Time possesses the quality of passing too hastily. Abhi and Manav had accomplished their management degrees and we're all set to take hold of their enterprises. Although Sujata was the CEO of both the companies jointly. She now wanted to step down and give the reins in the hands of the young generation.
"Wow, this is so beautiful. What do you say, bro?``On not getting a reply he tugs his brother's sleeves, who is in deep thought." Bro comes to earth, what are you thinking"?
"Oh ! were you saying something? I didn't hear you"
"Are there any hardships? Or you are finding a strategy to find Pankhuri."
"Indeed, I was thinking about Pankhuri, her old number is switched off and she has not contacted me for a long time. But it is not this that is bothering me. The thing that is bothering me is why Mom has all of a sudden called us in her office"
Halting the little exchange they were carrying, they moved towards the office.
"Good Morning Miss Reeta. Is mom in?"
"Good Morning, sir. Madan is expecting you both."
Both of them knocked on the door.
"Come in "
"Good Morning mom"
"Good Morning bua"
"Good Morning," she said, turning away from the window.
"I wanted to talk about your plans for the future. Since you both have completed your studies. I think now it's time for you both to join the company." Without turning her face she spoke to both.
"But why bua, you are there then why us." Manav fussed like a child.
"Manav you both are grown up and need to settle down. And as for me, I have been working for a long time and also I'm getting old so now I need rest." She turned and faced them
"We can understand mom. Please give us some time then we will join." Abhi tried to pacify his mother.
"Ok, think about it. It is lunchtime currently. Why don't you both join me?"
Three of them moved out. During the ride in an elevator, Sujata suggested going to an Italian restaurant that was just across the road. The restaurant was not very big but the ambience was pretty. They strode to the corner table which was near the window. The server arrived just as they settled."mam, your usual order."
"No, John, today my sons will order. Just give us ten minutes."
The server came after ten minutes." We will have red sauce pasta, cheese ravioli, baked beans and cheese burst pizza. Some soft drinks. That's all." Manav hurriedly narrated the order. He was famished. They continued chatting for some moment. The server came with the food. After grabbing a morsel Manav moaned, "wow what a tasty food. I have not eaten such tasty food before. Bua, it's divine"
"I agree with Manav, it's just out of this world." Abhi moaned due to luscious food.
After lunch, Sujata returned to her office and both the men went back to their residence
Everyone was having dinner when Abhi abruptly intervened, "Mom, before I join the company I want to go to Darjeeling. I want to visit my ancestral abode and the place I was born. Also, I'm willing to meet my grandmother".
"But why so unexpectedly, and as for your grandmother, she is in trance." Frustrated by her son's request, she inquires from him.
"Bua, please say yes. I also want to go to Darjeeling. It is an exceptionally beautiful domain. Please. " Manav pleaded with Sujata.
Both of them kept on nagging like kids. After a while, Sujata agreed on one condition that Simmi would accompany them and will take care of them.
"Simmi, come to my room, I want to talk to you about something." Sujata rudely called Simmi
As soon as she entered Sujata's room, `` I'm sending you to take care of the children, don't go on strolling with your lover. Don't forget you are wedded and most importantly while meeting your mother don't forget my children. Is that clear?" Her voice was filled with resentment.
"Bhabhi, please don't be so apprehensive, they are my children as well. How can I ever taint the marriage vows? Besides, Sanjay never came back." She murmured meekly.
"He is back as his father is not keeping well. The last time I went there, I came to know." Sujata rudely told her. She grabbed her arm and made her face her.
"You never told me that Khanna uncle is not well. If you approve, may I go and meet him. He is like my father." Simmi was trembling. Her words came like a whisper.
" You can meet him but not your loverboy and if I come to know that you had met him, then outcomes would be bad." Sujata threatened her.
"Bhabhi I did everything you said but you intimidate me " she murmurs.
"Don't start your sympathy drama. Go away." She pushed Simmi.
Simmi leaves the room whimpering. A hand on her shoulder stops her pace. She turns to find Abhi standing there. Hastily she wipes her tears" do you want something ?"
"Yes, will you give me what I want?" Abhi stood in front of her.
"Anything, you name it." Simmi didn't lift her head as she didn't want Abhi to see her like that.
"Why do you let mom bully you? Don't you defy it? I have seen it ." Abhi wipes the tears on her face.
"It's not what you think. She has so much work to do, so sometimes she is rude but she loves me a lot." Simmi tried to soothe Abhi with her words.
"I don't believe you. I have not proved myself worthy of knowing it. I'm not your son na, you will tell Manav. He is your son ." Abhi started pestering her.
"Please Abhi. Don't compel me as there is nothing to tell. Go and sleep, it's getting late" Simmi snapped at Abhi.
At the breakfast table the next morning Sujata revealed that after a week they would be going as their tickets have been verified.
Sujata pov
I don't want Abhi to go to Darjeeling, but he is so insistent. I can't defy his request even if I want to. It is his right to meet his grandmother and visit the place he was born. I can just pray to God that he doesn't come to know of anything.
A knock on the door brought her back from her trance.
" Come in. Why are you here?"