Rhythm of my life

chapter 22

Next morning, Rachel reached Sparsh, with all her belongings. Daisy Aunty accompanied her, to be a part of Sparsh. She planned to leave in a couple of days.
Once they were settled, Rachel took a round at the place to see if things were in order, especially on the 2ndfloor. Few of the rooms would be occupied soon, by the elderly.
Rachel was waiting for the mini-bus to arrive, to pick the seniors from the centre.
Once at the centre, all were happy to meet Rachel.Mrs. Shobha found tremendous changes in Rachel’s approach and was happy for her. She seemed more positive towards life.When Shobha got to know about the facilities at Sparsh, she was convinced with Rachel’s decision.
Rachel completed the necessary formalities, of shifting her roommate- Seetha and few elderly people to her centre. Since they couldn’t stay for long here, they preferred joining Sparsh.
They were beaming with joy, for sooner they would have a new home, forever. Seetha felt blessed for she would start working soon, at the home.
After, bidding adieu to the rest of the fellow members, they moved towards the bus, along with their belongings.
The journey to Sparsh was fun filled. During the ride, Rachel briefed them about the Sanstha.
They were the first to occupy the rooms. The rooms were on twin sharing basis, with basic facilities.
Rachel had a separate room for her, on the first floor, overlooking the entrance. It was spacious enough, to accommodate a guest. For the time being, Aunt Daisy was there, to help her out.
Seetha was assigned a smaller room opposite Rachel’s.
Rachel prepared the menu for the week as per everyone’s choice and handed it over to the chief cook. She tried to incorporate everyone’s taste, by spreading it over the week.
All the seniors were assigned jobs in rotation; watering the plants, gardening, reading a book aloud etc.
Rachel prepared a schedule for them on daily basis.
On the second day, every senior citizen had to undergo a mandatory health check-up before breakfast, followed by prayers and breakfast, reading, walk in the garden, some me time followed by lunch, nap, yoga sessions, tea time, activities, T.V.time until dinner.
By the end of the day, all were feeling lighter and happier by heart.
Aunt Daisy used to supervise and help the seniors out. She loved being among people of around her age group, for she was approaching 60. It was more of a learning experience.
After spending a week at the centre, Daisy Aunty bid good bye to everyone. They were more than friends to her.
Days passed by, Rachel organised things differently each time. Certain days they could share their recipes to the cook, who would oblige and prepare accordingly.
She even started incorporating workshops conducted by outside agencies. Once in a while they would go for a picnic, at a closer destination. Rachel was living every moment of her life; she never had the time to cry over her past.
Mohit was in touch with Rachel about the happenings, but he never got a chance to meet anyone there, due to his busy schedule.
Rachel made it a point to ring up Aryan often. She would share the lovely moments she experienced at Sparsh. Aryan would get excited listening to it. He wished, if he could spend some time there.
Though Mohit missed Rachel and had feelings for her, she never sensed anything towards him, other than friendship. Or was it she never needed a man in her life?
***
It was early in the morning, when Rachel’s phone beeps. After several beeps, she attends the call, in a sleepy state.
“Hello…….he..llo…who is it?
“wake up. It’s me……”
“Get lost,” she sleeps off after disconnecting the line without listening further.
After, 30min there’s a knock on her door. Rachel jumps out of her bed, after several knocks.
Rachel opened the door and was astonished to see him there, at the break of dawn. “Mohit You,…what are you doing here? N this early, as usual….”
Mohit cut-short her conversation and complained,” Madam, go check your call records. Someone disconnected my line. How bad! Thank God, the security recognized me and allowed me within.”
Rachel bit her lips realising her mistake and said, “Sorry, I was in deep sleep and didn’t notice the name.”
“Can I come in ? or should I leave..?”
“Oh God, I’m really sorry! Please sir, come inside. I’ll order some tea for us. I’ll just freshen up.You can join us for breakfast.”
“You carry on. I’ll just walk in the garden and come. Just wanted to meet everyone. I’m going to Pune from here.”
“ok carry on. I’ll join you, once I’m done.”
After few minutes, Rachel carries the tea tray, to the garden and places it on the table. She notices Mohit,  lost in natures beauty.
She goes closer to him and calls out, “Mohit, lets have tea. Should I get it here?”
Mohit looks at her and states,“hmm….its so calm out here. The beauty of this place takes you to a different level. I wish I could spend some days here.”
“This place has its own charm. I’m happy being here, away from the worlds insecurities. You can drop in whenever you wish.”
“ok, so that’s why you don’t remember me!,” whispered Mohit.
“What did you just say?”
“Nothing…..lets have tea.”
They both walked towards the table. Rachel pours out tea in both the cups. They silently sip it, enjoying the morning sunrays.
Few of the elders arrive, for a walk in the garden. Rachel greets and introduces them to Mohit. They bless him, on learning he’s the brain behind this shelter home. They then, continue with their routine.
Rachel notices Mohit’s gloomy face, and questions, “What happened you look so upset? Hope everything is fine. Aryan and Ayushman, anything to do with them!”
He kept quite staring at her, making her feel quite awkward.
“The sad part is you don’t remember anything. Forget it! I wanted to know; did you get any unusual calls?”
Rachel keeps racking her brains and then answers, “I’m not that forgetful, I can’t recollect. Can you tell me? N what’s with the caller?”
Mohit ignoring the first part of her answer, says, “The builder of this property is giving me some threatening calls, since the govt had considered it illegal and put it up for auction. He suffered huge losses and I disagreed to pay him anything. He gave me all sorts of threats, but you be careful. Incase such a thing happens, do inform me or Mr. Kadam. We will keep the cops informed too.”
Rachel had fear in her eyes, not for her, but for the people staying over there. She couldn’t risk their lives.
Mohit noticed this and assured, “nothing to worry. Just be alert.”
“But why are you upset with me?”
“Rachel, I’m not going to answer that. Previously, I was your boss, now your friend. I thought…”
“You’ll men are so complicated,” saying this, she gave a stern look at him. They both locked eyes, then Rachel excused herself saying she has work.
Mohit watched her leaving.
After instructing the cook for breakfast. Rachel went to her room to pick her cell.
She seen many missed calls from Aunt Daisy. She immediately rang her up,” Hello Aunty, hope everything is fine. What happened!,”
“Relax dear, I rang up to inform you something, if you are not aware of.”
“what’s it.?”
On hearing what Daisy said next. Rachel screamed, “oh shit, how could I?” and cut the line.
From the window, she seen Mohit still seated there, moving his finger on the edge of the cup, lost in deep thought.
She ran into the kitchen and spend a good 60min.She assigned the remaining work to the chef and left.
Finally, Rachel asked everyone to assemble in the hall for breakfast and gave them some instruction.
She noticed Mohit still seated there, though he noticed her coming from a distance but ignored.
“Hey come on let’s have breakfast. We can sort our issues later.”
Mohit resisted first, but then gave in to her demands.
He walked in the dining area. Rachel made him stand in the centre and instructed the chef, through facial expressions.
The chocolate cake was wheeled in. Mohit’s eyes grew bigger and it welled up, as he read,” Happy birthday Mohit…… From Sparsh family.”
It took him few moments to realize this, he looked around at everyone. Rachel lit the candles.
In a few moments, Mohit blew the candles, claps followed. Happy birthday to you…..filled the air, Rachel played it on her guitar while the rest sang.
Mohit thanked everyone personally. He sat with the rest of them to have breakfast.
Rachel served the cake at every table. She was filled with praises in no time. Everyone got a taste of her baking skills.
Mohit was beaming with joy, but he was still confused about the whole thing. He knew there was something more to it.
Rachel noticed this change in him.
***
Mohit followed Rachel to her office. Before she could take her seat.
He enquired whether she remembered, it was his birthday.
“I’m sorry Mohit I forgot about it completely. Daisy Aunty reminded me.Now please don’t get upset.”
Mohit nodded his head and said,” it’s ok, I know you are too busy to remember all this. Thanks for the lovely cake. Had a blessed day. And I want to tell you something ….”
“Actually, I should have remembered. What do you want to tell me?.”
“I would have loved to take you somewhere outside to share it with you. But since I have put so much responsibilities on your shoulder, I can’t ask you for one. This place is divine. I’m just expressing it to you. Whatever it is, don’t hold any grudge towards me. I’m still your friend.”
“Mohit, you are making me anxious, what’s it?”
He looks deep into her eyes, takes out a red rose from his pocket and confessed ,“ I love you….I love you .that’s it. I can’t be more romantic with words.You know me, my family. Just the three of us. You take your time, but don’t get too late.”
Rachel stood rooted, holding that  rose in her hand. She couldn’t believe what she just heard. Too many questions. After Peter,she never gave a second thought on love.
Mohit knew her state of mind. He touched her hand and said, “I’m leaving everything up to you. You can reject my proposal, if you feel so. I’m relieved after sharing my feelings, I was holding it for quite long. I’m leaving. Bye.”
Rachel looked at him, as he walked away, closing the door behind him. It was like a dream.  But now what…

 
  >