Chapter-13 Unwanted Reationship

Next morning was very emotional for both of them, as Grandpa was leaving for Delhi. For Kabeer, it was not new as he himself forced Grandpa to live in Delhi because medical facilities were better there and his doctor suggested he do the same. But for Muskaan, it was heart wrenching and she got very attached to him and now couldn't hold her tears back. Grandpa tried to cheer her and said," don't cry baby, I will visit regularly, and you both too come there on holidays."

But Muskaan replied sad," Grandpa, remember, my one gift is due with you. You promised me."

Grandpa asked lovingly," just tell me dear, what do you want?"

Muskaan wiped her tears and said," Grandpa, it's just your approval for the operation, please Grandpa."

Grandpa got silent at first and replied," but I.."

Muskaan nodded and said," yes I know that risks are high, but my heart says that you will be fine after that. Please grandpa, for my sake. I don't want to be an orphan again. Please grandpa."

Grandpa looked at her and she got silent immediately, and thinking something he silently kept his hand on her head as his approval.

Kabeer was a silent witness of all this conversation between them, and was shocked to see him agree, as he didn't agree even after his lots and lots of persuasion. He tried requesting to blackmailing, but Grandpa remained so stubborn all the time. He wondered how she developed such a deep bond in just few days. And also felt some silent conversation between them, which he didn't get at all. He had a long list of questions in his mind but didn't know the answers, but wanted to know and also very much ready to wait for her to open till eternity.

Grandpa had left after breakfast and he too left for the office after dropping him off at the airport.

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

Kabeer was in the room working on a file. He came earlier than usual because Muskaan was alone that day, and he knew this was the first time for her and she must be very sad too. He was thinking about her and wanted to know something more but couldn't decide how to address her about this. But then decided to leave it on. He was still in his thoughts, when

Muskaan came with a cup of coffee for him. He looked at her. She was smiling but that smile was not reaching to her eyes.

He asked her gently," Muskaan, are you sad? Don't be dear. We will go there on holidays and now grandpa is ready for Operation, then everything will be fine after that. Don't worry, okay."

Muskaan replied sadly folding her clothes," no not sad. But it's just first day and I am feeling a bit lonely. ``

Kabeer nodded and said remembering something suddenly," by the way Muskaan, when are you going to join your college? It's not good to have so many leaves. You should resume your classes soon." He was speaking at his own pace, without looking at her. But this line blasted on her like an atom bomb.

Her face paled, clothes fell from her hands and she too fell on the bed with a thud. Kabeer felt the silence from her and looked at her, but panicked seeing her condition. In a blink, he was next to her, held her shoulders and asked worried, "what happened to you Muskaan, tell me. What happened to you?"

Muskaan looked at him with empty eyes, lifted her hands and kept on his and stammered, "College, means I can go college. Means I can resume my studies."

Kabeer didn't get her point, but really worried for her, “obviously Muskaan. Don't you want to complete your graduation?"

Now Muskaan got overjoyed, and started jumping like a kid, twirling holding his hands, smiling and laughing heartily. Kabeer was laughing with her, though he didn't get the reason for her joy, but really felt very happy seeing her smiling and laughing.

Muskaan said in between," means I can go. Means my dream will be true. Means I will complete my studies. Thank you thank you thank you so much."

Kabeer asked once his breath was normal," Dream, means this was your dream you were talking about that day. "

Muskaan nodded and replied, “yes yes. What else. This is it only. I want to study. I want to complete my graduation."

Kabeer asked again," then why didn't you tell me that day? And why did you say that was over?"

Muskaan now finally caught her breaths normal and replied softly," how could I tell you? Don't you know our society? No one approves their daughter-in-law or wife studying even after marriage. This is because I never wanted to…"

But she bit her tongue as she did not want to utter something.

Kabeer looked at her shockingly, didn't want to think anything wrong but couldn't stop himself thinking the worst. But somehow composed himself, cupped her face and said slowly, “no Muskaan, I am not like that. I want to and will willingly fulfill all your dreams, I promise. Don't think about it so much and start preparing for resuming your classes." he sat down patting her cheeks but with a slight sad smile.

Muskaan was still in her own zone of happiness, so couldn't register his sadness instantly. And left after sometime to arrange the dinner and told him to join soon for dinner.

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

Muskaan entered the room and found the lights off and he had slept on his side already. Wondering she walked to the bed and laid beside him. He instantly changed his side, now his back was facing her. For once she couldn't decide whether this was intentional or he was in a sleep coz of his closed eyes. She already noticed his lost behavior and gloomy eyes on the dinner table. Though she wanted to ask immediately but then chose to wait until he told her himself. They had their dinner with general chat but she could see his uneasiness and sadness.

For once She thought that he must have some work-related issue or tension. But now his silence was being unbearable for her. With each passing moment her restlessness was growing. And now he had slept before she even came to sleep. She lifted her hands in dim night lights of the room, looked at her own hands and a tear escaped from her eyes.

But then she decided something, wiped her tears and sat down immediately, first switched on the bed light and called him," listen, get up, I want to talk something."

But he didn't respond, so she kept her hand on his shoulder and called again," please, get up. It's important."

Taking a deep breath, he sat down, as left with no choice, so asked politely," what "

Muskaan asked softly, " remember, you promised me that I can share everything to you and you will understand."

Kabeer nodded and replied," yes, I know. Tell me, what do you want?"

Muskaan asked," is this rule for me only?"

Kabeer frowned," means."

Muskaan replied," means I can share everything, but you."

Kabeer asked again confusedly," what do you mean."

Muskaan looked deeply into his eyes," why? What do you think? Can't I see, you are suddenly so distressed? Won't you tell me why? See I can't promise, I will try my best to understand everything. ``

Seeing him still in thoughts, she tilted her head little and asked very sweetly," please."

Kabeer looked at her and wondered if she understood him very well in very little time. But I still couldn't decide whether to ask or not. He wanted to ask but was somewhere scared of answering. Never in his life he wanted to hear what he was thinking. But then took a deep breath, preparing himself to ask and face.

He asked slowly," Muskaan, you wanted to study, didn't you? So, is that mean, our marriage is a forced, unwanted relationship for you?"