138

“Do you really believe what she said?” Swarnima blurted the question after almost a day after mulling over the fall of events... Apparently all of them seemed to have bought the story.  None of them had met Sayajirao before...! Salil shook his head.

“But we can’t afford to take chances.... Its over.... let us drop the matter...!” he said gravely. 

“Wish I could talk to Rini...!” Nilima blurted, still not wanting to believe...!

“Yeah... But she is on that Joint Military Exercise...!” Blurted Salil in despair.  

“I think, you should talk to Indroneel Bhaisaab...!” Nilima suggested...

“But why, Nilima? We have already decided... “ Salil said confused.  Nilima didn’t answer but decided to call Indroneel herself.  She had seen Ravi taking care of Dhatri, getting worried about her.  Rini had told her how much he cared for Dhaa.  She never mentioned anything ill about his father.  Rini would have told Nilima if she had sensed something weird....! On the contrary, Rini had all the praises for Sayajirao...! Except for Disha and now Sanyogita, all the family members loved Sayajirao... Even Kalindi was on his side.  Nilima couldn’t digest what was told to her by Sanyogita...! 

“If a man can take care of an infant child and turn him into such a good human being, how can he himself be so cruel and pervert...?” She failed to understand.  She glanced at Swarnima who was staring at her intently.  

“We should have insisted on meeting Ravi’s father, before calling the marriage off...!” Swarnima reflected Nilima’s thoughts.  

“There’s no smoke without fire... “ Virender spoke gravely. 

“But this is so hard to believe...!” swarnima protested weakly.  

“Why can’t we just call him up and ask the truth...?” Nilima asked agitated..

“We just did that.. We called him up to say NO!” Salil said trying to put an end to the discussion. 

"But we didn't ask him the truth.. We just conveyed our decision...!" Swarnima said.

"What do you think, we should have asked, Swarni? That what was the reason for divorce? Is it true, what we heard? That you are a pervert, Torturing your wife, Giving her physical pain, making her sign on the divorce papers, throwing her out, snatching away a month old child?" Virender shot up frustrated.  Nilima felt a know in her stomach.  Ravi’s face flashed before her eyes.  “He will be heartbroken...” she turned her face.

“And what about Dhaa?” Swarnima asked pulling all of them out of their thoughts and bringing them to the common factor.  

“What about her? We will talk to her, convince her.. I am sure, she will understand..” said Virender and Swarnima shook her head hopelessly.  “You do not know, what she is made up of... “ Nilima thought ... Dhatri never accepted anyone changing her decision and she would go to any extent to prove her point...!

“But then, why didn’t Rini told us anything about it? In fact, she was very happy when we broke the news about Dhaa and Ravi’s wedding...” Nilima asked.

“How would she know? Man’s social life and personal life, are two different things, Nilima... you wouldn’t know how a person behaves with his wife in the bed.. I mean in their private life...” Salil said little ambarrassed.   Nilima looked away awkwardly...! 

“Thank god! Dhatri has her exams... We will think about it later... Let her give her exams first...” Salil said running his fingers through his hair.  

*********  ******

She went ahead a few meters and turned ... He was still standing there shocked to the core.  She understood, her face contorted with rage.. “Fine..!” She came back, stood before him glaring at him and then said.

“Its over... Goodbye..!” she walked past him and he held her hand pulling her aside.

“No, Dhaa... wait...!”   he pleaded.  She turned her face away from him. 

“Dhatri.. listen to me... just for once..!” he urged she was unmoved.

“Dhatri.. please...!” she turned her face. A bitter smile appeared on her face.  “Its ok Mr. Ray Dave.. I understand...Its easier said than done...!” she said contemptuously.  He shook his head hopelessly.  He knew... she wouldn’t listen to any argument, nothing will change her mind.  He placed his hands on her shoulder looking into her defiant eyes.  

“Ok.  Let us get married... Now!” he said and she turned to walk with him.

“Which temple?” he asked.  She pouted her lower lip and shrugged.. “Don’t know!”

“Ok!” he said looking around for a temple, thinking hard.  He needed to give her some time to cool down, then only he would be able to convince her.

“Do we need any preparation?” he asked glancing at her.  “Don’t know..!”

“We need a priest, Dhatri..!” he was sure about this and she looked lost.  

“And a few witnesses...!” he said and she stopped.  That meant they would be informing others about their marriage... She was not ready for that.  She wanted to get that over ASAP.

“Witnesses? Why?” she asked.  Clearly, she didn’t know anything about formalities of a legal marriage which she had agreed to. 

“How would others believe us, then?” he asked reasonably and she fell silent, slowing down considerably.  Disha Didi’s wedding rituals flashed before her eyes and she winced. 

“We will go in for Registered Marriage...!” she had an alternative.  

“That requires a notice period..!” he said gravely looking sad.  She stared at her toes for a while.  They had reached the cross roads and he saw the temple across the road.  

“Temple... Look!” he stopped Dhatri and she looked at him.  He seemed to be taking initiative now.  She felt better. She looked up.

“Shivji Temple...!” her mood brightened up.  She looked up smiling broadly and he drowned himself in her dimples.  He gave in... surrendered to her wish, ready to get married....! 

“Let’s go...!” she left him behind in excitement and crossed the road without bothering about the oncoming traffic.  His heart skipped a beat hearing the screeching breaks and yelled swearing...! “Careful..” he raised his hand.  She had already reached the stairs of the temple and then had realized that she had left him behind.  He still was across the road trying to weed through the heavy traffic...!  She frowned.

“Iss ko toh haath pakadkar laana padega...I have to help him cross the road and bring him to this side...” she turned and stopped abruptly.  A scooter had stopped inches away from him.  Dhatri saw her remove her helmet, shake hand with Ravi.  Her frown deepened... ! Afroz was talking to Ravi grinning broadly, holding Ravi’s hand.  Ravi too was giving her his captivating, special smile.  She decided otherwise and stopped folding her arms on her chest... apparently very patiently.  

 Ravi had the opportunity to buy some more time talking to Afroz....! He glanced across the road to find Dhatri waiting for him... !!

“Fine... if she is that important, I will go ahead alone.. “ she muttered angrily and turned to climb the stairs of the Mandir. 

 “Lagata hain, ab mujhe khud hi se shaadi karani padegi...How am I going to get married alone?” she banged her forehead.  She thought of waiting for him to show up, but then he was busy having a little  jovial chat with Afroz... Dhatri’s rage shot up.... “Its never, now Mr. ABCD..” She went inside ringing the huge bell hung, reverberating inside her head like a warning gong....!!

137

“Where are you taking me, Dhaa?” he asked trying to break her speed.

“Canteen...!” she said and he sighed.  “I am hungry..!” she added and he smiled.

“Ok...!” he walked with her.  

“You want to invite your friends to join us?” he asked further when she ordered for herself a sandwhich, tea and he preferred to have coak.  

“No!” she said curtly.  He sipped the aireted drink and contorted his face with the strong burp.  She chomped on silently.  

“Your....” he opened his mouth at the same time when she opened hers to burst out...

“I don’t understand...” she looked at his grave face and stopped.  He too had stopped hearing her speak up.

“You tell..!” she said.

“Your parents called yesterday night..!” he said and she looked up shocked.

“Already??!! So eager to....” she thought apprehensively.  He continued.

“...Calling it off...” he said tracing the rim of the glass with his finger refraining from looking at her.

“What?” she was aghast, shocked....! He looked away. 

“Dhaa... where were you? “ Ragini yelled from the entrance and Dhatri banged her back on the chair.  Ravi gulped the soft drink.  

“Ray? When did you come?” Ragini came in and pulled the chair.  Dhatri looked lost.  Ravi came back to his senses.  “Hey...How you doing?” he asked and Ragini smiled excitedly and then looking at Dhatri’s lost state asked...

“Dhatri, what happened?” she held Dhatri’s hand looking at Ray.

“Nothing...!” Dhatri said dismissively and Ragini glanced at Ray for some explanation.  He didn’t answer but sipped the drink. Poorva and Suresh entered deep in discussion about the project Demo set up.  After initial pleasentaries with Ravi, they settled down for the project discussion.  Dhatri still was lost not taking part in anything, not even eating the remaining food.  Ravi too was lost but he had controlled himself and was pretending to be attentive in the discussion.  

“Was that her decision to call off... or was there something else? She looked shocked when I told her about the phone call...!” he thought glancing at Dhatri.  He badly wanted to be with her alone.  The friends were crowd for him.  Dhatri had withdrawn from everything.  She suddenly got up grabbing her purse and picking up her bag.  

“Dhaa... where are you going?” Ragini asked bewildered.  Ravi gaped at her figure going away from him.  

“What happened to her?” Poorva sensed the gravity and went behind Dhatri.

“Dhatri...!” she stopped her placing her hand on Dhatri’s shoulder. 

“Leave me alone...!” Dhatri snapped and Poorva gaped in disbelief.  By now, she knew this behaviour of Dhaa and she force dragged Dhatri with one hand and took her to the hostel courtyard.

“Tell me what is it..!” Poorva threatened.  Dhatri didn’t want to tell anything about her breakup with Ravi.  She tried to divert...

“Its Rini Didi... Her phone is switched off and she had not called in weeks... I miss her...!” Dhatri gave a reasonable answer.  Poorva narrowed her eyes.  

“Did you try her office number...?” she asked and Dhatri nodded.  “Yeah.. several times... She is busy with that Indo-US joint exercise, it seems.  !” Dhatri looked away in despair... Poorva sighed.  

“Look Dhaa... this is our last exam.  Concentrate on the project, right now... Ray and his partner are already here.  We need a successful demo... !” Poorva said reasonably and Dhatri nodded. 

“Yes... Ok.!” She said moving away.  “These people....!” she clenched her fists in rage. 

...... ...... .....

Ravi’s phone rang.  “I am at the main gate...!” she barked and Ravi abruptly stood up excusing himself from the discussion... 

“Excuse me... Its urgent...!” he said moving out of the canteen to the others’ bewilderment.  He dashed to the main gate...

“Ravi...!” she held his hand.  “Do you still want to marry me?” she asked huffing, going breathless.

“Yes, Dhatri..!” he pressed her palm lightly.  

“Ok. Chalo ..” She said turning away.

“Where?” he asked.

“Some nearby Mandir... we will get married there..!” she said walking down the street... Ravi was dragged behind her.

“What?” he tried to stop her.  She turned.  “You heard it right...! We are getting married right now...!” she said looking at Ravi’s ghostly face.

“No....Dh..aa!” Ravi didn’t move an inch.

“Its now or never...!” she threatened. Ravi dug his fingers in his hair, totally lost.  Dhatri didn’t bother to look back.  She moved farther away from him.  

****  ****

“I don’t care, Vicky...!” Vinit snapped.  Vicky looked helpless.  Vinit had made up his mind to find Rini out, with or without the help of MI.  He was not discharged, still on Rehabilitation...!  He didn’t bother either.  The only person knew about his plans was Vicky and he tried his level best to stop Vinit in vain.

“Vicky... Promise me.. you will look after Amma-Abba...!” Vinit, for the first time showed some softer emotions.  Vicky nodded with teary eyes.  

“Vinit... For God Sake.. please, don’t do this...! I will open the official channels..” he said holding Vinit’s hand.  Vinit took a step back and looked into his eyes.

“I have to go Vicky... I will be back with her...” he was determined.  “Or both will perish..” he blurted turning his back on Vicky and that damn rehabilitation camp, slightly limping with his left leg.  

“Hawk.. wait... wait...” Vicky ran after him.

“Look... I have a plan... “ he said holding Vinit’s hand.  Vinit looked at his face.

“Please... listen to me... I have a plan... Let us discuss on our way.. I will get the vehicle...” Vicky ran towards his half ton vehicle and Vinit took out his phone, dialing a number.  He must keep the Plan B ready... in case....!

****  ***  ****

Sanyogita stared at the half empty glass with a smirk.  “I told you, Saya.. I will come back... into your lives... my dear Ex-husband and my dear ex---  no no... not ex... my dear son...” She closed her eyes humming and sipping her drink.  She dialled Disha’s number.

“Disha.. your baby sister is safe now... the marriage is called off...Its over...!” Sanyogita tried to hide her triumph sounding very serious.  After all she was protecting the interest of Disha, her daughter in law, her nephew’s wife!! 

“Thank you!” Disha was grateful... she lost words... she didn’t know how to thank Sanyogita who selflessly had met her parents and convinced them.  Her sister was saved from those perverts... Father and son...! The father who tortured his wife beyond limits, both physically and mentally and the son who already had a couple of serious relationships and had breakups...! 

. 

136

Poorva watched Dhatri eating the food like a starved person for ages...! Ragini kept stroking on her head.  Dhatri looked up at Poorva with full belly.  Poorva sighed.

“What was that, Dhaa?” Poorva asked worriedly.  Dhatri didn’t answer.  She drew the blanket and turned her back on her friends.  Both Ragini and Poorva looked at each other, worriedly.  Dhatri was becoming more difficult now a days.  

Next day Dhatri woke up with her phone ringing.... Nilima had called to ask her to come home for a day as it was very urgent.  Dhatri’s heart skipped a beat.  Nilima assured her that everything was fine and they just wanted to discuss some urgent matter with her.

 “Dhaa.. please... just for a day...!” Nilima pleaded and Dhatri shook her head. 

“Mamma... Please.... I don’t have time... my project exam is on Monday and I need to prepare...” Dhatri said irritably.  

“Dhaa... I know.. but please... just for a day...please...” Salil took phone from Nilima.  Dhatri disconnected frustrated.  

She picked up her bag and came out.  Poorva and Ragini were returning after their breakfast.

“What? Where are you going?” asked Ragini bewildered seeing Dhatri all set to go.

“Home... For a day! Mamma had called up...” Dhatri blurted and ran out of the gates to board the bus.

****  ****  ****

“What’s so important, Mamma? I have my project evaluation on Monday and that ABCD is already breathing on our neck with the code review....!” Dhatri barked when Nilima opened the door.

“Shuu.... Dhaa stop it...!” she said in a hushed voice.  Dhatri looked around.  She saw those familiar faces of Swarnima, Virender, Salil, Laxumbai, Dayal Kaka.... And Salil moved away.... Dhatri saw her with gaping mouth.  She was sitting on the sofe fanning herself with the news paper in the presence of full blow of the cooler, Salil had dragged in front of her.  She stopped and looked behind at Nilima.

“Now what...?” Dhatri asked raising her eyebrows and Nilima ushered her inside.  

*********  **********

“Yeah... I understand...! Its  over...” Dhatri said stepping out of the house holding Nilima’s hand.  Nilima couldn’t stop her tears...!

“Dhaa... I am sorry...!” she said sadly and Dhatri nodded understandingly.  “I understand Mamma...” she said looking beyond Nilima at her father leaning against the wall for support and she saw a smile on HER face....! 

“We all are concerned about you...!” She came forward and hugged Dhatri lightly and Dhatri moved away with a jolt.  

“I am going...!” she said not looking at anyone and turned her back on the house full of people.  As she turned away from her house, her anger shot up...! She dialled the number frantically...

“Didi... pick up the phone... please.. Rini Didi, pick up the phone...!” she yelled in frustration....

********  ********

“Dhatri, are you ok?” she heard the voice and lost her control.

“Where were you? I was trying to contact you since when...!” she barked and the passanger next to her in the bus, looked at her startled.  She ignored.

“I am in Mumbai, Dhatri...!” came his soothing voice and she calmed down a bit.

“meet me...!” she ordered.

“Ok. I will come as soon as possible...” he said.

“I am going back to the collage...” she said giving him the hint that he should meet her on the campus.

“Ok. I will be there...!” he said and she disconnected.

***********  *********

“Sir!” he saluted and Lt. Gen. AK Singh, Southern Command rose from his seat.

“Maj. Vinit... My Boy!” he shook hands with Vinit gesturing him to draw the chair...

“You seem to be in pain...” he said aghast.  Vinit folded his arms on his chest in defiance. 

“What made you come here, my boy?” asked Lt. Gen. AK Singh and Vinit glared at him.

“You are not declared fit as yet, Maj. Vinit, to join the duty...” Vinit refrained from answering. 

“Where is she?” he demanded and AK Singh swallowed hard.

“Don’t worry... We won’t give up on her...!” he said seriously and Vinit searched into his eyes suspiciously.

“Where is she?” he asked again.

“We do not know!” was the answer.

“Fine..!” Vinit clenched his fists.  “I will find out!” he was determined.

“We could trace upto Kutt...!” Vinit heard the same stale answer. He got up from his seat, heavily leaning on his walking stick.  

“Not possible...!” he was confident.  To reach Kut.. one had to cross Iranian borders twice which was almost impossible.. or one has to travel through Turkmenistan, Caspian sea Azerbaijan,  Turkey, Syria... And then move down south without notice was another impossibility.

“Not in Iraq...!” Vinit said confidently and Singh shook his head.  

“I know...!” he said... Vinit turned to leave...

“Wait...” Lt. Gen. AK Singh tried to stop him.

“I will find out...!” Vinit turned and Singh shook his head. 

“The chances of their survival are bleak, my boy...!” he blurted in pain.  His three top warriers had gone missing on an unknown mission.  Vinit waited for further information, though he knew, nothing much was going to be disclosed.  

“They crossed Pakistan Borders...!” Vinit concluded...

“Maj. Vinit, we are doing our best... The team was officially assigned the rescue of the Indian medical workers stranded in Iraq... ! You know such undercover operations to aid diplomatic channels...!” Vinit listened.  

“You know the terrain! In that hostile weather, their vehicle went missing after they could rescue 34...! They were to reach Kabul in three days...! The team couldn’t make it...! The convoy will return anytime in next week and if we don’t trace our men, we have to....!”

“No..! She was not a part of that so called rescue mission, Sir!” Vinit raised his finger threateningly which otherwise would cause insubordination.  Lt. Gen. Singh sighed. Vinit continued...

“I want my discharge papers...!” Vinit demanded.

“What? You are here, without your discharge papers?” Lt. Gen. Singh asked in disbelief.  Vinit glared at him. “No one should know about it..!” he knew the consequences.... Vinit opened the door to move out....

“If you need logistics and support....” Singh’s voice trailed off as Vinit walked away...

“Sir...!” he again had walked in to startle Lt. Gen. Singh.  He looked up...

“BSF..?” he asked with some hope but Singh shook his head.

“No...!” he said and Vinit left his office....

**********   *********

Next morning Dhatri waited anxiously ... 

“Dhatri...!” Ravi had reached the campus.  She darted to meet him...

“Dhatri.. you ok?” he asked concerned.  

“No. I am not...!” she said as if in a hurry.

“What is it, Dhaa?” he asked trying to hold her hand.  She moved away.

“You agreed to... No past discussed, no money involved, no rituals...!” she asked raising her finger angrily.

“Yes...!” he said firmly.... She gaped in disbelief... If he agreed to her conditions, then why are these people fussing ....? She failed to understand.

“Fine...!” She said making up her mind and took a step ahead holding Ravi’s hand.  He was dragged behind, bewildered. 

“Chalo mere Saath...!” she said determined.

“Where?” he asked thoroughly confused.  She turned to gauge him, not sure what she was doing at that moment....!