6 chapter-6 Torn

Reema's mom grew weak as dawns passed, blamed herself for all mis happenings that happened in the past few weeks. Reema tried to convince her that she was not the one to be blamed for and it was completely useless , but Fatima did not listen and kept starving for days.

Reema came to me after a couple of weeks complaining all that had happened.

'I am in no position to speak for her' I mentioned. 'I'd doubt if I were to empathize with her , I might have done the same'.

She did not reply at first and then broke down. 'I can't afford to lose her too, she stated, how do you think I am coping with all of this toil?' she asked me then. I was wordless, and left in a void state by then.

'Coffee' I asked, she gazed at me with a look that probably said ' do you think I am hoaxing over here?' I could easily intercept her feelings over the course of time.

She moved out without saying a thing.

It was our last day at the lodge and I began pilling up my clothes to put them in , not in any organized matter though , she came to my room with a distinct smile and said ' So you're leaving soon?'

I nodded my head. At this point of time I couldn't speak to her , it felt like a huge block of brick on me weighing the whole world. But then I gathered all possible confidence required and asked her ' why don't you come and make yourself at ease with us? It would be great, mum would love to have you over...' She spoke up ' Its okay Nischit , you don't have to make me feel comfortable, I'm okay where fate left me , and I am okay with where it will lead me ,there's not a lot I have done in my life. Maybe after my progeny, things will get settled a bit more.

Later I went over to her room to help her pack her stuff . The orchid perfume she used dominated the whole room , except her hair,which gave of the calming scent of sandalwood. Her choices regarding her accessories have always been very specific, since childhood itself.

I asked her to visit me once in a while , thought it would be genuine of me to do so , she just inclined her head and said nothing, maybe us separating broke her heart once again, did I do any good meeting her in an inn?unexpectedly too. Was our fate to be blamed for whatever happened , no good in particular , or was I being a worrier , just making a fuss about little feelings that my heart felt.

I have to let her go now , I thought to myself and we were not ready to do so, separation clings on to my life like poor children cling onto their muffins to serve their appetite.

Next I heard was the voice of Reema, 'come live with me for a few days' she said.

' I am afraid I wont be able to fulfill your choices' I mentioned. ' I've to take back the specimens I collected and report as soon as possible.' I continued. 'Things would get complicated back at my work station if I delay'.

She sighs and grins a bit. Kind of a mixed emotion to be put into a sentence, and flees to call for a transport. A minute later she arrives with a car and I help her pack her belongings.

After we were done with the packing she looked at me and smileed faintly , more like a rewarding smile , I gazed into her eyes making me fall for them once again , 'So this is it!' she groans.

' I guess so!'.

She opened the vehicle door and stepped in, still smiling she waved at me , and I see a teardrop leaving her eyes , one more time.

Was I so unfair? What did I do besides making her weep all the time, every time we met, since childhood , am I being selfish for only thinking about feelings that belong to me or am I being cruel?

The car carrying her soon vanished at the far end of the lane.