Chapter 32
Faces Unmasked
(January, 1983...)
(Handa Haveli...)
"Kee parr ke inna muskara rahe ho tussi?" [What are you reading that makes you smile so?"
Mohinder looked up from the pages he held in his hand. Spectacles resting on the bridge of his nose, his facelit up with a cherubic smile ashe replied, "Maan's letter."
"Maan puttar has sent a letter!! Quick, tell me what has he written? Is he well? Does he eat properly there?" an eager Rano inquired.
"Patience Rano jee, I will tell you everything. But first listen to this part..."
"...Bauji, I have also enclosed a letter for Geet. If you think it is appropriate, please pass it on to her. You may read the letter for yourself if you wish. Bauji, I wouldn't want to insult your family's honor in any manner..."
"A letter for Geet? This is quite unusual. Willyou give it to her?"
"Yes," Mohinder affirmed, "and I shall not even read it."
"Kyun Chaudhary jee?"
"His words assure me of his honesty. Had there been any chance of dishonor by sending this letter, I would not have received it at all."
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(Amritsar...)
The glass clanked loudly as it fell to the ground.
Alarm registered in Brij brain as he turned around to the sound of intrusion. Charanjeet stood slumped against the wall.
"Channi..." Jugnu ran upto his siter and tried to help her up.
"Don't!!" Charanjeet cried back, "don't touch me Jugnu paahji. I have seen your true colors..."
"What are you saying..."
"Don't fake worry for me. How can I trust your concern for this sister when I have heard you and my husband plotting to take away the happiness of our other sister?"
"Shut up woman!!" Brij stormed. "You have spoken enough."
"Nahi jee," Charanjeet cried, "the problem is I have never spoken at all."
"And neither will you ever get a chance to speak!!"
His raised hand was held back by Jugnu.
Charanjeet broke into sobs, "Atleast think about Geet. What has that angel ever done to you? How can you be so cruel?"
"To have what I want," Brij loomed over Charanjeet dangerously, "I can be cruel and a lot more to get it."
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(January, 1983...)
(Handa Haveli...)
"Like jo khat tujhe..."
"...who teri yaad mein."
"Hazaaron rang ke nazare ho gaye."
"Savera jab hua..."
"...toh phool ban gaye"
"Jo raat aayi toh sitare ban gaye, likhe jo khat tujhe..."
Geet was not removing the dupatta from her face. Absolutely not!! This dupatta was her best friend forever. Or atleast till her sisters slept off and left her alone. Babaji!! Why did you send that Sarru Singh Khurana in my life?? Ever since that silly engagement my sisters always manage to find something or the other to embarrass me. Hayye...I will turn into a tomato soon and Ma would cut me up and fry me into chholley!!
"So Di," Meera began, "What do you think is written in that letter?"
"Hmm," Sameera pretended to think, "maybe how Captain Khurana will soon come marching back from Sikkim and valiantly claim his bride."
Damn that letter, Geet grumbled and secured the dupatta even more closely around her face. She couldn't face her sisters anymore. All because of that silly letter, she pouted.
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(Handa Haveli...)
Geet,
If you are reading this letter, it is because Bauji has granted me my wish. My only hope is that Bauji allowed me my request like a father indulging his son and not like a father-in-law obliging his son-in-law.
A man comes into many relationships in the course of his life. He comes into good relationships rarely in his lifetime.
Relationships are one of the most complex human associations. Whether entered by will or by fate, they ask more in return than they give. And the most taxing demands on their part are relationships or obligations.
My father always taught me a man either has responsibilities or obligations, and if you discharge those you have the liberty to do other things in life. These other things in life held my interest from the very beginning. I became more conscious of my duties in order to win that liberty for myself.
My education began with the stories told my grandmother and continued further when she escorted me to the courtyard of our local gurudwara. Under the guidance of our Gianiji*, a boy of five years became more aware of the society than his toys. My admission in the military school at the age of six only cemented what was already put in process.
I was soon to loose my grandmother. No one could fill that void. Not even my mother. Badi Ma taught me that responsibility was the hallmark of a man's character. He, who could fulfill them, could achieve integrity. Responsibility for my mother was a burden that could be shifted on fate, fortune or God. I could not bring myself to reconcile with my mother's ideology. The disagreement nurtured distance between us.
The military gave me a world which rang true to Badi Ma's teachings. It breeded the familiarity of Darjee's principles. It proved that duty is the only route to achieving high moral fiber.
It was this call of duty that has compelled me to agree for marriage. And it is this call of duty that compels me to write to you.
Geet, you once asked me if you have a choice. Probably you don't. But it equally holds true that neither do I. However, we do have a choice of how to take this relationship forward.
My mother I have spoken about. There is a sea of disagreements between us. But I try not blame her. I try. She still carries with her the colonial leagacy in which she was born. So was my father, but the independence was probably not her cup of tea. Education and progressive society are alien to her. I am not saying she not a good woman. However, there is a difference in being nice and being competent. And I am afraid that her lack of competency rubbed down on my siblings.
Di and I were the fortunate ones. I had my hostel, away from what could curb my independence. I had it easy. But my sister, she is the real hero. She lived in that house, with all its shortcomings and still nurtured a beautiful heart and a strong character. Her natural curiosity and the advantage of spending more years with Badi Ma helped her gain an education that Chaiyyiji may have denied her. Geet, Di is the one person that I am sure who will not let you feel lose of a sister. I am guilty of pride when it comes to her.
I wish I could say the same for the next two, Sashi and Tisha. Tisha most likely still has some chance at redemption out of the two. Sashi, unfortunately, cannot be persuaded back to common sense. With no natural inclination at learning Sashi has always remained less comepetent than what she could have been. As for goodness of behavior, I wish Chaiyyiji made up for the lack of enthusiasm on Sashi's part. I wish Di was a bit more forceful than lenient on her. I wish I was around to make up for that loss. But it was not so. Left to her own devices, her otherwise sharp instincts turned towards reckless pursuits and nothing that could add to her personality. Not even marriage could save her. And Tisha, I am afraid, is a shadow of her elder sister. I am at my wits end on how to better the girl. I can offer you no words of advice or comfort when it comes to these two.
Yash is alright as a boy. My only worry is that he will remain a boy always. That he will not grow up. And even if he wishes Chaiyyiji may not let him. She indulges him beyond reasons. She indulges beyond control. There is goodness in his heart. But the leverages enjoyed by him have renedered his manners easy and thoughts careless. He will be a good brother-in-law to you but may put you in spot once in a while.
I am sure I have bored you by now. You must be wondering why I am introducing my family to you and like this. Bear with me Geet. This letter does have it purpose.
When it comes to Amrit, you'll be surprised to find her a complete contrast from her twin brother. If Yash is an extrovert, Amrit is a total introvert. She is obedient and obliging. But as her elder brother I can give you no other insight into her character the way I can tell you about Iqbal.
Iqbal is the youngest of the family but the most perceptive of all the siblings. She is a wonderfully curious creature and is always keen on learning more. Any immaturity associated with her can be blamed on her young age but not for lack of knowledge on her part. And when it comes to giving, she takes after Di. Geet, she will be your sister in that house of mine. She will be your companion. She and Di are the only ones I can assure this off.
Wait, I forgot about Vikrant. Or Vicky, as he is called. Chaiyyiji's alter ego. He is very sharp, very practical and highly competent but not for the right reasons. His need to achieve stems from his ego and not because he wants to improve his own self. It disturbs me so much to see him behave so. But my hands are tied because I cannot by pass my mother. She has taken Vicky beyond my reach.
For that matter, she has taken all my brothers and sisters beyond my reach. Save for Iqbal. And Di does not stay in that house anymore. That house is an alien world for me. No one wishes to learn, no one is inclined to achieve. Mediocre is accepted as satisfactory and anyone urging them to the contrary is seen as a villain. It doesn't matter whether that person is their father or eldest brother.
I am sorry to sound so bitter. I do not intend to demean my family or to scare you in any way. But you do need to know what you are getting into.
You will be given all the rights and privileges of a Khurana bahu. But at the price of duties and responsibilities. These may burden you or might not, I am not sure of that. I am not sure what will your marriage to me entail in terms of family obligations. I only know that you will find this family very different from yours.
My family is divided in many ways. It appears united to the world but is fragmented from within. And the fault lies with all of us equally. We might be all good people individually but not a single functioning unit. No one has risen beyond their own interests, whether Darjee and his principles, me and my quest for learning or Chaiyyiji and her pride.
It never bothered me much before. That was until I saw your's and realized how a family should be. The love that engulfs you all and the oneness of your family was unique to witness.
My world is very different from yours. So I wished to give you this choice at least. To accept or not accept them.
To accept me or not.
This is not to imply that either of us have that choice to defy our parents and to withdraw from the marriage. We both know that it is not possible. The choice lies in how you wish to treat me and my family.
My family could be your formality or your responsibility.
I could be a mere obligation to you or I could be your companion.
In return, I promise you no richess. I promise you no luxury. I can only promise you my honesty. I can only promise you companionship.
I am not a rich landlord's son out to seek a wife.
I am man fulfilling my responsibilities and I wish to fulfill them with integrity.
Maan.
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(Handa Haveli...)
"Do you think we should wake her up Di?"
A four page letter laid spread on the bed. A hand was splayed held them secure. Geet was asleep in the middle of the afternoon. But she had still not let go of the pages.
"Let her sleep Meera," Sameera quietly shut the door to their room, "let her sleep."
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(Handa Haveli...)
(Khurana Mansion...)
"Yes?" Savitri looked at the men seated in front her, "How may I help you?"
"Savitri ji," a gruff voice began, "you may have not recognized us. But we are soon to be related."
"Sorry?"
"Savitri ji," he continued, "this is Sardar Jugnu ji and I am Chaudhary Brij. We are brother-in-laws to Chaudhary Mohinder Handa and we have a proposition for you."
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I am back again folks. Hope you enjoy this chapter. This is how Maan has responded to the doubts planted in his head by Danny. Let me know how did you like this side of Maan. PMs later. I may edit this chapter later, so I will send the PMs after I am finished with that.
Edited by jazerettePMs - 10 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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