Love disclosed Concluded 12/4

She put her arms around Kranti and tried to cajole her. "You know, I told my husband that he should tell devarji to change his mind."

"Raj will never change his mind, parjaiji. He is a mule."

"Well, I told my husband that I shall go with you if you want."

Kranti smiled. Her sister in law was very childlike in many ways but she had a golden heart. Madhu couldn't manage many things around the household. When Kranti married Raj and came to live with the family, much of the workload fell on her shoulders. Pammi knew how competent she was and had come to rely on her. Kranti was fair to Madhu and although she would do most of the work she would give the credit to Madhu. Madhu would innocently beam at the compliments everyone threw her way. But the elders in the family knew exactly who had worked behind the scenes. Pammi was happy that Kranti was mature in that sense and could maintain the peace in the house. Madhu grew fond of Kranti and Kranti found a devoted ally in Madhu. Madhu had a daughter Jayashree whom everyone called Jaya. Jaya loved her mother but somehow she always wanted Kranti close to her. It was no wonder that she would refer to Kranti as 'choti ma'. Madhu trusted Kranti and never chided her daughter.

"Jaya is never going to take kindly to the fact that you'll be away from her. I have told Bauji to talk to devarji too."

"Bauji did talk to me, parjaiji." Raj said from the doorway.

"Deverji…….," Madhu was instantly flustered. She decided to leave the room.

Raj closed the door after her. He took in the figure of his wife sitting at her favourite window seat. His face softened. He knew she was upset. The doctor had told him that she should be sent to a cool place for a month or two. It was getting hot already and summer would become unbearable. That was the only reason he wanted Kranti to go to Shimla. Sagarji had replied to his letters and said that though it was still cold in Shimla, it would be better than the heat of the plains.

"Let's go inside."

They boarded the train and went to their coupe. The whistle sounded. Raj got up and went to his daughter. He hoped she would remember him when they'd meet next. He took the blessings of his mother and turned to his wife.

"I'll be there soon."

"When?"

"Shortly."

"Give me a straight answer. At least now you can tell me?"

"After almost a month….."

"After a month?"

Kranti closed her eyes tearfully.

"That's too long…… don't do this Raj."

Raj looked back at her and smiled.

"How does it matter to you? After all you don't care about me……remember?"

Kranti gnashed her teeth. The oaf would always find something ridiculous to say.

"You told me you were leaving forever……" he continued.

"Raj," interrupted Pammi, "Stop being annoying."

"I'll see you before that." He told Kranti and brushed her cheek lightly with the knuckles of his hand.

There was a sudden jerk. The train was beginning to move.

"Good bye and take rest."

He went out and climbed off the train. He waved as the train started moving away. Kranti took in the last glimpse of her husband. He continued to wave. She waved from the window. She sighed.

It would soon be night. They chatted for sometime. Pammi insisted that Kranti lie down. Kranti lay down and listened to their talk. Seher was lying next to her. In a few minutes, both mother and daughter were asleep. Pammi smiled and was happy that Kranti had fallen asleep.

Sometime during the night, Kranti was awakened by the shrill hooting of the train's whistle. She checked on Seher. She turned her head and looked out. She could see lights flashing by. How time had passed! How life had changed for her…….

Two years ago

After the ambush of the trucks between Amritsar and Lahore, Sohan tauji had been arrested and Kranti declared a fugitive. There was no place where Kranti could hide and Raj had given her shelter. At first his parents didn't know that Kranti was a fugitive hiding in their house. When his father learnt that she was a KK he had disapproved. Raj told him that they were married. Kranti felt she could have died of shame. His father thundered at him. Raj remained silent but firm. Kranti remembered how upset she had been. She detested this man. Husband? Hah! Over her dead body! However, what occurred after that was even more bizarre. Kulbhushan gave his son the marching orders. Pammi tried to intervene but both father and son dissuaded her. They stuck to their stand. The young couple left the household and went to stay with Nani-ma.

But Kulbhushan couldn't live without his children and told Raj to return. It was then the turn of Nani-ma to revolt. She liked having her favourite Raj around and that good soul Kranti. So a compromise was made and from then on Raj and Kranti started living the week in Lahore and the weekend at the Haveli.

Pammi wanted Raj and Kranti to get married in a proper way. She said that since it was their third month marriage anniversary, they would have the nuptial ceremony done by the pandits and blessed by everyone. Nani-ma said that the mehendi and sangeet would be done at the haveli and told Raj to go and stay at Lahore in his father's house. It had been a wonderful celebration. There was dance singing and feasting. Kranti had the 'uttan' ceremony and then the mehendi. Beautiful designs were drawn on her palms and feet.

"Oye bachu, control yourself….."

There was a shout of laughter from the men. The women smiled and nodded at each other knowingly. Raj slowly traced his finger down her nose. He winked at her as he slowly released her. She was horrified. Her cheeks were aflame with embarrassment. The whole world seemed to be having a good laugh at her expense. She wanted to stamp Raj's foot. How dared he do this to her? She didn't have the guts to look anywhere. Her throat became dry. She needed a long drink of water. A glass was thrust under her nose. She looked up and saw her husband standing with a glass of water. She noticed that all eyes were on them again. Oh God…..she groaned and wished the earth would swallow her. Raj always did this when she couldn't retaliate.

"Just what are you doing?"

"Dousing your passion…!"

"What!!"

Kranti hoped no one could hear them. She couldn't believe this man could be so brazen.

"Dousing your anger. I must say you look rather fetching."

Kranti remained silent. He touched her cheek. She quickly moved her cheek away.

"You have no idea how beautiful you look in red."

This time there was a round of applause. Men!!! Gloating when they made a poor woman squirm. Pammi came forward and pushed Raj away.

"Stop harassing my DIL."

She took Kranti away and the rest of the evening passed off smoothly. Of course Kranti became too self conscious.

PART IV

At the moment, Kranti was holding her MIL's hand. These were the only two people who shared the honour of being more than special to her in some way. She held their hands. It was Raj first and in his absence it was Pammi. But what she felt for Raj was certainly not what she felt for his mother. However, the real test was when Sanjay and Nirmal came on a holiday from Delhi. That time it was only Nirmal. Kranti was always by her side. They were inseparable sisters. Raj showed his prowess in acting when he presented a sorrowful face and said that his heart was broken because he was no longer numero uno for Kranti.

"Come here," he had ordered.

He had taken her by the collar in one hand and had pulled her forward.

"Do you know how enticing you look, you little tramp?"

"Tramp? Me? How dare you!" She had exclaimed. "You look like a creep and I find you loathsome."

He had bent his head and rubbed that ghastly beard on her face. She had pushed him away. He had laughed and thrown off the beard. He had come forward and had caught her shoulders. He had undid the knot on the cloth binding her hair. Her thick black hair had tumbled out. He had run his hand through her tresses. He had slowly pulled off the thin line of moustache from her upper lip.

"This really looks obnoxious." He commented.

His hand had gone to the first button of her shirt and had undone it. She had gasped and backed away. He had slowly walked to her. Her back had hit the back of a tree. He had come close and had looked down at her. His eyes had changed a myriad of colours from brown to black. She had recognised the charged emotions in them. She had known he had wanted her. She could barely breathe then as she had swayed towards him………like an iron filing drawn to a magnet, like a bee to honey, like a moth to a flame. He had caught her by her waist and held her close. He had looked into her eyes. Her eyes had softened with awareness and with yearning. She had pressed close to him. She had wanted to feel complete and only he could make her feel so. He had looked at her lips and back at her eyes.

"Raj….." she had said.

She trailed her hands up his chest to his shoulders. She threw her head back while his head came down. She clung onto his neck as he picked her up and took her to the shack……………………..

PART V

At the door of the shack, Raj gently lowered Kranti onto her feet. He opened the door and ushered her in. A small lamp burned in the corner. It created more shadows in the muted light. He turned Kranti slowly. His face was close and his breath was on her face. All of a sudden, his eyes narrowed and his head cocked to one side.

"Raj ……." began Kranti.

Raj placed a finger on her lips.

"Shhhhhhh……….." he whispered very softly. "I thought I heard something…"

Kranti looked at him worriedly.

"Who? Do you think they have for us?"

Raj was sure he could hear a rustling sound outside. Whoever was outside was making a fine chase. He covered her mouth with his hand.

"Listen to me Kranti. I am sure there is someone outside. They may not be close as yet, but we have to make a run for it. Do you understand?"

Kranti nodded. Her eyes were dark and a bit afraid. They had been on the run since morning and it was quite dark now.

"They may have come with dogs….because I felt I heard barking."

Kranti knew how cruel the British could be. Deaths in the forest would go unnoticed for days. She bit her lower lip to stop it from trembling.

"Don't worry, Kranti. They aren't going to get us. Tie your hair and quickly insert it in your shirt. Tuck your shirt into your pants."

"How can I?"

"Don't waste time."

Kranti did as she was told. Raj quickly snuffed out the flame and the shack was in complete darkness.

"Raj………" called Kranti in a hushed whisper.

He caught her and felt her hair making sure it was firmly tied and within her shirt. His hands went down her body to make sure her shirt was tucked in properly. He lifted her shirt. She gasped and tried to break free. He opened the knot of her pants. He retied the knot rather tightly this time making sure that the shirt had no chance of escaping from the clasp of the pants. His hands lingered on her waist.

"There is a river flowing nearby. We have to reach it before they catch us because that is the only place for us to hide."

He opened the door and peeped out through the chink.

"I have been stupid and to have thrown my beard away. I cannot retrieve it now. That will give them a clue and they will cleverly pick up our trail."

He pulled Kranti after him. He knew she was tired but there was no other way. They made their way as quickly and as silently as they could, to the edge of the river. Voices could be heard in the distance. If the dogs were let loose, they would be upon them in no time. He was worried for Kranti. They reached the water's edge. Raj pulled two bamboo reeds from the banks.

"Kranti……"

"Raj, I can't swim," she started.

"You don't have too. You have to stay put in the water."

"There are river crocodiles here."

"Stop it. There are no crocodiles here. The river is neither that wide nor deep enough to house them."

He pushed the end of one reed into her mouth.

"You have to breathe through this. Pinch your nose shut and don't allow any water to enter it. We have to remain underwater till they finish their search. This is to protect ourselves against the dogs."

"I can't."

"Of course you can Kranti. I know it a daunting experience but I shall be here holding you. Come on, they are closer now."

They entered the water slowly and reached the deepest point. Raj could still stand upright because he was tall. He tightened her top button on her shirt. Your hair mustn't escape. The voices were nearing. Raj did not want them to see even a ripple on the water's surface. He held Kranti by the waist and lowered himself under the water. He held Kranti such that one end of the reed jutted out of water. Breathing would now have to be done through the reeds. He kept her close to him to reassure her and himself……..

He stroked her back to keep her anxiety level down. Also he wanted to see that her hair remained inside and did not rise to the surface. The policemen had reached the river banks. They could hear the muffled voices. Footsteps ran along the banks.

"They seem to have crossed the river or the crocs may have got them." There was jeering laughter.

The search party was making sure that the path of return was destroyed. Muffled conversations could be heard. And then there was a gunshot. Kranti almost jumped out of her skin. They wanted to know if anyone was hiding in the water or was near it.

He did not want the torch lights to catch sight of them. His legs were entwined in hers to keep her pinned down. His arms had actually started hurting. They seemed to have been in the water for a very long time. When he was absolutely convinced that they were alone, he slowly rose to his feet. His head came above the water level. It was silent and dark. After yet about half an hour's wait, he started to swim across to the other side. He pulled Kranti along since she was struggling to keep afloat. They somehow reached the other bank and pulled themselves out. He didn't allow her to sit.

"Come on Kranti……we are not far away from civilisation now."

It was a lie but it would help to keep her morale up. She didn't say a word and began to walk. They walked in silence hand in hand. Just as Kranti thought her legs were going to collapse, they could see the blinking lights of a town from the thickness of the trees.

Raj was getting worried. They had to reach some shelter --- just anyhow!!

He heard the sound of tinkling bells, and a bullock cart came into view. A turbaned farmer returning from his purchases was passing by.

"What are the two of you doing here at this time of the night?" That man asked.

Raj stood there quietly. The farmer saw that they were very tired and wet.

"Come with me….. and stay the night at my home."

Raj smiled gratefully and nodded his head. Kranti and he got in at the back. Kranti sat close to Raj. The cart moved forward. As the cart jostled, Kranti was thrown against Raj. He held her with one of his arms around her.

When the house came in view, Raj was relieved. They needed a rest badly. Kranti had started shivering. The farmer's wife showed them an old room. There was a mattress on the floor and two lamps were burning.

After a clean wash up, they were in the bedroom. Food had been kept on the table.

"Kranti eat some food."

"No."

Raj was on the alert now. Kranti refusing food when not in anger was a rare thing. This showed that she was still brooding about what had happened in the forest. She was sitting huddled with a blanket around her. He went to her.

"We are safe now…..there is no need to fret anymore…….."

"If they had caught us what…….."

"But nothing happened. That is important."

He touched Kranti's shoulder. She was shuddering. The shuddering was not due to the cold nor being afraid. It was sheer fatigue. Kranti turned and reached for Raj's hand. The blanket slipped off her shoulder. He took hold of one end and draped it properly for her. He turned and she thought he was going to get up.

"No," she cried.

She inched closer to him and held his hand. He sat with her. She had taken his hand in both hers and had kept it on her lap. They sat thus for a long time. Sometimes she would interlink her fingers with his and sometimes she would grip his hand strongly. Slowly she stroked his hand. She turned towards Raj, her black eyes seeking him. Raj looked into those eyes and his breath caught in his throat.

She was looking very alluring. Her black hair down her shoulders, her swanlike neck completely exposed just like her delectable shoulders. He touched her face with his free hand. His fingers stroked her cheek while the pad of his thumb brushed her lips. She let go of his hands. She looked at him longingly. He cupped her face in his hands and tried to read her. There was innocence and shyness written all over her face. She swallowed and his eyes followed the movement of her throat. He bent his head and touched his lips to the pulse beating at her throat. She felt her body was on fire. He gently pushed her down on the mattress. He caught her hand and linked his fingers with hers. It was to reassure her. She was nervous and strangely timid. His other hand went to her nape and lifted her face to his. He kissed her cheek softly and trailed his lips to hers. Her arm went around his neck and pulled him close to her. It was for the first time that she realised how much she loved him and needed him. She wanted to love him and give love to him. She also wanted that he love her just as much. And as time went by he was doing exactly that………….showing her how much he loved her in turn.

There was silence in the room the candlelight had faded away. Raj kissed Kranti's forehead and turned …… but he realised that his hand was hooked in hers. He pulled her to him and went to sleep.

Kranti had somehow fastened Raj to her. Those hands told their own story. No one would be able to measure the comfort that she sought from him. No one would be able to guess the amount of stability she gave him. Every time she clutched his hand, she was cementing their bond. And if sometimes she didn't take his hand in hers, then he would offer his hand to her. He needed her to hold his hand ……. and to hold it forever.

PART VI

Raj went to his room. Kranti was sleeping. He peered at her in the darkness. She seemed to be sleeping. Sometime in the night, he heard her stifled sobs. Sleep was elusive to both of them.

"Things haven't sorted out," remarked the patriarch of the house.

His wife nodded and looked on worriedly. Buaji and Kewal too didn't know what could be done. Madhu took Jaya out so that she could be dropped to school. Kranti came down the steps. Her face had lost its shine and her eyes were puffed up. Pammi could feel her sorrow. Kranti turned to go into the kitchen but Buaji told her to sit at the table. Madhu returned and told Kranti she had made her favourite kheer. She kept the bowl before her. Kranti bit her lip but didn't touch the sweet.

"It doesn't matter, Kranti I'll make whatever you like."

"Yes Bibi rani, give Kranti what she wants," smiled Buaji.

"What do you want?" asked Madhu.

Kranti looked up at Madhu, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"A baby."

Kranti pushed the bowl away,put her head on her arms on the table and began to sob.

"Jaya is yours, Kranti…….see she calls you ma, choti ma," cajoled Madhu. "Take her I don't mind."

Kranti had never cried once during her treatment. Yet now there was no stopping the tears.

"Chaiji, bauji I want to go to Amritsar for a few days to stay in my house. I want to go now."

"Not now Kranti," said Pammi.

"Yes now. I want to recover my strength. I have lived with all of you and you have given me so much of love. I need to be the old Kranti who knew how to live without. I shall find myself in Amritsar once again. Please do that much for me."

"Go tomorrow Kranti," said Kulbhushan. "Don't run away from Raj. Tell him of your decision and then go. I shall take you there myself."

Both the men got up to leave for their offices. The ladies sat with Kranti trying to reason with her.

The courts recessed for lunch. Raj was in his rooms alone and thoughtful. He had to do a rethink. He went to his cupboard and sifted through his address book. He knew of this doctor who had studied in England. He had met her at Karamjitji's house. She was a brilliant doctor and had come to meet Karamjit for guidance. She was not into politics but had wanted to return to India with a social purpose. She had wanted to set up health centres in the outskirts of Lahore. She wanted to work for the women who were shy of going to male doctors. Where would he find her? He tried to retrace all the events since his return from England. Dr Sameera Kaur had returned before him from England but where was she working?

It was late in the evening before he reached the last hospital.

"Does Dr Sameera Kaur work here?"

"Yes," said the receptionist. "She's down the corridor."

Raj walked briskly to the consulting room. A crowd of sick people were waiting to see her. Raj scribbled a note and passed it to the assistant. In ten minutes he was inside.

He saw her. Nothing had changed about her. The same playful yet sincere smile played on her lips. She was wearing a beautiful purple sari. Her long hair was tied in a loose plait.

"Raj!" she exclaimed. "How wonderful to see you here."

"It's good to see you too."

He gave her a hug.

"What can I do for you?"

Raj told her about Kranti and her case history. Sameera tapped her fingers on her desk. For a moment she was surprised that he hadn't married Manpreet. She didn't want to dwell on that right now since he was genuinely worried about his wife. She knew that the relationship had broken off in London but she thought that a patch up would be done.

"Bring Kranti here and all her X-rays. I don't see much of a problem. Dr Chopra is a well-known doctor and if he's given you the go ahead to start a family, what's preventing you, Raj?"

Raj shrugged his shoulders.

"Thanks a lot Sameera, I'll see you tomorrow."

Sameera shook her head. Raj had the looks women would die for. She was now curious to see Kranti, the person who had finally netted him.

"Next," she called.

Raj reached home. He wanted to tell Kranti about his meeting with Sameera. He went up the stairs and opened the door to their room. Kranti was sitting on the bed folding her clothes. There was an open bag next to her. His eyes narrowed. "What's going on?" he asked.

"I'm going to Amritsar for a few days."

"Not now Kranti, we'll go on the weekend."

"I'm going alone."

"Alone?"

"Yes."

"Shutting me out?"

"No."

"No?'

"I am trying to keep the doors open."

He went to her and pulled the material out of her hands.

"Come with me, I have something to tell you."

"No Raj, I am going to Amritsar."

He bent, picked her up and carried her to the sofa on the balcony. He sat down with her. He held her with one hand and brought her chin up with the other.

"I have fixed up an appointment with Sameera."

"Who's Sameera?"

"A doctor friend of mine. She'll give her opinion on your case."

"Why this sudden change of heart, Raj?"

"You want a baby, don't you?"

"And you don't?"

"Of course I do." He said emphatically.

Kranti was overwhelmed with emotion. She put her arms round his neck and kissed his cheek. She buried her face in his throat. She soaked up his love like dry land which hadn't seen rain in years.

"Thank you."

He smiled in her hair. Suddenly he too felt light as if a huge load had been taken away. He prayed that everything would work out fine.

That night dinner was very pleasant. The atmosphere was joyful and everyone was happy for the couple.

She checked all the reports and X-rays. She examined Kranti.

"There is no problem. I have spoken to Dr Chopra and he will work with me on this case. We also need the help of a physiotherapist. She is on her way here. Kranti will have to do exercises daily to keep herself supple and her back flexible. I am sure we are going to make a great team together, aren't we Kranti?"

Kranti nodded and smiled. She liked Sameera and felt she could trust her.

"Hello everyone……..," a pretty young lady walked in.

"Oh you're here at last." Sameera said. "Raj and Kranti……meet your physio Dr Sana."

Raj smiled. Kranti saw that Sana couldn't get her eyes off him. She smothered a giggle.

"Hello Sana," Kranti greeted.

"Oh … hello." Sana shook her head and her wavy shiny hair fell past her shoulders. She was a bit shorter than Kranti but very pretty.

Kranti and Raj went to stay with Nani-ma on the weekend. Dai-ma was very happy to see Kranti. She hugged Kranti. Nani-ma of course was delighted. Raj was relaxed and Kranti was happy.

Later that night, Raj held her close to him and made love to her tenderly. There was a hush in the dark night. There was silence and a completeness. The moon shone and radiated its silver moonlight onto the earth. The five primal elements made a pact. The child that would be born would be special. Earth would take care of its character. Wind (air) would take care of its sense of humour. Water would give it composure. Fire would give it spirit of integrity and lastly Ether would take care of the power, money and sense of justice.

When Kranti realised she was pregnant, she was in seventh heaven. She hoped she would sail through her pregnancy so that Raj would be at peace. But luck was not on her side. She had all the contretemps a pregnant woman had to go through. Morning sickness, spells of dizziness and lethargy. Sana, Sameera and Dr Chopra kept her active with their fitness programmes and diet. Kranti was soon getting huge. She thought she looked ugly and ungainly but Raj teased her and told her that she could seduce him anytime. She pulled a face and called him a liar.

When her back felt stressed, he would rub her lower back gently. The baby had a mind of its own and never slept at night. It would kick and play so that Kranti had to stay awake.

As the day of the birth approached, Kranti became nervous. She would sit with Pammi holding her hand. Pammi in her own sweet way put Kranti at ease. Dai-ma was always at hand. Nani-ma shifted to Lahore to be close to her grandchildren for the event.

The day arrived and Kranti gave birth to a little princess. She was a bonny baby girl with brown baby curls. She gave a loud wail and told the world that she had arrived. Raj looked at the little bundle in his hands and his heart melted. Dr Chopra tapped him on the shoulder.

"Congratulations Raj." He said. Raj smiled at him and thanked him.

"Remember, Kranti has to take complete rest in a cool place."

"Yes, doc."

"No matter what."

"Scout's honour."

A month had passed. Kranti sat on the bed as she fondly watched Raj bent over the crib. He was quietly talking to his daughter. She gurgled and blew bubbles at him. She loved being with him and if anyone dared disturb them, she'd throw a fit.

"Sh…little one. Go to sleep. I have to talk to your mother now."

Seher protested so he picked her up and carried her to the swing and sat with her. Raj patted the seat next to his and beckoned Kranti. She got up and sat there with them. They looked at the wonder they had created. Transparent brown eyes, a pert nose and brown curls. Her cheeks were soft and rosy and she dimpled when she smiled. Raj kissed the top of Kranti's head and put an arm round her. He rocked the swing. The three sat in contentment enjoying the movement of the swaying.

Presently

"Thank you for everything, Chaiji, I don't know what I would have done without you."

"Go to sleep my child. Remember to take a blanket. It's cold in Shimla."

"Yes….goodnight."

Kranti returned to her room and lay down. She gathered Seher in her arms and went to sleep…………………….

Special thanks to Sammy for that beautiful VM on Pammi

Pen and Poet – I hope I have been able to do justice to your concepts.

I have been writing through the day to conclude this spin-off. I hope you like it. Happy Reading........