Ranjish | 𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒓𝒂𝒋

XIV. a victorious loss

vanraj:

I unlocked the door and walked into my apartment, Isha followed me.
She was sicker than before, probably catching a fever already.

"Gutlu? Tu ghar aa gaya?", I froze awkwardly.

Gutlu was my infamous pet name that only Baa used now, that too when we were alone.

Isha froze behind me.
I gulped.

"Baa—"
"Teri Jamnagar wali mausi ne tere liye aachar bheja hai. Puch rahi thi ki tu aaj bhi aachar na le aane par roota hai ya nehi.", She went on, chuckling.

I glanced at Isha who was smiling.
She noticed me and immediately stopped, acting like she didn't hear anything.

"Baa!", I called out.
Baa walked out of the kitchen.
"Tu bina khaye piye chala jaata hai.. tabiyat kharab ho jayegi-", She paused abruptly noticing Isha.

She looked at her, and then back at me.

"Yeh.. Isha hai. Dr. Isha Bhonsale, Pakhi ke college ki Head Mistress.", I said.
"Tere saath kya kar rahi hai?", Baa asked with narrowed eyes.
"Woh..", I mumbled, drawing in a deep breath.

There were so many things to say, but none that I could voice out.

I gulped down my confession knowing if I voiced it Isha would throw her chappal at me and Baa would faint.

"Actually mai jaa hi rahi thi. Vanraj is a friend and woh mujhe yahan kal lekar aaye kyuki meri tabiyat kharab ho gayi thi. He took me to the doctor as well.", Isha said.

Baa looked at me, narrowing her eyes.

"Thank you so much, Vanraj.", Isha said formally.
I immediately turned to face her.

"Isha you need rest—"
"I don't want to trouble you or your mother. Tumne pehle hi mere liye bohot kuch kia hai.. thank you.", She said curtly as she forced a smile towards Baa, joined hands, did a courteous namaste and walked out.

I stood, watching her go.
Something stung in me. It hurt. My throat numbed, tears welled up. I desperately wanted her to stay, allow me to take care of her.

"Kaun hai woh Gutlu?", Baa asked again.
"Dost hai, Baa.", I mumbled ultimately.

There was a pause.
"Rok le usse jaakar.", Baa said softly.
I immediately turned.
"Yehi hai na woh.. jo uss din tere saath Mahi ko dhoondne gayi thi?", She asked.
I nodded, blinking off my tears.

"Toh rok le usse.", She insisted.

I drew in a deep breath.

"Ek baar toh sahi waqt pe dil ki sunn le. Humesha tujhse der ho jaati hai, aur jabtak tujhe ehsaas hota hai, woh jaa chuki hoti hai.", Baa said.

I looked at her, the accuracy of what she had said struck me.
And without another thought, I immediately rushed out of the house.

I jogged down to the road.
Isha was calling for an auto rickshaw.
She looked sick, terribly weak.
"Isha!", I called on, as she turned to look at me.
"Vanraj.. tumhe jaana chahiye—"
"Tumhe bukhar hai Isha. You haven't taken your medicines either. Aur breakfast bhi nehi kia. Mai tumhe iss halat mein nehi chod sakta.", I said immediately.

"Kyu nehi chod sakte?! Tumne bohot kar lia mere liye! I can handle myself!", She snapped at me.

So her guards were up again.
The hangover seemed to have reduced significantly.

"I know! But I want to help you—"
"I don't want sympathy, Vanraj! I am not some damsel in distress! I don't need a man's protection or concern!", She snapped.
"Arrey toh kya karu mai?! Ab iss umar mein gender reverse thodi na kar sakta hu!", I snapped back at her, annoyed out of my wits.