@Aditi: Thank you Aditi for your generous comments. Btw I hope that I am comitting less mistakes now .
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@Guestii : A very big dhanyawaad for your big sabashi .
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@SakshiB: Thanks for your review sakshi.You wanted to know something about me. So here is it. I am also a medical undergraduate student. In fact My exam starts the day after tommorow ( Wish me luck :-P :-P) I am an avid reader . My favorite genre is mythology, history and astrology . Well thats kind of weird but I can't help myself. I have too much curiosity about the science behind the traditions of all religions. I have an odd interests in the old , rusty things which people called corny now-a-days . Well thats what came to my mind now. Hope that's okay !!
@Apurva Vaingankar : It gives me immense satisfaction that a character created by me was able to connect with in some way or the other.I hope the person you confide in stays with you forever .
Thank you mp304 , Anonymous and guest for your reviews .
CHAPTER 13
Most of the times we are caught in the whirlwinds of our work that begins in the monday morning and lasts till sunday night from where it begins all over again . Time slips by as we are busy juggling jobs , managing household works , attending colleges , tending to appointments and commitments . To break all this vicious cycle there is only one solution - To spend time with your family. But for Amairaah she had completely forgotten what being a part of family meant . Of course she had Shreya all the time but a proper family structure was still lacking. This was the case untill Daya came into her life. He moulded the unorganized lump of clay into something beautiful. He touched their perfect emotional spot where he knew both of them would bleed. He held them when they felt the need. He shaped them when he thought it was necessary . And the work was resulting into something so beautiful, so worthy that even God was going to be jealous.
It was the last week of Shreya before her mission. She was done preparing for it. Apart from the normal cases reported in bereau she returned straight home . She and Daya spent a quality time together. They didn't watch movies but most of the time they spent was gone talking . God shreya had missed those heart to heart conversations . They were not forced , Not caution but talks just flowed . In all this Daya didn't forget Amairaah. How could he . She was his sister now. And the best part of having a sister almost young by 10-12 years was that he always wanted one. And destiny had agreed. In this week they had dinners , after dinner walks. They shared the stories of their families and sometimes even cooked together.
Finally it was night before the final day . ACP sir had come for dinner . They had their dinner peacefully and he was about to leave. Before leaving he warned Shreya not to be awake the whole night just chitchatting . But as soon as ACP sir left , Shreya ran towards Amairaah's room . She was working something on her laptop. Shreya sat on the bed and patted a seat next to her asking Amairaah to sit besides her. Amairaah obliged . " Tu thikse rehna samjhi ?? Koi badmaashi aur badtameezi nahi ! Nahi toh mere ane ke baad bohot maar khaygi !" Amairaah laughed at that. " Hasna kya hai usme ?" Shreya asked. Amairaah replied , " Tu chinta mat kar . Tera boyfriend hai na Meri galtiyo ko dekhne ke liye . Mujhe samjha dega aur jarurat padne pe maar bhi dega." Both of them laughed at that . " Waise tu comfortable toh hai na uske sath . Me tujhe kisi bhi tarah se force nahi karna chahti." Shreya asked Amairaah . Amairaah kept her both hands on Shreya's palm and assuringly said , " I am okay with him . He makes me feel everything is nice and normal and okay . And you know what I haven't been onay in a while ." Shreya was very happy at this reaction . What else she wanted . Her life had finally staryed to take some shape. They continued their chatting untill sleep overpowered them .
( In the morning)
Shreya was up early . She had finished her morning chores and was downstairs giving inportant instructions to Radhabai .She was giving Radhabai some important phone numbers in case of emergencies. She had written the number of Daya , Abhijeet and even Tarika. Amairaah was ready and she came downstairs. Both of them started having breakfast . Daya was going to drop Shreya to the airport. Just as they finished their breakfast , Daya arrived . He enquired about all the necessary things and other stuff , if Shreya had packed them properly. They started loading luggage into Daya's car . Shreya bid a final goodbye to Radhabai and Dattu and they left for airport.
(On the airport)
Shreya and Amairaah were sitting in the waiting area and Daya had gone to enquire about the flight details . Shreya was holding Amairaah's hand . She knew how hard it was going to be for her. She knew how Moody Amairaah can get once she leaves and how hard it was going to be to manage her. But Daya had assured her not to worry about anything here . She was deeply engrossed in her thoughts when suddenly someone tapped her shoulder from behind . " Tarika !!" Shreya exclaimed as she hugged her. " Good morning sir!" Shreya wished Abhijeet . " Sab tayari ho gyi ?" Abhijeet asked and they continued the talking. Abhijeet saw Amairaah behind Shreya . Amairaah gave a sheepish smile and Abhijeet nodded in appreciation. Amairaah still wasn't comfortable around him . She had this very strict image of him in her mind that made her scared . She excused herself from the scene telling the people that the she will search for Daya.
After sometime Daya returned with Amairaah. It was time for Shreya to leave . She hugged Amairaah for one last time and left . Amairaah saw the leaving figure of Shreya . Her brain suddenly shut down. She had become clammy and cold sweat glistened on her forehead . She thought about her tailor made scariest nightmares . She wanted to say something but her throat lacked moisture and only a croak came out of her mouth. Daya sensed her fear and he put his arms around her shoulder . Amairaah shuddered at the sudden sensation of touch. She looked at the arm and traced it to see whose it was . She looked at Daya . Her teary eyes widened . Daya's hold on Amairaah tightened and he looked into her eyes withe the maximum assurance he could provide . Amairaah inhaled deeply and very silently exhaled her fears.
It was time for the four people to leave. Abhijeet and Tarika were directly going to the bereau . Daya told Abhijeet that he would join them after dropping Amairaah.
Amairaah felt tired . Thanks to the sleepless nights . She hadn't gotten a perfect sleep since weeks. But at least the tablets would help her in a way . But last night was spent chit chatting with her sister. She looked at herself in the side view mirror of Daya's car . There were grey colored bags under her eyes. Her hair were messy though she had tied them in a ponytail . Her eyelids were getting heavy. "Tired ?" Daya asked as they both took a seat inside the car . " No I am fine !" Amairaah replied. " Liar" Daya said. Amairaah rested herself comfortably on the seat and closed her eyes. She relaxed when suddenly her heart skipped a beat when she heard the sound of loud music . Daya laughed at her antics . " Don't do that !" Amairaah said poking Daya's shoulder. The rest of the ride was silent. They reached Amairaah's house. " I will call to check on you. Haa aur kuch bhi jarurat pade toh ekbar call kar dena. Me safeside Abhijeet ka bhi number bhej deta hu." Amairaah nodded .
Amairaah hurried into the house . She had a very few time left for her college. She had decided not to take stimulants today but it looked like there was no choice. She popped one tablet and left for college.
( In the college )
Amairaah was walking towards her department. She was one hour late today because she had gone to drop Shreya. She had taken prior permission for it though. She was so engrossed thinking something that she didn't notice Kavya behind her. Kavya took this opportunity to surprise Amairaah. She came from from behind and covered Amairaah's eyes with her hands . " Happy birthday Amairaah ! " . Amairaah recognized kavya by her hands only. " Thanks !" Amairaah said very blandly. " Achcha di ne kya gift diya . Cake cut kia ghar pe ?" Amairaah laughed at that. " Tu pagal hai kya me kabse cake cut krne lagi . Haa pata nahi iss baar di bol rahi thi ki kahin shopping chalte hai tere bday ke liye par tujhe toh pata hai na mujhe ye shopping wagre bilkul pasand nahi . " Kavya facepalmed herself . " Tu bhi na Amairaah . Apne bday k liye itta koi unexcited kaise ho sakta Hai. Aur agar khudse pooch rahi thi toh naya mobile mang leti na waise bhi jabse us sensor wale insan se takrayi , mobile toh dabba hi ban gaya hai tera. " Amairaah laughed at that. They both dropped the conversation and headed towards their respective department.
( Flashback)
"18 legally adult" Amairaah thought . It was her birthday today. Amairaah had a history of celebrating her birthdays mostly with her mother . Mainly because her father was mostly out if the city and Shreya had been out of the county since 3 years . But she didn't mind it. Of course she missed them but she never complained . After completing her morning chores , Amairaah went down the stairs searching for her mother . " Maa...Maa...kaha ho aap ?" She shouted . And the next second her mother appeared before her with a pooja thali in her hand . Behind her was Radhabai carrying some box of sweets . Her mother applied the red crimson powder over her forehead using her finger .Her mother said " Janam din ki lakh lakh badhiyaaa ". Amairaah touched her mother's feet to take her blessings ."Humesha khush raho !" Her mother said . Amairaah's mother took one piece of sweet in her hands and bought it towards Amairaah's mouth in order to feed her ." Maa tum janti ho na mujhe meetha nahi pasand !" Amairaah'Amairaah's mother laughed at that, " Aaj ke din toh khana padega na beta. Kya kare Bhagwan ko prashad me khatta achaar toh nahi chadha sakte na." All three of then dissolved in laughter . Amairaah started having her breakfast ." Maa apne kaha Tha ki iss bday pe aap naya mobile dengi gift me." Amairaah said to her mother . " Papa ane ke baad unse mang lena jo bhi chahiye woh." Amairaah's mother replied . " Kya maa aap bhi ek hi ek jawab deti rehti ho. Achcha thik hai papa se hi mang lungi ane ke baad. Achcha me niklati hu college ke liye." Amairaah was excited to go to college . Of course why wouldn't she be . It was her birthday and she was excited to see her friends. It was her day today !
The day went pretty well . Amairaah returned home . As she entered the house . She found 2 cakes 2 bouquets and 2 cards . She went near them running . She picked up one card , It read-
" Happy birthday dear motu ,
Wished I could be there to celebrate with you on your special day to make it better. But none the less . Here's a cake on my counterpart.
Have a great day !!
Aur haa jyada cake mat khana bohot moti ho jaogi !
Your's loving,
Shreya di"
She missed her sister . But never on her birthday shreya had forgotten to send her a cake and favourite flowers. She picked up the second card. She knew It was her father's. Great minds think alike she thought. The other card read-
"On this day years ago I received one of the best gifts I could have ever received .
My beautiful baby girl was born and life was never the same again .
God has been so kind since . So here's wishing you a lifetime full of happiness .
Happy birthday dear daughter !!! Hope you like your gift !
Your's loving ,
Baba. "
She missed her father . She wished he could be there . But he had more important jobs to do. She searched the table for her gift and found one . She opened the parcel and there it was . The latest model of the phone she wanted. She squealed in happiness , " Ab toh khush hai ? Mil gaya na jo gift chahiye tha woh ! Tere dil ki baat toh badi achchise pohoch jati hai papa tak." Amairaah's mother said to her .Amairaah laughed at that . She cut the cake in the presence of her mother ,Radhabai and Dattu . ""
( Present)
It was the last birthday Amairaah had celebrated with her parents . She missed them . Especially her mother on this day. She never celebrated her bday after their death. Shreya asked her everytime but she denied giving reasons . This time also Shreya had asked her . But without even giving it a thought she had declined it .
The college was nearly over . She had served 1 hour extra in the evening to compromise for late today morning . It was already 6 in the evening and she started packing her bags. She left for her home . Radhabai used to cook some special dish on this day no matter how much Amairaah had denied . Radhabai always said " Kuch toh lagna chahiye na ki janamdin mana rahe hai . Nahi toh aapki mummy toh humpe hi naraz ho jaygi ." Afterall Radhabai had her ways in making people do what she wants. She reached home and she found Daya . What was he doing here Amairaah thought . " Aap yaha ?" Amairaah asked . Daya smiled at her and said , " Haa , maine tumse kaha tha we have lots to discuss. Toh maine socha why not today ?" Amairaah didn't want that . Of course she knew it was not possible but she didn't want the discussion thing at least today . She even thought in mind that if she tells Daya about her birthday would he spare her for a day ? But she decided not to tell him. " Aajse nahi naaaa !! kisi din aur ." Amairaah said to Daya. Daya very calmy said to Amairaah , " Amairaah you know that we need to talk ." This infuriated Amairaah ." No we don't. There is nothing to talk about ! So drop it ." Amairaah said stubbornly . Daya just looked at her sadly and began to speak again , " For the hundredth time I am telling you to controll your anger .And I am afraid , I am not giving you a choice here. Its obvious that something is bothering you and I refuse to stand by and watch you fall apart." Daya said sternly. Amairaah winced at the tone but she was unwilling to back off . Although she completely considered Daya as her family but still she was reluctant in sharing her things. " I don't know what you are talking about . I have everything under controll . I dont want or need your help. So stop interfering." Amairaah said again. She needed him to go. She desperately needed him to go. She didn't want to tell him about her nightmares . He will think that I have gone crazy or perhaps consider me a weakling Amairaah thought . She got up to go to her room but was blocked by Daya at the stairs .He was looking at her angrily with his arms crossed. " I have told you a lot of times Amairaah to watch your temper. So if you don't want a repeat of slap show today I suggest you behave properly . " Daya said staring into her eyes with anger and disappointment. Amairaah shifted her gaze slightly away from his guiltily. "Furthermore Maine tumhe pehle hi bata diya tha ki me tumhe choice nahi de raha hu . So here's what you are going to do. You are going up to your room and changing clothes. And after that when you have eaten something we will go to my house . And we are going to talk because I no longer trust you that you can take care of yourselves " Amairaah was going to protest but something made her to think otherwise . She took the clean clothes from the hands of Radhabai and went to her room.
As Amairaah was getting dressed, she couldn't help but feel hurt by what Daya had said; how he didn't trust that she could take care of myself. While a part of her agreed, another larger part raged at the stinging remark. Once clean, she walked downstairs . She had some milk and toasts . After she had finished , they both left for Daya's house .
The ride was silent . Amairaah glared at him remaining seated . She thought that he was treating her like a child . Amairaah decided that next time she wasn't going to accompany him anywhere.
They reached Daya's house . Daya said , " Tum andar jao me ek call karke ata hu." Amairaah nodded with anger still visible in her eyes .
Amairaah opened the door . It was complete darkness . She tried to find the switches to the light but she wasn't finding it easily . " Daya sir , ghar pe bulate ho toh thoda toh ujala rakh liya karo !!" she shouted . She was still continuing her search operation but suddenly she heard some music . She listened to it with concentration. It was the musical tone of a birthday song . She turned her head to see from where it was coming . But instead of finding the source . She saw Daya arranging candles on a cake. The room was still completely dark and the only light was seen was that coming from the candles. She was perplexed ." Happy birthday Amairaah !!" Someone said from behind very mildly. She turned around to see who it was , it was Tarika . She was still not understanding what was going on . Tarika again said , " Cake nahi katogi , Amairaah ..Daya ko badi mushkil se jaldi jane diya hai sham ne Acp sir ne . Abhijeet bhi ane wale the par woh kisi case me atak gye . Mujhe toh akhir me lagra tha ki mujhe akeli ko hi tumhe surprise dena hoga . Par Daya managed . Chalo aao !" Tarika held Amairaah's hand and took her towards the dining table. Daya was done with the candles and he looked up and said , " Happy 22nd birthday Amairaah !" Amairaah was still gathering the thoughts . " Kya soch rahi ho ?" Daya asked . " Aap...aap logo ko ye sab aur itni mehnat kyu?" Amairaah said not even able to form a single coherent statement. " Apno ke liye mehnat bhi khushi se karte hai !!" Daya replied . " Are chalo , isse pehle Daya ko firse office fone ajaye , jaldise cake cut karo !" Amairaah wasn't even given a second to think . She cut the cake . She fed it to Daya and then Tarika and they reciprocated the same . " Haa ye lo !! Shreya kuch diya hai tumhare liye !" Daya said taking some paper parchment out of his back pockets. Amairaah opened it and read ,
" Hiee motu , Ummeed hai apko apka surprise pasand aya hoga . Hum toh aapka birthday kal hi manana chahte the lekin kya kare aap itne bore insan jo thehre . Anywayss hope tumne Daya , Tarika and Abhijeet sir ke sath maja kiya hoga . Tarika ko ekbaar thank you bol dena ye sab plan uska tha . Aur haa gift kaisa laga ?? Gift Daya ki choice ka hai !!
And as always cake Puri mat khana , aur motu ho jaogi .
your's loving,
Shreya di !!...,..."
Amairaah smiled at the letter . She read it again and again. It was hard for her to digest it . A small tear was seen on her cheeks . " Are baapre , Tarika isse pehle ye aur emotional ho jaye , jao iske gifts leke aao ." Daya said wiping Amairaah's face . Tarika returned with 2 boxes . She gave the first one to Amairaah , " Ye Shreya aur Daya ke tarafse." Tarika said . Amairaah opened the gift and found a new phone . Only one thing floated in her mind . Her mother's dialogue , " Kaise kya papa ko pata chal jata hai tumhe kya chahiye ??" She was constantly looking at the phone . Was this some kind of Awakening for her . Was Daya the perfect person to take her father's place . She was still musing over all these questions when Daya asked , " Kaisa laga ?" Amairaah answered " Perfect " . Tarika handed another box to her . " Ye mere aur Abhijeet ki tarafse !" Amairaah opened the second box and found Bluetooth speakers . " ye bhi bohot achche hai !" Amairaah said to Tarika . Tarika happily said , " Chalo ab dinner kar lete hai ! " As they were arranging plates for dinner , suddenly Daya's phone rang . Sadly he was called back to the duty. Tarika assured Daya that she would safely drop Amairaah home . Daya left wishing amairaah once again. He told Tarika to keep the keys below the pot outside and Tarika replied affirmatively .
Tarika and Amairaah were having dinner .
"Kya sochri ho Amairaah ? Daya ke barime, hai na ?" Amairaah said " Haa woh me Daya sir ke sath kaisa bhi behave karti hu woh humesha itne achchise kyu pesh ate hai merese ? " Tarika smiled , " Hmm , tumhe pata hai ? Daya aisa hi hai . Agar samne koi apna dikh jaye use toh bina soche apna sab kuch de baithta hai . Chahe use return me achcha mile ya bura . Bachpan me koi Apna tha nahi na uska toh abhi Jo apne mile hai unki bohot kadr karta hai. " Amairaah's curiosity increased . She again asked , " Bachpan me koi apna nahi tha matlab ?" . Tarika told her about the orphanage that Daya grew in and his childhood life. Now suddenly something made sense to Amairaah. The day after her father's anniversary , Daya had said to her" Sau baar gir chuka hu , isiliye bata raha hu . Aur girne ke baad jab koi uthane nahi rahta tab kaise lagta hai woh bhi janta hu . Aur teri fikar karta hu isiliye tujhpe najar rakhta tu . Samjhi ?? " Amairaah slapped herself mentally for behaving like this with him . How bad can she turn . " Don't worry Amairaah , Abhi ye mat socho ki me kitni buri hu . You are just lost . And trust me when you are lost there is no better person than Daya to bring you back ."
They finished the dinner and Tarika locked Daya's house . She carefully placed the key under the clay pot and the safy dropped Amairaah home .
The whole night Amairaah was surely going to wonder about a lot of things !!