Farewell …
Category : JW/ BD romance and separation, UST ( but I am not sure).
Rating : G as in General.
Spoilers : Episodes following disclosure of the ONS and the following consequences.
Disclaimer: JW, BD, are owned by Balaji Telefilms, ZEE TV. They are wonderfully
brought to life by Ram Kapoor and Prachi Desai. Most of the other characters are mostly mine. But I'll be glad to share with Ekta, and she doesn't even have to ask! I will make no profit from this, and neither will Zee and Balaji Telefilms if they sue me, for I am poor and have nothing material they can profit from.
Feedback, if any, will be greatly appreciated.
……………
Part I
24 August 2010
Netaji Subhas International Airport
Kolkata
The flight from Mumbai is late by over 2 and half hours, the announcement boomed across the foyer of the Airport where Mr. Shirish Goswami, Chief Executive of the Ruia Group of Hotels, paced impatiently, muttering incoherently under his breath. His brow puckered with annoyed irritation at the announcement of the delayed flight but he had no other options. He was here to receive three eminent guests from Mumbai, was supposed to deposit them at the Hotel, inform his Boss about their arrival before taking the day off to attend a very important family function at his sister's place in Central Calcutta. But he had not accounted for the heavy downpour in Mumbai as a result of which the flight was postponed by a few hours. His boss, Mr. G. D. Ruia was at the Office waiting for the news that his guests had arrived. He was himself supposed to come to the Airport to receive the Guests but he had to attend an urgent teleconference session with some of his partners in the South East. Hence, Mr. Shirish Goswami was the chosen one and before he could speak to the Boss about the day-off, his Boss had instead asked him to be at the Airport sharp by 9 a.m. to receive the guests. Following which he could take the day off.
Shirish looked at his watch and the arrival board impatiently every now and then. He was finally relieved when around 1 a.m. the announcer announced the arrival of the Jet flight from Mumbai. After seeing the guests off at the hotel and informing his boss about the same, would he be free to rush to his sister's place for his niece's rice ceremony. He had already received a barrage of calls from his relatives and had been avoiding receiving any more calls from them. His wife, Reena and his son had already reached the ceremonial house and now everybody was waiting for him to materialize.
He started moving towards the reception area hurriedly when he spotted his guests. Putting on his best behaviour and a smile, he approached them
'Mr. and Mrs. Walia, welcome to Kolkata. Mr. Sablok welcome' Shirish said. He extended his hand forward and felt Mr. Walia's hand firmly clasping his offered hand. Mrs. Walia, looking resplendent in a cream and green colored saree, smiled back at him while Mr. Sablok shook his head in acknowledgement.
Shirish hurried with his guests to the car in the parking lot, a black Chevrolet Tavera, and after seeing his guests comfortably settled in the car, asked the driver to drive straight to Taj Bengal. Once the car was smoothly gliding through the streets, he called Mr. Ruia to inform them that Mr. Jai Walia had arrived safely and that now they were en route to the Hotel.
Jai looked out of the car window, feeling the heartbeat of the rain-drenched Kolkata and mentally noting his views about the city. He was here for a business deal and if everything went well, the Walia Group of Hotels would soon be establishing their foothold in the North-eastern region of India, Kolkata being the transit or centre point for such operations. At present, he had no plans for Kolkata, it was the north-east that he was interested in. Mr. G. D. Ruia owned a number of small hotels in the North-eastern States – the hotels were not much to boast of but the locations were worth dying for. Jai found out later when he was conducting an internal enquiry about a few of these hotels, that the owner was looking forward to selling them, though this news had not been made public. His lawyers and senior officials had immediately contacted Mr. Ruia, who at first was surprised but when he heard that it was the Walias' who were interested in his hotels, he had heaved a sigh of relief. His hotels would be well taken care off. He had agreed to meet Mr. Jai Walia immediately and had invited him along with his family to visit the hotel sites, check on them and then arrive at a decision. So here they were, Jai thought.
Jai cast a sideways glance at his wife, who was lokking out of the window contentedly. She was four-months pregnant and Jai hadn't wanted her to accompany him. But she insisted … Women, Jai thought … they are so inexplicable sometimes. Since there has already been a case of miscarriage, he was trying to be extra careful this time, but most of the times he agreed to her whims, because he felt it would be a mere waste of time to fight and argue over trivial issues. Tarun, as usual, was glancing through some files that Mr. Ruia had previously sent to the Walias' for a thorough and routine investigation. Jai was happy that Tarun himself had chipped in to help him go through the legal aspects of the takeover, if such a thing actually happened.
After an hour or so, the car glided through the Belvedere Road into Taj Bengal. Due to the delayed flight schedule, they were all very tired. Shirish quickly guided them to the topmost floor of the Hotel, where he ushered the guests to their individual Luxury Suites. He wished them all and asked them to contact him if they needed anything and also that the Tavera had been kept booked for their exclusive use. He also informed Mr. Walia that Mr. Ruia would meet them the next day at Taj Bengal only.
Shirish was finally free around 3 p.m., he rushed to his sister's house where he was severely admonished by all elders. He mumbled his apology stating that he had to finish off his job before taking the day off, or whatever that was left of it. After some time, he was fully engrossed in his own world and any thoughts about the guests faded into oblivion.
……..
Part II
25 August 2010
Taj Bengal, Kolkata
12.00 noon
Mr. Ruia escorted the Walias and Mr. Sablok to Lunch to 'Sonargaon' which served traditional Indian cuisine. While enjoying the scrumptious meal, Jai and Tarun got a first-hand account from Mr. Ruia about the present condition the hotels, why he was willing to sell them off and other official stuff. Mr. Ruia offered to take them to his hotel is Silchar, West Bengal the next week. Till then they could enjoy the heartbeat and pulse of Kolkata. Mr. Ruia suggested. The suggestion was met with well-fetched appreciation from his guests.
…….
3.30 p.m.
Jai sat with Tarun in the private club lounge chatting animatedly about the new business prospects.
'But Jai, I don't think it is right for you to visit these sites yourself', Tarun was saying 'I mean why should you waste so much time going from one place to another. You have a team who handles these takeover issues so according to me, let them work out the basics and then you can decide.'
Jai pondered over Tarun's suggestions thoughtfully 'I guess you are right Tarun about the time bit. But I want to see one of these hotels at least before we decide to go any further with this deal. My team of experts can then consider the other sites and submit Reports to us. On basis of those Reports, we will be able to take the final decision. What Say?'
'Ok Jai', Tarun said 'But I am coming with you to Silchar next week, your wife can stay here for 2-3 days, I don't think that that will be a problem at all.'
Tarun picked up his coat and headed towards the door 'Now, I am off to meet my friend who stays in Kolkata. I used to stay here during my college days buddy. I think I told you that.'
Tarun stopped in his tracks and then turned towards Jai who was still sitting on the sofa, nursing a drink in his hand and staring at the glass intently
'By the way Jai, your wife is visiting the parlour and we know that it will be hours before she finally emerges. Why don't you come along with me? I am going to Camac Street to a restaurant called 'Salt of India', I'm meeting my friend there. I have heard that there's a great shopping mall in that area. We could spend some time there if you want.'
Jai thought for a minute or so, then he picked up his coat and sprinted behind Tarun out of the door. Minutes later the black Tavera was meandering through the Kolkata streets towards their destination.
….
5.00 p.m.
Salt of India
Camac Street, Kolkata
Jai silently watched Tarun talking animatedly with his friend Rohan, nineteen-to-a-dozen, and both of them were remembering the old days when they went to Presidency College together, bunked classes together, fell in love with the same girls again and again. The restaurant was vibrating with their cheerful resonance. This was a side of Tarun that Jai hardly knew to exist. His friendship with Tarun began when Taurn was already settled in Mumbai, a young, raring to go, hot-shot lawyer who had offered his services to the Walia Group on a particularly difficult case. From that time onwards, Jai and Tarun had become good friends. But it always felt much better to meet your childhood friends, I guess, Jai mused. He felt himself missing something as he noticed the easy camaraderie between the two – Jai missed being his real self, with real people who understood him for what he was and who loved and respected and cherished him for his true worth. Sensing that Tarun was too busy with Rohan, Jai excused himself for a while and went downstairs.
On the ground floor of the establishment was a huge retail outlet of Pantaloons. He stepped inside to check out the store – it felt so good Jai thought. He was being in a store after such a long time and that too all alone with nobody to fuss around him. He strolled along the Men's section and picked up two for himself. He slowly made his way to the Children's Section, smiling inwardly that after a few months this would be the Section that they would be visiting more often, once his child was born. Jai smiled at the antics of the children rushing, running and jostling through the entire Section. Some children were even moving around in that section on their own accord. They were all so endearing that he didn't feel bad at all on being jostled around. In fact, he felt like a Gulliver in that section.
As he tried to make his way out of the Chidlren's Section, he noticed a small girl around three and half years old standing at a side clutching a teddy bear in her hand. She looked a little frightened and it seemed that she was lost. Jai slowly approached the girl, who was wearing a baby pink frock with matching ribbons, socks and shoes, and knelt down in front of her. The girl shrank back a little but the stack of clothes prevented her from moving away further.
'Hi', Jai said in a soft tone 'Dear, why are you standing here alone? Where is Mummy? What's your name?'
The girl's eyes filled with tears and she tried to mutter a few words unsuccessfully.
Jai placed her hand on top of the girl's head. He then stood up and looked all around for any sign of anybody looking for the kid. He decided to hand over the girl to the Establishment-in-charge so that she would be safe with them and her parents would get her back easily from them, if an announcement was made. The girl slid her hand through Jai's and he looked down surprised at her. A tender thought glanced through his mind, and jai slowly picked the child up, who instantly threw her arms around his neck.
Patting the child affectionately on her back, Jai slowly made his way through towards the Main Desk. He didn't know why the thought of leaving the child alone with the Establishment was not sounding too good an option to him any more. He decided to hang around for a little while with the Establishment till the girls' parents came up to take her back. He could feel the girl sobbing noiselessly on his shoulder. Jai's paternal reactions came to the fore immediately and he lovingly patted the girl on her back.
'Krishnaa, Krishnaa … where are you darling?' a voice stopped Jai dead in his tracks. He could sense a flurry of movement behind him and felt the girl raise her head from his shoulder and utter an ecstatic 'Mummy … Mummy', all the while stretching out her hands in front of her.
'Could you please kindly hand over my daughter to me?' the voice asked Jai in a steely tone.
'Sure Ma'am. I was taking her to the Esta…' Jai's words drowned in his throat as he turned around to come face to face with … Bani Dixit … after so many years. His heart missed a few beats as he looked at her equally surprised face.
'Mummy …' the girl shrieked from Jai's arms and jumped to her mother's arms, now sobbing full force, her little hands encircling her Mom's neck completely. Bani tried to pacify her but her eyes remained fixed on his.
'Am I dreaming?' was the last conscious thought that came to her mind before she turned away from his dazed expression abruptly.
……….
Part III
Pantaloons Shopping Outlet
Camac Street, Kolkata
Jai stood in a daze for a few moments before his brain kick-started his sensory nerves once again. He was very surprised to see Bani in Kolkata, the place where he least expected her to be in, and she was now leaving the retail outlet with Krishnaa in her arms. A barrage of questions came to Jai's mind all at once but first, he decided, he needed to stop Bani. This was a pretty difficult proposition given the fact that hordes of people from different areas of the Store were swamping the corridors and Bani was moving way too past, and in an experienced way, for him to make much ground. He had wanted to call out her name but decided against it since he knew that Bani wouldn't be pleased at all.
Muttering countless 'Thank You' and "Excuse Me' and 'Sorry' to a number of passers-by, who were clearly irritated on being banged on, shoved and plummeted around, Jai finally succeeded in moving towards the exit point of the shop, where he found Bani leaving the Shop, clutching a few packets in her hand. He raced after her out of the door only to find her stop a cab, throw the packets and Krishnaa in, in a hurry, boarded the cab herself and hurriedly mentioning the destination to the driver. Jai stood numb at the door only to be met with a pair of tear-filled, hurt eyes. As the cab departed, Jai gingerly stepped down from the short flight of stairs and thought that never in his life would he be able to forget those pair of eyes and the hurt and betrayal they contained therein. He wanted to follow the cab but a completely new city didn't provide him any exciting avenues. He retraced his steps towards 'Salt of India' where Tarun and Rohan were still guzzling over their college days. The heaviness in his heart and spirit and soul bore him down.
……..
The taxi sped along the Ballygunje Circular Road inside which sat an ashen faced young woman, trying desperately to soothe a weeping child. The pain she felt in her heart when she saw him at the store was so monumental that she was finding it difficult to concentrate on anything else at all, including her daughter who was thoroughly frightened on finding herself alone in the shop without Mummy beside her, it was a first of sorts for her. Bani forced herself to still her turbulent thought process and clasped her daughter to her bosom – her daughter, the only relation left in the world today for her. She wiped tears from Krishnaa's face, then kissed her forehead and gently lulled her to a peaceful sleep. The city outside swept by her in its myriad hues and colours.
The cab stopped in front of an apartment complex in Lake Gardens. After paying the fare to the cab driver, Bani soothingly wrapped her arms around an already asleep Krishnaa and picked up the packets from the seat. She slowly made her way towards the elevator and after punching in the button, waited patiently for the lift to descend. Within a few minutes, the lift arrived at the ground floor, the door thrown open to allow Banerjee Da (brother) and Boudi (sister-in-law) alight from it. They smiled at Bani lovingly, ruffled Krishnaa's hair and stepped aside to let Bani in. Bani was very fond of this couple who treated her like their own kin. They had been beside Bani since the day she shifted to this Flat, seven-months pregnant with Krishnaa and their bond has only strengthened over the years. The Banerjees were quite older to Bani but age hadn't proved to be a hindrance for their friendship to bloom.
In fact, it was the Banerjees who has rushed Bani to a City Nursing Home when her water broke and she started experiencing the first pangs of labour. It was Nilesh and Shefali Banerjee who listened to Bani mumble 'Mr. Walia' incoherently when she was being wheeled into the OT. They guessed that she was reaching out for her husband but respecting her privacy, they had not questioned her ever on that. In fact, Bani didn't even know that she had screamed out for Mr. Walia at that time – a wife's entreaty for ultimate bonding with her husband on the threshold of an auspicious occasion – the birth of their child.
……..
Bani struggled to open the door of her apartment, what with Krishnaa fully asleep in her arms and also due to the weight of the packets that she was carrying. She let the packets slip to the ground and then gently balancing Krishnaa inserted the key into the slot and turned open the door. She switched on the lights and then proceeded to the bedroom. Depositing Krishnaa in the centre of the bed, she returned to the hallway, picked up the packets and secured the door. It was not time for Krishnaa to sleep, but Bani guessed that the child was probably very shocked at the turn of events. In one way it was good, she needed time to think.
She changed Krishnaa's dress with utmost patience, since she was still asleep, and then pulled up the comforter around her. Bani next changed her own dress after a bath, made herself a strong cup of coffee and sat down to think.
The first question that came to Bani's mind is that 'What is he doing here in Kolkata?'
She was seeing him after a gap of nearly three years and had noticed that his hair had grayed slightly more at the temples, though it looked as if he had managed to reduce his weight after all. He looked handsome as ever, she sighed. But what the hell was he doing in Kolkata? Why cant he leave me alone? Especially after everything he had done?
She had recognized the shock in his eyes when he first registered that it was indeed Bani that he was seeing but they gave away something more in a fleeting second, which she couldn't catch. And God knows, she didn't want to either. Krishnaa has completed her life and she now wanted to stay away from all mess. She didn't want to see him again, her mind said but her heart had been beating in a staccato rhythm ever since. She was more surprised to see Krishnaa in his arms at the store – for a moment it had seemed to her that she had lost Krishnaa for ever. But then, she was sure that he didn't know that Krishnaa was their much cherished daughter.
'God', Bani prayed sofly, tears streaming sown her eyes 'Why do you have to throw these loopholes at me again and again? Please let me be. PLEASE God. I can't handle so much pain again and again. '
……….
Part IV
25 August 2010
Salt of India
Kolkata
It was around 7.30 p.m. when Rohan, Tarun and Jai left the restaurant and headed for the Hotel. Tarun noticed that Jai was unusually quite following his return from a short walk downstairs but he did not bring up the issue in front of Rohan. He realized that for some reason Jai was very upset and that he was acting nonchalantly to hide his feelings. They dropped off Rohan near Rabindra Sadan and as the car made its way towards Taj Bengal, Tarun turned towards Jai
'Jai, what happened? You look very disturbed', Tarun asked in a concerned voice.
Jai looked back at Tarun and the evening street lights caught his distraught emotions superbly.
'Tarun, I saw Bani today', Jai said quietly.
Now it was Tarun's turn to get surprised. 'Where? When Jai?' he asked looking confused.
Jai looked back at Tarun wearily and said 'In Pantaloons when I left you two at the Restaurant, for a casual stroll downstairs. I couldn't believe my eyes but its Bani alright. She had her daughter with her, Krishnaa'.
Now Tarun realized the reason for Jai's melancholic mood and placing his hand on his friend's shoulder in an assuring way, asked in a sedate tone
'Did you speak to her Jai?'
'No', Jai's eyes turned moist as he remembered the slight meeting 'I wanted to Tarun but she went away without giving me even time to recover. I so wanted to speak to her Tarun. She's my same Bani as ever, oh so beautiful and lovely, no, she hasn't changed a bit', Jai looked out of the window.
'But Jai, please get a grip on yourself. I know how you must be feeling right now, after all these years. But you have to remember that you are a married man now and who knows, maybe she's married too now that she's got a kid. She is not yours to keep Jai. You two have been divorced for nearly four years now', Tarun said.
Jai's heart broke as the reality dawned on him big time and he only had himself to blame for all these mishaps, but he suddenly remembered something
'Wait Tarun. Her daughter's name is Krishnaa. Oh my God, why didn't I notice it beforehand? I think that girl is my daughter.'
Looking at Tarun's amazed expression, Jai further said 'You know Tarun when Bani was pregnant for the first time and was seeking alimony and stuff for the baby, I had requested her that if possible she should name our child Krishnaa after my Mother. She readily agreed to the proposal. But after that, all the stupid things started happening one by one and I lost control of the situation. If Krishnaa is indeed my daughter then it means I have failed her this time too – by not being near her and with her during the pregnancy, especially after the miscarriage she experienced the last time. I know you will say that we were separated and what could I do but then I should have been for her somehow since I loved her a lot. And imagine my role as a Father, I didn't even know till this day that I had a daughter somewhere in the world, staying away from me. But maybe its all my fault, I deserved it Tarun, I deserved it.
I have complete faith in Bani but how is she going to manage a child of her own, considering she's not married. Everything is my fault Tarun, a moment's insanity had cost me so much in life and had played havoc with the lives of so many people. Here I am not arguing as to who is right or wrong, but God why all these pain, especially to Bani? Away from every relationship that mattered to her in the world, leading her life I don't know how. And I cant even help, she wont even let me help, I am hundred per cent sure.
I don't know what I feel for her still but the moment I saw her today in the Mall, I felt something inside me and I felt myself alive after such a long time. It's the same feeling she evoked in me when she was with me and beside me, I don't know what I should name this relationship or this feeling as. But suddenly today it felt like my world was in front of me. And when she turned away from me, it collapsed right away. Tarun, I don't know what to do, I don't want to disturb her but I do want to speak to her at least once. But in this unknown city …' Jai shook his head exasperatedly.
Tarun watched helplessly as he watched his dear friend crumbling and breaking all around. Indeed, it was a painful sight.
………
They reached Taj Bengal at around 8.20 p.m. and headed straight towards their Luxury Suites. Tarun asked Jai to meet him at their private lounge by 10.00 p.m. when they would discuss the matter clearly and decide on a course of action. Jai nodded in affirmation and headed towards his Suite.
Jai entered his Room to find his wife sitting on his bed, reading a Coffee Table Book. She looked pretty and all dolled up, but her mere sight irritated Jai to no end.
'What are you doing in my room Pia? I think you remember that we agreed to stay in our individual rooms during the trip and carry on this charade. What do you want now?' Jai spat out the words to his wife.
Pia looked kind of surprised at his sudden outburst but quickly regained her composure
'Jai', she said in a sugar-coated voice 'I was waiting for you so that we could go to Chinoiserie together for Dinner. I know you love Cantonese and Szechwan delicacies.'
Jai retorted back 'You go and eat with Tarun. I am not that hungry, I will call for Room Service. But that still doesn't explain why you are in my room?'.
Failing to comprehend her husband's mood correctly, Pia moved towards the balcony and said dreamily 'Come on Jai. The night is so young and restless. I have checked on the restaurant, its perfect for a couple to spend a romantic night together.'
She then turned towards Jai who was fiddling with his shirt buttons. She approached him seductively and whispered 'And I also want to spend my night with my husband. Now what's so wrong about that, darling?'
This was too much for Jai to bear. He held Pia by the shoulders and shook her angrily
'Shut up will you? You make me sick. I don't feel like your husband for God's sake, though I regret the fact that we are indeed married. What I am doing is for the sake of the child. I have given you everything that you have asked for but don't you dare ask anything from me anymore, no not my heart, soul or body. They were never yours and will never belong to you, no matter what, so do remember this.
I wouldn't have to bear all this if the In-Vitro had not worked out. All these to show my respect to Mausi and to accede to her dying wish to see me settled down happily in life with a wife and child, after all the mishaps that occurred. Being a loser, I accepted everything that was thrown across my path. And I went for the IVF because I couldn't wrong myself and my love any more by touching you again. But I failed to realize that I was pawning my heart and soul to the Devil and the only person who mattered to me the most was not with me. Nor will she ever be with me again. So you should be happy about the bargain and learn to be contented with what I have given you. Don't ask for any part of me.
I want to make this clear to you that what I am doing is for my baby, nobody else. I hope you don't have any misunderstandings in the future regarding this issue any more. Now, please go to your room.'
Jai released her shoulders and Pia, looking puzzled, fled from the scene. After ten minutes or so, she emerged from her room and headed towards Chinoiserie, decked up as a party wannabe.
Jai picked up the phone and asked for Room Service. After ordering some light dinner for himself, he went to the bathroom to wash his face. Toweling himself, he stared back at his ghost in the mirror. For the first time in years, he wept helplessly like a child and wished that his Mother was alive.
………..
Part V
10.00 p.m.
Lake Gardens, Kolkata
Bani sat alone in the darkened room holding her coffee mug in her hand. The last dregs of coffee still remained in the cup, but she sat like a stone staring at nothing, her heart and mind in a complete vacuum of its own, it seemed from times immemorial. A blue dim light was the only source of light in the room. A light sniffling from the bedroom jolted her out from her reverie and she hastened to get up. She switched on the lights in the apartment and went to the kitchen to deposit the mug in the sink. Moving noiselessly into the bedroom and flicking on the light, she saw Krishnaa slowly but surely waking up from her slumber. Bani knew that now she would have to stay awake with her for the better part of the night since Krishnaa, feeling fresh from sleep was definitely going to spend her time playing and fussing over things.
It would be a long night, Bani sighed and went to the kitchen again to prepare food for her daughter. However, she felt a little bit dysfunctional maybe because of the shock she received on seeing Mr. Walia at the Mall today. She had never expected to see him again in her lifetime but Fate had once again played a cruel card and here she was once again, plunged deep into the mire of desperation, hopelessness, fragility and of course, a broken heart. She prayed to God that whatever happens, let her not meet him again. And it would be difficult for him to find her out in Kolkata, it was a new city for him and he did not have any contacts over here.
While collecting the bowl and spoon for Krishnaa, Bani couldn't help but notice the way how once again Fate had led Krishnaa right onto her father's arms when in trouble. She rued her luck of being unable to secure for Krishnaa her father's love and affection but probably the Almighty wanted the child to at least have a brief encounter with the father for the shortest time possible, the father who could not come into her life at any cost. Silent tears rolled down Bani's cheeks as she remembered all those loving moments she shared with her husband but she had no choice, the Dubai incident was too fresh a stab in her heart and soul to make space for anything else. She had forgiven him of course long time back, but her basic weakness and dignity had prevented her from going back to him. She also remembered all the pain that she had caused to him and how he had forgiven her for everything. Yet, she could not help but feel his absence in her life, the loss of his love. She couldn't stop herself from loving him but …
…………
26 August 2010
1.00 a.m.
Jai sat in his room staring at the night sky, nursing a drink. He was trying to think coherently but all thoughts were evading him and his mind refused to feel or acknowledge everything. Meeting Bani at the Mall was a shock for him and he had realsied at that very moment that all his attempts over the past few years to forget her and her existence and carry on with his life had all been in vain. He wanted her back in his life and to make erase all her tears, all the hurt and pain that he had caused to her and make her feel love and cherished. But the fact remained that this would never happen. He would have to continue his life in this fashion and she would also carry on her life as it is now. He would never forget the shock that registered in her eyes when she saw him first in Pantaloons, which rapidly gave way to hurt, betrayal and tears. He hated himself for that.
And their daughter … he was hundred per cent sure that Krishnaa was his daughter, the daughter he would never carry in his arms, never play with, never tend to a wound when she falls, never let her ride him piggyback, never see her smile spread light and joy in their lives.
So much has been lost due to a few moments of madness, Jai thought as he gulped down a few more pegs to drown himself and his sorrow into oblivion.
……..
Mangal Lakshmi
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
Real Estate
