There was an awkward but,equally obvious silence between them. Hours stretched into years. Finally they reached Dehradun airport. Shreya did open her mouth here, but just to praise the beauty beholden by this land. Aryan just smiled in reply. They booked a cab and the last leg of the journey started. Shreya was perplexed about Aryan's behaviour;
"Look Aryan, I know it's not at all necessary that the person you love, loves you back too. I know it'll be tough for me, but I've accepted the fact and am ready to face your decision. We're bestfriends first ,and I don't want to put you in any misery. I'll be happy with and in your happiness."
She fell silent,her eyes looking into Aryan's, filled with trust, peace and lips carved into a smile.
Aryan just nodded and glanced at his watch. It was eleven o' clock, but still the weather was
pleasant unlike Delhi. They reached Aryan's village in half an hour. Both of them were tired with the long bumpy travel. Nearing his home, Aryan could see neighbours gathering around his home, to see their talented son. Aryan opened the door and stepped in. As soon as Sheila knew that Aryan has come; she came to the gate with a lightning speed. Unable to control her tears of joy, she hugged him tightly. Aryan had the looks of a handsome gentleman. Headman of the village and some other villagers greeted Aryan but meanwhile, Aryan kept looking at the cab standing outside. Sheila whispered into his ears,
" Is everything alright? Why is that taxi standing there?"
Now villagers and neighbors were heading back with inviting both mother and son for evening teas and daavats. Aryan took Sheila to the cab and Shreya opened the car window . He opened the door and Shreya came out.
"Maa this is Shreya, my closest friend." Aryan introduced.
After seeing Sheila's cold response; Shreya touched her feet and said,
" Namastey aunty! I just wanted to visit Himachal for once. so I insisted Aryan to take me along."
Sheila smiled at least half as wide as Shreya and said;
"Welcome dear, Himachal is beautiful. You'll have a great time here."
She took them both inside the house and served some tea. Shreya thanked her and without waiting for a second about anything; she started sipping. She was not used to such extreme weather conditions,and the tea was very welcome.
Aryan chuckled at the sight and Sheila was smiling from the kitchen corner. Maybe she liked Shreya for and as Aryan's life partner and absolutely there was nothing to reject a girl like Shreya; she was beautiful inside out and her inner beauty would reflect from every little thing she did, she behaved and she reacted on.
The talkative girl Shreya was, it took her hardly any time to be friends with anyone. Shreya helped Sheila in preparing the lunch, although she was a blatherskite but at the same time; she was a good listener too. Sheila promised to teach a few authentic Himachali recipes before she leaves for Delhi. (whole house was filled with the aroma of delicious dishes). Aryan ate like he had not eaten for years and both the ladies laughed.
Aryan kissed his mom on cheeks and laid down her lap saying, "I missed this a lot maa!"
Sheila caressed him, patting on his back and slowly massaging his head. Shreya came from behind with bowl of oil in her hand and started massaging Sheila's head. When Sheila tried to stop her she said, "You take care of everyone, who'll take care of you?" Sheila just smiled softly.
"Now take a nap, we're going out in the evening." Sheila said with an obscure spark in her eyes.
And she started singing lullaby. Two babies sleeping on her lap; Shreya & Aryan.
To be continued....
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