BALH Paanch Saal Baad Part 104

Part 104 

By the side of the bed he sits; opposite to him, his wife sleeps in peace; may be he thought. Last few days came and passed, how and when, there is nothing in his accounts. Turning his head to Priya, he found her sleeping but not a proper peaceful one.  Twice he checked with his daughter too. Not even for once he closed his eyes that night. Checking the time, he made a rough calculation about the IST. Though he knew it will be mid night there, he picked up his phone and dialed Vikram’s number. His voice may wake Priya, knowing that he walked to the window. After a long ring Vikram received his call.

“Hi Ram!” in a very sleepy voice he said.

“Hi! I know you were sleeping, but I need your suggestions!” replied Ram.

“haan bol na!” the care in his voice reflected.

“Pihu, she is not doing well. I am pretty afraid of the situations prevailing around.” Ram spoke his worry, “Please listen to me carefully before reacting.” With much patience Vikram heard what Ram said, inlittle detail.

“When this all happened? I mean we never felt anything wrong. God this is serious Ram!” Vikram sounded pretty moved, he looked at his wife who came and stood by him. Neha queried about the same from her husband, “Ram..” Vikram addressed, “Neha is also here, I am putting the phone on speaker.”

“Fatty! What happened?” Neha asked.

“Pihu! She is not well!” Ram asked Vikram to brief it to her.

“How is Priya?” Neha was the first one to ask about her.

“Too feeble and emotionally broken. Now she is helpless about the physical condition, she can’t hide it, but emotionally she is trying to show herself strong, which she is not!” Ram looked back to Priya, who still lays in the same position. “There is a friction amongst her own thoughts. She is blaming herself for everything. I am also to blame too. In anger and agony I have also blamed her and now she has completely lost the battle.” Said Ram with a deep sigh.

“You have to hold her Ram.” Neha continued, “You have to show her the light. If you have contributed a little in tearing her, you have to devote yourself in full to get her back. To get her that confidence back.”

“You know Neha she stayed at the guest room for two days, after our fight!” Ram could only finished the first line, Neha cuts in, “That is something really BAD!!! But before the situation goes out of your hands, behave like a mature and sensible husband and father.”

“ek minute” the scrunching sound behind alerted him, he found Priya moving out of the bed; “Neha I call you back.” Putting down the mobile in the dresser table he asked Priya if she needs anything. Without any reply she walked towards the washroom. She might have overheard his conversation or she might be offended for Ram sharing the details with Neha and Vikram. Mental illness is still a Taboo in the country. Standing in the twenty first century even after so many advancement, the country still considers as the worst sin ever. With all the trains of thoughts, whileRam still wrestled with his own emotions; Priya walked back to the room.

“Have you checked with Pihu?” unbolting the door she asked.

“Yes.. Ya” With all the courage he spoke, “Are you angry that I was discussing this matter with Neha and Vikram?”

“They are family Mr. Kapoor and there is nothing hidden to anyone. Everyone is well aware of Pihu’s behavior. I felt like puking that’s why I didn’t answer you that time. I think I am having acidity.” Priya said holding her chest.

“Should I call the doctor?” Asking Ram sat by her.

“I am fine now. I am feeling exhausted.” She winced her face.

“I should call the doctor.” Neglecting her, Ram walked to grab his phone.

“I am okay Mr.Kapoor! Please stop over reacting. I need to talk to you. Please come back here and seat by me. Please.” It was pretty confusing for the other person to read if the speaker is pleading or directing him to act accordingly. Picking up the phone he walked back to the bed and sat by his wife.

“Do you have any thoughts ?” asked Priya, studying the blank and pale face of the father of their child, she added, “I guess no. Even I am also getting numb everytime. But we have to find out a solution to this. We have to do something so that Pihu could understand that every time parents don’t say yes. Sometimes…” she paused, “why sometimes, many a times the answer will be no. She has to understand that we say no to the decision not to her. But how?”

“How would I know?” aimlessly Ram said.

“You are the sensible father Mr. Kapoor. You have to find out a way.” Stiffness in her voice was alarming. “I have taken a decision that neither went good with Pihu nor with you and this time I don’t want to repeat the same mistake. This time you suggest please.”

“Please Priya, can we keep our differences aside for a moment, Pihu needs both her parents. I can sort out the mess that I made. Now, can we work as a team! I know you have something in your mind.”

The stark and dirty look from the wife, indicated how much offended she still was, and there is no chance of getting forgiveness sooner. Ram’s confusion about the reactions that he was getting from Priya since two days now stand crystal clear, her ill health made her little feeble physically and emotionally and the mother in her was there, not his wife. “Please Priya speak out! Not for me but for Pihu.” This time he really pleaded to her.

“I don’t know. Just a flick…..” She stood up.

“Flick??” asked Ram, “She is not a guinea pig Priya that you are thinking about any flick that will work on her.” The disagreement is clear in his voice.

“Did you let me complete?” asked back Priya, “Neither you are advising nor you are allowing me to speak and if it is not approved by Advik then we definitely have to disapprove it.” He looked at Ram, still frozen at his seat. “First thing we need to wait till morning, and see how Pihu is reacting.”

“Will you please sleep now?” suddenly Ram said raising his voice.

“I think that goes for you more apt. Please take some rest we have a long way to go.” Priya suggested.

“I am fine.”

“Yes that I can see in your red eyes…” She pointed, “I am fine please have some rest.” Walking to the other side of the bed, she slipped under the duvet, “Please Mr. Kapoor!!!” Nothing left in his defence Ram also lied down, and surprisingly his eyes gave up and soon he started to snore.

~~

“Don’t you think we should discuss with the family?” Neha asked Vikram after Ram disconnected the call.

“I think we should wait for Ram’s call, he didn’t say the whole thing. We should wait for him and Priya to tell us. They are the parents and more over, how the elders will be reacting I have no idea. This is really an upsetting situation. Pihu is the loved daughter of the Kapoors and she is in such condition. This is really bad Neha. She needs attention immediately.” Vikram replied back with worry in his voice.

~~

Morning never looked so dull for Priya. Water dripped from her wet hair as she combed her hairs subconsciously. She even didn’t know when the dripping water spoiled her saree completely. Since then she was standing there her aimless eyes stared constantly. With the voice invading her ears she came to her conscious. Tears trickled down as she blinked.

“Priya. You spoiled your saree. What are you thinking about?” Ram pointed.

“I.. I..I ..Nothing!” she said with a deep sigh. “mein change karke ati hoon!” Priya rushed inside the changing room. This little THING really worried Ram. He feared if Priya breaks emotionally in front of Pihu, who herself needs to be emotionally supported. He decided to talk with Priya too. With all these he looked up when Advik wished him from the door.

“Good Morning!” He wished back, “Priya will be here any moment. Phir chalte hain saath mein Pihu ke paas”

“No.” He looked up and wished Priya as she entered the room, after changing. “Neither of you will visit her. “ he advised, “And let her remember what happened.”

“But…” the couple said in unison.

“You have to trust me and please don’t stop her from the daily routines. If she wants to go to the college let her go. If she don’t, then motivate her. Keeping herself locked can make the things worse.” Advised Advik. Luckily three of them were informed by Apeksha that Pihu is awake and wants to meet her mother. Advik affirmed Priya to handle the situation if it goes out of her hands.

Ram looked pretty nervous as Priya walked inside. Pihu with a deep sigh stood up, as her mother stepped in. “Please everyone come in! I have no secret  to share. Every one of you can be here.” Loud and clear Pihu declared. After the other three person including her father settled down, Pihu looked to Priya. “Mom.” She called out, “This is the thing I hate. Why you do this?” Advik whispered sorry after he stopped Ram from speaking, he clutched the man’s hands in his fist not letting him speak a single word. “Why? Tell me Mom. Why?” Pihu continued, “Why you or others have to spy on me? Am I a suspect for some crime?” She moved her eyes around the room, “Anyone? Advik you asked me na to speak, you said na I don’t know what I want?”

“I am listening Pihu, we are listening. Just carry on.” Advik smiled, “Until you don’t finish no one will leave.”

“I want to know if I am a suspect or a daughter?” Pihu asked. “Mom?”

“You are my daughter…” Priya’s voice broke.

“Then why can’t you come to me and ask what is it? Why you can’t slap me and say stop this? Why you have to follow me and danger yourself. I don’t know what is happening with me. I know I am getting mad slowly. I don’t know what I want exactly but…” a whirlpool of emotions hurried into her eyes, “But I know my childhood was the best lived days of my life. As I grew up to a teenager, then into an adolescent, I lost my mom, that mom who used to be equally crazy. You started hounding me.” She looked at Priya, who’s eyes flooded with tears.

“You always wanted to know na why I always prioritize my friends, you know mom they distracted me from you. They distracted me from remembering that you have changed. Mom, I love you; but do you really love me?” Pihu asked kneeling to her mother. Priya looked down as her eyes gave up. “Please give my mom back. Please mamma.” She kept her hands on Priya’s lap. “Your Pihu did changed but why you changed mamma? Why you stopped trusting Pihu, your Pihu?” Her heads rests on her mother’s lap. Priya wanted to hug her daughter; her hands shook as she tried to lift them. She failed, her emotions took over. Closing her eyes she let her emotions flow.

The father, the spectator tangled once again, how can he choose one, whom to shove into his warm embrace? He asked his soul, which pitilessly denied to answer. With a nod from the doctor, he walked to the two most important parts of his life, one who is the reason he has got Pihu and other who is sweetest gift to his life. He decided to respond to his conscious. Gulping the air in his throat, Ram placed his right hand on Pihu’s head while his left one held Priya’s shoulders firm.

“See Papa, still she don’t want to speak a single thing!” Pihu threw herself into her father’s arms. Ram don’t remember when it was the last time, he hugged his family together. While his eyes were fix on Priya, he held Pihu and stroked her head, allowing her to cry in her father’s embrace. “I want my mom back. I want my mom back..” she kept on repeating under her sobs.

“Pihu!” called Advik, “We need to talk.”

Pihu looked at her father, whose affirmed nod made her stand straight. She spun at her place and answered a yes to Advik. When she looked back, she found her mother still sitting in the same position. She wanted her mother to stop her hug her, let her cry. Again anger filled her up. She walked straight to Advik, wiping away her tears.

~~

“Priya!” immediately after Pihu left with Advik, Ram sat by her. “Please stop crying. You will fell ill again.” He tried to hold Priya. Repulsing away from him, she stood in front.

“mazak lagta hain app ko yeh sab!” Priya almost shouted, “Health my foot! You know Mr. Kapoor; I have heard more than I deserve and let you speak much. Now I will speak and you will listen.”

“Priya stop this blame game yaar.” Apeksha tried to handle the situation, which made the it worst.

“No Apeksha!!” Raged Priya, “Today he has to listen. He has to. I am the mother not the father. Where was he when I needed Pihu’s father? Oh!” with a blemish smile she continued, “I remember where and what he was doing, earning money!! Right Mr. Kapoor?” Ram sat with his head hung on the bed. “if I am not wrong when I needed the father by Pihu husband by me, you were nowhere. Pity me, you didn’t even bothered about your daughter. I can’t never be the father. If I have failed as a mother then you were never there as the father.” Priya might have continued, if Apeksha didn’t stand between them, guarding each other from respective views.

“What’s wrong with you two? Pihu needs her parents and you two are aiming guns at each other. Come on Priya this is not expected from you.” Apeksha dug her own grave.

“Then please specify what you all want from me. What he does..” Priya pointed to Ram, “What she wants…” She tried to point PIhu, “What you want.. What the Kapoors and Sharmas want? Please specifically list dena.” Taunted Priya, “ It will be easy for me to remember.”

“Priya you are over reacting.” For the first time Ram spoke, “And please calm down you are still not stable. You need to take rest.” He reacted that nothing has happened around him for since few minutes. “Please seat.” He held Priya’s hand.

“What you are trying to pretend? You are trying to run away.” Blamed Priya. “But you know Mr. Kapoor now I will handle my daughter like a mother. I am tired of playing the double role!! I am the mother and will be always that only. NO ONE can ever take the father’s place. Even not me. It was the biggest gaffe I made. But now I will correct it.” She rushed out of the room.

“What’s happening bhai? Why you two are playing the blame games? First you now Priya. Can’t you see how much your daughter needs you? Please bhai now don’t let the ego win. One has to tone down.” Apeksha looked for an answer from her brother, “I am speaking to you.”

“Please leave me alone Apeksha!!” he frowned.

“FINE” most disgusted reply from Apeksha landed as she walked out of the room.

~~

“Please lie down.” Advik pointed to a recliner, “Make yourself comfortable.” It was the room, which Advik chose last night. “I know it is your house, but then also.” Advik calmed the raging pair of eyes looking at him.

Lying down Pihu asked if she can stretch out her legs on the foot rest. Saying Yes, her Doctor pushed it to her. Closing her eyes she lays there.

“So can you figure it out what is bothering you the most?” Advik started, “Before you answer or say anything please answer my questions even you spoke about those recently or not and be truthful and yes or no will also do the needful.” Advik waited for Pihu to absorb, “Shall we start?” he asked. With an affirmation nod from Pihu he started again.

“Please share what is bothering you?” he asked.

“My mother!” she started answering.

“Be specific, share the reason.”

“Not she, I can’t live without her. But it is the change in her that is bothering me.”

“What change?”

“Looking at me like I am a criminal.”

“Really?”

“Yes”

“What if I say it is your imagination?”

“WHAT!!!” Pihu sat straight.

“Please lie down and relax.” Advik advised. “And answer me.”

“She has changed herself into a freaked out Mom, who even doesn’t allow me to listen to my heart.  When Mamma used to see them, did I ever stop her? No, but when it came to me why she is so rude and cruel?” Pihu replied. “That was the first time I felt the change in my mother.”

“Again please elaborate.” Advik scribbled down the points.

“I wanted to mom to meet a girl whom I meet at the traffic. She was selling flowers someday; someday she will have balloons, someday newspaper. One day I followed her. I ended up in a slum. Yes I agree that day I bunked my school. I saw her. I spoke to her. She was an orphan. You know when she found my books she expressed how badly she wanted to study. I have seen mom to go to orphanage every year on my birthday. I have never felt their pain but that day I felt her pain. You know,” Pihu tried to sit back, Advik gestured her to continue laying back. This time Pihu obeyed. “When I asked her about her name, she said she don’t have a name, she don’t have birthday, she don’t have a place for shelter. I named her pyari and I wanted to surprise mom by taking pyari to the orphanage where mom was supposed to go next day. But…” suddenly Pihu stopped.

“Pihu pour your heart. I am and will be listening!” Advik assured, looking up from the notepad he said.

“Mom thought I am going for party because I bunked school that day and as if I have made it a regular affair.She never trusted me she trusted the person who burdened her with shits. After that day when I failed keep my promise, I saw her one last time at the traffic. She also saw me, and I remembered how she laughed at me when I said that I will take her to the new home next day. She said something to me that day; many men come every day and promises her shelter, she can understand why they say so, but why I am faking her promises, thatconfused her. “ Pihu sighed, “That time I was clueless but now I understand what she was trying to say. If trying to save an innocent girl was a misdeed then my mom commits such every day.”

“You could have said this to your mother” Advik spoke.

“What do you think I haven’t? I did. But she never believed me. She thought I am making stories to get out of the house and party with my friends.”  Pihu replied. “I really loved what my mom was doing then, helping others. I wanted to follow her footsteps. Was it something huge I dreamt for? Vyomcame much later into the scene, when she did actually spoiled my life, my thoughts. He was keeping me distracted from my mother. When I meet her mother, I found her to be easy going just like my mother who used to be previously. But I never want my mother to die. I never want my mother to cry. I never want my mother to be sad. I always wanted her to smile, the best she looks when she smiles. Have you ever seen her smiling?” Pihu asked Advik.

“No.” he answered a lie knowingly. He looked keenly at Pihu as she answered.

“The best!!! You will find no one having more beautiful smile than hers.” The broad smile pasted on her face indicated the innocence that is still preserved deep inside the heart. “But somewhere she lost it! She lost it! I want my mother back. I want her smile back. I want her Pihu back.” The aimless eyes poured the pain allowing agony to reclaim her again. Before it gets too late Advik distracted her asking, if she wants to go to college or not.

“Yes. I want to. I have Welcome party this weekend and I also have auditions for the inter university competition that will be held at Sydney.” Pihu replied. “If only mom allows me to go to either of them. I am a bad daughter na, who must be caged.”

“I promise; you will attend both of them.” Advik said, “Get up!”

Pihu kept on looking at Advik, not for a single time she blinked, while he collected his notes and recorder from the table. His eyes meet Pihu’s in which for the first time he saw pain. “Pihu.” His voice dropped her back to the reality, “Go get ready, otherwise you will get late.”

Advik decided to speak to the parents about the first session, before that something much adventurous hit his head. He smiled looking at Pihu as she walked out.

~~

Ram and Priya has asked Advik for nth time about the session, he turned his ears deaf to both of them. Apeksha tried to pacify Ram and Priya but she ended up in getting cold looks in return. In between all the chaos Pihu walked to the dine. Her presence made everyone cautious.

“I will do my lunch directly. If I sit back to eat breakfast I will get late for college. Bye.” Declaring she started walking to the entrance. Advik saw Priya to head towards her. He interfered immediately, “Pihu why don’t you try the tram? It is the biggest network in the world and you will reach in a go, metro will also do the necessary. I will give you the route.” Advik scribbled something on a page and handed it to her. Priya tried to look but he blocked her view.

“Thanks!” Pihu smiled, “But…”

“No but… just go, have some fun, adventure, I will suggest you more interesting ride to your college someday, first you explore this.” He pointed to the hand written notes. When he saw Pihu hesitating looking at her parents, he added, “I will take care of your parents. Trust me; you will be going to have the best ride to college today. Go.”

Smiling she ran out of the house. “When did you see her smiling from heart last time?” Advik asked sharply to the parents. “I need to speak to both of you and Aunty I have learnt something, which you are in denial of.”

~~

“I never knew all these.” After listening to the record Priya said.

“Have you ever tried?” asked Advik.

Though Priya wanted to answer, she felt a lump in her throat. She knew she has nothing to answer. Giving lame excuses will push Pihu into more dark, she knew. A lie will hurt her only, very feebly she answered back, no. For the first time in her life she felt guilty of not listening.

“Aunty, we cannot be right every time. Even parents are wrong some time. There is no wrong in it.” Advik knew Priya is blaming herself or will end up blaming herself only.

“But that day Pihu bunked her school!” exclaimed Priya suddenly, “ I thought this is a regular affair and … I am sorry.” She ended.

“Bunked?” pretty astonished Ram asked, “You never said me all these.”

“Really Mr. Kapoor! You were in New York that time, if you don’t remember let me remind you. I tried to reach you, but every time I end up speaking to your secretary. When at last I got a chance to speak to you, do you remember what you said to me?” Priya looked to Ram, who was clueless. “Priya , not now; I am tired!” taunted the wife, “But, I send you a mail with every details of the written complaint from the Principal, but I guess you have not seen it yet. Before you say I should have informed you about mail. Let me remind you again. I did that too.”

Ram remembered how immensely he had made himself busy in business those days. He hardly spent time at home and travelled constantly. He cursed himself when Priya meet with the accident. Even after that he kept on travelling and busy in money making, just when Priya was recovering he again left. The stress lines on his forehead were clearly indicating his worry for Pihu.

“I think this is not the right time for all these.” Advik intervened before Priya could reply. “We should be discussing about Pihu.”

“Yes and how can you just believe what she said to you?” Priya asked back sharply to Advik.

“Well I am a doctor.” He could not suppress his smile, “Sorry” he said under his persistent laugh, “I am in this profession and who is lying and who is not, I think I have that knowledge to identify. Don’t you think so?” He looked at unconvinced Priya Kapoor, “Ok..” he stood up and dialed a number, “ If she misuses the freedom, let’s see what she did today. According to my calculation, she should have reached the university. If she is going there, and if not I would have already got the notification.”

“Hey Mike! So what’s up. Has she reached University?” Advik asked.

“Yes Sir. She has. She rushed to her classes after getting late for few minutes.” The man named Mike replied.

“Rushed? Why?” Advik asked back.

“In the metro she met a man, he was with his violin playing a beautiful tune, she lost herself in the tune and missed time. When she realized she rushed.” With Mike’s reply Advik looked at Priya, “okay Mike arrange a bike for yourself because I will be suggesting Pihu to have bike ride to University next. I will provide your schedule accordingly. Don’t need to escort her back from university.” Advik sighed as he disconnected and looked at Priya.

“Aunty, if she loved to take undue advantage of freedom, she might be in any odd place right now!” He looked at Priya for an answer. “Uncle” addressing Ram he turned to him, “Why don’t you go ad accompany Pihu back from University?”

“Sure.” Ram replied.

“Not in car but the way she will love to come back home. Just update me what she revels to you.” Advik smiled as he said. “And Aunty please for a moment stop burdening yourself. There is no wrong if we miss out something. Past surely have an influence on our present and future, but that should not be in a negative manner. Whatever happened let it stay there, absorb learn and move. You have to become Pihu’s confidence.”

“She hates me.” Priya cuts in.

“No she hates your reactions, or better to say over reactions to everything!” Advik could see her tears rolling down her cheeks, “ I should take a leave.” Without speaking further he left. The other two spectators left behind him. Apeksha was having a short chat with Advik, when she noticed Priya walking upstairs, behind her Ram stood with pursed lips, his eyes followed her until she disappeared into the room. None of the other two present spoke when Ram looked at them. He chose to follow Priya.

~~

In the bedroom, when Ram entered, Priya lays on her stomach clutching the pillow on which her head rests. Her sobs alarmed Ram. When he was just in the verge of deciding not to interrupt her then, he called his wife by her name. There was no answer from her end. She continued to sob. Little worried about the reactions, he took baby steps to the woman. She might be most frail or most raging. He again called her. Failing to get an answer when he called her for the third time, the sobs became louder.

“Priya!” caressing her head he sat by her, “Please don’t cry.” He pleaded. “Please.”

“Why this happened with my child Ram?” She said under her loud cry, “We failed as parents.”

“If we have failed ourselves. We have to collect ourselves back and get our daughter back!” Ram said.

“I will get her back. But promise me something.” Priya almost jumped to sit, extending her hands to Ram she spoke, “ Promise me you will not leave me alone here until Pihu gets back to normal. Promise me.”

“I promise you Priya. I will not.” Placing his hand on hers he affirmed.

“Please Ram, I need you this time. I can’t do this alone.” Hugging her husband Priya cried.

“Chup!” Ram caressed her head, “ I will be here only with you and Pihu. I promise. Calm down.” Hugging back he repeated, “And I am sorry for whatever I said. Please maaf kar do mujhe.” For the first time he got the chance to apologize properly, “Please Priya forgive me! Please.”

“I have.  But this time if you leave us alone, leave me alone to fight. I will never forgive you. Trust me Ram never ever.” She said.

Placing a kiss in between her hair, he smiled and promised not to leave her alone to fight, not to leave Pihu alone too. Ram knew how much important and in crucial situation his daughter is. In his mind he chalked out a complete plan to work from Australia and co-ordinate the business accordingly. He even planned to call Vikram, Rishab and Kartik and ask them to look after the business in his absence. With immense trust on Vikram he decided to give him power of attorney of the Kapoor Industries. Seizing the thoughts of business he concentrated back to his wife, who was still sobbing badly. “Priya chup!” he raised his voice. “nitoh.”

“Ni Toh Kya?” retorted Priya looking at him.

“ni toh  I will make sure you stop all these non sense. I know how to get hold of you.” Said Ram with a smile. For the first time Priya smiled back. Cupping her face in his hand he said, “I promise you Priya we will do every possible thing to get our child back, our love back. This time I am not going to leave you alone to fight.”

Until we meet ..

Love

NB