Anurag sat looking at the house, the first time he dropped her there, he had thought it her husband’s home, which was why he had kept his opinion to himself. But after learning the full particulars of their situation, the fact that she had to take shelter there, with her sister and mother irked him.
He knew what his objective with this particular visit was, only he had no idea exactly how he would achieve this. He had fond memories of Veena Sharma, but he also knows that her daughters got their determination from her. Thus he knew convincing her to agree to his offer was not going to be easy. He got out of the vehicle and made for the door. The house was not as large as their home had been, but was a safe haven he was grateful Prerna had. She had her family around her and that made the irritation he suffered whenever separated from her tolerable.
Gathering together his courage, unknowing of what welcome he would receive, he lifted his hand to knock on the door.
Shivani opened the door and looked him over with an obvious degree of distain, before stating,“Sister Prerna is not here,”
“I know, she has an appointment with her doctor.” Anurag said, sounding more confidant than he actually felt.
He had wanted, no hoped, to accompany her, but he knew she would not allow it thus he had made the best of circumstances. He looked past Shivani as he said, “I came to speak with your mother, is she home?”
Shivani only nodded and gestured for him to follow her. Once he’d stepped inside Shivani called out, with some measure of irritation in her voice, “Mom, Anurag Bassu is here to see you.”
Mrs Sharma appeared several moments later and Anurag folded his hands in greeting, however the action was not returned. Prerna’s mother instead nodded her head and indicated for him to speak.
“Mrs Sharma, I was hoping that I could speak with you.”
Veena nodded and asked, “What about?”
Anurag gestured to their surroundings before he spoke, “I am aware of the events leading up to your current situation, I was hoping that we could talk about matters.”
“And why would you want to do that?”
“Please, Mrs.Sharma, allow me to help you with this, it is only right for me to do so.”
“And why do you think so?”
Anurag was tempted to tell her that he knew that the baby Prerna was carrying was his, but until he figured out what was going on, and why everyone was treating Prerna the way they were, he did not want to disclose anything. “Please, Mrs. Sharma, I know that your husband died in an accident whilst travelling with my father. That loss would have been difficult enough for you and your daughters. But to loose your house to a fire,that would have removed any security you had. Please, Mrs. Sharma, You have two daughters in your care I cannot see you or them endure this.”
Veena adamantly replied, “Anurag, you need not concern yourself with such matters. This is our concern, not yours, we will manage.”
“But I don’t see it that way.” Anurag adamantly replied, “Your husband was my father’s best friend, he helped my father not only establish the business but also our position in society.” Veena for a moment looked irritated, however Anurag persevered. “It is because of this friendship that I am compelled to help. Were Mr. Sharma still alive, matters would be different. But because he is not, and because my father view both Shivani and Prerna as his daughters, I cannot allow for them to continue living under such circumstances.”
Veena made to say something, possibly to object and he cur her short, “
“I know there’s some problem with Prerna’s husband, and she does not want to discuss it with me, but, please, she’s pregnant and will soon have the baby. It would be better if you were back in your own home.”
“Anurag,” Veena firmly started, “I have learned over the years, that the moment your family becomes involved in our matters, things always seem to go wrong. My husband and your father were good friends and for my husband’s sake I tolerated your mother’s snide remarks and comments. But after everything that has happened, I want absolutely nothing to do with your family. We will manage on our own, thank you.”
Anurag could feel panic mounting within him. He had to think fast. “Then allow me to help you anyway.”
“Anurag!” Veena cautioned him.
“No, please, hear me out.” Anurag asked, for a moment holding his hands out as if to stop her. “If you will not allow me to help you, let me buy your home, that way you will have the means to start anew.”
Veena looked at him for several moments visibly mulling over her options, then said, “But it is not worth much, the structural engineers said it will have to be torn down.”
“I will handle all that as and when needed.”
Obvious concern seeped into Veena’s voice as she said, “I have no idea what the property would be worth, and there is still the outstanding mortgage on the home.”
“We can arrange for an assessor to assess the property.”
Veena looked at him with suspicion, and Anurag realized that Veena had grown suspicious of the intentions his family had. And with what he had recently learned he was not surprised.
“If you would feel more comfortable with it, you can get your own in, I’ll be willing to pay for their services, and that of an engineer.”
“What are you two discussing?” Shivani asked,returning with some tea. Anurag was surprised, not having expected any hospitality from them.
“We were discussing our house.”
“The police and the fire brigade said it was arson,” Shivani said holding the tray towards Anurag.
“Arson?” Anurag asked, surprised but also confused.
“Drink your tea,Anurag, I will think over your offer and let you know.” Mrs. Sharma said,before turning from them.
“What offer?”Shivani asked.
“I offered for someone to have a look at your home, see what needs to be done, but..”
“But what?” Shivani demanded.
“Your mom is not willing, so I offered to buy the house, that way you can at least have the means to start afresh.”
Shivani looked at him, with some suspicion, as she asked, “And what does sister Prerna say about this?”
“Why does everyone always ask me that question?” Anurag asked, hoping that Shivani would cast caution to the wind and tell him that which he already knew, so that he could use it to confront his family. He could then put a stop to all the pretence and claim his full rights on Prerna. He may not yet fully understand what was between him and Prerna, but he understood his desire to be near her and their child, and that was reason enough.
Shivani made to answer, causing his breath to catch and hope to swell in his chest, only to visibly stop herself. It was that reaction with everyone that irritated him the most.He knew that no matter what had happened between them, Prerna still loved him.And while he knew her to be very forgiving – he shook his head, for a moment trying to establish where the thought had come from. He knew it would be too much to ask of her to forgive his family for ousting her for whatever their reason might have been. Fact remained, she was his wife, carrying his child,and they should have looked after her. Regardless of what happened, they should have at least provided for his child, but no one had thought the child important enough, and that angered him immensely. Snapping aback to their conversation, Anurag said, “No, please,tell me what you wanted to say.”
Shivani looked in the direction her mother had moved before replying. “It’s just that sister would not approve.”
“But you also live there, you have also lost your home,” Anurag reasoned, “Try to convince your mother to allow me to make repairs to your home. That is Prerna’s childhood home, all of us played there, I cannot just sit idle on this.”
Just then Veena returned and said, “If that is how you truly feel about this matter, Anurag, then I will tell you what Veena said I will allow you to bring someone to check the structural soundness of the house.If all it needs is some minor repairs then I will allow you to help us, but no more. Do you understand Anurag? We will take care of the rest, And listen to me closely and hear me on this Anurag, if you break your promise or you cause Prerna any trouble, I will not spare you. I am only allowing this because of who you are and the friendship your father shared with my husband. Once you have been assured that everything is fine, that my daughters would be safe living there again, I want you to leave. ”
Anurag knew it would be futile to push for more. He would arrange whatever he thought necessary with the contractors and work crews. He did however state a condition, “I will agree to this, but only if you promise me something in return.”
Veena indicated for him to continue.
“I know that Prerna is going through a difficult time, with her husband away, so please don’t tell her that I am responsible for all this. Please, I know she will argue.” He smiled at the memory of her challenging him.
“You remember her?” Shivani said, “I’ve seen that look on your face before.”
“I remember how she was never scared to stand down, even as a child, when she hid my toys. Idon’t think that is something that would have changed.”
“It hasn’t.”Shivani stated.
Prerna and Anurag had worked in a comfortable silence for some time already. At times it was as if she could read him mind, knew what needed even before he himself knew.Whenever he looked at her, he realized that even though he did not remember,she did. While her behaviour was not that of anyone wronged – he knew she had been. He had once caught her glancing his way, when she did not think he was watching. It was the pain in her eyes that scratched his soul. His heart ached whenever it appeared. And while he had no idea how to soothe it, he hated the mere fact that it was there, that he could have put it there.
He desperately wanted to approach her, and let her know that he knows, only he could not bring himself to do it. He knew that if the dynamics of their interactions suddenly changed, then it would alert others. He had noticed how everyone would first look at her, as if questioning her, before proceeding with whatever they had wanted to discuss with him. It irritated him, but he also understood that with her position it was to be expected.
As quitting time approached, his feet turned heavy. He sought any reason to remain at the office, but knew he could not avoid going home altogether. Just as he knew that Sonalika had complained to his mother again. The call earlier, summoning him to a family dinner that was as good as mandatory, had been indication enough. And if he was totally honest with himself, he had no desire to sit around the table with everyone else. He wondered exactly how severely his mother intended to question him this time, just as he had tired of the need to provide reasons for his actions. He knew he needed to speak with his father about Prerna’s home,and the meal may provide him with the opportunity. He was certain his father had no knowledge, for he would have done something – Anurag was certain of that.”
He entered the home, feeling the complete opposite of what he should. His back muscles stiffened. He saw Anupam walking about, making some arrangements on his phone…He felt her rather than saw her, and it concerned him far more than it should have. The crawling sensation along his spine he had experienced before, that much he knew, only the reason for it he did not understand.
“There you are,Anu, baby. I was wondering when you would get home. You know mom told me you would be home for dinner but I did not believe her. You’re so busy these days.”
“Well I’m home now,” he said, extracting himself from her clutches. “Please excuse me. I will go freshen up before diner.”
Everyone settled at the table, and it felt somewhat stilted. He had no idea whether it was the usual feeling around the table these days, or if it was just him being overly sensitive to everyone’s mood. For a moment he considered the possibility that his outlook had changed, that the people around the table no longer seemed as sincere as they claimed to be.
The atmosphere around the table remained tense, as dishes were politely handed about. The servants loomed, serving or retrieving whatever was needed, while the conversation between the occupants remained stilted, focusing on more superficial interactions.
It was Sonalika who stirred the pot, with the seemingly harmless comment of, “I recently heard some exciting news,” she then looked towards Nivadita, “Why don’t you share the news with everyone?”
Nivadita frowned in obvious confusion as she wearily replied, “I don’t have any news to share.”
“I believe Anupam informed Anurag of your pregnancy,” Sonalika sweetly said.
“What!” Nivadita exclaimed, turning to look at Anupam in obvious and total shock.
“Is this true Nevi? Are you pregnant?” Mohini asked, her tone delighted for the first time that evening.
“No mom. I have no idea where that came from?” She glared at Anupam, as if to extract blood from him.
“Pitty. It would have been lovely to have another baby in the house.” Maloy said, his words had everyone turn to look at him. Mohini glared at him before casting her eyes towards Anurag. Moloy the quickly countered by asking, “What? If it were to be a little girl, she would be as pretty as her mother, because heavens help us we don’t need another Anupam.”
“Don’t be like that father in law, I would be happy with either.” Anupam firmly stated.
Sonalika then looked at Anupam, with obvious confusion, and asked, “Did you not tell Anurag that your wife was expecting?”
“No. But I would definitely be more than happy to comply with such plans.”
“Anupam, have some shame!” Nivadita scolded him.
Sonalika then turned to Anurag and said, “But you had said something like that, that you and Anupam had discussed babies. That Anupam had given you some good news.”
“We had discussed babies,” Anurag started, “But Anupam never said anything about sister Nivadita being pregnant. You must have misunderstood the conversation.”
Nivadita immediately looked relieved.
“I did not misunderstand anything…” Sonalika quickly countered, “ Wait a minute, just what did Anupam say to you? If you were discussing babies, what were you discussing.” Anurag did not like her tone.
Wordplay, his family was good with it, especially when providing truthful answers without proper clarification. It was a skill he did not often indulge in, but knew howto use. “Anupam only verified that he would soon be an uncle.”
Anurag’s words rendered the entire table motionless. The air thickened, filled with suspense.And even without any confirmation, he knew exactly what they all thought. No one seemed willing to even speak.
Sonalika was again the one to speak, “But Prerna was right there when we discussed this, why did you not correct her?”
Anurag replied,“Because you did not give me the opportunity to.”
An uncomfortable silence followed, and this time Mohini broke the silence, possibly injecting too much enthusiasm into her tone as she said, “So, Anu, tell us what you have been up to?”
Anurag for a moment thought over the question, uncertain as to what she actually wanted to know. “We’re in the process on negotiating a deal, so there’s not much to tell.”
“That’s strange,because when I called Prerna, to find out where you were and why you weren’t answering my calls, she mentioned that she was at the doctor.” Sonalika said.
“She had to go for a check up.” Anurag replied, not liking Sonalika’s tone. He had promised Prerna that he would always be there to support her… again the realization struck him as familiar, but he could not place it.
“So you weren’t with her?” Sonalika demanded.
“No, I had a meeting to attend.” Anurag answered, his thoughts still on the realization.
“Really, Anu,”his mother started, “Things like that should be done on her own time.”
“And just how is she supposed to arrange that?” Anurag demanded, instantly irritated.
“You really should replace her. She gets so little work done in her condition. She has also not even worked for you long enough to qualify for leave.”
“Prerna will remain with me until I find a suitable replacement.”
“Really, Anu,”Mohini started, “You are not responsible for her or the Bajaj brat she’s carrying.”
“Mom!”
“Mohini!” Anurag and his father simultaneously, angrily, cautioned.
“How can you say that?” Anurag demanded, he felt a band contract around his heart, but he also knew that his mother was a master at wordplay.
“Because it is the truth.” Mohini maintained, flashing Maloy a warning glance.
“Who is this Bajaj?” Anurag demanded
Mohini did not miss a beat as she maliciously replied, “He’s Prerna’s husband. The one who divorced her and left her pregnant.”
Anurag looked towards Anupam, who’s eyes met his. Anupam gently shook his head once. Anurag then looked at his mother as he said, “ Mom, you should not speak of someone like that.”
“Well it’s a fact, I don’t have to pretend that it is anything else.” Mohini malevolently replied, adding, “ don’t see why you should in any way feel responsible for either her or the brat she’s carrying.”
“Mohini!” This time Maloy glared a this wife, “That is enough! Can’t you see you are upsetting Anurag. The doctor implicidly stated that he should not be angered or upset,but you just…” He fell silent for a moment. “You say such foul things without thinking. How would you like it someone said that about your daughters?”
“My daughters would not do such things.”
“Says the same woman who thought it appropriate to try and marry Prerna off to a despicable man twice her age!”
“What?” Anurag demanded, his heart racing as he turned to his mother and demanded, “Mom is this true?”
His mother looked uncomfortable, which cased him to again look towards Anupam, who nodded.
“Please mother-in-law, everyone, it is not good to upset Anurag like this…” Sonalika started, but her words went unheeded as Anurag a visibly distressed he shot up. “Anu, baby, calm down.” Sonalika said, as she too got up and reached for his arm.
Anurag jerked free from her hold and shouted, “Leave me alone! Don’t touch me! Don’t even come near me.” He made to say something else, but thought against it. He instead turned from the table and left.
“Anu, you can’t leave here without eating something,” Mohini insisted, however her argument went unheeded.
As Anurag stomped away, Sonalika turned to them and angrily demanded, particularly from Mohini“What were you thinking? You know the doctors said that you should not discuss past events with him, that it would upset him, now look what has happened.”
“I couldn’t help it, he’s always spending time with that girl, worrying about that girl when he should be focused on you.”
“What does it matter?” Anupam said causing everyone to look at him, “He will cast her aside soon enough.”
“Anupam, he is my son, he will do no such a thing. He takes his commitments and responsibilities seriously.” Mohini said.
“Exactly, and as soon as the rest of his memories return, he will take up his responsibilities,and everyone at this table knows where those responsibilities lie.”
“What,” Mohini demanded glaring at Anupam, “What are you saying?”
“He knows Prerna is important to him.” Anupam said, also rising from his seat.
“Anupam, sit!”Nivadita commanded.
“You may choose to remain here, but I don’t agree with what is happening here.”
“You should be more supportive.”
“And I have told you before that I will support you, that I will stand behind you only when you are right.” Anupam defiantly stated.
“What is going on here?” Mohini demanded glaring at Anupam.
“I will make it simple for you, mother in law. The thin veil of civility is slipping, revealing an unavoidable truth.” he looked towards Sonalika as he continued, “The fact that your actions, and choices have shattered this family.” Anupam looked towards Mohini as he continued. “The day Anurag remembers everything you have done to Prerna, is the day he will come to hate you.”
“Don’t you daresay that about my Anu! I have only ever done what I thought best for him.”
“If you had, then you would know that Prerna is the one for him,” Anupam then pointed to Sonalika, “…and you would not constantly be trying to marry him off to women like her.”
“Anurag chose to get married.” Sonalika professed.
“Which he would not have done had his mother not conveniently forgotten that he’s already married. And no matter what anyone claims or says, Prerna remains Anurag’s first wife.”
“Be quiet, he will hear you.” Mohini chided.
“He knows.”
Link to next series of chapters (site will not allow. Manual shift to page 2 then.
Edited by K-Shandra - 4 years ago
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