Appu’s mental state was worsening. She started keeping
herself isolated. Even in college it was getting difficult for her. Every day
her behavior would change. Every one stated saying that she has gone mad. As
this time was passing, exams were nearing the corner. Rashu made sure that at
any cost Appu passes through. During the course period of the exams; Vinod sent
Appu to Rashu’s place to study. There was this huge change in her. Every day
she would be smiling, laughing and concentrating in her studies. Dr. Karthik
since was staying with them, started his preparation of treating Appu. As the
second year exams were ending, Karthik requested Mr. Vinod to send Appu on a
vacation for a change. This was for the betterment of everyone including Appu.
So, this time also her father surprised her for a tour to
U.S.A. As all the formalities were to be completed, the door bell rang at the
Gill’s residence and a surprise was waiting at the door for Appu.
“Maa. Thank you for coming”
“Vinod how can it be that
you’ve called and I don’t come. Where’s Appu? How is she doing?”
“Maa; she is sitting in Rashu’s
room upstairs. So far, all these days Appu is doing well. Maa this is Dr.
Karthik. Once you all leave for the vacation, he will start his work.”
“Karthik beta; please cure our
Appu. That girl deserves to live and not go mental.”
“Aunty, don’t worry; once you
all leave my work starts. The set up is almost done. I just have to get some
things for the pooja. Keep yourself calm, Appu needs all of us right now by her
side.”
Ms. Reema Nair cried and held Karthik’s hand, “You are God. Thank you” and then proceeded towards Rashu’s bedroom. Slowly as she opened the
door, seeing her laughing, jumping around was very happy.
“Appu see whose come”
“Dadi” Seeing
her granny after a long time she jumped from the bed, ran and embraced her with
joy. Ms. Reema has not visited any of the family members in a long time. Being
aware of what type her daughter-in-law is; she literally stopped visiting them.
Staying by herself in Kerala, she always missed the presence of her grand
children and her husband (Late. Mr. Gopal Naik)
Vinod being her only son, very rarely would support her
financially since Hema was the key hold of all the overall finance. She would
not even give Appu, and her dad anything.
“Appu don’t cry. See I have
come now everything will be fine.”
“Dadi after so long you have
come. This is a real surprise.” Looking at Appu she held her face and kissed
her forehead.
“We all know that you are a
strong girl.”
“Rashu beta, how are you
doing?”
“Aunty I am fine.” She also embraced her.
“So all set for the holiday?”
“Yes” Both answered
“Appu dadi is also going with
you”
“Oh my God dad thanks. It’s
going to be the best holiday.” She went
and hugged him tight.
“You girls carry on with your
packing we will come.”
“Ok”
Both Vinod and his mother left from the room and headed back
down to the hallway. They were all discussing as how to go about all the puja.
Once all the discussions ended, Vinod and his mother headed back to home. After
reaching back home, Hema was shocked to see Ms. Reema.
“Amma, when did you come? Nice
seeing you”
“I am fine Hema.” They entered inn and sat down. As they were
talking just then,
“Amma see no Appu is staying
with that girl Rashu. How many times I told Vinod not to let Appu mingle with
Rashu.”
“Hema, Rashu is a nice child.
There is nothing wrong with her. You have to change your thinking and ways to
looking at things.”
“I am sorry will youl have food
now”
“No. I am not hungry. You know
that I will not eat during my fasting days.”
“What amma, now you should stop
all this; and should take care of your health.”
“Hema there are some things
which I have been following and will continue it. Do you understand? Vinod tell
Naina to get me a warm glass of milk with a pinch of turmeric. Good night” Ms Reema left the hallway and walked into
the bedroom next to the kitchen.
In the living room, Vinod got angry on Hema.
“Hema I request you now don’t simply
quarrel with amma.”
“Vinod you be quite. I did the
biggest mistake of marrying in your family.”
“Then leave and go right now.
Don’t be ungrateful. All this luxury that you are enjoying it’s because of my
hard work. So better mind what comes out of that mouth. Now let me go and
sleep. Good night”
“Suddenly what happened to him?
Chuhaa sher kabse bangaya! I must find out what’s happening.” Thinking the way Vinod spoke to her, she
was restless.
As the clock was ticking, the day for the three musketeers
vacation was finally here. Appu was all the more excited since Sourabh would be
with her during the entire trip once they landed in New York. This would the
first time whereby she would be introducing Sourabh to her granny.
As they arrived in New York, Mr. Reema precisely was very
pleased by Sourabh’s nature and approach. In spite of being born and bought in
New York, he had a very different way of treating life and people associated
with him.
