Tuesday 21 January 2014

Hello!!

Hi friends!

I wanted to inform you that tomorrow I am going on a short vacation for a week and so will not be able to post an update this weekend. Please don't mind the delay. I'll try to update around Feb 01.

Take care. Hold the smiles...:)

Love you all....so much.
Indu

Thursday 16 January 2014

Whispers of Spring.....Chapter 18



Chapter 18



Naina froze at the deathly sound of the voice from the past. But why was she surprised? Wasn’t she expecting this? Deep down she knew this moment would arrive. For a moment she forgot to breathe, as she stared toward the pillar in the far end of the half-lit living room. A sense of dark déjà vu engulfed her slowly, as she felt Adi move closer, slip his hand through hers, and squeeze. Her clammy hand barely registered her son’s silent communication. Each cell of her body numbed to immobility as her body tensed. And then a tall shadow moved from behind the pillar and into the light, as the handsome, drop-dead attractive countenance of Manmeet Dhariwal came into view. Time stood still as she faced her so-called husband cum nemesis for the first time in years. The man whom she had once married with hopes for a better future. The man who turned her young-girl dreams into nightmares….He and his father. The Devil and his spawn.

“Hello Nayantara! Or should I say Sunaina Bhatia? Fancy meeting you here…alive and well.”
His voice cut to her bones, and she shivered. Then he smiled…the sick, evil, unpleasant smile that morphed him into the monster that he was…the smile that was ingrained in her psyche. And just like that, Naina was transported back to the dingy room from her past. Back to the dark, revolting nights when his chilly laughter would break through her miasma as he closed the door on her and…! Back to the stark, icy reality from which she was running for years. For a brief second, all she heard was the loud thudding of her heart. It seemed to echo inside her very being…as all emotions and all sensations ceased.

She was shaken out of her dead stupor as someone rang the bells from the small temple across the road. The labored sound of her lungs as she drew in a jerky breath caused Adi to tug at her hand. She looked at the man who epitomized hell for her and knew that this time there was no escape. But before he reached her, she had to get Adi out of here. She will be damned if she let him witness what was to surely follow. She knew that Manmeet had come for only one purpose…to seek revenge. She had seen the all-familiar maniacal rage lurking in his eyes. He had come to punish her for escaping him and for causing his father’s death. But before that she had to ensure Adi’s safety.

Naina reached inside herself and pulled out all the strength she had to keep herself together and not lose it for Adi’s sake. She needed to be in control for him…always for him. Taking a deep breath, she turned to him and smiled, “Adi, listen to mumma. Go up to your room, lock it up, turn on the TV loud, and stay inside. I’ll be along soon.”
“Who is he mumma?”
“Adi!”
“But mumma....”
As Adi hesitated, the man shouted, startling him, “Didn’t you hear her? Leave.”
“Please Adi. Now. Whatever happens, stay inside. Promise?” Something in her eyes and her posture communicated to him, and he nodded. She kissed him once on his forehead, steeling herself to be strong, capturing his beautiful face in her eyes. Her hands on his shoulders, she steered him toward the stairs. His hand slipped away from hers as he stepped back and then away, but not before turning and giving the man a dirty look for scaring his mother. Adi stumbled up the stairs, making a decision of his own as to what he had to do as soon as he was in his room.
************************************

Naina refused to look at the man before she heard the welcome slam of the doors upstairs and heard music drift out. She squared her shoulders and slowly turned to face him. He was staring at her with a frenzied watchfulness. Her insides revolted as his mouth turned up in an ugly sneer.

Manmeet’s eyes oozed disgust and anger. He flicked his thumb toward the stairs, “Didn’t you bother to discipline the little rascal? He lacks obedience. But then what else could I expect from a worthless woman like you? Once I am done with you, I shall have all the time to deal with him and turn him into the man he should be.”
“Leave him alone Manmeet. He has nothing to do with you all.” Naina clinched her fists by her sides.
“No? You have the gall to stand there and lie to me? I must say you have developed some guts over the years.”

Naina’s eyes blazed, “Didn’t you hear what I said? Leave Adi out of this. He is not your son.”
Smack…Naina fell down near the center table as he slapped her hard, drawing blood from her lips. She closed her eyes in pain as he fisted her hair and pulled her head back. Her eyes snapped open as he breathed down at her, “You think you are smart? Did you think you could fool me with all that stupid cover up about the boy’s identity?”

Naina gripped the edge of the table and shot back, “I adopted Adi. He is 8 years old. You can check the Asha Deep orphanage in….”
“I don’t have to check anything. Have you ever looked at my photographs at that age? That boy is a carbon copy of how I looked as a boy. He is a Dhariwal alright.”
“NO! You are wrong” Naina tried to reach for her phone, but he was too fast. He grabbed it and threw it against the wall, smashing it.
“Don’t you even think about it? Did you think I would leave open any probability for you to contact your boyfriend, you characterless w**re? The land phone is also dead, and the guard incapacitated. The other guard is my man who has my getaway transport ready outside at this very moment. By the time that bastard colonel douses his stable fire, I will be gone with my son. After punishing you, that is…for killing my father, running away, stealing my son….the list of your offenses is endless.”

Naina got up and stared at him fearlessly, contempt lacing her words, “Adi is not your son. He is not going anywhere. He is only mine. As for your father, he died the death he deserved.”
He punched her. She staggered on her feet but stood her ground before taking a few steps backward to the front door.

He grabbed her roughly by her chin, “You bloody b***h! You never learn. I would have given you an easier death if you had just given my son. But now, I am going to first cut this tongue and then kill you slowly.”

At that moment Naina knew that howsoever she protested Manmeet will not leave without Adi. In that instant, all fog lifted and something inside her went deadly calm. The fear and panic disappeared, leaving behind a sharp focus and clear intent. She couldn’t care what happened to her, but she had her son to protect. She would kill if she had to but she will not let this man near her son. She pushed herself up as understanding donned, “Your threats don’t scare me, Manmeet. Now I understand. You are the one who set the stables on fire, so that Raj would be called away.”
“That cripple is a fool. He and his amateurish security measures…bah!!. He thought he could keep me away from the boy. I am much better than him. You were always very slow, Nayantara. Your complacency led you down earlier also.”

Naina wiped the blood from her lips, ignoring the pain in her jaws and temple, and smirked, “Really? It sure was not complacency that made me escape your prison. What was that you had said after the first time I tried to escape? Oh yes! ‘Nayantara, my house is an impregnable fort. No one gets in and no one goes out without my permission.’ Ha! Some Fort! I escaped, didn’t I?”

Manmeet growled menacingly and stepped toward her. But Naina continued, all the time backing away to the door, “Words. Ha! Mere words. You were always full of empty words, Manmeet. You had to….after all you are not good for anything else. You are nothing compared to Raj. He is a man to be idolized and admired and respected…and loved. I love him for the man he is. And you? Well! You are not much of a man, are you?”

Throwing the insulting words at him, Naina ran out of the front door, intending to lure Manmeet away from the house, away from Adi, and gain some time. Don’t give up…the voice inside her screamed. A few minutes required…that’s all. She had to incite him and delay him, and pray like hell that Adi had called Raj in his mobile. If she could get to the garden shed in the back lawn, she could get hold of some tool to use as a weapon.

She heard Manmeet curse and follow her as she ran with all she had. Unfortunately, she tripped on her saree, just a foot away from the shed, and fell down. In no time Manmeet was all over her; he was a man possessed….kicking her, pulling her up, and throwing her down again with slaps, punches, and more kicks. Naina kept on saying the one word that goaded him more and more…“IMPOTENT. That’s what you are Manmeet….Impotent. Adi is mine…all mine. You cannot sire a child to save yourself. You are pathetic…and you know that.” The blows continued, and then suddenly they stopped. Through a red haze Naina saw Manmeet turn toward a shovel leaning against the shed door.

At the same time, she heard her name being shouted in a voice that cut through the darkness and reached her, and it was the most beautiful voice in the world. He was here. Her Raj was here. She tried to shout for him…to call out his name one last time, but couldn’t. Yet, she was happy. She had succeeded. She was able to protect her son. She smiled as she saw Manmeet pick up a shovel and stand over her for the fatal strike. It didn’t matter anymore. Nothing mattered. Adi was safe.
****************************************

Raj saw the fire from a distance as he neared the mahal, all the time talking to first nanisa and then to Altaf chacha on phone. He switched off the phone just as the car entered the palace gates. Something was not right…his instincts screamed foul. But what? He parked the car when the phone rang again.
“Uncle! Oh, uncle! I have been trying to call you.”
“Adi! What is it? Calm down, son. Stop crying. Tell me.”
“There is a man in the house. He scared mumma. He shouted at me also. Please come back, uncle…please.”

Raj’s blood ran cold. Manmeet was inside the house. It couldn’t be anyone else. Suddenly, he knew…the fire was a distraction, to lure him away….and he fell for it. Dear God, if anything happened to Naina and Adi. He would never forgive himself.
“Adi, where are you? What is the noise?”
“In my room. Mumma sent me up and told me to switch on the TV loud.”
“Right. Stay there Adi. Don’t open the door till you hear my voice. OK? Mumma will be fine. I promise.”

Raj stepped on the accelerator and tried calling Bahadur, the guard. No response. He knew it was a futile attempt. If Manmeet was inside, then it could only mean one thing: the guards were taken care of. He opened the dashboard and took out his revolver. There was one more call to make, the police….and hope like anything there was a patrol van nearby.

He screeched to a halt in front of the gate and saw a loaded truck parked opposite. He had just reached the gate when a shot buzzed past him. He ducked behind the car and saw a man jump from the truck and run toward the tree near the fencing of the house. Raj aimed. He had only one shot before the man left the cover of the tree and jump the fence. He shot him before the man could reach the fence. He had rightly guessed who he was before he registered the guard’s uniform…the accomplice.

Raj ran inside the house and stopped short, as he saw the signs of struggle. His guts tightened when he saw the broken phone, the scattered jewelry, and drops of blood. He heard a noise that came from the backyard. Without pausing to think, he ran toward the kitchen and through the backdoor to the lawn behind. He shot Manmeet on the run as he was about to bring down a shovel on a prostrate Naina. The  shot went through Manmeet's  wrists, causing the shovel to fly away from his hands. He yelped holding his bleeding wrists and turned around. Raj punched him away from Naina. Manmeet fell to the ground before struggling to get up.

Raj knelt beside Naina and touched her face, whispering, “Naina, I am so sorry love.” She smiled and that smile gutted him. He turned toward Manmeet who was getting up. Rage consumed Raj. All he wanted was to rip the son of b***ch from limb to limb and kill him.

He held the lowlife by the scruff of the neck and threw him against the stone bench behind him, before pummeling him right, left, and center with rock solid punches….his fists flying without any mercy. His wrists bleeding, Manmeet couldn’t defend himself. In one last burst of strength, he kicked at Raj’s prosthetic and made a run for it. As Raj stumbled, he heard a shot and jerked back to see Manmeet falling down. The bullet had pierced his temple.

Raj rushed to Naina, and gently took the gun from her, pulling her head onto his lap.

She looked up at him, speaking painfully “I had to do it Raj. He would never have left pursuing Adi.”

“Shushh! I know Naina. It’s OK. You did good. It’s all over. My brave Naina. I love you so much.” 
She wanted to smile at him one last time...speak with him one last time….clutch onto him one last time…one last time before he came to know everything and leave her. She wanted her mind to be conscious for a moment more, bask in this moment of love without the dark shadow of the past hovering over, because this moment may not be hers tomorrow. He may no longer be hers once he knew all. Her entire body ached and felt heavy like lead, yet she tried to smile but could not. She heard him talk but could not fathom his words, as her eyelids grew heavy and closed. He knew she was past hearing as finally, mercifully she lost consciousness, yet he kept on talking, till he heard police jeep and ambulance sirens.
**********************************************

Naina’s eyes sprang open. She turned her head slowly and found herself in a room with white walls, with a glass wall at one end, over which green curtains were drawn, because of which she could not see outside. She was in a hospital. She guessed it was daytime, judging by the light in the room. She could see a row of monitors on the other side of the bed. She saw IV taped to her hand. She tried moving her hands and feet, and sighed with relief when they cooperated. How long was she out? Where was everybody? Adi? Raj? As memories trickled back, Naina gasped and attempted to sit up.

“No Naina. Don’t.” She saw Raj stride in from the open door, even as a nurse turned right back muttering “I’ll get the doctor.”

He came and sat beside her, leaning forward to kiss her on the forehead and then holding her free hand, “Hey beautiful! How are you feeling?”
She nodded and averted her face.
“Naina! Look at me sweetheart.”
She shook her head once and asked in a raspy voice, “Adi?”
“He is fine, Naina. Worried for you, but very proud of his mumma. He and beeji along with nanisa and Tanu were here till awhile back. They will again come in the evening.”
She sniffed and asked again, still looking away, “What time is it?”
“It’s three in the afternoon.”
She nodded again and tried to pull away her hand.

Raj held onto it and arose. Very gently he cupped her face, “Why won’t you look at me Naina?”
Silent tears cascaded down her cheeks as she whispered, “I am sorry Raj. Please leave. And don’t come back.”

Raj stood stunned. For a moment there was absolute stillness…and then he bent and softly pressed his forehead against hers, his thumb wiping her tears gently. His lips moved as he whispered, “Naina, I don’t know what is happening inside you, but I am not going anywhere. Please don’t push me away. Time for running is over. You are free.”

She closed her eyes and shook her head, “I don’t deserve you Raj. Why don’t you get it? Why would you want a damaged person like me?”

Raj lifted his head and kissed her forehead, “Because I love you. Because you are the air I need to breathe. Because you exist, and so I exist. I love you for who you are. I love you with all the past monsters, the ugliness, the darkness. And the beautiful, caring, warm, cheerful, loving, and honest person that you are. All of you Naina…all of you.”
“You won’t when you know all.”
“Try me.”
She opened her eyes and smiled sadly, “Stay away from me Raj. It’s what is best for you. Manmeet’s coming here was a wake-up call for me as well as a reminder that I never deserved you. I was never good enough. Just go and live your life.”
“Without you? Never.”
Raj stood up as the doctor entered.
****************************************

To be continued…………….

Sunday 5 January 2014

Whispers of Spring.....Chapter 17



Chapter 17



“Mumma, please…leggo, no kissy-wissy…not here. My friends will make fun of me.” Adi rubbed his cheeks, looking back at the gate from where a throng of boys of varied ages came out. Gingerly he stepped out of his mother’s ferocious hug and waved at some of the boys.
“It’s OK to be kissed by your mother, champ. She was much worried for you.” Raj ruffled Adi’s hair, which was all mussed and sweaty from his game.

Adi stared at Raj for a brief second and stepped back into Naina’s arms, curling his arms around her neck, “Sorry mumma. I was worried for you too. That man was here again, and I was concerned. So I called Raj uncle.”
Naina gave her son a tight squeeze and stood up, “You did right, Adi. That man won’t bother us again. Raj uncle took care of him.”
“Super!!” He extended his fist toward Raj, who banged it back with of his own, “Did you beat him uncle? Did you? Did you?”
Raj laughed, “Yeah, I might have…a little.”
“Wow!!” Adi’s eyes went wide, “I wish I was there.”

Just then two boys of Adi’s age walked up to them, “Adi, here…you forgot your water bottle.” Adi thanked them, and before he could introduce them, one of them, who hadn’t taken his eyes of Raj, completely blindsided them by asking, “Hey Adi, is he the one who is going to be your papa?”
Adi went all red, as he shuffled on his feet and focused on his bottle as if it was an object of deep study. Naina gaped. Her eyes looked as if they were going to pop out of her head even as heat rushed to her cheeks and her mouth formed a perfect “O.”
Raj chuckled and saved the day for them, “No, young man. You are mistaken. For now, I am just Adi’s friend.”
The boy wouldn’t give up, “Oh, I am sorry, uncle. I thought you were the soldier uncle who was going to marry Aunty. Adi said that …”
But what Adi said was never heard, as Adi suddenly found his tongue and nudged his bigmouthed friend, “Jeet, your parents are here. Aren’t you going for the movies? Look, they are waving…Hurry.”
After his friends ran off, Adi sheepishly braved a peek at his mother, who was still staring at her son as if he had grown horns, “Explain yourself, Aditya Bhatia.”
“Err…mumma, don’t bother about Jeet. He blabbers a lot unnecessarily.” He tried his winning smile, which waned as his mother’s grave expression was not dented.
“Seems to me it was you who has been blabbering…as well as assuming a lot. You owe Raj uncle an apology.” She gestured toward Raj.
Raj spoke up then, “No. He doesn’t. Nothing has occurred that warrants an apology.” He bent down to Adi, “It’s OK son. Just remember that sometimes it is better to keep to yourself what you wish for. Silent wishes are heard louder by God.”
“Really? I’ll remember that. I am sorry, uncle.”
“No harm done. Now, go and sit in the car.”
Raj turned to Naina who was staring at him in confusion, “Raj, I don’t know where that came from. I am really sorry.”
“But I am not.” He tilted his head and smiled at her, the intensity in his eyes snuffing out any other word that tried to escape from her jumbled-up brain. He held her by the arm and turned toward the car, bending down sideways to whisper, “Children’s hearts are as transparent as spring water, Naina. Adi only articulated what he sensed between us.” He loosened his grip on her and swiped an unsteady hand through his hair. Knowledge of Adi’s hidden yearning had affected him to the core. He opened the car door and paused to look into her large eyes, “You can’t fight this, Naina. We are meant to be. Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, falling in love with you was not in my control, and now, more than ever, I am sure that being together is our destiny.”
*********************************

Naina stared at herself in the mirror. A beautiful woman with troubled eyes stared back at her. She was used to dressing low key…always. This was the first time in years she had taken care to dress up. She was wearing an elegantly designed red and black jamwar saree that had embroidery and patchwork on the pallu and border. It was a birthday gift from Ranima. She never had any occasion to wear it before. Smiling sadly she realized how the colors were a reflection of the ambiguous disposition of her heart. She had lightly curled her hair and let it down in loose waves….just as Raj loved them. For some twisted reason she wanted to look good today…just for him. For once she didn’t want to look over her shoulders and be reminded of what could not be. For once she wanted to be the Naina she was and look at the unabashed look of love and admiration in Raj’s eyes without feeling guilty and ashamed. Throughout the afternoon Raj’s words had filled her head and heart: Being together is our destiny. She picked up her phone and reached for a picture of Raj that she had stored. It was a picture of him laughing at something Adi had said, on the day they had visited the zoo. On a whim she had clicked him. She stared at his handsome profile through glistening eyes. A stab of excruciating pain, almost physical, cruised through her as she envisioned her loss…a loss of something that was never hers to begin with. Why did life have to be so complicated? She loved Raj; He loved her. Why couldn’t it be that simple? Yet nothing was….Everything was intricate. Sinful. Undefeatable. Real. Scary. Manmeet was on his way here. Maybe he was already here. Tomorrow may change all the equations in her life. Reality was bound to raise its ugly head sooner than later, just like the early spring sun bathing the valley. And when that happens, what will be left? Will Raj still love her then? Will he even look at her? Will she be able to withstand the disgust, revulsion, hatred, or, worse still, pity that will replace the warmth in his deep eyes?

Naina closed her eyes and took a deep breath. But all that’s tomorrow. She still had tonight. Tonight she will forget the reality and live her childhood fantasy. Tonight she will bask in the love of her prince. Tonight she will be happy. One night. In this one night she will amass all the joys for a lifetime. Her choice made, she opened her eyes with a smile and kissed Raj’s picture, “I love you Raj. I shall always love you…till my last breath. You are the other part of me: the better part. But you are wrong. We are not meant to be.”

She kept the phone and turned as there was a knock and beeji’s voice called out. “Naina, are you ready?”
“I am, beeji. Just a minute.” Naina opened the door with a smile and stepped back. Beeji stepped into the room with a wondrous expression. Naina pirouetted on her toes, “Well…what do you think? Do I look OK?”
Beeji cupped Naina’s face and said, “You look stunning, my child. You are going to be the showstopper tonight…No doubts about that.”

Naina giggled and hugged the woman who may not have given her birth, but had given her life and was her parent in every sense of the word. Beeji took Naina’s hand and kept a jewelry box in her hand, “This is for you, Naina. Wear this tonight and make me happy.”
Naina opened the box and saw an exquisite gold and ruby set, “Oh beeji! This is beautiful. Did baba give you this?”
“Yes, Naina. On our wedding. I want you to have it.”
“But beeji. I can’t possibly take this. Baba’s memories are in this.”
“He would have wanted his daughter to wear it, Naina. I am only following his wishes. Here, let me put it for you.”
Naina met Adi at the landing. He was wearing a tuxedo and looked suave and princely.
“Wow mumma! You look like a queen.”
Naina did a little curtsey and smiled, “And you look magnificent. Will my little prince honor me by escorting me downstairs?” She then extended her hand.
Adi grinned and then sobered up. Squaring his shoulders he gravely put his hand in his mother’s, “Yeah. Cool. I mean, yes ma’am.”
*******************************************

“Raj uncle, see I am escorting a queen.” They were in the middle of the stairs. This was a surprise. Naina had told Raj they would come by themselves, and that he need not come to take them. Obviously that had fallen on deaf ears. She suddenly tensed. Raj had never seen her all decked up. She wondered what his reactions would be.

Raj was texting in his phone and was sitting on a leather chair facing away from the staircase. On hearing Adi, he turned and was dumbstruck. The vision he beheld knocked away his senses. His jaw slackened and his eyes darkened with unrestrained passion as he slowly got up from the chair. He ran his fingers through his hair and then spread his hands toward her, “Naina. You look beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous.”
Naina blushed, “You really think so?”
“Every other woman in the party is going to pale against your beauty. Am I right beeji?” The last to the older lady who had walked into the room.
“I have been telling Naina the same thing.” Beeji smiled at them knowingly.
“And me? How do I look uncle?” Adi put his hands on hips and cocked his head to one side.
“You look handsome, son. Beware of the girls tonight.”
“Eww, girls! Tanu and I will keep away from them. Why didn’t she come with you?”
“She is waiting for you at the mahal, Adi. Come, let’s go.” Adi walked ahead with beeji. Raj turned to Naina and gave her his hand, “May I?”

Naina found herself staring at the striking and magnificent man in front of her. He looked utterly handsome in a ceremonial military dress, with silver cross-belt and epaulets as well as an impressive array of medals adorning his chest. All in all, the combination of that face, those hypnotic eyes, and the regal bearing was lethal. She couldn’t take his eyes off him. She came down to earth when she heard him clear his throat, “Err…Naina. Is something wrong? You seem to be in a trance.”

Red heat crept up from her neck to her cheeks as she realized what she was doing…blatantly checking him out. She blushed to the roots and kept her hand on his extended hand, “So sorry, Raj. I have never seen anyone in such a magnificent uniform before. I hadn’t meant to stare.”
“Now you are hurting my feelings. Do you mean to say that only the uniform is magnificent? What about the man in it?”
She shook her head, “No…no I didn’t mean…,” and then broke off before narrowing her eyes, “Are you fishing for compliments or pulling my leg?”

Raj’s lopsided, amused smile didn’t help her cause, nor did his words as he bent and whispered in her ears, “Do you even know how transparent your eyes are? They just paid me the sexiest compliment.”
“Stop flirting Raj. You are incorrigible.” She grinned and then turned to lock the door after they had stepped out into the porch. Before they moved toward the car, Naina turned to Raj, “Thanks for coming. You need not have though. We would have managed.”

He turned to her with a seriousness that took her breath away, “Nothing in the world would have kept me away, Naina. This is my right.” He brushed a stray hair off her cheek, tucking it behind her ear, and then bent to place a lingering kiss on her forehead. The tender gesture almost did her in as Naina fought to curb the raw sob that nearly escaped her throat. She controlled herself and stored the beautiful moment in her cache of memories.

Rawin Mahal was lit up and looked spectacular in its grandeur. As they stepped through the door, Tanu, looking like a doll in a frilly frock, ran and hugged Naina, “Aunty, I have been waiting for you. Please put this on my head. Bela didi cannot do it. She is spoiling my hair.” She held a little tiara in her hand.
Naina knelt and adjusted it on her head, “There. Now you look like a little princess. As pretty as a fairy.”
Tanu shyly kissed Naina and went and stood next to Adi. He took her hand and both of them went in search of badi ma. By the time Naina went and greeted Ranima and had a final look at the kitchen, the first guests had started arriving.

One hour into the party, it was apparent that the evening was a huge success. Ranima introduced her grandson to everyone personally with such pride that it caused a lump to form in Raj’s throat. Soon the crowd moved into the ballroom where a live band played old, classic numbers. Raj guided his nanisa to the dance floor for the customary opening dance. Soon many couples joined them. Duty over, Raj’s eyes searched for Naina. She was nowhere, nor were the kids. He caught beeji’s eyes, who silently gestured toward the terrace. He weaved his way over to the terrace to find the most adorable scenario. Leaning against the door, he watched Naina dance a waltz with an imaginary partner, with Adi and Tanu following her as she taught them how to do the basic steps. She bent to adjust Adi’s hand behind Tanu, instructing him where exactly to keep it, as Tanu squirmed. She instantly made a serious face as Adi gave her a stern look and told her to concentrate. Naina straightened, trying hard to keep a straight face, and lifted her hand only to find it placed on Raj’s shoulder, who then proceeded to take her other hand and spin her around. “My dance, I believe.”

They danced in blissful silence before the kids nudged them and demanded they too be included. That’s how beeji found the four of them, dancing and laughing, as she came to call them for dinner. She stood watching them with her hands clasped to her bosom and eyes welling up and then looked up at the night sky as she wished, “Please God…if I have done any good in this life, then let this family come together to join for eternity.”
********************************************

“No arguments, Naina. I am going to stay the night and take you both to the temple tomorrow morning.”
“But Raj, you don’t have to. You are needed at the mahal. Someone has to see to the closure of the party. I would have stayed back had the panditji not given the dawn-breaking time for the puja. Adi has to wake up early and take a bath. And if you are worried about the security, then don’t. The two guards are good.”
It was only during the dinner that Raj came to know that the next day was Naina’s family’s death anniversary….a day on which she offered prayers in Chamunda Devi temple. For the past two years, Adi was performing the main puja.

Beeji stayed back at the mahal to help Ranima supervise the wrapping up. Tanu had slept on Naina’s lap midway during the dinner. Raj had changed into jeans and shirt and packed an overnight bag. Now, as he drove them to beeji’s house, Raj refused to give in to Naina’s demands that he go back after dropping them home, “Don’t be difficult, Naina. This is non-negotiable. I am not going anywhere.”
He smiled as Naina harrumphed and muttered, “Bully!”, and Adi giggled, “It’s fun when you both fight.”
Raj grinned, “I never fight, son. Your mother does. She is a real firecracker.”
And, then, to Naina’s consternation the two laughed aloud. She crossed her arms and glared at them, “What’s so funny? We’ll see how you like it if I go all quiet on you.”
Raj stopped the car in front of the gate as Adi jumped out, still chuckling. Raj turned in his seat and cupped Naina’s face, not smiling anymore, “Don’t say that, my love. I won’t know how to handle it if ever that happens. You are my miracle, and I will never let you lose your sparkle. I love you.” He caressed her cheek, her heart melting at the way he looked at her. As they got down from the car, Raj’s mobile rang.
“What? How did it happen? Has anyone called the fire brigade?... Yes!...The horses?...OK…OK…I am on my way.”
“What happened, Raj?
“The stables caught fire.”
“Oh my God! The horses…”
“They are all fine.” He held Naina by the shoulders, “Naina, I have to go, but I won’t be gone long. I’ll come back…OK? You take care.”
Before Naina could say anything, he turned toward the house and shouted, “Bahadur!!”
“Yes Sir!” One of the guards ran up to him.
“I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Be alert. Call me if you find anything unusual.”
“Yes Sir! One thing Sir, there is…”
Raj’s mobile rang again. He turned away, dismissing the guard with the wave of his hand as he spoke urgently on the phone. Once done, he strode to where Naina stood with her arms around Adi. Without any preamble, he pulled them in a tight hug, and whispered into Naina’s ear, “Be careful, love.”
“I will be, Raj. Don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine. Now go.”
Raj drove away after a lingering look at the two people who along with Tanu had become his life. “Tomorrow,” he promised himself, “Tomorrow after the puja. Somehow I will convince her.”

Naina sighed and unlocked the door, simultaneously answering Adi’s tumbling queries about the fire. She locked the door and kept the keys on the side table. They stood chatting at the front door for a few minutes, with Naina removing her jewelry. They then moved into the living room. Naina kept the jewelry and mobile on the center table and turned to ask Adi whether he needed any milk before turning over. Her eyes fell on a black coat that draped the leather chair…the same chair on which Raj sat just a few hours ago. She sucked in her breath as her eyes darted wildly around the room.

“Hello, wife!”
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To be continued……………