Estranged | ✓

XXI. home

vanraj :

I pressed the calling bell switch of Anupamaa's apartment.
Her name was written on a sheet of paper and pasted on that door.

"Anupamaa Ka Ghar."

I softly placed my fingers over her name.
This was her house, the one she got with her own calibre.

The door opened.
Toshu stood opposite to me, looking slightly guilty.
Anu had probably told him that I knew everything now, yet he just looked down awkwardly.

I opened my shoes and walked in.

"I'm sorry Papa..", he said softly.
I glanced at him as he shut the door behind me.
"You could have told me Toshu.. if you had a problem.. if you didn't like the sandwiches you could have just let me know..", I said, trying to sound soft and understanding.

"Papa.. I—"

"PAPA!", this was an over enthusiastic Samar who ran across the hallway and wrapped his arms around my waist.

I froze for moments.
I felt a sudden overwhelm of emotions. 
I slowly placed my hand on his head, my fingers trembled.
My throat felt numb.

He released me.
"I missed you.. soooo much!", He said grinning.
I blinked off my tears and smiled,
"I missed you too.."
My voice was just above a whisper.

"Let's go in! Today is our fun day with Papa.", Toshu said, happily.
"But.. your mummy.."
"There four hours before she returns.", Toshu said as we walked down into the bed room.

The overall plan of the house was exactly like mine.
The rent to this must be huge.
Anupamaa's bedroom was beautiful.
There was a framed photograph of her with Samar, Pakhi and much to my surprise Toshu.

I stared at it in confusion.

"We clicked this a year back.",
Toshu said.
I nodded, drawing in a deep breath.

The room was so homelike. I noticed Anupamaa's earrings on the dressing table.
I recognised them sooner than expected.
I gifted them to her years ago, when life was good.

"Handsome uncle! Sit down na! We will play!", Pakhi said sitting right beside the bed, on the carpeted floor.
I smiled and sat down beside her.

She immediately climbed onto my lap and sat.
"You see Winter, I won the best!", She said gleefully.
"Huh! Whatever!", Samar said narrowing his eyes as he sat down opposite to me, Toshu sat beside him.

"There was a bet?", I asked with a raised brow.
"Yes! The bet was if I can sit on your lap! Winter promised me he'd give me his chocolate..", Pakhi said smiling away in pride.

Ah.. that's clearly my daughter.

I wrapped my arms around her small body and hugged her tightly.
"I'm feeling ticklish!", She said giggling.
I noticed Samar and Toshu exchange jealous glances.

"Papa this is not fair..", Samar said narrowing his eyes, eyeing Pakhi in jealousy.

How cute!

I released Pakhi, she immediately turned towards me and hugged me.

"Handsome uncle is my property! You stay with Mummy only!", She said, sharply.

Just then I heard footsteps.
My heart started pacing.

Before I could react, I heard,

"Fine then.. No theplas for Pakhi today. She's going to have her handsome uncle's self made sandwiches. Is that okay?"

I looked at Anupamaa standing at the door.
She glanced at me with a beautiful smile.

And I was home.

•••

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