TRAGEDY TO TREASURE (COMPLETED)

Chapter 8

Abhishek (gritting his teeth): Look here. This photo... She... she is my wife. My wife who died while giving birth to our daughter. She died.... After her, I was living my life with my daughter "REEM". Reem... her mother's shadow, her mother's last sign, last sign of my love life. My love... Yes, I name her Reem because she reflects her mother's personality. My wife died but where is my daughter? My daughter is in orphanage... Yes... Daughter of this coward father is in orphanage. Why? Because I couldn't fight for my little girl. I couldn't protect my daughter. She should be here with me but see, I am married. I can't bring her in our lives. This will spoil our marriage life, our lives. Fuck this marriage life. Just because of marriage... Me starting my life again. I had to leave my 1 and half year old daughter in orphanage. In the hands of unknown. Just because of marriage. Still I knew you are not at fault, you shouldn't be punished for anything. Still I tried to be normal with you.

He sat on sofa and loud sob escape from his mouth. He hid his face in his hands.

Vaishnavi... who was scared of his anger. She noticed his break down. She felt pity on him. Tears of fear were already on her cheeks.

Vaishnavi: Umm...

She tried to speak but Abhishek walked away. He went in room and closed the door with thud. Vaishnavi shivered because of loud thud.

She hug her knees, bringing them close to her chest. She started crying violently. Her eyes fell on laptop screen. She saw photos of Mother-daughter. She scroll down a bit more and too see more photos.

Vaishnavi (weeping):  What's all this? This little girl is innocent. Why she is in orphanage?

She looked at photo to see little girl was in Abhishek's arms and seems happy.

Voice: Now you know the answer of your question. Now you know what's wrong with him. Now you can help him.

Vaishnavi closed her eyes. She sat thinking about everything and slept there only.

Abhishek went to his room and took alchohol and cigarette. He gulped whole bottle in a go. He threw bottle once it was empty. He took cigarette and tried to light it up but couldn't. He threw it on floor and laid on bed, sobbing badly.

Next morning.

Vaishnavi stood in front of Abhishek's room. She knocked at door twice but no response. She tried to open the door and was successful in a go. She stepped it. His room seems messy. Broken bottle was scattered on floor. He was sleeping on bed, hugging a photo.

Vaishnavi: Abhishek...

She called him to wake him. He didn't stir.

Vaishnavi (shaking him): Abhishek...

He slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blur. He rubbed his eyes for clear view.

Abhishek: Rimi...

He sat with jerk. He looked at Vaishnavi as in asking if he is hallucinating or she is really here

Vaishnavi nodded with small smile. Abhishek forwarded his hands to pick Reem but Vaishnavi took step back before he could touch Reem.

Vaishnavi (looking down): I am sorry... You are not in condition. I mean smell of alcohol isn't good for baby. Aapko itni choti si bachi ke samne aese nahin aana chaye. We are waiting in hall. Please come after getting fresh.

Abhishek nodded, understanding her words. He glanced at reem who was busy in playing with Vaishnavi's nuptial chain. He smiled seeing her in front of his eyes.

Vaishnavi walked out of room with reem in her arms.

Maid: Aunt, please make lemonade for Abhishek.

Maid: Okay!

Vaishnavi went and sat on sofa with reem. Reem was busy in playing with Vaishnavi's nuptial.

Abhishek quickly came after getting fresh. As sat on sofa beside Vaishnavi. Maid came out with lemonade. Abhishek took it. He gulped down.

Abhishek (with teary eyes): I am good now.

Vaishnavi nodded. Abhishek took reem in his arms. She started crying, looking at Vaishnavi. Reem turned towards Vaishnavi raising her arms to pick her.

Abhishek: Baby look at papa... Look here baby...

Abhishek tried to calm but he ended up crying as well.

To be continued...