Chapter 13

Rudra saw their faces for the first time. Rajeev Mehra and Poonam Mehra.

It looked as if being part of America has not touched them in anyway.  They looked quite Indian. Doting parents of Myrah. There was a warmth in their eyes when they were talking to Myrah. Rudra was still standing away from the laptop. He heard Rajeev Mehra asking,” Where is your boy ?” Rudra was surprised that the Mehras wanted to see Dhruv first. Dhruv must be fast asleep by now. The children were so exhausted after all the drama earlier in the day. Maybe Rajeev Mehra did not remember the time difference between USA and India. Hence his interest to see Dhruv at this point of time. He was about to voice his hesitation to wake Dhruv up in the middle of the night when Myrah came near him and pulled his hand and took him near the laptop.

“Here Dad, this is Rudra.” It took Rudra a couple of minutes to register that Myrah’s father had addressed Rudra himself as the “boy”. And he was caught unawares and could only mumble a feeble “Namaste” to the Mehras. Then Rudra saw the change in expression. In Rajeev’s face. There was clear unhappiness in his face. A subtle change for any normal person to observe. But for the ex-Major who was taught to read face expressions – it was enough. Clearly Mr Mehra was not happy with what he saw on his monitor. “Hello” – Rajeev responded rather curtly.

“Hello Beta” came the joyous reply from Myrah’s mom. No dislike, no disapproval. Only acceptance. Half the battle is won, thought Rudra.

“Rudra, these are my parents. The dashing Rajeev Mehra and the beautiful Poonam Mehra. The beeeeeeessssssssssst parents in this whole world.“ said Myrah happily stretching her hands to indicate the world. Her world.

 

Rudra could see a little bit of apprehension on Myrah’s face. About how this first meeting will go. And that made Rudra a little nervous too. Rudra of the past was never bothered about creating a good impression on anybody. But now he is a changed man. And his Paro and their love are at stake. He did not want to start on a wrong foot with Myrah’s parents.

“Hello Sir. Hello Madam” Rudra mumbled again. His BSD circle always made him address strangers as Sir and Madam. “ What rubbish. Beta, call us Mom and Dad. We are not your clients.” pat came Poonam Mehra’s reply. “ Haan Rudra. They are going to be your parents too.”

“Haan. Par.......” Rudra was not sure what to say. Mom and Dad ? Kaise ? Pehle Kisiko bhi Aise Angrezi Mein..

Myrah could sense his hesitation. Maybe he is not happy with the English words. “ What do you call parents ? Haan Baapusa and Maasa. You can call them that.” Myrah suggested

“OK” Rudra agreed. He just wanted to get over this addressing procedures. If the starting itself is so lengthy how is he going to survive the knowing them and mingling with them part ?

Rudra could not help remembering the way he first met Paro’s only relative. Her Mamisa. In the middle of a big crowd in the village while he dragged Paro and taunted and goaded Mamisa to identify Paro. So that he could find Paro guilty by association !!