Chapter 26

RR through our eyes (Chapter 26)

 

No edits from Mano this week too. Wishing her a speedy recovery

 

 

Rudra waited for the Mehras to come down. So that he can get their go ahead before proceeding for work. He waited till 8:30 am. Dhruv and Koel already had left for the school with Sumer. The Mehras were still asleep. Were they really tired ? Or were they avoiding him ? Did they realise this is not their daughter ? Or are they just feeling fatigue due to the flood of information they received from him ? Oh so many questions. The answers still eluded him.

 

He was still in two minds when Paro walked in smiling at him and saying, “Breakfast is ready. We can eat.”

 

“What about your parents ?”

 

“Oh, they are still sleeping. I just checked on them. Looks like they are at peace after you asked for my hand yesterday. And are able to sleep peacefully “ she gave him a sly smile.

 

Rudra smiled too. But it did not reach his eyes. He was still not sure whether to take a day off from work. But then the call made the decision on his behalf. His team got wind of the news of a dead body found a few villages away. They had some photos of the body. But it was not possible to identify the person. Except that it was of a young girl. The inspector concerned was ready to divulge more info if Rudra met him personally. He had to leave.

 

He had his break fast. And just before leaving he looked back at Paro who was standing near the door. He wanted to say many things to her. About herself. About how her parents might have found out about her being Paro. About how much he missed her all these years. How afraid he is of her parents next step. How much he is looking forward to get married to her again so that nobody can force her to go away from him. More importantly not to leave him ever. But words failed him. All he could do was to lift his hand and touch her face. To look at her with all the love in the world. As if she understood his dilemma she smiled at him and told him,“ Be careful Rudra. And come back fast. I will be waiting for you. And don’t worry about Mom and Dad. I am sure they are impressed with you. They will give their blessings and we can get married soon. You have no escape from me.”  This time Rudra’s smile reached his eyes.

Mehras got up more than an hour later. And that too after Myrah woke them up. She could see sadness in their faces.

 

“Did you go to sleep quite late ? It is almost 10 o’clock. If you don’t get up now it will be difficult to beat the jet lag tonight also.”

 

Poonam murmured something to the effect that they feel so tired. That the journey was quite long.

 

Though Myrah had many questions to ask she thought it better to voice them after her parents had their food. Only by noon could she get hold of both of them again.

 

“Is everything okay ? You both seem to be a little low today. Is it because of the conversation you had with Rudra ?”

 

“No my child. It was not the conversation. We are just tired. That is all.”

Poonam replied.

 

“So you have agreed to give your blessings ? Rudra told me he asked for my hand. “

 

Inspite of the heavy feeling of loss he felt Rajeev could not help smiling. “ If he said that he has a unique sense of humor. He never asked for your hand. He told us he loves you. And that we should give our blessings. The guy has some attitude. No wonder you fell for him.”

 

“I knew you will like him. He is so cool. And brave. A good man at heart. A little short tempered. But very genuine. And loving.  You know, I feel we are destined to be together. I feel a connection with him. As if we are meeting again after ages. They way you talk about partners for seven births – remember ? “

 

Mehras noticed the changes in her daughter’s face when she said this. A slight blush on her cheeks. A dreamy look in her eyes. A shyness which they never saw in her before. For a few seconds it was as if Myrah forgot that she was not alone. And when she realised she looked at her parents sheepishly.

 

Mehras were happy for Myrah. They had had a long conversation early morning. It was time to bury the past. Bringing it up now, restoring the past to present will only mean lot of heartburns and sorrow for all involved. It is better to let the death and the accompanied guilt remain buried. They had a doubt all these years whether their daughter is still alive. But they had a hope that she was. Yesterday night proved it beyond doubt that they have lost their daughter - forever.  The only consolation for them will be that she had a good life before she passed away. She was happy and contented.  There is nothing more anybody can do now. Life has to go on. And the Mehras decided to move forward too by giving their blessings to the wedding. After all the bride and the groom love each other deeply. And they are meant to be together.

 

But secrets have a life of their own. We cannot decide whether we will bury it or not. There maybe circumstances which will bring out the truth. Maynot be in the open but at least in a closed circle. And that is what happened in the evening when the visitors landed in the haveli – unannounced.

 

The couple had come to visit the Ranawats after more than a year. Rudra had talked to them about him getting married again. And that Myrah looks just like Paro. He had told the husband that Myrah is Paro. After all the husband was quite trustworthy. The wife was trust worthy too but Rudra had asked the husband to keep this a secret. Yes, it is the lovely and dashing couple – Gitanjali and Singh Sir.

 

 

The whole Ranawat family was so happy to receive them. They visited the haveli in the evening. Inspite of knowing the similarities between Paro and Myrah, Gitanjali was taken aback. Myrah liked the couple.  Mrs Singh who was quite talkative. And Singh Sir who was quite quiet. Very similar to her own parents. Myrah was bombarded with so many questions from Gitanjali about how she and Rudra met. Who proposed to whom first. When they decided to get married. The questions kept on coming........Myrah liked Gitanjali. And also Singh Sir. Some people you like them at the first instant itself. And these two – particularly Gitanjali was one such person as far as Myrah was concerned.  Over the next half hour Maithili and Shatabdi moved to the kitchen to bring in the Chai and snacks. And Gitanjali being the BSD officer’s wife had a suspicion whether Myrah is indeed Paro. The questioning went in this direction.

 

“Paro ?” This was to check whether Myrah responded with a “Yes ?”

 

Myrah looked back hearing Paro’s name. “Paro ? You knew Paro ?” Oh well that trick did not work.

 

“ Yes I have met her a couple of times”

 

“I hear a lot about her from everybody. She was quite loved by all.”

 

“ Yes. I am yet to meet a more beautiful person.”

 

“Sometimes I wish I had met her. I hear so much about her”

 

“I am sure you are loved by all too. You are a sweet person as well. I can see that.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“Do you like Imli ?”

 

“Yes I love it. You too love it – right ? With salt separately ? ”

 

“Exactly. How did you know ?” That sounded suspicious.

 

“Just guessed. “

 

“Do you wear saree ? Or Indian dresses ? I am just asking. You look beautiful in these western clothes too.”

 

“No I rarely wear saree.”

 

“You should. Am sure Rudra will love to see his love in a saree. “

 

“Hmm.. I will. Thank you. “

 

“And make sure you make him dance with you while you are wearing a saree. He is such a great dancer. He may not agree to the suggestion. But make sure he does. You two will make a great pair“

 

“Oh I never knew. Thanks for mentioning it. “

 

“He never danced with you before ? “

 

“ Well sort of. A couple of steps. But he was drunk. And it was before he ....”

 

“Yes ?”

 

“Well before he confessed his love. “

 

“Hmmmmmm. Just like Rudra. A couple of drinks and he will tell you all the secrets. “

 

“Particularly if it is bottoms up.”

 

“Where did that one come from ?” Is she paro ? If yes, does she know it ? Is she acting ?

 

Before more investigation could be done Rudra arrived.

 

Quite some pleasantries later Gitanjali asked him, “ Rudra , was yours love at first sight with her ?”

 

“No Mam. It was not. I actually ran........”

 

“Liar... who kept looking back while going away from me ? Your uncle ?”

 

All the others burst out laughing.

 

Gitanjali would have loved to continue the discussion but Kakusa intercepted and mentioned that Myrah’s parents are here. And they introduced them to the Singhs. Once the introductions were Poonam and Gitanjali kept looking at each other.

 

“Gitu ? Tu ? Itne Saal Baad ?” Poonam finally burst out.

 

“Poonam ? Wohi Toh. I was wondering where I have met you before. “

 

Then they clarified the situation to the others. They were both in the same college. And had even kept in touch after Poonam’s wedding and a few months after that. Almost till Gitanjali got married and left to Assam.  The marriage which Poonam could not attend as it was a week after her delivery. Then they lost contact and are meeting each other now. Small world – it is.

 

“It is so good to meet you Poonam after so many years.  How are your  ....?”

 

Poonam kept a restraining hand on Gitanjali. Who having known her friend many years knew that as a signal to stop. And she did not finish the question.

 

“My brothers are fine. And they are in Lucknow now. Running their business.”

 

The answer was in no way related

to the question Gitanjali was about to ask.

 

 

 

Chapter 25

RR through our eyes (Chapter 25)

 

The wonderful Parud VM attached below is by none other than our Amy (Preggy of IF )

No edits from Mano this week. Wishing her a speedy recovery

 

The word secret when used as an adjective means “not known or seen or not meant to be known or seen by others”. And it is one of the very few adjectives which can adorn any noun out there.

Secret revenge

Secret thought

Secret fear

Secret hope

Secret wish

Secret recipe

Secret jealousy

Secret admiration

Secret past

Secret dream

 

And then comes the noun which encompasses all of the above. Like a black hole. “SECRET”

Almost everybody has secrets. At least at one point of time or other. And yes Ranawats and Mehras were no different. 

Kakusa – He was the soft spoken boy of the haveli. Always hiding behind his more adventurous more sharp tongued elder brother. He loved and admired his brother Dilsher and it was reciprocated as well. Till the day a girl walked into Dilsher’s life. A girl who was meant for Danveer but who stole Dilsher’s heart. A girl as soft spoken and mild mannered as Danveer but as luck would have it – opposites attract. That is from Dilsher’s side to start with. And that was a turning point in all their lives. Four of them caught in a web of lies and deceit and hatred from that very moment. Unknown to his Dilsher, Danveer had already had a glance of Mala a few days back. After all that was the deal between the parents. Elder boy for the elder girl and the younger boy for the younger girl. So Danveer had no qualms about going all the way to Mala’s village to just get a glance of her. And he did and was bowled over. And that fated day he had to make the biggest sacrifice of his life. For his brother, Dilsher, who always protected him from the bullies in the class. For his brother who always sacrificed every good thing in his life for his younger brother. And to add salt to the wound he got Mohini in return. A girl with no love in her heart. Who had her eye only on the haveli and who had her hatred set upon her only sister and her husband. Danveer had been happy - even though for a fleeting second - when Mala eloped. But Rudra’s pain did affect Danveer. The pain of that sweet girl Paro also affected him. He was thankful that he could dissuade Paro from discharging that gun in the BSD office on Rudra and later on herself. Rudra going around like a Jallad was not acceptable to Danveer. And he could finally get Rudra back at the haveli. Along with his family. After all Danveer was not like his wife – who hated everything related to Mala. He never hated Mala or her son. Danveer could never get Mohini’s approval – not even after three kids and years of living together. But he did not hate her either as he was grateful that she did not run away leaving him and his children behind. He never forgave his brother for what he did and in parts paid him back by meeting Mala in secrecy and postponing her coming to the haveli or meeting her son and ex husband. By always keeping her at arm’s distance so that his brother will repent that fateful day all his life. That was his secret revenge. 

Mohini - never kept her hatred for Mala under cover. It was open for all to see. She was convinced that Mala was as strategic and cunning as herself and had intentionally met Dilsher before Mohini could meet him. And took away what was rightfully hers. The haveli and all the money which came with it. She hated Dilsher for choosing Mala over her. She hated Danveer for not having the guts to refuse to marry Mohini. She herself could not refuse. Her father’s wrath and fascination for trigger was well known. She hated Danveer for not being man enough to boss over her. How much she would have liked to have a more powerful and more intelligent person as her husband. But no, it was Mala who got that as well – not once but twice. Mohini could not believe that Mala had found such a great life as Thakurain – wife of the powerful and rich Thakursa. Had she known it earlier she would have had a deal with BSD and trapped the Thakursa and handed him over to the officers. Thus taking away from Mala all that she had. But luck was not with Mohini. It was that stubborn girl of Rudra , that Dhuakumari, who did the honours. And got into the haveli as Bahu later. And gave Dilsher what Danveer could never get. A grandson – an heir to the Ranawat family. Luck always favoured Rudra ever since Mala ran away. First he was lucky to get Paro who loved him with all her heart. And now he has got Myrah - who is probably one of the richest Mohini has ever met – who is adamant on marrying him. Over the years Mohini has learnt one thing. She never kept her hatred hidden and it got her nothing in return. It is better to keep the secret thoughts to one self and not to disclose. One may get a good name after all. 

Maithili - had always been submissive in the haveli. Particularly put up with her Mohini’s taunts and atrocities. Always acted as if she is the ever sacrificing daughter-in-law who will stick to the house – no matter what. The truth was not so simple. Maithili had come from a very poor family. Who were well to do at some point of time. Not to the tune of the Ranawats but still well to do. But over the years her brothers had split the property and mismanaged the wealth to the extent that they no longer had any means to support their only sister. Nor did they have any interest or time. Maithili had nowhere to go. And she loved Samrat. Though she despised the fact that he never took even a tiny step to support her. Maithili had no other way but to act as if she is fine with Mohini and that she loved this haveli and the people inside with no ill feelings. She had great admiration only for two people in this family. For Rudra and for Paro. Two people who stood up for her when her own husband could not. And now Myrah. Who supported Mythili and could get her what she always wanted. A baby girl for her own. Mythili will always be indebted to Myrah. It is another matter that when she first arrived on the scene and Rudra developed feelings for her, Mythili objected to it with full vigour. Mythili had a secret fear. Though she never shared her fear with anybody else. Her fear of losing Dhruv as a son. But now Mythili had no fear of that sort. Now she has her own baby – whom nobody can take away from her. Or so she believed.

Dhruv – had just got opened his eyes. Still feeling drowsy he looked around in his bed. And saw his Mummy sleeping next to him. His Mumma for him. He knew from the day he met that it is indeed his Mumma. In a different dress. But with the same love and affection in her eyes. The same tenderness in her hands. He was too young to remember her touch as per Koel. But he disagreed. He could instantaneously know her touch. When she pats his head or strokes his cheek. When she bends and hugs him tight. When she pulls him into a hug in the night. It was his Mumma indeed. But Papa had never agreed when he voiced it. And later somehow Koel’s strategy worked. When he started saying Mumma Ne Bheja Myrah Ko, his father agreed. So Dhruv stuck to that strategy and called her Mummy. Though he had a secret hope - that the day will come soon when he can openly call her his Mumma.

Koel also opened her eyes. And looked around. She was alone in the bed. Before Naina arrived, Maithili Tai used to make Koel sleep in her room. Sometimes Dhruv too slept in the same room though he wanted to be next to his father most of the times. The bond Dhruv had with his father was something Koel always wished she had.  Neither her father nor mother were like normal parents. But then she had Maithili and Samrat and Koel was happy with that. Till baby Naina arrived. And till Myrah arrived. Now Dhruv has Myrah who is doting on him all the time. And Naina has her mother’s attention all the time. Even Saurabh had a great set of parents whose life starts and ends with him. Koel had a secret wish. That one fine day she will wake up and see that her parents have changed and that they will shower her with all the love in the world.

Shatabdi had great luck. Though she got Mohini as her mother-in-law, she could escape entering the haveli as a second wife. Samrat would never have agreed to the same. But Shatabdi and her family were unaware that he was married. There is a GOD who helped her. Now her life is dedicated to making Mohini’s life as miserable as possible. Mohini has kind of lost her hold on two out of the three things dear to her. One- the haveli (which now belonged to Rudra – because registration in the name of Samrat, Sumer and later Mohini – was given back to Rudra by the ever Mahan father-in-law of hers). Shatabdi felt sad about losing the fortune but then the sadness on Mohini’s face cheered her up. Two - On the grandson – with Maithili adopting Naina and Shatabdi not willing to go through another delivery which will spoil her figure. Shatabdi was quite happy when a daughter was born to her and not a son. Not that she herself preferred one over another. It was just for the sake of seeing unhappiness on Mohini’s face. The third thing dear to Mohini was her Achar business. Shatabdi spent her days and nights to find that secret recipe for the Achar which will put Mohini to shame. The only way to get back at Mohini was to make something better than her Achar. Shatabdi was sure of that. And she will keep experimenting to get the recipe right.

Samrat was afraid of his mother from childhood. He had taken up after his father. Very quiet and never looking for a confrontation. And he learnt from his father. To keep quiet in front of Mohini. To do what she wants without questioning so that he can avoid getting stung by her words. But still she never spared him. Was always trying to put him down for not having a successful business, for not having a baby, for not able to control his wife.......Many a times he had been tempted to tell his mother that only if his own father had been able to control his wife !! But he never had the guts to say anything to her. And he jealous of a few people in the haveli. His TauSa when he was alive, Rudra, paro when she was around and now Myrah. The reason for the secret jealousy was simple. All of them could stand without flinching in front of Mohini and question her. But he never shared this secret with anybody. Not even with Maithili.

Sumer. Who had nothing but secret admiration for Rudra. Inspite of hitting Rudra in childhood and getting hit by him. Inspite of feeling anger towards Rudra for tempting him with money to marry Paro knowing very well that she loved him. Inspite of Rudra accusing Sumer wrongly for poisoning him. Sumer secretly admired Rudra. For being able to make a multi millionaire like Myrah fall in love with him. Only if he had that kind of talent, he could have escaped the clutches of this damned haveli and his spiteful mother.

Both Poonam and Rajeev could not sleep the entire night. That photo of Paro was a shock for both of them. An exact replica of Myrah. They could not even close their eyes. Because Paro’s face floated in front of them. Al the earlier fears and worries which they experienced years back came flooding into their minds. They did not even want to switch on the lights lest somebody walked in asking whether things were okay. Nothing was okay with the two of them. They just lied down next to each other holding each other and sobbing in the thick of the night. The tears they had collected within themselves like a dam could no longer be contained. Their secret past was here to haunt them.

Then there is our hero. Rudra Paratap Ranawat. Who returned to his room with Paro and put her to sleep next to Dhruv. She was right. He never had to fight for her hand last time. He just grabbed her from the border and brought her home. Never asked anybody’s permission – not even hers. And she offered her love to him on a silver platter. Just like that. Oh this time things are different. Yes she did love him now also. But he had much more work cut out for himself. Smiling he touched Paro’s hair and stroked them. His thoughts went to his only secret dream nowadays. The one he dreams of – Sothe Jaagthe. The dream he has with his eyes open and eyes closed. While driving, while working, while eating , while lying down. A dream that Paro will just get up one morning and remember everything. A dream which made him smile thinking of the day when it will happen. A dream which made him sad that it has not already occurred.

 

Hale dil, Haal-e-dil

Tumse kaise kahoon

Yun kabhi aa ke mil

Tumse kaise kahoon

Yaado'n mein

Khwabo'n mein

Aapki chhab mein rahe

Haale dil, Haal-e-dil

Tumse kaise kahoon

Oh hum toh udhad se rahe

Hoth yun sil se rahe

Tere hi zulfo'n ke gane

 

Yun toh sau khat bhi likhe

Karpan mein rat bhi liye

Teri kahani dohrake

 

Kabse yeh Keh rahe..

Aapki chab mein rahe

 

Haal-e-dil, Haal-e-dil

Tumse kaise kahoon

Haal-e-dil, Haal-e-dil

 

Tumse kaise kahoon

Yaadon mein

Kaboon mein

Aapki chab mein rahe

Haal-e-dil, Haal-e-dil

Link to the Parud VM incase you cannot see it below.

Parud VM - Haale-E-Dil

 

 

Chapter 24

RR through our eyes (Chapter 24)

 

Thanks Mano for the edits.
Thanks tvbug2011 for the brainstorming on this conversation

 

Rudra grudgingly told the Mehras the truth. And looked them in the eye.

“I got your point. She was stupid to go with them. But intelligent enough to lead me to the place.”

 

Rajeev gave in. Finally. Here was a man who was truthful. He might be short tempered. But he was straightforward. And that is one quality which has to be admired. Rajeev relaxed a bit breaking the ice.

 

But Rudra continued being serious. He wanted to get this conversation completed. There was no time for niceties. “I need to talk about a few more things with both of you. Now”

 

It did sound rather ominous to their ears. But Rajeev had to clear something from his side before proceeding. He was a fair man. Agreed he did not like his daughter being called stupid. Agreed he is biased towards his Laadli. But he has to agree when she is at fault.

 

“Rudra, I too agree it was stupid of Myrah to go out of the haveli without even informing anybody. Thanks for saving her life. Not once but twice. We will be indebted to you forever.” Rajeev cleared the air.

 

“Oh please don’t thank me. Now that the wedding will happen soon and both of you will be family let us not be so formal. Anyway coming back to what I said earlier - I would like to share a few things about myself with both of you.” Rudra started.

 

Rajeev and Poonam heard the decisiveness in his voice. The lack of doubt in his mind about the wedding.  A tone, which in no uncertain terms said that the wedding is going to happen. That the Mehras are going to be part of his family soon. Though Rajeev himself was not so sure about the love between Rudra and his daughter, though he was still not convinced that Rudra is the right choice for her – he could still not stop feeling a little bit of admiration for this handsome man sitting in front of himself. A person who knew what he wanted. And one who knew how to get what he wanted. That was a trait to be admired. Second point in Rudra’s favor.

 

“I am the only child of my parents. A loving mother and a strict father. At least that is what I thought till I found myself abandoned at the age of 15. That incident left a deep wound in my mind. A hatred towards this world. Which was only fueled further by my father’s words. And I joined BSD and channeled most of my anger towards the enemies of our nation. But still there was much more anger from where it originated. Which made me aloof and lonely. Till she walked into my life.”

 

“ She changed me within a short time. She showered me with so much love that I became humane again. We got married and were living happily. Then we had our Dhruv. Probably GOD did not like us being happy. He took Paro away. It will be an understatement if I said that I was shattered.  I only pulled on for Dhruv’s sake. I was sure I will never find love again. I am one who never believed in second chances. Being a BSD man I knew that once the bullet finds its mark it cannot be undone. So where is the question of a second chance? But I was wrong. I got my love back. In a new form indeed. But destiny brought us together. Her uncle had asked me to be her bodyguard. And I went to her hotel to meet her. I was about to leave after waiting for a long time. I would have almost missed meeting her. But she reached just in time before I could leave. Thank God for that.  And fell right into my arms. She did not take my no for an answer. She followed me , got herself invited into the haveli and fell in love with me. And over the last few days I realized there is something called a second chance. That I am indeed one of those few lucky people who are granted one.“ Rudra had a smile when he talked about his love Myrah – Poonam noticed with happiness. Poonam was also happy that he spoke more about her princess in his synopsis about life. That should mean something – doesn’t it ?

 

There. Rudra thought to himself. He has said it. In the most non controversial way possible. Without stating that Myrah is Paro. Without giving the Mehras any doubt in those lines - he hoped.

 

By nature Rudra did not trust anybody. In the very few cases like Aman – it took him years of knowing the person. That too in close quarters. There was no way Rudra would have told the Mehras the truth. For multiple reasons.

 

First and foremost being there was no reason for them to believe him. Second being he still do not have solid proofs. They might conclude that Rudra has become crazy over his love for his wife. Even if they get convinced possessiveness or the fear of losing their daughter can force them to not accept the truth.

 

Added to that God knows how Myrah will take this news. And how she will react. How her mind will react and how her body will react. Yes given her past health issues all angles must be considered.

 

If due to the shock she faints and remains unconscious for a long time her parents can take her away from him. Legally they have the right. He has no right to stop them as on today.

 

If she decides to leave him voluntarily – again it will not be easy for him to stop her. Though he will never - ever - allow her out of his sight. He was sure of that. But handling the situation will be far easier when she is married to him.

 

And last but not the least if and when he decided to reveal the secret to Paro – he wanted to be the one to tell her. Rudra did not want her to hear it from anybody else for sure.

 

Being a strategic person – at least he is when anger does not get the better of him – he decided the best way is to not talk about Paro being Myrah. With anybody -  least of all the Mehras. His task ahead is to convince the Mehras to give their blessings for the wedding. If they think he fell in love with their daughter after Paro – he will play along.

 

There is no way he is going to let them know ---

That Rudra is a one-woman man.

That he still does not believe in falling for anybody other than his lovely Paro.

That nobody can ever take her place – neither in his life nor in his heart.

That when he talks of second chances – it is about his second chance with Paro herself and not with another human being.

That all he wants is to set everything right and give Paro a proper wedding this time around. A wedding and 7 phere that she will remember with fondness.

 

“That is it ?” Rajeev asked.” Nothing more to add ?”

 

“I am a man of few words. But my words are honest. So when I say I want to spend the rest of my life with her – I mean it. I do not have any long winding speech to deliver. But if you have any questions I am here to answer “

 

Rajeev smiled. The man had attitude. Yes he is a man of few words. But powerful ones. No wonder Myrah fell for him – an honest, confident, courageous man with the right attitude.

 

“Rudra, we hope when Myrah gets married it is for lifetime. That it is a well thought out decision and not one made in the spur of the moment. That is why we gave Rohit and Myrah so much time to think and decide. Never hurried them even though it would have made both of us quite happy if their wedding had happened years back. It is not anything against you but I find this decision of yours and Myrah’s quite rushed. What is the guarantee that you both will not regret the marriage later ? “ Rajeev’s question was quite reasonable. As parents they were entitled to know the truth from Rudra.

 

“I am no teenager. I am a grownup man. Before I take any decision I will think about it 100 times. Because marriage is a serious thing for me. To tell you the truth I spent many sleepless hours after she declared her love and still came to the conclusion that I am not the right person for her. I was not ready to even admit it to myself that she is the one for me. I finally realized my love only at a time when I was about to lose her. For ever. That is when I understood that I cannot be away from her. That she is the one for me. “Though the answer appeased the Mehras little did they know that Rudra was talking about his Paro.

Paro who relentlessly pursued him.

Paro who proposed to him first.

Paro who refused to leave his side in spite of his anger and the hate wedding.

Paro who was ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for his well being.

 

Rudra was so lost in his past that Poonam had to repeat her question to get his attention. “How can I  be sure that you will not compare Myrah to Paro as you call her ? What is the guarantee that you will not start feeling that Myrah is not as beautiful as Paro ? Or as traditional as Paro ? Or as .....”

 

Rudra interrupted, “Can you give me a minute ? I will be back soon.” And he walked to his room. He had realized from Poonam’s questions that the Mehras were not aware that Paro and Myrah looked alike. Hmm...this is going to be another hurdle to face.

 

He was back with a photo album in hand. Mehras looked at the photos. The initial ones were long shots of a pretty girl. In lehenga playing in the beach. They looked at the beauty of the pretty girl who looked very similar to Myrah and smiled , “ Myrah looks so beautiful in this lehenga.”

 

Rudra neither denied the statement nor agreed with it. “That is was taken more than seven years back.“

 

The Mehras wre stumped. Literally. If it is an old photo it cannot be Myrah. Then who is this ?

 

“Who is this ?” It was Poonam who mustered the courage to ask the question.

 

“It is Paro. “

 

“She looks very similar to Myrah from a distance. Quite similar except for the long hair.” Again it was Poonam who found the voice to say something.

 

“Yes she does. And Myrah knows it. I was not sure whether you were aware. So wanted to make it known to you upfront.” Rudra explained.

 

“What exactly do you expect from us ? To give our blessings to you and Myrah after seeing this photo ?” Rajeev finally gave vent to his anger.

 

“Yes.“ Rudra was as calm and composed as anybody can be. He had this part already rehearsed in his mind. And was ready.

 

“When you talked about second chances and your wanting to marry Myrah I was kind of convinced. When you explained how this is a well thought out mature decision – I was relieved. But this ? How can you really move on with a look alike? How can we ever believe you – for that matter how can Myrah ever believe that you love her? That you see Myrah and not your wife when you look at her?”

 

“ To understand that you should know more about my past. I mentioned that I was abandoned at 15. It was because my mother left me and my father and went away from home. She did not bother to take me with her. And never tried to contact me. My father did not leave me but he did worse. He gave me daily doses of how untrustworthy a beautiful woman is. How she never belonged to the child or the husband. Over the years when my mother never came back I started hating all women. Particularly the beautiful ones. I will refer to somebody as  “Khoobsurat” more as an insult than a compliment. I am a changed man now. Not one with animosity in heart. But still external beauty is not the one I am attracted to. “

 

All is fair in love and war. Rudra thought to himself. There is no reason for the Mehras to know that he had fallen for the beauty of Paro as well. At first sight itself. The day he rolled on the desert sand with her. The day he took a bullet for her. The day he carried her while she was unconscious to the jeep. The day he became her protector. Yes Paro had as beautiful a mind as her body. But it will be a complete lie if he said he did not get attracted to her appearance. He had lost himself in her dove shaped eyes many a times. In the beauty of her slim waist. In her pink luscious lips. He never had let go of a chance to touch her. To hold her. To be near her. Even when they were on opposite sides. He had been as affected by her proximity as she had been by his nearness though he was able to hide it well from her. He had been stumped by her looks umpteen number of times – the day she wore his blue kurta, on the day of their Sangeet, in Jaipur when she came down the steps, during the dance, afterwards when they were both intoxicated and sitting in the lobby, when he got up the next day in her arms,...........countless number of times when he was lost in the mesmerising beauty of Paro.

 

He had to pull himself back again from his thoughts. And he continued, “ What attracted me to her is her nature. Her selfless nature. Her happy cheerful attitude. A lively spirited person who feels for others. Who connects with those around her easily. Who goes out of her way to help even the people whom she just met.  Her honesty. Her pure mind. Her nature of always putting others before her. Like how she keeps things from both of you because you will worry. The girl who can laugh in the face of death. Who can keep her head while all around hers are losing theirs. “

 

“She came into my life, and made me want to live again, to feel again, to love again, to give all of myself. She left me with no option, without asking for it, she demanded that I love her with all my being. And I do and I will forever. Trust me. I will not try to change her in any way. I like her the way she is. It is the person I fell in love with and not her appearance.”

 

Again Rudra was talking about his Paro. But the Mehras thought it was about Myrah. And they felt that Rudra’s POV was justified. But before they could respond their eyes fell on the next photo. A closeup of Paro. And that was the moment when the similarity of Paro and Myrah struck them. And they were zapped. All the colour drained from Rajeev’s face. His hands reached Poonam’s involuntarily. And squeezed her hands tightly. Looking for support. But for once Poonam had none to offer.

 

“Is there anything else you would like to know before you give your go ahead ?” Rudra queried the Mehras who seemed to be focusing on a particular photo in silence.

They were startled with the question. It was not even sure whether they heard him right. They looked up in slow motion. As if it was painful to look away from the photo in hand.

“Can you leave us alone for some time ? Let us talk tomorrow.” Poonam hardly managed to get out the two short lines after two failed attempts.

Rudra nodded. Respecting their request he moved out. He could clearly see grief written on their faces. Inspite of his best efforts did they guess the truth ? In the short time that he has met them he has already formed a good opinion about the couple. A husband and wife who were each other’s support. Who were frank , open minded and down to earth. Rudra felt a strange unexplainable bond with them. And felt sad for thei plight. He hoped they will be fine with the truth in case they have guessed it. With one last look over his shoulder he walked out of the room only to bump into Paro.

“What are you doing here ? You are supposed to be sleeping.”

“I heard some noises and saw the light from this room. So just got up and came here. What were you all discussing ? “ Myrah was curious

“Nothing much. I was just telling them about my past. And requesting them for your hand. “ Rudra explained.

“You never had to do that last time – right ? ”  Saying this Myrah smiled and held his hand in hers.

Rudra looked into her eyes – which were half closed – and realised he is ready to put anybody else through any truth, however harsh. He is ready to lie about being not attracted to her physical beauty – if that saves the day. He is ready to share his childhood details with people he just met. He is ready to face any evil in this world. He is ready to hide facts from Paro herself. Anything....

For Paro, his Paro. His life begins and ends with Paro. Bas.