Twists Twirls Perils & Pearls

12. Big battles, small joys

Abhedya ordered a cup a strong coffee for himself when his stomach growled so he ordered some sandwiches too. He grabbed the parcel and sat in his car to eat. He was analysing the situation. All incidents that gave him hints that Swarnima was his 'Sona'. His heart and mind were debating.
The name..the nickname.. but for any girl with the name 'Swarnima' 'Nim' is an obvious choice for nickname.
The looks.. 'oh pleaseeee! My Sona was world's most beautiful girl. Her eyes lit up the sky.' Argued his brain. 'But Swarnima is beautiful too.. you have stared her on several occasions especially the night she sang , you - Abhey! were under her spell, don't deny. And she wears lenses your father just told you.' reasoned his heart.
The sparks that erupted when you touched Sona were also felt when he touched Swarnima..this is not even debatable.
Abhedya was debating when his phone rang and he answered "WHAT? You won't let me eat also, peacefully."

"Sorry. I was done with the pooja and didn't see the car so I called you. Take your time I will wait." Swarnima answered calmly.

"As if you have a choice. Wait there I will take time."Abhedya answered and cut the phone without waiting for her reply.

'Uhhhhh!!! Nim!! I never thought you would come back to me!! The only thing I ever asked for, was YOU. But now that you are here.. I don't know what I should do. But one thing, whatever may be the reason I SHALL NEVER EVER FORGIVE YOU.' Abhedya said allowed to himself and drove to the temple.

He saw Swarnima playing hopscotch with a few kids there. Abhedya went to her and said
"so you have learned how to play hopscotch finally...oh! I forgot you have learned many other games too.. like hide and seek etc.. etc..hopscotch is just a child's play.
Now if your are done come fast."

Swarnima didn't say anything but took in all the hatred filled comments from Abhedya.
A small girl came and pulled Swarnima's dupatta and told her "didi my chocolate? I taught you. Your friend is also saying that you finally learned to play hopscotch. I am a good teacher. Where is my reward?"

Swarnima took out an energy bar from her bag and gave to the girl and said "yes you are a very good teacher. Thank you!! But I don't have a chocolate right now just this energy bar.. sorry"

The little girl smiled brightly seeing the bar so she kissed Swarnima on her cheek and said "I was only joking. But thank you."

Abhedya was witnessing the cute show in front of him when his mind reminded him to control so he said "are you coming or shall I go?"

Swarnima followed him and sat in the car. Abhedya drove in speed and soon they reached the NGO.. 'GHARONDA'.

Swarnima told Abhedya "you may sit in Masi's office since men are not allowed to roam around the NGO's premises."

"Yes madam! I will do as you say. Don't worry" Abhedya said sarcastically.

The NGO 'GHARONDA' was a huge house built on the outskirts of the state. It had all modern amenities and facilities that one requires. The NGO was a home for the ladies who have been raped, faced domestic violence, acid attack victims or homeless for any reasons. The ladies were taught various skills as per their abilities, self defence skills and they also had psychiatric sessions to overcome the trauma they faced. Nandini had put her heart and soul for the betterment of the ladies. She loved and cared for the ladies unconditionally and the respect the ladies gave her was limitless as well. They could do anything for her.

As Swarnima entered the gates she found the whole was house was decorated with streamers and fairy lights. A group of ladies came and sang  birthday song for her. She touched feet of all the elder ladies and thanked them. Abhedya was amazed to see the love Swarnima received when he saw his mother standing waiting with open arms for Swarnima and she ran and hugged her.
Abhedya knew the love his mother had for her 'Nim' but she still loved her this much? 'Fool! Can anyone hate Swarnima?' Questioned his heart.  'I do' replied his brain. 'Liar'!!