Chapter 16 Matter Of Pride.
1232 Words
Maithili smiled, and it looked like she understood Neerav and Naanima's intentions behind this marriage. She then said , " Naanima, is Raghu willing to marry me ? I don't want to be a burden on him. "
Naanima smiled and said, " Raghu has agreed to marry you."
Naav entered the ward with some snacks and tea for everybody and said, "Naanima, I got tea and snacks."
Naanima said, feigning indifference,"I don't want anything to do with liars."
"Please, Naanima, forgive me. I won't do it again." Naav implored.
Naanima said," Why did you lie, Naav? What is your reason this time?"
Naav hung her head in defeat and said, " I didn't want you to worry, and I had told Papa, and I was taking care of Maithili. So, I thought I would tell once she was discharged. "
Naanima said, "Naav, your reasons are vague.I had told you before not to hide anything from me ,we had discussed it, and what part of it you failed to understand?"
Naav had no come back, she was quite as a mouse looking for a respite.
Just then, they heard a knock on the door, drawing their attention away from the argument.
Naav squealed ,"Ohh! what a pleasant surprise."
There stood Aakash Satyadev, Raghunandan's best buddy, and also his classmate throughout their education right from kindergarten until they completed their masters in surgery at AIIMS. While in AIIMS, another student who was a year junior , Avinash Koushik joined the team, and the three were inseparable . Raghu, Aakash, and Avinash hung out together always .
Aakash Satyadev was a neurosurgeon. He had come to this same hospital where Maithili was admitted on consultation .He saw Naanima entering the ward, and so after finishing his work there, he thought of meeting her, and that was what he did.
Naanima was delighted to see Aakash.
Aakash cleared his throat and smiled, said, " May I come in?"
Naanima said , " Yes, of course ,Aakash, please come in Beta."
Aakash came in and bent down to touch Naanima's feet and said ,"Naanima, how are you? how are everyone at home?"
Naanima said," By God's grace, all are fine. How about you and everyone else at home?"
Aakash said, " Same there too ,Naanima, all are good."
Aakash turned to Naav and said," Hi Bachi, How are you ?
Naav said , " I am doing good,Aakash Bhaiyya."
Aakash looked at Maithili, who looked divinely beautiful even in that condition. As if on cue, Naav introduced Maithili to Aakash .
Aakash Bhaiyya," Meet my friend Maithili. She fell from the stairs and had a concussion, so she was here in the hospital."
Maithili, " This is Aakash Bhaiyya ,our relative , close family friend, and Raghu Bhaiyya's classmate."
Naav introduced them to each other.
Aakash said, " Hello Maithili, good to meet you. I am so sorry you had to go through this. Hope you recover soon.If you need any help, do let me know. "
Then he turned to Naav and said, " Naav, head injury is my field of expertise. So if you have any doubts, opinions, or treatment, you can bring in your friend. "
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The next day, early in the morning, Raghunandan and Neerav landed in Delhi. Naanima was so relieved and grateful to God to see them both home safe and sound.
When Raghu did'nt see Naav around ,he enquired about where she was. Naanima said that she was taking care of one of her friends in the hospital and will be returning today, but she did'nt divulge anything more.
Naanima told Neerav that she had convinced Maithili for the marriage. Neerav was exhilarated by the news.
He called Varun, Maithili's dad, and asked him if he could come over to his place to discuss some serious matter. He also added that it was related to Shalini's release from jail.
Varun consented without any qualms. They decided to meet the very that morning as Neerav did'nt want to delay this matter at all . He always believed (" Nek Kaam mai deri Nani"), which means one should never delay when one is doing the right thing.
Neerav had planned to meet Varun before Maithili got discharged and came back home and also when Varun's other two children were not home from their school as he wanted it to be confidential.
As scheduled, Neerav and Naanima arrived at Varun Pathak's residence with lots of gifts for everyone at home and all kinds of treats and desserts. Varun was apprehensive to know what was the reason for their visit. He had his doubts that Shalini was not the only reason they were here for, and he was right.
Naanima and Neerav were respectfully welcomed by Varun in his house. Varun's hospitality was indeed flawless. After exchanging pleasantries, there was a stretch of silence. The tension was palpable. Neerav spoke in a his usual confident tone breaking the silence, " Pathakji, I don't beat about the bush.We are here to ask for Maithili's hand in marriage with my son Raghunandan and as well as Shalini's release from jail."
Varun was flabbergasted. He did'nt know what to say. He just sat there staring at them like he was struck by lightening. Varun understood his predicament spoke breaking his trance, " Varunji, I know Maithili is too young for marriage, but this marriage will do her good. I promise you that she will live the life of a princess. I will take full responsibility for her like a father takes for his daughter."
Varun said," It is indeed matter of pride for us if Maithili weds your Son, Raghunandan but why Maithili ,when you can get the best girl out there for him, someone with similar status and background ?
Neerav said, "Varunji,there is no one better than Maithili. She is the perfect match for my son. Maithili is the best choice and our only choice for Raghu."
Varun was ecstatic. He had never dreamt of finding groom of such high status for his daughter. But he was not sure of what would be Maithili's opinion about getting married because her consent mattered to him. So he voiced his opinion. Neerav was happy that Varun cared about his daughter that her decision mattered to him.
Neerav understood one thing that Varun was not as pathetic and irresponsible as he thought of him as, however he won't deny whatever Varun had done in the past by not defending his daughter against Shalini's exploitation of his daughter was crime which was unforgivable.
Neerav Said," Varunji, your consent was very important and We know Maithili very well ,don't worry about her decision because My Mother in law has already talked to her and she had consented given you accepted.
Varun was happy. He said ,"Neeravji,all I have ever wanted was Maithili's happiness. I have failed miserably in giving her that happiness. I only hope she finds it in your house. "
Neerav said, " I will make sure of that ,I promise you, Varunji. "
If Varun said that he was relieved by knowing Neerav's intentions for his daughter, it would be an understatement. He thanked God a million times in his heart.
As Varun was lost in his blissful thoughts , Neerav spoke, " I want to tell you the most important most thing, Varunji,
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