The Binding String

T W E N T Y - F I V E

●The following chapter is divided into two parts, will update next part as soon as I finish writing it.

Marriage is not a simple love affair, it's an ordeal deal, and ordeal is the sacrifice of ego to a relationship in which two become one.
- Joseph Campbell

Raman found himself helpless seeing his wife walking away from him taking his daughter along, he kicked the nearby glass railing irriated and frustrated ignoring the fact that Mihir, his best friend stood behind of him. He was so happy till an hour back when Mihir informed him that Ishita and Roohi are in mall along Mihika and Mira, his little Roohi is so happy seeing her Mira didi after so long and playing merrily along her, he was dying to see the cheerful smile on her beautiful round face, the shining in Ishita eyes. His mood was foul from the moment he received call from her, and he found nothing good after that. He was sure if Mihir wasn't there than he might not be able to execute the meeting properly he was supposed to, though entire day maybe he was looking for one reason to distract his mind and Ishita and Roohi presence in mall maybe became that reason for him to forget the unpleasant events of the day. When he first saw Roohi jumping along Mira he scooped her in his arms and they started to search Ishita, he had planned to watch some movie in mall along Mihika Mihika and Mira and maybe a dinner with everyone but the sight of one person spoiled everything he had planned. He closed his eyes with defeat and regret and looked at Mihir Mihika who were still looking at him with concern filled eyes.

"I should leave now. Mihir you please enjoy this evening with Mira." Raman spoke with ashamed face after realising himself reason of spoiled evening of couple.

"Bhai wait!!!" Mihir stopped Raman from going and looked at his wife, "Mihika you stay with Mira. I will be back in few minutes." He dismissed Mihika and asked Raman to sit with him for few minutes. They entered in nearby cafe and secured two empty seats. "Bhai how long you're going to punish Romi?"

"Until he realises his mistake."

"Bhai it was Romi's life, he did whatever he found appropriate. We're no one to interfere." Mihir stated his point very we'll aware with Raman anger for Romi.

"Don't you remebere how much that girl father badmouthed me and Mumma Papa? I will not forgive Romi for his mistakes. Whatever he did was absolutely wrong." Raman refused to listen Mihir words and shifted his concentration on the tea Mihir ordered.

"And bhabhi? Can you tell me why you're punishing bhabhi? And Roohi? Raman you need some true anger management classes." Mihir stated in matter of fact tone looking at Raman, "Raman whatever Romi did was his personal choice, you can guide him but you cannot command his life. It's high time you should start concentrating on your own life instead of keeping grudges for others especially when you really want to work on this relationship." Mihir calmly explained his point hoping his words made some senses to his friend. He know his anger for Romi is justified but is it valid sidelining his own marriage.

"Yaar main kya karoon phir? Itni baatein hai past ki jo nikal hi aati hai kabhi na kabhi." (I'm not doing it deliberately Mihir. There are so many things of past which I cannot forget. It makes me helpless whenever I recall those.) Raman said blankly staring blankly at the empty spot of opposite wall of the cafe. Mihir twitched his lips knowing very well where he is indicating indirectly, "Pata nahi mera yeh gussa Ishita pe hai ya khud pe." (I don't know if I'm angry on Ishita or on myself.) Raman continued after a pregnant pause of few seconds with emotionless face. "Dekh Mihir yeh sab bohot complicated hai. Mera dum ghut jata hai jab kabhi main woh lamhe yaad karta hoon. Behtar yahi hai ki hum in baaton ko na yaad karen. Kaafi late ho raha hai tu jaa Mihika aur Mira ke paas. Main bhi nikalta hoon aur sun tu chahe toh Monday ka off bhi le le. Kaafi dino se busy hai office ke chakkar mein." (I think I should leave now Mihir. It's quite late anyway, I would suggest you to take a leave of Monday and spend some time with Mihika and Mira. They will feel good.) Raman pressed Mihir shoulder and left the cafe grabbing his car keys and phone. A dejected Mihir followed Raman after paying bill and went to Pizza Hut where his wife and daughter were waiting for him. Mihir kissed his daughter forehead and secured seat beside his wife who was looking at him with curious filled eyes.