The Binding String

O N E - H U N D R E D

But he stays with you all the time. I don't like it.

Ishita remembers Roohi stomping her feet and  disappearing in another room, she remained upset and grumpy throughout the day until Raman came back and made her believe how she is equally important for them.

Roo.....you actually want Rohit to go away?

Yes! He stays with my Mumma all the time.

Okay then. But he has no place to go, I have to ask the day care centre to keep him, but I am worried what if they didn't feed him at the time or  didn't clean his diapers? Who will console him if he cries?

She smiled remembering Roohi mellowed expressions, she hugged her little brother and pepper kisses on his chubby cheeks.

Let him stay here Papa, I can't see him troubled.

Her words were honest, she still didn't like seeing them clinging around her mother but at least she doesn't ask her to leave him and that is enough for them for now. Ishita understands how her little daughter who used to be a center of attention is a little upset when her mother is giving her time to her little brother.

But it doesn't make her upset rather she enjoys their antiques. A little later, in the living room, toys were scattered like confetti after a toddler war, and a wintery Delhi sun peeked through the drapes. Ishita was on the carpet, trying to convince both children that naps were essential and not a form of medieval punishment. Both of them woke up super early today and she wants them to take a little nap so that she can complete her remaining work.

Roohi clung to her like a vine. "You like him more now, na? Because he’s small?"

Ishita pulled her close, balancing the sleeping baby with practiced awkwardness. "No, silly girl. I love you both. But I only have two arms, and right now, he’s smaller, so he needs a little help."

Roohi looked at her, thinking hard, and then asked, "Then when I become small again, will you carry me too?"

That made Ishita laugh—so loud and full that even the baby stirred in her arms. "Always. Even when you grow up and become taller than me, I’ll still carry you—in my heart."

Roohi gave her a toothy grin and snuggled close to her mother, Ishita made them lay on the makeshift bed, the brother sister cuddled together. Rohit was already asleep and the cosy bed and warm blanket was enough to lull Roohi to sleep as well. Ishita asked Neelu to draw the curtains and make everyone do their works quietly, her children were looking beautiful while sleeping and she wanted to adore them until they wake up and choose a new reason to gain her attention. Half an hour later, while the house rested in rare silence, Ishita stood by the window, watching the fog roll in. Life hadn’t gone to plan, not this winter. But in the midst of half-eaten cookies, nap-time battles, and Lego landmines, there was something beautiful—an unexpected kind of peace.

She smiled at herself. “Professor Bhalla,” she muttered, “now it's time to learn about toddlers and kids more.” she giggled to herself adoring two tornado from aside.

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

Ishita helped the nurse to adjust Sarika's bed as she was done sponging and changing her clothes. She smiled gratefully at her sister in law and rested her back against bedrest looking out through the windows. She was in the room which gives the view of the city through windows, the sunlight filtering through the clouds was making the room warm and cosy, she miss holding her child but can't do now but at least her bhiya and bhabhi are with her, taking care of her piece of heart like their own.

"Thank you bhabhi." Sarika's voice was feeble but enough to caught Ishita's attention who was folding the clothes.

"For what!"