ANIDITA: A TALE OF ETERNAL LOVE

CHAPTER 8

Anirudh stood in the study. He was very perplexed . He wondered why Bondita ran away like this in a hurry. But the thing that was bothering him the most was that shy look that Bondita gave him. It sent shivers down his spine. What did it mean? Why did she look like that at him? As he stood there, trying to understand all his feelings, Shashwati came running in. She asked, " Dada , is Bondita Maasi back? Where is she? I want to ask her a lot of things and also tell her a lot of things". Anirudh, who was still in a daze, unconsciously whispered ," Even I want to ask what was that and why did she look at me like that?" Shashwati shook him by his hand and asked him that did he say something, which brought Anirudh back to the real world. Shashwati now held his hand and dragged him and urged him to lead him to Bondita's room. Anirudh, though reluctant, gave in to her demands.

They reached her room. Shashwati banged at the door loudly a couple of times. When the door did not open, she called out to Bondita, " Bondita Maasi,! Bondita Maasi! Please open the door. I am Shashwati." She heard her saying, " Just a minute, Shashwati . I am draping my saaree". After a few seconds, they heard a faint sound of the clinking of anklets, which increased slowly as the feet wearing them came near the door. The door opened. Anirudh's eyes were stuck at Bondita again. Bondita had just bathed and her hair was still damp, tiny droplets of water falling from it. She had just a Bindi on her forehead. She was wearing a Green Banarasi saaree. Bondita did not make an eye contact with him , instead she looked at Shashwati and bent down to hug her. In return, Shashwati kissed her cheek and happily squeaked, " Bondita Maasi, Maa was correct. You are so beautiful. I am sure when your groom comes to take you to his house, he will forget about everything and just keep on looking at you". Bondita blushed hard at this while Shashwati laughed. After composing herself she too laughed with her.

Both the girls spent quality time with each other and talked a lot. Anyone who would have seen them would have felt that they were two long lost friends who knew each other since ages. Anirudh quietly sneaked out of the room and waited to talk to Bondita after Shashwati left. He had something in his mind. After talking for almost 2 hours, Sampoorna called Shashwati and said, " Shashwati now it would be better if you let your Maasi rest a bit now. They must have been tired after such a long journey. After taking rest, we will have our dinner." Saying this Sampoorna took Shashwati away. Anirudh saw the mother-daughter duo leave Bondita's room. He tiptoed towards her room. He saw Bondita wiping her damp hair with a towel.

God knows what came over him, he started walking towards Bondita and upon reaching her, he took the towel from her hand, ran his fingers down her hair and made her sit on the bed. He then took the towel and lovingly started wiping her hair. Bondita just looked at him in astonishment, unable to process anything. But this was altogether a beautiful feeling, a feeling which made her feel wanted, which made her feel desired for. She just closed her eyes and enjoyed his hands wiping her hair.

After sometime, Anirudh kept the towel in it's place and picked a comb kept on the dressing table. He then started combing her tresses. He combed ever so softly. Bondita was loving to see him do this, as she knew they would have to depart soon. After he had finished, he sat besides her and took her hand in his hands. His hands felt so warm to Bondita. She wished, if only she hold his hand just like this forever. Looking into her eyes he said, " I can't explain how happy it feels to be a part of such a wonderful journey. You have finally become a Barrister. Now you will stand in the court besides me and render everyone speechless by your tarks. So, from tomorrow, you will be accompanying me to the Deenpur court. I have a client meeting tomorrow and I would love to hand that case over to you. I am doing this not because you are my student, but as a Senior, it is my responsibility to guide you so that you get a chance to prove your worth. " Bondita's face instantly started glowing and she hugged her Sakha Babu happily. After breaking the embrace, Anirudh again said, " Look Bondita, since you are the first woman Barrister of Tulsipur, you may have to face people's taunts and you may turn into a laughter stock. But remember, don't let that affect you. Burn everyone with your success." Standing up, Anirudh cleared his throat and extended one hand, indicating Bondita to stand up and shake hands with him. "So Miss Bondita Das, are you ready to fight your first case in court?", he asked. Bondita smiled and shook hands with him, saying," Yes Sir!" and both of them started laughing together. They laughed together after ages.

On the dining table, Anirudh announced that he would be taking Bondita with him to court to practice. Everyone was happy listening to this. Trilochan kaka, who was sitting besides his Bondita , placed his hand on her head and blessed her. " May you win this case!", he said.

The next day, Bondita got up early in the morning, all excited for the client meeting. She wore a white silk saree and tied up her hair into a bun. She eagerly waited for Anirudh to call her. While waiting she started recalling all that happened the previous evening and blushed. She waited a lot but he did not come. She looked at the watch and wondered why is he so late. She then ran downstairs to his study room, only to find him sleeping there. She did not wake him up. She started staring at his ethereal face. He looks so handsome even while sleeping, she thought to herself. She slowly went towards him and sat down on her knees, spoiling her white saree. She looked at his face, there was peace written all over it. Sampoorna didi had told her that while she was away in London, Anirudh would spend many a sleepless nights , turning and tossing over his couch while missing her badly. She touched his right cheek with her left palm and ran her fingers over his soft skin. She admired the shape of his lips. They were as pink as the petals of a rose. She couldn't help but touch his lips with her fingers. They were very soft, just like cotton. Suddenly Anirudh began to move his face. Startled, Bondita removed her hands from lips. His back was now on the couch , with his face turned towards the ceiling. She now let her fingers dive into his dense hair. She started massaging his head which lead Anirudh to open his eyes. He turned to look who was sitting near him and saw Bondita, running fingers on his head. Their eyes met. Bondita then looked away from his eyes and wished him a Good Morning and softly asked him to get up as they were getting late. Anirudh responded, in a sleepy and husky tone, " My morning is good indeed as you are the first thing upon which my eyes fell". Bondita looked at him with wide eyes. Her face flushed. She said nothing and stood up on her feet, asking him again to get ready as they are already late. She them walked off the room as Anirudh looked on.