Diminutives

Aviary-5

"I got Tara's custody", Mayura told Raghav in one breath. Despite his predicament, he was truly happy for her. Tara and Mayura deserved justice. "That's great news. Congratulations Buddy", he facilitated her enthusiastically and moved to hug her but she stepped back. When his initial excitement wore off, they looked at each other wearily. "Can I come in?", she asked timidly. "Ofcourse", he said to her and stepped back a little, "Please come in". They sat silently for few minutes. Then she slowly explained events that occurred at the court. He felt proud of Mayura who allowed Omkar to be part of Tara's life. Finally she stood up to leave.

"When are you leaving ? Where are you planning to stay?", Mayura asked. "My flight is tonight", Raghav replied, "It's an impromptu plan. I may roam around places for couple of months until my transfer is finalised". She remained silent as if weighing whether it is wise to ask. "Were you truthful that we met again by chance? And that you didn't seek me out earlier", she finally asked. He nodded, "I used to follow you in social media and collected your pictures even when I knew you were married. I guess, it was sick of me to act that way". "It is creepy", she spoke her mind then with a sigh, she stood up, "If you didn't come here for my sake, then you don't have to leave because of me". He doubted whether he heard it right, "are you asking for me to stay back?". "No Raghav. I am just stopping you from running away because of me", she told him

"Omkar was my first love. I fell for a wrong man who affected my life adversely. Hence you can imagine the shock I had when he told me about you", Mayura explained, "I overreacted and didn't give a chance to clarify your side". He understood that it is his time to explain. Slowly Raghav told her everything in his past. His crush on her and how he fell into depression when she left and then his treatment. With professional support, he was almost cure. He shed his nerdy outlook and became an attractive man. He tried to move on his life but Mayura remained as his guilty pleasure. Despite his attempts to forget her, he kept tabs on her. He was not a scary stalker but still it was not normal. When destiny made them meet again, his intention was to get her justice. Perhaps he wished for a better tomorrow but hurting Mayura was never his intention.

"You need a break, Raghav. A break from me", Mayura told him firmly after listening to his story, "Go, travel around and forget about me. When you come back, let's pick it up from there". Raghav was aghast but beyond happy. He didn't know how to react, "Are you giving me a chance, Mayura?". "I don't know Raghav", her words confused him, "You are a good friend. I like you a lot. Perhaps a bit more than like". He looked on to her as if waiting for her to clear the air.

 "Today after informing my parents about the verdict, the only person whom I wanted to meet was you. It made me understand that you are important for me also", Mayura explained. He tried to grab her hand but she pulled back. "My life is still a mess, Raghav. I need to sort things out. Above all, I have Tara. Hence I need time and space. Again, I cannot promise you a better future either", she didn't want to give him false hope. "I can wait a life time for you, Mayura", he told her earnestly. She nodded, slightly feeling guilty for keeping him on hook. "Happy journey, Friend", she wished him. "Till we meet again, Friend", he extended his hand but she embraced him softly.

A few years later.

Omkaar looked on when a jeep stopped near him. Tara cheerfully jumped out of it and rushed towards him. Raghav came from driver's seat holding her luggage. "Mayura was unable to drop her due to an urgent work. So I picked Tara from school", he explained. "Thanks Raghav. You should have informed me. I would have picked Tara", Omkar replied cheerfully. Raghav brushed it aside and knelt near Tara, "Enjoy you vacation with Pappa. Don't forget to click lot of pictures and write a journal about each day". "Sure, Uncle Raghav", she mock saluted him. "Please call Mayura once you both reach there", Raghav told Omkar and bid farewell to them.

Raghav was busy preparing dinner when Mayura walked in. She looked really tired and frustrated. "It was a busy day", she flopped on the couch. He smiled at her and gave her a glass of water. "You are doing great at work. All your hardwork is paying off. So chill", he calmed her. "I thought you might say no need to work and relax at home since you are making enough money", she teased him. She knew very well that Raghav always encouraged her to be independent. "No way, my Dear. Infact, Police work is so risky that I thought of resigning and enjoying at home with your money", he humoured her. They both laughed while she pecked his lips. "Let's have dinner", he pulled her to the dining table. She looked at him lovingly while he set table for them.

Surviving a bad marriage is never easy. After Omkar, it would have been difficult for Mayura to trust another man. Knowing Raghav's condition, it was near to impossible for her to keep absolute faith on him. She couldn't risk to move from one cage to another cage. But she also couldn't let her fear prison and ruin her future. She was a mother and a daughter but also a woman. After divorce, her primary focus was to build a stable life. So she can give a good environment for Tara to grow up and her parents to live rest of their lives in peace. She found a job befitting her education and then succeeded in her career.

Mayura reached a point where she may not need a man to complete her life. Yet she didn't want to lose a chance to live her life with a good partner. So when Raghav returned, they decided to take is slow. Unlike last time, she didn't haste to jump into a relationship. They spend enough to know one another. She realised that unlike Omkar, Raghav got timely professional help and overcame his illness. He was obsessed with Mayura but now he truly loves her and never wanted to keep her in control. He let her fly high and took pride when she reached heights. Once Mayura was confident enough to take the risk, she took the leap of faith. Time was merciful on her. Mayhaps, it was blessings and prayers of her parents along with her good karma, Raghav turned out to be a good man.

As Mayura was getting ready for bed, she got a call from Omkar informing that they have reached safely. "I heard that your lady friend will be joining too", she asked him teasingly. "Not really. It is purely father- daughter time. She may join us for the final day before we come back", he informed her. "I am happy for you, Omkar. Make sure to treat her nicely", she told him. He laughed softly. "No one can take your place, Mayura", he told her earnestly. She knew it is the truth. Omkar was her past and Raghav her present. Despite their bitter past, none can take over Omkar's place. But she was over him. Raghav has made his own space in her heart and life. He not only became her companion but also a guardian for Tara. As Tara's father, she respected Omkar and was happy that he was getting better with therapy. She wished Omkar will also find good life partner like she did. "Good night, Omkar", she wished and ended the call.

Raghav came out of shower clad in white towel. He stood before mirror and combing hair. Mayura admired his physique and wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. "So shall we try new flavours today?", she spoke seductively. "Sure", he smiled at her innocently, "I am also in a mood for ice cream. We will take my bike for the ride". She glared at him, "you want ice-cream, at this hour of the night?". He looked at her blankly. "Raghu, you are so pathetic in romance", she threw the packet of flavoured c*ndoms at him and marched out of the room. He quickly ran behind her but she chided him. "You are sleeping in guest's room", she was furious. "C'mon, Sweet heart. Don't be mean. I was kidding. Have some mercy on me", he acted out with puppy eyes. She couldn't stay mad at him anymore as he pulled her closer to place a kiss on her lips. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to their bedroom.