[MEMBERSONLY]
[NOCOPY]
Hey All,
I wanted to post this chapter before Samrat’s entry to ensure it doesn’t cloud my mind, but it didn’t work out. And now I’m not sure what I have ended up with🙈
Chapter - 11
“Were you not romantically involved with Patralekha? You were having an affair with my wife behind my back. Is that not true? Or you don’t consider it as a grave mistake?”
Samrat’s words were ringing in Virat’s ears, and he went numb. The brother who meant so much to him, that he had sacrificed his love for his happiness, but that sacrifice had caused so much pain to his very same Jeeva. The words reverberated through the walls of CN, but the family was too stunned with Samrat’s outburst to register the words for a few seconds. In a split second the atmosphere around changed and the happiness and excitement was transformed to somber. The air became tense and carried a heaviness that was evident to the bystanders. Sai was the first to speak, she knew she had to stand by Virat, he needed her the most now. Something that she had dreaded all this while was out in the open, and with the complexity involved and emotions running high, it would not be an easy task to clear it.
Sai – Samrat dada, I know you are hurt. And rightfully so. But you need to know the entire story. Half-baked truth is more dangerous than a complete lie.
Samrat – I have nothing against you. But I request you not to interfere. This man standing here is the one who needs to answer. The one who I trusted the most, has hurt me the most. How much do I know Patralekha? I can’t even say that I even have a relationship with her. Her betrayal is nothing. But Virat, my brother, my Shiva. He killed the Jeeva in me.
Virat attempted to interrupt. He knew what he did was all in the best interest of Samrat and his family. However, it had backfired. But pained him to see the anger and disgust in Samrat’s eyes. That broke him, and he was unable to meet his eye. All he wanted to do was to hug him and clear all the misunderstandings and take away all his pain. Unable to form the words to say, and not knowing what else to do, Virat hesitantly took a step forward. But the moment he extended his arms to embrace him, Samrat jerked him away and Virat staggered to regain balance.
Samrat – Don’t Virat. I wouldn’t have been so broken if it was anyone else. But I trusted you more than myself. We were like each other’s shadow. How did you become a stranger to me? When did we get so detached that I was not privy to anything happening in your life? Since when did you start hiding thigs from me and decided to betray me? Because for me, I never even realized when it all changed between us till that fateful wedding night! If you had just been open to me, I would have not thought once before walking out. But you chose to stab me on my back. I can’t even explain the emptiness I had felt at that moment. I couldn’t even process the fact for months! You and I will never be the same Virat. And you have lost the right to expect it either. As far as Patralekha is concerned, I don’t intend to keep her bound in an unwanted relationship. She is free to live her life the way she wants. Free from me, Free from this marriage.
Samrat was in no state to listen to any arguments. The family was still shell shocked to react or respond to the interaction. The mere thought that his Jeeva felt repulsed at his touch, had Virat’s heart bleed. He looked helplessly at Sai, to derive some strength from her.
Sai – Please don’t make the same mistake that I did and almost lost the person who means the world to me. I also misunderstood, based on the version I had cooked up in my head from what I gathered. And our inability to communicate only made it worse. I can never thank my stars enough to have worked things out for me before I lost everything. Don’t do that to yourself Samrat Dada. There is too much at stake. If you can consider me as your sister, please contemplate on my request and give Virat an opportunity to explain things before arriving at any conclusions. Take your time and if you still can’t accept the situation, I will not force you again.
Sai’s words seemed to have got through slightly, as he somewhere couldn’t afford to ignore her. It was the way she pleaded, that Samrat could argue further or shun her. However, he was still not in a frame of mind to listen to any justifications. He was too muddled in his thoughts to put the pieces together. He wanted space and he had not intended on such an outburst. The baggage that he had carried for so long and the pain he endured all this while and having to stay away from his family got the better of him. It was weighing so heavy on him and nostalgia of returning home to his family, triggered him to blow up what was building up for so long. Without another word, he walked away leaving everyone clueless.
Bhavani – So it was all true. You both had been fooling us all this while. And Samrat had to suffer so much because of you Virat. If this truth gets out it will be such a disgrace to the family. I always supported you two, trusted you and this is how you paid back.
Disgusting, pathetic, disgrace were the repeated words being hurled at Virat and Patralekha by the family.
Mansi – Enough! I have never differentiated between Virat and Samrat. For me they are one, and I trust Virat. There is something more to what we know. Before we start accusing him, we will need to give him a chance to explain himself.
Virat looked up at Mansi, managing a grim smile of hope, of gratitude through his tears. He was trying to hold himself together before he revealed the entire truth. Just then he felt a delicate palm slip between his and entwined with his fingers. He knew it before he even felt it, and there a sense of hope that went through his veins, that everything will be alright. He had his Sai right next to him. Now he could endure this, this too shall pass!
Sensing the hesitation and embarrassment in retelling his past, Sai revealed to the family about how and when Virat and Patralekha had first met. Virat gradually started to speak up with a little prodding from Sai. And like a true friend who was a witness to every stage, Sunny also spoke up when Virat choked up due to his emotions. While Virat only went on to explain the sequence of how and why it all happened, it was Sunny to intercepted to reveal his intentions and his pain which was essential for everyone to understand the entire picture clearly without leaving any scope of any misunderstanding. Once, they had come through it, the family gathered around where unable to make a definite statement. This revelation had changed the dynamics, but more importantly, they were now revisiting the incidents in the past and were able to view things in a different light. Infact, many a times they had ignored things which now made sense to them since they were connecting dots. And most importantly there was a side to Patralekha that now was exposed. Patralekha could sense the animosity in the eyes of a few and she was desperate to make an exit before she was cornered. She needed time to find a way out of this mess.
Mansi – I trust you Virat. I know you will never intentionally hurt Samrat. But right now, none of us is a right state of mind to listen to any of it and draw right conclusions. And Samrat needs us more. He needs to be watched before he decides to take another irrational step.
Giving Patralekha one last glare of complete disgust Mansi walked off. Not a word was spoken to Patralekha, nor did she dare to speak a word, because the accusing expressions on the faces of everyone was enough to convey the message. No one willing to unearth the filth that lay behind it. So Patralekha vamoosed from the scene after Mansi.
Samrat & Patralekha’s room
Patralekha entered the room to find some relief but was in for a shock. In her attempt to escape the wrath of family she had landed herself into another trap. Samrat stood there deep in thought. Before she could retreat her steps Samrat turned around and she lost her chance at another escape. She turned around again, taking calculated steps into the room, without daring an eye contact with Samrat. An awkward silence prevailed while Patralekha took her place in a far away corner. After much deliberation she decided to tread into the stressed waters testing her way before taking the leap.
Patralekha – I know that you feel cheated, but you must hear me out before making any conclusions. You seemed to have got this all wrong and I’m not to be blamed in this. You will understand if you give me the opportunity to explain. I deserve atleast one chance to prove my innocence.
Samrat – Fine. I’m curious to know what kind of explanation you can give, for professing your undying love for my brother on our wedding night?
Patralekha was left speechless at the statement. The confidence that she was trying to build up for this confrontation seemed to drain away. Collecting herself, knowing that this could a make-or-break situation and getting Samrat’s first audience she could slay the game, she continued.
Patralekha – I won’t deny that I have wronged you, but it was not my fault all the way. I was forced to make this choice, almost!!
She saw that she had Samrat’s attention with her opening lines and that gave her the much needed boost to kick off the story..Only the truth…………..The twisted truth!!
Patralekha – I had met Virat in a yoga camp, where we stayed for 2 days. But in that short duration we had found something special in each other. With a promise to meet soon, we parted. However, due to some misunderstanding, I ended up doubting him and we never managed to meet. It was during this time that your marriage proposal came my way and owing to my parents’ pressure I gave in. Since, I thought that Virat had cheated on me, I decided to forget my past and move on with you. But it was a day before the wedding that I bumped into him again. We cleared our misunderstanding, and I came to know that he is your brother. I wanted to confess everything to you as I didn’t want to cheat on you, but it was Virat who refused to reveal the truth and stopped me from doing so either. I begged him to let me stop the wedding, but he was adamant that it was too late as this would lead to a lot of humiliation and disrupt in the family. He promised me that he would only love me all his life and I should go head with the marriage. I was heartbroken, but I loved him too much and gave into his wishes. This may sound wrong and absurd, but he led me on that we will always be together, and I had no other way to ensure that we stay together. And I reluctantly agreed. You can blame me for spoiling your life, but you should understand that I was a victim as well. I was forced into this relationship as well by my parents and Virat and I also had to sacrifice my wishes to ensure their happiness. I was devoid of my right to make decisions of my life. And then he went on to marry Sai, which was only to fulfill a promise that he gave her dying father. She is only his responsibility that he is bearing to keep his word. Though Sai changed after she came into this house. She started to seduce Virat when she realized what her marriage to Virat would get her in terms of financial security and family name. Knowing that Virat never goes back on his word, she has been trying to take advantage and keeps him under her control. But in all this I have been played around like a shuttle.
With that she choked up and then started to cry profusely slipping down to the floor. She had cleverly, chosen the words to invoke that doubt about Sai & Virat’s relationship, while making her image that of an innocent woman who had been duped and driven into a situation which she never wanted. She had accomplished her objective of clearing up her image in this scandal while ensuring the fact is indirectly well established that the feeling between Virat and her still existed and reciprocated.
Patralekha peeked up to see Samrat standing at the same spot hesitantly, unsure of his next step on whether to console or leave her. And then she saw him walk out of the room. She let out a breath she had been holding as she finally realized her adulterated truth had hit its target. The tampered truth, the customized version of Patralekha had served its purpose and how. She not only expected it to clean things up for her, but she also hoped about bringing that rift between Sai & Virat through Samrat.
Sairat Room
Sai had been trying to calm a completely distressed Virat since the time they were back in their room. Cupping his face in her palms she made him look up at her. The tear-streaked face of the man who was her pillar pierced her heart.
Sai – Don’t lose hope. We will work through this situation together and convince Samrat Dada. Trust me, we will speak to him at the first opportunity and clear all his misunderstanding.
Virat – No Sai. I have lost all hope. The disappointment in his eyes, the anger in his words ..his words they are still ringing in my ears. My Jeeva left because of me, how am I to forgive myself. I caused him so much misery.
Sai – It was never your intention; in fact, you have always wished him well. It is how the destiny played its game. Please don’t lose hope. I will be there with you at every step, and we will sort this out.
Hugging him tightly, cradling his head on her chest, she let him ease out the pain in form of tears. She knew he needed this release before they could face Samrat again. It had been a while, and Virat had finally calmed a little. Sai was sitting while Virat lying down on the bed with his head placed on her lap. She was caressing his hair, to soothe the stress and help him get some sleep. Just then Virat’s phone beeped, and he saw a message from Sunny. “Come to the terrace now, Urgent”
Virat vaulted from the bed and rushed upstairs with Sai on tow. They were surprised to see Samrat standing there with Sunny and Virat’s ascending steps came to halt. Unsure of Samrat’s state of mind and yet determined to set things straight and have his Jeeva back by his side, he took the leap of faith.
Virat – Jeeva, please give me a chance to explain myself. Do you really think I can betray you or cheat you in any way?
Sai – Samrat dada, please listen to him once with a calm mind. I know what you mean to Virat. And I can see what he means to you in your eyes, your anger. It’s because how much important he is to you that you are so angry at him. But don’t let a misunderstanding ruin everything for you. You bond is too precious for it!
Sai slowly nudged Virat to take a step ahead and speak. But before he could speak, Samrat called out “Shiva”
It felt like everything had come to a standstill. Virat and Sai looked up at Samrat with a surprised yet hopeful eyes.
Samrat – You have hurt me, but do think that I would ever believe that you cheated on me? I know you better than you Shiva. I always have. My only disappointment was that first time in our lives you chose to hide something from me, something as crucial as this. I don’t need anyone to tell me what your intentions were, or why you did what you did. I can read you like a book. The night I came to know about you and Patralekha, I was upset with myself, because I didn’t sense your pain. I was disappointed in myself that I didn’t realize that you had sacrificed your happiness for mine. For the first time your happiness differed from mine! My happiness had become your sorrow. And I couldn’t bear that thought, it killed me. I had failed as a brother. You defeated me. I knew that you would have sacrificed your love for me, but I regretted that you went through it for me. And I wanted to give you back your love, your life. Since we were already married, leaving Patralekha to have you married to her was not an easy step. The family would not have agreed and most importantly you would not consent to it. So, I decided to leave home. The plan was to go absconding and after a while it will be assumed that I’m dead and you both would end up together. I was upset with you for not sharing you secret with me, and later when I saw you with Sai, I felt that all the emotions rile up in me. I didn’t know how to react. I had done all this for you to get back with Patralekha and here you had gotten married to Sai. I was very frustrated with the entire situation, with all my efforts in vain, I ended up lashing out at you. But trust me, after meeting Sai and seeing your love for each other I’m very happy. In fact I was confused if you were compromising initially, which further triggered my anger, but the love between you both is too evident to miss. I think she is best thing to have happened to you. And I believe that whatever happens, happens for good. It was destiny that you had to end up with Sai, And I’m extremely happy for you.
Without a word Virat took a step and hugged him. It was an emotional reunion of the brothers after so long and Sai & Sunny as spectators were also moved to tears watching these brothers reconcile. Breaking away from the hug partially, Samrat asked her to come forward. He adoringly placed a hand over her head and caressed it, before pulling them both into a hug.
Samrat – Thank you Sai for coming into my Shiva’s life. You make him happy; you bring out that Shiva that only I have known. You bring out the best version. You are the best for him!
They all stayed there for a while, while Samrat and Sai & Virat updated each other on their stories in their absence. After having spilled out every single detail, Samrat asked them to retire for the night.
After Sai and Virat left, Samrat turned to Sunny
Samrat – Sunny, this will remain between us for now. The reason I called you was to know what exactly happened in my absence. I wanted to reconfirm my doubts about Patralekha. What she told me earlier today had peaked my doubts on her intentions, but I wanted to get more insight into it.
Sunny – Thank God that it is all sorted. I was scared about your fall out with Virat. And I wanted you to know what Patralekha had been upto so far. Though I was the one who had encouraged Virat when he met Patralekha for the first time, I doubt my capability of reading people now. The way she has tried to separate Sai Bhabhi & Virat and the mental harassment that she has caused to Sai Bhabhi makes me question if I should be happy for Virat or sad for you. But you had to know.
Samrat – Thanks buddy! But I want to give Patralekha a fair chance. I don’t want her life to be ruined. But most importantly I want to keep her close to ensure that Virat and Sai are protected.
Samrat thought to himself “I’m sorry Virat for bringing this out in the open and lashing out at you, but I wanted to be sure that you were not faking or compromising in your marriage with Sai and I wanted to know what Patralekha’s stand was in this changed dynamics. I will keep this charade on with her for Sai & Virat. Until I know the depth of her hatred and her true intentions, I will keep a close watch on her. I will not let anyone harm Sai and Virat or their relationship. I will safeguard it!”
Chapter 12 - Its not over yet!
[MEMBERSONLY]
Comments (0)
View all