Frames of Destiny

Chapter 22

Shehnaaz gradually drifts off to sleep as their conversation continues, her eyes shut for a while from the exhaustion of yesterday's trip and a sleepless night. Then she had to travel to come to this farmhouse again..

Sidharth keeps watching her closely, gently stroking her hair to help her relax, which ultimately puts her to sleep. After years, he feels a deep sense of contentment and can't believe that he feels love again!

After a while, he feels a sudden urge to speak to his mother...so he quietly steps out of the guest room, making sure not to wake her up. He then sits on the couch in the living room to dial her number..

"Haan Sidharth?"..she answers.

"Kya kar rahi ho aap Mom?"..he asks softly, running a hand through his hair..

"Kuch nehi beta, baas Sam ke saath baithi hoon hall mein. Tu bata, sab theek hai na?"..Mom senses a shift in his tone already..

He exhales deeply..

"Sidharth?"..he calls again being concerned..

"Can I be honest Mom, please?"..he pleads..

"Sure beta! Kya baat hai?!"

"Woh kya hai na, for years, you have been after my life to start over, to start fresh! Lekin I had locked that part of my heart away, buried it so deep that I never thought I would open it again Mom!"

Mom's heart skips a beat with excitement and she is hardly able to believe what she is hearing! Therefore, she stays silent, letting him continue..

"She affects me Mom! Her presence brings me peace like I have not felt in years! The way she cares for Sam, it overwhelms me! Main galat nehi hoon na Mom?"

Tears fill his her eyes but she remains speechless and deeply moved...

He adds..."I tried! I tried so hard to push her away. I tried not to think about her, not to care! I even stopped myself from checking on her but nothing worked! Every day I fell harder..The love she has for Sam is pure and I could not ignore it either! Bataiye na Mon, main theek hoon na?"..His voice trembles as he seeks the most important validation of his life..!

His mother gathers her emotions to speak up finally.."Haan mera bachha, I am so proud of you! I always knew about her feelings and I could sense yours too! Lekin tu jo apne saath kar raha tha, that was the hardest part for me to watch! Lekin abhi I am so glad... I am so glad that this girl came into our lives..!"

"You have brought a gem Mom! I can't thank you enough..!".. his voice fumbles with emotion..

"Aww! Ma hoon na..tu bhi tou sochta hai na Sam k liye? Waise ho kaha tum dono?"

He smiles asking..."Kya bola tha usne aapko?"

"She was in a hurry, just said she was going out to meet you.."

"Hmm... I called her to come over. Hum farmhouse mein hain.."

"Theek hai, aaj wahi ruk jao..anyway it's pretty late and I will manage it all here.."..Mom suggests.

"Are you sure?"

"Haan beta, don't worry.."..she reaffirms..

"Ok Mom, take care, hum log subah ajayenge.."

"Haan haan, aramse ajana.."

"Alright, byee.."

"Bye beta.."..she hangs up..

*****************

Shehnaaz wakes up to find Sidharth sitting on the couch, doing something in his phone. She walks over to him slowly and gently wraps her arms around his neck from behind. He smiles at her soft touch and pulls her in front of him, settling her on his lap..