Blossom-Two lives and One heart FF** completed and author's notepg 29 - Page 15

Auto stopped before a gated community in Vasanth vihar.Nandini gave the change for auto and signed the register near security gate. She took a lift in 1^st block .Soon she was in front of a flat.It was Radhika's residence.

Radhika "Nandini ,you came quiet late for lunch. Did you go to temple?"

Nandini went inside the house and got her seated in the chair near dining table. Nandini began to cry. Radhika went near her and gave her a water to drink.Nandini drank the water even though she was not thirsty.

Radhika" Tell me Nandini what happened".

Nandini hugged Radhika and said everything that happened in Chandra's house.

Radhika patiently listened and began to console"Nandini, I think you have made a mistake. Don't you know that when rich people are gathering together,they may not like people belonging to middle class to participate in those gatherings."

Nandini"Morni ma'am called"

Radhika"I understand,but you could have avoided that.Now tell me on what moral rights you have participated in that family function? Did he invite you? Ok I agree you were somewhat forced by his mother,but cant you maintain a low profile .Where is the need for you to talk to his in laws ,Nandini?

Nandini " It was she who argued with me"

Radhika" even then, you should have left the place without speaking."

Nandini" He supported her "

Radhika" Nandini, try to understand from his angle. How can he take your side against his mother in law? Wont he feel delicate to do so? Sujatha is his mentor Vishnu's wife. He will never say a word against them.

Nandini,you know that! More than that even if he supports you,God only knows how Sujatha will react. You should be happy that Morni and Preeti suported you.Nandini was not pacified.She started to whimper more.

Radhika" Nandini, if you are going to throw a stone into a sewage water,it will get splashed on you as well. I have nothing more to say in this.If you still think he is guilty,I don't know how to make you understand . Try thinking from his shoes

Nandini" She taunted me for not repaying the loan"

Radhika " Nandini,why don't you return his money. We can secure a bank loan easily for your salary. I strongly suggest that you should return the loan atleast in installments.

Nandini" Radhika,you know .I cannot get a bank loan . Lots of expenditure is there before me. "

Radhika "Lets think a way out Nandini".

@Chandra's house

Chandra was quiet impatient till the pooja got over. After everybody left once again he inquired his mother about Nandini.Morni related whatever Sujatha said and how Nandini got upset.Chandra got an inkling how Nandini could have got hurt by his mother in law's insensitive comment. He could not openly support Nandini, because Sujatha being Vishnu's wife.

Soon the night was fell upon Delhi. It was 11 pm when Chandra came to his room to sleep.He took his phone and thought for a minute

Chandra "Is is right to call her at this hour?.

At the same time ,Nandini was tossing in her bed in the hostel.She thought " I never expect Chandra will be so blind towards Sujatha.He must have heard what she spoke ,still he takes her side".Nandini did not sleep .Her phone made a ring. It was him.

Chandra "Hello It is me"

Nandini " Yes Sir"

Chandra "Cut that sir. Please don't call me like that.

Nandini" How should I call you then. You tell me?

Chandra " I am relieved. You are only angry. I thought you will not even pick up the phone.

Nandini " I understood your position"

Chandra"Well,then I need not say anything further.You have saved my time Nandini"

Nandini" Good night"

Chandra"I will not come to office for another week."

Nandini" Is it? I am very glad to hear this .Thank you Mr Chandrasekhar.

Chandra" Today you were looking good. "

Nandini"I am feeling sleepy Mr Chandrasekhar. Thanks for calling"

Chandra" Wait..I wanted to speak something ... why you are avoiding to speak "

Nandini" Why... you want to speak to me? What is the relation between you and me.I agree we talked something personal,still you never proposed me anything.Why should I talk to you? Good Night. Nandini disconnected the call.

Chandra thought for a while "It is high time that I take my relation with Nandni to next level. I will have to propose my love. But how?

For next 1 week ,Chandra did not go to Matrix. He had to go to Hyderabad quiet suddenly. He had an appointment for speaking with Telegana cm about a new project which he plans to launch in Hyderabad. Chandra was very busy. As far as Nandini is concerned ,Sujatha's words was pricking her,how Sujatha can raise questions about her character?Nandini wondered that even Dhara could have been just like her mother.After all,daughters follow their mother's footstep!

Chandra came to Matrix on next Monday.He was very busy in his work. There was a knock in the door. The door opens ,it was Nandini.Chandra notices her face was dull and her smile was completely vanished.Before he opens his mouth to talk, Nandini handed him a cheque of 60000 rupees Chandra" What is this?"

Nandini did not reply

Chandra"Nandini,have you gone mad?"

Nandini " Thanks for your help."

Chandra"How did you get this much money?"

Nandini" Somehow"

Chandra notices her neck and hands.Gold chain and bangles were replaced by imitation jewels.

Chandra"Are you stupid?"

Nandini did not answer.

Chandra"Wait,take this money. I cannot see you like this without your jewels . It makes you look very dull.

Nandini" Please keep it with you sir. Within some months I will return you full amount.According to your wife's mother people like us are not supposed to breathe in this world,you seems to worry about my looks. Thank you for your timely help. What ever certain done I cannot repay your timely help.

Chandra"Nandini,you still think about that words?

Nandini" I cannot help it Sir.. It pains here. She pointed her fingers to her heart.

Chandra" Are you angry with me?"

Nandini" I am angry with myself.I cannot fight those people who are proud of their wealth and status. Looks like they have more command over you than me.Though I understand your situation,I am feeling helpless and dejected. " She gave a crisp reply.

Chandra did not speak further and she left the room.He thought " Nandini, I never knew Dhara's mom will speak this much low?looks like I have a very tough time ahead.

When Chandra was thinking like this,Sangeetha entered with a file.Along with her Ashwath and Prapti were there.

Sangeetha " Sir, We are glad that you have secured a project in Hyderabad.We have come to remind you that our treat is long pending "

Ashwath" Ap ne hame tour le janeka vadha kiya tha .Do you remember after getting Global summit award for the year 2016?"

Chandra smiled "yes ,I do remember. Ok I will take your choice.You people decide where and when shall we go?"

Sangeetha "We will go to Shimla sir on upcoming long weekend"

Chandra "Have you taken the list of people who are ready to come?"

Ashwath " Saravanan sir,Sangeetha ,Radhika ,Prapti ,Shruti,Praneeth,Santhosh, Avni, Shravan, Shukla Sir, Pramod, Shaheer ,Gautam, Avantika and Nandini"

Chandra was relieved to hear Nandini's name. He speaks" Are you sure about the list.What mode of transportation we will take ?"

Ashwath "Yes sir. We will arrange a volvo bus .Is it fine ?

Sangeetha " Sorry Sir,I know you cannot come in the bus. But still we wish you to accompany us.Will you come?"

Chandra "Guys you all are surprising me.Yes I will come along with you on one condition.You should mingle with me as you do it among yourself. Else I will not come.

Ashwath "Sir,aap chinta nahi kariye.Mein hoon na. Yeh hui na bat".

Chandra " Deal is done".

Chandra was alone in the room after they left.He smiled "I will propose Nandini in Shimla.It will be most unforgettable memory in our lives."

@Nandini's cubicle

Radhika " Nandini,please come with us na.

Nandini" Radhika leave me alone"

Radhika "Nandini,trust me. Something good will turn out in this journey.

Nandini " I am not a Cinderella or Snow white Radhika.

Radhika " I know,you are Elsa of frozen"

Nandini sings "Let it go, let it go
Can't hold it back anymore

Radhika "Come on Nandini !You are coming with us else I will drop out".

Nandini gave her consent at last.

Chapter 15- Reliance

Vishnu was seated in his luxurious mansion and was taking a sip of whiskey.The old gazhal songs were being played in the background. He was humming the lines as he took the sips from the glasses. A beep sound came from his mobile. He opens it and reads the message

" Ding dong bell, your daughter has come.Who made her come,little vishnu thin. What a naughty boy was that,to try and kill a little girl, Who never did him any harm,but born out of a wedlock. Ding dong bell."

Vishnu's hands were trembling ,as he called the unknown sender who created a havoc by a single message. A lots of questions were circulating in Vishnu's brain.

Vishnu shouted as that person answered the call" what rubbish you have texted.Do you have any idea about with whom you are playing ?"

Unknown caller" Yes,very well ,I am aware of the facts. I am speaking to the great Vishnu Gupta Kautliya -the king maker . The lynch pin of mordern corporate world .Count your days Vishnu ,the day Chandra comes to know about your Rasleela,you will sunk deep before his eyes . I wonder how your face will look at that day?"

Vishnu heard the word Leela, he face became red with guilt and " Leela died right before my eyes.Get your homework rechecked ".

Unknown caller" Did I say anything about Leela's existence. I am referring to her children Praghosh and Siya"

Vishnu looked perturbed as he spoke and his voice was stammering in grief"Don't keep the phone for God sake,I beg you?"

Unknown caller"My ears are filled with honey to hear your pleas. Wow"

Vishnu "Is Leela's children are alive? Say me those details?"

Unknown caller " Water will find its way .If you throw a ball,it will come back to you. This is what theory of Karma says so!The day they come to you,it will be your Doom's day.Take my words VishnuGupt,your happy days are going to end soon."

Vishnu "Please listen I have changed a lot.For heaven sake say where are they now. I do repent. I want them back. For that terrible sin,I have lost my Dhara.

Unknown caller"How could you ruthlessly kill your own children s mother? What sin that Leela commit apart from trusting you?

Vishnu" Just say me where are they ?I am searching for Siya and Praghosh frantically for 7 long years. I want my kids back..."

Unknown caller" Vishnu you have got that much courage to go against wishes of your Sujatha ?

Vishnu" I don't care.. I want my children back and I am going to give them all my estates,bungalow and money".

Unknown caller" Hmmm, you have not changed. Who cares for your money Mr Vishnu?" and he ended the call abruptly

Vishnu tried to call back the caller,he never responded.Vishnu sat on the floor and was crying silently.His demeanor shadowed by guilt as the caller spoke about his children born out of other woman.

Nandini visited the Ram mandir in Janakpuri,Delhi. After she had finished the worship and was about to leave the temple complex,She saw Morni entering along with Preethi. Instinctively she searched for Chandra,but he was no where to be found.Nandini smiled at them which they also reciprocated warmly.

Morni" Nandini beta,I am so sorry for that day happenings"

Nandini"Amma leave it.I have forgotten it long back. "

Morni" Nandini,will you come with me and join in my prayers"

Nandini could not deny her offer so she too joined the prayers with Morni. Nandini saw Morni was deeply praying before Lord Ram and did not open her eyes for 10 long minutes.

Preethi was carrying garland,Kumkum ,chunni and bangles for Siya devi in a big thali.She smiled cordially at Nandini.

Morni atlast opened her eyes and took the chunni,garland,kumkum and bangles from Preethi and placed it on Sita's idol. She called Pandit ji and " This is our family kangan .please keep it in the charan of Ram and Sita "

Pandit murmured some slokas and gave the kangan back.Morni took the kangan from the Pandit ji and drew Nandini's hands .

Nandini tried to refuse "Amma what is this?"

Morni" Nandini, nothing doing. This pair of Kangan is given to me by my mother before my marriage to Chandra's baba. She used to tell me,whenever you see a good girl for your son.Give it to her ."

Nandini"Amma... Sir will get upset..please don't give it me.He will not like Dhara's kangan on my hands".

Morni smiled and called" Chandra come here beta"

Nandini was looking in the direction where Morni was looking. To her surprise he was present there along with Bindu.

Morni" Chandra was telling me how you sold your bangles to repay the loan. So I thought of giving this pair of Kangan to your beautiful hands. Nobody can question my decision. It is earned by our ancestors not Dhara's.

Nandini did not reply and Morni made gestures to Chandra to convince Nandini

Chandra" Nandini,please take this from my mother".

Nandini was happy to hear Morni and Chandra's concern for her. Bindu jumped from Chandra to Nandini calling "Nandi nandi".Nandini took him affectionately and kissed his cheeks. Bindu smiled and softly touched her chin

Preeti"Bindu, call Nandi ma"

Morni"Stop teasing Preeti. Learn to give respects for your brother and his family"

Morni took the delicate and soft hands of Nandini and smilingly she made her wear Kangan. Tears came from Morni's eyes" May you too live happy and contented life".

Preeti "Looks like Ma will forget me very soon".

Nandini lowered her eyes and smiled.Morni instructed Chandra" It is getting late .why don't you drop Nandini in her hostel.If it is ok for Nandini you can also take her out for a dinner.I will not object ."

Preethi" Ma, we have already sent the car. How can they go?"

Nandini hurriedly " Auto will be just fine".

Chandra and Nandini along with Bindu left the temple and took an auto.Morni and Preethi left the temple after seeing Nandini and Chandra leaving in the auto.

Nandini and Chandra went to a very famous restaurant and they found themselves seated in a corner seats.They gave their orders and Nandini was busily playing with Bindu.

Chandra "Nandini will you look here.still angry with me?"

Nandini gave a look and started to speak to Bindu "You are a smart baby,unlike your dad."

Chandra " Get lost Nandini" They shared some good moments but it was interrupted by a girl's voice"Hello Chandra Sir,?"

Chandra " Thara,it is a pleasant surprise. How is Saumya and Pranav?"

Thara " we both are fine.Pranav is in standard 2 and Saumya is going to preschool now.I am daily thanking you how you saved me from that monster called husband."

Chandra"Does he trouble you again?"

Nandini felt like she was left out. Chandra spoke to Nandini by introducing Thara "This is my ex personal assistant Thara. "

Nandini smiled and Thara exclaimed " Nandini,nice name."

Chandra " Nandini,she used to work with Matrix. But her husband suspected that we had some affairs .He even accused that her daughter is born to me"

Nandini face got somewhat worried. Thara continued"Chandra sir,helped me when we were in deep financial crisis. My husband Gurdev is a gambler and always looses money in the horse race .Chandra tried to advise him but he started accusing us. Later I divorced him. Now I am in Singapore and living with my children peacefully.I have started a business and by Lord's blessing it is going smoothly".

Nandini " That is very touching Thara.I am happy for you . I wish you climb new heights in your career". Thara after speaking for some minutes vacated the place.

Chandra while eating asked Nandini" Nandini,do you believe me?"

Nandini was giving water to Bindu " what to believe?"

Chandra answered" that allegations against me?"

Nandini exclaimed" you are surprising me. These are just baseless allegations and I will not even give my ears to these type of gossips circulated by some desperate souls. They are bunch of losers" (pauses) Nandini assured "I trust you Sir ".

Chandra smiled and he started to eat. His mind took him back to 4 years .

Flash Back

Chandra " Dhara,stop this? He is mad and jealous . "

Dhara" Will it smoke without fire?"

Chandra" you are woman yourself.YOu know me and Thara very well.Aren't you ashamed to think that I have slept with her and begotten a child?"

Dhara " I know about men. As I have not given any child to you till now, you went to her.My mother said that Saumya's eyes exactly looks like yours. I wish it dies !Dhara whined and gave long wails which sent chills down his spine.

Chandra's heart got shattered into pieces."Dhara,what did that baby do to you to hate it like this?"

Dhara " is it pains you? Then my suspicions are valid"

Chandra" Stop this Dhara... you said you love me... this is how you love me ?"

Dhara" your acting surpasses even Bollywood stars Chandra..."

Chandra" it is useless to talk to you Dhara". Dhara broke his favorite vase and became hysterical.

Flashback ends

Chandra thoughts got disturbed when Nandini served "Chicken biriyan has come"

(contd)