Ripun came downstairs to the lawn. The mansion was like a huge palace but Ripun was able to make out which corridor would lead her outside to the lawn as she often spend her time watching the beautiful lush green plants and flowers. When she came where Charles was sitting, she felt as if he had chuckled after murmuring something. She said"Good Morning Mr. Charles!"
Chalres looked up at her face and said, "Good Morning dear. Why don't we drop the formalities and call each other by our names directly? "
Ripun just smiled and said nothing. She was not looking in his eyes as she had not gotten over the incident that made her embarrassed. Seeing her, Charles thought of changing the topic and said, "Ripun, I asked Maya about your family's well being. She might be able to show the glimpses of them. I guess it will lessen your worries until you find your way back. "
Hearing this, Ripun had tears of happiness in her eyes but she controlled them.
"Thank you so much."was all she could say to the lord.
"I would like to take leave now as I have got some issues to deal with. Maya will meet you in a short while. "said Charles and gave her cup of tea while leaving.
Ripun kept on watching him going. She was happy that she met a kind person who helped her so much .Things could have turned ugly if she hadn't met him. She didn't know anyone here. So she felt the warmth staying under his wings.
Ripun took bath and waited for Maya to come. Meanwhile the maid served her breakfast in her room only. Someone knocked at her door. Ripun was very excited as she was wondering how her family would be.Maya entered. She had a mirror in her hand which was no big than a medium size tray. It had a black wooden frame with flowers embedded on it.
"Good noon, Ms. Ripun.... how are you? "asked Maya.
"Hi...I am fine. Thank you. Lord Charles told me that you will be able to show me images of my family."exclaimed Ripun cheerfully.
For a moment Maya looked at her face and said, "Aa Yes.... I was trying it for a few days seeing you anxious.....I'm glad it worked out well but I would say.... umm... it would be better if you don't see this."
Ripun got anxious seeing her expressions as Maya was a calm and composed person who wouldn't joke around. She asked nervously, "wwhh.... What happened? "Maya kept the mirror on the table towards her bed side and lighted a candle in front of it.
She said, "I just didnt want to make you sad.... no, not only sad but more than that.... "
Meeting her almost everyday, had made Maya a bit attached to her.
Ripun said, "Whatever it is Maya, I would like to see. Please don't make me anxious and show me what you can. "
"Alright,as you say", said Maya and started enchanting some spell using her hand gestures...
After some time, the room lit up with a bright light and surprisingly Ripun could see an image of her world in the mirror. She went closer and she saw her mother and son sitting and watching t.v. together. They didn't seem unhappy. She looked at Maya and she said, "The letter that I had sent, your husband used it to assure them that you are out on a trip. " Hearing this, Ripun smiled but Maya continued speaking, "But there's something more you should see which might make you upset. "
As soon as Maya moved her finger on the frame, the mirror showed her husband. He was with another woman in a hotel room.He didn't seem affected as Ripun was expecting.
For a moment Ripun couldn't believe her eyes. She felt as her body was numb.
She got lost in her thoughts.
"I can't imagine what my life would have been without you, Ripun."said Albert.
"Ahmmm ahmmm..... Am I so special to you?"chuckled Ripun.
"Yes, any doubt??? and he kissed her.
Those moments flashed before her eyes but her heart was still unwilling to believe what she saw until she saw her husband embracing and kissing the woman.Tears started rolling down on her cheeks. Albert and the woman were getting intimate. She couldn't see afterwards and said, "Please stop it,I can't take it anymore ."
Maya clicked her fingers and the mirror turned into an ordinary mirror. Ripun was sitting on the floor as she had received the biggest shock of her life. Tears were gushing out of her eyes like a river. Maya wanted to console her friend but she stopped as she wanted her to cry and let go of the hard feelings which she wouldn't be able to carry in her heart.