Just A Wish; Happily Ever After

14.

Rohit had loved the cupcakes, after all.

I had been happy lately because of a particular 'star'.

I had started giggling, recalling the beautiful peacock plushie, any time of the day. One afternoon, Mummyji had found me giggling when I was cleaning the kitchen. She had given me a stink eye. Though I had shut my mouth, my mood had remained bright; after all, now I had Star with me. Hehe.

TA, like a mother hen, had called me every night, taking time out of his extremely busy schedule. He had been particular and strict about my burns. He monitored personally via video call if I applied the ointment or not. The whole exchange had not been pleasant, but somehow, it was generously sweet. His care and worry were what acted as my medicine. Not for the external injuries but instead the invisible wounds to my dried heart. My heart has drunk every drop of his worry, care, and affection.

He had called me a child when I was telling him that he had needed not to call me regularly and 'order' me to apply ointment. With a sarcastic smile, he had gone forward and remarked, "Stop whining and listen to what your friend is telling you, Sadhna." I was not complaining to him! I had just told him that it was the first time the injuries pained. And it was true. Over the years, I had sustained various injuries and they had not hurt as much as these burn marks did. The reason was, finally, I had someone to look after me, ask me if I was hurting, or if I felt better or applied the ointment. These were the reasons which made my wounds painful yet I had never been so relieved to bear them. They had become a cherished memory. I was thankful, blessed, and happy.

TA had been disturbed by my injuries. At first, I had not known about the fact. Rohit had been watching the match on the TV, and I was making laddoos in the kitchen. He had come running to me, "Mami, TA got out at seven runs!" I had not even looked up and brightened, "Really? TA never fails to perform well!" Rohit had made a sour face, "Mami! TA got out, giving a very easy catch! He had looked distracted and lost. Angry even! And you are saying he performed well?! No, Mami, he did so bad! You need to learn cricket properly!" I had left work and given my full attention to Rohit, "performed bad?" Rohit threw his hands up, "yes! And until now, it has never happened!"

That was the day, TA had seen my burn marks just before his match. He had video called me the same night. I had gone to the mandir at home and answered his call. TA was visibly tense and had immediately asked, "how are your wounds, Sadhna?" I had smiled lightly, "TA, don't bother with them. They are superficial and don't hurt at all. You tell me what--" TA had an outburst, "superficial?! Are you kidding me, Sadhna?! How can you even say that when your skin literally had burned?! Don't you downplay your injuries!" I was caught off guard, "TA, relax!" TA tugged at his hair, "no! And don't you tell me to calm down! Come on, apply the ointment in front of me." I had blinked, unable to act, astonished. TA stared at me with impatience and restlessness, "Sadhna, do it!" I had seen for myself then what Rohit had told me in the afternoon and what it had signified. I had sighed, "TA, look at me." He shook his head, "No! I am not listening until you apply the ointment." I had persisted, "TA!" I had shown him the burns where I had applied the ointment already, "look, I had already tended to them. Please, relax! Don't worry yourself too much!" TA had exhaled, shoulders sagging with weight. He had run his hand through his hair. He looked tired and exhausted. Though most prominently, he was disturbed. I had already sensed why, but I had to be sure, so I asked him, "What happened to you, TA? Rohit told me you looked lost today." TA avoided my eyes and frowned, "was I?"

I had smiled in understanding, "TA, look at me." His head was down and he had raised his eyes to look at me. In such a position, he had looked innocent and painfully vulnerable. My heart had pinched and yearned for him so out of the blue that my breath had hitched. Like nothing happened, I ignored my bodily reactions and concentrated on TA, "can you tell me what happened? Why were you distracted and disturbed?" TA was quiet. I let him take his time and did not force him to tell me. It depended on him completely. He had known me for a very short time. Putting your trust, sharing your burdens, and being emotionally open to someone take strength, time, and courage. I was practically a stranger to him. So, I had no high expectations of him telling me anything. But I was surprised when he opened up to me. His voice was small, "I couldn't concentrate today, Sadhna."