2. The beginning
830 Words
Kriti stood in the lobby, her eyes fixed on her daughter playing joyfully in the garden. Her heart was filled with love and happiness, grateful for her caring husband and lovely daughter. The past had left a stain on her heart, but Shabd's love had helped her forget the sadness. A smile never left her lips.
A man in jeans and a black jacket approached, captivated by the sight of the little girl playing. Kriti turned and greeted him with a smile. Setu, with his deep and firm eyes, smiled brightly back at her.
"You're sitting here alone," he said in his deep voice.
"I often sit here in the evening when my daughter plays in the garden," she replied.
"May I join you?" he asked.
"Sure," she smiled and agreed.
Setu had come to meet Shabd but found Kriti instead. They stood together, watching her daughter play. Setu looked elegant, his hands tucked in his pockets.
"Shabd isn't at home. You'll have to wait for him," she spoke, breaking the silence.
"I'd like to wait for my friend," he said.
This was the first time they were talking alone, but there was no hesitation or awkwardness between them.
"Don't you get bored staying at home?" he asked.
"What is there to be bored of at home?" she responded.
"I mean, you could join your husband's company."
"I'm not capable enough to join RV," she replied modestly.
"You are," he said confidently. Kriti looked at him, her suspicion evident.
"How can you say that?" she asked firmly.
"Um... Shabd often talks about your efficiency and smartness at work," he misspoke.
Kriti's lips slowly curved into a smile as she looked into his eyes.
"We never talked about work. I don't even know anything about RV. So, I don't think my husband can discuss my work," she replied seriously. Setu smiled and nodded.
"I'm sorry. We never talked about you. But I believe you're capable of handling work with Shabd. You should give it a try. Look at my sister-in-law. She works well with my brother, and they both enjoy it," he suggested.
Kriti nodded with a smile, holding her chest.
"You're right. I'll think about it."
Her response made him smile, and they exchanged a smile. Just then, Shabd's arms wrapped around Kriti's waist, and they looked at the man who had joined their conversation. Shabd kissed her cheek and greeted Setu with a smile.
"Hey..."
Setu and Shabd shook hands.
"I'm sorry for being late," Shabd apologized.
"It's okay. Kriti kept me company," Setu replied.
Shabd looked at Kriti with affection.
"Really?"
Kriti shyly nodded.
"I'm going to prepare dinner," she said, glancing at Setu. "What would you like to eat?"
"I'm sorry, but my parents must be waiting for me at home. I should leave. Don't prepare anything for me," Setu declined.
"Don't be formal. It'll be late, so you're having dinner here," Shabd insisted.
"Please, brother. I'll eat another day," Setu replied, looking at Kriti.
"I want to eat the dishes made by my sister-in-law," he said.
"Excuse me," she smiled and left. Both men watched her walk away and then looked at each other.
"So, you've finally decided to collaborate with RV," Shabd said, putting his hands in his pockets.
Setu smiled and raised his eyebrows.
"There's no other way. RV is the best."
Shabd laughed.
"Come inside," he said. Just then, they heard a sweet voice.
"Daddy..."
Vriddhi ran to Shabd and hugged him. Shabd leaned down, carrying her in his arms and kissed her hair with love.
"Daddy, I missed you."
"I missed you too, my girl."
"I studied a lot today. I even learned English. The teacher gave me five stars," she said, raising her hand to indicate five with her fingers. Setu smiled and gently stroked her hair.
"This girl is intelligent. Would you like to go on a date with me?" Setu asked. Vriddhi beamed and stretched her arms out for Setu to carry her. Setu held her tightly and looked at her tenderly.
"Hi, handsome. I'd love to go on a date with you, but you have to promise me something."
Setu raised an eyebrow.
"And what is it?"
"Will you buy me ice cream?"
"Okay, we'll eat a lot of ice cream, alright?" he said, rubbing her hair and kissing her soft cheek. The maid carried the girl away, and Shabd and Setu walked to the study room for work and discussion.
Later, when dinner was ready, Kriti knocked on the study room door and left without saying anything. It was their custom that she never entered the study room or disturbed Shabd while he worked. Hearing the knock, Shabd looked at Setu.
"Why didn't you welcome the person inside? There must be something," Setu asked. Shabd glanced at Setu and closed the file.
"There's nothing serious. My wife was reminding me that I'm hungry, and she's prepared dinner," Shabd explained. Setu was amazed by the scene and smiled.
- Writer
