ArYa FF: Dil Jaanta Hai - Thread 1 (chapt 1-10) - Page 28

The barsaati covered half the roof. In the rest, Arti had grown a garden. There must have been close to a 100 potted plants there. Arti had always loved gardening – even as a child in the orphanage she would often help the gardener and her love for nature had germinated and flowered there. When she finally got her own home, even a one-room rented barsaati, she could not hide her excitement at the prospect of having her own garden.

Since Prashant had left she would come home from work, freshen up and come to her garden. She spent nearly all her time there, the greenery and fresh fragrance acting as balm to her bruised heart. In fact, she had even slept in the garden a couple of nights, loath to go back into the lonely house.

A week to the day of Prashant leaving, there was a knock at the door. It was evening and Arti had come back from office about an hour earlier. She was sipping nimbu paani and tending to one of the rose bushes that had started to droop a little in the summer heat. Too tired to get up, Arti ignored the knock.

After a few minutes, the knock came again – louder and more insistent. Sighing inwardly, she held the top of the plant pot for support as she got to her feet. Leaving her glass behind, she shuffled to the door. As she opened it however, her heart leapt and her exhaustion vanished. Prashant!!

He was back! He hadn't left her after all. She had known all along that he would come back to her. But...wait...what if....what if he still didn't want the baby? What if he was still angry?

She tried to keep a face free of all emotions as she silently stood aside to let him enter. He didn't say a word either and took his bag inside. Confused, bewildered, Arti shut the door. His trip was supposed to be for 2 weeks...he came back a week early. He had never done that before. Was this good? It was good, right? Not knowing what to do, Arti stood undecided for a moment and then walked out to her garden, her haven. She picked up her nimbu paani and sat down on the jhula the one concession to luxury the couple had allowed themselves.

After a while, Prashant came and sat next to her. She stilled, unsure of his reaction, not knowing what to expect. He took the glass from her hand and kept it at her feet. Then he laced his fingers through hers and brought her hand up to his lips. Tenderly kissing her hand he said "I am sorry Arti. What I said that day was inexcusable."

She looked straight ahead, afraid to look at him, afraid her tears would spill over. He looked at her stony profile and turned her hand over. Drawing circles on her palm with his forefinger he continued, "I was angry. And terrified. I didn't feel ready for a child…..I still don't." He sighed, "I am sorry. This baby is ours, yours and mine and I screamed at you instead of jumping with joy when you told me about it."

Getting up from the jhula he came in front of her and knelt down. He took both her hands in his and said, "I know my behavior was atrocious. But Arti, can you forgive me? Please?" A tear-drop fell on their clasped hands and he looked up. Arti's tears were flowing freely down her face now, but she was smiling. She felt as if a huge rock had been lifted from her. Prashant was back, really back and all was right with their world again.

She nodded and he wiped her tears. Sitting back in the jhula next to her, he held her close. Leaning her head on his shoulders she asked, "What made you change your mind?"

Prashant smiled like a schoolboy caught with his hand in the candy jar. "Well, at first I was too angry to talk to you. And then when you stopped calling me, I was... I can't take your ignoring me Arti. When you didn't call, I slowly realized how much I hurt you. And I called Ma. She made me understand how horrible I had been, she made me see some sense."

Sighing he added, "I don't know anything about babies, you don't know much either. But I guess we will figure it out."

"Ma knows?" Arti asked, slightly shocked. She hadn't called Indore, not wanting to say anything till she knew what Prashant was thinking.

He nodded, "Yes, and she is dying to talk to you about it. I made her promise not to call you and let on I am coming back early."

"We should call her", Arti declared. He nodded. "Now", she added for good measure.

Grinning, he handed his phone over to her. Arti placed the call and when Shobha answered she said, "Ma? Main Arti bol rahi hoon."

"Arti beta! How are you? How is your health?" Shobha asked.

"I am fine Ma. Prashant is here" Arti replied.

"Good! About time. Beta, congratulations. We are very happy" Shobha said. They both chatted for a little while. Just before hanging up Shobha added, "Arti, with Prashant going on his tours I don't want you to be alone at this time. I can't come right away, but I will come in a month's time. And I will stay till after your delivery."

Arti was elated. She was scared and nervous – and it would be wonderful to have Ma with her during this time. "Oh Ma, thank you! But are you sure? It's a long time. What about Babuji?"

"He will come visit once in a while, but he will be ok here. This is important, and it being your first pregnancy, you should not be alone."

Arti thanked her lucky stars she had found such loving and supportive parents in her in-laws.

--------------------------------

Prashant managed to reduce his business trips and also their duration. While he was still out for a few days each month, he and Arti were together far more often. He made sure he was in town whenever Arti had scheduled check-ups. He also became very helpful at home, often cooking dinner, helping Arti clean-up, taking care of her. Arti felt like her dream of a home and family was finally coming true.

When her first craving hit, it was close to midnight. She desperately wanted hot gulab jamun with vanilla ice-cream and cherries – a difficult combination at the best of times. Prashant showed his mettle – he knew a corner shop that often stayed open late. He bought tinned gulab jamuns, heated a few up and added a dollop of ice-cream. He was stumped on the cherries though. Hitting on an idea, he dipped kishmish in red food colouring and sprinkled them over the dessert cup. Arti caught onto the kishmish trick, but the dessert and the fact that Prashant had gone to so much trouble, warmed her heart. The last remnants of the doubt she still had about his feelings regarding the baby vanished that night.

Prashant had reduced his business trips but his ambitions remained at fever pitch. One day Arti came home from work to find him sorting through files and stacks of papers. Putting her purse down, she went over to him. Giving her a quick kiss, he went right back to his task.

"What are you doing?" she asked, curious.

"Well, one of the things I really want to do is get an MBA. And it will be good for my career as well. I am gathering all the documents I will need for the applications" he replied.

Arti was dismayed. MBA? That was expensive and depending on where he got in, he may have to leave his family for two years.

As if he could hear her thoughts, Prashant looked up and smiled at her. Getting up, he came to her and took her out to the jhula. "I am applying all over India, but Delhi is my first preference. And my office will pay half the cost if I sign a bond to stay with them for three years after the MBA."

Arti nodded, but wasn't fully satisfied. Where he got admission would decide if the family stayed together for two years or not. Again, sensing her thoughts he cuddled her and said, "Let me take the exam and apply. We can decide later. Perhaps I won't even get admission anywhere."

"What rubbish! Of course you will" Arti said indignantly, her loyalty rearing up. He smiled, his objective achieved.

Shobha arrived a few days later and Arti felt her tension drain out of her. She hadn't even realized how stressed she was. She had no one to really discuss her pregnancy and feelings with. Being a man, Prashant did not really understand. And Zoya had never experienced it herself, so while she listened, she didn't always get it either. Arti had never missed Vidhi and Sunaina so much as she did before Shobha arrived.

With Shobha there, Prashant could have increased his business tours, but he remained content with the work he was doing. He was much more focused on getting into one of the top business schools in India. Not only did he want to get an MBA, he wanted the degree from one of the best institutions.

The next few months passed in a blur. The second trimester was much easier on Arti as her nausea decreased and she seemed to get some of her energy back. Shobha took over the cooking, not only making all Arti's favourite dishes but also ensuring she ate enough and gained weight as the doctor advised. Sometimes Arti had to literally move her plate away to stop Shobha giving her more food. The two ladies spent hours sitting in the roof-top garden, chatting – talking about Prashant and Arti's childhood, sharing pregnancy experiences, fears, expectations. For the first time in her life, Arti experienced a mother's love, a love that lived with her, grew with her, held her hand as she entered this new phase in her life.

------------------------------------

It was New Year's eve and Prashant and Arti were getting ready for a client's party. They had recently bought a small second-hand car in preparation for the coming baby, and this would be Arti's second trip in it.

"Beta, I really wish you wouldn't take Arti" Shobha called from the sitting area. Prashant came out of their bedroom space, buttoning his sleeves. "Ma, I told you, this is important. Mr. Mehta is one of our biggest clients and we need an account manager for his company. His condition is he makes the final choice – and I have a good chance."

"So you go, na" Shobha agreed. "Why take Arti? She is seven months pregnant now. And beta, its new year's eve. People drink, get out of hand, why risk your pregnant wife?"

"I will take good care of your beti, ok? Ma, I have to take her. Mr. Mehta stresses on the importance of family and he wants to meet Arti" Prashant tried to explain.

"Well, if he stresses so much on family, he should know why you would keep a pregnant wife home on new year's eve" Shobha grumbled.

"Uff Ma, I will take care of her. Nothing will happen to your darling" Prashant exclaimed.

Just then, Arti came out dressed for the party. She had refused to wear a gown as Prashant had requested – after all, since they were saving money, why spend it on a gown specially made for pregnant women when she wouldn't use it again? Instead, she had selected one of the sarees Prashant had bought for her. The light silk was reddish-gold in color and shimmered as she moved, setting off her dusky skin. Prashant's breath caught – she looked as if she was swathed in molten gold!

Going to Arti, he caught her wrist and kissed it. Huskily he whispered, "You look breath-taking tonight."

Shobha came forward and taking some kaajal from her eye, put it in Arti's hairline. "You are looking even more beautiful than usual – kisiki nazar na lage."

Arti was clutching Prashant's arm tightly as they entered the huge reception room. She was nervous. She knew how important this client was for Prashant, and she wanted to make a good impression.

There must have been over a 100 people in the party already. And she knew no one! He had never introduced her to his colleagues and Arti felt uncomfortable. "Prashant!" she whispered urgently.

"Hmm?" he asked absently, scanning the room, trying to locate the all-important host.

"Don't leave me. I am nervous" Arti continued.

"Don't be silly Arti, what's there to be nervous? You have hosted bigger events than these" he exclaimed.

Yes, but that was in Mumbai, where she knew everyone. Not here, with his all-important client, where she did not know a single soul, Arti thought to herself.

"Come, I see the Mehtas. We need to do our duty and greet them, then we can have some fun" Prashant said, holding her by the elbow as he guided her towards the center of the room.

"Mr. Mehta! How are you sir?" Prashant said, as they reached an elegant couple in their fifties. The man turned and seeing Prashant gave a wide smile. He clasped the younger man's arm and said "Prashant – good to see you. How are you doing?"

"I am fine sir. I would like to introduce you to my wife, Arti" he said, turning slightly towards her.

Mr. Mehta turned to Arti and smiled "Welcome Arti. It's nice to meet you. I hope you don't mind my calling you by your name."

Arti smiled in return and folding her hands, said "Namaste sir. And please, do call me Arti".

He smiled and introduced her to his wife, "Sheila, meet Arti. She is young Prashant's wife."

"Nice to meet you Arti. Prashant has told us about you and we are very happy to finally meet you" the elegant Mrs. Mehta said with a smile.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the younger couple made way for other guests. As they walked away, Prashant whispered "That went really well. I think you made a very good impression on them Arti".

She glowed. His praise always meant so much to her...

Snagging a glass of orange juice from a passing waiter, Prashant gave it to her. "Listen, I have to go and circulate, meet a few folks. Will you be ok here?"

They had come towards one end of the room, lined with huge windows. Pulling a chair forward, he helped her sit. Before he could straighten up however, a voice said "Ever the gallant, eh Prashant?"

Arti looked up to see a stunning woman dressed in a figure-hugging black dress. Prashant flushed slightly and straightened up. Pulling his coat straight he said, "Hello Shonali. How are you?"

"Fabulous as always my dear. Won't you introduce me to the lovely lady you have with you?"

"Of course. Meet my wife, Arti. Arti, this is Shonali Mehta, the daughter of our hosts" Prashant introduced the two.

"Oh, so finally we get to meet the famous Mrs. Dubey" Shonali exclaimed. "No, no, don't get up. You need to rest I am sure."

Turning to Prashant she added, "Off you go Mr. Dubey, do the party-thing. I will keep your wife company for some time."

Reluctantly, Prashant left as Shonali took the chair next to Arti's.

Turning to Arti, Shonali said, "So finally we get to meet you. You are a recluse are you?"

Huh? Why would she say that? Arti wondered.

"Uh...no. But the pregnancy has been tiring and I don't go out much" Arti said, trying to figure out where this woman was coming from.

"Yes...the pregnancy... Prashant had told us" Shonali nodded. "How far along are you?" she asked.

"Seven months" Arti replied. A very normal question for a pregnant woman but the way Shonali was asking made Arti think she was being grilled – and she did not know about what...

"Seven months, eh? That's all right then. I thought...well, never mind", Shonali petered off, with a distant look in her eyes.

"What did you think, Shonaliji?" asked Arti.

"Shonaliji!! Call me Shonali – the ji makes me feel a hundred years old! I had thought you got pregnant very recently. Prashant must have told us after you completed the first trimester then – he had come to our factory two-three months ago" Shonali said.

"Yes, we didn't tell anyone except family till the first trimester was over" Arti said, still trying to understand the woman's motives.

"Well, it was nice talking to you Arti. Enjoy yourself" Shonali said, getting up. She nearly bumped into the couple approaching and exclaimed, "Oh! Zoya, I should have known. And the handsome Dr. Ansari! How are you? Welcome to the party" she said, extending her hand to the man with Zoya.

Zoya with Dr. Ansari in public?? Arti thought, delighted at the prospect. The two were very much in love, but Zoya's parents' had not yet agreed to their marriage due to the age difference. Dr. Ansari was ten years older than Zoya, not a big difference in either of their eyes. Or in Arti's.

As Shonali walked off, Zoya muttered, "Once a bitch, always a bitch".

"Shhh" Dr. Ansari said, grinning at her.

"Oh stop it!" Zoya exclaimed. "You always take her side".

"Most of her bitchiness is just an act, and you know it too Zoya" Dr. Ansari continued, still grinning. Turning to Arti he said, "How are you Arti? How's the little one?"

"We both are doing good Ahmed. What about you? Have you both decided to declare war?" Arti asked.

At the man's confused look she added, "You are both out in public, at a party Zoya's entire clan is going to attend".

Zoya grinned, "Yes, we are declaring war. Ammi and Abbu will take forever to decide, so we are pushing things along for them."

"Achha, what did Ms. Bitch want with you?" Zoya asked, alluding to Shonali.

Arti shook her head. "I am not sure. She practically shooed Prashant away and then asked me how many weeks along I was. When I said 7 months, she appeared to be satisfied," Arti then related the rest of Shonali's comments. "She was after something Zoya, but I don't know what."

"I think I know" Zoya said, taking the seat Shonali had vacated.

At Arti's raised eyebrows, she added, "Shonali was on a fishing expedition I think. Mamujaan needs a new account manager for the Mehtas. And they will make the final choice. Mr. Mehta is very particular – he wants a family man. Believes that men with families, aka a wife and kids, are more stable and reliable. So I think when they heard you were pregnant, they were wondering if it was a result of Prashant finding out about their requirements. The fact that you are seven months along cleared whatever doubts they had I guess."

The explanation left a bad taste in Arti's mouth. The back-office politics left her feeling sick. Not for the first time she wondered how Prashant managed it – in fact, he seemed to thrive on it.

The episode with Shonali soured Arti's mood for the party. After dinner, when drinks were being served she urged Prashant to leave.

"We will. Just after it turns midnight" Prashant said.

Arti sighed. "Please Prashant? I am very tired" Arti cajoled.

"Ok, come on. I will drop you home and come back. I have to be here to bring in the new year", he said, hustling her out of her chair now.

"Come back? Prashant, it's almost 10:30 now. Don't..." Prashant interrupted before she could finish. "Arti, I have to be here. Now come on".

Prashant drove fast. He had drunk one glass of beer, knowing he had to drive, but he was driving too fast, way over the speed-limit.

"Prashant, slow down" Arti said.

Ignoring her comment, he said, "I think I have a good chance of getting the Mehta's account. If I get it and then with a MBA too in hand – Arti, life ban jayegi" and he turned his head to look at her.

"Prashant!! Look out!" Arti screamed.

The oncoming headlights crashed into them...screeching tires...burning rubber...the metallic scrunch of car-smashing into-car...

In the deafening silence that followed, Arti was dimly aware of a soft sobbing sound. Just as the darkness engulfed her she realized the sound was coming from her...