Kindle to Rekindle

52. Encounters and Farewells

Life is woven with threads of meetings and departures; each has its significance and its unique hue.

Rudra and Nandini's faces fell but they knew it was time. Silence filled in the house of Singhs but it was something they knew would happen from the start yet they were just not prepared for it.

Nimrit gave a very unique flipbook to Nandini and Rudra as a parting gift, in which she created caricatures of them depicting their love story.

"Oh! My God! This is just amazing. When did you make this? How did you know about our story? This is so special, Nimrit. Thank you!" Nandini was in awe of the book and engulfed Nimrit in a warm hug. "I am going to miss you so much that I cannot define it in words. You are special Nimrit. So so special. I bless you with your choicest desires."

Rudra was admiring the book and the beautiful bond his wife shared with a girl who was just a guest in their house but became an inseparable part of their lives. Out of other things, he was proud of his son's choice of sweethearts.

While Abhedya was denying and accepting his feelings for Swarnima because of the brooding mysteries that unfolded daily in their lives, Nivedya's love was an open secret that everyone knew and was happy about.

Nandini gave Nimrit a velvet pouch and said, "This is for you, darling."

"Aunty! You cannot be serious. I cannot accept this. It's like, you are giving me your treasure." Nimrit gave the pouch back to Nandini and Rudra was curious to see what was in it.

Nandini slid a chain-like bracelet into Nimrit's hand which had a charm 'N' hanging from it. She admired how the bracelet looked on Nimrit's delicate hand, and remarked, "If it belongs to anyone it is you. I know you will keep it safe and trust me, it brings luck."

Nimrit denied taking the bracelet Rudra gifted to Nandini when Nivedya was born but after a lot of persuasion she accepted it with love. "I feel like I robbed you," Nimrit said playing with the bracelet in her hand.

"You did. You robbed our love, our peace. The thought of an empty house is already making me gloomy. Visit us often Nimrit. We love you like our own." Nandini kissed Nimrit's crown and hugged her tightly.

Nimrit departed alongside Rudra for her home, an air of melancholy clinging to her. Concealing her tears, she delicately brushed them away.

"Aye, girl. You are making me emotional too. Come here now." Rudra offered Nimrit his shoulder to cry on and at that moment he felt that if Swarnima grew up with them, then probably she would have been a softer version of Nimrit. Both of them were so alike.

Rudra waited till Nimrit went inside her house and left signalling a guard to keep an eye around. He wanted nothing to harm her.

The moment Nimrit entered her house a familiar smell welcomed her. Even though Nivedya's house and family members were welcoming but there was something about your own house. Home is home for a reason.

Nimrit quickly mopped the house and started decorating their little abode. She knew her mother still couldn't walk properly so she shifted the bed closer to the bathroom. She didn't know how to cook properly so, she prepared basic cheese sandwiches and set them on the table.

When the bell rang Nimrit ran to open the door. Amber hugged Nimrit as if his life depended on the hug.

"Forgotten the broken bone lady, already?" Reet remarked to gain attention but Nimrit was sad to see her mother in bandages. She hugged her mother lightly, careful enough to not hurt her.

Nimrit and Amber helped Reet enter the house and they were happy to see their little home decorated with balloons and flowers.

Daughters were a blessing from above and the Khannas were happy to be blessed with an angel like Nimrit.