Beyond The Golden Skies

♛ 26: Haste Of A Lover •

The dusty corner of the mansion library was lit up by a warm yellow bulb. Udayveer scrawled his nails on the antique leather armchair, tearing open its fragile layers. Shuffling through his tattered photo album, he extracted a washed-out picture of Damini hidden behind a postcard. It was taken around three decades ago at a family function. She sat in the middle of the stage, hands in the air, mid-clapping for a song. He still recalled the day. The smell of jasmine flowers from her clothes, the sound of her anklets.

In their younger days, he planted jasmine bushes throughout the Kumar Haveli, hoping to please her. He rejected royal marriage proposals to be with her. Bought jewellery and sarees to present to her after their marriage. After all he did, she broke him by running away with a blaggard, making him the laughing stock of the town. People even questioned his manliness. She didn't leave him for a prince or magistrate, but a mere schoolmaster. The dust of his feet.

Though he married the sensitive, bickering Pushpa Kumari and had two children with her, he never truly got over Damini. He hoped to torment her all her life. The woman died early and left his desire for revenge incomplete. According to hearsay witnesses, her husband and son made a permanent move to another city. He wallowed in despair over not being able to hurt her enough.

Today, the opportunity arose again. Ayushman Singh, her only remaining flesh and blood, walked into his door like an animal into a butcher's house.

He laughed to himself at the serendipity-of all the young men in Sonambar, his daughter had fallen for Damini's son. It had to happen so he could find the scoundrel and punish him for what his mother did. If he killed the boy, Damini's family line would be erased forever. The thought excited him.

Sakshi, his headache of a daughter, was a true specimen. Kind, gutsy, outspoken-everything he hated. He protected her in the mansion, showered expensive gifts and ornaments, arranged her wedding with the most prominent bachelor in Sonambar. Yet, the ungrateful girl sought male company outside the house. She even managed to captivate Ayush. Udayveer himself was surprised to see the boy challenging him in broad daylight. He didn't back off seeing the rifles and swords, such was her influence.

How did Udayveer fail to notice his uncanny resemblance with Damini? The boy was handsome and blessed with a riveting voice, just like his mother. What a pity. He would soon be found dead in a gutter, Udayveer thought with a smile. His palms itched to carry it out. He had to wait only till Sakshi and Hemant tied the knot.

The landline telephone beeped in a coughing ringtone.

"Udayveer speaking."

"Uday, this is Kushwant. What have you decided regarding that son of Damini?"

"I feel the idiot has strong backup. Let us not do anything until the wedding is over."

"Why wait until the wedding day when we can finish him right now?"

"You know my daughter is stubborn like me. If something happens to Ayushman, she will never marry Hemant."

"My son is a precious jewel, the pride of Sunehra Jeevan Dal. How can Sakshi Bitiya be ignorant of him?"

"She is young and headstrong. Remember, I was like her at that age? I rejected royal families for Damini."

"Worst decision. I regret not getting a chance to shoot Damini for the reproach she brought on my family honour," Kushwant said.

"We can satisfy our anger using Ayushman."

"Well said. I also hope Sakshi learns to be a good wife to my son. He loves her very much."

"Hemant will tune her, Kushwa. You need not worry."

"And don't raise your hand on my daughter-in-law hereafter."