The Binding String

T H I R T Y - F O U R

She never acted a typical woman before but maybe there is no harm in acting like one if you're enjoying it.

Like Ishita, even Raman was sneakily enjoying the little smile dancing at the corner of his wife lips, he was aware that the time they're spending together is the reason behind that inexpressible smile, they never got such moments together before, the previous years they spend before and after Roohi birth were mostly filled with loneliness and misunderstandings for each other, they never cared to value the marriage neither the kid but as the old saying says; time never stays same. Ishita Raman learnt very much things in these months especially the place of Roohi in their life and the value of relationship they share with her. He took Ishita's hand in his and dragged her along him to involve her in all the childish games he was playing with Roohi.

"Kya Raman. Aise kyon kheecha mujhe?" (Why you pulled me their?)

"Just see there. How finely Roohi is playing Balancing Beam." Raman excitedly pointed towards Roohi who was playing Balancing beam with other kids, laughing everytime she is managing to do it successfully and jumping other times when rest of kids were able to do same like her. "How beautiful she is looking. Her smile is adorable Ishita." Raman exclaimed in child alike voice, he absent-mindedly pressed her hand he was holding previously, his eyes shone with pride and face carried smile on his daughter little achievement of finishing the game. She was glad that atleast he enjoys with her now. Ishita was lost on comparing in her present and past and Raman was busy in adoring his wife and daughter when lots of college going teens ran past to them causing Ishita to loose her balance enough to fall down on tiled floor.

The college going teens probably chasing down someone which caused sudden movement in kids area and almost caused his wife to lost her balance, she could have hit her head in the process but he held her in the nanosecond. His hand protectively rested on her back and another one on her shoulder as he saved her from falling down. "Thank god you're fine. It took my breath away." Ishita was just standing with her husband but all the time she was thinking about her past with Raman, the relationship she shared with her and Roohi especially after coming back from Europe. Sometimes he used to be loving like he is desperately trying to rectify the mistakes he made and rest of the times he was harsh and cold like he believes that she is responsible for every action of his life. She never expected that years of bitterness could transform into love and care but he effortlessly proving her wrong. He was never with her whenever she wished and now he is trying to be her support even when she least want it. He is just raising hopes in her heart, giving new dreams to her foolish heart which forgot the meaning of love long back and she started to dream the happily ever after.

Baawra mann dekhne chala
Ek sapna......
(The innocent mind is on its way to dream
The crazy mind is on its way to dream.)

"Main theek hoon Raman." (I'm fine Raman.) She assured him with smile as the crowd passed and they balanced themselves. The racing hearts came back at normal speed but they refused to leave each other hand and kept looking at Roohi who was coming running towards them.

"Mumma....Mumma!!!!!" Ishita kneeled down and held Roohi who was panting loudly while trying to call her. Ishita rubbed her back and looked at Raman who was looking Roohi with worrisome face.

"Roohi kya hua?" (What happened dear?)

"Haan beta. Kya hua?" Raman Ishita rubbed her back seeing her panting hard. "I'm taking her in waiting area. You please bring a water bottle for her." Ishita asked Raman to purchase a bottle of mineral water and took Roohi in her arms otherside Raman obliged same and ran to fetch a water bottle where Ishita took Roohi in air conditioned waiting area and started to wipe sweat from her face with the end of her cotton saree. "Are you fine Rooh?" Ishita asked softly finding Roohi's breaths coming labouring down. Until she could question her anymore, she found Raman running towards her carrying a bottle of bislery in his hands.