Hello friends.. I am hoping you are still relating to this SS.. as an alternate story-telling to the show.. and I am yet again hoping I haven't taken unnecessary creative liberties to render it unrecognizable.. and little too distinct from MB.. Feedbacks of all forms will be appreciated.. I am out of town this weekend.. so will only find time next week to start writing the next part.. so a lot of time for those of you who haven't to catch up and respond.. the next part should be posted by mid of next week.. I hope you enjoy this one.. and don't pelt stones..😆
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Part 7: A tryst with destiny
I woke up to my phone ringing incessantly. Grazing my hands, I finally found the culprit
"Hello" I managed, still caught in slumber. Instinctively I rolled over to find the bed empty, only to register the other noise around; that of the running shower.
"Hey Vaibhav. Good morning. Returning your voice message from last night."
"Hey Steve. Fine morning to you too. I apologize buddy. I reckon it was rather late but its sort of urgent."
"I figured as much. So got on it first thing in the morning. Its taken care of. I have emailed you the logistic details; you know time, place, etc."
"That's great. Thanks a ton buddy. I knew I could count on you"
"Anything for our little MBA click. It was really nice running into you in the conference though. I'll be in touch; especially following up on my proposal"
"But of course. In fact I'll get back to you as soon as I talk to dad about it. I am sure he'll like it. Its rather promising"
"So long then, mate. Have a safe flight home"
"Thanks again buddy." I hung up.. lazily dragging my frame to the laptop and flopping back on the bed with it. Still half asleep I checked my email and there it was; titled- 'Meeting with Sadhvi Parimita'. I chuckled. After speaking to mamma; I knew I had to arrange this meeting for Devki. I was too restless to wait for morning. So browsed the Excel webpage highlighting the symposium when my eyes fell on the sponsors. Parker Inc. was one of them; the company my grad school friend Steve was a COO in. Foregoing civility, I had left him a voicemail at the ungodly hour.
I opened the email; we were scheduled to meet her at 11. I quickly looked at the address on google maps; only to jump out of my skin as I saw the time- it was quarter past 9 already.
" Good morning"
Devki stood in front of me in a red and green salwar kurta, her hair wet; looking fresh and much better as a tiny smile crossed her face.
"Oh! I didn't see you coming."
"Of course you didn't. You are still a sight with your laptop; as always in your own peaceful world" she smiled.
I kept the laptop aside, and held her hand, pulling her as she sat next to me
"Why didn't you wake me up" I whispered.
"I would have now" she smirked.
I gave her a peck as she started hesitantly
"Vaibhavji.. I "
"It's a new day, Devki.. time to look ahead" I blinked, simling assuringly "and I have something lined up for today". I got up from the bed, and added in before heading to the bathroom
" Could you order some breakfast in the room. We have to be there in an hr. I'll get ready in the meanwhile"
"But where are we going? " she asked quizzically
" You can check the details in my email. I believe its still open. I wont mind you trespassing". I added with a hint of sarcasm.
She smiled slightly, by now deft at handling my random quirks. Her smile waned just as she read the email and looked up with a glint.. fighting the resurgent tear
"Time for those answers, I feel," I stood by the bathroom door as she smiled between her tears.
*********
We waited awhile as Sadhvi Parimita was yet to finish her discourse scheduled for that morning. She was to fly out the same evening and had accommodated us on Steve's special request. We were ascribed as Stephen Hopkins' special guests. 'Typical Steve' I mused. Discretion was his statement forever. I noticed Devki playing with her fingers in anxiousness, the anticipation killing her evidently. I took her hand in mine and trapped it.
Her innocent doe-eyes scanned mine; as I rambled "Look at it this way. Instead of her picture, today you have her live in skin. Tell her everything you ever wanted to.. you may or may not have this opportunity again.. you came here looking for peace.. answers.. and Mamma assured me.. She wont disappoint you.. "
"On the contrary, I am scared of the exact opposite. Would I be able to talk to her. I mean she is Maa Parimita now.. I am so overwhelmed right now."
"No Devki, you are not here to meet Maa Parimita. We are not here for that.. This may be your only chance Devki. Don't disappoint yourself in trying to live up to her expectations. Besides she may not have any" I assured.
"Hello, I am Teressa" A middle aged lady interrupted, appearing in front of us.
We rose up instantly as I forwarded my hand "Vaibhav Virani. Please to meet you"
"Sadhvi Parimita is ready to meet both of you. If you would kindly come with me"
I nodded. Devki moved a couple of steps but not finding me next to her, she stopped and turned around
I walked up; whispering to her "This is your journey Devki.. Yours alone. I will be waiting right here for you, Ok?"
She smiled giving my hand a quick squeeze before walking away, a fresh resolve in her gait.
"All the best" I murmured behind her just as my phone rang
"Pappa?"
***********
In I. M. Virani's office; the Czar took his spot by the chair, leaning back -
"Vaibhav"
"Yes Pappa. How are you? Is everything alright at your end?"
Letting out his characteristic laugh, he continued "Exactly my question. Your call this morning left Charu rather perturbed. I unfortunately had no time this morning. Just found time, so thought of finding out from the horse's mouth"
"Its all under control now, Pappa"
"Is it? I am afraid your voice doesn't convince me."
"No Pappa. Nothing like that; we happened to come across Sadhvi Parimita. So I thought of letting mamma know"
He sat up, his hands holding on to the edge of the table for support. He took a moment to calm himself, and then continued with a genuine concern
"How is Devki taking it?"
"Pappa.. You.."
"Of course, I know Vaibhav.. Now come to the point" he commanded with a hint of anxiousness
"She was really upset yesterday. But is relatively calm now. In fact I am waiting on her.. She has gone to meet her mother"
He stood up now.. walking to the golden tiger.. resting his hand on it "This is a rather sensitive time beta. You must support her.. even if you think she is being' unreasonable"
"Yes Pappa. I definitely will. We are flying back tonight as scheduled as of now."
"Good! keep me posted. I'll see you both tomorrow. All the best" He hung up and quietly settled on the couch; his forehead creasing a little; as he contemplated the gravity and ramifications of this chanced encounter. He never cared much for chances in life. But occasionally when they crossed paths in his life, much like the revelation of Devki's true identity in Vaibhav's engagement.. he made sure he was well prepared with a fall back.
A little later; Manjusha entered "Sir, your coffee. You have no more appointments for today"
"I know" he replied slowly, sipping the coffee. You can leave for the day Manjusa. I need to take care of somethings. I'll be late if Charu calls to enquire"
Knowing fully well, what that entailed Manjusha offered a "yes Sir" and left his cabin meekly.
He walked to his window.. the cup of coffee in hand' looking out.. to the lit skyline of Mumbai city; his mind wandering about one remarkable parley in London.
His lips twitched slightly; as he chimed "Welcome back.. to life Chandraprabha"
*********
On the other hand, in a quiet room, Maa Parimita looked up from her book as she felt some movement around. Bearing her signature tranquil smile; she removed her reading glasses to eye the young girl dressed in traditional Indian attire, a hint of vermillion on her forehead and mangalsutra in place; she stood at the door; Innocence personified' her aura reflecting verve.. albeit.. with slight nervousness in her demeanor. Maa Parimita gently smiled, gesturing her to come in.. The girl sheepishly walked to her and bent down to touch her feet
"Pranaam Guru Maa"
"Tapolap" she blessed the girl; enamored by her warm presence, as she felt a tear drop on her foot.
She withdrew her feet.. looking curiously at the young girl.. her pain affecting her.. strangely
The girl smiled.. gently.. amidst her moisture.. divulging " You may not remember me" she choked, recovering herself instantly "but we have spoken once before.. not too long back" to receive a warm yet questioning gaze from the Sadhvi.
"I am Devki' Devki Shah Virani.." she paused "Charulata Virani's daughter in law."
Edited by sonali.19281 - 13 years ago
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