The Things That I Left Behind..

Chapter-24

3 chapters in a day err..night.
Don't I deserve a pat?
Happy reading :)
____________________________________________________

C h a p t e r - 24

"Apologizing does not always mean you're wrong
and the other person is right. It just means you value
your relationship more than your ego."

― Mark Matthews

______________________________________________________

As I ended scribbling the letter,sealing and sending it to Susan's house,I sighed.
I would be lying if I said I didn't expect anything.
Even a small response would be enough to make me realise that she cares.
Even if it means that she hates me.

I remember Susan always saying with word 'hate'

"Honey!Hate is a four letter strong word.And I assure you it's made for scumbags such as your husband."

I would either shrug or choose not to reply because I couldn't deny what she said was true.
It took me additional two days of courage to gather my wits as Mr Smith encouraged me to write it out.
I wonder though at times if he is experimenting with me.
I have seen his passion to heal people when I rode in his taxi.
His eyes would hold concern as he would often scan the market place.

I asked him a day before:

"Uncle,why do you everyday come at this time to marketplace?"
His smile widened as he scanned the area.
He spoke,"It gives me an opportunity to improve my area of expertise.To read people."
I remained silent as he pointed to a pale white man whose hand seemed to be tucked in pocket before he fidgeted.
Mr Smith asked,"What do you first notice about him?"
I scrunch my eyebrows before answering honestly,"That he is a guy?"
Mr Smith instead of giving deadpanned look (which I expect kinda from Mr Malhotra) laughs loudly and says,"I second that."
I smile at him as he answers,"Well.I observe that he is nervous.Fidgeting is one of the signs.Look at the other guy,his stance shows arrogance but the way he holds her..."
He went on describing different people.
And it was quite accurate.

My various explorations to explore cuisines was successful too.
I had roamed various different streets and had most points covered.
Mrs Smith baked me some of her raisins cookies and as I munched she asked,"Now how is your trip so far?"
I gulp up the delicious contents as I say,"So far,so good."
She smiles at me as I ate more of her cookies and she says,"I am glad."
We sit in silence as the only sounds of munching and sipping is heard.
We suddenly hear a knock and Mrs Smith motions me to sit as she goes to open the door.
Meanwhile I decide to gulp water.
I guess I made a bad move as I heard the same deep voice,"Hi."
I spit out my water and instantly coughed like a hag.
Mr Malhotra ran up to rub my back while I regained my posture.
And possibly my mind.
As I end my coughing session,I hear Mrs Smith shout,"I am going to come in 30 minutes.Is it fine Sara?"
I nod to her as Mrs Smith acknowledges Mr Malhotra before leaving.

Mr Malhotra watches me silently as I look down.
Our last encounter plays in my mind.
Mr Malhotra then does something that I never expect.
He kneels on his knees and says,"I am sorry."
His hands are clasped and he looks down while I watch him speechless.
My mind wanders in different direction.
It only causes more conflict and I end up asking,"Why?"
His eyes never leave the floor,an action that looks familiar in a way.
My mind fails to place it where but I say nothing after it.
He says,"Its difficult.I..I care and am protective of Susan.And when I discover that the incident was...I mean.."
I smiled sadly as tears fill my eyes.
I complete his sentence,"The Incident was because of me?"
He closes his eyes and says,"Look.This is difficult.I don't know what happened.I don't even know how it happened.These days I gave a thorough thought and I came to conclusion,that I have no right to blame you or refrain you."
I wipe my tears as I ask,"And what makes you think that I care for your opinion,Mr Malhotra?Last time I remember,you literally abandoned me.Not that I wouldn't have done anything but..."
He cuts me off my sentence as he speaks,"You are right.I have no right to be angry at you or anything.If anything,it is between you and my sister.I get it."
I watch helplessly as he wipes his tears and said,"Look.You both are important to me. I can't lose you both."
I can't help but ask"Why am I important?"
He pauses as he recollects his answer.I expect him to correct but instead he stands up and takes my hands into his.
He looks straight into my eyes as he says,"You both are important in a way.She is my sister.You?Well I wish I could explain it you.Just to let you know,you always resided deep in the abyss of my soul ."
My breath is caught up at his words.
I am not naive to comprehend his words.
But his words warms up my cold insides.
His hand rubs soothingly on my thumb as he says,"You know,when your letter reached,my sister received it."
I gulp as I nervously wait for his further words.
His eyes looked pained as if he recalled a bitter incident and spoke,"I always remember her.She did speak humorously but her eyes lacked it.She had that happy steak lost.I thought I had lost my sister."
He gently wipes my lone tear that falls as he stares again at my eyes.
He says,"When she opened the letter,I waited for her reaction.Her general reaction would be always to keep back the letter.But yesterday,instead she tore open the envelope. I don't what you wrote but she had a this little buzz of excitement before she said something like 'yeah.Its stupid.' And she went back to her room."
I recall my letter and smile a little.
He takes out another envelope and hands me.
My eyes water at the untidy handwriting.
Susan wrote me back!
Mr Malhotra says,"She told me to send this to you tomorrow.But I couldn't wait.I think whatever this is between you both can be solved."
I cry as I smile before I hug him out of nowhere.
Maybe it's because I am happy or I am not thinking alright.
His back is stiffened.
Suddenly I feel regret seeping in and I mutter,"Sorry."
But before I can get too far,his fingers lace around my arms before pulling me into the hug.
The action causes me to blush but I lace my arms around him.
I can hear his heart beating loudly.
I wonder if he can hear mine too?
As his hand touches my hair,he gives a light rub which gives me a sense of familiarity.
But why?

Authors note:

Did anyone like Sara and Mr Malhotra's scene?
What do you think Susan has replied?