Part Five:
Hamein tum se pyar kitna ye hum nahin jaante
I never knew how much I loved you
Magar jee nahin sakte tumhaare bina
All I know is that I cannot live without you
Suna gham judaai ka uthaate hain log
I've heard that people bear the pain of separation
Jaane zindagi kaise bitaate hain log
I don't know how they live with this pain
Din bhi yahaan to lage baras ke samaan
To me each day feels like a year
Hume intezaar kitna yeh hum nahin jaante
I never knew how much I longed for you
Magar jee nahi sakte tumhaare bina
But I know that I cannot live without you
Tumhein koi aur dekhe to jaltaa hai dil
My heart feels jealous when another man looks at you
Badi mushkilon se phir sambhalta hai dil
With great difficulty am I able to pacify my heart
Kya kya jatan karte hain tumhein kya pataa
You don't know how much I have sacrificed for you
Ye dil beqaraar kitna ye hum nahin jaante
I never knew how restless my heart was for you
Magar jee nahi sakte tumhaare bina
But I know that I cannot live without you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75JxottQK9E
"Where were you, Bhaiyya? Where were you? Why haven't you come home in all these years?" Viplav cried hysterically on his older brother's shoulder. Vidhaan soothed his back with soft strokes as he kissed his shoulder. He could sense that something was amiss in his younger brother's aura. The twinkle in his eyes had extinguished leaving him somber and depleted. Tears dropped from Vidhaan's eyes sensing the transformation in Viplav's charisma. "I've longed to see you more than I could ever express in words. What more could I ask for then the prospect of meeting you again, Chotai? My precious is here before my eyes as dashing as ever and all the more remarkable!" Vidhaan wiped his tears and gathered Viplav's face in his hands with a contagious smile. He shook his head giving VIplav the strength he desperately needed and wiped his tears with his fingers. He pulled Viplav into a tight embrace grateful that he had chanced upon his brother. Viplav sought harmony in Vidhaan's grasp for a few moments of complete silence. He pulled back and looked into Vidhaan's warm dark eyes for reassurance that all would be okay. Vidhaan patted him on his shoulder to console him out of his unrest. "Where are you staying, Chotai?" he asked with a brilliant smile on his face. Viplav took a deep sigh and replied, "At the ITC Maratha in Andheri." Vidhaan pulled on Viplav's arm ushering him towards his car. "Come on, let's go!" he urged in earnestness. "Where?" asked Viplav confused by his insistence. "To get your stuff. Where else?" said Vidhaan good-naturedly. "Bhaiyya..." hesitated Viplav. "Not a chance, Chotai! There's no way my brother's going to stay in a hotel when my humble abode is at his service." Vidhaan admonished with a glare reminding Viplav of their childhood. His brother had been just as compassionate and affectionate as he was today. Viplav meekly smiled at Vidhaan gratified by his graciousness. He got into the backseat of Vidhaan's white Mercedes-Benz while Vidhaan instructed his driver to take them to Viplav's hotel in Andheri. Viplav felt hollow as he conversed with his sibling about the purpose of his visit to Mumbai. His mind was preoccupied with speculations about Dhani and his doll Vidha. He refrained from telling his brother about his separation from his wife and daughter as the wounds he had been afflicted with were still fresh and raw. Not once did Vidhaan ask about any of their family members in Benares. This didn't go unnoticed by Viplav, but he chose to stay mum. He was immensely devastated by his confrontation with Dhani to heed too much attention to the elephant in the room. As Vidhaan spoke about his work and life in Mumbai on the drive home, Viplav silently looked out of the window tepidly listening to what he said.
The car pulled into the driveway of a majestic condominium complex in Bandra. Vidhaan instructed his driver to park the car in the garage and summoned one of his housekeepers to bring Viplav's luggage inside. Viplav observed the lush garden and water fountains at the entrance of the building. There were several lanterns on each side of the stone pathway throughout the garden illuminating the entire complex in the darkness of the night. Viplav could hear the sea in close proximity from where they stood. He couldn't help but admire the tranquility in the environment that besieged them. He smiled for the first time that night. There was an allurement in the air that he couldn't articulate into words. Vidhaan lead him through the revolving glass doors of the skyscraper through the grandiose lobby to where eight separate elevators were stationed. Vidhaan waited for Viplav to board the glass elevator before entering his security code for access to the sixty-first floor. Viplav scoped the view as the elevator took off at jet speed to the top most floor of the building. The elevator opened directly into Vidhaan's spacious penthouse which was tastefully decorated in a neutral palette and contemporary decor. Despite its lavishness, there was a coziness Viplav could feel in his brother's home that immediately warmed his heart. Vidhaan gestured for Viplav to make himself comfortable on the sofa and searched for someone with his eyes. "There you are!" Vidhaan called out catching Viplav's attention. Viplav turned in Vidhaan's direction and had the wind knocked out of him. Dhani stood in front of Viplav in a black crepe short kameez below the hip with matching shalwar and a black chiffon dupatta draped on both her shoulders. Her chiffon dupatta had an orange crepe border and white embroidery done along the entire margin of the fabric. She had parted her wavy hair to the side and had pinned her hair loosely to frame her face. Oxidized jhumkai adorned her ears while metallic gray mojaris graced her feet. She looked stunning, modern, and traditional all at once. Viplav beheld the sight of his wife with more yearning than could have ever been possible. He silently stared at her with expressions of longing and hurt clearly inscribed on his face.
Dhani stood speechless in front of Viplav unable to tear her eyes away from him. What was he doing here? Vidhaan walked over to Dhani and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. He looked down and smiled at her with fondness. Viplav stared at Dhani's close proximity to his brother with a baffled face and began to feel apprehensive. Why was she here? How did she know her brother? Dhani smiled nervously up at Vidhaan waiting for him to speak. "Dhani, I want to introduce you to my younger brother. Viplav, I want you to meet Dhani." Vidhaan looked in both their directions waiting for them to acquaint themselves with one another. Dhani couldn't believe her ears as Vidhaan pronounced brother. She gawked at Viplav with skeptical eyes unable to come to terms with all that destiny had flung her way. Dhani folded her palms together as she looked down and softly greeted, "Namaste." Viplav looked at Dhani anxiously unable to bear her closeness to Vidhaan. He somehow managed to fold his palms together mutely in the same greeting. "Dhani, could you please have a room readied for Viplav? He'll be staying here for the rest of his duration in Mumbai." Dhani nodded her head at Vidhaan promptly moving towards the bedrooms when Vidha came running into the living room. She had chocolate smeared all over her mouth as she cheerfully came running to Vidhaan with open arms signifying that she be picked up. Viplav instantly grinned seeing his daughter in such a jolly and impish mood. "Princess, what is that all over your mouth?" asked Vidhaan innocently reaching for a tissue to wipe Vidha's mouth. "I found the present you left for me in my room, Baba." she replied with her twinkling eyes and innocent smile. "Oh" mouthed Vidhaan nodding his head in understanding. "Did Princess like her present?" Vidhaan asked with a cute smirk on his face. Vidha beamed and nodded her head in enthusiasm. Vidhaan pointed to his cheek and waited in anticipation for Vidha's sweet kiss. Viplav was enamoured by his daughter's sweet behaviour and longed to hold her tight in his arms with all of the love in the world he could give to her as her father. Vidha kissed her Baba on his cheek and merrily watched his eyes light up in endearment. Vidhaan lightly rested Vidha down on the floor and brought her attention to Viplav. "Rakshas Uncle, are you following me?" asked Vidha astonished to find him in front of her. Viplav burst out laughing at her innocent query and bent down to meet her eyes. "No baby, why would I follow you? You reside in my heart and my heart will always know where and when to find you." Viplav replied while watching Dhani out of the corner of his eyes. He could sense her eyes were brimming with tears overpowered by her sentiments. He pulled Vidha's cheek lovingly preserving the feeling of his daughter's face in his fingers forever. Vidhaan looked at the two bemused they already knew one another from before. "You've already met!" exclaimed Vidhaan in elation at the comfort level between the two. Viplav smiled to Vidhaan and Vidha before glancing at Dhani who was silently watching the three with a sullen face. "We've already become friends. We met at an ice cream parlour last week." Vidhaan turned to Vidha and questioned in glee, "I bet you didn't know Rakshas Uncle is Baba's younger brother, Princess?" Vidha looked straight at Viplav and then shook her head up at Vidhaan. Vidha enveloped Viplav in an intense bear hug and wrapped her arms around his back. Viplav was suddenly taken aback by her gesture and became mollified by her sweetness. Happy tears streamed from his eyes as he squeezed his daughter with all of his might. Dhani couldn't bear the turmoill she was in any longer and walked away towards one of the bedrooms. Vidha pulled back and kissed Viplav on his cheek with the sweetest of smiles. Viplav stared at his little angel emotional at her display of affection. "Rakshas Uncle, you must be as nice as Baba. I'm going to make you my best friend forever." voiced Vidha with a wide grin on her face. Viplav immediately held her face in his hands and kissed her on her forehead as his heart ached for her love now more than ever. How he wished he could've told her right then and there that he was her father! "Best friends forever." promised Viplav with his pinkie entwined with hers. Vidhaan could perceive the effect Vidha had on Viplav making him thrilled that his princess was able to give his younger brother a few moments of happiness. Dhani walked back into the living room and waited for Vidhaan to notice her presence. "Why don't you freshen up, Chotai? Your room is ready. We'll eat dinner as soon as you're out. Dhani, could you please show Viplav his room?" asked Vidhaan before taking Vidha into his study to play on his computer. Dhani smiled warmly at Vidhaan and nodded her head. She waited for Viplav to follow her to the guest room without uttering one word. Dhani brought Viplav to a large and bright room immaculately furnished according to the latest trends with a walkout balcony that offered an incredible view of both the city and the sea. Before Viplav could say a word, Dhani ran out of his room as fast as she could without sparing him another glance. Viplav could feel his heart break once again into a thousand pieces at the distance his wife was keeping from him. He sighed in helplessness thinking of what he could possibly do to break the wall of misunderstanding Dhani had built around herself. He sat on the bed staring out into space. We loved one another, didn't we? How did that love turn into hate, Dhani? Being so close, why are you far away from me? Dhani's bitter attitude tore at Viplav's heart as a tornado of despair arose within him. Viplav quickly pulled out a pale pink button down shirt with skinny beige chinos and rushed inside the bathroom. He stepped out ten minutes later having changed into his ensemble and ran a comb through his wet hair. He tied the laces on his brown leather oxford shoes and sprayed Dhani's favourite cologne, Armani Code for Men. He stepped outside of the guest room and softly closed the door. He made his way to the dining hall when he stopped dead in his track at the sight in front of him. "Dinner smells great, Dhani. Thank you!" said Vidhaan as he warmly embraced Dhani. He pecked her on her forehead in appreciation for all that she did for him and his wife. Mahi had already left on her business trip of ten days to Rajasthan. Before leaving, she had requested Dhani to look after Vidhaan at the penthouse in her absence. Dhani wrapped both arms around Vidhaan's waist and tilted her head up to Vidhaan in a dazzling smile with a glow on her face. "You know I would do anything for you, Vidhaan Ji. Please don't ever thank me!" Dhani pleaded softly. Nothing she could ever do would be sufficient for her incredible older brother and all that he had done for the ladies in white. He swore by his rakhi every year and fulfilled every obligation as an older brother. Viplav clenched his fists in fury seeing his beautiful wife in the arms of another man. It didn't matter that the other man was his own older brother. He eyed how close they stood with their arms positioned around one another and thought his heart would give out seeing such an illustration. Vidhaan noticed Viplav standing statue-like in the hallway and released Dhani from his hold. "Chotai, come and sit." he pointed to the seat next to his as he sat down in his chair. "Dhani's made a wonderful meal today. She's an amazing cook! I'm sure you'll enjoy her food as much as we all do." said Vidhaan ardently as he lifted the lids off of the serving ware. Viplav eyed Dhani wistfully as she sat directly across the table from him. Dhani lowered here gaze avoiding Viplav's questioning eyes. "Yum!" exclaimed Vidha as she eagerly bit into her pizza. Dhani watched her daughter engorge her favourite meal with adoration. Viplav smiled in Vidha's direction observing once again that his daughter was identical to him. Dhani served Vidhaan spring salad, baked potato casserole, stuffed zucchini boats, and paneer steaks. She had also made fresh mango lemonade to serve as the perfect accompaniment to the meal and quickly filled Vidhaan's glass. She sat back down in her chair waiting for Vidhaan to begin his meal. Vidhaan quietly smiled in Dhani's direction and tilted his head towards Viplav. The colour drained from Dhani's face as she instantly comprehended Vidhaan's indirect request. Viplav noticed the silent exchange between the two and swiftly gazed down hurt that his wife had to be prodded to pay him attention. Dhani served Viplav as fast as she could and also served herself so that she could busy herself in her food. Viplav took his first bite and felt as if he was in heaven. He gaped at Dhani in wonder reflecting on how much she had changed over the span of five years. Viplav and Dhani quietly ate their meals as Vidhaan and Vidha did most of the chattering zelously. Dhani waited for one of the housekeepers to bring the chocolate mousse she had made for dessert to the table. Once everyone had been served, Dhani excused herself from the table citing a headache as her excuse. Viplav watched Dhani as she grimly got up from the table and walked away.
Dhani closed the bedroom door and flung herself on the bed. She weeped into the pillow thinking of her cruel fate and the doom that had always been inevitable in her life. She was doing everything in her capacity to evade Viplav and his perplexed gaze. She felt goosebumps whenever he looked deep into her eyes with longing on his face. She hated how attracted she felt to him even to this day. She was fighting an internal battle to prevent herself from caressing his lips with her finger and playing with his hair. She took deep breaths and exhaled slowly to appease the passion burning inside of her. She lay on the bed thinking of all of the moments she had shared with Viplav before marriage and after. She thought back to when she had confessed her love to him on the ghat afraid that she had almost lost him forever. She had felt uninhibited by the limitations of an orthodox society because his love had triumphed over her apprehensiveness. She thought back to how peaceful she had felt that day basking in Viplav's infinite love. Tears fell from her eyes as she mulled over how brutally Viplav had breached her trust. She heard a knock on the door and swiftly wiped her tears. She stood up, fixed her clothes, and opened the door. She was expecting Vidha, but was shocked to see Viplav at the door. She immediately frowned seeing him standing in the doorway with unconditional love reflecting from his eyes. She anxiously looked around for Vidhaan and almost slammed the door shut. Viplav caught hold of the door with his hand in the nick of time and pushed it wide open with his strength. "What do you want?" hissed Dhani irked by his presence. "Dhani, please speak to me. Don't shut me out this way. Let's resolve the issues between us and make things right with our daughter." sobbed Viplav visibly broken by her demeanour. He gathered her face in his hands and read into her eyes. "Something happened for you to walk away from me, Dhani. I promise I'll make everything alright. Please, just tell me!" Viplav begged as tears rolled down his face. Dhani tugged out of his hold unwilling to answer any of his questions. "I've already made myself clear once, Viplav. I have nothing else to add to what I've already said." Dhani's eyes flashed up at him angrily rattled by his courage. Viplav looked back at her in defeat at her objection. She turned her back to him nervously peering out of the doorway for Vidhaan or Vidha. He held the corner of her dupatta and tugged forcing her to turn in his direction. "I'm only tolerating you because of Vidhaan Ji. Don't test my patience, Viplav." warned Dhani. "Who is he to you?" demanded Viplav peering into her eyes searching for amorousness. I don't owe you any answers." snapped Dhani pushing him out of her way. She walked out of the room with her head held high leaving Viplav insecure and in limbo.
Viplav sat on his bed later that night deliberating over everything that had happened that day. He thought of Dhani's outburst that came with the most important revelation in his life. He could still envision her angst and the resentment clear in her eyes. Deep in his heart he knew Dhani wouldn't have kept his daughter away from him without reason. Something had compelled her to disappear from his life overnight without the slightest of indications. She had mentioned a letter. What letter? When had she written him a letter? He had never received any correspondence from her before their separation. In her wrath, she had aforementioned that the letter had been torn to pieces. Who had torn her letter? He sat perplexed in extreme concentration thinking of the mystery that surrounded this letter. He could feel his head throbbing as he contemplated more and more about the correlation between Dhani's departure and her claims of a letter. He propped up a pillow behind him and leaned back against the headboard physically and mentally exhausted. He closed his eyes and massaged his forehead with his right hand for a minute hoping to alleviate his suffering. He applied pressure to his temples with both index fingers in a circular motion attempting to seek an antidote for his misery. Had Dhani been right about Dada Ji all along? His grandfather had been the first to accept their relationship and had resisted all of society for his happiness. He had lavished him with more love his entire life than his own parents. Viplav thought back to all of the misconstructions Dhani and him had overcome together since they had first met until after they were married. His mother had been relentless in creating misunderstandings between the two. Was Ma to blame? Viplav had lost five years of his life without his daughter and his wife that he would never get back. He would have to persuade Dhani into speaking to him come what may. What was the premise behind Bhaiyya's lengthy absence in all of their lives? Viplav lay awake for several hours that night disturbed by the questions that continuously plagued him until he finally fell into a deep slumber void of reprieve.
Viplav abruptly awoke the next morning from his snooze by the aroma of fresh coffee. He glanced at his cell phone groggily with one eye and read the time. He sprung up vigilantly seeing 9 o'clock flash on his screen. He rubbed his hands over his face in annoyance incredulous that he had slept in that late. He rushed into the bathroom to shower and ready himself for the day. He brushed his teeth in a daze as he thought about his daughter and all that he had missed in her life. He stepped into the hot shower feeling his tense muscles gradually relax in the heat as the steam surrounded him from all directions. He stood under the hot shower until he felt all of his tension dissipate permitting him to soap himself swiftly. He switched on the body jets in the shower enclosing himself in the soothing power of the water. He stepped out of the shower invigorated by the massage and looked through his wardrobe before settling on an olive green mandarin collar shirt with roll up sleeves, black slim jeans, and black suede loafers. He towel dried his hair before styling it in place with a comb and gel. Once he had finished applying his cologne, he glanced at himself in the mirror before walking out of his room towards the dining hall where he could hear voices.
Vidha sat on the sofa looking excitedly at pictures on a tablet. His dollface was dressed in the trendiest of outfits. Her mother had dressed her in a black high-low hem tunic with long sleeves, blue distressed boyfriend jeans, and nude enclosed t-strap sandals. Vidha had pulled her long wavy hair back with a beige beaded headband allowing her waves to frame her face like a tiny diva. Viplav grinned seeing her look so cute and bent forward to peck her on her forehead as he took a seat next to her. He raised her eyebrows at her with a twinkle in his eyes as if to ask what had seized her attention. Vidha grinned back at her newfound best friend and showed him pictures of KidZania Mumbai. "Baba promised to take me to KidZania on his day off. Guess what, Rakshas Uncle?" asked Vidha animatedly. Viplav bit his lip holding in his chuckle at Vidha's enthusiasm. "What?' asked Viplav innocently pinching Vidha's cheek playfully. "Today's Baba's day off!" she shouted in excitement jumping up and down. Viplav gave Vidha his charming smile that flaunted both of his dimples. Viplav heard the sound of heels clicking on the floor and turned in the direction of the hallway. He felt his heart skip a beat at the sight bestowed upon him. Dhani had just walked out of her room in a black and pink flower patterned chiffon ankle length dress with half sleeves. The dress encompassed a slit that went up mid-thigh from the side. The V-shaped neckline of the dress was embroidered in a delicate light and dark blue flowery pattern. Dhani had paired the dress with black leggings and black ankle strap sandals. She had pulled her hair back in a simple ponytail and had worn pink crystal linear earrings to compliment her outfit. Dhani looked towards Viplav to see him gawking at her with desire. Her breath caught in her throat and she looked away as fast as she could hiding the spellbound effect he still had on her. Vidhaan was on his phone the entire time and had just gotten off his call. He smiled in acknowledgement in Dhani's direction and bent down to scoop Vidha up in his arms. He looked apologetically in his princess' eyes knowing he was about to break his promise to her. "I have some bad news for you, Princess. I've been called into the hospital for an emergency. I'm so sorry, meri jaan." Vidhaan explained softly to Vidha. He saw her lip quiver on his explanation and was suddenly enlightened with an idea. "Chotai, why don't you take Vidha and Dhani? You don't have anywhere to go today, do you?" Vidhaan asked his younger brother anxiously. "But Vidhaan Ji..." interrupted Dhani at once. "Please Rakshas Uncle! Please take me and Mumma!" pleaded Vidha with sad eyes. "Vidhu!" reprimanded Dhani and took her by her hand. She knelt down front of Vidha agitated by her request and shook her head in displeasure. She took a deep breath hoping her daughter would understand her predicament and not insist any further. "Vidhu, we'll go some other day when Baba doesn't have to go to the hospital. Hmm? We wouldn't want to bother Rakshas Uncle and inconvenience him." Dhani elucidated holding her daughter's hand with warmth. "I would be more than happy to take you and Vidha." interjected Viplav beaming at Vidha and then Vidhaan. He glanced nervously at Dhani who was silently fuming at the prospect of spending the entire day with him. Vidhaan grinned at Viplav relieved that his princess was being saved from having her heart broken. He patted Viplav on his back silently thanking him for fulfilling his request. "Yay, Princess! Rakshas Uncle is going to take you. I know you're going to have so much fun today. When I come home I want to hear all about your day and the exciting things you did, okay?" said Vidhaan with fervor to Vidha. Vidhaan walked over to Dhani and blinked his eyes in reassurance. He patted her shoulder quietly indicating that she and her daughter would both be in safe hands. Viplav couldn't believe his luck. He was so thrilled he felt like dancing to his car from jubilance. His grin was so wide that his pearly whites were visible for the entire world to see.
Viplav took Vidha's hand in his and waited patiently for Dhani to follow them out to the elevator. Dhani walked behind Viplav and Vidha as they chatted away energetically about the amusement park. The valet had already parked Viplav's black SUV in the driveway of the condominium complex. Viplav helped his daughter climb into her seat at the back and buckled her into her seatbelt as a safety precaution. Viplav swiftly moved to the passenger side of his SUV and held the door open for Dhani. She stood in hesitation for a brief period not wanting to sit beside him. She looked up at Viplav uneasily from the corner of her eye as he patiently waited for her to settle into her seat. "I'll be okay with Vidha at the back." she said moving towards the backseat of the car. Viplav hastily blocked her from opening the door with anxious eyes silently begging her to cooperate with him in front of Vidha. Dhani heaved in irritation before complying to his request and got into the passenger seat. Viplav smiled softly seeing her in the passenger seat and hurried into the driver's seat. He adjusted his rearview mirror to include Dhani's beautiful face so that he could glance at her to his heart's content as he drove. Viplav and Vidha's friendly banter continued the entire duration of their drive to KidZania while Dhani watched the exchange between the two without uttering a word. Once they had entered inside the amusement park, Vidha tugged on Viplav's hand pulling him towards the Cadbury Chocolate Factory. Viplav helped Vidha with into her apron and covered hair with a hair net as per the algorithm of the factory. He watched with a smile as his preschooler ran off to her station and started mixing her ingredients with the help of an instructor. He sat down on a bench nearby and looked on as Vidha patiently waited her turn to melt her chocolate. He saw Vidha rush back to her work station with her melted chocolate in her bowl and observed as she attentively poured the chocolate into the mould of her Dairy Milk bar. He looked around and noticed Dhani wasn't anywhere to be seen. Vidha was thoroughly engrossed in the directions being given to her by the instructor to pay attention elsewhere. Viplav got up and walked around nearby the factory in search of Dhani.
Dhani had noticed a coffee shop close to the chocolate factory on the opposite end of where Viplav sat on the benches. She saw that she could still keep an eye on her daughter while being concealed from Viplav's scrutiny. She wanted no part with the man that had broken her trust completely and had insulted her love mercilessly. Destiny had thrown her yet another curveball in the form of Viplav's kinship to Vidhaan. She felt as if her life had once again reached the same crossroad where there was no escaping her past no matter how hard she tried. Her daughter had befriended her useless father as her best friend! As she waited in line for her coffee, she thought of what she could do to distance her daughter from the man that had denounced her existence. She ordered a french vanilla cappuccino and took out her phone opening up her emails while taking a sip from her cup. She soon became engaged in a reply to a prospective customer's query concerning international shipping. An attractive young man had noticed Dhani inside the coffee shop and was besotted by her beauty and elegance. He watched her from afar eager to strike a conversation with the beautiful lady. He approached her table and cleared his throat hoping to attract her attention. Dhani noticed a shadow over her phone and heard a male voice ahem for her cognizance. Dhani looked up puzzled and waited for the fellow to speak. "Do you come here often? I could use your opinion about something." asked the hunk with a radiating smile. Dhani hesitated slightly before nodding her head asking him how she could be of assistance. "I'm not sure whether to order coffee or a cappuccino. I saw you ordering a cappuccino and thought I'd ask for your feedback." Dhani smiled at his question and said, "I'm content with what I've ordered." She resumed composing her reply to the same email before she was interrupted. "I just thought you should know you have a really nice smile." suggested the lad in a flirtatious tone. Dhani turned pale at his boldness and became self-conscious of how intensely the stranger was ogling at her.
Koi ye kaise bataaye ke woh tanha kyu hai
How does one explain being lonesome
Woh jo apna tha wahi aur kisi ka kyu hai
The one that was our own now belongs to another
Yahi duniya hai to phir aysi yeh duniya kyu hai
If this is the world, why must it be so?
Yahi hota hai to aakhir yahi hota kyu hai
If this is how it transpires, why must it be so?
Ek zara haath badha deh to pakad le daaman
If she was to extend her hand I would hold on
Uske seenein mein sama jaaye humari dhadkan
In her chest my own heartbeat comes together
Itni kurbat hain to phir faasla itna kyu hai
If there is such closeness, why is there such separation?
Dil-e-barbaad se nikla nahin ab tak koyi
None have escaped the devastation of heartbreak
Ek loote ghar pe diya karta hai dastak koyi
Still someone knocks on the door of this stolen home
Aas jo toot gayi phir se bandhaata kyu hai
Hope that was once severed, why does it fasten again?
Tum masarrat ka kaho yah isse gham ka rishta
You may call this an alliance of joy or heartache
Kehte hai pyaar ka rishta hai janam ka rishta
They say love is a bond of a lifetime
Hai janam ka jo yeh rishta to badalta kyu hai
If it is lifelong, then why does it change?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UByuXScv3CA
Viplav had witnessed the entire exchange between his wife and the brash stranger. His initial reaction was to beat the man to a pulp for having the audacity to hit on his wife. He felt rage arise within him at the thought of Dhani being with another man. He clutched his hands in anger trying to regain his composure. He briefly looked away inhaling deeply to appease his palpitations before approaching the intruder for his courage. He strolled over to them calling out, "There you are, Sweetheart! I looked everywhere for you. Our daughter's waiting for us at the chocolate factory." Viplav sneered at the man in disgust and took Dhani's hand in his impelling her to stand. Dhani looked up startled into Viplav's eyes and hastily gaped down towards her hand that was clutched firmly in his grasp. She turned a deep shade of crimson feeling their proximity and mentally scolded herself to repress her emotions. Viplav turned in the direction of the chocolate factory tugging on Dhani's hand as he walked back towards a view of their daughter's exhilaration on having finally made her chocolate. As they neared the bench, she felt Viplav's hot breath against her neck evoking goosebumps all over her body. "I won't allow another man near you, Dhani. Ever." he whispered in her ear. Dhani felt shivers down her spine at his proclamation and clamped her eyes shut in bashfulness. She trembled feeling his magnetic pull inciting their gazes to lock for what seemed like hours. Dhani was the first to look away with the intention of distancing herself from him. She pulled her hand to free herself from his grasp, but he was too strong. Viplav gazed down at Dhani unfazed by her struggle and tightened his grip in envy. "Let go of me!" commanded Dhani irked by his behaviour. "Never!" asserted Viplav keeping his grip on her hand rigid. For the rest of their duration at KidZania, Viplav held Dhani's hand much to her dismay. VIplav's jealousy knew no bounds as he was unable to tolerate the mere idea of another man finding his wife attractive. He smiled as he held his wife's hand in one hand and his daughter's hand in the other as they exited the amusement park together as the perfect family.
Dhani opened the door to the backseat of the SUV and quickly got in before Viplav could oppose her seating. She helped Vidha up into the backseat and fastened her seatbelt. "I'm hungry!" Vidha announced as she waited for Viplav to start the engine of his SUV. Viplav grinned looking at Vidha's adorable pout from her rearview mirror. His eyes twinkled as he turned around to face Vidha. "What does my daugh...best friend...what does my best friend feel like having?" Dhani glared at Viplav annoyed by his growing equation with Vidhu. "Noodles!" shouted Vidha in excitement almost instantly. Viplav chuckled at her innocent ardor as he admired his little angel with adoration. "I've heard of Hakkasan being a really good spot for Chinese in Mumbai." commented Viplav as he looked up the address on his phone. "Vidhu, let's go home. Mumma will make you your favourite noodles as soon as we get home." Dhani placated her baby girl in the hope that she'd agree and that this day would come to an end. She couldn't put up with the torture of being around Viplav any further. Vidha looked torn between both offers as she contemplated which of the two she liked more. "Shikayti Pudiya, we'll have so much fun together at the restaurant. Let's have a competition of who can eat the most noodles!" proposed Viplav rubbing his hands together in fervor. Vidha clapped her hands in delight as she beamed back at Viplav. Dhani looked out of her window in displeasure as they drove to the restaurant reluctant to participate in the conversation taking place between Viplav and Vidha about the food they enjoyed the most. Viplav continued to glance at Dhani wishing she'd give him one opportunity to make things right. He sighed deeply at how readily she chose to ignore his presence without a care in the world. He remembered a time when she wasn't able to bear being away from him for even five minutes. He parked the SUV in front of the restaurant and picked Vidha up in his arms. He handed his keys over to the valet and waited for Dhani to follow him inside to the reception. The maitre d greeted them at the entrance and guided them towards a booth near the back of the restaurant away from the bar.
Once they were seated, Dhani wrapped her arms around her daughter and kissed her lovingly on her head. She looked through the menu as Viplav got up to take a work-related call on his phone. Viplav returned minutes later and started looking through the menu. "Mumma, why don't you place the order? You always pick the best food." said Vidha looking up at her mother with a bright smile. Dhani lovingly stroked her hair and kissed her head once again. She glanced over at Viplav dubious of Vidhu's suggestion. She feared giving Viplav the impression that she was becoming comfortable in his company, but nobody knew her daughter's likes and dislikes the way she did. Viplav extended his hand and motioned for her to order whatever she wished for herself and their daughter. Dhani glowered at him coldly and proceeded to place an order of vegetarian hot and sour soup, vegetable dumplings, stir-fry broccoli with burnt garlic, and vegetarian hakka noodles. Viplav watched Dhani converse with the waiter in English impressed by the ease with which she had given their order. He remembered a time when Dhani wasn't able to read a menu much less place an order. He watched mesmerized by all of the changes he had noticed in her while she played with Vidha waiting for their food. He admired the gentle manner with which she took care of their daughter and showered her with affection. The food was so delicious that Vidha and Viplav were both completely stuffed. Dhani had only taken a few morsels on Vidha's insistence much to Viplav's disheartenment. He had tried to persuade her into taking a few more bites, but Dhani had glared at him fiercely rendering him speechless. Each rejection tore at his heart more deeply than the last agonizing him all the more. As they were walking out of the restaurant, a young lady stopped Dhani in her tracks enquiring about her dress. Dhani smiled warmly at the young lady for her appreciation explaining that it was was available at their boutique and the kind of clothing they designed. She reached into her purse and gave the college girl her card ensuring that her dress could be made according to her own measurements. She answered all of her questions patiently after attentively listening to her concerns. Viplav smiled admiring Dhani's professionalism as he waited for her off to the side holding Vidha's hand. She kindly bid another prospective customer goodbye before exiting the premises towards Viplav's SUV. Vidha had fallen asleep in Dhan's arms in the backseat after an exhausting day full of activity. The drive back to the penthouse was filled with silence as Dhani and Viplav were both lost in their own individual thoughts. As soon as Viplav pulled into the driveway of the condominium complex and parked, Dhani hurried out with Vidha in her arms and almost ran towards the elevator fleeing from Viplav. She had reached her threshold and could no longer withstand the affliction his mere presence had on her. She hugged her daughter with all of her might inside the elevator as tears rolled down her cheek deliberating over all of the pain she had endured because of his betrayal.
Dhani had been restless for hours as sleep had evaded her entirely that night. She looked over at Vidhu who had been fast asleep since they had arrived home after dinner. She fixed the blanket around her daughter and patted her hair lovingly. She bent forward and kissed her softly on her cheek before getting out bed. Dhani had worn a white chickenkari night gown with short sleeves up to her shins to tovercome the dreaded heat of the night. She slipped into a pair of white slippers and slowly closed the door behind her. She figured almost everyone would be asleep in the dead of the night and did her best to quietly slip into the balcony from the main hall. She looked out at the view of the sea and immediately felt tranquil by the soothingness of the waves. Vidhaan's penthouse had a view of the sea from each room and access to four separate balconies. She had brought her phone out with her and decided to play some music as she stood in the moonlight revering the view.
O saathi re
O my soulmate
Tere bina bhi kya jeena
Life isn't worth living without you
O saathi re
O my soulmate
Tere bina bhi kya jeena
Life isn't worth living without you
Phoolon mein, kaliyon mein
In flowers, in buds
Sapnon ki galiyon mein
In the streets of dreams
Tere bina kuch kahin na
Nothing exists without you
Tere bina bhi kya jeena
Life isn't worth living without you
Har dhadkan mein pyaas hai teri
Your thirst is present in every heartbeat of mine
Saanson mein teri khushboo hai
Your fragrance is present in my breaths
Is dharti se uss ambar tak
From the earth to the sky
Meri nazar mein tu hi tu hai
Only you reside in my sight
Pyaar yeh toote na
May this love never break
Tu mujhse roothe na
May you never be upset with me
Sath yeh chootai kabhi na
May our relationship never break
Tere bina bhi kya jeena
Life isn't worth living without you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OssRAVZhsRk
Dhani felt a pair of arms slip around her waist enveloping her from behind. Viplav rested his chin on her shoulder grazing his lips softly against her skin. Dhani closed her eyes in pandemonium and inhaled as deeply as she could. She elbowed Viplav with all of her strength to disengage herself from his embrace. She turned to face him with tears streaming down her face stricken by the constant disarray she had been in since their confrontation. "You still love me Dhani, don't you?" Viplav asked peering straight into Dhani's eyes with hopefulness. She looked up at him astonished by his determination. "Is everything just a joke to you? Pouring alcohol in a pot for worship or colouring a widow in red. What do you think? The world's going to dance to your tune according to your wishes." She bore her eyes into his as fierce as a tigress. "No, Vakeel Sahaab. I have my own life and my own daughter. Don't you dare interfere in our lives." she warned shaking her finger at him. She turned to leave when VIplav grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her to him. "Then tell me what happened, Dhani. Yell at me, slap me, punch me if that's what it takes! Why won't you speak to me?" he begged gripping her wrist in earnestness. Dhani turned away from him overwhelmed by his gaze. She could feel her heart fluttering nervously as he held on to her. "The truth is that you had forsaken me because I wasn't good enough for you, Mr. Tripathi. You renounced your daughter for the same reason." she asserted with force. "Stop asking me such inappropriate questions because it doesn't suit you. We don't need in you in our lives." As she turned to leave once again, VIplav yanked her towards him one more time. He bore into her eyes with seriousness as he couldn't bare her dismissal of him anymore. "Tell me what else I should or shouldn't say before you go. Tell me what I should do and what I shouldn't. Please tell me what I should remember and what I should forget because I'll never be able to forget you or our daughter." Dhani's gaze locked with Viplav's in pining and wishfulness as his words echoed in her ears. They gazed into each other's eyes unable to pull away from the hypnotic force that had entranced them. He caressed her neck as he took steps towards her. His gazed traveled all over her body and met her eyes in sensuality. Dhani took steps back mesmerized by his gaze until he had cornered her against the wall. He caressed her neck with both hands as leaned his body into hers. Dhani looked up at him in anxiousness overtaken by the passion burning inside of her. He tilted his head downwards until he seized his lips with hers in a slow sensual kiss. Dhani closed her eyes and responded with equal fervor as her lips brushed against his and her hands nuzzled his neck in desire. Viplav bent until they were the same height kissing her with hunger. He felt Dhani's fingers stroking his hair as she arched forward in need of his osculation. He pried her mouth open with his tongue as they continued to make out and caressed her tongue with his. Dhani's eyes fluttered open as she came to her senses. She looked down breathing hard fearing her heart would burst out of her chest. VIplav paused seeing her restless and swayed her loose strands in a calming motion. He leaned in again to resume their kiss when he felt Dhani's hands against his chest pushing him away with all of her clout. He could feel his blood pulsing as he groped her body in provocation needing her love in that moment more than ever. She avoided his gaze untwining herself from his grasp devastated by the act of intimacy in which she had just partaken. She ran as fast as she could away from him and into her room to salvage whatever dignity she had left. VIplav watched her run off forlornly as he sought to calm his state of arousal. He took a moment to reconvene his poise before retiring to his room for the night. He vowed to himself that he would gain his wife's love and trust again irrespective of what it would take.
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