Chapter 167
Sarojini's mind was busy tackling a few different things. She was trying to think of any new packs of eatables that she could send with their guests, and reflecting over the two new wedding proposals that her cousin had brought for Nandini. She was also listening to Priyamvada, who was talking to everyone so graciously. She was touched by how sincerely Priyamvada was now thanking them for looking after her, and apologising for leaving abruptly today and explaining to Bhoothnath that it was happening on her doctor's advice.
Priyamvada appeared very different from the woman who had gotten so agitated in the afternoon, Sarojini reflected tentatively. She hated to admit even to herself that she was a tad uneasy about Priyamvada, and felt guilty at the sense of relief that the woman would be leaving soon. She was sad about Prithvi's departure though. It would have been really nice if the boy could have stayed for longer.
The room was filled with conversations for a while, with Sarojini and Bhoothnath insisting that it had not been any trouble at all for them to look after Priyamvada, and expressing their happiness at having been able to meet her at last, and Bhoothnath encouraging Priyamvada to rekindle a relationship with the family deity and giving her spiritual remedies to help with her illness.
Priyamvada's features did not show her irritation at the rubbish being spouted by the old man. As if visiting the family temple regularly and listening to mythological stories was going to cure her. But she heard him out patiently and then promised to do her best to follow his advice while mentally rolling her eyes.
She listened to Bhoothnath with more interest and true happiness when he said that they needed to leave at the earliest because it would not be safe to drive on the twisty, narrow roads of the hills once the sunlight started to fade. For once, Bhoothnath's advice sounded like music to her eyes.
She agreed to leave within a very short time, and then she raised the main subject gently and casually...about how she was feeling guilty about being the reason for ending Nandini's holiday, and her wish to make it up to the child by giving her this short break. And how it would be a very nice and comfortable stay for Nandini, given the lovely locales, the large caretaking staff, the presence of Prithvi's "wonderful" friends and Rajeshwari, who was a last-minute and unpleasant emergency addition, and the strong security team. And Nandini wouldn't have to worry about packing either. Nandini's bag that had been left behind with the Garewals could be transported to the chalet by tonight...
She saw the expected reactions on everyone's faces, and was fully prepared when Sarojini, after overcoming her shock, timidly said, "This is really kind of you, but I'm not sure if Nandini will...it's only...Nandini...and we...our families and lifestyles are so different. She might not be able to fit in with everyone. So -"
"You underestimate your daughter, Sarojini," Priyamvada said sweetly. "I believe she can fit in with everyone. And yes, we might have a little more money perhaps, but we are very simple people at heart, and our family values are the same as the same as yours, I assure you," she lied with touching earnestness, and then went on to say a lot more meaningless and untrue things about her respect and affection for the Bharadwaj family, and about Siddharth and how he would have wanted the families to be close, and how they had to make up for the years lost. By the time she was wrapping up the performance, Sarojini had tears in her eyes, Bhoothnath looked more serious and confused than before, and Sumer Singh still had the same previous look – of struggling to cover up his horror and disgust at her performance.
"...and so, I will be very happy if Nandini decides to come with us, but I will not force her, and neither should any of you," Priyamvada said with an exhibition of anxiety. "You can speak to her in private. I wish to go for a short walk in the backyard before leaving. Sumer, go to the other house and inform Prithvi that we need to leave in half an hour..."
*******************
Highly tensed, Sumer Singh walked into Ayodhya and halted by the stairway. He called out to Prithvi once and then started pacing agitatedly through the living room, wringing his hands.
"Baba, you'd called?"
Sumer Singh spun around to face Prithvi as the latter walked into the living room.
"Prithvi, your mother wants to leave today - now...within half an hour. Because Bhoothnathji said you shouldn't drive on those roads post sunset, and – and your mother wants Nandini to come with us," Sumer Singh said with equal parts of anger and tension. "You have to stop her. Tell her she cannot – do whatever she's planning with Nandini!"
When Prithvi didn't respond or react immediately, Sumer Singh looked at him sharply, and then said, "You're not surprised."
"I had an idea she would do something like this," Prithvi muttered with a shrug, walking casually to the table and picking up the newspaper that he had already read earlier. "She knows they mean a lot to me, so she wants to build a bond with them, and Nandini...and she thinks that will eventually help set things right between her and me," he added carelessly while sitting down at the table, keeping his back to Sumer Singh.
Sumer Singh looked at him for a long moment, then slowly said, "I see..."
Without turning around to look at Sumer Singh, Prithvi casually asked, "Did the ghostbuster agree?"
"Yes, he and Sarojiniji seemed fine with the idea."
That was surprising, Prithvi mulled. Considering how protective Bhoothnath was of Nandini, he had expected the elderly man to refuse point-blank. So why had the ghostbuster agreed without much of a resistance? Did it have anything to do with the politician related drama, he thought with a frown. At any rate, Bhoothnath had been his last hope of maintaining the meagre amount of common sense left in his brain. Unless...of course...Nandini had changed her mind because of his warnings.
"Have they asked Nandini?" he nonchalantly asked Sumer Singh
"They were going to ask her when I left to come here," Sumer Singh replied while still looking at Prithvi astutely.
"If she doesn't want to come along, the queen mother will not insist," Prithvi murmured, "I'll make sure of that."
If Nandini refuses, will you be okay with that, Sumer Singh asked him in his mind.
"Okay, I'm going to my room now to pack my things," Sumer Singh said as he headed towards the stairway.
Prithvi glanced around at him. He needed Sumer Singh's presence to keep him grounded for the next few days, but the older man was happy here and he would be very uncomfortable in any house that contained Priyamvada.
"Baba, you don't have to come with us," Prithvi said lightly.
Sumer Singh turned and looked at him stoically. "I am coming with you, there's no question about that."
Relieved, Prithvi smiled faintly and said, "Okay, you can return with Nandini and stay back for longer if you wish."
Sumer Singh smiled back at him. "Yes, I would like to do that. And Prithvi, I was talking to Bhoothnathji some time ago, and he asked me if you had any...interest in Nandini."
Stunned, Prithvi stared at him. "He asked you what?" he asked in shock.
"He felt you looked quite upset in the morning when they were talking about Nandini's marriage," Sumer Singh said sedately, looking at him with perceptive eyes. "So he wanted to know if it was because...but I told him you were angry only because you don't like it when your mother interferes in other people's lives. It was just my assumption that the queen had raised the subject, but he didn't correct me. And I think he believed me. But I thought I should tell you, so you can be more...careful while expressing your feelings in front of him."
Reddening noticeably, Prithvi scowled at him. "I was not expressing any feelings of the kind you're imagining right now. What you told him was right. I was irritated with the queen mother. That's all there was to it," he said irritably.
Sumer Singh raised his hands placatingly. "Alright, alright, I believe you," he said pacifyingly, and then made his way to his room while thinking about how he'd seen more emotions in Prithvi in the last few moments than in the past five years...
Feeling annoyed and quite uneasy, Prithvi flung the newspaper back to the table.
If Bhoothnath had any such doubts, it would very likely lead to the end of his freedom to stay in this house whenever he wanted...which should ideally not be a problem for him since he did not intend return here for a very long time once he left today, Prithvi reflected uncomfortably. But that had to be his choice, not anyone else's. Yeah, that was the crux of the issue, he decided mulishly.
And then a prickly, unsettling question arose in his mind - had the conversation between Bhoothnath and Sumer Singh ended at that? He couldn't ask Sumer Singh about it. Not for some time, he thought grouchily. He could raise it casually after a few days after Sumer Singh's suspicions had calmed down.
Beset by restlessness, Prithvi rose to his feet and walked slowly towards the window that opened to a view of Vrindavan. Would they have finished talking to her yet...
*******************
"...And Prithvi's mother has said she will ensure the bag reaches Neevpara by tonight. So, you just have to carry one or two dresses. And if you don't like the place or the people, you can come back," Bhoothnath said hurriedly. "But I feel you should go because you can help his mother. She's not fully okay yet, and I think it will be good if you're with her. You could try one of the remedies we had spoken about earlier. I will give you a copy of the Ramayana. You could read it to her each evening. She may or may not agree to listen, but you can try. You read it so beautifully," he encouraged, briefly distracted by happy memories of the praises she had received from people for her immaculate and soulful recitation.
"You don't have to go if you don't wish to," her mother was saying softly. "But you have to decide quickly, as your grandfather said. They shouldn't get delayed because of you."
Nandini tried to look as if she was thinking about the plan while feeling wretched with guilt on the inside. Even god wouldn't forgive her for deceiving her innocent family like this...
******************
Bhoothnath got down the steps to the front yard and started to move towards Ayodhya, but then realised the person he was going to meet was right outside the gate, placing two small bags in the car.
"Prithvi, I was coming to see you," he smiled while opening the gate and walking towards the rear of the vehicle. "Sumer must have told you. Nandini is coming with all of you."
Nothing of the medley of intense emotions that surged through Prithvi appeared on his face as he shut the door and solemnly told Bhoothnath, "Yes, I heard."
"She will be ready to leave in 10 minutes," Bhoothnath assured. "She won't have any luggage because your mother said she will arrange for her bag to be transported from the Garewals to the house you'll be staying in."
Her bag...he had forgotten about it, Prithvi recalled suddenly with guilt.
"Okay," he muttered, then hesitantly added, "I have to be honest with you...I don't think it's a good idea for Nandini to come with us."
Surprised, Bhoothnath looked at him in dismay, "Why not?"
"An unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people...she might get really bored," Prithvi said seriously. "I think she might be happier if she spends the rest of her holidays here with all of you and her friends."
"Oh...no, that's not a problem," Bhoothnath said vigorously. "Nandini is a friendly girl, she doesn't have any problems getting along with strangers. She has been like that since childhood."
"Alright, if you think so," Prithvi said sombrely.
"Yes, yes, I do, and I think she will be able to help with your mother too, in case of any problem," Bhoothnath said delicately.
Prithvi looked at him with a frown. "I don't need any help to look after my mother. I can handle it myself."
"Yes, of course you can," Bhoothnath smiled calmingly, and then said, "Your mother is taking a stroll in the backyard, but her bags are ready I think. You can keep them in the car."
When Prithvi had left, Bhoothnath looked towards the temple, and folded his palms with a smile of love. He had sought a solution just a short time ago, and it had dropped into his lap in the most unexpected way. In the four days that Nandini was away, knowing that she was safe and sound, he would be able to think peacefully and come up with a strong resolution to the problem.
The instant Priyamvada had spoken about taking Nandini along with them, peace had come into his heart, and he'd accepted it as an auspicious sign. But he'd been worried about Nandini's reaction. However, his granddaughter had not objected at all and had agreed to everything he had said. And Prithvi's reaction to the plan had eradicated any remaining traces of doubts about his feelings for Nandini.
This trip wasn't an ideal solution or a long-lasting one, but for the moment, he was going to follow his instincts and trust the peace in his heart...
*********************
Sarojini walked down the steps quickly in a stressed state. She had helped her daughter pick clothes for today, a nightdress and one extra pair of clothes for tomorrow, just in case the bag did not reach the house in Neevpara tonight.
She peered diffidently into the guest room to confirm that all of Priyamvada's belongings had been packed. Then she walked into the kitchen and started to go through the containers to take out unopened packets of snacks, which she would send with their guests. But none of the snacks seemed good enough. Just as none of her daughter's clothes had looked pretty or rich enough, Sarojini thought unhappily.
Her emotions had swayed her decision about letting Nandini go on this trip, but now she was starting to regret it. Priyamvada was really loving and good-hearted but she was also a strange and unpredictable woman. Then there was the difference in the families. How would her daughter adjust with being among such immensely rich people for four days?
And what would they tell their friends and neighbours about Nandini going on this vacation? She would have to tell them that Nandini had gone back to the Garewals. Or there would be many questions and rumours.
Sarojini came out of her thoughts with a start on hearing a voice.
Prithvi was standing by the door of the kitchen with a concerned expression, asking, "Mrs. Bharadwaj, are you okay?" He had seen her standing too still in kitchen while taking his mother's bags out of the guest room...
She smiled quickly at him, "Yes, I'm fine. I was just thinking about which of these you might like to take with you," she gestured timidly to the three small packets of snacks on the granite surface of the platform.
"I will not leave Shamli unless you give me all of them," Prithvi said seriously.
Sarojini chuckled at the reply, forgetting her tensions momentarily.
Prithvi grinned at her, and then became somewhat sombre, and said, "I know you must be worried about Nandini. And I can understand why...after the way my mother has been."
"Not at all. Your mother has been perfectly wonderful to all of us," Sarojini exclaimed.
"She made you take out new plates and glasses for her and me, didn't she?" he asked Sarojini soberly, glancing at the cutlery placed separately on the kitchen counter. He had noted it vaguely during lunch but had been too engrossed in his inner world at that time.
"I was going to use them anyway," Sarojini insisted, feeling embarrassed. "I'm only worried because Nandini sometimes feels a bit uneasy on hilly roads, though it doesn't last for long. And...I also don't want her to be rude towards your mother again, like today morning," she said meekly.
"She was right to be angry this morning," Prithvi said mulishly. "My mother tends to interfere too much in other people's lives."
"Your mother was only being kind and caring. But Nandini has become more hot tempered over the years," Sarojini sighed. "She used to be much calmer...and so much more obedient."
"Obedience and patience are terrible qualities," Prithvi said gravely. "And I believe so mainly because I don't have them at all."
Sarojini laughed again.
Prithvi smiled faintly, and then gently said, "Don't be worried about anything, Mrs. Bharadwaj. Baba and I will do our best to make sure she's comfortable. And if she doesn't feel at ease there for any reason, I will bring her back home immediately."
Sarojini looked at him fondly, surprised and touched that, despite her lies, he had understood something of her sentiments
She walked to him and placed her hands on his cheeks. "May god bless you and protect you always," she said warmly.
Prithvi smiled and walked away.
Regarding him affectionally, Sarojini lifted her hands and moved them in the traditional gesture used for warding off evil eye
*******************
Nandini heard her mother calling out to her. She had gotten ready a few minutes ago, in a printed cream kurta, black leggings, and a colourful stole. She had decided to carry a backpack rather than her handbag so she could carry all that she needed to – her clothes, toiletries, wallet, a small sling bag, and most crucially, all the precious items that she needed to return to Prithvi before returning to Shamli. The backpack too was ready.
But just as she'd picked it up, she'd abruptly felt an overwhelming anxiety, and had sat down on the chair in a sudden miasma of confusion and panic.
This was a bad idea. It was foolishness. She obviously wouldn't be able to follow any of the rules he'd laid down, and what would happen then...the thought was already doing strange things to her insides. She should have listened to Prithvi. Given the state of their emotions, and all that happened in the last 24 hours...this was clearly a mistake. What if she was taking a step that couldn't be undone...
She heard her mother calling out to her again. Breathing deeply, she stood up and took the backpack and left her room. She paused outside her brother's room. Prakash was fast asleep. She wanted to wake him up, but he would be unhappy to see her go, and that would make it harder for her to leave...
***********************
Nandini looked at her family through the car's window until she could. As the vehicle began to move further away from the house, she rigidly kept her gaze away from Priyamvada, and she knew that Priyamvada was doing the same. She could feel the other woman's disgust at having to sit next to her, and her own repugnance was no less.
By the time she had come downstairs, all the goodbyes had already happened, and Priyamvada and Sumer Singh had been sitting in the car. Only Prithvi had been waiting. He had spoken warmly to her grandfather and mother before leaving, but he had not looked at her once, not even when he'd opened the door for her to get into the vehicle.
She looked at Prithvi in the rearview mirror. His attention was on the road ahead, and he wasn't looking at her. But she could see a rigid tension on his features.
Sumer Singh was sitting stiffly in the seat next to Prithvi, staring straight ahead. She looked at her phone. Only about ten minutes had passed since she had gotten into the vehicle but it felt as though an hour had gone by. The atmosphere in the car felt so hostile that it almost made her want to ask Prithvi to stop the car so she could get down and enjoy a few moments away from Priyamvada's toxic presence.
Almost as if Prithvi had heard her, the car slowed down suddenly, Confused, she looked at him in the mirror, and then followed his gaze to the roadside, where she was astonished to see an entourage of people and sleek white cars.
"I will reach the chalet by tonight," Priyamvada said coldly to no one in particular.
"Please don't hurry," Prithvi said sincerely as he brought the vehicle to a stop near the group of people, eliciting an angry look from his mother.
Within moments, Priyamvada had disembarked, and her luggage had been removed. Then the doors were shut again, and the car instantly resumed its journey.
Nandini exhaled in pure relief. It felt as if a pall of doom was lifted from the vehicle. She didn't want to know what had happened or why, almost afraid that any questions might jinx this unexpected and happy twist. It was more than enough for her that she did not have to sit beside that woman for the rest of the journey.
In the front, she could see Sumer Singh relax visibly, and the irritation had disappeared from Prithvi's face.
"Nandini, have you been to Neevpara before?" Sumer Singh asked.
"No, but some of my friends and colleagues have," Nandini replied politely.
"And what did they think about it?"
"They said its really beautiful," she smiled.
"That's good then. Prithvi, how long will it take us to reach?"
"About an hour and fifteen minutes."
"Had you visited this place when...we were staying here?" Sumer Singh asked him.
"No," Prithvi said with a repressive tone that managed to clearly convey that he didn't want to be part of a conversation.
Sumer Singh glanced back at Nandini with a faintly apologetic smile.
Concealing her apprehension, Nandini smiled back at him reassuringly. She knew Prithvi was annoyed with her for not changing her mind about coming along. She was going to have to put up with it for now and just hope that he wasn't going to hold onto his annoyance for the next four days. She didn't want to return home with those being her last memories with him.
As deep emotions threatened to engulf her suddenly, she drew an unsteady breath and focussed determinedly on the familiar views outside until she had a grip over her thoughts and felt more composed. Then she unconsciously sought to look at him in the rearview mirror, and got a jolt on meeting his black eyes.
She almost gave into the impulse to shuffle to the other side of the car. But struggling to be dignified, she just stared out the window with a pink face.
The roads started to become unfamiliar after some time and grew narrower. But they were in good condition, and the glorious scenery was a joy to behold. She was also grateful that her mother had insisted that she wear the sweater before leaving the house since she was already started to feel cold.
Then the uphill journey began, and Nandini developed a new worry if she was going to feel uneasy or nauseated. She hadn't vomited before on similar journeys, and she simply couldn't begin such a trend in this car that was worth crores. The very thought made her stomach quail, and she tried not to think about it.
However, nausea didn't arise even after the ascent started becoming sharper and they began navigating through hairpin bends. Gratefully thanking her insides for staying calm, she started to relax again.
Prithvi glanced at the rearview mirror. She'd seemed a bit uneasy a few minutes ago, but she looked comfortable now. Vastly relieved, he continued to focus on driving as judiciously as he could, taking each turn very gently.
She glanced at him cautiously at first but his focus was on the roads at all times. It caused a twinge of disappointment but she was also happy she could look at him whenever she wanted without him noticing.
Sumer Singh looked at Prithvi with curiosity. He'd known Prithvi wouldn't speed on these roads since there were other people in the car, but he was still surprised at how carefully and slowly the young man was driving.
Nandini sat up straighter as the car passed by men in black suits, who gave small bows as the vehicle passed them. She looked more keenly at the beautiful greenery, which looked even more entrancing with the increasing mist. They were evidently close to their destination, and she could already feel the usual discomforting sense of awkwardness and insecurity at being an unwelcome visitor in a world to which she did not belong.
In no time, large iron gates appeared in front of them, and Nandini got a quick glimpse of a small, quaint board that said 'The Rosebush' before the vehicle passing by hulking guards who greeted them respectfully. And then her delighted attention was fully captured by the large, beautiful wooden house...
Prithvi looked at her in the mirror. Her expressive face had shown her apprehensions as they neared the property. And so he was inordinately pleased now to see the sweet thrill on her exquisite features.
His mood improved further as he looked around at the verdant loveliness and remoteness of the location. This was one more of those rare occasions when his mother had inadvertently done something good for him. She had selected the right place. He'd always liked to spend more time outdoors, and this time, he needed to spend more time away from the house than usual. And this place was ideal for that.
Sumer Singh frowned as the car came to a halt in front of the house, scarcely looking at the attendants who were opening the doors and taking the bags out and then hurrying towards the house. He got down and looked around the front yard. He'd expected there to be more space around the house, but the front yard wasn't that big. Although Taravan too was located in the midst of hills, that property was large and green enough for Prithvi to enjoy his solitary excursions without needing to venture into any unknown forests. But this...this was too small a space for Prithvi. From this side of the yard, the hill's slopes started almost immediately post the black metal barrier that enclosed the property. And apart from some resorts on the adjoining hills at lower levels, the region was covered with forests...
Sumer Singh looked at Prithvi, who was assessing the surroundings with interest. The boy had always more been interested in the surroundings than in the residence. In all the times that he'd travelled with Prithvi, the boy had never raised any issues if the house was small or uncomfortable or it just had bare basic amenities. But he would always turn grumpy if the house was located in any excessively urban place with no large green spaces nearby.
Sumer Singh's concern was increasing now. He knew that look on Prithvi's face...the boy was already planning on venturing out...
Nandini politely thanked the man who had opened the door for her and was taking her backpack out. It felt cold despite the sweater, but she felt better after she had opened the stole and wrapped it around herself. Now comfortable, Nandini gazed happily at the gorgeous views that surrounded the building. It was situated at a picturesque point, enclosed by wild, abundant greenery, and there was a sweeping view of nearby hills. She could also hear the faint gurgling sound of a stream. She looked at the house again. There was a flight of wooden stairs to get to the first floor of the chalet, which seemed to be the main entrance. There was a wraparound veranda on the first floor but not the second. And there were rooms on the ground floor too. The chalet looked lovely, especially with a light shroud of mist around it.
Sumer Singh looked at Nandini, who was looking at the house.
It was funny how the kids were looking in the opposite directions – Prithvi towards the wilderness, and Nandini towards the house. And yet, he had the oddest feeling that he was being shown an answer to a prayer. If this bond could be mended somehow, he would never again have to worry about Prithvi being drawn to all that was dangerous and risky...
Nandini looked around the area eagerly. She would take pictures and send to her family and friends. No – not to her friends, she reminded herself quickly with guilt. Nishi and Vrinda had no idea where she was now. And also...she had kept her phone in her bag some time ago, she recalled suddenly. And the man who had taken her backpack was entering the house now. She had forgotten to take her phone out of it before getting down from the car.
"Prithvi, we should go inside now. It's getting colder," Sumer Singh said firmly.
"You both go ahead, I'll come in some time," Prithvi replied, walking over to the barricade and peering down interestedly, gazing at the slope that wasn't too steep, with some rough tracks leading down further.
"Where are you going?" Nandini asked automatically with consternation, and then flushed as Prithvi looked at her with a slight frown.
But she felt relieved when Sumer Singh promptly said, "Yes, Prithvi, we have just reached. Where are you off to?"
"Just going to have a look around," Prithvi said with some impatience.
Sumer Singh said, "You can do that tomorrow, when there is more light."
"I can," Prithvi agreed. "But I want to go now."
Giving up, Sumer Singh defeatedly said, "Alright, but don't go outside the premises. It is already growing dark."
"I won't," Prithvi lied, starting to stroll away.
Nandini heard someone say, "Can I come with you?", and then realised with horror that the question had come from her.
As Prithvi looked at her with a quiet frustration, Sumer Singh immediately said, "Yes, take Nandini with you."
Prithvi looked irately at Sumer Singh, who smartly evaded his glance and started to walk to the house.
Nandini quickly said, "Sumer uncle, my phone was in the bag. Could you call home and -"
Sumer Singh smiled at her. "I will do that. Don't worry."
When he was out of earshot, Nandini looked uncertainly at the young man who was regarding her grimly.
"I'm sorry," she whispered contritely. "I remember what you'd said. And -"
"It's okay," Prithvi cut in gruffly. "But the rules fall into place once we go into the house. Deal?"
"Deal," Nandini agreed with a smile with her mood lifting, and began to walk beside him along the perimeter of the yard.
As the chill in the air made her draw the stole closer, she looked at him furtively. He was wearing a full-sleeved cotton t-shirt, which did not seem sufficient at all for this weather.
"Aren't you feeling cold?" she asked him apprehensively.
He glanced at her with an unexpectedly mischievous smile. "With you this close, no chance."
Caught offguard by the unanticipated shift in his tone, it took her brain a moment to process what he had said, and then she blushed and hit his arm lightly.
"I'm serious," Nandini persisted. "Here, at least take this," she urged, starting to remove her stole.
"I would rather die of frostbite that use that thing," he said sincerely.
"It's not that bad," she complained.
"Yeah, this is the rage in men's fashion right now," Prithvi agreed sarcastically. "But I must still refuse it with a heavy heart because I enjoy this weather. If it gets much colder, I'll just have to make out with you, and that will get my blood steamed up in a second," he adjoined with a grin.
As her skin became crimson, she hit his arm again and laughingly said, "Will you stop with these jokes?"
"No," he refused. "I have to get at least some of them out of my system before we go in so I can try to speak respectfully for the rest of your stay."
She shook her head ruefully as her lips twitched with laughter.
They strolled in silence along the black railing, then Prithvi thoughtfully said, "Doesn't this look like a haunted place?"
Astonished, she looked at him. "What?"
"Look at this house and these thick forests and the mist," he said seriously. "It looks like one of the top five honeymoon destinations for ghosts."
"It does not! And now don't make things up to scare me," Nandini said indignantly.
"I am not. I just want you to be prepared, so you don't freak out when you experience something weird," Prithvi said earnestly. "For example, in case you feel someone slip into bed with you tonight, you should just ignore that and happily accept whatever happens next."
She blushed harder than before, and with shy laughter in her voice, she impishly retorted, "As soon as I sense anything of that sort, a new ghost will start wandering about this place."
Prithvi grinned. "That unknown someone is very disappointed but appreciates the warning."
The noise of a horn startled them both, drawing their attention towards the direction of the sound, and then back to each other and the surroundings.
Neither of them had realised that it had become darker and colder. And that they had stopped walking some minutes ago, and were now standing by the railing, facing each other, standing so close to each other that they could feel the other's breaths.
They gazed at each other with a multitude of turbulent emotions.
"We should go back to the house," Prithvi muttered, stepping back from her. He began to turn away but paused on realising she wasn't moving.
She turned and stood with her back against the railing, arms crossed. "Once we go into the house, I have to start behaving like...like you're a stranger," she whispered miserably.
"It's not going to be any easier for me," he said in a low voice. "If anything, it will be worse."
When she didn't reply, he frustratedly said, "Fine. From tomorrow morning."
She looked at him quickly and smiled happily. "Okay, tomorrow morning."
"Start moving now before you turn into an icicle," he said grumpily.
She obediently began following him, and then mumbled under her breath, "Tomorrow morning after breakfast."
He stopped and turned to look at her, with equal parts of irritation and amusement.
She smiled brightly at him.
When he started to walk again, she whispered, "If the food is good."
He glanced back at her again, with amusement and tenderness starting to overpower the irritation.
"And if the sky is completely clear," Nandini piped up, and then laughed, muffling the sound with her hands.
He stepped towards her suddenly, causing her laughter to turn into a squeak as she hastened backwards.
"Put a lid on the cuteness because it makes me want to do things that I shouldn't," Prithvi advised sincerely, gazing down at her in a way that caused a fierce flutter in her stomach. "In case you've forgotten...if you have time until tomorrow, so do I. And if you speak again before we get into the house, I'll kiss you then and there even if we have a truckload of witnesses. Nod if you understand."
Alarmed, she nodded vigorously.
"Good girl, come along now," he said smoothly, and turned to start walking towards the house again, laughter in his eyes.
********************
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top