Chapter 97

Chapter #94

"I'm giving you fair warning, Sweetheart, if your intention is to leave with your parents tomorrow, and walk away from our marriage then..."

"Then you should immediately file a case of kidnapping, "Naomi interjected, before her husband could finish his absurd statement, "Because I will never leave you willingly, Rajeev."

Arriving in the middle of the dance floor, Rajeev positioned himself with his back to their guests, blocking the two of them from prying eyes. He had mere seconds before the music would begin for their first dance. "Aacha, so the sadness I see in your eyes, if not a sign that you are unhappy with me..."

"They still aren't here; none of them- not even Daadi. Something's wrong..."

Rajeev glanced over at the only empty table in the ballroom, made even more conspicuous by its close proximity to the sweetheart table where the newlyweds would sit, the place reserved only for the newlyweds' immediate families. His jaw tightened at the distress this was causing Naomi, as tendrils of worry entered his mind over the Tripathis' absence. He leaned forward and kissed his wife's forehead. "Stay in the moment with me for the next four minutes, Sweetheart, and I promise I will find out what's going on, thik hai...just you and I for the next four minutes... chalo; hold my hand tightly, and let's see how much trouble we can get into, okay."

He smiled when she took a deep breath and nodded. "Just don't drop me when you dip me."

 

Out in the corridor, as they had neared the reception, the group heard the cheers emanating from the hotel ballroom which could only signify the newlywed couple's entrance, and Rachna whimpered at the thought that they were seconds from missing their friends' first dance as husband and wife which would come next. She tightened her grip on Kabir's hand and quickened her steps.  Breathlessly, they reached the doorway just as the first notes of the jazz standard began...

*********

 

The telephone call had come as they were about to start getting ready for the evening's festivities. Actually it was unbelievable that it had come as late as it had, as they all knew the legal office to have closed for the day. In hindsight though, Sonal had held out longer than any of them had ever anticipated, so perhaps the prospect of entering her third night of detention was just too much for her. Or perhaps she had finally seen reason.  Nevertheless, not only had Sonal's lawyer contacted theirs, but somehow the junior attorney had inexplicably managed a special session before the presiding Family Court judge, again for today even. Invariably he hoped to squash the newly issued Interpol Red Notice that indicted his client as an international felon before it could gain a footing, and also secure custody for his client. The judge who would hear the case was known to favor the natural parent, however with a clear opportunity to resolve the issue once and for all, they had no choice but to stop their preparations, and attend to the more pressing matter. Being the primary benefactor of the actions against Sonal, Sareena had offered to go it alone, so that the family would not forgo the final wedding celebrations, but neither Rachna nor Kabir would hear of it. Before they could reach an impasse, Daadi had authoritatively declared that they would handle the situation as a family; that Kabir and Rachna would accompany Sareena, while she along with Jack would get the children ready closer to time. With hours yet between the unanticipated hearing and wedding reception, they had every hope that the clear-cut court case would be resolved without any unnecessary delays.

 

Provided a chamber in which to negotiate in advance of the hearing, the adversaries came face to face for the first time since the day Sonal had been taken into custody. Her attitude, although tempered due to the circumstances, did not mean that she was any more passive.  As soon as she saw that Kabir and Rachna had come as well, Sonal got her lawyer's attention and conferred quietly with him. He nodded and then voiced his client's concerns.

"As the matter involves Dr. Arora and Sonal specifically, we feel that the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Tripathi can be deemed as prejudicial, and respectfully request that neither be present in the courtroom.

"I beg to differ," the opposing attorney countered. "Should the judge deem that the Interpol notice be enforced, it would be best that they be present, to procure temporary custody of the child. I am sure that even your client would prefer that her son be maintained in a stable, familiar environment, as opposed to any state run facility."

 

There was no way Sonal could effectively argue against this, and so she dropped the matter.

 

 

From the onset, the judge made it clear that although the two parties were technically neither Indian citizens nor NRI, that ultimately Indian law would take precedence over the respective countries of which the petitioner and defendant were citizens of. That being said, he would hear first if any agreement had reached as to a solution.

 

Sareena's wish was simple: adherence to the custody order in its original state as ordered by the UK court two years prior. She would instruct her UK solicitors to withdraw the red notice immediately, and allow the UK court specifically to mete out any punishment necessary, due to Sonal's actions, if and when Sonal chose to fulfill her visiting privileges.

 

It was, for sure, a catch twenty two situation for the child's mother, but one that the young doctor would not be swayed from. Her opinion that she was showing leniency in not actively pursuing her nephew's mother was the only concession she would make. Should Sonal wish to have further contact with her son, she would have to present herself to the UK courts to speak to the contempt charges. And If Sonal did not agree, then Sareena would follow the rule of law and force Sonal to face the charges against her in order to obtain custody.

 

The judge turned to the mother, who had already been detained over the matter. He addressed her legal representative.

"And your client's position, Sir?"

"Your Honour, my client cites the extreme duress that she was under at the time with both the dissolution of her marriage and the impending demise of the father of her child, that led her to make the unwise choice to remove her child from the jurisdiction, however as an American citizen, whose parents, as well as extended family reside, it can be argued that the minor child has also a birthright to that country as well..."

"Be that as it may, that was a matter that should have been addressed in the UK courts, as it is clear that the child in fact has dual citizenship. One should not take precedence over the other, and more importantly, neither should your client have taken upon herself to make that decision." The senior justice reviewed the documentation before him. "Barring the justification of her actions how is it then, that your client and the child have ended up in Banaras, and not in the country of her birth?"

"An employment opportunity, along with the chance to expose her child to the land of his forefathers, you Honor."

"And yet the child has been denied his paternal heritage by her actions." The judge stared impassively at the child's mother. "And your decision now, in the matter, Madam?"

Sonal spoke for the first time. "A young child needs their mother, Sir, it is a known fact that during the formative years, that there is no better nurturer than a mother to her child. I absolutely admit my errors, but in my defense, it was my love for my son that..."

The judge held up his hand, as he leafed through the papers in front of him. He looked inquisitively at one document and then flipped back to the first. Finally he looked up and glared towards the defendant.

"And how do multiple accusations of child abuse fit into your definition of love for your child, Madam? I see here that charges were made both in the UK by the child's deceased father, and here just recently by a Mr. Kabir Tripathi."

Sonal's lawyer interjected. "Your Worship, you will note that the most recent report was summarily dismissed due to the delay in filing, and should have no bearing on the matter before you."

"Nonsense; any complaint that brings into question the child's welfare in his mother's care must be considered. I would prefer to know the backstory of such serious accusations. Who is Mr. Kabir Tripathi and what is his connection to the child, that he would be in the position to report this?"

 

At his lawyer's prompting, Kabir stood up and made himself known. And over the ardent protestations of Sonal's lawyer was able to tell his story...

**********

Here we are
On earth together
It's you and I
God has made us fall in love
It's true
I've really found
Someone like you...

 

Standing breathlessly at the doorway, Rachna and Kabir watched Rajeev as he held out his hand to Naomi, and smiled as with an adoring glance she gracefully spun into his waiting arms. Resplendent in their formalwear the newlyweds began a slow waltz across the dance floor to the meaningful words.

 

With all eyes on the couple, the group managed to quietly enter the ballroom, now that the others had caught them up.  Only then did Rachna realize that they had no clue where they were to be seated in the expanse of the beautifully decorated room. The arrival of the group of seven, including an excitable Aryia, who had been thrilled to recognize her Pari, and had become quite vocal over it, had attracted the attention of those closest to them, and they were grateful when out of nowhere, Vihaan appeared to  offer the much need direction.

Will it stay
The love you feel for me
Will you say
That you will be by my side
To see me through
Until my life is through

Well in my mind
We can conquer the world
In love you and I
You and I, you and I...

Their steps were fluid and strikingly beautiful to watch, as he led and she followed. Rajeev was such a wonderful dance partner, and it hadn't taken Naomi long to lose herself in the music and their choreography. Everything melted away as she focused on her husband; she felt so cherished being held by him. They were about to begin a series of complicated steps which would include some more elaborate spins and a deep low dip, that were sure to have their mothers up in arms, but Naomi knew that  she would be safe in her husband's arms.  She had complete faith in him, but couldn't help but be slightly taken aback when he deviated from their composition, and told her to look left when he sent her on the improvised spin. He never released her hand, and brought her back to him seconds later- her smile let him know that she had registered their friends' arrival and meant everything to him.

 

Cause in my mind
You will stay here always
In love you and I
You and I, you and I
You and I, you and I
You and I
In my mind
We can conquer the world
In love you and I
You and I, you and I
You and I...

 

"Happy now," he whispered as he held her the low dip that concluded their dance. He kissed her forehead softly after she nodded, to the rapturous applause from their guests. He raised her carefully, and hand in hand they went to face the music, believing that there would be a modicum of safety in being surrounded by so many.

*********

 The conclusion of the Father/Daughter Dance technically brought the formalities to the end, but when Naomi's father brought her to the edge of the dance floor she noticed Rajeev standing there with his mother.

"Go have a seat with Papa and rest a while," Rajeev requested. "Ma and I are going to get this party started."

"Huh?"

"Just go, Sweetheart."

She did as requested and went back to their parents table where her father-in-law had remained.

"Come and rest for a while beta," the elder Agarwal said, offering her the seat beside him that had been vacated by his wife. He signaled a waiter to refresh her drink. "Are you feeling well; not too tired?"

"Nay Papaji, I'm fine," Naomi answered with a smile, but in truth her attention was actually on the DJ announcement of the Mother /Son dance. Rajeev hadn't even told her, but she was so happy that he had chosen to honor his mother in this way. From the expression on his face; so too, was her father-in-law. As they watched to pair on the dance floor together, Shailish Agarwal's smile broadened. "They are so much alike, that you would think that she had given birth to him," he suggested.

"She's his mother in all way that counts Papaji."

"Ha, you are right, but still, this isn't anything I could ever have imagined in many years," he choked out as he watched his eldest son enjoying the moment with his step-mother. "You have been very good for us, beta," he said; his voice low with emotion. He waited until Naomi finished her beverage and then cleared his throat before standing. "I believe I will go and cut in and dance with my wife now. Come beti, I will take you to Rajeev.

 

Finally free of the formalities of the reception, Rajeev and Naomi meandered along the edge of the now filled dance-floor, to get to the table where the Tripathi family remained seated. They interpreted the fact that they were not mingling with the other guests to mean that something of note had occurred, which they assumed was related to their tardiness.  As they neared, they noticed Vihaan there already. "Finally- we thought you two would never escape your well-wishers."

Both Naomi and Rajeev ignored him, and went directly to meet Daadi first; offering her their respects, and receiving her blessings.

"Daadi," Naomi began, "I was so worried. What happened to make all of you so late?"

"Aacha Beta, I think that is a story you need to hear but not from me." The older woman reached her hand out to Sanjay. "Beta would you like dance, and then to find ourselves some more of that delicious wedding cake?"

The little tuxedo clad boy nodded, and jumped up to follow Daadi. The group watched the two disappear into the crowd and then adjusted their seating so that Rajeev and Naomi could sit together.

"So, what happened?"

Rajeev covered his impatient spouse's hand with his own, but squeezed her hand when she went to apologize. "We were beginning to worry," he quantified.

"It's done. It's over. I have been awarded custody of Sanjay. All that's left is for Sonal to turn over his passport, which will be done tomorrow."

The newlyweds stared at Sareena, stunned.

"C-congratulations," Naomi stammered. "That is wonderful news, isn't' it Rajeev?"

"How...when," Rajeev asked, right away comprehending the ramifications of the judgement for everyone.

  

*********

They had celebrated and danced late into the night, perhaps not as much as she would have liked to, but enough that she was appreciative of mini leg and foot-massage Rajeev was giving her. There were clearly some benefits to being married to someone who understood the anatomy of the human body.  She sighed serenely when after he finished Rajeev finally lay beside her. She scooted closer, and he wrapped his arms around her.

"You have magic hands, Rajeev. I wish I knew enough to return the favor."

He thought her crazy. Maybe, one day she would come to understand that her nearness was all the balm he needed. They lay there, lost in their respective thoughts, until finally he could no longer hold back the troubling thoughts that had infiltrated his mind earlier that evening.  He needed to know what Naomi's decision would be, and how it would affect them.

"They will both need you. Will you go, Sweetheart?"

She shook her head against his chest, and his heart leapt at her quick and definite decision. But his relief was short-lived, when she actually spoke.

"I don't want to think about that right now, Rajeev," she answered softly. "Not tonight."

She held him tighter tonight, he noticed, and still awake hours later, Rajeev wished he hadn't brought up the topic. At least then they could have pretended that it wasn't an issue.  In her answer, he understood that Naomi was struggling with her promise, but ultimately she would leave if it became necessary. Her unselfish nature wouldn't allow her to deny the need of the child about to be displaced from his family, and as a result, Rajeev now had to prepare himself to be separated from his wife: something too unbearable to contemplate.  He heard her moan softly, and cling even more possessively to him.  It seemed that even in sleep, his wife's opposition to the idea was evident.

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

Kabir hadn't expected to be encroaching on anyone when he entered the bedroom, however he had taken but a few steps inside before he realized that he was not the only one with thoughts of checking on Sanjay tonight. In the filtered moonlight, he watched as Sareena stood over the bed, her arms folded around her middle. She turned, suddenly aware that she was not alone.

"Forgive me," Kabir started. "I didn't mean to intrude. I-I will leave you alone now."

Sareena called out to him as he was about to turn away. "Kabir...wait, please." She looked up at the designer.  "I never had the proper chance to thank you."

"It was a clear cut case, Sareena; you would have been successful either way."

"I'm not exactly sure about that, Kabir; there is a distinct difference between the reading of suspected wrongdoings, and actually hearing the evidences from the one most affected by Sonal's deceit." She looked from her slumbering nephew to the man who shown the little boy a father's love. "This is your home; you have every right to be here. What I mean to say, is that nothing has changed, you..."

He smiled wanly at her. "That's not exactly true, is it? Everything has changed after today hasn't it?"

She paused and then thought better about whatever it was she wanted to say.

"Anyway, it's good that you are here, Sareena.  Will you still be joining us for lunch tomorrow; to finalize the vacation...we can make sure we give Sanjay some good memories to remember us by," the father voiced.

"Yes definitely, but Kabir..."

crtkelly2016-03-19 13:56:08