Great update, hope the misunderstanding clears up soon! Continue soon!
Chapter 12
A few months passed bringing a lot of changes in Paro's life as she adapted to life with the general and his wife. They treated her like family and she was expected to call them Maasiji and Maasaji. Their 14 year old son was away at boarding school and they loved to have her around to alleivate their own loneliness. He was a nice boy and she speaks to him on the phone once a week.
Geethanjali took her to the NGO where she worked and Paro loved it instantly. She made a lot of friends who laughed and played and made pretty things to sell. They were all women who had their own tragic pasts, pasts that were never discussed. But often she would spot one of them with longing their eyes and she would tell them that Bholenath will give them peace once more. That's the reassurance they needed to look forward and forget their struggles. There were little children around who loved to play with her and listen to her stories. Sometimes the little girls brought their dolls for her to dress up and the boys would come over with bruised knees to be fussed about. They all knew of her fascination for imli and believed the best tasting ones were on the highest branch.
One day she returned home to see her aunt excited about something. "What's going on Maasiji?" she asked Geethanjali, who replied that she planning to have a party for VK Singh's birthday. She gives her a royal blue saree and tells her its from Vicky. Paro was suprised then she was told its a gift for Raksha bandan. Paro remembered her last conversation with him, when he had asked her favorite color. "Maasiji, when he have time to pick it up during his exams?" she asked. Geethanjali confessed that he had told her to get something in blue. But when she saw this saree in the shop window with lovely zardosi work she couldn't resist. Paro knew of Geethanjali's great love for sarees. She loved collecting them, and used any excuse to buy a new one. She had a modest collection now for her own use which she wore when she went to work.
Paro drapped the saree along her shoulder and looked into the closest mirror. She saw a different face staring back at her. A pale woman wearing an oversized kurta of the same color belonging to a man with broad shoulders which always stood between her and danger and long arms which always grabbed her by the wrist. "Another new saree?" VK Singh as he came home from work. "Yes Maasaji. Its a gift from Vicky", Paro replied. The general was pleased to see her smile. She rarely smiles and was always seemed to be waiting patiently, but for what she never told. The only time she seemed happy was when Aman visited bringing news of the Ranavats and treats from her jija. She listened so feverently as if what he said was of crucial importance but her eyes were always tinged with disappointment as if he didn't have enough to say. He knew she had some strange pull towards the haveli in Chandangarh and asked often if wanted to visit. But she always said no and he left to wonder what happened during her stay there.
Paro brought tea for the general when his phone rang. She knew from the look on his face who the caller was and she immediately grasped his rudraksh. He was far away and fighting new enemies by himself. The general and his wife had told her about his former acts of heroism where he never cared about anything other than how well he can serve his country. What if something happens to him? How will bapusa cope? Who will support jija in adopting the baby, Shanti especially when Samrat bhaisa never opposes his mother? Who will keep her safe? Who will be her shield when Tejawat strikes again? Who will be her knight in shinning armour? She had to return his rudraksh back somehow. It would protect him from danger just like her own kept her nightmares away.
Meanwhile at the Ranavat haveli, Samrat comes home earlier than before, his wife rushes to greet him. "Did you go to the police station today? Did they find Shanti's parents?" she asks worried that this may the last day for the baby to sleep in her arms. He said, "No, we must wait for some more time." Everyone was relieved, as Sumer came taking the child piggy back with his sister chased her with a new anklets. Shanti didn't like to wear them though all the women in the house loved to hear the jingle as she kicked her feet. Sumer never wanted his little princess to be burdened by such heavy jewellery. Dilsher and his brother laughed at the antics constantly surrounding the child. Even Mohini and his own son kept their temper at check when she is around. She had brought peace to the home.
Samrat knew the entire family loved the child. Even his mother who didn't like newcomers didn't complain much. He wanted to come home to her for the rest of his life. He loved it when she tried to say bapusa but ended with bapa. His wife always had a glow on her face since she entered their lives. His family was complete. But he knew that hoping to keep something that didn't belong to him was wrong. He knew the pain, he and Maithili were for not having an offspring to call their own. The pain of loosing a child that you begot and raised for awhile would be much worse. He didn't wish that on Shanti's parents. Ever since she was found, he went to the police station every week to see if they had any news. But the police were giving up, they were going to wait another week before surrendering the child to an orphanage. They asked if he wanted to adopt the child. He wanted to say yes but what if his mother says no.
Mohini saw the effect Shanti had on the entire household. This is why she wanted Samrat to have a child of his own. But her son loved his wife so much he would never blame her for her only shortcoming. Will it be so bad for him to adopt Shanti? She brushed the thought aside as he would have spoken about this especially since Maithili loved her so much.
Her thoughts turned to her other son, her favorite. He seemed more responsible, more mature as he handled the baby. He started to pay attention to work more. He went out with his useless friends less. He stopped worrying her with his Jaipur dreams. Maybe she should start searching for his bride. He was the same age as her nephew who almost got married. He was tall, handsome and such a charmer. The rich men of the neighbouring villagers would love to marry off their daughters to him. She can have a wonderful wedding and get a hefty dowry too.
Seeing the glint in Mohini's eyes, her husband looked over curiously. But she shrugged it off. She needed to know who were the eligible girls available before discussing this with him. She knew her husband will be on board. Even Dilsher will support her as he loved her kids as much as he loved his own son. They had settled in quite well. Both men rarely interfered in her running of the house. As long as she is kind to her daughter-in-law, she got along well with Dilsher. Maybe he was never the problem, it was her sister who always wanted to lord over everything. His only fault was marrying that girl over her who thought she was too delicate to do an honest day's work and wanted to be treated like a queen always. And his loosing his leg soon after marriage was punishment enough for him. He too believed her to be reason for his change in fortunes and turned away from her. She agreed with him on this. After all a woman brings fortune to man's life. No matter, she was gone for good. As long as Rudra doesn't marry an ambitious girl, she will be the mistress of the haveli forever. She wondered if she should look for a girl for him next, someone like Maithili who will always bow down to her elders' will, maybe she has a sister. Her thoughts are suddenly interrupted by Dilsher's roaring voice, "Maithili, can you make some kheer for dinner. Rudradev returns tonight victorious from his mission." Maithili and Sunheri rush about to welcome the tired warrior as Mohini feels a twinge of jealousy and wonders when one of her children will make her so proud.
Great update, but i want them to meet again!!
Chapter 13
He was waiting for his flight back home. Home. The word never meant anything for the last fifteen years. After his mother left him, Ranavat dragged him around from city to city till he joined BSD. After that he dragged his father around from one base to the other. It was a desperate moment when he had no other choice but to go back to his ancestral home to hide her, his witness who later became his bride. It was odd how every line of thought always ended with her now. He never bothered about anyone but this girl came into his life like a soft breeze and left her mark everywhere. He always waited for Aman, Ranavat or the general to bring up her topic when they called. But they never did and he didn't have the right to ask.
Aman spoke to him everyday. He was incharge of things, the Indian side of the border. The general had obtained permission for him to cross the border and investigate the arms dealing and human traficking taking place. The Government of Pakistan was eager to help and sort it out before the issue escaltes and draws international attention. Their army had provided him with a partner, Major Zaheer Ahmed. Together both men worked tirelessly for 3 weeks till they got a stong lead. An swift operation which ended with 7 men injured and 11 dead Pakistani troops, helped them crack the ring. The terrorists involved were apprehended and awaiting trial in jail. Both officers were confered medals for their efforts by the Army. It was for him time to return. Zaheer had promised to watch out for Tejawat on his side of the border and told Rudra to ensure such snakes don't enter his country. He was an honest officer who loved his land. Rudra couldn't have succeeded without his help.
It was time for him to board. He knew he had to focus on capturing Tejawat now. Aman had done all the ground work and now they had to just trap him. They knew he wouldn't want to be found and had been abandoned his old associates. He was alone except for the Thakurain and a few henchmen. He wanted to believe that the woman who gave birth to him was innocent. But she was no dreamy eyed, delicate Paro who never knew what her husband of 15 years did for a living. She was the one who groomed these brides and then planned their wedding. Wouldn't she know the groom? He couldn't accept that the woman who was heartless enough to walk out on her only child, would care about someone else's daughters' fate. She was guilty too and he may have to arrest her too.
Ranavat will be waiting for him. Even though they were never openly affectionate towards each other, there was a deep bond between them. He needed to go back even if there memories of her everywhere in their home. She will no longer be the first face he sees when he enters, her voice will never be heard and her scent would have disappeared. He needed to go back, his father was waiting and not with burnt rotis and potatoes for once.
He could be sure of the last part. Maithili bhabhisa can be counted on for a more sumptious fare at the table. She was a good and kind woman, a rarity considering the other women in his life. He hoped she gets to keep the orphaned child she found some weeks back. She would make a nice mother. She would like him to be in her corner for this. But he knew better. Kakisa never had love to spare to her own sister's son, she will not be kind to a strangers child. The only way the child can have a safe and happy environment is if Samrat takes a firm stand in this matter, after all he was the one who will be Shanti's father. Whatever he deicides is what will prevail. He didn't want to get involved. The last time someone interfered, he got slapped for his pain. This time he was staying out and letting his cousin man up for once. If he couldn't protect the child from his own mother, how will he teach her to face the rest of the world. He understood his reservations but agreed with Kakisa privately, if the parents wanted the child they wouldn't have abandoned it in an empty temple. He hoped he decides soon, the entire family was waiting.
Paro would be pleased that her jija was going to be a mother. She fought kakisa valiantly that night when he heard about his bhabhisa's longing for a child for the first time. It was the first time she saw him as a person whom she wanted to heal rather than, the jallad whom she avoided. He was so shocked when he founded her in his room thay night. He never meant to flip her into his bed, his body reacted on instinct and it took awhile for his mind to catch up. He never meant to embarass her though he loved it, when she was in his bed, especially when she wore blue, his favorite colour.
He was suprised to see Aman when he landed. He was a good soldier and a better friend. "I was heading straight to the office, you didn't have to come all the way here to Jaipur" he told his junior. Aman told him that they both had orders from Geethanjali ma'am to attend a party she was organising this weekend for the general's birthday. Rudra groaned, he hated such social events and always had the ready excuse of his invalid father who was all alone and waiting for him. The last time he used this, his father was invited too and his comrades felt the father was more fun than the son much to his discomfort.
Later that evening, Rudra was already in a foul mood. Aman had gone ahead to the party without him, the hotel staff had served terrible food, and the silk tie he had to wear refused to be tied. He hate to dress formally and would rather go in his signature jeans and leather jacket if it was not for Geethanjali ma'am. She liked it when the general's boys, as she called them, were in a suit as they looked more distinguished. He knew the most distinguishing apparel he owned was his BSD uniform which he always wore with pride. But as long as he doesn't set him up with anybody at the party, he will humour by showing up in his black suit.
Ranavat called to tell him the garland his uncle had gotten was drying up. He told him about the party at Jaipur which he couldn't avoid. His father pretended to be hurt that he prefered the general's party to his father's company. He told him that he will now go and drown his sorrows with whisky. "Don't talk rubbish. I'll stay for an hour then head home. Stay sober or kakisa will kick you out and I won't stop her" he warned his father. Dilsher laughed at this but he had a warning of his own to issue, "Go ahead, Rudra. I know you would avoid it if it were possible. But promise me one thing, don't loose your temper, she deserves better." He wondered if his father had lost it. He is always nice to Geethanjali ma'am. His father clarified, "I'm talking about Parvati, she lives with your general and his wife, doesn't she? Such a sweet girl, its a pity, you don't get along with each other. She would be perfect for you, for our family." Rudra didn't pay attention to his father anymore. He cut the call abruptly.
Paro will be there. For the first time he had a legitimate reason to see her, to speak to her. He took out the envelope from his bag and looked at her photograph. Will her eyes still radiate the same innocence or would the events that transpired make her jaded. Did she find new reasons to smile since they last met or was she as lost as he was? He took her Mamisa's letter and kept it in his pocket. She needed to know why her aunt died and stop blaming herself like he knew she would. She needed to make peace and move on. He looked at the last sheet of paper in the envelope. He wanted to hold on to it. He may need another reason to meet her on a later date. It was too dangerous for her to know, that her Nandini jija was alive and across the border.
Loved this chapter, even though they weren't physically together, rudra's longing was very much present and felt. I feel like the reason you've been delaying their meeting is because Rudra has to feel that he misses her, that he somehow should acknowledge his feelings. Hope they meet in chapter 14 and it's all parud.. Lamba wale/lambe wala.. Whichever xD
Appreciate your work! Thank you for posting and updating frequently. Ecstatic for chapter 14.. Literally!
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