Part 69 (subpart 2)
'M-E-N-I-N-G-I-O-M-A'
Archana looked at Dr. Ritika brazenly as she stared back at her through her specs.
"It's a tumour of the meninges- the outer coverings of the brain. It occurs commonly in the 3rd decade of life." Explained Dr. Ritika. "I'll not get into too many details, but yes, there is a tumour growing inside Manav's skull, for which he has come here for treatment."
She flipped a few CT scans in front of her, and put up one to show Archana. "Here it is." She said, pointing at a weird mass behind what looked like Manav's orbit. "It lies behind his eye ball. And so, as it grows, it COMPRESSES the eye ball. You may have noticed Manav isn't able to read clearly or do intricate work at near distance these days. Its because of this only. Also, he has chronic headache since the last 4 months or so, which is because of an increase in the intra cranial pressure (due to the mass)."
She turned back to look at Archana. "Are you okay?" she asked cautiously.
Archana looked up. Of course she was not okay. The colour had totally gone from her face. She looked confused, scared, worried, angry, disappointed- her face was a mosaic of everything that was going on in her heart at the moment. Her nervousness was only too apparent as she sat making knots of her sari. She looked at the CT scans in front of her- as if expecting them to do some magic to cure Manav. Of course, nothing happened.
The doctor raised an eyebrow. "You okay?"
Archana gulped. "Since when.."
"No idea." Said Dr. Ritika. "Manav complained of headaches since the last 4 months or even before that, which didn't get cured inspite of any medication. He got an eye check up done, and was told he needed specs. Just two days back his tumour has been diagnosed." The doctor suddenly felt uncomfortable. "You said you are his wife, didn't Manav tell you all this?"
Tears welled up in Archana's eyes as she sat with her head low. She shook her head.
Dr. Ritika cleared her throat. "Anyways, that doesn't change the situation, does it?" she said, trying to ease the matter, putting the scan back in her file.
Archana looked at Dr. Ritika. "Dr., will he be alright?" she asked tearfully.
"If the surgery is successful, he will be alright."
Archana did not say anything for sometime. She fought hard to control her tears. "How can Bappa do this to a good guy like him?" she muttered angrily, unable to control herself.
The doctor was irked by this. "So you mean to say good people cannot fall ill? That they must have a healthy fulfilling life even if there are garbage dumps with mosquitoes around them? That their genes for any kind of disease must be miraculously suppressed cos they are 'good', against science? Is this what you expect?"
Archana looked scared. She didn't know what to say.
"Stop blaming god for everything." Said the doctor. "If you want to go into the karmic cycle of 'he's so good, how could he fall ill', then look into all the seven lives- maybe he wasn't so 'good' in all of them? Maybe it's the punishment now?"
Archana felt bad on being ridiculed by the doctor. She couldn't control herself from sobbing any more. Silently she sat and wept for Manav.
Dr. Ritika slapped her head. She shouldn't have been so harsh. The lady in front had just got a shock, and needed a little time to let it sink in. She got up from her seat and over to the other side of the table, where Archana was sitting. She slid in to the seat next to her and took her hand.
"Listen Archana, I'm sorry. I think I've been a little harsh to you. I just get a little irritated when people mix philanthropy and philosophy with science. I'm sorry."
Archana didn't say anything. "And Archana, you know what, Manav is not so unlucky, he has very good chances to get cured. Bappa has 'rewarded' for being a good guy, in your language."
Archana looked up. "What do you mean," she asked a little hopefully.
Dr. Ritika sat to explain. "Archana, when does a patient come to a doctor? When he/she has some complaints, some problems. In other words, a patient comes to a doctor when the disease starts showing its effects or symptoms. Manav had JUST two complaints- headache and diminished vision- and they are certainly NOT such which would make a person suspect a brain tumour and come running to an oncologist or a neurologist, who would then conduct tests to confirm the disease. A person who goes to a doctor with these complaints is given specs and told to go. That's it. In Manav's case, the tumour condition is not so severe as of now, it seems to have just started a few months back- hence the lack of more specific complaints like diplopia, vomiting, epileptic seizures and so on! I had a similar case like Manav last year- he came when his eye vision had deteriorated pretty badly, he had vomiting and epilepsy attacks too and his ophthalmologists could not figure out was wrong for some time. Early stage cases like Manav do not come in so soon, simply cos their condition is not so developed to indicate the more severe and specific signs of cancer or tumour, which make us prescribe tests for them and lead to identification of disease."
Archana was confused. "Then how did Manav get diagnosed?"
"Manav got hit on the head." Said Dr. Ritika. "Twice. Once when he was attacked by some goons, and once when he crashed his head on glass."
Archana remembered. Yes indeed!- Manav had had a fight with Ajit's friends, and he had crashed into a glass window once after their first hearing. It had happened in front of her. (Go back to the previous parts for this one)
"After he got hit, he came for bandage and dressing etc, and was told to get a CT scan done to rule out any internal injury. The tumour was seen both times. First time, the doctor dismissed it as some internal bleeding (both look quite similar on CT) and gave treatment for that, but when it was discovered in the second CT too- he panicked and asked Manav if he had had any neurological problems- after which Manav confirmed he had some problems from the last 4 months. It was after that the other tests were done and diagnosis confirmed. Manav himself came to know just two days back."
Archana stared at the doctor. She couldn't understand why the doctor seemed so excited.
"Manav is lucky in that aspect." Said Dr. Ritika. "He got hit and it gave him pain, yeah true, but if that hadn't happened, he would not have come to know about his tumour till a long time, and then who knows what would have happened. We used to read in medical school that meningiomas can be detected incidentally, but this is the first time I've actually seen such a case."
"That doesn't change things much, unfortunately," said Archana in a small voice. "He will still need to be operated, I guess."
"Yes, but the odds are good." Said Dr. Ritika. "It can be a plain benign tumour, or a cancer. The first one doesn't spread. The second one does, and is very dangerous. As of now, the clinical symptoms don't make me think that it is cancer, or even if it is, its in a prelimnary stage. We can overcome it through a surgery, and once it is taken out, the histology tests (examination under microscope) will confirm what it is. Again, meningiomas are rarely cancerous, but we cannot take a chance. If it's a cancer, Manav may need some radiotherapy, if not, then the treatment ends!"
The doctor looked at Archana. She hung her head.
"You might be thinking that I can't understand your feelings, right Archana." Said Dr. Ritika softly. "Trust me, its not like that. I can understand what you are going through right now. You know what, I have been an oncologist since 12 years now. Many people come to me in the late stages of cancer, and there are only few I am able to restore to normal living. As such, when I get a case like this, in which I find hope for the patient- I feel happy about it, rather than muttering and groaning about why God did this to him. Go look into the ward to see little children suffering from leukemia Archana, then you will thank God for being kind to Manav. We must look for the positives in life and derive strength from them."
Archana nodded. "It is difficult for me, however. Comparing our problems with others doesn't make ours any less. Manav is also suffering." The words pierced her heart. A tear flowed down one eye.
"I know. All I'm trying to say is that you need to be strong now. I know you are worried, but trust me, things WILL be fine. There is no point in sitting and crying. There is a struggle ahead for Manav and you need to support him in this, he needs strength from his loved ones right now. If you fall weak and cry, then how will he contain himself. No, stop crying now." she wiped away Archana's tears. "Stop crying. He will get better, just hope for the best, and get him operated soon. That is more important now. We have the biggest advantage in our hands- time- don't lose it. Later, all the money and the best medical facilities may not be able to give this advantage."
Archana nodded. She wiped her tears quietly. Dr. Ritika offered her a glass of water. She accepted it.
"I have explained things to Manav." Said Dr. Ritika. "He took it all very bravely. We have started with getting things organized."
Archana took in a deep breath. She felt a bit better now that the news had started sinking in.
"How did you get involved in this case?" Archana asked Dr. Ritika.
"Dr. Mansukhani is handling this case primarily. He is a neurosurgeon. You know Tarun Kapoor? His family doctor recommended me to Manav after the initial few reports."
Archana felt as if the sky had fallen on her. "Tarun knows about Manav?" she asked, horrified.
"Why, yes of course! In fact he was the one who came with Manav the first time.. why what happened?"
Archana shook her head. No point in discussing these things with the doctor, who was unaware of these personal equations.
Dr. Ritika looked at her watch. "Its 12.30 Archana, I have an appointment, so could you please..?"
Archana nodded. She wiped her tears and stood up. Dr. Ritika squeezed her hand.
"Your husband will depend on all of you to lead him now Archana." She said. "Treatment for cancer or tumour can be very strenuous mentally as well as physically. Every person needs some kind of support. And I guess your husband is scared of hospitals anyway- he said it to me last time he was here." (Manav also says it to Varsha in Part 51). "So be strong for him."
Archana gulped her tears. "Just one more question."
Dr. Ritika nodded.
"Is radiotherapy a painful process?"
Dr. Ritika looked at Archana for a minute, not knowing what to say. Or rather, how to say.
Archana felt gloomy. "Thankyou doctor," she said.
Slowly, she came out of the room. She walked slowly, directionless, without an eye or thought for anything around her, her mind only on what had passed, or rather what had been revealed to her in the last half an hour.
Why had this happened with Manav, she asked herself. Why had God done this with him? In spite of whatever the doctor had said and explained she couldn't help being angry with Ganpati Bappa. Wasn't he suffering enough? Now he had to go through an operation! Why was God making Manav suffer more, she thought, as angry tears flowed down her cheeks. She wanted to control herself- She had unleashed the pain inside her to some extent by crying, and that had made her feel more at ease. But now she couldn't stop crying at all. The moment she gathered courage and made herself quiet, a fresh volley of tears would come up as she remembered the doctor's words.
Then suddenly she stopped midway as she remembered something else. Tarun had known about all this. And had yet not told her. For the record even Manav had hidden this from her.
Why? Why had they acted in this manner? So what if they were living separately, wasn't she Manav's wife? Wasn't she a part of his life? Didn't she deserve to know this? How could Manav do this? Hadn't he thought even once of how bad and shocked she would feel if she came to know about all this from others, that too from complete strangers? Hadn't he thought how utterly depressing and humiliating it was to know that her own husband had hidden such a big news from her- cos a brain surgery was certainly not something that one went through every other day.
She thought for a moment, then wiped her tears firmly and made her way to Tarun's office.
*********************
"So you came to know."
Tarun, folded his arms as he looked at Archana, who was standing across his table.
"Yes." She said, her eyes breathing fire. "I came to know inspite of your and Manav's attempts to hide things from me. What did you think, I would never come to know?"
Tarun did not say anything. Archana continued.
"I am so disappointed by you Tarun." She said, looking at the ground. "I had not expected you to do this, considering you are part of my family now."
"I am Manav's friend and Vaishali's fianc." Tarun corrected her. " I have never felt like I was part of your.." he controlled himself from saying 'stupid'. "..of your family. My first loyalty is always with Manav. He wasn't comfortable in telling you, so I didn't tell."
"NOT COMFORTABLE!!??!!" repeated Archana, absolutely shocked. "Has Manav forgotten that I am his wife? I have a RIGHT to know what is happening in his life!"
Tarun raised an eyebrow. "And does Manav have a right to preserve his self-respect?"
Archana didn't understand. Tarun took in a deep breath.
*****flashback begins*****
Tarun's office, two days ago.
The office staff had gone home, but the lights in Tarun's cabin were still shining brightly. Tarun sat behind his big desk, thinking deeply. In front of him, Manav sat as if in a daze, looking very disturbed.
Tarun finally broke the silence. "When did you come to know?" he asked.
"A little while ago." Said Manav in a small voice.
"Confirmed?"
Manav nodded. "But they will be able to say if it is a cancer or not with absolute certainity only after the surgery. They say that after they excise it, it will be observed in the lab. If it is found cancerous, then I may require radiotherapy."
Manav looked down again, and Tarun went back into his thoughts.
"Life is weird Manav." He said finally. "One curve ball after another."
Manav nodded. "I don't know what is happening." He said. "Its as if I have lost control over my own life. Everything goes wrong in everything I try to do, and now this."
He rested his head on his hand. Tarun got up and sat near him.
"Manav, we'll face this together, just as we have faced everything together. You're a strong guy, you'll face it this time too.."
"I'm tired of being strong Tarun!" said Manav with a sigh, closing his eyes. "My Aai always used to say that God tests his dearest ones more, but how much now? How much more will I be tested?"
Tarun patted his shoulder. "How did the family react?" he said, after a few minutes silence.
"I haven't told them now." said Manav. "There are still a few more tests to be done, which will decide the further course of action, date of surgery etc. Let things get a little more clearer and specific then I'll tell them. No use dropping the bomb early. In any case, the responsibility to handle it is going to fall on my shoulders, just like every other responsibility, and anyway I'm not in the mood for any more guilt trips right now."
The last line was said with a slight laugh, sarcasm almost. Tarun found it weird. "What do you mean Manav?"
Manav gave a sarcastic smile. "From the day my problems have started, Aai has been going on and on about how I have not been a good son, brother or provider- how I have made foolish decisions which cost the family a lot of money and brought them under debts, how I haven't provided adequately for the kids," he swallowed. "I wonder how she will react now when she comes to know I need more money for the surgery, and even worse, I won't be bringing any money in the house for at least two months when I am in the hospital. Obviously she will highlight all my previous actions again and go on and on about how wrong I was when I did this and that and used up all my savings on court case etc. I still shudder to think what she will do and say when she comes to know that I used up my Medical Insurance to arrange money for the divorce lawyer."
Tarun looked at Manav. There was not a tear in his eye, but his words reflected his loneliness.
"I really wonder how she will react." He continued. "Will she start cursing Archana again, or will she blame me for my lack of managing skills, or will she.."
"Manav why are you saying in this manner?" said Tarun, getting teary eyed. "I know Savita Aai has blamed you very unfairly on many occasions and gone too far in giving you guilt trips, but inspite of all this, she loves you- and you know that too. She is angry with you, but that doesn't mean she hates you."
"I know Tarun," said Manav softly. "But lately, the way she behaves with me makes me feel as if I'm a burden who could never provide her or her children with anything in life, inspite of the fact that she loved me equally as her other children. I could not do anything for my family despite being the eldest son. And that she thinks the same. She even said it to me one day." Said Manav, remembering the day he had refused Shravani for marriage. Savita Aai had lashed out calling him selfish and ungrateful.
Tarun could not say anything.
"I know when I tell her, she will take care of me and fend for me, look out for me like she has always done," Manav continued. "But somehow, this time I won't be myself at all- I'll be feeling very guilty, nothing else. I had never thought such a day would come. I don't know Tarun, I'm just not comfortable,I need a little time, maybe I should just let this sink in, let the reports etc come out, let me plan out things ahead, after that I'll tell them."
"Tell the rest of them at least?"
Manav smiled a little. "Whom to tell Tarun? Vedant Vandita? Tarun they are kids! Is it not enough that the poor ones are being dragged in the fights and struggles of the house? And anyway what will they do? What can they do? How are they going to control and handle a depressed me? Who else is left- Baba! Well, he needs to come out of his alcoholic state so that I can speak to him. I wonder if there is any use telling him anything at all- he fights every misery and every problem with alcohol- any unfortunate event in the family- he drowns himself in alcohol. It started with his unemployment, continued after my mother's death and has only worsened now. Just look at him right now- at the time when I am involved in financial problems, my divorce case, Sachin has left the house- what is he doing? NOTHING, except emptying bottles of alcohol down his throat and praying to Bappa to solve the problems of our house. The fact of my life is that I have no one right now. At the end of it, everything I have to manage on my own only, just like I have managed everything on my own for the last 15 years, ever since I took up responsibility of the house. And its not by choice, rather its cos I have no other way out."
Tarun felt sad to hear this.
"I wish Sachin was here." Said Manav longingly. "I would have told him. But then again, I don't know whether to keep any expectations from him now."
Tarun nodded. "All of it boils down to expectations."
"Exactly." Said Manav with a deep breath, gazing softly at the ground. "You know Tarun, I always followed a rule- don't keep high expectations from people, especially from those who have broken them once. But somehow, each and every one of them failed to stand true on even the smallest of expectations I ever made from them. That is why I have zero expectations from all of them now, inspite of knowing that they love me and care for me. You know me, I have always been like that."
"I know." Nodded Tarun. "I know it well. You have always been like that."
"That's why I don't feel like telling anyone at the moment. Knowing their behavior over the past week or so, I don't know what to expect from them, or whether there is anything good in trying to expect from them. Sorry to say, but my family is hopeless. At the moment, I doubt they can give me even proper emotional support."
He tried to laugh, but his laughter seemed hollow. It resounded of sadness.
"I'm a bad person to think like this of my family." Said Manav.
Tarun felt his eyes moistening. "No Manav, everyone has a tolerance limit. I understand. At one point everyone gets fed up of the nonsense they have to deal with and then at the time of struggle they choose to handle things in their own manner."
Manav leaned back against the chair. "I think I need some time to let it sink in. I will tell them,I have to, eventually, but not now. Let a few reports come out, let things get clearer, as of now my divorce mess too hasn't sorted out- let it end, then I'll jump to the next problem. Lets take things one at a time."
The word divorce reminded Tarun of Archana. "Manav, did you tell Archana?"
Manav looked at him. "About what?"
"About your condition stupid! What else!"
Manav shrugged. "Why to tell her?"
Tarun couldn't believe his ears. "What are you saying? Are you nuts?"
"What weird thing am I saying?" asked Manav, as if Tarun was the one who was out of mind. "Why does she need to know this?"
"Manav, she is your wife!"
"Only for two days." Said Manav flatly. "Wife of two days. That too only legal wife on paper. Nothing else. After two days, even that is going to end. When we are getting divorced anyway, then why bother telling her all this? She is not the one with whom I'm supposed to share my joys and sorrows now!"
Tarun was stumped. Yes, whatever Manav said was logically right. But still he felt uncomfortable. "Manav, but still, we have to tell her na.. she has a right to know.."
"Tarun, do you really think Archana has that much of concern for me?"
Tarun was shocked. Manav was staring at him coldly.
"I guess yes.." he tried to speak.
"Wrong." Said Manav. "She will be no more concerned for me than she is concerned for a sick beggar on the roadside. So many misfortunes have occurred, what difference has it made in her approach towards me, except a few words of sympathy everytime?"
"Manav.. listen to me.."
"No Tarun YOU listen to me." Said Manav firmly. "You were not there in my shoes the day she yelled at me in front of everyone saying she hated the sight of my face and that I was somehow involved in her life. You were not there in my shoes the day she told me to stop bugging her and get out of her life. You were not there the day she told me that I had ruined her life. You were not there when Sulochana Aai repeatedly cursed me and Vinod told me he would call the police if I went to the Karanjkar house again."
Tarun kept quiet.
"After all this embarrassment and being told repeatedly that I am unwanted, that I am a useless rock in their lives, a poison that they had to swallow and now regret- after all this Tarun with what face can I go to them and beg that -"Hey listen I'm ill, Archana please come back to take care of me!"- Do you have the slightest idea of how PATHETIC it sounds to go and beg in front of those same people who have told me in very clear words that they want nothing to do with me? How can I even expect anything from them?"
Tarun could not say anything after all this. He held Manav's hand which was shaking terribly.
"I know Archana is very soft hearted." Manav continued. "Despite all her hatred for me, if she comes to know I'm ill and lonely, she will sympathise with me and might even feel obligated to come back cos legally she is my wife. But I don't want my illness to force her to come back to me on humanitarian grounds, when actually she is wishing so badly for the marriage to get over. This is not true concern, this is charity. I don't want to emotionally influence her indirectly to come back. Plus I don't want charity."
"And the worst thing," said Manav grimly. "I even doubt if they will believe I'm saying the truth. Who knows Manjusha or Ajit will again say that this is my plan to emotionally manipulate Archana and get her back? Knowing their nature, it is perfectly possible for them to do so. And knowing Archana's nature, she will always listen to them only. Not to me."
Tarun didn't say anything.
"No, I don't want to say anything to her." Said Manav to himself. "She and her family don't care anyway, I don't want to go through all of it again now. The matter has settled down, let it stay that way. I'd rather face it all myself- financially, mentally and physically."
"I know that Manav." Said Tarun softly. "Actually, I just wanted.. just wanted someone to be by your side all this while..", he hesitated, "..cos I won't be there with you na.."
Manav suddenly looked up at Tarun. And remembered.
"Oh yes!" he murmured. "You have to go to New York." The last statement was made in a pang of severe disappointment.
"Yes," said Tarun. "I am supposed to leave by the end of this week to handle the trouble in the New York office. Usi ki wajah se to Vaishali se jaldi sagai karni hai. I had no idea something like this could crop up.. I will try to postpone my trip.."
"Don't do anything like that." Said Manav. "You know there is serious trouble in your New York branch. Your business has been badly hit by the market crash. You delay this matter more and you might have to deal with more problems later."
"I know.." said Tarun, racking his brains. "Catch 22 situation. On one hand, I feel I should be here with you, cos you are right now not comfortable in sharing things with the rest of the people. On the other hand, I'm also feeling that it would be better for me to go and handle matters- I am of more use to you if I am financially stable." He looked up at Manav. "Don't you dare refuse to take money now." he said sternly. "I know you have no savings."
Manav nodded. "I'm not a fool. Yes, of course I shall take money from you if I need to. You're closer to me than my family, and the only one I can truly count on as of now. But just like I'm trying to fight this situation thinking of my family and my position in their lives, you must also go to New York and handle the mess there for your family's sake. You are the only son of your house Tarun, and the sole heir. All these years you didn't work and your father managed everything for so long. Just recently you have started working and given him a chance to take rest from his office load. You must continue Tarun. I know you feel for me, but you have responsibilities towards your family also."
Tarun looked uncomfortable and displeased. "I think I should stay with you here. I will send someone else to New York in my place.." But Manav shook his head.
"You are trying to run from the situation Tarun." Said Manav. "Such difficult phases come up in everyone's life. But fighting against it, facing it is what makes us stronger. Am I not fighting? Have I given up? No na? Then you must also continue to fulfill your responsibility. The world doesn't revolve only around me. There are other factors also. If your office closes down, a lot of employees will lose their jobs- never forget that."
Tarun hung his head. "But Manav how will you manage everything alone?" he said, almost in a whisper. "Already you were having problems from all corners- financial problems, family problems, marital problems, emotional problems, and now physical health problems and mental stress have been added. You have no ally, you are getting divorced, and your relationship with your family is also not good.."
"Its not like that Tarun," said Manav softly. "Its just that I need some time to tell them- right now I'm just not feeling strong enough or sorted enough to tell them. But I know that when I do, they might shout at me, give me a guilt trip or too, but will all chip in and take care of me."
"But when are you going to tell?"
"Lets see. Just give me some time Tarun, I just came to know today." Begged Manav.
"till then?"
"Till then I'll handle it." He said, trying to smile. "Let me gain some stability first Tarun, right now I feel someone has sucked the strength out of me."
"Are you okay Manav?" asked Tarun with concern. Manav nodded his head slowly.
"I am." He said. "I'm just nervous. A little jittery as well. You know na Tarun- I'm the pillar of my family. Not just because I'm the earning member, but also because in any way- emotional, physical, psychological- I have been the shield for my family. I tried to safeguard them from all evils- poverty, villains, evils, taunts of people. Today also, I just don't bring money into the house, I protect Vandu against eve-teasers, handle the house with Aai, bring Baba home when he has fallen drunk in some lane, scold him, guide Sachin and Vedant, encourage vedant to pursue his dreams, ensure Sachin is not falling into bad company or taking disasterous decisions, prevent Aai from fighting with chawl people and so on. From changing a tube light in the drawing room and renewing the ration card to something as major as paying for school fees or taking care of Baba's health- everyone depends on me for everything. As such I feel nervous cos I know I can't afford to lose the battle, not even by a whisker."
"You won't Manav." Said Tarun, patting his shoulder. "The doctor said there are very good chances."
"I know." Said Manav. "Even if there were no chances, I would have fought and now also I will fight. Cos I know my family members sleep peacefully at night cos they know Manav is there to keep watch on them. Manav Deshmukh needs to fight and be strong for them. I keep reminding myself this in order to get back my strength. I keep reminding it to myself that my family loves me, no matter if they've been unpleasant or unfair at the moment. I hope it helps me tell them soon, cos I know I won't be able to survive alone till the end."
"That's the spirit Manav." Said Tarun. "Take your time, calm yourself a little. You've got a shock, take things easy and tell your people when you feel like. Let the divorce get done with- you're already in am emotional mess bcos of that. But remember Manav, no matter in which part of the world I am, I will still be there with you. You will never be alone."
*******flashback ends********
Tarun was standing at his window, looking at the view from his 12th story office. In the reflection in the glass window, he could see Archana, who had collapsed into a chair.
He walked upto her. "Water?"
She shook her head. Her eyes were red.
"I didn't want to tell you all this at first. I know it would hurt. Truth always hurts. But the truth is that going by your past behavior, Manav felt it would be useless to tell you anything. Anyway he was not comfortable. Even though he is lonely, he won't come to you ever. And he was right, in less than two hours the divorce will be done, so it doesn't make much of a difference anyway. When you have already decided to get divorced, then Manav's illness shouldn't be a criteria for you to deviate now. It doesn't change anything- neither the reasons for your divorce, nor the misunderstandings between both of you."
Archana looked at Tarun, not knowing what to say. She sat still for some time. She didn't know what to do.
"It's getting late." He said finally. "Come I'll drop you to court."
"I don't want to go."
"Now don't you start your nonsense." Said Tarun sternly. "The divorce matter has reached till here bcos of you. It has hurt Manav a lot, and even though he might not speak about it to you, but the truth is that he has a mountain of problems on his head. Let the divorce case at least end peacefully now. Don't prolong the matter unnecessarily cos of your whims and fancies or cos you are moved by Manav's story."
"But.."
"Shut up!" said Tarun angrily. "Come with me."
He picked up his car keys and his coat and stormed out of the room. Slowly, Archana wiped her tears and followed him. The office staff stared at them as they walked out. Archana felt terrible. She just wanted to go somewhere and die.
****************XXX*****************************
Yes yes yes, for the first time in PR reloaded, we have a 3 part update. Third one is coming up soon, so stay hooked, (i.e. if you haven't left the FF already after this latest twist in the story)
Edited by nikitagmc - 14 years ago
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
