Chapter 14 We Will Figure Out Something
1046 Words
" What if I say that I am not a disobedient brat and I will obey you?" Raghu said nonchalantly.
Neerav stilled unable to believe what he heard. Raghu walked closer to Neerav's bed and sat down, pulling out a chair with a smirk on his face.
Neerav said, " What... what did you say?"
Raghu said, " You heard me."
Neerav continued," You mean..... you mean..." Raghu interrupted, " I will marry Maithili."
Neerav was exultant to finally have his wish granted by his son. How he had hoped against hope for this to happen. He didn't know if he was dreaming or if it was real.
He held Raghu 's hand and cupped his cheeks to confirm that and then looking into to his eyes he said, " Raghu, you have no idea how happy you made me today by agreeing to this marriage. I assure you that you will not be disappointed. Maithili is a gem of a girl who has suffered a lot in her life. She is the best choice. You will soon understand why I forced this marriage on you, and you will thank me for that."
Raghu said," So you understand that this is a forced marriage, don't you? If given a choice, I wouldn't marry Maithili, not in a million years. I am doing it for you."
Neerav sighed and said," I know that, but don't say this to Maithili, please. Don't break her heart."
Raghu said, " Dad , one more thing....I am leaving to Harvard for my research after marriage. "
Neerav understood the reason. It was very clear that he wanted to avoid Maithili, but that didn't deter him from standing his ground. He believed that it was all for the good, and that was his gut feel.
Neerav nodded in affirmation........
The Police came to Varun's house with an arrest warrant, and Shalini was arrested and taken away. Varun was so nonplussed. He didn't feel anything for Shalini, which surprised him. When the police took Shalini into the custody, he neither felt sad or anxious. He was unaffected. He had come to realize that he had let the matter go too far where his wife's cruelty towards Maithili was concerned. He never anticipated that Shalini would go to such lengths to hurt her.
His children from Shalini, saathvik, and Sanika had come home from school and were asking for their Mom. He felt so disheartened because he didn't know how to tell them about what had transpired.Disappointment marred his features. He sat down, clutching his hair, and didn't answer his children who were looking questioningly at him.
Saathvik walked up to his Dad and asked ,"Dad, what happened? what happened to Mom?"
Finally mustering up the courage Varun said. " She ..she .. got arrested for hurting your Didi."
Saathvik was shocked, his face paled instantaneously. He was well aware of his Mom 's crimes against his sister and was never in favour of it. He was the only one at home who pointed out the injustice that his Mom inflicted on Maithili. But then he was too young to be taken seriously. He had also tried explaining it to his coward of a Father, but it didn't work. Now, where has it gotten them all?he thought.
Sanika was baffled. she said,"What? H...how ... Dad....Why ....? this can't be happening."
She continued, " This is nonsense .Mom never hurt her. Did she complain? She is such an ungrateful brat."
Saathvik snickered , "Like Mother like daughter. What can anyone expect from you, Sanika? Mom has always ill treated Didi. Anyone with eyes could see that.Whatever happened was bound to happen sooner or later.If only people had intervened and stopped Mom from hurting Didi over and over, things would not have turned out so sour." He glared at his Dad implication clear in his expression.
Varun clapped his eyes on Saathvik with accusation clear in them and said," Saathvik, don't guilt trip me because it is of no use. I have tried to correct Shalini many times, but she never listened. It has been a long time coming. she has dug her own grave, and nobody is responsible for what happened. She brought it up on herself. "
Sanika said," Dad, Saathvik? there is no use bickering on what happened already ,we should think about how to get out of it. I knew this girl was trouble. Mom was right, Didi is unauspicious. She can only bring bad luck to us."
Varun was shocked to hear such atrocious words from Sanika for her sister. He said," Sanika, your Mom has done the worst job raising you. I thought you were different from your Mom, but I was wrong. If you continue in your Mom's footsteps, you too will end up like her. Fix this attitude of yours before it's too late."
Sanika looked at her Dad with tears in her eyes and said, " I am sorry, Dad."
Displaying forbearance ,Varun spoke again," Sanika, don't despise you, Didi. She is an innocent child. I know your Mom has brainwashed you against her. You have seen how unfair she has been towards Maithili, and still you believe what she says? I am a sinner too, Sanika, for I couldn't stop Shalini.Today, she landed in jail because of her stubbornness. you don't become another Shalini."
Saathvik and Sanika had not visited Maithili since she was hospitalized.
Varun said," Kids, you have not visited your Didi. Shall we go to the hospital tomorrow together? I went to the hospital today, but she was too deep in sleep. I couldn't talk to her, and as far as your Mom is concerned, we will figure out what to do .She has gone too far this time, breaking all records in hurting Maithili. Can you believe she planned her fall? "
Saathvik said, " Dad, we will go visit Didi tomorrow. But ... pl.. please ....help Mom get out of jail. I know she is wrong, but she is our Mom. Please give her one more chance to change." Then the kid broke down sobbing bitterly.
Varun held both his children in a hug and, consoling them, said, " We will figure out something. Don't worry ,everything will be fine."
**********************************************
- Writer
