25 Chapter 25

She reached City J early the next morning and had asked her father not to come to the airport and pick her up since she had already decided to take a cab home. When she stepped out of the terminal to look for a cab, she could feel the morning chill and loved being back. The morning air was so fresh in her town and she took a deep breath and filled her lungs with the fresh, brisk air. She felt excited to see papa and Ankur again. For a moment all her past experiences faded away and she wanted to meet up with her family as soon as possible. She moved forward and was going to get a cab for herself when she viewed a familiar silhouette approaching her.

"Papa!" Sneha jumped with joy. Though she was extremely excited to see papa, she chided him softly, "Why did you come to pick me up papa? I said I'd take a cab and come home."

"How could this be possible Sneha?" And then he became serious, "I would never let you come by cab while here in City J. I would always come to pick you up." They looked at each other and they both started laughing.

This was the first hearty laugh she had had in the past twenty days and loved every minute of it. She caught hold of papa's hand, grabbed her luggage and they walked to the parking lot. On the drive back home she asked numerous questions about Ankur, the maids at the house and about his health but she never asked anything about Ramona aunty and Sumit uncle.

Raj was happy to see his girl beaming with joy. He knew that marrying her off to Rohan was the best decision he'd ever made. He knew Sneha was happy in her marriage and knew Rohan was a nice boy, well educated and well nurtured. He would give Sneha the best. Well, he was completely unaware of the true reality…

As soon as they reached home, Sheela came out. "Good morning baby," she greeted Sneha.

Sheela was an older lady who'd been with their family for over twenty-three years. She had lovingly taken care of both kids as they grew up and had been very fond of Sneha's mother, Mala. When Mala died, Sheela left no stone unturned to do anything she could for the kids. Sheela lived in servant quarters attached to the building along with her husband and daughter.

Sneha immediately jumped out of the car and hugged Sheela.

"How are you aunt Sheela? You're looking older," Sneha teased.

Sheela smiled at her and picked up Sneha's luggage. She couldn't help thinking, that 'baby' is looking thinner and tired. "I'm fine baby, it's so good to see you again," she replied.

Sneha walked into her home and noticed that everything was just as it was before she left. Papa hadn't changed a thing, nor had he moved any furniture even an inch from its place. She excitedly went to Ankur's room but Ankur was sleeping so she decided not to disturb him. Instead, she went to her room and lolled around on the bed. Her eyes started to become droopy from fatigue.