141

“What? No...!” she clenched her fists.  “What is he doing here...?” She stomped throwing her glass...! 

“I won’t let this happen....!” hatred surged... her blue eyes darkened...! Dialing Disha’s number she waited for Disha to pick up the phone.

“Pick up the phone.... ...!” she frowned... and ... “Hello...” Disha’s voice echoed in her head. 

...........  ..........

“Dhaa....Don’t worry.... !” Indroneel kept patting on her back.  The things had slipped out of her control now.  Ravi had taken over, dialing a few numbers.

“Dhaa...” he stood before her.  She looked up with pale face.  Her brave mask was wearing off.  Afroz appeared next to her.  Poorva came over...!

“Poorva, .. Mamma papa...” Dhatri was losing her courage.  She badly wanted to go back to her mamma....! 

“What am I doing?” she sat on the chair ....

“Hey.. don’t worry... We will manage...” AFroz said solemnly putting her arm around Dhatri....!

“Poorva... They won’t agree....!” Dhatri was on the verge of breaking down.  Poorva was serious too.

“You mean your parents... I go and bring them....” Afroz declared placing her hand on her hip pocket.

“Shut up!” poorva snapped.  “Dhaa... You wait here... Ragini be with her...Afroz and Suresh you two come with me..!” Poorva took over.  Afroz got up obediently....!

They again had a round of discussion....! Indroneel approached and Dhatri got up...!

“Uncle...” she said wiping her sweat.  He smiled faintly.

“Dhaa... look... I know I am asking again, but.... Do you really want to do it this way?” he asked to dhaa’s dismay.

“I don’t know....” she missed her Rini didi.... “Rini Didi...” she hid her face in her palm... Indroneel felt her desperation....

“Baba... Dhaa...Don’t worry.... My child...” He couldn’t stop pulling her into a tight hug.  She sobbed with her dry, hurting throat.  Breaking away from her, he said...

“Dhaa... Ravi will take you with him.... I am going back to meet Salil... We will co-ordinate... Let us see...” He had no idea what was he into.  

“I can be with her...” Afroz’s overenthusiasm irked Indroneel...! He looked at her heafty figure and said sarcastically

“Yeah.. you be her bodyguard... just in case....” Afroz jumped at the opportunity...

“Yeah... I will make sure no one touches her.... Over my dead body.. man... “ she said raising her hand and in that tense situation, Dhaa’s face brightened up with her dimples...! 

“Look... Mr. .. I mean uncle... If you want protection... I can arrange... My GP is an arms dealer....” she said and Indroneel shook his head....! 

“I am fine... Don’t bother..” he dismissed her.  Afroz had a big duty now to protect her big sister...as if someone was going to attack her....! 

“Ok... done...!” Poorva came back with others.

“Dhaa... “ She tried to grab her attention but Dhaa was looking at Ravi.

“”Dhatri...We are going to Kanker... Rehman uncle is coming ... Dr. Ghosh is going back to Vidisha to talk to your parents...” Before he could finish, Dhatri got up in horror... 

“No.. Ravi...” but Ravi placed his hands on both her shoulders assuring her that he would take care of everything.  Indroneel merely nodded.

“Rehman uncle will be there with him...” Dhatri looked more confused.  

“Don’t bother... Dhaa... I will go and meet Salil...” Indroneel tried to clear her confusion.  “You go with your friends... Its a long journey... Take care...I will update you...” he said waving good bye, seeing Rehman entering the canteen. Dhatri waited with bated breath for her friends to gather their things along with hers...! Rehman took over ...! Dhatri gaped all lost.  And next thing she found out that she was in a SUV with Afroz on one side and Ravi on the other.  Ragini, poorva and Suresh at the back and Suleyman and the Driver in the front.

“Where are we going?” she asked swallowing hard after what seemed to be an hour or so.

“We are going to get married....” Ravi said leaning towards her and she shuddered. 

“Ravi...” she held his hand for support and Afroz pulled into her arms... 

“Don;t worry... big sister...No one can touch you...” She was super excited.

“Shut up...” Poorva snapped and Ravi pulled Dhatri closer.

“Dhatri... Don’t worry... I will make sure.... Your parents bless us...” he said in a bare whisper and Dhatri closed her eyes crumpling down under pressure...! She couldn’t take it anymore...! She curled up resting her head on his shoulder and he too closed his eyes.  

“So Sweet....” Afroz raised her eyebrows looking at them and winked at Poorva.  Poorva turned her face hiding her tears and Afroz sniffed noisily letting out her sob....! Dhatri woke up startled and moved away from Ravi...! 

“Ravi... only two stops... Betul and Dongarghar ...” Suleyman turned his head to look at Ravi and Ravi merely nodded.  

“Mamma-Papa... they will be devastated...What am I doing?” Dhatri shuddered.  Ravi was lost in his thoughts.  His father was away.... but he had no choice... If Dhatri wanted it...He must do it...!

“Poorva... I want to go back...! Mamma...” Dhatri suddenly got up in the moving car, banging her head on the upholstery...!

“Whoa... Dhaa...Careful...!” Ravi pressed her head.  She pushed him away...

“I messed up again... a big time..” she said turning back to poorva.

“Its ok. Dhaa...” Poorva tried to console her.  Dhatri shook her head completely dejected.  “What has she done? What was she doing? Why?” She had no answers.  She was shivering... tips of her fingers were frozen...! The icy cold feeling was ghostly...! She felt demented... She held on to Afroz....!

“Hey... switch off the AC” Afroz yelled feeling Dhatri’s cold ...! 

“Uncle...” Ravi called out in despair and Suleyman gestured the driver to pull over. 

**********  ******** ********

“What is all this?” She opened her eyes and looked around.  She was on the top of a huge garbage piled up...! When she looked around she found herself in a junkyard...! Soon her eyes were accustomed to the engulfing darkness.  She should move out of this before the nightfall.  Her compass dial gave her the direction and she moved towards north east....! The map was itched in her brain... The terrane was unknown... but she knew the distance and Direction...! She could see the dim lights at a far distance... She must reach...! 

Rini moved faster on that unknown soil focusing on the lights ahead..... ! She was a lost tourist.....!!  As she approached... to her dismay... it wasn’t a village, but an industrial establishment...! She stopped... ! 

********  **********

“But why was she sent?” Vinit looked straight into the eyes of the person, the Chief of MI.. Lt. General Singhroor..! He pulled out a paper from a file lying before him and gave it to Vinit...

“A what?” Vinit was shocked.

The interception report clearly said that there is a contingent of women militants ready to infiltrate anytime from across the border...! 

“Yes... And we needed to be sure... If its going to be in high winter... we must be prepared.. We need a first hand information.... And she was highly recommended ....” Lt. Gen. Singh gestured him to sit looking at his physical condition and pale face.  

“They have raised a full battalion... “ he added and Vinit dropped the paper on the table...!

“Backend support?” Vinit asked ... “Virtually none..!” Chief was serious.. Vinit had nothing to say... 

“Ok. Sir!” he stood up saluting...!

“You have a different mission, Maj. Vinit...!” Vinit waited for further orders...! Thoughts of Rini were immediately pushed back.... His motherland was his priority...! Chief narrated the situation and Vinit’s eyes flashed ...! 

“Only three with no support...!” Vinit turned to leave ... This time Vicky was a team...!

********  ******  *********

“Salil...” Indroneel held his hand.  Salil just looked up dejected.

“Hum Dushman nahi hain uske...! We are not enemies...!” he blurted and Indroneel gave a grave nod.

“Yes... But this is going to happen anyway... so why can’t you just keep aside everything and join us to bless them...” Indroneel had spent almost an hour in convincing Salil ... Nilima just wanted her daughter to be happy and safe...! But Salil couldn’t forget what Sanyogita had described.

How can he knowingly push her daughter into the pit of hell, marrying her in such a family? He was determined to stop this wedding...!

“But why were Indroneel with them? Salil had narrated what Sanyogita had told them... But Indroneel was unmoved saying... “I stayed with them ... during the worst time of my life... when Dhaa was hospitalized... Salil... I didn’t find anything wrong with the family... I can connect to him... I lost my wife when I was in my early thirties.... and I can very well identify a person who she described as pervert... Salil... if you trust me... you should come with me.... to bless our Dhaa and Ravi...” Indroneel had uttered these words umpteen number of times... Salil still had doubts... !

It was time for Swarnima and Virender to be the anchors...looking at indecisiveness of Salil and Nilima.

“I think he is right... We must be a part of...” His voice trailed as he saw Salil getting up with a jerk.

“Disha... I must call Disha...” He tried dialing the number.

“Are you crazy?” Indroneel snatched the phone.  Calling Disha was as good as calling Sanyogita to ruin everything...! 

“We must hurry up... Salil.. It will take us at least 12 hours to reach Kanker...!” Indroneel was losing his patience.  Rehman was waiting outside with the vehicle.  Swarnima took the lead.... beckoning Nilima inside to pack the minimum and asking Laxmibai and Dayal Kaka to be ready...!

“We must go there... Let us see ... Let us reach there... We will think what to do next.. once we see Dhatri..” she blurted and Indroneel nodded understandingly. 

“Kalindiji?” Nilima suddenly remembered.

“They are on their way... She left with Avadhesh...” Indroneel said in a hurry...!

In next half an hour... all of them were on their way to Kanker for the wedding of their youngest daughter Dhatri, in the absence of their pillars Rini and Vini...!

140

“What the hell is this?” Rini couldn’t believe...! Nuclear Reactor? In vicinity of civilization?  She was flabbergasted... The Kohat nuclear reactor loomed out ...! “What are they planning? World destruction?” She gaped in shock...  They were on the periphery and she couldn’t view much...! The third nuclear Reactor was commissioned under the pretext of power generation.  “Sure, this government is catching up with us ...” she thought gravely.  China was the main player in providing the nuclear power plants to Pakistan which was a thing to worry...! 

Surprisingly the common people seemed to be oblivious to these developments.  They all wanted peace and prosperity... The overpowering Military had nothing to do with the welbing of common people...! Rini was surprised to receive the warm welcome by the localites wherever she moved.  Afterall she was a tourist .. Mehrunissa .. with US nationality....! 

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

“Bhen.. I am taking you to Waziristan tribal zone... “ Dilsher said and she nodded.  She would be on her own after that point.... The tribals .. the unskilled workers were transported to the reactor and were dropped in the night.. She was to be one of them...! 

“Rubb Rakha...” Dilsher blurted the blessing before hitting hard on her head.  The unconscious body of Mehrunissa was thrown in the valley with her baggage ...!

******** **********

“Poorva...!” Dhatri clutched her arm desperately and Poorva looked at her alarmed.  Dhatri got up restlessly and Poorva followed.

“Dhaa... are you ok?” she asked, once they were out of canteen and heading towards library, leaving behind all the friends.  

.................. 

“Dhaa... for god sake... don’t do this...!” Poorva had lost her words listening to Dhatri’s plans. 

“I have to...!” Dhatri said seriously.  Poorva gaped with dropped jaw at her friend.  Dhatri was not in this world at all.  She had made up her mind and had confided only with Poorva.  

“Why, Dhaa? Ask yourself... there must be some solid reason to turn down his proposal... “ Poorva said reasonably.

“It was my decision in the first place... no one has any right to turn it down...” Dhatri spat back.  She was upset with everyone around, involved ...! Her parents had conveyed the decision to Ravi and his father...! That lady had spoiled everything...! She clenched her fists having a bad taste in her mouth.  The lady was not to be trusted... Dhatri had her inner voice raising the red flag.  Her parents wouldn’t agree...! Her Rini Didi was out somewhere, unreachable, on the joint military war exercise... Vinit was still in rehab center... Elders were of no use... her friends.... She only banked on her friends...! 

“Dhaa...”Poorva opened her mouth and Dhatri raised her hand stopping her.

“Tell me! Are you with me?” she asked finally.  Poorva just nodded.  She needed time... Time to think over... Time to assimilate the things happening around.  Ravi was here.  He seemed to be falling for Dhaa’s decision.  But wedding without elders’ blessings... was beyond Poorva’s comprehension.  She too had faught with her family over her boyfriend and finally successed in convincing her family, setting right everything.  But Dhatri? 

Dhatri was never involved in any boy in the college or anywhere else.  Even Ravi.... Poorva had not sensed that craving in Dhatri’s eves for Ravi.  But yes she had felt softness in Dhatri’s eyes for Ravi.  But that couldn’t be the reason to take such a step.  Poorva knew, that Ravi had proposed... but she was not sure about Dhatri.  Wearing a rign was different and marrying him mindlessly was altogether different.  To make the situation worse, Rini was unreachable..! Vinit,  She didn’t know much about him.  The only person who had head over the shoulder, was she herself.  She should take control.  She looked at desperate Dhatri....!

“Dhaa... Tell me what happened...!” she asked sternly.  Dhatri swallowed hard.  “Nothing... They said, they called it off!” she said vaguely.  She wouldn’t tell anything about Ravi’s mother...!  Poorva shook her head.  “There must be some reason...! I will talk to uncle-aunty...!” she said taking out her phone.

“No... no use...! They have decided...” Dhatri snatched back the phone.  Poorva must talk to Ravi.

“Chal, Dhaa!” she had made up her mind.  She dragged Dhatri alone.  Friends needed to be summoned. 

................  ...........

Ravi’s phone buzzed.  Indroneel had reached Bhopal...! It took him two hours to reach.  Ravi got up hurriedly.  Suresh looked at him with growing worry.  “What’s wrong with him? He seems to be upset...!” Suresh didn’t know the turmoil, Ravi was going through.  

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

“Ok. I am happy, but I don’t understand.... Why did they cancelled and why is Dhaa so desperate...!” Indroneel was seriously thinking, while they both were traveling back to Dhatri’s college, in Ravi’s Rented car.  Ravi fell silent as well.  He wanted to marry Dhatri, for all good reasons, with the blessings of the elders, with the families uniting making it a big undivided family...... ! But if he were to choose.. between parents decision and Dhatri’s, he would choose Dhatri....!  

“Should I call Salil?” Indroneel thought over for a moment and decided otherwise.  He wouldn’t do anything unless he talked to Dhaa first....! “What made her so desperate? Going against parents was not Dhatri’s nature...!” He must find out.  The care entered the campus.

...........  ..........

“What....do we do now?” everyone in the group was thinking rising above the initial shock when Poorva narrated Dhatri’s condition and conveyed her decision.  

“This Rini didi... Where has she vanished? We need her badly...” Suresh got up in frustration...!

“Vinit... I must call him...!” He dialled Vinit’s number...”Switched off?” he sat on the chair with a thud.  

“Disha Didi? Should we call her?” Ragini blurted the option and Suresh pounced on her.  “Are you mad? You know Disha and Dhaa are always at loggerheads...!” Suresh slapped on her head.  Ragini kept quiet.  Poorva;s mind was at work....! She needed to know the reason for their NO... either from Dhatri or from them...! Dhatri didn’t tell... but her parents? Poorva’s fingers itched to dial Dhaa’s home.  She saw Ravi entering with Indroneel.  Dhaa got up with a jerk.

“Ooii Baba... dhaaa....!” Indroneel hugged her.  She looked at Ravi and he nodded.  ‘Yeah I told him...!” he said and they gathered around the table.  

“Hey.. whats cooking..?” Afroz was to break the serious discussion and Dhatri lost her temper...

“Dhansaak.... “  She spat back.  Afroz was not to be affected at all.

“Wow... Thats our recepie... Dhansaak... I just love it...! You mind me joining...?” she pulled the nearby chair grinning broadly, winking at Ravi.

“Just get lost... Afroz...!” Dhatri stood up raising her hand....

“Chill... Big sister...! I am your little sister, remember?” Afroz pulled Dhatri back.  And then looked at everyone’s grim faces.

“Is there a problem? Can I be of some help?” she asked seriously and they looked at each other, hopelessly.  Porva shook her head a bit and then said... “Just don’t open your big mouth, Ok!”  Afroz nodded accepting the condition and they continued.

“Dhaa... come with me...!” Indroneel needed to take her away to know the real reason.... Dhatri obeyed.  Ravi looked on dejected.  His head was all riot.  Why were they fussing over... he didn’t understand.  “She wants to get married... I am ready... whats the problem now?” he thought....!

...........  ......

“Dhaa...!” Dhatri understood the unasked question.

“Nothing uncle... They don’t want me to marry him..!” she said swallowing hard.  

“You want me to talk to Salil?” he asked.  “No use!” she replied.  

“Had it not been for that lady....!” Dhatri blurted fidgeting nervously.

“Lady? Lady, who?” asked Indroneel clasping her hand.

“That... she said she is his mother....!” Dhatri was vague.

“Whose mother, Dhaa?” Indroneel was losing his patience.

“Ravi’s...she said some things...” Dhatri continued incoherently.  Indroneel fell silent... The one who left the infant ....! Hopelessness creeped in....! No wonder they called off the wedding....! Indroneel pressed his hand on his chest.  Poor Dhaa... going through ordeal again... this time little stronger about her stance.  He would help her... come what may...! He would ensure her happiness.  If she was happy with Ravi... be it! He will help them both...! 

“Ok...! Come...!” he held her hand.   They came back and Ravi rose from his seat.

“Ravi...” Indroneel said gravely...! “Your mother visited...” he said and Ravi looked aghast.  Dhatri looked away.  She didn’t want him to know... didn’t want to put him in pain...! 

“You heard her?” he asked and just nodded.

“Still want to marry me?” he asked.  She again nodded.

“Ok. Dhatri... I am ready... I will marry you right now...right here...!” he held her hand and all the arguments died out.  Now he was determined to marry her with or without the permission and blessings of the elders....! 

“Really? Wow..! Just Wow, big sister...!” Afroz got up thrilled.  “Shut up...!” Poorva brought down her excitement.  Ravi was dialing .....

“Uncle... I want to meet you....!” He had a strange authority in his voice....! The snowball had picked up momentum....!! 

139

“Dhatri...!” he rang the bell and joining his hands sat beside her on the floor.  She refrained from looking at him.  He held her hand when she got up and walked with her to the sanctum.... ! The pandit had just finished his pooja and Aarti.  The sanctum was lip up with lamps and while flowers shimmering all over....! He gazed mesmerized at the shivling.  Dhatri had closed her eyes.  His heart filled with the divinity.  He glanced at her once and turned leaving her behind.  He came out and sat on the stairs waiting for her.  She didn’t come out for a long time.  He waited patiently using his time mulling over the situation. Dhatri seemed to be desperate.  He needed to know the reasons.  Reason for the rejection and her desperation too!  Dhatri wouldn’t tell him anything, he knew!  He decided to go her way...! He felt her presence beside and turned his face towards her.  She still was not looking at him but spoke gravely.

“So, what have you decided?” she asked staring unfocused somewhere at a distance.

“About what Dhatri?” he asked softly.  She turned to face him.

“About the wedding...! You agreed to no questions...!” she warned.  He nodded.

“Yes...!” he said holding her hand in his.  She withdrew.  “Then?” she asked looking straight at him.  He swallowed.  

“Then what, Dhatri? We have come here to get married, right?” he questioned back.  She fell silent, losing herself in thoughts.  He watched her intently.  She sat there speechless.

“Come, let us ask the priest...!” he got up pulling her up.  She fidgeted nervously.  He already had gone inside and was waiting for her.  She stayed behind.  He was talking to the pandit and she was trying to clear the riot in her head.  He came back after a while.  She breathed relief.  

“Dhatri... he gave this list... And we need witnesses..!” he said stressing on the word.  She looked up nervously.  

“How about your friends?” he asked gauging her.  She swallowed.  The least resistance path was to run away from that place.  She thought of that and then decided otherwise.  

“Damn this joint exercise...!” she muttered angrily looking away.  He understood.

“How about calling Vinit?” he asked hiding his smile.  She looked lost.  She wanted to get it over ASAP.  She shook her head.

“He is still recovering...” she murmured.  He nodded understandingly.  They both fell silent for a brief period of time and he spoke...

“Dr. Ghosh?” he asked and her face brightened up slightly.  That was a good option.  She  didn’t answer but he dialed Indroneel’s number.

..........  ....

 

“Hey.. big sister...!” she saw Afroz in front of her and shuddered.  Afroz was eyeing Ravi curiously.  

“What are you doing here?” asked Dhatri angrily.  Afroz sat on the stairs thumping her bums.

“Humm... What am I doing here? Obviously, came to see what my big sister is up to...!” she grinned and Dhatri blew her top.

“Your big sister is getting married here, got it?” she spat and Afroz was thrilled.

“Oh! Great! My big sister is getting married and I am not invited?” she mocked shock.  Dhatri looked away in frustration.  Ravi had come back.

“He is coming...” he said seriously.  It will be atleast two hours. Dhatri!” he said looking at the list in his hand.

“We got to get these things...” he glanced at Afroz who was dying with curiosity.

“Need my help?” she asked excitedly and Dhatri spat back.  “No! My friends are coming..!” Ravi had a smile.

“Yeah!” he said.  “Hey, big sister... include me in your friends’ list..!” she pestered and Dhatri looked away. 

“Thank you!” Afroz hugged repelling Dhatri . 

“Now tell me... how can I help you?” she asked sitting between the two.

“Just disappear from this place...!” Dhatri snapped and Afroz sniggered.  “Thats not possible...! You two are getting married and I am not there... Thats impossible...!” she said leaning on Ravi.  

“And what is this you are wearing? Jeans? Are you getting married like this?” Afroz snatched the list from Ravi’s hand.  Dhatri looked at her dress.  

“Shut up Afroz... !” she snatched back the list.  Aftoz rolled her eyes taking everything lightly.  Dhatri was losing her heart... She looked at Ravi.  Now it was his turn to cover up. 

Chalo Dhatri... Let’s have breakfast...!” words rolled out from his mouth and she got up.  “Coming?” she asked Afroz as a formality. And to her dismay,  Afroz agreed.  This big sister affair was becoming a big headache for Dhatri.  . 

“You know what? If you two are really getting married, I am ready to help you..!” Afroz gave a wicked grin and Dhatri pushed her away. 

“Are you mad?” She asked flaring up.  Ravi left the place dialing a number and Dhatri came on to Afroz. 

“Just leave me alone, ok?” she threatened.  Afroz looked at Ravi.

“You mean I should take him away? To leave you alone? Well I am ready... “ Afroz nudged Dhatri ...

“Oh! Shut up Afroz...!” Dhatri didn’t know how to get rid of Afroz.  

“Dhatri...” Ravi had come back.  Dhatri got up with a jerk and walked briskly with Ravi... Afroz ran behind to catch up with them.  The three of them walked back to the campus.  Dhatri’s nervousness grew....! Ravi sensed it and putting his arm around her shoulder... said in a bare whisper... “Don’t worry....” She nodded nervously.  Afroz dragged her bike with them, chirping nonstop.  When they reached canteen, Poorva was waiting ...

“Dhaa... where were you?” she asked angrily when Dhatri walked in leaving Afroz and Ravi behind.  “Poorva...!” Dhatri held her hand and Poorva saw Afroz and Ravi.

“What is she doing with him?” Poorva inadvertently looked at Dhatri’s ring finger.  The diamond ring was still on. 

“Hello Mr. Ray... We are ready with the Demo...” She said something to distract and Ravi turned to a table. 

“I will call others...” she said and Afroz had to leave them ... Soon all of them engrossed in the discussion of their image processing discussion.  Ravi kept glancing at silent Dhatri.  Nothing from the discussion was going into her head.  The face of that woman who had said she was Ravi’s mother, floated before her eyes ... She had not paid much attention to the things she had said.  She had sensed negative vibes when she had entered her house where Sanyogita was sitting on the sofa.  Dhatri had closed her mind... nothing could enter ....! She just kept nodding to what this so called Ravi’s mother was saying... but as she went on... Dhatri’s determination got cemented and when Sanyogita had finished her story, looking expectantly at Dhatri, Dhatri had made up her mind to marry Ravi, but she wouldn’t tell anyone what really transpired between them...!  

“Dear... I really want my son to be happy but I can’t think of putting any girl at such a risk... You know, what I mean...!” Sanyogita had tears in her eyes.  Dhatri stared at her tears...

“I wished he moved out when he finished his education... but he didn’t! That was strange...! My son chose to stay with his father, like any Indian boy does...!” Sanyogita said and Dhatri looked confused.

“I just wanted my son to be out of the clutches of this man.. his father...!” Sanyogita broke into tears again... A fresh flow of tears gushed out of her eyes.  Dhatri gazed her toes...! 

“Dear...” Santogita inadvertently tried to hold Dhatri’s hand and struggled to take it back when she looked at Dhatri’s eyes, remembering the scene in Kalindi’s house.  Dhatri would bring her down again and she would strangle Dhatri to death.  Dhatri stared at her boaring eyes and grew restless.  She felt resistance.... a severe resistance to her healing powers... This lady couldn’t be cured... she didn’t want to be cured.. The evil was overpowering...! Dhatri had felt weak... disarmed...losing the battle.... the negativity filled the air... Dhaa suffocated... Sanyogita won...! Dhatri came out panting and fell in her mamma’s arms ... dejected... defeated...! Everyone had thought her to be shocked and they had called off the relation....! 

As Dhatri moved away from Sanyogita... she was all the more determined to marry Ravi...! Where everyone else had bought the story, Dhatri had seen Sanyogita through...! Her animal instinct warned her not to trust...! She should move away ... far away.. out of reach...! She decided to go back to college ....! 

“Dhatri...” Ravi glared at her.  She wouldn’t tell him anything... That so called mother was not worth discussing... ! Dhatri shook her head a bit and tried to smile at him.  

“You ok?” he asked and she smiled nodding.  His gaze locked on her ring finger... She hid her hand nervously.  The relationship was still on... she had not pulled it off...! He smiled happily.  No matter what, he would marry her...in jeans and T shirt or in wedding gown...! He waited eagerly for Indroneel.....

********  ********

“Mohtarmaa ko jald hi hosh aa jayega....” She heard the click of the door and waited for some time.  When she heard no movement, she opened her eyes... her shoulder pained but she swallowed her pain.  Looking around, she found herself in a makeshift hospital room....! She closed her eyes waiting for someone to enter...! 

When she was informed about the change in the plan she had to brace herself for the new responsibility...! She was shocked to know... She was made a part of the contingent... Crossing the borders of Afghanistan  into Pakistan....! Khoqyani through Kurram Valley  into Chapri forest And the disaster after the bomb blast at Parachinar, devastated them all...! The team dispersed and she was picked up by a local lady, in a badly injured condition...! “Lady?” Rini wondered...! She was brought into a big house and then moved to the small hospital, unconscious...! That's what the lady thought.  Rini waited with bated breath...! No one turned up.  She opened her eyes again and looked around... The open window gave her the sky view... She sat up eying on the door and looked through.  She could see “Lady Reading Hospital” Board .. 

“A what?” she wondered... “So they got me to Peshawar...” she concluded...! She slid back into the bed and groaned painfully.  Someone entered and touched her cheek.  She opened her eyes.

“Aap Thik Ho?” an elderly, kind looking lady asked her.  

“Where am I?” Rini asked groaning...

“We found you in the blast...! Wahe guru di kirpa...!” The lady prayed and Rini sat up at once... !

“Indian?” she asked shocked.

“Naa Naa.. Pakistani Punjabi...” the lady said in hushed voice.  Rini slumped back on the bed.  A young tall man walked in and took the lady out.  Dhatri looked at her off white burkha.. gown and sat up covering her face.  The man walked in.

“Mehrunnisa...” he whispered and she nodded.  He slid the documents and identity proof in her hand and moved out immediately.  She waited for the next move...! The small packet contained her identity card of the Peshawar University, her fake passport and a GPRS tracking device.  She smiled faintly.  Half of her work was done.  She needed to move down south towards Kohat and Lahore...!