Chapter 3

[MEMBERSONLY]
[NOCOPY]

Chapter - 2

Love – Unconditional!

Love an emotion that drives and rules over all its contemporaries, anything falling within the vicinity of feelings! Capable of invoking the biggest sacrifices and worst actions. Yet, in its purest and unadulterated form is selfless and devoid of expectations or conditions. Somewhere down that chartered journey of life, the very selfless emotion is corrupted and tarnished with selfish intents. I wonder when I say my love is unconditional, do I unintentionally harbour self-seeking motives. Am I also a culprit in tainting this pure gift of life!

Nagesh reached home, his mind made up, his resolve undeterred. His daughter, his Devi had suffered, she had borne the brunt of his negligence. This was his chance at redemption, his chance to change the course of events, his chance to give a better life to his daughter. He may not be able to alter the past but he will ensure that he will do everything in his power to restore back normalcy & happiness in his daughter’s life. His Devi will live again!!!

Next Morning (Breakfast Table)

Everyone was surprised to see Devyani dressed up waiting for everyone at the breakfast table. As a norm Devi was barely allowed to stray outside her room. Her meals were served in her room itself and her connect to the outside world was non-existent. But today amongst her family, excited to be seated beside them, and thrilled to enjoy her meal in their company

Bhavani (Glaring) – Devyani!! What are you doing here? Who got her outside?

Nagesh maintaining a calm, unperplexed demeanor sat next to his frightened daughter. He smiled at her, trying to ease the fear that Bhavani’s presence had caused in her. Petting her cheeks, he fed her the breakfast served in her plate, before speaking up

Nagesh – Quickly finish your breakfast. You are my best girl right! Then we have to go out right?

Devyani started to clap her hands in excitement.

Bhavani – Where are you taking her Nagesh? You know she is not allowed to go outside. I hope they are just some means for you to pacify her and nothing serious.

Tears started to well up in her eyes and Devyani looked up at her father with disappointed clearly washed over her face. But Nagesh was quick to ease out the crease that had started to form on his daughter’s forehead. Ignoring Bhavani completely he looked at Devi with his fatherly love.

Nagesh – It’s baba’s promise. (Turning to Bhavani) We will talk after Devyani has had her breakfast and she goes back to her room. I don’t intend to have this discussion in her presence. It will disturb her mentally or make her upset.

Bhavani – But..

Nagesh – Topic closed for discussion

Bhavani had never heard Nagesh speak to her in that tone. She knew better to keep quiet for now.

Devyani was back to finishing her breakfast, thrilled to go out with her baba. Samrat, Mohit & Virat sat close to her feeding her and teasing and laughing with her. They adored their sister, but they had little say in things when it came to her. How could they, when even her own father couldn’t do much. But they were happy to spend time with her whenever they could. They would sneak up to her room daily and shower their love on her and bring gifts to see that smile on her face.

Once Devyani had finished her breakfast, she was sent to her room by Nagesh. Though reluctant, she left when Nagesh promised to fetch her soon. He asked everyone else to be present in the living room as he wanted to have a very crucial discussion.

Nagesh – I’m taking Devyani to a psychiatrist. He is a reputed one, and I closed on him after an extensive research and consulting with some of my contacts.

Bhavani – You didn’t even discuss this with me. I don’t think its good idea. We can continue to treat her at home. We don’t want the world to know about her mental condition.

Nagesh (raising his voice) – I’m not asking you Bhavani, I’m telling you.

Bhavani was taken aback by Nagesh’s outburst, but decided to hold her stand

Bhavani – I’m her mother and I have a right to decide what is good for her

Nagesh (without taking the pains to modulate his raised pitch) And I’m her father, which you seemed to have conveniently forgotten. I have an equal right to take decisions on behalf of my daughter for her well-being. You have done it till now, but I will not allow you to alienate me from my Devyani and deny me my rights on my own child. The decision is final, and it is not open for any further discussion

With the finality evident in his words, he strode off to get Devyani, to take her away to a free world that awaited her.  He was back being the Nagesh Chavan he was before he retired, his body language oozed authority and his presence commanded uninterrupted attention & respect. No one dared to stop him. Nagesh Chavan was unstoppable today.

Evening

Bhavani was impatiently waiting for her husband and daughter to return. She felt she would have an anxiety attack if they didn’t return soon. She had barely been able to ease up since they left. What had gotten into her husband and how had he started to talk so commandingly in family affairs? The moment she saw them at the door, Bhavani charged on them like an angry bull.

Bhavani – Where have you been all this while? How can you be so irresponsible and not even update me about your whereabouts? I have been so worried. And what is all this? (Pointing at the shopping bags they were holding)

Nagesh – (Looking at Devyani) Take all these bags to your room and wait for me Devi. OK?

Nodding her head, Devyani hopped back to her room, happy with her day out and the bags full of gifts that her baba had bought her.

Nagesh (turning to Bhavani) – Did I not inform you where I was going? So why would you panic? And I was accompanying my daughter, so what was there to worry? Bhavani, I have made my stand very clear, and I don’t want constant nagging on this topic anymore. I will not entertain any arguments or discussions in this matter. I want my cheerful, old Devyani back. And I will do everything in my power for it. No one and I mean no one can stop me.

Also, I’m taking Devyani to our farmhouse for a few days. Just me and her. Her psychiatrist had suggested a change of place for her. And I will take her for a mini vacation. Ashwini, please pack her bags for 3-4 days. We will be leaving early this Friday morning.

He knew he had everyone’s undivided attention and the pin drop silence warranted the non-confrontational stance from his family. This proved he still held that power, he still had the authority, he never exercised it in the name of love for his family. Too much was lost due to it. But better late than never!

Nagesh was in his study, lost in his thoughts, when Virat & Samrat approached him. They often indulged in these late-night chats with their favorite Bade Kaka/Bade Mama. They loved their lone time in his company since childhood. Since, during their growing up years they barely got the opportunity due to Nagesh’s erractic schedule, they would treasure and encash every chance they got to spend with him. Nagesh too loved them to bits, and completely adored and pampered them. He too enjoyed their little chats, their time together and their own “Mehfil” where he recited his poetries and these two self-proclaimed fans would shell out their “Wah Wahs”.

Samrat– (Pulling Nagesh out of his reverie) Bade Mama, can we come in?

Nagesh – Of course! Do you really need permission?

Virat – We just wanted to check if you were busy or not

Nagesh – I’m always free for you. So, what brings you two here? I can feel that you have something to talk. What is it?

Samrat – We are so glad that you finally took that stand for Devi Tai. She needs to live her life. As brothers we feel helpless and often felt guilty for not being able to do anything for her. But we just wanted to say that from here on we are with you at every step.

Virat nodded confirming that he echoed Samrat’s decision

Nagesh – I know that I can always count on you both. And I know that you love Devi dearly. For now, I will take this up, but in future if I need help or If I’m not there to take a stand for Devi, I need you two to step up.

Virat – You will always be there with her, with us Bade Kaka. And we promise to do everything to ensure Devi Tai gets her freedom, her life back

Nagesh (with tears in his eyes) – I always knew, I could count on you two, more than my own brothers!

And just like that they started their usual discussions on life, their jobs, current affairs ending it with some recent poems penned by Nagesh. After spending a considerable time together, Nagesh retired to his room and Virat & Samrat went out to the lawn for a stroll.

Samrat – You still haven’t forgotten her? Bade Mama also sensed it when you evaded the question on your marriage.

Virat – There is nothing like that. I just don’t think I’m ready for a marriage yet. Need some more time

Samrat – Seriously Virat? You think you can lie to me? It’s been a year now, and you met her only once. You don’t know her. You don’t even know her name. What are you waiting for?

After a pause

Samrat - How will you find someone you don’t even know? You don’t know anything about her. Love at first sight? But you have never seen her after that first sight. It’s been over a year now. Its high time you get over it. You cant spent your whole life waiting for someone like this. This is utter madness.

Virat – Its Destiny!

Samrat - How can you be so sure? Do you even know if its love? And even if you meet her then what? What if she is not interested? What if she is has someone else in her life?

Virat – I don’t know. But I get this inkling that I will meet her again. I don’t know if its love. I really don’t know yet. I don’t know what I would say to her when we meet again. I don’t know what I expect out of her? All I know is that I feel a connect with her that I haven’t felt before. And she has not left my mind since that day, one year ago.

Flashback

It was during his last days of training, and he had stepped out with his friends. They had come far away from his academy. They stopped seeing a commotion, people had gathered on the street. They made their way through the crowd to find a man lying on the ground covering his face with his hands to protect himself from the constant blows targeted at him. The source of those blows was a girl who he could not see with her back towards him. Taking pity on the state of the helpless man trying in vain to defend himself, Virat broke in to stop her from the next blow. But his heart fluttered,  and words died in his throat when she turned and locked eyes with him.

Mystery girl – Are you also with him?

Virat (pulled out from his dreamland hearing her voice) – I don’t know him. But why are you hitting him like this so mercilessly?

Mystery girl – (Pointing to another girl who stood close to her) He was teasing and chasing this girl. Apparently, he is a repeated offender and has not mend his ways despite so many police complaints. He has been constantly harassing her. He wa..

Virat blocked a hit that came her way from another guy who had just appeared from nowhere. She was startled by this sudden blow, but Virat took on the guy captive while his friends held on to the other man. They called the police and handed over the two men to them. Virat and his friends introduced themselves and realized that he was a local goon working for a politician and hence he fearlessly went about eve teasing and chasing young girls and women in the area. And that explained why no one from the crowd had interfered. Both the girls thanked him and his friends profusely. Before Virat could muster the courage to probe for more details, her phone rang. She spoke to someone, and it had put a worry line on her face. Staying connected on the call she thanked again and bid them adieu before walking away without sparing as much as a second glance. Virat stood there lost in his thoughts. Was he impressed by this fearless girl? He thought it was her looks that had him hooked, but then he was in awe of her boldness & courage. He was enthralled by the way she spoke, so confident for her every word. There was something so appealing about her, that he was drawn to her inadvertently. 

She didn’t leave his mind the entire day, and that led him to police station the next day. He also wanted to check on the 2 men who had been arrested as well. But he got no lead on her. It turned out that no one knew her and had not seen her around before. She just happened to witness the eve teasing and had jumped in to help the girl. Another trait that made him admire her even more. She was fierce, yet there was this innocence of someone who was not tainted, someone unadulterated by the worldly means. He didn’t know anything about her, yet he felt he did. Just these glimpses into her that he gathered told him so much about her and he found it strange how she had conquered his mind and probably his heart!!..Not sure, but he was eager to find out.

Current day 

She had disappeared without a trace and that had hurt him…hurt him everytime he thought about her, which was quite often. Was it love?….well he didn’t know. All he knew was that he couldn’t forget her. That face fresh in his memory even after a year, refusing to fade, engraved in his memory. Was it love?? He didn’t know. But he wanted to know and for that he had to meet her. And he believed he will one day! There was so much more he wanted to know about her, so much to explore about her, her life. But something told him he would admire every aspect and he would only fall deeper into this dwell. It had been year, and he wondered how long it would be before he laid eyes on her again. No one knew the entire story except Samrat, Ashwini & Nagesh. He knew he wouldn’t be judged or ridiculed by them, but the other family members would find it absurd. But somewhere everyone had an inkling that there was definitely a “Someone”! But no one took it seriously except Shivani & Mohit teasing and pulling his leg, but that was how serious it ever got for them.

Friday Morning

Nagesh had been adamant, despite strong resistance to pleading & emotional blackmailing by Bhavani. He had long gone past the stage of getting influenced by her, now Devi has his only priority and he was determined to go against anyone & do anything in his power for her. And hence, as decided, Nagesh left with Devi early morning ignoring anyone & everyone who stood against him. Before heading towards the farmhouse, they stopped at Nag Nadi, where Devyani was pleasantly surprised to be joined by a gang of kids and a lively girl “Sai”. They boarded a Volvo from there to accommodate the large group and Devyani’s excitement went a notch higher, as she instantly gelled up with everyone and more importantly Sai. Singing and playing all throughout their journey Devyani had a constant laugh and giggle on her face which had put a happy smile on her father’s face as well. The moment they arrived, Devyani and the kids ran around exploring and running after each other. Her happiness knew no bounds and that was all Nagesh wanted to see. She had endured so much, now all she deserved was happiness. With the ruckus created with the kids and Devi rummaging through everything around, Nagesh & Sai were left behind cleaning the mess after them. But never was anyone chided or stopped. They were free and this was their own kingdom. Seeing Nagesh’s eyes well up with tears watching his daughter enjoying, Sai gently tapped on his shoulder

Sai – This is such a beautiful place. I could live here forever.

Nagesh – Yes it is! Bhavani also used to say the same thing. She absolutely loves this place.

Sai (Looking at Devyani) – She is such a pure soul. I’m so glad you decided to work on getting a better life for her. She deserves it, and much more. 

Nagesh – Thank you Sai! It was you who made me realize that this was not the end. It was your words that made me introspect. Everyone makes mistakes, but we can’t keep dwelling over it, and live on with the feeling of guilt and helplessness. Life goes on, and we should strive to make it better and rectify those mistakes for making our lives and those of our loved ones better. I can’t even explain the happiness I’m currently experiencing seeing my Devi smile and laugh freely without any fear.

Sai – I was only a medium, it was your will to make that difference, it was your love for you daughter that made you defy all odds. I’m sure she will be hale & hearty very soon. This vacation seems to have done good to her. With the right medication & therapy she should definitely recover completely. 

Nagesh – I’m hopeful…now! (he mouthed his gratitude with a smile looking at her before turning to look back at his favorite sight, Devyani who was chasing one of the kids.)

Devyani had been inconsolable when it was time for them to leave. Unwillingly she agreed, when Nagesh promised to take her on more such trips. She was also excited that her father would take her to meet her new friends often. And Sai had also agreed to see her whenever she wanted to meet up with her.  But in all the disappointed and sadness on everyone’s faces, Nagesh was a content man. He was finally seeing hope, for his daughter, for himself! And he was going to make it worthwhile.

Elsewhere Bhavani was furious since the time Nagesh & Devyani had left. She felt her hold slipping, her power diminishing and her rules being bent and broken and the reputation she bragged off getting tarnished. She feared her undisputed reign was drawing to a close and strong voices of rebellion banging on the doors of Chavan Niwas. She wouldn’t …she couldn’t afford to let go. She will fight this head on..even if it meant she will be facing her own husband! 

Chapter 3 - Life is unpredictable 

[MEMBERSONLY]