Whispers of Spring....Chapter 5

Chapter 5

“Are you mocking me Naina Bhatia?”

“May God help me if I dare do that, Your Highness.” She looked at him impishly, and added with a sigh, “Why don’t you loosen up a little? You are all wound up like a tight coil of self-imposed rules. So what if we take a detour of an hour or so. I am sure Mr Adhikari won’t mind. We mountain folk are quite adaptable.”

“That may be. But I am not molded that way. I respect time.” He glanced at her, “By the way, rules are made not to be broken, but are made so that one abides by them and stays whole.”

“Sometimes one has to completely break before they are made whole again,” she murmured.

“What’s that?” He frowned as he glanced sideways and his eyes took in the slight tremor in her tilted chin.

“Nothing. The bus stop is close to the crossing. Please let me off there.” She glared at him stubbornly.

“Don’t be obstinate Naina! We are going straight and that’s final….whether you like it or not. You can go to the temple some other day.”

“I am not stopping you Raj. I need to do this. So, the best solution is you let me off. I guess this was a mistake to begin with. I should have known better and insisted on going on my own.”

Raj swore under his breath and swerved to the left, stopping the car. He ran his hand through his hair in frustration, mussing it and then turned to her. He stared at her for several long moments until her eyes widened in trepidation and her breath held, waiting for his next words, which never came as he regarded her silently.

She let out a ragged breath, which she realized she was holding, and said in a rush, “Why are you staring at me like that? Don’t think you can impose your say on me by giving me those looks? You don’t scare me.” She crossed her arms and stared in front, scowling, “Men! Bah! You are all same. You think a woman’s will does not matter. You think you can play the domineering alpha male and push her to do anything…anything.”

His jaw clenched, “That’s a huge generalization, Naina.”

“Maybe. Nonetheless, I haven’t been proven wrong so far,” she returned in a faraway voice.

In that instant, Raj felt something shift inside him. The woman he barely knew had managed to tie him up in all sorts of ways he couldn’t explain even himself. He reached out and turned her face toward him with a finger under her chin. Her eyes that were dancing with mischief a few seconds earlier had now darkened, and a shadow of pain lurked in their depths. He inhaled sharply and let his hand drop.

His gaze searched hers. When he spoke, his voice was soft, “Who hurt you, Naina?”

The air around them thickened….at least she was sure it had as an ache erupted within her heart and suddenly she couldn’t breathe. She wrapped her arms around her and tore her gaze away from him, projecting a posture of such vulnerability that his chest tightened with a heavy feeling. He had to lean sideways to hear her tremulous whisper, “No one.”

Then the moment passed, and he knew with a jolt of familiarity what was going to happen next. He almost felt the cloak of walls surround her, as she squared her shoulders and faced him. Her eyes had widened in annoyance; only give away was her voice that was unnaturally bright as she spoke, “That was a smart move Colonel. But you can’t sidetrack me with that sap talk. Now, please drive. I’ll get down at the turning of the crossing. We’ll meet up at the orphanage around noon.”

Without a word, Raj started the car and when the crossing came, instead of stopping he took the turn and drove on. Naina peeked at him. He was looking straight ahead with a deadpan expression…not a muscle moved. She turned toward the window and mouthed a silent “Yes’’ pumping her left fist in the air just slightly. If she had looked at him, she would have noticed the faintly amused smile that fleetingly broke across his face.

*************************************

Naina bought a puja thaali and flowers from a vendor and took off her sandals near the temple steps. She turned to find Raj sitting on the side wall

“Aren’t you coming?”

“You go ahead Naina. I’ll be up in a few minutes. I have to call Mr Adhikari and let him know we’ll be late.”

“Oh...OK!”

Naina went and gave the thaali to Panditji after he had finished attending to an old lady. He gave her a huge smile and blessed her as she bent down to touch his feet. The old pandit was also Rawin Mahal’s official priest and knew Naina well.

“On whose name should I offer the prayers today, bitiya.”

“A little girl, panditji. Her name is Tanushri Rathore. I want you to pray for her so that mata rani’s blessings are always with her and she doesn’t feel the lack of a mother in her life.”

“Are we talking about Raniji’s granddaughter, bitiya?”

“Yes, panditji.”

Panditji smiled and kept his hand on Naina’s head before turning toward the idol, “Who says the little princess does not have a mother? Mata rani has already taken care of that particular emptiness.”

“What do you mean, panditji?”

“All in good time…all in good time.” With that he began his puja.

After the puja, panditji gave her the thaali and kept a marigold in her hand, “Keep this flower next to her bed. It’s from mata rani’s lap. It’ll keep the little princess warm and loved till her mother is with her forever.”

“You are talking in riddles today, panditji.” Naina smiled.

“That’s because you don’t see what I see, bitiya,” he chuckled. “Aha…Kunwarji, why do you stand there? Come. Take mata rani’s blessings and her prasad.”

Naina took the thaali and turned to find Raj looking at her strangely. He stepped forward and took panditji’s blessings, who soon got busy attending to the next devotee after exchanging a few words with Raj.

His gaze not wavering from hers, he took the prasad from Naina and asked, “You wanted to come here for Tanu?” Emotions flickered in his eyes…unfamiliar, raw emotions that left her strangely breathless before he covered up.

Naina nodded and gave him the flower wrapped in a red cloth, “Keep this under Tanu’s pillow.”

Raj shook his head, “No. You have prayed for her. You must do it.”

“But…”

“No arguments, Naina.” He looked around, “Do you wish to go to those other temples also?” There was a holy pond and a few other idols in the temple complex. The architecture was nothing spectacular, but there was a spiritual aura that surrounded the temple and attracted devotees into its divine fold.

Naina shook her head, “Not today. I’ll come another day with the kids. And Beeji.”

“And me?” He raised a brow.

“And you too…that is, if and when you decide not to look straight down your aristocratic, rule-bound, stiff nose.” She grinned.

They were walking toward the gate. Naina faltered on her step when she saw him throw back his head and laugh. The gesture softened his face. He bantered back, “You won’t spare me on that one, will you?”

“Nah…never. It’s not everyday that I can claim victory on a soldier.” She shot back.

“And not everyday does one take pleasure from surrendering.” Naina was still digesting that when she realized something, “You are walking without your stick!!”

“Yup….I am trying to get rid of it. The walks on the trails here are doing the trick, along with the exercises.”

Naina stopped near the car, “What had happened, Raj?”

He reached out to hold her by the elbow and pull her aside as a group of youngsters descended from the steps, jostling everyone on the way. She felt the warmth of his touch tingle her skin, and a shiver moved through her…a very pleasant shiver. He guided her to her door and opened it for her. She glided in quietly. They drove along in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Raj answered, “A mine.”

“What?”

“A mine blast happened.”

*************************************

Before he could elaborate further, her stomach chose that moment to let out a loud, gurgling, unladylike growl. He jerked his head toward her and said amusedly, “That’s quite a rumble. Haven’t you eaten anything?”

Naina’s cheeks reddened with embarrassment, “No. I’ve just had tea. I don’t eat when I visit the temple.”

“Do you have anything other than cakes in those baskets of yours?” He gestured behind.

“Yes. Coffee and sandwiches. Beeji packed them for us.”

He drove silently for a few minutes and then after a couple of kilometers turned left on a dirt path.

“What are you doing Raj?”

“We are taking a break, so that you can have your breakfast. There’s a stream ahead.”

“But you will get more late. And so will I.”

“No. We won’t. We have enough time to make it to Kangra. I called Mr Adhikari and the Homes as well and apprised them of the changed timings.” He opened the trunk and took out the flask and the packet containing the sandwiches, paper plates, and glasses.

He turned to find Naina cupping her mouth and trying to smother her laughter that threatened to bubble out of her guts.

“What?”

“No..no..nothing. It’s just….” She couldn’t help and doubled-up laughing.

He looked at her with a puzzling look, as if she had gone nuts, “Does hunger affect your brains Naina?”

She guffawed and put her hands on her hips, “Back home, what did you say about the baskets?...Remember?” And then she cleared her throat and mimicked him in a gruff voice, “We are going for official visits, not a picnic.”

He started walking toward a clear patch by the stream, “Yeah…yeah…go ahead and have a laugh, but don’t forget what you said as well. What was that? Something about me being the last person you would go on a picnic with. Don’t forget this unpracticed drill is kind courtesy your protesting belly.”

They sat down on the grass. Raj poured himself coffee as Naina ate and watched the stream prancing over the rocks and pebbles. It was evident his thoughts were elsewhere when Naina glanced at him and saw a somber look shadow his handsome features.

“Raj?” Naina called out softly, not wanting to intrude yet something compelling her to see him get back to his animated self.

He took a sip of his coffee, but didn’t look at her, and then spoke slowly, “Three years back, my unit was posted at Kupwara, Kashmir.” He turned then, “It’s a terrorist-infested terrain.”

“I know Raj. At one time, papers were full of that region….Kupwara, Shopur, Bara mola…”

“Baramulla.” He corrected her and continued, “It was just before the winters. That’s the most crucial time for army in that region, as the adversary from across the border helps infiltrate as many terrorists as possible just before the snow falls. We received an intel that a hard-core terrorist was going to slip into a nearby village and take shelter in the headman’s house that evening. We surrounded the village quietly, got the house evacuated, and planted mines all around the house to trap him. My second-in-command had got injured the previous day in a road accident, so I was heading the ambush. I was hiding behind the coal shed in the backyard when I saw this child wander inside through the back gate, just a few yards away from me. He had a ball in his hands. There was no time to think as I leapt…I was a few steps away when the ball rolled through his hands and he ran after it.” He paused as he choked on what was to come, but then lowered his voice and managed, “I was too late. My leg took the brunt of the blast. I was in various hospitals for almost two years.”

After a few silent moments, Raj looked at Naina. Her eyes had welled up, but she managed a teary smile and then asked in a voice thick with emotion, “What was his name?”

“Whose?”

“The child’s.”

Raj stared at her, overcome with absolute awe and incredulity, and something so soul-stirring that he did not dare comprehend the feelings they awoke. Of all the people who met him after the incident…colleagues, friends, family…no one, not one person had asked him that. How did she know he would have followed up on the child?

“Waseem Qadir. He was just six.”

“As old as Adi.” She whispered. They sat silently for a few moments, each lost in own thoughts.

“Naina!”

“Hmm!”

“Why did you ask me that? How did you know?”

She looked at him with earnest eyes, “I didn’t. I guessed…I think.” She got up, “We should go.” She started gathering things and tried not to take notice of the slight discomfort in Raj as he arose taking the help of the boulder on which he was leaning. How could she tell him that she knew he would have asked after the child, because it was something she would have done? The thought itself was stamped with a surety as it was with a strangeness.

“Goddammit!!” Naina swirled around as she heard the loud curse. To her horror she saw him kneel on his right leg as his left one lay twisted at an awkward angle.

“Oh my God, Raj! Stay still. You have broken your leg.” She rushed to him.

She was taken aback by the fury with which he lashed at her, “Stay back. I don’t need your help.”

***********************************

To be continued…..

Whispers of Spring....Chapter 4

Chapter 4

“I’ll be in Shimla to receive you nanisa.”

“You don’t have to come Raj. Puran Singh, my secretary, is accompanying me from Delhi. We’ll just be changing choppers in Shimla. There’s no way I am going to waste a minute going through inane formalities over there when I am dying to hold my little Tanu. But you distract me…I asked you something. How was the dinner? What do you think of Naina? She is lovely, isn’t she?”

Raj closed his eyes, “Nanisa, it was a formal affair. I wanted to thank the lady as well as convey her my apologies. That’s all. You know me….I don’t go around forming opinions about everyone I meet. But I loved spending time with Beeji and Aditya. That kid is intelligent and sensibly inquisitive.”

“Hmm! I see. Right then Raj…I’ll see you in a week. Give my love to my granddaughter.”

“Goodbye naanisa! You take care. Call me before your flight.”

Raj kept the phone on the balustrade and stared out at the night from the balcony of his suite. “She is lovely, isn’t she?” Naanisa’s words played in his mind. Damnation! Ever since he had landed here, everything and everyone has been connected with her. This was crazy. He didn’t need a woman to wreak havoc in his life…not again. Yet he couldn’t get the dewy-eyed woman’s indignant look out of his mind as he wished her goodnight. As if she was not very happy with the idea of spending few hours in his company…and his gut feeling told him that it was nothing to do with him and yet a lot to do with him. He couldn’t shake off the momentary spark of fear he had seen in her eyes when she thought he attacked her. He had seen that emotion many a times during his service life. To a veteran soldier, that demon was a familiar sight…and for a few seconds he had seen her staring at one. Her split-second volte-face had surprised him. One moment she was scared…and the next grinning away and teasing him. It didn’t make any sense. She was an enigma…a puzzle with missing pieces…and he wanted to find them. That alone surprised him. He was going to break a rule that he had followed diligently till now...A chink was made in his armor and he wanted to follow it to the end.

As if on cue his phone rang. He checked the time. It was 11:14 pm. Who could be calling at this hour?

“Hello!”

“Raj…it’s me, Naina.”

“Naina? Is everything OK?”

“Yes. No. I mean…look, why I called this late at night is…Oh my God, I didn’t realize it’s past eleven. I am sorry…I…”

“Naina…it’s OK. I was awake. Now what’s this all about?”

“Oh…well…about tomorrow…”

“Yes?”

“Look, Beeji was just being Beeji. She didn’t realize I may be imposing on you. No, no…please listen. I know we began on wrong foot. You were being nice and noble and gallant when you invited us over for dinner because you wanted to make amends. I appreciate the gesture…really, I do. However, that should have been it. Neither you nor I planned for making the Kangra trip together. So…”

“Naina…”

“So…I say we stick to our individual plans and…”

“Naina…”

“…you go your way and I go mine.”

“Naina!! Shut Up.”

“What? What did you just say?” He heard her spluttering and grinned.

“You heard me. If you think I am going to defy Beeji, then you are mistaken. I respect her too much. Be ready at eight. Goodnight!”

He switched off the phone and chuckled. It felt good to have the last word.

*****************************

Naina stared at her phone. The man was insufferable. She had wanted to walk away from this arrangement and keep on her side of the fence, as she always did so conscientiously. But he had to go and play the bully. Something about him unnerved her…as if she was on a dangerous territory….which was ridiculous. She took a deep breath and decided she would stick to what she meant to do anyways…and if he found her day’s schedule to be a hurdle in his plans, then that’s just too bad. She won’t let him get to her. Having calmed herself, she slipped into her bed and was asleep in no time.

Next morning she woke up early and finished the last bit of baking. She heard Beeji moving about and then peep in, “Good morning Naina. Finished the cakes? Good. Get the tea outside. We’ll have it there. It’s a beautiful morning.”

“Good morning beeji. I’ll be out in a few minutes. The tea is ready.”

She went out to find beeji checking out her flower beds. She took great pride in her garden. Tending personally to her flowers was her passion post retirement. They sat on the porch steps with their cups.

“The saplings are out on time, beeji. With the new landscaping, you are bound to win this year’s Best Garden prize as well in the annual competition.”

“You are such a biased darling, Naina.” She smiled, looking pleased, “I am excited about the central island. I have planted five shades of pansies in a pattern of my own making. Once the flowers come out, this place will look like paradise.”

“Absolutely. You know beeji, this may sound weird, but I rather like this current look of the garden the most. Everything is green…in various shades of it. The colors of fresh expectancy…of something beautiful to come. Once the flowers come, you know the autumn will follow, sooner or later. But now....now you hear the whispers of spring through the leaves as the breeze blows through them gently.”

Beeji kept her cup and turned to give a hug to Naina, “This is what I love about you the most, my child…this cheerful mind-set, full of hope and optimism. I am so proud of you. You amaze me with your strength, because I know in your place no one else could have made it.”

Naina laid her head on her chest and whispered, “I couldn’t have made it without you beeji. I remember your words when I had just come to you. You had said, ‘Naina, whether you want to live with happiness or not is something you have to decide. You can move on and make a new life and new memories or you can give up on life and let grief consume you.’ ” You and Adi were the miracle that saved me from plunging to the rock bottom and allowed me to choose wings instead.”

“Oh Naina…I look at you and I know why God didn’t plan a family for me in my youth. It’s because He planned to send you to me in His own good time. Today I am a proud mother and grandmother because of you. When you came, spring came back into my life.” She lifted Naina’s chin and looked into her eyes, “I have a feeling these whispers of spring that you talk about will bring many shades of color in your life this year. Just promise me one thing.”

“What beeji?”

“That when the colors surround you, you won’t turn your back, but embrace them.”

Naina laughed and hugged her beeji tightly, “I am always happy beeji. Have you ever seen me otherwise? I am not the one to let my past predict my son’s future as well as mine.” She kissed beeji on the cheek and got up, “I better go and get ready before Col Rathore comes, otherwise he will take a sadistic pleasure in nagging me for my tardiness through the entire journey to Kangra and back. Sheesh…he is such a grouch, beeji.”

“C’mon Naina…since when have you become judgmental? Raj is the not only the most upright and the most decent man I have ever known but also the most fun-loving one. You will say the same thing when you get to know him better.”

“Fun loving? Are we talking of the same man? In any case, I have no intention to know him better, beeji. He has this chip on his shoulder against women, and I don’t like it.”

Beeji sighed, “He is hurting Naina…and he is angry as well.” She arose and looked speculatively at the beautiful girl she took in as her daughter; taking a decision she said, “Life hasn’t been fair to him. His wife turned her back when he needed her the most. She asked for a divorce instead. He didn’t want to tie her down against her wishes, so he agreed and let her go.”

“She left Tanu?” Naina was stunned with this bit of information. What kind of woman leaves her child?

“Yes. She did. She…” Beeji couldn’t finish as Adi came out rubbing his eyes and climbed on to Naina’s lap. This was one time of the day, he still felt like being a baby and bask in the warmth of his mother’s arms. Naina nodded at beeji and went inside, holding him and talking to him in her soothing, gentle voice. Tanu was spending the day with Adi and beeji, and Adi had made big plans before he finally slept the previous night.

*****************************

The bell rang at exactly five minutes to eight. Adi ran and opened the door, “Good morning Raj Uncle! Hello Tanu! Please come in.”

Raj stepped inside after wishing Adi and ruffling his hair, as Tanu gave a huge smile to Adi and hugged him. Adi blushed and tentatively patted Tanu’s back. Tanu pulled him down and whispered in his ear, “Adi bhaiya, I have brought Furry. She is in the car. Let’s get her.” They ran out as beeji came and embraced Raj, “Welcome beta! Will you like a cup of tea?”

“No, thanks beeji. I have had my breakfast. Is Naina ready? We need to leave.”

“Good morning Raj.” He spun around and took in the vision in pink and white anarkali suit. Her beauty was all there….in her simplicity, in her sparkling eyes, in the flowing hair, in her radiant persona graced with an inherent sophistication that was exquisite and naive at the same time.

Raj realized he had been staring when he heard beeji cough and Naina ask with a frown, “What? Is something there on my face?” She patted her cheeks.

“No. It’s perfect….I mean a very good morning to you too.” Suddenly his tone changed and his voice was all rough and brusque, “Are you ready? Or do you have some last-minute makeup to apply?”

Naina rolled her eyes and looked at beeji with an “I told you so” look. She turned her gaze at Raj, batted her eyelids, and then said in a saccharine-sweet tone, “Why Colonel? Does my dull appearance disappoint you? Well, nothing can be done about it. This is me.” She widened her eyes with a hopeful look, “You can still change your mind and…”

Beeji murmured something about seeing to the children and went out as Raj tapped his stick impatiently and mumbled gruffly, “There is nothing dull about you Ma’am, I can assure you…Now, if we are done discussing your appearance, should we make a move? I don’t wish to be late for my appointment.”

Naina waved her hand toward the exit, “You go ahead then. I have some baskets to get from the kitchen. I’ll join you in a jiffy”

“What baskets? We are going for official visits, not a picnic.”

Naina tossed her hair behind and started walking toward the kitchen, “Oh, please don’t work up a wrinkle in your starched shirt and stiff back Raj. You are the last person I’d go on a picnic with.” She paused at the door and turned with a smile, “After all picnics are supposed to be fun, and not a day out practicing in a planned-out drill.”

As she disappeared into the kitchen, Raj let his lips curve into a smile as he shook his head, “And she calls herself dull.”

He leant against the car with folded hands as he looked at beeji sitting with the kids on the sunny lawn, with Furry between them. The door opened and Naina came out balancing three baskets and a file folder in her hand. Adi ran to help her, with Tanu following

“Would you please open the trunk?” Naina called out to Raj.

“What’s in them?” He questioned as he pulled the lever for the trunk.

Beeji answered him, “They are cakes, Raj. Chocolate cakes, to be precise. Naina’s specials. She always carries them, along with other tidbits to the Homes. The kids of the orphanage wait for this treat every month, as do the old people of the ashram. They love Naina’s homemade cakes.”

Raj’s eyes softened as he observed Naina with an inscrutable expression. She was now kneeling down and held Adi and Tanu in her arms, passing instructions for the day in her soft voice. She kissed them and stood up, “Bye sweeties. I’ll see you in the evening. Have fun.”

The kids ran to hug Raj as Naina waved at beeji and got in the car. Raj got in and looked at her, “Tie up your seat belt.”

“No.”

“What? Now you are going to be difficult for this too?” He sounded exasperated.

“What do you mean? You are saying as if I am perpetually difficult with you.” She pouted with a scowl.

He sighed, “I didn’t mean it like that Naina. But rules are rules.”

“I don’t like seat belts, Raj. Let’s just leave it at that.” She turned to him with a smile, “Take it as my trust in your driving skills.”

He shook his head and started the engine. They traveled for a few minutes in silence, with Naina gazing out of the window. Suddenly she turned toward him, “Take the turn on the left from the next crossing.”

“But Naina, this bypass goes straight. I know the route.”

“I know you do. But we are making a detour to Chamunda Devi temple first.”

“No Naina. Not today. You can go to the temple some other day. I’ll be late for my appointment.”

“Fine then. Drop me at the next bus stop. I’ll take a bus.”

“For the love of God Naina, you…,” his jaw tightened in anger.

“Exactly…for the love of God.” She turned to him with a twinkle in her eyes.

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To be continued………

Whispers of Spring.....Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The long-forgotten chill hit her to the bones when she found herself imprisoned against a man’s body. She reacted instinctively. “Let me go. Oh God! Let me go…let me go.” She struggled with a rising panic and pushed the arm away forcefully, elbowing his stomach hard in a desperate bid to get away. She was suddenly loose. She had scampered away toward the bonnet when she heard him, “For God’s sake! What’s wrong with you?” She spun around to find Raj rubbing a hand over his midriff and bending to pick up his walking stick.

She rushed back to pick it up, “Oh my God! It was you. I am so sorry. Here let me do it for you.”

“Leave it Ma’am. I am not an invalid. I can take care of myself.” He chided brusquely.

Raj straightened and looked her way to find her staring away from him. All the words of rebuke died in his tongue as he stared at her. Her haunted, anguished, pain-filled countenance arrested whatever he was going to say. He let out a ragged breath and suddenly recalled the first time he saw her. She had looked petrified then too, and had pushed him away. What makes her react so violently to his touch?

Raj took a step forward and raised his hand, only to drop it. “Ma’am,” he spoke softly, “Are you alright?”

She blinked and lifted her gaze to his; her beautiful eyes fringed with heavy lashes were shiny as she fought to gain control. The dancing lights in the inky depths were mesmerizing. Raj muttered a soft oath under his breath and deliberately broke off his line of thought…even as his mind, the rational part, signaled an alarm louder than the temple bells. She took a deep breath and turned.

“Naina.” She held out her hand, “My name is Naina, and I am not a politician.”

“What?” He stared fascinated at the slow smile that spread across her face, which rapidly turned into a grin.

“You called me Naina when you rescued me. I think I find that better than the 'Ma’am.' The way you say 

Ma’am makes me feel like a politician with a manifesto. And since we are going to be socially acquainted tonight, don’t you think we should drop all the formalities…Sir??”

For the first time in his life, Raj was completely tongue-tied, as he saw her bounce back to her merry self in seconds. He stood transfixed at her transformation. This woman was out to prove all his well-laid beliefs wrong. Just when he thought he had her figured out, she turned back and did something unexpected. She was a mass of contradictions…Brave. Sassy. Intelligent. Cheerful. Witty. Caring. Uncompromising with her beliefs. Tender and sweet with children. Savvy professional. For the love of God, she drives a jeep. And for a brief moment, terror struck, as if innumerable demons had surrounded her, showing a vulnerability and then quickly covering it up…as if that particular window was supposed to stay closed and hidden.

Naina was trembling as she plastered a smile on her face and stretched out her hand, for the first time ever to a man. She had no idea why she did it, but she knew that she had to somehow make amends to this man for even thinking for one moment that he was like them. For all his haughtiness, he was an honorable person and didn’t deserve actions borne out of her fears.

Raj stared at her small hand, and then slowly raised his to engulf hers in a firm grip. He felt a jolt run through him. Her hands were icy, and he had this sudden urge to rub her palms and warm them. He had sensed raw fear in her when she had suddenly fought him. He wanted to know why…and he wanted to know who!!!

Raj shrugged off the questions surrounding him. They have to wait. He smiled, still holding her hand, “Naina it is then. And please call me Raj. Shall we go in?”

Naina felt a warmth spread inside her as she saw her hand disappear in his big one. All her nervousness vanished. She felt safe. And when he took back his hand and turned toward the mahal, she felt a sense of loss. She frowned at the contradictory emotions churning inside her. She looked at his broad back and realized he hadn’t asked her anything and that she owed him an apology, if nothing else.

She fell into step beside him and said, “Raj, I am sorry for my behavior. I....actually I thought someone had attacked me.”

“Yes…so you hit me. By the way you pack quite a mean blow with that elbow.” He looked sideways at her, pointing at his stomach, “Don’t you ever think before giving into self-defense?”

She abruptly halted and put her hands on her hips, “You are a grand one to say that. The other night you almost mauled me with your assassin move.”

“Mauled you? If you forget, you were going to hit me with a stick.”

“I told you I thought you were…”

Their argument halted, as the door opened and beeji’s voice rang out across the shadows of the pathway, “Naina, is that you? Is Raj with you?”

Naina saw Raj turn swiftly and then an expression of pure joy crossed his face, “Beeji!!!”

He rushed to her and engulfed her in a bear hug. Beeji was laughing and crying at the same time.

Raj stepped back and held her by the shoulders, “Let me look at you pretty woman. Gosh! You are still the same…I can bet that even today there’s no girl in Palampur who matches your ethereal beauty.”

Beeji smacked his arm with a giggle, “Stop it Raj! You too haven’t changed. Still the flatterer.”

“A lot has changed beeji,” suddenly somber, he bent to kiss her forehead and give her a squeeze, “But I am so glad to see you again.”

Beeji cupped his cheek, “Now that you are here, everything will be fine. I am so happy you listened to 

Meenakshiji and decided to take charge of your heritage here. Your mother, bless her soul, will be at peace up there. Raj, life tends to throw a curve ball just when things start losing their perspective….just to alter your path to a direction that was meant for you all the time.”

Raj glanced at Naina, who was looking at them with a mix of surprise and wonder, and whispered, “I am beginning to believe that. I am glad I took this decision beeji.”

***************************************

“Good evening, Sir!”

“Good evening, young man! May I know your name?”

“I am Aditya Singh Bhatia. I am six years old. My mumma says I may be young but I am the man of the house.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr Aditya Singh Bhatia. I am much honored.”

The two men solemnly shook hands on that…So what if the tall man had to bend a little even as the pint-sized one pulled himself up ramrod straight to his full height in order to meet the first soldier of his life.

They had come in to find Adi explaining something to Tanu whose wide eyes looked at him in rapt attention. On seeing them, Adi had jumped up and murmured something to Tanu who nodded her head. Looking handsome in jeans and a tucked-in checked shirt, he proceeded to march up to Raj and introduced himself with such seriousness that Naina found it hard to hold back the proud smile. She sneaked a glance at Raj; not a single muscle twitched on his face as he met her son. It was as if he was used to little boys coming up to him and introducing themselves so ceremoniously.

In the meantime, Tanu had run across to Naina, who bent to pick her up, “Hey Tanu! Did you meet Adi bhaiya and beeji?”

Tanu nodded as she touched the danglers Naina was wearing. “Did you tell bhaiya about your day in school?” In response Tanu shook her head and buried her face in Naina’s neck. Raj and beeji had proceeded toward the sofa, but Adi heard his mother.

“Uffo mumma! Tanu is very shy. She doesn’t speak much…She will tell me when she feels right. I told her I will help her with everything. After all I am older and I know everyone and all the places. Right Tanu?”

Tanu nodded and slid down Naina’s lap to stand beside Adi, who took her hand and said, “Mumma says you got a new rabbit today? Furry…right? Will you show me?”

He was awarded with a smile as she tucked at his hand and turned toward the kitchen. Adi stopped, “Wait a sec Tanu. I’ll just be back.”

As Naina went and sat next to beeji, Adi went to Raj, “Sir…”

“Err Aditya, you may call me Raj uncle.”

“But I want to learn soldiering from you, and all soldiers call their officers ‘Sir.’ ” His lips trembled just a little as his voice lowered to a whisper, “Does that mean you won’t teach me?”

Raj reached out and pulled him closer, “Of course I’ll teach you whatever you want to learn, Aditya. OK…let’s do one thing. You call me Sir when we are talking about soldiering and rest of the time I’ll be plain uncle. Is that fine with you?”

Adi looked at him gravely for a few seconds and then smiled, “Yes…OK. And you can call me Adi.”

“Great. We have an agreement then.”

“Raj uncle, I have to go with Tanu to meet Furry. Is it OK if I ask you a few questions later? Mumma asked me not to trouble you too much on the first day, otherwise you might….” He turned as Naina intervened, her cheeks painted pink, “Adi, Tanu is waiting.”

Adi looked at Raj, who nodded, “Go ahead Adi…We’ll have a chat later.” Adi turned as Tanu came and slipped her hand into his and guided him toward the kitchen where Furry’s temporary home lay in the form of a towel-cushioned little box. Raj turned to look at Naina, who was suddenly interested in the large painting on the opposite wall and was already walking toward it.

He realized beeji was asking him something about settling down. He smiled at her, “Beeji, we are fine. It’s not that I had to set up a house here. Whatever luggage is left will arrive in a week’s time. There was an ongoing truckers’ strike in all of Rajasthan, that’s why I couldn’t see to the loading of the boxes myself. Somsinhji will ensure the dispatch. You remember Somsinhji?”

“Of course Raj! He was the one who always accompanied you on your annual vacations here. Your father Ranaji ensured your protection all the time.” Beeji took his hands in hers, “I sometimes forget you are a Kunwar, heir to your father’s riyasat, Devisar.”

“C’mon Beeji. I don’t expect you to believe in kings and kingdoms. These are modern times. I can’t help being born in a family that once ruled Devisar….I don’t remember much of my own mother, but nanasa, nanisa, and you together made me the person I am. What you taught remained with me, and not what they tried to drill in me in Devisar palace. You have no idea how much I looked forward to coming here every year. I breathed freely among these mountains and valleys.”

“Yet you haven’t come in the past seven years.”

“Professional obligations Beeji. I had two back-to-back tenures in remote areas of Kashmir. When my men couldn’t get as much leave as they were entitled to, how could I think of it. When I would get a few days off, I had to go to Devisar. In any case the last two years I was….” He stopped, shaking his head. Naina had heard all as she leant against the wall in the shadows, not wanting to disturb them.

Beeji patted Raj’s hands, “I know Raj….I know. Let’s just stop talking about the past. You are here, and that is what matters.”

“I am sorry that I didn’t dash over to meet you as soon as I was here. But it took me a day to track down Mr Mishra, the old Estate manager. Nanisa had wanted me to look into a few documents urgently. Then there was Tanu. She needed me to settle her in a new place. She is quite wary around strangers.” He glanced at Naina who was now stepping out of the French windows into the dome-shaped verandah, “I didn’t know you were the aunt Naina spoke about. All the years that I knew you, I don’t remember you mentioning her.”

Beeji got up, “It’s a long story Raj. There are pieces even I don’t know of. I respect her privacy. Perhaps one day….” Her eyes glistened, “I’ll go and see where the kids are. And Raj…(as he looked up)…I haven’t told her anything.”

He nodded, “I know Beeji….I never doubted you would.”

*************************************************

Raj got up and walked out to Naina and handed her a glass of juice. She was looking out into oblivion and murmured a thanks without turning. Raj waited for her to say something, but she ran her forefinger over the rim of her glass and kept quiet.

“That has to be a first.” He goaded.

Her head shot up, “What?”

“That you fall short of words.”

“Sometimes silence is more eloquent, Colonel.” She looked at him through her lashes. The fact was his closeness with beeji had moved her. She had no idea beeji was so involved in Raj’s life. But then beeji was good at keeping everyone’s secrets…even hers.

“So…what might I have done?”

“What? What are you talking about?” Naina’s breath caught in her throat as she looked squarely at him. More than his flawless features, it was the balance in their placement that created such a striking whole. His strong face cut complemented the high cheek bones and a fine straight nose. Yet his eyes were the most arresting features. They were dark wells of intelligence and…did she detect a hint of amusement glinting in their depths? Most likely. Dressed in a black shirt and black trousers, he looked the royal that he was as he leaned against a round pillar with his hands in his pockets. A couple of locks of hair had loosened over his forehead, and Naina found herself wanting to reach out and brush them away. A wave of shock passed through her at the waywardness of her thoughts. She turned away in panic and took a sip from her drink, trying to steady herself. What was wrong with her? She had no right to stare down that road, leave alone step on it. Never…never.

“What did you say to Adi? That I turn into an ogre if someone troubles me?”

She turned at that, her eyes flashing, “Of course not! Regardless of your views about women, I don’t do nasty. I just told Adi that you might get irritated and upset.”

“Irritated and upset…huh! Certainly not the characteristics of an ogre….so what are?”

“Angry without a reason, jumping to conclusions and acting without thinking, unfriendly, prejudiced, snobbish…,” She broke off and looked at him with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, “Am I allowed to have second thoughts?”

Before he could think of an appropriate rejoinder, she laughed…the musical lilt blew away his senses to numbness. The sound came from inside her. He had never seen a lady laugh with such gaiety and abandonment and yet look so daintily feminine.

She hiccupped to a halt and kept her glass on the parapet, “S...sorry about that. I couldn’t help it.” He was looking at her strangely…probably thinking she was nuts. She straightened herself and said, “OK…you can say it. I won’t mind. I promise.”

“Say what?”

“What you are thinking? That how can a woman of my position (gesturing air quotes) behave like a…” She stopped as he kept a finger on her lips and whispered, “Shush! Now who is jumping to conclusions?”

He dropped his hand as the kids came running. Adi stood in front of Raj, “Uncle, is this the right time?”

Raj extended his hand, “Come soldier…let’s take a walk to the armory room and talk there.” Adi tossed a wide grin at his mother and Tanu, who was back in Naina’s lap, before latching onto the large hand and striding away.

Naina had no time to think as Tanu told her that Beeji was calling her.

After dinner, Beeji got ready to go back, “I shall expect you to come home soon Raj. I want to show you the flowers.” She gave him her hand, “We had a lovely evening here. I adore your little girl. She has your features and temperament. I am looking forward to spending some time with her. We have to go now. Naina has to leave for Kangra early in the morning.”

“Kangra? I have to go there too. I have a meeting with the manager of our tea gardens there.”

Beeji looked at Naina, who was standing behind Raj holding a half-asleep Tanu and shaking her head vigorously in a silent message, and asked innocently, “Err Naina…do you want to say something?”

Naina shot daggers at Beeji and said inelegantly, “Who? Me? No.”

“Hmmm! OK.” Beeji turned toward Raj who looked somewhat puzzled, “So Raj if you both are going to the same destination, why don’t you go together?”

Raj looked at Naina, who was still gaping at Beeji, “What do you say Naina? Is it OK by you? Or you have other plans?”

“Other plans? What other plans? I have to go to both the Homes.”

“Right then. It’ll give me an opportunity to visit the Homes as well. I’ll pick you up at eight then. Is that OK?” He took Tanu from her arms and smiled.

“Yes. Fine.” She gritted through her teeth. Throughout the dinner she had strengthened her resolution by repeating to herself, “Keep Distance.” And here she was….stuck with him for an entire day. What was Beeji thinking?

***********************************

To be continued……