The Moonchild: Part 6

“Your answer, Ms. Chatterjee?”
Samiksha stopped at his callout but refrained from turning back. He might notice the blush on my cheeks, she thought.
“You will have to wait for the verdict, Mr. Lawyer.” Saying these sweet words, Samiksha rushed out through the door.
“You forgot to bid Goodnight to your Bandhu,” Karan spoke again.
“You do it on my behalf.” Samiksha disappeared from his sight, leaving him in suspense.
Karan smiled to himself and stared at the bright moon in the sky. Straightening his collars, he declared,
“You have a competitor now. Beware.” Chuckling alone, he left the terrace.

Down in the main hall, all relished the snacks served. Kalyani was in the kitchen waiting for Samiksha. As soon as she saw her, she jumped for joy.
“Shotti (Truly), I strongly feel I have few days left with my sis. Correct me if I am wrong.” Kalyani waited in anticipation for Samiksha’s reply.
“Hmm. He is not bad. I mean, tell me the truth, Kalyani, first.”
“What truth?”
“You are not upset that he liked me?”

“Ki?

“Are you out of your mind? Samiksha, we barely talked to each other yesterday. Practically nothing developed between us. So, from where does the question of my being upset arise? My sweetheart, I know you from head to toe. You always think of how to make others happy. That is the reason you are overthinking. But trust me. I swear I will be the happiest person if you and Karan are together.” She cupped Samiksha’s face in her palms. “You liked him?”

Karan walked down the stairs and sat with the others. Meanwhile, Lakshmi and Pooja had already left the hall. Hemant cleared his throat and looked at Karan.
“I am awaiting her reply,” Karan spoke slowly to him.
“Karan, even we are eager to know. Did you both talk?” Mohandas could not hide his anxiety. Karan replied with a smile, “Yes, Da.”

Samiksha hugged her sister instead of replying. Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. Kalyani kissed her forehead and replied happily,
“God bless both of you. I am so happy for you, Samiksha.” The sisters embraced each other happily, sharing their new joy.
Pooja and Lakshmi entered the kitchen at that very moment and looked at each other.
“What is happening here, girls?” Lakshmi asked both sisters, exchanging a quick look with Pooja.
“Can you guess, Ma? Samiksha liked Karan.
Both ladies were equally happy to hear the news. Lakshmi took Samiksha in her warm embrace.

“My darling daughter.

You have no idea I am so happy hearing this. Karan is a good man. Whether he chose you or Kalyani, I wanted him as my son-in-law. Be satisfied always, my child.” Samiksha could not hide her emotions. Lakshmi had never differentiated between her and Kalyani. Both Mohandas and Lakshmi ensured that Samiksha never missed her parents.
“Let me tell this good news to everyone outside.” Wiping her tears of joy, Lakshmi went to the main hall.

At once, everyone turned their heads to her when they saw her walking towards them. The glow on her face revealed joy and satisfaction. She offered everyone sweets merrily. Karan was eager to know the reason behind Lakshmi’s happiness. At the same time, Kalyani tried to call him from the kitchen door. Hiding behind the curtain, she ensured no one except Karan saw her. She waved her hand to get his attention. At once, he saw her. She showed him a paper with something written on it. He tried to read it as if he were afar. It was written, ‘The verdict is in your favor.’ Karan’s joy knew no limits.

Lakshmi announced, “It’s time to celebrate. Samiksha has said yes.

I just spoke to her.” Mohandas jumped from his chair. “Shotti? Bhala khabara. (Good news) Dada, did you hear?”
His father was equally overwhelmed. “Yes, Mohan. Indeed, that is pleasant news. Lakshmi, I will eat sweets today. My Samiksha is getting married.”
Hemant patted Karan on his back. “I am glad.” Mithila got up and embraced her son.
“I knew she could not refuse my gem. She is just the right match for our son.”

The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm. Karan was delighted that Samiksha had accepted his proposal. Meanwhile, Hemant Sen gestured for Mohandas to come aside for a word.
“Tell me, Da, what is it?”
“Basically, we hail from Kolkata. We don’t know many people here in Durgapur. Our family friend Lalit suggested your name to us. He has told us everything about you. But still, I have one thing to confirm.”
“Yes, Da, go ahead.”
“Is Samiksha your blood brother’s daughter?”
“Of course, yes. Do not mind, but why did you ask this?”

Hemant replied,

“I am very particular about religion and caste, Mohan Da. Yours is upper caste. So I wanted to confirm if Samiksha belongs to the same. That is all.”
“Don’t keep any doubts in your mind, Da. She is my brother’s daughter. Her parents passed away when she was very young. Since then, Lakshmi and I have raised her like our own daughter. Anything else?”
“Not at all. Thank you for the clarification. Come, let us talk about other things.”

Samiksha’s grandfather was happy beyond words. He, too, participated in the discussion heartily. It was July, and the dates of the engagement and marriage were fixed in August. They consulted their family ceremony Pandita and decided on the respective dates.

Samiksha peeped from the curtain to see Karan.

He smiled at her. Stealing a glance from all present, he expressed his feelings with gestures. First, he pointed to her and then up, signaling the moon. Next, he pointed towards himself and then to her. Raising his eyebrows, he asked her if she understood. It was clear to her that what the moon was for her, she became the same for him. She nodded and blushed behind the curtain.

Karan and his family went to Kolkata the next day.

Stay tuned for Part 7…

Experience the heart-touching story of two people separated by fate. Here 👉 https://blogbyhema.com/2021/04/22/they-were-passionately-in-love/