Chapter 4
Ganga
Nat King Cole
I felt something impossible for me to explain in words. Then, when they took her away, it hit me. I got scared all over again and began to feel giddy. Then it came to me... I was a father.
Ganga was in a dilemma. She wanted to tell her mom so badly that she had seen her father/ or Jai Walia to be precise at the speech contest. But she thought better of it. But things were different now, things had changed after Adi uncle's last visit. She remembered the conversation verbatim.
She was on her way down when she overheard her mum's sobs. She wasn't hysterical, but the crying came from within the deep crevices of her heart. It was only the second time in her life that she witnessed such emotions from her mum. Rano massi and Dadi massi were present, and all of them seemed to be in a daze. Curiosity getting the better of her she sat on the top step, hidden from the adults.
Adi uncle re-countered the most incredible story to the adults. Apparently Jai had investigated all of Rano's claims and was shocked when they were proven to be true. Jigyasa had been the master-mind of everything. Daksh and massi were telling the truth all along. Meera started out as a good Samaritan to Bani's problem, until she realised that she was in love with Jai herself, and by him giving her the status of his true wife she wanted Bani out of the picture all together.
Now Jai was all alone. Jigyasa was in prison. Raashi and Ranveer had moved out. So did dadi and Adi. Jai was left all alone. He was in the process of selling Walia mansion. He did not want to live in the house that was once a home and which had turned into a curse for him. He regretted ever having placed so much of faith in Jigyasa's words. Now all he was left with were memories both sad and good, all long gone. Even his companies. Companies that had suffered huge losses due to his conniving and deceitful family. He was a mere shadow of the once flamboyant and extraordinary Jai Walia that ruled the business world, and had everything at his feet.
Mostly he pined for the daughter he had rejected. His pride and joy.
Ganga ran back into her room not willing to hear another word. All she needed to know, was that Jai Walia was indeed her father, he did love her and he missed her.
From that day on Ganga's restlessness re-appeared.
For days Bani did not say a word to her daughter. Until one morning.
She Had gone into Ganga's room to get her up for school when she saw her diary lying open. Ganga was already in the bathroom and she could hear the shower. As she bent to pick up something she glanced on the open page. She was shocked. Ganga had circled a date 2 weeks from today. In her bold hand writing with hearts and flowers she wrote, April 19th dad's birthday. Bani felt a cold shiver run threw her. How did Ganga know?
Mamma, Ganga called out.
Bani turned to face her daughter. A confused, expression looking into her child's bright eyes. When Bani turned to look at the book again, she heard sobbing. Turning once again , she looked at Ganga with questioning eyes.
I know the truth mom? She cried. Flinging her small frame into Bani.
They cried standing in the middle of the room. Words were not needed. Bani knew that they had started their new life based on truth, she would never dare to hide anything from Ganga.
Instead of going to school that day, mother and daughter spent the day at home. In fact the whole family decided to do the same. So amongst the closest people in her life, Bani related the conversation to Ganga. she did not burden her with all the details, just that Mr Walia had learnt that she was definitely his child and he cared for and loved her.
Can I see him mom?, she asked, hope filling her large eyes.
Bani looked around the room, anticipated looks gazed back at her, what could she say.
Ganga, she explained. Mr Walia may know that he is your dad, but he hasn't made any attempt to see or call you. What if he doesn't want to?
No mom, that's not true. He did come to see me. It was out before she realised what she had said.
What?, Bani shouted.
Di, please let her talk, Rano urged.
She felt bad she could see Ganga tremble. Sorry, sweetie. Where did you see Mr Walia?
At the speech contest. He stood right behind you mum. Behind the pillar. He didn't know I saw him too.
Bani hugged her child close to her, the rhythm of Ganga's heart beating fast and racy. Expecting an answer, the favourable answer from her mom.
When Bani felt that rhythm and the message it conveyed she knew exactly what to do. It would be difficult but she will do it. She had no right to deprive Ganga of her father's love.
Adi was about to say something to Jai when his mobile rang. Excusing himself from Jai he stood aside.
Yes Bani, what is it beta?
Jai was instantly alerted. hearing her name only evoked such mixed emotions within him. After listening for a while and nodding appropriately to what he was hearing he finished the call. For a long time he looked at Jai.
What is it Adi, what's wrong? He was near hysterical. Assuming the worst happening to Bani, Ganga, and Ganga oh god not Ganga.
Relax Jai. Sit down. I need to ask you something.
What?, he shouted impatiently.
If you are going to carry on like this Jai, I'll leave.
Ok, Ok he muttered.
Jai, did you go and see Ganga at the speech contest?
Why?, is Bani creating a fuss.?
Of course not! She would never do that, he said irritated with Jai.
Then?
Well Ganga wants to see you too.
Jai thought he had suddenly gone deaf. Say it again, Adi.
She.. wants.. to.. see.. YOU, he repeated in slow motion making sure Jai got all the words.
Why? He asked growing suspicious.
Because you duffer, she wants to wish her father a happy birthday.!
The look on Jai Walia's face was to die for. His features were changing from shock, to happiness, to anxiety and relief. Adi was enjoying seeing the changing Jai Walia. It had been months since he had seen hope in his friends eyes. Eventually taking Jai out of his misery, he told him about the conversation he had with the family.
Jai sat absorbing everything that Adi told him. He was happy that they knew he had come to learn of the facts. It would have been wonderful to see the expressions on their faces. Rano's in "I told you so", Maasi's in forgiveness, Ganga's in sheer joy. Finally Bani. what was he expecting from her. hate, love, forgiveness, and regret he would settle for anything, anything except indifference. He would never be able to accept indifference from her. Never. It will kill him.
Well? Adi prodded. Is it yes or no?
Yes, yes of course yes. 👏
End
I know short but just wanted to set the scene.
Anupamaa
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