The Binding String

T H I R T Y - E I G H T

"Jeeju."

Ishita wiped her tears and allowed Bala to enter inside. Bala who was meeting Ishita after two long months rose his brows seeing the apartment messed up and stinky. He was unable to believe the same because it was too unlikely of Ishita to leave her home untidy. Bala kept the fruits and food packets on a mini table and took the glass of water from Ishita's hand.

"Yeh kya haal bana rakha hai tune apna Ishu?" (What you made up of yourself?)

"I'm fine Jiju. How are you?" Ishita changed the topic and moved towards the kitchen to prepare tea for Bala.

"Ishu abhi bhi tumhara aur Raman ka jhagda chal raha hai? Come on yaar kitne mahine ho gaye hai. Ab toh jhagda band karo." (Till when you and Raman are going to continue your fight?)

"Jeeju jhagda band karne ke liye mera pati yahan hona bhi toh chahiye. It's been three months and there is no sign of him." (How I'm supposed to end the fight when my husband is not here?)

"Office mein pata kiya?" (Have you inquired in office?) Bala asked doubtfully somewhere scared of Ishita's reply.

"They refused to tell me."

"Aur Mihir?"

"Jeeju Mihir Mihir toh khud on site pe ten months ke liye Chicago gaya hai usse kya poochoon. I have no idea where Raman is, what is going in his head. Everyday I try his phone at least twice but it comes switched off. He has no concern or care left for me jiju. Meri itni badi galti thi kya?" Ishita's question left Bala speechless, he knew Raman wasn't in the country but he never knew if he didn't care to inform Ishita. It was hard to believe for Bala that Raman, the man who was crying for his wife that night, became so cold towards her. "I think he wants to leave me jiju. Everyone was right, I'm going to have the same fate as Amma." Ishita said further, going paranoid, finally having someone who can understand her better than her mother or sister. "Jeeju batao na meri kya galti thi?" 

"Ishu you weren't at fault. That was an accident and accidents can happen with anyone. Bas." Bala consoled Ishita, didn't know what to say. He was feeling so bad with Raman's cold attitude towards Ishita, he hoped Raman might understand Ishita's unsaid insecurities in these three years but today he got reality check that they were far away emotionally even being together physically. Bala made Ishita sit beside him and handed her glass of water, he was feeling pity on her condition, he never saw Ishita in such pathetic state, she is always been a strong headed and fearless lady and now she looked scared and shaken, the hint of concern and worry in her eyes wasn't random it was her love for her husband which herself failed to realise now. "That man.......whom you all consider my father was right, unhone kaha tha na meri shaadi nahi bachegi kyon ki maine unki shaadi todi thi dekho yeh sab Sach ho raha hai Jeeju." (That's man whom you consider my father was right somewhere, he told me that my marriage will break the way I break his marriage. See it's happening in real.) Ishita broke down into tears hugging Bala tight, Bala caressed her head didn't know how to console her, but one thing was true that he is truly disappointed with Raman today.

"Chalo now you stop crying okay. Aur tumne kuch nahi kiya hai samjhi tum. Unki shaadi tooti kyon ki unhe shaadi sambhaalni aati hi nahi thi Ishu. It's not your fault okay." (Enough for now Ishita. You was never at fault okay. His marriage broke because of his own deeds. So stop blaming yourself.) Bala consoled crying Ishita and caressed her hairs like a big brother does, hoping his words gives Ishita a little peace.