“Naaniiiii…….” Darsh approached Naani standing near the window and touched her feet, “Paay laago” (Salutation)
“Darsh beta, jeeta reh” (Live long). Naani turned happily Pulling Darsh up. “How is your music practice coming along?”
“Not so well, Naani.”
“Why son, what happened? Haven’t you been practicing like usual?”
“I am, Naani…. But somehow not getting my usual focus like previous times…..So not getting my own satisfaction.”
“Why unable to focus? Are you suffering from ‘alone in love lane” syndrome?”
“ohhh Naani” Darsh whined, “You are just pulling my leg, aren’t you?”
Naani threw her head back and laughed heartily. This boy had still not learnt to admit his feelings. Same as how Chiku had refused to accept his love and care for Chandni earlier. Settling on the bed nearby, she stretched out her tired legs and regarded Darsh with deceptive casualness.
“Got to meet Chiku before he left?”
“Yes Naani, he had dropped over to my studio.”
“Did he mention anything about whom he has gone to meet?” Naani kept her tone deceptively nonchalant while giving him an appraising side eye.
Dipping his head, Darsh caught her gaze, his soft smile making it clear he had caught her trying to trick him to spill the beans….The innocent expression saying he didn’t mind.
“Nah….not really…..”
“Really?.....” Naani raised her brows challenging Darsh.
“Naaaani ….. It’s AD’s story to tell; Don’t ask me…..”Darsh smiled with a boyish charm. “I am done with lifetime quota of taking beating for his misdoings…… not again please…….” Darsh tried wooing Naani back to good mood with his child-like pleading.
Naani’s expressions instantly morphed into concern, “That means this visit does have some misdoing of Chiku.”
“No Naani, I don’t mean that.” Darsh sat by her side putting his hand around her shoulders to appease her. “Everything is going to be OK.”
“And what if it does not? Who will have his back then?”
“I will!….. Always, Naani!” Came out a soul stirring truthful response, making Naani turn to him…. Hope struggling to hold back tears shimmering .
“Will you? Really?”
“On my life, Naani!”Came the instant reply without any hesitation.
So disarmingly straightforward….. His eyes so very honest….. Naani’s motherly concerns appeased a little. Without volition, she stood up.
“Chiku is completely different than you and Miku.”She was thinking aloud, “Such one-track mind that he refuses to listen to any reason…… I have seen that when he believed Chandni to be culprit…… I had tried every argument possible, every tactic feasible…..just to stave off his explosion……His hatred, his anger could destroy everything…. Himself and Chandni both…..his heart………so obsidian” Her voice shook with despair, concern, frustration….Everything!
“No Naani!” Darsh stood up and walked towards Naani, “He’s opposite. Rather, I’ll say he has the softest heart amongst all of us…. And so pure, it’s radiant with light.”
A sad smile forced its way to Naani’s lips. This boy was genuinely a true friend. Almost blind to all Chiku’s flaws.
“Not when he is angry….. as passionate as his love is, equally fervent is his anger….. and once the anger sets in, it starts controlling his love.”
Darsh’s expressions shadowed. Naani was sagacious. Was there an element of truth in her words?
Breaking the trail of her reflecting reverie, Naani looked at Darsh. Had she petrified his poor innocent soul?
“I miss your Ammi huge every time I am worried about Chiku’s anger. She was my closest confidante. She had the knack to manage his fuming frustrations.” An easy smile came to Naani’s lips with Ammi’s thought.
Darsh looked up and smiled back, “She could manage all three of us and in every required way!”
It was so true!..... In London, Ammi had been the person who had dedicated herself to the wellbeing of these three kids. Everyday, she was the person who waited patiently, while these children continued their playing after school and delaying their return to their individual homes. Sometimes, engaged in their fun and frolic kids simply refused to get in the car , she would then lovingly urge the kids to stop and return home.
For every squabble of the kids, she was the arbitrator. For every pain or hurt, she was the pacifier..... But somehow, God had chosen to take her away from everyone.
As if to deny his mind the permission to go to the pessimistic thought, Darsh shook his head and smiled wider at Naani putting his hand around her reassuringly, “Don’t worry yourself over AD, Naani. You remember, amongst all three of us, Ammi had the most faith in AD..... He’s going to be OK.... I won’t let it happen in any other way; I promise. It’s true….I had escaped to Paris earlier, he suddenly took flight to India…Both of us kept no touch with you and finally you had to struggle alone to reach India to ensure his wellbeing…..Now that we are united, I won’t let such things happen again.”
Appeased by his words, Naani smiled and cupped his cheek, “You are a gem!”
“What’s happening with CD, Naani? She looks like she is down in the dumps totally…… She should have chosen to accompany AD, right naani?”
Naani gave a smirk making a shrugging gesture, “Chiku and Chandni are like earth and potter…. Both will shape each other and also permanently mark each other…… I am done with those two now…. Just about to give up!”
Instantly, Darsh broke out in a big grin, “Will you, Naani?..... Really?.... You want me to believe that?”
Naani shrugged unapologetically, “Forget about them. For them, every black night will bring a beautiful lighted morning. That’s their equation. Don’t worry your mind over them, just focus on your programme practice……. I called you for a special reason. I wanted to ask for a favour.”
“Don’t say favour Naani, just order!” Darsh was surprised at heart as he thought she had called him for AD’s concern. Perhaps there was another motive.
“Leela wants to go to Salszburg with me. We are also planning on inviting few friends with us. Chiku had said he would do the arrangements, but maybe he’s busy. Could you help?”
“Of course, Naani! When do you want to go?”
“If we could leave today after lunch, that would be very nice.”
“Today? Naani, you’ll miss my show then…. Why don’t you go after the show?” Darsh appealed.
“Oh No, Darsh beta! It’s your program for your fans. You must give them whatever they want. For me, sing some beautiful bhajan some other day.”
“But Naani, how can you go alone like that? I will have my programme postponed.”
“Don’t you dare! I am not alone. Leela is with me. Our friends are there.”
“Yes Naani, but then Pooja and Aadi will want to come with you. I was looking forward to having my buddy attend my programme. Rather, he will also be disappointed, he said he wanted to come.” His face clouded with worry.
“I don’t want Pooja, Aadi, Chandni, Miku anybody. Why can’t you young kids give us oldies some private time. There is so much that we want to do and you people are of no use!” Naani feigned mockery with sheepish conspirational grin.
“Oh naani! You are too much; but you are my responsibility, especially that AD is not there. I can’t let you guys go like that.”
“Don’t start acting like Chiku. I’ll take Murli maybe. He’s a good chap. Helps me every time…… And then there is Shilpa, too. She can look after my small needs and the girl will also enjoy the beauty of the place…. If you want, you can send one of Chiku’s security men with us…. That’s more than enough!”
Darsh couldn’t quite make out what was going on Naani’s mind, but he was overall OK with her suggestion so he let the matter go without any further questions.
“Come on, Naani. I’ll take all of you out for lunch. As such, I’ll be busy from now on. ….won’t have time to spend with family.”
“OK, call everybody.”
The entire clan entered the joint creating a commotion with their loud happy chat. Nobody wanted to go to plush swanky closed place; so Darsh chose an open roadside joint with great food. Chandni had been making the best effort to hide her melancholy mood but at heart, she felt like a fish out of water amongst her very own close people.
In the hullabaloo for seating, Shikha purposely went to opposite side of group and took a corner seat, her eyes steadfast on Miku. Somehow unaware of her gaze, Miku pulled out a chair for Chandni and was about to take seat next to her when Darsh pulled him.
“You go and sit next to your gal, let us sit on this side.” Darsh had noticed Shikha.
“It’s OK, I’ll sit next to Bhabhi. Her mood is off.”Miku didn’t really get the hint with his thoughts obsessing over Bhabhi’s mood.
“Would you shut your mouth, Laxman ke Avataar! We’ll take care of CD, don’t worry! Listen a little bit to your elders.” Darsh made light of his words with his gesture.
Shikha hadn’t missed a thing and was going red. She would rather that Miku sat wherever he wanted than others coming to know of his obvious choice. Most of all, she didn’t want anybody to know of her total disappointment in her fiancé.
“Miku may be Lakshman; but Advay is nowhere Ram, right so Maa?” Leela Maasi joshed while settling in her seat.
“Why not? Chiku is no less in his parental devotion and dutifulness.” Naani replied casually as she took her place.
“True but Ram was one-woman man and Advay was almost going to marry Sasha though he was already married to Chandni.” Maasi insisted explaining her comment further.
“Sorry Maasi, but he would never have gone through the façade he was creating. He was every bit true to our marriage vows and will always be.” Chandni rose to her husband’s defense.
Darsh looked up from the menu his eyes resting on her and then on Naani. Naani’s gaze was fixed on Chandni with a content smile. She had discerned right earlier about not having to worry about AD-CD relation, thought Darsh. These two would become hands and glove back again in no time. His thoughts then went to her words about AD’s anger. Did she have some uncanny ability to foretell future? His mind clouded with worry.
“Some wine for everybody, what you guys think?” In her patent style, Pooja managed to divert the topic and refrain her mother from picking an argument.
Everybody agreed on white wine. Chandni checked with Aadi and chose mocktail for them. “What about you, Naani?” Chandni had picked Pooja’s cue.
“I’ll go with wine.”
“Naani, you’ll have alcohol?” Chandni was flabbergasted.
“Why not? It’s no sin. Even in our religion, alcohol is solemnized. The restriction is only on over consumption.”
“Naani is right, CD! You should give it a try. If we all enjoy, so will you….. And one thing for sure, knowing AD, he’ll be happy if you join him for a drink.” Darsh coaxed Chandni.
Chandni realized the truth of Darsh’s words. She remembered the times when Dev wanted her to try a drink. It would perhaps add another dimension to their lovemaking. She blushed with the thought. Trying to hide her thoughts, she spoke fast, “Not this time, maybe some other.” With my Dev! She completed her sentence in her mind.
Pooja chin waged with Darsh sitting next to her. “Just watch how red her face has gone…. She’s blushing like a new bride.”
Chandni blushed all the more. It was something she could never control. Even Dev teased her all the time. ‘Tumhare gaal laal ho rahe hain’. She remembered his words.
Darsh laughed heartily at her embarrassment. Pooja joined him. Till then, drinks arrived and everybody cheered.
Darsh allowed himself to linger in his happy feeling as he took a long sip of his drink. Such moments had become once in blue moon for him. After Ammi, baba hardly invited anybody home, neither did he. Most of the times, meals were lonely affairs with both being generally busy in their own work and miles away, physically as well as emotionally….. Not that, love and care was any less, it was just that this kind of happy chatter was missed… He could only enjoy it with this family of his and there was no way he would let go of that…as he earlier promised Naani, he would not distance himself again.
Naani’s judicious eyes did not miss any details around the table. Though Chandni participated in the chat, her heart was not in anything, neither the drink nor the company. While she was happy about the ease and laughter between Pooja and Darsh, the uneasy friction between Shikha and Miku troubled her. Especially when Shikha refilled her glass a third time and gulped the whole down, she raised her brows, yet refrained from making a comment.
“I’ll eat jelly custard.” Aadi demanded clamorously.
“No! You’ll eat food first. You can have jelly later.” Pooja tried to admonish patiently.
The slight argument turned into squabble at a lightening speed. With everybody arbitrating, finally Aadi got fruit and jelly while others had their food. Pooja was exasperated at Aadi’s obstinacy and fidgeted with her food.
“It’s Ok, Pooja.” Darsh tried appeasing her.
“You don’t understand, DD!…. Day by day, he is becoming demanding and irrational in every matter…. I really don’t like such ways.”
Pooja’s tone was terse and it robbed away some of the pleasure from Aadi’s face of having got his demand. He stopped interim wearing a hangdog look.
Darsh smiled softly, “We did the same when we were younger, yet we are raised OK today, aren’t we? It’s not him and not at all a defiance, it’s just his age!”
Pooja agreed with his words. She remembered the times she herself had been defiant, in actions if not so in words and look where it had brought her, finally.…... She repented her decisions now and her motherly heart feared Aadi becoming unhappy later.
Darsh watched her reticence taking it as her acceptance rather than her reminiscent repentance and Aadi enjoyed his jelly feeling it with his fingers..
Everybody enjoyed food with light chat here and there. Outwardly, it was just a family outing but to Naani’s experienced eyes, it was unfolding riveting future possibilities.
When Aadi had finished his jelly, Pooja coaxed him in having some food; but as always, he insolently refused. Just then, Darsh intervened with a patient smile and a coaxing yet assertive proposal. It dawned upon Naani that such male support was becoming very essential for Pooja to raise Aadi correctly. And then, she couldn’t miss that Darsh’s world suddenly filled with sunshine every time Pooja laughed with him. She wondered when he was going to voice his feelings or maybe Pooja could.
On the other side, Veer was doting over his sis in law trying to lift up her gloominess. Chandni in turn responded to him easily, reciprocating his love like a younger brother. She was fried in her and Chiku’s man woman friction and Miku seemed to be a nice bloomer relief to her scorching heart…… It was going to be a long time before Chiku and Chandni both found the equilibrium in their relation. In all their raving and ranting, both would endlessly scorch and burn….. Especially Chandni, since Chiku was an inferno....... Miku’s presence would always be like water on fire.
In her heart, Naani once again thanked Miku’s Abbu Ammi. With all their love and selfless caring, Miku had turned out to be an innocent boy man, not a hint of selfishness `in him and passionate in protecting his own clan. These continual encounters between Chiku and Chandni affected his young heart same as Aadi. The older pair really needed to take ahold on their conflagration or otherwise all these young hearts were going to be burnt.
Not really making justice to her meal, Chandni checked her phone a hundred and one times; but not once did she press the call button. Naani knew both Chiku and Chandni had ranted and screamed at each other but now both needed to plunge in, letting their egos turn to ash and meld forever.
“Miku, did you connect with your Bhai after he left?” Chandni checked with miku…….an ease in their relationship.
“Nahi Bhabhi! Should I try now?”
“Oh Yes!” She jumped with zest but then dampened her tone feigning indifference, “He should have called to check up on all of us. Maybe you should check upon your elder bhai.”
The Bhabhi-devar duo shared a strong and sparkling tie. It was a special pair actually, both having each other’s best interest at heart. A lot of things were Ok and allowed in their relation. Miku would otherwise not allow anybody to dictate his actions. But when it came to his Bhabhi his entire demeanor changed. He could even take on his own Bhai to protect her, he could sacrifice his own pleasure to make her happy.
Just then there was a loud clinging noise and everybody looked up. Shikha had dropped a fork. She gave everybody an apologetic look and then turned to Miku, her eyes pleading and at the same time challenging him.
Miku was just about to ring his Bhai but he knew it was more urgent to pick up the fork and get Shikha another one. A little helpless before his love, he bent down and retrieved the fork and just signaled to the server in a jiffy; but his mind was somehow focused on his Bhabhi’s wish to connect with Bhai so the missing fork wasn’t such big an issue. Shikha heaved an angry sigh when he got busy in trying to call his Bhai while she still hadn’t got a fork.
“Bhai’s phone is coming engaged, maybe he’s in some important call.” He updated his Bhabhi and she nodded.
“You could try again a little later maybe……”She wasn’t ordering him, rather she was softly urging in the most feminine way.
Naani was watching every detail with discerning eyes. So, her plan of making Chandni miss Chiku had not really worked. Rather, Chandni was now on another tangent to not give the call herself but have others call him. And whatever was going on between Devar-Bhabhi, it seemed like Shikha was not very happy about it. Naani pondered over Shikha’s act.
The fork hadn’t just fallen; it was purposely dropped. Why would Shikha do that? All these days that Naani had seen her, she was a sensible girl, a bit tad too possessive over Miku at times but overall, there was an intensity in her, a potential one sensed which showed a strong character. She wasn’t really dependent on Miku rather such dependency was shown by Chandni more. Naani couldn’t put her finger on it; but things didn’t seem very right between Shikha and Miku.
It was a tense call! Advay had conferenced Mamaji and PP when Miku was trying him.. Advay chose to ignore Miku’s call as the hurdle newly surfaced in PP Meghna’s relation required immediate attention.
“Do you love Meghna?”Advay’s tone was terse.
“What do you mean?” PP erupted, “Of course, I love Meghna.”
“What does love translate into in your terms?”
“What do you mean? I am not getting you!” PP sounded irritated.
“Does your loving Meghna means accepting her along with the baby and protecting both lifelong?”
Advay’s voice made an icy chill pass through PP’s veins. “Yes Of course I will!” He put up the best front possible.
“Then why did you allow your mother to put Meghna in such trauma this time? If it happens now, it could happen anytime in future, even if you’re married.”
“I tried protecting her, OK! Such thing can happen anywhere, even with you and Chandni.” PP tried defending himself with a reverse attack.
Advay knew PP for who he was, all his weaknesses; yet his jab hurt deep in reference to Chandni. Now Chandni was his wife, his life and he would not allow anybody to hurt her physically or emotionally. But earlier a situation worse was faced by Chandni through Maasi and Advay had done nothing to protect her. He would carry that stigma in his heart all his life.
As of now, he just needed to handle PP so that Meghna’s security was ensured lifelong.
“It’s not about me, PP. It’s about you! What defines you? Are you the little prince of your mother or the majestic King of Meghna’s heart?”
“What do you mean? I don’t get you.” PP was irked.
“Advay beta, let’s not get into all this. Have you been able to think of some way out?” Maamji intervened to pacify both almost at war parties.
“Yes, Mamaji.” Advay was immediately polite to Mamaji. “That’s why I was asking PP that question, not to challenge him.”
“PP somehow you’ll have to convince your mother that the baby is yours and Meghna’s…… I hope, in your mind it’s like that.”
“Yes Of course! Myself and Meghna have spoken many a times about the baby. She mentioned that she will not part with her baby and I am not ready to give up on Meghna. And of course, I want the baby, too!” PP came out promptly but then got confused, “How do I convince my mother about the baby being mine? Shall I tell her that I think of that baby as mine.”
“No! Never! You tell her the baby IS yours!”
“But how?”
“Why PP?...... That’s why I asked you the question earlier. Your mother grants you everything, right. And you know your ways around her to get your things done. Then find your own way to convince her.”
“But how? What do I say?” PP was perplexed.
“Why PP?...... Do I have to mention your previous deeds and your ways?” Anger crept back in Advay's voice as he had not forgotten that Chandni had been drugged and found in a separate room while she had only gone to the pub with him. “Just rewrite history to suit the choices you’ve now made.”
PP had himself not forgotten that incident either. Initially, he had just wanted to spend a night with her and then go away. She had somehow never touched his heart the way Meghna’s sincerity had touched his very core. She had changed him in and out and he was ready to go to any length for her sake. He had actually imagined everything to be under control but life had thrown him a curveball with his mother’s refusal.
“I am not yet clear, Advay Beta. What do you exactly want to say?” Mamaji questioned voicing PP’s own worry.
“Well, Mamaji….. Meghna, while In Banaras, went on college trips, right? ..... PP met her on one trip, drugged her and now Meghna’s child is his child.”
“Why will she buy that?” Mamaji challenged further.
“Why won’t she? If PP himself confesses to her and especially with such history known about PP earlier.” Advay maintained a firm stand.
“Oh yes! I can do that. I can even say that Mamaji and Meghna will pull me to court if I don’t marry her. That will make her giveher consent.” PP was suddenly bursting with enthusiasm.
“What rubbish!” Mama disregarded the idea completely.
“No Mamaji! For once, I think PP is getting on the right track….. But PP, you should keep this as your last resort. Try your normal Mother Son emotional blackmailing first.”
“What if she asks for proof or challenges us?”mamaji was still not convinced.
“THEN WE GIVE HER THE PROOF, MAMAJI”. Advay took a pregnant pause; while Mamaji and PP had no clue whatsoever.
“We manipulate PP’s DNA report so that he appears as the baby’s father through paternity test.”Advay threw open his trump card. Mamaji and PP both could not believe their ears; but yes, it would be a full proof.
“I will call up some contacts of mine and they will get in touch with you. Mamaji, you’ll have to get the baby’s report done first from the orphan center itself. PP’s report will be then adjusted.”
Advay was truly a Man of action…… and at the same time, a very caring human heart, “Mamaji and PP both, for the time being let us not tell Meghna about this manipulation. She is a honest to God girl and she will not entertain the idea of deceiving her future mother in law…… PP, it’s on you to convince your mother in such a way that matters don’t reach up to DNA report level. If possible, we shall avoid that……Start convincing your Mom and let Mamaji begin making the Baby’s DNA report.”
“Why Beta? If his mother agrees, we will not need baby’s DNA report.” Mamaji queried innocently.
“No Mamaji, that report is still needed….. It will clear Chandni’s name in the village. Without that, she may not get acceptance from people as Mahantani!”
The whole plan suddenly dawned upon Mamaji. Advay was killing two birds with one single stone. While focusing on one problem, he had simultaneously resolved another huge problem.
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A long Chapter but very important.... lot of hints coming out for next tracks.... Wise readers, any guesses?
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