165

She opened the door with apprehension and saw a tall figure…! 

“Didi…” Afroz bulldozed Rini inside holding her shoulders.

“Aray… Foroz… Under aao…” Nilima came forward and Afroz left Rini’s shoulders.  Rini gaped in disbelief.

“This is Afroz? This tall, heafty, tomboy-ish girl, is Dhaa’s friend?” she surveyed Afroz critically.  Her bejeweled fingers, her anklets, her nose ring,  her pierced ears… Her Streaked brown hair, tied in a high pony tail… Rini couldn’t measure her up.  She was confused.  This girl would have crushed Dhatri anytime….! 

“Mother…. Did you get her call? I tried several times… So finally called Mr. Rahman.  He said they must have reached by now.  Thank God..!” Afroz went on and Nilima had to put a stop to her non stop talking…!

“Easy .. easy afroz… I haven’t got her call but Rini came this morning and wanted to see you…” Nilima said gesturing at Rini.

“Yeah.. even I wanted to meet her … I have heard so much about her…” Then turning to Rini, Afroz said…

“I was so excited when Mother told me that you arrived this morning…!” She again turned to Nilima…!

"Mother?" Rini arched her eyebrow.  Nilima grinned... "She called me mother... her big sister's mother..." 

Afroz held Nilima's hand.  “Mother…” Nilima grinned.

“Yeah… I know… making it…” she said going into the kitchen.  Rini gaped at this new character. 

“What the hell is going on?” she narrowed her eyes. And then making up her mind.. said in her reserved military tone of authority…!

“Ok. Sit here … I want to talk to you…” Nilima looked apprehensive, Afroz looked nervous but sat opposite Rini.  Rini looked at her mother and Nilima went into the kitchen to prepare her favourite “Upama” which Afroz loved…!

“Come on … tell me about yourself, Afroz.. how did you meet Dhatri..?” First direct question shot at Afroz.  

“But I know all about you, Rini didi from my big sister, from Suresh, poorva, Ragini… All of them fall short of words praising you…!” she said excitedly.  Rini was unimpressed.  “Is she trying to avoid letting out information?” Rini’s mind raced, but then Afroz spoke.

“I am Afroz Bandukwala… My GP.. I mean grandfather has a gift shop and Arms shop in Bhopal.  In fact my GP introduced me to big sister… My Fredie… I mean my father stays in Mumbai.  I was born and brought up in Mumbai.  I lost my Zareen…. I mean my mother when I was ten…!  Here… GP’s card and Fredie’s card…” she extended two cards from her bag.  Rini didn’t even touch them.  

“That’s ok…” She said calming down a bit. 

“Anything else?”Afroz asked and Rini said.. “No..! Not for now…” Afroz grinned.

“Now can I hug you?” she got up and hugged Rini tightly.

“Maki… I mean my GM… I mean my grandmother says… If you hug someone … you become friends forever…” She said assuming her seat again.  Rini gaped.  

“Yeh.. Namunaa Dhaa ko kahan Mila?” she was flabbergasted.  This girl calls her relatives by their names and calls Dhatri her big sister…Has a tall huge body but  childlike talks… “ Rini had not seen such a contrasting personality.  She seemed to have a happy, loving family…! No wonder she calls Nilima ‘mother’…. Rini smiled looking at Afroz’s hungry face when Nilima entered with “Upama” Bowls.  

“And here is your milk with Ovaltine…” She kept the glass and Afroz got up and hugged Nilima..!

“Humm… Shuu… Stop…” Nilima pushed her away.  

“She gets physical…” Nilima complained and Afroz pursed her lips…!

“I met you after three days…” she complained too.  “Ek hug toh banata hain..” Nilima grinned with relief and Rini gaped at the bond…! 

“Come with me Afroz…” Rini had made up her mind to probe deeper.  She had only till evening… She had to travel to Delhi in the night to join her duty…! Rini and Afroz went inside and Nilima sat on the sofa clutching her Tea cup, worrying about Dhatri and Salil…! 

***********  *********

She again struggled with the remote to switch off the music system, ran towards Library and  pushed open the door and saw Sayajirao gazing at her.

“S..S..Sorry..” she stuttured looking down and he placed his hand on her head, walking past her.  She turned without looking at Ravi who was close behind.  He clasped her elbow and pulled her aside.  She looked up angrily.  Sayajirao had gone ahead still looking shattered but with a smile on his face.

“What?” she asked angrily.

“You locked us up inside..” he hissed.  She struggled to get free.  He had a tight clasp.  

“Papa..” she called out in panic and Before Salil could turn his head, Sayajirao turned… “Haan Beti..?” Ravi at once released her.  She dashed forward…”Hungry Gudda…” she muttered frowning angrily. 

“Ahaa… Coffee…” Sayajirao said brightly and Bhanu grinned.

“Yeah…” he said picking up a mug.  Salil too hesitantly picked up.  Sanyogita glared at everyone.  They just seemed to have ignored her presence completely.  Ravi still lingered behind trying to find some reason to rag Dhatri.  But Dhatri had gone ahead and had picked up the mug.

“Dhaa… Give this to Ravi.. His favorite strong, extra sweet coffee…” Bhanu handed over a mug and she frowned.  

“As if I am a slave…” she gritted her teeth turning to Ravi who was at the other end of the room opening the chest drawer.  She almost banged the mug on the side table and turned. 

“What is this?” he asked loudly and everyone turned to him...

“Coffee…” she said equally forcefully. 

“Ok…!” he said toning down a bit to see everyone was looking at them.  Sanyogita’s phone buzzed.  She went out of the room hurriedly.  Sayajirao heaved relief.  Ravi came and sat beside Bhanu.  

“Oh! Look at the time... !” Bhanu said winking at Ravi.  Sayajirao looked at the time sheepishly.  It was almost 1:00 am.  Mrs Russel brought another tray with sandwiches...! 

“Have these and go to sleep...” she said authoritatively and Bhanu again winked at Ravi. 

“Have a goodnight sleep..” he whispered and Ravi’s face changed color.  Disha’s phone buzzed...!

“Rini?” Disha shouted picking up the phone...!

“Rini Didi?” Dhatri leapt up and almost snatched the phone from Disha...! 

“Rini Didi...!” she screamed forgetting where she was...! Ravi too had leapt up and now struggling to get the control over Disha’s mobile...! Dhatri ran out to poolside followed by everyone else.  They were all eager to talk to Rini after almost six months of total black out from her side...!

164

“Saya...” she recovered first, dashed in and hugged him tightly.

“I am so happy...!” she chocked with emotions.  Ravi couldn’t believe his eyes.  Sayajirao had not told him anything. 

“Dad?” He turned to his father in disbelief.  How could he?

“Sonny....!” Sanyogita blocked his way trying to hug him too...!

“No..!” his repulsive force stopped her instantly. 

“Dad? What is she doing here?” he turned to his dad clenching his fists.

“Oh! Yeah..! I moved in...! We are back together...” she said brightly before Sayajirao could open his mouth and find some words to explain.  Ravi stagerred backwards, in shock.  

“Finally.... you are out, my son... I don't have words to express my happiness..!” she came again to hug him wiping her eyes. 

“Stop there..!” he yelled at the top of his voice.   

Salil and Dhatri winced.  Salil clutched Dhatri’s hand and turning, said, 

“I have to attend a phone call...” he pulled Dhatri along and went out of the room to the poolside.  He wouldn’t put Sayajirao in emberrasing position.  It was their family matter, he wouldn’t want to interfere.  He wanted to keep Dhatri away from being dragged into the discussion.  He would do everything possible to safeguard his daughter. 

They both sat on the edge of the pool nervously, not knowing what would happen now.  Dhatri again repented of having come here...! The raised voices were ringing in her head reverberating ... She was frightend to the core.  Helplessness creeped in.  Salil had lost all his strength...!

“Yeh Kahan phas gai meri beti...! Where has she landed herself....!” he just couldn’t comprehend.  Dhatri was shivering.  He held her protectively making up his mind to take her back to India...! They could hear Sanyogita yelling..!

“We will go back, Dhaa...!” he assured her as she looked up frightened.  

Inside, the storm was shattering everything.....

“How could you, Dad?” Ravi asked anguished, agitated..!

“After all we are a family, Sonny! You can’t deny...I am the one who looked after this house when you were rotting in that prison of Nebraska... I gave him support...I love hin!!” Sanyogita spoke holding Sayajirao’s hand.  He looked demented, petrified...! Ravi glared at them for a minute and turned his back on the couple.  Bhanu tried to stop him.

“Ravi...” Bhanu held his hand.  Sayajirao dashed forward...! 

“Ravi, no! Please...” Finally he found his voice after moving away from her.  But she was not to give up.  She knew the bond.  Unless the bond was broken, she wouldn’t get what she wanted.  She had taken advantage of the situation to make an entry into their lives.  The rift must be wide enough.. Unbridgeable.!

Sayajirao was shattered with the news of his son being turned in for interrogation.  He had left everything and went to support his son.  She had given him hope that she would do everything possible to get their son out of the mess.  He again had given in, in his moment of weakness.  She virtually had done nothing but the hope that she is trying her best to collect evidence which would bring their son out of it.  

“Stop it Saya... He is a grown up man now...! Let him handle his own problem...! That Sex scandle.....” she came nearer and held Sayajirao’s hand again. But this time he jerked it away cutting her off...

“He has not done anything like that...!” Bhanu spoke angrily...

“Ravi...” Saya called out losing his strength.  Bhanu came forward to support his uncle Saya.  Disha just gaped in shock.  

“I am calling the cops... Dad... We have a restraint order...” he turned to his father fuming..!

“Oh yes! Go ahead and call the cops, sonny.  Your father has already withdrawn the request.. He loves me!” she spat back and Ravi froze in shock.  Sayajirao could only shake his head with a gaping mouth.  

“No...!” he could only say.  

“Why Saya... Why are you so helpless? For how long is he going to grow on your resources..! Its time, he decides what he wants to do...Get a life, Sonny, of your own...!” Sanyogita said and Bhanu pounced on her.  Disha was shocked...! “She is the one who told all sob stories about sexual abuse and brutality of the same Sayajirao...” Disha’s head was all riot...!

“Just stop it Maasi... For God sake... Stop this..” he yelled and Disha got up to support her husband.  

“You stay out of this! This is our family matter...” Sanyogita snapped and Bhanu staggered back at once, realizing that he was over stepping...! Disha came and held Bhanu’s hand.  

“Ravi....!” Sayajirao tried to move away from her to reach up to his son...! Ravi had already reached the door.  

Poolside...

Dhatri was shivering nervously wrapping her hands over her knees.  She could hear the chaotic  screeching noises, she couldn't bear.  The jungle bloody male fights were much better than these arguments...! She pressed her hands on her ears trying to stop the horrifying thoughts... This had never happened in her family...? Her family? Which is her family? This was her family now.  She must do something to stop this... or just walk out of this family and enter the cozy protective bounds of her family... her parents.. her Rini didi would embrace her...! She was sure...! Her papa would take her back... away from this complexity...She would be back to her simple life...! 

"But... But.. Mamma said this is my rightful place...!" she turned her face in anguish.  But Papa and Rini didi will tell her... She will take me back.  She pressed her spinning head for a long time... The yelling had not stopped...!

Dhatri had had enough. There was no point staying here like this...! She got up with a jerk shocking Salil.

“What? Dhaa? Where are you going?” he asked trying to get up.  She walked inside without even glancing at her father’s ghostly face.  Salil dashed behind her.

The heated argument inside died out suddenly seeing Dhatri at the door.  She came in, went to Sayajirao, held his hand, pulled him along... Went to the door... clasped Ravi’s wrist to his shock, and turned with them.  

 Dragging both of them along amidst gazes of others, she started walking away.  They both walked along with her, hypnotized..! She took them to the library went inside with them.  Left their hands... gazed at them for a fleeting second and turning her back came out, closing the door behind, locking them inside with each other..! Disha gaped horror struck...!

Dhatri came into the hall again.... picked up the magazine, sat on the sofa...opening it...!

Again Sanyogita was the first to recover...!

“Who the hell are you?” she yelled snatching away the magazine and throwing it away with force. The control was slipping out of her hands... Dhatri looked up calmly. Salil dashed forward and sat beside Dhatri putting his hand around her protectively.  Sanyogita spat fire.

“Out... out of my house..! Right now...!” she yelled and Dhatri looked past her.  Mrs. Russel was standing there clutching the door nob.  

“Coffee...” Dhatri said ignoring Sanyogita completely and everyone turned.  

“Ye.. Yes..!” Mrs. Russel turned nodding furiously and went into the kitchen to prepare coffee for the Bahu...! 

“Bhanu.. I want these people out of this house...!” Sanyogita turned to Bhanu glaring at Disha and Salil..! Dhatri was unmoved.

“Maasi... stop this...! She is Ravi’s wife...!” Bhanu said aghast.

“This is Saya’s house! My husband’s house..!” Sanyogita again turned to Salil.

“You should leave now...!” she said and Salil got up.

“Wait a minute...!” Bhanu raised his hand and turning to Sanyogita said in a deadly voice...!

“You are wrong again, Maasi...! This is Ravi’s house too! And Dhatri is Ravi’s wife...And Saya uncle is not your husband... You divorced him long back...! And Ravi stays here...” He held his wife’s hand.  Sanyogita smiled contemptuously.  

“Boys don’t stay with their parents after sixteen...” she said “And people don’t come here uninvited...” she turned to salil again.  But Dhatri had managed to switch on the music system struggling with the remote.  Iggy Azalea’s ‘Beg for it..’ Boomed.  Bhanu had a smile on his face.  He sat laid back on the sofa enjoying the music.  

“Lets wait for them...” he gestured at the closed library door...! 

Inside the library....

Sayajirao gaped in shock.  “Why did she do that?” he looked back at his son in bewilderement.  Ravi was gazing at the closed door, realising that Dhatri had locked them up to sort it out, without any interruption.  Dhatri always failed with words, but her actions spoke volumes..! 

“Why Dad?” he asked anguished.  He needed to know.  Sayajirao gazed at his son, then at the closed door and leapt forward to hug his son.  

“Sonny.. Please... I am sorry... Please don’t leave me..! You are the only one I have...” he broke down kneeling on the floor.  Ravi’s heart twisted.  He pulled him up in a tight embrace. 

“Dad..! No! Don’t..” he patted on his father’s back.  Whenever Ravi needed a mother, Saya had become his mother... Now it was his turn to become Saya’s father...! 

“Dad.... I can understand... But please I need to know...Honestly, Dad.. do you still love her?” Ravi asked holding his father at arms length and gazing at him intently.

“No..!” Sayajirao shook his head.  “I am sorry, Ravi... I failed you again... I am the same person... Timid, weak, vulnerable...! She gave me hopes that she would help me pull you out...” he said guilt laden.  Ravi shook his head hopelessly.

“You know, Dad..That was not possible...! It would take its own time...” he said pitying his father. 

“I know... But at that time, I was so dejected... I fell for her tricks... I .. I thought she has changed ..  I failed miserably...” he said swallowing hard.  Ravi hugged his father tightly.

“You are my mother and my father, both, Dad..! We don’t need her.  She cannot change Dad... You will be robbed again of all your wealth and peace and she will again leave you bleeding to death.... Please understand, Dad..!” Ravi said gravely.

“Please don’t leave me, Ravi...!” Sayajirao looked miserable. Ravi’s insides twisted.  

“No Dad.. I will never leave you... Even if you kick me out of your life.. I will come back again, shamelessly...” Ravi tried to make it lighter.  Sayajirao hid his face in his palms.  

“Why am I so weak, Ravi?” he asked anguished.  Ravi gazed into his eyes..!

“You are not weak, Dad... you are too simple to understand her moves... You are a very bad chess player..! The person who finds the faults in machines with one glance, cannot understand the flaws in human beings...!” he said making Sayajirao sit on the armchair and giving him a glass of water.  He kept patting on Saya’s back and after a while, when he sensed that Saya had recovered, asked gravely..

“So what have you decided, Dad?” Sayajirao looked at him, got up, smile appeared on his face...

“With my son by my side and daughter in law by his side, I don’t need anyone...!” he said holding Ravi’s hand.  

“Help me throw her out...” he whispered while knocking on the door calling out... “Bahu...!” 

Outside...

Sanyogita was fuming with rage.  She couldn’t do anything.  She tried to go to the library but Dhatri had blocked her holding her hand and she had jerked away.  Dhatri again had felt the resistance... the hatred... Sanyogita had tried to push her away... but this time, Dhatri was prepared.  She pulled Sanyogita along and made her sit on the chair.  She looked at the kitchen door and Mrs. Russel understood her unspoken words.  She hurriedly fixed a drink for Sanyogita....! 

Dhatri heard... “Bahu..” from inside, after a while and ran towards the Library door.  Salil took of sigh of relief.  But without opening the door she came back.

“Coffee?” she was at the kitchen.

“Ye..Yes... Ready..” Mrs. Russel said pouring coffee in the mugs.  Dhatri ran towards Library...! 

163

Rini calculated... "Papa would call in around four hours, on reaching... I will take it from there...! I must find out who this Afroz is..." Rini went inside.

"Who is this Afroz, Mamma...?" she asked thinking to herself.

"Afroz?" Nilima looked lost and then said with a faint smile... "She is a storm... calls Dhaa her big sister... Champion shooter...Dhaa ko chipak ke rahati hain... Roti hain... She cries out loudly with no inhibitions..." Rini tried to assimilate...!

"A person handling guns... emotionally unstable?... loves my sister...Is it not dangerous?" She had no clue. 

"She said, she would call me everyday.... " Nilima said and Rini waited for Afroz's call.  But before that, she had more pressing matter... to call Suresh and Poorva.  Ragini was out of reach.

"Didi..." Suresh called out.  Clearly, he was traveling in his company bus.  Rini frowned in frustration. 
"Didi..Will call you during lunch time..." Suresh said hurriedly as the other passengers were filing out of the bus on reaching...! He was deep in thoughts... he messaged Poorva.  He needed to talk to her before calling Rini Didi. 

The landline phone rang and Nilima picked up.  Rini came inside.  "Afroz.." Nilima said.
"Haan... I am ok.  Dharini has come... Yes.  She is also ok.  No.. no.. don't come..Yeah.. I will... ok. bye... take care..." Nilima said smiling.  Rini arched her eyebrows.

"Afroz... She is all excited to meet you.  She was all set to bunk the college and come here..." Nilima said smiling.  Rini was in her own thoughts.  The infiltration of the terrorists, the women battalion.. the name Afroz in the list flashed before her eyes and she suddenly turned. 

"Since when this Afroz became close to Dhaa, Mamma?" she asked suspiciously.

"Oh! Dhaa beat her in some shooting compition it seems and then became her big sister... Must be a few months back, when you went for your joint military exercise..." Nilima said casually.  Rini's mind racing for some clue...! 

"From where this Afroz appeared, suddenly, becoming so close to Dhaa...? And then these dramatic events took place in Dhaa's life...!  Afroz was with her all along... And now she is out of our lives....Have they reached my home?" she panicked for a moment. 

"Call this Afroz, Mamma.  I want to meet her..." she said making up her mind.  Nilima looked puzzled.
"Why Rini?" she asked, moving towards the phone.   Rini shook her head.  "Just want to talk this new girl in Dhaa's life" she said waiting for her mother to call Afroz...!


******  ****  ****

Dhatri walked in that mansion-like villa regretting her decision to wed Ravi.  Had she not met him, in the first place, all this would not have happened.  She glanced at her father guiltily.  He looked older than his age.  "This is all because of me.." she blamed herself looking at her father's grave face.  Mrs. Russel was busy inside preparing hot beverage for the guests and the baahoo of this house.  Bhanu stretched himself relaxing on the sofa and Disha opened her laptop.  Salil and Dhaa had nothing to do.  They both didn't know what would happen next.

Mrs. Russel came out and said ... "Mr. Deo would be here soon...." Bhanu grinned satisfyingly. Disha nodded.  Salil picked up the newspaper.  The wait was killing them.

The doorbell rang and Mrs. Russel hurried towards the door.   Salil looked up apprehensively.  Dhatri didn't know what to do... she just sat locking her fingers on her laps.

"Hey..." Mrs. Russel chirped and Sayajirao stepped in smiling broadly.  Mrs. Russel went to fix a drink for him.

"Dr. Salil..." Saya greeted and Bhanu hugged him.  Disha got up smiling.  The door opened again and she saw him... at the door ... her heart missed a beat.  Disha dashed forward to greet him. 

"What am I supposed to do? Smile at him? Say hi to him?" Dhatri fidgeted nervously.  Everyone had gone ahead to greet him... Dhatri was rooted to the ground.  He came in and looked at her. his heart missed a beat...!

"She is here...! What am I supposed to do? Hug her? What is she thinking about me? I am involved in the scam... I had promised her that I will come...!" his thoughts wandered as he looked at her.  She was gazing the floor standing behind the sofa, guarded...!

"Mr. Deo... I followed your instructions... " Mrs. Russel was a rescurer... Everyone looked at her. 
"Traditional welcome of Baahoo..." she said grinning and Disha nodded happily.

"Yeah... proper traditional welcome... three times clockwise..." she said grinning and the tension released with everyone laughing...! Ravi looked at his father and "I had given her proper instructions and told her how to welcome our bahu...!" he said simling at Dhatri.  Salil came and pushed Dhatri a bit.

"Take the blessings..." he ordered and she came forward reluctantly.  Saya looked at Ravi and he too came forward. 

"Go.. get blessings from Maa Vyaghreshwari first..." Saya sent them to pooja ghar.

Dhatri joined her hands closing her eyes..."Naak Ragado..." she remembered Indroneel uncle ordering her when she was here last time.  She sat down brushing her nose on the floor.  Ravi ensued.  Dhatri smiled looking at Ravi sitting next to her praying. 

"Mari mai...." they both said at once touching their foreheads to the floor. 

"Dhatri..." Ravi whispered with a guilt and Dhatri looked up for a fleeting second into his eyes and then without a word came out of pooja ghar...! Ravi stood there guilt laden.  He had not kept his promise...! He turned to the Idol of Vyaghreshwari..."I am sorry..." he said closing his eyes for a second and came out...!

"Sweets..." Mrs. Russel was all thrilled to welcome the Bahoo...! Ravi stole a glance at Dhatri and picked up the candied yam...! The plates were laden with pecan pie...!

"Hello..." Salil said softly as Ravi sat beside him.  Ravi forced a smile on his face.  Salil felt a stab in his heart.  Such a simple and nice family...! He held Ravi's hand and Saya spoke victoriously...!
"He was released yesterday as no prima-facie case could be established against him, personally...!  His company was in deep dungeons  He may be summoned for evidence though...! Disha clapped excitedly.

"Thank God!" she prayed hard and Dhatri glanced at Ravi.  "Why is he so serious? Is he not happy to see me?" she couldn't comprehend.  "How am I suppose to respond? Congratulate him?" she looked up confused and met Ravi's eyes.  She tried to smile, failing utterly and looked down immediately. 

"Congratulations Ravi..." Bhanu hugged him, pulling him up from the sofa..! Ravi's gaze wandered towards Dhatri.  She was tracing the non existent design of the carpet.  He again missed a heart beat. 
"Is she not happy to see me? Has she willingly come here? Was she forced? " his heart ached and as if reading his mind, she looked up.  She smiled flashing her dimples and his face lit up with pleasant smile.  They all looked up startled as the door flung open with a bang...!

She stepped in and froze....! So did everyone else...!

162

She measured him up sitting on the chair.  He glanced at the files.  He must have been in his early fifties.  She looked at his clear, bright eyes and understood his gullibility.

"I know... this is not the way to approach, with even an appointment, but I had no other option..." she looked straight into his eyes, pleading his good nature.  He nodded looking at the time.  He had only fifteen minutes.  He was little impatient and she was taking her time spreading her charm.  He gazed at her beautiful figure.  She was clutching a paper in her hand.

"I mean... I know..." she said sweetly sliding the paper towards him.  He picked it up.
"What is it?" he glanced through the contents...
"I mean ... you must have read it all... Mr. Deo..." she said picking up the glass of water.  He nodded gravely.

"Yes... we are all with him.  He is a nice gentleman..." she was no interested in his character certificate...
"I mean... He is in need... His son to be released on personal bond..." she said clutching her purse.  He looked confused.

"Per this statement, he had completed the work... the Balance 10% is due next month the after the expiration of the contract period..." She had studied the terms and clauses.  He merely nodded.

"I mean... I am asking a favor... if you could release that 10% now... I mean it would help us collect the amount to get his son released..." she said.  He looked lost in his thoughts.

"Please... Mr. Abbey... she clutched his hand squeezing it lightly, urging him to consider her..." He just gaped.   She was spreading her magic everywhere... with her sweet talks, her gestures, her concern for her son, her friendly nature and her confidence in him that he will help.  He was taken in, in no time, ready to help her with whatever he could.

He asked for the file of his automation project to have a look into the balance amount...!
"$ 12000.00 " she was ready with the figures.

"Ok.  Let me talk to the guys..." he went out and she looked around his plush office...! "Not bad..." she smirked, getting ready for the next step.
"Ok. Ms... " he fumbled...
"San..." she said smiling sweetly. 

"Ms.  San... I will arrange for the wire transfer..." he said holding her hand.  She inched closer.  That was not she had thought about.

"No... I mean.. it will take a couple of days right? I mean.. I know .. its not in your policy... but you know the urgency... if we don't deposit the amount by evening...." she looked up with tearful eyes holding his hand.  He patted on her shoulder and she hugged him breaking down....!

"Please... Ms.. San... " he made her sit on the chair thinking hard.  He had no authority to pay in cash.  Any payment above $ 500.00 should be made through bank.  He was helpless... But he could go out of the way to help this beautiful lady.

"Ok.  Ms.  per the policy, I cannot pay you cash... but yes, I will make sure you will get the money before noon...!" He assured her.  She smiled wiping her eyes. 
"I .. I will wait here..." she said glancing at the bar and the bottles. 

"No.. Ms.  I mean we will directly transfer the money in his account..." her expressions changed...!
"Mr. Abbey... I told you... its urgent.. I need the money now.." the timber of her voice had changed.  He looked at her face and then thinking for a second, said...

"Ok.  I will have to take this to the corporate office... please give me a couple of hours...I will see what best can be done..." he assured her squeezing her shoulder.  She hugged him tightly kissing him lightly. 
"Thank you very much...I will come at three ... And I think we should meet up sometime..." she said picking up her bag...!
"Next one...!"  she sighed, igniting the engine...! She looked into the list, changing the lane on the freeway...!

******  *****

"Rini....!" Nilima screamed and Rini dropped her bags in the door hugging her mother.
"Rini...!" Nilima couldn't believe her eyes.

"Surprise...!" Rini grinned cuddling Nilima fondly. 

"Mamma... Bhookh..." Rini held her mamma at arms length and Nilima surveyed her daughter...! Her face was blotched with red spots... frost bite... she was tanned and looked brownish, had bandaged her arm... Wounded soldier...! Nilima kissed her daughter...!

"Where is Papa? And Dhaa?" the next obvious questions stabbed Nilima's heart.  She hurriedly went into the kitchen calling for Laxmibai.  Rini went into the bathroom to freshen up. 

"Mamma... I have only two days..." Rini entered the kitchen.  Nilima turned her back.
"Papa? Where is Papa?" she asked and Nilima tried to change the subject.

"Humm... Adarakwali chai..." She kept the cup on the table sidelining the question.  Rini narrowed her eyes suspiciously glancing at Laxmibai she too avoided Rini's questioning gaze. 

"What's going on?" She exclaimed holding her mamma from behind and Nilima broke down.  There was so much to tell, so much to ask...! Rini just couldn't comprehend...!

"Ok..Ok.. Mamma... have this tea first... We can talk later..." Rini made her sit on the chair gesturing Laxmibai. 

"Rini...." Nilima started off with sobs...! Rini kept patting on her back...! So much had happened in these months... when she was fighting her battle, her Dhaa was fighting on her own, all alone....!  Somewhere deep inside, she felt better.  Her Dhaa could take decisions of her own... stand for herself... !
"Dhaa..." she pressed her hand on her chest, missing her Dhaa.  She felt for Ravi... He was framed... Fighting all alone without any help.... Saya Uncle must be doomed... He is such a simple, straightforward, nice man.  Allegations on him of being a pervert was beyond imagination...!

"Kahan Phass gai tu Dhaa..." Rini's heart twisted. 
"And who is this Afroz? I must find out...!" She looked at the pathetic condition of her mother....!
"Come on... Mamma... Don't worry... I will handle it.. Just keep your calm, ok?" Rini took her inside and rested her head on the pillow.  She badly wanted to call Dhaa but looking at the time she decided otherwise. 

"Vinit's parents were here? All the time? During the turmoil... " She was overwhelmed.  How am I going to tell them, we broke...!!!?" She clenched her fists hating Vinit like never before.  "I will teach you a lesson, Maj. Vinit Pandit... You don't know yet... you are pitched against me..." She came out of the room fuming with rage and hatred....! Concern for her Dhatri culminated into hatred for Vinit, blaming him for all this....! For the first time, Rini had lost her mind...! Vengeance took over her good senses...!
............  .........

"Dhaa...." Disha hugged her tightly on the airport.  Dhatri stood still.  Bhanu held Salil's hand.
"Bhanu..." Salil blurted with anguish.  Bhanu just nodded.

"Don't worry..." he turned with his father in law.  Disha had gone ahead to get the car. 
They had landed on San franscisco airport and Salil's insides churned.  Dhatri was unusually quiet.  Salil's eyes searched for his daughter and there she was standing with her husband waving furiously at them.  Salil glanced at Dhatri for her reaction.  She had just looked away. 

"Come on.. lets go..." Disha honked..!
........  .........

"Oh My...!" she exclaimed as she opened the door.  Disha tried to put her step inside.

"No.. No... Wait... wait..." Mrs. Russel stopped Disha.  Dhatri was at the back ready to turn on her heels anytime to run away...!

"Why am I here?" she blamed slapping herself.  Mrs. Russel dashed in making them wait at the door. 

"Ok.  This plate... this lamp.. lit the lamp... put flowers in the plate... take this red powder... And..." She came out hurriedly.

"Daatri..." She searched for Dhaa.  Disha pulled Dhatri grinning from ear to ear.

"Welcome..." She said... the murmured..." Three times clockwise..." She did Aarti to welcome the bride, grinning broadly.

"Right?" she asked Disha and Disha nodded wiping her eyes.
"Come in... Baahoo..." Mrs. Russel bowed.. welcoming them.  Dhatri walked in her so called rightful place. 

*****  ****

"This calls for an exquisite lunch..." She pulled over and entered Hotel Palomar's Dirty Habits Restaurant...with her heavy purse.  She could visit three of Saya's clients and two of them had obliged with a few grands...! But she had an eye on those 12 grands from Mounting hardwear, the huge Apparel company where Saya had set up automation processes.  Mr. Abbey had promised her to pay by evening.  She smirked sipping wine.  She still had that charm to lure men...!

"Ms. Margarette ... Get all the details and keep a tab on this lady.." Mr. Abbey Rabanni a shrewd jew finance guy instructed. 
...........  .........

Saya's phone buzzed.  He picked it up with excitement.  "Yeah.." he responded.
"Ok.   Good..! Thank god! Yeah... on my way..." he said slamming on the accelerator, wanting to go home in a blink of an eye...!