“Fateh, yes I’m coming to the academy right now. Yep don’t worry. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes for the lunch.” Tejo talked to her husband, whom she loved from all her heart, and finally knew that something was happening right in her life.
Tejo missed that lunch. She didn’t reach her home that day. Everyone was in a panic, but there was no news where she was, and both houses, Sandhus and Virks were in upheaval for next few weeks. They filed the police report, but there’s no knowledge about her whereabouts.
After three weeks, she showed up at Virks.
“Omg!!Bhabhi where were you? Are you okay?” Mahi was the first to hug her.
“Do you have any idea how worried we were? You don’t have a bit of responsibility in your bones. But of course, that’s what they teach at Sandhus household to their daughters, how to run away.” Fateh’s mother taunted.
Everyone said something, but Tejo was silent, as was Fateh. These few weeks were nothing short of hell for him. His sunken cheeks and dark circles around his eyes said enough. He still could not believe his senses, scared that if he touched her,she’ll disappear.
“I’ve to say something.” Finally Tejo broke her silence. “and considering we’re all involved in this, it’d be better to say this in front of everyone.”
“Fateh, I want divorce.” Tejo said in a calm steady voice, and proceeded to take out divorce papers.
“What are you talking about? You can’t be serious. As if your sister hasn’t done a number on our family, now you are doing it too?” for some reason, despite the hatred,Fateh’s mother did not want her to leave.
“No. I am not going to divorce you. Please Tejo, please…whatever is the issue, let’s solve it. I promise whatever’s bothering you, I’ll deal with it. What are you saying? Why are you doing this.” Fateh said something for the first time, still unable to believe what Tejo was saying.
“Really? Well I can’t be a third wheel in my own marriage. I can’t see my husband meeting my own sister behind my back. Do I need to show proofs how you two are still talking? Or meeting? I am not going to be a side chick in my own marriage.” For the first time Tejo’s voice had some emotion, but she quickly covered it up. “And I have messages, screenshots etc. I asked Jasso, and she admitted this.” And then she looked straight into Fateh’s eyes and said “I love you, but I love my self-respect too. If you don’t sign these papers, I’ll fight in the court.”
There was a silence, and couple minutes felt like hours. Strangely, Tejo was the most composed among them.
Then Khushbeer spoke. He went ahead and folded his hands, bowed his head and said “Forgive me. Forgive me for my son’s actions, I must have made some mistakes in raising him. You’ll get the divorce. But first take a walk with me.”
Tejo smiled genuinely for the first time, before she walked out with Khushbeer, she went over to Mahi and hugged her, gave a peck on her cheek.
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
