Thanks for the wonderful feedback and encouragement. Here's the next chapter I typed it on my phone so sorry for any errors. Enjoy the next part and have a good weekend.
Chapter 2
As soon as we got home I went straight to daadi and daasis who we're reminiscing about their days in Ludhiana. I told them I had to leave and both daasis were totally against it. They reminded me my mom was unwell and I should spend more time with Abhi as we are still newlywed. Daadi was silent and I didn't want to push the matter, "Please sleep on it and we can talk later as it's getting late. The workshop doesn't start until Monday and we have the weekend to decide about it. I hope you are not disappointed in me but you see I am a professor and I have been teaching for several years and I miss it." Abhi was hiding behind the door and I know he wasn't impressed and was probably thinking I am stalling as I have no intention of going and just fooling him like I always do.
As I was leaving daadi said "what did Abhi say?" I told her he said a career is important but so is family and as far as he can see he thinks I can handle both. Daadi to Daasis said "My bahu is an excellent professor see how Abhi's changed." I didn't get it but daasi's did they spoke in harmony "He's growing up. At least he said something sensible for the first time. He still acts like a kid but at least he's starting to change and it's all cuz of you." I hugged daadi and she didn't realize the tears in my eyes were not for those kind words but for leaving a daadi that has always been on my side. Daasis spotted Abhi, "Very bad to eavesdrop. Couldn't you come in and support your wife when she's breaking this news. Don't look down, come in and let me pull your ear." Abhi was embarrassed, "I wanted to come but she told me not to. I'm waiting for my producer's call and my cell is in the room, I gotta attend it." Everyone in this room except me started to laugh as Abhi got caught and he made a lame excuse and went away. I know he heard the laughter.
The next morning at breakfast daadi made an announcement about me leaving for a few weeks. Like expected both Bunty and Babli were the ones I know were going to whine and complain but they finally understood. I am in this house just for today and tomorrow I will be leaving. Abhi and Aliyah ate a lot in their happiness and the smile on their faces lasted the whole day.
At night Abhi couldn't sleep and he came to balcony and saw I was awake too. "Hey Chashmish, you are really not so bad. You kept your end of the bargain and you're leaving. I am glad throughout our so called marriage you kept daadi happy. However; you and Bulbul hurt my Aaliyah very much and for that I can never forgive you. Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Nothing you wouldn't want to hear it". Abhi interrupted "Why you think I won't be able to understand. I used to get confused about you but hey you like to confuse people so you are always a mystery and that is why people find you interesting" I couldn't believe it "You find me interesting?" Abhi rolled his eyes "Unique antique piece a definitely one of a kind. Everyone has their own perception but don't know the back story but I know you well. Get yourself checked out as you have a split personality, sometimes you are good and sometimes bad. Why do you do this?" He was walking away but came back "You know what your problem is you love money and that blindsides you from everything else. Yeah you love everybody and you can't hurt a fly but you can't help yourself can you and you have to mess things up. When you mess up you can't expect your hypnotism to always work and save you. I should have hid your book so in case you forgot something you wouldn't be able to look it up. Good night". He forgot to ask what I was about to say.
I gave him his morning coffee and he saw I had packed my bags and I was ready to leave. Before leaving I wanted to share a few things with him. "Last night we were talking and you forgot to ask what I was saying?" Abhi looked at me as if he couldn't remember what I was talking about. "Remember what I wanted to say then said it's nothing that you would want to hear". Abhi then remembered "Yeah I remember I have a good memory and I can recall everything that you did. You're a professor and I know you want to lecture me so before you go I am giving you the chance to lecture and I won't interrupt you. Go on and say whatever you want, it's my last favor to you."
"Why would I lecture you and who would even have the audacity to even try that with you? Like hearing anything sensible would have a great effect on you and even if it did it would be short term." I had Abhi's attention and he was trying to figure out where I was headed. He felt insulted and was opening his mouth "You said you wouldn't interrupt so be quiet. I heard enough from you and each time I said something you dismissed it without even thinking. Now listen as I am sure no one has ever seriously tried to tell you how you are as a person. You are like a sweet little kid who always wants to do good and cares a lot about the people that mean something to you." Abhi looked a bit miffed for a second and then tried his hardest to not show a small smile he had across his face. "But that sounds good right but there's a catch, you are a gullible sweet little kid. You are guillable. You don't think about anything and if you do then all it takes is someone else to tell you something and you will change your opinion. It's good to listen to your near ones but use your brain and think for yourself and listen to what your brain and heart tells you. If you do then you won't be confused and you won't have any regrets." Abhi had a blank face as my words were probably sinking in. "Thanks for what you did for my family. Despite hating me when I needed a favor you reluctantly helped and it meant a lot. I am leaving now and before I go let's not hold any hard feelings for one another. You are now free so live a good life and just start thinking for yourself." I started to walk out and I remembered "Sorry these divorce papers are for you and in a few months I will break the news to our families that our marriage isn't working so we're ending it. They will be sad but ultimately they will want our happiness and will accept our decision. I won't create a mess and I will solve this. Along with this here's the book you wanted to hide. It's for you as I won't be needing this anymore. If this worked for me then it could work for you, if ever you think you need to hypnotize anyone then read it. Don't worry it's simple English and I have a feeling you will like it. Bye." I left the room with my luggage without looking back.
Aaliyah and Tanu were in the hallway waiting for me. Tanu came towards me "Finally you are leaving and I can start my life with Abhi. See you never had a chance with him and if ever you thought you did then you were so dillusional." Aaliyah started "Your sister took Purab away but you can't have my brother. Your family is so down market and you all are gold diggers." Tanu added "If you sisters weren't enough of a problem your daadi is a drunk and your mom such a drama queen she is just..." I couldn't hear anymore "Stop, if you want to say anything about me then go ahead as your words don't matter but I won't tolerate to hear anything about my family. It's because of their teachings that I won't start name calling you two because if I say anything then it won't be nothing but the truth and you both won't handle it. Why do you want to spoil the happiest day of your lives? I am leaving so let me be". Aliyah couldn't help herself "There is nothing you can say to us but your family is just oh I am not going to start on them and waste my time. Your mom called me her daughter it was all bull." I started walking ahead and suddenly I was pushed from behind and I fell to the floor. My right ankle was throbbing in pain and it was evident from my face. Tanu laughed, "Here is something for you to remember me by." Aaliyah looked pleased but then her expression changed "What did you do? Look at her she can barely stand on her ankle and you are giving her an excuse to stay back." I started to walk slowly but turned back to say "I keep my promises and I said I was leaving and I will not let anything stop me". I slowly went down the stairs and left the house as I didn't want to meet anyone else especially sweet daadi.
Abhi couldn't believe what he saw. Both Tanu and Aaliyah couldn't let her go in peace, they had to do something. Her mom and daadi are really good. I saw her leave in pain and I don't know why my eyes were teary and my heart was going out to her. Why? She's leaving and I won't miss her, I looked at the divorce papers and her book that were still in my hand and I closed my eyes. "This is what I wanted but why doesn't this seem right".
Chapter 3 will be out on Monday.
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