Chapter Eight

K-Shandra

@K-Shandra

A flustered Prerna arrived at the Basu residence. While Anurag had been engaged in external meetings all morning, she had fielded all the usual queries and appointment requests. Her summons to the Basu residence was therefore a test in patience itself, especially since she had the stirrings of a headache and her back ached more than usual.

Her phone rang just as Dabu opened the door, causing her first to reshuffle the contents in her arms before answering the call.

Mohini approached her and on noticing her on the phone impatiently waited for Prerna to finish.

“Yes just give me a moment, I just need to consult his diary. I know that anytime from Friday evening should be fine.” Prerna gestured to Dabu to take the files and then reclaimed Anurag’s diary, pulling at the ribbon bookmark. As she retrieved a pen she noticed Mohini’s scowl, but chose to ignore it.

“What time on Friday did you say was available…. No, no, he won’t be able to make the check in. Early Saturday morning then… but not too early.” She waited for several moments before replying, “The eight-fifteen should be fine. Yes, for two, you have all the details.” I will contact the hotel personally just send me the arrival times so I can book a car. Thanks Mohit.”

As she Prerna ended the call, Mohini demanded, “Who gave you the right to arrange something for Anu over the weekend? That is the time he spends with his wife and family.” 

Prerna looked sharply towards Mohini as she stated, “If anyone here can claim the rights as his wife and family, it is me. But not for once did you think to stop and question your son’s actions.”

“Why should I?”

“Is Anurag, your son, the type of person who would fall in love and marry in under a month? That too to someone he has not known long.”

“He did with Komolika.”

“Yes,you’re right, he did, because he felt he had no choice! And we all know how that ended.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Perhaps you should not be so quick to accept someone who appears to be your idea of an ideal daughter in-law.”

“Remain within your limits, Prerna.” Mohini warned, “You have no rights on Anurag or his time.” 

Prerna closed the diary and turned to look towards Mohini, calmly replying, “Anurag was the one who asked me to arrange a trip to Mumbai for this weekend, I’m only following his orders.”

“What is he planning to do there?” Mohini asked more to herself.

“I didn’t ask him, “ Prerna said as she turned back to the servant to take the files,adding “Thank you Dabu,” before moving farther into the house.

“Where are you going?” Mohini demanded.

“I brought the contract Anurag wanted to go over and then there are some things he needs to sign.”

“And he couldn’t do this at the office?” Mohini quickly retorted, then snidely added,“Unless you’re trying to get close to my son again.”  

Prerna quickly, calmly replied, “It’s only the fact that Anurag has lost his memory,that stops me from claiming the rights we both know are rightfully mine. But to allay your fears, Anurag has not been to the office today, he had meetings elsewhere. Now if you don’t mind, I would like to get these signed. I still have to return them to the office before going home.” 

Mohini glared at her as she said, “That’s no way to address your elders.”

“I would not need to address you in such a manner, had you behaved properly with me.”And with that Prerna left to find Anurag.

Anurag was seated at the desk in the study when he felt her presence. How that was he had no idea, but he fought down his instinctive desire to get up and meet her. Not having seen her the entire day had resulted in a restlessness consuming him. A restlessness that bordered on outright irritation, the type he intuitively knew would only be appeased by her presence. He knew the moment she stepped into the study doorway. His heart quickened its beat before a familiar sense of calm overcame him. She was there and she was safe, that was all that mattered.

The knock on the door was there to alert him, and yet he needed no such thing from her.Keeping his emotions in check, he slowly lifted his head and turned his attention to her. His chest swelled as he drew in the sight of her. He responded in kind as she gave a small smile before stepping into the room.

“I brought the contract and some papers needing your signature.”

He frowned for a moment. He could not remember assigning her any work the morning.“Papers?” he asked.

“There’s the memo from the last meeting, as well as the notes from one of the project managers.”

“Oh, I see,” he said taking the folders from her, ensuring his hand grazed hers. He had intended the contact, had wanted to gauge her reaction, but had been ill prepared for his own or the desire to capture and hold her hand. He understood what he was feeling, could even understand the speed at which his feelings strengthened, but felt hamstrung when it came to following through on them. It was difficult enough to allow her to go home at the end of every day, which was why he knew that there was no way he could let her go once he’d allowed them to come close again. He knew what needed to be done, it was only her feelings he had to be certain of. He took comfort from that fact that their baby would forever connect them.

Prerna let go of the file and instead turned her attention to his diary and said, “The flights are scheduled for quarter past eight on Saturday, you will need to beat the airport at six,” She looked up at him asking, “that should be fine,right?

“Why not tomorrow night.”

“The only flights available still were late at night and it is better to have a fresh start later in the morning than one after a bad nights sleep.”

“Very true.” He replied but thought, ‘I was looking forward to spending it with you.’

“Are you certain you would not much rather go with your wife? I could have the tickets changed.”

Anurag’s soul went ice cold at the thought of spending that much time alone with Sonalika, without distractions. He then looked at Prerna, trying to understand her actions… He could not understand the reasons for the sudden variation in her manner. He thought of the possibility that she might not want to spend time with him, alone, but somehow that did not make any sense. Prerna and he found peace in shared silence, whenever she happened to remain silent that was. The thought caused him frown, for she did not seem as talkative.

“Is there a problem with you accompanying me?” Anurag asked instead, needing to know why she appeared hesitant.

“No, why should there be?” she quickly replied, almost too quickly. 

“You just seem hesitant.”

“I just thought you would like to go with your wife.”

I am, he thought but instead replied, “She will be bored, it’s not the type of showroom or shopping she likes doing.”

“As you wish,” she said.

Her words confused him because she had surrendered too easily. He did not know how he should interpret that.

He opened the folder and flipped through the pages. He signed the memo and the notes and handed the first folder back to her, keeping the one with the contract. “That’sit. Seeing as you’ll be working over the weekend, take tomorrow as a personal day.”

Prerna was about to thank him when his phone rang. Anurag checked the caller id before answering. “Good afternoon, tell me have you found anything yet?” he said looking at Prerna.

Prerna made to leave, however he instinctively reached for her hand, his fingers quickly closing around her wrist. He was not yet ready to have her leave. He saw a frown mar her forehead while trying to focus on what his attorney on the other side of the line was telling him.

“Can you arrange that?” Anurag eventually asked, moments later answering, “Can you arrange it in about an hour. I just want to finish with my secretary then I can meet you.” He then again listened before replying, “She’s here, or at least she was.” He looked towards Prerna, asking, “Have you seen Sonalika?”

Prerna shook her head.

“I’ll find out where she is?” Anurag said before ending the call. He looked at Prerna and tilted his head before replying, “There are some legal matters I have to clear with Sonalika.”

Prerna looked down at where he held her, just above her wrist. On noticing, Anurag released her. “Will there be anything else?” Her tone was neutral which in itself concerned Anurag. He knew how well she could hide things if she thought it necessary.

“No, I’ll see you on Saturday morning. Should I pick you up?”

“That won’t be needed, I will meet you at the airport.”  

He watched her leave and fought the desire to accompany her. He did not want trouble, and he knew well enough just what kind of trouble awaited Prerna if anyone came to know what he knew. She stepped from the door and suddenly the room seemed less cheerful. He hated to see her leave..

It is better if you are not here for what is about to happen. He thought.

An hour later his attorney arrived and Anurag called everyone downstairs. He looked everyone over before starting, “You may wonder why I have called all of you down here so I will explain. Mr Singh is here to help with all the legal matters.” Anurag gestured to the man standing besides him.

“What is this Anu?” Mohini asked, looking towards the attorney with suspicion. “We’ve never needed to involve the law in family matters. So what is the need now?”

“That is because we’ve never had to deal with a situation such as this.” Anurag said gesturing to Mr Singh to continue.

The short,stout man stepped forward and folded his hands in greeting before starting, “A few days ago Mr. Basso approached me to investigate an individual. He mentioned to me that it had been brought to his attention that the person in question was not who they claimed to be, and that the matter should be investigated.”

“Who is this person?” Moloy asked, turning to look at Anurag.

“Komolika,”Anurag deadpanned.

“But Komolika is dead,” Nivadita said, “She fell from the roof.”

“Her body was never recovered, but that does not mean she died.”

“What are you saying Anu?” Mohini asked, “Have you found Komolika?”

“Yes, we have.” Anurag said moving to Sonalika, “She’s right here.”

“What!”Both Mohini and Niviaidta said in disbelief.

“Anurag,really, that is your wife Sonalika.” Mohini said.

“No she’snot, we never got married.” Anurag stated flatly, “And even if we had married it would be void. Prerna and I are married.”

“I should have known she’s behind this,” Sonalika said, “She’s been after you since the day you came back, using your memory loss to make you believe you shared a relationship.”

“No Anurag, you never married Prerna.” Nivadita said. 

“That girl just won’t give up.” Mohini said, “How can you even listen to her, she’s just trying to trap you.”

“Well then she trapped me before I went missing.” Anurag said gesturing to the attorney.The man handed him a piece of paper, which Anurag held up, “According to this,our marriage was registered before I went missing.”

“But there was no ceremony.” Mohini bemoaned.

“That is something only Prerna can answer.” Anurag said.

“So bring her here,” Sonalika said, her voice taking a bitter note, “I’m certain she brainwashed you into believing it.”

“The wayyou try to manipulate everyone to your thinking,” Anurag threw back. “Myattorney no only found Komilika’s medical records, which, by the wary also includes the plastic surgery performed on your face, they also found no record of a Sonalika. Your accounts and various assets are still in held under the name Komolika Chaubey, there is no record of my marriage to you as either Komolika or Sonalika.” Anurag then gestured to the door, “The police are hereto take you to your new accommodations.”

The Basu family exclaimed various degrees of disbelief, as he police arrested Komolika. Anurag felt the start of a headache, causing him to press the sides of his head with his palms. Mohini made to say something, he however cut her short , “Not now mom,” Anurag said as he walked away, I need some painkillers.”

“Anu, are you okay?”

“Mom just leave me, I’ll be fine after some rest.”

“You can’t go away, not like this. Cancel your trip Anu.” Mohini started.

“No, mom,I have to go.”

“No trip is more important than your life Anu.”

Unless the trip involves reclaiming that which is your life.