Chapter 10

 

Bajaj House 

 

” So stop crying now.” he stroked Riys’s hair, n took her toward sofa.

 

“Somya come a join us. I have something to tell you both “  Rohit asked his already aggressive wife.

 

She ignored him and silently took seat next to Riya , and squeezed her hands to sooth  Riya’s aching heart little bit.

 

There was no doubt Rohit loved his wife unconditionally..But it was not his cup to tea, to tackle Somya’s sudden mood shifts…She never gave him a chance to speak..As a result they ended up in short lived argument.Like this one.

 

” What you both think ?  That we are still there, from where all this started ? I mean 7 years ago..I don’t want to recreate past, which only gives unbearable pain. Except  that Chapter of 15 months..Which was like any blank sheet..We had no clue. But…”  Somya’s curiosity in search of past cut him in mid.

 

“But ?”

 

Opposite to his personality he kept calm ” But!!, let me complete first.”

 

” I am sorry ?” she uttered undertone.

 

Rohit rubbed his forehead with two fingers. To grip his raising temper on Somya..First she demand answer..then didn’t let him complete.

 

” Uh- uh “he cleared his throat..Without wasting more time in stupid clash..He started where Somya stopped him.

 

He crossed his one leg  over other ” Its been 5 years n above, since am in search of each possible clue..Not everything but got answers for many unsolved puzzles..” it went over both ladies’ heads, what he wanted to tell ?

 

” Sorry to interrupt you, but I didn’t get ? Even Riya..” hesitant lady asked, getting same look over Riya’s  face.

 

“Its okey Somya, You can ask..Actually she had a fit, when Brij left her n she lost her senses at very point.” Trying to read changing expressions of poor girl,he dared to speak up atleast.

 

” Maan was there..he or anyone else..might have shown this much humanity, to call ambulance, or to take her to hospital. “ he took adjacent seat to Riya..She was in middle of Rohit n Somya..Still how much isolated she was feeling…Like at that time thinking about her child.

 

Riya’s silence disturbed Somya..Still she was under medical assistance n psychological  treatment..What she thought, her expression was also important ” Beta we compelled Rohit to discuss..You know you are not alone..So listen your Pa..What he knows?  What was there in past? You can’t shatter..for much tough battle of the future..You will always find your parents beside with you at ever step..Express yourself.” Delicately  Somya tried to convince Riya. Wiping wetness of her eyes.

 

” That was the reason, I was avoiding this topic as much as I can.. to discuss it. But with every passing moment..still I m trying to solve every riddle, going out of the way too.“  Now both ladies got the answer, why Rohit was not ready to talk about this ?

 

Rohit and Somya’s words helped Riya to put a grip on self ” Then how I landed up in hospital Pa ?” she asked in shivering voice.

 

” One of my friends’ is reputed orthopedic surgeon, as well own high ranked hospitals, espacially in Chandigarh..He helped me after going through whole case.He left no stone unturned..Almost each hospitals’ records for  13th Jan night was scanned..Even your name n photograph..It took two months.”  Riya felt little relaxation in his voice. 

 

“Two months  ? “ Riya repeated, squeezing her eyes bit in confusion.

 

Rohit nodded up and down in approval ” Yes two months..At last we got success..You were taken to XYZ  Hospital by ambulance..Much to surprise Maan was beside you..He didn’t hide, that your name was Geet Handa and was with him “ Such a shocking discovery stunned Somya n Riya. Both gave him perplexed look with widen eyes n open mouths..

 

” Somya!, Riya! “ he said little bit louder to bring them back from shock.

 

“Maan ? “ both said collectively.

 

It was unbeilable when Riya’s own Uncle dumped her..Then that 19 years old scared boy. She remember he was scared of Brij and his family’s wrath..He didn’t left her there..But took her to hospital by ambulance..Giving her name.

 

It was also possible police might have trapped him..Even he kept his family name on stake. When little time ago her own uncle trapped him at the name of his reputation.How he handled all ? How Rohit knew he took Riya to hospital.

 

” Yes she was any other patient between numerous ones in hospital..But two teenagers. When girl was pregnant and had fit..Same age Boy who was beside her..He was crying like child himself..scared..feeling helpless..I showed her photo and Maan’s to many. They were little exception to forget easily. One nurse n a ward boy recognised at last. Baby was safe at that time.” he felt nervous to discuss her child. That it could open her wounds. Yes shivered her deeply. If something had happened to her child ? 

 

” Pa u said baby was safe at that time. What after that ? she jerked his arm. Frightened girl couldn’t control her emotions.

 

“Ca..calm down , calm down..I mean till u were in Chandigarh everything was okey then..Yet more surprises are there.. Due to ur epilapsy n shock u lost ur conciousness. Still Maan didn’t leave you..He took you to Bengaluru..Where he was doing his B.Tech “ convincing Riya he wrapped arm around her. With terrifying eyes she looked around..Like was in search of her lost child..She rested head on his chest. Sobbing. 

 

Somya also slid close to Riya more n petted her back ” Maan took her to Bengaluru?” she repeated quietly in amazement..

 

 

“Yes. There was a reason behind it..His Mamu Sudesh Arora..He was a high profile officer..He tackled this case like nothing happened..No trace he left..It was due to my friend, I gathered  this info..Even air travel was harmful for her pregnancy..So she was taken by Railway.” Every revelation by Rohit was a jolt for both ladies. They were listening to him

 

 

How much Rohit knew ? What he revealed to Somya n Riya ? 

 

Rohit had info to which hospital in Bengaluru she was taken..Neurologist at Bengaluru had same opinion..what specialists gave in Chandigarh..She was that much weak that abortion was not possible..But her mental illness could cause miscarriage. Hearing this cold shiver ran down to terrifies girl’s spine..She clutched Rohit’s shoulder tightly.

 

Both loving parents assured her that it was just an opinion.

 

With every word Rohit both ladies got more inquisitive.

 

Rohit also gave doctor name Dr. Iyar..He was a gynaecologist..Who took charge of her case..To much surprise, he was Sudesh’s best friend..They shifted Geet to city’s most prestigious rehab..No one knew what was her history ? Far away from North India. She was like any other patient referred by Dr. Iyer.

 

It was private not charity run rehab. So who arranged high fee for that?  Maan ! no no.Who ? Precisely his Maamu..Coz both were really close.

 

“It means you collected further info from Rehab? Coz nothing could be expected from his Maamu or Dr. Iyar “ Anxious Somya questioned brushing Riya head. Who was struck dumb still listening to them.Hiding her face in Rohit’s chest.

 

“Noh , nohh . Actually 4 years back another organisation overtook Rehab n same  hospital from previous one..So no records were found.”embarrassed Rohit sighed deeply

 

” It means I will never find out what happened to my child? How I reached here ?” Riya   raised her face up to look at him skeptically. If she still had any hope left with or not ?

 

“If one door closes other opens my child “ Rohit filled her face in his hands..

 

“Means ?” Riya asked in wonderment.

 

“According to strict rules and regulations.. No staff was ready to open mouth..But one old driver accepted offered money..Even his wife was cleaner in rehab during that time She narrated all how Riya’s mental condition worsen..Even she didn’t recognise her pregnancy..”…………

……….Things were getting really complicated to disclose but Rohit had too..He continued…

………” That woman always got scared cleaning her room. She hit anyone with anything came in her hand..Many times became such silent like she existed no where.” with this discovery by Rohit, Riya felt disgusted in own eyes. How she could do like this? When she was not  any fault.

 

” It means that woman knew more about Riya’s pregnancy ?” Somya’s eyes twinkled with little hope.

 

” She remembered  Riya carried baby almost to full term.” Rohit said positively but word “almost” made both ladies confused.

 

” Actually as an mature woman..she estimated as Riya was heavily pregnant..She was just a cleaner..not medical staff to know exact weeks…Dr. Iyer shifted Riya to some where else..Co-incidentally same driver was in ambulance, who took her to another hospital.Few days later, when she was again taken back. Riya wasn’t pregnant any more. Not to surprise as a gynaecologist he operated her Caesarean..She had same stitches when we found here..were still healing. “  Enraged Rohit got up. 

 

He wanted to punish hard, those losers who didn’t bother about a human emotions.From Brij, Maan to Sudesh n Dr Iyer.. Just adopted any easy way, to get rid of a poor creature, who was not in her senses.

 

” Fi-Fir mera mera bacha “ In madden state she rubbed everything around. Sofa,  Somya’s lap,table.

 

Somya tried to grip her. But screamed Riya freed herself, then ran toward Rohit ” Pa! Pa, please take me to Dr. Iyer…Main unke paer pakkad lungi..” 

 

He took her in embrace, then picking her up in lap, he brought her to sofa..Where Somya made space so that Rohit could lay her down..He bent on his knees. Gripped Riya’s one hand tightly ” If I could every meet Dr. Iyer by hook or crook. I would have made his condition miserable.But he is no more. After some days of your Caesarean, he passed away due to major heart attack. Even Maan’s Maamu I couldn’t t trace him”

 

“Fir aab Rohit? “ Somya said adjusting cushion under Riya’s head..Lines of worry marked her forehead.

 

” I told you if one door closes , other opens..From his hospital..I got to know about his junior Dr. Vrinda..She was on training..At that time she operated ever C-section with him..2 years back she was in Canada for specialisation..Returned few months backs. I am keeping eye on her” he showed little ray of hope to both Somya n Riya.

 

” You interrogated her Pa?”

 

“What promise I did my daughter? How could I step back ? Even I chased her to Canada. But she clearly refused..As there was no proof against her or in that hospital. Where they treated you.She was stuttering. Sweating. Avoiding to match eyes with me. So he knew much. I ll not spare her.Just wait and watch.” With much determination. He petted Riya’s check.

 

When Somya and Riya asked, how Riya reached Mumbai from Bengaluru..He had answer. One info by Driver couple that Riya ran away from Rehab. They also told about cloths of patients in Rehab. Riya had same kind of cloths.

 

When police was investigating case. They found biscuit rappers in her shirt’s pockets. According company seal..Those kind of special hand made biscuits were only prepared by two factories in Mumabi and Benagluru.

 

That seal was for Bengluru factory.. From where eatables were transported to Mumbai by rail..After packing..shipping was done from Mumbai to through out world..

 

It was a famous brand. So clearly she reached Mumbai travelling by same rail..The day was same when he found her.So this was what Rohit knew. Many puzzled were solve. But what about baby.

 

” Rohit ! but nothing we knew about Baby ?” such a heart wrenching question Somya asked.

 

“Don you worry..Riya is now here..She overcome what I always tried to hid from her. Nothing is secretive now..If we won battle half…We ll all… Its turn of Dr. Vrinda, Sudesh, and espacially Mr.Maan Singh Khuraana’s now..

 

 

He was too young then so definitely Mr. Arora handled all..Aur unka patta Maan k pass to hoga he..Riya its time to face him. So get up now. Laddo-gi (fight) na yeh jang. Along with ur parents. ” he got up…Grabbed her both wrists n pulled her up to sitting position.. Rohit smiled sarcastically.

 

 

” Yes I will ? A mother inside me always assure that my child is safe..When ll I get her? I don’t know? Per main Maan ko itna mazboor kar dungi, k wo khud jawab dega..He snatched my prized possession my child from me.. Now its pay back time..He will loose his most precious thing of his life..To go through same pain..Which he gave to me.” determined Riya wiped her tears and gave her hands one by one to both parents.

 

“Thats my girl.” Cherished Somya hugged her tightly.

 

” But one this Riya..Keep in mind this Maan is not that scared,helpless teen..But a shrewd Businessman. Own top most construction empire KC.Who could bend anyone in front of him.”Rohit warned.

 

” Pa let him live in illusion world for some time.” she replied.

 

 

Chandigarh Farm House

Around 5 PM

 

Maan n Addi were still busy in discussing legal issues with Mr. Gill n Kamal Ji.

 

“Mr. Gill as soon as this matter sought out..I need Pihu’s passport ready on emergency basis.” Maan’s surprising acts boggled each mind..Before court case..He was thinking about  Puchki’s passport..Mr. Gill looked at three men in amazement..Coz for Kamal n Addi it was not knew..Mr.Gill was not used to it.

 

” Mere Bhai ,U r demanding for Pihu’s passport. If u are planning to shift out of India ?”   Irked Addi tapped his shoulder.

 

Maan glared him aggressively..No one could imagine..Addi who behave foolishly, could run KC in his absence “ I needed not. But if you want you can.“ Then he addressed Mr. Gill “ Actually Mr. Gill in upcoming months.. I have many foreign trips..I want to spend time with my child..as much as I can. Even can’t leave her alone..After few months,she ll start school..I want her to adjust according to her whole knew world.”possessiveness n love for his child brought smile on each face. There was no doubt such a great father he was.

 

” Sure Khuraana saab..Don’t you worry its matter of one week only.” Mr. Gill assured him positively.

 

Pihu’s nanny interrupted them in mid..She was awake n was out of control..Just repeating one word Baba ” Saab wo Puchki bitiya roye jaa rahi hai..Aap dekhiye na..” troubled lady asked for help.

 

Maan glowered at her ” Pihu Baby ! got it..Don’t dare to take this name again.” nanny’s gulped her saliva in fear.She nodded in yes. 

 

He rushed to bedroom. Where his angel was sitting at one corner of bed..Much scared, wrapping arms around her bent legs.Tears were rolling down from her innocent eyes.

 

Maan came to her side hurriedly n filled her in arms..He sat there taking her in his lap. Maan wiped her tears..Kissed her face numerous times  “ Kya hua mere bache ko. Bollo beta.?”

 

Frighted girl try to wrap her little arms around Maan’s broad structure.But reached to his sides ” Baba! Baba “ with hiccups she hid her face in Maan’s chest.

 

” Kya baat hai ? Puchki apne Baba ko nahi bata-agi (tell) ?” softly he asked. Delicately  filling her smooth little face in hands.

 

” Maat jaayo, maat jaayo Baba… wo daar..daar…” Her M shaped lips dropped down. Looking at Maan with her teary eyes.Then pointed toward door.

 

” There was one Aunty, Did she scold you ?” She nodded in no.. It was gonna be tough job for Maan to understand her..Made her express through words..To prepare her, so she could face this new discovered world..

 

He guessed now..She felt insecure with anyone else..She didn’t trust anyone accept him n that old lady..who was only person to shower love on her..He was fortunate enough, that his little girl..trusted him.

 

He presses this cotton ball against his rock solid body..She was on her lap..Resting head on Maan’s chest..He put one arm around her..Other hand stocked his hair lovingly.

 

” Puchki, that aunty is good..I asked her to sit here..Coz I went out to check, what you will eat ? When got up..This is your house Beta.. All people here are good.” she looked up curiously..What he said was that true ? She blinked her eyes ,squeezing brows.

 

Maan’s lips broaden with chirp of smile ” Okey tell me ,do you love me..?” mischievously  Maan asked ” Challo bol k batao..Do you love me ?”

 

She looked here and there..He waited patiently.“ Don’t want to speak.. “ he tickled her stomach ” Don’t want to speak..”

 

” eh eh..he he he , na na ..nahi…ha ha ha ” he giggled loudly..Breathless..Pulling Maan’s hands with soft grip..Her stomach was aching now ” chodo Baba, chodo..”

 

” Pehel bollo k batayo, Do you love me or not ? Bollo  “ he slightly hit his head, with hers’ from behind..Now her back was leaning against Maan’s torso.

 

” Ha , boht ( very much) saara..” at last she admitted.Fatherly didn’t get in vain

 

” Mera bacha itna chuhe jitna bolta ha. Ita(itna/this much) sa..haina “ he made pinh out of his fingers…narrowing his eyes..That he was not satisfied..Then picked her up ” Then how u will tell me..that what do you want to eat ?..Felling hungry “

 

” Boht” pouting lips ,she put hand on tummy..

 

Maan thought what else choice, he could offer to her in food.. Much he didn’t know about village food.. Top of it her choice was limited.. Sweets, savery came to his mind..He could cherish her atleast bringing her favourite sweet, or pakoda ,samosa he knew bit..Except same  roti savji (veggis)  

 

” Then tell me which sweet do you like..Hum wahi khate hai aab” He brought her to standing posture on bed in front of her.First tied her loosen hair.Then covered head with wooden cap..Every act of him was bringing her slowly n slowly closer to him..A little child, to what extent she could think?  Except food, cloths and toys n lots of love..Which she hardly got till now.

 

Her eyes twinkled with joy..Its been long she ate anything of choice ” Gula ..jam ” she said in under tone. What would be Maan’s reaction.( she couldn’t take proper name  Gulab Jaamun)

 

” Aur ?” he grabbed her hands  n smiled pleasantly.

 

” Aur, Barfi “ In return he get same smile.

 

” uhh..” twisted his lips ” not good..ek ek nahi..sabhi bollo.” he tapped fingers on her cheeks.

” Petha,Rasgulla..” Maan interrupted her .

 

” Rasgulla ?” she nodded to it.

 

” Same white, white soft soft like my Puchki ? Haina..” he kissed her forehead n then pulled her cheeks.

 

” uueee…nahi Rasgulla ne..Baba ki Puchki..” it pained her. But new name Rasgulla annoyed her more. Unknowingly she started to express.

 

” Lekin aap ho..Meri Puchki k to itne saare naam hai..” he opened his arms..Then he felt it insufficient..He widen arms more ” Itne saare.” Overwhelmed Maan’s eyes gone wet.

 

He couldn’t hide it from her..She took two steps further on bed..Removed her cap and spread toward Maan to wipe his eyes...” Daddi…daaaadi bolli…Aaaaa-ache aache bache rote ne “ some how she completed her sentence. Asking Maan to stop crying. 

 

It might remind her. If some one cry definitely any one else…might have given pain to that person..Like her. No one liked her. Then her Daddi might have console her saying this…For her who could be nicer than Maan..Who won her in one day.

 

He again gave cap over her head.Wiped his tears with hanky.” Okey baby.You like Samosa, Pakoda ? “

 

” Samosa“

 

” Okey then ,lets go..I will show you, your house and ask uncle /house keeper outside to bring all for u..Fine..” He made her wear shoes. Coat. Picking her,he came out.

 

He was showing things to her.. Narrating everything. Even he introduced whole staff with her..She was scared..But when Maan told her..that all Uncles and Aunties in Light blue n White dresses were very good..

 

He asked them to stay here..When ever Puchki needed anything ,she could ask if he was not around..They wouldn’t say  her Puchki but Pihu..She was not ready to adjust with other ones except Maan n Addi so easily..Still she was scared from outsiders.

 

When Dr.Patel stamped n handed over positive DNA report around 6:30 ..Maan was standing far holding Puchki…Addi n Kamal Ji signed him that they would handle..Dr.’s work had been done..He was already paid enough so he left..Mr. Gill also left taking one copy from two of DNA report to submit quickly when court would open.

 

Kamal Ji gave that copy to Addi n left waving hand from far. .Not to disturb father daughter..Addi sighed deeply with mocking smile..When he looked at report and came to Maan ” What a joke ? To claim own child court needs proof.”. Maan silently smiled agreeing with him.

 

” Puchki, Puchki ! “ Addi petted her back..She had wrapped arms around Maan’s neck n resting  head over his shoulder..Familiar voice made her again active..She turned her head too look at him.

 

” Addi Uncle “ he waved hand in front of her..Smiling foolishly. She grinned without being fearful 

 

” Oh so you remember me. Sharp memory like ur Baap” he teased.

 

” Addi !! “ Maan wanna shout on him but couldn’t.Due to little girl.

 

” It was too hectic..Main yeh rakh k aata hu..Feeling hungry. Khane ko milega kuch .. han han han “ without waiting Maan’s next reaction he slipped..Puchki’s smiling eyes traced him. Until he disappeared.

 

” Ur most my prized possession baby. For your one smile..I can crosses every limit.” he kissed her cheek. Taking her in embrace more tightly.

 

Lo such a long update. Now lets c what u will do justice or not?

 

Sonia 

 

editing mistakes will be there.