Chapter 16
"Rachu.." Just hearing her mother call her name undid Rachita. She ran into her mother's arms and cried her heart out. "I feel so lonely Mom! I feel so lonely! I can't take it!" she sobbed. "Rachu beta.. Come inside first," Sneha said leading Rachita in. Sneha took Rachita to her room and sat her down. Just being in the presence of her familiar room seemed to have a calming effect on Rachita. "How am I not dad's daughter Mom? I can't accept it. I don't want to. Please say once that its not true. Please!" Rachita pleaded with Sneha. "Rachu.. Here, drink some water," Sneha held a glass of water to Rachita and made her drink. It broke her heart to see her daughter in such a state of absolute devastation. It was a price she had to pay for her mistake and she had no way out.
"Rachu.. You were, are and will always remain your dad's daughter. Remember I told you, before your wedding, that you were your dad's favorite daughter. He loved you like his own child. Never, for a second, doubt on his love." "Did he know? Did he know that..?" Rachita couldn't get herself to ask the one question that had haunted her the most ever since the revelation. "Yes he did. He had a heart of gold. He accepted me knowing that you were in my womb. In fact, he accepted you in his life before he and I ever accepted each other in our lives," Sneha said. "I had been cheated in love and your dad knew about it. It was a mistake. I thought it was love but I was being cheated. I couldn't see it then. By the time I saw it, you were taking life in me. Even though I hadn't even seen you yet, I loved you. And I was scared, for you. I was scared your Nanaji wouldn't accept you. I did not have the guts to stand up to him. I did not have the guts to do anything for you or myself on my own and that's when Rishi stepped in. He stepped in like an angel and changed our lives into the beautiful ones we've lived beta. So don't even for a second doubt that love. You were, are and will always be his daughter. Some ties are thicker than blood beta," Sneha said.
There were long moments of silence as Rachita went back in time and relived all her moments with her dad. It did not matter, Rachita realized. It did not matter that Rishi Mathur wasn't her biological dad. What did that change? She had known him as her dad all her life. He had always loved her as his daughter till his last breath. If she now raised a hue and cry on him not being her biological father, wouldn't that be undermining the years of love, affection and care he had showered on her? Wouldn't that mean that some unknown man's DNA meant more to her than 26 years of loving, nurturing care that Rishi Mathur had given her? She was what his upbringing had made her and that wouldn't change, no matter what. If Dad and Mom had hid the identity of her biological father, it had to be because he did not deserve to be in her life.
"Rachu.. You have a right to know who your biological father is. And if you do want to know, you only have to ask," Sneha said a while later. "No mom," Rachita stood up. "I don't want to know. You said so yourself that you were cheated. It was a mistake. If I gave importance to that man that would be undermining everything that dad ever did for me. I don't want to know mom... I don't want to know anything about that man. I am what dad and you have made me. I don't owe that man anything. Like you said, I was, am and will always be dad's daughter. Lets just leave it at that."
Sneha enveloped Rachita in a warm hug. "I am so sorry beta. I am so sorry. This has been so hard on you. I never wanted you to know about this.." "Knowing this makes no difference to me now Mom.. As long as it make no difference to you, Amu and Jazz. That's all that matters," Rachita replied.
***
"Mom!" Amaya threw her arms around her mother and hugged her tight as soon as her mom opened the door to the haveli. Sneha hugged her daughter tight and felt all those empty spaces in her heart that she had left behind fill up. She pulled away from the hug and looked Amaya over. In a span of less than a day, she looked so different. She was wearing a saree, her mangalsutra and sindoor were in place but the happiness that sparkled in her eyes and glowed on her face was what stood out the most. Sneha couldn't help feel a sense of relief wash over her that Amaya was genuinely happy in her marriage. She hadn't been wrong in giving her blessing to their marriage.
"Namastey Aunty," Mantu said, bending to touch Sneha's feet. "Bless you beta," Sneha said, placing her hand on Mantu's head. "Now that Amu and you are married, you should call me mom too." Mantu felt a sharp tug in his heart hearing Sneha say that. He felt tears gather in his eyes immediately. "Can I.. Can I call you Maa?" he asked, his voice choked with emotions. "Sure beta. I would love that," Sneha hugged Mantu. "Come on in both of you," Sneha ushered them in. "Its okay Aun.." Mantu caught himself just in time before saying Aunty, "Its okay Maa. I'll come get Amaya later in the evening. I have some work too, so I'll take your leave." "I'll let you leave if you have work but you have to join us for dinner later tonight and bring Chiklu too. I have heard so much about him but haven't met him yet," Sneha told Mantu and he agreed before waving bye to Amaya. Amaya couldn't help the blush that stole across her cheeks as she waved bye to Mantu.
"Amaya," he called out to her just as she turned to go into the house following Sneha. In quick, long strides, he was right beside her and Amaya lost her ability to breathe as he leaned in closer. "Will you still complain that I don't do anything?" he asked her in a flirtatious, husky whisper that sent goosebumps down every single nerve in her body from head to toe. She blushed to the very roots of her hair and pushed him away before running inside. The sound of Mantu's chuckle followed her to the door of the house. She paused there, to catch her breath and to somehow, anyhow conceal that color on her cheeks and stole a glance at Mantu. He had just gotten onto his bike and he winked at her mischievously. Amaya could swear that if she smiled any wider or blushed any more, she'd probably tear a facial muscle or have a permanent color settle on her skin. Mantu finally took pity on her and rode off while Amaya had to take just a few more seconds to calm herself down. She patted her face to get rid of the blush and the silly in love smile before she went inside.
"Rachi di!!!" Amaya could not contain her surprise at seeing Rachita home. She ran up to her and hugged her tight. "How are you Rachi di?" Amaya asked. "I'm fine Amu," Rachita smiled at her. Amaya looked from Rachita to Sneha and back and Sneha nodded at her, indicating that everything was okay. She hugged Rachita again, just out of relief. "Rachi di.. I am so glad you are okay.." Amaya said. "Yes Amu.. I.. I don't want to think about anything else. I don't want to know anything else. Dad was, is and always remain my dad. Everything else, I am going to forget it all like a nightmare. That's all I know as of now. I can't not be part of this family. I simply cannot," Rachita shrugged her shoulders. "You are! You are a part of this family. Just as much as Jazz and I are.. And we will all always be family!" Amaya said happily. Sneha hugged both her daughters.
"I want to be part of the group hug too," Jazz announced from the door step having just returned from school. Sneha, Rachita and Amaya turned towards her and beckoned her to join in. It was such a moment of relief that their family was still intact after such a huge storm that had threatened to blow them apart and destroy them. It had to be Rishi watching over them, Sneha thought. He had to be here somewhere nearby, making sure they made it through just fine.
**
Rama got onto his bike and turned it on. But where could he go? Rachitaji hadn't reached home after class and the peon just told him that she'd left quite some time ago. He had half a mind to ask him if anyone had said anything to her but then decided against it. Her phone was switched off too. Could she have gone to her home? Should he call and check? But what if he called Sneha Aunty to ask and Rachitaji wasn't there? Sneha aunty would have a panic attack. What could he do? Should he check with Amaya? But Amaya must have gone for her pag phera. Didn't she say she was going for her pag phera in the afternoon? Then she wouldn't be home. He didn't know of any other friends that Rachitaji had around here where she could have gone. Frustrated and just a little panicky, he called home. His dad told him that she hadn't arrived still. There was only one way out. He would go over to Sneha Aunty's house and see for himself. If she wasn't there, he would just say he'd come to check on Sneha aunty. Yes.. That was a good option.
**
"You are looking gorgeous Amu! This saree really suits you!" Rachita complimented Amu. "Mantu bought it for me," Amaya said smiling. "These are really pretty bangles Amu," Sneha commented as she handed Amu, Rachu and Jazz their tea. "These are Mantu's mom's bangles Mom! I had the ritual of my first rasoi this morning and Mantu gave it to me as my shagun," Amaya replied. "That is so sweet. Keep these carefully beta. I'm sure these bangles mean a lot to Mantu," Sneha said. "You had a rasoi ritual Amu? What did you make? Noodles? Or tea?" Jazz teased. "Oh please! I made sooji halwa! And it turned out so good, Mantu and Chiklu finished all of it then and there," Amaya said proudly. "But where did you learn to make sooji halwa from?" Sneha asked. "Mantu taught me. He guided me and gave me instructions," Amaya was positively beaming with pride as she praised Mantu. "Mom, you know how Amaya was saying I was going to become parayi after marriage? Its not me but Amaya who has become parayi.. Its been barely 5 minutes since she has arrived and she has already mentioned Mantu's name at least 50 times," Rachita teased Amu. Amaya blushed crimson but pouted as she turned to Sneha, "Mom.. Look at this Rachi di is making fun of me. Not fair." Sneha was about to say something but a knock on the door interrupted her. "I wonder who it is?" she thought out aloud as she went to open the door.
A nervous Rama stood at the door, shifting from one feet to the other. "Rama?" Sneha asked. Amaya heard Rama's name and squealed, "You were making fun of me, weren't you Rachi di? Now look, Rama jiju couldn't even wait till night to see you, he is already here!" That's when Rachita realized that he was probably here looking for her. She had completely lost track of time and she hadn't even thought about calling him to let him know that she was at her house, safe. Her phone had already run out of battery when she left class so that must have worried him even more. Rachita was overcome with guilt as she rushed to the door.
As soon as he saw her, relief washed over him in a huge tide and he had to physically restrain himself from going up to her and hugging her out of relief. Rachita watched the tensed lines on his forehead and the wound up stiffness in his stance relax as soon as he saw her and she felt all the more guilty. She had been positively rude towards him and ignored him. None of this was really his fault.
"Rama beta.. You are here already? I thought you would come later to pick Rachita up after her pag phera," Sneha said. "I.. Actually.." Rama struggled to come up with an excuse to explain his presence. "I was passing by so I thought I'd stop by," he said and mentally smacked himself on his head for such a lame excuse. Sneha smiled at him at that and said, "Its okay beta. Its your house too. You can come and go whenever you want." Rama smiled, "I'll.. I'll take your leave now.." "But why? Won't you come in? Come on in.. We were just having tea. I'll get you some too," Sneha tried to persuade Rama. "No Aunty. It's alright," his eyes darted towards Rachita trying to gauge if everything was okay, "I'll.. I should leave.." "Not aunty beta. Now I am your mom too. Just like I am Rachu's," Sneha corrected him. "Ji Mom.." Rama replied before turning to Rachita, "Shall I come back later to pick you up?"
She should apologize to him. She should say something to let him know everything was okay now. But if she asked him to stay, she doubted she would be able to talk to him in peace. So she simply nodded her head. "Yes beta. You have to come take Rachita back with you and before that, you should have dinner with us. If your parents would like to join us.." Sneha left the question unfinished. "Babuji has dinner early so I don't think he'll be joining us but I'll come by later," Rama replied as he turned away. Sneha waved him bye and went back inside while Rachita stood at the door.
When Sneha was out of ear shot, Rachita rushed up to him, "Rama.. I.. I am so sorry. I wasn't thinking where I was going when I left the coaching class and I came here and when I did.. I just lost track of time, Rama.. And my phone is dead too.. You must've been so worried. I am really really sorry Rama."
Rama gave a sad smile. The truth was that he was very hurt. He knew Rachita was going through a tough time, but the fact that she did not even think of him in all this while even once, that realization hurt and no matter how much he tried to tell himself that he was supposed to understand what Rachita was going through, he couldn't stop himself from feeling hurt. He tried to hide his hurt behind a smile and replied, "Its okay Rachitaji. I know, you are going through a lot. It.. doesn't matter.. Really.. It doesn't.. I'll.. I'll come pick you up later." With that, he rode off and Rachita stood watching his receding frame.
When Rachita turned around, Amaya was standing at the door watching them. She didn't say anything as they walked into the house. "Rachi di.." Amaya called out to her. When Rachita turned around, Amaya cast a glance around. Sneha was within earshot in the kitchen, getting dinner ready and Jazz had gone to change out of her uniform but would be out soon. She caught hold of Rachita's hand and led her up the stairs to her bedroom. "What's the matter Amaya?" Rachita asked as Amaya locked the door behind them.
"I wanted to talk to you Rachi di. How are you?" Amaya asked as she sat Rachita down on the bed. "I am okay Amu. Its just been a difficult time. But I've decided not to think about it," Rachita replied. "I know Rachi di. But I meant, how are things between you and Rama jiju?" Amaya asked. Rachita looked at Amaya but said nothing. How was she supposed to answer that question? That she'd been wallowing in her own misery and had paid no attention whatsoever to Rama? So much so that she even forgot to inform him where she was? And Rama, he had been nothing but kind, helpful and supportive through this darkest phase of her life.
She studied Amaya for a quiet minute. Her carefree-to-the-point-of-careless younger sister had changed so much in the span of one day post her wedding. The saree, the mangalsutra, the sindoor, the bangles, the sparkle in her eyes, the color and glow on her face, the way almost every sentence and thought of hers began and ended with Mantu - Amaya was every bit the newly wedded bride. As for her - her mangalsutra lay in some drawer in the dresser at Rama's home. She did not even know where in her suitcase she had packed her jeweled box of vermillion. Her eyes only spoke of the sorrow and pain she had been through in the past day. Nothing about her looked or felt like she was a newly wedded bride.
But was that right? She had married Rama of her own free will. No one had forced her or coerced her to marry him. Rama had gone against his own mother to marry her; to hold her hand when she had been at her absolute loneliest. And what was she giving him in return? Now that she had decided to move on from this revelation, not let it affect her life, wasn't it time for her to give her marriage the time, respect and commitment it deserved?
"Rachi di?" Amaya shook Rachita by the shoulder gently to gain her attention. "Huh?" Rachita responded. "Is everything alright Rachi di?" Amaya asked, concern etched on her forehead. "It will be now," Rachita said, placing a reassuring hand on Amaya's hand and smiling at her. Amaya hugged her tight.
"Amu.." Rachi said, a mischievous smile breaking out on her face. "Hmm.." Amaya said as she drew away from the hug. "I've been meaning to ask you. You have this gorgeous glow on your face. Is there a special reason for it?" Rachita teased. Amaya could feel the color seep onto her skin again and she fought hard to control the silly in love smile that was tugging at her lips. "No.. There's nothing like that. I think Mom is calling us," Amaya tried to make a quick escape but Rachita caught her hand. "I didn't hear her call us. Wait.. What's that under your eyes?" "What?" Amaya wiped under her eyes but found nothing. "Is there a hint of dark circles? I actually think your eyes are a little baggy. What happened? Did you not sleep well last night? What kept you up last night?" Rachita asked, suppressing the grin on her face. "No.. I slept well last night," Amaya said as she turned to the mirror to check only to realize that Rachita was teasing her.
"Rachi di!" Amaya said annoyed but God! She was blushing again. "Aha! The telltale blush," Rachita said smiling as she came up to Amu. "There's nothing like that Rachi di. I swear. Nothing happened," Amaya said but she kept blushing for some odd reason. "You can lie to me all you want, Amu.." Rachita continued to tease her. "No Rachi di. I am serious.. Nothing happened. I mean.. You know.. Mantu wants to prove himself to Nanaji before.. you know.. He wants Nanaji to accept us too. He wants to bridge that rift between Mom and Nanaji that's there because of us.." Amaya explained.
"Mantu truly is an amazing guy, Amu and I am so darn happy for you!" Rachita said. "So is Rama jiju, Rachi di. He is a really nice guy and he loves you a lot too. I know you have been through a lot but I am hoping you will give Rama jiju and your marriage a fair chance. I want you to experience the kind of love, joy, contentment that I am experiencing being married to Mantu and I know you will, if you open your heart to Rama jiju and his love," Amaya said. Rachita nodded her head in response, "I will. I promise."
****
CID
Kumkum Bhagya
Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
