BALI 100 KM (Book 1) ✔

Chapter 59

After Samar had left Bandu's, concern was now how to reveal the bad news to his sister. Suddenly, Miss Sakhi popped into his mind reminding him of the promise he had made to her. He was trying to avoid that at all cost and knew his aloofness would have disappointed her. Talking about himself to strangers was not a thing he was comfortable with. And when that stranger happened to be a woman, who was not only beautiful but whose tears moved him and made him restless, then he only wanted to do one thing..., HIDE.

His heart never wavered from under his control before he met Miss Sakhi. Even his mind had begun to float away into blissful dreams that made his heart race. This change in him was beyond his comprehension, and it made him averse to meeting her. But avoidance was not an option as far as the gritty Miss Sakhi was concerned. He had to learn a lot about the species called women, and one major lesson was that you are not to take them for granted.

Realizing that Bandu would not be forthcoming to talk to her, Miss Sakhi decided to take matters into her own hands. She was not going to allow him to avoid her again. Bandu had returned home for lunch and was resting when little Radha came running to him, looking very excited and whispered into his ear.

"Mama (uncle), mama, a fairy has come to meet you," she said with her wide eyes sparkling with admiration.

"A fairy, are you sure?" Bandu asked, pretending to be serious as he got up with a smile and walked to the door. And there indeed stood the fairy with her bodyguard. He was left agape at the sight of Miss Sakhi accompanied by Comm. Seth.

"Hello Bandu, what's so amusing?" She asked with a fake smile plastered on her lips.

"Oh, it's nothing. Please, do come in both of you. Welcome to my humble abode." Bandu led them into the house, still not out of shock. Other members who stood near the kitchen entrance watched as Bandu welcomed the guests.

"Please, do be seated, sir, madam," Bandu said, straightening the bed cover and moving aside to let the guests take their seats.

While the guests looked around, Bandu approached his mother and sister and brought them forward for introductions.

"This is my mother and my elder sister and her two children Nand and Radha," he said and then turned towards his mother, "Mother, this is Comm. Seth and Miss Sakhi," he said, introducing both the guest to his mother and sister.

After initial introductions and light talk, mother and Sukhi disappeared into the kitchen to prepare tea while the children dismissed themselves outside to play.

"I never knew you had a family, Bandu," that came from Miss Sakhi.

"Even he was unaware until recently," put in Comm. Seth before Bandu could reply.

"Samar told me how you happened to meet your family, and I must say that you are indeed fortunate to have met them after so many years. But it was sad to know about the children's father," informed Comm. Seth to Miss Sakhi.

"Why, what happened to the children's father?" Miss Sakhi asked Comm. Seth.

"He is a criminal and on the run," he commented to Miss Sakhi's question. "Oh...that reminds me...Bandu, you did not mention his name. Maybe I can help locate him and bring him back," he added, which made Bandu wince, realizing that he was now cornered and was at a loss of maneuvers to get out of the situation. His discomfit was evident on his face and Miss Sakhi now curiously watched him waiting to hear the story ahead.

"The police have arrested him...sir, and since he was sick, he is under treatment in the hospital," Bandu informed him casually and hoped that the topic would end there.

"Oh, really, and when did it happen?"

"Just a few weeks back."

"What's his name Bandu?" the final hammer had fallen on Bandu.

"Balwant...sir," he spoke out that name softly.

"Balwant!" Comm Seth shot up his seat, bellowing the name. His face twisted and turned crimson, and he glared at Bandu.

"Do you talk of the Balwant that we captured?" Comm. Seth asked.

Bandu nodded in affirmation with a guilt-ridden face.