'Randhir baba? Randhir Baba?'

A soft voice called Randhir and he stirred in his sleep. He shifted in place and saw Kaka looking keenly at him.

'Wake-up, Randhir Baba, your breakfast is ready.' He said politely. Randhir nodded and sat on the bed. As he rubbed his eyes, Kaka walked around the bed and opened the curtains. Randhir felt gentle warm sun rays and he opened his eyes. He turned his head and looked out of the window. Kaka smiled and asked him to get ready while he plates food for him. Randhir nodded and climbed down the bed.

Randhir was leaving for the US tonight and so, he decided to stay over at his home. Kaka was over-joyed and seeing him so happy made Randhir happy too.

Randhir brushed, showered and changed into his casuals. After he combed his hair he stepped out of the bathroom. He sniffed the strong aroma of Paratha and smiled. Ever since he had come, Kaka has begun to work over-enthusiastically.

Randhir walked into the dining room and found Kaka plating food for him. Kaka greeted him, and he greeted back. Just as he pulled the chair for himself there was a door-bell. Kaka asked him to start eating and he will get the door. Randhir nodded.

Randhir took a morsel when he heard a familiar feminine voice. He clenched his jaw tightly.

'Randhir, Randhir.'

Suddenly, he lost his appetite. Pushing the chair back, he got up. His food half eaten. He was about to leave when a woman entered the room. She looked at him and smiled. Randhir looked back. Renuka Saniyal, his mother, hadn't changed in these two years. The same pixie-cut hair, loose sleeveless white Shirt, tight black pants and even the pair of earrings were the same. She opened her arms and hurried to him. Randhir doesn't protest when she hugged him, also he doesn't hug her back.

Renuka had tears in her eyes, she hugged him tightly.

'Randhir, my son. I am so happy you came.' She said and with on hand, she held the back of his head tightly. Then, she parted and held his shoulders. She admired him with moist eyes.

'How are you, son?' She asked looking into his eyes. Randhir maintained the eye-contact, but his eyes were void of any tears.

'How are you, Mom? And your new family?' He asked bitterly. Renuka's expressions changed. She sighed letting go of his shoulders, momentarily she looked away and then back at him.

'Beta, I have come for you. The moment I came to know you are back I couldn't stop myself.' - She said seriously, after a pause she added, - 'let the bygones be bygones, please beta.' Her tone turned soft.

'I didn't call you here, you came here on your own. And' - Randhir took a step closer, - ' it's easy for you to say about the past but you will never know what I have gone through. Once you understand that, then we will talk.' He said angrily and turned around. He stopped in his tracks when she called him.

'Everyone makes mistakes, Randhir. But when someone is truly regretful you should forgive them.' - She sighed. 'I can't give back your past, Randhir. But please try and forgive me.' She said.

Randhir took a deep breath. Renuka stared at his back and then looked away. She turned around and closed her eyes letting tears fall. Slowly, Randhir turned around and looked at her. She wiped her tears and walked away. He felt slightly bad. Renuka had come with so much expectation and he spoiled her mood. Then, he thought about the times, as a kid, when she had disappointed him. That time, she hadn't felt bad then why should he? Randhir hardened his heart and turned away from her.

Kaka was upset watching Renuka walk out of the house. Once, she was gone Kaka asked Randhir to finish his breakfast. Randhir wanted to refuse but Kaka had the made food with so much love and excitement that he didn't have the heart to refuse him.

'Shall I re-heat it for you?' Kaka asked. Randhir shook his head and took his seat. Slowly, he began eating.

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

Kishore and Ankit were busy with their routine morning walk in the nearby park. Ankit was more of whining and to avoid him Kishore began to walk faster. Ankit groaned and increased the pace of his steps. As Kishore walked someone called his name. He paused and looked up. A man, his age, was waving at him. Then, he began walking towards him. As he came closer, Kishore recognized him.

'Arey, Arvind.' Kishore greeted him happily. The man smiled and opened his arms. Ankit stopped in his tracks and frowned watching his father hug someone. He looked closely and recognized the man to be Arvind Uncle. It had been years since last he met him, their family friend.

Kishore and Arvind separate and smiled at each other.

'When did you come from the US? And how is Kanika?' Kishore asked happily. Arvind looked back proudly.

'One week back. Kanika has also come.' He said. Kishore frowned.

'It has been one week, and we are seeing you now?' Kishore raised his eyebrow. Arvind looked guilty and shrugged.

'Actually, Kanika's son was unwell. He will need time to settle here. He is just one.' Arvind informed. Kishore nodded thoughtfully, then he looked at him.

'How is he now?'

'Much better. He is having more problem than Pari.' - Arvind said shaking his head. Kishore frowned and seeing his expressions, Arvind added with pride, - 'Pari, Kanika's eldest daughter.'

Kishore smiled, he was genuinely happy for his friend. Ankit also joined them. He bent and took Arvind's blessing. Kishore smiled at them. They greeted each other, and all three men began walking together. Arvind was delighted to know that Ankit got married.

'And our Sanyukta?' He asked.

'She is working as MD at Agarwal automobiles. She is so hardworking and has taken almost whole responsibility of the company on her shoulders.' Kishore informed with pride, Ankit felt insulted as his father gave all the credits to her and nothing to him. Arvind didn't look impressed.

'Woh sab toh theek hai. But what about her husband and kids?' He asked seriously.

He frowned watching the smile disappear from Kishore's face. Ankit looked annoyed. Kishore sighed clasping his palms.

'She isn't married.' He said. Arvind gasped loudly.

'What? She isn't married. She is past her prime, Kishore. Why haven't you had her married yet?' Arvind sounded aghast. Ankit nodded.

'She doesn't want to marry, Arvind. And I won't force her.' Kishore said seriously. Arvind shook his head.

'Nowadays, girls are going astray, Kishore. Career, money that's all they think. You,' - He held his shoulder, - 'should guide her. Now, look at Kanika. I got her married at the age of 19, now she is happy with her husband and her children. I am sure, Sanyukta must be miserable.' Arvind explained seriously. Ankit agreed with him. Kishore looked away. Arvind sighed.

He patted his shoulder, - 'A girl's real happiness is in finding the right man, getting married to him and having kids. Once you get her married, then see how cheerful she will become.' - Arvind further explained, he paused and added, - 'Also, she can work after marriage if she wants. There is no harm.' He ended. Kishore thought for a while and then looked at him.

'Arvind you are right. But, I will not force Sanyukta. She said she wasn't interested in getting married and that's the end of discussion.' Kishore waved his hand and began walking again. Ankit and Arvind looked at each other. Arvind felt insulted when his friend waved off his advice.

'Kishore, Sanyukta is young. She doesn't know what is good for her. You are her father, you get to decide so- Anyway, I have a very good alliance. If you are interested, then I will send the details.' He said seriously.

Kishore nodded, - 'I will think about it.' He said to end the discussion and hurriedly took his leave. On their way back home, Ankit kept eating his head and Kishore had to scold him to shut up.

Once at home, Ankit narrated everything to Vidhushi and she thought for a while.

Uff, this Sanyukta is hell-bent on staying here forever. This is a very good chance to kick her out. Finally, she will be in her Sasural and I will rule the house as the single queen.

Vidhushi sat beside Ankit and tapped his arm, he looked at her and she grinned back at him.

'I have an idea.' - She said, and Ankit simply blinked, - 'Ask, Arvind Uncle for the alliance and ask for the best. It should be the best so that I can convince Papa. Something he can't refuse.' She said. Ankit thought over her words and nodded. Then, the two hi-fied.

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

I wanted to write so much but the chapter was getting very long. So, expect an early update *winks* Anyway, how was the Chapter? Drop your comments, please *smiles*