The Binding String

T W E N T Y - T W O

"Good Morning Roohi."

Roohi again looked at her Papa and then her Mumma who was staring at her with soft eyes, her one hand was resting on her little tummy while other one was folded and used as pillow. Roohi roamed her eyes everywhere still exchanging curious looks with Mumma Papa who never showed up to her in early morning, nor bring her in their room to sleep.

"Chalo utho Roohi. See its already good morning." This time it was Ishita who whispered caressing her hairs.

"Mintu?" The parents giggled another time listening her reply, they expected a good morning wish from Roohi but they forgot Mintu who is inseparable from there little daughter. Raman picked the Mintu from side table and gave to Roohi who started to caress his head.

"Raman I'm going to warm her milk. You please help her in brushing her teeth." Ishita informed Raman and wore her slippers hurriedly after realising the time otherside Raman continued to look at Roohi who was staring him silently.

"Chalo brush karne?" He made the girl sit who was still busy in playing with her loving soft toy but soon creased his brows finding Roohi shaking her head in denial instead she showed her pinky finger to her father and started to go towards washroom carrying Mintu along. "Roohi, leave Mintu here."

"But he need to go pee-pee as well Papa. He goes with me daily." Roohi replied her father innocently and jumped out from bed making Raman laugh. Indeed she love her soft toy more than anything and won't hesitate to take him school along her. Raman combed his hairs with his fingers and went towards kitchen where Ishita was already busy in preparing breakfast for Roohi. The potatoes were boiled already and she was chopping onions, the heated vessel of milk was already kept on stove. He mixed milk and water in another vessel and kept it on stove to prepare coffee and started to peel the boiled potatoes silently.

Ishita peeped through her lashes, surprised and touched at same time. She never expected him to give her helping hand especially at such point of time when there relationship is connected with just a loose string. Well he never stood for her when they're in good terms then the expectation of having him beside her at such point was indeed out of question for her. She remained quite and choose to observe him how he prepared coffee according to her taste in between peeling off the potatoes. When Raman finished pouring coffee into two cups they found Roohi coming out from her room with slow steps. Their eyes exchanged silent words and Raman carried their cups of coffee's in dining area where Ishita prepared Roohi's chocolate milkshake and followed Raman along cookies.

"Roohi chalo finish it. Today Mumma papa will have milk along you." Ishita pointed towards there cups while helping Roohi sitting on chair. The thought of Roohi staying empty stomach from last two days was making her restless, she handed her glass and her favourite coconut cookies to eat. "Dadi told me you love it haina." She tried to initiate conversation with Roohi who was eating quietly bowing her head down.

"Obviously Roohi would love it afterall she is half south indian, who's life revolves around idli and coconut ki chutney." Ishita eyes widened listening comment from her husband who's face was hidden behind The Economics Times.

"You mean eating coconut is bad? How can you be so dumb?" She snapped him after snatching newspaper from his hand.

"It's not bad but it's not something to proud as well. Thank god my daughter inherited most of punjabi habits. Haina Roohi." Raman winked at Roohi making the little girl giggle and Ishita fume.

"Okay Roohi tell me what do you like most idli or chicken. Batao Papa ko."

"Waah waah kya comparison kiya hai madrasan. Kahan Raja Bhoj Kahan Gangoo Teli." (Where king Bhoj where oil massager gangoo-teli. What comparison you made.) Raman snorted with a sarcasm filled remark.