- 5 -
Ramesh had returned from Delhi late at night, so, he slept till nine o’clock. As soon as he woke up, he said to Rani, “Yesterday I told you that I had to attend an urgent meeting, so I’ve to leave early. You cook breakfast and lunch quickly while I get ready.”
“I remember very well. You get ready, I’ve already prepared breakfast and lunch.”
“Very good.”
When Ramesh went to office, Rani quickly got the remaining household chores done by Lachhmi and reached the hotel around 11 o’clock. Entering the room, Rani said, “Look, what a compulsion that despite being in the same city, you had to stay in a hotel instead of at the home!”
“It’s not such a big deal. Don’t take this to heart. Many a times in life, one has to compromise with the circumstances. A person who gladly accepts such compromises, remains happy in life. It’s a matter of happiness for me that we’ll have breakfast together prepared by you. Now don’t say that you’ve already have had breakfast.”
“Can you imagine that when I had to bring breakfast for you, I would’ve come here after having breakfast at home?”
“Arre, I was just kidding but you’ve taken it seriously.”
Instead of vacating the hotel room at 12 o’clock, Alok had got the check-out time extended till four o’clock. When Rani started getting up to go, Alok said, “If you can, then stay a little longer. I’ve got the check-out time extended till four o’clock.”
“What does a blind man desire but two eyes? This way we’ll have some more time to enjoy each other’s company. Truly it’s in some such moments that the buds of the mind blossom.”
Thus, two persons deeply in love got a golden opportunity to talk their hearts out. In such a situation, the time also seems to have taken wings. At three o’clock, Alok asked, “Should I order lunch?”
“Do you want lunch? But I can’t eat.”
“I was asking just for you. I can’t even think of having lunch after taking the delicious breakfast prepared by you.”
“Then order coffee and some snacks.”
They vacated the room at four o’clock. Rani dropped Alok at ISBT-43 and came home. Just as she arrived outside the house, Lachhmi was already opening the main gate. Coming inside, Rani said, “Lachhmi, from tomorrow don’t come in the evening. I’ll not deduct your salary. Just come a little early in the morning.”
“Okay Madam Ji, as you wish.”
******
