NEW FF. UNBREAKABLE BONDS Chapter 43(UPDATED PAGE 44 - Page 34

CHAPTER 41

Sugni stood staring at the smiling face of Vijai Singh. "you know ...I heard it but I did not quite believe it...You married to Vickram Singh!" He said the name scathingly. "But that should come as no surprise, after all it only took you four months to find an excuse to run after him... tell me did you actually tell him who she belongs to or did you come up with some story about premature delivery?" He said menacingly, looking at her.

Sugni was acutely aware of the people around her some were staring at them , others were trying to look like they weren't but she knew they were drawing attention because Vijai's voice was by no means soft. Not wanting to crate any further gossip she turned to leave without answering him.

He help onto her wrist as she turned tightly... "oh come on leaving already? No no...no bedni would turn her back on her Master if she saw him anywhere...where is your manners?" He asked.

"Get your hands off me..." Sugni said, her anger beining to raise. As she forcibly pulled her hand away from his grasp. Turning to him she looked him straight in the face.

"How dear you touch me!?" She said. As she pointed her fingers into his face. "Get one thing straight Thakur Vijai Singh...I am no longer a bedni...but a Thakurine, THAKURINE SUGNI VICKRAM SINGH...and you have no right to speak to me like this. And you better had and stay away from my child if you know what is good for yourself." She said.

"Wah...wah Sugni...suddenly you are talking about rights. That is rich coming from the one who put herself up for auction to the highest bidder.! No matter how much you try to hide it na dear, underneath you are no better than they rest of your kind. And that child that you claim is yours. You are lucky I felt sorry for you and let you keep her...other wise She would be..

"Vijai Singh ...not one more word! " Sugni said stopping him aware that Shanti was witnessing this entire scene.

"You dear stop me? It is the truth...I should have known...you left me to run after him so you could latch on! Smart you played me making me think you hated him...when in reality you were just waiting for the right time...but you did not answer me...what sob story did you feed him...because for sure, no self-respecting man would take care of something that is not his...!"...

"Sugni?" Came a Vickram's voice from behind her.. Sugni closed her eyes, that were filled with angry tears as she herd his voice. OH Great now he was seeing this commotion. She swallowed as she turned. She was surprised to find Shanti in Vickram's arms with her head hidden in his neck cliging to him. Obviously, she was crying.

She walked over to where he was standing a few feet away, she could feel the anger rolling off of him. "Take her to the tent.!" He said softly.. ""Shanti ..princess...you go with your mummy...we'll go home soon...it's be alright." He said Ashe passed her to Sugni.

"Thakur Mallick...please..." She said. Silently telling him not to take the bait.

"It'll be fine Sugni...go." He said. Knowing it was no use arguing with him she nodded. As she hurried to the tent. She would give him five minutes if he did not return by then she was coming back!

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

Vickram had left Sugni and was happily catching up with his friend when he realized that he left her with no money as his wallet was in his pocket. They were already at the tent, but he excused himself to go back and find her.

He spotted the small crowd at the tent but that was not unusual in this Mela. Whatever was on display must be interesting. He hoped she did not walk to far way . He was brought out of his thoughts when he spotted Shanti running towards him crying and looking scared.

Before he could ask what was wrong she hugged him as she started mumbling.

"Daddy...he is lying...that is not true...I don't want another daddy! He is mean...making mummy mad." She sobbed.

Vickram picked her up confused. The last time he saw her this upset was when the nurse wanted her blood sample and she refused to give it.

"Shanti...honey calm down what happened? where is your mother?" She pointed to the stall.

"That man is saying mean things...he I am his little girl...but I am not I am yours ...you're not fooling me...he is..." She said as he hugged him tightly

"Shhh...it's ok calm down..." He said as he continued walking with a sinking feeling in his stomach. Only one person will say something like that

"you did not answer me...what sob story did you feed him...because for sure, no self-respecting man would take care of something that is not his...!" He herd Vijai say to Sugni as he caught site of them face to face.

Sugni was looking at Vijai defiantly and angrily , while Vijai was smirking at her, amused he was sure trying to insult her.!

First things first Vickram needed to get Shanti out of ear shot of this conversation, so calling Sugn he made sure she got them out.

As he turned to look at Vijai who was staring at him with his eyebrows raised with a snug look on his face.

"You can't go anywhere without creating a scene can you?" Vickram said walking towards him. "You are worse than a drama queen. What you can't take defeat so easily that you have to try to set fire to my personal life?" Vickram said referring to the letter he sent him informing him they had permission to continue work on his land.

Thakur Saab, if you want to make a fool of yourself by all means go ahead but please leave others out of it." He said sarcastically.

"What are you talking about Vickram... I was just stating the facts. Everyone knows it is the truth. And only a fool would put his faith in a bedni, especially one that was used and carrying an-others seed..." He said. This was met with gasps and shocked noises from the surrounding crowd.

"What is the matter Thakur Saab? You seemed shocked..." he said. Vickram had had enough of this and was was about to send his fist through his face when he felt Sugni's hand on his shoulder stopping him. She had returned leaving Shanti with Maa Thakur.

" Thakur Mallick . Please. You won't stoop to his level...all dogs bark...let them" She said softly for him alone to hear. She looked at him for a moment he nodded subltly removing her hand from his shoulder.

He walked over to Vijai smiling , he laughed at he said. "Thakur vijai singh...you are nothing more than a coward and a bully who can only pick on women and children because frankly to come out and challenge a man ...one would have to be a man and not try some cheap shots. And for your kind information...there is nothing about my wife or her history that I do not know. And I accepted it all happily." E said looking at the by standers.

"Her past is just that...her past. Now...I am only here for a short while and I would like to see about my business and be on my way. And I am sure you of all people would like nothing more than that. In the meantime...I a warning you... you come anywhere near MY WIFE , or MY DAUGHTER or any part of my family again...I will finish you...I did it before and this time it will be ten times worse." He said in a voice that was soft yet hard as steel,

"Are you threatening me?" Vijai said.

"Oh no no not at all...I don't make threats...that was a promise!" With that he turned, took Sugni's hand as he walked off towards the tent.

Vijai looked around at the people staring at him, some trying not to laugh at him . "What are you all looking at" He said angrily. He thought he was so smart. Just wait. He would show them ...He would...

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

They all returned home in a somber mood, after the encounter with Vijai no one wanted to stay at the Mela. After saying good bye to His friend , and texting Adi and Amrita to tell them they were leaving they left.

The ride home was quite. Shanti was clinging to her mother not saying anything. It was unusual because she was such an happy talkative child.

"Shanti...are you alright...do you want to talk about what happened today?' Vickram asked her as they went upstairs. She shook her head no. "Can I go to bed?' she asked. Vickram and Sugni exchanged glances, normally they had to coax her to go to bed. She was upset but for some reason she did not want to talk to them.

"OK.!" Vickram said , he knelt infront of her. "I love you...and I am here if you want to talk." She nodded. He hugged her as she left to go with her mom.

Sugni entered her room a few minutes after. "She say anything?" He asked. She shook her head.

"He scared her Vickram! I can see that even If she is quite...i don't know what he told her but whatever he did scared her." She said , upset. "God I can't believe him...he did not want anything to do with her and now all of a sudden he has the gull to say that is his child?" She said angrily.

"He was just trying to make a scene and cause more gossip...believe me he wants nothing to do with her..." he said. "The purpose of this was to embarrass us and cause trouble between us. Did you hear him...he convinced himself I did not know about her...ridiculous..."

"I know if you did you never would have married me...that is just the way he thinks...but he had no right.."

"Shhh..." He said as he walked up to her givng her a hug. "This is not going to happen again. He won't come anywhere near her. I promise. If he pulls another stunt like that I will make him rue the day he was born."

She shook her head. "No Thakur Mallick...I don't want that. I don't want you crossing paths with him again. You are here for a purpose lets just concentrate on that...hmmm. But you are right it won't happen again because I won't let her out of my sight any more once we are out!" She said.

"I am just worried about her..."

"Hmm we will talk to her...She will be fine..." he said.

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

They were awoken by the soft screaming noise coming out of Shanti's room opposite theirs. "Shanti!" Sugni got up alarmed.

She rushed into her daughter's room, Vickram close behind.

"Shanti...Hey..." She said as she sat on the bed as Shanti hugged her .."Mummy he'll take me away from you...please don't make him...I don't want another Daddy...!"

"Hey ehy...Shhh...no one Is going to take you anywhere!! Shhh don't cry... Shannu...you just had a bad dream it's fine see...I am here ..Daddy's here." She said soothingly.

"Hey Princess! It's Ok..." Vickram Said sitting beside then and gently patting her head.

"come on no crying...It is alright..."Sugni said as she wiped her tears. "What happened had a bad dream?"

She nodded. "That man...he was taking me away..."

"Shanti no one is going to take you anywhere!" Vickram said.

"I don't like him... he was mean and made mummy mad...and he said ..." She stopped

"What did he say...tell us it's ok..." Sugni said.

"He said that you were all fooling me, and pretending to like me for now...but you would not anymore because he was my real daddy. And as soon as Daddy did not want me anymore he would send me away..." She finished.

"Princess..." Vickram said after a few moments. "listen to me..." He said and he held her hand. "I love you! You are my little girl and a part of this family and no one...no one is going to take you from us, or send you away. I mean if you're not here I'll feel sad...I can't even think of a day without you. So there is no reason for you to be scared or confused. Ok I promise." He said looking at her.

"Why did he say that? ...Is it true? Is he my other daddy?' She asked. Sugni looked at Vickram wondering how to answer this question.

"Shanti...you know this situation is very complicated and you might not fully understand it..."

"What do you mean?" she asked

Umm...like this you love reading your princess books right?" He asked. She nodded.

"Now if I asked you to read one for me you can right?" She nodded again.

"But If I brought one of the books from the study and ask you to read it to me...could you?"

She shook her head

"Why?"

"Cause some to the words are to big ...and I don't know them..."

" Ahhh...You can't understand them now...but one day you will when you get older right?" She nodded.

"Well see...it is the same thing with what happened today...and I know it is all confusing to you right now, and a bit scary...but one day you will understand the situation. When you get a bit older." She looked at him as she took in what he said.

"You understand what I am trying to say?' He asked

"Yes" She answered

"But for now I'll tell you this much... your mother and I love you very much. And your mother and you have always been together right, just the two of you. She loves you, and did everything to keep you happy hmmm.?

"Yes"

"So just know that all we want for you is the best...and don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise OK?

"O K..."

"Are you alright now?" He asked. She nodded.

"You sure? No more questions ? . She shook her head.

"come here" He said as he hugged her.

"My princess..."

"I love you daddy.."

"I love you too., baby"

Sugni let out a sigh of relief... She seemed to accept that.

"Ok how about I read you a bed time story huh?"

"Yeaaah" She said smiling.

Soon she was tucked in bed lying between her parents happily laughing at the voices Vickram made while reading the story. A sign that she was back to her normal self.

CHAPTER 42

A few weeks later Sugni made her way to the construction site to drop off lunch for Vickram and the rest of the workers. Since Vickram decided that he would take this opportunity to see how every one was performing, she thought it would be a nice way to show some appreciation for all the labours who were working very hard.

After the mela incident things seemed to go back to normal. Shanti was her happy normal self again secure in the knowledge that she was loved and adored by both her parents. Since Vickram got the stamp of approval from the law to restart his project. Vijai had no choice but to back off and stay quite.

That little stunt he tried in the mela of trying to shame Sugni and Vickram backfired big time as he came out looking like the fool instead, so he kept away. The police was still looking for Adi's attacker who it seemed had disappeared but all in all though things were running smoothly.

Sugni was surprised to see that she was accepted as Vickram's wife and Thakurine with most of the people she met so far, there was still an occasional look or comment but those were few and far between, and what happened behind her back well she honestly did not care.

As she pulled into the site she came out and signaled to Vickram who was talking to some of the workers. He came over to her looking at his watch.

"right on time!' he said as a greeting.

"Of course , I did not want to keep them waiting. Maaji made her special coconut barfi for desert, and I am telling you I am sure she hid a few in her room she kept finding an excuse for me to leave the kitchen after it was done." She told him. Vickram laughed softly, his mother and her sweet tooth some times she was no less than Shanti when it came to that!

"When was the last time she had sweets?" he asked

A while ago..and her sugar machine thingy says she is normal so I pretend I am blind!' She said. He nodded, Calling out to one of the workers he handed him the bag with the food and asked him to share it out as lunch break was called. Sugni was just taking out his lunch when he stopped her.

Uh Sugni leave it ...I want to go out to the fields and check some things there, let's go na I'll eat on the way!" he said.

"OH Ok if I had known I would have made lunch for them also..." She said ruefully

"That is alright , next time na...I was not sure I was going there but as I am already out why not?" he said. "Just let me tell Mr. Jain I am leaving..." he said as he left to speak to the site manager.

Sugni looked around at the few people who were starting on their lunch, some nodding, smiling or saying thank you to her for the treat. However she noticed something off.

"Where is Mama?" she asked Vickram when he returned.

"In the fields..." He answered

"The fields... but he he said he world work here what happened?" She asked

Vickram laughed sarcastically as he opened the passenger door and took a seat. He started rummaging through the food, taking one of his mother's barfi's.

"Shoul'nt you have lunch first?" She asked, her answer was a non-chalant shrug.

"Hukum...said that he could not handle all the heavy lifting and strenuous work required here, and asked me this morning if I would not mind him joining his wife at in the fields. Something about his back...so I said ok." He explained.

Sugni looked at him in disbelief as she shook her head. True to his word Vickram did take Sugni and Shanti to visit Hukum and Naganiya, where he tired talked to them and offered them both . Sugni appealed to her aunts motherly instincts and asked her if that was the life she wanted for her child.

Naganiya was the first to cave and she agreed to work at the fields and start her daughter in school. Vickram told then he would do the needful to get her in, as long a s they were willing to work to provide a better life for all of them.

Somehow Hukum also agreed to work on the construction site, and last week both of them started. Shanti and her cousin, Twinkle hit it off and so Sugni said she did not mind looking after the little girl as her parents went to work, and until the new school term started Shanti would also have company.

"Haai sita Miya ... he just started and he is already making excuses?" Sugni said, feeling bad about her uncles behavior.

"I am not surprised... hard labor was never Hukum's forte!. " he said. "Let's see..." As he started his lunch.

Sugni looked out the window.."I am sorry Thakur Mallick...I know you did this because of me..."

"Sugni you have nothing to be sorry about, as I said if he is willing to put in the work I won't mind helping them...but make no mistake he has to work fairly other wise ..." He said.

"I understand...and I agree, I hope Mami at least will be honest about it, she did seem to understand when we spoke to her."

"She did and I think she will. Don't worry Sugni...I will make sure that twinkle has no difficulty in going to school...but at the same time, Hukum has to know this is not going to be a free ride."

She nodded, he was right, Her uncle was an opportunist and if he found a way to exploit them she know he would ...and he was not about using his own daughter to do so. He was most encouraging of sending her to the haveli, probably thinking he found Sugni's soft spot for the child.

"come come...let's go...you left the girls with Maa..she will probably have them on a sugar high when you get back!" He said.

"Naa..she won't...when I left they were begging her for stories..." she said as she started the car and drove off...

FIFTEEN minutes later Sugni was making her way back home after dropping Vickram off. He assured her he would get a ride back with Rattu to return home.

The pot hole filled roads werea task for her to navigate here and she has to becareful when she drove around, least she got stuck in one. Suddenly out of no where there was a thud to the side of her car and she looked in alarm to see this young girl running like there was a fire under her. For a moment she thought she had hit the person but then she realized it was the other way around.

Sugni looked behind her but saw no one, in fact the pathway seemed deserted, so why was she running like that? She must be in some hurry...not to even see this car !. Shrugging it off she continued on her way only to stop a short while later , there was the same girl again, only this time she was standing at the mouth of the community well looking down.

"Haai sita Miya! She is going to jump!" stopping the car Sugni came out ,strange no one was around to see what was going on.

"Hey...Hey ... what are you doing?" She called coming towards her. The girl looked at her in shock.

"come down form there ...please..." She said ...she shook her head, there were tears running down her face.

"listen please what ever this is ...it is not worth it...come down..." Still she shook her head.

"Haai sita miya...what to do?" Sugni wondered "Listen girl...why are you doing this...hmmm. I am sure whatever it is we can solve it..."

"Noo..thakurineji please leave me...l just..want ..

"You want to jump...to die?" She asked. "but that is not going to happened...you know what will happen if you jump I am coming after you... And after I pull you out it will became a police case you know what that means?" Sh e said sternly. The girl shook her head

It means the police will lock you up for trying to kill yourself, now not only will you not get what you want but will also be in jail, do you want that?" She asked.

She shook her head.

"Look I don't know what is wrong with you...but I might be able to help...please come down...please..." She pleaded as she stretched her hand out to the girl. After wat seemed like hours but was only minutes She finally placed her hand in Sugni's and cme down unto the road.. Sugni breath a sigh of relief.

She was sobbing softly looking at the ground. "That's better!" She said.

"i-I am sorry thakurineji.." The girl said as she bent to remove her slipper.

"Hey ..no...don't..." Sugni said stopping her. She looked at her, she had a round face that was tear stained but very pretty, she was probably aroud 17-18.

"What'syour name?" Sugni asked.

"Ch-Champa..." She said.

"Champa ...where do you live Champa?" She asked

She pointed in the direction they just came from.

"With your mom?" She guessed.

"No...my uncle..."

"Do you want to talk about what happened? She asked Champa stood looking at the floor saying nothing.

"Hmm...come I'll drop you home then..." Sugni said.

"No.. Thakurinji ...please i-i-its ok..." She said

"No it's not...and I am not leaving you here alone...so we can either go to your house or somewhere else..."

"I can't..." She said

"What?"

"Please if I go back...he will just send me to that Thakur...I don't want to go...Please ma'am just leave me..." She said heart-wrenchingly. Sugni looked at this girl, her pleas her tears and she saw in it a reflection of what she once was.

"You don't want to do your Sardakhi?" She asked. She shook her head. "And there are making you..."

"they say I have too...I have no choice now because..." She stopped. "But I don't want to ... I have no where else to go...and I rather be dead than go through that.." She broke down sobbing relentlessly.

"Oh my GOD! " Sugni said. "ok ok...come with me..."Sugni said

"No maa'm please..." Champa said, as she got tense, Sugni had a feeling she was about to run again.

" Relax! I am not taking you home to your house...you'll come with me to my place...and we'll figure this out..ok but I can't leave you hear not like this..."

"Your house?" Champa looked at her shocked... "No..no Thakurineji how can I..."

"look come n no arguments...come on I don't have all day lets go come..." she said taking her hand, she led her to the car.

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

"Champa is her name, and she was so scared. I could not leave her there, I mean Vickram she was going to jump. She told me that Thakur had his eye on her a while now and was harassing her, she tried to stay away from him...but one day he managed to corner her, he-
She swallowed as she told him the story Champa eventually told her after they got home. "He raped her... and when she went home hoping for help, she was shocked when he came over and wanted to do her Sardakhi! And that two for a minimal amount, her uncle was telling her she won't get a better offer now and he was going to accept it...but she did not want to go with him...so she ran...but with nowhere to go... I couldn't leave her like that so I brought her here..." She told him later that night.

Champa was resting in one of the guest rooms, she was very quiet. Maa Thakur was Shocked to see Sugni coming in the house with Champa, but after Sugni explained the situation said nothing. Looking at Champa broken face she too felt sorry for her.After she showed her to her room, she brought her some food and they had a long talk, after a lot of prodding and coaxing Champa finally told Sugni what happened with that Thakur.

Finally she related the whole story to Vickram after dinner when they were alone. "So who is this Thakur?" he asked.

"She is not saying...she is scared naturally...but this is not done. You can't go about attacking these girls!" she said strongly. "She has a right to refuse or agree and he should be punished! Thakur or not that rape is a crime!" She said.

"It is Sugni...I understand that, but this Mawhari...and these people, especially girls like Champa don't know that, if they did things would be different I think we should talk to the uncle at least hear what he has to say...then see how things go and find out who this Thakur is and I'll talk to some of the Thakurs in the village council about it. You know it's people like that that give the rest of us a bad name.!"

"True!" She sighed. Still thinking about champa.

"Hey what are you thinking?" He asked seeing her deep in thought.

"Just that...a few years ago ..that was me...I mean you know from a young age your fate is written...and you try to fight against it...but they keep pulling you...pushing you to accept it. Until you start to believe it is what is supposed to happen. Like the first time they sent me to dance...I don't think I was ever any more scared...I went home and and I actually prayed and cried with relief that I dodged that bullet and went unnoticed...but I knew I was not always going to be so lucky!"

"Hmmm..." He said as he held her hand.

"but I was...as fate would have it you stepped out of that train and somehow became my shield," She squeezed his hand as she smiled, her eyes teary "but not everyone is that lucky and even though you want to fight against it...you just can't. In her eyes I can see that, she wants to fight but she is feeling like she can't yet she does not want to give in not if she has another option...death!"

"That won't happen...cause she met the most stubborn woman I know...You! And If anyone can convince her otherwise you will. I am sure!" He said.

"Thakur Mallick I did the right thing na..." She asked looking at him, seriously . "You don't mind..I know bringing a bedni in here is not..."

"Sugni...you did what I would do, you did the right thing...in fact...this is a side of you I am seeing that I like someone who is actually willing to take steps to help where she can and not just saying "Oh that is so sad! But doing nothing about it.

"Well I did learn that from you! " She said. "You have always been one of them most fairest

Thakurs I know..."

"Ohh really ...thank you we are a rear breed!' he said loftily. She laughed.

"But seriously...you did good." He said putting his arm over her shoulder, as she sighed and rested her head on his .

She really hoped she could help Champa some how!

CHAPTER 43.

Sugni knocked on the door of the guest room the next morning, she entered to room to find Champa getting up from where she obviously slept on the floor.

"hey..good Morning..."

"Good morning Mallkin...'

"Here I brought you some fresh clothes and some other stuff you will need." She said handing her some clothes and a bag of toiletries.

"Malikin...you did'n ...:

"Please don't start with that...now freshen up and you can come join us for breakfast hmm..." She said as she left her.

A short while later as they were all sitting at the breakfast table Champa came down. She stood quietly in the cornor of the room until Shanti caught sight of her...

"Come champa...please join us" Sugni said. "Champa this is Thakkur vickramSingh...you did not get to meet him yesterday na..."

"N-n- Namaste Takkur Mallic." She stammered, lookingat the floor with her hands clasps.

"Namaste...come sit ...:

Breakfast was a quite fare, Vickram , Sugni and Maaji discussed the progress of the project, Shanti was filled with curiously about the guest. Champa was more or less picking at her plate awkwardly.

After the meal Sugni led Champa to the Vickram's office so that they could talk . Vickram sat behind his desk as Sugni and Champa sat opposite him.

"Champa..." Sugni began. " We would like to help you in any way we can...Thankur Mallic and I had a long talk about your situation last night... and what happened to you was very wrong. And I think that the one who did this to you should be punished. "

"What?" Champa asked looking at them confused. " I am sorry ma'am but that won't happen. I mean He already made an offer for my Sardakhi and , punished...that won't happen."She said softly. Her eyes filling with tears.

"Champa..." Vickram said. " Tell me this ...You do not want to do your Sardakhai from this Thakur?" She shook her head. "Who is he.?" He asked.

"He...He...he.." She started to cry...

"Shh..." Sugni said wraping her arms around her..."It's OK..." She said.

"Alright..Champa...You stay with your uncle?...can you tell me where?" he asked

"Yes...on the River lane... the corner house..."

"His name?"

"Kalidas..."

"Ok ...I am going to talk to him and see how I can assist you..I promise you...nothing will happen that you don't want hmmm." He said as he got up to leave. "Until I come back you can stay here...then we will see what to do ok." He said. She nodded.

Vickram asked Sugni to walk him out as he was leaving as he wanted to talk to her alone.

"Listen...I am going to talk to her uncle, see if I can get him to understand. Meanwhile...see if you can get her to tell us the name of the Thakur. I know she is scared...but if we know I can try to talk to some people in the village council and maybe they can at least try to do something...it's difficult, but at least he won't be running around unknown to us. I mean We also have a reputation to protect, from scum like that who spoil it!'

"I understand...I'll talk to her. " Sugni said

"Yes, and I'll see if the uncle tells me anything..."

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

"Thakur Mallick I understand what you are saying.!" Kalidaas said to Vickram as he stood in his yard. "but it is the best we can hope for for her. I mean thank god he made an offer for her...other wise what would we have done...and now...by running away. Even that is gone now..."

" are you saying Kalidas?...how can you speak like that about the man who spoiled your nieces life..." Vickram Shook is head out raged, instead of being outraged, Kalidas was acting as If this Thakur was doing them a favor by making an offer for Champa after he violated her!

"Kamal hain...it is one thing to accept and d your Sardakhi, but it is another when it is being forced on you...do you understand this man? And make no mistake that child dose not want this...who would want to go to the person who hurt them in such a way...and instead of supporting her you are pushing her to it Wah..." he said

"What else can I do Thakur Saab... who would listen to us!" Asked the frail looking old man. He had to be over sixty judging by the looks of him, thin and beaten down.

"The village council will!...Look I know you don't trust us...but Kalidaasji...if you stay quite on this ...Champa will not be the only one...then what is the point of these traditions, when people are running around like barbarians doing as they please. Thakur's have a reputation also, and there is a way these things are done...When a bedni chooses Thakur it is because he made her an offer that she is happy with and she agrees to willingly. But that has been so mixed up and twisted , than sometimes the greed of her family stops her from making that choice and they make it for her!, or like Champa...she is treated as public property!. And in all of this it is the girls who suffer..."

"But Thakur Mallick...what else can she do..."

"Anything she wants!...Just because she was born a bedni does not mean she has to be one...Kaalidaas she can get a job and have a life she wants...I can guarantee that part...all I would like if for you to tell the village council Who is this rouge Thakur...please..."

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

"Champa I know you are scared , but you don't have to be. Thakur Mallic and I will do everything to help and protect you...this is my promise. All we want is for you to muster the courageto say who he is so that he can be punished"

"No Ma'am you don't know him he is very dangerous... If I go against him them not only me but my uncle will be in trouble...Ma'am you want me to go to the council?...he is on the council...Please I just want to forget this...and maybe try to move on. I know you helped me a lot...the kindness you showed to me...but please...

"Ok you don't trust the council...we can go to the higher authority. The police. Have him arrested. Champa..if you leave this as it is, he will continue to do this to others...and you think he is going to stop harassing you now? NO that will continue, because he will think he is above the law. He is not! " Sugni said looking at her, hoping to convince her to step up.

Deciding that she could not pressure her Sugni decided to leave it alone. She already been though a lot and She had no right to pressure her any more. She sighed softly. Taking her hand she placed it on top of Champa in a comforting gesture.

"I am sorry Champa...I did not mean to sound like I am pressuring you..." She apologized.

"no..no ma'am...

"You have been though a lot..if you don't want to do this...it is quite alright. You can relax...we will help you, as long as we are here you'll be safe... and in a few months we will be leaveing...if you want we can take you with us, help you start over fresh, away from this." She said.

"You would do that...for me?" Champa looked at her in shock,that was not an offer she was epecting.

"Of course I would ." She said. "you know Champa ...you remind me so much of myself...and I know all I wanted was a chance to get out...so if I can give you that chance...I will." She said genuinely.

"Bu..but you're a Thakurine..."

" I was'nt always ...Like you I was born a bedni but never wanted to be one..." She said as Champa stared at her..."oh yes...I know exactly what the bedni life is about, you see..." She said as she told champa her life story, of her life before Vickram, how they met, broke up and eventually married.

Champa looked at Sugni for a long time digesting it. "Wow...that is an incredible story..."

"I know I am very lucky and blessed to have him in my life...but you know, all is not lot and if you are determined to leave this all behind somehow some way , Sita Miya makes it happen>

They were silent for a few moments each lost in their thoughts. After a while Champa said...

"Ma'am I'll tell you...you and Thakur Mallick have been so kind to my, and I know you are trying to protect others from Thakurs like him...and if I can help in that I will..."She said determinedly

"You Sure Champa...because it is a big step...and if you are doing it because you think I am pressuring you or anything like that..." Sugni said

"No no Ma'am I am not...I am doing it because you are right...and I want to..." She said. Sugni sighed gratefully. "Thank you Champa...for trusting us...I promise we will do everything we can to help you and get you justice..." She hugged her warmly.

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

Sugni stood in the kitchen mindlessly stirring a pot, her mind racing with the information she just learned. She wondered how were they going to handle this situation. On one hand she had promised Champa and she wanted to help her, but on the other hand was Maa Thakur and Vickram and she knew more than anything they just wanted to get out of here as soon as the Temple was done, and the last thing they would want now was to get mixed up in this...

"Sugni!!!' She jumped out of her thoughts at Vickram's voice calling her.

"Ji...coming...! ..: She answered, telling one of the servants to watch the pot, she left to go to the hall.

"Yes Thakur Mallick?" She asked as she came out.

"Come I need to talk to you!" he said turning to the stairs and going up.

Sugni followed wondering what had him looking so worried, she had a feeling it was the same thing that had her worried.

"come sit!" he said as she entered. She sat.

"What's wrong Thakur Mallick... things did not go well with her uncle?" She asked.

Vickram shook his head. As expected he was stubborn about it, thought this wa the best offer she could get. I tried talking some sense into him but he wants some time to think...Did you talk to her?"

"Yes...and she said she was willing to speak out against him...bu-but Thakur Mallick I don't...I mean I am not sure now..." She stammered looking away from him. She began wringing her hands nervously.

"Sugni?" Vickram said placing his hand ontop of hers.

"HUH?" She answered.

"I know what you are thinking..." He said as he smiled slightly.

"You do?" She asked, even she had no idea what she was thinking at the moment.

"Yes ...I know you are having doubts about whether we should get mixed up in this or not right?" he said.

She stared at him astonished.

I know for a moment I had the same thoughts...but right is right and if we don't take stand on this , well he won't stop would he?" Vickram said.

She nodded "But Thakur maalick maaji... she won't like this..."

"She will support us I am sure!" he said confidently. "My question is you...are you okay with this?" He asked looking at her seriously.

"Are you?" She answered

"No but..." He shrugged. She nodded . She understood. As she turned her hand and clasped her hands with his. Silenatly giving him her answer.

Vickram chuckled after a few moments..."Well I guess this is it for me wanting to keep a low profile around here...things are about to get rough I am sure!" He said.

"I know...but you know Thakur Mallick...maybe it is fate. I mean...he got off before ...and maybe he thinks he is invincible...I mean what are the odds that we would come back here , or that I would meet Champa. Maybe you are the one to stop him!" She said. "After all there is only so much you can do before you actions catch up with you." She said

"I don't know about that Sugni...Yes Vijai Sigh did get off for my sister. And yes there is not another person I despise more...I could not help Kuhu, but if I can somehow get Justice for Champa maybe I can make up for that!" He said

Sugni rubbed her hand on his back comfortingly. "He will pay I am sure! "

He nodded.

"Well we have some work...I was thinking about going to the council..."

" I suggested that to...but she feels that it would be biased you know since he is a part of that council...and I think she has a point..."

"Well we could go stight to the police...but I don't trust that inspector there...I'll call my lawyer and I think he will tell us the best step to take hmm?" He said . She nodded.

"Thank you... Thakur Mallick..." he rolled his eyes. "I mean Champa will be very greatful " She said.

He laughed.

"So...I guess Thakur Vickram Singh is again going to be the talk of the town...hmmm...?" She said.

"Yeah... I mean it is after all what WE were once famous for around here.!" He said "You ready for that?

"Yes...as long as we are together...I am ready for anything!" She said.