HOPES LIGHT * NEW FF UPDATED Check PAGE 34 - Page 26

Chapter 31

Sugni walked through the mall looking through the various shops. What she was looking for she did not even know, she just wanted it to be perfect. Vickram's birthday was coming up in a few days, and she wanted her gift to be special, but what do you give to the man who has everything, she wondered.

"How about one of those shirts?" Amrita suggested. Sugni shook her head. While walking she spotted a little store tucked away. "What's that?" She asked. . It was a quaint little place that specialized in custom making and personalizing various products . Looking through there various items they had available...Sugni fell in love with a particular idea and decided that would be the perfect gift. After talking to the attendant she was told she had to wait a couple of days for it to be ready, which was perfect .Satisfied with her choice , she and Amrita left to get a bite to eat.

"So was Vickram surprised when you told him you were coming to the mall by yourself, on a bus no less?" Amrita asked.

'Yes I think I shocked him when I told him I wanted time off to go shopping!" she laughed as she remembered his face. In the six months she had been here Sugni never ventured anywhere by herself. So her declaration that she wanted to go to the mall by herself was a surprised to him. Sugni figured she could do it since it was just 5 minutes away from the office building and she could get a bus right at the front , stopping in front of the mall. Amrita agreed to meet her. She was proud of herself, she made it all the way by herself without freaking out even when the passenger next to her was a male.

"He was more worried than shocked I think, he immediately called me to make sure you got here fine, and was relieved that you did!" she smiled.

"I am fine!" She smiled brightly!

"Small steps!" Amrita said.

"So how are things with you and the Doctor?" Sugni asked her. Amrita smiled whistfully, "things are good, he is nice but I don't know'the man is as serious as a door nail." She rolled her eyes. Sugni laughed. As she sipped her cola. The ringing of Amrita phone interrupted them. "I am sorry , I need to get to the hospital there is an emergency. Will you call Vickram to pick you up?" she asked.

"No, I'll take the next bus back." Sugni said feeling confident.

"Alright 'I'll talk to you later ok '" Amrita said as she rushed off.

Seeing it was almost 2 P.M. Sugni decided she had enough adventure for one day and decided to go outside to wait for the next bus back. As she stood in the waiting at the bus shed, she noticed that the streets were not as busy , since most people were at work at this time. She couldn't wait to get back to the office and tell Vickram what a good day she had, and also Hukum and Nagainya would be proud. She smiled as she thought about it.

Suddenly a black SUV pulled up in front of her blocking the way, before she could could understand what was happening she felt some one grab both her elbows from behind and shove her into the open back door . She tried desperately to get loose but the person had her legs locked underneath his knees. She tried screaming but it was no use as no one was there to hear and the SUV pulled off before the door closed in behind her.

Sugni felt her hands and knees being tied.

"No ,no ,please, who are you'what are you doing?" She cried OH God this could not be happening. After her assailant tied her he made her sit up. She felt her panic raise as she looked into the face of Dan and the driver she recognized as one of Divakar's other goons. How did they find her? How could this happen? . Dan climbed to the front of the seat where he took a phone and called Divakar informing him that he got Sugni.

Vickram sat in his office looking over some reports, but his mind kept wandering to Sugni and the mall, he was happy that she ventured out on her own, he was proud of her but worried at the same time. Amrita assured him she got there fine and happy . However he was getting a weird feeling he could not explain, he wanted to call her and make sure she was ok, but also wanted to do this on her own with out feeling that he didn't think she could do it. Besides he wanted to see her face when she told him about it. But this feeling was growing. His cell phone went off and he smiled as he saw her name on the caller ID.

"Hey..you wouldn't believe...Sugni?" he said he thought he heard voices

"Pl...Please..just let me go please... Look I'll pay you if you let me go" Vickram furrowed his brow. what was she talking about. ? He heard laughter.

"Oh really? Sorry doll...Divakar wants you...and we spent months getting our asses chewed for not finding you...it's a good thing Rad here saw you travelling in that jeep a few weeks ago. We were just waiting for a chance to get you alone."

" Please'Please don't hurt me" She pleaded. Vickram gripped the phone. No No No !!! This was not happening... he thought as he listened to the conversation. What were they doing to her?

"Don't worry...we won't as long as you don't try anything smart and make us... we won't touch you. The boss wants you in one piece...Relax we have a long drive ahead of us" One of them said almost kindly. After a few more minutes the line went dead. Vickram took the office phone and called his brother in law...

"You said you were watching him!!! How the hell did his goons get her!" Vikcram roared as a way of greeting. Calming down enough to relate what he herd on the phone to his brother in law. "We are watching him he has not made any suspicious moves."

"So what was this...???"

"OK Ok calm down...she used her phone right?? ok lets activate the GPS on it... we'll find her ...but Vickram I think we'll have to wait until she get there."

"What ...No WAY!!!"

"IT's the only way to stop him...catch him red handed...they said they would not hurt her...we'll get her out of there but we need to catch him in the act."

"She is not bait ..damn it!" Vickram shouted.

"Vickram please...try and understand...you want him to pay ...or free to continue to do this??"

Closing his eyes Vickram said..."Fine...but I want that GPS direction transmitted to my phone ...as soon as you get it! "

"Ok" Vijay said...knowing with or without it Vickram would probably get there before the police.

Half hour later ,Vickram was in his jeep following the tracking device...hoping against hope that he was doing the right thing following his Vijay's advice.

*************************************************************.

Sugni sat in the back seat of the van a few hours later, instinct told her she was headed back to that dreaded house. Did the phone call work? She wondered. She had no way of knowing. She hoped that it did. True to their word they left her alone, in fact they said nothing to her except to offer her a drink and some food when they stopped at a pit stop a for a few minutes. She refused, Dan just shrugged and left it next to her in the back seat.

She concentrated on her breathing, panicking now would not help. She closed her eyes as she thought about the last six months of her life. She thought about Amrita and her sessions, she thought about Hukum and her lessions, she thought about her friends. She thought about her reason for living Vickram, his love, his acceptance of her, his encrougement. She felt the tear drops run down the side of her face.

No'she would not let all his work go down in vain. Somewhere in the back of her head she knew this day would come. She may not be able to defeat him, but she would not let him win. She was not going to give up without a fight.

"I am sorry Vickram!" She thought silently. "I love you." Swallowing her tears, she would not cry any more. She spent the rest of the ride reliving all the beautiful memories she had with him, of a love that she was lucky and happy to have experience in this life time.

**************************************************************

"I am scared. I don't want to be, but all I can think about is what he did, the pain , humiliation, the way he laughed as I screamed. Somehow I survived it, I can't again'I don't have the strength." Her words kept running through his head as he drove. He slammed the palm of his hand onto the stearing wheel in frustration. How could he let this happen.

Vickram took his Vijai's words to heart when he reassured him that they were safe for the while. He believed it as time passed and he saw that things went back to normal. Divakar, was indeed busy with his new post. He should have known, he would be sly about it. Obviously he would not make it known if he knew where she was, being in the public eye and all.

"Damn it!!!" he screamed.

Sugni was shaken out of her concentration by Dan. It was dark outside, it would be they were driving for hours now. "We are here." He said "come on" he took her forearm leading her out.

She swallowed but complied. Each foot step she took closer to the house her memories of her time here tried hard to come out and suffocate her. No no ' she told herself'that was the night she met Vickram'the most wonderful man. That was the night she got a new life.! She remembered jumping into the back of his jeep. She smiled slightly.

Dan led her into the house to one of the rooms where he told her to go in as he closed the door. She looked around at the bedroom. Her resolve wobbling as she looked at the bed.

"Welcome my sweet!" she heard his voice behind her. "My my my . You have given me quite a run for my money literally...it has been fun actually!!!." He said coming closer to her circling her like a bird circles a prey.

" Oh What is this...no no no...we can't have you tied now can we that would be unfair no?" running his hand almost seductively down her arm, making her blood cold he stopped and untied her hands, his breath in her ear..."After all I want to feel your hands as I inflict my punishment !"

Tears sprang to her eyes ..as memories of what he did to her ran trough her head. As he freed her hands , he came to the front of her looking at her...

"What have you been up to I see you found another sucker to "protect "you. But then again that would not be too hard for a s**t like yourself.? You think you could hide from me?? I will admit you had me stumped for a while'but look I saw you as I was taking a tour of Mawhari, shocked of course I was to see you there sitting having lunch with a girl, as though you had not a trouble in the world. I knew I had to be smart and not alert you least you run again'so I played it cool letting my men find you 'and get you at the right time. And look it all paid off. He said softly. He pulled her closer as he tried to kiss her , she pushed against him. Divakar slapped her so hard she fell to the floor the stinging on her face sure to leave a bruise.

"You bitch you think you are better than me???" Grabbing her he flung her unto the bed. "Listen deary, when we are done with you you will beg me to kill you...and you know what it will be my pleasure to." he said. He opened a side table draw and pulled out a packet of white powder as he prepared to get high... and a deadly looking needle..

Looking at her, with an evil smile as he said, "Come here...let's make this interesting! Come on ...you might even enjoy what I have in mind for you..."

"No- no Pl Ahhh" She screamed as he grabbed her pulling her to the side of the bed.

"Relax...it'll be fun." he said picking up the syringe. He let of her as he busied himself with the needle...Sugni spotted a hefty looking figurine on the side table. Taking it she moved quickly hitting him over the head with it.. Divakar went sprawling to the ground as the needle fell , scrambling out of the bed she kicked the needle across the room, and began heading for the door, she was at the dresser when she realized her blow to the head just stunned him, not she felt him grab her by the hair, in his hand he had a lethal looking knife. He was laughing .

"well look at that she got some spirit' You know what kind of pain I can inflict with this.?" He said passing the tip of the knife lightly across her cheeks, down her neck . Taking a deep breath Sugni took her elbow swiftly turning she rammed it with all her might in his solar plexus. Stunning him. Reflexively he dropped the knife.

"You bitch!" he breath. Before she could run he put his feet in front of her hand she tripped , hitting her head on the top edge of the dresser as she fell to the ground.. she felt her head cut open. Before she could move to get up, he felt him hold her ankle as he twisted it, painfully causing her to cry out.

Spotting the knife laying on the floor, Sugni took it turning around, she jabbed the knife into his arm puncturing his skin, as she turned it making him scream in pain. Using her next foot she kicked him between the legs causing him to double over.

Getting to her feet Sugni looked at him, as he was gasping in pain, her rage started to build. "You bas***d! 'you scum'you are nothing but a coward'" she shouted as she punched him in his bleeding shoulder causing him more pain. Walking over to the closet where she saw a belt hanging on the door she took it and started hitting him with all her might. Buckle side out.

" I did'nt ask for this'you monster'you dog!" relentlessly she let it out not giving him a chance to recover, her strength being drawn from all the rage she held inside. . She continued cursing and hitting him until her arms started getting tired..

Grabbing the edge of the belt, Divakar pulled her arm twisting it He shoved her hard on the chest sending her to the floor. Before she could get up, he lay on top of her, making her immobile.

"NO'no'." She said truing to push him of. But even in a wakened state he was stronger then her. Grabbing both her wrist he held it over her head,with his injured hand, wincing at the movement, but there was no way he would let her win.

Using his next hand he began ripping open the buttons of her shirt, as she continued struggling. Sugni closed her eyes, no she could not let this happen, she had to get out of this, but how? Suddenly she felt him being dragged off of her. Sugni saw two men in uniform lift him..

"Good you are here!" Divakar Said, "arrest her'" He ordered

"I am sorry sir, but you are under arrest", one of the officers said as he placed a pair of hand cuffs aroun d his wrist.

Vickram pulled into the yard as he spotted the flasing lights of the police vehicles. Why was the place so quite he thought? He made his way inside with some trepidation. He saw two burly guys sitting in the back seat of a police car , with a couple of officers but not Divakar or Vijai.

He was stopped form proceeding , but after explaining who he was, and they spoke to Vijai he was allowed into the house. He made his way into the room where he saw two other officers trying to restrain a very enraged looking Divakar. Then he saw her she was sitting on the floor holding her shirt together , her knees up hiding behind her hair. Vickram closed his eyes as he was filled with an uncontrollable rage. Turning around to Divakar he punched him straight in the face, breaking his nose.

"Sir!" one of the officers said, as he tried to hold on to Vickram, but he would not be contained as he continued to pummel him., despite the officer trying to restrain him. .

"VICKRAM STOP!!!!" he herd thee voice of his brother in law who arrived at the scene and was now trying to pull him off. "Don't make me arrest you!" he said. Vickram looked at him.

"Somebody needs you here now." He said indicating Sugni who was still sitting in the same position he saw her in. He nodded taking a couple breaths to calm himself. As he made his way toward her.

"Sugni?" He said softly kneeling next to her. She looked at him tearfully. Vickram looked at her bruised face and felt his rage starting to build. He wrapped his hands around her. As she started to tremble, suddenly she was not so brave any more.

"Shhh'its ok'It's over'you're ok'." He said holding her.

Hi Vinnie

Originally posted by: sara1993

👏👏Wow! What a superb, amazing, emotional and gripping chapter Vinnie, i loved it.You had me in suspense throughout. I knew it had to be Divakar, he was never going to stop until he found her. I'm just soo proud of Sugni,hats off to her. Finally, we saw that person that was hidden in her all along. The courage and bravery she displayed was commendable and i can see that she gathered the courage to stand up against Divakar by remembering the good times she had with Vikram, his love, his support and encouragement, her defense classes and her therapy sessions with Amrita. It is rightly said that love gives us strength to fight the battles of life and Sugni proved this. I'm just soo happy for her, i was eagerly awaiting to see this Sugni and definitely we will be seeing her from now onwards. I know for sure that Vikram's proudness will know no bounds.

I just hope that Divakar gets a taste of his own medicine. By God, i don't think he has a heart or a conscience😆.

Originally posted by: ronshaan

Hi Vinnie

I loved this chapter .. very good .. who said sugni is weak .. she herself did not notice she took action and tried to fight for her self she tried to win over him and did it with her smart move of calling vikram .. she might feel oh I was weak but she was Not.. her calling him brought him with the police to catch mr divakar red handed so well done she fought him and tried to rescue her self very good u used divakar character very well .. that's what he had 2 be .. in psh he let her go very easily it was not selling - i guess due to rush ending but here.. here u wrote it so well.. I knew she will fight him at least she will try and she did it. she might feel she was not so strong but she was.. so hats off to your well written climex I liked it !!!

Chapter 32

"Well you are free to go. I'll just write up some mild pain killers,and then you can leave." The emergency room doctor informed them an hour later. Sugni was brought into the hospital to be checked over. She nodded. Thankfully her injuries were small, her ankle was just brused not strained and the cut on her head would be healed in a few days. "Just get a good nights rest!" the doctor said kindly.

"Thank you doctor." Vickram said. As the doctor left. Sugni sat on the little bed, still looking shell shocked. She hardly said anything since he found her. The curtain moved and Vijai walked in.

"Hello? How are you Sugni?"

"OK." She said

He smiled. "Sugni, I did not get a chance to introduce myself, I am Vijai, Vickrams brother in law…and I owe you an apology, and I am here ask for your help" He said. She looked at him.

"See…it was my idea, to wait to catch him red handed, I know we should have let you know what was happening, but really we did not get the chance. I know this will be hard for you, but I would like you will testify in court about what happened." He said.

Sugni looked at him and at Vickram. Who was looking at his brother in law as though he wanted to strangle him.

"Vijai…now…is not the time." He said

"No…" Sugni said…She looked at Vijai. "No one will believe me…" She said.

"Yes they will, it's not the first time he did this right?" She shook her head. "Sugni, if he gets off now he will just do it again. And if we are lucky we might even be able to shut down the establishment, and free these girls. But only if you help us."

"Where is he?" She asked.

"Well he is in the hospital under police guard; you did some work on him, he will be transferred to jail in a few hours." He told her.

"How long? I mean how long will he go to jail for?" She asked

"If we get a strong enough case, he could spend his life in jail. His job is gone as it is."

"Look I know it's a lot to take in right now, but we will need your statement, I am not going to force you to do this, because it will be hard for you. But I am asking you , please." Before she could answer his phone rang and he left them. Sugni stared after him.

As Vijai and the doctor walked back in . Vickram took the prescription. Placing Sugni on a wheel chair as they prepared to leave. She could not make that decision right now. She just wanted to get out of here.

"I need to stay here and personally escort him to the jail, Kuhu is waiting for you at home." Vijai said. It was decided that they would spend the night here, as the trip back would be too much for either of them.

The trip to his sister's house was quite, each travelling with their own thoughts. It was after 10 PM when Kuhu greeted them, his ever efficient sister already had their room prepared, with a light meal that she insisted they eat, knowing food was the last thing they thought about this day. Not wanting to be rude Sugni forced herself to have a few bites.

She was shown the room where she was able to freshen up and some much needed clothes. She assumed Vickram was doing the same elsewhere, as she came out the bath room and sat on the bed. After a few minutes he walked in, also wearing fresh clothes.

"Feeling better?" he asked as he joined her. She nodded. He helped tuck her into the bed, kissing her forehead gently, he moved to the other side lying down himself. She sighed softly resting her head on his shoulder, as he hugged her. She closed her eyes, she was tired, and thanks to the effects of the meds she got she might even be lucky to get some sleep.

From the time the police came, Sugni moved almost mechanically, she concentrated hard on the moment at hand and not what happened. Thankfully she had a lot to observe with the police and having to watch them cart him away. She knew if she started to think about it she was likely to break down…so she kept moving without thinking.

"Sugni?" Vickram said softly.

"Hmmm"

"I am sorry…I should never have let this happen…I am so sorry" He said.

Sugni lifted her head and looked at him, his guilt ridden face. "What? No!" She said "Vickram you have nothing to feel guilty of, because sooner or later this was going to happen. He found me since he visited, he himself said it…he was just waiting for the opportunity." She said looking at him" Nothing you could have done would have stopped him anyway." Creassing his cheeks she smiled slightly.

"In fact, if I got through this day, it was because of you! Even though I was scared , your words, the last six months were what gave me the strength I needed. I decided no matter what happened I was not going to give up without a fight. And I did, I faced him I fought back! I would never have done that had it not been for you!" She said, as she rested her head back on his shoulder.

"Besides you got there at the right time…" She sighed, as his arms tighted around her. "I am just glad it over, I just want to get some sleep and don't think about it..hmmm?" she whispered/

"Ok." He agreed, switching off the light. "I love you!" he said

She was feeling suffocated, his hot breath in her ear, his arms holding her, She began struggling knowing she had to get away from him ..but he was strong. "NOoo, get off me …Nooo" She screamed loudly pushing against him , her nails digging into his flesh strying to inflict pain, and stop him….

"Sugni??" Vickram said as she continued to scream in her sleep, obviously she was having a nightmare. Gently shaking her to get her awake , she began to trash around…"Leave me…Please"

"Sugni wake up!" he said as he turned on the light. She opened her eyes sitting up looking around.

"Shhh…It's alright, you're safe…was just a dream."

"Vickram?" She said

"Yes ..it' s me…your Ok , you are safe." She hugged him trying to shake off the effects of her nightmare, she was shaking.

"Shhh,,,it's ok,,It's all over.." he repeated softly holding her as she calmed down .

"No …it's not, is it?" She whispered

"What do you mean?"

"He'll get off and come looking for me, he 'll find some other girl and do the same thing again. He won't stop." She said shuddering…Trying to think about it was not working. She did not know how she felt about going into a court room and having her life exposed to a bunch of stangers…and what if he got off any way…it would all be in vain except her pain and humiliation will be out.

"Vickram?" She said

"Yes?"

"What should I do?" She asked looking at him for an answer.

"What do you want to do?" he asked.

"I just want to go home, and forget tonight" She said, resting her head on his shoulder.

"But…I want him to be punished , I don't want him to do this to someone else!...testifying?…then everyone will know.."

"Sugni…forget about what everyone will think, just do what you think is right. Whatever you decide I am with you no matter what."

"He will be punished? he won't hurt me or any one any more if I do this?" she asked. He nodded. She looked at him in his face. "But.."

"But what?" he asked

way.

"My business will be fine… I can handle that. Just tell me this…would he rather he be in jail ..or get off so he can come back?" She shook her head. She stared at him, knowing what she would do.

"You'll help me? I mean I don't know how this works."

"Of course!" he said. "I would never leave you to face this on your own."

"I know …I just needed to hear it. This will work , he won't get off.? If I do this." She asked

Vickram wiped her tears. "I'll do everything to make sure he dose'nt." He said.

"O k…" She nodded. Hugging him. "I love you."

"You're so brave…" he said "We'll do this …together.."

Vijai was elated the next morning when Sugni told him she would testify and help him to put Divakar behind bars.

"Thank you Sugni…I will do everything I can to make this as easy for you..I promise…" He said across the breakfast table.

"I just want him to be punished." She said

"Ohh he will …. It is guaranteed that he will lose his position and I have been digging into his background since Vickram told me about what happened…granted he is smart about covering his life…but he made some mistakes…biggest one Dan and Rad..who knows everything he has been up to , right now all they care about is saving their own skin! Giving him up is no big thing for them!" He said "when given a choice between being loyal and rotting in jail…most people choose to give up loyalty!."

After breakfast Vickram and Vijai went outside to discuss more about the case , leaving Sugni sitting at the table with Kuhu who was silent all morning. Since that Visit all those months ago , this was the first time Sugni was around Kuhu. Feeling awkward she got up and began clearing the table.

"It's ok I can do it." Kuhu said

"NO ..I'll help." She said . As Sugni placed the dishes in the sink, she turned to see Kuhu watching her.

"Sugni.. I need to tell you something, with out Vickram around." She said looking at her seriously.

Sugni swallowed, now what. She nodded silently waiting for her to continue.

"I am sorry, for my behavior last time, I guess I was wrong about judgeing you." Sugni was surprised as Kuhu walked up to her and took her hand.

" If I had any doubts about you, it was all erased last night. Any one who can look past her own problems, to think about some one else is really something.!" Sugni looked at her confused.

"I was passing by when I herd you scream, I sort of herd your conversation. Anyone who could look pass their own problems and show concern about another. Sugni, you know seeing my brother with you, I realized something else…he has that light in his eyes again that has been missing for so long, and I know you are the reason for that. All I want to see is my brother happy again. Welcome to the family!" She said hugging her. Sugni stood there stunned. That was the last thing she expected.

"And don't you worry, we'll get you through this…I will make sure of it…that is you will allow me to be your lawyer right?" She asked straightening up.

"Would you…thank you." She forgot that his sister was indeed a lawyer.

"Ummm Sugni?" Vickram came to the kitchen watching the two of them…"everything ok in here?" he asked.

"Ohh can it..Vickram…I was just talking to my client after all she would need the best defense she can get!' Kuhu said, winking at Sugni who smiled brightly.

Vickram walked up and hugged his sister "Thank you!" he said.

Sugni and Vickram drove into the drive way early that evening. She was feeling much better, Divakar was in jail and and soon to be disgraced by the department, Vickram's sister accepted her, something she was worried about. She faced the devil and won.

The walked into the front, the house was quite, then they got into the Hall to sounds of clapping. Sugni was surprised to see Hukum , Naganiya, Amrita, Dhanuma even Champa and Seema standing there all with smiles on their faces.

Hukum walked up to her. "You are one gutsy girl and I am so proud of you, a wonderful student you are. ." He said handing her a bright bouquet of flowers, and hugging her lightly which she accepted gracefully. He was followed by the rest.

They spent the evening celebrating ith dinner which Dhanuma ma was busy preparing all day. Finally Champa and Seema got to know about her big secret, and were amazed that she faced it all by herself.

Amrita and Vickram disappeared for a while coming into the living room after a bit. Vickram stood in front of her after asking everyone's attention. Sugni looked at him curiously as he took her hand.

"You know Sugni, I have had a few scary moments in my life…but none compared to yesterday, thinking I was going to lose you!" He said. "And I promised myself if I got you back the first thing I was going to do was this…" he said looking at Amrita who handed him a small Jewellry box. There was a small gasp and murmur from the ladies as he opened the box revealing an intricately woven ring, she remembered as it was one that she sketched cause she loved it.

"Sugni will you …marry me?" He asked. She looked at him as tears filled her eyes. Speechless all she could do was nod. He took the ring and placed it on her trembling hand. "I love you" He said hugging her as everyone applauded. Another round of hugs and congratulations was passed around.

As Vickram closed the door behind Hukum and Naganiya, he turned around to find Sugni gone. Looking for her he found her sitting in the garden with two cups of tea in front of her. She was looking up at the sky.

He joined her at the table holding her hand, passing his hand on her new engagement ring.

"What are you thinking?" he asked.

She looked at him and smiled , "Honestly I am still trying to digest this…How did you arrange all this?"

"Well Amrita helped me when I talked to her last night …she got the ring, she was the only one who knew …the rest of them just thought it was a dinner to celebrate you coming home." He said. "You are happy about it right? You were quite all evening." He said

"Happy? I am more than happy, this is something I never expected to happen , not for me." She said looking at her hands. As she started to cry.

"Hey…now what is this?" he asked moving over to hug her.

"I love you.": She said wrapping her arms around his neck. "So much,"

"I love you to… will you do something for me? Hmmm"

"Anything" she said.

He looked at her. "I know we have some tough times ahead, but you know what you are finally in the processes putting it all behind you, a no more running , no more hiding. And we will deal with it as it comes. You are now free to be you. I want to see you smiling, laughing having fun, enjoying yourself and I'll spend my life making that happen.…these tears , you've shed enough don't you think?" He said wiping her cheeks. "Smile!" She did, a smile that touched her eyes and lighted her heart

"That's better." He said..

Vinnie

Chapter 33

The phone rang disturbing the quite evening, Sugni was sitting with Amrita looking over some bridal magazines while Vickram was doing some work. Vickram told her it made no sense waiting and they should get married as soon as possible, she did not mind. Amrita was more than willing to help her plan the wedding. So it was decided they would be married in a month. Vickram told her every ones wedding day should be memorable and he wanted her to have the full bridal experience, according to Hindu rights, Sugni had no idea that there were so many ceremonies involved!. It was a good thing as well as she did not have time to sit and worry about the case.

"This is pretty!" Amrita said as she looked over a Pink Lehenga that was hand worked to perfection.

"Wow!" Sugni said she thought she fell in love with it. Looking at her face Amrita marked the page with her pen. As they discussed what else she might need when Vickram came in looking solemn .

"What's wrong?" She asked looking at his serious face He walked over to her sitting next to her.

"I just got a call from Vijai'he had some news" he said looking at her

"What?" She asked, please don't tell me he came out of jail' she pleaded silently. It's been a week since that night. She knew that he was stripped of his position that week and charges were laid against him. The news broke the following day and the media was having a frenzy at the scandal that a police Chief was embroiled in a brothel racket, and was charged with rape and attempted murder, kidnapping, assault among other charges.

So far Kuhu and Vijay did very well in keeping her name out of it all the bad publicity falling on the police department'but Kuhu told them don't get to comfortable as there is a possibility her name will come out if some one was willing to dig and looking for a good story.

"Well, Divakar it seems could not handle being disgraced, and today killed himself, after some how getting a gun from one of the guards in jail. He is dead Sugni." He said looking at her.

"He-he's dead?" She said stunned. As what that mean sank in "WoW' so no court, I don't have to testify?"

"You might still be called in Dan and Rad's case 'but they pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting him'. So maybe not'" She sighed relived. This was finally over.

"Ohh thank god!" Amrita said "The bas***d was to much of a coward to face his crimes." She shook her head in disgust. "You are free now Sugni'truly free!" She said hugging her.

Sugni nodded as she smiled, and let out a sigh. No more hiding and the best part her life did not have to be turned into a circus.

Sugni stood in front of the mirror and looked at the girl in the reflection. Was this really her? She felt the butterflies in her stomach, she was nervous but in a good way. This was it her wedding day. She was about to join her life with Vickram's. In the two months they took in planning this, she never really stopped to think about what was going on.

She was caught up in the case involving Divakar's right hand men'and although she did not have to testify she was keen to know the outcome. They were both on the fast track to a very long time behind bars.
Vijai also tried making some headway into the establishment angle'but that was hard to prove he said as non of the girls were willing to come forward with what actually happens there, and seeing the kind of people they cater to , it was a sad reality that shutting down places like that might not actually happen. He did happen to talk to Amma though and she assured him that Sugni was free and clear from there and there will be move to get her back. As far as the faceless bosses of the place knew she was dead and she would stay that way.

It was now sinking into her that her life was about to change again. Sitting on a corner table in the room she was in was a picture frame of her predecessor, Reva, looking at her she left behind some big shoes that Sugni was not sure she could fill. Walking up to the picture she looked at it.

"I promise I'll try to keep him happy always." She whispered as she looked into the smiling face.

"Sugni?" she turned at the voice of Kuhu who entered the room.

"Hey!" She said.

"You look amazing!" Kuhu said looking at her, she spotted the photo that Sugni was looking at . "What's going on?' She asked looking at her.

"Nothing'I am just wondering, if I can ever fill her space.He was happy with her."

"Hey, now is not the time for all this!" Kuhu said looking at her. "Come here She said leading her in front the mirror. "You see that beautiful bride in front of you'she has to make her own space and her own mark. And there is a man waiting downstairs for you that loves you. And all you have to do is love him , the only way Sugni can. Right?"

Sugni nodded she understood. There was no reason for her to feel insecure.

"Here I have something for you." Sugni watched as Kuhu removed an antique looking necklace from a jewelry box. "This was my mothers''and if she was here show she would have given it to you. So on behalf of her and me I would like to present it to you as welcome gift." She said holding it out to Sugni.

"Oh no'Kuhu I can't take that'She gave it to you" She said stunned.

"Nonsense'you have to 'its tradition'besides we are both part of the same family right?" She smiled as she took it and placed it around her neck.she tied it. "Perfect!" she said. Smiling Sugni passed her hand over the necklaced overwhelmed .

'OH no you don't" Amrita said as she came into the room. "No crying!...time for you to go downstairs and I am not stopping this ceremony so that the bride can fix her face!" She said sternly making them laugh.

"You ready ?" She said more softly as she stood in front of her. Sugni looked at the two women and nodded. Taking a deep breath she walked out of the room flanked by her soon to be sister in law and best friend.

She spotted Vickram Sitting at the mandap looking like some Indian prince she was sure, as a smile lighted her face. As she joined him at the madap and the ceremony began , she glanced around at the people . At Hukum and Naganiya who took on the task of giving her away'of Champa and Seema who along with Amrita and Kuhu guided her and helped her in the wedding planning. Dhanuma who overlooked everything to make sure it was perfect.They all came together with Vickram did everything to make this experience a memorable one for her. She never thought she would feel happy enough to burst, but she was. A few months ago these were all strangers and now they were her own . They were her family!

The ceremony was over , they were congratulated by the small number of guest. She was now Mrs. Vickram Singh, in the eyes of God and the law. She was married to the man who held her heart. Yet as she sat on the bed, in the room that was now theirs Sugni's nerves felt frayed, for some reason.

It was ridiculous she told herself after all she fell asleep in his arms a number of times before they shared the same bed. , she was never nervous or afraid then, so why she now. She clenched her fist to stop herself from wringing her hands, but reflexively they started again as the door opened and he walked in.

Vickram sat next the her on the bed as he observed her , she looked stunning dressed in her bridal attire. She was simply breathtaking. The most beautiful thing about her today though was that smile she had on her face ever since she came downstairs. That look of utter happiness that was on her face. It was a look that he would give anything to see and a big part of the reason he insisted on a full ceremony, though she could not understand why. He knew there were a few memorable and special days in a woman's life and her wedding day should be one. Especially to Sugni who never had any special days in her life so far. But he was about to change that, starting with this wedding.

The smile though was marred now by the wringing of her hands obviously she was nervous. Vickram sighed. That would not do. She was staring down at the lap. He lifted her face to look at him when she was he raised his eyebrows silently asking if something was wrong. She shook her head, silently saying nothing was. He he kept staring at her, saying nothing until she laughed softly as she felt the heat in her cheeks. "Come here" he said opening his arms for a hug . She did. As she rested her head on his shoulders she sighed comfortably.. Suddenly all her nervousness felt foolish.

"Happy?" he asked

"Hmmmhmm" She said.

"Had a good day.?"

"Yes" It was a day she would carry with her forever .

Moving back he looked at her. "You know you look absolutely beautiful" he said "I don't think I got a chance to tell you that."

She smiled shyly. "And you know what the most beautiful thing about you today is?" She shook her head.

"Your eyes, the light and happiness that is shining in them, your smile that lighted your face all day." He said softly bending his head to place a soft kiss on her lips, that adorable blush covered her face again. Unconsciously, she started ringing her hands again.

"What is this hmm?" he asked holding her hands in his. "You know you have no reason to be nervous right? I mean I got what I wanted already." He said

She looked at him confused. "What?"

"Well I just wanted to make you my wife and ensure you have a fresh start. And that look on your face is all I ever wanted to see. As for the rest," He sighed. "That will happen in time, when the time is right for you. I can wait, I am a patient man!" He smiled, as he placed a kiss on her forehead.
"You must be tired huh, it was a busy day.'

Sugni looked at him, really wondering what was he made of. She again thanked her lucky stars she found him. She knew that no matter what the future held one thing was for sure, her heart would forever be his.

"You are right." She said "This is a fresh start a new beginning for both of us. And I just want to look forward to the future and us, leave everything else behind." Moving her hands so that they were now entwined in his, she said. "I want to do this right, I_ I want us to have a proper marriage." She said softly, she wondered if her face would be any other color that red.

"Sugni" he said shaking his head'

"I swear I mean it, I am not just saying that." She said cutting of his protest. She caressed his face as she looked into his eyes, "I know you'd wait without a complaint, but you know I love you, you already have my heart, and I have never been more happy than I am at this moment I just want to love you in every way possible." She moved closer to him resting her head on his shoulders. "Besides, most brides are nervous a bit on their wedding night no? I am no different" She whispered. She stayed quite waiting, not sure she could look him in the face after what she just said.

She felt his arms envelope her in a hug, "I love you" He said lifting her face as he kissed her, a kiss filled with warmth , love , passion and happiness'

EPILOGUE

"Twenty years ago , had any of you were to ask me where would I be twenty years from now, my answer would probably be Dead." Sugni said, you could literally hear a pin drop as she spoke , the crowd of 300 people drawn to her presence. "Back then had some one told me I would be a wife, a mother of two beautiful children, a renowned artist, and a motivational speaker, I would have called them crazy. See twenty years ago , I was on the run for my life, homeless, penniless and literally at the end of my road, contemplating suicide. It is said that hope can be found in the most desperate situations, and i found my hope in the back of an open jeep at midnight." She turned to the side where Vickram was standing, as she smiled, turning back to the audience she continued. " Call it luck , faith , God's will what ever name you want to give it. but that night every thing changed for me, as I found that light, that hope, in the form of a man who did what most people won't do these days, helped a stranger , a man who believed in me when I did not even believed in my self, he showed faith in me when I had lost it. It did not matter to him who I was or what I was called , because to him I was simply a human being. And it was that faith, that trust that belief he had in me that first motivated me to try. And slowly , ever so slowly , I began to see what he saw, I began to have that confidence , that pride , that belief, that yes I am good enough ,that Yes I can do this that YES I deserve it. He was and still is , my rock, my hope and my light. But I know there are a lot of you out there, in this situation , facing desperation , darkness, abuse, looking for that rock. It was with that in mind that we created HOPE"S LIGHT. All that is needed if you to have that flicker of courage, of faith in your self ...to get the help..."

Vickram Listened to his wife's speech with a proud smile on his face, he always enjoyed coming to these things and watching her. Hear her speak to these young peole. He knew that at the end of it she would be approached by at least a couple of them wanting to be apart of HOPE"S LIGHT, either to help or ask for help.

She had grown a lot over the years, going back to school after he told her she had a natural talent and should concentrate on her art, instead of spending it in the store room. It took some convincing but she did. Her hobby , turned into her passion which grew and now she was a known name in art circles, with works in art galleries all over She was named among the successful painters amoung them.

Two years after they got married , Sugni gave birth to their daughter, Asha , with the birth of Asha, came the idea that they should open a place for people like her who had nowhere else to turn. With the help of his sister , and Amrita she started Hopes light. IN the fifteen years it has been opened it has grown with branches all over the country and had gained national recognition.Thier son was born exactly a year and a half after Asha, he was named Varun, both kids were the heart and soul of their parents, who tried their best to instill in them that spark of humanity in helping others.

Amrita who was now Sugni's best friend , had also found love in the form of a dashing doctor, and she too was the mother of a beautiful little girl, and Vickram's and Sugni's god daughter, Lilly! Life Turned out Over the years nothing had changed in her sunny personality , she still enjoyed teasing him with the dreaded Nickname, that she took pride in teaching his kids..which they used when ever as they claimed , he was acting all old fashioned.

His business had also grown,and expanded. Life on the whole had been good to them. And there was not a day that Vickram did thank his lucky stars that he did take that second chance at love.

"That was beautiful!" He said as she joined him after her speech. He hugged her.

"Thank you!" She said smiling.

"You think we made a difference?" She asked?

"I am sure you did. They were riveted by your speech "

"Excuse me ...Ma'am?" a young girl came up looking at Sugni. He let her go to do her thing as she talked to members of the audience who wanted to meet her.