Reshma

12

“Ishaan had been to Memsahib’s chamber today morning,” Reshma told Sarla. Sarla was braiding Reshma’s thick, long, black hair. “God knows what he told her, I have the whole day off!” Reshma continued.
Sarla was smiling. “Lucky you,” she sighed.
“Why?”
“Uh...no...nothing. Whole day off is a big thing, na!”
Sarla wrapped a rubber band thrice around the braid. Patting Reshma’s back, she pulled her up. “Lookin nice, re! Jaa dekh aayne mein.”
Reshma went to the mirror. Her cream and red coloured chudidar complimented her skin colour very well. The red bindi looked bright on her face.
Sarla was still smiling. “Why are you smiling so much?” Reshma asked, quizzically.
“Arrey! Go fast. You’ll only come to know.”
Reshma thundered down the stairs and went out. Ishaan was standing, leaning against his bike, his big black shades gleaming in the morning sun.
“Ah! Here comes the beauty queen. Kitna time lagati hai.” He got on the bike, and motioned her to sit.
“Where are we going?” she yelled over the wind.
“Marquee Hotels,” he said.
“Where’s that?”
“Shut up.”
Reshma laughed. He neared a tall building, and parked his bike. The building looked posh.
“What is this place?” Reshma asked, as soon as Ishaan stood next to her.
“Let’s see what this place will be for you,” he mumbled.
“Huh?”
“Come in. Sit in the lobby area. I’ll be back in a minute.”
Ishaan went to the receptionist and said something. He came back and sat next to Reshma.
“So, let me ask you something,” he said.
“Go ahead.”
“How long has it been since you met your mother and sister?”
“Quite some time.”
“Okay. I’ll tell you something. It might seem all filmy. Don’t think of it as filmy, but...”
Reshma shot up from her place, her eyes wide open. Coming towards the lobby were her mother and younger sister. Reshma’s eyes watered, and she hardly realized. She looked at Ishaan, who stood by her side. He looked at her and smiled. “Go on,” he said. Reshma stood, fixed, tears finally rolling down her cheek. Ishaan held her shoulders tight, and led her to them.
“Tanya, beti,” her mother said, eyes glistening. She held her face, and planted  a kiss on her forehead. Her younger sister hugged her tightly. Hugging her back, Reshma looked up to see Ishaan who was still smiling. He nodded at Reshma, and motioned that he’ll be outside. Reshma smiled all to herself. For the reunion, or for Ishaan, she didn’t know.
~~~
They were going in a taxi. Ishaan must’ve felt that she needed some consoling or something. Reshma was thankful. She actually did need someone by her side. She had a good time with her family. She couldn’t meet them again tomorrow. She couldn’t afford a salary cut. But what time she spent with them, she would hold on till she met them again.
“Why?” Reshma asked suddenly.
“What why?” Ishaan asked, looking away from the window.
“This.”
“Are you happy?”
Reshma looked at him. She gave a small smile. “Thank you.”
“Ha. That’s it.” He looked out the window again.
She didn’t ask him anything else. How he found them, were he found them, how long did he search for them... she just continued smiling.
~~~