Hidden Hues Of Henna

Phool aur Taare (I)

"Dada,will I get to meet Aai - Baba when I grow up?" A four-year old Pallavi gazed up at her big brother walking along with him through the market.

The market was filled with people and Siddhesh was trying hard to maneuver them both through the crowd whilst protectively holding Pallavi's hand.

"Dada!" She cried out irritated at being ignored by her brother, tugging at his arm.

"No Pallavi!" Siddhesh scolded her before turning and picking her up in his arms.

They had to cross the road safely and if he left it to Pallavi, they'd probably be trodden down. Hence, ignoring her protests and requests he silently carried her across the crossing whilst keeping his hold on her tight.

"Dada,please tell! Please!" Pallavi held her brother's face between both her tiny palms and pouting cutely.

Sighing in exasperation, Siddhesh put her down on the ground once they were at a safe distance to their orphanage home and corrected her dress. Then kneeling before her,he softly grabbed her little shoulders and looked her in the eyes. Eyes so similar to those of their mother.

"How does it matter Pallavi?"

"But Dada, everyone says that Aai-Baba—"

Knowing his baby sister's stubbornness, Siddhesh decided to use a different tactic.

"Don't you love your Dada?" He asked softly making a sad face.

"I do." Pallavi was quick to answer bobbing her head up and down.

"Then why do you want Aai-baba? Are you not happy with me?" He continued suppressing his guilt when Pallavi's confused eyes quickly watered.

"I am!" Pallavi wound her tiny arms around his neck."Dada keeps me happy."

Gently pulling her hands away and holding them down in one of his, Siddhesh felt his own eyes glazing over as he spoke further.

"If you get Aai-baba will you leave me and go?"

The question was simple in the eyes of a child but to the two siblings,it was enough to put a weight on their hearts.

Pallavi who was teary before was full on bawling her eyes out.

"No!" She cried over and over instantly throwing herself onto her brother."No! I don't want Aai baba,I want Dada!"

Siddhesh gathered her little body to his own lean one, shushing her slowly as she cried in his embrace. Her repeated 'No' made his young heart feel lighter with relief.

Sniffling lightly Pallavi looked up at him with large teary,eyes as he wiped her face dry with his free hand.

"Don't cry okay. I am always here. I will never leave you." He cooed to her as he stood up with her in his arms.

"Promise?" Pallavi's eyes filled up again and her grip around his neck tightened.

Stopping in step, Siddhesh looked into his sister's hurt eyes and vowed aloud.

"I promise Pallavi."

•

Rage.

Unconquerable rage.

That was all Siddhesh Sawant felt as he looked at the people standing before him.

His fiery stare passed through every person he recognised as his sister's in-law and finally came to set back on the woman right in front standing opposite to whom was his own wife.