Hamari Raahein

Ch.46- Road Romeo

"Now that the decision regarding your marriage is finalized... you two won’t see each other before the wedding."

"What?"

We both exclaimed in unison. Nani cleared her throat and took a sip of water from her glass before giving us her characteristic glare.

"Yes. After the commotion you both caused, this is your punishment. Since you both were so eager to harden your hearts, now you can carry any flower pot from the backyard on your chests as a reminder."

The silence that followed felt deafening. Until that moment, we had been enjoying our lunch together, and then Nani dropped this bombshell on us.

"Is she serious right now? How is that even possible?" I whispered, leaning closer to Someshwar, who sat right next to me.

“Uh… Nani, you know it’s not that simple. I work at her company, so I’m bound to see her every day. That’s just part of my job.”

Well said, dear Swami. In our situation, avoiding each other is practically impossible. We share the same office, and to top it off, we’re neighbors. So no matter what, we’re bound to cross paths. I found myself curious about Nani’s response to this dilemma.

“Then just quit your job.”

What? Become unemployed just to get married? It’s astonishing how society pressures young men to find a stable job before settling down, yet here we are…

“But Biji, that will be so difficult. There’s still plenty of time before their wedding. The priest has scheduled the auspicious date for next month. If he just sits at home for a month…”

Pravit papa attempted to reason with Nani. I glanced over at Mummy, Reena Maa, and Pravit Papa, seeking their support. They seemed just as taken aback.

“Hmm, you can’t quit your job then. So, you two just won’t meet outside of work. Consider your romance on hold for now.”

Oh dear, Nani, I thought you were on my side. What on earth did you just say? Even though the next expansion project is still in its preliminary stages, the workload remains the same for now. This means I’ll barely have time for lunch breaks with Som, and we usually end up skipping half of those to focus on work anyway. Seriously?

"Why aren’t you doing anything, Som?"

My anxiety surged as I leaned closer to Someshwar, completely unaware that I had begun shaking my leg beneath the table, a telltale sign of my nervousness. I felt his fingers entwined with mine, and when he squeezed my hand gently, it served as a comforting reminder that I wasn't alone.

"Nani, maaf kardo na? I promise there won’t be any more pointless arguments from now on, I swear, both of us," he pleaded, employing that age-old tactic of feigned innocence. Ever since he was a child, Nani had been under his spell, and being her first grandchild gave him a special place in her heart. Yet, she also placed a high value on discipline, a duality that shaped their relationship.

Turning towards me, he gave me a knowing glance, and I understood the cue. I added my voice to the chorus of apologies. I felt burdened by the trouble I had caused them, especially for Robin bhai, who continued to eat in silence, his gaze averted. He rarely expressed himself verbally, but I understood him well. We were his family now. Having grown up in an orphanage, he faced a world that was often harsh, wrestling with his simmering emotions during his teenage years. Yet despite everything, he has always been our unwavering support.

When our eyes finally met, I saw a profound solitude in Bhai’s expression. I had seldom felt pity for him until today; something deep within me felt unsteady. Soon, I would be married and belonging here, while Ridhi would stay focused on her business. She had also made up her mind to marry Surya, so who would be left for Bhai? As we both will begin new chapters in our lives, what would happen to him? Would he be left alone once more? The burden of always holding ourself together could, at times, become too heavy to bear.