim and you want to see her” She chuckled through her voice

“Arrey Waah! You have become so intelligent, Megha!” He raised his brows as if he was surprised

“You are so bad” She masked a false anger

“A little good too! You know my poor wifey is traveling alone. So thought of doing some husband’s duty as well”

“How cute!” She shrunk her nose playfully to annoy him

“How cute?” He questioned her back resting his palm on his cheek

Megha found his act really cute and sweet. She could not carry her mockery anymore and laughed at his action.

“That’s cute!” He transferred his palm to her face looking deeply into her eyes

“Will you be just talking to the woman or buying a ticket as well?” The bus conductor’s voice startled them apart

Mohan pulled out his wallet and found only credit and debit cards in it. Megha peeped into it while he hid it away from her. He then searched his other pockets but he didn’t find any cash. He gave a defenseless look at the conductor and then Megha. She tried to control her laughter and paid for the ticket.

“Arrey yaar! I never need to use cash anywhere and why carry them unnecessarily?”

“If Rimjhim asks for a chocolate then what would you do?”

“I go to the super market where I get to use the card”

“Just for one chocolate, you swipe the card?”

“Why will I buy only one chocolate? I will buy a box full…” He found Megha’s reaction not approving thus he stumbled on his words without completing it

They continued the regular conversation amidst their often bickering on something or the other. Megha found Mohan moving restlessly on his seat.

“What happened? Are you ok?”

“Haan! I am fine”

“Are you hungry?”

Mohan wondered at Megha’s thought finding everything right about him. He nodded his head in agreement like a kid. Megha took something from her bag. She opened a box full of homemade sweet pedas. His eyes glittered in happiness for both seeing something to eat and getting it from the right person at the right time!

“I packed for Addu and Nanhi. Nanhi forgot to take it while leaving. Looks like she had saved it for her Spiderman” She smiled

“In presence or absence she always takes care of me” He started gorging on the sweets as if they were his meal. He signed her to show that they are delicious.

“I am missing it more now! Your cooking!”

Megha looked at him adoringly and wiped off a crumb from his lips. It passed a shiver through both of them which they found hard to ignore. Their eyes sparkled and they were staring at each other deeply. It took hard efforts to tear their eyes away from each other considering their surroundings. They indulged in other talks diverting their minds.

Megha surrounded her palms on Mohan’s arms and rested her head on his shoulder. Mohan rested his head on hers holding her hands. They fell asleep completely contented without any thoughts in the background which they always had when they were spending their nights away from each other.

Page 22:

 “Jaan!” Mohan kissed gently on Rimjhim’s forehead

“Paapu!” Rimjhim moaned softly in her sleep and held him in a hug to continue the sleep again

Mohan stretched his legs lying next to her, holding her in his arms and tried to relax on the bed in Megha’s room. When he walked into the Vyass’ house after so many years, he couldn’t help remembering all those wonderful days spent in and around the vicinity. He met Jiji and was sweetly surprised by her usual warmth which had never faded even an iota.

“Don’t you want to eat?” Megha came in with a plate full of food

“I am too tired to move now” Mohan purposefully placed him more comfortable on the bed intending to be playful

“May be you are not hungry, then” Megha showed that she wasn’t any less in playing games with him. She turned back to go away.

“What wife you are, letting your husband starve?” Mohan tried to annoy her

“In your own terms ‘Mirchi’” Megha turned to face him teasingly

“And that’s why I have added lot of spices especially for you” She fed him a handful of food filling his mouth.

Instead of choking he was struck by the sweetness of the food in his mouth. He sprang up and grabbed the plate from her, impatient to wait to be fed. She admired the childish behavior of him who was attacking on his feast.

Megha was happy to see Mohan back in their own space where they started their encounters. She was relieved that Renu was out of station during his visit, though her presence wouldn’t have mattered to her much then. She wanted to make his visit special thus starting with his favorite food which she quickly prepared while he was refreshing. She even wanted to take him to their old house and the very thought of it made her feel butterflies inside her.

***

“Addu, what happened to you? Why are you crying like this?”

“No di! I am such a horrible person!”

Nanhi was confused and worried when she received a call from Addu after sending Megha. She then met him near her office as Addu thought she was staying there. Addu looked exhausted and upset. Nanhi had to try hard to pull any words out of him. Finally when she did he only reacted with a loud cry on her shoulder.

“What did you do?”

“I don’t know. But I feel very bad seeing Mummy alone”

Nanhi could not believe her ears but wanted to jump out in joy for every word that she was hearing.

“What do you mean, Addu?”

“I think I am selfish. I did not think about mummy and her feelings”

“I think it’s never too late for anything”

“Yes, you are right di! I will get back home”

Addu’s response made Nanhi taken aback. She was not sure whether she understood him correctly.

“What?”

“Haan di! I should not have left mummy alone and taken up an assignment away from her. She must be very alone back home” Addu wiped his eyes as if he got some solution to his worries

“Oh ok!” Nanhi tried hard but still could not hide her disappointment

“Are you not happy di? Don’t you feel the same?” Addu’s amusement failed to impress Nanhi

“Addu, don’t you think it’s time for us to move on and accept changes?”

“What change di?” Addu was seriously puzzled and Nanhi could not help getting annoyed

“A change that we should have been accustomed to, long back”

Addu did not respond and he looked like he understood where Nanhi was taking the conversation to. Nanhi did not know whether it was for good or bad but she thought it was high time that she had the talk with him face to face.

“Addu, don’t you think Mummy has done a lot for us? And isn’t it our time to repay our duties well?”

Addu still did not answer. He was facing down and Nanhi was not sure whether he was acknowledging her talks. But she continued

“Haven’t she waited enough giving all the time that you needed” Nanhi swallowed hard on her own words understanding the pain Megha must have undergone all through the years.

“And Spiderman!”

The name passed as an arrow on to Addu and he turned to look at her. Nanhi did not find any anger there but did not find any confession either. She again continued taking his silence as her advantage

“Don’t you think Spiderman has tried everything he could to get through you? Didn’t he be good to us and loved us as his own? To be honest he was more than good to us! He was and is and always will be a good father supporting us in every way that we want him to be”

Addu turned away from Nanhi not wanting to accept any of her convincing words.

“It’s only up to us to see with open eyes and minds to recognize what we really have. But have been living without it because we weren’t ready to accept it, for whatever reason it was”

Addu stormed out from the place as if he had heard enough and not wanting to hear anymore.

“Addu, stop! Don’t walk away. We need to talk about it whether you like it or not”

“No I don’t need to” Addu finally uttered those words in a feeble voice before he rode off on his bike

Nanhi ran behind him calling behind him. She got tensed not understanding what went into Addu. She got worried and cursed herself for taking her talks too much without knowing Addu’s state of mind.

***

“You are here?” Megha stood at the door of their old house hiding her disappointment that Mohan was already there. When he turned to look at her intensely, a shiver of shy passed through her, leaving her blushed in front of his eyes. He walked towards her, took her hands in his and walked her inside along with him.

She felt as if she was the new bride held by her groom. She shied at the thought of it and her lips curved into a smile.

“Remembering something?” Mohan didn’t fail to notice her smile

“I know that you know it” Megha looked at him understandingly which he reciprocated as well. They both broke into a cheerful smile, reminiscing their good old days in the house. They both stood near the window that overlooks the Vyass’ house. Mohan was holding Megha around her waist from her back, resting his chin on her shoulders.

“I come here whenever I feel very lonely” Megha’s voice was husky. She wondered what made it sound that way whether remembering those lonely moments or the current moment where she was feeling Mohan’s breath near her neck

“Then you must be coming here very often” Mohan’s voice was so close that she felt weak on her knees

“Not as often as you think so”

“Liar!”

“I am a busy mother, you know”

“But that doesn’t make you any less of a woman, my wifey!”

Mohan hugged her tightly pulling her, having her back closer to his chest. Megha rested her head on his shoulder and relaxed closing her eyes.

“I want to make things easy for you but I appear to be making them difficult for you”

She opened her eyes and turned around to look at him.

“Life has always been easy with you! Don’t you worry on that hubby!”

Mohan smiled at her sweet endearment. A knock on the door sprang them apart. Mohan bit his lips and put his hands into his pant pockets while Megha walked towards the door. Mohan was stunned to hear the ringing bell sound and peeped out of the window to look at the terrace of Vyass’ house expecting a smiling Nanhi out there. When he found none there he realized it was his phone ringtone. He pulled it out to a see smiling Nanhi’s face on the display.

“Spiderman, if you are near Mummy then move away from there. I need to talk to you!”

Mohan looked confused but he did as she asked for. He walked past Megha and Jiji who were talking in the living room then.

“Haan Karan, tell me” He pulled out an act before getting out where he was alone

“Hey Chavvanni, what happened? Calling me this late? Where are you?” Mohan was worried and his questions showed them all

Nanhi started crying on the phone. Mohan panicked and it was hard for him to get her calm down and talk. When he heard everything about the conversation between her and Addu, Mohan was completely knocked down.

 “Arrey yaar!” He covered his mouth with his fist trying to compose himself before saying anything else.

“Spiderman, I am very sorry. I screwed it up” Nanhi’s words were breaking amidst her sobs

“It’s ok. Don’t worry” Mohan felt badly for her crying

“I tried reaching Addu but could not”

 “He must be upset. That’s all“

“No Spiderman. I am worried. I tried a lot but he didn’t heed to me. Only you can do something”

Mohan could not help remember the situation where Nanhi had sought for his help, to get Megha home, aiding Addu’s tantrums. He was happy that Nanhi had put him in that position then, seeking his presence to convince Addu. He wanted to take that as a positive sign and wanted to believe that everything was going to be alright.

“Hey Chavvani, sunna; I will take care of it. Now stop worrying and go to sleep”

After a long effort, Nanhi was convinced and she bid goodbye. Mohan tried Addu’s number and found that it was switched off. He called his friends and found that Addu had shut himself inside his room, not talking to anyone. Mohan rested his hands on the parapet wall, passing all his stress out on something else.

“Are you ok?”

Mohan was alarmed on hearing Megha voice near him. He found her watching him closely trying to understand his moment. She rubbed his arms gently as if to relieve his pain whatever it was.

“You must be tired. Come, let us sleep”

“No Megha, I got to get back” He took her hands in his

“Is something wrong? Nanhi? Addu?” Megha was shocked and was blabbering in confusion

“No nothing, Megha” Mohan held her face in his palms and calmed her down

“Don’t hide anything to me, Mohan” She was almost in tears which hurt him

“I am not, Megha. It’s some urgent work. I am just upset that I couldn’t stay back” Mohan lied easily but convinced self that it was needed at the moment. He managed to explain some story for his leaving.

Megha rested her head on his chest and hugged him saying “I can understand”

“Take care, Megha” He touched her cheek, kissed her head and quickly walked off from there before he could change his mind for anything.

Page 23:

By the time Mohan reached Addu, his mind was collecting all sorts of options on what could happen next. He dreaded to actually face any of those fearful options that came to him. He tried his best to closes his eyes in the taxi that he had booked to get back to Bhopal a little later than midnight.

“Addu, open the door!”

Addu was confused when he heard the new voice and was not sure whether it was Mohan’s until he opened the door to face him.

“Sir, you here? At this hour?” His voice was shaking

“Haan. Your friends were worried and called me not knowing what to do” Mohan didn’t want to jump into the truth immediately. He just bought some time before moving on with his plan of actions. But he wondered whether he had any at that moment.

“Any problem? Are you ok?” Mohan tried to sound casual

“Oh yeah! I am fine” Addu didn’t know whether to share anything with him and if he wanted he didn’t know how without revealing his identity.

They both moved around the room uncomfortably trying to hide something from the other. Mohan found a bottle of drink unopened on the table. It appeared to him that Addu was in a dilemma whether to drink and get lost. He smiled to himself thinking how Addu has taken after him trying to hide his pains with the help of drinks. He then shook his head with the fact that every man followed this strategy.

“Do you mind, if I?” Mohan volunteered to open the bottle sitting down near the table

“No not a problem”

“Want to join me?” Mohan signed him to sit and Addu sat next to him

“I don’t get along well with my dad!” Addu started talking after few rounds of drinks as Mohan settled down with just one glass. Mohan looked at him as he continued

“It happens in many homes and why is it a big deal in ours? I love my family. Then why does it matter if I like my dad or not?” Addu was trying to reason the complicated simple things around him

Mohan was confused and also amused with the fact Addu was referring to him as his father. It even crossed to him that Addu might not want to reveal every detail of his family to his ‘boss’ but Mohan preferred to ignore that and to believe whatever Addu was projecting in front of him.

“Is your dad that bad?” Mohan was not sure whether he wanted to hear the answer

Addu thought for a while looking at Mohan intensely who was looking at his drink by then.

“Not really!”

Mohan wished to hug Addu for giving an answer that he always wanted to know from him and also for making feel good after all those lost years.

“But do I always need a reason to like or dislike someone?” Addu appeared to be reasoning himself

“You are right! One may not need a reason always!”

Mohan’s response made Addu relieved that he did not worry about the reasons anymore.

“But, to start with you may have something” Addu twisted his nose in disappointment to have been put back into the original mode

“May be there was but I don’t know now. But I am sure of one thing!” Addu looked at Mohan and tried to hide something with a funny face. Mohan lifted his brows in doubt to which Addu couldn’t hide anymore

“Calling him ‘dad’ would be a big punishment for both of us!” Addu giggled at the thought and Mohan tried hard to cover his chuckle imagining his Piddi calling him ‘dad’

“You know, even I have had a strained relationship with my father” After a long silence Mohan started

“Oh!” Addu turned to look at him in new light

Mohan shared his memories and his uneventful relationship with his father. And how in spite of trying at times things did not work between them.

“I am lucky” Addu mumbled

“Do you feel guilty about it?” Addu asked it after much thought

“What?”

“About this whole thing? And when it doesn’t work out do you feel guilty about being wrong?”

“I don’t think so! Why am I wrong?”

“Haahaa! Don’t you? See that’s what I am telling too! Why do they make me guilty about everything?”

“Who?” Mohan was worried thinking whether Addu misunderstood something about his and Megha’s intention of being separated

Addu hesitated for a while and when Mohan didn’t insist he continued on his own “My di!”

Mohan gave a pained look at him not knowing whom to support out there. He just waited for Addu for say something more and he did.

“She likes my dad very much and maybe she is upset that I don’t”

“Does she complain?” Mohan wanted to know everything running in Addu’s minds

“No she never did. She is a very sweet person. She takes care of me all the time”

Mohan smiled in contention on seeing a tender face of Addu on remembering his sweet moments with Nanhi.

“I have heard someone say that if the first kid is a girl then the next one has two mothers!” Mohan said it with pride

“Yes that I agree with you!” Addu returned the same pride. They both shared an understanding look of knowing that it’s the same person that they were proud of.

Mohan thought of shedding off all suppression at that moment and expose himself to Addu, not wanting to play any game. But he also did not want to spoil the moment’s bliss that they were sharing with each other as a father and son. When he was still confused he found Addu fell asleep on the floor. He admired at the innocent face sleeping peacefully after venting out some of his feelings. Mohan pulled out a pillow and blanket to put Addu sleep comfortably before leaving.

***

“Jaan! Muuuaaahhh!!! I love you and miss you”

“Are you sure that these are for the little Miss Bhatnagar?” Megha picked the phone as Rimjhim was still asleep and started smiling

“I was hoping to send them to any of my Jaans, Mrs. Bhatnagar” Mohan playfully bit his lips with a blush

“Is this a consolation prize for the poor souls from Mr. Bhatnagar who doesn’t have any time for us?”

“I am wondering why my poor souls are far away from me, when they are supposed to be here with the rest of my family?”

“Is that a question or a suggestion?”

“Jikki, Where is Paapu?” Rimjhim came in still not completely out of sleep

“Here he is” Megha handed over the phone to her

“Paapu?! Where are you?”

“Sorry Jaan! I had some urgent work and had to…”

Rimjhim did not let him finish but started her tantrums and complaints. Mohan was trying hard to manage her while Megha was looking at Rimjhim adoringly on seeing her taunting with all might and right. She hoped to put up with a fight with Mohan like Rimjhim and wondered whether their distance close down soon to grant her all her wishes. Rimjhim handed over the phone to her and left from there.

“That’s like my sweet little Jaan! I know you will get convinced” Megha heard Mohan talking on the phone

“Oh! Is she convinced?”

“Haana! What do you think, Mrs. Bhatnagar?” Mohan quickly responded with a pride raising his collar

“Then it’s good for you! You are saved from one! Because I am not convinced yet, Mr. Bhatnagar” Megha pulled up what she wanted and she was amazed at how easily she found her way

“Arrey yaar! That’s not fair! You didn’t have any problem last night when I left”

“May be I lost touch with my kind! Thanks to Rimjhim now I got to pick it up again!” Megha could easily imagine Mohan brushing his hands into his hair, and teasingly smiled at the vision of him

“You both are a dangerous combo! I gotta do something about this”

“Try all you want, Mr. Bhatnagar! You are not to be spared now” Megha mimicked like a vamp

“Welcome back, Mrs. Mirchi Bhatnagar!” Mohan winked at the other side

***

“Spiderman, you are the best!” Nanhi hugged Mohan from behind and kissed him

“What is this about, Chavvanni?” Mohan joined her in her cheer

Nanhi showed Addu’s message on her phone

Sorry di! I shouldn’t have behaved like that. You are a sweet sister! I love you - Addu

“Addu called me this morning and we patched up. I know it’s all because of you”

“See I told you everything will be alright! But I didn’t do anything. You are a sweet sister and how long can he be mad at you?” Mohan touched her head and shook it softly

“My Spiderman is also a sweet person”

“That’s there!” Mohan gave a proud pose for himself, and then touched her chin which she returned sweetly to close their usual gesture

“So will we all be together soon?”

“Hey Chavvanni, sunna! We are together, isn’t it?”

Nanhi and Mohan cheerfully smiled while Nanhi’s phone rang.

“Wake up call?” Mohan gave a bothered look as Nanhi excused herself before picking up the call. She waved at him affectionately as she walked off. He was lost in some random thoughts looking at her and waved back.

Page 24:

Megha was sitting in front of the mirror, getting ready for school, when she received a message on her phone.

I envy the mirror which is gazing at your beauty at the moment and is privileged to spend all your special moments with it!  With lots of sigh – Mr. Jealous

She smiled knowing Mohan’s intentions to convince her out of her pretend anger. She glanced at the picture of Mohan on her dressing table and typed a reply.

You are gazing at me as well, Mr. Bhatnagar! So I am not falling for this trick! With lots of spice –Mrs. Mirchi

Mohan received the message at his office and pursed his lips in disappointment reading it. He gazed at her picture on his phone when he heard a knock on his door.

“Yes, Come in!”

“Hello Sir! Good Morning” Addu entered with a big smile on his face and a box in his hand

“Morning Addu!” Mohan cheered up seeing Addu and mumbled to himself “I wish all my mornings are like this. I get to talk to every family member of mine”

“Pardon, Sir?”

“What brings you here? Hope everything is good with you and your sister?” Mohan diverted him

“Haan Sir! We mended it well and good. Thanks to you”

“To me? I think you are a sweet brother and that did the trick!” Mohan wondered whether he was playing a double game but he felt that his words were sincere

“Please take this, Sir” Addu offered a box full of homemade pedas. Mohan smiled understandingly

“If you don’t mind” Mohan took a handful of sweets and filled a plate on his desk

“My mother’s preparation. She is an expert in cooking”

“I know! I meant to say that all mothers are of course wonderful in cooking” He blabbered something to set himself correct

“Take some more, Sir” Mohan did not hesitate and took few more before shamelessly gorging on a few in front of him

“And I love homemade sweets. My Guru’s handwork, it’s only me who can eat them” Mohan laughed at his own joke and continued

“Don’t tell him when you meet him, ok? He will get angry with me like a wife” Addu joined in his laughter remembering Guru’s silly fights with Mohan

Mohan started typing a new message after Addu left his cabin.

You have magic in your hands! Everything, be it a simple pappad or a sweet peda! They melt like butter in my mouth!

Megha was at the dance class when she received the second message from Mohan. She tightened her lips playfully and then replied

If you have forgotten I would like to remind you that I have seen this butter melting in your mouth in front of my eyes and this is not melting me anymore!

“Arrey yaar! Have I lost my touch?” Mohan chided himself standing in front of the mirror and started thinking hard

When Megha received her next message she was at the dance class performing her steps in front of the students.

The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or even touched; they must be felt with the heart! I can feel you near me always, my pretty woman!

Megha burst out in laughter reading this well toned message, imagining Mohan’s hard work in getting her convinced. She signed the kids to continue their steps and took a while to send her reply.

Mohan jumped out in high on receiving a message beep. He closed his eyes for a while before opening the message to read.

Looks like Mr. Bhatnagar is busy at office looking for love quotes! Do you need some more help Mr. Romeo?

Mohan threw away his phone on his desk giving an angry look at it.

“Did I go overboard?” Megha asked herself when she was alone in her school canteen. She wondered why Mohan did not message her for a long time. As she was lost in her thoughts, the canteen boy served a half glass of tea on her table. She looked at confusedly and before she asked anything to him, her phone beeped for a message alert.

I have heard that one’s anger gets cooled down with hot tea! Shall we share a glass of tea, Mrs. Mirchi Madam?

Megha smiled in blush, reading the message. She dialed Mohan’s number and picked the glass of tea in her other hand. On seeing Megha’s call Mohan smiled with a blush himself. He looked at the half glass of tea on his desk and answered the call. They both were quiet on the phone, smiling and blushing at their sides.

“Tea is good! Thanks! How is yours?” Megha finally broke the silence

“Ek dum mast!” Mohan put his hand at the back of his head and shook it in joy

“I think it always tastes good when shared with loved ones!”

“And its lot more special when one gets it after a hard day’s work of convincing!”

Both of them laughed at their day’s newly found adventure.

“By the way, how is your little helper doing in her job?” Megha asked knowing the source of Mohan’s information about her whereabouts

“Haan! Good that she still remains as her Paapu’s little Jaan!” Mohan’s voice showed his pride and joy

“She will always remain so! Even after daughters get married and gone from the parents they will remain special to their fathers!”

“Arrey! Just now I am getting my family back, and you are already talking about sending my daughters away? Naaa! I will find someone for both of them, who will stay with us!” Mohan pouted his lips

“Looks like the grooms have to impress the father first before getting to their girls?” Megha was amused

“Of course they have to! They got to prove their characters and worth for my angels!”

“Just like their father in law?!” Megha could easily imagine Mohan’s reaction for this and laughed out loud on the phone

***

As days flew by, Addu was getting accustomed to everything about Mohan and the surroundings. He did not find it easy to accept that his internship at Mohan’s office was coming to an end in one week. He would be required to get back to Indore and complete his final year of degree. And he found a new man in him who was proud to face an outside world with confidence. But something didn’t feel right to him and he wasn’t sure what it was.

“Sir, we would like to invite you for a treat. Would you mind joining us?” The boys and girls met Mohan at his office inviting him for a farewell treat

“Sure I would love to! What is the plan?”

“As you love homemade food, we thought we will cook for you!”

Mohan was shocked to hear this from Addu. He found himself engrossed in an emotion which he could not define.

“Are you sure?” Mohan pulled his voice out with great efforts

“Don’t worry Sir. We cook well!” They said it in chorus to which Mohan smiled in relief

“Then, we will have this treat in my house! What say?”

“We would love that, Sir!” Again a chorus made Mohan burst out in laughter. He found that the young group always brought refreshment and energy into him.

***

“That’s a very good idea!” Mohan was excited when he heard Nanhi’s plans of joining Bhopal office permanently. He wondered whether she had other reasons for staying back but ignored it, giving importance to the prime reason of him being the preference.

“You know Spiderman, Mummy is very happy hearing this” Nanhi sounded excited

“I know Chavvanni! She must be the happiest person at the moment” Mohan reminisced the day when Megha insisted on Mohan taking Nanhi with him.

“And I think I can manage to share my Spiderman with Rimjhim!” Nanhi stood across him resting her hands on her waist as if evaluating Mohan’s reaction to her statement

“Are you sure?” Mohan looked at her doubtfully lowering his eyes

“What to do? After all I am the grown up here among the three of us!” Nanhi winked at him smilingly. Mohan twisted his cheeks and lips resting his fingers on them and responded

“Haana!!! You are the grandma of the whole world!” They both burst into laughter and continued their tease on each other, living every moment of the present forgetting the lost days in the past

***

“Bhaiya, I am very happy for things happening around! Nanhi is staying back here! We are getting to spend time with Addu before he is gone” Guru was excited

“Haan yaar! Hope everything goes well and we can all live together soon!”

“Haan bhaiya! Like one big family!” Guru grinned big and looked around the house as if it was already filled with people. Suddenly his smile faded and he asked

“Bhaiya, will Renu bhabhi too come to live with us here?” Guru’s eyes were wide open in fear

 “Haanaa! Your Renu bhabhi can’t survive without us!” Mohan smiled at him funnily

“Sachchi?”

“Hey sunna! If you keep serving her your special tea then she sure will not turn back here”

“Megha bhabhi hasn’t come yet and you have to drink my special tea till then!” Guru appeared to be threatening Mohan who was amused at his response

“Arrey yaar! I just hope whatever happens is for good!” Mohan suddenly sounded weak

 “Good things happen to good people! Megha bhabhi always says this!” Guru’s voice was soft but assertive

Guru did not know whether he made any sense but he was determined to cheer him up. He wanted Mohan to have good time and memories with Addu, so that he would cherish those moments later. As a well wisher that he always was, he believed that Mohan was capable of pushing the rest of the days with the hope of light somewhere down the lane, sooner or later.

Page 25:

“Guys, don’t look at me like that. Yes he is my father! Please keep it yourself and don’t let any drama out”

Addu’s speech made the boys and girls quiet. When they entered Mohan’s house they were in cheerful mood. The moment they laid their eyes on a big portrait of Megha with childhood Nanhi and Addu in the living room they had serious and curious looks. They looked at Addu quizzically recognizing Megha’s picture.

“Does Sir know about you?”

“No!” Addu said it assertively as that was what he wanted to believe even at that moment. It appeared to him that he was not ready for the face off yet. And was not sure whether he would be ready anytime sooner.

“Hello boys and girls!”

Mohan welcomed them cheerfully and sat them comfortably. Guru walked in with a tray filled with juices and served them. As they settled back into the kitchen to start their work together, Addu sidelined Guru for a moment.

“That little girl with Sir, who is that?” Addu pointed to a picture of Mohan and Rimjhim together

“She is Rimjhim. Bhaiya’s daughter” Guru would never reveal to anyone that Rimjhim was an adopted kid but he did not know how to hide it from Addu then.

“Oh! Where is her mother?” Addu did not know whether he was angry or upset or happy

“She is dead! In fact both her parents are dead. Bhaiya has adopted her” Guru did not want Addu to go on with any more questions and he closed it there. He also thanked God as Nanhi decided to visit Indore that weekend.

Addu felt bad for the little girl whom he remembered seeing back at home. It took a while before he got lost into the thoughts of how and why Rimjhim went to Indore and bonded with Megha. His doubts did not have bounds but he was shook out of it by the active events that happened around. And his cheer returned back knowing Mohan’s kindness towards her.

“And garnish it with mint leaves” Addu and Mohan said in chorus

Addu was surprised when Mohan offered a hand on his recipe which they both shared the same from Megha. The group enjoyed the enthusiasm shared by Guru, Addu and Mohan as they sang and danced while cooking. It looked like they belonged together naturally. The teasing looks of the friends didn’t bother Addu as he appeared to be enjoying the events as if they were his every day activities. The lunch treat went on well like a blast of party.

“Am I being unreasonable?” Addu was lost in his own thoughts after they got back from Mohan’s house

“I don’t see any differences or trouble in your relationship” Jayesh was confused on what was making it hard for Addu

“That may be because he doesn’t know who I am!”

As the discussion grew Addu felt restless and shoved himself alone unsure of what to expect next from him.

***

“Jikki, I don’t want to go away from you. Please, I will stay back here or you come with me”

Megha did not find any words of consolation for that little angel, when she herself was at loss of energy to compose her. Rimjhim was holding her tightly and was crying inconsolably not ready to go back after closing her summer camp. Mohan must have known all this to happen and he did not dare to step in between them. His helplessness added to Megha’s inability to bring normalcy in her. Mohan and Megha looked into each other’s eyes conveying pain and only pain in them.

“Ok Sweetie! I am coming with you. Don’t cry dear!”

Mohan looked at her questioningly but all Megha could see in his eyes was a ray of hope. She nodded her head as if to convince him to which Mohan reciprocated a note of thanks through his eyes.

“Sweetie, you are a good girl and behave like one, right?” Megha started the casual talk on the drive to Bhopal, sitting at the backseat with Rimjhim, while Mohan was driving.

“Anything for my Jikki!”

“You will stay with your paapu just like always”

“Haan! That I will! I missed my paapu so much”

“I will be talking to you on the phone daily”

Rimjhim kept quiet for a while not saying anything. Mohan and Megha felt bad seeing her dimmed face.

“Anytime when you need me I will be in front of you, just like that” Megha stroked her fingers trying to cheer her up but in vain

Mohan couldn’t utter a word of encouragement for Rimjhim as he was horrified on his own fate of bidding bye to Megha. With great difficulty Megha managed to console a sobbing Rimjhim who finally fell asleep on her lap. Mohan adjusted the rearview mirror to focus Megha in it and looked at her reflection regretfully. Megha tried to pull a smile for him, on her pale and dull face.

“Mummy!” Nanhi came running into Megha’s arms the moment they entered the house

“Bhabhi, welcome home!” Guru was full of smiles receiving Megha

Both Nanhi and Rimjhim looked at him like proud teachers appreciating their student. Guru turned to glance at both of them not knowing whom to give the credit to and then finally pointed his finger to Mohan, choosing his safe side. Everyone started laughing at his helpless situation.

“How are you didi?” Rimjhim’s innocence and affectionate hug cleared all traces of doubts from Nanhi, if any was there in her. She returned the hug gracefully and they both continued their talks as long lost sisters or friends. Mohan and Megha shared an understanding look at each other.

“Home sweet home with Mrs. Bhatnagar” Mohan took her hands and walked her inside the house.

Megha was hands full running around the house making ends meet. A hassled afternoon to settle down the war for TV channel tuning; a peaceful evening with a shared tea with her husband at the kitchen counter; a chirpy family dinner at the dining table with the food aroma filling the house; Megha was pleased with her special moments which she had always dreamt of.

“Jikki, will you put me to sleep?” Rimjhim held her hands after she tucked her in her bed.

“Mummy, me too!” Nanhi joined Rimjhim on her bed slapping their palms.

“Haan, why not? Me too” Mohan’s voice was tender and as sweet as an invitation

Megha couldn’t bring herself to look into Mohan’s eyes which she sensed was staring at her at that moment.

“Ok sweetie, come here I will put you to sleep” Mohan looked at Megha as if she was talking to him, while Megha took the space in between Rimjhim and Nanhi on the bed. Mohan joined them leaving no more space on the bed. They all giggled together sharing the cozy moment.

“Jikki, sing a song, please?”

When Megha started singing a melody, Mohan looked at Megha intensely. Megha looked at him and covered his eyes with her palms, not daring to face his deep stare. He smilingly took her hands to hold it near his cheeks and turned comfortably on the bed closing his eyes.

“All the kids have slept now” Megha adored the lovely people sleeping next to her

As she stood to walk off, she felt her hand being pulled back

“One kid hasn’t slept yet” She turned to Mohan who winked at her

“That must be a naughty kid who needs to be punished” Megha pinched his hands thus releasing her hands from his. She switched off the lights and walked out of the room while Mohan followed her

“Kids should be dealt with love and love only”

“Sometimes we got to be strict with kids or else they will be spoilt”

“I am all ready to be spoilt” Mohan blocked her way and stood in front of her stretching his arms wide

“Sorry Mr. Bhatnagar! I am very strict when it comes to discipline!” Megha crossed her arms

“And when it comes to love?” Mohan closed the gap between them and bent towards her bringing his face close to hers

“When it comes to love…” Megha’s voice was husky as she felt his nearness. She pulled a strand of his hair gently, rolled it in her finger. She moved closer leaving him gasping for air and whispered in his ears

“I am lot stricter!” Megha ran away leaving him lost on his own. He chased her in the next moment and blocked her way and pulled her to sit on the couch. They both were panting and laughing after a swift exercise.

“I want to show you something” Mohan said like a cheerful kid and took her hands in his

He took her to the terrace and blindfolded her with his hands. Once they were there under the bright moonlight he let go off his hands giving her the view. She found a table and a chair, set in a corner of the terrace with a clay pot that held a cactus plant in it. It had full blooms in red, lit under the moon rays.

Megha was lingering on the moment under the romantic serene. She then turned to look at Mohan and asked “The plant with thorns?”

“And with flowers!” Mohan responded with a smile

“So is this where you have had those special hanky dates?” Megha moved towards the table and gently touched the plant. She hastily pulled her hands away, as a thorn pricked her finger.

“Careful!” Mohan rushed towards her. He looked worried at the blood spot and showed angry look out of care. He pulled out his hanky and tied her finger with it.

“So, you lost one of the dates?” Megha teased him pointing to the hanky

“When I have the real one, why should I worry about the pretend?” Mohan circled his arms around her

Megha turned around scanning the terrace and wrinkled her brows. She threw a questioned look at Mohan as if asking about the single chair arrangement there. He smiled and walked around to sit on the chair. She shook her shoulders to ask what about her. He just lowered his head to point towards his lap. She blushed in glow and her eyes sparkled in the night light. He reflected the same sparkled eyes at her pulling her onto his lap.

***

The morning was beautiful when Megha found herself curled up next to Mohan on the bed in his or their room. She was resting her head on Mohan arms which was circled around her holding her close to him. She remembered their sweet nothings shared at the terrace and then how those nothings framed into everything special in their room. She blushed at the thought of their romance being alive and anew even after these growing years. She smoothed Mohan’s hair and kissed his forehead.

“Thank you Mr. Bhatnagar!”

“Thank you Mrs. Bhatnagar!” Mohan opened his eyes to see Megha so close to him. He tightened his grip around her pulling her closer to him.

“Good Morning!”

“Morning! I never wanted the morning to arrive this early but if you are going to thank me every day like this, then I am all for it!” He kissed her on the nose

“If this continues then we will see the day gone by without us knowing it”

“That’s a good idea! I am ok with that too!” He winked at her naughtily and tried to secure her not letting her get up. She tickled him and made an escape out.

“If you want all your mornings to be like this, then we got to do something about it!” She readied herself for a bath picking clothes from her bag

“I will have to go help Addu packing” She sighed

“How is that going to help our mornings?” Mohan rested his arms in sideways on the bed looking at Megha questioningly

“I will have to talk to him!” Mohan jumped out of the bed and approached Megha to place his finger on her mouth

“No! If anything to be done, then it has to be done by me, now!”

“Are you sure?”

“You know it!” Megha rested her head on his chest while Mohan hugged her softly.

The morning went as busy as the previous day. At the breakfast table, she found a chair sans Addu, which she thought would be filled in soon. Mohan sensed this look in her eyes and held her hand in assurance.

The Last Page:

“Mummy, are you ok?” Addu’s voice brought her back from the memories at Mohan’s house, as she was helping Addu to pack his things at the Guest house.

“Haan beta! I am fine”

Addu could sense a feel of loss in Megha’s voice though she tried hard to hide it. He was worried whether she was depressed with things happening around her. He didn’t know how he could fulfill his mother’s dream of one happy family but he wished he could do something about it then.

“Mummy, I have some work. I will be back soon”

“Where are you going, Addu?”

Before Addu could respond Megha, his phone rang.

“Yes Sir” Addu was surprised to see Mohan’s call at the same moment when he was thinking of him

“I want to meet you, Addu. We got to talk”

“Ok Sir” Addu didn’t stop to answer anymore and flew away on his bike

Megha rushed behind him but stood froze on seeing his fierce. She did not know what to make out of his behavior but desperately wanted to believe that it was for good. But a vague thought crossed her showing no signs of the life back with her family anywhere near.

When Addu parked the bike in front of Mohan’s house, he didn’t know what to anticipate. But he was at loss of word on seeing the scene inside the house. Nanhi and Rimjhim were engaged in a laughing moment while Mohan was overlooking them with joy. All of them turned to find Addu standing there embarrassed and confused.

“Addu! Before I could say anything the call got disconnected. I didn’t know that you are coming here” Mohan’s voice was drifting away

“Addu!” Nanhi rushed towards him only to face a blocked hand from Addu

“Come on Addu, I would like to talk to you” Mohan felt the tension around them and wished to break things without any delay

He took him into a room and told him all that happened around until that moment. Guru joined a fear filled Nanhi and Rimjhim outside the room, hopefully waiting for some positive outcome after everything.

***

Megha watched Addu rushing into the guest house after his visit to the Bhatnagar’s Mansion. He looked upset and angry. Nanhi followed him trying to pacify him.

“Please understand, this is not only about you, Addu”

“Yes, now I got to know it now and thanks for that”

“No Addu. You are getting them all wrong”

“It was all so wrong”

“We waited for so long and even now waiting for you to come around. Don’t you see that?”

“No, I don’t want to see anything” Addu cried on top of his voice

“Why is that?” Nanhi’s voice was sober

“Because I have been a fool all this while and thanks for making me one, again”

“Addu, please..”

“No di! No please”

Addu was about to walk off when a little hand took his.

“Bhaiya! Please don’t be angry. I will be a good baby sister to you. And I will not call you uncle anymore” Rimjhim’s voice was so feeble amidst her sobs. She didn’t understand everything but she wanted the family with Megha, Nanhi and Addu, the one her Paapu had always talked about. And most of all she wanted her Paapu to have those smiles forever, which she had been seeing on him lately.

Addu turned around to see the people there. It looked like Guru, Nanhi and Rimjhim had followed him after he stormed out of the house. Everyone was looking at him, a few stares, a few begging expressions. He avoided everything and before walking into his room he heard Megha asking in a soft voice

“Addu beta, will you have your breakfast?” He didn’t respond and shut himself inside his room. A little later he heard a knock on the door

“Addu, I want to talk to you for few minutes” He heard Megha’s voice

“Mummy, please!”

“Just 5 minutes, beta?”

Addu did not say anything. Megha took that as cue and entered the room.

“Addu, I know that you can’t help how you feel about these things. I will not force you to settle down for something that you don’t want.”

Addu didn’t look at her.

“You may ask, then why did I willingly make you open up to those feelings, knowing the pain?” She paused for a moment. Addu turned to look at her blankly.

“It was just out of the hope to take the chance. The thought of ‘What if it worked, had I tried?’ It’s not your fault that it didn’t work. I am sorry to have put you through this, beta.” Megha moved closer and smoothed his hair. She kissed his head and walked out without another word.

“Mummy” Addu called her but she did not stop to listen.

Addu followed her out. As he stood there watching her vanish into the kitchen, he saw Mohan entering the house. He got annoyed and hurried into his room again to shut the door against Mohan.

“Addu, I am sorry” Mohan talked to the closed door

“I should have told you earlier. I didn’t mean to hurt you or intend to play games”

Mohan continued to talk knowing Addu was not ready to open the door

“I liked being with you and wanted to know you better. I wished myself to be everything that I wanted in a father. I really thought we would get along and you would like me. And when it happened I didn’t feel like disturbing it and wanted to go with the flow.”

Mohan’s voice was shaking but he composed himself to go on

“I love you and the last thing that I would do is to hurt your feelings. I trust in not giving up on loved ones. So I am ok if you want to take your own time.”

Mohan rested his head on the door and added “Even if it means that the time never comes”

He wiped off his tears and just walked off from there without turning to look at anyone around. Megha heard his words from wherever she was and when she came out, he was gone from there. She was left with tear filled eyes but ached to wipe them off from Mohan’s eyes.

***

Mohan was looking at the portrait on his living room wall. He gently touched the faces of Addu, Nanhi and Megha on the picture.

“I am not going anywhere, Spiderman” Nanhi held his hands joining him in looking at the family portrait

“Me too, Paapu!” Rimjhim took his other hand and joined the team

Mohan turned to look at the two lovely girls sharing the support system for him. He didn’t shed any tears though it pained him inside to the core. A flash of Megha’s image came in front of him which only added to his ache. He closed his eyes as he held the girls affectionately.

“Bhaiya, one of Addu’s friends gave this letter for you” Guru rushed in with an envelope

Mohan opened the envelope and read a note saying

“Sir, Please meet me at Café Time today @ 4 pm – Table No. 3” – Addu

Mohan checked the clock which said 11 am and he shook his head annoyingly. He looked at the girls and Guru with a worried face. Nanhi pulled out a hanky and tied a knot in it.

When he managed to drag through those deadly hours, he rushed to the spot and arrived at the specified table. He found a small gift box and a letter. He opened the letter to read

Sir,

I am very disappointed with everything happening around me. I haven’t expected you to do this to me. I have to accept that you did make me a different person whom I wanted to be but you weren’t honest with me. I would have never forgiven you for that, if I hadn’t started liking you recently. You playing a trick on me made me furious. I would have never calmed down, if I hadn’t admired you for whatever you taught me in the time that I had known you. You spending all those days in disguise with me brought me a feel of being fooled. I would have hurt myself had I not known how much you love me. I would have run far away from all of you, had I not known how much I love you all. I would still want to take a revenge on you for all those things. I would want to do that every day by calling you “Dad!”

Mohan’s eyes filled with tears as he read the word “Dad” again and again. He closed his mouth unbelievably and looked around. He found Addu standing a little away from him who was trying to control his tears. Mohan couldn’t move and he just waved his hands asking him to come near. Addu took a few steps closer shyly looking like a kid.

“Hey Piddi, come fast”

“I am not Piddi!” Addu managed to pull a stunt hiding his smile

“Haanna!” Mohan pulled him into a hug and patted his back affectionately

“As you know I am not guilty, ok?” Addu tried to maintain his stand

“Well, I agree!” Mohan chuckled

“And we both will have to go through the punishment every day… Dad!”

“I am all ears for it, son!” Mohan and Addu laughed out loud at their own state of condition

“I have a gift for you, Dad!” Addu’s voice sounded very tender

Mohan found it strange to hear the word but felt proud when Addu said that in ease.

“Just there”

Mohan turned to see where Addu pointed and found Megha with tear filled eyes watching everything. This was the moment they both waited for all the while and there it was in front of them. They walked towards each other in weak steps unable to believe the events. All they could feel were each other’s presence and the moment’s bliss. When they came closer both of them lifted their hands to wipe off the tears in the others. They smiled through the tears and hugged each other.

“Spiderman! Mummy!”

“Paapu! Jikki!”

Nanhi and Rimjhim who were waiting in the car, came running and joined them in their hug. When Mohan turned to look Addu standing a little afar not knowing how to react, he signed him to join them.

“Do you want to cut out a deal with me to stop me from calling you ‘Dad’, dad?” Addu gave a wicked smile at Mohan

“I will cut any deal to keep you calling me ‘Dad’ all the time, son!”

Addu took those baby steps towards them when Mohan stretched his arms wide enough to pull him into their group. Everyone laughed when Addu dashed into Mohan, before joining the family hug.

***

“What is this Guru?” Mohan was surprised to see Guru waiting at the door step with a prayer plate

“This is to take aarti for you all! To ward off all evil eyes and bless us to live happily together!” Guru said it with pride and shedding tear of joy seeing his family

“Then do all you want, Guru! I am not going to say anything against it” Mohan extended his arms to enclose all of his lovely people with a big grin. Everyone joined in his grin and looked like they were posing to a camera. A flash of light splashed on them as Guru pulled out a camera from behind, to capture their lifetime moment.

Epilogue:
And that is how the Bhatnagars reunited together after an inevitable separation. There they lived happily ever after!! Wait a minute! Does that happen, really? Is that possible with a mixed of characters like Mr. Musibat, Mrs. Mirchi Madam, Chavvanni, Jaan, Piddi and Guru? Sure possible but with their own ups and downs, yet happily together forever!

Want to know how they are going to survive, under one roof? A small sample page!

Addu decides to stay in the little house in Indore, where Mohan made his grand entry into Juna Mohalla. He cuts out a deal with Mohan, for a regular weekend family visits. Are you wondering what will they do in JM? For your kind information, our beloved Addu hasn’t completed his college degree yet.

“Bhaiya, I will go and stay with Addu” Guru put forth an appeal

“Arrey yaar! What will I do if you are gone?” Mohan didn’t realize what he was saying. And when he realized he turned to receive angry stares thrown at him by the girls. He turned to the boys who signed him to escape blocking the ways of the girls storming at his direction. Now yes, there they lived happily ever after!!