NEW FF ...THE UNEXPECTED updated page 39 - Page 24

Chapter 23

Sugni had been in RKji's and his wife's Mehima's home for a week now. At first she apprehensive about the whole thing. Not sure how things would go, but she was pleasantly surprised that she was accepted in the house.

That first evening as she got there she was greeted by a beautiful woman who told her she was RK's wife. She said she knew everything already and after offering her something to eat she led to a room to rest.

Later on after she was rested and a bit recovered from her trip, she found both R.K. and Mehima in conversation. They informed her that for now she would be working or rather "training" under mehima, who would prep Sugni for life in the city. She adopted Sugni as sort of her assistant who accompanied her where ever she went.

Since RK owned a chain of hotels and other businesses that he and his wife ran together, Sugni could not ask for a better teacher. Immedly she liked her, her attitude reminded her so Much of Thakur Mallick. She was frank but kind and as far as Sugni could see she never treated any one as though they were beneth her. She had a warm personality, it was hard not to like her. In no time the two of them stuck a friendship.

Understanding the fact that Sugni was not as educated as there other employees and not accustomed to the fast pace of city life Mehima's first plan of action was to get Sugni accustomed to it all. Sugni spent the first week, getting a total make over, gone were her shalwar suites that were her signature, now she was wearing more modern clothes, jeans and kurta tops that showed of her curves. At first Sugni was a little uncomfortable, but as she stepped out she saw that most ladies dressed this way here. At work time during office hours she would wear office suites.

All that was fine but it was taking Sugni ages to learn to walk around in those heeled shoes when it seemed that everyone else was making it look easy. Memsaab was having a great laugh at Sugni's expense. Infact, there were moments when Sugni thought she enjoyed these dressing up sessions a little too much, but she had to agree she was amazed by the outcome.

Apart form the make over, Sugni also accompanied Mehima to the office where she was put into the clerical department where she was lerning some office skills during the time Memsaab had meetings and other work to do. Since her reading and writing skills were minimum Sugni knew she had a lot of work to do, but she was determined.

Through it all , He was in the back of her mind as she kept wondering about him. During the day it was easy as she was constantly on the go , but at night , no matter how tired she might be he always crept into her head. He face as he walked away from her, was heartbreaking. Unable to stand it any more by the end of the week, Sugni decided she could not wait for a letter to find out to make it so she called Champa instead.

"Sugni!!!...it is so good to hear from you! So long it's been. How are you...how are things with Kaki?" Champa asked.

"Kaki was fine...I am good Champa, but I am no longer with Kaki...I am in Mumbai!."

"Mumbai?" Champa was shocked ..."When did that happen?" she wanted to know.

"After Well when Thakur Mallick came to see me, he told me to come here and try to make a better life. He said that there was not much to do there...so I did. He has a friend here and they are helping me". She explained

"ohh I see", champa said. "Sugni...I am sorry for telling him where you were but he would'nt leave and he looked so...I don't know sad and pitiful...forgive me." She said.

"It's ok champa...I am glad you did. I got a chance to talk to him." She said. " He left in such a way champa. Can you find out how he is doing please. I just want to know, he's ok." Sugni said.

There was a long pause on the phone , that Sugni was wondering if she got disconnected. Finally Champa answered.

"WOW...you really are in love." She said. "Sugni if you feel this strongly about it why don't you come back.?" She asked

"I can't Champa" She said. "Yes I love him and want to know he is happy...but in the end I don't want to become what I was running from. This is not easy for me to do...but I have no choice. Please I just want to know...how he is because when he left he was not happy." She said.

"I can tell you, right now how he is. And it's not good." Champa said. "After he returned from visiting you, he back to my place that night, and he offered my your job. I accepted it...cause I have a feeling you'll be back " she said. " he told every one you are seeing about your sick Aunty.' Champa informed her.

"Sugni I have never seen him like that! Not taking care of himself. He spent the first few days moping around the house not going to work. Hardly eating I had no idea why he hired me. Then maa Thakur and Reva Memsaab came back, I don't know what happened but the doctor had to be called Reva was taken to the hospital. She was back the next day but Thakur mallick was not happy. Funny thing is ...when he is not around she act so normal but when he is she is different!' Champa said. Sugni closed her eyes listening to Champa. Her eyes welling up. "Even maa Thakur has started saying he looks like he is coming down with some kind of sickness."

"Haaye Sita Miyaa! Champa... What are you saying.? I told him I don't blame him...All of this is my fault." She cried.

"How is it your fault?" Champa asked.

"I should have gone back with him...I should have..." Sugni started not sure how but she was feeling responsible for his state of unhappiness.

"Sugni, calm down...this was not your fault. And you said it was not his either, and after seeing him I have to agree. Fate is playing some cruel game here with you two. Sugni you are there ...and I think you should stay there., if you came here you would probably be in the same state he is in." she said.

"I'll let you know how he is doing ok..." Champa consoled her friend.

"Thank you Champa.!" Sugni said, "I have one more favor to ask please."

"Anything" champa said. As Sugni made her request.

"Of course I will." Champa Assured her.

"Thanks again Champa."

As Sugni ended the call her heart heavy with what she just herd, the last thing she wanted was for him to be eating himself up because of her. Walking to her dresser Sugni took up a pen and paper as she sat down to write.

"Thakur Mallick..."

The next morning Sugni came down stairs for breakfast and joined Mehima memsaab on the table where she was looking through a photo album.

"Ahh Sugni ...good morning!" she greeted her cheer fully.

"Good Morning memsaab" Signi said.

"Are you alright? You look tired?" Mehima observed.

"Yes...I am fine..." Sugni said, she did not want to tell her she was indeed a wake most of the night worried.

"what's this ?" She asked looking at the pictures, taking a seat next to her.

"Wedding pictures...I am looking to have one of these blown up..come have a look" She said entusaticly placing the album between them. Sugni looked at he pictures , they both looked so happy and mehima looked like an angel in her outfit.

" WOW Meemsaab...you look very beautiful on you wedding day...so happy!" Sugni commented.

"Yes", She smiled. " It was much more memorable than my first wedding." She said.

Sugni glanced up at that surprised "first wedding?".

"I was married before" She stated matter of factly.

"OH !" Sugni said trying to hide the shock

Mehima looks at sugni and could see her thinking...she smiled it was not the frist time she got such a response and it would not be the last she was sure. She smiled.

"I know what you're thinking. What kind of woman am I na? I know you don't believe in divorce Sugni. But it happens due to uncalled and unexpected circumstances in a relationship and it is not wrong"

"No--no Memsaab I did not mean..." Sugni said not wanting to offend her. "I mean I understand ..some husbands give there wives diveoce and they have no choice but to accpet it na?" She said. She remembered Vickram telling her about him wanting to divorce Reva.

"That is not the case. Both partners will have to consent for the divorce to complete, yes, but there are some problems in a relationship that there is no other choice in leaving the marriage, but divorce." Mehima said.

Sugni looks at her in thought. "Sorry Mem saab...I did not mean to be rude really...but you know since I was a little girl ...I always herd for the women around you go into your husbands house and only leave when you die, even if you are unhappy...I mean look at mawhari All the thakurs trat thier wives so bad ...yet none of them won't leave. And divorce...if you tell them that they would probably commit suicide!"

Mehima looks at Sugni seriously as she explained "I am also from a small village like you dear. I am from a family that has a lifestyle like what you refer to as Thakurs. I also had this soch,(thought) that the first man I fall in love with will be my jeevan saathi.(Life partner) I didn't believe in separation or divorce. But you know what Sugni, I think these broken relationships happen for a reason. It helps us to become matured in our life. I think too that Bhagwan is testing us to see how we well we can tackle love and if we will be able to make the right choices to keep the special bond holy. In my case, I can proudly say that Bhagwan was testing me and my choice capability. U know I fell in love with my college buddy Rohan. He was sweet and the perfect guy at that time. But soon as the wedding was over, it all changed I don't know why. He started hitting, punishing me a reason I can't get up to this hour. But u know what, it was my mistake that I rushed things. i made my choice and that was the consequence of my action. But it was all there in my destiny to learn how to survive in the world by not trusting everybody. It made me a better person in love. "

"You know what Dear?. I think Vikram is in a similar situation like me. His marriage to Rewa is just an eye opener for him to find his true love and soul mate. Rewa came as a test for him to realise his feelings."Mehima said , Placing her hands in Sugni's- "Have you found your special one as yet?" She asked

Sugni get flustered by this question. She was not expecting that!. "M--me---n-no!" She stammered

Mehima observed the slight blush on her cheeks for some reason she did not believe her." Haaye haaye are you sure?"

"Y--yes... I mean ..."

"You mean? Bol Bol..." Mehima asked looking at her closely

"Look you need more tea?" Sugni said as she tried to change the subject

" I know all the shyness and uh uh um ums and change of topics -- so don't think you're getting away from me dear... "she smiles "tell me..

Sugni sighs... She did not want lie to her... "Mem sab...it's complicated" She said. Making mehima laugh as to how complicated could it be if she left him behind to pursue a new life

"You left him behind for betterment na? If he really loves you he will wait for your return to marry you. You are very lucky he supports u to be an independent woman.. It's very hard to find guys like that these day dear... I am happy for you..."

Sugni looked at her...Oh memsab you got it all wrong sided, she thought but she shook her head..".it can never work, memsaab. his life is different. I have no place in it." She said sadly. She had no idea why she said it...but it felt good to let it out at least partly. "And who would marry some one like me...I mean...a bedni never gets married you know that" It was a fact.

"A bedni is also a woman just like me no?" Mehima asked her

"Yes...but of a lower class na..."

"There is no Low class and high class people Sugni. We all are born to fulfill the same purpose. We have the same father and mother. It"s just our way of living is different. You must never refer yourself as low class."

Sugni smiled "You sound just like him! you know Th...I mean he always said that!" she said, she closed her mouth when she realized she almost said to much.

"Oh so "He" tells you the same as well... Its okay na Sugni. YOU don't need to share with me about the special one.." She said winking at her.

Sugni sighs "why dose love have to be so complicated ?" . after a few moments she said "Memsaab can I ask you something?"

"Haan Go ahead"

"Well you said you were from a village like mine...how did they accept you getting married again?I mean...that must have been hard to listen to your heart when everyone watching you funny?"

" Dear, it was not of a problem of me getting married, it was a problem when I was divorcing. I was the only one who has gone through with this. Sugni, it does not deal with what others think and want.. it is how u feel and what u want.I was the only person knowing my feelings and pain and no one will never volunteer to share your painso u should follow your heart. do things your way.Be a change in society,be a shining star for your village and new hope for the girls.Look, you have a big start... you are going to earn your own money--that too in a positive and honest way... Doesn't it feel good?" Mehima Said.

"that is why I left because I did not want to be like the others...yes i feels good...b-but i miss him and sometimes I wonder..." Sugni said "I mean I know what I did was for the best and he understands that ...still...i " Unwillinging tears spung to her eyes as she recalled last night conversation. , she blinks back her tears trying to keep her composure.

"Sugni!?" Mehima was shocked seeing her this upset. she took her hands and wiped her tears "Sugni---- beta, this is called life. we make mistakes and we have challenges.. But sweetheart, YoU need to wipe your tears and stay strong and be positive. Crying will take You nowhere."

"You really love this guy?" She said. Sugni nodded. "but you ran away from him?" she asked. "Dose he love you?" She nodded. "You trust him?" She nodded. "but you are afraid about what people would say ...right?" She nodded. Mehema sighed.

You know Sugni. You just follow your heart. If your love is willing to stand by yor side through thick and thin -through health and strength-happy and sad times, You will win over the world. No matter they are against you, you lift your head high, hold your love's hands and walk smiling.You will definitely win"

Sugni smiled " Like you and RKji?"

"Haan. Like me and Ram..."She Blushed. "My look at the time...we need to get going . She said seeing they were late. Sugni got up. But she stopped her.

"Sugni any time you want to talk to some one you can call me. I am here always .. okay?" she said hugging her.

"Thank you Memsaab. " Sugni said.

Sugni felt as though her head was spinning with all her thoughts. Nothing was black and white any more. Was it right to be miserable just to make others happy? Was following society's norms worth it if it takes away your peace of mind. Was she just looking for an excuse to follow her heart. Was following it so wrong???...