RAINBOWS AT THE END OF A DARK NIGHT- A Devakshi SS - Last Chap updated - Page 5

such an amazing update
so sona has a daughter
lets see what happen next
update soon

amazing
dev n sona both r in pain
plz update soon

Oh God yaar!! Pata, I didn't started reading this SS, even after receiving your PM, I thought to wait and let there be some chapters you know, taakay wait na karna paray!! But but but I couldn't help ! And read all the three chapters in a single go ! And the only question in my mind is how will I wait for the next chapter?!

You're amazing, amazing, amazing yar !!!

Beautifully written asha
I'm sure now dev will make all d poss attempts to win back sona
Do update soon

Wonderful update

Wonderful writing n portraying emotions...

Very nice..update soon..but will he accept her daughter also?

Nice update...eager to know how story unfolds...

RAINBOWS AT THE END OF A DARK NIGHT

Chapter 4

They walked in silence to the Starbucks just next to the hospital and sat down on an empty table. They ordered cappuccinos and when the waiter went away Sona asked Dev impatiently "Yes Dev tell me what is it that you wanted to discuss with me so urgently?" Dev looked at her and noted that like the day before, Sona was wearing a plain beige saree and no jewelry at all. Dev said "I wanted about the funding that you require for this NGO- - Asha Deep. Can you tell me exactly how much you need and what is the timeline that you have in mind?" As soon as he said this, Sona's face lit up and she said "Dev you can really help me with this... Asha Deep is very close to my heart. We are looking at funding of about Rs.2 -2.50 crores over the next two years. When Ritiwik passed away in the accident, I realized that there are many street children who don't have access to good medical facilities and that's why I decided to set this up. We have doctors who volunteer to spend a few hours every week and we have set up these makeshift hospitals in different slums around Mumbai and these doctors attend to the patients there. The money that we plan to raise now would help us increase the number of centres from fifteen to twenty five and also improve the facilities at the existing centres. I really cant that you enough for this help". The coffees came and as they sipped, Sona asked "How is aunty and Nikki and Rhea?" Dev smiled and said "Maa is fine and Nikki has just finished her MBA in USA and coming back next month to India. Rhea is married and just had a baby boy - she is taking a break from work right now."

After they finished their coffees, Sona got up to leave and told him "I will email you a detailed report that we had made in connection with this funding. By the way, tomorrow is my turn to volunteer at Dharavi slum centres, would you like to come with me to see how we work?" Dev was surprised and realized that Sona was passionate about the cause and said "Yes, why not. What time should I be ready?" Sona replied "Thanks Dev. Be ready at ten - I will pick you up. BTW dress simply and don't carry much money and don't carry too may gadgets. I suggest you come with me in my old car as you shouldn't risk anything happening to these expensive cars that you drive" pointing to Dev's while BMW parked outside the caf.

Dev nodded and Sona left. As promised Sona e mailed the report to him in the night. It was impressive and he decided that he would fund it.

He was waiting for Sona in the lobby of The Four Seasons hotel in Mumbai when she came in. They shook hands and he followed her to her car. When he reached the car he noticed that there was someone else in the backseat - a cute and cuddly five year old girl in pigtails. His first reaction on seeing her was to reach out and pull her cheeks. But he didn't want to scare her. So he just smiled at her. He turned at Sona and looked at her questioningly. Sona said "Shreya - this is Dev uncle. My friend from Delhi and Dev this is my daughter Shreya". Dev smiled and said "HI Shreya. Will you be my friend too?". Shreya smiled - a wonderful toothy smile and said "Hi uncle".

Dev offered to drive but Sona said "No I's rather drive as I am more familiar with the roads". Dev agreed and sat down in the passenger seat and buckled up. He couldn't help but think of the time when he tried to teach her driving so many years ago and failed. He had to admit that Sona was driving well. As if she read his thoughts she said "I have been driving since the last five years".

Dev asked her "Do you always take Shreya with you?" Sona replied "Yes whenever its her holidays from School. I get to spend time with her. She should also realize gradually that how lucky we are that we have a roof over our heads and some money to spare. But you know what Dev, she is a very nice child and doesn't give me much trouble". "The only thing that worries me is that she really misses a real father figure in her life". Dev was quiet and smiled at Shreya in the mirror as he caught her looking at him intently.

They reached Dharavi and got down from the car. Dev did not realise how the day went by. He was only amazed at how compassionate Sona and her band of volunteers were and they seemed to know most of the patients and their families by name. They helped the patients tirelessly and it was 6 PM by the time they finished. In all this Shreya was also moving around and talking to the children who came to the clinic. When they finished, Dev noticed that Shreya had fallen asleep on a chair just behind Sonakshi. They cleaned up and then the caretaker came forward to close everything when Sona picked up her bag and her daughter in her arms and they walked out.

As they reached the car, Dev offered to drive as Shreya was asleep in Sona's arms and Sona looked a little tired. Sona agreed and Dev opened the back door for her. She placed a sleeping Shreya on the seat and fastened the seatbelt. Sona came and sat in the passenger seat in the front and buckled up. Dev started the car and as they drove back, he glanced at Sona. Sona was sitting quietly and looking out of the window, deep in thought. Dev cleared his throat and said "I think you and your team are doing a wonderful job of helping these underprivileged children. I will try my best to help you raise money for this cause". They soon reached back Sona's residence. Dev stopped the car and Sona got off and opening the back door took Shreya, still asleep, in her arms and turned to Dev and said "Thanks so much Dev. Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee. Baba would also be there at home?" Dev said "I would like to. Do you think its ok?" "Of course it is alright. After all you are helping me with the funding for my NGO" replied Sona and smiled and they took the elevator the fourth floor where Sonakshi lived with her five year old daughter and father in law.

Mr. Sen opened the door and smiled at Sona and said "Ah there you both are back. I was just wondering. Give me Shreya I will take her to her bed". Sona introduced Dev to her father in law and said "Baba this is Dev Dixit. He is my friend from Delhi days. He is a big business man and he is currently on work in Mumbai and helping us raise money for Asha Deep". Mr. Sen said "Welcome Mr. Dixit. I have seen your interviews on TV. Do come in." Dev walked into the flat and Mr. Sen excused himself for a minute to put Shreya in bed. Sona asked Dev to sit and said "I will just wash my hands and get us coffee - make yourself comfortable Dev". Dev nodded and Dev sat down in one of the comfortable single seater sofas. The living room was of medium size and looked welcoming and warm. There were some pictures of Shreya and Sona on the walls - with both Sona's parents and Ritwik's dad. There was also a picture of a smiling Ritwik with a garland.

Dev sat down and just then Sona walked in with a tray containing three cups of steaming coffee and some biscuits. It was about 7 PM and the sun outside was just setting. Mr. Sen came and sat down. He asked Dev about his work and family. Dev answered. Mr. Sen also wanted to know as to why was Dev not married till now. Dev just smiled and let it be. Sona was quiet as the conversation flowed around her. Suddenly she heard Mr. Sen say "Why don't you stay for dinner Dev. You are also a friend of Sona from Delhi". Dev hesitated and Sona said "Baba he may have other plans - let it be". Dev said "No I have no other plans for the evening Uncle. I will stay". Sona looked surprised at his reply. She excused herself and said "I will get Shreya to have a bath and come. I will ask Mona to get the dinner ready as well". When Sona came back with Shreya after half an hour, the discussion in the living room had moved to politics, Baba's favourite topic and Dev was actually exchanging views with him.

Sona went into the kitchen to check on the dinner and Shreya went to the living room and shyly stood next to her Dadu ("Grandfather"). Baba asked her "Did you speak to Dev uncle?" Shreya just nodded her head and said "Na". Dev called her and she went to him and said "Come here and tell me what the names of your friends are". When Sona came into the living room, she was surprised to find a normally shy and quiet Shreya sitting on Dev's lap and showing him something from a book. And Dev looked quite comfortable babysitting her.

They all had dinner and when they were seeing Dev off at the door, he leaned and planted a kiss on Shreya's cheek and she gave him a hug and said "Good night uncle. You will come again isn't it?"

<<End of Chapter 4>>