FF MIRAGE New Thread Updated pg5 01/08 - Page 2

As promised Cupid,here is the next installment.And for all my avid readers, thanks for the encouraging remarks.It helped spur me on.This starts to bring to light what the big secret is so happy reading!!!!!!

Natchiket watched the little woman with hawk eyes as she spoke haltingly as to why she was there. He didn't want to be involved in this anymore that he had been the last time. I mean why did all these things just find a way to always try to destroy the happiness he found? He had been happy with the family....his family. And with the entrance of this woman in their lives he had had his whole sense of family destroyed in one go. He hadn't asked for this...no one had but dammit! He would not be dragged into this mess again. Not if he could help it.

"If there was something I could do, I wouldn't be here but I beg you," the woman was saying, "We need help."

She looked at him with all the pleading that should melt any man's heart but he was so not in the mood. He looked at Purva who like any woman was clearly moved by the story. Damn.

"Look Meera. This has nothing to do with me. The last time I came between you and him it broke my family. I am not about to get involved again. Purva..."

He turned to look at her as he attempted to extricate himself from the whole situation, and stopped cold. She was looking at him like he had suddenly grown two heads and a tail and was brandishing a trident like a mad! O shit, he thought, here we go.

She got up and grabbing his hand much to Meera's shock and pulled him out of the booth, shutting the door softly behind her.

"What the hell is going on Nattu?" she asked as soon as the door was closed.

He sighed tiredly, knowing since she didn't know the full story it was always natural to jump to conclusions, "Listen Purva. This is a story going back several years. I don't expect you to understand but I can only ask you to trust me on this. She's bad news all around."

"Then make me understand Nattu, because all I see is a woman who is scared out of her mind but yet braved all to come here and face you...."

"Of course she had to come in an avatar that would inspire pity. Let herself get really pregnant, and then show up her with a sob story. It's nothing new Purva. I am not going to be fooled twice."

She was shaking her head in disbelief, "How can you be so cold? Jai that woman looks like she can barely afford to take care of herself and you stand here to accuse her of pulling a fast one. I don't care what she did in the past Nattu. What matters is that she is a broken woman who is at her wits end. You need to help."

"I will do no such thing!" Natchiket bellowed, looking like a wounded animal at that point, a pain she didn't understand clouding his eyes which had suddenly looked drained of energy.

She was so taken aback by his violent reaction that she took a surprised step back in wide-eyed fright. A few seconds later she turned to notice the inquisitive stares of bystanders. She swallowed a few times and then turned resolute to which Natchiket released an inner groan. He knew when she got like that there was no telling her to do otherwise.

"Okay Nattu. I am your woman, and I respect the fact that you refuse to help her. But since I am not involved in whatever this is, I would respectfully ask you to let me take her some place where she can get cleaned up and have a proper meal."

"Purva, I do not approve," he said with an angry set of his jaw as she turned to walk back into the room.

She turned "Your disapproval is noted. But I cannot in good conscience walk away."

"So you will take in every stray you come across?" he asked bitingly.

She paused thoughtfully, "No. Just the ones you actually know and refuse to help whom I think do not deserve to be treated like lepers."

So saying she turned and opened the door to stare at a frightened Meera on the other end, positively sobbing now, seeing a glaring Natchiket standing behind Purva. She walked up to her and took her hand in a gentle grip.

"Listen to me Meera. I don't know what happened between you and my fianc, but if you would let me, I'd like to offer you a place to lay your head at least for the night so you can gather your wits around you. Would you let me?"

Meera turned wide eyes to look at Natchiket who looked ready to smack her to hell and back and back to Purva doubtfully.

"It's okay. You won't be staying at his. Would you like to come with me?"

"B...but...my husband...." she stammered.

"Your husband?" Purva asked in surprise, "He's here? Then why didn't he come in?"

Seemingly thrown into a fresh bout of despair, she burst into tears all over again, confusing both Natchiket and Purva. Purva looked at Natchiket to see if he would have any information as to why she was crying again.

"Well don't look at me," he said gruffly "How would I know what new story she's about to cook up?"

Now Purva was mad. Taking Meera by the hand she tugged at her as she walked, "Come."

So saying, a panic stricken Meera who swallowed her sob at the force of Purva's pull and practically skipped on her feet to keep up with a determined Purva as she pulled her from the room and started a dignified walk down the corridor past the few curiously nosy bystanders without so much as a backward glance. She didn't care if Natchiket was coming behind her, but take her where she wanted to go, he most definitely would. She thought she might as well take her to their hotel and pay for her stay. But wait. She did mention a husband. Where was he right now?

When they got to the foyer of the building, Purva signalled the driver whom Natchiket had called when they were initially about to exit the building. He pulled up in front of them and Purva signalled Meera to get in the back with her.

"But...." she began to protest.

"Will you just get in already?" she snapped.

Meera blinked in shock, and obediently got in the car next to her. She looked very scared and like she was about to burst into tears all over again.

"Where's your husband?" Purva asked, giving her a more sympathetic glance this time.

Obviously relieved that the one person who was in her corner was not mad at her, "Woh...Mountain View hospital mein hai."

"Where did you say?" Purva was definitely surprised to hear that one. Why would he stay at the hospital and leave his wife to come deal with a very angry Natchiket? What self-respecting man did that to his wife? Was it that serious, whatever was wrong with him? Instead she asked, "Is he alright?"

Her eyes turned sorrowful, but before she could reply, a severe looking Natchiket opened the passenger's door and got in without a word. Purva looked at him for a few seconds before instructing the driver to take her to the hospital Meera had mentioned. She saw the tightening of Natchiket's profile but she was definitely relieved when he said nothing and let the driver drive.

The ride was definitely torture. The evening has started so beautifully and now this was the end she was seeing. However a greater good needed to be served here. The hospital in question was not a major one but dealt with cases that were not so severe and mostly referred patients with severe cases to bigger hospitals. Come to think of it, she knew one of the doctors there. She fished out her phone from her ultra slim purse and after scrolling through, dialled a number. She waited patiently for the doctor to pick up.

"Hello?"

"Hello Doctor Simran, this is Purva."

"Why good evening Purva, how are you doing today?"

"I'm fine Doctor. How was your day?"

"Well you know the life of a doctor. Hardly any rest. But I'm sure that's not why you called me this late."

Doctor Simran who was known as a no-nonsense doctor was one who went straight to the point, never mincing words. Purva smiled, appreciating her directness. She was not unaware of Natchiket's perked up ears.

"I am on my way to your hospital right now in respect of a patient whom I've just learned is on admission there. Are you still at the hospital?"

"As a matter of fact I am. A few more hours and I will be able to leave. How far out are you?"

"I should be at the hospital in a few minutes," Purva assured her.

"Great. I'll see you when you get here."

"Thank you Doctor."

"No problem."

She disconnected and turned to look at Meera whom to her mild surprise had fallen asleep, holding on to the door handle. She looked really drained. She was a beautiful woman. But it seemed the strain of whatever brought her here had worn her out and dimmed her beauty a little. She looked like she had been tired for a long time.

True to her words however, they did arrive at the hospital about ten minutes later. She gently began to shake Meera awake.

"Meera, wake up," she said gently, "We're here."

The woman opened groggy eyes to look at her, momentarily confused, and then her eyes flew open and she sat up with a start, suddenly taking cognisance of her surroundings.

"Shall we go in?" she asked gently.

Timidly, Meera nodded her head, and exited the car. Purva waited until she had shut the door before turning to Natchiket. "I'm sorry if I'm offending you. But....I feel I just have to help her. Please don't be so mad."

He turned to look at her, seeing the worry in her eyes. Not so much for what she was was doing, but more for whatever he must be feeling right now. She had disregarded his desire- though not out of spite, but all the same- and she needed to know that he understood where she was coming from. This was not an open challenge to his authority. He touched her hand that was resting reassuringly on his shoulder, squeezing it for good measure.

"Do what you have to," he said simply.

She studied him closely to make sure he wasn't just saying that, then with a small smile, she exited to join a nervous Meera who was standing at the entrance to the hospital. They headed in and she asked to see Dr. Simran to which she was directed to the woman's office.

....................................................................................................................................

Meera stretched on the luxurious sheets of the bed that indeed felt like heaven. It had been too long since she had slept in the lap of luxury this way. There was no feeling like it in the world. Well...except waking up next to a love that you were sure would make every day worth waking up. Looking at the intricate designs on the ceiling, she smiled. A full bodied smile. This morning, she had no worries. Not about the leaking roof, or the constant drone of cars passing by as their house was next to the road, no worries about creditors who hadn't paid their bills and expected you to understand....she had no worries.

She thought about her husband who was now in Krishna Memorial Hospital. Two nights ago had been quite a scare as he had had one of his worst seizures yet, right in front of the hospital. She had almost lost it thinking this was it. The one he would not recover from. She had to be sedated to keep her from going into premature labour. All in all, she could not have hoped to meet a better angel than Purva. That woman had done more for her than anyone else in the last few years. And the last few years had been tough., but if only for this morning, she had nothing to worry about.

Yes, Natchiket had seen for himself how dire a situation they were in and she had finally witnessed the thawing of a man she barely recognized from almost 4 years ago. She might have been in a drug-haze but she had heard him assure her that everything would be alright. Purva had asked her to be patient. Purva had basically asked her to take whatever she needed, but to make sure not to stress herself as her blood pressure was unusually high. No surprise there. With the weight of Ranveer's bills and the coming baby on her mind, whose blood pressure wouldn't rise?

Getting up, she went to the window and threw open the blinds. The view that greeted her this morning took her breath away. The city was spread out before her and it felt just for a moment that she could conquer the world, seated up on this magnificent perch. Yes, she had two final obstacles. The first one being the hardest of them all.........

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Jai stared at Natchiket as he related the incidents of last night to him, sitting across from him in his office. His face was that unreadable mask that Natchiket hated, but what could he do? His brother had perfected the art of making a poker face. Not that he cared much, but right this moment it made him down right uncomfortable.

"It's bad Jai. If he doesn't get the operation, that's it. He's not going to make it," Natchiket said.

"Then I hope he gets it," Jai said softly, and turned back to his computer screen.

"Jai....it's time to let go," Natchiket said tiredly, having barely gotten any sleep the night before, "We've all had our share of hurt. But we have got to move past it."

Jai gave him a measured but incredulous look, "I would like to think that's what I have been doing Natchiket. Whatever happens from here on out does not concern me. I'm over it."

Natchiket studied his brother who stared at him unblinkingly. Seeing that Jai was going to give no other answer than that, he said with resignation, "He wants to see you. Just in case he doesn't make it."

"Like hell he will!" Jai growled out, his mask slipping for a second or two. Composing himself, he said softly, "It's enough I am not going after them again. He should count his blessings and stop reaching for the stars."

"Hmmm," Natchiket said to himself, "And here I thought we were past it."

Jai pointedly refused to answer any further and Natchiket took that as his cue to leave. He had tried his best. Last, he took out the hospital card and placed it on Jai's desk, and exited the office without a backward glance. He understood Jai's hurt...even the fact that he was not big on forgiving Ranveer....but for the sake of a child that was not at fault, he hoped Jai would give the child it's father's life back. Enough was enough. Seeing him yesterday had sent Ranveer into a violent episode that had scared even him half to death. He had a brain tumour that caused him to hallucinate and even have epileptic seizures. That was enough to break even the strongest woman, but Meera had stayed. That was testament to what they both shared. It really was time to let go. Of everything.

.........................................................................................................................

"He didn't listen, Purva. I know him," Natchiket was on the phone to her during their lunch break. She had sent him lunch.

"Oh no," she sighed deeply, "What do we do now? He is refusing the operation without seeing Jai."

"I don't think there's anything we can do," Natchiket said.

"Maybe not us," Purva said, sounding pensive.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean he may not listen to either you or me, but he will definitely listen to Bani."

Natchiket paused for while as he mulled over it, "You may be right. But there is a down side to it."

"Which is?"

"We might be forcing something on her that she doesn't have to be a part of. I mean...this is bringing Jai's past in front of her."

"Then if he is as 'over it' as he claims to be, there shouldn't be a problem," Purva rationalized, "My money is on the fact that only Bani can get him to that hospital."

"How do you propose to do that?"

"Leave it to me my darling. I'll sort this one out."

"Gladly. Once was enough."

She paused for a moment, "You still haven't told me what happened to cause such a big mess."

"I'll tell you my love. Just not today."

"Okay then. I'll speak with Bani tomorrow then. I want to give them a chance to relax."

"You're a good woman you know?" Natchiket said after a pause.

"And you're lucky to have me," she said with mock pride.

That had him chuckling lightly, "That I know."

"Speak to you later?"

"Definitely. I'll wait for your call. Take it easy now."

"Will do."

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Later that evening as she prepared to curl up and watch a late night movie, her cell rang. She picked it up and stared at the screen, a smile breaking out on her face.

"Hi Purva," she said cheerily.

"Hello Bani, kaise ho?"

"Bilkul theek hoon. Aur aap?"

"Meh theek hoon," Purva answered, always tickled by the fact that Bani thought born and bred in the US, spoke hindi without an American accent. "Are you busy right now?"

"No not at all. What's up?"

"I was hoping we could get together tomorrow. There's something I want to discuss with you."

"Oh," Bani got pensive, for she suddenly heard the underlying tension in Purva's voice, "Is everything alright?"

"Absolutely," Purva chuckled to herself, "Don't worry, Natchiket is fine, and we are fine. But I wanted to speak with you about something that cannot be said over the phone."

"Purva you're scaring me now," Bani said, a silent dread creeping up on her.

"No need to be scared. It's actually something I need your help with. I'm a hundred percent sure we can only pull it off if you were involved. No pressure, but it is a question of grave immediacy."

Bani was silent for a few seconds. "Okay then. When and where?"

"How about we go over to my hotel say after work? Is that okay?"

"Sure. I'll call you tomorrow then."

"Sure thing. Thanks a lot Bani. I owe you one."

"Well not until I find out what it is," Bani joked, trying to lighten the mood, "Till tomorrow then?"

"Till tomorrow. Good night."

"Good night."

Bani stared at her phone in her hand for a while. Purva needed her help? She tried to think of all the reasons why she would need her. It couldn't be work related, for she had Natchiket as an adviser and Jai even chipped in once in a while if it was his area of expertise. She assured her it wasn't with Natchiket, so what could it be about? This was sure to spoil her night, as she hated being left hanging like this. Either way, tomorrow wasn't far away anymore. She settled into the couch again, to try and concentrate on the movie, which she knew was going to be a lost cause till she drifted off to sleep.

Just what did Purva need her help with?...........................................................

Okay guys...first of all I think I should be kicked for forgetting my own story but as it turns out, I did!!!!!I forgot I had already used Meera as the evil character she was supposed to be. So I am making Jai's ex-girlfriend Pia as it shd be. I'll go make the changes necessary and hope y'all don't get the wires crossed afterwards. I preferred to have the story told as opposed to a flashback...was feeling a little too lazy for that...sorry!!! J

Well then...here's the next part and I hope you love. Next update will be Second Chance!!

It was particularly windy today, which was a surprise as it wasn't rainy season just yet. Bani looked up to the sky as she adjusted her suit around her, trying to keep the wind from messing up her clothes. Her hair however was going to be a different matter as it could not be helped. The wind seemed determined to use it as a weapon to momentarily blind her. She gave the car keys to the attending hotel staff that approached her with an uneasy smile in his direction, before dashing into the hotel. She hoped the storm outside was not indicative of something to come. She was not in the mood after the day she had had.

She spoke briefly with the receptionist who offered her a professional smile as she directed her to where Purva Madam was waiting for her. She walked briskly to the Sunset bar and spotted Purva standing off to the right where there was a passage she assumed led off to the Private meeting rooms. Well that said something about their reasons for being here. This was no ordinary matter. With a big smile on her face, she approached the serene beauty that was Purva.

"What happened to you?!" Purva asked, taking in her wildly tousled hair.

"Don't ask," Bani said flippantly, but enveloped the older woman in a warm hug in greeting, "I think the universe is conspiring to annoy the hell outta me today."

Purva laughed, "Hope we don't end up making it worse."

"I don't think so. Shall we?" Bani indicated down the hall way.

Purva's smile vanished and her expression became serious, causing Bani to become a little wary all over again.

"Bani, I'm sorry to be dragging you into this but I feel somehow you are the only one who can do something to help."

A frown creased Bani's forehead, "Of course Purva. Whatever you need."

Purva searched her face a while and then released a breath Bnai was not aware she had been holding. She took Bani's hand and looked her in the eye as she spoke.

"Bani, there is someone I would like you to meet. This whole thing has to do with Jai, and don't worry. There's nothing wrong with him physically, but...I think this is something that we need to fix before it becomes worse. A life is at stake here."

"Well sure. Whatever you need."

"Okay," Purva said finally convincing herself that she had prepared Bani as much as she possibly could to face Jai's past and not cringe or be intimidated or whatever myriad of emotions she was bound to feel. "This way then."

Bani followed her in quick steps to the farthest from down the hall and pushed open the door. Bani went in ahead of her and came face to face with a woman who seemed to be either her age or a few years older than her, and heavily pregnant. Funny thing though, the woman looked terrified and very much about to bolt. She turned to look at Purva who was looking reassuringly at the woman.

"Er...Bani, this is Pia Joshi. Pia, this is Bani Dixit. Jai's girlfriend."

The woman politely extended her hand which Bani took, but couldn't help the woman's gaze turn really interested as opposed to its earlier wariness. The woman appeared to be sizing her up but not in the malicious way that most women did.

Interesting, Bani thought.

"Nice to meet you Pia," Bani said after the awkward pause preceding her statement.

"The pleasure is all mine Miss Dixit."

Bani waved her away, "Please call me Bani."

Pia nodded and looked at Purva who immediately took over, sitting at what could be presumed as the head of that table as Bani and Pia were seated to her right and her left.

"Bani, I did tell you this meeting had to do with Jai. Well I'm going to get right into it without further ado. Pia here is Jai's ex-girlfriend."

Bani's eyes flew to Pia in sudden understanding of Pia's measuring gaze. O wow. His ex huh? Okay. But then what did have to do with her and Jai right now? Wait...don't tell me...was that baby...did she call her here to... She returned her gaze to Purva.

"The baby is not Jai's," Pia spoke up, her voice soft but firm and very level. It didn't take a rocket scientist to understand her train of thoughts given the current picture she presented. She was grateful for the sleep and good food she had gotten in the last four days. Her skin had began to glow again. Her eyes weren't looking tired and her skin was no longer sallow looking.

Bani gave an acknowledging nod, then turned back to Purva now wondering where this was going if that was out of the way.

"There is a history here that even I do not know about and I told Pia to wait to meet you before telling it. You see Pia's husband is in the hospital with a brain tumour and it is increasingly difficult to get him to have the operation that could save his life."

"I'm sorry," Bani looked at Pia with genuine sympathy in her eyes, for having just recently dealt with the madness of Rano's run in with crazy Nurse Meera, she was not a fan of hospitals at all.

"Thanks," Pia swallowed around a lump forming in her throat.

Purva reached out and clasped her hand reassuringly, "Pia, I know this must be difficult for you, but as much as I would have wanted to hear the story from Natchiket, I would like to hear it from you too. Is that okay?"

Pia nodded, throwing Bani a look as if to ask if she would be alright hearing details of her man's past. Bani nodded reassuringly, but couldn't bring herself to smile as she wasn't sure what she was about to hear, and how it would affect her perception of Jai.

"I can only help if I know what the problem is," Bani said as if to encourage her.

Taking a deep breath, Pia began to speak haltingly. Bani tried to relax cos there was really nothing else she could do.

"I used to be a model. Pia Joshi was a big name," she self consciously tucked her hair behind her ear, and Bani realized that action for what it was. Nerves. "I had been contracted to do a job for Jai. He and I met when I was doing a photo shoot for the cover of Hotel India. They were doing a spread on the hotel he was opening. Grand Raj. I can boldly say it was one crazy ride with him." She paused as if realizing it was Bani's boyfriend she was speaking about. A blush crept up on her face, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean..."

Bani waved her away, "It's okay. It was a happy time in your life. You're supposed to remember it that way."

Pia nodded and adjusted to find a comfortable position in the chair, "Thank you. Jai and I started dating shortly after that. As you probably know...he can be quite persistent when he wants something."

Bani nodded, a small smile curving her lips as she remembered her whole living room filled to bursting with roses of all shapes and sizes. "He can be very persistent."

"We dated for about 18 months. He had just taken over the running of Walia Group. His schedule was crazy. At first it was okay but... after a while it got old really fast. We started fighting cos he wasn't spending enough time with me. We barely saw each other and I didn't sign up for that. I mean...I understood his compulsion to prove himself... but he wouldn't take the help that was being offered. He could have delegated but he wouldn't. Insisted on doing everything himself and in the end...I just got tired of fighting."

She took a nervous sip of water and Bnai watching her realized that this was the actual part of the story that had caused whatever strife currently existed in the family. With certain tension curling in the pit of her stomach, she waited for Pia to continue.

"We were always in different time zones and then his best friend Ranveer had just returned to India after a hiatus in the US. And Jai started to sponge me off on him at any given chance he got. So it was always Ranveer and I...at my birthday...at our anniversary... at dinners that Jai couldn't make...just the two of us," she swallowed nervously, suddenly not able to meet either woman's eyes, "It really was only a matter of time before...I mean...we spent so much time together that...we began to develop...feelings for each. It was wrong, we knew," she gave a hollow laugh, "But wrong never felt so right! As clich as that sounds it came to mean everything to us."

She stopped and Purva took her hand in show of support, "You don't have to continue if you don't want to."

"Bani wanted to scream at Purva to shut up while Pia spoke. No way was she discontinuing the story. She was beginning to gain insight into Jai's erratic behaviour when they went out and other guys paid her too much attention. She couldn't very well say anything so she sat still and waited for Pia to continue. She just had to.

As if sensing her tension, Pia looked her in the eye and continued, "Jai knew something was wrong when I stopped fighting with him about anything. He knew I had found something to keep me busy...that is besides work, but he didn't know what it was. We managed to keep our tracks covered...no easy feat I tell you."

It was said without pride in the accomplishment. Rather a sense of guilt at having to deceive someone who trusted them both. "He asked Ranveer time and time again. But how do you tell your best friend you're dating his girlfriend he had plans to marry? It was killing him. Jai...I think more out of desperation than actually being ready for such a commitment, proposed. That blew us out of the water. It was on my birthday...before his family and friends and the press! We had been dating for almost two years now and it seemed the logical step to take. So I said yes."

Bani sat back in her chair and stared unblinkingly at Pia. This felt like the proverbial hindi movie with Salman Khan in it cos somehow in a contest of wills, he never got the girl. This was crazy! But she got how difficult it must have been. Pia didn't come off as a bad person but then...

"We tried to break it off but...it just wasn't easy. We would go weeks without contact but it never lasted. Our families fixed a date and it was all suddenly going too fast. We couldn't stop the process. So we did the only thing we could both do. We...decided to elope." She shook her head staring at the table but her mind, more than a million miles away, "Stupid really...when you really think about it. It would have been easier to just tell him and face the consequence up front. But nooo...we had to run. A week to the wedding we decided a court union would create less noise. Unfortunately the day we went to the registry to get married, we ran into Natchiket there. He had come to pick up the stamped deeds to a piece of land he had just purchased. We had just been pronounced man and wife when he walked in."

That bit of news caught Purva off guard and it was her turn to look shocked. Pia looked at her this time cos her sharp intake of breath was undeniably audible for all to hear. Even Bani turned concerned eyes on her.

"I'm sorry Purva. But if I have to tell the whole story...you need to know too." She looked at Banni and it was Bani's turn to encourage her to continue. "Needless to say he was livid. This was indeed the betrayal of the century with his brother as the victim. He wanted to tel Jai but we begged him not to, promising to do it ourselves. He gave us until that evening to come clean. And we would have...were on our way to...but the clerk had recognized me and called Walia Mansion."

"By the time Natchiket got home Jai was ready to kill us both. It was a brutal fight with Ranveer and I couldn't blame him, but I couldn't stop him either. Jai nearly killed Ranveer that day. Natchiket tried to reason with Jai and in the process found out that he knew what had happened. From then on he wouldn't listen to reason. He blamed all and sundry and just kept raging. He was hurt...understandably...but he seemed madder at Natchiket for not telling him the moment he found out. He had to hear it from a court clerk who no doubt would feed the same news to the press."

It was Purva's turn to look pensive as Pia spoke. No doubt reviewing and understanding Natchiket's outburst when he saw Pia again after all this time.

"He kicked us out of the house and swore we would rue the day we decided it was okay to betray Jai Walia. I didn't think he was going to do it, but he pursued us relentlessly. He had us kicked out of hotels in the middle of the night...he had the banks freeze our accounts...forbade our relatives from helping us...it was even a miracle he didn't bankrupt them. We tried to disappear but when a man like Jai gets it into his head, he doesn't let go. He drained every penny we had. We sold everything to get by. He'd wait until we had some funds and then do something to bleed us dry. Ranveer was in and out of jail for everything to nothing at all. The stress of running for all these years and trying to make sure I didn't regret going with him got to him. Then I got pregnant and we couldn't decide whether to be happy or sad. Next thing I know, one day he collapsed in an epileptic fit while returning from the market...and that was it. We can't afford the surgery cos we can't ask for help. Our little shop will just not give enough for anything. So I finally dragged him down here. I mean I am tired of running and if he will not forgive us then we might as well let him watch us both die."

Both women looked at Pia in that instance and her expression was serene. Like she had made peace with that very decision. It looked like if anything untoward happened to Ranveer, she had made up her mind to take her life, cos she would not suffer this much and then lose everything. Death it seemed to her was better than knowing Jai was somewhere gloating over his elimination of his enemies.

"Pia, you will do no such thing," Bani spoke in the end, after a long, long pause. "Whatever happened...sure it was wrong. Very wrong...but I think he's done enough damage. Purva?"

Purva looked from Pia to Bani. "Yes. I agree. But I will not go against Natchiket again. We need to make Jai see Ranveer."

"He's refusing to see Ranveer and Ranveer would rather die than live, knowing that Jai has not forgiven us, cos he might come after Pia again. What then becomes of the baby? He thinks that maybe...maybe his death will force Jai to let up." Pia was in tears again, this time her gaze fixed on Bani. She folded her hands infront of Bani, "Please. I know it's a lot to ask of you but please...give me my husband. I can't do this without him...please!"

"Pia what are you saying?" Bani came and knelt before her, smiling kindly at her, "It didn't cross my mind to not help you. Left to me I'd fly you both outta here so you don't have to deal with him at all. But that's not what this is about."

"But..."

"Pia listen. This is our family, if what Purva tells me is true. If we don't sort this out then it's gonna cause problems for us later on. But your husband needs to know that this is about his son or daughter as well. We'll do what we can to make sure you have your family back and you can stop running. Right Purva?"

Purva smiled reassuringly, "Most definitely. You just focus on getting your husband to have that surgery in case Jai remains adamant. After all, we can only try."

"That's all I ask. Whatever you can do will be most helpful," Pia looked more than a little relieved.

"Now now, no more tears," Bani wiped at her face, "I like a happy ending so I would most definitely like to meet this Romeo husband of yours. I mean...if it's okay with you."

Pia nodded. It was nothing compared with what they were prepared to help her do. Lord knows she could not face Jai without help. Natchiket had refused point blank. It was all up to these women now.

"Well then, after some lunch we'll be on our way," Purva decided, "Shall we?"

She pressed a small bell attached to the hip of the table and about a minute later, a waiter entered with menus and a fresh jug of juices.

Not bad, Purva thought, as she watched Bnai interact with Pia. She should have some apathy for the woman for hurting her man. But she chose to focus on the bigger picture. Two lives were at stake as it were. A wife and a child yet unborn. She would make Jai an excellent wife...if only the khadoos could get over his betrayal. It was four years ago anyhow, and it clearly wasn't on a whim if they were still this much in love with each other. That had to say something about the depth of their affection for each other. Nope, they had no choice but to make it work. Or Jai in the long run would never live down the guilt of what he caused. Of that she was sure, for she had lived it in her own way.

...

Ho gaya!! For now that is...hope you enjoyed it...gimme a few days and second chance it is!