Chapter 4
As the new found family sat and recounted their lives it was Krishna that put everything in perspective. Fighting back her own emotions she related to Bani their findings.
She and Arthava were taken away from the car by a strange man that claimed to be Jigyasa aunt's friend. He told them that they were in danger and he was there to help. She recounted how she and Arthava constantly asked about their mom and dad, and they were always told to keep quite. They were kept in the house for days on end and eventually Jigyasa came and told them that their mama and papa thought it safe for them to accompany the uncle to London. Krishna recalled how she cried all the way as she was scared to fly. But the man had given them something and when they woke they were already in a huge school.
There they were shown to their room. It was months and months of crying and asking about their parents that fell on deaf ears. Eventually they had tired of crying and over the years realised that their parents never cared for them. They were full of hatred towards their parents, and swore never to ask about them again.
One day Krishna fell ill, she was 12 and was taken to the sick bay. The sick bay was close to the principles office. Krishna spotted Jigyasa and followed her to the office. What she heard tore her little heart. Their aunt was telling the principle that Bani had run off and married another man and that Jai Walia too has moved on with his life. He was now married to a Meera woman. Meera did not want to have anything to do with Jai's children as it would remind him of Bani. Jigyasa spilled fake tears and promised that their fees, and cost of living would still be paid every year by her, but when the children were big enough she would buy a permanent house in London for them to live in.
Krishna ran all the way to the boys section and sobbingly told her brother what she had just heard. Arthava had Krishna had both made a pact that day. That even if it took them all their lives they will find out the truth. Krishna was the more resourceful one. Just like her mum who chased a secret or story until she came to the truth. They spent countless hours in the huge library, going through the Internet jotting down every little bit of news that mentioned their parents. Once on a whim Arthava even called Mumbai WM but when Jigyasa answered he slammed the phone down.
Both knew that there was something drastically wrong about the sob story that their aunt told the principle. But they needed proof, something had to come up.
Arthava and Krishna subscribed to every magazine that came from India. One mentioned their deaths and they were flabbergasted. Was that the reason that their parents never came or called, they reasoned. Now they were even more determined to find out the truth.
The following annual visit to the school, Jigyasa was surprised to learn that her nephew and niece wanted to meet her. she had always just came to the office and paid their fees and left, without ever asking to meet them in person. If Jigyasa was shocked seeing them she really concealed it well. There was no escaping it. The resemblance to their parents was startling.
She was worried. Why did the kids want to see her now? What did they know?
First the conversation was casual. They asked about the whole family except their parents. Unable to hold back any longer Krishna blurted out.
So Jigyasa aunty how is dad? I heard he married again, is it true?
Krishna saw her aunt pale before her.
Your dad? She asked. Why he is fine.
And mom?
Well you see Krishna I don't know about your mom any more. You see she and your dad no longer live together. In fact they divorced when your mum ran away with Daksh.
Daksh uncle, added Arthava?
Yes, she lied. You see it was all Bani's plan. She was tired of looking after you two and she also met Daksh who was younger and they fell in love. So she convinced your dad that you are in danger and will be safer here in London.
Krishna and Arthava were appalled by the blatant lies that this woman before them spoke. How could she?
Jigyasa aunty, we understand that mom did not want us, but why hasn't dad come to visit all these years, questioned Arthava.
Jigyasa was sweating. She wondered why after all these years these 2 were asking about their parents. Did they find out something? No, they couldn't she convinced herself. Perhaps they are just growing up and are curious about their parents that's all.
Beta Arthava, see your dad was never lucky in love. First it was Pia, then Bani and now Meera that all just wanted his money. They never loved your dad. Meera is very possessive and does not want your dad to visit. He cries every time I tell him how big and intelligent your guys are.
But still he doesn't come? Krishna asked. And who is Pia?
Jigyasa ignored the question about Pia. No, no Krishna he will. He is planning on divorcing Meera soon and has promised to start a new life with you two again in WM.
Her story was so full of lies and loop holes that the siblings looked at each other in amazement.
It was time to put a stop to all this lies and deceit. And by God they will do it.
Preview: chapter 5
K and A tell Bani how they finally put the pieces together.
Bani tells the stunned children about her leaving WM, Daksh , Meera and Ganga.
And her decision too divorce Jai.
Edited by lenmed - 17 years ago
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