124

The discussion had again picked up momentum...! Dhatri could hear clearly but failed to understand.  “Why are they arguing on the past?” She looked at the gift once again. 

“Past? What past do I have? The same painful and shameful past, my parents would dread to discuss openly... The girl who was kidnapped twice...” Her lips curled up in a bitter smile.  “What a glorious past I have...!”

“Disha, that was twenty six years ago... Its over...!” Bhanu was trying to convince Disha.  She remained unconvinced.  She wanted to know what happened exactly..! 

“Ok.  The fact is... They couldn’t get along .  Sanyogita and Sayajirao separated... Ravi stayed with him... Sanyogita moved on...!” Kalindi said as briefly as possible...! 

“A month old infant stayed with his father...!” Bhanu said with a bitter taste in his mouth for his wife...! Disha gauged his reaction and tried changing the track....!

....

“I mean... will it not be difficult for Papa to arrange ...? We should think about it too...! Ofcourse we are all there to help...!” Disha had changed the track successfully.  

“Umm... I had made arrangements....” Salil said weakly.  In fact for Disha’s marriage, he had emptied his savings and arrangements of all the three daughters...! 

“Oh! Don’t bother about it.. We will request them to keep it simple...” Indroneel was a spokes person of Ravi and Family.

“Disha, money is not a problem... you do not know...” Kalindi couldn’t complete as Disha had taken over again.  

“I mean, look at her age... She has not even completed her graduation... “ Disha appealed and for this both Nilima and Salil nodded.  Encouraged by this, Disha went ahead...

“Papa, you taught us to be strong.. independent... “ She said proudly.  “Encouraged us to pursue our dreams...!” she said and Nilima hung her head.  She knew, Dhaa had no ambition, no dreams to pursue... She was somehow trying to complete her degree with no plans to study further or take up a job...! 

“Papa.. I want to see her happy... satisfied... achieve something in her life... “ Disha was emotional.  Dhatri frowned with disgust... 

“What am I supposed to achieve? A 9 to 5 job? Take home some salary and feel the achievement, counting the notes? Bullshit...!” she clenched her fists...!

“And we have to think about Rini too...! She has gone through so much recently..! I am not sure about her decision now, with Vinit on wheel chair, disabled ...! I mean... everything is in the dark for now...! We must help her come out of this crisis...!” Disha went ahead.  Nilima nodded in acceptance.  Yes, her heart cried for Rini.  ‘Poor girl... only because she doesn’t speak about it... doesn’t mean she is not anguished, worried....! She must be thinking about her future too... !“ Nilima felt a stab in her chest.  She was rethinking...

“Why are we discussing about Dhaa? We should be thinking about Rini... “ She looked at Salil who reflected the same feelings. 

“Put an end to this futile discussion, Dhatri... Time to speak up...!” she said to herself and got up.  She missed her Rini Didi.  “She would have handled everyone... and saved me from all this...!” Dhatri’s throat hurt. 

 “You are your Rini Didi, Dhatri... Atleast for now...! Face it.. Put an end to all this..!’ she reprimanded herself.  Smile appeared on her face.  She is being Rini Didi..! Tough and solid like a rock.. A soldier! The thought itself was so encouraging and almost stood upright, straight like her Rini Didi.  She walked a few paces and again came back.  She pulled out her laptop...!

“Time for some action...! Rapid Action Force...!” she smiled and went outside....! The raised voices died out suddenly.  They all looked at her.  Dhatri in her,  shuddered with fright and Rini in her stood up....!

She opened her laptop.... ! Everyone gaped at her.  Pindrop silence prevailed... Her skype rang through.... Ravi’s figure appeared....! Indroneel closed in, in excitement.  

“Hey JL...!” Ravi could see her face and greeted pleasantly.  She raised her left hand and showed him the back of her palm.  He looked confused and when he realized, the blue tinge in his eyes darkened... smile appeared on his lips and soon spread all over his face... !

“I opened it now...!” she said with no guilt, taking her hand back.  “You liked it?” He asked happily...! She didn’t answer....! 

“Was it an offer?” She chose the best word...!

“Offer?” he asked surprised.  

“Umm... I mean Proposal...!” she corrected.  Others just looked at each other thoroughly confused.  Indroneel inched closer to hold Dhatri’s hand.  “Stop it!” she snapped at Indroneel..

“Yes!” Ravi answered.  

“Without any questions asked about our pasts?” she asked clearly, with no stutterring.

“Yes!” he said firmly.

“With no money spent?” she asked again.

“Yes!” he said...! 

“With no burden on our parents?” she confirmed.

“Yes!” he said.  

“With legal wedding, without any rituals...?” she asked remembering the boring rituals getting on to her nerves during Disha’s wedding.  

“No!” Kalandi jumped into the question-answer session hearing the word wedding...! . 

“Dhatri... may be with minimum rituals?” she urged.  Dhatri fell silent for a while... thinking hard what to ask next...! And then getting up and turning to others, said in what she thought to be a firm voice...

“Ok! Done! I accept the proposal...!” Ravi leaned forward in excitement...!

“Dhatri.....!” he said emotionally and Dhatri turned to face him.

“These people...” She panned the laptop to bring all of them into the frame...! Ravi looked at everyone thoroughly puzzled.  “Ravi..!” Kalindi was the first one to respond in her good senses.  She was happy...!

“Hey.. maasi...” Ravi greeted...! By this time Indroneel had grabbed Dhatri’s hand and was surveying the ring with wide eyes...!

But before he could utter anything, Disha burst out... “Are you out of your mind, Dhatri?”

Dhatri looked at her blankly.  “Am I?” she asked innocently and Nilima wiped her tears... Disha came into the picture.  Leaning forward to face the camera she spoke...

“Hi Ravi... Just ignore, ok?!.  She is upset...! We were just discussing the possibilities...!” she looked at others for support.  Dhatri had stepped back.  She felt sadness creeping in...! She had done this to stop the argument which would lead to new wave of arguments now...! Disha Didi was unstoppable.  She had taken up with Ravi, now...! 

“Dhatri...?” Ravi called out puzzled...

“Ravi... please.. don’t!” Disha spoke with authority and Ravi gaped at her.

“We need time... She needs time! She doesn’t know what she is doing...!” she said ready to log off.  But Kalindi spoke stepping forward...!

“Ravi... Saya... I mean is he there? Can I talk to him?” she asked looking at Ravi’s confused face.  He nodded and moved out of the frame.  

“Disha... please stop! Let me talk to Saya...!” She looked at Salil and he nodded placing his hand on Disha’s shoulder to stop her...! Dhatri had merged into background.  She ran out in the backyard, feeling a knot in her stomach.

“Rini didi..! Where are you?” Now a days her Rini Didi was never by her side in crisis... She had to handle everything by herself...! She ran towards Laxumbai’s cabin.  Dayal Kaka was on the bed.  She ran inside closing the door.  Dayal kaka looked at her in confusion.

“Dhaa?” he called out.  She sat on his bed without a word, fuming.  They didn’t speak for a long time...

“Why this is so complicated?” she asked in anguish.  Dayal kaka looked at her and asked... “Bhook Lagi hain? Are you hungry?” she only pursed her lips in response.  He smiled with twinkling eyes....!  She got up.. took two bowls, the container,  took quite a few fistful of rice flakes (Poha), poured milk in the bowl and looked around for ‘gud’ jagary container.  She stirred it till the gud got dissolved, made two part of the contents and brought bowls to the bed.  Dayal kaka smiled gesturing her to lap it up.  She did... after a few spoonful went into her belly, she felt better and smiled.  He was looking at her intently...

“Are you upset?” he asked she nodded.  They heard the loud yells... “Dhaa... Dhaa...!” Disha and Nilima were searching for her frantically.  She came out of the cabin...

“You don’t have to yell my name, Didi.. everyone around knows me...!” Dhatri yelled back.  Nilima came forward and held her hand.

“Come with me right now...!” she said dragging her.  “Ravi’s father is online...!” she whispered making sure that Disha was out of earshot.  Dhatri entered her house...!  

“Look...! BaBa.... This needs pooja.... Dhaa... I am so happy.... Look at the ring...!” Indroneel dashed forward and raised her hand in excitement and everyone saw the ring in her ring finger...!

“This is the one Ravi gave you at the airport...!” Indroneel concluded and Dhaa gave a nod. 

“I had not opened it...!” she said guiltily.

“BaBa.... Dhaa... Chalo...!” He dragged her to the pooja ghar...! In few minutes they heard the bells ringing to bring them back on earth.  Kalindi was the first to dash to pooja ghar, to bless Dhatri....! Disha stood rooted to the ground.  Dhatri again had failed her...! Disha was sure, Dhatri had blundered with her life by this decision...! 

Dhatri breathed a sigh, that she had put an end to all this ....! Ravi was on cloud nine that she accepted his proposal....! Sayajirao kept gazing at his son intently.... wondering the way things turned out....!

“Saya... I told them.... Some rituals will be there... and for you, it’s a must..!” Kalindi opened her mouth when things settled.  Sayajirao nodded and Ravi looked at him shocked.

“No Dad... You had promised...!” he said holding his hand.  “Sayajirao smiled from ear to ear... Yes ok.  But I was thinking of an Indian marriage in India...!” he said grinning and Ravi’s mouth fell open.  Does this mean he intends to visit India? He looked at his father questioningly and Sayajirao nodded happily.  Ravi’s protests died out... After twenty six years, Sayajiroa Dev was returning to his hometown....! Dhatri was instrumental in bringing him  back....! Ravi’s heart filled with love for his love... his Dhatri...! 

“Kalindi... “ Sayajirao looked around and found Avadhesh waiting with his wife...

“Avadh... and Kranti... Call Raheman... “ he said with a strange authority.  Avadh nodded and Kranti smiled happily.  “You two will do the needful...!” he gave them the authority and Kranti smiled smugly looking at Kalindi...

Another big revelation was on its way....which would blow Disha off....! 

 

123

“Why did you call me, Mamma? I already have missed so many lectures...!”She asked thoroughly irritated.  

“But I asked you to come over the weekend... not on Thursday... bunking your lectures...!” Nilima said smirking.  Dhatri was caught off guard.  

“Dhaa...!” Disha was at the door and Dhatri ran towards her.  

“Didi.. I don’t understand... Why you all are so worried about my future..? I will do something on my own to support myself...!” Dhatri said annoying Disha further.

“For God sake, Dhaa... Don’t create a scene when they are here...” Disha said grabbing Dhatri’s shoulder.

“Create a scene? Have you ever seen me even talking when your in-laws were here? I only talk to Bhanu Bhaiya...!” Disha jerked herself free.  “But I have a question... Why are they coming here?” Dhatri asked her mamma.  Nilima gave her a mysterious smile and Disha frowned....!

“Why can’t these people understand? “ she thought worriedly.  Kalindi, her brother in law Avadhesh and his wife Kranti were invited and Nilima seemed to be super excited.  

“What is so special, mamma?” Dhatri asked poking her mamma.  She smiled and said .. “Its about your future...” 

“Oh. Is it? Are you guys planning to arrange for an employment interview here?” She asked sarcastically and Nilima burst out in laughter...! 

“Your sense of humor is deadlier when you are annoyed,,, Dhaa...!” She patted on Dhaa’s cheek.  Dhaa turned and squeaked...

“Uncle.... What are you doing here?” Indroneel walked in ... in a very festive dress...!

“And what is this?  A typical Bongie dress...? What is special, uncle? “ She asked swinging his hand.  He grinned fanning the edge of his Dhoti.  His green silk kurta was shimmering...! Dhatri winked wickedly...!

“Have you come here to do the pooja, by any chance, uncle?” She asked in a whisper leaning towards him. 

“Haan? Jaya Jaya he Mahishasuramardini... Ramya kapardini Shailasute...? Haan?”  She mocked and he gripped her neck.

“Naak Ragado...” He pushed her towards Pooja Ghar holding by her neck... 

“Don’t make fun of god...!” he reprimanded.

“But I am not..! I am making fun of you...!” she said trying to turn back with a silly grin..!

“Don’t make fun of your Guru...! Naak Ragado...” he turned her forceably and pointed at his feet.   She again grinned...! 

“Jutain nikalo... remove your footwear...!” she said loudly and he released her turning to go out to remove his chappals...!  She vanished in no time...!

“Dhaa... come here!” He shouted on deaf ears...!”  

“Dhaa...!” Salil called out and Dhaa’s figure appeared at the door.  Looking at his stern face she dashed to Indroneel’s feet...! “Sorry Guruji...” she said waiting for his blessing.  He pulled her in his embrace...! 

“Bhalo...!” he patted on her head.  She rolled her eyes... “Why are you here?” she asked curiously and Indroneel ignored her turning his face and moved out.  She stomped.  

“No one is telling me, what’s going on...” she stormed out of the house to play with the neighbor’s five year old son Rajveer...! 

“Enjoy your meeting and decide my future... but mind you... I will do what I want to...!” she raised her finger looking back at her bustling house...!

It was eight in the evening when she walked in and froze at the door hearing heated arguments. 

“But, Disha... It’s not like that.... We are not taking any hasty decision... Ofcourse we will talk to Dhaa about it...!” Bhanu was pacifying furious Disha.  She shook her head in disapproval. 

“No Bhanu... I won’t approve of this.  We need to do the background check...!” she said glancing at Kalindi.

“But Beti... I am telling you... He is a thorough gentleman...! Please try and understand...! And we are not forcing anything on anyone... Its just a discussion...! “ she said mildly.

“Yeah... Baba.... I was so happy when I heard it...!” Indroneel said and invited the wrath of Disha.

“Please stay out of this, Dr. Ghosh... It’s a family matter...!” she snapped...! 

“Yeah.. Its a family matter... and I don’t see you all different from my family...” he said unaffected.  Dhatri clenched her fists standing behind the main door.

“How can Disha didi be so rude to uncle?” She frowned...!

“Indro...Sorry..!” Salil apologized.  “Never mind!” Indroneel dismissed and took the discussion further.

“He has made his intentions clear...! Saya has talked to me...! I am happy with it... And Disha you are right...! One should do the background check..!” Kalandi took a breath.

“Yes... You can talk to Mr. Rehman... One of his managers... you can talk to Avadhesh... his long time associate... Talk to me, Disha... “ Kalindi said urging.  Disha seemed unmoved.  Bhanu stepped in.

“Do you want to talk to his business associates?” he asked raising his voice a bit.  “I can give you the list...” Disha shook her head and then looking at each one of them asked firmly...

“What about his mother?” Kalindi’s mouth fell open in horror.  

“What? What about that? There was a breakup.. that's it...! She is not in their lives... Thats it!” Bhanu said as a matter of fact.  Disha shook her head.

“Why was the breakup...?” she asked and Bhanu gaped at his wife who proclaimed to be American ...! 

“For Godsake, Disha... Stop it!” Bhanu requested.  But Disha refused to look at him.

“Mamma-Papa... should we not be more careful...? Its a question of Dhaa’s life... We should know the reason for the breakup...!” she said sounding logical.  Everyone gaped at her.

“I will ask him about it...!” She took the decision for herself and Kalindi got up.

“Beti... Please... Don’t unearth the buried skeletons...! It will be pain and misery for Saya and Ravi...” Kalindi urged with heavy voice, her throat hurting.  

“Please... don’t get emotional, Maaji... I am just trying to bring to your notice and other facets of this issue...!” Disha held Kalindi’s hand.  

“Its about my younger baby sister...! I must know... everything about the two... “ she said calming down a bit. 

“I will tell you everything Disha... I am her sister... Please please... don’t ask anything about this to Saya...” Kalindi looked at Nilima for support.  

“Anguish... Painful? Ravi’s mother? “ Dhaa stood rooted to the ground ....! 

“Ravi has a painful past? He never told me anything about it...!” She thought.  “But why would he tell me and why should I be bothered to know, what happened in the past?” she asked herself questioning herself, whether she really wanted to know about Ravi’s past...!

“If it is so painful...why should I know? Why should he tell this to anyone? Will my life change if I knew?” she asked herself confused.  And then the things got Christel clear...!

“She wouldn’t ask Ravi or his father anything... That wouldn’t change anything in their life... No one else had the right to dig out the pain and anguish...! “ She stepped in.  Everyone stopped talking and looked at her startled.  She dashed into her room and heard faint murmur from the hall.  People had resumed their discussion.

She opened the bag... took out the gift packet and with slightly shaking hands, tore opened the box....! Her eyes popped out...mouth fell open.. her throat went dry...!

The discussion outside and the gift inside made sense...!

*****  *****  *****

122

They were speechless… stunned… shocked…! Nilima and Salil looked at each other helplessly…! They couldn’t ask Rini, why she risked Dhaa’s life! It was Vinit’s life at stake…and he was her life! They couldn’t bear the thought of Dhatri’s suffering…!

“Mamma…” Rini tried to hold Nilima’s hand to explain.  Nilima avoided looking at her daughter and looked away clutching on to Salil’s arm.  Guilt stabbed Rini…! She had caused pain and anguish…!

“Its.. Ok Rini…! Let us wait ….!” Salil could only say with hurting throat…!

“Rini…!” Ravi walked in with Suresh and she held back her tears.  He pulled her in his arms and patted on her shoulder.  He looked around and walked towards Salil and Nilima.   “Vinit’s parents…!” Salil introduced and he shook hands.  

“Can I meet the Doctors?” he said taking over instantaneously.  Virender nodded.  “His round at 1400 hours …” he said and Ravi turned to Suresh.  Suresh looked at Rini for support and she hung her head saying… “I told them….!” Guiltily.  Suresh took a sigh.  He had to tell everything to Ravi…! Ravi and Suresh went out to talk over a cup of tea…!

“Why, Swarnima? Why did you risk her life..?” Virender asked her angrily.  “I.. I just wanted my son …. !” her voice trailed looking at the couple Salil and Nilima…! In a desperate haste of saving her son’s life, she had risked someone’s daughter’s life…! Guilt took over.  Nilima looked away dejected….! She held Salil’s hand… 

“Let’s go inside…!” she said pulling him a bit.  Swarnima and Virender got up too! They walked towards the hospital waiting room.  .  

“Dharini Dixit…!” A public address system in the waiting room, announced and they looked at each other. “Lt. Dharini Dixit, please contact the Chief Medical Officer… Col. Revati…”

Ravi got up with a jerk.  Gesturing everyone to stay where they were, he walked out with Rini to meet the CMO.  Afterall he felt, Dhatri was his responsibility too….!  

Nilima and Salil waited with bated breath.  Swarnima tried to say something, but words failed her.  Virender had no words to apologize for his wife for risking Dhatri’s life.  They only had to wait helplessly….!

“Who are you?” CMO was asking Ravi and Rini responded … “He is family!” Ravi looked back relieved hearing Rini’s voice.  The Doctor explained the situation… ! Dhatri had a severe seizure…A Grand-mal… and she needed care and tests…! Rini gaped in horror.  Ravi’s brain working super fast … he asked… “You mean, do we have to shift her for better treatment?”

“Oh! No! We have the best Doctors…” The CMO said with pride looking at Rini.  Ravi understood that he had inadvertently hurt the Military Pride.  

“I am sorry… I never meant to doubt your capabilities…! Indian Army services is one of the best in the world…!” he praised getting hold of the situation.  

“I just want to ask, what will be the line of treatment…!” he said softly and the CMO opened Dhatri’s file…!

**********  *********

“What is this? Why did he go there?” Disha was furious to know, Ravi had reached….! Bhanu looked at her and said in a calmer tone… “He had time, sweetheart and he said he will go there and update me on the situation…!” Disha seemed to have cooled down a bit.

“Yeah… He can squeeze in time whenever he wants…! It hardly affects his business…”  she said bitterly.  Bhanu shook his head…! “Disha.. his is a 100 million company…!” he tried to pump in some sense in her…!

“Yeah.. such a big company…. He has people to do everything… he can get time for himself…” she said changing color…! Smile appeared on Bhanu’s face.  

“Sweetheart… let us plan our trip to India… “ he said pointing at the fact that she had earned a paid vacation for eight days encashing her overtime…!  She smiled sweetly at her success…!

“Yeah..!” she said and picked up her note pad to jotdown the to-do list…! Bhanu took a sigh.  He had not told her anything about Dhatri’s condition…!

***********  **********  ********

“Dhatri...!” She opened her eyes and saw Ravi at her bed staring at her unblinkingly...! She looked around to find no one.  He took her hand in his.  She had no energy... she felt weaker.  She closed her eyes and a droplet rolled down from the corner of her eyes... ! She remembered last night’s ordeal and stirred restlessly.  

“Shuuu... Don’t move...!” he pressed her shoulders gently.

“Ravi.... Vini.... I... I... “ she tried to move.

“Dhatri... Its ok.  !” he placed her head on the pillow and raised the headrest a bit.  She could see him blinking to send back his tears...!

“Is he ok?” she asked anguished...! “Was it a failure?” She tried to gauge his expression.  She had passed out exhausted...! Was she able to help? She didn’t know..! She opened her eyes in horror...!“Rini Didi...?” she asked and he shook his head.  

“Dhaa.... !” he tried to pacify her.  “Rini Didi?” she again asked jerking away his hand. 

“She is with Vinit...!” he said finally and she looked up at him with hope.

“Is he ok?” she asked holding his hand for support.  He stroked her and leaning forward, said.. “Dhatri... don’t think about it...!” 

“Ravi... Please... I want to know..!” she said with efforts rolling up her eyes again and passed out ...!

“Dhatri....!” Ravi ran out for help...! Dhatri went into deep slumber... into nothingness...! She had felt something was terribly wrong...! She was trying... She was fighting... She was struggling... But some greater power was pulling her back... blocking her energy... She couldn’t feel the connection.... “No... No... Please... I want to help... Please... “ she was fighting a losing battle...

“No.. Baby... You can’t do anything... She is gone, already...!” Grumpy was pulling her back...

“No! I can help... I want to help... He is still breathing... Breathing... “ She staggered... The darkness thickened...! 

“Breathe... breathe....!” she murmured while her fingers moved on his body... “Breathe... Breathe....” she fell down as something sucked her breath out...! 

“Breathe....” she moved her fingers with lightening speed on the wounds.... the warmth entering his body... He shuddered... hicking up... the monitors beeped... Someone came rushing in... Dhatri was pulled out of the Intensive care unit...! 

*********  ********

“I am sorry...!” Swarnima dropped down ...! Nilima dashed forward and pulled her up. 

“Shuu... Please stop... Stop!” he patted on her shoulder, tears gushing out uncontrollably.  They all had seen Dhatri’s condition in the morning visiting hours when she had regained her consciousness...!  Rini was with Vinit and Ravi had not left Dhatri.  Nilima took Virender and Swarnima out and Dhatri held Ravi’s hand...!

“I tried my best... “ she murmured.  “Dhaa... Please... pray... pray...!” he too joined his hands and prayed... “Mari mai... Mari mai...!” 

“Mr. Ray...” Suresh dashed in excitedly.  Ravi looked alarmed...! “He is improving...!” he said looking at Dhatri and she smiled faintly closing her eyes....!

“Suresh...No one should know...!” she warned weakly.  Every body knew already....!

*************  ******

“OH! Come on Papa…! This is not the time to discuss…!” Disha dismissed the discussion… But Vinit’s father continued… 

“That boy is a gem of a person…!” He said and everyone nodded.   “Yeah.. may be… !” Disha too gave in.  She didn’t want to drag the discussion further.  Ravi had gone back once the things settled.  Dhatri and Suresh were sent back against their will...!

 Dhatri had the second severe seizure in the night… twice in twenty four hours, which raised an alarm.  She was found unconscious in the hospital near ICU sector.  Vinit’s health improved…! His wounds healed faster than expected.  His life support system was withdrawn and he was on non intrusive ventilator...! Soon that too was removed and he was declared out of danger...!

Disha landed and dashed to the hospital.  Nilima couldn’t control herself and Disha took over.  Rini felt better... ! 

“Rini... Don’t worry... Everything is going to be fine....!” She said hugging her sister Rini.  Bhanu watched them from a distance.  

Salil fell short of words praising Ravi and Virender had almost found his son in Ravi.  He had helped them in these days of crisis understanding the problems,  not discussing them...! He was always there for everything they needed....! Nilima was overwhelmed ... Swarnima was grateful and Rini was proud to have Ravi around.  Dhatri hardly talked to him and didn’t mind he helping her.  That was a great leap too...! Vinit once winked at Rini when Dhatri and Ravi helped each other feeding him soup...! Rini turned her face hiding her tears...!

“RaDhaa...” He murmured seeing them going out and Rini looked at him surprised.... He beckoned her closer and whispered in her ears... “RAvi’s DHAAtri...” She wiped her tears kissing him on his cheek....!