The Binding String

E I G H T Y - F O U R

"Aieeeeeaieeeaieeee." Roohi protested in her babyish language and everyone laughed on her antiques. "I think she wants to stay with her mother today." Krishna Ji commented and passed her lowers to Ishita. She smiled confusingly and made her wear lowers and then jacket. It was an overwhelming moment for Ishita when she realised her daughter love for her. The way she remained clung to her mother despite spending no time with her made her feel guilty on her acts. How can she resist herself from not loving her?

"Aeebeeooibalaha." Roohi blabbered in her own language maybe trying to convey her happiness to her mother who was taking a slow walk around the society garden.

You're so innocent Roohi. How will I able to protect you dear? You don't deserve a mother like me.

Ishita wondered while sitting on one bench where kids were playing with Roohi who was still on her lap. Her gaze fell on another toddler of Roohi age who was sitting on his mother lap and his father was sitting beside him, talking animatedly with him.

She sighed and tightened her hold around her little body, her cry diverted her attention and she found she got accidentally hurt by one boy.

"It's okay dear." She pacified terrified boy first and then rocked Roohi in her arms. She was still whimpering and whining over the tug on her arm. "It's okay." She started rubbing her arm and started to pace all around showing beautiful flowers to her and yes she successfully diverted her attention. That was one such evening which she spent with her daughter and remained etched in her memories.

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"Ishita...Ishita."

Ishita blinked her eyes and looked at Raman who was tapping her shoulder. She ran her gaze all around and found herself seated at the backseat of their car accompanied by her husband. They have already reached to their residence, Ishita composed herself and fame out from car. They secured their hands with each other and ran inside the society compound was crowded with residents which was enough to panic the couple. Ishita spotted their neighbours Mr and Mrs Mukharjee along her in laws and she rushed towards the ladies.

"Aunty how...how this happened and how you came here Mummy Ji?"

"We came to meet you, when we reached here Mukharjee bhaisahab and bhabhiji were already here along Roohi, Oreo and Pluto. Roohi was playing here with Oreo only but now she is missing." Ishita breath hitched and she bit her lower lip nervously wondering where her little girl went?

"Have you searched surroundings?" Raman inquired to security team of housing society, he was equally worried for Roohi but he knew he cannot afford to show the same. His one moment of weakness would be enough to crumble down Ishita and his parents strength as well.

"Yes we have checked the main garden as well as the kids play area but she was not seen there." Mr. Mukarjee replied rubbing his forehead. Ishita looked at the group of girls with whom Roohi play daily and she kneeled before them. "Roohi was playing with you? Do you guys remember anything about her?"

"Yes aunty. We were playing hide and seek, she went to hide along Oreo but never came back." The girl replied innocently making Ishita face fell more. Her shoulders slumped thinking about Roohi and Oreo and it was weird how these two disappeared together?

"Have you checked CCTV footages?" The voice belonged to Raman and on getting denial from his father they rushed towards control room to check the CCTV footages. They keenly observed every camera, Roohi can be seen playing along other kids but apart from that she cannot be seen. They also checked the camera footages close to the main gate and other exit areas and there was no suspicious activity found. Ishita rubbed her head, it was already late evening and a weird fear started to engulf her heart.