Gunaah (The Sin)

Part 4

Antara's pov,

I dressed in my casual violet anarkali and a grey dupatta. The only accessories I was wearing were the jhumka's on my both ear lobes and a wristwatch. Rhea left in the morning and the house became suddenly so empty. She was my all time partner in crime. "Antara are you ready?!" momma came inside and asked me. "yes.. let's go.." I said. noor apa also came behind my momma. "arey antara ye kya?!! Arey laarke wale aa rahe hain tujhe dekhne aur tu hain ki aisi sade kapron mein unke samne jaa rahi hain.." noor apa said. "appa.. hum bas ek formal meeting ke liye jaa rahe hain... mere engagement party mein nahi..." I giggled. "chup ho jaa badmass larki... didi aap hi samjhao naa issey.." noor apa said in miffed voice. momma smiled widely, "tum fikar mat karo noor.. antara kuch bhi pahen le humesha bahut sundar dikhti hain...aur main nahin chahti ki meri beti dusri larkion ki tarah chalti firti make up ki dukan ban kar wahan jaein.." momma lovingly caressed my chicks. "I love you momma.." I hugged her tightly and gave a side kiss. "thik hain thik hain... ab aap log chaliyein... bhaisahab niche intezaar kar rahe hain.." noor apa said from side and we hurried towards the door.

"Antara be careful.. watch your steps!" momma said as I stepped into the luxury house boat from the shikara. Bajaj family had arranged our meeting in this houseboat. It was just a few miter away from the shore. We came at the wide balcony of the boat from where a broad area of daal lake could be seen. The mountains which was surrounding the daal lake in every direction, I could also see the small shankaracharya temple situated at a high peak, at a very far distance. From the lake, it looked like a small needle situated above the peak. The houseboats were situated in a horizontal line after one by another. The shikaras were moving abruptly on the calm water making some spontaneous waves. The shoreline and the chaos and vehicles on the road could be seen from there. All in all, the view was really mesmerizing. "you know, mr bajaj was saying that they booked this house boat in so short notice. Actually a very well known businessman mr mansukhani had booked the houseboat for his b'day party. But he canceled at last moment and mr bajaj got the chance." Pappa informed us. We all found bajaj family at the center table situated at the mid. They all greeted us and we greeted back. we introduced each other and sat on the table. I saw pratim at a side wearing formals. He didn't talk much. Mayank was right. He seemed to have a bit attitude but first impression was not always last impression. I didn't want to jump the conclusion so soon. Bajajs were so reach and reputed businessmen. And I don't want to create any issue between our family for my stupidity. I remained quiet and enjoyed the chill breeze of lake.

Raghu's pov.

Oh shit!! It's really damn cold!! My leather jacket was not enough to prevent me from the chill weather of lake. I should wear some warm woolens but I hate wearing them. Those felt so tight and it felt like almost impossible to even move your body parts. But truly I was regretting my decision now. Holding my hand tight around my chest I waited for the shikara tio reach at the destined houseboat. At my front, the small gift box was kept. The gift which daya mai send for mr mansukhani in his b'day. I was quite surprised when mai asked me to deliver his gift to Kashmir in mansukhani's b'day party. Actually mansukhani was in hiss Kashmir trip and Daya mai wanted to send him her wishes in b'day along with the gift. But she could also send the gift through that... what does it called... yes courier service. But mai said that it was a very special gift and it should be taken with utmost care. Otherwise it would break. So mai wanted me to deliver the gift. I never questioned on mai's order. She was the person who adopted me and gave me a new life from a roadside boy. If people respect me it was all because of her. the whole Mumbai city knew me as mai's most obedient person and I am not ashamed of that. I could do anything for her. "cgaliye bhaijaan.. aa gaye hum.." the man who was managing the shikara told me. I paid him and moved inside the houseboat making sure that no one watched me. Mai said that it was a surprise gift and no one should watch me while placing the gift on right place. I moved inside the boat without making a sound. To my luck no one noticed me. I came at the 1st floor through the wooden stairs and heard some sound of voices. They must be nearby. But I was a bit surprised. Mansukhani's party shouldn't be that much soundless and calm. But everything seemed formal. However I moved inside and searched for a place to keep that gift box so that Mansukhani or any one from his family could get that.