~A Cinderalla Tale ~

Chapter 44

Ramadan Mubarak Jaans

Chapter 44

"Yes" Gauri replies with a confused smile looking at the tall old man towering over her

"Can we sit?" His words voicing out with a tip of his tongue in greediness while ogling at the luxury interiors .

Gauri shakes her head lightly while indicating him to take seat while she slumps herself on the couch opposite to his .

"Gauri" He calls her fondly "Can You remember –the way we played when you were young?"

Gauri looks at him confused "Hmm—I—am –sorry –I do not have any memory"

Kali lets out a slight chuckle "How would you--You were just 8 or 9 back then"

"How are you Gauri?"

"I am Fine" Gauri replies timidly

Kali shifts on his couch uncomfortably as Gauri gazes at the man in front of her trying to decipher the look in his eyes and why is he here in the first place .

Meena maa walks in with a tray of coffee . She passes it swiftly to Kali who thanks her . Meena maa tries to walk in but Gauri holds her wrist and shakes her swiftly with a nod with a silent plea in her eyes asking her to stay.

Meena maa pats Gauri's head while taking a seat beside her .

Kali sips his coffee while having an eye on Meena and Gauri who were having a conversation while whispering to each other .

"Hmm—Gauri" He clears his throat "Do you remember that me and your maa had a restaurant on partnership long back in the name 'The Rolling Pin' ?"

Gauri scoots closer to Meena maa with the mention of her mother "Yes" She whispers softly

Meena presses Gauri's palm tightly while assuring her still wondering while Kali is fumbling When he had told her he is Gauri's father

"Kaliji-Can I know why you are here?" Gauri asks directly without beating the bush

Kali leans forward while holding Gauri's other palm while She jerks a little shocked "Has your Mom spoken about me?—about your real father?"

"I am your real father –Gauri!"

Gauri's eyes widens as she pulls back her hand , Meena maa gets surprised to see Gauri's reaction , She places her hand on Gauri's back while soothing her

"No--- You and Maa-no" She says fumble while shaking her head

"We both were late in realizing our feelings – It happened too fast that I was out of mind and your mother got married to Sharma"

"No" Gauri's voice clear and loud

"I know I am late –but I needed time to accept you and when you mother left the world I went mad and—now gathering all my courage I am here – Gauri as Your Father"

"No –Maa and you were just friends"

"No Gauri—we were more than friends –I've being a bad father to you all these years but now I want to be a proper father to you"

"No—No—just leave" Gauri yells whispering while standing up and running her way up the stairs .

Kali stands up seeing Meena looking at him suspiciously he drops a few fake tears and pretends to wipe , turning around on his heels he walks straight out of the mansion .

Omkara runs inside the mansion excitedly " Gauri" He calls out , her name savoring in the tip of his tongue longingly to catch a glimpse of his beloved .