Finally, the weekend has arrived. Last week was really a hectic one. But I am so far loving my job except for seeing his face. But there is no choice. Everything can't happen according to my wish. Though the rest of the week he didn't create any scene luckily. Obviously, I also didn't give him any chance to question.
It's Saturday and it's cleaning time. After I was done I took a bath and then I and Dadi have lunch together and that's the thing I love about weekends. Rest of the week me in the office and Dadi stays alone in the house. She might get bored. But on these two days, we spent time together and have lots of fun.
"What are you doing?"
"Just trying to read something."
"Acha, listen do you remember what is tomorrow?"
"Obviously how can I forget mom's birthday?"
"So then you also remember that we go to the temple on this day every year."
"Of course."
"So be ready at 8 o'clock."
"Yeah."
"By the way how is your job going?"
"Hmm. Not bad."
"Have your new boss troubled you more?"
He is in trouble.
"No Dadi. Everything is fine. And your granddaughter is smart enough to handle if problems come also. So don't worry."
"Still if he does anything like that I will go, hold his ear tightly and scold him why he is troubling my sweet beautiful 'poti'?"
We started laughing.
"Acha! If he doesn't get scared of you?"
"He will. Don't I look strict enough?"
She asked me with a pouting.
"Not even one per cent. No one can get scared of you because you are so cute and so sweet that if people try to get scared they can't."
"Oh! Hello, don't underestimate the power of your dadi."
She stated with a fake angry face.
"Ok, ok. I am so scared now. Please return me my sweet, cute Dadi."
"Tathastu"
We started laughing hard.
"Ok now go to sleep. It's already late. And we have to get up early tomorrow."
"Okkk." I embraced her.
"Good night bacchu."
"Good night."
As soon as I lay down my phone started ringing.
Arjun Sir! At this time!
"Hello, Ms Roy."
"Hello sir, but you at this time?"
"Why is there any restriction on which time I can call and when not?"
"No sir. I didn't mean that."
Is he really have any mental problems?
"Listen, Ms Roy, you are my PA. So I can call whenever I want and you have to answer me."
"That's ok, sir. But what's the question, I mean the reason for your call."
I said calmly enough.
"Oh yeah. I asked you to prepare the reports of today's meeting."
"Yes sir it was done and I submitted it to your office before leaving. You were not there though."
"Oh, ok then."
"But sir haven't you got the reports?"
"I will see."
"Ok, sir."
"Good night Ms Roy."
"Good night, Sir."
"Bye."
"Bye, sir."
What has happened to him? I wish him good morning every morning, and he doesn't even bother to wish me back. And now good night. Whatever I should sleep now instead of wasting my time thinking about his wishing problem.
*****
Next morning
"Happy Birthday, Ma. I hope wherever you are is happy."
"She is happy if you are happy."
"Ok, let's go to the temple."
"Yeah, Dadi."
I wore a silk salwar kameez with a purple and lilac colour combination. I left my hair open.
After the puja was done as we were leaving the temple I met with a familiar face.
"Aunty?"
"How are you, Anu?"
"We are fine. And you?"
"We too." She looked a little upset.
"What happened Aunty? Is there anything wrong? You are looking upset?"
"No beta. We are fine. It's just we are embarrassed about that day. I really don't..."
I hold her hand.
"Aunty it's ok. It's been 6 months. So don't think like that. You had nothing to do with that incident. So don't blame yourself."
"But you are angry with us, na?"
"No Aunty how can I be angry with you? It's not your fault at all. So please don't say like these?"
"Anitaji what will we get by staying angry with you? It's our children's wish to whom they would get married. We are here to be with and guide them but can't force them. But the ultimate choice is theirs."
"Then why didn't you ever come to meet me?"
"Not with me also." Pooja came from behind.
"How are you dear?"
"I missed you Anu di."
"Then why didn't you call me once?"
"I thought you wouldn't like to talk to me after that evening." She said with a sad face.
"Pooja see, whatever happened that day you had nothing to do with that. And from today whenever you wish to talk to me don't hesitate. Just give me a call or come to my house."
"Won't you come to our house?"
"Ok, I will."
"Really?" She asked in excitement.
"Yeah. But later. Now I need some time. And if you want to meet me we can meet outside somewhere. Ok?"
"As you wish."
I saw Dadi and Aunty still talking to each other. I decide to come outside the temple leaving them for some time and wait outside for Dadi.
But as I moved towards the gate I saw someone I don't want to. I ignored them and tried to pass by him like I didn't notice him.
"Am I that bad to get ignored by you, Anu?"
I stopped on my way. He came in front of me.
"I know you have noticed me."
I looked upward. His eyes are intense.
"So what?"
"Can't you forgive me? Can't we become friends like before, please?" His voice is so calm.
"There is nothing that can be like before." I could say only.
I know soon my eyes are going to be hazy. So it's better to run away from him.
"Rahul, Dadi will arrive soon. So it's better she doesn't see you."
"I know you all hate me now and I don't dare to face Dadi. But I have to."
"No need to do that. I think it's better for you to not meet her. I should go."
I tried to go but a hand stopped me. I turned and looked at him holding my hand. His eyes are full of emotions. Same with me. But I ignored those emotions and cast a glance directly into his eyes with a stony face.
Maybe he saw something in my eyes. He decided to leave. But his eyes were begging.
I turned directly and walked away.
"Anu"
I can hear his voice calling me from behind but I am not going to stop.
No Rahul I don't want to face you. It will be better if I stay away from you. It will help me to move on to what I want so much.
I wiped off my tears, which is always an excuse to come out.
"Anu"
"Dadi? Let's go."
Looking at her face I don't think she has seen him. I don't know what she was gonna tell him if she have been seeing him but it definitely would hurt her. I know still a little part of her heart blames him for my sorrow. So they shouldn't meet at least not now.
In the evening me and Dadi cut Mom's favourite chocolate cake. I also made Kheer.
Ma won't you taste my kheer? I have learnt to make Kheer like you. Maybe it's not as tasty as yours. But it's not that bad. It's edible.
Water drops started rolling on my both cheeks. I started suffocating. I kept the bowl of Kheer in front of the picture and went near the window.
It's a full moon night. Everything was drenched in its soothing shine. I just hope it also takes away all my burdens of emotions.
"What are you thinking?"
"I know, Dadi. But everything could have been different if she had stayed with us. But God took her too from me." My eyes got blurry.
"Now you are making your Mom cry. How come she is happy seeing you crying on her birthday?"
"I can't help it."
"But if you kept crying like this then it will hurt her. After your birth, all she tried was to make you strong, and happy. And your smile and happiness are her only gift. Can't you give her this gift?"
"You are right. I shouldn't cry."
I kept my head on her shoulder and we started enjoying the beauty of the moon together.