Redemption

Towards you...

It felt like eternity. This physical touch, which was beyond just being physical now. The time, the moment froze for both of them. The slight brush of his lips against hers made her grasp her breath and she in turn, tightened her hold on his. Her fingers clutching hard the collar of his shirt. His hands now on her waist to steady her, to bring her closer. Her touch spelt comfort, it was like home coming for him.
"I am so sorry, sweetheart..." he murmured, his lips never leaving hers.
Was it his apology or the emotions in his voice, that triggered the flow of tears. Drop by drop they rolled down her cheeks. The frustrations, the guilt, the loneliness of the all these months, the haunted memories, flowing down, and she couldn't control her sobs.
She sobbed against his lips.
Raman could feel her wet cheeks. His eyes closed as he gently kissed her. But he wouldn't stop. What a fool he was when he thought it was not easy. Yes, he had been a fool all these months. He was searching for relief, for peace while all the time he had been shunning the person who would give him these. Being with Ishita was relief, was peace. He should have done this earlier.... held her close and kissed her when he had found out about Adi.
He was not alone... She lost her son too. And she bore the shame, the guilt all alone.. without any complaints.
"I'm sorry Ishita...." he again murmured as the his tears mingled with hers.
It was not just a physical encounter. It was their souls finding each other, melting into the pain and finding comfort in each other.
She should break apart this kiss. Her mind screamed. But the illogical heart spelt otherwise. Yes, she needed him. He was her safe haven. All these months she had wanted this. To be held close and tight by him, so that she could cry her eyes out. Share with him her grief and in turn take his.
"Why now, Raman?" Her heart shouted. "Why you came so late? When this grief had almost become unbearable? Why do you always do this? Shun me every-time." She wanted to scream but the words didn't come out. They couldn't.
But today it seemed he could understand all that stayed unspoken all these months.
"I know Ishita, I am sorry...." Comforting words that were not spoken but his touch made her feel today. Yes, it made her feel wanted.
If not for the knock and the sniffling of the throat, they would have stayed like this forever.

The sudden sound breaking them apart.

Ishita, too consumed by her emotions, her back facing the door, couldn't look at the door right away. Her head rested on Raman's shoulder, as he gently held her and looked at the disturbance in their perfect moment.
The sight again fumed him up.
"You should have knocked first and then entered... and not the other way round." He snapped at the intruder.
"I am sorry... but I was told that you are with a patient. And I have something very important to discuss." It was Mr. Avdesh, speaking while looking at Ishita, completely ignoring Raman, which did not go well with him.
Before Raman could snap further at him, Ishita who had by this time, composed herself, freed herself from hug and walked towards Mr. Avdesh.
"Believe me Ishita, what I have to discuss is important." He clarified.
"Yes, Mr. Avdesh, please say..." she prompted.
"I just had a word with my manager. He said we can arrange for accommodation near the hospital. Not very far.... just 15 minute drive time from hospital.." Ishita tried to interject here, when he added... "The flat is well furnished, there'll be a cook, a caretaker and a car and driver at your disposal."
"Mr. Avdesh, Thank you for taking care of everything, but I still need some time to think..."
Raman gave him a smirked look, not missed by Mr. Avdesh.
"Yes, Yes....I completely understand..." but not wanting to loose a point against her so called husband, he added, " Ms. Ishita, think about it. It'll be a good move for you and your children. I know its not easy, to shift base to Jaipur... But I'll try and make things smooth for you...I am not pressurising you. Just give it a serious thought, Even then if you wish not to move, perfectly okay... As I said, we'll work out something here. I don't think so I would give up on you so easily. I cannot let you go without trying this time."
Avdesh spoke the last lines, with a lingering look, that Raman did not miss and could relate to, a look that confused Ishita.