My first post leap story...and you know why...cause I hate the crap being shown. Hmmm...you guys might hate the beginning, but I decided to add drama and why not, if Ekta can add twists than so can I. Do read and let me know if it's good, bad or plain stupid.
ps No Vicky in here...
part 3 page 6, part 4 page 7, part 5 page 9
Reckless Exile ' Part 1
Jai clenched his fist tight, his face was tinged red by anger that had erupted by what he heard the two women talking in his room. He couldn't help but listen when he realized he was the topic of their conversation. Goddamit, he said silently. How dare Meera coerce Bani to do such a dirty deed. What did they think he was, some sub-human specie? He couldn't bear to listen anymore, Meera telling Bani to sleep with him once to get pregnant and Bani half-heartedly protesting. Jai strode off towards his study and slammed the door. The bottle of Scotch tucked away in the cabinet made it's way onto his table along with a glass. He poured a generous amount and downed it in one go.
The warm liquid left a burning trail as it made it way down. He poured another one and lifted it, staring at the rich golden brown colour and the distinctive smell. A face floated in and out of that amber glow'Ganga. Her smiling face goading him. 'Papa don't you love me? Don't you want to see me grow up, be your little princess. Won't you do this one thing to make me better?' Her voice seemed to ring in his ear and in fit of anger he threw the glass against the wall, shattering it. The next minute, Meera ran into the room, 'What happened Jai? Are you hurt?' She looked at him in concern and then at the shards of glass in the puddle of liquid.
'Get the hell out Meera.' Jai shouted, giving her a vicious look. 'Get out and stay out. I don't want to see anyone, do you hear?'
Meera shuddered and made a move to pick up the broken glass. 'Dammit leave it. I told you to get out. I will clean it. I don't need anyone's help.' Meera almost ran out of the room. She knew when Jai was having one of his moods, it was best to leave him alone. Bani called out softly from upstairs, 'What happened Meera?'
Meera just shook her head and composed herself, 'Nothing! Jai just dropped a glass. He is fine.'
Bani gave a sigh of relief and went back to her room.
It was close to midnight and Bani sat in a chair near the window. Sleep eluded her as she sat worried about Ganga. How could she save Ganga? The one road open to her was one she was not willing to take. She did not want to have a child with Jai Walia, Ganga's biological father. She did not want to bring up another child into the world and raise it without it's father. The night breeze blew into the room and she shivered. It was cold. She should really get inside the bed and keep warm. The click of the door handle turning slowly alarmed her slightly. She stood up and walked towards the door. The door swung open and Jai walked in, stumbling slightly as he tried to keep his balance. His eyes tried to focus as Bani's face swam back and forth. 'Baniiiiiii'' he slurred and raised his arm as if to grab her but found instead clutching air. He took a couple of step and reached out again, stumbling and in the process toppling Bani.
Bani lay pinned on the floor. Jai felt heavy and now she could smell the whiskey on his breath. She realized he was drunk. Gently she shook Jai who for the moment was lay still, 'Mr Walia'' she called softly.
'Hmmm'Bani'.I'am'I'want to'to give'you'something that'you want.' He stammered giddily.
'I don't want anything from you Mr Walia. Please let me help you go back to your room, ' Bani told him softly.
Jai raised himself and smirked as he looked at her chest heaving with nervousness. She should be scared he said to himself. After all he was going to the deed she and Meera had been planning earlier. He pushed at the robe covering her nightdress, exposing her soft skin. He rubbed the skin a little roughly and then dropped his face to kiss her. Bani realized what he was trying to do and pushed Jai hard but found him not budging. Jai laughed, 'I am not going anywhere Bani until I give you what you want.' Pressing his lips hard he kissed her, forcing her lips apart. Bani's stomach lurched at the taste and smell of whiskey. She struggled to get out of his hold but to know avail, he was like a dead weight on top of her.
Jai's hand pulled her robe apart and his hands grabbed at her nightdress and pulled at it, until he could feel her skin. Tears welled up in her eyes as his hands traversed her body, the roughness of his hand bruising her skin. When she was completely devoid of her clothes, Jai sat astride her and unbuttoned his shirt. He saw her tears and laughed, 'Why are you crying Bani? Isn't this what you want? I heard what you and Meera were planning earlier. See now you don't need to drug me and seduce me. I came willingly Bani. I will make love to you and give you a baby'a baby you so desperately want.'
With a scoop he lifted her and dropped her on the bed, climbing on top of her. Bani did not react when he roughly parted her legs and entered her. She was numb with what he had said, she lay like rag doll letting him have his way. He had heard what Meera had said to her, but he had not heard her protest. From past experience, his anger had blocked out her words of refusal to be part of such a trick. She had not wanted to sleep with her ex-husband at any cost, yet here she was now doing just that.
When he was done, Jai rolled off her and drawled. 'I hope you are happy now Bani. Now you can save Ganga.' He got up and haphazardly slipped on his pants and staggered out of the room. For a long time Bani stayed still, just trying to grasp Jai's action and words. Finally she came out of the shock and curled up on the bed sobbing. Tears fell for a long time, only stopping when exhaustion took over and she fell asleep.
In his room, Jai showered quickly, dressed and dumped some clothes in a small bag. He grabbed his passport and laptop and left the house. At the airport he asked for the first available flight leaving Mumbai. In an hour he was sitting in plane bound for Paris. He had no idea what he was going to do when he got there but at the moment the only thought was to get away from Mumbai, Meera and Bani. He was tired of the complications in his life, whether of his own making or others...he wanted nothing to do with anyone at the moment.
XXXXX
16 years later...Mumbai, a small apartment on the outskirts of the city.
'Mom...please haan kahdo na. It's my 16th birthday. I don't want a party. I want to go Europe.' Krishna Walia pleaded with her mother, who was busy trying to make evening dinner. Bani sighed as she stirred the sabzi. She gave a faint smile and said, 'Krishna go and do your homework. We will talk when Ganga gets home.'
Krishna pouting, 'Par kyun mom? Di will just side with you.'
Bani gave a stern look, 'Krishna do you want to wait till your di gets home or shall I just say no?'
Ajay stuck his head in and grinned at his twin, 'Krish give up. You know you can't get your way.'
Krishna stomped out of the kitchen and went to her bedroom which she shared with Ganga. Ajay came and hugged Bani, 'Mom, you know Alimchacha's cafe down the road. He said I can work part-time there whenever I want. Can I mom please? I want to save up some money to go to a tennis camp in the summer.'
Bani held her son by his shoulders, already he looked like younger version of his father, Jai Walia. Almost sixteen, he was tall, thin with a mop of dark hair, which at the moment he chose to keep it long. She couldn't resist the hopeful look in his eyes and relented, 'Yes you can, but only after all your homework is done. If I find that your schoolwork is suffering than no more work.'
Ajay hugged her and kissed her cheek, 'Thanks mom, you are the best.'
Bani turned her attention back to cooking. Ganga will be home soon and she liked to have dinner ready because she knew Ganga would be hungry.
On dot at 8PM, Ganga walked in to the apartment and was almost thrown off balance by Krishna pounching on her. 'Di I am so glad you are home. Now hurry up and freshen up, mom wants to talk to you.' Bani slapped Krishna lightly, 'First dinner and then talk. Now leave your poor sister alone, can't you see she is tired.' Bani kissed Ganga on the cheek and smiled, 'How was it today?'
Ganga rolled her eyes, 'You know mom. It's a same story everyday,nothing but work...work...work. Veerbhaiya works us to death.'
'You know Veer is trying his best to make a go of his company. If you don't work hard like him, then the company will fold. It's not easy to run a business beta.'
'I know mom. I will go and take a quick shower.'
Bani watched Ganga walk off. Maybe a little break will do her good. Ganga had been working almost two years without taking any holidays. May be she could ask her boss, Sujeet for a small loan. Yes, if Ganga agrees than she will send her and Krishna on a holiday.
Krishna fidgeted all through dinner, she kept on looking at the food left on Ganga's place and wished her di would hurry up. The quicker they got the dinner over, quicker her mom could ask Ganga about going abroad. 'Krishna!' Bani said sternly as she watched Krishna plate. 'Finish off your food, don't play with it.'
'Mom I am full. You put so much food on my plate.' Krishna whined.
Ajay kicked her foot lightly, 'No she did not. She only put one roti in your plate because she knows you grumble if she puts too.' Krishna tried to kick Ajay but he anticipated it and tucked his leg in and the kick landed on Ganga's leg.
Ganga glared at Krishna, 'What was that for?'
Krishna turned red, 'Sorry di, it wasn't meant for you.' And she turned and scowled at Ajay. Bani rapped her knuckle on the table, 'Ok, just behave and eat quietly. We will be done quick.'
'What's the rush mom?' Ganga asked.
'Nothing important. We just have to talk about Krishna's birthday.' Bani replied.
'Oh. I forgot there birthday is coming up. Wow, going to be sixteen you two. Almost grown up.' Ganga exclaimed.
After dinner Krishna pitched in to help clean up. The wait was killing her. She so badly wanted to find out if her di will agree to taking her to Europe.
Finally they all ended up on the floor in the room, while Bani relaxed in the chair. Krishna couldn't wait and jumped in before Bani could say anything, 'Di I want to go to Europe for my birthday. Mom said we could go if you agree. Please di say yes...please.'
Bani laughed at Krishna's anxious face, whilst Ganga gave a serious look to her mother. 'Is this true mom? You want us to go on vacation.'
'Yes beta. Why not take a break? You have been working for two years and haven't taken a good break. I will get a small loan to help us out. Take a trip with Krishna. Get out and see the world. Kaam karne ko saree zindagi baki hai.'
Ganga did not like the idea of her mother taking out loan or leaving her and Ajay and going away. 'Par mom, a loan. Why don't you go instead of me? I can go next time or we can all go somewhere like Goa.'
Frown lines formed on Ganga's face, Bani knew Ganga worried being separated from the family, even for a short time, 'Listen Ganga don't worry about me. Ajay and me will be fine. It's Krishna' birthday present from all of us. After all you are only sixteen once.'
'Fine mom. If this is what you want. But I will decide where to go.'
Krishna launched at Ganga and kissed her cheeks hard, 'Thank di. I love you. I love you too mom,' and Krishna went over and sat on Bani's lap and hugged her.
Ajay decided to tease Krishna, 'What about me mom, it's my sixteen birthday too? What do I get?'
Bani winked at Ajay, 'You can go to. I am sure Krishu doesn't mind, right Krishu?'
Krishna shook her head sharply, 'No mom, he is lying. He doesn't want to go. I had talked about to him and he said he didn't want a holiday. He said something about tennis.'
Bani patted Krishna's arm, 'Don't get worried pagli. He is only teasing. He is actually going to work at Alimchacha's cafe and save up to go to tennis camp.'
Ganga beamed proudly at Ajay, 'Wow my brother has certainly grown up. You are going to work and earn some money, unlike this choti in the house.'
Krishna pouted, 'Di that's not fair. You know mom would never go and let me work.'
Bani hugged Krishna, 'That's right, no work for you until you finish school. Even Ajay will stop working if his schoolwork suffers.'
Bani stood up, 'Now all of you go to bed. We all have to get up early.' One by one Ganga, Krishna and Ajay came and kissed Bani and wished her goodnight. When the room was empty Bani set about making her bed on the floor. Before retiring to bed, she stood in front of the small mandir in the corner of the room and prayed like she did everynight, for the happiness of her children, for her sisters and their family, for the Walia family member and last but not least for her husband, Jai Walia...where ever he was, she wished well for him.
XXXXX
Bani couldn't help crying as Ganga and Krishna hugged her before they left to board the plane. Ganga tried to reassure Bani. 'Mom please don't cry. We will be fine. I promise to call you everyday.'
Bani wiped the tears and smiled gently, ''I will be fine. Now off you both go and enjoy your holiday.''
''Bye mom. Bye AJ.'' Krishna waved as she followed Ganga into the security section of the airport. Bani and Ajay waited until the girls disappeared out of sight. Ajay put his arm around mom, ''Come on mom, let's go home. They will be fine. Di knows how to be careful.''
Bani squeezed Ajay's hand, ''I am so lucky to have you, all three of you. I wish your papa could see how you three have turned out. He would be proud of you.'' It wasn't often Bani talked about Jai Walia in front of the children, even now, it hurt her that he had walked out of the house that fateful night and never returned. In fact he had turned the business over to Jigyasa, made sure Meera got a hefty sum as divorce settlement and had left money for Ganga's treatment. Bani had not touched that money. It was still sitting in the account it was deposited in. How could she touch that money? In his fit of anger he had saved his daughter's life...the twins were the legacy of his miscreant deed.
Ajay hated it when his mom talked about his dad, a dad he had never seen. 'Mom, I wish you wouldn't talk about dad. He is never going to come back. He doesn't care about us. Why should he when he doesn't even know we exist.'
Bani patted Ajay's arm, 'Don't speak like that Ajay. I am sure your father would care about you. Where ever he is, I am sure he wishes best for you.' Bani did not feel guilty at lying to her son, she did not want her children to hate their father. She just wished he would come back and see his children, be part of their life.
XXXXX
'Di wake up...' Krishna shook Ganga who still sleeping. 'Go away Krishu...let me sleep. I am still tired.' Ganga grumbled, her eyes till shut tight and she snuggled further into the sheets.
Krishna jumped up and opened the glass door which lead to the balcony off their room, 'But di look at the sea, it's so blue. It's just gorgeous. I can't believe we are in Spain.' Krishna just stood and watched avidly the people on the beach, there were joggers, walkers and some sitting back catching the early rays of the sun. All around she could see white washed villa and blocks of high rise hotels close to the beach at one end. Krishna was glad, they were not staying in one of those high towers, but in a small cosy family run hotel. Their room was small but comfortable, with canopied bed with an attached old fashioned bathroom. She wished her di would get up so they could go on the beach. Krishna walked inside and opened up her bag and fished out her bathing suit and shorts and went to the bathroom to change. Might as well be ready she thought, once her di was up. They would grab a quick breakfast and then off to the beach.
It was an hour later when Ganga finally got out of bed and got showered and changed. She insisted on calling their mother first before they headed out much to Krishna's annoyance.
Krishna shuffled about as Ganga called home, 'Hi mom.'
'We are fine. Everything is ok, don't worry.'
'Yes, Krishu is fine too. Just impatient to go outside. The hotel is perfect mom, small and cosy.'
'I will give the phone to Krishu, you take care mom.' Ganga finished her talk and shoved the phone at Krishna, who took it reluctantly. 'hi mom.'
'It's great mom, the sea is so blue and the place looks great mom. I can't wait to go to the beach. Bye mom.'
Krishna handed the phone to Ganga and went by the door and watched impatiently as Ganga talked few more minutes before ending the call.
'Gosh di, you took so long. Now come on.' Krishna shouted.
'Let me just grab my hat. I am not going outside in the hot sun bareheaded.'
Half an hour later, after grabbing some breakfast, they sat off towards the beach. The small cobbled pathway was lined with houses, cafes and small bars. Large claypots brimming with colourful flowers were dotted at the entrances to the home, on window sills and on balconies, creating a pretty picture. People smiled at them and shouted greetings in Spanish at them, while young men openly ogled at the two pretty girls.
Ganga aware of the loitering eyes on them, asked Krishna to walk a bit faster. 'oh so who is in hurry now di.' Krishna teased.
Fine sandy beachs treched out for miles. Sunbathers already dotted the beach, lying streched out on loungers. Krishna kicked off her flipflops and removed her shorts, ready to take a dip into the water. Ganga looked at her through her sunglasses, 'Krishu put some sunscreen on else you will get burnt. Come here, let me put some on your back.' Ganga rummaged in her tote and pulled out a tube of sunscreen and began applying generously on the bare skin. As Krishna ran off, Ganga sat down and rubbed some sunscreen on the part of her bare arms exposed by her shirt. She had put on a cotton shirt and cotton capri, preferring to keep her skin covered from the sun.
Two hours later, Ganga had dragged Krishna back to the hotel out of the mid afternoon sun. Rest of the afternoon, Krishna napped tired from the outing. Ganga relaxed with a book on the balcony, hoping to read a few pages before Krishna woke up and demanded attention.
They spent next few days exploring the beach, the town and even going on exursions to see Roman ruins and hilltop towns dating back hundreds of years with narrow cobbled streets and quaint buildings beautifully preserved.
Ganga had become comfortable to let Krishna wandered around by herself now as long as she didn't stay out too long. Both of them had picked up several phrases in Spanish from the regulars around the hotels. The old English manager of the hotel doted on two Indian princesses as he called them. Bob Dyer's father had served in the military during the English Raj and had told his sons stories of his time in India. Bob who himself had made several trips to India when he was a young hippie too loved India for its history, the culture and the people. He had some really old photographs beautifully framed which he showed them one day. The black and white photographs had really captured the life of the soldiers and the locals beautifully. Ganga enjoyed some of the stories centered around the people in photographs. There was a photo of a beautiful Indian girl who Bob said his father had fallen in love with, but all his father could do was look as he was already married. His father being a devouted Christain took his marriage vows seriously and did not indugle in affairs with local women like some of his married friends.
One afternoon Krishna took off exploring the villas. Today she wandered off further than normal, she loved the white washed villas, with bountiful gardens, lush with green vegetables plant as well as flowers. Sometimes the children playing would come and greet her, curious about the strange looking girl. Tucked away in a quiet corner Krishna stopped in front of the villa and stared at the name on plaque in gold letters, 'Krishna Villa.' Surprised to see her name, she curiously peered into the gardens. Someway back a gardener worked in the garden, too far back for Krishna to see his face clearly. She wondered if an Indian family lived here. The villa was smaller than the others around it, but nonetheless pretty. She stood staring at the door, waiting to see if anyone came out. Disappointed she turned and found herself facing a man staring at her curiously. He was old, but still handsome, his hair grey cut neat, tanned face lined slightly and gold rimmed sunglasses hid his eyes. His tall lean frame leaned on a walking stick. After a few moments he smiled, 'Hello young lady.'
Krishna feeling shy all of a sudden and surprised at spoken to in English, 'Hello sir. Is this your house?' she asked.
Jai nodded, he had seen Indians around before but most of them lived in parts of Europe, he could tell from their accent. This girl definitely had an Indian accent and his curiosity was aroused. 'Do you want to have a look around? May be have a glass of cold lemonade. Senora Rosa always has a pitcher ready for me, after my walk.'
The opportunity to actually look inside his villa had Krishna excited and she nodded. Jai opened the latched gate and held it open for her. He carefully closed it behind him and led her up the path to the house. Instead of going through the door, he walked around the side of the house and onto a large patio where table stood with large pitcher of lemonade and glasses. Jai pulled a chair out for Krishna to sit down. Senaro Rosa, a plump lady with a large smile came out, speaking in Spanish. She seemed pleased to see Krishna and held her hand to Krishna as she greeted her in Spanish. Rosa poured out glasses of lemonade and then hurried inside, coming out shortly with a small tray of cookies. She offered it to Krishna and said something in Spanish. Krishna looked at Jai, her face confused from not understanding what Rosa said. Jai translated, 'She is saying she baked them this morning. Take one and try it, Rosa is good at baking.'
Krishna took one and bit into still warm cookie, it really was good. She nodded her head in appreciation and said, 'Gracias.' Rosa smile grew into a grin and she babbled something more in Spanish. Jai laughed while Krishna sat staring at him. Finally Jai said, 'Rosa said you know the best word in Spanish.' Krishna just smiled shyly at Jai. When they had finished their lemonade, Jai told her to come inside and see his home.
The large glass doors led into warm glazed stone floor, the large room had sofas in one corner and a large wooden dining table at the other end. A carved stone fireplace in middle of the room. Krishna gazed with interest at the mixture of Indian and Spanish art pieces and pottery places around the room. The colours were strong and vibrant and added colour to the grey coloured walls of the room. There was a portrait of a beautiful lady in a sari resting on one wall and Krishna looked at it. Jai saw her and said quietly, 'She was my mother, Krishna. The villa is named after her. She was very beautiful.'
Krishna asked curiously, 'She looks Indian. Are you from India uncle?'
Jai nodded, 'Yes, I used to live in Mumbai. But I left 16 years ago.'
'But don't you have a family? I mean don't you miss your home in India.'
His tone became a little bitter, 'I don't have a family. I lost the trust in people who meant a great deal to me. They all had there selfish reasons to love me.'
Krishna could feel the hurt in his eyes. His family must have hurt him real bad she thought. She walked up to him and gave him a impetuous hug. Jai was taken back by the sudden action of Krishna. He didn't know what to say and so just stared at her. After a few moment of silence, he took a deep breath and said, 'Thank you.'
Krishna feeling it was time to make her move, held her hand out, 'It was nice meeting you uncle. I have to go before my sister panicks and starts looking for me.'
Jai took her hand and held it in his, after such a long time he felt a little happy. 'I hope you come and see me again. Please do bring your sister as well. May be you can stay back for lunch. As you can see there is only me here, so I would enjoy company of some young people.'
'Thank you uncle. I will try.' Krishna gave a one more look at his face and then left.
Jai stood for a while watching her walk down the path. He sighed as he thought of children that had once been in his life, Veer, Ganga, Varun, Vidya and his two angels he had lost Krishna and Atharva. It seemed to him that he had lost a lot in his life...in his self imposed exile, he had surely missed out a lot.
TBC...
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