MG FF-Winter Sonata-Thread 6 - Page 45

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All – Sorry guys for so much delay. My kid is recovering but not out of the woods completely. I had typed this a little earlier so posting it. No edits and review so apology for mistakes.

Nosheen – Thank you dear for your kind words. Yes Geet will not accept Maan's POV so easily but destiny and her heart will force her hand. It will take some time for her to accept Maan's feelings wholeheartedly and to let go off her fears completely.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please add ritzypm as buddy to gets PMs for this FF

Chapter 41 – Yeh Duniya agar mil bhi jaye

"That was the first night….just first night when I started this journey of understanding what I had lost…just first night.

Morning brought the same chores but with some differences. Now it was Maaji's right to be bitter for taking away his son. Now Bhabhi had right to be saucy because I had nothing compared to her. Now Bhaisahib had right to….right to show me that I was just a burden. They had right to flaunt that they were mahaan to still let me live in their home, to provide me with shelter and food.

At first it was just the prospect of lone long life but then just as I learned to deal with it…."

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpXb-nyLs6Y&feature=related_embedded[/YOUTUBE]

Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpXb-nyLs6Y

Yeh Mehlon, Yeh Takhton, Yeh Taajon Ki Duniya,
Yeh Insaan Ke Dushman Samaajon Ki Duniya,
Yeh Daulat Ke Bhookhey Rawajon Ki Duniya,
Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye To Kya Hai.

Geet hid herself more and Maan's hold tightened on her. Even he knew that worst was yet to come. Till now it was just story of pain but not the reason for her current situation. What worse could have happened? The mere thought was making his heart tremble in fear. He held her tightly to protect her…to let her know she was not alone. Her tears wet his neck and shoulder but he still held her. Just held her till she composed herself and prepared herself for the onslaught of her darkest memories.

"It all started with those eyes which I felt on me. I ignored them, shook my head, and chided myself thinking I was wrong. But those eyes did not leave me. They kept on following me. Soon they turned to words. But I still thought I was the one who was wrong. Maybe I saw the double meaning in everything because I did not appreciate enough what they were doing for me."

She closed her eyes as she held him tightly.

"But then it started…those not so innocent touches and I knew I was not wrong. But what could I do. I resisted, protested but they were not direct. I had already taken away one son away. How could I tell a mother that I was uncomfortable in the presence of the man I called "Bhaisahib". What could I say to his wife? It was not like he did it openly. I just prayed it will all go away.

Har Ek Jism Ghayal, Har Ek Rooh Pyaasi,
Nigahon Mein Uljhan, Dilon Mein Udaasi,
Yeh Duniya Hai Ya Aalam-e-Badhawasi,
Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye To Kya Hai.

I tried to stay away and not be alone with him in one room. But it was his house. He will tell me that bhabhi was resting and his shirt button needed sewing…while…while he wore it. He would tell me to fan him as it was hot and then held my hand and bring me closer as cool air was not touching him. He would…..sob….he would ask me for water and hold my hand. And if Maaji came or I tried to complain, she will taunt me and he will hit me.

"Tusi yahan?"

(You here?)

"Kyon ab mein apni kitchen vich bhi nahi aa sakda. Paani de."

(Why, can't I enter my own kitchen now? Give me water.)

"Ji Bhaisahib."

Geet gave him a glass of water but instead of holding the glass he held her hand. She struggled to remove her fingers without dropping water – "Bhaisahib"

"Kyon itne nakhre kar rahi hai…haan. Raat ko akela pan to mehsoos hota hoga tere ko. Kya karegi is husn ka."

(Why are you throwing so many tantrums. You must be feeling loneliness in the night. What will you do of so much beauty?)

"Bhaisahib!!!"

Finally she had managed to remove her hand and with a thud glass dropped on the floor. Maaji entered hearing the clatter and slapped her with so much force that she fell down.

"Ek kam thik se nahi hota. Manhoos kahi ki. Ab mera muh kya dekh rahi hai…chal saaf kar yeh sab."

(You can't do one thing properly. You are a bad omen. Now why are you standing looking at my face…go and clean the mess.)

"Kya Maa…sir pe chadha rakha hai isko tune. Kabse pyaasa khada hoon. Tu hi pani pila de."

(What mom…you have kept her on your head. I have been standing for so long all thirsty. You only give me water.)

I prayed for my family to take me away but bhabhi was expecting. My in-laws were tolerating me and I could not shy away from serving them in this time of need."

An expletive left Maan's mouth as tears started to fill his eyes realizing what was to come. Cradling her in his arms he rocked forward and backward giving her strength to continue and himself strength to listen.

"And then one night….Maaji was gone to a jagrata. Bhabhi was with her and he…the way his eyes looked at me I knew. He was drunk so as soon as he finished dinner I ran inside my room and closed it. For some moments, it seemed everything will be ok but then knocking started. But I did not move from my place. He shouted, swore at me but I did not….and then he finally broke down the door. I tried to reason with him. Reminded him I was his younger brother's wife but he just laughed at it"

"Aap yeh kya kar rahe hain Bhai Saheb….Nahi Bhai Saheb…aap mere Veerji ki tarah hain..."

Rain drops outside muted her voice

"Please nahi…mat kijiye aisa….I am your brother's wife…"

"Kaun si biwi….bhai toh ab raha nahi to ab toh tera aur mera naya rishta hota hai….ab toh haq hai tujhpe mera."

"Nahi Bhaisahib…Nahi"

"Kyon itne nakhre kar rahi hai…haan. Raat ko akela pan to mehsoos hota hoga tere ko. Kya karegi is husn ka."

(Why are you resisting so much…hmmm. You must also feel lonely at nights. What will you do of so much beauty?)

"Maaji….Bhabhi…bachao…chode mujhe…chodo"

"But he did not listen to me. I hated my body…..I hated being fair and pretty…I hated being a girl as he threw me on the same bed which I had shared with his younger brother. He jumped on me trying to….I cried. I cried and shouted asking for help…begging him to let me go when finally my Babaji heard me. Maaji returned back early as bhabhi was tired and they came to my room hearing my raised voice.

I ran to them.

But how could a mother accept that her son could be wrong and that too when he was the only son left. She slapped me hard and I was just left stunned when he blamed me.

"Maa…Renu…meri koi galti nahi hai. Yeh hi mujhe itne dinon se dore daal rahi thi. Aur mein thoda nashe mein hoon to mujhe laga tum ho Renu….andhere mein mujhe pata hi nahi chala…mera yakeen karo Renu."

"Haye haye…yeh kya kar daala….dayan…tujhe ghar mein jagah di…mere chote bete ko toh kha gayi ab bade pe nazar hai teri…."

(Oh God….you witch…I gave you space in my house and you…you already ate my younger son and now want to harm my elder one…)

I denied, I begged at bhabhi's feet, pleading her to understand me and save me but she kicked me…kicked me and left with Maaji and him.

"Chod do mujhe…maine kuch nahi kiya…chod do…Bhabhi…mujhe bachao bhabhi…Maaji"

(Leave me…I have not done anything…let me go…Bhabhi…help me bhabhi….Maaji)

Before leaving the room he looked back, smirked and told me

"Yeh mat sochna ki tu bach jayegi. Kya karegi...Hmmm…kya karlegi tu….bachke jayegi kahan. Laut ke toh tujhe yahi aana padega…samjhi. Kab tak bachegi…par ab tu dekh kya haal karunga mein tera."

[Don't think that you can save yourself. What will you do…hmmm…what can you do…where will you go…you will have to come back here only…understood. Till when will you save yourself but now you see what I do to you.]

Yahaan Ek Khilona Hai Insaan Ki Hasti,
Yeh Basti Hai Murda Paraston Ki Basti,
Yahaan Par To Jeevan Se Hai Maut Sasti,
Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye To Kya Hai.

I knew bhabhi pretended to blame me but somewhere she believed me. Her downcast eyes told me her side of the story. She didn't want to loose father to her child, her security and dignity even if it cost her husband. I confronted her and all she said was "Tujhe kya lagta hai ki tu pehli hai….just stay away from me and my child."

Fresh tears slipped through his eyes and made way down his cheeks at the tale of cruelty she faced in her own house.

"In that moment, I knew it was inevitable so I begged her for help. She finally gave in and gave me 100 rupees and told me that she will say that I was at the market till evening. That is all the time and money she could give me.

It was enough for me. I just left without taking anything, not even a piece of cloth from that house. I took the bus to my village, to my parents' house. I knew that like always, they will protect me. They will save me.

It was late by the time I reached there. The moment I stepped in I saw my worried family. I ran to hug my mother but before I could reach there Brij Veerji caught my arm and slapped me hard on the face.

"Kahan se muh kala kar kea a rahi hai…teri himmat kaise hui ais tarah ghar se bhaagne ki."

Mummy and Bauji tried to intervene but not before he had hit me couple of times. I tried to explain to him but he would just not let me speak.

I should have known that they will call Brij Veerji as soon as they found me missing but I had never thought that they will not even give me chance to speak my side of the story. Mein toh us ghar ki beti thi na….

But still I knew that Bauji will hear me. As Tayiji and mumma took me in I heard Brij talking to HIM and letting him know that I had reached and he will get me back tomorrow.

I cried and told mummy and Tayiji everything. Mummy was crying with me but Tayiji

"Kya bakwaas kar rahi hai. Zaroor tune hi kuch kiya hoga. Khubsurti ka ganda istemaal kar ke jawaan bade bhai jaise mard ko bhi nahi choda…beshram humari toh naak hi kaat ke rakh di hai. Agar bahar kisi ko pata chal gaya to kahin muh dikhane ke layak nahi rahenge."

That day I learned that it is always a girl's fault. It has to be young widower's fault that she attracted a man. It was fault of my beauty….mine. My own family refused to believe me. Once again my mother's helpless eyes pleaded but they didn't listen to her.

"Raaji ka kya hoga. Pehle to langda bhai, upar se jawaan widhwaa behen aura b yeh kalank. Iske toh bhaag hi phut gaye hain. Pure khandaan ko barbaad kar ke chodegi yeh."

Once again my father fought with Brij, Tayaji and Daarji. Daarji was worried about his status and position and Brij…..to him his friend mattered more than his sister. 18 saal maine jis haath pe rakhi baandhi usne hi mujhe….mujhe tar tar hone ke liye chod diya. My Bauji….he cried, pleaded but Brij Veerji did not agree. When Bauji threatened to leave the house and go to police for protection…he…he forced my sister and brother in a room and told my father that he will burn them alive if he went against the family honour.

"Khandaan ki izaat ke aage mere liya jaan ki bhi koi kimat nahi."

Jawaani Bhatakti Hai Badakaar Ban Kar,
Jawaan Jism Sajtey Hain Bazaar Ban Kar,
Yahaan Pyaar Hota Hai Byopaar Ban Kar,
Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye To Kya Hai.

My father looked on as Daarji nodded at Veerji's decision and my father turned back to just look at me all broken. He was helpless.

Later that night, Bauji and Maa came to me. They asked me for forgiveness.

"sorry meri bachi…mein haar gaya. Baap ke farz mein haar gaya…apni hi beti ki rakhsa karne mein haar gaya."

I can never forget that night when with tears in his eyes my own father asked me to forget that I was born in that house. He begged me to run away and save my life.

"Bhag ja…Geet…Bhag ja…phir mud ke kabhi mat dekhna…Bhag"

(Run away…Geet…Run away…don't ever look back…run.)

"Tujhe meri Kasam….aaj se to Geet Handa nahi sirf Geet Hai…bhag ja" (Mohinder Handa)

(Take a vow…from today you are not Geet Handa just Geet…run away.)

I can still hear his helpless and dejected voice in my nightmares. A father who was forced to bent down in front of his own daughter and made guilty of abandoning his own child. I can still see my mother's full eyes as for the last time she blessed me

"Babaji tujhe khushi dein….itni ki peeche ka har gam tu hul jaaye. Meri umar bhi tujhe lag jaye meri lado"

Geet sobbed "Bahut pyaar karte hain mere maa bauji mujhse aur isiliye us raat mujhe unhone meri izzat ki kahtir, apne se kata ke phek diya...

I ran away in the darkness of night to save the only thing left…my honour.

But as I crossed the road, Veerji's friends saw me. They alerted him and before I could catch the bus, I saw them running towards me at the bus stop. I ran into a jungle like this that night also to save myself.

I tried….I tried my best Maan sir but they were so many and so much stronger. I hadn't eaten anything whole day and was getting dizzy. But I still ran till they caught me. One of them stabbed my leg while another one threw a sword at my back. Two brave young friends whom I called brother held my arms while my own brother kept a sword on my neck

"Veerji…mujhe mat mariye. Please don't kill me."

"How dare you run away? You have only two paths in front of you – Ya toh ghar laut ja ya phir yahi gad jaa…." (Brij)

(How dare you run away? You have only two options in front of you – Either go back or get buried here.)

Yeh Duniya Jahaan Aadmi Kuch Nahi Hai,
Wafa Kuch Nahi, Dosti Kuch Nahi Hai,
Yahaan Pyaar Ki Qadr Hi Kuch Nahi Hai,
Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye To Kya Hai.

With last ounce of energy left in me I took the chili powder from my purse and sprinkled on them and dragged myself towards the main highway where Daadima found me."

Sobs racked her body uncontrollably. She cried aloud and anguish poured from her voice as she whispered the last of her destiny.

"I had thought I had left my past behind but look at my fate. I am once again standing exactly where I was months back. They are still after me and I am still running.

Kuch nahi badla…kuch bhi nahi badla"

Jala Do Isey, Phoonk Dalo Yeh Duniya.
Mere Saamne Se Hata Lo Yeh Duniya,
Tumhari Hai Tum Hi Sambhalo Yeh Duniya,
Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye To Kya Hai?

"Badla hai Geet...aaj tum akeli nahi ho. Mein hoon tumhare saath Geet."

Geet looked up wordlessly finding her face to face with a man whom she knew as truly heroic only to see a steely promise and tears flowing freely from his eyes.

"Har talwaar ko tum tak pahunchne ke liye mujhse guzarna hoga Geet."

She raised her hands and wiped his face shaking her head "Nahi Maan sir…please…I can't see tears in your eyes Maan sir….bhul jayiye sab kuch."

"Tumhare ansuon ko meine apne bana liya hai Geet. It is not time to forget but to remember everything because from today they will pray to forget everything. I promise ab rone ki baari unki hai….unki jinhone yeh ansoon mujhe diye hain."

"What are you saying Maan sir….please don't do anything. Woh log bahut khatarnak hai and agar aap ko kuch hua toh …aap kuch nahi karnege Maan sir….please…please"

Maan saw her panicking with naked fear at the mere thought of him getting hurt. His heart filled up with love as he wiped his tears away.

He wanted to just calm her down promising himself silently that he will do everything in his power to protect her and bring every happiness in her life.

"shhh…Geet…it is ok….Don't worry…just don't worry….sab thik ho jayega"

Saying this he wrapped her in his arms once again and rocked her softly calming her and himself.

Her words had ignited a fire inside him. He was burning in his own hell but for now his main priority was her safety. Emotionally spent, he held her and it was much later that sleep took over them as their hearts beat together finding solace in each other's arms.

Precap – Tum Hi Ho