The shrill ring of the telephone startled the small group.
The call was from RM her lawyer. He conveyed to her JW's conditions. He sounded sympathetic. Bani put down her phone, feeling like swearing or kicking the wall. How much longer was he going to keep this up? She was so angry that she couldn't turn and face the others in the room just yet.
Bani was in a dilemma. Despite what Jai had done to her.The children that he doted and loved had the right to see their father.
What should I do Massi? she enquired her voice whimpering.
Bani beta, I know what you are facing. It is a decision that no mother must make. But you heard the full story now. The kids have waited all their young lives for their parents, they have one, and don't you think it right that they find the other.
But Massi… began Bani
No Bani. there are children in that room that are falling apart inside. They all want the same thing Bani. to see their dad. They too have demons to confront. Massi knew her words hurt Bani but it had to said, it was the truth.
Massi my decision to leave him still stays? She sobbed.
Mom? Krishna called out.
Bani was shocked she wondered if her daughter had heard the full conversation.
Seeing the look on her face, Bani knew that she had. Turning she was faced with a surprise, they had all heard.
When Atharva spoke he assumed the role of big brother. He understood that she had reservations of his dad. But he had Veer, Krishna and Ganga to consider too. And of course his mom. The pain and anger she felt for his dad was justified, but he had to try.
Taking her shaky hands he led her to the sofa. Kneeling before her he said.
Mom we cannot understand and appreciate the wrongs that were done to you. We will never stand in the way of your decisions. That is between you and dad. Our need is to know who our father is. Perhaps like us dad too has been fed a whole lot of lies and deceit he reasoned.
Bani looked up then and caught the eye of her youngest child and the young man standing beside her?
Never mind me, what about Ganga and Veer.
Mama, Krishna intervened.
You told us that dad came that day to the hospital, I am sure he too was frantic about what would happen to Ganga. He was angry mom? He had just discovered that he had a child.
And from what AD uncle told us Pia massi deliberately kept Veer away from him too.
Mama I never want to leave you, but if Arthava and Veer bhaia and Krishna didi, think that this is right then I will be happy to give dad a chance mom, offered Ganga.
Bani understood that her children were waiting for her response. Massi had nodded her acknowledgement too. Smiling amid her grief and tears, she nodded her approval.
They could contact their dad, she had no objection.
Mumbai:
Jai looked at the papers in front of him. Divorce? How could she think that he wanted to divorce. she didn't even give him a chance to tell her that he found out the truth. Like always she chose to leave. For 17 years of their married life people have used him. Lied to him. Caused misgivings between him and Bani.
The thought that his own sister was behind the misery in his life cut like a knife through his heart. Money! was that all that mattered to her. she had played around with so many people's lives. Bani, Rano Pia and even Meera. She had manipulated everyone of them including him to live according to her tunes. Forget the Dixits, she even drove her husband away and had destroyed the lives of her sons.
Jai thought of his life as Heathcliffe. Living in his cold mansion. Pinning for the one woman that mattered to him most but could never have.
Wishing that he could be a proper father to Ganga. Thinking of Ganga brought tears to his eyes. He remembered her frail body lying in tht hospital bed. How all, she ever wanted was a father. How he had screwed it so badly. How he had searched for her, again to learn from Jigyasa and Meera that she had left for London without a forwarding address. And of course Veer. Did he too hate him?
The lawyer had riled him today. It irked him to know that he knew more about Bani then her husband did. So the b####### found her attractive. He closed his eyes. It had been so long. She would be what 37. she would be more mature, looking as beautiful as ever, but her body would have moulded from a girl/woman into a mature woman in the prime of her life. He was shocked at his thoughts. The desire was still there. For 5 years he had not once thought of his needs as a man, and today out of the blue a man makes a suggestive remark about Bani and that familiar urge came back.
He wondered why he flaunted Meera in her face that day, when he knew clearly that he had no feelings for her. But he wanted to punish Bani, he wanted to inflict so much of pain on her that she would beg for mercy. Instead she accepted whatever he meted out to her in her quite dignity. As usual she cared for everyone else's good except hers. So Daksh was never her lover after all. Then why the sudden need for a divorce? Has she met any one else? God in heaven was it that creepy lawyer? He felt sick to his stomach.
He thought of Bani again and sighed she taught him how to love; she taught him how to live; she taught him how to laugh; she taught him how to cry, but when she left, she forgot to teach him how to forget her.
Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.
The small group of people stood in front of the huge gates of WM. Everyone but Ganga looked in amazement. Veer, Krishna and Arthava were so small when they left. But from what they remembered everything was the same. Krishna smelled the lavender scent on the perfectly manicured hedges.
Massi nudged them forward. It was Massi that had called Rano and Adi. She did not tell them anything of the children, she wanted Jigyasa to stand there and face the war that was going to erupt. Jai found it strange that everyone made themselves available for breakfast. There was tension in the air, but nothing looked out of the ordinary.
Bani was not part of them small group. she had nothing to say to the Walia's.
When the doorbell rang Adi and Rano virtually jumped in their seats,earning a glare from Jigyasa. To hell with you dearest mother in law thought Rano. Your days are numbered she smiled sarcstically.
Tony opened the huge gates and was shocked to see a stern looking Massi with a group of youngsters. Soundlessly he stood aside letting them enter. But Massi asked the youngsters to wait outside.
Memories flooded massi's head. Everything was still the same.
As muach as she wanted to ignore Jai, she couldn't. after learning of all the truth there was no hate left.
Munna" she called out.
Jai dropped the spoon that was halfway to his mouth. Standing up abruptly he turned around.
Massi he cried out. Hesitatingly he went towards her. expecting another lashing from her he was shocked when she ran forward and hugged him, crying into his expensive Armani suit.
Massi what is it.? Is Ganga all right? Is Bani all right? Please massi say something you are scaring me.
No munna let me hold you. I have waited so long for this day. Please let me hold you she begged.
Jigyasa sat up all color draining off her perfectly made up face. What the hell was massi doing here she wondered.
Ganga and Veer are with me Jai. On cue the they entered. Jai looked first at Veer, tears blinding his vision. He was so eternally grateful to his son for saving his child's life. he went forward and embraced him. Looking down Jai gasped. Ganga, the spitting image of her mom Bani. the same dimples the same long hair. His breath caught in his throat. He knelt down to her.
Papa, she whispered. It was all he needed to crush her to his heart.
Papa you are hugging me too much, she protested. Making Jai chuckle.
Looking at Massi, the questioned remained in his eyes.
She won't come Jai.
He was hurt, disappointed.
The rest of the family surrounded them and once again Jai hugged Ganga.
Squeaking she said. Papa if you going to squeeze me so much you won't have strength for Bhaia and Didi.
Bhaia and Didi questioned Jai.
Massi took Jai by the hand and watched in horror as she removed the flowers from A and K frames. What are you doing Massi.
Munna garlands are placed around faces of thse that have left this world. Not living people.
I don't understand Massi.
Wait she said and walked back outside.
The shocked look on the families faces was incredible. Jigyasa paled and panicked. Rano starting crying. Adi was speechless.
Recognise them Jai. How couldn't he. The young man was his splitting image, his jaw was set, defiant actually. And the girl, like him too. Only she had those dimples, just like Ganga just like Bani.
Arthava and Krishna your father Jai Walia, introduced Massi.
Jai felt as if he was in a very bad, but pleasant dream. Questioning eyes looked into questioning eyes as well.
Krishna came forward, no hug for me Papa she asked shyly. Jai was dumbfounded. For 12 years he had mourned these children and here they were alive and well. So many questions were swirling around his head. But all he could do was stare at them in amazement.
Where were you, he asked?
Munna intervened Massi. I think you should ask Jigyasa that, she sneered. Turning from his new found children he looked at his sister. The look on her face, was enough for him to guess the horrible truth.
Oberoi hotel Mumbai.
Bani unpacked her bags and took a long hot shower. She tried to keep herself busy but her thoughts wondered constanly to WM and what was happening there. She wanted to accompany and see Rano and Adi uncle, but decided against it. She was not prepared to face JW, his wife or Jigyasa right now. This was her children's time with their father and she will not interfere. Like her he would ask many questions and it was only right that they bonded with their father.
chapter 7- sorry had to stretch it to 7 parts.
jai and bani decide their fate.