Chapter 16 โ
With utmost energy and cheer
Siddhi walked-in her house. Seeing her so happy Kapil & Shilpa were bit
surprised but also glad that her mood is again pleasant compared to what it was
in the morning. Kapil, "Siddhi, I need to
talk to you more on the matter from other day. I know you are busy with work
but now.." Siddhi with a wide smile replied, "Yes bhaiya I know. I said yes so why worry?" went into her room.
She actually had no idea what Kapil had said, but she was too busy trying to
enjoy every second of the joy she was experiencing these days. She figured,
whatever Kapil had to say, it would be good as currently her life is simply
amazing. As soon as she walked in her bedroom, she threw her bag and crashed on
the bed. Looking up at the celling, "he
sure gets angry very soon, but then clams down even faster. I thought it will
be so hard and it was hard at first; but now it seems like nothing. Gosh, he
too can be big baby at times. But the way he came to me and said he would
rather trust my words, what can I say about it? But Siddhi, what were you about
to say to him? How can you say it to him directly, well is there any other way
to say it?" with that thought, she remained on her bed.
Same small room, same lamp
battling usual darkness; but it appeared stronger today. First time the
darkness of the room was weak as Kunal was able to see his reflection clearly
in the mirror. He stared in the mirror for a minute or two and noticed
unknowingly a smile had crept on his face. He was reflecting back on his day,
mostly how Siddhi behaved. Usually the girl who acts bratty with him, requires
him to console and demands everything; today she was trying to appease him and
he liked it. "Who had thought someone may
care about what I think? Usually people have assumed what I think and why, but
never bothered to ask? Today someone sure assumed something about me but she
was right. More importantly, she cared to give me an answer. She cared what I
think and cared how I felt about something. It has been years since I knew what
that feels like. But did I over react yesterday? What if I had heard her then,
she wouldn't have been troubled so much. Hate to see that face loose the color.
Next time I must not behave like this. I said I will make sure that face is
always smiling and stupid me, she was upset because of me, huh" with that
thought he went to world beyond earth.๐
Next day was Sunday. So akdoo and
ziddi knew no work, well both are more concerned about more than just work
these days๐. Yet both were able to maintain joyful mood as they woke up. Usually
they are eager to get to work and may be tease or get teased, work as the best
legal team solving complicated matters and best, fight with each other on small
things. Today, they won't be able to do so, yet jovial mood and no anxiety what
so ever. Both went on to do their usual activities for Sunday, maintained the
energy level very well and not once thought uff, why no work. Kapil and Shilpa
noticed Siddhi does seem quite content with the fact no work which just didn't
make sense for weird reason. They also noticed these days Siddhi paid little
attention to what is going on in the house and often found her lost in deep
thoughts at nights. Siddhi being Siddhi was usually upbeat individual, but
these days it was more than that. The glow on her face, confidence she had
gained as an individual and a professional, and at times the attitude; sure
there was something more than what they were able to see. On the other hand
Kunal's outlook on things had started to change. Mornings were without any
headaches as no alcohol, able to see more brightness around him; his nights no
longer consisted of chaotic silence. He wondered if he was changing or his
surroundings were changing. He had no answer to that question but there sure
was one change in his life he very much adored.๐ณ
Both Kunal-Siddhi remained energetic,
yet content till evening. Around 6pm, both of them got anxious, especially
Siddhi. Siddhi was getting ready as she had to go somewhere and she was taking
ample time to make sure it is perfect. Around 7pm she reached Chopra house. No
one was in home, everyone was on the terrace. Siddhi too went up there where
she was welcomed by Seema of course. It was Anand's B'day today, hence the
celebration and crowd gathering as this is his 25th B'day. Siddhi
exchanged pleasantries with everyone of C-clan and wished Anand B'day. But it
was very superficial engagement as her eyes were searching for someone else.
She looked everywhere; she even went downstairs to the apartment to make sure
no one was there. It had been almost half an hour and still no sign of akdoo;
now that is not what ziddi had anticipated.๐ She was getting very restless ๐when
she felt someone touched her shoulder. Suddenly she got excited may be its, but
she was disappointed in no time as it was Seema, "Siddhi, why do you look so tense? Is everything ok? It seems you are
looking for someone. All of your friends from college are right there with
Anand then who are youโฆ" Seema realized Siddhi was no longer paying
attention. She was looking in completely different direction. Before Seema can
say more Siddhi was already heading somewhere. Seema turned to see where Siddhi
was going; she was heading towards stairs where Kunal had just entered with
Anokhi-Ishani holding his hands.
Siddhi almost stormed towards
Kunal and, "why did it take you so long
to get here? You are so punctual at work then how come here? I have been here
more than half an hour already but why should you care about that?" ended
in upset tone and even her face looked like of an angry kid.
At first Kunal was caught by
surprise as he did not expect someone attacking him as soon as he got up here
but in less than a second he couldn't help but admire Siddhi. She was wearing
all white. Long white skirt, white top with saffron borders, light make-up
showing simple elegance, long earnings, fragile necklace and million dollar innocence
with slight cute anger. How can he resist but admire ziddi. Siddhi had just
scolded him right there but there was a smile ๐on his face, that was about to
make Siddhi more mad but she controlled herself looking at girls. Kunal too
forced himself to come out of his trance, he bent on his knees, "Ok my babies, give chachu kissie then you go
play there" Ishani-Anokhi gave Kunal kiss on his check and were soon lost
with the crown. Kunal got up, looked at Siddhi who was still bit upset, with a
sly smile, "Sorry. I hadn't met kids for
some time now so they demanded me to take them on a ride. Can't say No to them, but in reality Vakilsahiba was late, not me" with attitude.๐
Siddhi got bit more annoyed, "hey, I got here on time. If someone had told
me exact time I could've come early, but why bother? This is just perfect,
first say sorry then give attitude, huh."
With a laugh, "but at least I said sorry. Vakilsahiba gave
me left right in front of my babiesโฆ"
Siddhi's expression changed right
away from slightly mad to apologetic, "sorry,
I should not have over-reacted. By the way you are wonderful with kids.
Otherwise looking at how adults behave around you, one would imagine kids are
too sacred around you" ended with mischievous tone.๐
Kunal, "I behave differently with both as both are different. Kids are pure and
honest. They mean what they say and do not try to fulfill alternative motive by
sweet talk." Suddenly atmosphere got serious. Siddhi too understood there
is much more she has to learn about this guy. He engages so well with the kids,
but all other family members, there was some type of tension there. She wanted
to say something so at least Kunal may feel better, but didn't know what to
say. Well before she tries too hard to think Kunal again, "you know then there are those who are adults, but love to behave like
kids such as scold you for small things, demand you must do something and hard
to appease once mad. They even look like kids when mad such as right now" was
giving mischievous smile. Siddhi thought, "oh
gosh, he's back to teasing me now. Well 2 days I too was missing it bit" and
started laughing herself.๐ณ
While Kunal-Siddhi as usual were
oblivious to what was happening around them and busy laughing, enjoying such light
moments๐ณ, Seema was observing them very closely. Not in years Seema had seen
Kunal smile except for kids which was forced most of the times, here he is laughing
in absolute joy. She had never seen Kunal so comfortable with anyone else, not
with Richa or any family member. This was not her usual Kunal bhaiya. There
always is tension when he comes home but today it seemed he didn't care about
family or papa Raj. Even Siddhi being Anand's friend had only wished him but
that's it. She is not even slightly bothered with her college friends or the
best friend, rather talking and having wonderful time with person people
usually stay away. Something more than what meets the eye is going on hereโฆ..๐
Both Kunal-Siddhi had wonderful time
at the party. Their real motive to go for the party was fulfilled and as usual
Kunal dropped Siddhi home. Today the auto ride wasn't as quite as usual as
radio was on. Siddhi herself had asked driver to turn on the radio and that too
bhule bhisre geet. Famous song "Sama he suhana suhana" by Kishore Kumar
was being played and boy the atmosphere sure was blissful thanks to the
wonderful company.
Siddhi as usual walked in her
apartment like cheerful puppy with no worries. Before she can go to her room
Kapil stopped her, "Siddhi. I was just
waiting for you. Come sit here, I need to talk to you, it is very important. I
did mention it few times and you said yes but wasn't sure if you really understood
it."
Siddhi forced herself to stay in
the room. She had to try very hard to hide her joy and sit like a good younger
sister. She sat in front of Kapil and showed him she is ready to hear what he
has to say. Kapil started talking, Siddhi was paying attention but was in carefree
mood. Soon she was shocked๐ฒ to hear Kapil's words. She couldn't believe if she
heard him right or her ears are ringing. She got up from her seat, the glow and
cheer that was on her face were gone anxiety, some worry and feeling of
uncertainty took over. Kapil was still talking on same lines but what Siddhi
had heard so far was enough. She felt numb, did not know how to react. Was it
really happening? Did she hear him correctly, if so, what does that mean? She
was overwhelmed by too many questions but most importantly, Kunalโฆโฆโฆ
Siddhi was not able to sleep
properly at night. Usually she is either busy lost in her own world, staring at
celling, admiring her precious belongings or enjoying wonderful dream. But
tonight, she kept changing side, got up, stood by the window, and came back to
bed, tried to write her diary but nothing. She could neither sleep, nor do anything
else. She kept waiting for sun to rise so she can run to office first thing.
Whole night Siddhi was staring at her alarm clock, waiting for it to ring so
she can jump into bathroom and get ready. As soon as alarm clock rang she
jumped onto usual activity. Before anyone knew, she was ready. But still there
was time before office opens, or the person she wants comes. So she engaged in
some house hold chores, breakfast, cleaning, swiping, anything to kill time. Finally
it was time to go to office. She sure reached office on time but stopped right
before entering. She thought to herself, "How
will I tell him this? How may he react? I myself don't know how to react, so
what can I expect from him? May be I should wait here; no I should go in, I don't
know what to do. All I know is I must tell him this today, as soon as possible."
Not sure how long it took Siddhi
to get into office. Slowly taking small steps than usual, Siddhi walked towards
her desk. She saw Kunal was sitting right there, more like waiting. She stood
by his desk, Kunal looked up with a smile on face. Siddhi was trying to gather enough
courage while Kunal said something. Once Siddhi felt confident enough, she cut
Kunal short, "I need to say something. It
is very important." Kunal nodded yes and asked her to speak. Siddhi took
heavy breath in and said what Kapil had told her. She said everything from the
point she entered the house to the point she can remember. She threw it all out
there and as she spoke more, color on Kunal's face escaped till there was
nothing leftโฆโฆโฆ.
Note - do not use any material without permission๐
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