The Binding String

F I F T Y - O N E

"Dopahar mein." (At afternoon.) Raman lied to his mother looking at other side. "Aap kab  aaye Simmi ke yahan se?" (When you returned back from Simmi place?) Raman tried to change the direction of question clearly unpleasant to lie his mother.

"Three days back. Accha hai ki Ishita yahi shift ho gayi varna khaali ghar toh kaatne ko doudta hai." (Three days back. Thank god Ishita decided to shift back with us otherwise it would be hard for us to stay alone.) Raman quizzed his brows with surprise unable to believe if wife was present at the time his parents returned back. "Matlab Ishita ghar pe hi thi?" (It mean Ishita was here only?) Raman rephrased his question to clarify his doubts regarding his wife presence at home.

"Haan. Tu aise kyon poochh raha hai?" (Yes. But why are you asking it again and again?) Santhosh countered Raman in quizzed tone.

"Nahi mujhe laga shayad woh apni Amma ke yahan chali gayi hogi. None of us were here." (No. I assumed sheight be at her mother place as none of us were here.)  Raman played safe this time, hoping his mother didn't get any doubt. "I hope you will stay here for few days." Santhosh statement was more like a question, she wanted to know if her son is going to stay with her or planning to travel again in a day or two but when Raman confirmed about his stay his mother hugged him. Santhosh had to attend Mata ki Chouki at her friend Parminder Singh place who stays two floors up only.

"Is Ishita joining you?"

"No dear. She looked tired today so I asked her to rest. You also spend some time with her. We will join you shortly." Raman locked the door and rushed upstairs all nervous to face his wife. He was feeling giddy with the thought of the reaction he might receive from her. As he pushed the door, he met with an eerie silence and darkness. Like last time, the room was still cold and unwelcoming. His room was neatly arranged according to his likes but it lacked warmth and scent of his wife. He eyed at the bed, it was arranged so neatly, not a single crease was on the bed, like no one used it ever. His doubt soon confirmed as he learnt that the black couch is still accompanied by two; pillow and duvet. Raman rubbed his temple finding the door of dressing room open half ajar, some noises were coming from the other side of the wall making him skeptical if he should step inside or not.

But you're not here to go back. You're here for her. Raman reminded himself the purpose of his visit and stepped inside the dressing room after a long mental debate. The dressing room which used to be prim and proper was now covered with mess. Few pair of his wife soiled clothes were lying on the floor along some used tissues. The lid of the dustbin was open showing the other used tissues lying there. Raman blinked his eyes several time and walked more, the door of the transculent shower cubicle was open, Raman peeped inside after few seconds. The shower area was empty but he could listen the sobbing sound of Ishita. As he looked at other side, Raman found his wife seated on the closed toilet seat, her face was covered with her palms. Undoubtedly she didn't recognised his presence which gave her privacy to cry. The tears which she never shown to anyone. Raman twitched his dry lips wondering whether he did wrong by  assuming her strong?

Every person who acts strong needs someone as a back. Does Ishita also needed him? Raman pondered over his thoughts wondering if it's right time to register his presence.

"Ishita." He finally called her in the most softened tone and yes he managed to recognise his presence.

"You? What the fuck you're doing here?" Ishita Bhalla questioned her husband in a pure amazement tone.

"Come outside." He ignored her question and forwarded his hand towards her.

"Do you think I need your help?" Ishita tone was anger filled and irritable. Her buried up anger resurfaced again witnessing the person who is the reason behind her miseries. A vigorous pain shoot in her abdomen making Ishita wince when she tried to walk away. Raman left space for his wife who moved out from the shower cubicle pretending she never acknowledged his presence.