SS Divorce (MG) last part page 120/31stDEC'12 - Page 47

Part 12

D: bro I want you to have a rendezvous with your past

M: but

D: please bro

And the two left KC building.

They sat in an open jeep and Dev drove, as they headed out of the city, Maan looked at him

M: where are we going?

D: to the place from which your journey started

M: HSPur

D: yes

M: but

D: bro, relax, just try to remember all those years back, when for the first time you went to this place with our mother.

M: yes, (remembering that day) I just wanted to find some fault and say no to the marriage

D: but you agreed

M: I couldn't help, I was smitten

D: by Bhabhi

M: first by the Handa's way of welcoming, they are so affectionate and then of course by Geet.

D: what did you like in her?

M (thinking and smiling): she was so different, I was prepared to find some small town girl, but she was educated, well mannered, her smile reached her eyes, she was a nonstop chatter box , she was so innocent, so serene, so graceful, I was completely taken away by her charm

D: you did not say beautiful

M (laughed): she was not beautiful then, but yes as years added she became remarkably beautiful.

D: love at first sight

M: yes, I saw her and she clicked, something in me said that she is the one who can be my life partner; I pledged Dev, to keep her happy to fill her life with love.

D: bro you love her?

M: of course yes

D: how much?

M: can you measure love?

D: I know one cannot measure love, but still, one can tell; like I love NT then I love anyone else, but I love my kids more than NT, and I love you as much as I love her, and I love bhabhi as I would have loved my sister.

M: (smiling) I love her more then I love myself

D: but do you love her more then you love Mother

M(shocked): Dev, I don't love Mother as you are saying, yes I love her but not that much, it is just that I respect her lore than I respect even myself or anyone.

D: then why did you let Bhabhi go?

M: Dev, if ever Mother realizes this then she will definitely hurt Geet physically

D: physical wounds are curable bro, but the mental wounds are not

M: what do you mean?

D: the mental tortures she went through are more dangerous and can also not be proved also

M: Dev

D: bro you pledged to keep her happy, but what did you do? Loving is not enough

M: Dev (painfully)

D: you have to make your partner believe that you are always with her, in all her pains all her gains

M: I was there always with her

D: but not by her side holding her hand

M: if I would have showed my care for her, Mother would have made her life hellish

D: she presently also made it not heaven

M: she knew I am always with her

D: sometimes knowledge is also a curse, may be that was the reason why she was never possessive about you

M (thinking): very true she always was very understanding. I never had to ask her

D: why did you not stop her from leaving KM?

M: I wanted to give her the freedom

D (interrupted): which she never needed

M: pardon

D: she needs the chains of your love to imprison her

M: but

D: why did you agree on the divorce? Did you not ask her why she wanted it?

M: I did not ask her anything

D: you simply agreed

M: yes

D: then bro why are you uncomfortable since the divorce is declared

M: I feel empty

D: then go get her back

M: will she come?

D: yes

M: what about Mother?

D: you have to tell her

M: what?

D: that she cannot ask you to choose between the two women in your life

M: you are right Dev. Just to avoid complications I complicated my life, but no more I will do something about it

D: so shall we return

M: yes

And they headed back .

At KM,

The brothers entered the house to find their mother pacing.

S: where were you Maan? (in a stern voice)

M: with Dev.

S: don't you think it is past dinner time

They looked at the clock; it was 9:30 pm. Way past the allotted time 8:15

M: sorry, we are late

S: no dinner for today

D: ok, come bro lets go and eat out

S: stop it Dev (angry) today you both will have to go without dinner

M: I am sorry Mother, but we are no more kids.

S: you are saying that you will disobey me

M: we are way past the age where you can dictate us

S: so a day with Dev and you are

M: that's too much, first your ways drove Sameera out of my life and now they have taken Geet away from me. What else do you want?

S: what you are blaming me for all this?

M: come Dev I am feeling very hungry, it has been years since I had a hearty meal. Call NT to join us

S: Maan you are disobeying me

M: Dev go and ask NT, Fast

After Dev left

M: Mother, you should realize one thing (he rubbed his temples) I am no more a kid, even when I was a kid, do you remember that from the age of 14 I am managing this business. I know how to manage my life also. If I have given you control of my life, you should not make it difficult for me.

S: MAAN!

M: I too can shout and raise voice, but I will not. Initially I tolerated because of Geet, you would have thought that it is Geet who is making me answer back. But now with Geet gone I am free to do as I wish. And I wish to live life as I want to.

S: by not following the rules

M: if you will force me or make it difficult for me, I will go away and stay at someplace peaceful

S: remember the business and everything is in my name

M: I know

S: you are a mere employee, I with throw you out

M: ok if you want so, go ahead.

S: I will

And she called the lawyer, while Maan, Dev and NT left for dinner.