Chapter 32

RR through our eyes (Chapter 32)

 

Thanks Mano for the edits.

 

All the guests had proceeded to the dining hall during the reception and Rudra and Paro were about to sit in the special thrones kept for them when Poonam held Paro’s hand and said, “See who is here .....”

 

It was followed by a man’s booming voice, “ Myrah Beti, congratulations”

 

She turned around and saw the owner of the voice. And she grinned welcoming him with open arms.

 

Rudra looked back too. What caught his attention was the face next to the man. A face which looked quite familiar.

 

And he was flabbergasted.

 

****

12 hours back Rudra was so happy. When he looked at Paro dressed as a bride. Nothing can come between them now. He will make sure that nobody comes in between them.

 

****

 

11 hours back Paro had spotted Mamisa walking into the hall. She was talking to her friends and the panditji was still arranging things for the havan. Rudra was busy giving instructions to a few well built guys. She had no clue why. She walked towards the old lady,

 

“Aap Kisiko Doond Rahi Ho ? Are you looking for somebody ?” she asked

 

The fragile, weathered or rather battered old woman who lost over the years every single person who meant something to her adjusted her eyes to the light and looked at Paro. Her Paro. How can that be ? Didn’t that devil take her away from all of them ?

 

“Mamisa ? Main Aapko Mamisa Bula Sakthi Hoon ? Main Rudra Ki hone wali Patni. Namaste. ...Can I call you Mamisa ? I am Rudra’s would be wife. “

 

Without even realising Mamisa took hold of Paro’s hands and held them tight. To reassure herself that she is not day dreaming. “Tum Theek Ho ? Paro ?”

 

“Haan Main Theek Hoon. “ she replied. She did not correct the name. Maybe she did not even hear it. She was wondering how she felt pulled to this old woman. How she felt like calling her Mamisa. Before she could think more in those lines Dhruv came running and hugged Mamisa with all his  force.

 

“Beta, Aaram se. Itne Zor Se nahin. GIr Jaoongi.....”

 

“Haan Dhruv. Take care. She will lose her balance. “

 

 

“Aapko Pata Hai Yeh Kaun Hai ? ...Do you know who this is ?” Dhruv asked Paro.

 

“Main Uski Mamisa Hoon. Woh Kaise Nahin Pahachaanegi ? ..I am her Mamisa. How can she not recognise me ? “ Mamisa replied before Paro could answer.  And she understood who it is. And wondered how is she is able to relate to each relative of Paro in the same way as Paro used to.

 

“I want to take a photo now.” Dhruv insisted. And Paro smiled and summoned the photographer. And the three generations posed with the best smiles on their face.

 

Paro was called by the Pandit soon after that but the scene with Mamisa and the photo did not go unnoticed by a few pairs of eyes in the hall.

****

10 hours back Rudra was taken aback by Paro’s eighth Vachan. And thanked all the Gods for bringing her back to him.

 

*****

15 minutes later he was even happier seeing her happiness around rose petals and the butterflies.

 

*****

6 hours back Poonam had a long talk with Mamisa. She wanted to know more about Paro.

 

Mamisa was sure that this girl decked up as bride today is her own Paro. How that happened and when – she had no clue. And she was not inclined to investigate for lack of strength and determination. She believed there are things the mind connects to and the fact that this is Paro is one such.

 

Mamisa also knew that Poonam is this girl’s mother. Myrah’s mother.  And she is here asking questions about Paro. It is natural for a mother to be sceptical about her son-in-law’s first wife. So Mamisa put her at ease.

 

“ Paro is a gem of a girl. With the heart of a child. And one who is ready to sacrifice anything for her near and dear ones. She is as close to my heart as my daughter. “

 

“She would definitely want Rudra and Dhruv to be happy. And I am glad to see both of them happy today. Your daughter will be very happy with them.”  Mamisa assured Poonam.

 

But Poonam had some other question to ask,” Yes I know Myrah is lucky to have Rudra and Dhruv in her life. I have er...one question. Was Paro happy after she was ...... ? “

 

“Married ? “ Mamisa replied before Poonam could complete her statement.

 

“Yes she was. Rudra loved her so much. Was always there to protect her.” Suddenly Mamisa realized she has said more than what was needed. Also that she had not allowed Poonam to complete her question.

 

“Is that what you wanted to ask ?”

 

“Ah well......yes.” Poonam replied – very unconvincingly. How do you ask questions without getting the other person suspicious. Maybe she should not ask anything to Mamisa. Instead should ask Gitanjali to find out.

 

Seeing Poonam lost in her thoughts Mamisa was worried and decided to give more assurance to her about her “so called daughter” , “ Don’t worry Poonam-sa. Rudra will love your daughter and will take care of her always. You do not have anything to be concerned of.”

 

If only Mamisa was shrewd and smart like Gitanjali or Mohini – she would have been able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together and arrive at her own conclusions. But was a Seedhi Saadhi woman – not one to over think about anything. One who always believed what her heart told her. And she let that conversation go.

 

Poonam could not hold onto her worries and sorrow any longer. She went in search of Gitanjali to have a heart to heart talk.

 

*****

In the mean time VK Singh wanted to have a conversation with Rajeev. He and Rudra knew that Myrah did look like Paro. That she too had an accident 7 years back. What they did not know was how Paro and Myrah got switched. And how Paro ended up in Mehra’s house. As per Rudra the Mehras had no idea that who they think as Myrah is actually Paro. Rudra feels that the switch was done by a third party. For what , when and how – he also did not know. But one thing he was sure was that Mehras had no involvement in the whole process.

 

But VK Sir was not that convinced.

 

How can parents not know that it is not their daughter ? How did Paro talk when she regained consciousness ? Her peculiar Hindi accent, her no knowledge of English , her traditional values as opposed to Myrah’s western views – all should have alerted the Mehras. Why did they not respond to that ? More importantly where was Myrah treated in India ? Since all the records in the BSD hospital were lost in the fire they (Rudra and Aman) had reached a dead end there.

 

Yes VK Singh also was of the opinion that the Mehras did sound and act innocent. But he had found a trace of unhappiness on both their faces which a common man could not have found. The reason for the same was unknown. Being a BSD officer he was bound to doubt a person by default. Rudra also would have done the same thing had he not had such long conversations with the Mehras.

 

Yes VK Singh also knew that Poonam is very close to Gitanjali. Over the years he had heard his wife talk so much about her best friend from college. But that does not mean Poonam is as innocent as she appears to be. In the face of fear and insecurity people can do any thing.

 

Or the other possibility is that they still do not know that Myrah is Paro. Then why the trace of sadness on their faces ? He has to find out from his wife. He was sure Gitanjali knows some secret which she is not ready to share.

 

It took VK Sir quite some time to reach the topic of Myrah’s accident in his conversation with Rajeev.

 

*****

Coming back to the present.  The man wished Paro. And both Paro and Rudra looked back.

Paro with lots of happiness spread out her hands , “ Murtygaaru, Aap Aa Gaye ? You came finally ? I had given up hope that you will make it.”

 

“What can I do Beti ? I wanted to come earlier. But Preeti wanted to join me for sure. And I could not refuse her. You know how adamant she can be. “ he replied looking fondly at the woman next to him.

 

Rudra’s eyes were fixed on the so called Preeti. And she in turn was staring at Myrah.

 

“Preeti Tum ? Oh finally we meet.” Paro exclaimed and hugged Preeti with all her heart.

 

“Yeah we meet........” and she became quiet. As if she was at a loss as to what to say.

 

“ Why are you quiet ? Usually in our talks you are so unstoppable. Just like me. Today you are so quiet. And why did you make Murtygaaru late ? Why did you not come for the wedding itself ? “

 

Preeti continued to be quiet. It was Murty who answered, “ She was busy at the border near Bangladesh . She came back only today afternoon. So I cannot blame her. But I can blame her for making me miss the wedding. “

 

“Ah that you can. It was such a great wedding you know. Rudra has arranged surprise for me. You should.......” Suddenly Paro remembered that she forgot to even introduce the two guests to Rudra.

 

“Rudra , this is Murty. My dear friend who worked with me in many abuse cases in the US. I have immense respect for him. He has helped many a woman to take care of herself. Is a strong supported of girl’s education. And rehabilitation of women who have been pushed into wrong professions  by fate. He is a frequent flyer. Half the time in the west and the other half here. He is from Andhra. Remember, I told you I have friends in the South. I was referring to him. And this is Ms Preeti. Another of my close friends. And MurtyGaaru and Preeti, this is Rudra. My 8 hours old husband. “ The happiness in Paro’s voice in seeing these two was so audible. As visible as it was in her face.

 

“Namaste.” Rudra was brief always when it came to conversations with strangers. But this time he was even more so – his eyes not yet leaving the face of the lady.

 

His voice made Ms Preeti turn and look at him. And it registered shock followed by a not so discernible expression. Both were staring at each other without acknowledging the other one. But Paro was on her introduction speech.

 

“Her name is not actually Preeti. We call her that because she believes on love. “

 

Rudra said immediately without thinking, “ I know”

 

“You know? How ? Do you guys know each other ?” Paro was very curious now.

 

“Yes. I have ...er met.....your friend before “ he was very reluctant to part with this info.

 

“Ah yes. We had met as part of our work a few years back when he was in BSD. But I did not know you were marrying him“ She gave as vague an explanation as was possible. Looked like Preeti was equally reluctant to discuss further.

 

Paro was satisified with the answer. And soon the conversation drifted  to other safer topics – like about common friends and recent travels etc. And then a few more friends of Rudra came.

 

With great effort Rudra smiled and talked as if he has no worry in the world. After about an hour they all proceeded for dinner.

 

It was time for all to go to sleep. People started going back to their rooms. Rudra dreaded this moment. He had to clear his mind. The unexpected guest had affected him so much.

 

Rudra excused himself to talk to Mamisa who was sitting alone. And he sat next to her. She did most of the talking. But he was not listening. His mind was still on Paro’s friend from the past. From Mamisa he went to Aman but he did not voice his worries. Then he was talking to Poonam , then Rajeev. He kept on drifting from one person to another aimlessly. Without listening to even one single person.

 

Paro was watching Rudra’s movement. It was almost half an hour now that she is in the midst of her friends and he away from her.

 

Why is he not in a hurry to take her to their room ? She knows she is dying to be with him again. This time without any fear of somebody knocking on the door. Without any apprehension of getting caught.

 

She bid good night to Dhruv ruffling his hair affectionately and kissing him on the cheek. And slowly went to Rudra and asked him, “ I am quite tired. Can we also go now ? “

 

“Yeah I am coming. Just have to say thanks to a few of my friends. You proceed. I will be there soon. “ Rudra said with a smile that did not touch his eyes.

 

He found his situation very ironic. After a dream wedding to his beloved – just before the moment when he should be carrying  her to their room - he is sitting here and thinking of another woman.

 

A woman who believed in love. Yes he had seen that in her when he met her years back.

 

She was the one who was ready to believe that their story – Rudra’s and Paro’s is of love.

She was the one who was impressed when Rudra sang “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” for his Paro. 

 

She was the one who was bursting with happiness when both Paro and Rudra  selected  a rose in their post wedding ritual.

 

She was the one who tried to convince her elder colleague to believe in the love of Paro and Rudra.

 

Why then is he worried after seeing her ?

Why is he bothered about the connection between her and Paro ?

Why is he having this feeling of being choked ?

Why is he curious to know about how long have they known each other ?

Why does he want to know what all have been shared between the two ?

Why is his mind playing tricks on him ?

Why is he listening at all to his BSD brain at this moment ?

Why in the world is he scared now ?

 

Kahin Aisa Na Ho Ki ...................

 

 

 

 If you reached till here I am assuming you read the chapter fully. Please leave your comments, thoughts and feedback. If you are facing issues in posting comments please send a mail to jjkkliftkaradey@gmail.com We would like to here from you.

Chapter 31

RR through our eyes (Chapter 31)

 

Thanks Mano for the edits.

 

 

 

Paro smiled at him and whispered, “No special eighth vachan for me ?” He was taken aback. He did not know what to answer. Did she cry because she remembered the last time he took the vachans ? Or is it just the smoke from the havan ?

 

When he did not reply she came out with her statement,” Eighth vachan specially from me to you –Rudra. Whatever happens in the future I will never ever leave you. I will be with you through thick and thin. I will always be yours.“

 

As far as Rudra and Paro were concerned at that moment in that crowded hall there were just the two of them. Looking at each other with longing and all the love in the world.

 

 

All Rudra wanted to do at that moment was to pull her into his arms and hug her tight.

For forgiving him for all his faults.

For forgiving him for doubting her.

For loving him in spite of the hate marriage.

For coming back to him to pull him out of the hell he had pushed himself in. Not once but twice.

For her perseverance in getting him to agree for the wedding. Not once but twice.

For remembering bits and pieces of their life together

For saying the exact opposite of the eight vachan he had uttered last time (with no thought to how much it pained her).

For saying the eighth vachan he should have said first time around.

For everything.

For just being in his life. For coming back into his life.

He wanted to thank her. Just hold her tight so that his heart beat can be heard by her. So that she can recognise how much he feels for her – through every pulse and every breath of his.

 

He did not hear the priest telling him that he can let go of her hand now. All those emotional thoughts would have fleeted across his face because Paro suddenly looked worried. He smiled to reassure her even when his eyes were veiled by tears. And she asked ,” Haath Kab Chodoge ?”

 

“Kabhi Nahin” he said remembering the same dialogue in front of the railway station.

 

“Phir Maang Kaise Bharoge ? “ she asked with a twinkle in her eyes and he slowly let go of her hand.

 

The rest of the ceremonies followed. He filled her Maang with Sindoor – again. They could not help sharing a secret smile thinking about last night, her proposal and what followed later.

 

He was particular about selecting the Mangalsutra. He already had discussed this with Rajeev and Poonam. And now he held it in his hand to tie it around Paro’s neck. She tilted her head towards him and whispered , “You have to make this moment special Rudra. Most memorable. Okay ?”

 

As if on cue seven violins started playing the background music to the mantra “ Mangalyam tantunanena mama jeevana hetuna: kanthe badhnami subhage twam jeeva sarada satam “ recited by the priests.

 

“This means - this is a sacred thread. This is essential for my long life. I tie this around your neck O maiden having many auspicious attributes. May you live happily for a hundred years (with me).” Rudra told her.

 

“I know. I have friends in the South too” Her voice was filled with happiness.

 

And then seven kids including Dhruv, Koel and Saurabh surrounded Paro and Rudra and sprayed them with rose water. As if on cue the curtain above opened up slowly and down came at a slow speed hordes of rose petals and they started floating around Paro and Rudra. Paro was thrilled and more so when she found a couple of lovely butterflies flying around.  

 

“Memorable enough ?   Rudra asked amidst the applause in the hall.

 

By nature Rudra was not a man who would display affection openly let alone publicly. But he knew his Paro will ask for something special while tying the MangalSutra and he did not want to let her down. So he was prepared. And had taken the help of Aman and Sunehri to get all this arranged.

 

Paro looked ecstatic looking wide eyed at all the kids, rose petals and butterflies around. She went around and around stretching out her hands living the moment.  And Rudra was happy that he could - with this final ceremony - rewrite all the wrongs of their last wedding.

 

Just like the time he had created fake snow - he had to hold her hand to stop her. Unfortunately this time he could not create romantic moments right away. Those have to wait. For now he adorned her slender long neck with the mangalsutra.

 

 

 

Om..Om

Mangalam Bhagwan Vishnu
Mangalam Garuda Dhwaja
Mangalam Pundareekaksham
Mangalaya Tano Hari
Mangalam Bhagwan Vishnu
Mangalam Garuda Dhwaja

And whispered against her ear. “ Congratulations Mrs Rudra Pratap Ranawat”. Just in time he took hold of himself and did not utter the name Parvati after the Mrs. Thank God for small mercies. Well big mercies. He thought to himself.

 

They took the blessing of their elders by touching their feet – Danveer-Mohini and Rajeev-Poonam. Paro did not let go of Dhruv. Asked him to stay with them as they had to take the blessings as a family.

 

There was a long queue of people waiting to wish them which took almost an hour – the family could get around to sit for lunch with the close friends and relatives. It was almost 3pm by the time the scrumptious meal was consumed. They had hardly an hour before starting preparations for the grand reception in the evening.

 

That is when Paro was frisked away by her friends to the hotel room they had booked. And Rudra walked towards his colleagues – both present and past. He asked Aman to keep an eye on Paro – just in case. There was nothing out of place during the entire day. And no news about any imminent appearance or attack from Tejawat. So Rudra was relaxed but still he was not ready to leave Paro alone. Almost an hour later when he had discussed all office related work and had allowed his friends to pull his leg for some time he went looking for Paro. He could not find her in her room.

 

He came across Maithili having conversation with Paro’s Mamisa. They had not forgotten to invite her. Rather Rudra was insistent that she be invited. Mamisa was the only living relative of Paro and he wanted her there. Yes he knew this gave Tejawat evidence that this could be Paro but then Tejawat would have come to the conclusion from the resemblance itself. Mamisa’s absence would not have stopped him from acting on it anyway.

 

He could not find Paro in any of the rooms in the fifth floor. And Aman’s mobile was not reachable. Which made Rudra worried and he looked around the other floors where he knew they had booked rooms. With each passing floor his steps hastened and his heart beat went up by another notch.

 

Rudra came across VK Singh in conversation with Rajeev. He wondered what they were talking about. Both seemed to be absorbed in the topic.

 

Then he came across Gitanjali Mam and Poonam. He could not help overhearing their conversation. Poonam was almost in tears. “ Gitu, both of us are not even able to enjoy this wedding fully you know. From the moment we saw her photos we realised that our daughter is no more. Yes of course Rudra has no idea that we know. Nor does he know about what happened. Apart from me and Rajeev you are the only one who knows the truth. I don’t want anybody else to know about this. Particularly her. As such we are not able to live with the guilt. We do not want to add to that. Promise me. Promise me that you will not discuss about this with anybody. Not even your husband.”

 

“ Yes Poonam. I promise. Your secret will be safe with me. Now please stop crying before somebody sees you. We need to get going. Others will be looking for you. The reception will start very soon and a few arrangements are still pending. Remember, I am always here for you. Call me whenever you want to unburden your sorrows.” Gitanjali told Poonam assuring her by holding her hands in hers.

 

Neither of them saw Rudra hearing the last part of their conversation. He felt bad about the Mehras realising the truth.  He had taken lot of effort to project Myrah as Myrah to them. He thought he did a good job of hiding the fact that Myrah is Paro He made sure he never addressed his wife as Paro in front of the Mehras. But still they did put the two and two together and deduced the truth themselves. He had a renewed respect for them for going through the wedding without even revealing a minute amount of the sadness they felt. For still treating Paro as their daughter. For saving Paro from shocks by hiding the truth from her. And most importantly for not taking Paro away from him to live a lie. Yes, he realised these two are the epitome of parenthood.

 

Rudra missed one word in the Poonam-Gitanjali dialogue and so did not try to find the meaning behind it – “guilt”. Maybe it will come back to him later. For now his priority was to find Paro.

 

He finally tracked Paro and gang ( as one can call them) with the beautician. The guy friends including Rohit and a few of the girl friends were all assembled outside in the corridor along with Aman. Rudra took the opportunity to talk to Rohit.

To thank him for being supportive. To thank him for being understanding.

 And Rohit in turn congratulated Rudra and told him to take good care of his best friend or else........he will have to deal with Rohit first.. Rudra would have normally scowled at such words even when they are said jokingly. But this time around he smiled back and shook hands with Rohit. Paro was lucky to have such a wonderful family and friends during the last few years. He indeed was thankful to each and every one of them.

 

The reception was a grand affair. Rudra was dressed in black the way he was for the Jaipur dance. He wanted to check whether the dress will trigger any memories in Paro.

 

When he saw her coming down in the red saree he was sure of one of the two things.

 

·         Either Paro remembers and thus selected the saree.

·         Or destiny as usual made them choose the respective clothing  to relive the moments.

 

Little did he know that this time also Gitanjali Mam intervened and selected the saree for Paro.

 

He just stood staring at her beauty. And she did steal glances at him to admire how handsome he looked. Those in the audience including the Mehras could not help thinking that this is a match made in heaven.

 

And the bride and groom were so tired shaking hands with each guest. After some time Paro adopted “Namaste” thus escaping from the repeated motion of shaking hands – winking at Rudra.

 

All the guests had proceeded to the dining hall and Rudra and Paro were about to sit in the special thrones kept for them when Poonam held Paro’s hand and said, “See who is here .....”

 

It was followed by a man’s booming voice, “ Myrah Beti, congratulations”

 

She turned around and saw the owner of the voice. And she grinned welcoming him with open arms.

 

Rudra looked back too. What caught his attention was the face next to the man. A face which looked quite familiar.

And he was flabbergasted.

 

 If you reached till here I am assuming you read the chapter fully. Please leave your comments, thoughts and feedback. If you are facing issues in posting comments please send a mail to jjkkliftkaradey@gmail.com We would like to here from you.

 

Chapter 30

RR through our eyes (Chapter 30)

Mano’s edits are being made and will be posted by 12^th March.

 

 

 

 

It was Rudra who slowly drifted back to reality. It was hard to tell why he came out of the short deep slumber. Was it difficult for him to believe what just happened ? Was he afraid that it was all a dream and wanted to make sure it is for real ? Was it his excitement at getting his Paro back even if it was for a short time ? Was it the overwhelming feeling of history repeating itself ? It was hard to tell.

 

Whatever be the reason he first became aware of the calmness he felt. The feeling of tranquillity. The feeling of weightlessness. Moments later he realised who he is. And then he realised that it was a long time since Rudra felt this kind of peace. Few more moments went by. And he felt his body sprawled across the bed. And then felt the softness of Paro’s body under him. He smiled in that half asleep state. To trap Paro underneath him and to sleep holding her hand – quite some years since it happened last time. No wonder he had felt so much at ease. He slowly opened his eyes – hoping that the whole thing is not a dream. And it was not a dream. Far from it. There she was sleeping – with a look of contentment on her face. He always liked to watch her sleep. Whether it was when she was sleeping on the floor in his kurta or when she was hurt in the foot and he had carried her to the quarters. Whether it was in Jaipur. Or after that every other night. He always loved to watch her sleep.

As if she was aware of his stare, she stirred in her sleep. Rudra wondered what her first sentence will be. Will she remember that she proposed to him with the Sindoor – again ? Last time she had proposed in front of the audience he had wished she did it in the privacy of a room. He had thrown the Sindoor into the air last time. But this time he made sure he corrected the mistake. Respected her proposal and their love. Will she remember that ? Will she remember that she addressed him as Major Saab. Will she remember all the times when they were united years back ? Or will she be her present self and not remember the past ? Rudra realized that his heart rate has increased suddenly. As if he was waiting for his exam results. Not sure of the outcome.

Her first line was not at all what he expected. But after hearing them he could not help smiling. It was the same line which she had used everytime during the last very few days before that fateful day years back. How could he have forgotten it ? Silly of him.

“Zara Dhruv ko dekhiye. Can you check up on Dhruv ?” Paro asked him.

A mother’s instinct. Which is in the fore front at almost all the times. He did not reply. Just kept looking at her with a smile on his face. After sometime when she did not get any answer she slowly opened her eyes.

And saw him and his smile.

“He is fine. He is with his Nana and Nani. In the guest room upstairs.” He decided to tease her. “Do you want me to go and bring him down ?”

It was then that she noticed their positions and the state of undress. Though it was not too bright in the room he could feel her turning red. Reminiscing about what happened between them. She felt shy. And wrapped her arms around his back and hid her face against his neck.

 

He was not ready to let go. “ You did not answer my question. Do you want me to bring Dhruv down ?”

 

“No”

 

“Why ?”

 

“Because he is fine”

 

“Achaa....And you?”

 “I am fine too.”

 

“Really ? Just fine ?”

 “Hmmmm....I am .......more than fine. I felt ..........you know.”

 “I don’t know. Tell me about it.”

By then she understood he was trying to make fun of her. She kept quiet. But he was not one to let go.

 

“Tum Kuch Bol Rahi Thi.........You were saying something..”

 

“I feel like I am where I always wanted to be. With you. It is like a déjà vu feeling you know.” She whispered holding his face in her hands. And he was lost in her eyes. In the love oozing out of her face. For him. Just for him.

Suddenly her face became serious.

 

“Rudra, I have to ask something... It was my first time but it did not feel like it was ....the first time.....” her forehead was creased with worry.

 

“That is because it was not. We were together so many times before...” he answered without thinking.

 

“I am being serious Rudra. I know all about ..........” She pouted.

He knew once she had set her mind on something there is only one way to distract her. He pulled her closer nuzzling his nose against her cheek.

“You know all about what ?....”

“I know all..........I ..........My voice..........”

“What happened to your voice ?” he asked her fingering her waist chain. The one he never removed.

 

“My voice..........” she tried again. And gave up. She knew there was no way she can find her voice let alone voicing her thoughts.

This time around they both took it slowly.

·         As different as a drizzling rain is from a heavy downpour.

·         As different as a fight in slow motion is from a fast action scene.

·         As different as a melody is from a foot tapping music.

·         As different as a luxury cruise is from a speed boat.

Both are beautiful in its own way. And when they reached their climax Rudra could not help murmuring Paro’s name against her hair. Luckily she did not hear it. Luck was on his side – he thought heaving a sigh of relief.

And the alarm woke them up around 4am. Rudra slid out of the bed after planting a kiss on his wife’s lips saying. “ I need to go before someone comes barging in “

 

“Yes. I need to get up too.”

 

He almost walked till the door. Stopped and then came back to pull her into an embrace. “ From tonight nobody can separate us.”

She smiled and returned the hug. “Or question us”

And that was the last minute of sanity which they witnessed. Even before Rudra could reach his room many inmates were up. Lights were switched on and fifteen minutes later everybody including the children were up. The taxis arrived bringing some of the last minute guests. The earlier ones were already accommodated in the hotel. By 5am the beautician and her assistants arrived. And by 6:30 am the priests arrived to perform some of the initial ceremonies at home. The haveli was swarming with people. And Rudra and Paro did not know most of them.

Though Tejawat was not in the limelight for his notorious activities Rudra was not that convinced. There are chances that he had heard about Paro’s return. With a wedding of this scale it was not easy to hide things. Rudra did not want to take any chances where Paro was concerned. He and Aman had arranged a group of security guards lest Tejawat strikes at the last minute.

The wedding had been planned to be in the biggest hall in the hotel. Though Rudra was not for such pomp and splendour he had to agree to the wishes of the Mehras and the elderly Ranawats. And of course the kids who were so looking forward to the celebrations.

On the day of Shivratri when Paro and Rudra were supposed to be wedded he committed the mistake of leaving without Paro. Which resulted in her being dragged unnecessarily into the accusation of setting fire to Bapusa’s room and what not. Of course Rudra never believed it even for a minute. And Kakisa and Sumer are changed people now. At least from outside. But still.......Rudra being Rudra learns from his mistakes fast. He made sure he left the haveli with Paro in the same car.

The hall was already half full by the time they all reached. Kakisa had decided to take maximum advantage of the money Mehras were ready to splurge. She made sure she invited every person she has ever met in her life. To show off her own status elevation through her nephew’s wife and connections. In the absence of Rudra’s parents it was Kakusa and Kakisa who sat in the Mandap as Rudra’s parents. That was a moment of pride for Kakisa – irrespective of what she truly felt about the situation.

Then the Mehras had invited all their close friends and business associates. Their close family members from India and abroad. Both desi log and videshi. Myrah’s friends from college and work. Even some of the women she had saved from the hell of abuse made it a point to fly down. The Minister Chachu was there with his coterie. It was a true global wedding set in India.
 

Very soon the ceremonies started and the whole hall was vibrating with the mantras and shlokas. Rajeev did Kanyadaan - after applying turmeric paste on Paro’s hand - he extended her hand towards Rudra.  With Agni as a witness - Agni created with all right ingredients by the priests themselves. Rudra held Paro’s hand as in Paanigrahan.

Rudra was alert in the middle of all this. He did not want anything to go wrong this time. Yes he had his trusted aides around. And also Aman and many friends and colleagues from BSD who were there as guests but still on the look out for anything out of place. In spite of all these security measures Rudra was not at ease. Things happened so fast. He got his Paro back. He could convince her parents. And all is going well. Too well.

And Rudra is not used to getting anything in his life that easily. Never on a silver platter like this. So he was quite apprehensive. And ALERT.

Together they took the seven pheras. Him holding her hand with love and a longing for a lifetime. Undoing all that he did the last time.

·         They took the first step to provide for the household, keeping a pure diet and avoiding those things that might harm them.

·         Second step to develop physical, mental and spiritual powers.

·         Third step to increase wealth by righteous and proper means.

·         Fourth step to acquire knowledge, happiness and harmony by mutual love, respect and trust.

·         Fifth step so that we may be blessed with strong, virtuous and heroic children.

·         Sixth step for self-restraint and longevity.

·         Seventh step to be true companions and remain life-long partners by this wedlock.

And then he forgot everything else. His focus was just on his beloved Paro. His eyes became moist remembering all that stupid vachans he had mentioned last time.  And as if those seven ones were not enough he had made an extra one for Paro. Holding her close, making sure each part of her body was in contact with him he had said he will never become hers. The thought of putting Paro through such despicable acts made Rudra cringe even today.
 

Her eyes were also filled with tears. She started seeing glimpses of Rudra dragging her around the fire. And saying something out of anger. She could not relate to those scenes. She had no idea why she saw such scenes in front of her eyes when he was right there holding her hand in love and repeating the sacred vachans. Is it a premonition ? Of something bad which is going to happen ? Or did their paths cross before – maybe in the previous life ? Or in this life itself ? And she forgot ? How can she forget ? Him of all people ? She shut her eyes tight wishing those scenes would go away. She just wanted to cherish this moment. This wedding of theirs. To imprint it in her mind.

When she opened her eyes she saw that Rudra was still looking at her with concern. She shrugged off all her ill feelings. Paro smiled at him and whispered, “No special eighth vachan for me ?” He was taken aback. He did not know what to answer. Did she cry because she remembered the last time he took the vachans ? Or is it just the smoke from the havan ?

When he did not reply she came out with her statement,” Eighth vachan specially from me to you –Rudra. Whatever happens in the future I will never ever leave you. I will be with you through thick and thin. I will always be yours.“

As far as Rudra and Paro were concerned at that moment in that crowded hall there were just the two of them. Looking at each other with longing and all the love in the world.

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