Siddhi was having a late lunch at home.. Well, she was at her dad's company all morning. The general audit was nearing and she was busy assisting in sorting out things. So, after a tiring half day, she was back for a quick rest and lunch. At the moment, Siddharth was brooding over Sam's illness in his room, forgetting that he needs to eat and drink as well. And Abhishek, being the perfect boy-in-love, was cooking something simple which the father-son duo could eat together! Her parents and uncles were at their offices, and Bapuji and Ba had taken the remaining family for a pooja (veneration) at Lord Somnath's temple.
Soon, a smoothing melody wafted from the first floor, Siddharth was singing a lullaby for Sam. Siddhi chuckled. Who would believe that the sharp, robust, romantic young guy was now an affectionate father, more like a mother, whatever it is, and singing a lullaby at that!
' Sanvara salona mera, sone ke palne mein
'baba' ko dekh muskaye re...
deke duayein le loon, saari balayein,
Naa kisi ki nazar lag jayein re...
Soja mere raja mere akhiyon ke noor..
Nindiya rani kyu hai teri akhiyon se door?..
Nindiya rani kyu hai teri akhiyon se door?..'
Siddharth was singing. He was not a great singer, but his voice was not that bad either. More than the tune or it's finesse, it was the love etched in it that song that made it sweet.... Siddhi chuckled again, realizing the fact that Siddharth had replaced the first word of the second line 'maiyya' ( mother ) with 'baba' (father )! Just then, the calling bell rang, and she reluctantly got up to open the door. She was mad at the person who had shown up to disturb her rest...
"Yes??" She pulled the door ajar clumsily, and was shocked to see Prateek, standing there with a nervous smile! Prateek, of all the people! She tried to smile and said " Oh, Prateek, what brings you here today? I got your number all right, but I couldn't call you yesterday! That doesn't mean I don't lo..........." She couldn't complete, as she heard someone snickering. She opened the door fully, only to see the grinning faces of Neha, Arjith and Arjun.
" Oh, all of you are here! Come inside....." She ushered them in. They made themselves comfortable in the great hall and Arjun was the first to speak " I told you Prateek had a thing for her!!" Neha glared at him. Siddhi smiled at that and sat on a chair nearby and said " Prateek, honestly, you should have told me earlier!"
Well, she did not sound shy.... Only fitting for 'the Siddharth's sister... Here, Prateek was the one who was looking away, with reddening cheeks.. Neha chuckled " Well, I never thought, Prateek, who had a solution to every problem, to be tongue-tied when it came to love!"
" Anyways.... Best of luck to both of you.. Does that brat, your brother know yet?" Arjith asked. Siddhi's smile faded " Not yet.. Normally, he should be the first one to know... But this time, I think he was himself so engrossed in love to notice. I was to tell him yesterday, but he did not come home at night! And today....." She was cut off by Arjun's exclamation..
" Is that Siddharth singing? That too a Lori?" ( Lori - lullaby )
That is when the others noticed it. They were all equally dumbfounded.
' sapnon ki nagri mein taaron ke par,
sapnon ki nagri mein taaron ke par,
Pariyon ka mela kare tera intezaar....
Sanvara salona mera, sone ke palne mein....' Siddharth was singing in abandon..
" Did Siddharth hit his head somewhere and go mad?" Arjith blurted out again. Siddhi laughed softly and said " No, Sid has not gone mad! It's just that Sam fell ill, and did not sleep properly in the night. Siddharth is putting him to sleep "
YOU ARE READING
The best arrangement: Between us...
Romance"In every lifetime, in every world, I would find you and choose you." The envelope sat on the desk, untouched. Its edges were frayed, reflecting the decade that had passed. The handwriting on the front was unmistakable - sharp, deliberate strokes th...
