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Something broke in Kanak's tender heart at Uma's harsh words in front of Palomi. She had withstood a lot of scheming, terrible words of hatred by maasi, Palomi, the shame of Vansh's awful behavior with Saras and Uma's dividing of room. At this direct assault, her armor slipped and the arrows stuck directly into her heart. She left the room in breathless agony.
Uma gazed at her retreating back. He pushed the uncomfortable flutter in his heart at Kanak's tear filled eyes aside savagely and strode to his clinic. He was going to lose himself in work till it was time to leave for the law offices at 3pm.
He came out sharp at 3, intending to shout at Kanak again if she was not ready to go, He was not going to listen to any excuse, any pleading, or any more explanations from Kanak.
To his surprise, he found her right near the front door. She had changed back into her old clothes. It was a simple but elegant churidar with a high collared Kurta. She looked very young and extremely pretty in it. Her hair was pulled back and tied in a sleek high pony tail. The hoops in her ears and the hand bag on her shoulder completed the chic,urban, quietly confident look. She had already worn her sandals. He noticed that she held the envelope with the divorce papers in hand.
Astonished, Uma said gruffly, "Chale? Kanak nodded quietly and led the way out. Uma attempted to get his bicycle out. She said quietly but firmly. "I prefer to walk ". They walked side by side in silence . Uma stole a glace at her. Her face was serene. The wind caught her hair and a single strand of her escaped from her ponytail, making him catch his breath. She noticed him and quietly stuck the hair firmly behind her ears.
As they sat in front of the lawyer, He asked whether there was any chance of saving the marriage. Uma opened his mouth but heard Kanak's soft but firm "No! .As the lawyer started to ask about terms and conditions, Kanak told him straight that she did not want anything except to let a fair market price be fixed for Uma's share of the sweet shop and she be allowed to buy it back from him, by paying in installments till the amount was done. She said that this would be done thru a bank and that there will be no direct communication with him. They will agree to never contact each other thru any means.
Uma could only nod, The lawyer drew up the papers. Before she signed, Kanak asked the lawyer whether the 30 day waiting period could be lessened. Uma's eyebrows lifted imperceptibly. When the lawyer said "No, Uma realised that he had been holding his breath. He looked at Kanak and saw a flash of disppointment on her face!! He was so stricken that he did not hear what question Kanak was asking next. He woke up to the lawyer showing him where to sign. He toolk the pen and saw that Kanak had already signed. Her signature was in English and had a jaunty upbeat style to it just like her vibrant personality - quite opposite to the awkward hindi signature on that Police complaint. Kanak got up and to his utter surprise, shook hands with the lawyer and said Thanks. She paid her half of his fees.
They reached home in silence. When they went into the room, Uma walked to the cupboard to get his change of clothes. He saw that Kanaks side was empty except for boxes of jewellery that belonged to Uma. He turned sharply. She had erased the mark that divided the room. Her bags were packed. When he looked at her, she said quietly. "You heard the lawyer Uma. He said we had to live under the same roof for 30 days but not necessarily in the same room- You can have your room back. i am shifting to one of the guest rooms upstairs at the opposite end of the house. I prefer to be totally out of your way.
She took her bags and walked towards the door. Palomi was coming in with the water pitcher for Uma and Kanak stepped aside to let her in saying "oh excuse me Palomi. After Palomi enterred, Kanak walked, her pony tail swinging lightly out the door!!
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Udne Ki Aasha
