Prithvi... [Vol 3]

Chapter 70

With growing confusion, Nandini looked at Prithvi. He kept his gaze stubbornly fixed on the new entrant, and with a mysteriously red face, replied, “I’ve heard the afterlife is a good place. Give it a chance.”

The pleased smile on his face, however, clearly indicated that the visitor was far from unwelcome.

Uday chortled as he walked towards them. As he reached the bed and saw the size of the bandage tied across Prithvi’s chest, the cheer on his face diminished.

“Sumer had said the injuries weren’t serious,” he said concernedly.

“They aren’t. The doctors are just helping me use the sympathy card,” Prithvi grinned.

The worry on Uday’s face eased. “Always works! I’ve used it several times in my youth,” he said enthusiastically.

“You’ll be glad to know it’s as effective today as it was 180 years ago,” Prithvi informed gravely.

Uday smiled and reached out to keep a firm hand on Prithvi’s head and gently muttered a traditional blessing that conferred a long life. Nandini felt touched by the heartfelt emotions in the words.

“What for? To end up resembling a withered twig like you?” Prithvi asked derisively as the elderly man withdrew his hand.

Uday only laughed, but aghast, Nandini angrily said, “What is wrong with you? Why can’t you talk to elders with respect?”

Finally deigning to look at her, Prithvi shrugged, “Most ‘elders’ I know only deserve kicks up their bony backsides.”

Despairing of his attitude, she looked apologetically at Uday. He didn’t appear to have heard Prithvi and was looking at her with very sad eyes.

“Elders? Oh dear God, those words hurt,” he mumbled to her consternation. Then something seemed to strike him. “Where are my manners! I’m Uday Singh Rathod,” he smiled and gave a gentlemanly bow. “Prithvi’s father was my nephew. And you, my dear, are the prettiest young lady I’ve seen in very long,” he said appreciatively.

Nandini’s face turned hot, and yet, the sentiment was so sweetly expressed that she felt no discomfort. “I’m Nandini,” she said shyly, joining her palms in a Namaste. Sumer Singh had mentioned in the morning that Prithvi’s great-uncle was coming to visit. At first, he had only been told that Prithvi had met with a major accident. Later, when Prithvi had regained consciousness, he had asked Sumer Singh to call up the old man again to convey that the injuries were minor. It was puzzling why Sumer Singh hadn’t joined them in the room. Was it because he was not, as Rajiv had said, actually related to – Nandini blocked the thought. As far as she was concerned, he was and would remain Prithvi’s uncle. Several more questions were swarming her mind about Prithvi and his family. She tried to push them away. She didn’t want the answers. Not until she felt more prepared for them.

 “She’s also young enough to be your great-grandchild. So stop salivating,” Prithvi answered irately.