Serendipity

Episode #38 : Companionship

SCENE 1

After a long session of photography, meeting with important guests through Harshwardhan and Poojan, it was 6 in the evening when the time to bid adieu to her family came for Suman. She couldn't stop her tears while hugging her parents. Even though she had spent almost a decade away from them for studies- sans meeting occasionally - the realization that her home was changing along with the people she was going to live with from then on settled upon her heavily.

Abhimanyu watched the scene unfold with moist eyes. It was indeed a girl's heart to leave her family and live with strangers. He already had a lot of respect for women but witnessing that sight himself just increased that respect tenfolds.

"God bless you both." - Rukmani blessed as Suman and Abhimanyu bent to touch her feet. "Take care of each other." - she added, caressing their heads affectionately.

Abhimanyu turned his head to Suman at the same time she turned her head to him. Their eyes communicating, once again, without them needing to speak.

'Ready to go home ?'

She smiled. Her eyes shining with happy tears. 'Ready as I'll ever be.'

His smile grew further. Interlacing their hands, they walked out into the driveway of the resort - rose petals being showered on them continuously - to find the car waiting for them. The Birlas had taken their leave half an hour ago to reach home and prepare to welcome the newly wedded couple.

Suman smiled at Pallavi as she adjusted Suman's lehenga while sitting in the car. Pallavi's eyes were also damp, but she was grinning from ear to ear.

As the car moved forward, Suman waved at her family and friends through the window before they slowly disappeared from the view. Abhimanyu placed his hand over hers that was between them on the seat and squeezed gently.

"You can visit them whenever you feel like. They will be just a flight away."

A soft smile came on her face. Feeling extremely greatful to God for blessing her with such a life partner.

She scooted closer to him and grabbing his bicep, placed her head on his shoulder.

"I love you Abhi." - she whispered, her hand absently playing with his rings on the fingers.

His head tilted to be on top of hers and never ending peace enveloped her existence.

"I love you too."

~

SCENE 2

Birla House coming into view, as the car entered through the gates, made Suman nervous all over again. Her nervous yet excited energy doubled for her new journey of life.

'Our home.' - she thought as she stepped down the car and hand in hand, they walked upto the entrance door.

Abhimanyu pressed the doorbell which dinged loudly and a few moments later, the doors flung open. Although, his smile dissolved into a frown as he took in the sight.

Manjiri was stood with the arti plate along with Neil and Parth. Everyone else was absent.

"Maa.."

His questioning tone and disapproving frown on face must have given his mother a hunch of his thoughts because she smiled in assurance.

"Bhaisaab, Didi and Harsh ji had to leave urgently for the hospital. Apparently, the kids on a school bus returning from the picnic fell sick out of food poisoning." - she explained.

Suman gasped. "Is every child fine ?"

Abhimanyu's heart doubled in size at Suman's concern. He was extremely lucky to have a life partner who was just as empathetic to mankind as him.