She grew up adoring him. Even after he drifted far due to circumstances the adulation continued. The fragrance of the night jasmine he planted to placate her left his mark. As she blossomed into a lissome maiden it filled her with a longing she coul...
Aman sat snugly on Sanyukta's lap in the car with Vidushi and Randhir crammed next to her. Parth was at the wheel and Nobin da next to him. It was a short ride from Powai to the airport. After they reached Randhir and Parth offloaded the bags from the car. "We are not going to the North Pole Sanyukta, what have you stuffed in here?" He groaned. "Each bag only weighs around 30 kgs; we are entitled to as much on our business class tickets!" She retorted and there was a round of smiles.
Nobin da had offered to fly them first class but Sanyukta declined the extravagance. He then used his contact to have them the best seats pre-assigned for their comfort. The farewell was a little emotional, with Sanyukta and Aman hugging each other like they were mother and son. She promised him that she would call him daily and get him heaps of goodies. "Be a good boy and enjoy your holiday!" She told him. "You take care of yourself and come back soon" He replied.
Randhir drew Aman close and kissed him on the forehead. "Champ, don't forget me, and take care of Dadi and Dadu! Technically you are to become my uncle soon!" Randhir and Aman both grinned at each other. Nobin da was going to introduce Shaila and Aman to the family soon. The formalities to enable him to co-opt Aman's guardianship with his grandmother had begun, with his lawyer working out the legal wrangle. The major roadblock would be the boy's father.
Tears glistened on Vidushi's eyelids as Randhir hugged her; he had been her pillar over the years, the only one in the family in whom she could confide anything. She would have to get accustomed to his absence, though he assured her that he was just a phone call away. Randhir embraced Parth next, he was happy that he was returning to Delhi to assist his mother in the family business. Vidushi would have him close to her. The two girls bade each other fond farewell, expressing the hope to meet again after Sanyukta returned from the US.
Both Randhir and Sanyukta touched Nobin da's feet to seek his blessings. "It belongs to you now; take it whenever you want. Madhabi had those pieces made lovingly for Randhir's future bride when he was just a toddler!" He told Sanyukta earlier in the evening when she returned the jewellery he gave her during the wedding; she felt it would be safest in his custody. She assured him that she would take it back as soon as her marriage to Randhir was disclosed to the family.
Randhir and Sanyukta waved out as the car pulled away and they made their way to the gate. The sheer convenience of business class travel became apparent to Sanyukta as they dropped off their bags and collected their boarding passes without delay due to priority privileges, which even extended to the immigration. After their security check she was delighted to follow Randhir to the business class lounge on Level 3. It was practically empty when they got there.
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They made themselves comfortable on a plush couch in a quiet corner that would ensure them privacy. Since they had a meal just before leaving home they were not in a mood to eat and drink. They decided to relax because they had an hour to kill before reporting for their flight. Randhir called Nobin da and Vidushi to inform them that Sanyukta and he were safely ensconced in the GVK Lounge after completing the formalities. He also spoke to his parents; notifying them where he was.
