Chapter 11

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]

Chapter - 9

Yearning

In the wake of mortality,

Breeds the need to accomplish.

Defying the rules of the living,

To conquer more than a lifetime

Virat stopped to realize, he had been blabbering, meaningful nothings. There was a flurry of words awaiting an outlet with the emotions that were resurging, threating to burst him. And he had just left it flow, unable to contain, words spilling over in tandem.

He looked at Sai, and the first thing he noticed was that Sai had retracted her hand and taken a step back. His heart started to race, fear creeping up that he had upset her and his judgment has misfired. Then he saw the tears that were running down her the face he had come to adore. He took a few hesitant steps towards her, but with his every step forward, she took one back. He decided to not hound her, burden her with her feelings or presence. While he was breaking inside, he wanted to ensure that this does not drift her away from him. He was willing to stay as a friend if that was the only way that they could be connected.

Virat – Please forgive me if my words have hurt you. I just wanted to express my feelings, and if you don’t feel the same way about me, I respect your feelings and decision. This ends right here. Wipe this conversation out of your memory as if it never happened. (He paused, knowing the next words would be another strike on his already bleeding heart). I would urge you not let this hamper our bond, but if you can’t trust me with your friendship after today, I will understand Sai. You can also choose to take your time to get over this and then take your call on ever talking to me again. I leave the decision to you, whatever it may be, remember I will always respect and support you.

When he didn’t see any movement from Sai, he decided to give her space.

Virat – Sai, we can leave as soon as you feel up to it. You can take your time. I will wait for you near the car. And if you don’t want me to drop you, I can call a cab for you.

With that he walked past her.

As Virat crossed her, she had a moment where she felt she couldn’t breathe. She was reliving her morning dream, where she saw him leave and she couldn’t stop him. In that moment, she knew how much she loved him and what it meant to lose him. Without a second thought she went after him and grabbed his hand to stop him. Virat stood there for a second with his back turned towards her, drawing the courage to look back into her eyes.

Sai – Virat, please don’t leave me. I’m sorry, I was too stunned to respond.

Hearing her quivering voice he turned, his pain forgotten. All he wanted as to soothe her, that is all that mattered to him in that moment.

Releasing her grip from his hand he placed both her hands ever so gently between palms, holding her in that contact, trying to give her assurance in that gesture. The Sai he knew was strong, independent and always in control, knowing what she wanted, yet so gentle and considerate in her conduct. But today he saw a vulnerable Sai, a one he wanted to hold and protect like never before. Like he could pull her in the cocoon of his arms and rock her till she eases all her pains and worries. But he was afraid to do that, as she appeared to be so fragile that she would break at the slightest touch. He wasn’t sure how to help her without hurting her more. But he was still unable to decipher how he or his words could have made her so emotional.

Virat – It’s fine Sai. You need not apologize. I understand that it would have been a shocking revelation and it would have taken time for you to come to terms with it.

Sai – It wasn’t a shock, Virat. It was like I was dreaming and I was trying to figure out the possibility of it being real.

Virat looked up from the hands that he was armoring, and dared to lift up his eyes to meet hers with a hope that had ceased to exist a while ago. His heart was beating at a rapid rate and he waited with bated breath for her next words. Encouraging her to continue with his eyes.

Sai – I…I do like you Virat

Like? Virat was treading on thin rope. Like he knew she did, but he wanted more. Sai saw the doubt in his eyes at her words and the remnants of the hurt he had felt when he misread her silence for rejection.

Sai – I mean like you more than a friend. This feeling that I have for you has been there for a while, but has grown into something stronger and intense. With our current situation I was apprehensive about having a future with you and that did pain me. But my feelings for you refused to leave me even with that fear in hindsight. The love only intensified.

LOVE…she finally spilled that word, and he simply latched onto it. Virat couldn’t stop himself from beaming and Sai’s heart just gloomed at that smile.

Virat - I don’t know if I’m allowed to be this happy. But you made me the happiest today by offering me your love.

Virat wanted to hold her in an embrace, but since this was a new found dynamics between them, he was hesitant and cautious about the boundaries and physical space. Sai sensed the dilemma as she was struggling with it herself. She made a slight move towards him and he found his answer. And just like that they walked the short distance towards each other, before sealing their new beginning in each other’s arms. There was a calmness they found in that space, with the emotional somersault playing within them and they stood there. When they broke the hug, there was an awkwardness to meet each other’s eyes. Since it was slowing sinking in that they had professed their love and with the knowledge that the other reciprocated the same feelings. The gradual realization that in this moment everything changes between them, their equation, their relationship will see a new dimension. The acknowledgement that this confession will anchor the evolved feelings that they hold so dear in them for each other to a life long entitlement over each other like none.

Virat was the first to speak.

Virat – You know why I chose this spot Sai?

And she nodded in affirmation. They were aligned in those ways. The realization that they understood each other a lot more even in the short span that they knew each other only strengthened their belief that they are meant to be together.

Sai – This place holds the memories of the person who became the link, the channel to bring us together.

Virat – Yes Sai. This place holds your fond memories with bade kaka. And for me this place holds a piece of him where he could be him, it all his glory and freedom. Unlike you, I don’t any moments to cherish of him here, yet I feel his presence here. In the stories you shared, I live him, with him here, like I was a part of all those and like he is part of it now. This place makes him alive for me, and it will be symbolic that ways for all my life. I know it sounds weird that illogical, but in the ripple of the waters I feel his presence. In the reflection of the moon, I see his smile, his acceptance, his blessings like he stands witness to US.

As he said those words their face mirrored the emotions that ran down their faces in form of tears. Of happiness, of love and of a future together.

Sai – I feel it too Virat. I have always felt him here. And I can feel him showering his love and blessings on us.

After sitting there in silence for a while Virat spoke. Sai was a little surprised at the abruptness.

Virat – After I came back from my training, I had conceded in Bade Kaka about you. During our phone conversations he had sensed it, and inquired about it, but I had managed to evade it. He was the first person apart from Jeeva..Samrat I mean, to know about you. While he was supportive of my decision and never discouraged me in my hope of meeting you again, I’m sure he would have been equally happy to see us together. In fact, he would have been ecstatic that his best friend and my love happen to be the same person.

Sai – (with a sad smile) I wish he was here in person. That will regret that I will hold always.

Virat decided to change the melancholy mood.

Virat – So what were your first thought about me? A nerd of kinds, trying to save a jerk?

Sai laughed at that and that set the tone and kicked off a conversation flow giving each other a run through on their respective journey of falling in love.

******************

Samrat was anxiously waiting for Virat to return. He was impatiently pacing across in his room while Patralekha closely watched his changed behaviour. She could clearly see that something was bothering Samrat, and keeping in mind the constant topic revolving in the Chavan household she knew that both were linked. Samrat and Virat were very thick and that was the first few facts she gathered as the new bride and as Samrat’s wife. While she had found her way into his heart and broken down any shields, the bonds between the brothers were still a step ahead of what she would like to accept. When her parents received the proposal from Chavan’s there were completely elated. They believed that she could not get a better alliance. It was a rushed affair where they barely got time to date. She liked Samrat for his transparency, his cheerful nature, and she knew that he was smitten by her in the first meeting. Hence, she never doubted that there would be a negative response from Chavans. It was entirely her decision. While her parents were eager to take the alliance forward, the fact that Samrat was not a Chavan had been a bone of contention. But when they saw the equation and interactions between the family, they realized that Samrat was an equal part of the family as any of the ones who bore the name Chavan. Hence, it was still a good alliance, from a good family lineage. There was no reason to decline the proposal. It was only when she got married and came to stay in Chavan Niwas, did she see the different dynamics. Slowly she realized the powerplay and it also made her insecure of her own standing and importance in Chavan family. Hence, she had slowly made her way into Bhavani’s good books. A very carefully weaved track to ensure her place in the family. She had meticulously studied each member, their importance and their weaknesses. And she had then played her way into becoming Bhavani’s favorite. Samrat was never a hindrance, because she had him under her spell. She was well aware over her power on him. But she was vary of Virat, his bond with Samrat and the prospects of him getting married and changes that it would behold, threating her place in the family. He always made her in secure. He had the potential to make Samrat do things that could change the game against her. And that always played on her mind. In the last few confrontations, she had seen a side of Samrat that was combative all for his Bade Mama and Virat. With Nagesh no longer in picture, in was Virat who posed as the biggest menace. She had to use her charms to again to get Samrat to reveal his mind. She could use it judiciously to gain another point with Bhavani or counterplay based on the nature of information she extracts. Samrat is an emotional fool and she had to work this out for them and their family by taking on the responsibility for both of them.

She walked up to Samrat and stood in front of him. Samrat almost bumped into her lost in his thoughts but pulled back just in time. Patralekha walked up to him and placed her hands on his chest with worried pair of eyes boring into him.

Patralekha – There is something bothering you Samrat. You know you can share it with me. You know how much I love you and how it pains me to see you like this

She moved her palms to cradle his face

Patralekha – Maybe I can suggest a solution and even I can’t you can at least lighten your burden by sharing it. We are husband and wife Samrat, and we need to share everything. Our sorrows and happiness equally. Please help me help you. Don’t you think I’m worthy of sharing your worries?

She seductively dragged her hands down his face before sliding under his arms around his waist engulfing him in a hug and placing her head on his chest. She pulled him closer and tighter into her. She had learnt her ways into dealing with him and making him give in into her demands. And she was now able to do it so effortlessly and so naturally, that he would never doubt her true intentions.

But that was what she thought!

Just like Patralekha, Samrat too now could read her. The only difference was Patralekha did it calculatedly with a purpose, while Samrat gradually learnt it over a period of time as a natural process of knowing one’s spouse. It didn’t hit him as a shock, because they were slow revelations. But he somehow understood her, her insecurities. He knew she didn’t mean ill for him. She was protective of him because she was connected to him. But he was aware that she functioned in a self-preservation mode always and was selfish that ways. But he loved her way too much and hence would give in to her demands to make her happy. But he had been very mindful of these give-ins sieving the information that was passed on to her.

Samrat- Its nothing you don’t Patralekha. It is about the animosity hanging the air of our home that is threatening the harmony of our family.

Patralekha – I know that Samrat. But there is something more to it, that is making you so anxious.

Samrat – Shiva has not returned home. I’m worried about him after his face off with Badi Mami.

Patralekha stepped out of the hug and he knew that she had bought his story. He had not lied to her, just held back a part of the information. Disappointed that there was nothing consequential Patralekha yawned her way to the bed and within minutes he heard her slow snoring. Just then he heard the main door click open. He looked back at Patralekha’s sleeping figure, before heading out straight to Virat’s room. Not finding him there, he knew the most probable location. Nagesh’s study.

Samrat had played his cards, and was nervous if Virat had caught his bait. When he had spoken to Virat he had almost given up, and Samrat had then tried to encourage him and look at things more positively. He was sure that he had been able to change the muddled thoughts, but he was worried if Virat had again changed his mind. This had to work out and he had to keep at it, to ensure that Virat functions as per his plan.

Samrat found Virat on the sofa in Nagesh’s study with his specs case in his hand.

Samrat – Shiva. You are back. I was so worried. I wanted to call you, but I didn’t want to interrupt anything accidently. I hope you did confess your love?

Virat got up from where he was seated and hugged Samrat.

Samrat – What is it, Shiva? Did she refuse? Is everything ok? Are you alright my brother?

Virat released Samrat and that’s when he saw Virat’s tears between his smile

Virat – She loves me too Jeeva. She does. I’m just so happy, I can’t contain it. I just wanted to be with Bade Kaka here. Feel him in this moment around me. And I wanted you, you my Jeeva, my biggest cheerleader, supporter. What would I do without you? I almost lost the opportunity of having her in my life as my love, if it had not been for you.

He again hugged Samrat and Samrat patted his back.

Samrat – I’m so happy for you Shiva. I can’t even express my feelings at seeing you like this.

As they calmed and sat down, Virat gave him a quick run through leaving out the more intimate details.

Samrat patiently heard Virat relay everything before he spoke up

Samrat – Listen to me carefully Shiva. I’m glad that Sai and you are together now and you love each other. That eliminates the first hurdle for you. This is not to discourage you but the road gets tougher from here on. We knew this wasn’t going to be an easy ride, but as we are now approaching, we need to strategically make out moves.

Virat looked at Samrat and nodded in affirmation. He was tensed, but the bubbling excitement of having found his love was so palpable that it kind of submerged the anxiety of the future problems.

Samrat – Hear me out carefully Shiva. You need to let the family know about this tomorrow.

Virat – But, why so soon, I mean we can wait, and slowly talk them through

Samrat – There is no easy or slow way here Shiva. Let’s accept that fact. I know things will turn for worse considering the current scheme of things. But there is no other way. The more you delay, more will be the probability of further complications

Virat – But they will not accept it in their present impression of Sai

Samrat – I know Shiva. Just hear me out completely. There will be an outburst, and no one is going to agree it the first instance. But you need to put your foot down and with time they will come around. It will be a matter of time. We can always use Bade Mama’s will as a means to get our way.

Virat – As in?

Samrat – See if Sai you get married to Sai, the property that she has inherited will indirectly come back into the family

Virat – Oh yes!

Samrat – But you will not say this. You are only going to state your relationship status. Rest I will do at my pace and time when it is appropriate

Virat – But why escalate issues Jeeva, if this can calm down things

Samrat – Because, if you do it after the whole revelations, there are chances it will backfire. Badi Mami thinks Sai is a gold digger and she has honey trapped you. So, if you say it, it will only strengthen her doubts. So, once it calms down a little, I will introduce this idea to her.

Virat – Ok. I trust you to know how to deal with this better. I understand what you mean with this approach. I’m not sure if Sai will agree with this though

Samrat – You don’t need to tell her. Anyways this is my idea and I’m the one executing it. You have no role to play. So, you keep her away from this.

Virat – Fine

Samrat – I think you should go and get some rest. It was an emotionally very exhausting day for you.

Virat – Yes. And I completely forgot to call Sai. She must be waiting. I’ll see you tomorrow Jeeva

As Virat walked towards the door, Samrat called out and Virat turned around

Samrat – Shiva, one more thing. No one should know that Sai and you have a past. As in she is the same girl that we used to tease you with.

Virat had not thought about this, but now that Samrat mentioned he found it as a best argument

Virat – But Jeeva, don’t you think it will only work in my favour. Everyone knows about it, and would probably give in more easily after knowing that she is the girl I have been waiting for since all these years.

Samrat – No Shiva. It would mean that you were always incapable of doubting or investigating on her. You were already hopelessly in love with her. And hence, if there is a slightest of credit given to your assessment it will be wiped off.

Virat understood what Samrat was trying to imply.

Virat – I will be mindful not to mention that. Thanks, Jeeva. Goodnight

Samrat – Good Night Shiva.

After Virat left, Samrat stayed there for a while. He went through the entire series of events and made mental notes before smiling to himself

Samrat’s monologue It is all playing out exactly as per plan. I need to ensure that Virat’s actions are completely aligned with my gameplan and doesn’t go astray. That will just ruin everything, all that I intend to achieve through this. I can’t let Virat make a smallest of move without my knowledge or consent. That could just blow-up things beyond repair.

He stood up with a renewed resolve.  He had his next target ready…Bhavani. He was only waiting for things to explode with Virat’s proclamation.

Tomorrow is going to be an eventful day!

Chapter 10 - Every spinning wheels on deals

[MEMBERSONLY]