Shiv stood on the terrace gazing at the night sky but not really looking at anything.His mind was playing over the events of the past few days….Anandi's forgiveness,Singh family's grief but most of all Anandi's way of tackling the entire situation.He really admired her for her fortitude.Lleaving Jetsar meant tearing a part of her away, it meant her dreams would be buried,yet she had never complained.Instead she was putting up a brave front smiling and covering her sadness so that people around her would be happy in her happiness.Only Shiv had seen her silently weeping in the nights when she thought he had fallen asleep.Today was one such night.He could not sleep .All he could think of was how to put the smile back on his Anandi's lips.After much thought,he came to a decision.It was a very difficult one for him.He knew it would tear him up into bits but he was willing to silently suffer if it translated into joy in her life.
The next day,Anandi could immediately sense a change in Shiv.No doubt she was feeling down,but she was attuned to Shiv as always.She was well aware that he was feeling helpless that he could do nothing to help her .Shiv seemed deep in thought.The usual sparkle in his eyes,the naughtiness in his actions were missing.Instead he seemed an automaton going through his daily routine.They were alone in CH as the family had left to Udaipur to make arrangements for Shiv's arrival.She wanted to talk to him when Bhim Singh arrived .Shiv had to rush for an important meeting.Just before he left,he turned back."Anandi I would like to talk to you in the evening.it is something important,but nothing to worry."He had a sad look on his face as he walked outside.Anandi wondered what the matter was.Her mind was disturbed so she decided to go to badi Haveli
As Anandi sat holding Sumitra's hands trying to console her,Sumitra said,"Laado,I know you will think me selfish but I will put it down to a mother's love for her daughter.I cannot bear to be away from you.I am also convinced that no matter what , none of the Shekhars can ever be as affectionate and sympathetic towards you as we have been or will be.Even Jagya has changed.He has only your concern in his mind.He was wondering whether we could revoke Shiv's transfer."Anandi was shocked.'Please,ma.Do not ever try to do that.Did you not hear what Shiv said about it.If you tried anything he would feel very upset."Sumitra was angry."Oh so you are worried about him.can you not see how depressed we all are?If that be the case,why can not he go to Udaipur and you stay back with us.He can come amd visit you every weekend.That way all of us can be happy and you can achieve your dreams for Jaitser."
Anandi was aghast.Was this the same lady who had disowned her son and stood up for her ?Did she actually mean what she said?Staying away from Shiv?was this the lady who had advised her on walking by his side and supporting him ,on the night before the wedding when serious doubts assailed her?
"Ma ,I know it is only your love for me that causes you to be blinded.I do love you too.but do not make me choose.My place is by my husband but I assure you I will come as often as possible to see all of you."
Back at CH,Anandi was deeply disturbed.No doubt Sumitra had asked for forgiveness yet anandi wondered as to why she had even thought such a thing.Was there something in her behaviour that made people feel she would be happier at Jaitser?did Shiv too feel the same way?
After dinner,Shiv called Anandi.As she sat by his side,he took both her hands in his and gazed deep into her eyes."Anandi I have come to a decision after much thought.I have always aimed to keep you happy.The present situation is something that I have no control over.However,there is one thing I can do to bring back the smile on your lips.I have decided that you stay back in Jaitser.That way you can turn your dreams for Jaitser into a reality and all of you will be happy.""And you ,Shiv",she asked"will you be happy?'He looked away but not before she caught a glimpse of the hurt in his eyes and the sheen of tears.Anandi momentarily closed her eyes.How much more could this man do to prove his love for her ….to make her happy?He was God's most perfect creation.Her heart brimmed with pride and love for this wonderful man who was her husband.She took his face in her hands and looked into his eyes.Gently she bent down and brushed her lips against his forehead.Tears ran down her cheeks.'Enough Shiv, no more.For all that you have done this far for me and my family,I am indebted to you for life.Don't make me feel worse by this sacrifice.What ever made you think that I would be happier in Jaitser away from you?I am feeling sad that I have to leave the place that has been home to me for so long,but that does not mean I want to be separated from you.The joys in my life are linked to you.It is your presence that lit up my life and gave it a new meaning.It is your love that gives me the strength to believe that I will be able to bear this.It is you who are the essence of my life.My life has no meaning without you.I cannot even bear to think of an existence away form you,Shiv.You are in every essence of my being.Wherever you are,remember I will always be there.Never again think this of me.I love you,Shiv very very much."Anandi bent her head and gently kissed him on the lips.Itwas something she would not have done normally.But she realised it was time to tell her husband that she was ready to be his wife in every sense of the word.As she looked up,she could see the happiness glowing on Shiv's face.There was a question in his eyes.With an imperceptible nod,she lifted his hands , placed it round her waist and nestled in the comfort of his hug.As she enjoyed the sensation of his lips devouring hers and the feel of his arms coursing over her body,she thought to herself,"Not only Udaipur,my love ,I will follow you even to netherworld.I will always be there for you and with you because I love you."She promised herself that from this moment on, she would fill his life with love,laughter and happiness
Channel V Dil Dosti Dance
Arjun
