Pt 18
Rishabh looked up at her.
"Ab kya chahiye?" he asked with sheer irritation in his voice.
Prerna lowered her eye-lids and said- "Main aapko wapas ghar lene aayi hu."
"Mujhe kahin nahi jana hain tumhare sath. Please leave me alone."
"Mr Bajaj, plz.."
"Prerna, PLEASE. tumhe kya laga, achanak tum yeh acchi patni ban ne ka naatak karogi aur main pighal jaunga? Aisa kuch nahi honewala."
Prerna looked up at him and said- "Mr. Bajaj, is divorce ko rokne mein meri bhi koi majboori thi."
"Aisi kya majboori thi Prerna?"
"Guptaji called me up and told me to stop this divorce at any cost. He said that it would be in the best interest of my family."
Rishabh gave her an incredulous look. Was she out of her mind? Why was she using his friend's name in this? Rishabh immediately called up Gupta.
"Yes Rishabh, I told Prerna to stop the divorce from happening." Gupta said.
"What???"
"Rishabh, it's about your aunt's will. Do you remember that her estate is getting transferred in your name next month?"
"Yeah..so?"
"i have gone through the legal documents. Her property in Rajasthan wil be transferred in your name. But it will be jointly held by you and Prerna. In other words, it will be yours only if you and Prerna are together. If you are divorced, it will go to your cousin."
Rishabh shrugged his shoulders and said- "Let it go to him."
"Rishabh, that's part of your ancestral property. It includes some havelis where your forefathers lived, and even includes some places of religious importance. We need to preserve this heritage. If it goes to your cousin, he will destroy it for the sake of money."
"I will not destroy my happiness just because he will perhaps destroy some heritage."
"I know. But the property will be yours in one month. After that, you can still get divorced. I think it makes sense. I have already explained all this to Prerna. She too has agreed to do this,because she doesn't want her kids to be deprived of their family property."
He thought about this for a moment.
"Gupta..I'll talk to her. Thanks for bringing this to my notice.Bye."
Rishabh disconnected the phone and said- "I guess it makes sense to wait for one more month. Let's carry this burden for one more month. After that, we'll get divroced."
Prerna nodded. "Are you coming home with me right now?"
"Yes." Rishabh said. "I'll come home but after some time. Sab se pahle mujhe jaakar Niharika ko yeh sab samzana hoga. Woh mujh se bohot naaraz hogi."
Prerna was burning with jealousy. "Mr Bajaj, it will be better if we don't talk about Niharika for the next one month."
Rishabh looked up- "I really don't plan to talk about her, but what's your problem if I just mention her name? I never take objection when u talk about Anurag-"
"Anurag ki baat alag hain."
"Whatever, Prerna. Tum jao, main pahunchta hu."
Rishabh reached Niharika's home. She had packed her bags and was about to leave. He tried to stop her and explained everything to her.
"Please sweety, just question of one month."
"NO Rishabh. The way you humiliated me in front of my friends, I just dont trust you anymore. I am going back to London. I can't believe that I put you above everyone else- including my husband, son and parents. Now they are my priority, and you are out of my life."
"Niharika please..mujhe is tarah akela kar ke mat jao. I need you. I don't feel anything for Prerna."
Niharika flinched for a moment.
"plz.. I'll speak to my lawyer..lets see what can be done- I'll let go of that property..lekin tum mere saath raho."
She stared at him. She realised that she was standing at a critical point in her life..which would make a vast difference..whatever she chooses..would define her life ahead. There was sincerity and love in Rishabh's eyes.
Then she shook her head and said-"I am sorry, Rishabh. One thing I have realised after spending some time with you and Prerna..there's something about your marriage- that glues the two of you to each other. It's as if your marriage is really made in heaven, and I can't fight with the forces from heaven. So I have decided to quit. Take care."
She left. Rishabh stood there- wondering if what she said about his marriage was really true..and the thought almost frightened him. Were he and Prerna really brought together by some invisible hand, some unknown force..even without they knowing it themselves? Is that why he proposed marriage to her as if it were just another business deal? Is that why she chose to care for him and worked hard to change him , instead of hating him for separating her from anurag? His head was spinning, he somehow got into his car and managed to return home safely.
He was sitting alone in his room- shattered..tired eyes, ruffled hair.
"Mr Bajaj? Aap is tarah se andhere mein kyun baithe hain? Are you alright?"
Prerna came inside and switched on the lights.
"niharika went back to London."
Rishabh was looking like a 2 yr old who has lost his favorite toy. Prerna's heart filled with love for him.
"Mr Bajaj, don't worry. Sab theek ho jayega."
"Ab kuch bhi theek nahi honewala." He got up and left the room.
Prerna sat there alone- wondering to herself. Wasn't this what she wanted? A clear break-up of Mr Bajaj and Niharika? Then why was she so upset? Just because she can't see Mr Bajaj so upset?
She wished she knew what was in store for herself and Mr Bajaj in future..she came down to the drawing hall. She saw the Ganesha Murti kept on the shelf and prayed to Him. One thing she knew..this marriage..was powerful. It was as if- the two of them were brought together by destiny..at times even against their own wish.
And then there were times when they were brought together as per their wish..and those were moments when the earth stopped rotating..nothing existed beyond their togetherness..and the more she thought about their marriage, the more she longed for Mr Bajaj's strong arms around her..
Anupamaa
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
