Hearts Connected

CHAPTER 4

A car stopped in front of a huge mansion. Neil got down the car and looked at the gate. He recalls something. Tears tried to make their way through his eyes. He immediately wiped them off and plastered a smile on his face.

After ringing the bell he stood waiting for some one to answer. It was shweta.

She got overexcited and hugged him tight.

Shweta: Tu aagya finally... Chal andar aaja.

Neil smiled and walked inside. He looked around.

It was all the same. Nothing has changed in these six months. His lips spontaneously made a smile.

Shweta: aaja Neil baith main na tere liye chaai bana ke laati hoon.

He nodded. Shweta hopped to the kitchen making tea and snacks for him. Neil sat in the Hall looking around. His feet itched to get up and take a round of his house but something else was stopping him.

He was lost in his own world when he heard Prakash's voice.

Prakash: shweta ji Neil aaya ke nai abhi tak?

He was descending down the stairs with whole of his focus on buttoning the cuffs of his kurta. He didn't even notice Neil sitting on the couch.

Neil heard him and stood up.

Prakash: Meri chaai ka bhi time ho raha hai.... Shweta ji...

Receiving no immediate reply he looked up and saw Neil standing there. Neil looked on.

In the mean time shweta came handling a tray with three cups of tea. She looked up and saw the two men staring each other without any words.

Shweta: Arey, Prakash ji main na aapko hi bulane jaane wali thi... Chalo aaj teeno ek saath chai pite hai.... Theek hai...

She smiled and placed the tray on the centre table. Neil sat back on his seat. Shweta accompanied him.

Prakash cleared his throat and sat on the opposite couch. Shweta smiled and handed him the cup and saucer.

There was an awkward silence between three of them.

Shweta: ahem Neil waise tumhe jo award mila tha uski badhai ho...

Neil smiled and nodded.

Shweta: pata hai Neil sabse zyada khush kon tha...

Neil shook his head in negative.

Shweta: tumhare pa...

She stopped immediately seeing Prakash coughing. She looked at him he nodded in a no.

Shweta: tumhare Bebe... Bebe bohut khush thi...

Neil nods.

Neil: par bebe aapke saath kyu nahi aayi?

Shweta and Prakash looked at each other. They shared a sad sigh and turned to Neil.

Shweta: bebe ne kaha hai ki jab tak woh is ghar mein wapis nahi aati tab tak woh bhi nahi aane wali.

Neil shuts his eyes tightly. He knew he was disappointing his family but he can not do anything at all.

Shweta: dekh Neil... Hum sab bhi yahi chahte hai... Tu ek baar koshish to kar.

Neil nods.

After some time they had dinner.

Shweta: Neil tu na aaj raat yahi ruk jana...

She asked with a skeptical tone as she was well aware of his answer but still the heart of a mother decided to give for a try.

Neil stopped his spoon midway immediately and looked at them.