The Binding String

S E V E N T Y - T H R E E

{ Part of this chapter contains some mature writing. Readers below 18 are advised to read at your own risk. }

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"Romi! Stop meeting that Sarika from now. Just cut all the ties with her."

"No way Bhai! I am not going to do that. We will get married soon?"

"Are you listening yourself even? And what will you do after that haan! Tu aisa kuch bhi nahi karega Romi." Raman growled on Romi, he was on the verge to loose his temper.

"My decision is final, I am going to marry her tomorrow."

"If this is your final decision then get lost from here. Get out."

Raman opened his eyes with a jerk and looked all around, he apparently slept while seated on reclining chair in the TV lounge. He rubbed his eyes and looked at the living area where everyone were having gala time. His darling daughter was busy in playing we uth her little brother Rohit, she looked fascinated with the little man. It's probably first time for Roohi when she saw little baby closely and she is absolutely loving it whereas his wife is busy serving tea and fritters to all. He moved his back and rested his elbow on his thighs and chin over his palms to admire the smile on Roohi face. She was not cranky today neither tired, he was not comfortable with her brother and his wife presence but anything for his daughter happiness. It was a question for him to wonder who invited Romi here, as far as he know him he would never come here uninvited.
Raman rubbed his forehead and shifted his attention back on the file hew as reading earlier.

"Mumma!!! He is so tiny." Roohi gushed looking at her younger brother Rohit who was sleeping in her aunt arms. Roohi climbed next to her aunt Sarika and caressed the little baby head who is her brother. The nine month old baby wrapped his tiny fingers around Roohi forefinger making her go awwed on him. Roohi bend little more and peaked his forehead, her eyes were twinkling with excitement and the grin was going wider and wider. Ishita who was pouring tea for everyone chuckled looking at her little daughter, she bring the tray with her followed by Neelu who served fritters to everyone.

"Roo, sit aside dear. Let Chachi drink her tea." Ishita called Roohi who pouted listening her mother words. She moves away from Sarika half heartedly and sat few meter away. Sarika held her arm and called her near, "Roo can you take care of your younger brother while I finish this tea?" Roohi grinned on her aunt words and sat with criss cross legs next to Sarika who slowly laid Rohit next to her. Romi who was sitting next to Rohit made Roohi sit on his lap. "How are you my little duck?"

"I am good Chachu, thank you sooo much aap yahan aaye." Romi kissed on her both the cheeks one by one and hugged her. "You're my princess, anything for you sweetheart." Raman was sitting in the lounge area along his cup of ginger tea, the living area was visible from there. He threw his head backward knowing it's Roohi whi invited Romi and Sarika today, yes he cannot afford to break his daughter heart and hence it would be preferable for him to compose his calm until they're here.

"Raman! Pakora for you." Ishita forwarded him plate of fritters. She came along her own cup of filter coffee and took.a seat beside him. The living area was crowded with their family members, their parents, Romi -Sarika, Mihir-Mihika, kids and Oreo everyone were having their own gala time there and they left with no space. "These are good. Fried or baked?"

"Baked. I know you don't like fried." Ishita replied picking one for herself. "What a gala birthday we have. I am just loving every moment of the same." Ishita loosely wrapped her arms around his the couple passed a smile to each other. "Thinking about Romi?" Raman stopped eating the pakora and looked at his brother for few seconds before shifting his focus back on his plate. He resumed eating without saying anything, Ishita too decided not to pressure him. They have lots of sensitive topics in their lives, her relation with her mother, Raman and Romi bond, Raman alleged girlfriend Samaira Khanna they cannot ignore all the things but they can talk atleast but not today maybe. Today is not the day to bother and dwell upon their past, she finished the remaining pakora from her plate and wiped off her fingers looking at her daughter who came to her holding Oreo in her arms.