Part 7
Your eyes, seductive and whimsical. Your laughter's effortless impertinence. Your hair unraveled the curls undone. Your lips as luscious as a flower in bloom. Never shall I forget your beauty until this breath is mine. Viplav lay propped up on one elbow against his pillow staring at his sleeping beauty. His eyes roamed over every inch of her gorgeous face and sensuous body. A soft smile played on his lips as he lay in mesmerization of his wife. After an onerous separation of five years, they had united as one in the most intimate manner fathomable. The agony he had been put through of a life depleted of her companionship had been unbearable over the years. He reflected back to how difficult it had been to restrain the powerful urge he had felt to make her his forever fearing that she had moved on. He had finally torn through the wall of misunderstanding surrounding his wife. Today marked the beginning of a new era in all of their lives. He grinned thinking of their future together zealously. He watched as the love of his life began to stir slightly in her sleep. Sunlight peaked through the curtains signifying the glorious weather outside while basking their suite in a subtle warmth. Viplav inched closer to Dhani and gently smoothed the stray strands of hair covering her angelic face. Dhani stretched as she yawned sneaking a peek at Viplav with one eye. She smiled sweetly seeing him so close to her. His heart skipped a beat as he stared into her eyes promising his loyalty to her eternally. She tenderly gazed back into the warmth of his dark eyes with the same sweet smile. He looked down at her succulent lips inviting him to her in yet another declaration of love. He stroked her cheek with his thumb in anticipation of her reaction. Dhani demurely gazed down holding her breath as her stomach knotted in excitement and nervousness. Viplav drew her face upwards towards him with one hand and pressed his lips softly against hers. He took his time kissing her slowly and passionately as he entwined his arms around her back bringing her closer. She felt a sudden bout of uneasiness as she lay in his arms unable to reciprocate the same emotions. She felt a lump forming in her throat as her palms began to feel sweaty indicative of the impending doom lying ahead. Vivid memories of the intimacy they had shared the night before came flooding back to her knocking her completely out of her senses. Her eyes bulged in shock as she shot up petrified at all that had transpired between them. She suddenly became very cognizant of the warm sheets on her naked skin. She clamped her eyes shut in absolute horror! "What's wrong, my love?" Viplav asked in alarm noticing her skittish behaviour. How could she have lost total control over herself? She tugged at her sheets from all directions in a desperate attempt to wrap her bare skin the best she could. Dhani looked up at him nervously from the corner of her eyes too shocked to emote her commotion into words. She quickly shifted to the edge of the bed seeking much needed distance from her estranged husband. Viplav sat in bewilderment by her cold demeanour unable to understand her sudden change in mood. He reached out and placed his hand over her shoulder with discernible concern in his gesture. He could sense her heaving as if she were distraught by something. What had changed in a matter of minutes? She jumped at his touch dismissing his hand as she choked on a sob. Using her sheet as her cover, she ran into the bathroom with tears pouring down her face. Viplav felt his heart sinking to the floor as the rest of his body turned numb by her disregard. He sat on the bed frozen in the same spot unable to comprehend what had just ensued between them. Was he having a nightmare or had the night before been an impossible dream?
Dhani frantically stripped herself of her sheet and stepped into the shower almost hysterical. She sobbed under the cold water at the disaster she had made of her own life. How could she have let things gone that far? Had her self-respect been that weak that she had allowed herself to succumb to that man's charm a second time? How could she have forgotten her rejection and more importantly her child's renunciation? She placed her head against the cool tile of the shower wall crying bitterly over her fate and her own mistakes as a woman who was once head over heels in love. She wailed at the top of her lungs disgusted by her own virtue. "Why? Why? WHY???" she screamed sobbing all the more. Viplav could hear Dhani's screams and wails for respite all the way outside where he still sat frozen on the bed. His heart broke into tiny pieces for the thousandth time foolishly believing they had overcome their differences and had reunited as one. What tormented him the most was that she had perceived last night as a very obvious mistake and not the unification of their souls. He knew he had made enormous mistakes in the past, but he had apologized to Dhani repeatedly begging for a second chance. Why couldn't she trust him seeing his remorse? Last night wouldn't have happened had she not let her guard down. He knew she still undoubtedly had feelings for him deep within her heart. Viplav suddenly felt very angry by the cat and mouse game being played between them. She had made love to him which was no ordinary assertion of love. He wouldn't permit her to deny his place in her heart as her one true love come what may. He wasn't disposable and wouldn't tolerate himself being discarded again from either his wife's life or his child's life. He set his jaw stubbornly unwilling to break his resolve.
Dhani shivered in the shower against the cold water in a pursuit to rid herself of her guilt. Her tears mixed with the water that repeatedly drenched her from head to toe flowing uninterrupted into the drain. She pondered upon the fluidity of the dilemmas in her life that had the same uninterrupted flow. Since she had been born, she had faced one problem after another without an intermission of harmony. She sighed staring into the drain seeking thoughts of reassurance of not only her mistakes, but her life. She turned the shower off to encounter the apathy that overtook her body. She stood in one spot immobilized by the numbness over her skin and in her heart as she willed herself to face her demons. She gathered her courage and dried herself off with a towel mechanically until her eyes drifted to an article of interest. The bathroom in the suite was attached to a closet where guests could hang their clothes, iron them on an ironing board, or fold them into drawers. She noticed in bafflement that their luggage had been placed in the closet next to the ironing board. Her emotions were too heavy for her to mull any further how her overnight bag had gotten to her. She quickly got dressed and nervously eyed her reflection in the mirror. Dhani had worn a light denim dress above her knees that entailed a geometrical pattern of colourlul embroidery around the split neckline that extended to the chest. The silhouette of her dress contained an A-line cut with bell sleeves. Dhani had paired her dress with black leggings and black booties. She had tied her wavy hair in a side braid with loose strands framing her face. She opted for simple crystal stud earrings to complete her look. She rubbed her hands together anxiously before gathering her belongings and stepping outside into the suite.
Viplav had covered himself in a white bath robe as he waited for Dhani to emerge from the bathroom. Fifteen minutes had passed since he had heard the shower run implying that she she was nearly done. He stood leaning against the window gazing out to a view of the lush green garden at the back. Irrespective of the golden sunlight reflecting off his face, a glum expression had formed that had never been so pronounced. His misery knew no bounds and he felt utterly helpless. As he heard Dhani coming out of the bathroom, he spun his face away waiting for her to approach him. Dhani stared at Viplav's back apprehensively from a distance contemplating how to avoid him altogether. She wished with all her might that the ground open up and swallow her so that she could be saved from a situation this awkward. She inhaled sharply knowing fully well that she would need to exhibit perseverance in her direst hour. Viplav could sense Dhani collecting her clothes and shoes scattered on the floor from the night before. His eyes flashed in anger at her indifference, but he kept his posture rigid unwilling to turn in her direction. Her hands shook as she gathered all of her belongings in one arm and discreetly glanced at Viplav to ensure that the distance was preserved between them. She could feel her heart pounding in her ears as she grabbed her shoes and made a dash for the door with her overnight bag in tow. As soon as she shut the door behind her, she heaved a huge sigh of relief placing her hand over her frantic heart in order to soothe its rapid beats. Viplav turned towards the door in shock hearing it slam shut. She left without uttering a word! She left without admitting her love! How could she still deny her emotions after becoming one? A solitary tear fell from his eye in disbelief at her callousness. He felt a deep ache within his chest that was intensifying by the minute. He felt restless as he tried to come to terms with his wife's behaviour. She hadn't even allowed him the luxury of expressing that he too could ache. If he had hurt her with his words, she was killing him with her actions. He wiped his tears in torment running a hand over his face as he took shallow breaths. Your hand that forsook mine. Your silhouette that thwarted its gander. Your gaze that never reminisced. Never will I forgive your deception until this breath is mine.
Tark-e-taluqat pe roya na tu na main
When we parted ways neither you cried nor I
Lekin ye kya ke chain se soya na tu na main
But, what is this, a peaceful sleep since has not touched our eyes?
Woh humsafar thah magar us say humnawaayi na thih
He was my companion, but not in harmony were we
Keh dhoop chayon ka alam raha judaayi na thih
Like the clouds and sunlight together, but as apart as can be
Adawatein thih, taghaful thah, ranjishain thih magar
There were feelings of animosity, indifference, and anguish between us
Bicharne walay mai sab kuch thah bewafayi na thih
My departed lover had been everything, but unfaithful
Kajal daaron kurkura surma saha na jaaye
Apply kohl, the graininess of its texture is tough to bear
Jin nain mein ye pi basay dooja kon samaaye
In the eyes that hold my beloved, who else can be beheld?
Bichartay waqt bhi un aankhon mai thih humari ghazal
The last time I looked into his eyes, my poetry reflected back at me
Ghazal bhi woh jo kisi ko kabhi sunayi na thih
Verses which I had never recited to anyone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q5viQBWl14
Dhani dashed to the end of the hallway before the lobby with her belongings and exhaled deeply. She apprehensively glanced back at the door to their suite ensuring that it had remained shut. She made it a point to quickly fold her dress and place the rest of her belongings in her bag so that she could be free of hassle. She took out a black shawl and draped it behind her neck and over her shoulders. She instantly felt a soothing warmth that enveloped her in a cocoon of comfort. She gathered her courage and made her way to the lobby for much needed assistance. A young lady sat at the reception and smiled warmly at Dhani in greeting as she approached the counter. Dhani smiled back and asked about the different modes of transportation available for travel back to Mumbai. The receptionist politely explained that she could take a taxi to Lonavala station where she would be able to purchase a ticket for a train that would take her to Dadar. Dhani smiled in relief knowing Mahim was a ten minute cab ride from the rail station in Dadar. The young lady had also been kind enough to provide her with the phone number for a taxi stand in Lonavala. She thanked the courteous receptionist for her help making her way out to the circular driveway of the bed and breakfast. Dhani took her phone out and hastily saw ten missed calls from Rajlaxmi, Suvarna, and Vidhaan Ji. She knew they must've all panicked not seeing her at the formal dinner the night before. She stared at her phone perturbed by the thoughts racing through her mind. How would she explain her absence to them? Dhani was lost in her thoughts until she noticed a black SUV park beside her. Viplav stepped out in a beige polo with a blue printed collar over faded dark blue slim jeans. He had paired his ensemble with a brown belt and brown monk strap shoes. She could tell his hair was still wet from his shower enabling him to be even more irresistible. She flushed at her own thoughts immediately averting her gaze to the road. Viplav came around to Dhani's side with a smoldering look on his face. He opened the door for her waiting impatiently for her to climb into her seat. She impulsively took a step forward to walk towards the road when she felt a hand grip her wrist pulling her with force. She felt herself colliding into his hard chest and looked up at him startled. He wasn't in the mood for any nonsense as his patience frayed at an alarming speed. She could sense that his jaw was clenched as he pushed her into her seat and slammed her door shut. He swiftly got into the driver's seat slamming his own door shut in obvious irritation. Dhani stared at Viplav puzzled by his conduct before shouting, "How dare you? How dare you touch me against my will? Let me out this instant!" "Shut up!" Viplav bellowed at the top of his lungs. He glowered at her as the embodiment of rage causing her to immediately retract into her seat. He roughly snapped his seatbelt into place and started his engine as his lips settled into a grimace. The SUV took off at full speed merging onto the highway in a matter of minutes. She gawked at him as he roughly drove along the highway accelerating his speed with each passing minute. He kept his eyes and his focus straight on the road without sparing her a second glance. She could feel her heart palpitating and her hands turning ice cold in apprehension. A whirlwind of despair arose within her impeding her breaths as he swerved in and out between cars faster than a speeding bullet. She clutched the dashboard in fear praying fervently for their safety with her eyes squeezed closed. What am I doing? In his anger, Viplav had turned blind to his own road rage and Dhani's fright. He inwardly smacked his palm against his forehead admonishing himself for putting his wife's safety at risk. He immediately decelerated his speed peeking remorsefully at his one true love. "I'm sorry!" he whispered as tears rolled down his cheeks. Dhani opted for silence realizing how disturbed Viplav had been by her actions. She quietly gave a slight nod and gazed out of her window fixated on the greenery along the highway.
Kaise saans chalegi
How will I breathe?
Kaise raat kategi
How will the night pass?
Kaise jee main sakoonga tere bin
How will I be able to live without you?
O sajna teri judaai
Sweetheart, your separation
Menu raas na aayi
Hasn't gone well with me
Lagdi duniya paraayi tere bin
The world feels like a stranger without you
Qismat ne meri aisa kyun kiya
Why has fate done this to me?
Jo kabhi na bhare wo zakham kyun diya
Why has it given a wound which will never heal
Hai naseeb mera ya hai koi gila
Is it my destiny or is it a complaint?
Tooti saari khushi phir ye gham kyun diya
Why did you give me grief after giving me so much happiness
Kyun milaaye tu do dilon ko
Why did you bring two hearts together?
Jab karna hai judaa
If you were going to separate them
Har yaad teri de rahi hai saada
Every memory of yours is beckoning me
Ab paas ho tu bas yahi hai dua
Now I only pray for you to be near me
Kya qasoor mera wo mujhe na mila
What was my fault that I didn't get her
Jo mera thah kabhi woh mera na raha
Who was once mine isn't mine anymore
Dil ye maange duaayein
My heart is praying
Sun le meri sadaayein
Listen to my call
Kaise jee main sakunga tere bin
How will I be able to live without you?
Tera rishta ye rooh se kiya
What is your relation to my soul?
Keh tere bin main hoon bas jala
That I have just burned without you
Jaana tujhe to khud seh hoon mila
I met myself after knowing you
Kyun khud se hi chhoot main raha
Why am I letting myself go?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8JrDO5MGk4
They drove along the Mumbai-Pune highway for an hour in absolute silence. Dhani was consumed in her own thoughts as she looked out her window. She had never dreamt her life would become this jumbled one day. It pained her endlessly keeping this distance from Viplav knowing how much she loved him, but it was for their own amelioration along with their daughter's. She wouldn't allow them to reiterate the same mistakes they had contrived in the past. She knew she didn't have the fortitude to survive another round of heartbreak. She was confident he would never award her the same love and respect he bestowed upon his family and she no longer had it in her to compete for his love and trust. Her daughter was her utmost priority in life and she would do everything in her power to give her the best life attainable. Viplav watched dejectedly as she lay her head against her window peering out at the landscape. He had hoped she would say something that would allude to a conversation perhaps even yell, but she had remained absolutely mum. He sighed hard wondering what he could do to revert the hands of time. The lines of communication had to be drawn open between them to necessitate a reconciliation of some sort. Viplav noticed a hoarding for Rock Garden in Navi Mumbai along the highway invigorating his determination to challenge his destiny once again. Dhani quietly watched him take an exit from the highway and observed curiously as he drove to his destination. He parked outside of the garden and stared at her briefly. She studied the muted desperation within his eyes and refrained from challenging him any further. She watched as he stepped outside his vehicle making his way to her door on the passenger side. He opened her door and held out his hand staring deeply into her eyes. Their gazes locked solemnly for a minute before she placed her hand in his. Viplav leisurely lead the way his fingers firmly entwined with hers as she gazed at the vegetation and architecture surrounding them. A ghost of a smile graced her lips seeing the roses, lilies, and petunias blossoming under the rays of sunshine as they strolled along the walkway. She could perceive the slight fragrance of roses in their environment adding to the allure of the garden. They walked towards the amphitheater climbing up the steps to where there was no visible rush and took their seats next to one another on the hard stone.
Viplav silently stared downwards at the ground as he caressed Dhani's hand still within his clasp with his thumb. He didn't know where to begin or how to articulate his words. Dhani patiently watched as he struggled to convey his emotions knowing fully well he wouldn't surrender to the issues that had kept them apart all these years. She eyed the hushed yearning on his face, the grim line formed by his lips, the dullness of his skin, and the rigidity of his posture. She couldn't deny that it hurt her just as much to witness the melancholy he felt. "All of our lives us women have a number of roles we're expected to play. We begin our lives as daughters to two very loving people that are the most precious to us in the world. They dote on us, they pamper us, they encourage us, they scold us, and they lay the foundation we need to build our own identities. Do you see that pink rose over there in full blossom, Viplav? A daughter's very similar to a flower. Her parents are the gardeners that ensure that she gets the right amount of water, sunlight, and soil; the leaves are her various attributes; and the thorns are the obstacles in her life that come her way in developing her character. It takes a leap of faith for a parent to delegate the role of a gardener in their daughter's life. Nothing is more precious to them than the flower they took care of from her inception. The attachment that a daughter has to her parents is infinitely stronger than the bond a son shares with his parents. Nevertheless, a daughter is expected to one day leave her parents, her house, her environment, and her comfort to acquaint herself in a new abode. The flower is uprooted from her garden to be sowed into another garden. Whether that rose thrives in its new place is entirely up to the new gardener based on how much water, sunlight, and soil he provides to permit her the same sustenance." Viplav watched Dhani intently as she softly spoke peering out to the flowerbeds on display within the garden.
"A woman enters her husband's home and his life with the same ambitions. It's her responsibility to adapt according to the members of her new home. It becomes her job to ensure that the differentiation between home and house is maintained. She begins her task by learning the likes and dislikes of every member a part of her new home. She works hard to build a special relationship with each person within her new family. She's the first to enter the kitchen early in the morning and the last to leave each night. She knows who drinks tea at what time, she knows the medication schedule by heart, and she knows which clothes have gone to the launderer when they seem to vanish from their respective closets. She caters to the many taste buds each individual has a predilection for multiple times a day. Irrespective of all that effort, there's still a lack somewhere because she's not able to make her place within that home. Her mother-in-law's complaints, her father-in-law's ignorance, and her sister-in-law's taunts become a daily ritual that she's unable to break no matter the extent of her attempts. No one makes a place for her within that home. Everyone expects her to earn that place through a plethora of tests that she never seems to pass." Dhani drew a deep breath before proceeding. "Why would a stranger who's come to a new home work so diligently to appease every member residing within that structure? The answer lies with her husband. When a woman falls in love with a man, she gives herself to him completely from the mind, body, and soul. She loves him more than she could love anyone. She places her trust in him more than she could ever trust her own self. She cares for his every need. She keeps a record of his office files, she serves him a glass of water endlessly throughout the day, and she has premonition when it comes to where he's kept his phone, wallet, and keys. Although she's left all of her relatives behind, she pledges that her husband never be taunted that he's forgotten his mother, father, or sister in favour of his wife. She remembers his birthday before her own. She takes pride in his achievements more than she could ever recollect her own. She embraces his last name in place of her own flaunting her eternal bond to him to the rest of the world. She starves herself from sunrise to moonrise seeking her husband's safety. She fills her part and adorns a sacred thread every single day praying for his longevity." Viplav gaped intriguingly at Dhani as she paused for a brief moment. He held her hand tight within his clasp searching for comfort in her delicate hold.
"They say the path to a woman's heart is through diamonds and pearls. That isn't true. All a woman ever desires is respect and faith from her husband. She struggles day after day to make her place within his heart and his life. She listens to his criticism. She bears his misdirected anger. She gives him the benefit of doubt. She's the first to reconcile following a disagreement. She tolerates every action that regresses her heart hoping that her husband will never have any complaints. What matters most to her is that he match her stride with each step. She doesn't ever want him to say he doesn't want to see her face. She doesn't ever want to hear him say he's disgusted by her visage. She doesn't ever expect him to turn deaf to her calls. She doesn't ever dream of him losing his ability to reason between right and wrong. She can't ever fathom him referring to her as unworthy of his companionship. Her worst nightmare is that he call their marriage a mistake. Is it wrong for a wife to have one expectation of her husband? That he maintain all of his relationships equally without prioritizing one relation over the other." Viplav immediately released Dhani's hand from his hold startled by her remark. A flashback of their final conversation five years ago emanated before his eyes. Tears rolled down her cheek as her eyes riveted on a deserted pink rose within the flowerbeds of the garden. "What do you think happens to that rose, Viplav? Without water, sunlight, and soil, it begins to wilt. Its leaves begin to lose its colour until holes puncture its once green consistency. A brown colour stains its petals relinquishing its luster and beauty. Until one day it droops to the ground completely lifeless." Dhani's eyes brimmed with tears as she turned towards Viplav looking him straight in the eye. "How can I trust you, Viplav? How can I trust you ever again?" He mutely watched her sob to her heart's content dumbstruck by all that she had expressed. This was the first time since their separation he had seen Dhani in a state of vulnerability. She wept inconsolably like a child holding onto a corner of her shawl against her mouth reliving her anguish one more time. He felt a lump forming in his throat gaping at her as she battled her devastation. He reached out to cradle her face when she put her palm up stopping him in his motion. She didn't want his sympathy or his comfort. She didn't need it five years ago and she certainly didn't need it now. She ran off the steps through the garden as fast as her legs could carry her fleeing the torment that had recurred in her life yet again. She couldn't tolerate Viplav seeing her weak any longer. Your spurious vows and commitments. Your flaming sweltering illusions. Your barbarous merciless indifference. Always will I abhor your betrayal until this breath is mine.
The lump expanded within Viplav's throat, he could barely breathe, his skin had turned pale, his eyes stung with tears, and his lip quivered overwhelmed by all that he had seen and understood. How could he have forsaken Dhani's word over Dada Ji's? Why hadn't I permitted her from explaining herself at the time? What was going through my mind when I discriminated between my blood and my love? He bit his lip in an attempt to suppress his surging emotions gnawing away at his conscience. He held his face in his palms in the plight of adversity. He had never truly realized how much he had hurt his wife until her outburst moments ago. How could he have been that insensitive to her sentiments and her beliefs? He had taken vows to be by her side for better or worse till death due to them part. He had made a solemn promise that was never to be broken. He trembled as he came to the shattering awakening that he had been an outright jerk to his wife. He frantically looked around for the only woman his heart could ever love. He sprinted through the garden deliriously in search of his wife. He gasped for air as he ran almost stumbling over a large rock. Catching himself in the nick of time, he reconvened his stance as his eyes went berserk scouring the entire garden for a glimpse of Dhani. He could feel himself panting hard as he encircled the grounds of the garden over and over again. Where could she be? His legs carried him out of the garden at the speed of lightning intuitively. Dhani was leaning sullenly against the passenger door of the SUV confounded by a hurricane of dismay. Viplav caught sight of her from a distance and dashed to where she stood. They faced one another eye to eye immune to the bustle surrounding them. He peered into her eyes with shame, sorrow, agony, and despondency. She ignored his discernible penitence and moved away from the door. She opened her door without a second thought and promptly settled into her seat clasping both her hands together as they rested on her lap. He took three steps backwards seeing her tenacity and dejectedly trudged back to his driver's seat. He started his engine and fastened his seatbelt almost mechanically as his heart ached at her neglect of him and his love. He pleadingly gazed at her to meet his eye just once silently promising to undo the pain and suffering associated with his actions from her heart and mind if she would allot him the chance. Dhani restricted her focus to the windshield and glared ahead feigning obliviousness to Viplav's hushed pleas.
Bin kahe suno o yaara
Listen to what I say, o beloved
Humne toh yunhi dil haara
I lost my heart to you
Jee keh na mil paaye toh
If I can't have you in this lifetime
Mar keh tujhe paa lenge
You'll surely be mine after I die
Chou kar dekhu to dil koh yakeen ho yaara
If I can touch you my heart will be assured
Bin kahe suno yaara
Listen to what I say, o beloved
Humne toh yunhi dil haara
I lost my heart to you
Aakhon mein teri khone ki
Losing myself in your eyes
Tere kareeb hone ki
Being close to you
Hone lagi aadat mujhe
I am getting used to
Tujhpe fidaa hone ki
Falling head over heels for you
Aisa nasha aankhon mein thah
There was intoxication in your eyes
Haaye madhosh hum hue
It made me feel elated
Tujhe chou leh bin chuay
I touched you without touching you
Pyaas bujhe bin piye
It sufficed my thirst
Tujhko palkon peh rakh loon saja ke yaara
I want you to dwell in my eyes forever
Bin kahe suno o yaara
Listen to what I say, o beloved
Tu yeh kyun kahe humnasheen
Why do you say, my sweetheart
Koi qurbat hi nahi
There's no love
Main yeh kahu ishq hai
I say there's love
Chou le zara dil ki zameen
Touch my heart and see
Likha hai jo dil peh mere
What's written on my heart
Aaja woh dikhaun tujhe
Come let me show you
Tera hu main tera hi hu
I only belong to you
Itna bata doon tujhe
Let me tell you
Dil mein agar ho ijazat chupa loon yaara
I wish to hide you within if my heart will concede
Bin kahe suno o yaara
Listen to me, o beloved
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiYl6I8hxBQ
They drove towards Mumbai without uttering a word frozen in their posture nearly afraid to take a breath. Viplav stole quick glances at Dhani out of the corner of his eyes detecting how broken and conquered she seemed by their strife. His heart ached for her, but he had no way of expressing his concern without intruding into her personal space. He didn't want to torment her any more than he already had in the five years he had been her husband. She mutely sighed in relief as he drove towards Bandra from the Western Express Highway. She knew the torture she had endured in the past two days would all come to an end in a matter of minutes as they cruised off the Bandra Reclamation Flyover. She felt a meager sense of reprieve viewing the familiar buildings along their route in eager impatience of her destination. Viplav drove into his brother's condominium complex and parked in the driveway waiting for a valet attendant. Dhani opened her door immediately climbing out of the SUV and reached for her overnight bag. Without so much of a second glance, she swung her door shut and walked towards a taxi stationed a few feet away from his SUV. He watched helplessly as Dhani greeted the taxi driver and got into the vehicle directing him to a location unknown to Viplav. In less than a minute, she was gone. Viplav perilously fought the tears that threatened to spill out once more. He took a deep breath completely shattered wondering if there was any hope left for their union as a family. He longed for his darling daughter to know of his existence as her father. A vivid image of his precious angel flashed before his eyes defeating him in his struggle to quell the tears that threatened to spill from his eyes. He wiped his tears without delay and bit on his fist to suppress the mayhem within his heart. He lethargically got out of his seat and lugged his luggage as if it was the heaviest burden in the world. Handing his keys over to the attendant on duty, he slogged his way through the lobby to the elevators of the building. He entered the elevator with a heavy heart and authorized his access making his way up to the topmost floor. He walked into the condominium and took note of his brother's absence. He walked into his bedroom and plunked down on the bed exhausted by the transpiration between him and his wife. He sat on the bed in perplexity running a hand through his hair as a million thoughts raced through his mind. He reached for his phone and stared at a familiar number. He waited with bated breath before the person in question answered his call. "Raj, it's me Viplav. I need your help."
The fresh breeze blew on Dhani's face as she gazed outside her window in the backseat of the taxi. Her hair swayed with the movement of the wind giving her an ethereal quality that was difficult to overlook. The sorrow in her eyes was clearly evident as she thought of her relationship with the man she had once loved more than herself. Viplav still resided in heart even to this day. She had never stopped loving him, but she knew their everlasting bond could potentially be detrimental to her daughter's happiness. She didn't trust Viplav not to hurt them again. She would need to keep her distance from Viplav Tripathi at all cost. She had made her resolution, but couldn't pacify her stubborn heart that still yearned for Viplav's love. She had left a message for a very important person in her life to meet her at the boutique at once. Dhani watched as the cab pulled up in front of the retail outlet that read Mahi T Couture in large gold fonts. She paid the driver his fare and entered inside the boutique. She saw Mahi standing over a glass counter deliberating over an exquisite arrangement of long bandini scarves embellished with mirror work and zari in a multitude of colours. Mahi had worn an olive green short-sleeved cotton anarkali dress with pleats and an embroidered motif on the left portion of her chest. She had worn her anarkali over red leggings and gold platform sandals. She had chosen gold statement earrings to enhance her ensemble. Her straight shoulder-length hair complemented her outfit in a chic appeal. She smiled as she saw Dhani enter through the large glass doors and hurried to greet her little sister in a warm embrace. Dhani's tears fell in succession as she felt Mahi's arms encircle her back. "Dhani, how have you been? I can't wait to show you everything I brought back from Rajasthan for the boutique. I had a few samples made for you, Rajlaxmi, and Suvarna that I thought you three would fancy." Mahi cheerfully exclaimed to Dhani. She pulled back and noticed Dhani's silent whimpers much to her alarm. "Dhani!" she uttered before pulling her back into her embrace. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?" she asked perturbed by Dhani's tears. Dhani tears fell harder as she lay her head on Mahi's shoulder unable to voice her emotions. Dhani felt a strong hand on her shoulder and she looked up through her tears to the one man that had supported her resolutely in the past five years. Her brother. Dhani clung to Vidhaan as she weeped into his chest. Vidhaan grew increasingly tense seeing Dhani in such a frazzled state. He soothed her back allowing her to dispel her misery as she sought comfort in his arms. He nestled Dhani's face in his hands and looked into her eyes assuring her of his support. He wiped her tears with both his thumbs and kissed her on her forehead. Mahi brought Dhani a glass of water with the same concern as her husband. After taking a few sips, Dhani took a few steps away from her two mentors turning her face towards the large glass windows of the boutique. Her fingers fidgeted with one another as she hesitated to express her anguish. She took a deep breath while praying for strength and courage knowing her closest confidants were waiting for her to enunciate her confession. "Once upon a time I was married to your brother Viplav."
Edited by ~DaZZ|ing~ - 8 years ago
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