Chapter 4
Aarti was tired, she had been doing a favour for someone. They had asked her to type a thesis at the last minute. Then she had cooked dinner, it was Yash's night off and she wanted him to come home to a nice home cooked meal for a change. He was at a study group and then would come home after that. They hadn't had any time together for a long while and when they were together the atmosphere was cold. It seemed that she was always on the end of her tether and snapped at everything he said. She had done so earlier and she wanted to make up for it.
She had set the table. She even made it a little romantic, with flowers and candles. But he didn't come. It started raining and she was getting worried. She called him but he didn't answer. Finally she gave up, she had lost her appetite and she went to bed. In the middle of the night she woke up with terrible abdominal pains. She tried to call him again, but there was no response again. She managed to get up get to the neighbours. They got her an ambulance.
Yash was at the study group and when most people left, he was asked by Ishita, at whose flat they were studying to stay for supper. Truth be told he knew he shouldn't have agreed. He knew she had a crush on him, but he didn't have the energy to face what was waiting for him at home. Again that morning she was in a foul mood, which happened more often than not these days. He just wanted a break. So he stayed. He had a nice time and they talked, about things other than the lack of finances and work schedules. No one was irritated with him. And he was sure if he tried to touch her she wouldn't squirm away, as she did these days. They were sitting talking when Ishita came closer and kissed him. He didn't stop her and he almost kissed her back, but he didn't. It brought him back to his senses. He loved his wife. He pushed her away.
"I'm sorry Ishita. I love my wife."
"Then what are you doing here and not at home with her."
"Very good question. Good bye Ishita."
He left. He realised that he had had his phone on silent for the study group and he saw several missed calls from her. He tried to call her back but there was no reply. He ran to his scooty and got home as soon as he could. When he got there, he saw her being wheeled on a stretcher to an ambulance.
"Aarti, what's wrong?" he could see she was in pain.
"Sir, this is an emergency. We have to leave."
"She's my wife."
"You can come along then."
He got inside the ambulance and it raced to the hospital. He paced up and down the corridor as she was in surgery. Till the doctor came and gave him the news. The baby didn't make it, but she was fine. He was happy and heartbroken at the same time. When he finally went to see her, she was crying softly, she wouldn't look at him.
"Aarti, baby. Are you ok?"
She didn't answer. He tried to hold her, but she wouldn't let him. So he just sat in the hospital chair.
He eventually called their parents.
"Bauji, Aarti is in hospital. We lost the baby."
His response was probably expected.
"So now you can get out of that relationship. Take your place in the family."
"Bauji, Aarti needs me and I love her. I am not leaving her."
"You are not welcome back home as long as you are still with her."
"Good bye, Bauji."
Her parents came out to see her and they took her home.
He stayed at the flat. The only person that he could speak to was his mother. She understood, but his father's rule was absolute in the house. Aarti was never allowed at their house, and his family was forbidden to contact him at all while he was still with her. His mother was still old school and did everything that her husband dictated, so she could do nothing but listen.
Finally he went to see her.
"When are you coming home Aarti."
"I am not coming back."
"What do you mean?"
"My scholarship is still valid and I am taking it up. Ma has arranged everything so I am moving to Bhopal when the semester starts."
"What about us?"
"There is no us. There hasn't been for a while. And now that the baby is no longer there, we are free to go our own way."
"That's not what I want Aarti."
"It's how it is. You can concentrate on your studies and your father will be happy."
"But I won't be."
"It's over Yash. Just accept it." She was so cold to him.
"Why don't you just accept what she is saying? All you caused my daughter was misery and pain. And now you won't honour her wishes." It was her mother.
"Ma, please..."
"I am not your mother. As far as I am concerned this marriage never happened. Now could you leave and stay out of her life?"
"Ma, I can handle this." Said Aarti.
Her mother left the room.
"Aarti, you can study but we don't have to give up on us."
"I know where you were the night I lost the baby."
"Aarti ..."
"I called and called you. Why didn't you answer?"
"My phone was on silent. That's all. Baby I love you, I would never do anything to hurt you."
"I am not stupid Yash. You were alone with her for all that time and nothing happened?"
"Ok, she kissed me. But I told her I love you and I left."
"Anyway, it doesn't matter. It's over, you can file for divorce. Please leave now"
He wanted to take her in his arms but she pushed him away.
"I said leave."
He left quietly.
She watched out the window till she saw his car pull away. Clearly he was back in the Scindiya clan if he had his car back.
She started sobbing. She couldn't let him touch her earlier, otherwise she would have melted. She would have never have let him go. And she knew letting him go was the best for him. For both of them. She would have her future, she would be a success, and she would not depend on a man to care for her. The drive that she always had was back. She didn't need to struggle financially, she knew she had skill and she would succeed. Now more than ever, she was determined to succeed. She had nothing else.
"You did the right thing beta."
"Not now Ma. Please"
"Fine, but ..."
"I have heard it all Ma. I know it all. You have your wish. He is out of my life. Is that not enough for you?" she shouted at her mother. She had had enough of her mother's incessant remarks about him and everything that happened. She had lost her baby and the love of her life and she couldn't take it anymore. She needed a break, she needed to get away. And she had her plan of escape ready.
End of Flashback
Yash was sitting in the house. He came here every day hoping. But after that night, she was never at the house alone anymore. She was only there when the contractors were there. She did not want to risk being alone with him again. He was so disappointed, but he kept hoping. In fact he was there early that day but when he got there, she was already gone. The contractors said she had gone early as she was not really needed there. He was just sitting on the porch when he heard a car pull up. He got up to check out who it was. Once again hoping but that too was dashed. It was a man that he didn't know.
"Can I help you?"
"Yes, I am looking for Aarti Dubey?"
"Oh, who are you?"
"Prashant, her fiancee."
"Oh, I see. How did you get this address?"
"I found it at with her things. Does she not live here? I came to surprise her."
"No she doesn't live here."
"Is this the house that she is working on?'
"Yes."
"Then where can I find her?"
"I will take you." his taxi had already left.
"I didn't get your name?" Prashant said as they were in the car.
"Yash."
"So how did you hear about Aarti?'
"I have known her for a while. Actually since school days."
"Oh, and how was my darling at school."
"Oh, she was very different. She was a real wild one. Somewhat of a tomboy but also not. She gave everyone hell and everything was done on her terms. The first time I met her she demanded the hockey coach to put her in the first team hockey as she was the best player, even though she just started at the school."
"Really? And did he?"
"Yes, and she was right. Pretty soon she was the captain."
"Oh, I didn't even know she played hockey. I can't even picture that side of her."
"Yes, then she only wore sweats and sneakers."
"Really, now she only wears those when she goes to the gym. Otherwise it is all designer wear."
"Mmm, anyway. Here we are." He stopped the car and got out and walked Prashant to the door. He knocked and her mother opened the door.
"Mrs. Dubey, this is Prashant Verma, Aarti's fiance."
"Oh yes. Please come in. Aarti." she called.
"Aarti came out of the bedroom tying up her hair.
"Look who came to visit, Beta."
Aarti was shocked. She had no idea he would come here. And what was Yash doing here too.
"Prashant?"
"Yes, I came to surprise you."
"See she is very surprised." Said Yash.
"What are you doing here, Yash?"
"He came to the house. And I brought him here. Seems your fiance didn't even know where your parents live. In fact he doesn't know that much about you at all."
"He knows what he needs to know."
"And what is that Aarti?'
"That we love each other and we are going to be happily married soon."
"Aarti?" Prashant was clearly confused.
"Don't worry about it Prashant. It is clear that we are in love with different women." Yash said and left.
"Aarti, what was that about?"
"Prashant, I have to tell you something."
"What."
"Yash, he ... he is my husband."
"What, I thought you said Yash is your husband."
"I said that. We were married 8 years ago and I came back to get a divorce from him but he wouldn't sign the papers unless I decorate his house."
"You're married. Why have you never told me about this?"
"It is not a factor in our relationship, Prashant."
"It is a big factor and the fact that you didn't tell me... Maybe Yash is right, I don't know you." Prashant walked out too. He called a cab to come and get him.
Aarti was still in bed the next day, when she got a visitor. It was Yash's PA. He brought the signed divorce papers and proof of payment for the work that she did at the house. She was still reeling from that, when Prashant also came.
"Aarti, I am sorry about yesterday. It just all took me by surprise. I am not happy that you were hiding such a big thing from me but I love you Aarti. I want to marry you. Is that what you want too, Aarti."
She hugged him.
"Yes, please Prashant. I want to marry you too. I love you. Yash has finally signed the divorce papers."
"Can I ask you though that we get married here. My parents don't really like to travel. If you don't mind."
"I'm fine with that."
"And your mom?"
"Well, she will need some convincing, but I will manage."
"Thank you so much. I really do love you."
Aarti was busy making wedding arrangement with her mother. Her mother was so happy with what was happening. She was trying on her wedding dress when she got a call from an unknown number.
"Hello."
"Hello, Chachi. It's Vedhika."
"Vedhika?"
"Yes, Chachi. How are you?"
"I am fine Sweetie. And you?"
"I am fine too. It's my birthday tomorrow and we are having a party. Can you come?"
"My sweetie pie, I am is busy. I am not sure if I will be able to make it."
"Oh" she could hear the disappointment in her voice.
"Ok, I will try to come for just a little while ok, angel."
"Yeah." she shouted. Aarti chuckled.
"What would you like as a present?"
"I went a tea set, then when you come here, we can have tea."
"Ok" Aarti said. Now she was sad because she knew she would never go there again after the party.
She went there the next day with the cutest tea set that she could find. Vedhika, Vidhi and her mother in law was so happy to see her.
"How are you bahu?'
"Ma, the divorce is finalised now. I am getting married in a week."
"Oh."
"Ma. I know you are disappointed, but this is what is meant to be."
"I don't believe it. And just to prove it, I will come to your wedding. Send me the wedding card."
"Ma?"
"Yes, I want to come to your wedding."
"Ma, this definitely going to happen. Won't it just upset you?"
"We will see beta" her mother in law said.
"Ma, why bother. It is over. Why trouble yourself." He wasn't there when she got there, she hadn't realised he had arrived.
He walked off, went to pick up Vedhika and twirled her about and then gave her, her gift and disappeared upstairs. She didn't see him for the rest of the time that she was there. She finally realised that he had given up on her. That's what she wanted. But why did she feel like her world came crashing down. Shortly after, she greeted and left.
Aarti lookED stunning in her wedding attire. Her mother was beaming as she was faffing over her. Finally it was time for her to go and meet her groom at the Mandap. The man that she loved and wanted to marry wasn't it?
She saw her ex-in laws as she walked to the Mandap. Her mother in-law smiled at her. She smiled back tremulously. She knew what they were still hoping for but she just could not back down now. Except for her father in law.
She sat down next to Prashant. She desperately wanted to be as happy about this marriage as he was. As he was about to apply the sindoor she heard a commotion. Some of the security guards tried to keep someone out. He was shouting.
"Miss Dubey. Miss Dubey."
Then Aarti recognised him as her lawyer. She got up from the mandap and went to him.
"Mr. Singh, what are you doing here?"
"Miss Dubey, the divorce is not finalised."
"What? I got the notice."
"I know, but we all seemed to miss a small detail that was picked up 2 days ago at the courts."
"What?"
"There is a signature missing."
"Yash signed. I know he did."
"He signed yes, but you didn't" he said as he showed her the documents.
"What?! Oh no. It can't be."
"Really? I can't believe this. Aarti, please just sign the documents and let us get on with the wedding. Does anyone have a pen?' said Prashant clearly irritated.
"I do." it was her mother law. G3 walked up to her and she took the pen from her with shaky hands. They stared at each other for a while."
"Sign the documents Aarti." said her mother.
"Beta, don't let anyone tell you what to do. Make you own decision. Choose what is right for you." said her father.
"Aarti, why are you hesitating? This is what we both want isn't it?"
"Prashant ..." she didn't know what to say.
"Prashant, did I not tell about these middle class people before. You, little girl can thank your lucky stars that my son dained to look in your direction. You are not going to humiliate us by this shenanigans. Just sign those papers and get it over with."
"There is no reason to speak to my daughter like that." said her mother.
"You just keep your mouth shut. You raised her like this. Wanting to marry a man while she is still married. I suppose this is the kind of thing that happens in middle class families."
"Excuse me. I don't care who you are. No one speaks to my mother like that. If I wasn't such a respectful daughter I would punch your lights out right here, right now." She was livid. "And yes, I am married. I am married to the love of my life and I almost made the worst mistake of my life." she turned to Prashant.
"Prashant, I am truly sorry. I really thought I could do this, I tried hard to convince myself that I was over Yash. But I am not. I still love him and I want to stay married to him. You are a wonderful person, I know that you will find someone that loves you as much as deserve to be loved soon."
She went to her mother in law.
"Where is he Ma?"
"He is at your house. He has been spending all his time there." She was surprised to hear her father in law answer.
"Bahu, I realise now that no one but you will make that boy of mine happy and its clear with all that has happened even the universe wants you to be together. Who am I to stand in your way?"
Thank you Bauji" She bent down to take her in laws blessing.
She turned back and shouted.
"Everyone from the bride's family, stay behind. We are still going to have a wedding." She ran out of the room on the way to her love.
The house was dark when she got there. She still had a key and unlocked the door. She saw a dim light coming from the office. The door was open. His laptop was open in front of him but he was staring into nothingness. She walked into the room and he finally noticed her.
"What are you doing here? Are you not supposed to be getting married?"
"I already have a husband and I am looking right at him."
"Aarti please, I am done with this."
"Well I am not. Why did you never tell me came to Bhopal?"
"What does it matter now?"
"It matters to me."
"I went there to get you back but then I saw you there with some of your college friends. The Aarti I saw was not the same one I knew. I couldn't go to you knowing I had nothing. I mean nothing of my own. I could not depend on Bauji's wealth clearly after what happened after we were married. So I decided that I would first make a success on my own. So that I could give you the life you deserve."
"Are you about done?"
He looked at her. Then he smiled.
"Yes."
"Then we have a wedding to go to. We didn't have a real one before."
He finally got up and came to stand in front of her. He grabbed her to him.
"You drive me crazy." he gritted between his teeth.
"I know. Crazy in love you." she said smiling up at him.
He gave her passionate kiss.
Finally when they came up for breath.
"Honey, we have a whole host of people waiting for us, but later" she said with promise.
They entered the wedding hall with him carrying her in his arms. Everyone that really knew them and their story was ecstatically happy and cheered for them. The pundit was still there and they went through the wedding rituals again. And the party went on till her mother in law told them it was time to go home. She wanted her to do the homecoming rituals.
She entered the house, her new home feeling happy, loved and in love. The rituals were done and then he carried her to their bedroom.
She didn't know who did it and how it was done but the bedroom was done up as a bridal room.
He put her down and started to undress her.
"I have waited a long time to bring my bride home."
"And now she is home for good. I'm sorry, baby, I love you."
"I'm sorry too. And I love you so much. This time around we will make it work."
"I know we will. And I want to wait too long to start a family."
"Can we at least have somewhat of a honeymoon? The last time we did it back to front, now I want to spend some time with my wife before thinking of babies."
"If you insist." She smiled.
"I insist. Now no more talking, let's start practicing starting a family."
She giggled as he lifted her up and deposited her onto the bed for an amorous wedding night.
She was finally home. Not just physically but in every way possible. She was with the man she always loved and he loved her back. She was with a family that loved and accepted her even when she thought she was not worthy. And she finally felt at peace, no more pretending, no more denying her feelings. She could finally pour her love on him and it gave so much happiness, peace and security.
Hers was indeed a sweet, sweet homecoming.
Bollywood
