Threshold...Decision

Sujata checked the time yet again, yes it was time for her to leave Sunaina's three children were peacefully sleeping unaware of her plans. 

She pondered yet again whether she should wake up the eldest and tell her about her trip but then decided against it. The Ayah would do the needful and also keep an eye on them till she returned. 

Decision made she moved with quick quiet strides to the side gate of the bungalow where a taxi awaited her. The drive to the airport and the flight went in a haze and later she couldn't remember much of it. It was as if some other force were driving her. 

She came awake once the Delhi taxi started climbing the Himalayas. She pictured Deekshas happiness yet again on unexpectedly seeing her mom and wondered what her daughter would have to say about her plans. 

The taxi reached the town sometime after nine. Almost midnight by hill standards. She chose an unassuming hotel for her stay and registered under her maiden name. 

The night was spent lying fully dressed on a single bed waiting for dawn to arrive. 

The first rays of the morning sun found Sujata up and ready. She didn't wait for the hotel staff the open the main doors and slipped out through the service entry taking the early vendors by surprise. 

Face covered with a shawl she started walking towards the school. As she drew near her steps became cautious and she saw the man. 

He was reading a newspaper ostensibly however a closer look showed that his eyes were constantly keeping track of another figure ahead of him. Who was walking in circles close to the school gate with head bent down as if in great concentration. 

Sujata walked past the man with the newspaper and approached the guy. He looked up startled when she stopped in front of him. The man was puzzled till she took off her shawl then realisation dawned. From the corner of her eye she saw the newspaper man begin to fold his newspaper while walking towards them. 

Later when she related all this to Amit she felt like it was a film she had seen that she was narrating. Amit had a hard time believing that the man stalking their daughter had been Sujata's gurus son. He had been stalking Deekshas because his father on his death bed had entrusted him the task of asking her forgiveness on his behalf. Sujata told him that she forgave the guru on behalf of her daughter and this would have to suffice and the guy seemed relieved that his onerous duty was finally over. 

Sujata had returned home with her daughter resolving to never let her be far away from her again. 

Amit had agreed to her plan of having a natyagram a little away from the city where she and the children could live and learn while he visited as much as his business permitted him to.