Chapter 2

Sherry24

@Sherry24

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]

Chapter -1

(5years later)

The reigns of power of CN were back with Bhavani. With Sai outsted, things had gone back to their old ways. Though fear did loom over a few Chavans and Patralekha for a while as they dreaded Sai's return. But with passing time the doubts began to fade as well. The only thing they were missing was Virat. He had been transferred twice since his posting 5 years back, but all had been away from home. He had not once returned to CN in these 5years. There were rare phone calls to check on the family, but they were very close ended conversations. Ashwini had retreated into a silent zone. She missed his Godu, she missed her Sai dearly. Mohit and Shivani were her only solace in this darkness. But with time they all had learnt to compromise and accepted their circumstances

CN - Bhavani's Room

Bhavani, Ninad and Omkar were sitting and sipping the tea that Patralekha had served them

Patralekha - Badi Mami, it's been 5years since Virat left. Sai would have fulfilled her dream of becoming a doctor. Virat can now be free from his responsibility and this sham of a forced marriage.

Bhavani - I too have been thinking about it. But Virat has not really been in contact with us since he left. His occasional calls have been short and restricted to the checking on everyone's well being. He is not really giving me an opportunity to broach that subject.

Ninad - He has not spoken at length with me either. He still has not gotten over what happened it seems

Bhavani - No Ninad. Time heals everything. He would definitely be over his infatuation over that mad girl. It's been 5 years now! 

Patralekha - That's right Badi Mami. He was angry with us when Sai left, but I'm sure his anger would have subsided and may be he is feeling a little awkward to make the first move to return home. We are his family after all and how long can he stay away from us. Sai was a passing phase in his life and I'm sure he is over her. He would have definitely realised by now what true love is! (She smiled inwardly thinking about Virat realising his love for her)

Bhavani lovingly carressed Patralekha's hair with a knowing smile on her face, acknowledging the thoughts that were being played in Patralekha's mind. Since the divorce, it was like an unsaid reality that Patralekha was to marry Virat on his return. Everyone was in sync with this idea in the house like it was a obvious progression (except Ashwini, Shivani & Mohit, but their opinions didn't matter).

Patralekha - I have an idea Badi Mami. Why don't we go over to meet Virat. It would be such a wonderful surprise for him. And then after gauging the situation, we can find the right opportunity to bring up the subject to him...I mean of him returning home and divorcing Sai, if he hasn’t already. 

Bhavani smiled at Patralekha as if assuring her.

Patralekha had been toying with idea for a while. Though she wanted to go alone, she was a little skeptical about revealing her intent, incase anyone opposed or found it inappropriate. But she also wanted a strong support, to safe guard her, to speak in her favour, to convince Virat, incase required. She couldn't afford to take any chances. She had sacrificed so much, sufferred everything just to be with the love of her life...Virat! She knew that Bhavani would give her consent, even if there was any opposition. And that's what counted in this house. That's the reason she had stayed so close to Bhavani, becoming her confidante, her closest ally in all her plans. 

Since Virat had left, she had been desperate to win him back. But decided to give him some space to get over Sai, dreading he might push her further away. She was hopeful that with time he would forget Sai and move on. And she would be there waiting for him.

Bhavani - That's a brilliant idea. Let's do that. Omkar, make the necessary arrangements, we should all leave tomorrow. 

Omkar - Don't worry Vahini. I will ensure everything is arranged.

Patralekha - Will we take Ashwini aunty also? (She had started calling Ashwini, aunty after the divorce, because she was mentally planning towards becoming her DIL). She may just create some problem

Ninad - Don't worry about her. I will handle her

Bhavani - After Sai left, her wings have been cropped. She will not dare to do anything. And she is Virat's mother, she would also want him settled after all. Haven't you seen her changed behaviour since sometime now. She used to sob all time after that girl left. But now she too seems to have forgotten her. She has started to interact with us a little as well. But, now she does not have the voice to interfere or go against us. She derived her strength from that good for nothing loser and that girl is now out of our house and our lives forever.

Patralekha was still reluctant, as she knew Ashwini had not yet warmed up to her, and she couldn’t forget any of her insults, but she didn't object further. She was elated with the thought of meeting Virat. She had waited so long, but now she was finding it difficult to wait any further for the realisation for her only dream. To be Mrs. Virat Chavan.

The Chavans along with Patralekha arrived at the police quarter where Virat was currently residing. Patralekha was so excited to see Virat, that she practically jumped out of the car before it stopped, and ran to the door to ring the bell. She was expectantly waiting for Virat to open the door, but was disappointed to see a middle aged lady open the door.

Patralekha - Virat.. I mean ACP Virat Chavan stays here right? 

Lady at the door- Yes Ma'am. But who are you?

Patralekha - I'm his... I mean we are his family. Where is he? (Peeping inside the house unable to contain her anxiety and impatience)

Lady at the door - Oh yes! I remember her from a photograph I had seen. ( Pointing towards Ashwini) You are his Aai right? Ashwini nodded with a smile

Patralekha was disappointed that this lady had recognised Ashwini and not her. Had he not talked about her? 

Patralekha - Where is Virat?

Lady at the door - Sir has not come home from work yet. It's still early for his return. I'm the house help. Please come in

They all enter the house and take their seats in the living room. Patralekha starts to explore the house. This would soon be where she is going to live. She secretly preferred to stay alone with Virat away from his overpowering, controlling family. She didn’t want any interference from anyone anymore. She was dreamily walking around the room 

Patralekha - Where is Virat's bedroom?

As soon as the maid pointed the way towards the room, Patralekha started moving enthusiastically in that direction. But just then the maid stopped her.

Maid - Ma'am, I can't let you go into that room. 

Patralekha was taken aback. (To herself) Does this woman not know who I'm? How can she stop me from going to Virat's room

Patralekha - How dare you? You are just a maid. How can you stop me?

Maid - Sorry Ma'am. But these are Sir's strict orders not to allow anyone into his room. He is a police officer, and there can be different kinds of threats looming around. Hence as precautionary measures he has given these instructions, to safeguard incase of important documents or any other dubious activities. 

Patralekha - Those instructions are for outsiders, not for family.

Maid - I'm sorry Ma'am, but I can't let go in. I will be forced to call the security outside. If you really want to, please take permission from Virat Sir.
Patralekha was in no way going pay any heed to a maid’s words, so she proceeded, but couldn’t open the door.

Maid - I was about to tell you that the door is locked anyways.

Patralekha was fuming with anger. She sat down on the sofa with a thud making her displeasure obvious. She didn't want to call and inform Virat about her arrival. She wanted to surprise him. She mentally rebuked the maid, and was determined to teach her a lesson once Virat was back. This one is definately not working in my house, she told herself.

Maid - What would you all like to have? Coffee or tea or something cold?

Patralekha - You take me to the kitchen and do as you are instructed. I'll make some snacks that Virat loves. He would be so happy.

She was already acting like the lady of the house.

Maid had served the beverages and some snacks to everyone. Patralekha was busy preparing her special dish for Virat. 

Maid - Ma'am, Sir does not prefer such oily food.

Patralekha - You don't tell me about Virat's preferences. I know him very well. 

Maid - But Ma'am..

Patralekha - Why don't you stop giving your opinions and do the work that I have given you. 

The anger rising in her was palpable. How can someone advice her about Virat? She knew everything about him.

Patralekha - Do you even know whom I'am? I will be your Virat Sir's wife soon. You will soon have to follow my orders, so you better start now

The maid was about to respond, but just then the door bell rang. The maid turned to go and answer the door, but Patralekha stopped her saying she would open the door. Throwing the spatula she was holding on the counter, she ran out to get the door, smoothing her hair on her way. She stopped for a second at the door to catch her breath and adjust her saree and ensure she looked presentable. Placing her brightest smile on her face, her excitement evident on her face, she pulled open the door. But the smile faded from her face the very next second. Samrat stood at the door, closely followed by Mansi and another woman that she didn't recognise.

Chapter 2 - Changing dynamics. There is a rise after a fall!

[MEMBERSONLY]