The Travel Across Yugas

Chapter 9

A weekday. Another day of boring routine with only the time travellers to make it interesting. Aranya sighs waking up to this realisation. Planning to make this day a little different, she motivates herself to finish her work fast and return home soon. Her lady luck sides with her again as she successfully beats Bangalore traffic and reaches home in record time that evening. Setting her bag aside, Aranya grabs a tumbler of water for herself and walks to the balcony where Bheem stands gazing at something. As silently as possible, she moves to his side and follows his line of gaze.

That particular balcony shows a view of the playground below. Giggles and excited yells fill the air as kids try various play activities arranged for them. Few steps away from them are their mothers or care takers making sure that their kids are safe while also indulging in their own conversation. Overall, it seemed like a normal day. But to Bheem, it wasn't. One look at his wistful face proves that to Aranya. "I'm sure they are happy. They might be missing you but they are safe and happy." she says announcing her presence.

Bheem feigns innocence and acts like he didn't know who Aranya is talking about. "Whom are you talking about my friend?" he asks. Giving him a pointed look, she says, "You know who. My sister in law and nephew of course." Bheem looks at her surprised about her refering to his wife as sister in law. Aranya replies, "Why are you surprised? I thought I made it clear that I consider you my elder brother." With misty eyes, Bheem hugs her whispering, "And you are the little sister I have always wished for. You remind me of Dushala at times with your bubbly nature."

Pulling back from the hug, she narrows her eyes at him and says, "Although I'm honoured you consider me so, I won't allow you to change the topic. It is not right to keep negative feelings to yourself. Sorrow is a negative feeling too." "I can't escape you can I?" replies Bheem sighing. As she nods negatively, he looks back to the kids half happy that he can finally let out his thoughts. Preparing himself for the conversation ahead, he starts, "The day I left them, I left a piece of my heart with them. I still feel guilty. Hidimba would have probably been better off with someone else. Someone who could stay by her side and be her support in her tough times. Instead she got me, who gave her tough time."

Aranya wonders if her ears have deceived her or if she actually heard a sniffle. She tries to get a look at Bheem's face but he faces the other side. The sudden silence that spread made her ponder if Bheem didn't want her to know about his tears. So, taking the chance, she asks, "Dear brother, would you have liked it if she was with someone else?" Nodding his head negatively he answers, "No. But she would be happy. Her happiness matters more than her being mine." Awe fills Aranya as she stares at her brother's figure.

A thought crosses her mind and she wishes she could somehow share it with the whole world. Bheem is truly much more than just the food and strength that the world portrays him to be. He is someone who invests themselves in the person they love and love them unconditionally. She could even go as far as saying he probably loved his wives the most. Leaving his wife behind for their common wife, housing the sorrow and pain deep in his heart and yet never complaining about it. Aranya couldn't comprehend how he still managed to be jovial and keep everyone in high spirits.

She feels glad that she got the chance to see the various sides of this great man. Reeling back to the current situation, she says, "Who said Hidimba bhabhi is not happy. She chose you. She knew the consequences and yet she chose you. It shows her love for you. She wouldn't want anyone else in her life. As for Ghatotkach, I'm sure she must be raising him with great values and into a great leader. If he is anything like you, he will love you a lot and take care of his mother in your absence."

"That he will. He deserves a father in his life and here I gave him a life where he couldn't see the proud expressions of his father and his uncles." says Bheem. Trying to cheer him up, Aranya says, "Do you know, in Kaliyug, we have a movie on him? His childhood and his life is told as stories to kids. There are songs on him too." A beaming smile splits on his face as a hopeful look finds home in his eyes. "Really?" he asks. Aranya beams similarly seeing his smile. "Yes. Parts of it are imagined but I can show you the film if that'll help you."