Chapter 6
"yes jiji.. tell me"
" You tell, how was your journey? Did Muskaan sleep in the flight?"
"She was cranky in first two hours, after that she slept. it was not that difficult as Savitha also accompanied me. And How's Naniji now?"
" She is fine now, but bit weak. After 2 days one more time we have to take her to hospital for some tests. I will go back to Lucknow next week."
"Ok jiji.. I will also come to Lucknow by next week."
"Thik hai .. So what are you doing there. where is Muskaan?"
"She is with Veena Aunty . And I was taking rest. Vivek left for office after dropping me. He said he will be back by 7 and will take everyone out for dinner."
"Ok.. you take rest then..I will call you later.. And give my regards to Veena Aunty."
"Ok.. Bye.."
She kept her phone on the kitchen counter. She took out the serving pot and transferred the dal into it . Then she felt someone is observing her. She lifted her eyes and saw Arnav standing at the kitchen entrance. Since how long he was standing there? Did he hear her talking to khushi? She ignored him and took the serving pot and marched towards the dining table.
"Payal ..."
Payal stopped on her track.
"How's Khushi ?"
"Zinda hai"
"Payal please.. I really want to know how she is"
Payal turned to face him and looked directly into his eyes.
"Really? You want to know how Khushi is? After three years you want to know about her? Only you can ask something like this Mr. Raizada. Since you have asked , let me enlighten you. Woh thik hai, aapki wajah se nahi.. aapke bavajood bhi thik hai. Aapko kya laga ? She will die without you?"
Arnav was shocked seeing her reaction. Payal was always a soft spoken person. She never raised her voice against anyone. But he managed to make her react this way with his insensitive question about her sister.
"Payal I know what I did was unforgivable. And I don't want to trouble her. I just want to see her once"
"Why?"
"Why means? I want to meet her and apologize.."
"That's not required. It doesn't matter whether you apologize or not. "
"Payal please.. I just want to see her once.. I went to Laxmi Nagar but the house was locked. Happy Singh told me your family left Delhi 3 years back. I heard Akash and NK talking about her arrival from somewhere , please tell me where I can find her.."
"And you think I will tell you about her.. just like that? see Arnavji I never questioned you about your doings. But this time let me make it clear. Stay away from her. You cannot just barge into her life without her consent and whenever you wish. It was over that time when you decided to ditch my sister at the mandap. Everyone kept telling her that you won't come but she did not believe. She waited there for you. She trusted you with her life. But you broke her heart. It was over then and there. Now she dont want you in her life."
With that Payal walked past him. He stood rooted at the spot. he didn't expect anyone to tell him about Khushi's whereabouts. He know it is going to be difficult. But she has to see her. Just to know how she is doing.. He didn't have any right on her still he can be in peace seeing her doing fine from a distance.
All Are thinking that he abandoned her. After knowing the truth of her mother he was not able to get over it. He was afraid he will not be able to love her in the same way after knowing the truth. She was better off with him. He was a damaged person. It will be unfair to her if he marry her and put her in the light of home wrecker's daughter. so he left her. But after leaving her he realized his mistake. He thought he can get over it. But he realized he cannot live without her, Her mother's history , his Dadi's revenge nothing matters. But the damage was done. He was afraid to go back and see the after effects of his doings. He was a coward.
After coming back to Shantivan he can see her everywhere. He decided to se her for once to know how she is doing? Is she still waiting for me? Or she has moved on? Is there someone else in her life? Is that why Payal is not giving her address? He had to find out..
He quickly sent a message to Aman to gather information about Khushi. Everything seems to be a mystery here. Too many things happened here. He need to make amendments in the relationship with his siblings and Nani. Akash avoided him whenever he felt he is going to ask about Khushi. His brother was very much angry on him. He wants to be in peace. He is fed up of running away. It is time to face the consequences.
Kerala
Khushi sat with Veena sipping her evening tea. Muskaan was running through the lawn. She loved to be here. This place always made her feel peace. She closed her eyes feeling the light evening breeze touching her face. She spent her pregnancy period here until Muskaan was two months old. She was grateful to this family for making her self sufficient. They helped her find herself when she was shattered. She was happy that she met them in her life.
Sreekanth and Veena were the coolest parents she has ever seen. Verma's were in construction business. Veena was a gynecologist also the trustee of Chithira hospital.They were running few Arts and Engineering collages in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka also. Chithira was the name of her deceased daughter. Chithira passed away in an accident before 15 years.
It was Veena who encouraged her to complete the studies. She was a final year B.com student in Lucknow when she stopped her studies due to their financial crisis. Due to their influence in the collage in Tamil Nadu she appeared for her exams. She studied hard in her pregnancy and their grandmother , Vijay, Vivek everyone supported her. Along with studying for exams she joined as an intern in Verma's Construction firm.
These things kept her busy and gave her a new hope in life. After taking a degree and the experience from Verma constructions she can find a job elsewhere after her delivery. She did not want to be a burden to anyone. Sree and Vijay were very much impressed with her work and dedication. They groomed her well. The work experience made her confident and she learned how things work in the corporate world. Veena took her for regular scan and tests every month. Before one month of her delivery she passed exams with flying colors.
Muskaan was taken out through a C-section as her BP became high. Veena did her surgery and she only took her in hand first. Payal and Akash were in hospital for the delivery. Payal stayed with her for one month after the delivery to help her.
When she first took her daughter in her hands, she promised herself she will do everything to give a happy and comfortable life. She always wished someone was there for her like Arnavji was there for Di. Blood is thicker than water. It was a truth. Now she has Muskaan ... her own blood... She will live for her. She will never let her feel her father's absence.
" So.. are you going to Delhi or will go only to Lucknow?"
" I really to meet Nani, after hearing about her heart attack.. But..."
"But don't want to face Arnav .. right?"
She nodded looking down. At first she thought she will visit Delhi and meet everyone in Shantivan, but after hearing Arnav is back from London she was not sure.
" What if he comes in search of you?"Veena asked.
" He won't cone Aunty.. If he wanted to , he would have done it long back"
" Beta i am not siding him , but I am asking you to reconsider your decision of not letting him know about Muskaan's existance. Afterall he is her father."
"I don't want to add one more nightmare to my life Aunty. I know what will happen if he comes to know about Muskaan. He or his Dadi might ask for a DNA test to prove that. I cannot imagine putting my baby through that . And even if they believe he is the father , they will take Muskaan away from me. I won't be alive to see that day when he takes away my only reason live."
"Don't say like that beta, we all are here. No one will take Muskaan away from you. And maybe you are right .."
Veena came closer and caressed her hair.
" Now leave all that, go and get ready, Vivek will be reaching soon. Muskaan come.."
Muskaan came running towards Veena and Khushi. Veena took her in arms and walked towards the house along with Khushi.
Love,
ST
Veena Verma
Vijay Verma
Vivek Verma
Comments