Then There's you...!!

Chapter 10 ~ I trust you!

Joshna sat beside Vinod Singhania's bed; the old man held her hand with all the warmth and care of a father. They were engrossed in conversation, while Vikram entered.  His father gestured him to come closer and held his hand along with hers. As predicted, Joshna's consciousness was evident from her face, while Vikram was hoping his father shouldn't catch it.

"Tumhe pata hai Joshna, Vikram postponed the trip since you are coming today" Vinod made a startling revelation. But contrary to his expectation, she was smiling which indicated that she hadn't taken it seriously.

"He had to. You know Paa, I complained last week that he doesn't spend much time with me, Shayad isliye" She flashed her teeth.

Vikram couldn't help but chuckle. Good Job, eh!

**

"Pata hai choti mem saab, choti saab ko karela bahut pasand hai. Aadha kilo karela dedo, asani se kha lenge" Raghuvir's cheerful banter filled the dining room as they had their lunch

"Karela!!" Joshna's face twitched leaving Vikram curve his lips in helpless smile

"Kyun aapko karela pasand nahi hai?"

"Wo.. main.. Mujhe karela ki smell se bhi allergy hai, Kaaka. Main karvi cheezein nahi khaati hoon"

"Karela karvi hote hai, par it's good for your health" Vikram gave an instant reply

"Haan, issliye karela kha kha ke aap bahut meetha hogaye hai, Shayad?" Joshna retorted immediately only to bite her lip to control her words, midway

Before he could explain Raghuvir interuppted "Chote saab bahut meetha insaan hai mem saab, shaadi ke baad pata chalega. Bahut achi khayal rakhenge, aapki"

Joshna's face turned expressionless while Vikram couldn't help but look at her inquisitively.

"Oho, mem saab sharmarahe" Raghuvir let out a hue of laugh.

"Shh.. Kaaka, aise koi baat nahi"

For rest of the lunch, Raghuvir was the only person talking about his "Chote saab" and Joshna carefully avoided looking even accidentally at him.

**

"Thanks for the lunch, Vikram"

"Is that what you call a lunch, picking up on few morsels?"

"I had a late breakfast, not very hungry, that's why"

"Is that the reason or is it because of the vegetarian food?" He raised his eyebrow.

"Nothing like that" She flashed her teeth inviting a smile from him. "So Vikram, Can I leave now? Sir will be sleeping for some time I think, I had a good time talking to him" Joshna spoke in a hushed voice

"I thought I would walk you through the house, if you like it. Do you have other work?"

"Nope, nothing else. I thought you'd have more important work"

"I have nothing, so can we go?" He led her through the hallway.

"Yeah"

"On a scale of 1-10, how bitter do you think I am" Joshna jolted slightly at his question, as they were walking across hallway.

"No, no, I am sorry, I should've controlled my tongue. I din't mean to" She was nervous to even explain stuff

"It's ok, Joshna. You don't have to be conscious all the time. It was just a casual question" he turned to her side hearing the unusual nervousness in her voice