Chapter 9

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]

PS - This is an short, incomplete, unedited chapter. So pardon me for the raw piece of work here. Just wanted to put up an update as its been long pending. Hopefully will have the complete chapter up by tomorrow. 

Chapter - 8(A)

Beyond Binds

There are bonds I was born with

Some so strong that hold my being

Yet some that shatter me to pieces

Then there were some that came along the way

Some vanished without a trace while some swept me along!

Virat returned home. The reluctance he usually felt while confronting his family in those rare occasions was no longer there. His resolve was strong and he became more determined after spending some time with Sai. She was proving to be a force to reckon with, an irrevocable influence on him.

He knew that the family, especially his Kaku would be waiting to pounce on him. And he was not disappointed there. One look at the flaming eyes and the fuming expressions of Bhavani he knew this was a not ending soon.  He had angered her, and most importantly rebelled, which was a first for Bhavani with an only exception of Nagesh in his entire lifetime. But he was not bowing, not again. He had lost a cherished one, he couldn't go weak again to lose what was transforming to be another precious one. Keeping that realisation of what was stake, he straightened himself ready to fight this head on.

Bhavani - So you are back after depositing that little kitten of yours safely in her haven? You seem to be completely smitten by her. So much that you dared to challenge me and my intelligence. You disrespected me for someone you just a few days ago?

Virat - I didn't disrespect you Kaku. And never intend to. But you can't expect me to stand here watching you insult someone for no fault of hers. I have been taught to raise my voice against what is wrong. And I intend to do that. Even if it means I'm pitted against my own family.

Bhavani was shocked at Virat's words, but she was more stunned to see the determination in his eyes. She was seeing Nagesh in him, the one who was the first to threaten her position and power. She was witnessing a gradual insurgence.

Bhavani -  You are ready to forego your basic manners and you family reputation for a piece of trash, low born? Is more important to you than us or she has got you whipped around her finger with her spell.

Virat - (With barely contained anger) I'm trying my best here to be respectful and civil. You can say anything to me because I'm your family, but you have no right to abuse and talk so lowly of Sai. You can't judge her character, and you definitely can't define or label her. She is neither your family nor your slave. Just because she is not born into a rich or affluent does not mean anyone can point a finger at her or her character. Money and surname don't stipulate anyone's disposition and it never gives one who are  privileged a right to look down upon or judge someone who have not been so fortunate as them. I would appreciate if you are more careful and prudent in your judgement and interaction with people.

The last line had an edge to it and Bhavani didn't miss it

Bhavani - Are you threatening me Virat?

Samrat - Have you lost your senses Virat? How can you speak to Badi Mami like this?  Samrat intervened and Virat turned for a full stare of disbelief.

Virat – Jeeva are you serious? Do you even realise what Kaku is doing?

Samrat – I know what Badi Mami said or did. But you need to be more mindful of what you are doing and what you are saying. And more importantly who you are speaking with. I will not tolerate this kind of disrespect from you towards Badi Mami

Virat could barely believe his eyes or ears. The brother who had promised his support a day ago, was today seemingly standing against him. He didn’t know what to make out of it.

Bhavani – I’m so disappointed in you Virat. I always believed that you were the most mature and thoughtful one. But you proved me wrong. You need to take a leaf or two from Samrat’s conduct.

Virat – I don’t mind you considering Jeeva to be more virtuous and worthy than me. I will be happy about it. In fact, I have always held in at that stature and have been proud of him. But that does not mean that I will give up when I know I’m right. 

Bhavani – This is not you; it can’t be you. This is that girl speaking. She has you completely under her control. She has even made you go against your brother. She is out there to break this house our family and she is eyeing our money.

Virat – I don’t want to repeat it again Kaku. Don’t accuse her of anything. You know nothing of her

Bhavani – And how dare you speak to me like that? How dare you defy me?

Samrat – Badi Mami, I agree that this is not the way Shiva should be speaking to you. He is young and does not have your maturity. (Turning to Virat) – Shiva, you seem to have lost your mind Virat. You should go and think over your words and conduct and get your act together.

Virat – I’m well aware of my words and behaviour. And I regret none. But yes, one thing you said that I completely agree with. I should leave from here for now. Because I have nothing more to say and I am not inclined to listen to anything more.

With that Virat left for his room, without waiting for a response from anyone. Bhavani was fuming at his attitude and disobedience. And she felt humiliated infront of her family, hence she too left for her room, her anger evident in her exit.

Bhavani’s room

Bhavani was rattling to her herself, venting out her frustration at Virat. Her face had turned a shade of red as she paced across her room with her hands tightly clutched in a fist. That is when Samrat knocked at her door. Bhavani looked up and gestured him in.

Bhavani – Did you see Samrat? Did you see how Virat spoke to me today? And for what? I could understand his stand for Nagesh, but this girl is a practical stranger, and he is defying me for her?

Samrat – I understand Badi Mami. And your anger is justified.

Bhavani – You see right? I’m so glad that you understand. You proved that you may have Salunkhe blood in you, but your upbringing is of Chavans, you have my values instilled in you. Samrat, you went against Virat your brother for what is right. I’m proud of you.

Samrat – Thank you Badi Mami. But if you consider me capable, do give me an opportunity to present my thoughts. You may dismiss it if you think it is not appropriate. But just give me your audience and give some thought to my argument with a calm mind.

Bhavani was thoughtful. She weighed his words for a few minutes before she prompted him to continue

Bhavani – I’m listening

Samrat – Badi Mami, you are the eldest member and the matriarch of this family. You have always strived to keep the harmony and reputation of our family intact. You are more knowledgeable and mature than any of us. You have seen it all. I understand your concern too. But by losing you temper you are only aggravating the situation. Shiva is also behaving on high temperament, and considering his age and lack of experience, he is getting carried away. And your rebuke is only turning him into a rebellion. We need to deal with this more cautiously. 

Bhavani saw the lucidity as she revisited his words again in her mind. No response from her was a positive. She was considering and her slow vertical head movement prodded him to continue.

Samrat – Let me speak with Shiva, and try to convince him. But more importantly get a clearer idea into his next course of action. I need to make him calm down, before I try to make him see sense in my words. But I would urge you not no confront him with this, atleast not before I feel that this is beyond my capacity. This will only provoke him further.

Bhavani – Alright Samrat. I trust you. I’m confident that you will make that idiot brother get some maturity and virtuousness from you.

Samrat – I will try my best to live up to your expectations Badi Mami. We will make him come around and see the sense in your words.

Bhavani – I’m so proud of you Samrat. You proved that you that my upbringing can never go wrong. You truly represent a Chavan definition.

Samrat – Thank you Badi Mami. I hope you are now relieved of your worries and can sleep in peace. Good night Badi Mami

Bhavani – Good Night Samrat

Bhavani looked at the retreating figure of Samrat. The blue eyed boy seemed to have lost the charm in the eyes of Bhavani, but a new one seemed to have emerged instead.

Samrat turned around and walked out of the room. His expression changed and with a smirk, he moved more resolutely towards his next target!

No sneak into the next update as it will be a part of this chapter itself. 

[MEMBERSONLY]