Starting a new life

11 months ago

Mikky

@MidnightLibrary

Adityanath's funeral brought back memories of the last ritual for Purvis; almost all the Malhotra’s relatives, political ministers, and famous businessmen attended the funeral. Despite thousands of crowds little Prithvi realised he was alone in this world. An unexplainable storm was blowing inside the chest of a ten-year-old boy.

Ninety years had passed after that he felt the same tornado blowing through him only he was twisting, flying to and fro nowhere. 

If there’s anything to soothe him since his mother left him alone in this world it was his grandfather. His DD, His best friend. Now he is gone. Leave him alone once again.

He thought back to the day when he lost his mother it was the last time his Dad gave him attention. He had felt his father cared for him as a son. But Gradually he lost touch with him. In this world how many people he has come across, everyone treats him as a son of a Rich businessman, but none treats him the way he was. He has to be well-mannered for the sake of his family's reputation. 

The thing he hated most after his mother was gone was talking to people politely. Especially those who had seen him with pitiful eyes. Beneath that gaze, he felt low, weaker, boy, more alone than he had felt for himself. 

He encountered the same situation when he attended a party with his father for the first time after the death of his mother he indulged in a fight with a boy who was also the son of a business partner of his father. The boy teased him as being a lonely and sad mama’s boy. He should be born to be a girl for seeking attention by showing how much said he was. Even questioned him about his libido for that. 

Blood boiled Prithvi’s vein. That day he realised why people compared a lonely and Sad person with a girl. Any human being can be sad in their life that doesn't have any significance to be a girl. He believed his mother was the strongest person he had ever seen. 

Whatever may be his philosophy he had to apologise to the boy, it was commanded by his dear father. His Dad didn't ask for the other side of the story. He just saw one Side of the coin and concluded, conjecturing his son was the accused.

From that day he stopped expecting anything from his father.

It was his DD who asked him what was the reason behind his outrage against the boy. To his surprise he understood him. 

So many years after he met one person who showed him a few people exist in this world who care for humanity more than money. He met the person who made him smile as he's never smiled before, made him cry as he's never cried before . . .he realised there was nothing he could do but fall for the person, his wife. His everything. 

He feared why God snatched those away from him whom he wanted to hold close to his life forever. A weird scratchiness in his throat makes it difficult to swallow.

The only person left in his life was his love. No matter what comes he won't allow anyone to snatch his last hope of light in his darkest sky away from him. 

He glanced at Sanyogita who was busy comforting Shambhavi. Grandmother. The loss of her husband almost killed half of her life. But none can skip the bitter truth of reality which is death. And she was aware of it so early yet when death came it devastated us into a flood of memories of our beloved one. 

“I’m sorry for your loss, son.” A nameless attendee interrupts his thoughts.

Prithvi came out from his trance of memories. 

“Son?” The one word leaves his mouth with enough venom to make the man

wince.

Prithvi averted his gaze from his grandmother to the man whom he barely knew. 

People came to him and said some soothing words which he barely gave any shit for. 

Suddenly amidst a mass of people, a man came and huffed his derision stained with bitter words “ Only for the elder grandson and granddaughter-in-law Adityanath Ji isn't around us. If Mr. Abhiram Malhotra's son didn't marry this middle-class girl. We never had to see this situation. Maybe he will be alive for a few more years too. Such an unlucky bride “

The burning sensation in Prithvi’s chest intensifies. He burst his frustration this time 

“ Mr. and you Mrs. Arora: Why are people always ready to disrespect others? What you will get by insulting others ..happiness, and fame, or it will give soothing to your jealous hearts that you can never achieve what you are always seeking to accomplish..You didn't have a right to insult my wife. I rejected your proposal to get married to your daughter. That's why you turned into a jealous freak for seeking nothing but insulting my wife. 

And Mr.Arora, you claim yourself as a close friend of my grandfather, then tell me, how many of you took care of my grandfather when he was sick? How many of you showed your concern when he was alive .. did you?? How many of you know what gives Mr. Adityanath Malhotra happiness, what brings him sorrow?? Do you people know about that?? ..

His voice gained its zenith. His stares were bloodshot. Prithvi was taking heavy breaths. At the end, he clasped his hands and said generously “ I plead with all people to take your meal and leave. If are really feel something good for the soul of my grandfather then stay unless you can leave “

When Prithvi darted at Sanyogita again, her eyes were alight with an emotion He recognized. 

It was Pride for her husband.

Sanyogita stared at her husband. She eyed him fighting against his inner squall. He was floundering and hard to control himself. Amidst the chaos, her chest was tight with pride witnessing her husband fighting for his grandfather. His love, and respect for his DD.

Abhiram remained mute in the entire conversation. He didn't attempt the initiative to talk to his only son. Nor did he meet his gaze with Prithvi.

******

Kashish along with her family also attended the funeral..

The first thing she observed was that the environment of Malhotra was immersed under the grey clouds. 

She walked to Ariyan to try to comfort him . On the way, she saw Meera talking to him. 

She couldn't help but ask herself why there was teenage-type itchiness of jealousy whenever. Then she realised it was their second encounter.

. 

She wondered why Ariyan fell for Meera. She realised he was really serious about their relationship unless he never introduced Meera to his family.

" Love needs to be given, " ``love is sacrifice " and love means to be happy for your loved one even if that means staying out of your beloved life .. this all just is crab . She knew she was thinking like a selfish Jerk who was only thinking of her happiness but isn't this human nature?? No matter how many times the world gives their advice, how many romantic songs with heartthrob lyrics hit our heads that true Love means to be happy for your loved ones , whether or not we are a part of their life. In reality, we want their happiness to begin and end with us. We are all selfish and greedy sometimes in love

*********

Sanyogita tried to catch up with Abhiram but he occupied himself with his bodyguards and secretary who hardly allowed her to talk to him. 

Getting an opportunity the guards were busy. Sanyogita reached Abhiram who just finished speaking on the phone. As soon as he spun around he faced her. His face grew dull and dry. Abhiram looked down at her, his moonless eyes constricted for an instant, and she thought she was resembling the sand of his eyes at that instant. 

He deterred his gaze and almost omitted her presence as he was about to walk past her.

She stood before him.

“ Papa, I need to talk about something with you!"

“we've nothing to talk about I guess"

“ Yes, Papa we have " Sanyogita kept her voice low nevertheless stiff

“ Okay, finish whatever you want to but in a hurry .. I'm busy"

Guarding herself against a rising tide of emotion, she looked up at his father-in-law “Yes I know I won't take much time off you Papa"

Abhiram stared at her and then shifted his gaze other side

Sanyogita proceeded with “Papa I have always admired you the way I did for my father. When I came to this house, I never disrespected you nor I didn't do anything that brought any shame to you. I wanted to ask you if Don't like me and why you agree with this marriage. You came to my mother and promised I'll always be treated like a daughter of your house. You seemed happy at our wedding, reception, and everything.  Papa if that was the true side of yours then which you are showing to me right now what would I apprehend this? Why are you avoiding gazing at your daughter?? 

There was no retort from Abhiram's side 

“ Okay if I acknowledge this for some time,  I'm nobody to you but the fact you can't deny how much you try to do a truth will always remain as the truth. Prithvi is your Son Papa why are you sidestepping him? I know you love your son and he always respects you even if you aren't unaware of it. One thing tells you, Papa. I and you son will never do anything which brings you melancholy in your dignity. I gave word to you Papa. And Sachai ke liye ladhana koi gunah nahi hai.. agar hai to mushkil hai…lekin galat nahi hai! “

Abhiram gaped at her for a moment. Then without any word drift his arrow from her before him and leave. 

Sanyogita gulped the lump in her throat.

… … … … … 

The big walls of the Malhotra mansion made of expensive silver glittering marble stones appear like they are engulfed in the shadows of the midst of black clouds. 

The golden chandelier hanging from the high ceiling in this huge living room, which has been growing older for many years, seems to be a bit hopeless under the sour environment.

Shambhavi took one last glimpse across the Malhotra mansion before she left. 

Abhiram and Avinash stopped their mother but Shambhavi said with a cold and rigid voice

“ I have given my both sons plenty of times of mine. The person for whom I was here in this stone palace, is no more. Now There is no reason to stay here. “

" Mom, It has been just five Days Dad has gone, and if you leave us what will people think about us? " Abhiram whispered, he appeared to like demanding. He was hurt by the sudden decision of his mother. 

“ When my son drives away the elder grandson and elder granddaughter-in-law of this house very late without thinking about their well-being, if people didn't think about that, then why is there a need to be conscious for an older woman like me ?? “" Shambhavi's voice was low, yet as firm as a stringent cliff. 

Abhiram was startled “ Mom I did Everything for the sake of the reputation of our family" His voice slowed down gradually. 

" Insulting the daughter-in-law of the house, throwing her out in the middle of the night without any consequences, what lesson did your father and I teach to our both sons that they made us bow down in front of the daughter-in-law of our house?  Was your father alive to show this day only ? !!! Shambhavi cracked voices reverberating in the wall of the Malhotra mansion  .

Abhiram went speechless. 

“ Mom.. you can't leave us.. where will you go? “" Avinash asked his mother. He chimed and panicked. 

Although Shambhavi’s heart was aching, she controlled herself that day. She didn't reply, instead, she walked to her older grandson and granddaughter-in-law “ Baba!! Pls, bring this old woman with you two. I don't leave it amongst this money machine. “

Sanyogita and Prithvi embraced their grandmother.

Everyone was surprised except four people who were happy at least Shambhavi didn't have to breathe in the house where people only treated people based on fame and money. 

Ananya wanted to leave, but Avinash stopped her. Even Ariyan was prevented by his father. 

Avinash Said Ananya in the night was a golden chance for Ariyan to sit on the Malhotra emperor. Prithvi has resigned from the CEO position. God has opened the door for their son.

Ananya is angry with her husband. She wished she could leave him like Shambhavi. But she was helpless. 

*******

Sanyogita and Prithvi take care of Shambhavi all night. Neither of them opened the lids of their eyes for the rest of the night. 

Nilima arrived after obtaining the news. She was as wondered as angry with her daughter in their down she didn't think about it to inform her mother. She was anxious. It's been less than two months since her daughter got married and they have split from the family.

The thing that made her shocker was that she would soon reopen her elder daughter's injustice case. 

She was worried like most of all that Indian mother who wants nothing but the good well-being of their children. She tried to understand Sanyogita.

Their conversation was seized by a stern voice 

“ Nilima didn't stop Sanyo. “

Shambhavi stepped to them, stood beside Sanyogita, and kept her palm over her head “ Sanyo took a courageous attempt. If I only consider Sanyo only my granddaughter in law then I'll never allow her to do this thing. But how could I prohibit my granddaughter? Tell me Nilima don't you want justice for your daughter?? Ask your heart, don't you ??

Nilima goes speechless. 

“ I know you can't. And I know about your worries. In this mission, we are all with Sanyo. Prithvi is with her so why should she foot back? In most cases, husbands never acquiesced in this matter. “

Nilima's eyes glistened with salty water but neither of them dared to fall on her cheek.

At last, she kept her hand over Sanyogita’s cheek and gave her blessings to succeed in her mission. 

“ And one more thing I’ll never blame anyone for whatever happened to me. Although I misunderstood Sanyo before, I'll never repeat my mistakes. Nothing is permanent in the world of Krishna. Some things exist in our lives for but a brief moment. Except God no one is immortal. Not even we humans. We must let them go in the end where they ultimately belong to”

Sanyogita looks at Shambhavi with numb eyes. Nilima was amazed and thanked her daughter for getting such heavenly grandparents. 

Sambhavi asked “ Sanyo beta "

“ yes DadiMa"

“Take me to Guruji's ashram by today's evening. It's been a long time since we've seen him. He has returned from his London conference “

“ Sure Dadimaa" 

… … … … ..

It was another day, Prithvi was calling for Sanyogita and then found her sitting on the balcony. On the broad couch

The view gives him a realisation as if Sanyogita is the mother of Shambhavi who was sleeping on her lap . Sanyogita was stroking her arms slowly in Shambhavi's head. 

Hearing Prithvi’s  voice she put her index on her lips as an indication to don't shout 

“ ssshhh!!"

Prithvi’s chest grew heavy. He stepped to her slowly and sat beside her. 

He had seen how she was trying to take care of Shambhvi and her husband. Where as a husband he should be cherishing his new bride, Sanyogita devotes herself to household chores. Last week's situation turned up and he was not prepared to handle anything.  Sometimes he feels very frustrated.. But She was handling everything as if she was an experienced homemaker. 

Prithvi was glad to get his wife through his mental breakdown. 

No matter how strong a person might emerge during his adversities, a warm hug from a familiar person can break him into tears. In Prithvi’s life, the person was his wife whose love, care, affection, and admiration conveyed towards him, making him stronger in each day than ever he could feel yesterday. 

He has seen every day in the morning she started her prayer by putting new flower garlands in her mother's photo frame. She did Puja in the morning. Although he had hired ten workers for different household work, she never allowed anyone to cook for Shambhavi, and him. She did everything to keep Grandmother from regaining her enthusiasm. 

Seeing her love, care, and affection towards his little family made him fall for her harder every day. 

Sanyogita suggests Shambhavi restart gardening once again. As she had seen, she was excellent at gardening. Do all those activities that bring happiness to her. 

So both the ladies reached the flower farming market. 

Shambhavi told many more things

About gardening.

Sanyogita listened to her without breaking enthusiasm.

Prithvi loved many more things about her and among those virtues, she always encouraged and welcomed new things to learn. 

Shambhavi explained “ In today's fast-paced modern age, gardening helps in attaining inner peace and solace, a feeling similar to chasing a butterfly. Amidst the hustle and bustle, this age-old practice that keeps us connected with nature can transform our consciousness in unimaginable ways. Gardening, often perceived as a charming way of passing one's time, goes way beyond attractive flowers and green landscapes. It delves into the profound connection between well-being and nature as we know it. It enables us to strengthen our strong connection with our planet and attain a whole new level of inner stillness amidst the chaos. Our fast-paced lifestyle often disconnects us from nature, but gardening bridges that distance, offering a solution to ease down and rejuvenate. Sowing a seed, caring for it, and witnessing it mature mirrors the process of life itself. This journey can be extremely therapeutic. It offers a sense of purpose to the witnessing individuals that can be incredibly grounding. In a way, when we take good care of plants, we are also nourishing and caring for our own. “

Sanyogita encourages Grandmother to go for a morning walk as she used to do when Grandpa was alive. Prithvi and Sanyogita give company to Sambhavi. Gradually they came across other elderly women who too lived in the same ultra-luxurious apartment. Nearby other residents soon built their old age team. They gathered on occasions, and holidays, and discussed many things regarding life, spiritual thoughts, health, cooking, learning something new, and many more. 

Sanyogita often listened to them with eagerness. As she believes, if you want to learn a life lesson, the elderly would be the best option. As they have gone through all the phases of life, through thick and thin. 

.. Prithvi decided that he would restart everything. Sanyogita agreed with him and also supported him in every decision.

She suggested he give an advertisement about his new company and even asked all those loyal employees to join his new company if they were willing to.

Prithvi denied this proposal, as it would be a  betrayal of his father's company. Sanyogita felt guilty yet she was amused by her husband's decision. 

Arjun came to meet his ex-boss.

Prithvi and Sanyogita had helped Arjun several times, both financially and personally. 

Prithvi was glad. Witnessing his respect for his boss amazed him. 

He teased Arjun “ Your salary will not be reduced. He can join the new office when everything is ready ."

Those employees who admired Prithvi from their hearts after getting the information left Malhotra mansion and applied for a job at Purvi automobile company. 

Sanyogita decided to give both emotional and as well as financial support to her husband and her grandmother in their huge crisis.

She told Prithvi about her new job as she wanted to support him financially.

Prithvi was glad to hear her decision and also felt proud of her small yet encouraging decision.

“Why don't you open your own instead!"

" What? “She gave him a blank face

He holds her by her shoulder “ Jaan we have to attend court innumerable times in the future and being staying in a job it will be hectic for you to balance both at the same time. So it will be better to run your own company! “

Sanyogita stared at him with a serious face. She found her husband's idea was genuine 

“ You are right ." She beamed 

Prithvi gave her a thumbs-up with a cheering smile

Sanyogita’s hopeful smile fade away the replacement of a vexation

Studying her edgy face he questioned in concern “What. Why are you looking tense suddenly?? “

“ I'm thinking about funds for a startup. I have to apply for a loan. But I have nothing to put as a mortgage. “

Prithvi exhaled deep " Jaan you're worried for this only I thought…! He grinned at her disbelief

Sanyogita stood with her hands on her hips and said, "It's easy for you to say because you have an ocean of wealth. But please put yourself in my shoes and think about my situation. I feel like a lost little mouse. I only have 5 lakhs in my bank account."

Prithvi looked at her silently, keeping both his hands in either of his trousers pockets.

Sanyogita seemed to be looking frustrated. She sat on the couch and covered her mouth with both hands.

Prithvi took a seat beside her “Hey just listen to me..

Sanyogita didn't look at him.

Prithvi continued, " I'll be providing funds to you for your business."

“What?" She removed her hands from her face , met his gaze 

“ yes .. in fact why there's a need to take a loan from a bank? I'm here with you… 

“ No .." her voice was more like breathing.

" Why not?? “

"I want to remind you that in the past, you helped me with 14 lakhs for Ariyan's treatment and also returned me six lakhs for Papa's bracelet, which was his last memory. Out of the total of twenty lakhs, I still owe you eight lakhs. If I take any more money from you, I will be buried under a pile of debt for sure."

Prithvi listened to his wife with full concentration.. Perhaps her husband was a business tycoon. His total net worth was six thousand crores. Yet she didn't have eyes on his bank balance. He understood her reticence and realised she was a self-respected woman. Her self-esteem was the status of her dignity. 

“ Okay, I got it. But listen to me Just once “ He put his hand over her shoulder

" When you start your own company you can easily return the money to your husband “

Sanyogita motions her eyes over his determined face. His eyes have faith and motivation.

She didn't answer back. 

“Okay, babbaa!! Pay me back the money with interest.. ab toh Maan jaoo!! “" Prithvi's eyes move over the black face of his wife. He was determined to make her agree anyhow.

He observed her lips curve upwards and gave him a light smile. She kept her head over his shoulder. 

Prithvi's left hand left Swift around her completely, pulling her into his chest.

“ Jungli billi “ He giggled at her demonour.

" What? “" She looked at him with a gap “

" Wild cat ka hindi” He grinned

She rolled her eyes. She picked up a pillow from the couch and hit him in the shoulder. 

“ you are a Junglee Billa ( tomcat)”

Prithvi put his hands before and caught the pillow ..his brows raised, and he looked at her with unbelievable eyes. 

After a fraction of a second, both of them started to laugh at each other. They soon indulged in pillow fighting. Their laughter was echoing in the corner of the wall. 

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]