Chap 34 A New Bonding

While going back home, Ghazal was so engrossed in watching the sunrise from the car's window, she failed to notice Arun watching her beautiful innocent face, where heavenly lights were playing from the sky above. Her face glowed with happiness and her eyes twinkled with childlike innocence. They drove in silence, only voices to be heard were of the car engine and birds tweeting outside as they flew from their abodes in search of their daily bread.

Arun's voice broke the silence as he called her name, which brought her back from her trance. "I was thinking… since all your friends are here, we should throw a party at our farm house. What do you say?"

Ghazal couldn't believe her ears and simply nodded in the affirmative, unable to utter a word. "Ok then let's have it tomorrow, call your friends later in the afternoon so that they can arrange their program likewise. Will that be fine?" he asked.

"Yup, I think that would suit all of them since they are here for 3 days only." She replied, smiling at him.

This was a new Arun she has met since her marriage of 15 years. No doubt she was happy and much more relaxed in his company now, finding it easy to communicate with him. Reaching home and finishing the daily routine work and breakfast, she called her friends and invited them for the party. Arun handled the party arrangements and she decided to buy some gifts for her friends. She could sense her life taking a new turn, one which led to a smooth road lined with shadowy trees.

Party was a big hit with some of Arun's close friends joining too. Everyone enjoyed but what surprised Ghazal, was the fact that Arun and Mihir were busy chatting away for about half an hour oblivious of anyone else. She was pleasantly surprised to hear their collective laughter now and then, as if they were sharing some common joke. She thought of joining them first but then thought better to leave them alone, pleased to see their new-born companionship.

It was like a big family reunion and she loved the feel of it, enjoying every moment with her old friends and reliving those past years once again. Yet there was a sadness deep inside which reflected in her eyes now and then, and which only her best friend Mihir could sense. He knew she still felt that vacuum in her life which Vaibhav had left. He decided to do as much as he could to fill that vacuum, praying to God within his heart to grant him success. He decided to bring Arun and Ghazal closer, before he left for USA next month.