Mukti Bandhan: a different perspective- SS - Page 15

Part 11: in the midst of it all

Next day was back to regular routine.. After morning tea with Vaibhavji I organized the breakfast. It was really comforting to see the whole family together on the breakfast table. I kept stealing glances at Pappaji now and then but there was no trace of anything uncharacteristic in his demeanor, like our conversation last night never happened. I caught Vaibhavji looking at me and reading my thoughts.. he smiled assuredly. I had briefly told him about our exchange.. only excerpts though and he had comprehended Pappaji's further reaction exactly as it stood now. I had to give it to him; for all the efforts I try in reading Pappaji it comes naturally to Vaibhavji maybe because he has had the privilege of being in close quarters with him. Someday I hope to get that opportunity too. I have observed Pappaji through his books and after coming to know him personally as best as I could.. recently through Vaibhavji's reading of him. But we all knew there's a ocean inside Pappaji surrounded by a strong wall that no one could breach. Most people had made peace with their limitations.. but it only intrigued me all the more.. My musing was broken as Pappaji had a brief exchange with Sid Bhai over some swing air meeting. He looked at me and asked me if I was resuming office today to which I calmly nodded and he smiled. Vaibhavji had told me there was a long list of meetings with architects etc in order today.. So I did had an idea about what to expect from the day. I assured pappaji that I had it under control. Dadaji intruded and told us to stop making the breakfast table a corporate meeting. I chuckled before my eyes fell on Nirali.. she was as usual lost in oblivion.. fiddling with the silverware.. I thought of teasing her about it later but I knew something was going on.. but nudged it aside as even a misplaced attire for the derby brought that look on her..

The whole day flew by in long meetings over Mumbai Floats. In the evening I had told BB I would have dinner with him. Vaibhavji was still busy and had some more things lined up but told me he would try to make it for dinner. So I sent the driver home as I made towards my old home.. BB met me at the door his pleasing exuberance in place. I fondly looked at him curbing my tears at the remembrance of my short parley in London. Pappaji's words rang in my head

Abandonment is not just a child's burden but a parent's too

He caught the glint in my eyes as I embraced him

"Devki.. stop worrying about me.. I am alright.. I took my medicines on time.. my BP is under control.. and why wont it .. CP enterprise made its first successful venture and my granddaughter just got back from a trip with her husband" he smiled.

"BB" I gave him the look.

"But Devki beta you should have tried to make it a little longer… the trip I mean.. you look so tired from it.. like you got back from battlefield.. was there hardly anytime for leisure"

I sighed regurgitating the reason for it in my mind.

"BB, you always say the same thing.. of course there was.. I showed Vaibhavji around the places I frequented in college.. we had all of 2 days with each other.. sans any work" I stressed on the 2 days.. as he smirked

"How thankful am I.. you both decided to spare so long for yourselves"

"BB.. stop it and tell me what's for dinner"

"Is Vaibhav Kumar coming"

"He will get a little late but will join us"

"Good, your favourite dishes are part of the spread.. I don't know what he likes" I cut him off in the middle, as I had started peeping into the dishes laid out on the table

"Oh god BB I forgot to mention Vaibhavji is allergic to eggplant, let me cook an alternative dish fast". I ran into the kitchen, but not before I caught his peaceful smile from the corner of my eyes. I was happy that my settling domesticity at least was reason enough for some assurance in his life.

******

We got home late after dinner. Vaibhavji had managed to make it just on time for dinner. And unlike before, nights were a little longer than before.. I mean it wasn't just sharing some perspectives and pleasantries with Vaibhavji.. there was suddenly no dearth of topics in a day's worth to discuss before sleeping.. and mostly either of us would sleep through the other talking..

The week went by in a jiffy as usual and suddenly I felt I was rather involved in my own little domesticity.. with Vaibhavji and Mumbai floats taking precedence. There was some underlying tension that I had seen in Mummyji's eyes but I hadn't really found the time and place to prod on it.. I had noticed that Nirali had really been off her elements of late.. so much so that she was always lost in something. Sid Bhai once mentioned she wasn't up to her task in the derby too and pappaji was not too happy about that and had instructed him to oversee. I decided to talk to her over the weekend and scheduled to meet with her in our old hangout- Irani Caf..

Over ban-maska and chai .. and our light banter resurfacing after so long.. I chided her

"So now that our old rendezvous is re-created.. can my best friend stand up please.. What is it that's been bothering you so much? Before I wouldn't even have to ask and you would be barraging me with your problems starting from a dress"

"Its not like that Devki, its just that you have been busy with other things and I did not want to disturb you"

"Since when has getting my attention away from my life and work become an intrusion Nirali.. have you really only started taking me as yer sister in law instead of a friend?"

"No Devki, its just…sensitive.. and I don't want to add to your anguish by involving you in my messy conundrum"

"Oh come on now Nirali.. shoot you are testing my patience"

"Its about my alliance with Kunal Rajput"

"What about it… I know you are apprehensive.. but trust me.. have an open mind.. you may just end up liking him.. he is a nice guy.. both me and Vaibhavji are in consensus on him"

"I get all that.. its not him per se.. its ME.. what if I don't want to like him.. what if I.."

"Like someone else? Do you.. Nirali.. look at me.. do you?"

She gazed at me helplessly

" You idiot.. why didn't you tell me before.. is it serious.. I mean how long have you.. never mind all that.. who is he?"

" I cant tell you anything yet Devki b'coz as of now I don't even know if its just one-sided.. I mean its just too messed up.. I don't know what to do.. I just know I don't want to marry that Kunal"

Comprehension just dawned on me.. as I looked through her.. this wasn't just one of her tantrums.. no it was more serious than that.. oh my god.. what about Pappaji..

"What do you mean you don't know… there must have been some signals.. some reciprocation from the guy too.. Nirali for your sake you have to talk to him soon.. and find out.. do you want me to?"

"No.. Devki don't "

"Someone has to Nirali.. before Pappaji plans any further.. good lord! he already made engagement plans.. Nirali you have to take control of this right now before things mess up further .. it will effect the whole family.. do you realize.."

looking at her helpless face I took a long breath and calmed down.. she needed me.. "but remember I am with you.. anytime you need someone around.. "

I saw a look of resolve on her face.. as she held my hand and I saw her smile genuinely for the first time in days.. I looked at her worried.. things were not as simple as I made it sound.. I saw dark days ahead.. I breathed in heavily..

**********

When I thought of dark days ahead I hadn't seen it come so soon.. in fact the very next day.. Busy at work I was shuttling between the conference room and Vaibhavji's cabin… as I saw Nirali pace out of Pappaji's cabin visibly upset.. Hoping not to think of the worst.. I caught up with her… As she looked at me fresh tears made their way out.. I managed to drag her in Vaibhavji's cabin before anyone took notice. Of course once inside Vaibhavji looked up quizzically; clearly uncomfortable to be a part of this situation as Nirali had started sobbing by now. Despite the state of affairs around, I chuckled at his reaction. He had never really been one of those comforting kinds… especially with siblings- he had very few close people.. his parents, kaka and now me.. I nodded at him.. as he got up, put a hand on Nirali's shoulder for his silent support and walked out of the cabin.. with a few files.. I knew he wasn't coming back.. I smiled.. as I turned my attention to the hysterical Nirali

"Devki.. Devki.. I told Pappa"

"What!" I was shell shocked.. this girl was crazy.. tell me she didn't barge into his cabin and threw bad news at him expecting petal showers

"I told him I cant marry Kunal.. that I love someone else"

"What is wrong with you, Nirali? I mean did you speak to the guy.. what did Pappaji say?" I rambled my thoughts aloud..

"I can't.. I can't talk to him now.. he is incommunicado.. that stupid moron.. and I had to tell Pappa as Mumma told me this morning that the Rajputs are visiting next week.. what if they get me engaged Devki". she was clearly panicking.

"Nirali.. calm down.. and what do you mean he is incommunicado.. is he avoiding you.. Nirali who is this guy.. I need to know now.. if you expect me to help you through this.. I need to know now"

She murmured "Jimmy"

I froze in my spot..