XV

" She!!...She!!...She!!....who is this 'she'" Sunita cried frantically as she saw Guruji walk pass the main iron gate of her house, " who are you.....tell me!!...." Rakesh hurried close to Sunita and made her sit down on the couch next to her, " Sunita....calm down dear....calm down" he pressed her head gently onto his chest, running his palm over her black shiny hair " don't let him get inside your head, I...I.. have seen the devastation before"

"Rakesh...Sunita....what was this?!!" Sunita's mother exclaimed, as she slamed the main door, as she returned back after seeing off Guruji. " Mother....I..." Sunita looked up to her mother and said slowly, " I think I should be the one answering this question...and not you Sunita" Rakesh interrupted Sunita, and spoke sharply looking towards Mrs. Devi and then looked at Sunita. Sunita stared open- mouthed at Rakesh, as he continued, " I will not tolerate any act of superstition, or even discussion about it, let me make it very clear to both of you..." Rakesh paused and then continued in a comparatively softer tone, " Maa...I know, you are very upset.....by my behavior and mostly because Guruji left because of me.....I understand...but..."

"..But?!!...but what Rakesh....are you even aware how humiliating it was for me in front of Guruji...and all his disciples.....all my life, I have always asked for Guruji's help for every small or big problem faced by me or my family....and Guruji has always helped me in some or the other way.....always!" Mrs. Devi stopped for a breath, her face red with anger, and then continued, " and today...what do I do.....I let my daughter and son-in law humiliate him....in front of everybody...everybody!!"

"Maa!...." Sunita fetched Mrs. Devi a glass of water, " just calm down....have some water....neither me or Rakesh had any intention of...." " What no intention....everything was evident.....it was so so disgraceful!......neither of you cared about my prestige!" Mrs. Devi inturrepted Sunita, and stormed towards her room"




/* how will Sunita bridge up her husband's and mother's relationship...check out in the next post*/