Part 6
It was the start of a new day. Vir was in a good mood due to the last few days and the way he got to spend time with Bawri. Yes, she made a few hurtful comments but by apologising. It allowed him to have dinner with her last night. Other than the antics of the drunk men at the end of the night, it was a great night. Now Vir was thinking of what excuse to come up with to spend time with Bawri today. Or should I leave it for one day. No, I have to see her. Vir had gone so many days without her and the thought of not seeing her today upsets him. He vaguely remembers Bawri saying about going engagement shopping, but at what time? So now that he knew where she would be, he made his plan for the day. He got dressed, ate breakfast and relaxed at the hotel.
Vir decided to call Veer to inform him to bring Juhi and Manas to Delhi to enrol them into the hostel and their new school. He would also ask Veer and Sudha to come and stay in Delhi. He had reasons for doing so. Sudha was Bawri's childhood friend and maybe seeing her, spending time with her could jog Bawri's memory. So Vir called his son.
Vir: Hello
Veer: Hello Baba. How are you? How did the deal go with Daksh Shekhawat?
Vir: That went well, deal is done. Just need to sign the paperwork in a few days.
Veer: So when will you be back?
Vir: I'm not planning on coming back anytime soon. I want to spend a bit more time in Delhi before I come back to Rewari. The Panch will manage without me.
Veer: That's fine. I'm glad you're enjoying Delhi.
Vir: I had a few reasons for calling you. First of all, I've decided to put Juhi and Manas in a new school and hostel in Delhi.
Veer: Hostel?
Vir: Yes, hostel. I think it will be the best way to bring them on the right path. Staying away from family will teach them to value family.
Veer: Are you sure Baba? All they want is your love and attention.
Vir: I understand that but they also need an education. Since they've been kicked out of their school, they need a new school and I've enrolled them into a school in Delhi. I can visit them while I'm here as well.
Vir didn't want to explain to Veer that the school and hostel would only be a temporary solution, until Bawri was back to help him.
Veer: Whatever you think is best I guess.
Vir: Also, another thing. I want you and Sudha to come to Delhi.
Veer: Us? Why?
Vir: I want you with me, you're my son. I have these business parties to attend and I'd much rather have you represent me.
Veer: Okay but why does Sudha need to be here?
Vir: Just do what I've asked. Also Sudha is your wife, she should be where you are. I used to take Bawri everywhere with me.
Veer: Okay, we'll be in Delhi soon enough.
At the mention of Purvi. Veer gave in. It was also good to hear that Baba was having a good time in Delhi. He wondered what was the reason but the reason didn't matter so long as his father was happy. That was the happiest he'd heard him in 6 months, even if it was on how to deal with the unruly children. Veer could tell by the tone of his father that he was happy.
Veer informed Sudha and asked her to get the children ready and packed, along with herself. Anjali, who was ever eavesdropping, had heard the conversation and was wondering why Jethji called Veer and Sudha over to Delhi as well. What is happening over there? I should go tell Ma.
Anjali went and informed Prakashi but she couldn't care any less. After all, the house would be calm now. They could do whatever they wanted without any questions raised. Prakashi advised her to ignore everything and start organising a kitty party for them to enjoy.
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Vir didn't know the time of when Bawri would go shopping so he had two options. Hover around the shopping centre all day, waiting for a glimpse of Bawri or the alternative option, which he didn't want to do. Call Chandni. He had to decide on the lesser of two evils and he chose to sit in his car outside the shopping centre. He just couldn't handle speaking with that Chandni. Well he would be speaking but she would be flirting.
Vir sat and watched TV in his room when he received a call from Daksh. He picked up the call. Daksh wanted to invite him to a business party he was hosting in a few days time and as they were doing business together, he extended the invitation to Vir. Vir found another opportunity to spend time with Bawri. He informed Daksh that he would definitely attend and that his son and daughter-in-law would be with him as well. Daksh was happy with that and stated he looked forward to meeting them. While on the phone with Vir, he heard Bawri mention that they were getting late to go shopping and they should get out now. Vir felt like the cat that got the cream. His prayers for this morning were answered, without having to speak to Chandni. Please God, don't let her be there.
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Veer, Sudha, Juhi and Manas were in the car and had made it to Delhi. The kids had fallen asleep on the journey to Delhi. Veer sat at the front of the car while Sudha was at the back with the children. Their car stopped at the lights and then another car came and was right next to them. The car windows rolled down and that's when Sudha saw her. Purvi?
It was only for a split second but Sudha was convinced that girl was Purvi. She could not make a mistake in recognising her childhood friend.
Once they got to the hotel and checked into a room. The children were watching TV in the adjoining room. That's when Sudha brought up the topic of having seen Purvi, to Veer.
Veer: How is that possible?
S: I don't know Veer but I'm telling you. I saw her in that car.
Veer: If that was the case, why didn't you tell me then?
S: We were at the traffic lights before I could even process what I had seen. The lights had changed and she was gone. It was Purvi. My eyes cannot make a mistake in recognising her.
Veer: I don't know what to believe. Maybe this woman looked like Purviji.
S: No Veer. It was Purvi.
Veer: It just can't be. Purviji is dead. We identified her body!
S: Based on clothes and her ID. Not her face.
Veer: Because her face was burnt. Baba confirmed it was her.
S: I'm just saying, it could have been a mistake and Purvi has probably started a new life here.
Veer: As much as I know Purviji, she would contact Juhi and Manas somehow. She may stay away from Baba but she couldn't stay away from the kids.
S: I agree with you there. There must be a reason why she hasn't come back or contacted us.
Veer: I don't want you mentioning this to Baba until we confirm who that woman is, if we find her. I don't want to get his hopes up for them to come crashing down.
S: That's fine but where do we find this woman?
Veer: Forget her for now. We should wash up and get something to eat. Then we can meet up with Baba.
Sudha went to the bathroom to freshen up but she kept thinking of Purvi. How she had seen her in the car. How can you do this Purvi? You left your own family. You left me to deal with the fallout of what happened. Sudha was upset by the way things happened but if it was definitely Purvi, she would make sure Purvi got her family back. She would make sure Purvi and Mukhiji got back together.
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Outside shopping centre
Vir was sitting in the back of his car just waiting for Daksh and Bawri to come so then he could make his way in as well. Then he would conveniently jump into Bawri and Daksh. So long as he got to see her, that's all that mattered. He didn't know what he was going to do after he bumped into them but he'd find some excuse to stay with Bawri. Just then Vir saw Daksh, Bawri and Chandni go into the shopping mall.
As happy as Vir was to see Bawri, he was just as unhappy to see Chandni. His face fell. Daksh he could deal with but he just couldn't get rid of that leech.
Vir got out of his car and went into the same shop that Bawri was in. Once in there he noticed Bawri trying to find kurta's for Daksh. Placing them in front of him to see if it will suit him, while Daksh was on the phone. A pang of jealousy hit Vir. He needed to get Daksh away from his wife as soon as he could. As Bawri walked around the shop, he purposefully went and bumped into her.
Dh: I'm so sorry. I didn't see you.
Vir: You should watch where you're going.
Dh: Mukhiji? You here?
Vir: Dhwaniji.
Dh: Please, just call me Dhwani. What are you doing here?
Vir: What does it look like? I'm swimming here.
Dh: Very funny but what a coincidence, us bumping into each other here.
Vir: I realised I didn't pack enough clothes so I came here to shop.
Dh: Oh we're here shopping for our engagement but Daksh is just on his phone all the time.
D: Mukhiji, what a surprise. Finding you here. Anyways nice to see you. Dhwani, I have to go.
Dh: What?
D: Something important has come up.
Dh: More important than our engagement?
D: Nothing is more important than that, other than you but please can I go. I can't cancel on this client.
Dh: Okay go.
D: If you need help, Mukhiji can give you a man's opinion. Okay, I'll see you later. Bye.
Daksh gave Dhwani a quick hug and walked away. Vir's blood boiled seeing that, he clenched his fist and just wished he could throw a punch at Daksh. How dare he touch Bawri? Then he realised that he was left with Bawri alone. This worked out much better than he planned. Until Chandni appeared.
Ch: Helloji.
Vir: Hello.
Ch: How are you my Chand?
Vir: My name is Virendra Pratap Singh. You can call me Mukhiji.
Dhwani started laughing seeing Chandni Di's antics. Mukhiji made a quick escape after asking Chandni Di to choose a kurta for him. He ran for the exit as quickly as he could. By the time Chandni Di came back he had disappeared. She said she'll go find him so she exited the shop to look for her Chand. Dhwani went back to looking at kurta's when Mukhiji came up behind her.
Dh: You scared me.
Vir: You're scared? Think of me. Chandniji is after me.
Dh: She's a nice person and she really likes you. Chandji.
Vir: Stop laughing at my expense. Let's go from here.
Vir grabbed Dhwani's hand and started making his way out of the shop. Dhwani couldn't stop looking at their joined hands as she walked along with him. He held her hand with such authority. She was in a daze and her hand was tingling again. In this state, they were soon enough outside the shop. Dhwani came to her senses and took her hand out of Mukhiji's.
Dh: Mukhiji, what are you doing? We can't just leave Chandni Di like this.
Vir: Okay you deal with her, I'm going.
Bawri could go to hell. Vir needed to save himself at that moment. Just then Bawri's phone rang. It was Chandni, calling to say she's lost her Chand but for Dhwani to continue shopping as she's going to the salon.
Dh: You're lucky. Chandni Di has gone to the salon so she's not coming back.
Vir: Thank God.
Dhwani just laughed at Vir's reaction. Vir was mesmerised. He hadn't seen Bawri like this in so long. He was happy seeing her happy.
Dh: What are you looking at?
Vir: No, nothing. Just, you look nice when you laugh.
Dhwani blushed.
Dh: Okay, let's go choose a kurta for Daksh.
That bought Vir's smile right down. Why does he always come in between us? Vir followed Dhwani as she went to the mens section. She picked out a black kurta with a matching vest. Vir just knew she would choose black. It was her favourite colour on him but now she was choosing it for someone else, he couldn't allow that. He convinced her to choose a dark blue kurta instead. Then kept the black one for himself after hiding it from Dhwani and got it secretly packed. After they finished shopping, they walked around the shopping mall just enjoying each other's company when they could hear someone calling out near them. 'Rhea! Rhea stop!' The person calling out came up to them and tapped Dhwani on her shoulder. She turned around and said ji, that's when the person responded, 'Sorry, I made a mistake. I thought you were someone else.' 'That's okay' replied Dhwani.
Vir and Dhwani kept walking but Dhwani had gone quiet and it seemed her mood was off. Vir bought a few more clothes for himself, he asked for Dhwani's opinion but she wasn't interested. After their shopping was done, Vir and Dhwani were back at her apartment. Vir invited himself in for a cup of tea. Mainly because he needed to check that she was fine. She made him a cup of tea but her attention was not on it, as she gave him a cold cup of tea.
Vir: What's wrong?
Dh: Nothing, why?
Vir: Just, you've given me a cold cup of tea. Did you even boil the water?
Dh: I'm sorry. I'll get you another one.
Vir held Dhwani's hand and asked her to sit on the sofa.
Vir: First you tell me what's wrong? Your mood has been off since that lady called you by mistake.
Dh: No, that's not true.
Vir: I'm the Mukhi of Rewari. I make judgments on people all the time. I can tell you're lying. Now tell me what's wrong?
Dh: When that lady called me by mistake, when she tapped me on the shoulder. For a moment, I thought she may know me. I don't know if you know, but I lost my memory 6 months ago. I've moved on in my life and I'm engaged as well but I just can't stop wondering where my family are, if I even have one.
Vir: I am your family.
Dh: You don't know what it's like Mukhiji. Living with no identity. I feel unwanted because if I was wanted, someone would have come looking for me by now.
Vir: Someone might be looking for you. You just don't know. They might not have found you but they will eventually.
Dh: But when? I'm restless all the time. I can't look back nor can I move forward properly.
Dhwani started crying as she ranted at Vir for how useless and helpless she felt. She was grateful to Daksh for a new family but she just wanted her own family. The one that would have loved her unconditionally. A mother, a father, sisters and brothers. Possibly even grandparents. All these relations possibly lost when she had that accident. Vir grabbed Dhwani and pulled her into a bear hug. He just held her until she calmed down and let her tears fall. Even if she didn't know it. He would do his duty as her husband to comfort her. Before he knew it, she went limp in his arms. She had fallen asleep on him. He just looked at her innocent face and fixed her hair as he used to before. If she was awake, he wouldn't have been able to do so. So he took the chance to look at her to his heart's content. He sat down with her still in his arms and eventually he fell asleep too.
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Dhwani woke up to find herself in Mukhiji's arms. They had both fallen asleep on the sofa. She smiled looking at his face and how innocent he looked. Instinctively, she raised her hand to touch his face, then stopped herself. What am I doing? She quickly got up from where she was and the quick action woke Vir up as well.
Dh: What are you still doing here Mukhiji?
After she asked the question, she recalled the day's events and how she was upset. Mukhiji had comforted her until she fell asleep.
Dh: I mean, thank you for staying with me but I'm okay now. You can go.
Vir: I'll go but are you sure you're okay. You were very upset.
Dh: Yes, I'm fine now. I tend to have moments like these every now and then. I'll get over it.
Vir: It's not something to get over. This is your life, you can't live like this.
Dh: Well there's nothing I can do but wait.
Vir: I promise you. I'll help you find your family.
Dh: How? We've already tried. Don't make promises you can't keep Mukhiji.
Vir: No, I'm telling the truth. I will get you your family.
Vir held her hand and made the promise to his Bawri. Even if you don't remember, you will meet your family. We are all here. We'll wait for you. Dhwani was very grateful and smiled at Vir. She placed her hand over his and said thanks.
Vir: I should go now, it's getting late.
Dh: Thank you for staying with me and helping me with the shopping.
Vir: You're welcome.
As they both walked to her front door. Vir had one final question to ask, his curiosity wouldn't let him leave without asking it.
Vir: Just one last thing. If I was able to find your family. You found your mother, father, siblings. How would you feel if you found out you were married and had a husband?
Dh: I always joke with Daksh about that.
Vir: What do you think then?
Dh: I don't know. I've never considered it beyond a joke with Daksh. If I am married, again where is my husband? Surely he would come looking for me, if he loved me.
Vir: Look clearly Bawri. I'm already here.
Dh: IF I am married. Obviously I can't marry Daksh but I don't know if I could live with a stranger too.
Vir: Stranger?
Dh: If I don't remember him, he will be a stranger to me. I just couldn't go back to living like a wife with him. I'd need time to get to know him, be comfortable before I could go back.
Vir: Hmm.
Dh: Does that answer your question?
Vir: Yes it does. Okay I'll be off now.
Dh: Goodbye.
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Vir’s hotel room
After Vir got back to his hotel room. He reflected on how Bawri reacted when he mentioned a possible husband from her past. She’s not ready to live with a stranger, so I can’t declare the truth to her. If he told her the truth now, she wouldn’t accept him. He needed to win her over first. Then he could tell her the truth and she would go back to Rewari with him, whether she got her memory back or not. It meant Vir would have to stay in Delhi longer but he could wait all his life for his Bawri. With that in mind, he made some alternative arrangements for his stay in Delhi as he could not stay in a hotel for the rest of his trip.
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