OS - Say you believe me!! Part 5 Pg 39 Sept 25 - Page 7

"Jiji, why did you have to go to that Bangalan's house? I didn't like it. And instead of being thankful for getting an alliance from such a rich family, her father dared to refuse? And that Bangalan didn't say anything either? The night she'd come to our house she'd said so many things, na! What happened now?"

"Radha Rani!" Mamaji rebuked his wife for what was probably the fifth time, looking like he'd reached the end of his patience.

"Bhabhi," Ishwari, gently but firmly inserted. "Whatever I did, whatever I am doing, I am doing it for my son. He needs to be happy. He deserves to be happy. And his happiness is tied to Sonakshi. I will do whatever it takes to get her back into his life." After all, how many times in his childhood hadn't she relented and given him things he'd been crying for! This was no different, was it?

"Maa?"

Ishwari's face lit up as she walked up to her son. "Beta, you are home so early?"

"What is this that Mamiji is saying? You went to Sonakshi's house?"

"Yes beta, I did. I wanted to talk to her parents." She cupped her son's cheeks affectionately. "They are angry at the moment but it doesn't matter. I'll go again tomorrow. I'll go how many ever times it takes. And I'll talk to Sonakshi too..."

"No maa." Dev's voice was firm. She knew her son. She knew that look. When her Dev wanted to win something, when her son set his mind on something, he developed a tunnel vision. Just look, where he'd reached, what he'd achieved from those dirt-ridden poor streets of Delhi!

"But Dev..."

"No maa. You went and spoke to them. You did your best. But enough. I don't want you to do go to their place again. Not yet anyway." He made his mom sit on the bed and got down on his knees before her so that he could meet her eyes. "It was my mistake maa. I hurt Sonakshi. I hurt her family. So now I would go and talk. I would do whatever it takes to win her back. Not you. You won't interfere in this. Promise me, maa."

"But Dev beta..."

"No maa. For Sonakshi to say yes, she should start trusting me again. She should believe me again. You have done all you could do, maa. But I should be the one doing it from now on." And a smile, a small one but a smile nonetheless, lit up his face and reached his eyes. "You wanted me to bring your bahu home. I will bring her home. No matter how long it takes, I will bring her home. You have accepted her. Our love. All I need is your blessings. I don't need anything else."

"My blessings are always with you, Dev. You know that. Go and fresh up. I'll get your dinner." Dev nodded and left the room without a backward glance. The smile Ishwari had been holding firmly in place slipped and fell. I always thought there is no you and I, Dev. It's always been we. Hum. Until today. I never thought you would say, I would do it. You don't interfere.

****

"Good morning baba," Sona waited the next day morning for Bijoy to look up from his newspaper and smile like he always did. But if he heard her, he was ignoring her completely. Would he ever forgive her, Sona despaired. "Baba, are you not going to talk to me, even?" Try as she might, she couldn't hide the tremor in her voice. "I know what I did wasn't a small mistake. Something that would get erased with one sorry. But baba, if-if you stop talking to me, how would I go on? How do I live with all this pain and this-this guilt? I'm not a good daughter, am I, baba? I disappointed you. You trusted me and I let you down in the worst way possible. B-because of me, you and maa are left to face all these snide comments from the society. It's all my fault baba. All my fault. I trusted the wrong person, got hurt and hurt you all in the process. But I didn't know..." Tears filled her eyes. But her baba cupped her cheeks and wiped them away before they could roll down her cheeks. His own eyes behind his eyeglasses were damp. With a small cry she fell into his waiting arms, like she used to, when she had been small and skinned her knees while playing. "I'm sorry baba. So sorry. I promise I won't ever do something like this ever again. I swear."

"Buss beta. Buss. Enough," Gently wiping her cheeks, Bijoy hugged his daughter to himself again. "Meri Shona rote hue bilkul achchi nahi lagti. It was my mistake too beta. I shouldn't have pushed you so much so soon."

"Na baba..."

"Sshhh...it's OK. What has happened, has happened. Let's find a way to move forward. Asha? Tumi kothaya?" Where are you? He shouted for his wife. "Shona is getting late for work. Get her breakfast ready.

Asha, who had been witnessing the exchange since the moment it all began, wiped her eyes and smiled in relief. "Asache!" Coming!

Sona got ready, had a hearty breakfast after what seemed like an eon. Bijoy too was getting ready to start his day when the doorbell buzzed. Frowning, he hurried to open the door. "You?" he growled at Dev, the good mood of the morning evaporating like water on a hot pan.

Sona, with her bag already slung over her shoulder, glanced at the door and froze. What the hell! Wasn't he ever going to leave her alone? "You?" she almost yelled. "What the hell are you doing here Mr Dixit? I thought I told you..."

"I came to speak to your parents," Dev said, his calm voice, a direct contrast to her furious tone. "Please, may I?"

"Drunkards have no place in this house!" Bijoy snapped.

Dev controlled his flinch. "I am not drunk, sir. I just would like to have a couple of minutes of your time. Please."

"Please come inside, Dev babu," Asha gently inserted. Bijoy scowled at his wife. Her eyes beseeched him not to create another scene. The sooner they close this issue, the better. If Dev wanted to talk, they would hear him out and send him on his way. Quicker. Quieter.

"Thank you, ma'am." Dev stepped in. Asha gestured to the couch but Dev shook his head. "I am here to apologize, sir. To you, ma'am and your whole family." Taking a deep breath, he plunged ahead. "I am sorry for causing you all so much pain. For every single wrong, dreadful thing I did, I am sorry."

Bijoy opened his mouth to snap but Asha caught hold of his hand and shook her head. Her eyes darted back to her daughter, who stood looking as stubborn as her baba, but silent and listening.

"I shouldn't have asked Sonakshi to invite me to the engagement. I shouldn't have come. I shouldn't have gotten drunk. I shouldn't have collapsed and created that scene. Whatever has happened, it was my fault. I didn't know how to deal with my pain but that didn't give me the right to drag Sonakshi and her family down with me. I know nothing I say or do now would ever make up for what happened. I respect Sonakshi. I respect her parents and family. And if there was a way to undo whatever I'd done that night, I would. But all I can do is offer my heartfelt apology. If you wish to take out your anger, sir, please direct it at me. Because it wasn't Sonakshi's fault. It was mine. And mine alone."

"Are you done?" Bijoy asked, in a controlled voice. Dev nodded. "Then please," he gestured to the door. He didn't care if he wasn't being polite. Dev Dixit should be thankful he wasn't kicking the guy out of his house for all the heartache he'd caused all around. The guy was nuts, not to mention, arrogant, if he thought one stupid apology would make everything right.

Dev nodded, accepting the decision and stepped back. With a longing look directed at Sonakshi, he walked out of the house. Sona waited until the sound of his car faded and disappeared before picking up her bag once again. "Chalti hoon baba. Maa."

****

Sonakshi had promised herself she'd never step foot in Dev Dixit's office ever again. Yet, here she was. Although this time she hadn't had much choice. Her boss had wanted her to make a presentation about their company. About how the nutritionists would guide the employees of Ishwari Communications through a health programme that would enable them to work better. She had to present it to the head of the company, Mr Dev Dixit and the board of directors. After all, she'd been the one who did it four other companies and it had been a resounding success. She wasn't given a choice. So here she was. Once again in his office. Her phone pinged with an incoming message before she could step into the elevator. Her heart thudded as she saw the sender's name. Ritwik. Smothering down the guilt that threatened to choke her, she clicked the message open.

Just wanted to let you know that my bank loan got approved and the place for my clinic is up for sale at a much lower price. My life is moving ahead. Hope yours is too. Good luck Sonakshi. - Ritwik.

She read and reread the message, the tight band around her chest slowly loosening, allowing her to breathe. At least she needn't feel guilty about completely ruining Ritwik's life. His professional life has fallen into place. Hopefully his personal life would too, soon. And there were no guesses as to who was responsible for that. Dev Dixit was predictable that way, she thought with a wry smile.

She stepped into the conference room, refusing to feel nervous. The members were already seated, waiting for her to begin. She straightened her shoulders, bracing herself to face Dev again. If a part of her wanted to impress him with her professional capability, she refused to acknowledge it. If a part of her was eager to see the look of pride on his face as she made her presentation, she refused to admit it even to herself. She couldn't stop her eyes from searching for him and the light in them dimmed at his absence.

Tina walked in right behind her. "Sir has had to take an urgent call so he requested you all to proceed without him. Do you need anything else Dr Bose?" she asked respectfully?

"Maybe we should...wait for him?" she asked. Offered.

"No ma'am. Sir wants you to go ahead."

Left with little choice, Sonakshi opened her laptop, fumbling a little, scattering the notepad and pens on the table. Muttering a hasty apology, she quickly gathered them up, taking that time to gather herself too. Buck up Dr Bose!

Half an hour and another successful presentation later, she smiled and shut down her laptop. One of the board members spoke up. "Very impressive Dr Bose. But I think we need to go through the figures once again and I have a couple of questions that I need you to clarify."

"Sure sir." It was an achievement indeed. So why did she still feel something was missing?

"Let's have a small tea break and we'll resume in say, fifteen minutes?"

"Definitely sir."

She waited until everyone filed out of the room and made her way to Dev's cabin. "Mr Dixit?" she asked Tina.

Tina smiled. "Go right in Dr Bose."

Unlike the previous times, she'd barged in, this time she hesitated. How to face him? The fury had gone down one step when he'd apologized to her parents. It had gone down another step after receiving Ritwik's message. Neutral, she decided. She wouldn't scream blue murder but she wouldn't smile and simper either. She knocked on the door briskly twice, pushed it open and found Dev in his chair, in front of his laptop, typing away. He glanced at her and stood up, joy surging through every cell of his body. Sona was here! His Sona was here. He forced his heart NOT to leap out of his chest. Forced his hands NOT to grab her and pull her close. Forced his eyes NOT to devour her. "Ms Bose!"

"I have come to thank you Mr Dixit."

"Thank me? For what?" he frowned.

"I...Ritwik messaged me a few minutes back. Said his loan got approved and the building for his clinic is up for sale. At lower cost than the initial quote. Thank you Mr Dixit."

Dev smothered the jealousy that rose up at her words. Why was she thanking him? Was she still in touch with Ritwik? Just as quickly, he pushed it away. He knew what his Sona felt for him. There was no trust, yes. But there was love. There was never a moment when Sonakshi didn't love him. She had been the one fighting for her love...for their love, when he had thrown down the weapons.

"No thanks required Ms Bose. I just wish it were that easy to make up for the pain I have caused you and your family," his smile was as rueful as his words. "How did the presentation go?" he asked, diverting the topic.

"It was good. They want to talk about the figures once again and I still need to clear a few doubts and questions though." She paused. "Tina said you had been on a call. Would you be joining us now?"

"I think I have caused you enough embarrassment in the previous public gathering, Ms Bose. So I kept myself away from this one." Her smile was rueful as she acknowledged his statement. "Thank you Ms Bose," he added softly.

"For?"

"For that smile. I have a long way to go. I accept that. But at least I managed to get a smile out of you. Reluctant though it is."

Sonakshi blinked, not knowing how to respond to that. She decided to ignore it. "This presentation is for your company, Mr Dixit. Hardly a social gathering."

"Are you saying you trust me not to create another scene?"

That got her dander up in a blink. "I'm saying I don't want to double my work because the company head didn't attend my presentation the first time around."

The ringing of Dev's phone interrupted their conversation. He darted a glance at his caller id, his eyes once again on his Sonakshi. "Maa?"

"Dev, are you..."

"Maa, Sonakshi is here maa. In my office. She is here for a presentation. Official visit of course but... She is representing her company. Everyone would be attending the meeting maa and she is going to present to them all and..." The savvy entrepreneur was rambling in his eagerness.

"Oh!" Ishwari paused. How long has it been since she heard that jubilation in her son's tone? "That's very nice beta."

"I was just about to go for that meeting..." he paused. "Why did you call maa?"

"Nothing beta. I just wanted to go to the Shivji Mandir and I need to buy a few things too so I thought..."

"Sure maa. I'll send the driver, shall I?"

Ishwari frowned. "Arre no beta. I thought if you weren't too busy, we could go together. But if you are busy, I can always postpone. Not an issue."

"No maa. Don't postpone. I'll send the driver and the car. He'll take you wherever you want to go. Neha said she wants to do some shopping too. So maybe you two can go together." He saw Sonakshi leaving his cabin and continued hastily. "Maa, I need to go now. I'll be back home later, OK? I'm sending the driver now." He disconnected the call and picked up his jacket. He had a meeting to attend now. An extremely important meeting. I missed so much Ms Bose!

****

Next day afternoon, the manager-in-charge of the engagement venue left with a polite nod at Asha, after handing over a few bits and pieces that they'd left at the venue that night. Closing the door, she got started on sorting through them. Thankfully the pile was small and it didn't take long. At the bottom of the pile, there was a small square box. It looked like a jewellery box. Frowning, she opened it.

"This looks like Sona's bracelet. Why would..." her frown deepening, she opened the neatly folded A4 size paper and started reading.

Ms Bose,

Aaj aakhri baar tumhe iss naam se bula raha hoon.

Her eyes were glistering with tears by the time she reached the end of the page. Dev Babu really did love her daughter. Every tormented word in the letter was proof of that. Whatever happened that night, it hadn't been deliberate on Dev Babu's part. Her Sona had been able to hide her pain but he hadn't been able to.

"Asha, ki halo?" What happened? Bijoy shook her shoulder. "What are you reading? And why are you crying?" Wordlessly, she extended the letter to her husband.

****

Dev adjusted his jacket and rang the bell of Sonakshi's house. He had been in the middle of a meeting when he had gotten a call from Sona's baba. Asking if he would come and meet him at his house. He delegated the rest of the meeting to his VP and here he was. He didn't know why Bijoy wanted to meet him. He had been very cryptic. But Sonakshi's baba wanted to meet him and here he was. The door was opened by Bijoy himself. Wordlessly he stood aside to let Dev enter.

"Namaste," Dev wished both Bijoy and Asha.

Asha nodded. "Have a seat Dev Babu," she offered.

Fighting his awkwardness, Dev sat on the couch. "You wanted to speak to me, sir?"

Bijoy sat directly facing Dev and extended a paper. Dev took it with a frown, glanced down and paled. "Did you write this to my daughter?" The question was as direct as the man himself.

"Ji sir." The edges of the paper crumpled as Dev's fingers tightened on the paper.

Bijoy took back the letter. "Did you mean everything you said in this?"

Trying to wipe away the memories the mention of that night evoked, Dev nodded. "Every word."

"You do realize how deeply you've hurt my daughter?"

"Yes sir. But please believe me sir. I won't hurt her ever again. I love her and cannot live without her."

"You are my daughter's first love. The fact that she chose you had been enough for me to accept you as her partner. But the day you threw her out of your life, the night she spent crying over her broken heart and shattered dreams, I swore I wouldn't let you come anywhere near my daughter ever again."

"Sir..."

Bijoy raised his hand, halting Dev's words. "This letter of yours tells me that whatever you did that night hadn't been a deliberate attempt to dishonour her and her family."

"Sir!" Dev stood up, shaking his head in horrified denial. "I would never...never dishonour her or her family sir. I made a mistake. A lot of mistakes. But never once I thought less of her. Never once I thought of her as anything less than perfect."

Bijoy got up from his seat. There was no anger in his face or tone. Neither was there acceptance. "I am still not convinced about you Dev Babu nor do I trust you. But I leave it up to my daughter now." He folded his hands, his eyes alight with challenge. "Give it your best shot. Convince her. Make her trust you again. Make her believe in you again. I will accept whatever my Sona decides."

Dev couldn't hold back his smile of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, sir. Thank you so much!"

"Don't thank me. As I said, this does not mean I approve of you."

"I know. I won't let her down. I won't let our love down again." He looked around. "Sonakshi...she's not home yet?" he looked at the clock. He knew her timings. Made it a point to know. She should be home by now.

Bijoy too glanced at the clock. "Yeah. She should be home by now. Asha?"

"She said she would get late today. Some meeting in Faridabad, she said."

"How did she go? How will she be getting back? I mean, did she go in the company car? Did she go alone? I can send my car and driver if..."

Something eased in Asha's expression at Dev's obvious concern for her daughter. A bud of hope that this man does care about their Sona. He would take care of her. Dev's concern didn't escape Bijoy either. He took out his phone to call his daughter when he heard her voice.

"Maa, baba, why is the door open..." Sonakshi stood rooted to the spot. Dev at her house? Again?

Thank you for reading! Do let me know what you think!! I will be waiting.

Happy Weekend!!

Love,

Suvika.

Link for Part Three:

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/137271504