शिद्दत

7

Only three days left for their birthday, they are going be two. I don't know how time is passing so fast. Looks like it's only a day before yesterday for the first time I held them in my arms. But see now they are going to be two. I run to a department store for the last minutes' preparations. Mamta Aunty along Viman and Manvika tag along with me. I know it will be a small party but for my kids, it's a big day for them. I want everything special for them and memorable. 

Once again I checked the list. I start noting down and few things are left. Manvika pats my chest and I chuckled. It's her style of telling me she is hungry. I left the store after billing and went to a nearby restaurant. The restaurant feels as if I have entered a dreamland, the happy chatter, the fragrances, the easy and natural colors. A teenage kid greeted us. I smile to him and he took us to the end. The table is near to the window and sun rays falling on the table. I pull out the baby carrier and sit comfortably. He brings the menu and we start looking for it. Mamta Aunty and I order thali and for them chicken soup. In the eating, department both go on their father. He was also in the chicken thing and the same goes with them. I remembered when both were down with fever and the last option was given by the doctor- Chicken soup. And when Viman had he made faces but still having it where Manvika was the total opposite. She was just grabbing whole heartily. Ma'am, your order. The same boy's voice breaks my reverie. I passed the smile to him and he walked away.

After completing our meal, this time we went to the mall. I entered one of the shops and start looking for the left items. I collect all of them and move to the counter. I smile at the billing girl but a woody musk fragrance hits my nostrils. My heart skip the beat. It was the same fragrance I smell at the airport. I look around for the person. But no one was there. "Ma'am" I heard the girl's voice and I looked at her. Her hand is out for the payment. I clear my mind and handed her my credit card. With a smile, she swipes it and returns to me. I collect the bags and walked outside. I start looking for my shopping. Shop to shop we went but nothing is there that will catch my eyes. I look at my kids they look tired. I looked at the watch at its 3 pm in the noon. It's time for their nap. I change my mind and start walking to the exit. 

"Khanak". I heard Mamta aunty shrilled voice but by the time my shoulder was hit by someone. I circled but held myself and looked at Manvika. She looked surprised but in good condition. I turned to the person with a pointed finger. But all the words die. It seems like the world stop moving. Time freeze. I m constantly looking at the person. I can't find words or anything. My head starts getting heavy. Dizziness empowering my mind. I was out of breath. Like a small whisper, I called his name. "Vikram" and soon I was a blackout.