Smooth breeze flowing In the surrounding, Closing her eyes Feeling the coldness on her face...
Another thunder struck making her finch.
"Omo..." She murmured and turned back to Pawan. "Ride fast It's gonna rain soon" She whispered in his ears and he nodded.
Few birds were flying around looking for their nests, due to the darker sky. Few black clouds roaming here and there...
By The way, Jiya ate her ice cream on the way and also splattered some on Pawan's shirt.
The sky was shining in some places due to lightning. "We're almost there... want to get something for your father?" He said again turning back to her "Better focus on driving... and No... Dad's health is not good for some sweets" A little smile folded on her lips because of his small caring actions towards her.
"Pawan? Will you go--" She was about to ask something but He never let her finish "Don't say anything until we reach your house" He said making her shut up, Jiya was trying to say something but immediately closed her mouth after listening to his statement.
Again a mischievous smile appeared on his face but he kept it closed...
A moment of silence passed... another came by... then another one and another. Everything was silent with some tree rustling acting like seasoning to the already scary atmosphere... And like this, the bike stopped...
They were at traffic lights, Pawan switched off the bike and pulled out his phone While Jiya was busy looking at a few faces she saw some time ago
"Ohy come here~," she said calmly waving at them, those kids' faces lit up to see her again "Yes, didi... You here?" The one standing beside the nearest car said. "Yeah-Yeah come here," She said and he came running towards her.
She patted his head and started to speak "Do you work here? Is that why you all are here?" "Yes Didi Our father contracted us here to sell these puffed rice" HE said with a sad expression. "Oh so you all are siblings" she said while looking out for others "No-No just 3 of us" Jiya nodded and kept her hand on his shoulder "You?" "How old are you?" "14? huh?" He said, Jiya and began to speak "We'll do something about it" The boy was genuinely confused.
The timer was almost running out of the red light "Uhh see you soon?" She said hesitantly as Pawan was racing the bike. The boy gave a big toothy smile and waved to her and they went off...
Soon after they reached her house.
"I will get go-" Pawan said as Jiya was getting off the bike "No NO! I'll not let you go this easily...uhhh . go and meet my dad first You'll meet him after so long~" and Jiya started to whine "Argh..." He said and rubbed his nape. "You could try? at least?" She murmured while looking at the ground. His eyes softened "Uhhhh, o-" "HEY KIDS!" Jiya's dad, Mr. Karan Verme Shouted from the Main entrance. Jiya's face lit up by seeing his and she went running towards him.
"Hello Dad," She said and moved aside for him to see Pawan
"Hello Pawan beta, How come you here?" He asked with his eyebrows knitted and a small smile "Actually uncle I had some work in her school, and It ended around the same time" He said walking towards them in front of the gate but stopped at a distance "And instead of her taking bus or auto I offered her A Ride" and ended with a small smile...
"How Kind of you Beta... Come in let's have a cup of tea" Pawan was quite hesitant at first but ended up joining them...
"So son How were your years outside this country?" Mr. Verme asked and crossed his legs. "It was good uncle but you know, when we are with our family or loved ones, it gets tough" He completed and sighed. "Anyways how is your health?" He added and leaned back on his seat. Mr. Verme sighed "It has been worse from the past few months... I-I am expected to have a Chemo surgery Next week-" "NO! Next to next week" Jiya shouted from the kitchen.
And unexpectedly Pawan giggled at her response Mr. Verme turned back to his back "She was listening to our conversation altogether" He said clearing up his side and turning back to serious
"This girl never grew up" Her father said and shook his head " Anyways son how is your family?" "It's a mess uncle after dad left... It's a mess a huge mess-" Pawan said rubbing his forehead "I-"
"Little sister, Her in-laws have been abusing her since last year While I was out *sigh* I just got to know That last month all because of money... she Tried to solve the matter but... and My cousin sister's Husband... is not stable either... I-I- *sight* I just want someone to share my problem too"
"You'll also find someone for you-" "TEA IS READY!" Jiya shouted making both heads turning towards her, A small smile appeared on Pawan's lips Which didn't went unnoticed by Mr. Verme
"Okay then Lets have our tea..." Pawan said in a low voice.
"Wait ya'll let bring my Maggie" She said with a smirk, Mr Verme Giggled on her statement and nodded "Go, don't you want to drink tea?" "NO!" she shouted and went off...
"Okay!" And she came to join them
"So what were you talking about?" she said to pawan. "Dad did you tell him about the pooja?" She said to her dad "Ah. I completely forgot about that" He said face palming himself "Why a sudden?" "Actually her mother's death anniversary" He said in a low voice and face hung low
"Why are you being sad Dad? every one is destined to die" She said while rubbing his back... "Yeah uncle it's a nice thing that you planed a pooja instead of doing nothing" Pawan also started to cheer him up
"Yeah Kids..." "want to have some?" Jiya offered her plate to both of them but both declined...
The Tea time ended with some chitchat...
Pawan was quite late to leave for his house because of the rain
It was night time and Jiya was laying in her bed