Arjun's eyes weren't moving away from hers......and she felt herself in a magical mesmerizing trance....but at the same time, she also felt a little awkward, and looked away.....he could sense her uneasiness and took his hands off her and moved away to let her be!
She spoke up something just to switch away from the moment which passed.....
"main jaldi se khaana banaa dehthi hoom" she voiced gently......
He nodded, "hmm....agar kuch help chahiye toh..."
She snapped him short, "nahi main karlungi....."
Arjun didn't insist on helping...he walked out of the kitchen and opened some of the windows and curtains to bring some fresh air and sunlight into the dark rooms.....
He strolled to a full size window which opened into the garden area and sat there for sometime.....Though he didn't want to go to the past, his heart and mind couldn't be controlled from doing that.......
Roshni, her memories, their love filled colorful life in this place was unforgettable......every nook and corner of this house reflected those happy times.....but there were dark shadows as well......and those screams......
But today, the painful screams, those echoes didn't reach his ears.....perhaps Riya's presence had made it easier for him to handle those horrid memories....
Sitting here now, he couldn't help thinking about his life with Roshni.....but he knew he couldn't go back to those lanes now.....He had to move forward for him and Riya...for them...for their life!
He got up and walked back to Riya....By then Riya was almost done with the cooking......
He helped her set the table....
They have lunch together passing occasional glances at each other........
Riya was expecting a word of praise or some comment from him about the food.....when he didn't say anything but just continued to eat, she enquired
Riya: khaana teek taak hai na?? aapko accha laga?
Arjun: [understanding her eagerness to hear him praising, he naughtily remarks] hmmm....teek hai....i mean I can manage!
Riya's face withered a bit but she gathered up and just continued eating....
He gently placed his hand on hers which was on the table and squeezed it slowly...She looked up at him surprised by his sudden gesture while he spoke up, "bohat tasty hai...I loved it Riya"
Riya's eyes glowed up....she smiled.....just a small comment from him could do wonders to her.....
She enthusiastically served him more till he said he couldn't eat anymore......They finish of the lunch....and she also is done with her clearing work....
He settles down near the sit out entrance watching the light drizzle which was cooling the otherwise hot afternoon....
Riya walked in with a plate of freshly cut fruits.....
He turned around, "aao Riya.....mere paas beito"
She sits beside him both enjoying the gentle cool climate snacking on the fruit pieces she brought...
He voices, "tum iss rishte se khush ho na Riya?"
He seemed to want a reconfirmation of sorts from her......
She nodded...."haan......."
He looked to her side.....her eyes were fixed somewhere else....a far away nothing in specific point......perhaps on the plants, the leaves, the flowers which were getting its first rain!
