The Binding String

F I F T Y - N I N E

"Hmm i know but i also know Ishita don't anger on someone unreasonably. I have just a request Amma, please ask him not to come here. It just increase her stress nothing else. Ishita don't believe in sharing her worries and issues with anyone and in this case I don't want to arise any circumstance which can stress her." Madhavi nodded her head, Raman smiled at her. He ordered coffee for them which came meantime, he served one cup to Madhavi and prepared another cup for Ishita. Madhvi keep looking at Raman, who disappeared inside taking two cups. Raman and Ishita marriage took a leap of faith in these months, what years of long distance failed to do five months of togetherness done. Madhavi adored Ishita and Raman through glass panels who were sipping coffee together patting sleeping Roohi occasionally.

Who else than her can be happy seeing her daughter happy and contented in her marriage. After a tormenting past and a struggling youth she finally settled well in her life. Ishita is different than others but a pure soul and no one can deny it whom observe it closely. She deserves every happiness in her life, Madhavi wiped the mist from her eyes and kept the empty cup back. She texted her elder daughter Vandita and instructed her to keep her father away from Ishita matter.

But why Ishu never shared about her father with Raman! Is she enduring everything even today!

Madhavi bothered with this question, leaning her back against headrest.

*

I just came here for the sake of humanity but your stubborn and rude daughter didn't let me see Roohi. No wonder why she developed so much health issues.

Yes, all of us were behind her to take her good care, don't take unnecessary stress but she never listened to me. I wish if she stayed conscious at the time of her pregnancy, then this situation would never arise.

Ishita eavesdropped her mother and Mr. Iyyer conversation an hour back. He came unannounced, basically to see his wife. She was disappointed to see him and wasn't intrested to let him meet Roohi as well but she knew her anger might upset Raman and scare off Roohi and hence she remained mum but her mother words inflicted another pain in her chest which she buried last night only. Her head ached looking at Roohi, she was tired living in the guilt and agony. It's well said, the unattended wounds never heal but she don't know how to attain the scars which are making her restless every day. She buried her head in the pillows and let the fluffy material soak the wetness of her eyes before her husband could witness it.

"Ishita! Are you asleep?" Raman came back after taking shower. She hummed lowly still snuggled against Roohi. She hope he would lay down on spare bed but the little remaining side of her bed dipped and she felt his frame against her. His musculine scent lingered in the air as she leaned against his chest to steal a moment of peace.

"What happened? You look dull?" He assumed she is upset with her father unannounced presence.

"Headache." Raman frowned listening her reply, he got up and rummaged through the wide drawer. He unscrewed the bottle of balm and kept her head on his lap, his actions surprised her and she tried to stop him.

"Stay still!" Raman callous fingers ran through her hairs first, he removed the clip from her hairs and left her tendrils free. Next he applied pain relieving balm on her forehead and started to massage her head. His fingers expertly glided through her forehead and pressed all the right points to relieve the throbbing pain. Her muscles started to relieve as she closed her eyes and allowed herself to close her eyes. Raman touch never left her, she held his hand in her making him smile.

"You shall sleep now. Your back must be hurting." Ishita whispered few minutes later, her eyes met with his in the darkness.

"I love seeing my queen and princess sleeping peacefully." Ishita bit her lower lip as he planted a kiss on her forehead. "You had your dinner? Sorry I went to drop Maa Papa."