Vineet drops Ruhana at her home, he knows that she’s a little worried for her daughter. He holds her hands.

“Ruhana, main jaanta hoon iss waqt tum thodi pareshan ho, hona bhi chahiye! But you can trust me, main….” He says, but she cuts him.

“Tum uska achche se khayal rakhoge, aunty uske khaane peene ka khayal rakhengi, tum usey meri kami mehsus nahi hone doge, meri beti khush rahegi ….main jaanti hoon, Vineet. Lekin kya karun? Maa hoon na, usse door jaane ke liye mera mann nahi maan raha.”

“Tum ye bhi keh sakte ho ki meri Ruhaani mere bina reh sakti hai, par main...main uske bina nahi reh sakti. Bas isliye udaas hoon. But, it’s life, I guess! Aur waise bhi ek din usey mujhse door jaana hi padega!” Ruhana says, turning a little emotional.

“Vo abhi bachchi hai aur tum kahan pahuch gayi? Bas 15 din ki baat hai, Ruhana. Focus on your work!” He tries to convince her.

“Yeah, you’re right. Main tumhe shikayat ka koi mauka nahi dungi.” Ruhana says it with a smile.

“I trust you, Ruhana.” He says.

“So do I.” She replies peering at him.

Her words make him smile. He turns to move out when she holds her hand and he turns around to glance at him. He’s gazing at him questioningly. She smiles at him and hands him a file, and a pouch. He looks at her unknowingly.

“Ye sab kya hai?” He asks.

“Ye uss deal ke papers ki copy hai, jis deal ke liye main jaa rahi hoon. Isme maine sab kuch likh ke rakha hai. Tum check kar sakte ho. Agar tumhe koi changes chahiye toh tum mujhe bata dena.”

“Aur ye pouch tum Ruhaani ko de dena. Isme uski zaroori cheezein hai.” Ruhana says while looking at him.

“Thik hai, tum apna dhyan rakho. Main kal tumhe pick karne aa jaunga.” He says softly.

“Nai Vineet, tum itna tension mat lo. Kal toh main office aaungi naa, hamari meeting hai naa Mr Shastri se!” She reminds him.

“Oh yes! I almost forgot, Ruhana. Thank you! You’re a saviour.” He replies.

“Tum toh bahut laparwah ho gaye ho, Vineet! Itne saal se kaam kar rahe ho phir bhi bhool jaate ho! How immature?” She looks at him.

“Ab tum aa gayi ho toh main kyun tension loon? Tum hi sambhalo.” He says carelessly.

“Bol toh aise rahe ho jaise main tumhari biwi hoon. Aise toh koi apni wife pe hi bharosa karta hai.” She glances at him.

“Doston pe bhi bharosa karte hain. Aur tum meri sabse achchi dost ho.” He smiles at her.

“You’re being too sweet, Vineet. I don’t know main tumhe thanks kaise kahun? You’re doing too much for me.” She smiles.

“Mujhpe bharosa karo, that’s all I want. Lekin tum ho ki kuch samajhti hi nahi ho.” He says, peering at her.

“Mujhe kya samajhna hai?” She asks unknowingly.

“Vo main tumhe baad mein bataunga. Ho sakta hai tab tak tum samajh jao.” He murmurs while she glances at him.

“Abhi main nikalta hoon. Tum aaram karo aur please stress mat lena.” He says caringly and leaves the place.

*****
On the way home, he’s thinking only about her. She takes care of his meetings and she cares for him as well. Though he is oblivious to her feelings towards him, all he knows is that she's got a pure heart and that she’s perfect for him.

For marriage, maybe! But he needs to convince her, know about her feelings and then express his feelings. It’s a long way to go.

*****
Ruhana locks the door, changes into her night dress and cross-checks her things. She has done all the packing already; she does the last-minute packing, that is, her handbag and all the required things. After finishing her chores, she thinks of preparing tea for herself.

Having ginger tea helps her relax her mind and soul. Usually, Ruhaani makes tea for her, but now she has to help herself. She prepares tea for herself and relaxes on the bed. She takes a sip of her tea and sighs deeply. She recalls how her life has changed drastically in last six months.

Yeah, it’s been a year since she separated from her husband and came to Mumbai with her daughter. She has struggled a lot but now she has a stable job and owns a flat. She is blessed with an understanding daughter and an honest friend in Vineet’s face.

He has been her constant support for five months, ever since she joined his office as a fashion designer. He has given her many chances to develop her skills and he has bonded with Ruhaani well. She is assured that he will take care of her nicely, and she is thankful to him.

Now that things are smooth, she often contemplates her relationship with him. What is it all about? Is it just friendship? Or is it more than that?

The question has yet to be answered.

To Be Continued.

Will they ever find answers to their questions?

Stay tuned.