Chapter 49 Off To Dehradun
Karan, Neeti, and Ruhi vanish in a flash, disappearing before another word is said. Laughter echoes in the mansion, and for the first time in a long while, it feels like home again.
The night at the haveli settles into its usual, peaceful rhythm. Outside, a cool breeze rustles the leaves of the old trees, while inside, Vihan prepares for bed. He smooths out the blanket on his bed and carefully places the pillows in their proper place. It has been a long, tiring day, and now he just wants a moment of rest.
As he reaches to dim the lights, a soft knock echoes on his room’s wooden door tok tok. Slightly surprised, Vihan walks over and opens the door. Standing before him is Rimjhim.
She is dressed simply in a loose-fitting white cotton suit, no frills, no makeup, nothing extravagant, yet there is a quiet glow about her a grace and innocence that catch Vihan off guard. A gentle smile touches her lips, and her eyes hold a softness, a calm.
In her hands is a mosquito spray, which she slowly extends toward him, saying in a soft voice, “There are a lot of mosquitoes around here… please use this, otherwise your sleep might be disturbed.”
For a moment, Vihan just looks at her face, quietly observing the genuine concern in her words. There is nothing formal about her tone, just a simple, heartfelt gesture, like someone who truly cares for her guest’s comfort. Smiling slightly, Vihan replies, “Oh… thank you. I didn’t realize that.”
Rimjhim steps inside for just a moment, placing the spray gently on the table instead of handing it directly to him. Her movements are calm, modest, and respectful. There is no hesitation, but she carries herself with a quiet dignity. After setting the spray down, she turns to leave.
Vihan wants to say something, but the words don’t quite reach his lips. Rimjhim looks at him briefly again, offering a soft smile. There is something about the depth in her eyes that makes Vihan feel unsettled, curious. At the doorway, she pauses as if she wants to say more, and finally whispers, “Good night.”
She turns to go, but Vihan stops her with a sudden question, “You don’t seem like someone who grew up in this village. Were you raised somewhere else?”
Rimjhim turns back to him, her smile lingering. She replies calmly, “No, I used to live in the city. I completed my schooling there. But I wasn’t allowed to study further, so I had to return here.”
Vihan frowns slightly. “Why? You should’ve continued your studies. You should’ve fought for your right. No one can stop you from pursuing education.”
Rimjhim takes a deep breath, then says softly, “You’re saying that because you’re a man. Maybe you don’t realize this, but in villages, even today, people treat boys and girls very differently.”
Vihan shakes his head gently. “That’s not true for everyone. I have two sisters, and both of them topped their college.”
Rimjhim smiles faintly, her eyes showing both appreciation and resignation. “That’s good, but not every family is the same. Anyway, you should rest now.”
And with that, she quietly leaves the room. Vihan stands there for a moment, watching her walk away, her words echoing in his mind. Something about her the simplicity, the strength behind her gentle exterior leaves a lingering impression on him. Vihan takes a deep breath, closes the door of his room, then walks over to his bed and lies down.
The next morning, Karan walking out of his room carrying his suitcase. He is wearing blue jeans and a casual T-shirt, a backpack slung over one shoulder, and a suitcase in his hand. He is headed to Dehradun for a doctors’ medical camp. There is a hint of tiredness on his face, but what stands out more is the excitement for the trip ahead.
Mrs. Shobha has already completed all the preparations for him. As soon as Karan places his bag down, she approaches him with a box in her hand. She opens it to reveal freshly made besan laddoos filled with the love of a mother’s hands.
Handing the box to him, she says warmly, “Eat these on the way if you get hungry. Don’t eat any of that junk food outside. Your stomach isn’t reliable you’ll fall sick after eating anything strange.”
Karan chuckles, “Mom… seriously? Do you still think I’m a child? I’m a doctor now!”
Mrs. Shobha places a gentle hand on his head and says, “You may have become a doctor, but to me you’re still my little boy. I still remember when you constantly demanded chocolates like a tiny mischief-maker.”
Nearby, Samar is sitting immersed in his laptop, as usual. His eyes don’t leave the screen, as if the secrets of the world are hidden there. But I know his ears are catching everything the conversations, the laughter, the love. He just doesn’t show his emotions like the rest of us.
Ruhi looks at Samar and laughs, “Bro… could you please take a break from that laptop? The world has changed, you know.”
Without glancing up, Samar replies dryly, “The world might have changed, but my world is still this laptop.”
Ruhi covers her mouth dramatically and gasps, “Haww… your world is a laptop? Not sister-in-law?”
Samar looks up at his dramatic sister in shock. I am standing nearby, watching him curiously. Samar quickly says, “No! That’s not what I meant. Don’t twist my words!”
Everyone bursts into laughter, Neeti, Ruhi, and I gather around Karan as he prepares to leave. Ruhi suddenly unzips a corner of his bag and shouts, “Karan bro! What’s this… a ring and a necklace?!”
Karan quickly grabs his bag back and says, “Ruhi… stop snooping. I’m getting late.”
I lean toward Samar and whisper, “Looks like he’s fallen for someone.”
Samar smirks and replies, “Let that tiny brain of yours rest. If you must think about something, think only about me.”
I glare at him and mutter under my breath, “Grumpy! Talking to him is a waste of time… Hmph!”
Samar, still typing on his laptop, chuckles and says, “Wifey, I can hear everything.”