PART 56
'ALTERNATIVES'
Vaishali sat down near her Sulochana Aai. "So what have you decided about Satishji?"
Sulochana Aai looked surprised. "How did you come to know??"
"I was in the kitchen when he came to talk a little while ago. I heard everything. What have you thought?"
Sulochana sighed. She had not thought anything. It had all happened suddenly. She and Vaishali had been the only ones at home, and Satish had suddenly come with an unbelievable proposal that had completely sucked the air out of Sulochana's asthmatic lungs.
He wanted to marry Archu!!!
Sulochana had been shocked, but Satishji had quickly explained himself. He had gone to meet Ajit in the hospital, who had told him the whole story about Manav and Archana's relationship going sour. He had remembered Manav and Archana fighting on the road outside her night school and felt bad when he saw her crying silently in the car later when he dropped her.
"I always thought that Manav- Archana weren't going to separate." He had said. "I thought Archana was too attached, and somewhere I thought even Manav wasn't guilty. He had after all, come to explain things to me after the brothel fiasco. Do you know about it?"
Sulochana nodded. "It was just after that that he started talking to Archu and getting involved in her life. He tried to coax her to come with him saying that together they could convince you. Every ploy he has used to get close to the family and cast a good impression."
Satish had lowered his head. "I understand. I feel really guilty of the fact that I fell for all of Manav's horrid plans. I have hurt Archana a lot. If I had not doubted her character in this way, she would not have got trapped in this marriage. Many times later, I thought whether I had done the wrong thing, especially when I came to know that Archana had started working at an NGO. But later I came to know her marriage had been fixed with the same guy Manav, and I went back to square one. But now?"
Sulochana could hardly wait to hear.
Satish had looked very thoughtful. "Archana is really a strong girl." He had said. "Even after all this, it is amazing how she had composed herself. Instead of moping and crying or breaking down, like any other in her place would have done, all these months she has concentrated on her career and education instead. And I can see the changes in her, in her ability to take divorce and fight against the way she was cheated, instead of silently going back to that man just because she is married to him. I really respect her 10 times more than earlier. And so I would like to help her in her new fight of life by being with her, as a friend and as a husband, if you agree to give her hand in marriage to me. I made a mistake, and Archana suffered bcos of it. I just want to bring everything to where it all started, so that we can all start from a clean slate again."
Back to the present, Sulochana looked up at Vaishali who was still waiting for an answer . "I told him that Archu isn't ready for marriage now- she has still not got over Manav. He said that he would wait and try to know her a little more and be a friend to her. If she agrees, he will talk to his parents about marriage."
Vaishali raised an eyebrow. "And you said okay?"
"I have no problems as such," said Sulochana thoughtfully. "He is a good boy, and his family is nice too. But his parents should be ready to accept Archana. If they are not ready to accept a divorced DIL wholeheartedly, I will not say yes to the marriage. I don't want Archu to go through any more stigma or embarrassment or rough behavior just so that she can have a marriage."
"And what if divorce doesn't take place? Manav Jeeju hasn't signed yet. Dada's lawyer friend, what's his name- Siddhant, called him and tried to convince him to sign, so that the divorce case could be handled peacefully by mutual consent. Manav Jeeju refused."
"Don't worry, the divorce will surely take place. Siddhant will handle all the matters. Bappa is watching from above. Surely there is justice in his land."
Vaishali took a deep breath. 'I agree with your last two statements Aai. That is why I'm saying, don't count on the divorce to happen." And she walked away, leaving Sulochana worried.
******************
"I'm home Papa!" said Shravani as she entered the house. The first sight that she saw was her father sitting on the sofa, and the servant clearing away two cups of undrunk tea. "Guests, Papa?"
Girishji shook his head. "No guests- only Manav."
Shravani seemed shocked by this. "Manav came here?"
"Yes- and went away within 5 minutes. He wanted me to not renew his medical insurance this year- (Refer to SN puja part- Girishji had made medical insurances for all his workers) I was in the process of doing it for all the workers, and had asked him to help me in it. He told me not to renew his."
"Why?"
"He wants to use the money instead. He has some urgent need."
"And you allowed?"
Girishji sighed. "I tried to make him understand that the medical insurance had not been made to be used as loans, but he did not listen- I even said I would loan him money, but he said he wanted no favours from me. As it is I was feeling guilty cos of what you have done, so I decided not to create more troubles for him. I agreed."
Shravani rolled his eyes. "He must be wanting money for his divorce case.. when will he understand.. he doesn't listen to anyone.."
"Shut up!" said Girishji, standing up suddenly in anger. "You are criticizing him, but are you listening to others- to me?"
"Papa, please.."
"What you did with Manav and Archana was terrible, and I'm ashamed of you!" he scoffed. "I'm not surprised that Manav isn't talking to you, or to me either.."
Shravani threw up her hands. "I'm going to my room. Can't argue on this more- especially after the way you slapped me yesterday."
"Wait!" said Girishji. "My friend is coming in a few minutes.. I want you to meet his son.."
"Papa, I.."
"No more!!" boomed Girishji. "Lots of time I gave you, thinking that today's children want their own space, and like to choose their life partners themselves. I thought you were an intelligent, mature girl with good decision making ability. But you disappointed me completely."
Shravani looked shocked. "What have I done to make you feel so embarrassed of me?"
Girishji looked at her angrily. "Do you want me to say it in words- okay, I'll tell. My daughter loves a MARRIED MAN who loves someone else, and cares two hoots for my daughter. She is pursuing him shamelessly, and people are calling her names behind her back- words such that any parents heart will BURN!!!"
"Papa, this is wrong!!" protested Shravani. "I love him since a long time. Manav was not married then."
"That doesn't justify anything!! I would have never let you marry him even if he was not committed to someone else. Arey, have you even compared yourself with Manav? He is illiterate.."
Shravani butted in. "He is not 'illiterate'." She said coldly. "He's not graduate, bas. Other than that he has gone to school till class XIth."
"Whatever!" said Girishji frowning. "But he has nothing in him!! He hasn't graduated, college is a far off thing. He isn't refined- he doesn't even know very good English!! He is a mechanic who works under ME! His status is just like those other workers!! He lives in a chawl- a little house is all he has, for that too he pays RENT! He has no idea of the manners and practices of our class. And look at yourself- beautiful, abroad educated, cultured, having an identity of your own, respected by all classes of people. I cannot even begin to speak how mismatched you are..
"Aren't you insulting Manav a little too much Papa?"
"Truth is bitter!" said Girishji spitefully. "Arey, I have always treated Manav as my son- when he came to the garage, he knew NOTHING!!I have always considered him my apprentice- I even left my garage responsibilities to him so many times! But if I am criticizing him today, it is because I see things as they are.. I'm not blind like you."
"I'm not blind." Said Shravani quietly. "All Manav needs is grooming."
Her father was taken aback. "Grooming?"
Shravani looked up at her Dad. "Yes- grooming. Papa, you said na, that you considered Manav your apprentice at the tender age of 16, when he knew nothing, and today he stands tall and holds not only your admiration, but your trust as well? Then why point out his faults today- why not help him overcome them? Manav could never go back to studies cos he had to feed his family- you help him financially, he can easily finish one year in school and become a graduate. And then make him join your business- give all the responsibility of handling all your garages to him."
"But.."
"Papa, nowadays so many people leave studies after college, just cos they are more work oriented. They join their parents businesses and do well. And no one cares to point out as long as they make good money. This is what our society is concerned with Papa- money! As long as Manav is at a good post- handling your chain of garages- and making good money, no one will say this is a mismatched alliance. You are afraid of the fact that he cannot mix in our society, Papa, he can easily learn English, he can be taught the practices of our class. Things will become easier once we live separately."
"Separately?"
Shravani lowered her head. "Yes." She said slowly. "I don't want to live with Savita Kaku. She didn't behave well with Archana- she is too abusive. She might do the same with me."
Girishji threw up his hands. "You are making castles in the air- whereas the truth is that as of now Manav hasn't even agreed to get divorced, and he will never forgive you. And he will never separate from his family. Got it???????"
"He will have to." Said Shravani. "Archana wants divorce, and she has a strong reason. Court will grant it, I know. Besides his Aai has promised me that she will get me married to Manav, she desperately wants me for him. For that, she will even agree on us living separately, I'm sure. Then you won't even have to be embarassed about that chawl lifestyle."
"It won't happen. And anyway, I'm not giving you permission for marriage."
Shravani rolled her eyes. "Papa, why don't you want to accept that he is the only boy with whom I might ever be happy?"
"That's what you think! I think you can be happier with other boys.."
"Oh yeah!!" said Shravani challengingly. "I want to know which boy will be ready to accept that I, his future wife, will have a much more influential position than him, being at such a high post in an NGO, and with so many contacts? Which boy will tolerate his wife devoting so many hours to social service and that too for such a low pay- not everyone has such ideas of selflessness and all like Manav. Which boy will willingly agree to take all responsibilities of my old father, even let him live with us, cos my father will have no one after I get married? Which boy will agree to sit in that hot, sweaty garage that he will inherit thanks to you, and manage all those mechanics working there, speaking in a completely different language and living a completely different life? Manav will, Dad! No one else will!!!"
"Nonsense this is!" shouted her father. Shravani sighed. "You just don't want to accept that you have a probable heir in Manav- you yourself told me few days back that in all probability you might have to sell your garages even though you don't want to, having put in so much of effort over the years- simply bcos my future MBA or CA or industrialist husband would like to sell it for a better investment. Then why are you backing out now?"
"Enough! You are meeting my friends son today. Go and get ready!" he said. And walked out in irritation.
Shravani shouted after him. "Alright, make me meet him forcibly. I shall openly tell him I love someone else. I'll see then if he says yes for the marriage. If there is no Manav for me, there is simply no one else."
********************
Girishji sat up late that night, smoking one cigarette after another. Normally he never did it, but today he needed to calm himself after the declaration Shravani had made. He needed to think of an amicable way out of the mess.
Shravani's words rang in his ears. All evening he had dismissed her arguments as frivolous and childish. But now, he was slowly getting a better grasp of the situation...
Manav- his SIL? A probable heir???
He took out his specs and thought deeply. He had known Manav since a small age, and trusted him more than any of his employees. He was hardworking, genuine and a complete family man. He had also proved himself to be a very good husband and SIL in his first marriage, by still standing by his inlaws and wife who had treated him most shabbily. Right now he had not given up on his marriage, but if he did, then he could indeed be a good husband to Shravani and a caring SIL to him. The wax was of the best quality, it was just that the mould in which the candle had been made was not pleasing.
But the wax could easily be remoulded...
He thought of all that Shravani had said. It was true... if today Manav was a clod working as a mechanic and living in a chawl, it was because he hadn't got any real chances in life. If he was given chances, who knew till where he could reach? He had managed his garage quite nicely all the years, and had even bought one for himself. Fate had not been good to him, else the garage could have made him a rich man, even now if he reopened his garage, he could turn his life- there was no other garage in that area of Dombivili, and the garage had always made good profit. (In the beginning episodes of PR, it was shown that the garage makes a monthly profit of Rs. 70,000😲
Girishiji grew restless. He got up and walked. He tried to picture Manav in a nice suit, sitting in his cabin at the garage, talking in English to the rich customers and tradesmen, and being equally comfortable with the other mechanics, having worked amongst them. He pictured the 3 of them living together. He imagined Manav being an encouraging husband to Shravani and helping her in the social service work, just like he had encouraged Archana to study by taking loans for her. It was a very pretty picture.
Only there were a few doubts...
What was the guarantee that Manav could indeed be able to fit in their world and become a perfect gentleman and a good businessman?
What was the guarantee that he would separate from his parents and his family wouldn't protest?
What was the guarantee that he would actually agree to divorce?
And finally, what was the guarantee that he would forgive Shravani?
Girishji's head whirled. It would be difficult, very very difficult, almost impossible. But there were really not many alternatives. Shravani was 29 now, and yet unmarried. She was successful, alright, but he couldn't leave her alone when he died. She was impulsive, emotional and also stubborn. Not having a mother to take care of her, she had grown to be a bit spoilt too. But she wasn't bad. All she needed was a mature man to care of her, a friend, so as to speak.
He had introduced her to so many boys in the last 3 yrs, but she had never liked anyone. How could she, if she kept comparing everyone with Manav? He remembered what she had told him last night, that a long time back Manav had asked her to move on.. and she had tried but failed.
Yes, she had made an unforgivable mistake. She had destroyed a marriage. But was she solely responsible? Archana- Manav's relationship had been on the rocks since a long time. Her words wouldn't have had any impact if Archana had kept a little faith on Manav. Some fault lay with Manav too- why did he keep coming back in Shravani's life on the pretext of 'help' if he expected her to move on. The mistake was from all sides, so why should his daughter be the only one to get punished.
Tomorrow, if Archana Manav got together, they would be happy. If they got separated, then they would be happy in separate worlds. But Shravani- his daughter???
What if she could never move on? What if she never got married? What if she got married, but later found out that she couldn't forget him? What if she never could move on at all?
Her life would be ruined. And this catastrophe had started. People were bitching about her already and her spotless reputation had gone to the dogs. Yes- she needed punishment- but wasn't this too big a punishment- he thought- to be an outcast in society, pointed at by people, and live a lonely life all alone, when he was gone? And that too for ONE mistake in an impulse of anger and weakened love, one which seemed to have snuffed out all years of helping people in need, being a friend to Manav and doing so much of good for society- Did his daughter really deserve this?
His heart panicked as he sank into his chair. The humiliating gossip he had heard in his office rang in his ears again. "What have you done Shravani!" he murmured. "What have you done!!!"
Like a normal parent, Girishji, at that moment, tried to look out for his own child first.The businessman in him thought hard. As always, he decided to make use of whatever he had at the moment. He would have to take matters in his own hands now. He would offer Manav the post of Supervisor of the garages, saying that he really could not handle the workload any more. He would offer Manav tuitions to complete his education, as penance for Shravani ruining his marriage. He would slowly groom him to perfection. Based on Manav's ability as a businessman and his progress and also whether he agreed to divorce Archana, and also upon Shravani's remorse for her mistake, Girishji would decide whether or not to talk to him about marriage with Shravani.
Convincing Manav for marriage would be a Herculean job, Girishji knew. Her mistake after all was no ordinary mistake- she had broken up a marriage by her lies and raised fingers on Manav's spotless character. No wonder, he had broken his friendship with her, and had proclaimed that he would never forgive her. But his Aai thought otherwise- she had been silently supporting Shravani since a long time. Girishji was no stranger to the wily Savita Deshmukh. She was a very strong minded woman and always achieved whatever she wanted- be it supporting her family on a very low income, or getting Manav married to a richer girl like Archana. Manav was his Aai's biggest disciple. He never went against his family. If Savita played her cards well, Manav could agree to marry Shravani. If Savita was comfortable with Manav separating from the house and her financial needs were fulfilled, she could very well convince him. Manav was an obedient son- Girishji had faith on him.
Truly, this alliance could make everyone happy, Girishji thought- Deshmukhs, Shravani, himself, even Manav- who was stubbornly refusing to move on in life. After all, his marriage with Archana had not really been a happy one. Shravani on the other hand had been a good friend to him all these years, always helped him when in need, and shared a good rapport with his family- she was caring, helpful, beautiful and intelligent. Aur kya chahiye???
***********************
"Sachin!" Manav called out breathlessly, as he entered into the house. "Where are you?"
"Over here Dada!" he said, as he entered the drawing room, rolling his sleeves. "What happened?"
"Sachin... Sweety wants to meet you... she was asking for you below."
Everyone in the house stopped working at once. Sachin seemed surprised by the statement. He immediately ran down. Savita Aai and Vedant- Vandita immediately ran to the balcony to have a look at the girl standing with Sachin, wearing hot tight pants, with a fancy shirt, and had coloured her hair. She was speaking to him excitedly in English. "She seems very smart!" said Vedant.
"She's very beautiful... gosh... look at her heels!!!"
"She seems rich!!" said Savita gleefully, eyeing her car. Wow!!
Manav waited quietly for Sachin to return. "Who is she?" asked Baba.
Manav seemed expressionless. "According to her... she's Sachin's soon to-be wife."
"WHAT!!!"
The entire family was flabbergasted. Manav shrugged his shoulders. "Let Sachin come."
Sachin came back a little later. The entire family was standing, looking at him questioningly. "Alright, I know you people want a lot of answers..."
"We're waiting." said Baba quietly.
Sachin told the whole story. He had gone to a big business house for a friends interview, and there he had met a beautiful girl. While his friend had gone for his interview, the girl, whose name was Sweety had stayed behind to talk. An hour later, she had departed, asking him to meet her in the evening for a coffee date. He had met, they had talked, she had proposed, he had accepted.
Baba raised an eyebrow. "She proposed for marriage?"
Sachin looked down sheepishly. "Yes, todays girls are way too forward it seems."
"And you accepted?"
"Yes. Actually I had wanted to make her my girlfriend, but she came to know that I'm looking for somebody to invest in my business, so she said that her Dad will finance it, but only if I agree to marry her- her Dad is actually the owner of that company. I said Ok."
Baba was dumbfounded. "I don't know what to say...you youngsters decide everything these days without asking your parents... what do you say Savita?"
"What type of girl is she, Sachin?"
Sachin brightened up. "She's very cheerful and has a great sense of humour. As you must have seen, she's very pretty as well."
Savita nodded. "She seemed okay to me." she said to Baba
Manav crossed his arms. "Sachin can I ask a little personal question?"
"Sure..."
"How old is Sweety?"
"Erm... just turned 18."
"When did you fix your marriage with her?
"Erm... 2 days back?"
"And when do you intend to get married to her?"
"Erm..." Sachin hesitated. Finally he spoke up. "whenever she wants- as soon as possible- maybe this month."
The whole family was shocked. "Are you out of your brains Sachin?" asked Manav incredulously. "You have said yes to marriage to a girl who is just out of high school. that too, on your first meeting, and you want to get married to her as soon as possible???!!!??? What is this nonsense???"
Sachin got angry. "This is no nonsense..!!" he said defensively.
Manav looked at Baba. "Baba you tell me whether I'm saying something wrong- he does not know anything much about Sweety's nature, who isn't even very mature as of now, and plans to get married before knowing her properly. Neither does she know him well."
"Well, I am not doing anything stupid," said Sachin. "Don't people get married through arranged marriages- how much do they know about their partners at that time- almost nothing. Then why are you making such a big deal of this small issue?"
"Arranged marriages are fixed after thorough scrutiny." said Manav. "Both the sides enquire about the nature of the girl and the boy, apart from education and job profile. Its not so carelessly done. Nowadays, people even give the boy and girl time to know each other."
"Well, even I'm not careless." said Sachin, pouting. "And... you need not make a big deal of Sweety's young age... so what if she is 18.... "
"Sachin, she is too young. At such a tender age, teenagers have a tendency to get infactuated. Marriage is a very big decision. The responsibilities that come with it are big as well. Look at the conditions of our house, you are jobless as well. Is she mentally prepared for all this... she may say yes now cos of the fever of love riding on her head, but what if she does not like it all later? She needs to focus on her studies and career now. If you marry her now... she will get stuck and so will you."
"Dada, she herself proposed..."
"I know. But she is very young and maybe infactuated Sachin, you are elder... you should have thought of it na... there is one example in front of you- Vinod and Manjusha. Manjusha married him but till date hasn't adjusted to the standard of living or his family. And Sweety is just 18! EIGHTEEN!!! How do you know this is love even???"
"Who knows she is mature even at a small age just like you were when you were young..."
Manav slapped his forehead. "Don't use me as a reference point Sachin. Aai- Baba, please explain things to him..."
Savita spoke up. "I have no problems with the match. Even I got married when I was very young." Sachin beamed. Manav was stunned.
Damodar Baba was quiet. "I agree with Manav. Sachin, I really cannot allow you to get married so soon. None of us, including you, know anything about this girl Sweety- her past, her nature, her tastes, nothing."
"Just a minute." Savita spoke up. "When you had seen Archana for the first time, you had immediately started encouraging ans teasing Manav about marriage? Then why not in this case?"
Damodar looked irked. "Arey Savita, what sort of question is this? I know my kids inside out- the way they all think, and the difference in the way they all think.. Manav is 9 yrs elder to Sachin. Besides, when he, a guy all enveloped in responsibility and ignoring marriage for long suddenly shows some inclination, you have to always give him some credit and have faith in his decisions."
"And I knew Archana since 2 years." said Manav triumphantly.
"So you don't have faith in my decisions?" asked Sachin, hurt.
"Its not like that Sachin. Its just that- as a parent I know which child is impulsive and which is patient- that if Sachin had fallen for a girl what he might have seen in her, and what Manav might have liked in a girl. I don't have any problems with Sweety. You like her, okay. Then hang around with her, know her more and we won't object- we are not so narrow minded. But don't expect us to marry you off so soon- first understand for yourself whether it is infactuation at both ends or indeed love. Even 'love at first sight' needs to be treated with caution. Why do you want to get married so soon?"
Sachin looked embarassed. "Baba, you know we need money right now. If I get married to Sweety, her father will invest in my business. Otherwise he doesn't take chances with newcomers. Nobody does these days, especially when the market has fallen so badly."
"So are you marrying her for her money?" asked Manav, suddenly feeling very bad. Sachin got irritated. "Yeah, thats what you all think I am, right- a selfish, greedy opportunist??? Fine! Then think what you want!!!" he left the hall angrily.
*****************************
Sachin was sitting alone on the swing on the balcony that night, staring at the stars, when Manav came and sat next to him. "Can I sit with you for a while?"
Sachin stiffened up and made more space for him. "I have no problems." he said. Manav smiled. "When you were one year old, I used to sit with you on the swing when you cried, if Aai was busy. In the end, I would lie down along with you on the swing, all curled up, and both of us would go to sleep, enjoying the rocking."
Sachin laughed. "And what if the swing became stationary?"
"We were two lazy children Sachin! We always fell asleep very fast- even before the swing stopped oscillating!"
Both the brothers laughed again. "Well, I haven't changed." said Sachin grinning. "I'm still the same- very lazy."
Manav gave a weak smile. "Even I haven't changed." he said softly. "I'm the same as I always was. Then why do you hate me so much nowadays?"
Sachin looked shocked. "Dada, I don't hate you!" he said. "Its just that, nowadays your decisions don't find agreement with me. Quite clearly we don't agree on a lot of issues. And nowadays I think, it is better that we don't talk about them, cos we don't understand each others POV."
"Then help me understand na Sachin!" urged Manav. "Tell me, are you marrying Sweety just for money?"
"It's not like that Dada." said Sachin and tried hard to think. "See, its a bit complicated, okay, let me explain it this way- tell me, what type of life partner did you want?"
Manav was taken aback, but tried to concentrate. "Umm... I wanted a life partner who had the same fundamental thinking like me- family oriented- and I always admired Archana for her qualities- helpful, kind, understanding and sensitive- basically I always wanted someone whom I could really respect as a person."
"Yup!" said Sachin. "I understand. But what you need to understand Dada, is that not everyone has the same idea of a life partner as you have. Everyone has different expectations from life partner and marriage. You wanted a life partner whom you could really admire and respect as a person, and I want a life partner jisko dekh ke sab jalein -that is how I put it very honestly. I want a perfect girl- perfect in every aspect- so that all my friends should look at her and feel jealous of me."
Manav was silent. "Is that enough?"
"Maybe not in your eyes Dada. But in my eyes, yes. And Sweety fulfills that criteria. She is fun loving and humorous like me. She is gorgeous looking. And she's rich- that's an added advantage. Its like, I've hit a jackpot. She's perfect for me in every sense. I always wanted a girlfriend like her."
Manav swallowed hard. "Isn't there some difference between a girlfriend and a wife Sachin." he said cautiously. "Why marry so soon? I know there are financial problems, but this is no way to handle them. Don't you trust me that I can handle our problems well? And okay, if you really want to help, then the sensible thing would be to take up a job and help the family financially. What you are doing right now... I don't know what to say..."
Sachin frowned. "Dada, I have told you so many times, I dont want to take up a 9 to 5 job. My heart is in business. And I really have no qualms in taking money from my future FIL. Aaj lo, kal lo, ek hi baat hai. I couldn't be more happy than I am right now Dada, I have got my dream girl, money for my business, everything. Its like a fairy tale- you know na, how girls dream about a handsome prince coming on a horse and taking them away to a faraway castle? Its the same with me, only roles have reversed. My princess has come on a Mercedes Benz to take me away to a dreamland."
Manav stared at smiling Sachin as if he had gone mad. "We don't live in fairytales Sachin, we live in real, harsh world. In this world, a beautiful and rich life partner is not the ultimate guarantee to a successful marriage."
"And is having a partner you can respect a guarantee Dada? What is the use of all that respect and admiration of all the big big qualities- sensitivity, helpfulness, family oriented etc.-, if they dont help you save your marriage?"
Manav had no answer to this question. He lowered his head, embarassed.
Sachin held Manav's hand. "Dada, I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt you. But you weren't seeing my point. And my point is- there is no guarantee for anything. Marriage in itself is a risk- so why think so much? You thought so much, but what did you get? You're fighting your divorce case! Of course- I see your POV too- you're highly conservative and believe marriage is for seven lives and so on. I'm not like that Dada. So now I'm doing things my way, by taking decisions that seem right to me on an impulse. They maybe wrong, but atleast they are helping me fulfill my fairytale dream of a beautiful princess and a rich house. I look upon marriage as convenience. That's it.
Dada, I respected your opinion when you said you wanted to fight for your marriage cos you take relationships very seriously. I openly said I disagree with your decision, but I still didn't say anything vahini like Aai does. I even told Aai, leave Dada alone, he doesn't want to listen. And so I expect you today to respect my decision. Please!"
Manav looked up at Sachin. "Your arguments do make sense, but I dont know why I'm still not convinced." he said softly. "But I guess you are right. I should let you make your own decisions. But if you ever fall, I'll be there okay?"
Sachin gave a broad grin. "I won't fall." he said.
Manav laughed. "Whatever!" he said. "I'll still be there."
"Manav!!!" a voice came from the living room. "Come outside! Girishji has come to meet you!"
*********************************
The meeting was a short one. Girishji did not mince words and straightaway came to the point- he needed someone to take charge of his garage, and Manav needed money. So he had worked out a middle solution for both of them- he told Manav, Damodar and Sachin, that he wanted to make Manav as the Supervisor of his chain of garages in Mumbai. This meant that Manav would be making more money than the usual Rs. 16, 000 he made as a mechanic.
"I think you understand it when I say that appointing a Supervisor and sort of leaving everything in someone else's hands is a very big risk for someone like me, who has to literally look out for himself all his life and make sure he is not cheated. But I trust you, Manav." He said, holding Manav's hand. Manav looked up at him, emotionally. "I am tired of this business, this garage, these loans, everything. I need a break from all this now. And so I want you to handle this post."
Manav kept silent for a long time, pondering. "But I have my own garage to manage." He said slowly.
"Your garage will take some time to open up, right? You will still be working in my garage as a mechanic till then, hai na?" asked Girishji. Manav nodded. "Well, then instead of working in my garage as a mechanic, handle it like a Supervisor. I trust you COMPLETELY that you will not cheat me and you are capable of this responsibility. You have always bonded well with all the workers and been a link between the workers and me. You deserve it. And if you think that this is too soon, or something- then lets make it this way- handle the garage as a Supervisor on a trial basis for a few days, then see if you can manage two garages. I will not make it official between all the workers right now. Lets see how it works out. If it works out well for you as well as me, then we can make it official and I will make you a partner in the garage as well. Till then I will raise your salary to .. umm.. Rs. 25,000?"
Rs. 25,000? Manav was stunned. At such a time, when he was so badly in need of money, even a little ray of hope was a blessing. He wanted to kiss Girishji's hands with relief, but controlled himself. Suddenly a thought struck him. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Girishji, did Shravani ask you to help me in this way?"
Girishji was taken aback. "Its not like that Manav, See, this is not the first time I'm offering you help of any kind, is it? Plus, this time, its more of a mutual need than help. Where Shravani is concerned, Manav, I don't want to speak on that matter at all. She has made a terrible mistake, and I understand that you would never forgive her. But because of her, will you break relations with me as well?" he asked, with emotions in his old eyes.
Manav felt sad. It was true that Girishji had always done a lot for him. From giving him elderly advice, to teaching him tricks of the trade and giving him loans at unearthly hours, Girishji had done a lot for him. All the times that his Baba should have stood up for him and given him strength, Girishji had been there for him. He had always been his mentor and guide. This was the first time he had asked something from Manav, and Manav did not have the heart to deny it.
He looked at Damodar Baba for help. Baba nodded. Manav spoke up finally. "Alright." He said. "I will take the responsibility Girishji. But then, Shravani must not come near the garage."
Girishji looked guilty. "Manav.. she is my daughter.."
"That is what I'm saying Girishji! Earlier she used to help you sometimes in the garage with the accounting and stuff, but if you want ME to handle the garage, then please tell her to stay away, and even more specifically, please tell her not to question me about the garage. I will be answerable to you only and absolutely NO ONE ELSE. I know all this is difficult, since she is your daughter, and it is her garage as well. That is why I'm making all this clear at the very outset."
Girishji hurried to speak. "No problem Manav. I will tell Shravani to keep away from the garage. If she feels bad, let her feel bad. I cannot keep pampering her. She is suffering from her own mistakes, nothing else. Rest, you take responsibility from tomorrow. Arey Savita Tai, chai nahi deshil ka? (won't you give tea?)"
In his mind however, he wondered that with so much of hatred in Manav's mind, could the Manav- Shravani marriage indeed take place?
Savita Aai on the other hand, was gloating with happiness. She was sure that Shravani had talked to Girishji about Manav and marriage. Yes, Girishji was slowly coming under influence. Now only Manav had to be convinced. And after the divorce case, she would convince him too. Manav would surely listen to her. He had always listened to her in the past before Archana came in his life. He respected her and valued her opinion the most. Once Archana left him in a terribly wounded emotional state, and he realised that it was ultimately family which supported in tough times, she would convince him to forgive Shravani. It was in his best interests, she would explain, she had made just one mistake, and punishing her for a lifetime was too much, especially cos she had always supported him as a friend. And then she would slowly convince him for marriage.
She looked at the lamp in front of Bappa, which was blazing furiously. She gave a smug smile and put some more oil into it. "What a nice day it was Bappa!" she said happily. Indeed, both her sons were being chased by beautiful, rich girls. Really, she wondered, what was it in the Deshmukh blood that beautiful rich girls and their Dads fell for the Deshmukh men like flies for honey? Not just Manav and Sachin, but even oldie Damodar!- more than 2 decades ago, her own Baba had agreed to get her, such a beautiful young dashing girl 😆 married to that Bewda!!! Really what was in these Deshmukh men, she wondered.
She was lost in thoughts when Vedant passed by to collect his books. "Don't keep studying the whole day." she said to him in a loud voice. "Play some outdoor games, build up your body, look good. You have to keep up the family tradition of the Deshmukh men."
And she went away laughing. Vedant stood puzzled. "What tradition?"
********************XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX************************
A belated Happy Diwali to all the lovely readers of PR Reloaded. Also since I'm in Gujarat, a very happy new year to you as well.
You people must be wondering why there is no 'Diwali special' in PR reloaded, right???
Well, there is a reason for that. Do you remember what was the day when Manav recorded Ajit's confession?- 15th August- he was working alone in the garage as overtime that day since it was a holiday. Next day the court hearing was there.
And since then ... we only progressed a little more than a week ahead. It might seem long to you or difficult to believe, since a lot of parts were based around only one night and day (court case). Till part 53, we were on the same night.
So right now, time line in FF is late August- time for Janmashtami, Ganpati Puja etc. So we will be concentrating on those festivals and no Diwali. Diwali will come later.
I'm so sorry, it came about so twistedly, but I felt it would be better to explain this now so that you wouldn't be confused in later parts.
To make matters even more clear- let me add one more thing- ArMan got married on 4th May. (Remember the invitation card for the marriage?)
Anyways, enough of my ramblings. I hope you enjoyed the part. Tried to present 'alternative' solutions to the existing problems in the FF. 😆 Just imagine, Manav and Shravani running a garage together... and Archana and Satish with their family... 😆.... and Sachin running a business house and Deshmukhs becoming very rich... how does it sound???? Not bad eh?? 😆
Just kidding, waiting for your comments and feedback.
Edited by nikitagmc - 14 years ago
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