Rudhita - Jeene Bhi De

Father's Day!

Anirudh and Bondita were sitting inside the auditorium. Many other students parents were there too. Some were excited to see their children's performance while some were uninterested and talking about business with other parents while the women were gossiping.

Bondita was quite excited to see Anika's performance while Anirudh was too but not that much as Bondita was.

" Seat mein uchalna band karo Bondita. Sab dekh rhe hai." Anirudh said.

" Koi dekhe na dekhe mujhe nhi farak padta. Mujhe mishti ki performance ji excitement ho rhi hai." Bondita said clapping her hands in excitement.

" Bachi yeh hai yaa Anika. Actually Dono hi bache hai." Anirudh thought.

Soon the lights got dimmed and the curtains which were covering the stage, were slowly getting removed.

One by One students started performing their performances while Bondita was clapping and acknowledging their performances but was eagerly waiting for Anika's.

" Now please welcome, students from grade 4 , section B and from the house , Tulip. The performance is lead by Anika Roy Chowdhary and other students. Please welcome them."

Anirudh straightened him self and sat properly while Bondita got up from seat and whistled. Everyone's attention went on her and some smiled at her excitement while some laughed. Anirudh's eyes had widened and pulled her back on her seat.

" Pagal ho. Kya kar rhi ho?" Anirudh said to her.

" Arre Mishti ka performance hai. Ab mein kya excitement bhi na dikhaun?" Bondita asked irritatedly.

" Excitement nahi. Over excitement ho rha hai. Baitho yahan pe. " Anirudh said irritatedly.

" Arre par..." Bondita's tried to speak but couldn't do so.

" Agar tum chup nahi baithi toh mein tumhe yahan se le jaunga, woh bhi seedha ghar." Anirudh said pointing at her and threatening her.

Bondita's eyes widened and she sat on  the seat like a obedient child.
Anirudh shaked his head in disbelief and looked at front.

The lights got dimmed and group of students stood. The spot light fell on the students and the auditorium echoed with claps. Anika was standing in front. She felt nervous and looked for one pair of eyes, Bondita. Bondita waved her hand a little and nodded. Anika took a deep breath and smiled. Anirudh was noticing two of them. He nudged Bondita and whispered " Kya chal rha hai tum dono ke beech"

" Bataun?" Bondita whispered back.

" Haan batao." Anirudh moved a little while Bondita whispered in his ears " Woh mere aur Anika ke beech ki baat hai. Toh mein apko kyun bataun?" Bondita shouted the last line which made Anirudh move away as it made him nearly deaf. He rubbed his ears and glared Bondita while the latter was least affected. She looked at front.

" Baba. Yeh aapke liye." Anika said with a small sweet smile.

Anirudh was little surprised to hear Anika. He looked at Anika and Bondita simultaneously. He looked at the stage and straightening his shoulders he sat properly on the seat. His eyes twinkled at the sight of his daughter. She was looking cute in the pink frock, with two pigtails, a fancy watch on her left hand, white laced socks and white shoes. He smiled lightly and looked forward for the performance his lifeline was going to do. Not that he hadn't attended her school functions. He had but those were either educational or something childish and he was proud of her as she aced every function like a queen. Yes, not a princess but a queen.

Anika looked at her father who was having a smile and was eagerl waiting for her performance. She smiled and held the mic in her little hands and taking her Durga Maa's name, Bondita's and Vanshika's blessing and love and not to forget Anirudh's trust and love, she started to sing.