- 14 -
One day at bedtime, Ramesh and Rani were watching TV while sitting on bed. Ramesh had conflicting thoughts of doubt about Alok, but had no concrete evidence except the incomplete information gathered from Lachhmi, on the basis of which he could malign Rani’s character. He wanted to get some concrete clue from Rani herself. He made a shot in the dark. He said, “Rani, I tried to talk to you several times this afternoon, but your phone was busy every time. Were you talking to your friend?”
“Neither did I talk to Alok today nor did I get any call from you. You may check my phone yourself.”
Seeing that he missed the target, Ramesh thought it better to end the matter there itself. He got up and went to the bathroom to change. Meanwhile the mobile rang. When Rani switched on the mobile, Anjani was at the other end, “Hello mummy, how are you? I couldn’t come on Lohri, but now I’m thinking of coming on Holi (Festival of colours), by then Aryan and Pinky will also be free from their exams. The children are very excited to meet their Nana-Nani.”
“How nice! Also bring our son-in-law along with you. We’ll celebrate Holi together; we’ll have fun.”
“I’m not sure about Aryan’s papa. We’ll plan according to the circumstances.”
As soon as the mother and daughter had finished talking, Ramesh came out of the bathroom. He had heard Rani talking on phone, but could not figure out whom she was talking to. He asked, “Who was calling?”
Rani told him that Anjani was telling her that she was planning to come with kids on the occasion of Holi.
Ramesh said, “It’s a good news. It has been a long time since she came. If the kids are also coming, Holi will be more enjoyable.”
Complaining about Ramesh not giving enough time to her, Rani said, “Will you be able to give time to the kids? When do you have time for family? Your friends celebrate Holi in their own way.”
Paying no attention to Rani’s sarcasm, he said, “Dear, you enjoy more being with kids than with friends. Friends are just an excuse to beat loneliness. Today Mr. Mehra was telling me that this time, the Residents Welfare Association is organising a public function of ‘Holi Milan’ (Get together on Holi) in the afternoon at GMADA Stadium, in which there will be programmes of ‘Hasya Kavi Darbar’ and ‘Phoolon Ki Holi’. Famous humorist poet Surinder Sharma will also grace the occasion. This will be a different kind of experience for the children.” Then he added with a touch of sarcasm, “Invite your friend too; he’ll also enjoy the programme and we’ll also meet him”
Ignoring the sarcasm, Rani said, “If you want to meet Alok, I’ll call him beforehand.”
Ramesh said in his sarcastic style, “Why, is there any problem in calling him in the presence of the children?”
“No, there’s no problem.”
It would have been too much to drag Alok, so, Ramesh said, “Let’s leave this topic. I’m feeling sleepy.”
And Ramesh turned his side and closed his eyes.
*****
