Anidita - Beautiful Lies

14

The next dawn, Bondita was sitting near the foyer of the temple and preparing platter for veneration. Her patibabu would be leaving before the sun would peak from the end most horizon and she needed to systematize things before he leaves. Sleep was far away from her eyes, as all incidents of yesterday came running in front of her eyes again and again. She was so embarrassed of what she had done. Her breath hitches every time, at the slightest possibility of him being someone else last night. God saved her and she thanked him infinitesimal time for saving her decency.

Talking the platter in her hand, she started putting the necessary things in it to ward him off after he comes down with his luggage. Finally keeping a pinch of sindoor in the middle asked Bihari to call her birristera babu down. "Bhari babu... Bhari babu""Ji choti malkin...." Their royal servant came running to her panting in her one call. Bondita smiled at him lovingly and asked " Can you call your barrister babu down? Its almost time for him to leave."

"No need Bihari. Bondita's patibabu is more punctual then she thinks." Anirudh said in a sweet tone while descending down the stairs which joined the temple after few steps and stood beside her. "Shuvo sokal (good morning) birristera babu...." Bondita greeted him eyeing her bhari babu who left the scenario secretly. "Shuvo sokal (good morning) Noyon..." With the corner of her eyes, she saw him keeping his luggage at a side and sitting on the foyer beside her.

"When is you train?" She asked, her eyes fixed on the platter fidgeting with needle to make garland of marigolds. "6:15." He replied shifting closer to her, having her whole attention on him. "Ohh. Whats the time right now?" She asked after successfully pricking one marigold in her string. "5: 27." He sighed. Was she not going to look at him even now? Was she embarrassed because of last night incident or was she angry? How will he find it out?

"How did you got up so early in the morning? I guess you went to bed late at night...." Shit. There he caught her. Now how will she explain that she didn't sleep the whole night and came downstairs after tossing on her bed whole night. "I did.. But then I thought you must need my help in the morning..so I woke up earlier today." She reasoned and his eyes told her he was satisfied with her answer.  Ohh Bondita you are saved for today.

"I will set your breakfast..." She said and was about to get up when he tugged at her hand, making her sit to her previous place. "What?" She questioned with perplexed eyes. "I am not going to have heavy breakfast before a trip Bondita. Bihari gave me tea already." He explained. "Besides I need to leave now else I will miss the train." He gently smiled and got up leaving her hand.

"Oh ok.. Let me ward you off." Bondita keep her garland aside and took her platter before standing up. She circled the platter in front of him and finally placed a small dot on his forehead with the red sindoor she kept. "Take care of yourself" she said holding back her tears. "You too. I will call you time to time." He kept his hand over her head, assuring her. "I will wait..." She whispered and heard him chuckle "I know."

"Ohh Patibabu...." He saw her smack her own head and he took his hand back. "What?" He smirked playfully. "Sampoorna didi is coming back from Devipur today." He noticed excitement bubbling in her eyes.

"Ohh thats a good news. Does Kaka and Baba know about this?"

"Only kaka sasurji. And we kept it as a surprise for sasurji." She gave him a toothy grin.

"Thats good. I hope kaka doesn't create any conundrum seeing Sampoorna again"

"He won't patibabu.... Bondita will be with her di all time."

"I know my Bondita can handle. Between is there anything special for Sampoorna Ma's visit or... No I mean its her own house . She can come anytime she wants."

"Patibabu... Its ok.. Why are you explaining yourself? Actually there is a special reason. Women Healthcare Society of Tulsipur have arranged a program for all pregnant women, where they will guide them with important instructions regarding pregnancy. How to nourish the child properly when it is in the womb, what guidelines should the mother follow for her proper health etc etc." She explained on.

"Ohh... So Sampoorna Ma is visiting alone there? Its not safe you know. Tell koyeli to accompany her ok? She needs extra care."

"Don't worry baby's big dada!" Bondita giggled and Anirdh narrowed his eyes sharply. "I will accompany Sampoorna didi!" She sweetly added. But what she spoke, had drained out all the colors from his face. His eyes distended and wrinkles on his forehead ceased away. What made him look so lost all of a sudden? Did she said something wrong? Isn't it obvious for her to escort her expecting sister to the health centre?

"Patibabu?" She shook him holding his arm lightly. "Is everything alright?" She saw him smiling timidly, "Yeah Bondita but you have school right?"

"Its in the afternoon patibabu. I can easily manage my time!" Oh she felt reassured. Her patibabu was just concerned about her school. When will he understand she is growing up and can manage her time without a mistake. But her patibabu didn't seemed pleased with her answer. As if indirectly asking her not go there.

"Bondita.... Don't stress yourself. Let koyeli go there." He apprised cupping her face decorously.

"Why?" She winched.

"I can't risk you being with strangers when I am not around. Please? I will be fretful the whole time regarding your safety. And I know Bondita would want her patibabu to work carefree. Right?"

Oh he was right. She had not count this possibility. It is hardly any day she goes outside alone. Not that she was not given that liberty but people out here would gaze her with keen eyes. Especially the men who would ogle at her, knowing this fact so well that her own husband didn't desire her.

"Hmm ok patibabu. I will send koyeli then. Now you leave....." She affectionately pushed him by arms handing him his luggages. He beamed graciously and walked upto the threshold of the foyer only to turn back at little at her.

"What?" She raised her brows. "I will miss you Noyon...." He whispered and without wasting a moment left the place, envisaging her untold answer.

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