No Reservations - A Love Story
Chapter One
Megha’s eyes were gleaming in pride looking at her latest hand work. She had always known and felt proud of her talent but in a very humble way. Her critical eyes had made the judgment for her creations before they were presented to a third eye. A satisfactory smile spread across her lips applauding her capture of nature along with the man made beauty, in the form of a painting.
“But why do I want to know?” She quizzed
She folded her fists and hit her forehead in frustration. “Megha! What a mad fool you were” She chided her own. She was tired but she couldn’t help thinking again.
“Would I be happy to know that he kissed me because he too couldn’t resist his temptation?” She blushed and continued her thoughts “Or would I be happy to know that he didn’t because she didn’t remember it?” She was confused but still wanted to know.
Mohan noticed her trembling and thought of easing her condition. He lifted his hands, outstretching it comfort her but she turned abruptly to blow it away.
“Did you kiss me?” She asked bluntly in a trembling voice
“Do you want to see this?” Neya showed her phone to him
“When did you click this?” He was surprised to see her holding the picture of the painting from his bike
“That’s your smart sister!” Neya lifted her shirt color in pride “But you are not as smart as me” She shrugged her shoulders in mocking annoyance
“Mohan”
Their lips curved in a smile when they addressed each other at the same time.
“I will not take much of your time”
“That I am” He smiled back and asked “Do you want anything?”
“Yes, you” She said without thinking
He was taken by sweet surprise. He wanted to be anywhere but there in his office cabin. He shared his beautiful grin with her and asked “I meant, anything to drink. Tea or Coffee?”
“Oh… t..that?” She stuttered. “I have something to say” She said firming her voice. When she finally readied herself after a pause, she added “But before I could finish what I have to say, I may be lost in my own words. So I wrote something for you instead”
Mohan of course relaxed and laughed out loud at those lines. He wondered how she had managed to ease him out with her simple mischief. He slackened himself onto his chair and continued to read.
Do you remember the day we met on the small lane of Alibag? I know you do but do you know that I remember that day as clear as if it happened just now? And how it affects me every time I recall it? May be, you know! But not as much as you think so. Do you know, Mohan? How much you interested me! How much your smile excited me! How much anything that matters to you mattered to me!
“I am all ready for it, Ma’m!”
“You better think about it! I know you don’t like what people do after getting drunk. I am sure you haven’t liked mine and even may have disliked me at that moment” She said in a mocking serious tone
“I have never seen anyone being so sweet when being drunk!” He gave his sexy smile “And I really wouldn’t mind getting you drunk again, if you want to be” He winked and kissed her again as if to compensate for her asking, when she was drunk
“For food!” She said trying hard to ignore his impact on her
“Are you cooking?”
“May be!”
Just then Mohan felt someone pulling his pants. He turned down to look at the sweet offering awaiting him. Nanhi was smiling at him with her little soft hand extended towards him. She was holding a couple of cookies in it.
“Cooo-koooo”
If Mohan was mesmerized by the impact so far, he didn’t know what he was going through now. He touched his chest taking in the serene scene into his heart. He carried the little joy of bundle into his arms and kissed her soft chubby cheeks.
“You sure are my lucky Cookie!”
Megha joined their kiss, making the scene complete. With one hand around Megha and the other holding Nanhi, he didn’t know whether he had any space inside him for any more happiness.
Chapter One
Megha’s eyes were gleaming in pride looking at her latest hand work. She had always known and felt proud of her talent but in a very humble way. Her critical eyes had made the judgment for her creations before they were presented to a third eye. A satisfactory smile spread across her lips applauding her capture of nature along with the man made beauty, in the form of a painting.
It was a beautiful view of the local temple with a sunrise
background. It also captured some of the nature’s wonders surrounding the scene
with some imaginary scatter here and there to give complete scenery. The color
shades that Megha had used were very subtle at many places giving highlights to
the brighter sections of the painting.
Lost into the scenic beauty of the art that has taken months
to create, Megha stood a while unmoving.
“Are you not going to the store today?”
Bindu’s voice brought Megha back her focus to where she was.
“Yes Bindu! But before that got to deliver this painting to
Taj Mahal hotel”
“That’s beautiful, Megha! All these months’ hard work will
get you paid well today”
“Good God, if everything goes as per my plan!”
“But we will miss you, dear” Tanya walked into the room
joining the girls
“Not at all! I am just moving to the end of the street and we
will meet often”
“And you know it won’t be the same” Bindu and Tanya looking
at Megha. They all hugged together forming a team of tear filled eyes
“Have you started your gang meeting early in the morning?
Now will you girls get on to work?” Renu walked in with an authoritative voice
dispersing the group
“What have you got here? Are you moving out already?”
Megha waved away the other girls who were heading to work
and turned to answer Renu
“Not yet Renuji! These are my paintings for delivery today”
Megha started stacking the other covered paintings into a
corrugated box. Her temple painting which formed the main piece for the entire
theme did not fit into the box. She left it aside covering the work with the
paper drapery. She thought of checking with David for any other boxes that
could fit it, before transporting.
“Move them out soon. Some more girls are coming to check
this place now. I don’t want them to see this mess” Renu warned her
Megha gave a simple smile and moved her things outside close
to the street. She had an affectionate heart that never complaints anything
about the tantrums that Renu threw around her. She always remembered the timely
help Renu had rendered during her difficult times. She took it as a sign of her
way of caring for people.
“Did you eat anything yet?” Renu’s loud voice only proved
her care to Megha again
“Yes, I just did! Your aloo parathas were yummy”
“Want to try your hands?”
“If it involves only eating, then sure I will”
“What a girl who doesn’t know to cook!” Renu mumbled and
walked away
For a 20 year old, Megha had never been silly and immature
when it came to understanding people. In her past year of troubles she had
valued the good assets of people which were their mind and heart. When life’s
unexpected turns brought her to be strong and self-determined, she had never
stopped to achieve her targets independently, keeping minimal reliance on
external forces.
A mini van pulled into the small lane and stopped in front
of Megha
“David! What would I do without you?”
“Always at your service, sweet girl!” David walked towards
the boxes
“I would need a bigger box for this one” She pointed to her
special painting
“Let us see what you have got here” As David opened the
drapery he whistled aloud in cheer
“This ‘darling’ deserves all the special attention, as it is
going to earn us gold” He winked at her teasingly
“No special allowances” Megha returned his wink with a smile
“You are one tough girl to cut out a deal”
“Only being fair”
Megha had to learn hard way earning money and count every
penny spent owing to her future. Her tender looks at times made people wonder
where had she hidden the strength to bargain as hell as she would. Little did
the others know that she wasn’t in a position to afford lenient spending?
“I will check with uncle if he has any box of that size in
his shop” David put away the painting near his van and walked towards the
corner shop
“Tell uncle that I will return the box so no charges”
David’s laughter said that she did the bargaining cheerfully
without giving away any ache or self pity. At times her logical thinking made
the traders wonder whether they were cheating people all the while.
Suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her stomach that made her
flinch and close her eyes. It was at that moment a sports motorcyle turned into
the lane roaring in a loud noise. All of a sudden when the noise stopped, and
when Megha felt her pain subside, she opened her eyes to find a handsome young
man surveying something near the minivan.
She rushed towards the van only to find a pretty nasty
splash of damp dirt spread across her beautiful temple painting. It looked as
if the recent event took less than few seconds to make its effect on the
picture that took months for her to achieve. She instantly realized that the
‘darling’ David had named just minutes ago, had met a tragic end. The sudden
pain returned back to her
“Are you alright?” She heard his tender voice
“I am but my painting isn’t” She replied flatly
“Someone is going to be very angry” He sounded positive and
awaited the angry slash to be thrown at him
Chapter Two
“Angry? That’s not what I feel now!”
Megha’s voice was trembling and she took efforts to stop the
tears from rolling down her cheeks. There was nothing left that can be saved in
the painting now. Her delivery would be cancelled and her expected plans were
going to fail thus failing her future.
“I don’t think I can replace that” The young man’s voice
showed how guilty he was for what happened
“No you can’t! But thanks for your offer” She was gazing
into the ruined work while all those days of her timely presence, every
morning, on the terrace were glaring on the canvas
“I am so sorry. I
understand that you are the artist and this was your work” He tried to pick the
board while Megha stopped him. She turned away controlling herself from crying
“If you can tell me the cost involved, I am willing to pay
for the supplies” And he paused before adding “though I know that I can’t pay
for the time and effort that you had spent”
The moment those words were out, Mohan realized that he had
come to know of something that money couldn’t buy. As a wealthy entrepreneur,
managing a company of 500 plus employees, he never had worries about making
deals with his clients, whatever the money was involved for his status. He was
famous for his daredevil attitude doing anything beyond limits, to keep his
success on target.
“David, I wouldn’t need the drive to the hotel today!” Megha
told David who was walking back to them with a box in his hand
“What happened?” David looked concerned and walked towards
Megha
“I am afraid, I have some damage done here” Mohan declared
to David
“How?” David turned to look at the new man
“I did not notice the damp pit and was avoiding my bike
hitting the van. By then it was too late for me, to save the painting”
Mohan remembered the accident how it all happened. When he
took his hi-tech motorcycle into the pit, his eyes glanced through the painting
that came into his sight, as the paper drapery covering it swayed in the
breeze. He couldn’t curse better how exactly the timing matched when the
picture was full in view and the dirt splashed on it, exactly to make the
necessary damage.
“Shall I get something for you to drink?” David asked Megha.
As she nodded a yes, he ran inside Renu’s house which held many young girls as
paying guests in it
“Please tell me, how I can make this up to you!” Megha heard
Mohan’s voice near her
Megha stood on the porch holding her head, unable to focus
on anything around her. She turned away hearing Mohan’s plea and Mohan sensed
that she was trying to hold back the tears, she didn’t want him to see. The
fact that he didn’t even know the girl’s name but he had made her cry stung him
sharply.
“Anything that I can do to minimize this impact on you?” He
questioned himself as he asked her
Megha felt that this man wanted to take some responsibility
for his actions but wasn’t sure what he was willing to offer. From her past
bitter experiences she had learnt not to expect anything from any man. She
wiped her face and turned to look at him without any expression. She found him
handsome and attractive but she also felt amidst his kindness he was little
shallow. Or maybe it was his stylish motorcycle and trendy outfits which made
her think he was one of those men who just liked to pass through life without
commitments.
Am I prejudging him?
Her inner voice questioned her
Mohan stared into the eyes that were staring at him in
question. He didn’t know whether it was right to think that way about the girl
in her state, but he found those eyes very pretty and expressive. Suddenly he
had a feeling to touch her cheeks and wipe the tears from there. He chided
himself for the eerie thoughts flushing inside him.
It must be sympathy!
He convinced himself in his mind
Though he was only 27, he believed himself to be old from
his peers. He credited his maturity with his own experiences which started
early in his life. But he never repented for having led a serious life not
falling for simple pleasures of life. He was proud of himself for valuing the
practicalities of any lifestyle.
And now he was not sure whether there was any practical
solution to the mess that he had caused in somebody else’s life.
David returned with a glass of water
“What is your name, handsome stranger?” David asked Mohan
“Mohan Bhatnagar. I am from Mumbai”
Mohan extended his hand which David shook firmly and said “I
am David from DD Travels. And this is Megha Vyas” He finished the introduction
swiftly before asking “Unload the box from the van, Mohan. There won’t be a
delivery today. Megha, why don’t you go inside and sit down. You make me
worried that you might go into labor anytime now”
Chapter Three
Mohan stared at the heartbroken look in the very pregnant
Megha’s face, with a deep apology and he too was concerned for her condition.
When Megha’s gaze settled on Mohan, she found the feel of apology in his eyes.
She didn’t need apologies from any man; she had been tired of hearing those in
the past.
“No, I am fine” She said to David and sat down on the porch.
She was too eager to get her project done before the birth of her baby, who was
due in few days
“I will be back for the van after a tea” David said and
walked towards the small tea shop at the end of the street
“Do you need anything else?” Mohan sat down a little away
from her unsure of what to do next
Megha said nothing but shook her head as if to say no. Mohan
found her silence too punishing. He would have felt better if she had yelled at
him.
"What is happening here?” Renu was confused to see a new man
sitting next to a worried Megha
“Megha, are you ok?” She then turned to Mohan and asked “Who
are you, man?”
“Hi! I am Mohan. I am coming from Mumbai” Mohan stood up to
face Renu
“What are you doing in Alibag?”
“I am on a road trip!”
“What? Ok never mind. Whatever it is, but what are you doing
here now?” Renu asked impatiently
Mohan explained her, the accident to which Renu exclaimed
and screamed beyond what was expected for the situation. Mohan found it
extraordinary as the reaction from the victim herself was nothing of this sort.
“Megha, you get in. Make a tea for yourself and relax. I
will take care of this man”
“No Renuji! I should have been more careful too”
“If only you can be little more aggressive” Renu said
irritably.
Megha took the damaged painting with her and went inside the
house. As Renu confirmed that her head is not seen, she turned to talk to Mohan
“Megha is a single mother. With the baby expected anytime
soon, she won’t be able to make another picture now. She has lots of plans
around this, but all lost in vain”
“When is the baby due?” Mohan asked
“Anytime this week. One can’t tell, you know”
“Shall I keep this box inside?” Something clicked on Mohan’s
mind instantly and he wanted to talk to Megha
“Yes, you can. You will find the store room at the back”
As Mohan walked inside the house with the box from the van
he heard Renu’s voice
“No peeping inside the girls’ rooms, ok!”
He chuckled to himself thinking how he should have been
acting but how different he behaved from his age group. He didn’t remember the
last time he found any young girl attractive enough to catch his eyes for long.
But then a flash of Megha’s face screened in front of him. He quickly stepped
out again and hugged Renu
“Thank you Renuji, for the tip!” Without a pause he kissed
on her cheek and went inside again, leaving Renu stunned
Mohan found Megha sitting on a couch in the huge hall
attached to the kitchen. A line of closed doors were along the hall side, where
the girls’ rooms must be, he thought. He took a seat in front of the couch. She
looked at him dryly and wondered what he wanted then.
“This is a nice place” Mohan started a casual conversation
“Yes it is” She cut him short with a flat response
“Do you work from here?” He turned around looking for some
of her other works and hoped to get a better answer
“I work as a salesgirl in a department store downtown”
“Oh! Then painting?” He asked in confusion
“Painting is my passion. I aspire to setup my own studio and
make it big. Then I will focus on it fulltime”
“Where do you paint from then?”
“I live here as a paying guest along with other girls.
Renuji is kind enough to lend the store room which I use as my studio now” She
explained but didn’t know what this man was going to do with the information
He waited for her to continue but when she didn’t, he looked
at her encouragingly. She sensed herself letting loose with her talks to a
stranger. She didn’t want to reveal anything more than she intended to. She did
not know what Mohan was willing to do and why. She turned away from him and
continued to drink her juice.
“I would like to stay and help you” Finally Mohan said in a
calm voice
“Are you an artist?” She asked with a surprise that revealed
him that she didn’t think him to be the types who can sit still long enough to
even draw a stick figure
“No. But I can watch the baby that you will be delivering
soon, while you can work on another painting for the pending delivery”
Megha stared at Mohan unable to believe her ears and the man
who had just smashed her dreams and hopes. He must have sensed her thoughts
because he said with a gentle smile
“Come on, Megha! I would make a great nanny while you work!
I promise to render my services with a smile and up to your satisfaction” He
winked at her with that sexy smile
Chapter Four
Megha was taken aback by the confident man who was offering
some strange services to her. She couldn’t help feeling a thrill of pleasure
sieving through her on hearing the sound of her name in Mohan’s lips. It
surprised her how easy he made it sound and as if he had known her all along.
For a moment she forgot that she was with a stranger whom she had met just few
minutes ago. A noise in the kitchen brought her back into her senses.
“Why do you think that I need help? And yours?” She asked
“I am in your debt!” He paused before adding “And I want to
do something to fix my mistake”
“So do you want to pay me back for the damage?” Megha didn’t
understand Mohan’s intentions
“How much were you paid for the painting?”
“That’s a deal between me and the woman who owns the hotel”
“Paintings of this class aren’t cheap! I have bought a few
for my house last year. They charged hefty money for them”
“They must have been from some wonderful artists” She
couldn’t help sighing when she said that
“I think I am seeing one in front of me, as well” He smiled
at her and took the ‘darling’ painting in his hands to examine it closely
She turned away, wondering what he would have bought for
those heavy prices and where he lived to have them hanging around. Feeling sad
for her own painting that was in his hands she said in a soft voice
“Actually, I didn’t charge her much apart from the supplies.
She was helping me to find a home here”
“Isn’t this a nice place too?” He looked around Renu’s house
“Yes it is. But with the baby coming, I need a place of my
own” She gently touched her stomach
Unknowingly his eyes glanced at her stomach, sharing her
bond with the unborn baby. When she continued to talk, he glanced away in
embarrassment not wanting to know whether she found him staring at her stomach
“Actually the Taj Mahal hotel is the actual commission for
my paintings. I wanted things to go well so that I can include it in my
portfolio for future work”
She traced her fingers along her stomach feeling the baby.
Mohan’s eyes once again traced back there. With a proud smile she said
“I would like to be close to my baby and working from a home
studio would help me in that. And I need my own place to get that”
He looked at her and asked “So, willing to take up my
offer?”
She realized she had gone overboard with her information and
shook her head
“No please. I can’t. You can just pay for the supplies and
we can close the deal” She was surprised on how less a deal she had asked for,
in spite of being a raging bargainer on her own
“But I want to do more. You deserve it and hope you know it”
She thought of it and acknowledged that whatever had
happened she didn’t deserve that. All her hard work gone in vain with no big
fault of hers but she didn’t know how to make him pay for it when it was a mere
accident on his part as well
“It would take three months and so I can’t accept your
offer” She said
“Three months!” He just thought over and did some mind
calculation “So have you got your house?”
“Yes, the owner of the hotel would have done the down
payment for my paintings. The house is down the street”
“Ok it’s done then. I will take you to the hotel myself and
will explain what happened. Then we will see how things go from there”
“On your bike?” She widened her eyes in shock and Mohan
found them prettier than anything that he had seen
“That’s the only offer I have now! Anything better that you
have?” He took efforts to tear out his eyes away from hers
“I don’t think…”
He cut her in and said “You think about it while I go keep
this box inside”
She broke her gaze away from him and looked down to where
her fingers were moving on her baby. She thought over the bitter days when she
was abandoned by her ex-boyfriend or ex-husband or whatever he was to her. And
the fact that she hadn’t heard from him from the moment he walked out on her.
She couldn’t help reversing whatever happened with her but she wanted to start
something fresh and new in her own way; with the comfortable surroundings that
she had and wanted to have for her baby.
Is this man going to
disturb my plans and comfort? She thought unsure whether it was a
disturbance that she wanted then
“So, shall we?” He came back asking as if the decision was
made as he had planned
“Why do you think I will trust my baby with you?” She asked
directly without trying to be polite
“Because I can be a good home husband” He gave the sexy
smile again to which Megha chuckled
“Ok I will wait outside for you” He walked out while Renu
walked in
“You must be very brave. I will see to you later” She
covered her cheeks and spaced out from him as smiled at her teasingly
“What do you think you are going to do now?” David asked him
when he met Mohan at his bike
“I don’t know! I am trying to convince her for something”
“Believe me! She is one hard bargainer and you got to give
her the best deal to convince her” David patted him on his shoulders
They both turned to the sound on the porch and found Renu
holding Megha in her arms
“I think we need to get to the hospital now” Renu announced
“I know this is weird timing” When Megha said, both the men
noted the pale and anxious face on her
Chapter Five
Mohan froze at the announcement. Megha found it
embarrassing. She expected him to run away at the first chance, considering the
situation. He wasn’t sure what to expect out of the situation but decided to
take control of it.
“I will be more than
happy to take you to the hospital but I don’t think my bike is the right mode
of transport for this situation” He turned to David
“I will drive her” David was prompt
Renu helped Megha into the van. Mohan supported her on the
other side, trying to be of some help. He found her to be soft and great. He
chided him for stirring such feeling for a woman in labor but ignored it.
“Hey man, you don’t have to come with us” Renu warned him
“I am not. I will just follow behind on my bike. If you need
anything like ice cream or pickles, I can get them”
Megha giggled. “I am past the point of pickles”
“Never mind. I will follow” He rushed to his bike
At the hospital, he hurried to help Megha walk inside. He
found her so fragile that he thought he had upset her so much that she got into
labor. He had had quite a different set of experiences during that trip but the
current one made his heart race the fastest. He didn’t know why but he felt
like he was the one having the baby.
He had always wanted them in life – a complete family with a
loving wife and adorable children. Engaged only for six months he and his
ex-fiancée fell apart for wanting different things in life. They parted ways
smoothly, just leaving friendship continued without any romance. This trip had
followed their breakup and he wanted to make time to think something for
himself.
“And you are?” The nurse’s question got him out of his
thoughts
He saw Megha being checked into a birthing room.
“I am Mohan Bhatnagar. I just met the mother-to-be and…” He
didn’t know what else to add
“Oh, so you are Mohan! She had asked you go on your happy
way” Small towns’ advantage of knowing people personally
“Did she?” Mohan was disappointed
“May be Miss Vyas had meant to make yourself comfortable
elsewhere, as this could take a while”
His disappointment faded. “Is there any room where patient’s
onlookers are waited?”
She grinned and showed the directions to the room. She added
“You could be here for a while; you better see yourself to the canteen”
He didn’t mind that. Hanging around was the least that he
could think of doing. He doubted whether it was only obligation that held him
back or was there anything to do with Megha herself. And he really wanted to
ensure that she was going to be all right. May be he wanted to get a glimpse of
the baby too.
He managed to everything that he could except for sitting at
one place. He believed himself to be a calm and confident person handling any
situation but this experience proved him wrong. He found himself in different
shoes. And he felt nice about that.
“Haven’t you gone yet?” Renu walked into the room where only
one other attendant awaited along with Mohan
“I am just waiting to be sent for some parathas or pizza or
whatever”
“I will not need any of those from you” She took a seat far
away from Mohan
“Sure you won’t. But Megha may need it” Mohan pursed his
lips and controlled himself bursting out in laughter
David joined them accompanied by a woman with a duffel bag.
He introduced her to Mohan as his wife
“I have got this throwing some things Megha had asked for”
She pointed to the bag
“Is everything alright?” David sat next to Mohan
“I don’t know. I haven’t felt anything like this before”
“You think that you made her go through this?” David
questioned him teasingly
“I don’t know what I am thinking” Mohan confessed frankly
Few hours later, David and his wife left the hospital
informing to come back after the baby’s birth. Mohan didn’t sleep as the night
set in.
After fifteen hours, Megha held her new daughter close to
her.
“She’s beautiful” Renu said and added “That man is still
waiting outside”
“Is he still here?” Megha didn’t think that Mohan would stay
around. He hadn’t ran away at the first chance, as she thought he would do so
“Yes, brave fellow! He really believes that he pushed you
into labor early”
Megha felt sorry for the young man who probably didn’t know
how such things worked
“Don’t tell him that I said this but I feel sorry for him”
Renu added and chuckled
“Renuji, if you don’t mind getting him in…” She trailed off
as Renu stepped out quickly
Mohan walked in, a few moments later, carrying a flower
bouquet, a soft teddy bear tied with balloons and a beautiful smile on his
face.
Chapter Six
Megha didn’t expect him like that lest any gifts from him.
She said “Hi”
Mohan didn’t think he had seen anything lovelier than the
scene in front of him. Megha was in her tender and soft outlook holding a
pretty pink baby
He forcibly dragged away his staring eyes from her. “For the
new baby!” He said laying the flowers and teddy on the table
“She’s beautiful” He said looking at the baby
“Thank you” Megha couldn’t express her wonderful feelings
and the happiness she had been filled with. All the months of worry had
vanished away when the little angel had been laid in her arms.
“I too think so! Nanhi is the prettiest”
“You both look perfectly pretty and lovely” He steadied his
look on them then quickly recovered asking “When can you go home?”
“May be tomorrow, as the delivery was normal”
“That’s too soon!” He frowned “You should stay here for a
month or more. Just to make sure that the baby is alright”
She smiled at his protective instinct and shook her head
hopelessly, at his lack of knowledge
“That’s not needed. It’s a very normal procedure. Moreover I
would go crazy”
Mohan moved closer to the baby and touched her hand
"She is so small”
“Three kilos and two fifty grams, you know” Megha said
proudly
“She must be a strong girl like her mother” He said with a
smile
“Strong enough to trouble you” Both laughed
All at once, both went silent thinking how easily they
conversed like a couple and shared the thoughts for the baby. They looked into
each other’s eyes and felt a bond developing. She was scared. He was excited.
Mohan sensed the doubts in Megha and swiftly turned his head
looking around the hospital room
“So what’s next?” He asked
“What next?”
“You didn’t want to live in the paying guest with other
girls now and wanted to move into your own house. But I have spoiled all your
plans…”
If only she had delivered the paintings to the hotel would
the owner have made the down payment for the house. She wouldn’t have had any
worries about having no place to go. But she didn’t want to sound helpless
“Let us see” She said
“Do we have a little new comer in the town?” An elderly
woman walked into the room and headed directly to the baby “Oh, Megha! She’s
very cute”
“Thank you, Shashi aunty”
The lady took the baby in her arms and Mohan found it
discomforting, with the idea. He wanted to take the baby and hand it back into
the safe arms of Megha. As he worriedly looked at Nanhi in the rough arms of
the elder woman, her glance set on Mohan
“Who is this handsome boy?” Shashi asked
“This is Mohan Bhatnagar from Mumbai. Mohan, this is Shashi
aunty, owner of Taj Mahal hotel” Megha introduced
She smiled at him widely and asked “Do you stay in Alibag? I
haven’t heard your name around”
“Hi! I just stayed in the hospital last night. Not certain
about going forward” He tried to throw a smile but his thought of the baby
hanging in her arms didn’t let him
“You are welcome to Alibag”
“Thanks. Isn’t it time to give the baby back to Megha?”
Mohan was still looking at Nanhi
Shashi looked surprised at the authority displayed by him.
She gently placed Nanhi back on the bed and asked “So what is your story?”
Mohan was finally in ease. “It’s a funny story how I and
Megha met. I drove my motorcycle, to make enough damage on a beautiful painting
that was meant for you”
“Good God!”
Mohan bravely confessed further “When Megha gets back, I
would like to be Nanhi’s Nanny, so she can work on the painting again. I should
have been the one working and she relaxing with the baby; but I think it’s
better to have the master handle the art while I can do something on my part.
She says it may take about three months”
He was relieved to be back in the negotiation part and
decided to make it work, at whatever cost
“Are you willing to do that for someone you have just met?”
Shashi asked doubtfully
He glanced at Megha who was looking at him carrying the same
question in her eyes
“Isn’t life at its best to have you holding a baby?”
The women in the room were looking at him in awe unsure of
the man talking about an unknown role for him. They hoped that he knew what he
was getting into.
“By the way Megha, I got the house for you, already”
Megha’s eyes filled with gratitude “I don’t know what to say
and how to thank you. This means a lot to me” Shashi hugged a teary eyed Megha
Shashi grabbed Mohan out of the room and asked “Now you
young boy. Are you sure, you are going to keep up your promise?”
“Yes, I am sure”
“That’s good! She’s one special girl out there. You won’t be
needed here tonight. Can you come with me to get the house thing done?”
“You lied about buying the house?”
“Not really. I know the owner of the house and it will be
easy to make the arrangements done”
“Can I make the down payment?” He thought he would feel
better if he could. Paying for the house was the best way to replace what he
had ruined for Megha
“Are your intentions safe, young boy?” She squeezed her
brows at him
“How about proving it? I will get the house readied for the
baby!” Mohan grinned eagerly
Chapter Seven
“I am sorry about the paintings, Shashi aunty” Megha said
when she was alone with Shashi and Renu
“No bother! Some things can be replaced. I want to know what
happens after these three months.” Shashi batted her eyes
“Is there a hidden message for me?” Megha knew about
Shashi’s match fixing for her since the day she was made available
“Are you going to let this young boy ride away, ignoring
that fate brought him for you?” Shashi asked
“I don’t think I am a good catch for your philosophy”
“It’s just a thought. What if you get attached to him?”
Megha couldn’t help thinking about Nanhi’s father and his
abandonment. “It is not like a husband backing out on his responsibilities.
Mohan won’t be leaving me behind. He would finish his job and will move on.
That’s all to it”
“Have you decided to take up his offer then? Are you crazy?”
Renu’s shocked stance made Megha realize that she had assumed a decision about
Mohan. She was embarrassed and didn’t reply.
When Mohan walked back into the room, he was sweetly
surprised by the talks taking the direction that he had wanted.
“Ok, I can start on the painting right away…” Megha said
while Renu snapped in
“You can’t do that Megha. You would need time for recovery
and for the baby, at least for few weeks”
“That sounds good to me. That will give you enough time with
the baby without any stranger around” Mohan looked at her insisting on the
‘stranger’ word before adding “I get to complete my road trip with two more
places covered before joining my job here” He said trying not to sound
desperate
Megha found herself ill at ease though the plan sounded
logical and seamless. She didn’t want to wait for another man to return. She
dreaded to hold any hope, seeing whether he was coming back to her. She also
felt it was unfair to Mohan to make him do something that had been obligated to
fulfill.
“I think, we can make a better deal rather. You can pay me
for the painting and go on your own way, leaving things easy for all of us”
Mohan was a little disappointed but didn’t say anything
After Megha accepted his offer of money for the painting,
Mohan secretly let himself make the first payment for the house. Before leaving
the hospital, he touched Nanhi’s soft skin with a longing heart. He headed to
the new house with the keys collected from the owner.
He found the house too small that could completely fit into
a tiny portion of his own house in Mumbai. But he felt very homey as he entered
it. He was happy about seeing the house, even before Megha, so that he can get
it readied for them in a nice way. And he wondered what would be his next
course of actions after that.
He was hurt when Megha suggested him to leave. But he
understood her. If Megha needed her time, then let her have it. After all, his
trip was about ‘time’ he had been searching for. He ignored his doubts and
looked around to see what he could do for Nanhi.
I am going to do it!
He said to himself rolling up his sleeves. He opened the box in which there
were contents for the room décor. Megha had collected them, preparing for the
baby’s arrival.
He pasted the colorful wallpaper with little animal prints,
across the windows, the light reflecting the images bright and clear. He
arranged the little toys on the small shelf along the wall. He set the cradle
and hung the pretty baby wind chimes with dancing butterflies, above the
cradle. He smiled at the vision of a giggling Nanhi, listening to its sounds.
The truth was, he wouldn’t have stayed if it wasn’t for his
attraction towards Megha. And Nanhi had stolen his heart in the few hours he
had seen her. He hadn’t even held her. But he couldn’t help feeling cheerful,
every time he remembered the pink soft baby.
Megha, he was clear, did not want another man in her life.
May be she pined for Nanhi’s father. He felt a rush of hatred for the unknown
man. Then he thought, just because the man wasn’t there during the birth of his
child didn’t mean anything against him. Megha might get back to him as she
didn’t look like someone who would move on easily. She appeared to be the one
who held love in her heart for long time.
May be it is time for
me to go! He uttered the bitter truth
He got on his bike and rode away from Alibag.
….
Megha and Nanhi settled down in the new house. Nanhi was a
month old and was delighted with her new comfort. Mother and daughter had
arrived at a routine and it worked wonderfully for both of them. The small
house had a beautiful homey feel and Megha was happy about her decision.
Shashi let her know about Mohan’s work in Nanhi’s room,
without letting out the secret about his payment for the house. Megha wondered
whether it was Shashi’s purposeful work in making him do it or anything on his
own. She liked what he had done for Nanhi.
And knowing that he knew where she lived, she became anxious
whether he would return. She didn’t see any reason for him to return as he owed
her nothing. Still she found herself counting the agreed upon days. And she
recalled that day being the first day after Nanhi’s first month birthday. She
was disappointed that Mohan hadn’t been there and then again was annoyed about
her own behavior.
That’s exactly what I
didn’t want to do! She chided herself. She didn’t want to wait for a man to
flourish her life.
“Does it matter? May be it’s only you, who made a good
impression on him. We don’t know anything about him” She said to Nanhi who was
smiling in her sleep. She remembered how much she had known about Nanhi’s
father
“You look good” Tanya and Bindu said in chorus when they met
the new mother lost in her own thoughts
“Thanks. Can you believe that I lost five kgs in four
weeks?” Megha felt better seeing some of her normal structure back in her body
“Don’t be hard on diet” Bindu warned her
“Diet? You know me!” All the girls laughed remembering
Megha’s culinary skills
They were lost for few minutes in their ‘all about girls’
conversation. Megha was happy to be back in that forum to enjoy her own, amidst
her motherhood responsibilities.
They heard voices outside.
“Must be Shashi aunty” Megha told and went out to find
Shashi and was surprised to see Mohan with her
He was holding a gift basket wrapped in a pink color ribbon,
filled with girl toys. His pretty sight made Megha’s heart skip a beat. Was he this handsome or is it only now? She
thought
“Hello” She hoped that she didn’t sound as nervous as she
was actually
He took Nanhi’s little fingers and wished “Happy birthday,
Nanhi, late by one day”
“Mohan Bhatnagar, reporting for Nanny Duty, Ma’m” He saluted
at Megha. His innocent and sweet smile made her heart fluttering in joy
Chapter Eight
Mohan had his own doubts about going back to Alibag. He had
understood what Megha wanted about raising her baby on her own. He decided to
keep it simple and finish his work as he had promised, and go back on his way.
He was glad that he came. Megha’s pleasant smile cleared all his doubts and he
was unsure whether he could stick to his original plan.
The sight of her holding little Nanhi, was mesmerizing. I didn’t remember she was this pretty.
He guiltily ripped away his eyes, supposing it might be wrong to think that
way.
“Thank you” She took the gift basket from him
As she walked them all inside, the girls joined Megha
inquiring about Mohan. He was unaware of the attention and admiration received
from the girls. Megha wasn’t sure whether she liked it. Am I being jealous? Her inner voice frightened her. She didn’t
realize how much she had missed him, until the moment her eyes laid on him. She
wished to know whether it was for good or bad
“I like what I am seeing” Mohan was elated looking around
and at Megha
“Lovely. Are they handmade?” Mohan was confused at her
excitement then found Megha checking the contents in the gift basket. She took
each and every cute little thing made out of wood and other lightweight materials.
“Yes they are. Did I tell you that I design and make things
for homes and offices? And that’s what my business all about”
“Oh! You made these? The details are amazing in every piece”
She appreciated his work and they shared the joy of creating things
“Thanks” He was happy about building a link between them
with their creations
With great difficulty Shashi managed to control the girls
from jumping all over him. When everyone bid good bye and went out closing the
door, Mohan and Megha found themselves alone, all of a sudden.
“So, did you complete your trip?” She directed the
conversation to a general topic
“Yeah I did! This is my long due vacation which I haven’t
taken in the past four years. It was about time to get away and see new things”
He was happy, how the trip made way for him to see her. “And now back here to
keep my side of bargain” He added like a whisper
“We had no bargain and you actually did more than our deal”
She showed Nanhi’s room
“But I gave my word and I am a man to keep promises”
Megha stared at him finding any traces of hint in his
statement
“I have booked a room for myself at hotel Taj Mahal” Mohan
tried to divert her and also a way to convince her if she had any worries about
his staying in her house
“Oh!”
“As your personal assistant, I can start my work, at
whatever time you like to work. I can cook breakfast”
Megha moved uncomfortably whether his proposal of cooking
had anything to with her lack of skills there. He couldn’t probably know about it
“No problem. I can manage with the cooking”
He didn’t object, not wanting her to have second thoughts.
But she still had.
“But Mohan” She was surprised to say his name for the first
time, and with ease. He must have sensed something too, as he looked at her
hopefully. But she tried her last fight against his staying back “I don’t know
you”
“So it goes. I got some personal references for myself”. He
placed three different envelopes on the table
“This one is a letter of introduction from my beloved
Jijibua, who sure has only good things to say about me. She is a very sweet
person and I am sure the letter must be only to brag on me. You can save it for
later. The second one is from my little sister whom I had to bribe to say some
nice things about me. Though it cost me hefty, I doubt any fruitful outcome.
You can start with this one, anyway” Megha smiled at his gesture
When he placed the last one on the table he paused. He
didn’t know how to go about it but he wanted her to know everything about him.
Megha found his silence disturbing and she focused on the last letter in his
hand
“My ex-fiancée too came forward to make some recommendation
for me”
Megha found this news shocking. She waited for him to
continue not knowing how to question about it further. Fortunately he
continued.
“I was engaged for six months to Priya but we were very
different persons. Our lifestyle, priorities, and values everything was too
diverse to get along as life partners. We parted ways for good but we stayed as
friends thereafter.”
She wondered how many men maintained friends-only
relationship with their exes. She felt a tinge of jealous surfacing for the
unknown woman.
When she didn’t say anything, Mohan thought it was time to
change the topic
“So where shall I start now?”
“How about a diaper change for Nanhi?”
Mohan bit his tongue as an instant response but he knew that
Megha was watching him intently
“Not a problem. Show me how and I am a fast learner”
“With one week trial period, I can vouch on that. If I see
any lack of skills there, you are out of job. Deal?” Megha raised her thumb
Mohan laughed and remembered David’s statement about Megha’s
deal making skills
“Done!” His confidence surprised Megha
“Can I ask you a favor?” Mohan’s sudden request unnerved
Megha
“I can’t promise anything. Let me see what you ask” She
managed to maintain her cool
“I was wondering if you could paint something on my bike”
“Why should I do this favor?” She liked the idea but didn’t
want to do it without a fuss
“I thought if you turn down my Nanny job, I would at least
commission you to do the painting on my bike. Anyway you wanted to have the
paintings on your portfolio” He winked at her easily which made her blush
Megha’s thoughts wandered to the shrewd deals that Mohan
made in his business world and couldn’t help feeling proud on his go-getter
strategy
“Very smart! That can be taken care of” She turned towards
the kitchen suddenly wanting to be safe from his gaze
“By the time you finish the paintings, you will have a
wonderful portfolio showcasing your skills”
“And by the time you watch Nanhi, you will have a nice
addition to your dad skills”
His gaze locked with hers. “I am looking forward to know her
better” And he teasingly added “And her mother”
Chapter Nine
“Here you go” Megha said, placing Nanhi into his arms,
immediately saving her own from further teasing
Nanhi began to wail instantly. That should make him run, now. Then I will be safe! Megha thought
Mohan was startled initially, but managed to hold the baby
in proper position. He was nervous a little but excited a lot more
“Hey little angel!” He said to the baby “I don’t bite
babies. At least not you”
His voice was very gentle and deep. Nanhi hesitated a
little, then settled down with a fist into her mouth with gurgles
Megha was surprised. “That’s a distinction for a fresher”
She applauded and it meant a lot to Mohan
“Has she eaten?” Mohan asked
“Yes, just before you arrived”
“You are too young for a motorcycle ride. How about going
for a walk instead?” He asked Nanhi who was giving bubbling sound
“This might help you to carry her better” Megha offered a
baby carrier
“So, it is going to be a nice walk around. I will tour you
to this new place, where you are going to grow up” He continued talking to the
baby
When Mohan struggled to get the carrier set around him,
Megha helped her. Their act looked too intimate for them to ignore it. She
moved away instantly
“It suits you. You are not looking bad wearing that” She
said diverting their attention
He actually looked comfortable in his domestic duties and he
didn’t find it hurting his male ego. Very few men were secure enough not to
throw their masculinity around. Mohan was wonderfully under control, being a
man, in his own skin. Her thoughts wandered looking at Mohan
“We will be back before another set of tears” He told Megha
and walked out with the baby
Megha frowned at the silent house, the moment they departed.
She could have offered to walk with him but she didn’t want to look like a
family doing that. He too wouldn’t have wanted that. She somehow suspected the
ex-fiancée being a friend. Why would a woman let go off someone this handsome
and comfortable-in-his-skin man?
And when she realized that she had just allowed him to walk
away with her baby, a light tone of panic hit her. She rushed to open the door
and found a smiling Mohan busy talking to Nanhi. He turned to find Megha at the
door and waved at her. She waved back and closed the door.
Mohan started walking. “Doesn’t your mummy trust me with
you?” He asked Nanhi who was still playing with her fist in her mouth
“Do you like doing that? Is it fun?” Mohan tried mimicking
her by gently putting his fist into his mouth
Nanhi was then looking at him and Mohan found it amusing
that he got her attention. He began making some funny noises to which Nanhi
started cooing. He continued to hold her gaze on him trying different sounds.
He was walking on the road playing the game, not bothering about the faces
goggling at him.
Forty five minutes later when Mohan returned, Nanhi was calm
and sleepy. He found Megha studying her ruined painting. She had cleared the
dirt out of it but not without some visible marks and scars on almost all the
areas.
“The baby has lot of admirers. She must be tired from being
passed around. I managed to scoot her away. And also thought it must be time
for her feed” He said closing down their distance
“Thank you” Megha took Nanhi into her arms
“She turned out to be my lucky Cookie” He showed a handful
of cookies that he had collected from neighbors
“You must be enjoying the royal treatment here” She teased
and he shrugged in pride
“So is this how it looks?” He picked up the painting that
Megha left on the table, to get a clear picture
“It is the ‘darling’ in David’s words” She said
“Sure she is” Mohan looked at the painting and turned to
look at Megha. Then quickly directed his eyes to Nanhi
“If you can give me the work hours, I can fix my schedule
around that” He wanted to give her the space so that she didn’t get nervous
around him
She wondered what he would be doing when he was not working
with Nanhi but didn’t dare asking
“If I am going to paint a similar picture, then I need to
start my work at sunrise. It’s going to be a hurdle to your morning sleep” Her
guilt ridden face was very obvious
“I can use my morning jog to come to work” Mohan made it
sound simple
“I want you to know that you still needn’t do this. I can
work when Nanhi sleeps”
You are back there
again! He thought. She was determined in her thoughts of not wanting a man
around. He admired her more for that and somehow he wanted to be with her and
to know her. A month ago he wouldn’t have believed in love at first sight but
he didn’t know what he believed anymore. Am
I in love with her? I like her. Ok, little more. I care for her. That’s all to
it. He didn’t want to examine his feelings further.
“Is it ok, if I ask a personal question?” He asked breaking
his thoughts
She didn’t respond knowing what he might ask. He took it as
a cue to proceed and asked.
“Where is Cookie’s father?” He pointed to Nanhi
“I don’t know” She said and he raised his eyebrows
“Doesn’t he know about her?” He asked
“Yes, he knew” She said without looking at him
“He doesn’t intend to be part of her life?” Mohan’s heart
weighed heavy for Nanhi
“No” She sighed. She then turned to look into his querying
eyes. “We eloped and married in a temple when we were still studying our final
year of college. We were too naive and didn’t plan anything to happen the way
it happened. When we found out that we were expecting, he got cold feet. He
wasn’t prepared for a responsibility and this big. He didn’t know what he wanted
but he was sure what he didn’t want.”
Mohan listened quietly while Megha continued staring through
her past.
“I made a mistake in understanding his commitment to me. He
apologized for what he couldn’t be for me. I understood he was trying to be
practical when he asked me to abort the baby but by then I didn’t want to do
anything with him or his involvement. I then freed him out of it, wanting to
take the decision on my own.”
Mohan’s admiration for the brave woman, who is no more a
girl, increased.
“I have made mistakes. I thought aborting the child would be
another mistake. And I didn’t want to do any more, if I can handle it. My
parents were willing to take me in, but not with the baby.”
She glanced at Mohan who was still looking at her without a
blink.
“I know the society, ethics, culture, etc and the
difficulties we might face. I am prepared for everything and I believe I can
make Nanhi understand that our lives needn’t revolve around a man, who didn’t
want to do anything with our lives”
Mohan couldn’t believe the man who didn’t want a family and
walked away from a woman like Megha and a sweet little baby. He didn’t know
what to say but wanted to stand by her.
“I am sorry that he didn’t stick around” His voice was
gentle
“Don’t be” Megha straightened “It’s for the best. We rather
have his honesty than his staying out of obligation”
Mohan blinked wondering whether the statement was targeted
for him too. I am not obligated!
“What if he comes back?” He didn’t know what answer he
wanted but he had to ask
“I don’t think so” Megha responded quietly “Anyway it
doesn’t matter, as we are not waiting for him”
Megha’s confidence and resolution amazed Mohan. He felt
proud of her as if she was his own. A color of satisfaction ran into him. They
both went silent and felt the air very thick around them.
“I think Nanhi got a heavy nap story” He said trying to
lighten up the mood
Megha let out a chuckle and at the same time Nanhi let out a
yell.
“It is feed time for her” She said
“Oh ok. Do you need any help?” Without a thought he asked
“It’s fine. This is a job I’ve got to do myself” She hoped
that she didn’t have to explain her breastfeeding
He hesitantly walked towards the door “Then I will see you
in the morning”
“Thanks. May be I could use a man friend, now and then” She
didn’t want to give any hopes to him but didn’t want to hurt him either
“That I am willing to be” He was having trouble walking away
but he had no reason to hang around
The next morning when Megha opened the knocking door, she
found Mohan in his jogging suit, all freshened up from the exercise.
“Hello buddy! Good Morning!” His smile was
contagious
Chapter Ten
Mohan couldn’t have asked for a better day. Megha was busy
working at the terrace. He settled down with his laptop, next to Nanhi’s
cradle. He traced back to the sweet memory of Megha’s morning face inviting him
in. With great difficulty he had controlled his urge to move a strand of hair
that was hiding her face. He didn’t want to think what was in store for his
future, but he was content with whatever was happening in the present
“Wouldn’t we make a great team, Cookie?” He asked a sleeping
Nanhi
After an hour or two, when Megha returned from the terrace
initiating her painting work, she found Mohan sleeping near the cradle.
He looks so sweet and lovable!
She stood at the doorway adoring him for a while before walking into the
kitchen
She thought of preparing breakfast, instead of serving
bread, rolls and cornflakes, her usual. She hoped her cooking to turn out well.
If not at least it would chase him away.
She giggled.
When she was almost done with the cooking, she heard
footsteps.
“What is that smell?” Mohan asked
“Is it good or bad?”
“I think it is good!”
“Pray that it tastes as good as it smells. I got to warn you
that I am not great at the kitchen but have tried my best today”
“I am impressed!”
“Hope you are, after eating too” Both laughed
Mohan explored his options on the table. One look at the
rotis said, they were hard enough to hit someone. The dhal looked decent enough
to eat. The coffee smelled strong.
How bad could it be!
He thought and took a seat in front of Megha
Tearing a piece of roti, only broke it into pieces and it
sounded like crispy biscuits. Mohan managed to put a piece of it, dipped in
dhal, into his mouth. He gulped it with a sip of strong coffee. He didn’t know
which one tasted worse - the bitter coffee or the salty dhal or the crispy
roti! He didn’t control his facial expression to show what he felt.
Megha didn’t pretend liking the food either. They burst into
laughter sharing the feast of disaster.
“I warned you” Megha said amidst her laughter
“I should have listened”
“Trial day done. Over to continental breakfast” Megha
announced
“Have you always been this bad?” He asked in between his
laughter
“I think today I turned out to be extra special!” She
responded without being offended
Mohan regarded her laughing at her own foibles, with warm
approval. She appeared to be joking over her own troubles, but also gathering
strength from them.
And he was glad that she was getting to be comfortable
around him. Though he doubted how much of her relief had to do with the notion
of his presence only for few months.
“Hello Megha” Tanya interrupted their conversation barging
in
“Hi Mohan! Good Morning” Tanya looked at Mohan as if she had
been magnetized
Mohan didn’t like the interruption but managed to stay cool
“Morning!” He said and concentrated on his breakfast
He just forgot what he had on his plate and took a bite
again to curve his mouth in distaste. Megha noticed it and chuckled
“What is that you are having?” Tanya went closer to Mohan
“Please have this” He offered the food to her instantly
“Did you make it?” She asked hopefully
“No, I did!” Megha volunteered
“Oh my God! Megha, are you planning to kill him?” Tanya
sounded dramatic
“I have just started” Megha replied
The girls laughed out loud, leaving Mohan scared out of his
wits. They heard the baby cry without giving a moment’s hesitation Mohan rushed
into the room. Megha was astounded at his alertness. The girls watched as Mohan
walked out of the room, cradling the baby in his arms. Nanhi stopped crying and
was giving attention to his petting words
“Are you available, Mr. Handsome?” Tanya’s bluntness shocked
both Mohan and Megha
“I got to ask my girl” He said quickly recovering from the
shock
Tanya turned to query Megha, Megha gave Mohan a cold stare,
but Mohan was looking at Nanhi
“What do you say, Cookie? Are we available?” He asked Nanhi
who was smiling at him
Tanya went near Mohan to take her from him. He just swayed
away from Tanya’s hold as if not willing to trust her with the baby. Tanya
sighed and walked away. Megha reached out to take Nanhi from Mohan
Megha pointed to her breakfast storage shelf and said “Help
yourself”
He walked towards it and explored the containers.
“That’s a good collection. Anyway kitchen is my favorite
domain. I would love to cook breakfast for us. But I am expensive” He leaned
over the table with folded arms
He wanted to crawl into her space slowly without making her
feel weak and frail.
“Not if I could make a deal” She gave a crooked smile
“What’s the bargain, this time?” He rested on the table
folding his arms
“I will take an hour off of your time with your Cookie” She
winked, glancing at Nanhi
“Ouch, that hurts!” He pretended to be hurt
“I figured which woman in this house has your attention”
Megha smirked
“Are you disappointed?” Mohan probed
“Absolutely not. I am happy that you have a weak spot” She
smiled
“Hmm... My boss is very smart. Got to be careful”
“You better be!”
They shared an understanding glance.
Good God, he is Prince
Charming! How am I going to get rid of him?! She wondered.
God, she’s amazing.
Hope she lets me in her life! He wished.
Chapter Eleven
As days passed by, the trio’s routine was well set and the
painting too shaped up well. Mohan made time along with his remote working, to
do his bit of corrections to the ‘darling’ painting.
Megha got down from the terrace and found Mohan involved in
the painting. Her lips curved in a satisfied smile, when she saw Nanhi asleep
on his lap and he maneuvering his hands on the painting without disturbing the
baby
“How is it coming?” She asked
Mohan turned to find Megha adorably pretty from her work and
fresh morning air
“Beautiful!” He blurted out unconsciously
“Let me see” She peeped closer to the picture not noticing
the brightness in his eyes
They talked about the colors and the highlights, which were
faded in the dirt. She liked what he had done to the painting, trying to give a
makeover. Her closeness disturbed him not letting him focus on what she was
saying. Abruptly she stopped talking realizing their arms brushing each other
and she sprang away from him. She wanted to keep her distractions minimum,
wanting to keep her life in order with or without Mohan around.
“Have you been sitting like this for long?” She asked
hastily
He swallowed hard trying to recover in his own time and
didn’t reply.
“I thought she would be missing me” Megha looked at her
daughter with longing
“Not when her favorite Manny is watching to her needs”
Finally Mohan found his words
“So, how do you manage with your job here and there?” She
asked
“My job involves multitasking with gadgets. Life is real
good!” He traced his finger along the line of baby, laptop, phone and the
painting
She pursed her lips and he was gazing at her gesture.
“I don’t even own a phone” She blinked at the items
scattered around him
“I think we should fix that issue, at once” He said to which
she quickly shook her head
“If I let you buy anything for me, then I am not what I want
to be” Her response was so abrupt that Mohan found no words in response
Megha couldn’t let go of her dignity. She was vulnerable
given the circumstances of their meeting. She didn’t want to believe that
formed an eternal bond between them. She wanted to live her life in her own terms.
She didn’t want to acknowledge Mohan in her life, thus losing her value for her
own. She was too proud to do that and didn’t want to entitle her living dependent
on a man.
“So, when are you leaving for the art exhibition?” Mohan
asked trying to change the atmosphere
“I will be gone after feeding Nanhi” She told and then asked
him doubtfully “Do you think you can manage her alone?”
“I and Cookie have plans for the day” He smiled at ease
Just then Nanhi made her call
“Ok! Duty calls” He rushed into the room to heed to Nanhi
“I wonder who the mummy is!” Megha said playfully
“If I can feed her, I don’t think she needs you” Mohan said
with pride and asked Nanhi “Do you miss Mummy, Cookie?”
Nanhi cooed smiling at him.
“Look, that’s her no”
He said to Megha
“Oh is it? Let me try”
While Mohan transferred Nanhi to Megha, their hands brushed.
He didn’t remove his hands wanting to feel her skin. They made a perfect
picture holding the baby together in the center. She felt a stir inside her and
quickly whisked away. Her hair fell on her face in the process blocking her
view and with both her hands busy she didn’t bother to clear it. Mohan closed
down the space between them, brought his fingers to move the hair away from her
face. He put them back behind her ears lingering there for a while. They gazed
into their eyes.
“Ooo…. Ooo….” Nanhi made her favorite gurgling sound
“You are right! It is a no”
Megha stressed on the no and took the baby inside
I know that was a
‘Yes’, which you want it to be a ‘No’! He thought but said nothing.
He wasn’t annoyed by Megha’s lack of trust. In fact he even
admired her caution. She had once been interested in marriage, husband-wife
relationship and everything about it. But now it was obvious that she’d run in
the opposite direction if she sensed him having anything on his mind.
“Don’t worry. Just enjoy your day out” He said confidently
to Megha before she left for the exhibition
An hour later, Mohan was alone at home, with Nanhi sleeping
peacefully in her cradle. He was talking on the phone with his manager, in a
low voice not wanting to disturb the baby. Suddenly he heard a sharp cry from
Nanhi’s room. He was startled and dropped the phone running into her room to
carry her.
He tried everything but Nanhi didn’t stop crying. He didn’t
think she was hungry. He talked, played and did whatever he could to cajole her
but in vain. Nanhi didn’t respond to any of them. He was worried and alarmed as
the baby’s wail increased. He checked the baby for any hurt or wounds on her
body.
“Are you scared, Cookie?” His eyes were wet seeing the baby
turning red
He swaddled her in a blanket and carried her close to his
chest making her feel secure. It worked. The baby’s sob reduced a little and
she started giving attention to him. He started swaying in the air as if
dancing to which Nanhi responded with a smile.
“Was that just a trick?” A small smile formed around his
lips bringing a sigh of relief
“You scared me! Don’t do that ever again.” He mocked an
angry face and she smiled bigger
“So you wanted a dance with me?” And he started moving fast
with his dance movements
Nanhi was giggling by then and Mohan was laughing out loud
along with her. He swirled around making her giggle more and bumped into Megha
who entered the home just in time. He lost his balance but Megha caught him
from falling down. He steadied back into position and shrugged his shoulders in
apology.
“So, was this your big plan? “ Megha enquired
“Partly yes. Want to join us?” Mohan asked her “Do we have
room for one more, Cookie?” He asked a giggling Nanhi who responded with a
“goo-goo”
“That looks like a ‘no’” Mohan said playfully and continued his dance, ignoring an
annoyed Megha
Chapter Twelve
“Mohan, I will go get the bread stock and other groceries
from market” Megha informed one day and headed towards the kitchen to check for
any other items to add in her shopping list
“If you don’t mind,
shall I go this time?” He asked hesitantly not wanting her to be offended with
his help
“They cheat on new faces” She said flatly. When Mohan didn’t
understand she explained “I don’t think you can bargain with everyone. For
example, the bakery man tricks people and makes money unreasonably”
“How is that?” Mohan was interested to know
“I buy at least five loaves of bread. And he charges each of
the loaf the same price thus making one’s price into five”
“Isn’t that how it works?” He looked confused
“If he just makes one loaf per customer then it makes sense.
But when I ask for five, he loads the contents for five for the same amount of
time, in front of me” She continued breathless “Shouldn’t he reduce the charges
for the baking time and charge only for the ingredients? Then it will cost less
than what he charges per loaf otherwise”
Mohan shook his head in wonder and was amused thinking the
baker’s face at her explanation. He sure
has a tough customer! He smiled but didn’t say anything
“What do you think?” Finally Megha came out of her theory
and turned to Mohan
“Excellent! Does he agree to your trading?” He tried to be
serious, suppressing his smile
“Initially he wasn’t heeding but I made sure to sit through
the day, to get other customers’ vote on this” Megha said proudly
Mohan couldn’t control anymore and burst into laughter,
imagining the baker’s day whenever Megha went there.
“Thank God, he is still into business! “ He said in between
his laughter but went silent on receiving an angry stare from Megha
Amidst the amusement he didn’t miss to notice the way she
had to lead her life, calculating every penny of her expense, in her lonely
world. He didn’t think she would just accept some man walking into her life
making her feel weak and destitute. That
is the last thing I want her to go through.
She didn’t want him to think how miserable her life
appeared, with petty issues like bread loaf. She wouldn’t be able to bear the
sympathy in his eyes. She liked him in his own way and not simply as a man,
helping her through her rough phase. That
is the last thing I want him to do for me.
“Ok then carry on with your special trade. I will have the
lunch ready” He said casually
“I will come back soon and cook” It was bothering her every
time Mohan cooked for her
“Do you think I will get myself killed?” He joked to change
the mood but when Megha didn’t seem to convince, he said “This is my job,
Megha. I am used to it and this is no different than what I do at my home”
“I am sorry. I don’t want to get used to someone doing
things for me” Her voice was like a murmur
“I am not doing anything for you” He maintained a steady
tone “I am working my job from here and I am cooking, because I am hungry and I
am just sharing it with you. And I am watching Cookie, because I love to” And
without breaking his emotions he lied “It has nothing to do with you”
“Ok, Thank you” She wanted to breathe a relief but she
failed
She didn’t think she can make it easy for her and for him.
She had had enough changes in her life already and didn’t need any more. It had
taken every amount of strength in her to recover and settle down with her new
ways of life. She thought she was in love once but now she felt that she didn’t
knew anything about love anymore. Good relationships don't just happen! They
take time, patience, and two people who truly want to be together! I am not ready to be with anyone now!
***
Nanhi would turn two months in two days. Mohan wanted to
celebrate it big. With much bantering Megha and Mohan arrived at a solution of
sharing the cost of celebration. Though Megha felt awkward with the idea, she
decided to give up the argument, owing to Mohan’s sweet love for his little
Cookie.
“Shall we do the shopping today?” Mohan requested and Megha
agreed
That was the first time the trio went out together and they
well looked like a family. Megha didn’t want it. Mohan loved it. They hired a
taxi to the shopping centre.
“I didn’t think you will agree to this” Mohan said nervously
pointing to them being out together
“I didn’t think of depriving you, the joy for Nanhi” Megha
said with a smile looking at Nanhi “And you deserve it” She smiled at Mohan
Mohan didn’t bother to hide his excitement. He stretched himself
on the front seat and relaxed. He switched on the car stereo with a nod to the
driver. The FM Radio roared loudly “Badtameez
Dil, badtameez dil, battameez dil maane naa.. Ye jahaal hai, sawaal hai, kamaal
hai, Jaane naa, jaane naa...”
Mohan was taken aback in embarrassment. Megha laughed aloud
seeing him struggling on his seat. Abruptly he switched off the radio.
“Cookie doesn’t like this song” He was embarrassed but
smiled on his own how perfect the song suited his situation.
In the shopping centre, Mohan filled the shopping cart with
everything that his eyes caught upon. Before the billing, Megha had to do a
recheck and had cleared almost half of the cart. Mohan pursed his lips in
disappointment. He mocked an angry state with Megha not talking to her.
“Is that a punishment? Anything that I can do to fix it?”
Megha mimicked Mohan’s statement
“Of course you can. I want you to accept a gift from me”
Mohan told her
“How sweet! I make you angry and you gift me in return?!”
She was in a mood to tease him
“It becomes yours if only you accept it” He requested
“You know how I feel about these things” Megha felt bad to
reject his offer
“But this isn’t anything expensive or luxury” He insisted
“I will decide after seeing it” She warned him
“Yes Ma’m!” He said making her smile
He gave her a wrapped gift.
She opened it and found a pretty colorful apron with pouches for paints,
brushes and other accessories. Megha expressed a scream of joy.
“That’s very thoughtful” Her gratitude was heartfelt and
Mohan didn’t miss to feel it. “Thank you” She accepted it
“Most welcome. I am glad that you appreciate its benefits”
He smiled. “By the way, you can use it in the kitchen too” He teased and winked
at her
“Oh definitely. I will consider that” She took part in the
fun
Mohan wanted the day to go on without ending. He insisted on
having lunch in a restaurant. Megha agreed on a condition that they share the
bill. Reluctantly he accepted her condition and they went into a restaurant.
They talked casually about everything – about the food, the
restaurant interiors, friends, Alibag. Megha liked Mohan and the pleasure his
company brought her. But she didn’t want to tempt herself further into the
liking. She also wanted to believe that he didn’t have other ideas about her
either. Confusing and cautious thoughts engulfed her.
She went silent for a while lost in her thoughts. He
observed her and was worried whether things went overboard. Suddenly she
ignored her doubts and wanted to indulge herself in the simple retreat with
him. I will rejoice it today and it will
be the last.
Chapter Thirteen
It was the day before Nanhi’s party. Mohan was excited to
make something special for his Cookie. He was involved in some baking and
grilling for a small get together with Megha’s friends.
Megha was feeding Nanhi inside the room. She could hear
Mohan moving around the kitchen, opening cupboards and moving utensils. She
closed her eyes against the cozy, homey sounds. Her lunch date with Mohan came
as a flash. She remembered the shiver inside her whenever he neared her; the
moment of temptation she had when he touched her face in the process of moving
the hair. She found the danger for her in it. I can’t let me do that! And he doesn’t deserve it!
She finished feeding Nanhi, laid her in her cradle and
joined Mohan in the kitchen. He was mixing something that smelled delicious. Does he have any idea what he is doing to
me, just by his presence around?
“I will be done with the painting in another three weeks”
She said surprising him. “I have the old design, which was time consuming,
because I worked on every fine detail from scratch. Now I have a reference to
work with that makes things easy and takes less time. And I am speeding up the
process so I can be quicker this time”
Mohan stopped what he was doing and looked at her with
disappointment. You have got your guards
back on!
“You are really not comfortable around me, are you?” He
asked without hiding his disappointment
"I don’t want any distractions” She said calmly
“Distractions?” He joined her near the table
“I am learning who I
am; I am growing a relationship with my baby; I am developing my own way in
life. I don’t need any distractions calling for more changes than I already
have" And she added “It’s not about you Mohan. It’s all about me and about
what I want to be and do on my own.”
Mohan was glad that Megha hadn’t lost her trust in men instead
it was only her perception of living her life that had changed. She was a woman
with remarkable combination of courage and gentleness, and particularly at her
very young age. He was proud of her and wanted to give her the opportunity to
explore her life in her own way. Even if
it means I have to stay away from her!
“Actually, I would be needed back on my site as well” He
said smoothing out the situation
“I see” She said
He hoped it was not relief in her voice.
“I think it should be ok for me to stay another three weeks
or until you finish” He said as a statement not as if seeking her
acknowledgement
He went back to his kitchen work trying not to continue the
conversation, for fear of any other outcome. He didn’t think he would find a
way to heal himself during the separation. Or a way to fill the emptiness that
he would feel when he was gone. But he hoped to collect some memories of his
belonging to this world, which he longed to share forever. I should at least be given the time that I need.
She was watching his silent profile, wondering whether she
had hurt him. Her heart longed to go near him. She craved to have him soothe
the fluttering restlessness inside her. She yearned to open up and clear the
air between them, just like the cleaned up ruined painting. But she did none of
these. She held back her strong position not wanting to do anything that she
might resent later. She wondered how he managed to stay calm and cool, in any
situation.
“You are very much at ease playing the house. Don’t you?”
She asked when he was back into his domain
“And you are very ill at ease, watching a man working at
your home. Aren’t you?” He countered her question with his own
They both looked at each other, without saying anything
else.
***
The morning on Nanhi’s birthday, Mohan was very excited. He
went to the terrace to check with Megha for anything to be done. He stopped
where he was, to watch Megha working. He leaned near the doorway. The image of
her intently focused on her art captivated him. He stood there watching her
without a blink. Megha dressed in a simple cotton skirt and printed top, looked
elegant holding a color palette in one hand and the brush in the other. The apron
that he had gifted covered her dress from getting stained. She had tied her
hair at the back. The mild breeze played its way through her hair and moved a
strand across her face.
Mohan walked towards her and closed the space between them.
She looked up and faced him. He placed his right hand around her waist and
pulled her gently to him. With his left hand fingers he brushed the hair away
from her face. Their eyes locked with each other. He slowly traced his index
finger along the middle of her forehead curving through her eyebrows, cheeks
and closing it on the side of her lips. She shivered under his soft touch.
Suddenly Megha’s voice stopped him.
“Mohan, is the baby ok?”
Mohan looked at her and turned to look around. He found that
he was standing alone near the doorway as is, watching Megha. He was
daydreaming. Mohan control your own!
He chided him.
“Shall I get Cookie ready for the party?” Mohan requested
abruptly embarrassed by his dreams
“I will bathe her before that” Megha said
“I will take her with me for a good birthday shower!” Mohan
blabbered
“Are you sure?” Megha
asked “You are not nervous about screaming baby and slipping skin?”
“What?” He was confused. “Not to worry. I can handle it” He
tried to maintain a cool tone but inwardly he wasn’t sure of what he was saying
Back down, he carried Nanhi with him to the shower room
sharing his embarrassment with her.
“Cookie, Thank God you saved me. Do you know what I got
myself into today?”
The baby snuggled against his chest as he gently directed
the shower on them. As Nanhi slowly relaxed in his arms, he found the
difference in his doubts and they started enjoying the bathe. He sang, talked
and imitated her “goo-goo” sounds. He gently moved his hand across the baby
soft skin, enjoying the feel of a baby in his world. He would miss holding her
and touching her softness. And definitely miss the warmth and delight the baby
brought into his life.
“Why isn’t your mother as easy as you to get along with,
Cookie?” He asked the smiling baby
If only Megha too wants
the closeness as much as I do! And it appeared that she didn’t, for her own
reasons.
Chapter Fourteen
The birthday party was a blast. Nanhi looked like a pretty
doll in a sapphire blue party frock with frills and flowers. It happened that
both Megha and Mohan matched their outfit to that of the baby’s. Megha was
stunning in a royal blue tea length dress that had the flares running till her
knee leaving her shapely legs bare. It was the first dress she indulged herself
in, using the savings from her salesgirl payroll. Mohan wore a marine blue
party shirt.
Mohan couldn’t stop himself from stealing glances at the
pretty form of Megha. He accepted the compliments for his special skills on the
party food, sharing a pleasure of nod with Megha, every now and then. Megha
didn’t fail to throw her share of glances at him as well. She loved the party
look of Mohan’s, which was a change from his otherwise sporty and casual
outfits. She wondered how he looked, in his business world.
Everyone was amazed at the bond shared between Mohan and
Nanhi. Shashi acknowledged their relationship and wanted things to work in
favor of Megha as well. She approached Megha who was silently watching her
Prince Charming entertaining her Little Princess amidst the crowd.
“He is so adorable. Isn’t he?” Shashi asked
“Who?” Megha was startled and redirected the question back
to her
“I caught you, Megha! Stop pretending. I know you like
Mohan” Shashi didn’t believe in beating around the bush
“It’s easy for me to like anybody, given my circumstances.
Isn’t it?” Megha said dejectedly
“Don’t be harsh on yourself. You sure know that you are not
like that. And Mohan is good”
“Are you asking me to get weak in his solace, Shashi aunty?
To forget the search of recovery that I went through? And to forget all the
difficulty of coming back from a space that once offered the mirage of safety
and security? You know that will do no justice to my living on my own” Megha
spoke breathless pouring out her emotions which only Shashi knew very well
“So, you are going to let him leave you?” Shashi didn’t want
to give up
Megha calmed down and said “Yes. And he is more than fine
with that as well”
Shashi sat down sipping her juice “Mohan seemed to be very
fond of you. He never stopped talking about you while coming back to the hotel”
“Mohan is good, Shashi aunty. He must have taken our
situation far more personal than he intended to. When he is gone, he would get
to see things in proper perspective” She lowered her eyes unsure of what she
was saying
“Do you think that is what you are doing?” Shashi squeezed
her brows questioning the silly girl
Megha didn’t want to continue this conversation and more
than anything she didn’t want to put too many thoughts into her inner feelings.
“I don’t know what I am doing, Shashi aunty. But all I know is I need to focus
on my daughter and my job“
“You are too much into your own, Megha” Shashi sounded as if
she was angry. Megha suppressed her pain in the words thrown at her. Shashi
sensed that and felt bad for being harsh.
Shashi put her hands on Megha’s as if apologizing and said
“I don’t think his affection has anything to do with your situation, Megha”
“Then blame it on the way we met. If only the timing were
any different” Megha sighed trying to ease out the heaviness in her heart
“If only you could see what you could be to each other, in
real” Shashi said and walked off
Megha shook her head sadly. She took her glance back to the
scene around the two special people of hers, which hooked her for the rest of
the day.
***
Mohan and Megha were finding it hard to receive the last few
days. He did everything in his control to stay aloof from Megha and she did her
part well too.
Mohan jogged into Megha’s gate one morning to find Megha
standing near his bike, which was left parked there, as always. He went around
and saw what she was looking at. There was a beautiful little painting of a
caged bird on its fuel tank
“That’s lovely” Mohan was really impressed
“I am glad you liked it” Megha looked at him eagerly
He watched the painting closer and recognized the thought
behind it. “I would have liked it better if the bird is flying off the cage” He
hinted
She swallowed hard knowing that he caught her off guard. “I
have seen what happened to a bird using its freedom” She said with a sigh
“Don’t you think the bird has every right to try it new
choices” He wasn’t talking about the bird anymore
“What if it turns out to be a wrong choice?” She knew what
he meant
“Sometimes you got to have the faith to believe in things,
Megha” He looked at her as if asking her to reconsider
“I am too scared to do that”
He gave a tender look at her. He had an impulse to pull her
close to him to make her feel safe.
“But I have known you to be courageous” He said instead
“So it goes. The cage is needed to keep my courage intact”
She closed the topic without further debate
Mohan wrapped the little painting on his bike with a
cellophane sheet. He was upset that she hurried everything to finish his job
there at the earliest. His Nanny days were soon to be gone.
***
In the next few days, he took even more reserved attitude
towards Megha and maintained a formal and polite conversation with her. He
treated her as her boss and performed his service dutifully. She knew that he
was upset but decided, against her will, that it would pass.
But with Nanhi, he wasn’t any indifferent. He continued to
be the happiest man on the planet whenever he was with the baby.
“Hey Cookie, come to Manny” He carried Nanhi and spent most
of his day talking and playing with her
“Will you miss me, Cookie?” He asked the baby in a shaky
voice
“Goo-goo” Nanhi responded
“She is too young to remember you” Megha intruded them
That hurt him. She felt bad for saying it loud though it was
the truth. She quickly added
“I am sure your little things will keep her busy and she
will know you through them”
He turned his gaze to her eyes questioning what she said.
“Can you do me a favor? If you think I deserve it” He asked
Megha
His statement offended her but she didn’t show it and nodded
her head
“Please email me Cookie’s picture, every month on her
birthday. Will you?” He almost begged
“Yes” Megha quieted down, not wanting to deny his request
any more
***
It was the last day of Mohan’s stay at Alibag. Megha had
finished her painting. Together she and Mohan delivered it to the Taj Mahal
hotel in David’s van. It hung along with her other series of paintings, on the
huge reception lounge walls, as if inviting the guests to be part of good
times.
Mohan took pictures of them saying “I want to show them to
my sister”
He took snaps of Megha and Nanhi near the painting,
capturing them in his heart as well. God,
I love them and am going to miss them like hell!
“Good bye Shashi aunty” He hugged Shashi who was on the
verge of tears
His rented out truck, loaded with his stuff was waiting
outside. He planned to ride on his bike. Megha walked out with him to bid his
farewell.
“Thank you, for the best memories in my life” He said to
Megha, controlling his urge to hug her
He focused his emotions on the little angel, and kissed on
her soft head, trying to feel its softness for one last time. Am I not good enough for you both?
As if reading his emotions, Megha said “Mohan, you sure are
a Prince Charming. Any girl would be lucky to have you in her life” But I am not that any girl, any more
She also added “And I bet, you would make the girl’s fantasy
world come real true”
But not yours?! He
asked her through his eyes
“Hope you understand” She finally said tearing her eyes away
from him
That was the problem. Mohan understood her too much to press
her further. He knew what she was going through and he cursed himself for not
knowing a way to make her understand things differently.
He wished to show that he wanted to be part of her life.
That he needed her in his life. He wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss
her hard, to get through her. But he was too scared to make things worse,
leaving all doors shut down forever. He was restless not knowing how to make
her read his heart’s message. Will time
heal everything?
Without further word, he waved them all and rode off on his
bike. His eyes didn’t glare away from the two special faces, knowing he
wouldn’t able to forget them ever. He was glad to have restored what he had
ruined in the first place, and ignored the ruin his heart had to go through in
the process.
Chapter Fifteen
Megha’s eyes were gleaming in tears looking at the amended
painting ‘darling’. She liked the work Mohan had done to it and added her own
touch to some spots, giving a new look. She hung the framed art in her living
room wall. Funny, how some ruined
painting brought two strangers together!
Weeks flew by. But there was not a single day that passed
by, without reminding Mohan. The baby’s room seemed to be empty without the
clumsy display of his electronic gadgets. His image of stretched legs lazing
near Nanhi’s cradle, almost taunted her every minute she crossed the room. The
kitchen was the worst reminder of Mohan’s presence in every nook and corner.
She almost stopped using the kitchen and entered it only to fetch the readymade
items inside and outside the refrigerator.
She didn’t try hard to erase his memories knowing that it
was a vain. Instead she took solace in her painting and Nanhi. After the work
display in Taj Mahal, she had received quite a few good orders and was occupied
with them. Whenever she was not painting she engaged herself with Nanhi. She
didn’t dare to keep her alone lost in her thoughts. They always revolved around
Mohan, either looking for his presence or feeling his absence.
“Are you missing him too, Cookie?” Nanhi was sitting on her
lap and they were watching the sunset from the house
Nanhi was holding a small toy helicopter. Megha recognized
it from the gift basket given by Mohan. The baby scrawled everywhere around the
house to pick her favorites distributed from the gift basket.
“Did we think he will leave such an effect in us?” She
continued talking glancing at her playing with the helicopter fan. Nanhi turned
to look at her intently, as if she knew what her mother was saying
“I think he will be missing us as well! Don’t you think so?”
Nanhi responded “Mooo mooo”
“I know. He must be missing you the most, baby” She sighed
and the baby continued her baby talks
“And why will he miss me? I haven’t given any signs leading
him to hold hopes on me” She stared at the vacant space ahead and was lost in
her memories
This became their regular affair talking and remembering
their past days of togetherness.
“Do you think we should accept the Mumbai offer and open our
studio there?” Megha asked Nanhi on the day when she received an order from a
Mumbai enterprise. Nanhi stared at her without any response
Shashi had brought the new business to her through a friend.
The company wanted Megha to work from Mumbai and they also proposed an offer to
setup a small studio for her. Though it was not a huge business overall, Megha
foresaw that as an opportunity to start something in the city, where things
were happening.
She also wondered whether it had anything to do with
Shashi’s match making again, but she didn’t complaint about it this time. She
thought about the new venture as a way of directing her life in the way she
would have wanted in the long run. And in the process she couldn’t help wanting
to steer it in the direction of Mohan.
“You know what I think, Cookie? Mohan is a prince of a man.
I sure was crazy to have let him go” She took a serious talk with her daughter
who was staring at her and then responded as if saying yes “Mmmmm-moooo”
“But I had to focus on you and my job, and didn’t want a
wonderful young man to turn our lives upside down” She smiled at the
remembrance of Mohan smiling at her and the effect he had on her every time she
watched him around.
Suddenly her face grimed. “But one man had left our lives
and I felt it was safer to have no man than another man who might eventually
leave. I didn’t want you to suffer in the process, baby”
After a long silence Nanhi responded as if saying something
“Goo-goo”
“Yes, I know. I didn’t give him any chance” She argued
“Dadda ddaaa…Oooo” Nanhi acted as if flying the helicopter
in the air
Megha thought for a while. “Do you think he would want to
see us? How will we know? What if he is not waiting for us?” She questioned the
baby questioning her own
Mother and daughter went silent for a while. Megha
remembered the moments of their meeting. How he hit their lane, accidentally,
to ruin her painting; how he made a space for himself in their little family;
how she was fond of filling their emptiness with him. She believed that she got
the courage to face anything. A cheerful smile spread across her lips which
contagiously caught Nanhi’s lips as well. Megha found her little angel smiling
at her.
“What if Prince Charming is gone? Can’t the little Princess
and her mom chase him after?” Megha’s eyes twinkled in excitement
“Goo-gooo… Buuuuu….” Nanhi flew the craft high and was
giggling at her mother
“So, you knew what I am thinking?” She tickled the soft skin
of the baby making her giggle more
***
Mohan was gazing at the small portrait of Megha, Nanhi and
himself, sitting on his bedside table. They looked pretty much like a family,
brightly smiling in matching blue. He flicked the picture shot by Tanya, in
Nanhi’s party. The picture gave a reason for him to smile every day when he
woke up and when he went back to sleep. The weeks after he came back from
Alibag were pretty much the same as before; except the fact that he had never
stopped thinking about them and remembering those moments of togetherness.
“Hello Sweetheart!” The voice from behind brought him out
his thoughts
“Hey Sweety!” He turned to greet the girl whose voice
disturbed him
‘Sweety’ was a pretty young girl in her twenty. Mohan found
in her presence and forgot his pain of loss in the sweet talk of ‘Sweety’.
“So what’s plan today?” She almost hung on his shoulders and
asked
“What plan?” He was confused
“Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner! Whatever it is, it is your
special Saturday, Sweetheart!” She winked at him
“Anything in your list, Miss?” He bowed at her mockingly
“I have just a small menu” She pulled out a long strip of
paper filled with menu items
“Oh is that all? It will be ready in just two minutes, Miss”
He said and they burst out in laughter at their own silliness.
“What were you doing, bro?” She asked suddenly realizing
that he was lost in the picture before she came in
“Just thinking about you, Sweety. What else?” He covered up
jokingly
“Liar! I know you! You were back in Alibag, right? You are
such a devdas, bro” She teased him
“Will you ever stop, Neya?” A new voice made them turn
around
Jijibua walked inside the room with a pretty smile carried
on her lovely face
“Not in this birth, darling” Neya said hugging her
“I pray that you are not born in our family your next birth”
Jiji clapped hands with Mohan
Mohan and Jijibua started teasing Neya and she was giving
back tirelessly. They make an awesome combo of crackling crazy, no matter where
and when or even if there was an audience. Chatting and laughing they reached
the dining table, where Mohan religiously took over his kitchen domain.
“It’s unbelievable, bro. Having been amidst the aces of
romantic queens, you haven’t mastered the art yourself? It’s highly impossible”
Neya got back to her original stand of pulling Mohan’s legs
“Sweety, you must appreciate your lovely brother being an
honorable gentleman” He said proudly wrapping himself with a kitchen apron.
“Am I right, darling?” He winked at his aunt, who was
observing his handsome nephew. His casual style, making things appear to be
perfect, never failed to impress her. She adored him for his confidence and the
never give-up attitude and wondered how in the world had she been saving him
from the swarming girls. She very well knew what was going inside him but
didn’t trouble him with her concerns.
“That is like my Perfect gentleman” She said in pride
acknowledging his say
“Good God, save me from this mutual admiration club. Enough
of this gentleman business, bro. Get down and do the Prince Charming thing”
Neya said excitedly and stood up enacting in a dramatic way
“My Prince will be riding on a royal white stallion, coming
to sweep me off my feet. Then I will be gone flying into my dreamland” Neya
held her palms on her cheeks, looking far into the ceiling imagining whatever
she was phrasing out
Mohan and Jijibua mockingly stared into the empty space
where she was focusing at. Mohan cleared the air in front of her as if to bring
her back to reality.
“Do you think your Prince holds a license to ride a horse?”
He joked but as always enjoyed his little sister’s innocent desires and
free-spirited will to enjoy her freedom.
Neya very much reminded of Megha to him, many times. How
Megha would have been without those responsibilities for her age; how well she
could have enjoyed her freedom without guarding her actions. But he never felt
anything less of her current spirits. If
only she had let me in, to join in her spirits!
When the night set in, leaving Mohan alone in his room, his
thoughts never failed to trace back to those beautiful memories of Alibag. He
scanned through the pictures of Nanhi that Megha had sent judiciously every
month. The last being her 11th month walker pose, sent a few days
back. They hadn’t communicated anything else other than those photographs, in
the past few months.
The ringing on his mobile phone just took a momentary
diversion to answer it without checking its number. The voice on the other side
of the phone made him flutter in pleasure.
“Goo-goo.. Daaaduuuu... Ooooo” It was all he had to hear to
let his emotions out in the form of a tiny tear in his eyes.
Chapter Sixteen
Mohan couldn’t believe his ears. He felt his heart beat fast
and loud and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. He opened his mouth to
say something but no words there. He wet his lips trying to heal the dryness.
He swallowed hard to clear his throat. He let out a loud sigh to breathe air and
he realized that he wasn’t breathing till then.
Finally the words came out “Cookie…” For fear of being
wronged he asked “Is that you?”
“Yes, Mr. Nanny. It is your Cookie here” Megha sounded relax
but she was far from relaxed in actual.
When she decided to call Mohan, after long careful thoughts,
she expected her to be nervous but the reality was far more than what she had
imagined. Her heart racing was no less than a speeding jet. She kissed her
little daughter for making things little easy for her. Nanhi smiled
triumphantly having done her job perfectly.
Megha’s voice passed a torrent of emotions rushing inside
Mohan. He froze in his position, his chest hammering, and his ears too afraid
to believe. When he again went breathless, he eased himself not wanting to
sound stupid. Easy, boy! At least she has
come to you. Take it slow! He told himself.
“Hello, stranger” He said finally trying to stay calm
She smiled at his cool gesture. If only, I could learn that from you!
“Is someone very angry?” She asked jokingly
“Angry? That’s not even close to what I feel now” He hinted
but was sure that the inside message was not received at the other end
Megha was thinking what to respond to him when Mohan asked
“What was Cookie saying?”
“That’s her new vocabulary in ‘d’ series” She laughed and
asked “Want to listen more?” She lent the receiver to Nanhi who continued her
enthusiastic talks “Dooooo-daaaaaa… Uuuuoooooo…”
When Megha took the receiver again Mohan said “Cookie talks.
She must be a big girl now!” She felt his ache and wished she was near him to
heal it.
After a moment of silence she asked hesitantly “Is it good
time to talk?”
She appeared to disconnect at the slightest note of
discomfort in him. And he wanted to grab the opportunity instantly and jump out
with excitement. Instead he went around his bed and rested himself in a relaxed
position. “Just perfect” He said. With a sigh of relief she relaxed on the
other side too.
“I have bought a mobile phone” She said
“Congrats!” It was only then he checked her new number on
his phone
It was only for a moment they seemed to be in loss of words
but soon they were lost in different talks. They talked about everything - Megha’s
career in Alibag, Mohan’s business in Mumbai, the place Alibag, friends at
Alibag. Mohan never stopped asking everything about Nanhi - her activities,
growth, etc. They conversed as if they had never been away from each other.
They joked, laughed, fought about anything and repeated the
same on different topics not going short of words. But for the whole time they
talked nothing personally; none about their feelings for each other. Whenever
their conversation took direction to share something intimate, they just went
silent for some time. But that silence didn’t bother them from picking up
another thing, just casually, to prolong the talk further. It just went on and
on, only to continue till the next morning.
It was only when they felt the sun rays hit their rooms they
realized what they were doing. Mohan remembered Megha’s fresh face opening the
door, when he reported for his Nanny duty. She recollected Mohan’s young face
brightly lit from his exercise, when he knocked at her door. They smiled at
their own sweet memory down the lane.
“Good morning, Ma’m” He said stretching himself on the bed
“Good morning, Mr. Nanny” She responded with a smile
“Mohan, actually I called you to say something” She said in
a low voice embarrassed that she hadn’t arrived at the main part of the phone
call yet
“Tell me, Megha” He took hard efforts to suppress his
anxiety
Her anxiety increased hearing his sweet call of her name.
“Thank you!” Her voice reflected the gratitude she expected to express
Mohan didn’t miss to catch it. “You are most welcome. But
what is it for?” Though it wasn’t what he expected to hear, he was happy to connect
with her personally
“I knew that you paid the first payment for the house. Thank
you. ” With great efforts she maintained her emotions steadily
When she first got to know about Mohan’s payment, it was not
anger or humiliation she felt. She felt a mixed of strong emotions which she
couldn’t define exactly. She was surprised to see her own feel of security, for
the first time after many months. She couldn’t stop herself from calling Mohan
the moment she learnt the truth.
Though she had been in Mumbai for the past few weeks, she
didn’t know how to meet or call Mohan. She was tired of trying to find a reason
good enough to connect back with him. She didn’t want to jump into the
conclusion immediately just because she had feelings for him. She had to know
for herself whether he had the reflection in him as well. And she just needed a
starting point to find that out all on her own.
Mohan was shocked at first and when he sensed that she was
not upset, his lips curved in a pretty smile. Though he didn’t understand her
reaction to the situation completely, he was satisfied that it gave a reason
for her to call him. “If you remember correctly, I owed you that” He said
“But you paid back in full, with your services, Mr. Nanny”
She teased
“You were too good not to charge me for the house rent” He
chuckled
“Oh yeah! I didn’t consider that. I will make a note of it
when I repay it. Now I think you owe me back my ‘Thanks’!” She surprised him
with her quick check on her expenses
I am indefinitely
indebted to you! He thought but said “Any time. Thank you” And added after
a pause “for calling”
When Megha disconnected the phone finally, she found her own
blush spreading across her cheeks. She didn’t realize she was capable of doing
something like that. She felt happy about her own change. She knew that she
hadn’t progressed much in expressing her feelings but she thought that as a
good start. I will be there soon! And
she also realized that she hadn’t informed him about her staying in Mumbai.
After the phone call, Mohan was excited and his enthusiasm
was so evident to Jijibua. When he found her sitting on the couch reading the
morning paper, he lied down on the couch laying his head on her lap.
“Isn’t it a beautiful morning, darling?” He asked his aunt
She didn’t ask what was
happening to him. She knew she would get to know it eventually. So she casually
replied “It is as usual a dry morning. I don’t see any beauty in it, dear” She
affectionately stroked on his hair.
He ignored her mockery and started talking as he relaxed in
her pamper. Nothing made sense to Jijibua but she found them all to be sweet
nothings. Amidst his blabbering her blurt out Megha’s name. This was the first
time after he came back from Alibag did he mention her name to his aunt. She
didn’t miss to make the connection with her nephew’s enthusiasm.
“So, this is all Megha effect, on my little Monu!” She
teased much to Mohan’s blush
The week started with much excitement to both Mohan and
Megha. They cherished their sweet moments as passionately as they got involved
in their job. Mohan got busy in his office dealing some troubles with the
deliverables while Megha was occupied in evaluating her works made for her
clients.
Late in the afternoon, Mohan’s secretary walked in to his
office.
“Sir, some new vendor wants to meet you”
“Anita, have them meet the Manager” He said
“But they insist on meeting you”
“They have to wait then” He was still occupied in his work
“Ok Sir. I will inform them” She ushered a folder on his
table and left
Mohan took a glance at the folder as she left. Curiously he
started studying it. He stopped at the colorful page displaying a painting of a
temple under the sunrise. It was Megha’s portfolio.
Chapter Seventeen
Mohan jumped out of his plush chair and his instant thought
was to run, looking for the feast of his eyes. But he found his foot unmoving
and his body stiff and still. He couldn’t get himself to do what he wanted him
to do. His body just fell back onto his chair, as if lifeless. He didn’t know
what to expect but he was prepared for the best of his moments. But why is she here in the office that too
with her portfolio?
He quickly tapped the button on the intercom asking to send
the new vendor inside immediately. He hoped it wasn’t any dream or any false
ring. To ease his own self and to maintain his cool, he focused his thoughts
back into the portfolio, staring at the pages, and frozen on the page where his
bike smiled at him with its beautiful painting.
“May I come in, Mohan?” He heard the voice but not the one
that he expected
He raised his head to find a beautiful young woman smiling
at him. It wasn’t Megha.
“Oh Hi, Priya!” He said trying to hide his disappointment
“Have I caught you at the wrong time of the day?” She asked
without removing her smile
“No. Not exactly” He murmured something to himself
Priya ignored his complaints and sat on one of the seats in
front of him. She still had the refreshing smile put on her face. In other
times Mohan would have appreciated it and would have complimented her elegant
look. She looked pretty and attractive in her knee length pleated skirt and a
sleeveless top. But nothing seemed to distract Mohan’s mind.
“Mohan, I got a wonderful idea for the interiors of our new
showroom center” Priya sounded excited
“Priya, can it wait?” Mohan asked impatiently
“No Mohan. I have to talk to you now and take some decisions
immediately”
“Is it that urgent?” His question was rather irritating
“I don’t know why you act this way but I am sorry to bug
you. But I can’t help it” Priya wasn’t smiling now
He felt like running out at that moment ignoring anything
from Priya but he raged at his own body for not helping him. He had to give up
or else it would only delay his visit with Megha, further. So he decided to
finish the job with Priya first.
He breathed in trying to stay calm and said “Ok. Tell me”
Priya put her smile back and started her business. She
explained her ideas for the new showroom center and how she had chosen some
vendors for the interior works. Though Mohan tried to focus on what she was
saying, it was doing good only to keep his eyes on Priya but his mind
elsewhere. Finally when Priya finished it was half an hour past the moment when
his secretary had left the portfolio on his table. He prayed that Megha was
still waiting.
“So, what do you
think?” Priya asked her eyes expressing the curiosity
“About what?” Mohan asked frankly not having any idea about
what she was asking
“Uffoo Mohan! About the ideas for the interior works”
“I think we need some time before deciding on anything”
Mohan thought of buying time to best suit the situation instead of agreeing or
rejecting anything without knowing what it was about
“But Mohan…” Priya dragged hesitantly “I was so impressed
with these ideas that I committed for the work” She looked at his changing
expression and added “I was sure that you would like it as well”
Mohan wasn’t upset with Priya’s proactive decisions but he
cursed the timing with which she had arrived with her understanding about him.
He wouldn’t have had any problem with her attitude but then it seemed too much
to handle for him. He sighed and was troubled with his own attitude towards
her. He rubbed his forehead and bit his lips in frustration.
“Sorry Priya. I wasn’t focusing. So what do you want me to
do now?” He asked trying to focus again
“Nothing. Just stay here and be with me for a while” She
said and stepped out
When she came back, she was followed by a pretty young
woman, who looked stunning in her formal Capri pants and tucked in full sleeved
shirt buttoned up neatly. The dark gray pants and the white collared shirt made
her look like an executive who just stepped out of a Conference room. Mohan
wasn’t stunned by any of this outlook of the woman but was bowled by the woman
herself. He didn’t expect to see Megha in his office like that.
“Meet Miss Megha Vyas, our new vendor” Priya introduced her
to him
Megha wasn’t as shocked as Mohan. When she first met Priya
in her studio, she wasn’t aware of what she was getting into. She knew that
Priya was impressed by her art works and wanted to get something done for her
new venture. Megha was glad to have found a new business after her few weeks of
stay in Mumbai. She couldn’t help thinking about Mohan and his reaction if he
found her building up her business in Mumbai. But the pleasure of her
imagination lasted only for few minutes until Priya handed her visiting card
that carried a logo same as that of Mohan’s company.
A mixed of emotions ran through her, confused whether the
pleasure or the fear, which was taking precedence over the other. But she
happily agreed to visit Mohan’s office for a confirmation before the kick-start
of her job. As Megha reached the office earlier than Priya, she was met by the
secretary who took her portfolio as an introduction.
For the past minutes Megha was nervously awaiting her fate;
her job or her future with Mohan, to come affront of her, in whatever way. It
was only when she saw the look on Mohan’s face that she sensed there may be
something that she was unprepared for. He was either unhappy to see her there
or not interested to take her into the job. She didn’t know why but she didn’t
like either of his thoughts, if that was what he was thinking. She wanted him
to be in shock of amusement to find her close to him. That’s all!
Mohan was surprised in many ways. He wasn’t concerned
whether he was amused or shocked to find Megha in Mumbai and in his office and
on a job deal with his company. He was just happy for whatever it was, to see
her close to him. It took a little while for him to calculate things and what
Priya was saying. Finally when he did, he breathed out a sigh of relief. He
smiled. That’s all he could do with all his capacity.
“I know you have better manners than this to greet a lady,
Mohan” Priya teased Mohan’s sitting position, unknown to any of the facts
running between the two people in the cabin
“Hello!” He stood up stretching his hands which Megha took
gently. Even after a firm handshake, Mohan didn’t release her hand, for fear of
losing the feel of her soft skin in his.
“You look shocked” Megha said
“I’ve been attacked by ‘strangers’ recently” He curved his
lips in a teasing smile
“Don’t worry. I am not here to ruin your paintings” She
looked around the wall hangings in his cabin
“I will be more than happy to get them replaced, if they
come from your studio” Mohan smiled pretty at her, making her blush with his
compliments
“So, is she the one from Alibag?” Priya put things in place
to relate their familiar conversation and laughed out loud saying “What a small
beautiful world?!”
“Yes it is! Beautiful!” Mohan meant it making Megha blush
more
“Before we lose ourselves in the beautiful world, can you
tell me when I can start my work, Sir?” Megha raised her brows questioning when
her phone rang. She sounded urgent on the phone.
“Anything urgent?” Mohan was not ready to let go of the
moment
“Yes Sir. I just received a call from my daughter’s Nanny. I
may need to go”
Mohan just then realized the world in front of him. His
world with his Cookie and Megha in it. But something pricked him instantly
“Nanny?” He asked
“Yes. Nanhi got a special affection for male Nannies after
you. I found a good one” She said smiling at him. She then turned to talk with
Priya for her work details
Mohan was lost in his thoughts and the instant he thought
about the unknown face of the male Nanny, a prick of jealousy hit him.
Chapter Eighteen
Megha’s nervousness faded only when she reached the parking
lot in Mohan’s office, after their much awaited encounter. She knew she had
long way to go before she could confess her feelings to him. I have to know him better! Though she
didn’t expect any major outcome from their meeting, she prayed to go through
it, without spoiling the moment with her anxiety. And yes, I did it! With closed fists, she shivered in action
closing her eyes.
“Are you alright?” She sprang open her eyes as she heard the
voice close to her ears. In a flash of the moment, the breeze was so mild but
strong. She must have needed it, because she caught a dust particle in her eyes
accidentally, to close them shut again.
“Mohan!” She turned abruptly, dashed into his arms with
closed eyes and he caught her around her waist in perfect time
“Megha!” He said in a husky voice, an effect of being in
close proximity with her
When Megha rushed out, after informing her work details for
the next day, Mohan couldn’t register anything immediately. It all seemed like
a vague memory one moment and in the next he found himself following her. He
found her near a scooterette and watched her from afar before closing the
distance in swift steps.
“You ok?” He asked again not letting go off her
“Something fell in my eye” She said with efforts to pull out
a voice from her
She liked being held by him that close and she wanted to see
his face. She opened the other eye as if in a wink and looked at him with a
tilted head, biting her lower lip. He was focusing on the hurt eye, trying to
open it for blowing dry air. She found him amusing with his cheek just an inch
away from her lips. She had a sudden urge to kiss him and run from there.
But she asked “Is your tongue clean?”
That odd question took him off-guard and he moved away
urgently. He felt guilty as his thoughts too were wandering around kissing her
eyes, when she stood near him, with her eyes closed.
“Pardon!” He said hiding his embarrassment
She chuckled and then burst into laughter lost in her own
thoughts. When he gave a confused look, she said “I watched a movie where the
hero licks the heroine’s eyes to clean the dust”
Both laughed out loud but inside they were tickled with
sensation of feeling the other, close to their own body as their imagination
took them to the scene.
“Hope to see you tomorrow” Megha said diverting her
thoughts, as she positioned her scooter for the ride
“Of course we will see each other” He said as if he had
thought about it already
“Do you visit the showroom site often?” She asked trying to
hide her curiosity to know
He then realized that she would be working from the site and
not from his office. Ignoring his disappointment he said “I would be needed
there now”
She waited for him to add more and when he didn’t, she said
“We’d like you to visit us!”
He understood the ‘we’ and was excited to be part of it
again.
“I’m still wondering whether this is all a dream” He said
frankly
She pinched him hard on his arm that made him scream. “Believe
it for real, Prince Charming!” She refreshingly was unselfconscious when she
did that and that surprised Mohan. Did
she know how pretty she looks doing those acts?
When she left leaving a note with her address in it, he
found himself alone and desperate to follow her immediately. He managed to push
through the day with his focus at work.
As he drove near Megha’s house in the evening, he got a
glimpse of a baby at the verandah. She was a smiling little angel and Mohan
could hear her giggling, on the road. He smiled as an instant reflex watching
the pretty smile. He knew it. She is my
Cookie!
Then he glanced at the man who was carrying the baby. The
man was in his stylish Capri pants and t-shirt, wearing earphones, smiling with
the baby. With an intense look Mohan found that one of the ear phones was on
the baby’s ears and it appeared that they were listening to something on the
phone.
The moment he laid his eyes on the scene, he was raged in
envy. He couldn’t imagine his Cookie enjoying somebody else company as much as
she enjoyed his. He came to stop the car in front of the house not removing his
suspicious eyes away from the man, who he assumed must be the Nanny.
It was Nanhi who shifted her gaze on the new visitor
entering their house. Her smile didn’t fade away. Mohan involuntarily smiled
back at the pretty doll and outstretched his arms to take her. Just then he
realized that the Nanny was giving a cold stare at him, not letting go off the
baby.
“Hello Cookie!” Mohan said casually approaching the baby ignoring
the Nanny’s stare
“We are not selling any Cookies here” It was the Nanny’s
rude response that made Mohan put on an angry stare back on his face
“I am not talking to you” He tried to hold his temper not
wanting to scare the baby
“Then there is no one you can talk to” The Nanny’s words
irritated Mohan further
“I am talking to the baby”
“She doesn’t talk” Nanny said
“Muuuuuu-mooooo….” Cookie talked
That’s it. Mohan ignored the Nanny. “My darling Cookie! How
are you?” Mohan focused on the baby and he was excited to see the little one
all grown up. He felt fluttering inside him as the baby responded to his
petting with “Gooo-gooo… Duuuu-douuuu…”
Mohan-Cookie duo continued their conversation, as the Nanny
looked at them with pursed lips.
“Come baby, let us go inside” Nanny turned to go inside when
Mohan stopped
“Hey you stop there” His voice was loud enough to reach
inside
“Who is it, Guru?” Megha called from inside
“Someone selling cookies, Di!” Guru said and walked in
carrying the baby
Mohan stood still with his hands on his hips, shaking his
head hopelessly. Megha stepped out and bumped into Mohan who was heading in.
“I’m sorry” Both said in unison
Megha welcomed Mohan in and seated him. He glanced around
the small house which was homely and lively. He was thrilled to be back in his
favorite world where he belonged once. He instantly felt the moment of
agitation and was grinning seeing everything.
Megha took the baby from the Nanny and offered her to Mohan.
As if waiting for those precious moments, Mohan grabbed her but with utter
gentleness. He was contented and was filled with moments of all the missing
pleasure, the baby brought into his world. He felt the soft skin of Nanhi as he
rocked her in his hands and kissed on her forehead.
The moment he started talking with her, Nanhi responded
enthusiastically as if waiting for the first opportunity to get introduced to
him.
“Do you remember me, Cookie?” He dreaded the answer but
still asked
“Boowoooo-meoowww” Her response seemed to say ‘Yes’ to him
Mohan found something being offered in front of him and
lifted his head to find the Nanny throwing the silly angry face at him. He was
holding a juice tray in his hand.
“This is Guru” Megha introduced him
“He is my friend, cook, Nanny and everything” Megha added as
Guru smiled at her proudly
“Hi” Both said
Mohan gave a sharp envious look at Guru who shared an angry
look with him. As Megha glanced at the juice, she promptly grabbed it away from
Mohan’s hands much to his dismay and said to Guru
“Mohan doesn’t drink orange juice” Guru took it away
disappointedly
Mohan gave a confused look at Megha when Guru returned with
a tray of snacks. Mohan was glad for Guru’s hospitality amidst his hatred for
him for whatever reason it was. Megha noticed Guru’s wicked smile as Mohan took
the snack in his hand.
“Come Mohan, I will show you around the house” Megha forced
him to get rid of the snack and pulled him up. Guru went in with a letdown
again.
Though he wasn’t hungry, Mohan was looking at the snack tray
expectedly but went along with Megha.
Time passed without Mohan knowing it. He was involved in his
familiar world of bliss and was lost playing with his Cookie. Guru came in with
two bowls of pudding. He offered one to Mohan and he took the other to feed
Nanhi.
“Give me I will feed her” Mohan asked
“No, it’s my duty. I prefer to do it myself” Guru resisted
Mohan tried not to get mad at him and said in a calm voice
“Guru, give it to me”
“You are our guest. Please eat something” When Guru didn’t
show any fury Mohan decided to obey
He took the bowl of pudding to eat and Megha entered.
“Guru!!!” Megha’s scream made Guru grab away the bowl from
Mohan and vanish from the room
Mohan was astounded by the act he just witnessed. He gave a
confused look at Megha who was holding her face in her palm.
“Sorry Mohan. Guru takes the role of my bodyguard to save me
from bad visitors. And he uses his trick to mix some weird medicine in their
food, so that they don’t come home again”
She controlled her laughter as Mohan’s eyes rolled in utter
shock.
Chapter Nineteen
“Am I safe here?” Mohan asked doubtfully when Megha went on
explaining Guru’s tricks played on many other troublemakers in the past
Though Mohan found it unbelievable, he took an immediate
liking to the protective instinct of Guru. He was amused with Guru’s story.
When he was a child, Guru met Megha’s parents in their village. He was the son
of their house helpers. When they asked him, he immediately agreed to join them
to the city. They put him into school and he returned their favor by doing his
side of help to their family. He was like a brother to Megha. Though they both
of the same age out of respect Guru calls Megha ‘Di’.
When Megha eloped, it was Guru who was the most upset and
was looking for her everywhere. It was only when she moved to Mumbai, did she
reveal her details to her parents. Guru didn’t delay anymore to join her and
came to stay with her, doing everything for her.
Mohan respected Guru for his strong support to Megha but
when it came to Nanhi, he still envied Guru the most. He held his grudge to
himself and decided to fight it as need be. He kept on throwing staring glances
whenever Guru took over his affectionate gestures with Nanhi.
“Guru is going to the evening college doing his MBA. I
didn’t want him to discontinue his studies because of me” Megha said with pride
They were sitting and talking like good old times. It was
only that Megha seemed to be lot more outspoken without guarding her own. Mohan
didn’t miss to catch this change in her and found it refreshingly new and adorable.
He had known to lose himself in love once but now it was the time he found
himself again. If it’s anything possible,
then am falling for her, all over again!
“So you could still do with another Nanny shift?” Mohan
hinted at her
“Yeah, I could. If I get someone as good as Guru” Megha
squinted in tease
He wasn’t offended “May be my boss is forgetful! I had set
the standards” He shrugged his shoulders
They shared a moment of understanding silence which was
disturbed by Guru
“Di, dinner is ready”
“You are such a darling, Guru!” She hugged him
affectionately and turned to invite Mohan
“Will you stay for dinner?”
Mohan was silently observing the scene and said with a smile
“I thought I will get to eat your traditional cooking”
Mohan and Megha remembered the special breakfast prepared by
Megha and laughed at their reminiscence. Guru gave a confused look at them.
“Now I am better. Thanks to Guru, my cooking guru” Megha
said patting on Guru’s shoulders
“You have talent only for your painting, Di! Don’t refer to
me as your teacher” Guru bantered with her and for the first time Mohan agreed
upon something with Guru
“I am with you, Guru. If at all she comes to us for
recommendation in cooking, she is for a wrong asking!” Mohan joined Guru’s
tease against Megha’s cooking
Guru and Mohan slapped their upraised palms, in elation.
Megha ignored their teasing instead enjoyed they getting along after their
initial malaise.
But when the food was served, Mohan took his guards on
against Guru. It was only when Megha approved it, did he start eating. He
couldn’t help but appreciate Guru’s skills in the kitchen.
“We would make a good team in the kitchen, Guru” Mohan
praised to which Guru gave a shy smile
Guru had to give up his time with Nanhi to Mohan, on Megha’s
request. But he didn’t bother to leave them alone. He sat down with his study
books as if reading but intently evaluating the visitor, guarding his lovely
family.
Mohan took full advantage of his time with his Cookie and
didn’t spare a minute of hers alone. He played, laughed, jumped and tried all
stunts with her. The new footsteps of Nanhi amused him and he followed her
wherever she took him in and around the house. Nanhi too enjoyed the whole
attention she received from her new admirer. She appeared to be a sweet kid,
who got attached to anyone in ease but with Mohan it seemed to be mutual and
deep. She showed her newly acquired skill of walking in pride and boastful.
It was long after dinnertime, Mohan left Megha’s house,
still not wanting to leave. But he was in high spirits and elated when he
reached home.
“I want details” He was alarmed by Neya’s strong voice
echoing in their living room
“Where are you?” He couldn’t find her in his visible range
“Do the magic, then I will appear” She said in a giggling
voice
“Hey Sweety, I am home!” Mohan’s eyes twinkled in tease
“Wrong magic code!” Neya’s response made him chuckle
“Sweety, I have got your favorite chocolate” Mohan displayed
the box of chocolates
“Smart approach but still wrong magic code!” Mohan couldn’t
suppress his laughter anymore. He was in a playful mood thanks to Neya’s
refreshing pranks
“Ok, I give up! I am in love all over again” Mohan knew that
this should work and it did
“Magic worked!” Neya popped in front of him grabbing the
chocolates from his hand. She didn’t wait a minute to unwrap it and she began
her next mission
“Welcome home, Devdas! So, how was your day with Paro?” She
held a rolled up paper like a mike in front of him and interviewed
“Do I look like a Devadas now?” Mohan countered her question
“Actually not! You look lot happier to be one” She smiled
prettily and hugged him affectionately
“Now I don’t blame her for keeping you away from us. But
that’s only if you return home this happy everyday” She added with her mouthful
of chocolate
“Now now now! Will I get my chance to talk to my darling
nephew?” Jiji joined their humor
“Anything for my darling aunt!” Neya continued her dramatic
tone extending the pretend mike to Jiji
“I am very happy for you, son” She kissed on Mohan’s
forehead who was still beaming in excitement
“I know you will be, darling” He returned his affection with
a warm hug
The two lovely ladies sat down drilling out all the details
from their handsome young man, who was radiating in love and opening up slowly.
After a non-stop interview session, a tired Mohan hit his bed, instantly to
fall asleep.
Jiji’s heart was contented seeing Mohan glowing in
happiness. She knew that Mohan was never a dull person but when he was happy,
it showed in every act of his. His joy was so contagious that everything around
him appeared to be cheerful. She wanted the merry around him to spread across
and last forever.
Jiji remembered her own merriment when she was in love with
the man of her dreams. If only things had turned out well she would have had
him with her now. Her brother, Mohan’s father, protected her in his affection,
like her own father. He demanded Jiji’s lover to hold a steady job instead of
roaming around aimlessly. Jiji’s lover being a king of his own world never bent
for any rules. He was raged with her brother and walked off, to prove himself.
But he never returned back to her world.
She knew well, that he had good intentions but wasn’t sure
why he had taken so long. But she held her hopes for him and never stopped
waiting for him, even after continuous efforts from her brother to have her
married. She took the sole pleasure of upbringing her niece and nephew, and led
a happy life in her own way, waiting for her man. She had never forgotten her
love and she believed that it would bring all the madness one needed to unfurl oneself
across the universe.
Her love story and romantic heart never failed to impress
Mohan and Neya. They held high respect and affection in their hearts, for their
beloved aunt. They found her to be the happiest person not because she had the
best of everything but because she made the best out of everything. Neya took
her aunt as her inspiration and was awaiting her Prince as strong and arrogant
as the man in her story.
Jiji was glad that Mohan hadn’t needed to wait forever like
her. It wasn’t that she was leading a sad life waiting for her man. She had
chosen the path of her life and had been happy in her course with her positive
attitude. It was only at a moment like this, she missed him badly, where she
missed the joy of spreading the happiness around.
“Don’t you think we should meet the reason for this joy?”
Jiji asked Neya
“Definitely. And I will be ready with my interview
questions!” Neya sounded serious as Jiji shook her head hopelessly at her
silliness
***
When Guru found the same car approaching their house, he was
raging enough to send Mohan away without getting down from the car. He rushed
towards the car shouting on top of his voice
“What do you think of yourself? Why would you want to
disturb us often?” Guru threw the words before he could see the pretty girl who
was on the driving seat.
“Will you shut up?” Neya raged back at him
“Oh!” Guru was spellbound knowing he attacked a wrong person
but he wasn’t ready to apologize seeing the rude behavior of his opponent
“Hello Ma’m! Talk respectfully!” He said in anger
“Hello Sir! Give respect and take respect” She snapped back
“Will you both stop now?” Jiji came in between
“You must be Guru!” Jiji said making the environment
friendly enough to make Guru smile at her
“Do you know me?” He asked eagerly
“Yes, you must be the famous President of India” Neya looked
at him from top to bottom and giggled at her own joke. Guru curved his lips to
one corner in irritation.
“We are here to meet Megha” Jiji announced and stopped the
bantering between the duos
“Guru, what’s happening?”
As Megha came out hearing the noise, Jiji and Neya glanced
at the pretty form of the woman walking towards them, with a beautiful baby in
her arms.
Chapter Twenty
“Megha!” Jiji greeted her in awe “You are beautiful” She
touched Megha’s cheeks adoringly. “She is such a cute doll” She promptly picked
Nanhi from Megha and started pampering the baby
“I am sorry. I don’t recognize you” Megha hesitantly let out
the words
“Didn’t you read my letter of recommendation for Mohan?”
Jiji was amused at the changing expression on Megha’s face
“Are you Mohan’s aunt?” Megha grinned in excitement
“And I am Neya, Mohan’s sweet little sister” Neya intruded
and hugged Megha
Neya immediately created a fondness for Megha. She started
her talks and they appeared to be long lost friends, meeting after years. They
hit it off just like that and crackled together in harmony. Megha had missed
her girl friends from Alibag and she felt Neya filling that empty space for
her.
“Di, I am going to the library” Guru found himself as an odd
man in the group of ladies
“Is that a Toy Library?” Neya joked much to Guru’s
irritation
“You carry on Guru. She will never stop” Jiji rescued him
“She must have escaped from the zoo” Guru murmured and walked
away. Neya didn’t fail to catch his murmur but enjoyed his annoyance
It took less than few minutes for the lovely ladies to get
along with their hosts. Nanhi seemed to be enjoying the coddling received from
her new visitors especially the elder woman. Jiji talked and petted with the
little one, indulging her with her care. Nanhi curiously appraised the regards
she collected from Jiji and was very well attached to her.
Neya wasn’t comfortable with the baby at first for fear of
handling any baby. Being the sweet little innocence, Nanhi slowly won her
accolades as well. Neya was engaging Nanhi with her little games while Jiji met
Megha alone in her room.
“I am very proud of you, Megha” Jiji hugged her lovingly
Megha gave a confused look at her
“I know what you went through and how difficult it must be
for you to acknowledge anyone else in your life” Jiji said
Megha’s eyes guiltily stared at her hands placed on her lap.
She didn’t know whether Jiji would approve of her change of heart. Megha wasn’t
afraid of her past anymore. She was ready to live her life, to support it on
her own and to make it interesting. And she decided not to sit around wondering
about herself instead resolved to do something about it. If she needed to have
Mohan in it, then she was fully prepared for it.
But she only needed the time to know whether Mohan needed
her as well. She wanted to know whether he was ready to go through a life with
her in it. She didn’t want him to offer her anything. She was consciously aware
that she loved him so much. And she wanted him to love her in his own ways too.
Not in obligation.
“Don’t be” Jiji’s words brought her out of her thoughts
“Pardon!” Megha’s face didn’t hide her confusion
“Don’t be guilty, Megha. I am impressed by your
determination and attitude to win your own life” Jiji’s expression said that
she meant every word. She liked the resemblance of her own in Megha. She
believed that problems were common to all. It was only the attitude that made
all the difference. She wished that their attitude towards love and life won,
in every way.
“Thank you…” Megha stretched her words not sure of what to
address Jiji
“You can call me Jiji” Jiji offered
Megha was still moving on her seat in discomfort. Jiji
sensed it and touched her hands that she was staring at.
“You may think that you are vulnerable given the
circumstance but if you listen to your heart, it will tell you how guarded you
were. And you weren’t attracted to anyone that easily” She said mirroring
Megha’s own doubts but with clarity
Megha looked relieved and slowly moved into a comfortable
space with Jiji. But she didn’t say anything in reply. She listened as Jiji
continued
“If this is of any comfort to you, I will tell you one more
thing. More than you need Mohan, Mohan needs you” The abrupt revealing shocked
Megha and she blushed embarrassingly
And she added “May be, he has fears of losing you”
Megha could see things from their perspective and found her
mind and heart clearing up. She recognized the sense of fear in Mohan, which
made him to keep the distance between them. It must have been her own
determination and for her own well-being that he had struggled to hide his own
feelings. She had the answers to all her confusions she had. She smiled at
Jiji, with a sigh of relief. Still she was at loss of words for Jiji. But her
glowing face gave away the words that Jiji needed.
“That’s the most beautiful face I have ever seen” Jiji said
kissing Megha’s forehead and she teasingly added “Glowing in love”
Megha’s blushed cheeks beautified her already pretty face.
“Who is glowing in love now?” Neya entered questioning
“All of us!” Jiji excitedly picked Nanhi from Neya
***
“How is my idea?” Megha asked enthusiastically
“Brilliant!” Priya replied with equal energy
“We make an awesome gang!” Megha said as she clapped her
hands with Priya in victory
“Let’s celebrate. How about a party tonight?” Priya asked
“Am I invited to the party?” Mohan walked in trying not to
sound weird amidst the girls’ gang
“If only you want to sponsor it!” Priya demanded
“I’d love to” Mohan surveyed the work on the table as he
scanned Megha’s outlook from the corner of his eyes
She looked very different that day. May be her shiny and
bright smile gave an added attraction to her. She kept licking her lips amidst
her laughing moments with Priya. It took all his hard attempts not to grab her
into a hug, kissing her smiling lips.
“Megha hasn’t visited a discotheque. So the party is in
honor to accomplish that” Priya announced
Mohan looked at Megha with raised brows as if questioning
her interest. Megha was comfortable with the decision. Little did he know that
her comfort was more to do with him being there with her.
“What are we celebrating for?” Mohan tried to put some
deviation and wanted to take Megha elsewhere
“Megha has got a brilliant idea about the paintings” Priya
started
“Are you not in talking mood today?” He focused his
attention to Megha
He found her excited and energetic but he hadn’t heard her
voice since the moment her entered the room in the new site. He appeared to do
anything to get her talking.
Megha blushed at his comments. “No Sir! Priya might love to
explain the idea in a dramatic way” She winked at Priya
“But I might love to hear it from the horse’s mouth, however
simple it may be” Mohan turned to Priya “Isn’t it, Priya?”
“If that’s what the boss wants!” Priya shrugged her
shoulders giving up
“As this gift showroom is going to cover different sections
for Men, Women, Kids we thought we will have paintings with the respective
audience in mind. For example for the Kids section we can have the painting
split into pieces and put back in a puzzled form” Megha went on explaining her
ideas for every section enthusiastically.
Her involvement and passion showed in those twinkling
sparkles of her eyes. With the satisfaction she achieved through her passion,
her happiness bound to stay forever. And Mohan wished it to be transferred in
every single wall of his showroom. The happiest people one could ever meet were
the ones who care deeply about something in their life. For Megha, Mohan
thought, it was her painting. Mohan imagined the sparkles reflecting in her
eyes, when she was talking about him. Flutter of strong emotions formed inside
him.
“So what do you think?” Megha finished with the glittering
still fixed in her eyes
Mohan nodded helplessly trying to escape the effect of her
eyes on him. Just then his phone rang, saving him for the moment. As Mohan was
engaged on the phone call, Priya and Megha decided their discotheque plan.
“Can we do it some other time? I have something come up”
Mohan said pointing towards his phone
“Ok”
“No”
Both the pretty ladies said in chorus, Megha was agreeing
and Priya denying. Megha tried to politely refuse Priya’s insistence but
finally agreed without any choice. Mohan wasn’t happy either.
***
When Mohan entered the discotheque later in the evening he
found Megha looking gorgeous and laughing prettily. Whoever it was receiving
the smile must have been completely captivated by her beauty, because that was
his state of mood as well. He captured her smile on his lips as well and headed
towards her. But when he scanned through the audience receiving her attention,
a mild ache formed inside him. The young handsome guy who was sitting with
Priya was enjoying the company of the lovely women.
Mohan didn’t expect her to spend a boring time but he didn’t
expect her to have so much fun, without missing him. His smile disappeared.
Before he reached her table, another young man approached the table and was
about to sit with Megha.
“I think that one is taken” Mohan hurried and scooted
himself next to Megha
Just then Megha realized that Mohan was there and her eyes
brightened up further. If Mohan thought she was pretty earlier now he didn’t
find any words to explain the flush of enthusiasm that spread a pretty color to
her face.
“You are here!” She knew it was silly but couldn’t find any
other words to say
“I thought you girls would miss me” His words included both
but his eyes focused only on one “But it doesn’t appear to be”
Megha ignore his sarcasm and focused on his presence next to
her. When Priya insisted on making her wear that party dress for the first
time, she wanted Mohan to see her. It felt strange to her to dress up for
somebody’s attention but she liked the feeling. As she looked herself in the
mirror, she was excited to see her reflection in Mohan’s eyes, like a silly
teenager. But the moment she remembered that he was not going to be there, her
excitement faded away.
As Priya’s friends joined them at the party, Megha’s
enthusiasm picked up and she started enjoying herself, momentarily forgetting
Mohan’s absence. It was only when she saw him she realized how much she had
wished to have him with her.
“Can I sit here?” The last young man joined the group taking
the seat next to Mohan
Mohan moved closer to Megha, their shoulders touching each
other. Megha gasped at the feeling that his touch triggered inside her. He
caught it and felt a tickling sensation inside him too. And when her eyes met
his, they felt something click inside them, like a key turning in a lock
Chapter Twenty One
“What are you drinking?” Mohan checked the non-alcoholic
drink in Megha’s hands and took a sip from it. Megha’s flushing color stayed on
her face, from the moment Mohan joined their table
And Mohan was trying to hide his irresistible feelings,
sensing Megha’s warmth near him. He suppressed the urge to take her away
somewhere else. But then he found the current place a lot safer than being
alone with her.
As they started sipping their drinks, they were involved in
different talks. Megha observed that Mohan wasn’t drinking alcohol. He had
heard from Priya that he had been a teetotaler all his life. Megha was amused
and curious to know his side.
“Why don’t you drink?” Megha asked
“I think the question ‘Why do you drink?’ makes sense and not
the reverse” Mohan chuckled
“But it is surprising that you don’t drink being amidst a
group who does” She asked frankly
“Is that bad? And are you complaining?” He questioned her
“Just curious to know” She was sincere
“Is that all to it?” He asked doubtfully. He was thankful to
the conversation which was helping to keep him diverted from his disturbed mind
and body
“May be to know if you have reservations about others
drinking” She was playing with her glass on the table
“Do you feel like drinking?” He wasn’t shocked but was eager
to know
“Yes, May be!” She was confused and confusing
Megha knew that she wasn’t behaving like herself. She didn’t
want to sit back and analyze but instead wanted to go with the flow. And she
decided to do just that.
“But why?” She sure had confused him
“I don’t know. But you haven’t answered me yet” She leaned
her elbow on the table, resting her cheeks on it
In the process he felt her body even closer to his, touching
intimately. He breathed deep, swallowing the air with great efforts and heaved
a sigh of relief, as he comforted himself to the new position. He tried to
focus on her question and what he wanted to say
“You may find me boring and philosophical” Finally he found
his words
“It’s ok. I think I can manage a boring boss” She joked
“I haven’t liked drinking any time. And I have never liked
what people do getting drunk. Social drinkers are exceptions” He said and
thought of leaving at it but when she waited for him to continue he said
“When I happened to be in a situation, I didn’t like the
pressure around it. I didn’t like the need to belong to the group just to prove
my own or for the fear of not wanting to stay out odd. And when I was able to
handle the pressure, I found it cool to be with them but not be part of them” He
gave a plain look at her unsure whether she was bored or tired. But she was
impressed.
“I want to drink” She finally said
Megha was too much in her control and now she wanted to let
loose of her own. She wanted to break her rules and go after her needs. When
Mohan talked about the outside pressure, she felt that she had too much of
inside pressure that she wanted to release. She had been under control for
quite long that she didn’t know how to lose it. She wanted an aid. She didn’t
think. She grabbed the alcohol glass from the table and before anyone could say
anything, she emptied it.
“Megha, what are you doing?” Priya was shocked
Mohan was staring at her in disbelief. He hoped she was ok.
“I want to dance” Megha didn’t know how things worked but
decided to use the situation in her favor
“Mohan, shall we?” Megha’s blunt request astounded Mohan
“No, I don’t dance” He did not want to worsen her situation
as well
“I am game for it” One of the cool guys in the table offered
his hand
Megha joined the guy much to Mohan’s dismay. As they
appeared on the dance floor a little later, Mohan became restless. He must have
missed the tender emotion, Megha’s nearness gave him. He approached a dancing
Megha politely removing her partner.
Megha appeared to be waiting for the moment. She smiled at
him sweetly. She didn’t seem to be much drunk but didn’t seem to be well in
conscience either. She put both her hands on his shoulders and moved slowly in
sync with the music. He just smiled back in response.
She pouted. She removed her hands just enough to take his
hands and put them around her waist. His smile widened not wanting to
discourage her this time. They showed signs of comfort. But it lasted only for
a while. She leaned into him. He held her more firmly feeling her warmth. They
both felt a shaky breath inside them and the comfort was lost.
Megha snuggled closer to him, and when he closed his eyes,
he knew that he wanted nothing more than to hold her this way forever. They
just swayed, least cared of the synchronization for the music being played.
“Shall we eat something?” Priya’s voice sprang them apart
They moved into the restaurant section. Mohan had no hunger
for food. Megha’s state was no less. They weren’t aware of what was ordered or
what was served or what they ate. They just sensed each other presence and
proximity, silently.
“You look tired. Would you like to go home?” Mohan didn’t
fail to observe the fatigue in Megha’s face
“I will be back” She said and walked away from their table
Mohan was worried when Megha didn’t turn up for a long time.
When he went looking for her and found her at the bar, he panicked witnessing
her state.
“You are drunk!” Mohan was almost shouting
“Am I? How? I didn’t know” Megha was blabbering
Megha actually didn’t know what she was doing. She was
fantasizing many things when she was with Mohan. She either wanted to control
her thoughts or dwell on them. When she passed the couples, who were intimately
enjoying the pleasure of one another, she lost it completely. And the next
moment she found herself sitting at the bar and now talking to Mohan.
“Enough Megha. Come let’s go home” Mohan grabbed her hand
and pulled her out of her seat
She wasn’t stable anymore and she tipped on her heel. Before
she fell, Mohan caught her. He angled his head in annoyance and lifted her into
his arms. He wasn’t irritated with Megha’s behavior but was annoyed with his
own carelessness of not looking for her sooner. She circled her arms around his
neck and nestled in his arms comfortably. His annoyance vanished from his face
and in place he had a satisfactory smile.
It was only when he seated her in his car did he stopped to
think about where to go. It wasn’t too late but her state wasn’t something she
herself would have approved off to be displayed.
“You sure not want to go home to Cookie and Guru” He spoke
to his own
“Definitely not to my home” The image of shocked Jiji and
Neya flashed in front of his eyes and he shook his head
“And to imagine your embarrassment in front of them in the
morning!” His lips curved in understanding smile thinking about Megha’s after
reactions for the situation
His understanding only increased his fondness and care for
her. Hope she understands it soon!
He made the required calls after he decided what he thought
was best for all. First to Jiji to tell the well defined lie which he thought
would make sense
“Darling, I have some important things to work for the new
showroom. I will not be coming home tonight.” With a pause he added “Megha and
Priya are with me too on the work. I will have Guru and Cookie come home, so
that the baby is taken care for the night. Hope she doesn’t miss her mother” He
remembered the sweet chubby face of Nanhi and glanced at Megha’s sweet face,
wondering how they had changed his life
The next call was difficult than he had expected. Mohan was
annoyed but smiled at the scrutiny he received from Guru. Mohan could visualize
the steaming face of Guru through the phone. After answering lot of questions
and raging reactions from Guru, Mohan booked a cab to pick Guru and Nanhi to
drop them at his home.
Finally he informed Priya about the situation and his plan.
When Priya offered to take Megha to her home, Mohan refused it courteously.
Later while driving Megha to his destination he wondered why hadn’t he sent her
with Priya. That would have been the fair choice for Megha. He quizzed his own
intentions doubtfully. He gave a tender look at Megha who was asleep in the car
seat.
“I just want to take care of you, Megha” He believed that in
any other times Megha wouldn’t have let her be cared for by anyone
Mohan carried Megha inside his guest house. She cuddled to
him as he laid her on the bed. She pulled his shirt pulling him down with her.
He struggled removing her hands opening her fingers one by one but she closed
them back one by one to hold it tighter. He let out a chuckle and covered his
face with his hand. He sat on the bed next to her.
“Kiss me” Her voice was so feeble but he heard it
“What?” He was startled
She continued mumbling something else and he wanted to shake
her awake. And he did. But her mumble continued and he didn’t catch any more
words. He must have been stuck with the ‘kiss’ word. He admired her
determination in doing anything perfectly well. She had been the best either
being under control or losing it. He smiled at his own baffled state. He kissed
her forehead.
“Do you think I am taking advantage of your situation?” He
probed himself as if asking her and felt guilty
And that guilt stayed with him the rest of the time. He
covered the blanket on her and separated himself from her. He didn’t want to
leave her alone in the room for fear of her waking up anytime. He stretched
himself on the couch.
He continued watching her sleeping. She appeared to be
secured and peaceful. Part of him ached at the thought of her being so close
yet so untouchable. He didn’t know when he fell asleep.
In the morning, Megha opened her eyes. Even before she
wondered where she was, her eyes set on Mohan who was sleeping on the couch. He
looked like a kid while sleeping. A pretty smiled on her lips. For an instant,
she fantasized about wrapping her arms around him and kissing him, right then
and there.
Chapter Twenty Two
Megha continued to look at Mohan adoringly. She smiled at
her silly thoughts. She felt like a crazy school girl, in crush with her
favorite hero. She blushed and giggled. Then slowly she glanced around the
room. It took time for her to recall the instances from previous night. As the
remembrance of her sitting at the bar stuck, her face turned red in
embarrassment.
She tried hard to recollect anything at all. She felt an
intimate being and belonging to Mohan but didn’t know what it meant. She
thought she was secure and remembered that she was in his arms being carried by
him. She thought she shed her mental inhibitions and remembered that she felt
the dependable care from Mohan. Then she had slept well knowing his solid
presence near her. She squeezed her eyes till it hurt trying to remember more.
Then she remembered something. She had asked him to kiss her.
“Oh no, I didn’t!” She blurted out and covered her mouth
He heard her. Mohan opened his eyes to find Megha dazed by
her own revelations. He jumped awake not sure what to say. He understood from
Megha’s startled expression that she remembered everything. So, I don’t have to tell anything!
“Do you want something to drink?” He decided to keep things
light for her and for him
“What?” She was both confused and angry with his cool
composure and his question
“To drink in the morning” He said and added “You must need
one!”
When he received an annoyed look from her, he realized what
his question must have meant to her. He suppressed his chuckle not willing to
irate her more
“I meant to ask, Tea or Coffee?” He asked explicitly
“I don’t need any” She wanted to be angry with her own but she
snapped at him
“Anything to make you better?” He insisted
“I am feeling better. Nothing is wrong with me” She appeared
to be a child throwing tantrums
But he liked it. He wanted her to be unguarded around him.
Just to be her own so that she shared her emotions with him, in whatever ways
she could.
She was wondering about what he was thinking. She didn’t
know whether the instance and her behavior made a negative impact on him. His
opinion mattered to her. She wasn’t embarrassed and she was thankful for that. What if he doubts my character? It
bothered her most and she raged out her disappointment on him.
“Ok. I making tea anyway” He said and left the room
He saw her walking into the small kitchen after some time.
She looked freshened up but the confusion was still there on her face. He
waited for her to ask something.
“My phone, my bag? Nanhi?” She knew that she was talking
non-linear but didn’t mind correcting it and said “I want to talk to Guru”
He understood. Without saying anything he offered her bag. She
snapped it from him and walked out of the kitchen. When she came back a little
later, the confusion on her face had been fading. He grinned without looking at
her.
“Thanks” She said “But you needn’t have to do that”
“Do you think so?” He asked quizzically
She knew that she didn’t really think that way. She
appreciated his thoughtfulness and how he covered up for her absence. She
couldn’t have forgiven herself if she had known that Nanhi was not well taken
care of. Guru was capable but he might have panicked if things hadn’t turned
out well. And she gave a flat expression in response.
“Are you sure you don’t want it?” He asked drifting the
topic. He moved a cup of tea in front of her
Megha felt guilty for her bad temper. She thought it was
only fair for her to apologize but she didn’t think she could explain her
behavior. Too many things were running in her mind not letting her think
clearly. Anger was the only easier emotion that she could express at that
moment. Before she could do anything stupid she decided to cool her down.
“Thanks” She took her cup and sipped the tea. It was really
refreshing and she felt better.
“I have collected enough ‘thanks’ for a day” He teased and
got a smile as response
They drove back home silently.
Her silence brought many thoughts into him. She must be bothered about the night’s
events and it must be something to do with my presence or my doing. If
something about me is of her concern then that’s a good sign. That’s needed to
bring her closer to me. He thought their closeness grew as the silence wore
on. Anyway we just had our first fight!
He was thinking of a way to make up to her.
His silence bothered her very much. Why is he not talking to me? What is he thinking? Is he upset or
irritated about last night’s events? Or about my temper? Or he’s not bothered about anything at all?
She thought they were drifting apart as she didn’t know what he was thinking at
the moment. We are just not in talking
terms! She was thinking of a way to make up to him.
***
“Good morning baby!” Neya greeted Nanhi who was playing with
her food, on the dining table
She kissed the chubby cheeks of the baby
“Buuu-boooo” Nanhi offered her spoon to Neya
Neya found Guru in the kitchen busy with something
“Mr. President, one coffee” She ordered to annoy him
And yes, Guru was annoyed “Baby doesn’t drink coffee” He
said firmly
“Do I look like a baby to you? Nobody has complimented me
like that. Thanks”
“People compliment fellow people only” Guru laughed at his
own joke
“Ok! Now I will compliment. You both are good kids. So,
behave like ones” Jiji intruded. Their banter had been tiring her since the
time Guru landed with Nanhi, into their home the previous night
"Di! Are you ok?” Guru noticed Megha and Mohan entering. He
found Megha not in her usual spirits
“Good morning Jiji. Hi Neya. I am fine Guru. Hey baby” Megha
finished her addressing and attended to her daughter. Nanhi was cooing at her
with smiles and giggles, as if to say that she missed her.
Mohan joined the scene in adoration for the mother-daughter
duo. Jiji in turn adored her nephew’s spirits flying in ecstasy. She prayed to
see the scene every day in the coming future.
“Do I see some competition in my kitchen?” Mohan asked
looking at Guru
“May be we will have competition in eating” Jiji said
looking at the dishes on the table
“We better be careful before eating anything” Mohan winked
glancing at Megha
“Come Megha, sit and eat. You must be tired from working all
night” Jiji said
Megha was embarrassed by Jiji’s statement and looked
uncomfortably at Mohan, for wanting to see his expression. He was just focusing
on the newspaper not wanting to add to her embarrassment. She wasn’t sure
whether she was relieved or confused.
“Di, I have some work in the college. So, shall we leave
now? I will drop you at home and then go to college from there” Guru joined
them at the table eating his breakfast
“Neya will drop you at college, Guru. Megha and Nanhi can
leave little later. Mohan will drop them” Jiji informed her well defined plan
without seeking any suggestion
Megha didn’t object to her, as she didn’t want to be
disrespectful to their hospitality. Guru didn’t want to say anything against
the affectionate elderly woman. But he turned to give an irked look at Neya who
waved it off with her hand in the air.
***
“I will ride the scooty” Guru offered to Neya. He wasn’t
comfortable sitting behind
“This is my scooty and I will be the only rider. If you want
you can take the ride else do as you wish” Neya threw a purposeful attitude at
him and also added “But remember Jiji darling had asked me to. So you better
inform her if you are going on your own” Neya didn’t want him to go on his own
either. She was just enjoying the fun with him
“Ok. I will take your ride” Guru was angry enough to go on
his own but he didn’t want to offend Jiji
“Hello Mr. President, what are you doing?” Neya stopped Guru
who was trying to sit on the pillion seat with legs spread across both sides
“Sit on one side” She ordered him
“What?” Guru’s irritation and shock was obvious to her and
she controlled her laughter seeing his expression
“Do you think I will let you sit like that?”
They argued but nothing worked in favor of Guru. He was
forced to sit on one side at the back seat throughout the ride. He slapped on
his forehead when people gave strange look at their riding amidst the busy road
of Mumbai. Neya appeared to be enjoying the scene and never failed to laugh at
it every time she remembered it long after she dropped Guru at his college.
***
It was long after Mohan dropped
them at home and went back to work, Megha was still sitting at her verandah
while Nanhi was napping. She was still replaying scene by scene the previous
night’s events. Finally she came to her asking for a kiss part. A new question
stuck her mind.
“I asked him. But did he kiss me?”
She tried to remember but nothing
came to her mind. She touched her lips to see if any answer was there. She
closed her eyes and calmed herself to feel anything inside her. Nothing came
there as well. She wondered whether she had wanted him to kiss her and was it
just mere rambling in her unconscious state.
“How will I know?” She went to
play back the events in her mind again“But why do I want to know?” She quizzed
She recalled Mohan saying that he
didn’t like what people did after getting drunk.
“Did I misbehave? Did I create a
scene?” She shook head getting weird imagination of her misbehavior.She folded her fists and hit her forehead in frustration. “Megha! What a mad fool you were” She chided her own. She was tired but she couldn’t help thinking again.
“Would I be happy to know that he kissed me because he too couldn’t resist his temptation?” She blushed and continued her thoughts “Or would I be happy to know that he didn’t because she didn’t remember it?” She was confused but still wanted to know.
***
Later that day Mohan found Megha
working at the site, measuring and angling her work to fit on the walls. He was
glad to find her alone. She heard the
footsteps and recognized him without turning around. Her heartbeat quickened as
she sensed his presence near her. All her determination to be strong and handle
him face to face had vanished into thin air. Her hands trembled and she stopped
her work.Mohan noticed her trembling and thought of easing her condition. He lifted his hands, outstretching it comfort her but she turned abruptly to blow it away.
“Did you kiss me?” She asked bluntly in a trembling voice
Chapter Twenty Three
Mohan didn’t expect it. He had
always wanted her to be frank with him but he was taken aback by the forthright
attack from her.
“Pardon!” He bought time to think
“You heard me!” Megha toned her
voice better this time
Mohan’s throat went dry, so
offended by the image of him kissing her lips, that he’d forgotten that he
hadn’t kissed her at all, at least in that way. Are you accusing me?
“I know I asked you to. But did
you?” This time she didn’t appear to be accusing but inquiring
Mohan hoped that she only wanted
to know and nothing else intended behind the inquiry. But he wasn’t sure. His
sharp look at her assessed her. Did she
really want me to kiss her then? He couldn’t help thinking about his
troublesome night when she had asked him to kiss her. If only, she had asked
him when she was sober.
He aimed at making up to her but
things took a different turn losing his own resolve. He decided to play his
cool which always worked for them.
“Don’t you remember?” He
intensely focused into her eyes trying to break her firmness
He did shatter her resolve and
purpose. She was suddenly at loss of words. She didn’t know what she was asking
or saying.
“Of course I do” She pulled up
her nerves and tried to stay put with a lie
He got his victory smile and
considered taking it further.
“Then why do you ask me?” He
closed the distance between them, still focusing acutely into her eyes
She stepped back making distance,
not expecting the sudden approach of his. He closed it again with his slow
steps and she continued to trace back. Her palm felt wet and she wiped her
hands on her soft jeans. She licked her lips not to lose control anymore than
she already had.
“I just thought if there was
anything else to it” She said with a shaky voice but trying not to lose her
determination
“Was there anything at all?” He
probed her returning her own doubts
“Nothing” She tried a firm reply
but failed
“Are you sure?” He pushed her
further, leaving no space between them
His nose was almost touching hers
and he was staring at her trembling lips. He had been captivated by her
proximity. He wished her to ask him again to kiss her. He again remembered her
asking. He found her irresistible then and now and would forever. He held on to
a vague hope of getting what he wanted.
Megha’s body was shivering
involuntarily. She wasn’t sure what to expect from him. But she was shaking.
She wanted him to take her into his embrace to give her comfort. Puzzled by his
long silence, she looked confused and expectant and yes, a little disappointed
too. Suddenly she wanted to react.
“I don’t remember” She almost
yelled at him “Since I can’t remember why don’t you pretend that you kissed me!
You can tease my weak request and pretend that you have done the kind thing for
me! I will be at least happy that you found me irresistible!” She burst out
amidst her trembling
May be she couldn’t comprehend
the fact that she had been weak and openly requested him. And he had been
strong and closely rejected her. It wasn’t pride rather disappointment that
took over her. Her long beautiful lashes lowered trying to hide her hurt.
“May be now you will remember” He
said softly considering that as an invitation
In that unguarded moment Mohan
somehow felt it right, to respond. He cupped her face between his palms and
tipped it up. Her gaze fell on him momentarily and before she knew, he touched
her lips with his, gently kissing her. He felt her gasp, drawing in a breath
and also felt her body tensed near him. She closed her eyes feeling the shiver
inside her.
Megha slowly lifted her arms to
his chest for his support, at the same time he lifted his head away from hers.
She opened her eyes on her flushed face.
Mohan didn’t wait to watch her
lids opening up and gazing into his. He was annoyed with his loss of control.
He dropped his hands abruptly and whirled around to walk away, leaving her
stunned.
They parted away from each other
carrying an apology in their eyes but without sharing it with each other.
He cursed himself for ruining his
plans of making up with her. Did I go
overboard? Why did I provoke her like
that?
She was annoyed at her own
stubbornness. She was looking for a way to make it up with him and there she
stood fighting against him. Did I chase
him away?
***
Mohan felt a painful grasp
holding onto him. He was too much in pain to bother about which one concerned
him more; either his guilt of forcing a kiss on Megha or the fear of losing
her. After a long thinking when he reached Megha’s home, he was in turmoil of
confused emotions.
To add to his already tired
emotional state, he was greeted by Guru.
“Oh Cookie Man! What brings you
here?”
Mohan ignored Guru’s mocking
comments and asked “I want to see Megha”
“But Di is not at home” Guru
informed
Guru expected Mohan to leave but
Mohan walked past him and went inside the house. The moment she laid her eyes
on Mohan, Nanhi gave a happy and chirpy smile. Mohan forgot all his agony that
he was putting himself through for the past hour. He went and sat near her on
the floor.
“Aaaa-Uooooo.. Moooo” Nanhi
started her talks
“Cookie, I missed you so much, my
dear friend” He gently took the baby on his lap and kissed her forehead
“Muuaahhhh” Nanhi responded much
to Mohan’s surprise
Mohan brought Nanhi closer to him
and his little angel pecked him on his cheeks “Muuaahhh”. Nanhi clapped her
hands in victory as if achieving her aim
“You sure know what I need at the
moment” He smiled at a giggling Nanhi
Mohan let himself slip away from
his tensions, in the solace the little wonder gave him. He was laughing,
playing around his Cookie who was savoring her recognition to the fullest.
Guru was watching their scenes
from the kitchen. When he finished preparing the food, he came to them.
“It’s baby’s dinner time” He
reported and took Nanhi in his arms
“Give me, I will feed her” Mohan
offered
“No. I will feed her” Guru shoved
his hands in the air ignoring his offer
“Guru, I am not in a mood to
fight with you. Let me feed her” Mohan gave a warning look
“Haa! Even if you are in a mood
to fight I am not fighting you”
“Good for you”
Mohan took the food bowl and
started to feed Nanhi. Guru put his hands in front of the spoon blocking its
way to Nanhi’s mouth. Nanhi looked at him with a pout. Guru took another
spoonful and started his feed. This time Mohan blocked its way. Nanhi sulked at
Mohan now. Both the men continued their banter ignoring the brooding mood of
the baby. They started fighting with their spoons.
Suddenly they heard a scream.
Nanhi started her shrill cry, oscillating her head to waver between the two
men, who were supposedly her Nannies.
Mohan and Guru stopped their
spoon fight in the air. Both nervously looked at each other. They immediately
dropped their spoons and started consoling the crying baby. Nothing worked in
their favor. Nanhi continued her sobs.
“Cookie darling, we were not
fighting. Look” Mohan hugged Guru
“Yes baby. This is no fight” Guru
too hugged him back
When Nanhi was stilling wailing,
Mohan kissed Guru “Muuaaahhhh” to get the baby’s attention
Guru was shocked but played his
part as well.
“Yes baby, see… Muuaaahhh” Guru
kissed him back
Both shared an embarrassing look
at each other but that triggered a smile on Nanhi’s face. And they shared a
winning smile. Then they started pacifying her telling that they were just
acting.
They enacted a drama like scene
jumping, rolling, running and flying around the house. This brought a smile on
Nanhi’s face and she started giggling in happiness as her Nannies continued their
dramatic effect to their pretend fight. The drama continued for long with Guru
giving an elephant ride to Nanhi, Mohan doing the piggyback ride and both the
Nannies dancing with their little sweetheart. Nanhi kissed her lovely Nannies
and showered them with all love and affection that she could express.
Mohan was putting the baby to
sleep cradling her in his arms. She was overwhelmed with her game for the day
as she blew a flying kiss at him “Muaahhh…”
“Is today International Kiss Day?
Everyone is in kissing mood!” Mohan joked and laughed to his own
Nanhi gave her sleepy smile
cooing and cuddling to his pampering. Mohan recognized the calmness in his
heart and he wanted him to enjoy the bliss forever. And decided to do whatever
it took to keep it.
A little later, Nanhi fell asleep
on Mohan’s shoulder. Guru and Mohan shared a smile of understanding knowing
their common link and affection for Nanhi. Guru made the bed for the baby while
Mohan placed her gently on it. She looked pretty sweet and lovely, sleeping
with her fist rested on her cheek. Mohan kissed her forehead and lingered in
the scene for a while, before leaving.
***
At the same time when the Nannies were busy at their duty at
Megha’s house, Megha was standing alone at Mohan’s garage looking at her
completed work on his bike.
Chapter Twenty Four
Megha clad in her casual jeans and t-shirt, was standing
near Mohan’s bike, with color palette in one hand and a paint brush in the
other. The scene of her encounter with Mohan in the site flashed in front of
her.
She was lost thinking about him, long after he had gone from
the scene. She felt that something right and perfect just happened. She
lingered in those special moments. She felt her lips fluttering in explicit
emotions. She touched them to savor the feeling.
“I know I could never have forgotten a feeling like that!”
She said to the empty walls
Megha hadn’t doubted his feelings for her even earlier. But
she didn’t understand him well enough in many of his reactions. Now, his soft
plea in the form of his kiss, just confirmed everything about his silence. From
the time he had left Alibag till they met back in Mumbai, she understood every
quiet response of his. If she was ever sure about something then it was Mohan’s
feelings for her. He had expressed his desire for her, aesthetically and
gently.
It was his silence that gave her the time that she needed.
He hadn’t pushed her into this decision but took her there, slow and steady, in
his own composed way. And even in his distance with her, he maintained his
perseverance and dedication for her. She didn’t think she can repay him for his
kindness and tender affection, he had been showering on her, in his own way.
“Is there any way that I can acknowledge my love for him?
Not exactly in words!” She thought aloud
Neya walked in while Megha was wondering about her
confusion.
“WOW! That’s beautiful” Neya’s eyes fell on the painting on
Mohan’s bike
“Haven’t you seen this earlier?” Megha asked casually
“Ever since bro came back from Alibag, he had hidden this
like a treasure” Neya’s eyes twinkled in mocking smile “And now I know why!”
She added
If Megha was blushing already, lost in her thoughts about
her confess, she was now trying hard to hide her extreme reaction to this
adoring news.
“So, what is the plan?” Neya asked
“About what?” Megha was confused
“I heard you talking to yourself” Neya whispered in her ears
as if the empty walls of the garage were listening to them
Megha’s blush increased adding to her beauty. But she was
thankful to her new friend who was making her mood light. The pressure in her
was fading slowly. For the next few minutes, they made their silly girlie
talks. Neya confessed her innocent mischief from her teenage days. Megha
wondered whether Neya had grown out of her sweet adolescence but didn’t tell
her.
As Megha enjoyed their chit-chat, an idea formed in her mind
for her avowing the truth. She thanked Neya for her wonderful company and
inducing the thought she was looking for. Neya was confused but accepted her
compliment proudly.
“I know I bring magic at times” Neya said with pride
“That’s for sure!” Megha gave an endearing hug to her chirpy
friend
***
Mohan was restless, the whole
night after coming back from Megha’s house. He hadn’t met her after their kiss
and that made him crazy. Even if it was to throw her temper tantrums, he
desperately wanted to feel her presence near him. He imagined an angry or
annoyed Megha fighting with him for his behavior.
‘No I love you, No flower bouquet, No dinner date! You straight away jumped
into a kiss?’ He envisaged a picture of Megha throwing her frenzy of rage
at him. He grinned at his own thought.
With continuous thoughts
revolving around her, he wanted to call her. But he stopped doing that when his
eyes fell on her picture in his phone contacts. He remembered clicking that
picture of hers when she was involved in her work at his site. Every time he
watched the picture, his heart skipped a beat and wanted to see her face in
real. He suppressed his urge to call her; either for fear of going mad hearing
her voice or for the concern of not getting a response.
Mohan’s mind wavered into the
special moment of his intimacy with Megha. He hadn’t waited to see her reaction
to his action. He couldn’t let him stay there any more than he wanted. The
moment his lips touched hers, he had lost his control and was amused by the
feeling it triggered. With her silent acknowledgement she had made him feel
like her Prince Charming. He became nervous in that moment and didn’t know what
else he would have done, if he had continued to linger on those moments.
While he waited for the morning
sun to grace his wide opened eyes, it was like an eon. He dressed to impress
and found it strange for his own. He smiled at his own image on the
mirror. As he rushed through his breakfast
time, Jiji watched him intensely.
“Are you ok?” She asked
He was confused by her question
because his aunt had always seemed to understand his moods. “I think so” He
said without giving much thought
“I don’t think so” She said
There she got me, he thought. But he simply smiled at her.
“Whatever it is, it is going to
be fine for my sweet Monu” She responded with her own sweet smile
“Darling, what will I do without
you?” He hugged her affectionately
“You can’t do anything without me
as well, bro!” Neya intruded their peaceful moment
“Thank you, Sweety! You are my
magician!” Mohan petted her softly moving his hands on her head“Do you want to see this?” Neya showed her phone to him
“When did you click this?” He was surprised to see her holding the picture of the painting from his bike
“That’s your smart sister!” Neya lifted her shirt color in pride “But you are not as smart as me” She shrugged her shoulders in mocking annoyance
“What to do? Mom must have saved
all the smartness for you” Mohan chuckled
Suddenly he was relaxed and did
not want to rush things. Neya proved to be a stress-buster to him
“And she saved all the arrogance
for you! I don’t blame Megha for hiding from you” She laughed
“Is that what you described about
me, in your reference letter?” He choked on the juice he was drinking
“You must be smart to have kept
yourself neat in front of her. So, when does she get to see the real you, bro?”
She smirked in triumph
“She is brave! She can handle me”
Mohan smiled in response
“She better. And she is talented
too! Isn’t the painting awesome? I had asked Megha to do something like that on
my scooty too” Neya told
“Oh!” Mohan again was lost in the
thoughts of Megha
“By the way, did you ask for some
changes? She was working late last night” She informed casually
“What changes?” Mohan jumped out
on his chair and grabbed her phone to check the picture
The painting on his bike now had the cage door opened up and
another bird waiting outside. Mohan grinned. His happiness didn’t find its
bounds.
“You are an angel!” He pecked his lovely sister on her cheek
and rushed out.
Mohan stared at the bright colored painting on his bike,
which was smiling at him. He traced his fingers smoothly over it that expressed
happiness in its every single color. He adored the changes Megha has done to
it. He wanted to ride straight to see Megha but decided to meet her alone after
work. He took an exciting ride on his bike to his office.
***
From the moment Mohan landed in
his office, he was bound with endless meetings and reviews of the latest
deliverables. He couldn’t spare a moment of solitude which he needed badly
before seeing Megha. He was in a meeting with his business share holders, when
Megha entered his office. When she walked she heard him being tough on them.
His arrogance in his work was very evident to her, just as she had imagined he
would be in his business world.
When finally Megha was able to
see him in private, it seemed like ages since they talked to each other. Though
he was in a different mood his work brought into him, the moment his eyes met
hers, he sensed a shift in his state of mind. They stood smiling into each
other’s eyes, sharing a moment that sent their thoughts in similar directions.
They immediately missed the feeling of being intimate and the belonging together.
He wanted to say something and she wanted to say something.
“Megha”“Mohan”
Their lips curved in a smile when they addressed each other at the same time.
“Am I bothering you?” She asked
“You bother me very much” He
meant differently“I will not take much of your time”
“Oh really?” He mocked a
questioning look at her
Mohan walked towards her and they
stood within arm’s reach. She looked gorgeous in her simple jeans and bright
colored tops. He longed to take her hand in his but controlled his cravings. He
waited for her to say something and when she didn’t he filled the gap.
“I saw the change you have done
to the painting on my bike. It’s beautiful” He said wanting to talk to her
something
“My work needs happy clients” She
said with a smile“That I am” He smiled back and asked “Do you want anything?”
“Yes, you” She said without thinking
He was taken by sweet surprise. He wanted to be anywhere but there in his office cabin. He shared his beautiful grin with her and asked “I meant, anything to drink. Tea or Coffee?”
“Oh… t..that?” She stuttered. “I have something to say” She said firming her voice. When she finally readied herself after a pause, she added “But before I could finish what I have to say, I may be lost in my own words. So I wrote something for you instead”
She handed an envelope to him.
When he took it from her, their hands touched, passing a shiver inside them. He
gave a confused look at her and then the letter. He started to open the
envelope.
“P..Please don’t” She interrupted
“Please don’t open it in front of me. Open it after I am gone”
Mohan never once cut into her
talking or thinking. He just observed her saying through words or through her
eyes or through her entire body. He decided to wait before he said anything at
all to stop her.
“For whatever you decide,
remember that these past few days meant a lot to me. Thanks. And this is for
you” She pushed a gift, wrapped in a red ribbon into his hands.
With that said and done, she gave
a quick hug to him, turned and walked away. Mohan didn’t even find the time to
hug her back. If he had had it, he wouldn’t have let her go. Before he realized
she was gone.
“Megha” He called to the empty
room where he stood alone, frozen
He opened the letter and saw that
it started like
“Dear Prince Charming”
Chapter Twenty Five
“Dear Prince Charming”
The words flew into his ears through Megha’s own voice. Mohan felt her
whispering those phrases, as he read the letter. He felt the jitters inside
him, as his body still lingered on her quick hug that left her warmth on him.
I would like to take
leave for the next two days. Please consider this leave letter for approval of
my absence, boss!
“W…What?” Mohan uttered out in a loud voice as he continued
I know you must be
shouting through the empty room! Just to get you relaxed. Must be an effect of
Neya on me! Mohan of course relaxed and laughed out loud at those lines. He wondered how she had managed to ease him out with her simple mischief. He slackened himself onto his chair and continued to read.
Do you remember the day we met on the small lane of Alibag? I know you do but do you know that I remember that day as clear as if it happened just now? And how it affects me every time I recall it? May be, you know! But not as much as you think so. Do you know, Mohan? How much you interested me! How much your smile excited me! How much anything that matters to you mattered to me!
Open the gift then you
will know it!
Mohan opened the gift and was sweetly shocked with what he
found there. It was a framed picture of him! A pencil drawing portrait of him!
Megha had even used a color for the portion of his shirt; the same color that
he had worn on the day of their meet in Alibag! His startled expression just as
fixed as it was on him when he ruined her painting!
Mohan swallowed hard trying to compile his state of
emotions. A shiver of joy unfurled his senses knowing the depth of Megha’s love
for him. She had beautifully expressed it. How his face had been imprinted in
her mind and heart; how he had affected her from the moment they laid eyes on
each other; how she had been thriving to let him know what her heart wanted.
He was dazzled with pleasure and his eyes glared from the
tears of happiness. He wiped it off to resume the letter
I know you will open
the letter first. Right now my thoughts are filled with you, without holding
any reservations. I love to know why I feel that you see only me when you smile
at me; I love to know why I feel that it is all I that matters to you at those
times; I love to know what is on hold in your present, my present and our
future together! I love to know why I love you by loving you for the rest of
our lives!
Mohan paused his reading. He was engulfed with her emotions
and his own. He took a deep breath and realized that he wasn’t breathing at
all, through her letter. He missed her so badly.
I know it has become
too sentimental for you to handle. Let me ease it out for you. We have a business
to deal with, stranger! I realized that you truly care for me and not
sympathize with me was when I found out that you had paid the first payment of
the house. I didn’t feel offended about it, as I thought I would be. This
showed that I have loosened my guards around you and not being judgmental. But
that doesn’t go to say that I will enjoy your services without repaying it.
Here is the amount returned with interest, to even out our deal.
Mohan found another envelope which had a cheque for some
amount. Also there was a detail of the amount calculation. His shoulders shook
hard as he laughed at the note there. Megha had used less interest quoting his
rental and food charges during his stay, as deductions.
“What a woman!” He thought aloud laughing at her humor but
still holding a pride for her self-respect
Now that you have
laughed enough about my trading skills, can we get back to our business, Prince
Charming? I mean my Prince Charming! And now you know where to find me! We will
be waiting! I am not waiting for you to come back and make us happy. But I will
make ourselves happy waiting for you. But don’t forget that we will be missing
you till then.
When Mohan finished the letter, he thought he couldn’t be in
love any more than this. He felt like flying in the air and that’s what he did
as he sped up on his bike to Megha’s house. As he neared her house, his
instinct told him something else. Without even arriving at her house, he veered
off course and headed towards Alibag.
***
Mohan walked into Megha’s house in Alibag. The first sight
that invited him was the revamped image of their ‘darling’ painting. He stood
in front of it, admiring its flawed beauty that revealed the beauty of life;
their own life. It showed how imperfectly perfect life could be with simple
things to live for.
His eyes then fell on the pretty form of the woman of his
life. Megha was standing in the middle of the room facing him. She was wearing
an oversized gown that did little to hide her beauty. He then remembered that
it was the one she was wearing when they crossed their paths for the first time
in the same place.
He felt a pride for the woman who was gentle enough to care
about him and strong enough to keep herself away from him. He closed down the
distance between them. All the while he didn’t take his eyes off hers. He
didn’t hesitate to do what he wanted to.
Mohan’s arm slid around Megha’s waist and his lips touched
her ears. His warm breath shivered her sending fluttering inside her. She
turned her face away to escape it from the origin, which brought her lips in
contact with his. His soft kiss was giving and demanding the pleasure. The
stormy rushes of sensation made her gasp, and for wanting of balance, she
rested her hands on his chest. Feeling his grip tightening around her waist,
she clung tighter to him. He shoved his other hand into the hair at her nape,
holding her closer to him, making their body feel just like one. Both were
leaning into each other falling victim to one another.
When they finally managed to lift their heads, they were
flushed with emotions. He rested his forehead on hers, lingering to those sweet
sensation running through him. She licked her lips cherishing the moment for
her own.
“So…” She started in a husky voice “No I love you, no
flowers, and no gifts. Straight into a kiss?” She asked teasingly
He remembered his own thought of her asking the same words
and chuckled. He kissed her cheeks.
“I think we have long crossed those formalities!” He
whispered into her ears making her blush all over again
She hugged him bracing her hands around his waist, resting
her head on his chest
“I will never let you go again” She said amidst her sweet
smile
He hugged her closer feeling her tender warmth “I don’t want
to go. I never did. I love you so much, Megha. I didn’t expect to see this day
in my life. I wake up almost every day with a dream like this”
She lifted her face to look at his yearning eyes and spoke
to them. “I promise you that I am real. Now on I will make sure that all your
dreams come true”
Mohan looked doubtfully at her determined say and asked with
a teasing tone “Are you certain, this is what you want? If you meant all those
things that you said, then this is the last chance you will ever have to get
rid of me!”
Megha pretended to give it a thought and replied as if she
was helpless “Then I suppose we are stuck with each other forever!”
They both laughed. He pulled her closer to him,
possessively. “I am all ready for it, Ma’m!”
“You better think about it! I know you don’t like what people do after getting drunk. I am sure you haven’t liked mine and even may have disliked me at that moment” She said in a mocking serious tone
“I have never seen anyone being so sweet when being drunk!” He gave his sexy smile “And I really wouldn’t mind getting you drunk again, if you want to be” He winked and kissed her again as if to compensate for her asking, when she was drunk
“Are you hungry?” Megha asked when they broke the kiss
"For you? Yes” Mohan didn’t know what he was doing to her
with his sexy flirt“For food!” She said trying hard to ignore his impact on her
“Are you cooking?”
“May be!”
Just then Mohan felt someone pulling his pants. He turned down to look at the sweet offering awaiting him. Nanhi was smiling at him with her little soft hand extended towards him. She was holding a couple of cookies in it.
“Cooo-koooo”
If Mohan was mesmerized by the impact so far, he didn’t know what he was going through now. He touched his chest taking in the serene scene into his heart. He carried the little joy of bundle into his arms and kissed her soft chubby cheeks.
“You sure are my lucky Cookie!”
Megha joined their kiss, making the scene complete. With one hand around Megha and the other holding Nanhi, he didn’t know whether he had any space inside him for any more happiness.
Mohan-Megha love journey
begins... J
You will never be happy if you
continue to search for what happiness consists of. Happiness is not for others
to see but for one to be! Don't wait around for other people to be happy for
you. Any happiness you get you've got to make yourself.
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