Chapter 79

Chapter 77

 

"Her story was actually plausible, since at the approximate time that Sanjay would have been conceived, Sonal and Kabir were engaged. Well truth be told, Sonal had pressured him into an engagement, but suffice to say they were together. But soon that farce was dissolved and Sonal left Banaras in disgrace. From what I understand, he never heard from her again until sometime during Rachna's pregnancy, when she contacted him with the news that she had borne his son. They underwent testing which proved Sanjay to be Kabir's son and financial arrangements were made...that's it. Apparently she was satisfied with receiving an exorbitant sum each month for almost two years, but then she suddenly showed up in India and everything came to light." Naomi paused to have a sip of water. "It was such a terrible time...it almost destroyed their marriage..."

 

She then continued to describe everything from her perspective: how at first she had stepped in as the official nanny for both children in order to provide a buffer between the two antagonistic mothers, before becoming fast friends with the personable child who despite the circumstances had crept into all of their hearts. She explained the rapport that had immediately developed between the two children that soon expanded to include the entire family, even Rachna who could not help but open her heart to the little boy. She even told of Sanjay's interactions with Rajeev and how his candid comments would often stop the no nonsense coach in his tracks, usually to her benefit, she added with a smile. But it wasn't all good...she also detailed the ongoing issues with Sonal that resulted in her and Naomi's constant butting heads and how things started to happen that made them question the validity of Sonal's story; of her and Rachna's quest to get to the truth of the matter, concluding with the fact that for all intents and purposes that Kabir had now assumed full custody of the little boy he loved  just as much ashe did his legitimate child.

 

All told it was a story of acceptance and of love, but as Sareena listened to this improbable tale, she couldn't exactly describe how she was feeling. A myriad of emotions ran through her: definitely anger at Sonal's deceitful ways, but also relief in knowing that at least her nephew had been embraced by a loving family and ultimately sheltered from the mayhem that perpetually surrounded his mother. But most of all she felt profound sadness. Sadness for the time that bhai would never share with his son; as well as the moments she had lost, apart from the only family she had left in the world. She swallowed hard.

 

"He never forgot you Reena. Sanjay tried so many times to tell us about you and the London Eye."

 

Sareena's voice sounded hoarse when she replied. "We have a direct view of the Eye from our lounge. He became fascinated with it from the moment he first laid eyes on it, and once he had taken that first ride, nothing else could compare. He loved it so much, and he would beg to go on as often as he could. Soon though it became more of a refuge when things between bhai and Sonal became so bad; a respite from the...hate, the anger. It would distract us both, and definitely calm him down."

 

Naomi nodded in understanding. "I've noticed that he doesn't like conflict of any sort. Even a stern tone would affect him... Oh don't misunderstand they were never directed at him, he is such a good boy. And before you think that home wasn't a peaceful environment, " Naomi shook her head vehemently. "It's nothing like that;  but he definitely didn't care for it whenever Rajeev would try to be firm with me. Even if it was an act, Sanjay didn't like it; he was very protective of me, especially just before I left." Naomi paused. "But, this isn't about me is it?"

Sareena smiled gently.

"At any rate, I can absolutely confirm that those outings with you had such an impact on him. Once it was out in the open, it was all he would talk about especially with the upcoming trip for the wedding. I guess I won't get that ride with him that we've been talking about so much," she continued with a sad smile. "In spite of the fact that I was there as his care-giver in the beginning, Sanjay really became my little buddy through all of this. I truly love him and would move heaven and earth for him if I had to." 

 

Sareena looked at the green-eyed woman opposite with tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "I would say that between you and your friend Rachna, you have already done that, Naomi."

 

Her eyes drifted over to her carryon where her laptop had been stowed since her admission. Actually she hadn't done much at all, Naomi thought. Not in comparison to what she could if she could find the strength and courage for the task, not to mention a Wi Fi hotspot.

 

...

 

Sarla had left the Tripathi household with the promise that she would telephone Rachna as soon as she heard back from Sareena. Both women had been extremely disappointed that they hadn't been able to get in contact with the young woman, but as a doctor doing her residency; unfortunately her work hours were long and unpredictable. In fact Sarla had said this had to be the reason why she hadn't yet responded to her email.

 

Still, the executive had been able to clue Rachna in and provide a bit more insight when she had confirmed Naomi's speculation of Sonal having been married before was correct. Sonal's slip of the tongue regarding Sanjay's conception that she had made in response to Naomi's thinly veiled taunts, was probably one of the few things the wicked woman had been truthful about. Her child had been conceived within the bounds of marriage: a sudden marriage - and ill-fated marriage assuredly, but definitely a legitimized union. But there were still so many unanswered questions, ones that only the elusive Reena could answer.

 

Naturally, all concentration for work left her, and now some time later, she still hadn't managed half of what she had hoped to accompolish today. She sighed. With her thoughts so scattred, it made no sense to even try to get involved with anything else now, so she had dismissed Arpita, with the expectation that they would have a full and productive day tomorrow.  

"Tomorrow, Arpita," she said, "We will focus and get ahead of the game. But thank you for your quick thinking this morning."

The still stunned young woman nodded. "Sure Rachna, I just can't believe that you have been contending with all of this, all of this time, alone..."

Rachna shook her head, "Nay, I was never alone, although that's not the case now."

Frowning, the young assistant watched her boss; the tenor of her voice revealing that Sanjay's story was just the tip of the iceberg.  There obviously had been more to Rachna's absence from the symposium, something decidedly of a personal nature. And even though Naomi had been scheduled to leave;  Arpita could not help but suspect that her departure had been anything but been routine.

"You know there are so many things that I admire about you Rachna, particularly your friendship with Naomi. Anyone can see that you share a special relationship; the two of you just connect on an entirely different level. I don't think in the end either of you will let your friendship go without a fight." She had collected her belongings while she spoken, and shared an assuring smiled with her boss. "And I'm sure tomorrow will be a better day."

...

He was going to be late. Busy with his task, he had lost all track of time, and now he had fallen behind in leaving to collect Sanjay from school.  He had made his excuses to the photographer and college student who were working on transferring Karan's digital photos onto Mohit's laptop, when his wife met him at the doorway to the studio.

"Kabir," she called out, holding a drowsy Aryia in her arms, "I'm leaving now to collect Sanjay from kindergarten, and then the children and I will be heading to the hospital to visit Rajeev."

She watched the beleaguered expression drop from her husband's face. "I know your work is important, and I didn't want you have to worry about an interruption...how is it progressing anyway," she asked.

Kabir turned back to the pair situated at his work desk. "We've got most of the photos from the park transferred over, and graciously Karan has offered up the other photography he has taken, just in case." He nodded towards the student who was animatedly discussing something with the experienced photographer. "I can't blame him for taking advantage of the situation and picking Mohit's brain while he has the advantage; it's the least we can offer in light of his cooperation. But the sooner we can get Karan on his way, the sooner the two of us can get on to reviewing the images ourselves."

Rachna pulled a face, "But wouldn't it be easier for Karan to...wait never mind, you're absolutely right, Kabir. We can't let any information out that could compromise the situation." She lifted her face to him to kiss him goodbye, smiling when Aryia roused sufficiently to join in the fun.

"Kiss Papa...my kiss Papa."

Kabir grinned and complied with her childish demand. "Just like her mother, she is," he teased.

"She's a very smart girl," Rachna answered. "I'll leave you to it then," she continued. "I will see you this later this afternoon."

...

 

It had been an easy victory apparently. The hockey team had come through for him, and now it was his turn to ensure that he could be there to guide them in the final games of the tournament. Thankfully the doctor had given him the news that he would be discharged tomorrow and that after another day or so of recuperation, that he could recommence, on a curtailed basis of course, his daily routine. It had been good news; certainly his family had received it well.  And he was grateful for his recovery; things certainly could have been far worse, but frankly everything: even this excellent news was secondary to their separation which he felt was taking on a more permanent feel everyday he and Naomi were apart. His conversation with Vihaan today hadn't helped at all, when his brother had informed him that Naomi had returned his parents' gift, fully intending to remove all vestiges of her connection to the Agarwal family. She was determined if nothing else, Vihaan had said, but as his brother insisted, her Devar would not allow her to. That she had retracted her decision to prevent his visiting was evidence of the conflict she was feeling.  It was a good sign Vihaan had insisted, and one he would pounce on and use to his advantage. Rajeev hoped Vihaan was right; almost as fervently as he hoped that she not learn of the cancellation of the wedding. Despite his certainty that this was her intention in the first place, he could only imagine her devastation on learning that it already had been cancelled. Better to let her think it was her idea. He sighed heavily and closed his eyes.

 

"Jeev go night night, Mama"

"Shh Aryia, you will wake Rajeev Uncle up."

"Shh Jayjay. Jeev night.. night."

 

The coach opened his eyes with a genuine smile to greet his visitors. The distraction was just what he needed.

...

 

"So do you have any hunches as to whom we may be looking for, KT," Mohit queried as he finally began the task of adjusting the resolution to make the backgrounds of the photos as clear and distinct as possible.

"Unfortunately no, not at the moment. The key to all of this is Sanjay, and who he may recognize. For now the important thing is make the job as easy as possible for him. And then, hopefully we will have a direction to follow to determine who was behind all of this."

"You do realize that you will have to certain though, you can't be falsely accusing..."

"It's our only lead; other than this we have really have no idea who could be behind this."

 Mohit nodded, understanding the gravity of the work ahead, and turned back to his computer.

Sometime later, Kabir looked up from his own work, when Mohit indicated that he had done as much as he could. At the same time he viewed his wife's harried return to the studio. He rose to meet her, taking Aryia who clasped a stuffed toy he recognized as one of the many get well gifts Rajeev had received.

"Rachna, what is it? Where is Sanjay?"

"I've asked Robin to give him a snack, before he began looking at the photos."

"We weren't actually thinking that we would get him started on this today, in fact Mohit was actually hoping to have another look back at the hockey photoshoot for anyone in the crowd who may have also been in the park a few days ago."

She shook her head frantically.  "Nay we're running out of time, we need to know now...today KT... please," she implored before dashing out of the room leaving the two perplexed men in her wake.

...

 

"I don't care how much she protests, once she's discharged, take her home with you and don't let her out of your sight until her parents arrive..."

"Bhai, do you really think it will be that simple; what am I supposed to do, kidnap her?"

"Ha, if it comes to it do exactly that, Vihaan, nothing else matters now... I have to go, the inspector has arrived finally."

"Bhai...wait, what's going on?"

...

 

"Daadi, what do you mean she's not in her room, where is she?"

"Rachna, beta, I've just arrived at the hospital ; I don't know, perhaps she's had to go for a test...hold on thik hai?"

Kabir walked into Rachna's workroom and quickly placed Aryia in her playpen. He then approached his pacing wife who was borderline hysterical with her mobile at her ear, and grabbed her by the shoulders.

"Bas Rachna, enough. Tell me what is going on, now!"

"He knows, Kabir...somehow he knows everything, and he's going after her."

 

Kabir didn't understand what Rachna had said, and now she was back to ignoring him. Dimly he heard his grandmother's voice over the phone.

"WiFi Daadi, are you sure?" She then disconnected the call and scampered to her laptop and logged on to it.

 

It took forever, but finally she was online, and immediately Rachna noticed that Naomi too was logged on to Skype. She was about to initiate the video-call when a Skype chat was sent to her.

 

I know that I'm the last person you'd ever want hear from, but please Ra, please just take this one final call. It'll be okay if we're done afterwards...Ra it's really important!

 

And then the call came in.

...

The bouquet had been a beautiful display of all of her favorite flowers, something that had immediately caught both Rajeev's and Rachna's attention. The aid who had delivered them commented on the lack of space in the room amongst the variety of Get Well gifts that the popular man had already received. At the patient's direction, the orderly had removed the stuffed animal from the shelf and replaced it with the floral arrangement. He had then handed the greeting card along with the toy to the patient.  Immediately Rajeev offered the stuffed bear to Aryia, much to the little girl's delight. He then opened the envelope he had been given, with the expectation that perhaps his in-laws had sent them.  It was a typed letter  instead of a simple greeting that he read:

 

GOTCHA DIDN'T I?

COME ON - TELL THE TRUTH WHO DID YOU REALLY THINK THESE FLOWERS WERE FROM? FROM HER BY CHANCE, AFTER ALL THEY ARE HER FAVORITES AREN'T THEY?

 

I HAVE A CONFESSION TO MAKE RAJEEV SIR, I JUST CAN'T GET THAT NIGHT OUT OF MY MIND, SO I THOUGHT TO REACH OUT TO THE ONE OTHER MAN WHO COULD PERHAPS UNDERSTAND MY FEELINGS.

 

YOU KNOW THAT IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT DON'T YOU?

YOU WERE THE ONE THAT LEFT HER WEAK AND FOR WHAT, TO BE HONORABLE? BAD MOVE THAT.

 

BUT THAT IS MEAN  - REALLY I SHOULD THANK YOU...SHE MAY HAVE BEEN CONFUSED AND THOUGHT THAT SHE WANTED YOU THAT NIGHT, BUT I KNOW THAT SHE WOULD NEVER HAVE LEARNT THAT YOU ARE NOT THE ONE FOR HER IF YOU HADN'T DENIED HER.  THAT SHE WOULD NEVER HAVE REACTED THE WAY SHE DID  IN ANYONE'S ARMS BUT MINE.

 

IT WAS LIKE GRASPING A PIECE OF HEAVEN IN MY HANDS. I CAN STILL HEAR HER PLEASURE AS I HELD HER, MOLDED HER INTO UNDERSTANDING WHO SHE REALLY BELONGS TO...AND WHEN SHE CAME APART IT WAS PURE BLISS FOR BOTH OF US...

SHE WAS SO CLOSE TO UNDERSTANDING THAT IT IS SHE AND I THAT WERE MEANT TO BE LIFE-PARTNERS;  THAT OUR BODIES  AND SOULS ARE MEANT TO BE ONE.

 

YES SHE WAS ALMOST AT THE REALIZATION, BUT LIKE ALL WOMEN SHE CARRIES A LITTLE BAGGAGE... WELL IN HER CASE  SHE'S CARRYING A COUPLE OF PIECES OF BAGGAGE TO BE PRECISE, AND UNTIL SHE RELEASES THEM, SHE WILL NEVER  HAVE THE PURITY TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT WE BELONG. I TRIED TO EXPLAIN TO HER, BUT SHE WAS A LITTLE STUBBORN IN THE END ...AND YOU DIDN'T HELP BY ARRIVING WHEN YOU DID EITHER.

 

SO WHAT'S A MAN TO DO...BUT HELP HIS LIFE PARTNER TO BECOME THE BEST SHE CAN BE. THAT ONLY BY LETTING GO OF HER ENCUMBERANCES CAN SHE WILL TRULY BECOME RATI DEVI IN ALL WAYS..

 

AND I WILL BE HELPING YOU TOO.

 

IT WOULD BE BEST IF YOU UNDERSTAND THAT SHE WAS NEVER MEANT FOR YOU, SO I SHALL HELP RELEASE YOU FROM THE BONDS THAT HOLD YOU BACK AS WELL, BY FREEING HER FROM THE FALSE TIES THAT CONNECT YOU. AND THEN YOU TOO WILL BE FREE.

 

GET WELL SOON...LONDON IS CALLING ME NOW.

...

 

Rachna began speaking immediately, even before the video came up, "It was all a lie and I'm so sorry but I need you to listen to me Naomi. Please I'm only telling you this for your own good. We'll sort every thing out, I promise, but I need you to trust us..." she stopped short when the image finally came into focus and a glossy mane of straight jet black hair came into view. "Hello who are you, where is Naomi" she demanded.

 

Before any answer was forthcoming, Sanjay burst into the room loudly calling for his Papa. Kabir turned and answered back, "Sanjay beta I'm coming."

 

An attractive young woman's face came into focus when she turned. "Hello Rachna, my name is Sareena, but  you can call me Reena. Naomi was kind enough to make this call for me. She's actually talking to your husband's daadi right now" Her eyes had then filled with tears in mere seconds. "Was that really Sanjay's voice I heard," she whispered emotionally.

Totally shocked, Rachna could only nod in response

 The woman on the screen spoke again, when she realized that Rachna could not.

"Naomi is a patient at the hospital where I work; I guess you can say that destiny had us becoming fast friends over the last couple of days."

Rachna blinked as an ingenious idea came to her.

"Are you friendly enough that you wouldn't mind her visiting you for a few days? Please?"

[NOCOPY]

crtkelly2016-05-28 00:19:21