Chalo Bhag chalte hain

Part Eight

Raavi and Shiva were lounging around the inn's sitting room. They had luckily arrived during the nonseasonal time of year according to the manager. Shiva intermittently caressed her arm or her waist from time to time. It made her feel loved. She never expected she would be able to be this carefree with her husband.

First of all she never expected to be this truly happy. When she had proposed the idea, her greatest hope was to strengthen their relationship to at least be more cordial than they had been their whole lives prior to this trip. Secondly, she never expected to be in love in the true sense like she was feeling now.

Shiva nearly dropped the paper from his hands, when he felt her lips on his cheek.

" Yeh kise liye chipaki?," he whispered in her ear huskily.

"Baas aise maan kiya," she muttered.

He dropped the paper to the side and cupped her chin.

" Should we move into the room and continue whatever this further?," he teased.

She nudged him in the rib cage.

" We have to leave soon. Remember auntie and uncle called us tonight for dinner? I should have asked if I could have used the kitchen here to make something to bring. You know what, next time we come here from Somanth , I am going to make whatever their favorites are. I can always ask Dhara Bhabhi for tips in case I don't know how to make it," she declared.

" Relax, I think Amrita Auntie has already rubbed off on you. Chalo the bike is also fixed now. We won't need to look for a taxi or riskshaw in case it gets late," he stated.

The couple got ready and headed out to the address.

They were stunned to realize it was an old age home. They suddenly realized the plight of the lovely couple they had met the day before.

Now Raavi was feeling worse about not purchasing anything food wise. She had brought a housewarming gift as it was their first time seeing them in their home. Perhaps they had a spot for the gift in their room.

They entered the reception to inquire about the couple.

The young girl appeared teary eyed.

The fear Raavi had in her pit of her stomach increased and exploded up to her chest leading her to cry out in shock and disbelief.

Amrita Auntie had died.

The other members were surrounding a dead body and Harish uncle wept alone by his wife's side. Their children were not present.

Shiva held Raavi and supported her as they sat down to grief with the others.

One of the ladies assumed Raavi was their daughter,and ushered them to sit besides Harish.

"Harish Uncle, yeh kaise hua?," Raavi cried.

" She had stage 4 lung cancer. She was hoping she would last long enough for our children to return home, so she could..," he trailed off.

Shiva gave him an assuring pat on his back.

" I am so sorry uncle. Had we known we would have been here yesterday itself."

"Those few moments over tea and meeting you both yesterday were the happiest moments we have had since her diagnosis. Promise me something, that you will honor Amrita's memory and never leave each other alone, like she has me," Harish lamented.

One of his friends came over to comfort him. They muttered something about his son not being here. If they only knew the truth.

They both felt numb. They joined the other people at the inn for dinner. They explained why they had returned so soon from their outing. The manager also sympathized with poor Harish. He had no one left besides his friends at the old age home.

Hours later when they remained awake staring up at the ceiling because they could not believe how life could change in a matter of a few hours or moments.

" Raavi, ghar chalte kal subha," Shiva declared.

She turned to face him.

" I guess you are right. This made me realize how fragile life is. Amrita Auntie made me feel like I had my mother back again . I mean don't get me wrong, I love Suman Kaki too, just.."

Shiva laughed.

" Don't worry chipkaki. Praufalla Mami probably left you longing for your mother. Whether it was our family or you, she always looked out for her benefit first. Who would feel loved in that kind of situation. I am sorry I misjudged you so many times," he declared.

She snuggled closer into his arms.

"Agar humari ki beti huyi ek din, kya uska naam Amrita rak sakte hain?"

Shiva smiled.

" Of course . It is a beautiful name and our daughter would be so blessed to have that name," he replied.

He kissed her forehead.

" Shiva there is one more thing I wanted to tell you," Raavi said.

" Bol na," he urged.

" My kaka met me at the college before our wedding," she started to say.

She went on to tell him the whole story and how in a few weeks time , the money would be released.

" I want to expand Pandya store's services. I want it to be a mini warehouse with a bit of everything like the bigger stores out in America and such," she said happily.

Shiva was stunned.

" You could have used that money for anything! I mean you could have put it towards your masters or opened your own boutique ," he declared.

Raavi leaned back.

" Yes I could have but Shiva, my wishes aren't mine alone. I have to respect our family and you. After all ek laute pati tum ho mere," she declared.

" I am so glad we got married!," Shiva quipped.

"Now I am going to remind you of this moment every time you fight with me bhootnath!"

" Aree chipaki, I can be mean if you prefer. Vaise I love riling you up," he hissed.

" Tum bhi na! Shaant ho jaate hain. Baaki log complain karenge humare baare mein," she said worried.

He rolled his eyes at her and pulled her back to his firm chest.

" Let's be quiet while I do this then," he whispered and he leaned into kiss her.