The Binding String

S I X T Y - F O U R

"Raman! Whom you're searching?" Mihir tapped Raman shoulder seeing him moving out from the auditorium without his security team. "Ishita came here, I hope she is fine." Raman mumbled resting his hands on the either side of his torso.

"Don't worry! I will ask your personal security team to search for Bhabhi." Raman nodded his head on Mihir suggestion and he instructed his security team to look for Ishita. Few minutes later he informed by his team that Ishita is spotted walking aimlessly outside of PSR Cultural Centre.

"Ishita!" Two minutes later, he was holding her hand in his, they were standing below the huge neem tree on the pathway. He cupped her face delicately and their eyes met, their was no hate and resentment towards each other. Their was no one else except them, he took his time to study her red eyes. Today he doesn't need reason to know the reason behind her tears, his vocal cords didn't supported him to pacify her today. He knew his words won't make any difference to Ishita, he is nothing but a liar in her eyes and she is not wrong either. Afterall simply knows to break his promises every time.

Kabhi Hum Mein Tum Mein Bhi Chah Thi, Kabhi Hum Se Tum Se Bhi Raah Thi
Kabhi Hum Bhi Tum The Ashana, Tumhei Yaad Ho Ke Naa Yaad Ho

(Once there was desire between us as well, once there was joy between us as well,
once even we had friendship between us, whether you remember or not.)

"Where was you going Ishita! Mujhe bataya kyon nahi ki tum yahan ho. Main.....main.....I was waiting for you. This entire eve was for you."

"Nothing is here which belongs to me Raman." The tears of helplessness flown down from Ishita eyes looking at Raman.

"Don't say same." Their bodies were plastered against each other.

"No Raman. Not this time. Don't.... don't give me false hopes." Ishita cried being heartbroken, "I cannot take this anymore. Everything here is reminding me the time when I used to count this marriage as my blessing which isn't same anymore. Today I am feeling pathetic and helpless which I was never." The cries never lessened or subsided, she is miserable and the reason behind her miseries must be aware from the same.

"Just leave me alone Raman." Her next line caught his breath in the middle. Raman was not ready for this, he really wanted to live with her and their unborn child.

"Don't say this Ishita. I want to be with you."

"Can't you see what I have become because of you Raman! Everyday I feel pathetic because of these change of events Raman. I cannot get over with this truth that my husband accuased me for infidelity."

"What do you want me to do then?" Raman gritted his teeth, he has started loosing his temper seconds by seconds. "Just for the sake of old times, don't start it again. I really want to be with you."

"Sake of old times!!!! If you want me to consider the old times then leave Raman. Just leave me alone." Ishita joined her hands infront of Raman, today she want him to leave her. "Leave me Raman. Just go away." She hiccuped crying aloud, the sky roared and winds blowed. Raman backed his steps looking at Ishita helplessly, if this wants make her happy than he will do that as well.

He kept looking at Ishita who hired an autorickshaw for herself and left the place. That night Raman sent his one confident to their house and asked his mother to pack his bags in a pretext for a foreign tour. He chose to shift back in his office.

****************************

The rain shower begun making Ishita come out from her thoughts. She picked her phone and immediately came back in the suite. Raman and Roohi were fast asleep, Ishita wiped off the rain drops from her dress, she need to change it before she catch cold. Ishita fetched a fresh pair of kurta and leggings and wore it. The clock showed half past three, just another night she passed staring at stars and reliving her past. Undoubtedly she is turning insomniac these days, just twenty four hours are left for Roohi surgery. Ishita caressed Roohi head and smiled at Raman, the father daughter duo were fast asleep. She sat next to Raman feet and wondered how deeply she is been in love with Raman. After every night when she is done remembering her past, she didn't end up sad. She has learnt embracing her flaws and mistakes now. She planted a soft kiss on his forehead, his lips curved in smile making her chuckle. Ishita decides to give rest to her body for a while but a tug on her hand left her surprised.

"Sleep with me." His horase voice sounded sexy.

"You was awake?" She whispered leaning towards him.

"Afterall I don't get kisses everyday." Ishita blushed on her husband comment, she kept her dupatta and laid down next to him. He caged her in his arms and hid his face in the crook of her neck. His soft kisses and pats relaxed her muscles, Ishita shared a deep eye lock with Raman who leaned at her and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Sleep! Tomorrow is a long day for us."

Ishita sighed and closed her eyes. She was sure sleep would definitely take her in her embrace afterall Raman is by her side.