Chapter 42

In his profession of over twenty-five years, Doctor Shailesh Kumar had watched more people die than he could admit. Yet, nothing had prepared him for what he was witnessing today.

His hands became sweaty and his fingers trembled as he tried to revive Birendra Singh Malik, whose vitals seem to be dropping too fast and too sudden.

“Birendra” his voice was gravelly and his mouth was dry, as he tried a cardiopulmonary resuscitation using his shaky hands.

He had been sitting right beside Birendra, holding his hand and telling about how much he needed him to be around when Birendra’s pulse had started falling.

“Kumar” The word had been a gasp on Birendra’s lips and his eyes had started drooping all of a sudden.

Doctor Kumar had immediately rushed to his side and tried to administer an injection but Birendra’s breaths were becoming short.

“Hold on, Birendra” Kumar had been frantic and called out Akash’s name. But there was no response. Even though, he could hear some commotion down the hall. It seemed that someone was arguing outside.

Much to his Kumar’s alarm, Birendra’s eyes were completely shut and his pulse was steadily low, his breathing coming at far intervals.

That’s when he had started the CPR using his hands before Hema, the housemaid, had walked into the room with a tray of food.

“Give me that box, quickly” He barked at the woman, pointing towards the device placed on a nearby shelf.

She immediately set aside the plate and reached for the instrument which allowed for mechanical chest compression.

“I’ll call Akash bhaiya and Arnav bhaiya” Hema said, eyes widening at the sight before her.

“No. Help me set this up, first. Quickly” Doctor Kumar spoke, voice shaky and his heart filling with dread, as he opened the box and began to adjust it around Malik.

The voices outside became louder, but Doctor Kumar could not make out a single word that was being said, his mind too focused on the man before him, unable to breathe.

“Move, let me do it” He said to Hema whose hands were trembling too, and she was gaping at the scene unfolding before her eyes. She immediately stepped back and watched the doctor in silence, waiting to see if he needed help with anything else.

“Birendra, can you hear me? Breathe” Doctor Kumar applied more pressure on Malik’s chest but nothing seemed to work.

The room was quiet save for the beeping of the machine and Kumar’s panicked heartbeats.

“No! Come on, Birendra” Kumar said, his voice breaking as the monitor before him flat lined.

“They are fighting outside” It was Hema’s voice that made Doctor Kumar hold his sobs, stop himself from breaking down.

“Leave us alone” Doctor Kumar spoke too quietly, and she walked out of the room.

The silence in the room was broken by the muffled voices outside.

YOU WANT HIM TO DIE? Arnav was saying.

Kumar looked at the still form of Malik on the bed and the hollowness inside his mind grew.

.

“I WANT HIM TO DIE?”

It was Akash’s voice this time, propelling Kumar to step away from the bed. He couldn’t stop looking at the bed, though.

Kumar had to turn his gaze and rush out of the room.

.

“He’s going to the hospital. That’s FINAL”

Kumar heard Arnav saying, watched Akash trying to stop Arnav’s way. The brothers stood in the hall, not ten feet from where Doctor Kumar watched them. Both their faces were filled with rage and hostility, and it was this sight that made Doctor Kumar let out the words in a hollowed, empty voice.

“STOP FIGHTING”

There was no point of arguing any more.

“It’s too late” the words left Kumar’s mouth and shock registered on Arnav and Akash’s face.

“No” The word slipped from Arnav’s mouth first, and then he was rushing past Doctor Kumar, Akash following after him.

But, Kumar found himself unable to move, unable to look away as the frail frame of Devyani appeared in his vision.

She had heard the commotion too and made her way into the hall, led by NK.

Doctor Kumar watched and waited for some kind of triumph to reflect on Devyani’s face. She wanted this. She must be the happiest woman in the house.

But, those old eyes remained clear of any malice, no delight shone in them.

Doctor Kumar felt his knees giving up, buckling under his weight.

It was NK and Khushi who rushed to his rescue, holding him up.

“He’s gone” Kumar felt the first wave of sobs rising in his throat, but he would not cry. Not before Devyani. Even if she seemed somewhat distressed by the news!

It was Khushi whose arms wrapped around him, and he could hear her sobs, could feel her tears as they soaked his sleeve.

“I can’t go inside. I can’t look at him” He said, voice breaking, as Khushi tried to guide him back to the room. She wanted to see Malik.

But, he would not go back in that room.

~~**~~

Arnav was the first one to reach the room, his sprint coming to a halt at the entrance as he spotted the unmoving form of his father on the huge bed. There was an instrument setting on the bed too, a device that Doctor Kumar might have used to help his father.

“He’s really gone” Arnav said, walking into the room as though he hadn’t really believed it until this very moment. Akash was right behind him, too unnerved to say anything. He simply walked up to the bed and removed everything that was placed on it. Then, he sat down on the bed, looking at his father’s peaceful face.

Akash extended a hand to touch Birendra’s forehead but pulled it back. He looked up at Arnav who seemed to be breaking down. He could make out the tears that lingered in Arnav’s eyes.

“I couldn’t say goodbye” the words left Arnav’s mouth while Akash used the thin comforter to cover the body.

“I am so sorry, Akash” But, Akash couldn’t meet Arnav’s gaze, struggling to hold his own tears.

More footsteps sounded and then Lavanya, NK and Devyani were walking into the room. Everyone was quiet until Khushi came in, bringing Doctor Kumar along with him.

Devyani moved towards Arnav, holding him against her frail body. She didn’t speak but Arnav hugged her back, finally letting his tears stream down.

“I’ll miss you Malik Uncle” Khushi’s soft voice reverberated in the room as she stepped close to the bed. Her eyes met Akash’s, and she read his pain there.

“We will all miss him” She spoke, reaching to Akash who hugged her instantly.

Doctor Kumar stood still in a corner, unable to look at anyone, especially towards the bed. It was NK who reached his side and asked him to sit down.

“The ambulance is still outside. What should I tell them?” He spoke in general, but no one answered.

He took that as the answer and exited the room.

A few more minutes passed before Doctor Kumar gathered some strength and moved towards the bed.

Khushi still stood there, holding on to Akash.

“We need to inform people and prepare the body” He spoke.

Akash nodded.

“Arnav, please call the pundit. We shall do everything by proper rituals” Kumar said and giving one last, long look towards the covered body, he rushed out of the room again.

~~**~~

A day later, Khushi sat cross-legged upon the white mat rolled upon the floor. She watched with heavy eyes as people trickled into the hall. Everyone wore white and their faces were sorrowful as they paid their respects to the mortal remains of Birendra Singh Malik. He was cremated yesterday afternoon and a puja was being held in the Mahal for his peaceful afterlife.

But, Khushi knew that her Malik Uncle was already at peace. He had told her that when she had gone to see him on her first morning in the Mahal. She had repeated the words to Arnav last night when he had been unable to fall asleep, still too wrecked by the loss. And then she had held him in her arms all night, both of them falling asleep in the early hours of the morning.

Her eyes met her father’s who was sitting a few feet from her, next to Devyani. He had told her not an hour ago that things will get better with time. She believed him. It seemed Akash had believed the words too when Shashi Gupta had hugged him and repeated the same words.

Everyone was grieving and Khushi wondered how she could make it easier for everyone, including herself.

This puja was a good distraction.

Her eyes slid to NK and Lavanya who had decided to stay for a few more days. NK seemed to be most worried about Doctor Kumar which was very kind of his part. In the short while, he had become quite close to both Malik and Doctor Kumar. She was thankful for his presence.

And Lavanya seemed to be concerned about Akash. She had barely left his side in the last forty-eight hours, always making sure to be around him. What was more striking for Khushi was that Akash didn’t seem to mind Lavanya’s presence.

Their squabbling had been become wholly absent; replaced by silent companionship.

Even Devyani Raizada seemed to have taken the news hard. She had comforted Arnav on the first day and then closed herself in her room until today.

It was as though the passing of Birendra Singh Malik had somehow brought everyone closer in the house. Akash had forgiven Arnav for keeping the news of Malik’s sickness from him and sought comfort in Arnav’s company.

Khushi was content. Sad but content!

She knew Malik Uncle would have been happy to see this change in everyone.

So, she watched the flames of the hawan crackle, and prayed that better times find them soon.

~~**~~

It was dinner time but as tradition demanded, food was not to be cooked in the house for a few more days. So, everyone stayed in their rooms and the house staff delivered whatever eatables were brought by the guests in the afternoon to everyone’s room.

Akash had chosen to take a walk on the roof, having refused the food brought by Hema. He knew Lavanya would find him and bring another plate. Just like she had done last night! They had eaten together and Akash hadn’t said much. Hadn’t asked why she was still being nice to him. It had felt good to have someone care for him, and he had wanted to be selfish for a night. He wanted her company so that he wouldn’t be forced to sit alone and think about his Baba.

He was sitting on the large swing when Lavanya’s footsteps sounded. As he had anticipated, she had a plate of food in her hands. Some sliced fruits, kheer, and a bowl of khichdi.

She offered him a smile when she noticed him on the swing.

She placed the plate on a table which was placed not too far from the swing set.

“The kheer is for you. Khichdi for me” She said as she sat down beside him on the swing.

He looked at her, reading her face.

It was remarkable how she didn’t look away, didn’t shy from his assessing gaze.

It was strange, the need he felt to shift closer to her.

His hand reached for her hand which was resting in her lap.

He held it tentatively, letting his fingers roam upon her fingers before clasping around them.

“Thank you” The word came out from him, as she squeezed his fingers, silently telling him she was here for him.

“Here” She spoke after a short while, drawing her hand from him and reaching for the plate she had brought along.

Akash thanked her again as she handed him a bowl and a spoon.

Then, they began eating.

~~**~~

Khushi finished her phone call with her father and then turned towards the bed to find Arnav still working on his laptop. His back was against the headboard and he was half sitting, the laptop placed on his legs as he worked.

“Why didn’t you eat the kheer? You like it” She asked him, moving onto the bed.

“I don’t feel like eating” He shook his head, looking away from the screen and towards Khushi.

“Arnav” Khushi spoke softly, letting him see the concern in her eyes.

Early in the morning, he had gone off to the school site and did not return until it was late afternoon. Then, he had called up Mr. Sahu, manager of Malik’s real estate business and asked him to email all the pending paperwork related to long-stuck deals.

Since then, he hadn’t left the bed and was working continuously.

“I am not hungry” He replied, offering her a forced smile so she wouldn’t worry. But, Khushi could see past it quite easily.

“If you’re not eating then neither am I” She replied making him frown.

“I am not eating because I have work to finish, Khushi” He answered.

“That’s three different answers. You don’t feel like eating, you’re not hungry and you are busy” Khushi said, her tone implying that she was not buying his excuses.

“All three of them are true. I don’t feel like eating because I am not hungry. And I have work to finish. Baba wanted me to get involved into this work and I need to work hard if I want to make him proud” Arnav replied.

“The work can wait, Arnav. None of us are in our best form, anyway. All of this” Khushi waved towards his laptop, “can wait”.

It seemed as though Arnav was going to disagree with her, but then he slowly closed the lid of the laptop and placed it away.

“Okay. What do I do now?” He asked, as if he really had no idea. Like work was his only escape from the grief that he felt inside him!

Khushi didn’t know what to tell him, how to help him through it. So, she moved closer to him.

“If you’re not hungry at the moment, then we’ll eat later” She said, voice slow and soft.

Arnav looked into her eyes and read what she was offering. A moment of togetherness, so both of them could stop thinking about their loss! He looked at the door that was locked and then back at her.

“Come here” He spoke, beseechingly and urgently, wrapping his hands around her waist and pulling her up against him.

Khushi didn’t wait for him and eagerly reached for his mouth, claiming his lips with hers.

“We’ll figure out every day. One by one. Moment by moment” She whispered against his lips, as his fingers nestled into her soft hair.

Arnav murmured in agreement, as he deepened the kiss, moulding her mouth against his.

His hands shivered as he used them to feel every dip and curve in her body while her hands roamed across his chest and back.

He marvelled at how much her touch affected him, driving every thought out of his mind except that he needed her even closer.

As if reading his thoughts, Khushi brought her hands under his t-shirt and pulled them up. Arnav raised his arms, helping her get rid of it.

For a second, he paused and looked at her beautiful face full of love for him. It made his heart swell with contentment and he brought his lips upon hers once again.

~~**~~

Two more days went by and NK knew it was still too early yet he walked into Devyani’s room. She was sitting down on the bed, immersed in some thought. Devyani’s stoic silence over Birendra’s death was something everyone appreciated. They knew she didn’t have a positive word to say about him so she refrained from saying anything. It was her way of showing respect for the dead and no one seemed to have a problem with it.

“Dadi” NK said by way of greeting, catching her attention. The look Devyani gave him made NK remember the last conversation he had with her, right before Birendra Singh Malik’s demise. That day, he had heard the interaction between Akash and Lavanya and then talked to his mother, confronting him about her matchmaking plans. To his surprise, Manorama had asked him to aid her.

“Lavanya is too naive, NK. This is a good match. If she agrees to marry Akash, she’ll have a secure future. Talk to her. Make her see reason!”

“Is it about her secure future, Ma? Or about getting rid of the market debts Dad told me about a few months ago?” NK had been straightforward.

“It’s about both. And what’s wrong in that? As family, shouldn’t the Maliks help us?” Manorama had said.

“They are not our family.”

“They can be. If we play our cards right! It wouldn’t too difficult to get Akash to agree. He seems like a simple man”

NK had to bite his tongue too hard to stop the bitter words that were about to leave his mouth.

“Akash is a good man, Ma” He had said instead.

“Hence a good match for your sister. Get it done, NK” Manorama had said and disconnected. After that, NK had spent a few good hours thinking about it. Then, he had gone to Devyani and explained everything.

Devyani had been enraged to hear of the matchmaking Manorama had planning without her knowledge or permission.

“Marry our child into this house? Where my Sujata died? Manorama has lost her mind” Devyani had replied heatedly.

But, it were NK’s next words that had put Devyani reeling.

“I think they already like each other. Lavanya and Akash”

“Are you aware of what you’re saying, Nand Kishor?” Devyani’s voice had been sharp.

“I am, Dadi. And I don’t think it’s because of Ma’s efforts. Both of them like each other but I don’t think even they realize it. They are not planning to get together..or marry” NK had informed her further.

Devyani had been quiet. Thinking!

It was then they had heard the voices outside, Arnav and Akash arguing and they had walked out of the room, leaving the conversation hanging.

NK hadn’t got the time to bring it up again and seeing Devyani’s expressions at the moment, it was apparent that she didn’t want to talk about it.

“It’s time” Devyani said, when he sat down next to her.

“For what?” NK asked.

“To leave! My weekly dialysis is due. I don’t want to postpone it any longer. I have already talked to Chote. Confirm with him if he has booked the tickets yet” Devyani answered.

“Is this because of what I told you about Lavanya and Akash, Dadi?” NK already knew the answer yet he asked anyway.

“It’s for a lot of reasons including that.”

“Have you told Lavanya that we are leaving?” NK asked.

“You can tell her to pack. We shall leave tomorrow” Devyani replied.

“But, Dadi..”

“No” Devyani’s voice was stern.

NK read the rest of the words in her face.

She would not even consider an alliance. Because Akash was a Malik!

NK stood up and walked out of the room.

~~**~~

Arnav and Akash were sitting down with Mr. Sahu, their business manager. He was explaining the problems that might arise in their business now that Malik was no more.

“What we need is a smooth transfer of the reins! Other investors in the company are waiting to hear from you” Mr. Sahu said, turning his gaze towards Akash.

“You’ll have to put out a statement about the passing away of Malik Saheb and an assurance that the company would be left in good hands”.

Akash listened but couldn’t find the words to react.

“I’ll make sure of it” Arnav replied.

“The sooner the better” The man said.

“Tomorrow” Arnav answered and looked at Akash who gave a slow nod of his head.

“Great. I’ll call a meeting” The man said and stood up after shaking Arnav’s hand.

“See you tomorrow, Akash” He placed a compassionate hand on Akash’s shoulder before leaving.

“Mr. Siddiqui should be here any minute” Arnav said after a moment’s silence, referring to Malik’s lawyer.

“For just the two of us?” Akash finally spoke, clearing his throat.

“I had asked Khushi to come in once Mr. Sahu leaves” Arnav informed him.

“What about Doctor Uncle?” Akash asked.

“He refused to join” Arnav replied and watched Akash’s face turn more solemn.

“He’ll be okay, Akash. All of us will be okay” Arnav said, knowing he would have to be the strong one right now. He also knew that it would take more time for Akash and Doctor Kumar to recover from this. Those two had spent most of their life with Malik, too used to being around him.

Two sets of footsteps sounded, Arnav looked up to find Mr. Siddiqui walking in with Khushi right behind him.

“Namaste, Uncle” It was Akash who stood up first. The man engulfed Akash into a hug and nodded towards Arnav.

“It wasn’t unexpected but still painful to hear. I am very sorry for your loss” He said to both the brothers while Khushi took a seat next to Arnav.

“Thank you” Arnav said and all of them settled down.

They waited as Mr. Siddiqui produced a bunch of documents from his briefcase, including Malik’s will.

Arnav knew what it contained, having read it by mistake when Malik had got it redone. He had had a rough moment with his father after reading that will. Thinking of the harsh words he had said then to Malik, his sorrow grew even more.

He listened patiently as Mr. Siddiqui began reading the will.

The Mahal was still in Arnav’s name. The real estate business was left in the hands of Akash.

“....I bequeath twenty-five per cent share holding rights of Malik and Sons. Corporation to Ms. Khushi Kumari Gupta, D/o Shashi Gupta.”

“What?” Khushi’s surprised words interrupted Mr. Siddiqui’s reading.

Arnav knew that part too. Had read it back then!

“Why me?” Akash looked at Khushi upon hearing her question.

“Because he loved you as much as you loved him” He replied slowly, feeling proud of his father for including Khushi in the will.

Khushi was still surprised and looked at Arnav who nodded.

“It’s what Baba wanted, Khushi” He said and reached for her hand.

Mr. Siddiqui resumed his reading.

All liquid assets were to be transferred to Doctor Shailesh Kumar along with a farm house in Kanpur. Various properties across the country divided equally between Arnav, Akash and Doctor Kumar. A trust fund for charity, to be used in any way Arnav and Akash wanted.

It was as if Malik had thought of everything.

Arnav, Khushi and Akash continued exchanging glances until the will was finished.

“Thank you, Mr. Siddiqui” It was Arnav who spoke first, once the lawyer put down the document.

“I’ll need the signatures of all of you on these papers. I have marked with a pencil about who needs to sign where. Please give me a call once they are signed. Someone from my office can come and collect them in a day or two” Mr. Siddiqui said, closing his briefcase.

“I will” Arnav replied and stole a glance towards Khushi who was ready to escort Mr. Siddiqui out.

She gave a short look which said she’ll come find him later and then she was following Mr. Siddiqui out.

“One thing taken care of, one more to go” Arnav exhaled as he lifted the folder containing the documents from the table.

“What else is left?” Akash asked, standing up, giving an inquisitive look to Arnav.

“Nani is leaving tomorrow” Arnav replied, opening his cell phone and checking his emails.

“She is?” Akash looked at Arnav.

“Yes. Her dialysis appointment is day after tomorrow. We had to reschedule last week’s appointment because of the wedding. But, we can’t delay it anymore. Aman has sent me the tickets. I need to forward them to NK” Arnav explained.

“NK is going too?” Akash asked, his eyebrows furrowing.

“Yes. All three of them! Nani, NK and Lavanya” Arnav replied and got busy in the phone, failing to notice the look of surprise on Akash’s face.

“Lavanya is...leaving?”

Arnav looked up and noticed the look on Akash’s face.

“She is! Why? Is there a problem?” He asked.

Akash stared at nothing for a second then looked at Arnav.

“Did she say that she wants to leave?” He asked again.

“No. But, they have to, right? It was nice of them to stay after…everything, but Nani needs to be in Delhi. With NK and Lavanya there with her, I’ll be less worried about her” Arnav answered, unable to understand why his brother looked so disenchanted.

“Right” Akash replied and then shot out of the room, making Arnav ponder.

Does Akash have a problem with Lavanya leaving?

~~**~~

It was dinnertime already but Lavanya sat in her room unable to decide what to do. NK had told her in the evening that they were to leave tomorrow. She was supposed to start packing but all she could think about was Akash. He needed her here. It was only her who had been able to talk to him these past few days. She too liked being there for him. Would he be alright if she leaves? Does she even want to leave? But, the most important question was the ‘why’. Why Akash has come to rely on her so much? Why does she even let him rely on her?

Because of their friendship? But if that’s the answer then why doesn’t he depend upon Khushi? She’s a much closer friend to him than she is.

She hasn’t known him for that long. Less than ten days and yet she couldn’t shake off the feeling.

As if on cue, there was a knock at her door and Akash stepped in, carrying a plate in his hands.

“I thought I should bring the dinner to you today” He spoke, eyes glued to her face.

“Oh, right. It’s dinner time” Lavanya looked at the clock.

“It is” Akash said and placed the plate on the coffee table. Then he sat down on the sofa.

Lavanya walked over to where he was sitting.

“Why did you trouble yourself today?” She asked while she sat down.

“For the same reason you have been troubling yourself for the last four days” Akash replied and slid his gaze to her, again.

Lavanya looked at him too.

“I heard you’re leaving tomorrow” Akash said.

“Because of Nani” Lavanya answered.

Silence spread for a short while during which Akash stared at Lavanya, and she stared at the plate of food placed on the table.

“What if I want you to stay?” Akash asked, making Lavanya look at him.

She saw the cautious expectation on his face.

“As friends?” She needed to know.

“I like you” Akash replied, not breaking his gaze and Lavanya sucked in a deep breath. He said it with so much conviction.

“Even though we haven’t known each other for long, and we bickered most of the time we were around each other…I like you” Akash continued and Lavanya found it hard to blink, to breathe too loudly lest the moment breaks.

“Every time you’re around me…I feel..alive and pulsating. I enjoy your company. And when you..”, Akash reached for Lavanya’s hand, “hold my hand, I feel better..like things would be alright. The grief..the pain…it lessens, somehow” Akash said, pushing the words out, letting his fingers interlock with hers, gaze unwavering.

“I don’t care that it was your mother who first thought of this idea, but, it feels like you’re what I need in my life. You understand me and I feel like I do understand a little about you. You and I..we..” Akash had to stop speaking as Lavanya leaned over and kissed him.

____________________

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