Chapter 7

If u need bigger font or have problem in reading please inform me..Its a request..

 

He wiped his teary eyes off with his sleeves . Hardly fixing feet on floor. Few inch distances seemed to be thousand miles long to cover.He was trembling with an unknown fear. ” Chal aab “ Addi dragged him whispering near to his ear.

In a moment he was standing beside that cot where his life was lying. Not just part of his body , his own flesh and blood..But part of his Soul.Without her he was living like in hell in so called beautiful world.

In this chilling weather his emotions were melting through his eyes. Business tycoon Maan Singh Khuraana was a bagger now . He was ready to pled in front of own daughter to accept him.

Struck dumb Maan rooted to spot. He was like a robot , was following what Addi asked him to do. His mind was totally numb.

” Maan , Maan come back to senses “ Addi shook him. He grabbed Maan’s hand and jerked him to touch little girl.

Her face was still to other side. Dug in back of old lady.  She was trying to snug against lady in hope of little warmth. As his hand touched her tiny head.He couldn’t hold his emotions and knelt down to his knees.He was sobbing with hiccups ” Puchki , Papa is hear Beta.. Dekho maine dhund liya aapko.I am feeling myself half alive today “ he creased her hair softly. Murmuring his words. He didn’t want to disturb his child.

Suddenly a thought strike his mind that his baby was shivering terribly.Before looking at her face. He removed his over coat in a jiffy already warm with his body heat. He covered little girl.

He raised his head upward to look at Addi .Who was also wiping his eyes removing his spects. Maan’s eyes questioned Addi ” Am I doing right ? Coz I have lost my power to think .”

Addi nodded and pressed Maan’s shoulder to mark it like ” Yes u did right Maan “ It covered all of her tiny body.

” Be strong “ Addi was not letting him to shatter as always. These two words echoed in Maan’s mind ” Be strong “ Next moment Maan threw away that thin quilt from his daughter and without looking at her face. He wrapped her into much warmer overcoat like any new born child. He hid her face in his cheat. Securely grabbing in his arms.

All the emotions suddenly disappeared. He wanted to run away from here taking his most prized possession  as soon as possible.

Her feet were bare.She rubbed here soft feet with each other. Addi removed his muffler and wrapped around her legs.They turned around to leave room silently. But that old lady who was sleeping beside Maan’s baby, she back called them with her feeble voice. ” Kon kon ho tum ? Kahan le ja rahe ho maari ( mine )  laado ( beloved) ko “ they  froze at the place n looked back.

She coughed. In attempt to get up, she again fell back on coat. It was clear from her weak body how sick she was. ” Maari  laado ko maare ( from me ) se mat chenno “ helepless lady  folded her hands

Even tough with her blur vision couldn’t recognise who those two men were. Just she felt the little girl was not sleeping beside her. Maan didn’t want to create any scene here. Not wanna disturb his child’s sleep.

” I am her father and taking my child with me “ determined Maan answered in low tone. In strong hold of own father..little girl  was sleeping peacefully. He placed his one hand behind little girl’s head resting against his hard chest.

” Nahi nahi yeh mere bete ki aakhri nishni hai. Mere jine ka aakhri saharaa.Main kaise jinda rahugi iske binna “ she pleaded.

” Dekhiye Maanji ,this baby belongs solely to him. He is her real father. Even your son never adopted her. Your DIL abdicated this innocent girl saying she is ill omen. Really pathetic. “   Addi went near to her. To remind her what was reality. 

” Par maine isse 6 saal se apni shaati se lagga k rakha hai.. Jo bhi ban padda is budhi ne kiya apni laado k liye “ (But I raised her up for past six years lovingly n this old lady did what ever she could do for her beloved child) ” She gave explanation. Tried to get up but again fell back.

Kind hearted Addi supported her to be in sitting posture

” Ya its clearly visible what ur family did to my child . She is shivering with cold. Even doesn’t have proper warm cloths.I don want any drama around me or my child. So let me leave silently” Maan’s temper was rising .But finding an old lady in bad health he controlled himself.

” I beg of you just last time. Let me c her face. “ she  begged.

” No I won’t allow any one to touch my baby. Even you” Completely denying her request determined Maan stepped toward  door.

Gathering herself old lady put her bare feet on chilled floor.But she fell down in failed attempt. Addi supported her to be on feet n made her sit down on floor. ” Maan just stop there and listen her atleast. She raised ur child up till now  “ Addi yelled.

” How could you say this Addi  ? “ Irked Maan said. ” What ever she did for my child I ll never forget but I want to take her away from shadow of past…this very moment ” Maan completely denied. Better than Addi who could understand an panic father’s plight. Who was still under shock when his child was in his secure arms. So Addi decided it was not better to force Maan. 

” Theek hai beta agar tum yahi chahte ho. But I have some of her belongings at least take that with you as my blessings.” old lady wiped her tears.

On that helpless woman’s request Addi brought out a small beg from nearby old cupboard.

Curious Maan who was standing at door couldn’t ignore her.She took out a tiny pair of anklets .Surely for his  Puchki ” I purchased this for her.Saving little by little from small pension I get.Beta you seem very rich n can give all happiness to her.But take this as my blessings.” she forward her hand toward Maan .

Maan didn’t react n looked down.But Addi took those anklets from her.She brought some photographs.From baby’s birth till her sixth birthday ”  I can’t give her much but on her birthday I alwayz buy a dress n request our neighbour to took her photo once .So that I can collect some of good memories for her. Yeh iski amaanat ( possession ) hai isko de dena jab yeh baddi ho “ Those photographs were most precious belonging old lady handed over to Addi..Maan put a glance over those photographs only. These were  not mere pics but those six years of Puchki’s innocent childhood he missed

He didn’t want to be weak on knees once again  ” Addi take these things from her n what she did for my child I m grateful for that.Please arrange everything for her treatment to better care “ saying this he moved out.

Kewel who over heard everything even after Maan’s strict warning to be away from them He blocked his way.

” Now you memorised you have a daughter after years.” he taunted “But what about those 6 years when I spent money on ur child’s upbringing. u paid to my mother, I also deserve something. ” his greed over power humanity.

” Oh really , What do u want ? ” Sarcastically Maan smiled.

” Har saal ka ek lakh (100 thousand ) to de sakte ho.You r very rich so this money matters nothing to you ” resting hands on waist he demanded.

“You r not wrong I am very rich. But u don know who I m “ he punched hard on Kewal’s face with one hand. Greedy man lost his balance n fall on floor.

” Mine everything belongs to my child.If u requested for financial help. I might have given. “ Maan screamed. Little girl was getting restless with such activity around her. She rubbed her cheek against Maan’s chest. Maan petted her back to assure her that she was safe.

” She is my daughter, a part of my soul not a thing. That I bargain for her. I will earn every happiness for her with love , not with money. ”  Maan was getting mad.

” Tumne mujhe maara. You have to pay back. M gonna gather whole village. C how could you take this girl now .” Kewal warned

” Okey go out , Do what ever you want.Tumne abhi Maan Singh Khuraana ko theek se jaana nahi “ Maan challenged warning him.

Addi followed Maan n dialed a number. Mr.Rathi’s agency head Rishab who was waiting outside .He came with other 6 security  guards over there.

Rishab grabbed Kewel from collars ”  Khuraana Saab you just take ur daughter from here. Leave everything on us. Inka kya karna hai hum dekh lengay.”

Maan nodded and looked at Addi . Both left from place next moment.

With fast steps Maan was running toward his car.. Addi followed him. Maan had no warm cloths on him . Even he hadn’t had a glimpse of his girl’s face once yet.

” Maan its too cold. You r holding her.So sit on back seat , I will drive “ Addi instructed him.

Any one from team of security staff could drive for them but Maan didn’t want. As they have some issues to discuss while driving.

” Maan what’s next now   ” Taking driver’s seat Addi asked.

” Addi u know better . First of all my child’s sole custody is my priority. She belongs to only me already but I don want any legal issue in future.” This was Maan’s priority  always Addi already knew.

” Now when we found her in Rohtak. Its obvious  we have to reach Chandigarh for legal proceedings “ Without looking at Maan, Addi replied.

” Addi , it gonna take 4 hours atleast to reach Chandigarh. But it is not easy to drive due to less visibility in fog.. Its 11 already. So we will stay at Rohtak for night and I also need warm cloths for Puchki “ Maan explained him next action plan.

Addi called one staff member standing next to their car. Instructing him to arrange everything in Rohtak before they reach there.

” So lets go..hu hu hu ..” Addi drove away car from there laughing foolishly.

” Addi you are too much “ Maan nodded..

” Maan u haven’t seen her face once..?” Following security’s car in front of them Addi asked.

” My Baby is in sound sleep. Abhi isko dekha to is baap ka  khud per kaabu (grip on self ) nahi rehega..I am craving to love my child.She will get up. How will she react I don know.So lets reach hotel first.” Maan gave his logic petting her back lovinglu

He brought out his phone from side pocket of his over coat. In which he wrapped his daughter.Everything was visible from front mirror. Addi kept eye on his every activity.

” Aab kisko phone kar raha hai “ concentrating on his driving Addi said.

” Mr. Rathi ko “ Maan replied and dialed Mr. Rathi’s number. Addi sighed deeply. He was asking Maan for every next step but he already knew each move.

” Let me remind u all Mr. Kamal Rathi ran detective n security agencies . Which works privately as well with government agencies too. This agency was responsible for everything related to Maan’s case from finding  Geet n Puchki’s whereabout, security matters  to legal proceedings “

Around 11:35  Mr. Kamal Rathi’s phone buzzed. He had been already informed about all developments by his staff. Just Maan’s go ahead was needed.

” Kamal Ji aapko pata chal he gaya hoga sabh “ Maan asked.

” Ji Mr. Khuraana. First of all congratulations you get ur little bundle of joy at last.” Mr. Rathi congratulated Maan 

” Thank u Kamal Ji, u also played vital role in this.But Kamal Ji I ll celebrate for my child after wards first I have to finish all other works . I want every legal proceeding to be complete in a week “ Maan clearly stated. How determined he was his confident tone cleared it. Till now he had gathered himself for the sake of his child and her protection.

” Theek hai Mr. Khuraana , don’t you worry I have informed our lawyer Mr. Kartar Gill. Since three years everything was ready. Just we were waiting for this moment when u ll get ur child back. He has left for Chandigarh n is gonna file case tomorrow  in Punjab n Haryana High Court under special circumstances…” Mr. Rathi gave each information regarding next proceeding to Maan.

” That’s better Kamal Ji  coz its Lohri holiday after tomorrow. Ask Dr. Patel to reach our Chandigarh farm house for Puchki’s DNA test. We ll be there by 2 “Giving more instructions Maan’s cut the call and as always he waiti for Addi to start his Parvachans 

” Maan u ll turn out to be cynic..Jo tum kaam karte ho..its unbelievable…Kya jaroorat hai DNA test ki ” frustrated Addi questioned.

” You repeat same question ..over  again n again. Just for legal reasons. Coz my baby was born out of marital tie.Agar aaj Geet mujhe mil jaaye aur kahi hamari shaadi ho jaaye..Fir yeh DNA test koi matlab nahi …But she is not with me .This is fact. I don want any problem in my child’s sole custody. When My own Daddi is enough to make my life hell but my baby she is just six.” He grabbed little girl more tightly.

She felt suffocation. As it was already hot inside car n above this she was covered with heavy over coat. Now she was sweating. She rubbed her cheek against Maan’s chest. Even brought her arm out of that coat n fixed on Maan’s shoulder. Chirp of smile came to proud father’s perfect M shape lips

As Maan loosened wrapping of coat around her.Puchki’s grip over her father’s shoulder also loosened. Her arm trailed down rubbing against his upper body n rested against his stomach. A feather soft, milky white tiny arm. Maan was fair but she inherited that much fairness from her mother.

Maan grabbed her hand. Kissed her softly.He found his own glimpse in her long fingers. She belonged to him only. ” Mera Bacha “ he again pecked a kiss over her tiny palm.Tears of joy , mixed with feeling of fatherhood rolled down to his cheeks.

He came out of his thoughts when Addi put a break on car. In underground  car parking of  MahaRaja Regency five star hotel booked within one hour. They got just one room . But it was enough for two people n tiny child to spend a night.

Too much tired Addi was yawning. As they entered room .Addi dropped down to one side of bed ” Bring Puchki in middle n u lay on other side.Its enough for us three. ll c her face in the morning. I am half awake , uper se yeh spects theek se dikhega nahi.” half awake Addi suggested.

Maan laughed inwardly and felt proud to have friend like Addi. Who was his shadow. Without him Maan was nothing.When own relations cheated him. Left him alone. Just Addi was there as a ray of hope for him.

” Tu so ja “ Maan replied.

He slowly unwrapped little girl n threw coat on near by sofa This was the most weak moment in his life. How to c her face n to face her….He had to. He laid her on bed n nicely tucked duvet around her. Assuring she was warm inside this centrally heated luxury hotel room.But he didn’t put a glance over her. His eyes were moist. Maan set next to her.

How could Addi sleep. He was tired.But still waiting for this moment for which his friend was craving from six years ” Maan just look at her. I need four eyes (with spects) to  recognize someone. Still its not difficult for me to judge how she looks. Khud he dekh lo kiske jaise hai tumhari Puchki “Addi rolled his hand lovingly over child’s head.

Maan slowly raised his lids.With mixed emotions of love and pain.Her sharp features. Her perfect M sharp lips like him. Dark brown hair she inherited from her mother.Like a statue without blink he was just staring her with no emotion n reaction.

“Maan look ,look at her. She is your replica. I don’t know how Geet looks in reality but each and every feature she inherited from you. Ur Baby , ur flash n blood.” Addi jerked him to bring him back to reality.

” No Addi she is half part of my soul..where are you , where are you Geet “ In a jiffy he grabbed his child in his arms and almost squeezed tiny body within strong hold .He screamed aloud. ” Where are you Geet..? I need u , our child need u ” 

A slight moment of hiccups from scared child drifted Addi’s attention. She was awake. But Maan he was in other wold.

” Maan , Maan chodo usse.. c how scared  n suffocated she is..She is awake..” Addi tried to free Puchki  ” Chodo “ with much  effort at last Addi brought his conciousness back.

Maan looked at her face. She was awake.Sobbing with hiccups. Much scared. Her innocent eyes were flooded with tears..Addi was right she was completely his replica.

“What happened Baby. Kya hua .Why are you crying? ” Maan filled her face in his hands n marked a soft kiss over his forehead.

She shivered wrapping herself in own arms ” Kya hua mere bache ,bollo aap inta darr kyo rahe ho. Main hu na aapke saath “ filling her in arms he slid his legs upto bed and Addi adjusted duvet around them. Maan rested his back against bed support .

” Daddi…daddi …” crying she repeated only this word.

” Maan when u came out of that old lady’s room. She told me Puchki doesn’t speak except few words..” Addi whispered near to Maan’s ear. It was a big jolt for Maan. But a real fact. She was not dumb but circumstances were such that she became introvert child. Scared from all, kept away from everything deprived of everything.

” You have to handle her with much patience and love. U ll need to win her trust.” Addi put hand over his shoulder.

” Huh..” Maan replied.

” Betay ur Daddi is not in good health.She is in hospital. Until ur Daddi is there , she asked me to take care of you..” Maan wiped her tears and placed another kiss over her cheek.

With curious eyes little girl looked at two smiling faces around her. Which was rare for her. Anyone speaking with her  so warmly , was more than a miracle.

” What an irony. I am giving my daughter false assurances to keep her with me.Even can’t ask her directly to say me Papa.”  Maan taught.

With this assurance one thing good happened. She stopped crying. Her eyes twinkled.” Maaro-gay ne na…”  she questioned with her feeble voice.

Addi n Maan looked at each other. Why she asked so?  Who dared to misbehave with little angel? This time was not to thing all,but to assure her that she could trust them.

“Kyo maruga main apni bitiya ko..bollo Puchki..” he replied lovingly creasing her hair.With tenderness in his voice. Otherwise his blood was boiling how dare someone to be rude with his child ?

She stared him with brooding eyes for a while then put her head down ” Laado “ little girl corrected..The name with which that lady called her. Maan thought for a while. He shrunk his brows ,couldn’t understand , what she wanna say ? But when that lady’s words came to his mind. He smiled.

” Lekin aap to Papa ki Puchki ho. Meri Puchki…” he grabbed girl more tightly.More close to his heart. Maan rested his chin on her head slightly.Her ears could listen Maan’s heart beats n Maan her breath.

” Nahi , Nahi Papa gande, Papa gande …” In a jiffy she started to rub feet over bed sheet n threw away duvet.She was trying to free herself.

She was unstoppable. ( hai to MSK ki he aulaad na hehe ). To hard to handle. Maan couldn’t convince her. After hour when she became too tired , sleep over powered her and within those arms from where she wanted to go away. Now she was sleeping peacefully in those arms of her father.

After covering her properly Maan dropped down to sofa. If this was the outcome?  He had already estimated that his own child would hate him..He hid his face in his hands.” Addi u listened na, my child hates me. She hates me to the core…” he burst in tears.

” Oh come one Maan , r u mad ?  She is just a child… Just think why she is saying so. “ frustrated Addi said.

” Everything is in front of you.. even than you are saying this  ?” Maan didn’t listen.

” Maan ,till this evening no one knew about you. For everyone she was Jaswant’s daughter….Not Great MSK’s…Aisa nahi k koi aaya aur tumhari galat image bana di iske saame.. fir challa gaya…. This hatred is for some one else not for you. With the word Papa not with you..May be that Kawel…Jo yeh dawa kar raha tha k usne tumhari beti ko paala hai ..” Addi set next to him and rolled arm around Maan’s shoulder.

” I think Addi mera dimaag kaam nahi kar raha.She is just six. Harsh memories can be erased from her mind but I have to tackle her very delicately .” Maan sighed and get up.

” First tackle with ur brain okey hu hu hu …” Addi tapped Maan’s head with his fingers.

They headed knock at the door. Three  people from their personal staff were at door. Holding bunch of fresh dresses according to weather. For Puchki as well for both of them. As they left home on emergency basis. These things they arranged from 5 star resorts Shopping Mall .When Addi phoned them in prior.

Staff placed cloths on couch as well on table n left..

” Maan , I want some food.. Order karu tere liye bhi kya..?” Yawning Addi asked picking intercom to place order. Maan nodded in yes.

to be continued…….

May contain some editing mistakes….

Sonia…