NEW FF. UNBREAKABLE BONDS Chapter 43(UPDATED PAGE 44 - Page 33

Thank you Ron and Sandy for your reviews . I do Appricate reading them . Payal and sara thanks also for being silent readers...
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CHAPTER 39

Vickram sat in his office ,on the phone with his lawyer a few day after..."So you found the original deed? Hmmm and it is all clear?" He asked. He smiled as the lawyer confirmed it.

"That was very quick .He had expected to be tied up for weeks , luckily his Lawyer had some impressive contacts and got the information needed in record time. "So when can I restart?" he asked

"I am couriering you the documents ...so I by Monday you will have everything in order to start work and he won't be able to do anything...also if you want you can file an obstruction case against him."

"No No..." Vickram said. "As much as I would like that...I am not goint to stoop to his level. I am here for one purpose and that is to see that. If he wants to play childish games let him. But if he makes a nuisance of himself I definitely would." He assured.

"Ok Sir."

"Thank you...I owe you one!."

"No problem sir."

Vickram ended the call and went into the living room where the rest of the family was gathered. Discussing plans for Adi and Amrita to go back to the city.

"So I just got off the phone with Mr. Dree... and he says everything is good to go . He found the deed and is shipping it over. We can start work from Monday." He informed them Maa Thakur let out a sigh as she smiled

"Thank God! So the charges were baseless.? I knew it."

"Of course they were ... he was just trying to be a nuisance as always. Don't worry maa...he can't stop us. I'll call the builders and inform him to get ready to resume work." Vickram Said. "Did your tickts arrive Adi?" Vickram asked .

"Yes Mamaji we leave on Sunday..." He said. Vickram nodded.

"Thant is good we get to see the mela!". Amrita said excitedly. "And I can do some sightseeing...Sugni maybe we could go out and check out some of the village later?"

"Sure...but there is not much to see...just trails and old houses there is a river I think..."

"Oh that is ok I just want to see it. Adi will you come with us?" Amrita asked as Adi made a face. Unlike Amrita he was not a fan of the village and he did not see what was so fascinating about all the dirt and squalor that she was gushing about.

"Amrita really...no." he said. She sighed.

"Mamaji?'

"Sure I'll come wi..." He was interrupted by the ringing of the phone

"Sorry girls... That was Mr. Jain... and we need to discuss somethings urgently..." He said

Amrita sighed ..."Well I guess it's just me and you Sugni. " She said

"Wait...I don't think you two should go off by yourself." Vickram said, looking at them. The since they got here things had been quite but still.

"But Mamaji we only have a few days here...and with packing and all I might never get another chance." She said

"I know Amrita..."

"Vickram... " Sugni said looking at him. "It will be fine. We will be going out in the daylight and they would be crazy to try something then, especially since everyone knows everyone, basically. And we won't go anywhere lonely just where people are. I mean if we stay in the house all the time ...I mean they would think they are intimidating us. "

"Yes but Sugni if..."

"Nothing will happen...because one he is a coward and he will not risk doing anything where he could be identified. And you already told the policeman that you suspect him...We'll be fine." She said convincingly. He looked at them for a long time... then he said.

"Fine...but Rattu goes with you..." He said. She nodded.

"But beta..." Maa Thakur said."

"Relax Maa...Sugni is right...he is not that stupid...and Sugni can handle herself around here..." He said.

"Goood ..I can't wait." Amrita Said

"It's nothing much Amrita ...I mean this is not the most developed place you know... You might be disappointed."

"I won't be...I am sure.." She said.

"Well you have could not ask for a better guide than Sugni..." Vickram said to them... "I mean she knows all the best spots...ohh and don't forget to check out Roopa Mousi and her ..um goat?" He said as he winked at Sugni.

"Hey it was a Cow...and she dose exists!" She told him hauntingly.

"What are you guys talking about?" Amrita asked.

"Well see Sugni always had all sorts of stories about this Roopa mousi and her cow...I never really believed they existed...I am telling you Amrita ...to hear her ..That cow should probably have a world record or something." He said incredulously

"They did too..." Sugni said giving him a disbelieving look, he was pulling her leg in front of all of them.

"If you say so..." He said he said.

"Well I would love to hear about it..." Amrita said...Vickram rolled his eyes.

Ahhh haa See that Amrita... There was a time he loved the stories...now he acts as though it is the most boring thing he heard..."

"Well before marriage every word seems like poetry...but after..." he said .."Hmm Adi.?."

"Of course.." Adi joined in.

"Ohh really? Unbelievable you two are!" Amrita said.

"Yes since we are so boring, and for your information Mr. That cow is real...let's go..." Sugni turn to go upstairs.

"Yeah Yeah whatever!" Vickram said.

Maa Thakur was sitting there watching the exchange trying not to laugh.

"Why do you guys tease the poor girls?" she asked ruefully.

"Poor girls...Maa...please...!" Vickram said.

"Thakur Mallick..." Sugni said as she stepped up to Vickram... "You enjoy yourself hmm?" He smiled...

"Fine..." reaching into his shirt pocket, she pulled out his Jeep keys.

"I am taking the Van...and Thakur Saab...you'll get payback."

"Ohh really...I am waiting on it." He said smilingly. Not at all bothered.

*****\\\\\/////****

A few hours after Sugni and Amrita were returning back from visiting the local river. They took a drive through some of the villages and looked at the poor housing, the children, and some of the bedni. Amrita was shocked at the contrast in the two.

"This is so sad...I mean the other Thakurs could help these people and they leave them like this."

"That is true...but if they do then..they will be shooting themselves in the foot na... I mean who will they exploit in the name of tradition."

"Thank god Vickram is not like that..." Sugni continued as they passed by the wheat fields where there were a few villagers working.."

"Rattu? Don't you get opposition from the Thakurs managing the fields?' Amrita wondered.

"No Memsaab...see the fields were in existence since Bade Thakur's days. And he would employee anyone who wanted to . Truth is only a few of the Bedni men are willing to do the work depending instead on their women to bring home the bread. And even so what we get to work are women who for some reason can't dance any more or earn a living doing Raai. But they need to eat. Vickram Saab has a policy that no one is turned away if we can find space for them and I have never been at a full capacity where I had to trun any one away really." He explained to them.

"So Amrita this is it...more or less..." Sugni said as they turned back to go home.

"Wait...Rattu stop." Sugni said as she stopped in front of a small house. The sounds of gunguroos could be herd as they looked at the class that was being conducted of little girls dancing raai. Some as little as four years old.

"What is this?" Amrita Asked.

"This is where we lerned the dance...the first stoep on the road...as soon as you turn 15-16 you wil start going out with the group to entertain the Thakurs." She explained to Amrita , her face getting that faraway look remembering those days as a child when her Mama sent her here.

"Why did we stop here?" Amrita said looking into the yard.

"Cause there is someone I know here..." She shook her head in disbelief. "One minute ." she said shaking herself out of the memories as she stepped out of the jeep.

Sugni came out of the jeep and followed the woman who was walking in the opposite direction holding the hand of a small child, about Shanti's age.

"Mami?" She called out to her aunt. Naganiya stopped as she turned around. Her face freezing in shock as she took in the sight of Sugni standing in front of her.She took in her attire , the saree the Mangal Sutra , the jewelry.

"Su-Sugni?" She . "Ohh My God ...What are you doing here?" She asked. She was the last person she expected to lay eyes on. Sugni approached her with a smile.

"I am here with Vickram." She said. "He had some business..."

"Vickram...you're Thakur Mallick?" She asked.

Sugni nodded. "My husband.."

"You are married to him?" She asked , the shock on her face doubled.

"Yes." Sugni said.

"Haai sita miya..." Naganiya said dramatically as she hastily removed her slippers and helpd it in her hands. As all the bedni's did in the presence of the Thakurs or their wives.

"Hey Twinkle...remove your slippers" She whispered loudly to the child who followed suite.

"Mamiji what are you doing... Stop it!" Sugni said stepping forward to stop her. "You are embrassing me...Please I am your niece Sugni..." She said as she hugged her.

"Maybe but you are a Thakurine now..."

"Maami please.. don't do this... forget all that... What are you doing here and who is this? And where is Mamaji" She asked .

"This ...uh This is your cousin...Twinkle...i was picking her up form dance class. "

"Cousin ...this is your daughter...wow how old is she?'

"Four...she came along after you left." She said.

"She is so pretty ..and Mamaji?"

She looked at the floor as she said vaguely..."Ah he ..um he is at hope maybe...you know him wandering aot..." She said. Sugni nodded. There was a bit of an awkward silence as Sugni took them in. She remembered her Aunt as always being well dressed in her clothes. Now she looked disheveled. There were circles under her eyes and she looked wretched.

"Mamiji why is she taking these classes?" She asked.

"Your Mamaji wants her to..."

"But why...I mean what is the need?" They had all the money Sugni got for her Sardakhi..she left it with them. That should have been enough for them to have a comfortable life. But looking at her ow something was wrong.

"Sugni ...you know things happen...you know your uncle drinking and gambling..." She said

"Oh Lord..."

"But it is Ok that is life here..." She said. "Will you be coming home...I mean to see your uncle?" She asked. Sugni looked at the van where Amrita was seated looking at the dancers.

"We were just going home...but I will come to see him, if Vickram .."

"Of course." She nodded. She was sure there was no way Sugni would visit them...not now anyway.

"I better get going..." Naganiya said. Sugni nodded. Not sure what to say. After such a long time seeing her...Sugni had no idea how to react. This woman was her first mother figure after her mother died. It was against her nature to pass her straight on the street, no matter how horrible they were to her once upon a time.

As they parted ways, Sugni went back to the jeep where they resumed their journey home.

"Who was that?" Amrita asked.

"My Aunt... where I grew up..." She explained.

"I see." Amrita nodded. They continued for a while in silence. Sugni in a bit of a somber mood having seen Naganiya and seeing the her cousin thinking about then and how the cycle continues. She was brought out of her thoughts by Amrita who let out a loud laugh suddenly.

"What is so funny?" She asked.

Amrita pointed to a lone cow standing underneath a tree being tended by an old woman. "Just remembering Mamaji and Rupa Mousi...I wonder what happened to her.."

Sugni smiled "Well she was old she probably died...and so did the cow."

"Hmm yes...tell him that..."

"You don't believe me?' She asked Amrita

"Ohh I do...but I know Mamaji and you will never hear the end of it..." She gaffed.

"Fine then I'll just have to make sure I do..." She said determinedly

"And how do you plan to do that?" She asked...

Sugni smiled mysteriously... You will see... Rattu one minute please.!" She said. As she stepped down from the Van as she made her way to the Old man...

Amrita looked at her perplexed...after a few minutes her eyes bogged.

"What are you...you are crazy...!" Amrita Said

"Maybe..." Sugni said. "But after today he will know better than to pull my leg!" She said. Amrita just shook her head and smiled.

*****\\\\\\//////******

Vickram was in his office finishing up his meeting with Mr. Jain about some of the changes he wanted made and telling him about resuming his work on Monday. Everything was set and he hoped it all went off without a hitch now.

All of a sudden his office door burst open and Shanti came running skidding to a stop.

"Daddy...you won''t believe you have to see this...": She said out of breath from running.

"Shanti...why are you running ..what is wrong?' He asked wondering what got her so excited.

Come come you will see..." She said tugging on his hand. Wondering where the fire is he stood up.

Mr Jain was looking at her smiling.

"come I'll walk you out." Vickram Said. "And you will forgive my little manner-less munchkin here." Vickram said looking at her a bit sternly for her interrupting him.

"Sorry..." She said softly to Mr. Jain.

"It's ok she is obviously excited over something.." he said. "MY little one is the same." He said.

Vickram came out the door and stood looking at his drive way and the three people in it. Rattu was standing there with his head bent , not sure he was willing to take on the bosses wrath. Amrtia was trying her level best to keep a straight face but failing and Sugni was just looking at him with her arms crossed.

Vickram looked at her , blinked and looked again sure that his eyes were deceiving him. Behind him Adi and maa Thakur also came out . He herd them gasp softly and he swore he herd his mother giggle.

Stepping infront of Sugni He said.

"What is this ...Is that a..you tied a ...What?" He asked speechless for once in his life.

"Thakur Mallick... meet Cowsilla... Rupa Mousi's cow..." She said indicating the cow that sugni had tied to the back of Vickram's jeep staring at all of them. She let out a soft Moo as though saying hello.

Vickram started at Sugni... She seriously tied a cow to the back of his jeep...and was acting all nonchalant about it!

"And...meet Rupa Mousi...the owner of the cow..." She said indicating the little old lady he now noticed standing next to the cow.

"Whaaa?" He asked as she snapped his mouth closed.

"See I thought you'd like to meet them . In person. And since you could not come to the cow...the cow came to you...Right Amrita?" She nodded.

She moved up to him and whispered softly I for his ears only...

" Hmm now do you believe me..." He nodded dumbly. "Remember this next time!' She said. She stepped back.
Vickram stared after her as she went inside. Amidst his shock, he had to admire her spunk.

OMG 🤣🤣🤣!!!! Roopamosi and her Bhasha make an actual appearance !!!!!!!! you are too much Vinnie

hehehe payal

let me laugh at this one 😆 poor vikram, uski shakal dekhne layak hogi 😆

Hello Ron and Payal ,
Thank you both for your views and comments and I am happy that you liked the chapter. Sorry Payal I know I am late but here is is a 2 day holiday (Labour day / and corpus Cristi) and well we had guest so things were a bit hectic . I have not gotten a chance to complete my chapter... bit it is almost done and will be up soon (today for sure) !!!

CHAPTER 40

Dinner that evening was spent with every one talking about the cow and Vickram's reaction at seeing it. Maa Thakur was actually enjoying this, which kind of surprised everyone . Vickram took the flack well but he kept darting Sugni looks that promised her she would hear about this, She basically ignored those.

Sugni sat in her room later that night deep in thought about her earlier meeting with her Aunty Naganiya and her cousin. There was something about seeing that child at the dance class that was bothersome to her. Alone with her thoughts the image of the sweet little girl seemed stuck in her head.

She was just one year younger than Shanti...she should be out playing, having fun, learning her A,B, C's...not doing Raai!. Her childhood should not be cut like this!. That poor child was being sucked into this vicious cycle aided by the ones who should keep her out!.

Sure they did not spare Sugni, but at least one would think they would soare their own flesh and blood. She closed her eyes as she shook her head . " Haai sita Miya...Why?" She asked softly.

"What is the matter Madam?' Afraid to face me after that little stunt of yours?" Came a hard as steel voice from behind her. Sugni turned her head to look at Vickram, for the first time all evening they were alone .

She couldnot help but smile as she thought about "Cowsilla'. Sometimes she even surprised herself. Vickram came to stand facing her a few feet away.His arms cross and his face was serious. Any one who knew Vickram knew that when he wore that expression you cross him at your own risk. He meant business!

"You think you are so smart huh?" He said . "You had your laugh. Do you have any idea of the damage you could have caused to my jeep with that?"

"What damage?" Sugni asked perplexed at his behavior." It was just a rope tied to your bumper."

"A rope that was attached to a thousand pound animal! It could have bucked, gone wild and ripped out the entire thing or worse! Did you think about any of that?" He said, she blinked before she could open her mouth he continued. "Of course not! All you were concerned about was showing me up for some stupid remark!"

Sugni's mouth fell open at his unexpected tirade.Was he really mad about her prank? She looked at him for a few moments before she got up from her chair, taking the few stepts needed she stopped directly infront of him.

"What are you going on about Thakur Mallick? None of that happened.And there was not a scratch on your jeep!" She said

"No thanks to you !" He retorted. "Kamal hain... instead of realizing your mistake you stand here answering me back?" he gave her a look that usually had others scampering away.

Sugni took a deep breath as shemade two steps forward until shewas toe to toe with him. "Thakur Mallick?" She said looking directly into his face defiantly.

"What?' He answered.

"That was a good joke whether you like it or not. And if you are trying to make me feel guilty or intimidate me or whatever this is supposed to be, it's not working." She sighed dramatically. "Cause really I am not scared of you." She emphasized her point by putting her arms around his neck and smiling. "I know you are not mad at me!" She said confidently.

Vickram looked at her expressionless. "Oh really?. Confident aren't you?"

"Of course you love me too much to be mad at that." She said batting her eyes at him.

Vickram sighed as he gave up the act, placing his arms around her waist.

"You're right I do." Leaning down he kissed her lightly on the lips . She rested her head on his chest contentedly.

"I have to give it to you Sugni...you do have a unique way of proving your point. I'll never question you again." He chuckled.

"um...thakur Mallick." Sugni said . She closed her eyes guiltily.

"Hmm?" He said running his hands along her back soothingly.

" I have a confession to make." She said without moving.

"What?" he asked

"Um actually na...that was not Rupa Mousi or her cow...that was actually a lady tending to her cow that I just met today." She admitted.

"What?" he said pulling back to look at her.

"Well see...Amrita said that you would never let me hear the end of it as you did not believe me, and I knew it and then as luck would have it I spotted them under the tree, so I thought why not make you believe that that was the original and so I went to ask for her help and to my surprise she agreed to come here..." She said quickly as she looked at the top button on his shirt.

Vickram burst out laughing at her speech. "Yet you are telling me this even though you know I won't let you hear the end of it?"

She nodded. "But she did exsist...I swear..."

"Accha baba I believe you..." He laughed. You know you are impossible sometimes..." He let her go as he sat on the bed.

"So how was your day in the village? " He asked changing the Subject.

"It was good ...nothing much has changed...really..." She gave him a brief rundown of the places they visited.

"I also met Naganiya Maami today...She um invited us home" She told him

"Oh that is nice...how is she?" he asked

She shrugged. Getting serious again. "She has a daughter, a little girl four." Vickram nodded.

"They were going home from Raai class" She told him. "could you believe that...they are sending that little girl to Raai class." She said, telling him the details of her meeting with Naganiya and her conversation. About her uncle drinking and gambling out the Sardakhi money.

"That is unbelievable ...how can one person be so irresponsible?" He said ruefully.

"I know...but I ..." She started then stopped as a thought formed in her head. NO this would not be right. She told herself.

"What is it Sugni...?" He asked looking at her. She shook her head.

"Come on I know you are thinking something what is it?" He asked . She stared at him saying nothing. "Look if you want to go visit them one evening...we'll go it's Ok." He said. He knew she did not see then in a long time.

"No..that's not it...I was thinking if ...maybe ." She stopped.

"Sugni what?"

"Well if maybe you can give Him a job in the fields or on the site...just to help them out ...they have the child and..." She faded as she looked at him. It felt weird asking him for this.

"You're worried about the child aren't you?" He said knowingly.

She nodded. "She should not be doing that. And after talking to Maami...I saw that they were on hard times. I know ...it's his fault but looking at that little girl all I could see was..."

"Shanti..." He finished for her . She nodded.

Vickram sighed as he took her hand. "Sugni...I understand your sentiments. I do...and I have no problems helping them, if he wants to work that is fine...but understand something...some people don't want help...and Hukum ...well he is probably one of them...because if he had changed any...his daughter would not be there..."

"I understand . I do...but if he does not maybe Maami will take it...I mean no mother would willingly send her daughter out if they have another choice right..."

"They do that all the time here . In the name of tradition." He said.

"Look. I am not telling you this to hurt you. But that is the facts. And although you want to help the child, Sugni ultimately her fate lies in the hands of her parents. Hukum is the type that will take the help yet still send her."He said . She knew what he said was the truth . She was witness to it.

"Sugni...I just don't want you to get hurt. " She nodded. "Here is what we'll do alright. We'll pay them a visit and see how they are, and I'll offer them the job...the rest is up to them...but don't expect any miracles." He said.

"You'd do that?" she asked .

"Of course...if we could somehow help the child why not. It is sad really."He said.

"Yes it is."

"Thank you..." She said looking at him sincerely

"Sugni..."

"No ...I mean it...you are still willing to help someone like him...for me ...I can't tell you..."

"Shhh..." He said placing a finger on her lips. "Sugni I am not doing anything for them...but for you...and I know why you want to help ...and that is admirable that you would show so much concern over a child that you just met."

"I love you..." She said as she hugged him.

******\\\\\\//////******

A FEW DAYS LATER:

The village mela in Mawhari was an annual event, and the only time that they saw the mixing of high class and low class. It was a time where people from the surrounding villages traveled from place to place show casing their crafts, goods, and food.

There was rides, magic and Raai and other stuff. So for two days Mawhari was abuzz with the activity.

There were special tents set up for the Thakurs who did not want to wander about or bake in the sun ,while the Thakurines went out to see the goods they might like for themselves and their families. The other villagers just admired the pricy stuff and contented themselves with the food, and maybe take home some of the lower priced mementos

Amrita was lapping it up enjoying it, as she dragged Adi with her to the various rides and stalls much to his irritation, but he complained she was like a kid in a candy store. Maa Thakur joined some of her friends in one of the tents, saying she was not much for walking , while Vickram and Sugni took Shanti to wander around where she looked at everything with wide eyed enthusiasm, splurging on sweets and just having the time of her life.

Unlike the last time they were here, Sugni had no in habitations about spending her husband's money on some frivolous stuff she found cute, she too caught up in the madness that was the Mela. "No ! NO ! No seriously have you ever seen me wear a hat and that too what looking like that?" He asked as she was eying a sombrero type hat.

"It'll look cute.." she said.

"It will look ridiculous..." He countered.

"Yeah you are right..." She conceded after she put it on his head which elicited loud laughter from Shanti and a few snickers from the attendant. Vickram let out a sigh of relief.

The moment was interrupted by the arrival of another Thakur passing by. "Thakur Vickram Singh...how are you. I heard you were back but did not get a chance to meet up yet, so good to see you here!" He said smiling.

"Ahh Thakur Rajeev how are you? Good to see you as well...How is the business going?"

"Good good...now that you are here I would like to talk to you about it...get some advice. I hear you are doing well on that front..."

"Sure no problem...Oh Meet my wife, Sugni and my little girl Shanti..." He introduced them.

"Namaste...!" Sugni greeted politely.

"You know Sugni me and Rajeev her go way back...we grew up together, getting into trouble!' he said

She nodded.

"Ohh don't listen to him babhi...all the trouble we got in was because of him...I just followed along for the ride...I tell you I think Maaji probably hit me than she did her own son!" He said fondly remembering their child hood days.

"Where is Maaji?" he asked. "She did not come."

"Yes she is in one of the tents..." Vickram said. "Come we'll go meet her..."

"Yes and you can meet my family..."

Shanti was getting bored standing there looking at the adults talking, there was so much beautiful stuff to see. Her eye fell on one of the stalls a few feet away. There were dolls and other pretty toys hanging gently blowing in the wind beckoning her.

She wanted to tug on her mother's Saree to ask her to go along but she remembered daddy telling her it was rude to interrupted them when they were talking unless it was really important. Then she herd them talk about going into the tents. Oh no ...maybe she could just take a quick peek it was just a few feet away...

"Well come n let's go..." Thakur Rajeev said as they turned to leave. Sugni turned to look for Shanti but did not see her. Her heart stopped for a moment, as she looked around, letting out a sigh of relief when she spotted her by one of the tents a few feet away. Seeing its contents, she understood what drew her.

"Excuse me...Vickram..." She put her hand on his shoulder." Why do not you two go and I will come meet you. She pointed at the tent Shanti was at the man seemed to be doing some kind of magic trick.

"Um Ok...no problem..." Vickram said. As he left with the other Thakur.

Sugni turned towards the stall but stood still as a few people were passing in front of her hauling some heavy looking boxes blocking her view. She waited a few minutes for them to pass. As they did she continued on her way to Shanti, her steps faltering as she saw that her daughter was no longer looking at the magic in on the stall but her back was turned looking at someone, and she was standing very still.

Wondering what that was about she made her way closer , where she herd that unmistakeable voice from her past...

"It is the truth...see they are just fooling you...he does not love you...because you are my child no his...and he will leav..."

"WHAT are you doing?" Sugni said alarmed as she walked up to Shanti and pulling her to her side. Her daughter looked terrified.

"Well well well ! Sugni...don't you look nice...I was just introducing myself to my daughter that is all..." He said as he stood from his kneeling position. ...For the first time since arriving here Sugni was face to face with Vijai Singh

WELL WELL WELL.. i knew that was going to come...