Kehne Ko Humsafar Hein

Episode 31: Xoxo

Rohit was ready to go for Ana's office party. He wanted to keep an eye on his wife and her boss. There were some cobwebs of doubts building inside him.  He was preparing himself for fatherhood at one end and he feared if Ana had a miscarriage due to her careless behaviour. Work cannot replace family life and both needs to be balanced.  He was surprised to see Poonam walking into the living room well dressed in cream and red salwar suit.

"You look beautiful. " Rohit complimented with a smile.

She walked towards him and held his hand. He was shocked and he gave a weird look to her.  She slowly said :

"Rohit, Nikki has invited her batch mates today for dinner to plan her engagement party in the weekend.  Sheena and Nikki had gone to meet Takshu's mom and her would be mother -in -law have gifted her with a dress and sagun  ke kangan (auspicious gift for a would be bride). I have arranged dinner on the terrace for her friends and our close family members. "

Rohit wanted to go to Harry's party and his mind was wandering on what Ana must be doing with Harry?  There played the song XoXo and  Poonam told Rohu that Nikki's  friends, especially boys from her class are enjoying drinks, upstairs.  Rohit was not pleased with the fact that drinks were served in the party.

He separated his hand from her grip and walked towards upstairs. He was surprised Nikki was not around the boys and his friend Gurri was entertaining the boys. He hugged Gurri with sheer surprise and his friend gave him a Hi-five. 

"You are lucky to have two wives. How do you manage them.  One is like buttered bun and other is like chicken lollipop."

He was drunk so Rohit did not shout at Gurri. He had disliked his bff's statement. Marrying Ana, a second woman was just will of God, he firmly believed in but still society had it's norms. He was disgusted while he walked down stairs. He heard giggles from Nikki's room.  Sheena was giving lecture on  Psychological theories : Theory of  urge, bodily desires... Rohit heard the word Kama Sutra and for him it sounded so impure.

Was there a need to explain all this?  His prejudice added more fire in him. Girls in this generation are smart enough, he thought. He was red in anger and he saw Ana walking out of the washroom in the guest area. She was wearing a beautiful black sequel Saree. For a moment, Rohit felt he was dreaming because he was missing her badly or doubting her chastity.

She smiled and walked towards him. He was staring at her. She raffled his hair and hugged him tight. She whispered :

"Surprise. "

Poonam saw the romantic scene between Rohana and there was a lump in her throat.  She interrupted :

"Excuse me. Actually Rohit,  I invited her for the dinner. "

Rohit was blank.  What was Poonam up to? Trying to befriend his current wife.  He knew that situation might put him in soup and set fire in his life.

Nikki was getting married and Ana will be part of the wedding. Rohit knew, he won't be able to stop it.  Luckily Jassi bhabhi came like his Savior.  She and Ana were chit- chatting. Ana looked bored and yet she was faking a smile. She was enjoying pani puri and after sometime she filled a bowl with her favourite fruits. She took pineapple and Poonam snatched the bowl from her. 

Poonam gave Ana a grandma stare.  Ana was totally clueless.

"Pregnant ladies are not supposed to eat pineapple,  mango and papaya.  Ana you have to be careful at this time. I know, I sound like an Aunty but you need to listen to me.  I am mother of Rohit's daughters and you too are nurturing his baby. I know we both can't be friends but I am not your enemy. " Poonam was explaining so well like an elder sister that Ana striked a friendly chord with her. She was telling her what has to done in each stage of pregnancy? Ana was enjoying the talk. They spoke so much that an hour  passed.

Poonam rushed to the kitchen. Dinner was supposed to be served and then games were planned. Poonam had arranged the guest room for Rohana. She had requested Sheena to sleep in Bani's room but never tell her strong headed angry neice that she used her room.  She felt lonely when all were relishing the meal.  Sheena was busy with the girls. Ana and Rohit were sitting in a corner under a tea lamp.  They both were laughing. For a moment Poonam felt like cursing and abusing Ana for snatching her happiness. 

She took a deep breath and told herself that all her anger, jealousy and insecurities will worsen her life and they have accepted Ana as a family.  She took  some hot rotis to serve Rohana. Rohit had done with his food but Ana wanted to have some pasta.  Poonam happily served her. 

The get together ended well and Poonam was cleaning the dining area, clearing the mess.

"Hi. "Rohit started a conversation with the mother of his daughters.

Poonam was still busy and she was not in mood to talk to Rohit.

"Yes Rohit,  Kuch chahiye thaa (Do you need anything?) " she asked without looking at his face.

"Tumko nahi lagta dal mein namak kuch zyada padh gaya thaa. " (Don't you think there was extra salt in the food?) Rohit complained like a typical husband.

Poonam was furious. 

"Rohit,  please understand that we are humans and this things are quite normal.  It was edible and... "

Rohit started laughing loudly.  His ex-wife was still so good in giving explanations. 

"Poonam, remember you always asked my remarks on any special food you made and instead of appreciating you,  I always criticised.  Salt is more... Masala is extra or the burnt taste. You gave explanations but today, I feel you are offended. I was just testing you and the food was too good. I felt happy when guests were appreciating and especially Ana enjoyed it. " Rohit opened his heart and feelings to make Poonam feel good.

"Thank you Rohit for your appreciation. It feels good if someone says good words but at times, words are sugar syrup and having too much of it can be hazardous to health. I know the right proportions and how
to establish an equilibrium of balance. "

Poonam handed over the plates to the house help and went to her room.

Rohit kept on wondering :

Was Poonam being sarcastic?

Oh! Ana was here in his farmhouse. He had to make Ana comfortable.

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