Chapter 1
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Mangi khuda se Mannat humne
Tumhein paane ki
Puri kuch is tarah se huyi
Kaash......................... mangi hi na hoti
Chapter 1: Jaal
"It's an open and shut case bua....nothing really can be done about it." Bhumi sipped the stone cold coffee and picked up another book from the heap scattered on her desk. "You can't be serious Bhumi....There has to be a way....just one...Every law has a loophole...." Shobha Virani Singh's voice sounded hysterical as she walked into the Virani study at a little past midnight. " Well...I've been looking for that loophole for over a week now bua.." Bhumi snapped back. A cumulative sleep of 10 hours in the same number of days and endless cups of tasteless black coffee tend to do that, she thought miserably. Along with the fact that her young cousin had been booked for murder. "Its all my fault.....All mine....My poor child...." Shobha broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. "Now now Shobha....Don't lose hope......I'm sure there is an alternative.." Karan Virani gave his sister a reassuring hug as he looked over to see his daughter's resigned face.
"There's no use Dad.....Fingerprints, A heated altercation a few days before the attempted murder ......and above all, the victim.......The son of your biggest political rival bua....That is the most condemning fact of all....." "It could be a frame up, Bhumi....After all we know that elections are a little over a month away..." "Yes dad....I know.....But try explaining to the judge that Mr. Yashwant Deshmukh jeopardized the life of his only son for a few votes? He's gone into a coma with fatal wounds...." "Self defense?" "Hrishikesh Deshmukh's carefully cultivated media image is that of a soft spoken, respectful young man. And it was Pari who threatened him verbally, with harm, during that altercation. The media captured her at her worst and have been circulating the same stories about her. It doesn't help our case one bit." "Bloody greedy sycophants...." Shobha, who had ceased sobbing, spat out disgustedly.
"Pari's version that she was aiding some female doesn't wash apparently....Because this 'other' female seems to have vanished into thin air. And bua.....You're forgetting the foremost fact......The 'eyewitness'.....
Abhir Bhasin.... Even if we prove that all evidence is circumstantial, all the prosecution lawyer has to do is ask Mr.Bhasin if he saw Pari attacking Hrishikesh..." "And he won't be committing perjury if he says Yes.." Joydeep's calm voice sounded from near the door. " That bloody scoundrel, he would lie under oath just to get back at the Viranis' " Karan ground out.
"Now now....Mr Virani.....that's no way to address your daughter's ex-flame ...." a loud,drawling voice reached the confines of the study. Bhumi, Karan and Shobha stood petrified for an instant before Karan rushed out to the drawing room where Abhir was standing with a smirk on his face. "How dare you enter Shantiniketan?" Karan thundered, catching Abhir by his collar. The ruckus was enough to bring the resident Virani population to the scene. "I'd be careful Mr. Virani.....Particularly when your beloved niece's life is in my hands." "Just shut up Abhir..." Shobha snarled, reminded of her daughter's plight. "For all we know you are hand in glove with Deshmukhs' ilk in this distasteful game." "I'm sorry to disabuse you of that notion but no....It was just incidental that I was on the spot."
"What do you want Abhir?". " Aha...the eternal voice of reason.....cautious Joydeep.....I'm here to negotiate....I'm sure I can be prevented from being brought to the stands.....At a price of course..." "Rubbish.....You are the prosecution's star witness ....You think you can avoid being subpoenaed? And why would you commit perjury?" Bhumi asked him. "I cannot avoid being subpoenaed....But I can definitely avoid being called for testifying....." "How so?" "Come on Bhumi...You know the law better than this.....A husband cannot be called upon to testify against his wife.....That's my price.....Paridhi Abhisekh Singh."
Chapter 2: Woh Saat Din
The slim, solitary figure in the cell sat huddled in a corner, her hands and face resting on her knees. Her glance kept shifting to the antediluvian time piece on the opposite wall, waiting for it to strike 4:00. For one hour of each of the seven days she had been in the lockup, she was the cherished member of the Virani clan who came to visit. For the rest of the day, she was alone with the reminiscences of the nightmare she was currently living. She often woke up in the middle of the night, thinking all this was a bad dream and would go away once she opened her eyes. And then she would encounter the rough, cemented floor of her prison.
Pari's only comfort was the time when her mother and her family came visiting, full of assurances and hope. If she was judged guilty, it would definitely not be for the lack of trying from the Virani family. She knew all her uncles, her cousins and even her grandparents were invoking all their resources, all their social and political connections to free her. Just as she knew it was futile. Yashwant Deshmukh and his son had played their game well. She did not regret lifting the weapon to Hrishikesh, she had distinctly heard the girl's loud cries for help. She would have done that during the debate itself which he slyly suggested that her mother had used political influence to avoid being convicted of her first husband, Vishal Mehra's death. And also indulged in subtle character assassination. She had lost her temper and had slapped him hard as soon as he descended from the dias. "If you say one more word about my mother, Hrishikesh, I'll make sure your mother remains a mother no longer." And the media had a field day at her expense. Her impulsiveness was as inbred a trait in her as her mother's legendary composure.
"Pari.....beta will you please sign these papers?" Shobha's soft, pleading voice brought Pari out of her reverie. "Papers? I signed all the necessary legal documents three days ago......" "These are......these are some other legal papers.....It is a backdated court affidavit ....a certificate.......of your marriage .....with Abhir Bhasin...."
Chapter 3: Armaan
When Abhir Bhasin made his 'proposal', everyone reacted as per Shobha's expectations. Everyone was outraged. And said refused outright. Everyone except Bhumi. Shobha was not a little surprised at Bhumi's feeble, ineffectual protestations about the same. And she went back to the study, she found Bhumi sitting with her head in her hands. "It must have seemed strange na bua......You feel it is because I am relieved that I don't have to fight a losing case?" "No Bhumi.....I know it is more of eclipsing Abhir's shadow from your marriage." "Bua....." "I understand....When I married Abhishek, we both always had Vishal hovering between us......But Bhumi, Abhir's committment to somebody else does not change his feelings towards you or anyone else......The success or failure of your relationship should not depend on Abhir's marital status....And I know you will do your best. For me. For Pari."
If Bhumi's reaction surprised her, Pari's vehemence left her stunned. The young girl threw the documents away with a rare strength born out of rage. " H-O-W C-O-U-L-D Y-O-U E-V-E-N T-H-I-N-K T-H-A-T W-A-Y. I am willing to spend a lifetime behind bars or in the mental asylum even..." she spluttered on, face red. "Pari....beta....listen to me please...." "I don't want to and if you insist mom, I'll just accept the intentional homicide charge in court rather than the non guilty plea." Pari's decisive voice left Shobha heartbroken. Pari turned away and told her mother in a gentler tone. "I committed an offense, a forgivable one. I'm not willing to serve a lifetime of punishment for it, Mom. "
"And I thought marriage for a lifetime sentence only for men." Pari heard Abhir's drawling voice and refused to turn to face him. "If you could please let me speak to your daughter for a couple of minutes Ms. Virani...."
Abhir said, looking askance at Pari. " Alone." "She doesn't need to.....I am not going to be your indentured servant in any capacity.....Legal or otherwise....So leave......" Pari said, without turning.
" Has no one taught you manners or you've misplaced them like your common sense?" Abhir asked, totally nonchalant. "It is considered rude to intrude when two older, wiser people are conversing." "Please Ma'am?" he said, addressing Shobha. Shobha left the visitors' room silently.
" Did you know your grandmother, Mrs. Payal Mehra had a heart attack, Paridhi? And what your mother is willing to do only for getting you out on bail? She is willing to retire voluntarily from politics. Both she and Mrs. Mehra. She has worked so hard to reach here, she would sacrifice it all for you. All because you are too naive to understand what lengths people coveting power would go to. And that is not all. Deshmukh's conditions also entail that she would not defend herself against any slander, any accusations levied against her. Then he would coolly say...She kept her mouth shut because she knew she was wrong. Is this what you want Paridhi? " He continued in a softer tone, "You don't have to remain married to me forever. For a year. I will put that clause in because divorce proceedings cannot start unless and until the couple in question stay together for a year." And switched back to his usual arrogant self with " One year is more than enough to suit my purpose. Its your choice Paridhi. A guilt ridden lifetime as sole reason behind your mother's downfall.......Or the minor inconvenience of being Mrs.Abhir Bhasin for a year."
"Why would you want to do this?"Abhir almost didn't hear Pari's inaudible question. "Because one granddaughter is as good as another. Because I want your grandmother to suffer............Because ......This way I can ascertain I can remain close to Bhumi and change her mind.", he concluded.
Abhir left the papers lying on the floor right next to Pari's cell. When she was sure he was out of the room, she turned her tear streaked face and picked them up, yearning for a way to wish away what she had prayed for so long. Her mannat. Abhir Bhasin.
Chapter 4: Humrahi
"Its only here that the waiting time is perhaps more than the flight duration." Pari muttered exasperatedly, pacing the tiny Delhi airport lounge for the hundredth time. The 10:00 p.m. had been delayed on dual accounts of a technical glitch and bad weather and she groaned as she looked at her watch which showed 2:45 am. Most of her fellow travellers had been put up in neighboring hotels and inns, opting to travel the next day. The unseasonal storm which had hindered the flights from running on time had past and an announcement had been made that they would soon proceed to their destination.
A handful of men walked up to the sole frontline staff member standing near the boarding gate. "Is the damned flight ever going to take off? one of the infuriated men asked, obviously drunk. "Sir...We're doing our best. Until the runways are cleared, we cannot really do anything. " "Then go out and clear the runway dammit." another man caught hold of the slender girl and shook her. "Sir...Please sir....I'm...." "Shut up and go tell your bosses to start in five minutes...Don't you know who we are?"
"Someone who definitely weren't paying attention when their parents were teaching them etiquettes." Pari's voice snapped from behind the crowd as she walked towards the shaken airline personnel. " No matter what the provocation, this is no way to behave with a woman.....Any defenceless person for that matter....I'm sure the airline officials and groundsmen are doing their best and if you think you can do better, you are more than welcome to take a pitchfork and start clearing the runway yourselves. And its a criminal offense manhandling an airline official on duty. " she finished superiorly.
The crowd of five men turned to her. "Fine Miss Personification-of-Properiety........As you say, manhandling an airline official on duty is an offense. But putting a little sense into a smart-mouth, meddlesome chit is definitely not a crime, is it. " one of them asked, advancing towards her now. " Now I've done it....." Pari thought hopelessly as she started walking backwards and ran into a pair of steading arms.
"I would advice against it." A deep voice said coolly. "If you care to see the bulletin board, it says the flight starts boarding in five minutes. If you commence a fight here, I'll be obliged to log a complaint with the concerned authorities, the security will be here, there may be inquires, arrests, there will be a further delay and I will miss my race tomorrow evening. " He said, sounding aggrieved. " So gentlemen.....Please be good to me and yourselves and settle this matter after boarding the aircraft. " he gestured towards the tarpaulin. " After you gentlemen...."
Pari had just gathered enough self assurance to begin a "Thanks..." when the speaker turned to her with a, "Are you travelling first class?" "Yes...." "Downgrade your seat to economy......I'll send word to the steward et all to make sure those five are in the first class, seated far away from each other and kept happy....I'll get a seat next to yours to make sure there is no further trouble." All Pari could say was an inadequate "Thanks" as Abhir Bhasin swung his duffel bag on his shoulders and hurried towards the aircraft, looking back to give her a reassuring smile.
Sitting down in her prison cell and recollecting her first meeting with him, Pari did not know when she fell in love with Abhir. She did not know whether it was that exact moment at the airport or during their journey therin. She didn't know whether it was during the lengthy games of chess they played against each other when he visisted Shantiniketan. Or during the times he remembered to bring her and Archita, a bouquet of fresh flowers or a box of their favorite chocolates. But she knew a part of her would always love him with the same despairing extremity with which he entirely loved someone else. Her sister Bhumi.
Chapter 5: Intequam
" It took you long enough to get back from prison. Its almost dinner time. " Raj Bhasin chided Abhir as soon as he was visible near the doorway. "I....I went to the office.....I had some work there." The senior Bhasin did not press the matter any further. " Lets have food and we can discuss the Virani family misfortunes over dinner."
Abhir did not really understand what deep-rooted abhorance Raj Bhasin had for the Viranis and particularly for Tulsi Virani. It had been his habit to obey without questioning, that's how he'd been brought up. "So....Did Shobha's girl sign the documents?" Raj Bhasin asked casually. "Not yet....But I'm hopeful that she'll do the needful during or before my next visit to her cell. She definitely has those quintessential Virani attributes, like putting-her-foot-in-the-mouth, jumping to incorrect conclusions, willingness to sacrifice all for truth and most of all, love for her immediate and extended family. " Abhir said, a little thoughtful. "You seem to know her well enough" Raj said, eyebrows raised. "No....I know her weaknessess well enough like that of all other Viranis." "And her strengths?" Abhir shrugged with a casual "Don't know. Don't need to know."
The dinner having finished, Abhir sat down to complete some pending work whilst Raj Bhasin paced around the living room, pensive. "You know, Abhir, I've always wondered how come you obeyed my instructions that day?" Raj asked, referring to the day when supposed Bhumi and Abhir marriage was supposed to have taken place. "I only did what I've always done, father. Abide by your decisions." " And that cost you your love, didn't it? But Tulsi Virani wouldn't have relented even if you were the very epitome of the ideal grand son-in-law. Its was her objection to your association with me, more than anything. Its sad that her 'so-called' value system won and your love lost. We made a mistake with Bhumi....But I'm sure we won't with Paridhi."
" And it was essential for you not to marry Bhumi coz you had fallen in love with her. How would I hone my only weapon against Tulsi Virani otherwise?Abhir had to have a personal grudge against Tulsi Virani " Raj Bhasin said to himself, smiling. " Poor Tulsi. Both her beloved granddaughters's marital lives are going for toss." In a paternal tone, he told Abhir, "Abhir, It would have been difficult for you to cause any grief to Bhumi. Not so with Pari, right?" Not really understanding his slight hesitation to hurt the gamine girl he had possibly saved from a mob during their first encounter, Abhir answered his adoptive father's question with an inflexible "Yes."
I was told that I need to post/update any fanfic in this section...
Apologies for any mistake
anut 39285.6519560185
Tumhein paane ki
Puri kuch is tarah se huyi
Kaash......................... mangi hi na hoti
Chapter 1: Jaal
"It's an open and shut case bua....nothing really can be done about it." Bhumi sipped the stone cold coffee and picked up another book from the heap scattered on her desk. "You can't be serious Bhumi....There has to be a way....just one...Every law has a loophole...." Shobha Virani Singh's voice sounded hysterical as she walked into the Virani study at a little past midnight. " Well...I've been looking for that loophole for over a week now bua.." Bhumi snapped back. A cumulative sleep of 10 hours in the same number of days and endless cups of tasteless black coffee tend to do that, she thought miserably. Along with the fact that her young cousin had been booked for murder. "Its all my fault.....All mine....My poor child...." Shobha broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. "Now now Shobha....Don't lose hope......I'm sure there is an alternative.." Karan Virani gave his sister a reassuring hug as he looked over to see his daughter's resigned face.
"There's no use Dad.....Fingerprints, A heated altercation a few days before the attempted murder ......and above all, the victim.......The son of your biggest political rival bua....That is the most condemning fact of all....." "It could be a frame up, Bhumi....After all we know that elections are a little over a month away..." "Yes dad....I know.....But try explaining to the judge that Mr. Yashwant Deshmukh jeopardized the life of his only son for a few votes? He's gone into a coma with fatal wounds...." "Self defense?" "Hrishikesh Deshmukh's carefully cultivated media image is that of a soft spoken, respectful young man. And it was Pari who threatened him verbally, with harm, during that altercation. The media captured her at her worst and have been circulating the same stories about her. It doesn't help our case one bit." "Bloody greedy sycophants...." Shobha, who had ceased sobbing, spat out disgustedly.
"Pari's version that she was aiding some female doesn't wash apparently....Because this 'other' female seems to have vanished into thin air. And bua.....You're forgetting the foremost fact......The 'eyewitness'.....
Abhir Bhasin.... Even if we prove that all evidence is circumstantial, all the prosecution lawyer has to do is ask Mr.Bhasin if he saw Pari attacking Hrishikesh..." "And he won't be committing perjury if he says Yes.." Joydeep's calm voice sounded from near the door. " That bloody scoundrel, he would lie under oath just to get back at the Viranis' " Karan ground out.
"Now now....Mr Virani.....that's no way to address your daughter's ex-flame ...." a loud,drawling voice reached the confines of the study. Bhumi, Karan and Shobha stood petrified for an instant before Karan rushed out to the drawing room where Abhir was standing with a smirk on his face. "How dare you enter Shantiniketan?" Karan thundered, catching Abhir by his collar. The ruckus was enough to bring the resident Virani population to the scene. "I'd be careful Mr. Virani.....Particularly when your beloved niece's life is in my hands." "Just shut up Abhir..." Shobha snarled, reminded of her daughter's plight. "For all we know you are hand in glove with Deshmukhs' ilk in this distasteful game." "I'm sorry to disabuse you of that notion but no....It was just incidental that I was on the spot."
"What do you want Abhir?". " Aha...the eternal voice of reason.....cautious Joydeep.....I'm here to negotiate....I'm sure I can be prevented from being brought to the stands.....At a price of course..." "Rubbish.....You are the prosecution's star witness ....You think you can avoid being subpoenaed? And why would you commit perjury?" Bhumi asked him. "I cannot avoid being subpoenaed....But I can definitely avoid being called for testifying....." "How so?" "Come on Bhumi...You know the law better than this.....A husband cannot be called upon to testify against his wife.....That's my price.....Paridhi Abhisekh Singh."
Chapter 2: Woh Saat Din
The slim, solitary figure in the cell sat huddled in a corner, her hands and face resting on her knees. Her glance kept shifting to the antediluvian time piece on the opposite wall, waiting for it to strike 4:00. For one hour of each of the seven days she had been in the lockup, she was the cherished member of the Virani clan who came to visit. For the rest of the day, she was alone with the reminiscences of the nightmare she was currently living. She often woke up in the middle of the night, thinking all this was a bad dream and would go away once she opened her eyes. And then she would encounter the rough, cemented floor of her prison.
Pari's only comfort was the time when her mother and her family came visiting, full of assurances and hope. If she was judged guilty, it would definitely not be for the lack of trying from the Virani family. She knew all her uncles, her cousins and even her grandparents were invoking all their resources, all their social and political connections to free her. Just as she knew it was futile. Yashwant Deshmukh and his son had played their game well. She did not regret lifting the weapon to Hrishikesh, she had distinctly heard the girl's loud cries for help. She would have done that during the debate itself which he slyly suggested that her mother had used political influence to avoid being convicted of her first husband, Vishal Mehra's death. And also indulged in subtle character assassination. She had lost her temper and had slapped him hard as soon as he descended from the dias. "If you say one more word about my mother, Hrishikesh, I'll make sure your mother remains a mother no longer." And the media had a field day at her expense. Her impulsiveness was as inbred a trait in her as her mother's legendary composure.
"Pari.....beta will you please sign these papers?" Shobha's soft, pleading voice brought Pari out of her reverie. "Papers? I signed all the necessary legal documents three days ago......" "These are......these are some other legal papers.....It is a backdated court affidavit ....a certificate.......of your marriage .....with Abhir Bhasin...."
Chapter 3: Armaan
When Abhir Bhasin made his 'proposal', everyone reacted as per Shobha's expectations. Everyone was outraged. And said refused outright. Everyone except Bhumi. Shobha was not a little surprised at Bhumi's feeble, ineffectual protestations about the same. And she went back to the study, she found Bhumi sitting with her head in her hands. "It must have seemed strange na bua......You feel it is because I am relieved that I don't have to fight a losing case?" "No Bhumi.....I know it is more of eclipsing Abhir's shadow from your marriage." "Bua....." "I understand....When I married Abhishek, we both always had Vishal hovering between us......But Bhumi, Abhir's committment to somebody else does not change his feelings towards you or anyone else......The success or failure of your relationship should not depend on Abhir's marital status....And I know you will do your best. For me. For Pari."
If Bhumi's reaction surprised her, Pari's vehemence left her stunned. The young girl threw the documents away with a rare strength born out of rage. " H-O-W C-O-U-L-D Y-O-U E-V-E-N T-H-I-N-K T-H-A-T W-A-Y. I am willing to spend a lifetime behind bars or in the mental asylum even..." she spluttered on, face red. "Pari....beta....listen to me please...." "I don't want to and if you insist mom, I'll just accept the intentional homicide charge in court rather than the non guilty plea." Pari's decisive voice left Shobha heartbroken. Pari turned away and told her mother in a gentler tone. "I committed an offense, a forgivable one. I'm not willing to serve a lifetime of punishment for it, Mom. "
"And I thought marriage for a lifetime sentence only for men." Pari heard Abhir's drawling voice and refused to turn to face him. "If you could please let me speak to your daughter for a couple of minutes Ms. Virani...."
Abhir said, looking askance at Pari. " Alone." "She doesn't need to.....I am not going to be your indentured servant in any capacity.....Legal or otherwise....So leave......" Pari said, without turning.
" Has no one taught you manners or you've misplaced them like your common sense?" Abhir asked, totally nonchalant. "It is considered rude to intrude when two older, wiser people are conversing." "Please Ma'am?" he said, addressing Shobha. Shobha left the visitors' room silently.
" Did you know your grandmother, Mrs. Payal Mehra had a heart attack, Paridhi? And what your mother is willing to do only for getting you out on bail? She is willing to retire voluntarily from politics. Both she and Mrs. Mehra. She has worked so hard to reach here, she would sacrifice it all for you. All because you are too naive to understand what lengths people coveting power would go to. And that is not all. Deshmukh's conditions also entail that she would not defend herself against any slander, any accusations levied against her. Then he would coolly say...She kept her mouth shut because she knew she was wrong. Is this what you want Paridhi? " He continued in a softer tone, "You don't have to remain married to me forever. For a year. I will put that clause in because divorce proceedings cannot start unless and until the couple in question stay together for a year." And switched back to his usual arrogant self with " One year is more than enough to suit my purpose. Its your choice Paridhi. A guilt ridden lifetime as sole reason behind your mother's downfall.......Or the minor inconvenience of being Mrs.Abhir Bhasin for a year."
"Why would you want to do this?"Abhir almost didn't hear Pari's inaudible question. "Because one granddaughter is as good as another. Because I want your grandmother to suffer............Because ......This way I can ascertain I can remain close to Bhumi and change her mind.", he concluded.
Abhir left the papers lying on the floor right next to Pari's cell. When she was sure he was out of the room, she turned her tear streaked face and picked them up, yearning for a way to wish away what she had prayed for so long. Her mannat. Abhir Bhasin.
Chapter 4: Humrahi
"Its only here that the waiting time is perhaps more than the flight duration." Pari muttered exasperatedly, pacing the tiny Delhi airport lounge for the hundredth time. The 10:00 p.m. had been delayed on dual accounts of a technical glitch and bad weather and she groaned as she looked at her watch which showed 2:45 am. Most of her fellow travellers had been put up in neighboring hotels and inns, opting to travel the next day. The unseasonal storm which had hindered the flights from running on time had past and an announcement had been made that they would soon proceed to their destination.
A handful of men walked up to the sole frontline staff member standing near the boarding gate. "Is the damned flight ever going to take off? one of the infuriated men asked, obviously drunk. "Sir...We're doing our best. Until the runways are cleared, we cannot really do anything. " "Then go out and clear the runway dammit." another man caught hold of the slender girl and shook her. "Sir...Please sir....I'm...." "Shut up and go tell your bosses to start in five minutes...Don't you know who we are?"
"Someone who definitely weren't paying attention when their parents were teaching them etiquettes." Pari's voice snapped from behind the crowd as she walked towards the shaken airline personnel. " No matter what the provocation, this is no way to behave with a woman.....Any defenceless person for that matter....I'm sure the airline officials and groundsmen are doing their best and if you think you can do better, you are more than welcome to take a pitchfork and start clearing the runway yourselves. And its a criminal offense manhandling an airline official on duty. " she finished superiorly.
The crowd of five men turned to her. "Fine Miss Personification-of-Properiety........As you say, manhandling an airline official on duty is an offense. But putting a little sense into a smart-mouth, meddlesome chit is definitely not a crime, is it. " one of them asked, advancing towards her now. " Now I've done it....." Pari thought hopelessly as she started walking backwards and ran into a pair of steading arms.
"I would advice against it." A deep voice said coolly. "If you care to see the bulletin board, it says the flight starts boarding in five minutes. If you commence a fight here, I'll be obliged to log a complaint with the concerned authorities, the security will be here, there may be inquires, arrests, there will be a further delay and I will miss my race tomorrow evening. " He said, sounding aggrieved. " So gentlemen.....Please be good to me and yourselves and settle this matter after boarding the aircraft. " he gestured towards the tarpaulin. " After you gentlemen...."
Pari had just gathered enough self assurance to begin a "Thanks..." when the speaker turned to her with a, "Are you travelling first class?" "Yes...." "Downgrade your seat to economy......I'll send word to the steward et all to make sure those five are in the first class, seated far away from each other and kept happy....I'll get a seat next to yours to make sure there is no further trouble." All Pari could say was an inadequate "Thanks" as Abhir Bhasin swung his duffel bag on his shoulders and hurried towards the aircraft, looking back to give her a reassuring smile.
Sitting down in her prison cell and recollecting her first meeting with him, Pari did not know when she fell in love with Abhir. She did not know whether it was that exact moment at the airport or during their journey therin. She didn't know whether it was during the lengthy games of chess they played against each other when he visisted Shantiniketan. Or during the times he remembered to bring her and Archita, a bouquet of fresh flowers or a box of their favorite chocolates. But she knew a part of her would always love him with the same despairing extremity with which he entirely loved someone else. Her sister Bhumi.
Chapter 5: Intequam
" It took you long enough to get back from prison. Its almost dinner time. " Raj Bhasin chided Abhir as soon as he was visible near the doorway. "I....I went to the office.....I had some work there." The senior Bhasin did not press the matter any further. " Lets have food and we can discuss the Virani family misfortunes over dinner."
Abhir did not really understand what deep-rooted abhorance Raj Bhasin had for the Viranis and particularly for Tulsi Virani. It had been his habit to obey without questioning, that's how he'd been brought up. "So....Did Shobha's girl sign the documents?" Raj Bhasin asked casually. "Not yet....But I'm hopeful that she'll do the needful during or before my next visit to her cell. She definitely has those quintessential Virani attributes, like putting-her-foot-in-the-mouth, jumping to incorrect conclusions, willingness to sacrifice all for truth and most of all, love for her immediate and extended family. " Abhir said, a little thoughtful. "You seem to know her well enough" Raj said, eyebrows raised. "No....I know her weaknessess well enough like that of all other Viranis." "And her strengths?" Abhir shrugged with a casual "Don't know. Don't need to know."
The dinner having finished, Abhir sat down to complete some pending work whilst Raj Bhasin paced around the living room, pensive. "You know, Abhir, I've always wondered how come you obeyed my instructions that day?" Raj asked, referring to the day when supposed Bhumi and Abhir marriage was supposed to have taken place. "I only did what I've always done, father. Abide by your decisions." " And that cost you your love, didn't it? But Tulsi Virani wouldn't have relented even if you were the very epitome of the ideal grand son-in-law. Its was her objection to your association with me, more than anything. Its sad that her 'so-called' value system won and your love lost. We made a mistake with Bhumi....But I'm sure we won't with Paridhi."
" And it was essential for you not to marry Bhumi coz you had fallen in love with her. How would I hone my only weapon against Tulsi Virani otherwise?Abhir had to have a personal grudge against Tulsi Virani " Raj Bhasin said to himself, smiling. " Poor Tulsi. Both her beloved granddaughters's marital lives are going for toss." In a paternal tone, he told Abhir, "Abhir, It would have been difficult for you to cause any grief to Bhumi. Not so with Pari, right?" Not really understanding his slight hesitation to hurt the gamine girl he had possibly saved from a mob during their first encounter, Abhir answered his adoptive father's question with an inflexible "Yes."
I was told that I need to post/update any fanfic in this section...
Apologies for any mistake
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