MG ff - Ajeeb Dastan part 12- Pg 44/10 dec - Page 4

"Didi...Didi, Bade saab is calling you." Nakul called out from the courtyard, loud enough for her to hear him outside. Geet had just returned from school and was seated on the rocking chair, with a cup of tea in her hand."I'll be there in five minutes," she went to the window and told Nakul.

Rinsing the coffee glass in the kitchen sink, she walked out n locked the door into the Haveli. She went to Chachu's study. He held a sheet of paper in his hand n was looking lost. She wondered what was in that letter that he didnt notice her entering the study n didnt even reply to her calling him out. Approaching him she asked, "You called me,Chachu?"

Without saying anything he held out the paper to her.

Geet "What is it?"

Chachu "Khud hi dekh lo."

She saw that it was a letter and began reading it.

Dear Chachu,

This letter may come as a surprise to you. I know I haven't been in touch with you all for nearly twenty years now, from the time I moved to the London. How are you? And how is chachi?

Chachu "He is asking about ur Chachi who passed away 18 years ago."

Geet had guessed who was the writer of this letter, but turned over the sheet to confirm, but his signature was missing. Only his name was typed as was the whole letter. "Are you sure this letter is from him? It doesn't have his signature," she asked Chachu.

Chachu "Pura padho. Tumhe khud sab samjh main ajyega"

She read on and came to the main part, after the initial enquiries.

I'm planning to open a hospital in our village. Can you enquire about some suitable plot and let me know? I'm at present in Delhi in my brother-in-law's house, whose address is given behind this envelope. I would have myself come over and done the needful, but due to certain unforeseen circumstances, I'm unable to do so. Chachu, I would be very much obliged if you could help me.

Chachu "what do you think?"

Geet "kis bare main Chachu?"

Chachu "do you think I should help him after the way he walked out of here, all those years ago?"

Geet recollected the last time she had seen him and tears welled up in her eyes.

Maan n Meera had told them that Maan had got admission in Oxford University for doing his Masters in Business n he was going there n Meera n the kids would join him once the visa was done n till then they would stay in Delhi at his mother -in-law's place.

Meera had then given the keys of Haveli half of which was under Maan to Geet n told her to give the house on rent n use the money for her household expenses. Geet was totally shaken and shattered by the bombshell thrown by them, to say anything. Nevertheless she had packed her things and moved to the outhouse, and no one had stopped her. It took her quite some time to clean up the place and get it into some semblance of order, as the outhouse was rarely used. She didn't even go to the haveli for dinner, just slept quietly. Not that anyone came to enquire either.

The following morning Nakul, Chachu's servant had brought her a cup of tea, apologizing for not bringing her dinner the previous night as he had forgotten that she had no cooking facilities in the outhouse. She thanked him and assured him that she hadn't been in the mood for any food.

She was sitting with a tea cup in her hand, wondering what Maan had meant, when he said he was moving with his family, when there was a knock on her open door and she looked up to see Maan there. He then handing her a bank pass book he said "I've opened an account for you in this bank. I don't have any extra amount with me now. But some of my deposits mature next month. I've asked Meera to transfer a substantial amount to you to this account. If you keep the amount in fixed deposit, the interest will be enough for your monthly expense." She just kept looking at him blankly not comprehending anything that he said. Then seeing that he was waiting for some reply from her, she said assuringly, "Don't worry about me. I'll be OK here. You can take the keys with you. I won't need it."

Maan "This is a big Haveli. It needs to be maintained. I've told Nakul to clean it with the help of some workers from time to time. I told him I'd leave the keys with you. I have one set with me. Think that the Haveli is also yours and take care of it for my sake. We are leaving to Delhi right now and I'll be leaving for London next week. If there's anything you need, you can call me. This is my Delhi number."

As she came out, she could see all their stuff packed into the car. Seeing her, Maan's 4 year old son Krish and 1 year old Ajay came running and clung to Geet. "We want to stay with badi maa," started Krish and his brother repeated. Meera, just grabbed them and put them in the vehicle, one by one. Geet just managed to kiss their hands and stood with tears flowing down her cheeks.

Seeing the tears now flowing, Chachu asked "Tum kyu ro rahi ho??? Uske liye toh nahi jisne tumhe inta dard diya. Main usko yaha iss Haveli main ek kadam bhi nahi rakhne dunga aur nahi usko koi madad karunga"

Geet "Chachu aap usse nahi rokenge. Uska bhi uthna hi haq hai iss Haveli par jitna ke aap ka hai."

Chachu "I'm not even going to acknowledge this letter. Main usko yaha kaise anne do usne jo kuch kiya uske baad Geet???"

Geet "Uski koi galti nahi thi Chachu. Saari galti toh mere mummyji ki thi. Aur main ab ja rahi hu. Mujhe school ka kuch kaam hai."

Chachu "ok. Good night. Take care."

Geet couldn't sleep the whole night. However hard she tried, bits and pieces of the past kept flashing before her eyes. Initially, after they had left, she would dream about her Maan and his family and weep the nights through. But as they say, time is the greatest healer. Slowly the dreams had stopped as she had got on with her life.

Now she got up and took out a photo from the drawer. It was a pic of Krish and Ajay with her. They would be in their twenties now, would they remember her? Thinking of them, tears welled up in her eyes. Was Maan planning to settle down here after building the hospital? No, that couldn't be. He never liked this village. He must be doing it just for investment. Surely, no one who had lived in London would want to come and settle in this remote village, she thought.

Two days later on a Sunday afternoon a car drew up outside their house. A man in his 50s stepped down the car n looked at the house with a walking stick n bandaged arm... "Oh it felt so good to be back after so many years."

She was lost looking at him when someone called her from inside... "Geet" n she was jerked back to reality n said... "Ayyi Chachu" n went in without looking back at Maan.

Nakul came in before she could meet Aryan n asked, "Didi aap jaldi se Maan baba ke kamre ki chabi dijye" She wondered if he was there for real. Seeing her not reacting to his words, Nakul again said, "Didi Maan baba ke kamre ki chabi dijye na woh bohut der tak khade nahi reh sakte." She went towards Maan's room n she froze when she went down and saw the man seated on the steps. "Maan..?" She couldn't believe that it was her dashing Maan who had girls swooning at his feet by the dozens. He was looking so old and haggard. Even before he could react to her, seeing him uncomfortable, she quickly ran up the four stairs and opened the door.

He was helped by Nakul n the driver to stand up and climb. She pulled the only chair in the room closer to the door. He looked exhausted. While they seated him comfortably, she once again raced outside to fetch a jug of drinking water for them. When she came back with the jug and a couple of steel glasses, Maan was looking around his room.

Seeing Geet with the jug he asked "Geet, could I have some water please?" Geet handed him a glass and poured water into it. A young lad dragged the luggage inside. The driver left n Geet gave water to the lad also.

After that Maan looked at her and asked "How are you?" "I'm fine. How did this happen?" she asked indicating to his bandaged arm. Maan noticed the refined tone and language. She wasnt the same bubby girl who used to keep blabbering. The giggles had of course vanished long back.

Maan"I met with a car accident."

Geet could only say and "oh" though thousands of questions ran through her mind. Why was he here alone and that too when he was in this state of health? Was he planning to stay long? Would Meera and the boys follow later? Or was this only a flying visit?

Love,

Hinal

P.S.- plz do see the note on the next page.

Next - Part 2 - Pg 11