YOU ARE THE SUN IN MY DARK NIGHT

CHAPTER 25

It was already eight at night when we reached Nabarun's flat, but he was not home. Pratyusha informed Nabarun about her arrival. Nabarun told that he could not come before nine.

Pratyusha said, "I will make something simple for dinner. I am telling in advance that my cooking is not good, you had better not complain about that."

"But you cooked so well that day, breakfast, lunch all were so good."

"I did not cook anything that day. He himself cooked everything according to your choice."

"He cooked? According to my choice?"

"Ever since we started living here, he was gathering information about your choices from me and Nabarupadi. He is⸺or was⸺ I don't know which one is right. But in my opinion he is ready to do anything if you like that."

"I can cook few dishes as I cook for myself and my roommate. Let me cook one or two dishes."

During dinner we talked casually. Nabarun also spoke few times. He acted formally towards me.

After dinner he said, "if you want to smoke, please go to the balcony."

"Ahh. Don't you dislike smoking?"

"Yes I do. But I can't stop you."

"What are you going to do?"

"I am going to clean the kitchen and wash the dishes. It will take some time."

"Nabarunda, I will do that. You go and chat with dada," Pratyusha suggested.

"You cooked, so cleaning is my responsibility and I have nothing to talk with him. You go and spend time with your brother."

"But..."

"Will you not listen to me?"

"Okay."

We went to the small balcony and silently watched the cars running on the nearest flyover. Pratyusha talked first, "were you two never in a relationship? But I saw love and longing in your face for him."

"When?"

"First time at the airport. Then every time you saw him."

"How are you so sure about it?"

"Dada, I always fight with you without any reason from our childhood. But I always loved you and I could understand every expression on your face for a long time."

"What are you saying?"

"I always knew your happiness, your guilt, your sadness, your anger, your longing and every feelings of you. I knew when you first smoked, when you secretly ate achar or sweets, when you accidentally broke father's music system."

"You knew it was me but you accepted the punishment with me, why did you not name me?"

"Because I care for you."

"I am a real blockhead then."

"Yes you are. Why can't you see his sincerity and love?"

"What do you mean?"

"If someday I find even half of his sincerity in any person for me, I will never let him go."

"I don't know how to approach him."

"Just express your feelings to him, he will surely accept you."

"I am scared."

"He will not eat you. I am going to sleep, you don't waste your time."