Chapter Four

K-Shandra

@K-Shandra

Anurag looked at the Sharmas’ temporary residence. The first time he had dropped Prerna there,he had thought it her husband’s home, which was why he had kept his opinion to himself. But after learning the full particulars of their situation and the fact that she had to take shelter there with her sister and mother, he felt helpless and somehow responsible. He knew what his objective with that particular visit was, but not how to achieve it. Anurag had fond memories of Veena Sharma and her family, he however also knew that her daughters got their stubborn determination from her. Thus he knew it would not be easy to convince her to agree to his offer.

He got out of the vehicle and made for the door. The house was not as large as their home had been, but it was a safe haven he was grateful Prerna had. She had her family around her and that made the irritation he suffered whenever they were separated tolerable. Gathering together his courage, unknowing of what welcome he would receive, he lifted his hand to knock on the door.

Shivani opened the door and looked him over with an obvious degree of disdain, before stating,“Sister Prerna is not here.”

“I know, she has an appointment with her doctor.” Anurag said, sounding far more confidant than he actually felt. He had wanted, no hoped, to accompany Prerna to the appointment, but knew she would not allow it thus he had made the best of circumstances. He looked past Shivani as he said, “I came to speak with your mother, is she home?”

Shivani only nodded and gestured for him to follow her. Once he’d stepped inside Shivani called out, with some measure of irritation in her voice, “Mom, Anurag Basu is here to see you.” 

Mrs. Sharma appeared several moments later and Anurag folded his hands in greeting, the action was however not returned. Prerna’s mother instead nodded her head and indicated for him to speak.

“Mrs. Sharma, I was hoping that I could speak with you.”

Veena nodded and asked, “What about?”

Anurag gestured to their surroundings before he spoke, “I am aware of the events leading up to your current situation, I was hoping that we could talk about it.”

“And why would you want to do that?”

“Please, Mrs.Sharma, allow me to help you with this, it is only right for me to do so.”

“And why do you think so?”

Anurag was tempted to tell her that he knew that the baby Prerna was carrying was his, but until he figured out what was going on, and why everyone was treating Prerna the way they were, he did not want to disclose anything. “Please, Mrs. Sharma,I know that your husband died in an accident whilst travelling with my father.That loss would have been difficult enough for you and your daughters. But to loose your house to a fire, that would have removed any security you had.Please, Mrs. Sharma, You have two daughters in your care I cannot see you or them endure this.”

Veena adamantly replied, “Anurag, you need not concern yourself with such matters. This is our concern, not yours, we will manage.”

“But I don’t see it that way.” Anurag adamantly replied, “Your husband was my father’s best friend, he helped my father not only establish the business but also our position in society.” Veena for a moment looked irritated, however Anurag persevered.“It is because of that friendship that I am compelled to help. Were Mr. Sharma still alive, matters would be different. But because he is not, and because my father views both Shivani and Prerna as his daughters, I cannot allow for them to continue living in such circumstances.” Veena made to say something,possibly to object, but he cut her short, “I know there’s some problem with Prerna’s husband, and she does not want to discuss it with me, but, please,she’s pregnant and will soon have the baby to care for. It would be better if you were back in your own home.”

“Anurag,” Veena firmly started, “I have learned over the years that things go wrong the moment your family becomes involved in our matters. My husband and your father were good friends and for my husband’s sake I tolerated your mother’s snide remarks and comments. But after everything that has happened, I want absolutely nothing to do with your family. We will manage on our own, thank you.”

Panic threatened to overtake Anurag. He had to think fast. “Then allow me to help you anyway.”

“Anurag!” Veena cautioned him.

“No, please, hear me out.” Anurag asked, for a moment holding his hands out as if to stop her.“If you will not allow me to help you, then at least allow me buy your home,that way you will have the means to start anew.”

Veena looked at him for several moments visibly mulling over her options, then said, “But it is not worth much, the structural engineers said it will have to be torn down.”

“I will handle all that as and when it is needed.”

Obvious concern seeped into Veena’s voice as she said, “I have no idea what the property would is worth, and there is still the outstanding mortgage on the home.”

 “We can arrange for an assessor to assess the property.”

Veena looked at him with suspicion and Anurag realized that she had grown suspicious of any intentions he or his family may have. It did not surprise him, especially when he considered recent events.

Anurag then offered, “If it would make you more comfortable, you can get your own assessor in. I’ll be willing to pay for their services and that of an engineer.”

 “What are you two discussing?” Shivani asked,returning with some tea. Anurag was surprised, not having expected any real hospitality from them.

“We were discussing our house.”

“The police and the fire brigade said it was arson,” Shivani said holding the tray towards Anurag. 

“Arson?” Anurag asked, surprised but also confused.

Mrs. Sharma instead said, “Drink your tea, Anurag, I will think over your offer and let you know,” then turned from them.

“What offer?”Shivani asked.

“I offered for someone to have a look at your home, see what needs to be done, but..”

“But what?”Shivani demanded.

“Your mom is not willing, so I offered to buy the house, that way you can at least have the means to start afresh.”

Shivani looked at him with obvious suspicion as she asked, “And what does sister Prerna say about this?”

“Why does everyone always ask me that question?” Anurag asked, hoping that Shivani would cast caution to the wind and tell him that which he already knew, so that he could use it to confront his family. He could then put a stop to all the pretence and claim his full rights on Prerna. He may not yet fully understand what was between him and Prerna, but he understood his desire to be near her and their child, and that was reason enough.

Shivani made to answer, causing his breath to catch and hope to swell in his chest, only to visibly stop herself. It was that reaction with everyone that irritated him the most. He knew that no matter what had happened between them, Prerna still loved him. And while he knew her to be very forgiving – he shook his head, for a moment trying to establish where the thought had come from. He knew it would be too much to ask of her to forgive his family for ousting her – whatever their reason might have been. Fact remained, she was his wife, carrying his child,and they should have looked after her. Regardless of what happened, they should have at least provided for his child, but no one had thought the child important enough, and that angered him immensely. Snapping aback to their conversation, Anurag said, “No, please, tell me what you wanted to say.”

Shivani looked in the direction her mother had moved before replying, “It’s just that sister would not approve.”

“But you also live there, you have also lost your home,” Anurag reasoned, adding, “That is Prerna’s childhood home, all of us played there, I cannot just sit idle on this. So at least try to convince your mother to allow me to make repairs to your home.”

Just then Veena returned and said, “If that is how you truly feel about this matter, Anurag,then I will allow you to bring someone to check the structural soundness of the house. If all it needs are some minor repairs then I will allow you to help us,but no more. Do you understand? We will take care of the rest. And listen to me closely, and hear me on this Anurag, if you break your promise or you cause Prerna any trouble, I will not spare you. I am only allowing this because of who you are and the friendship your father shared with my husband. Once you have been assured that everything is fine, that my daughters would be safe living there again, I want you to leave.”

Anurag knew it would be futile to push for more. He would arrange whatever he thought necessary with the contractors and work crews. He did however state a condition, “I will agree to this, but only if you promise me something in return.” Veena indicated for him to continue. “I know that Prerna is going through a difficult time, with her husband away, so please don’t tell her that I am responsible for all this. Please, I know she will argue and I do not want to cause her any more stress.” He smiled at the memory of her challenging him.

“You remember her?” Shivani said, “I’ve seen that look on your face before.”

“I remember how she was never scared to stand up for herself, even when she hid my toys as a child. I don’t think that is something that would have changed.”

“It hasn’t.”Shivani stated.

Prerna and Anurag had worked in a comfortable silence for some time already. Whenever he looked at her, he was reminded that while he may not remember everything, she did and that scared him. Yet her behaviour was not that of anyone wronged, even though he knew she had been. He once caught her glancing his way, when she did not think he was watching. It was the pain in her eyes that scratched his soul. His heart ached whenever it appeared. And while he had no idea how to soothe it, he hated the mere fact that it was there and that he could somehow be the cause of it.

At times it was as if she could read his mind and knew what he needed even before he himself knew. He desperately wanted to approach her, to let her know that he knew the truth, only he could not bring himself to do it. He knew that if the dynamics of their interactions suddenly changed, then it would alert others. It irritated him how shared acquaintances would first look at her, as if questioning her, before proceeding with whatever they had wanted to discuss with him.

As quitting time approached, a heaviness settled over him. He sought any reason to remain at the office, if he could he would even keep her there, but knew he could not avoid going home altogether. Just as he knew that Sonalika had complained to his mother again. The call earlier, summoning him to a family dinner that was as good as mandatory, had been indication enough. And if he was totally honest with himself, he had no desire to sit around the table with everyone else. He wondered just exactly how persistently his mother intended to question him this time, especially since he had tired of providing reasons for his actions. He knew he needed to speak with his father about Prerna’s home, and the meal may provide him with the opportunity.

He entered the home, feeling the complete opposite of what he should. His back muscles stiffened when he saw Anupam walking about, making some arrangements on his phone… He felt her rather than saw her. The crawling sensation along his spine he had experienced before, it was the reason for it that he did not understand.What concerned him was not the fact that he felt her, but rather the manner in which he felt her presence.

“There you are, Anu, baby. I was wondering when you would get home. You know mom told me you would be home for dinner but I did not believe her. You’re so busy these days.”

“Well I’m home now,” he said, extracting himself from her clutches. “Please excuse me. I will go freshen up before diner.”

It felt somewhat stilted when everyone settled at the table. He had no idea whether it was the usual feeling around the table these days or if it was just him being overly sensitive to everyone’s mood. For a moment he considered the possibility that his outlook might have changed and that the people around the table no longer seemed as sincere as they claimed to be. 

The atmosphere remained tense as dishes were politely handed about and only the most necessary was said. The servants loomed, serving or retrieving whatever was needed, while the conversation between the occupants focused on more superficial interactions.

It was Sonalika who stirred the pot, with the seemingly harmless comment of, “I recently heard some exciting news,” she then looked towards Nivadita, “Why don’t you share the news with everyone?”

Nivadita frowned in obvious confusion as she wearily replied, “I don’t have any news to share.”

Sonalika sweetly said, “I believe Anupam informed Anurag of your pregnancy,”

“What!” Nivadita exclaimed, turning to look at Anupam in obvious and total shock.

“Is this true Nivi? Are you pregnant?” Mohini asked, her tone took on a delightful ring for the first time that evening.

“No mom. I have no idea where that came from?” Nivadita glared at Anupam, as if to extract blood from him.

“Pitty. It would have been lovely to have another baby in the house.” Maloy said, his words had everyone turn to look at him. Mohini in particular glared at him before casting her eyes towards Anurag. Moloy then quickly countered by asking, “What? If it were to be a little girl, she would be as pretty as her mother, because heavens help us we don’t need another Anupam.”

“Don’t be like that father in law, I would be happy with either.” Anupam firmly stated.

Sonalika then looked at Anupam, with obvious confusion, and asked, “Did you not tell Anurag that your wife was expecting?”

“No. But I would definitely be more than happy to comply with such plans.”

“Anupam, have some shame!” Nivadita scolded him.

Sonalika then turned to Anurag and said, “But you had said something like that, that you and Anupam had discussed babies and that Anupam had given you some good news.”

“We had discussed babies,” Anurag started, “But Anupam never said anything about sister Nivadita being pregnant. You must have misunderstood the conversation.”

Nivadita immediately looked relieved.

“I did not misunderstand anything…” Sonalika quickly countered, “ Wait a minute, just what did Anupam say to you? If you were discussing babies, what were you discussing?” Anurag did not like her tone.

Wordplay. His family was good with it, especially when providing truthful answers without proper clarification. It was a skill he did not often indulge in but knew how to use. “Anupam only verified that he would soon be an uncle.”

Anurag’s words rendered the entire table motionless. The air thickened, filled with suspense.And even without any confirmation, he knew exactly what they all thought. Yet no one seemed willing to even speak. 

Sonalika was one who spoke in the end, “But Prerna was right there when we discussed this, why did you not correct her?”

Anurag replied,“Because you did not give me the opportunity to.”

An uncomfortable silence followed and this time Mohini broke the silence, possibly injecting too much enthusiasm into her tone as she said, “So, Anu, tell us what you have been up to?”

Anurag for a moment thought over the question, uncertain as to what she actually wanted to know. “We’re in the process on negotiating a deal, so there’s not much to tell.”

“That’s strange,because when I called Prerna, to find out where you were and why you weren’t answering my calls, she mentioned that she was at the doctor.” Sonalika said.

“She had to go for a check up.” Anurag replied, not liking Sonalika’s tone. He had promised Prerna that he would always be there to support her… again the realization struck him as familiar, but he could not place it. 

“So you weren’t with her?” Sonalika demanded.

“No, I had a meeting to attend.” Anurag answered, but his thoughts remained on the realization. 

“Really, Anu,”his mother started, “Things like that should be done on her own time.”

“And just how is she supposed to arrange that?” Anurag demanded, instantly irritated.

“You really should replace her. She gets so little work done in her condition. She has not even worked for you for long enough to qualify for leave.”

“Prerna will remain with me until I find a suitable replacement.”

“Really, Anu,”Mohini started, “You are not responsible for her or the Bajaj brat she’s carrying.”

“Mom!” “Mohini!”Anurag and his father simultaneously, angrily, cautioned.

“How can you say that?” Anurag demanded, he felt a band contract around his heart, but he also knew that his mother was a master at wordplay.

“Because it is the truth.” Mohini maintained, flashing Moloy a warning glance.

“Who is this Bajaj?” Anurag demanded

Mohini did not miss a beat as she maliciously replied, “He’s Prerna’s husband. The one who divorced her and left her pregnant.”

Anurag looked towards Anupam, who’s eyes met his. Anupam gently shook his head once. Anurag the looked at his mother as he said, “ Mom, you should not speak of someone like that.”

“Well it’s a fact, I don’t have to pretend that it is anything else.” Mohini malevolently replied, adding, “I don’t see why you should in any way feel responsible for either her or the brat she’s carrying.”

“Mohini!” This time Maloy glared a this wife, “That is enough! Can’t you see you are upsetting Anurag. The doctor implicitly stated that he should not be angered or upset,but you just…” He fell silent for a moment. “You say such foul things without thinking. How would you like it someone said that about your daughters?”

“My daughters would not do such things.”

“Says the same woman who thought it appropriate to try and marry Prerna off to a despicable man twice her age!”

“What?” Anurag demanded, his heart racing as he turned to his mother and demanded, “Mom is this true?”

His mother looked uncomfortable, which caused him to again look towards Anupam, who nodded.

“Please mother-in-law, everyone, it is not good to upset Anurag like this…” Sonalika started, but her words went unheeded as a visibly distressed Anurag shot up from his seat. “Anu, baby, calm down.” Sonalika said, as she too got up and reached for his arm.

Anurag jerked free from her hold and shouted, “Leave me alone! Don’t touch me! Don’t even come near me.” He made to say something else, but thought against it. He instead turned from the table and left.

“Anu, you can’t leave here without eating something,” Mohini insisted, however her argument went unheeded.

As Anurag stomped away, Sonalika turned to them and angrily demanded, particularly from Mohini“What were you thinking? You know the doctors said that you should not discuss past events with him, that it would upset him, now look what has happened.”

“I couldn’t help it, he’s always spending time with that girl, worrying about that girl when he should be focused on you.” 

“What does it matter?” Anupam said causing everyone to look at him,  “He will cast her aside soon enough.”

“Anupam, he is my son, he will do no such a thing. He takes his commitments and responsibilities seriously.” Mohini said.

“Exactly, and as soon as the rest of his memories return, he will take up his responsibilities,and everyone at this table knows where those responsibilities lie.”

“What,” Mohini demanded glaring at Anupam, “What are you saying?”

“He knows Prerna is important to him.” Anupam said, also rising from his seat.

“Anupam, sit!”Nivadita commanded.

“You may choose to remain here, but I don’t agree with what is happening here.”

“You should be more supportive.”

“And I have told you before that I will support you, that I will stand behind you only when you are right.” Anupam defiantly stated.

“What is going on here?” Mohini demanded glaring at Anupam.

“I will make it simple for you, mother in law. The thin veil of civility is slipping, revealing an unavoidable truth.” he looked towards Sonalika as he continued, “The fact that your actions, and choices have shattered this family.” Anupam looked back at Mohini as he continued. “The day Anurag remembers everything you have done to Prerna, is the day he will come to hate you.”

“Don’t you daresay that about my Anu! I have only ever done what I thought best for him.”

“If you had, then you would know that Prerna is the one for him,” Anupam then pointed to Sonalika, “…and you would not constantly be trying to marry him off to women like her.”

“Anurag chose to get married.” Sonalika professed.

“Which he would not have done had his mother not conveniently forgotten that he’s already married. And no matter what anyone claims or says, Prerna remains Anurag’s first wife.”

“Be quiet, he will hear you.” Mohini chided.

“He already remembers.”