TRAGEDY TO TREASURE (COMPLETED)

Chapter 19

Abhishek dialled his mother. She received it. It was a video call.

Rehana (sighed): Shukhar hain tu ghar aa gaya. Mujhe to tension ho raha tha.

Abhishek: Maa?

Rehana: Chand ka time hua hain. Vaishnavi ko bol pooja ke liye ready ho.

Abhishek: Haan theek hain.

Rehana: Pooja ke time I will call you.

He nodded and hung up the call. He informed Vaishnavi about pooja.

Soon, It was time to complete the rituals. Abhishek's mother called him. They went to the balcony to see the moon and complete rituals. 

Vaishnavi did as Rehana asked her to do so. Abhishek made her drink water and feed her a piece of sweets. She completed her fast.

Vaishnavi: I will arrange dinner.

With this, she left.

Rehana (angrily): What was this Abhishek?

Abhishek (shrugging his shoulder): What?

Rehana: Abhishek this was her first fast. You should be happy. At least a smile. For name sake, you were completing those rituals. She is your wife.

Abhishek (sarcastically): See who is asking about giving the rights.

Rehana (sternly): Abhishek...

Abhishek (rolling his eyes): For you and the world, we are husband and wife but we ain't gonna have any relation between us.

Rehana: This is how you are gonna give your family the next generation. This is how I have taught you to treat your relations?

Abhishek: So, this is the reason. I was wondering how my mom is asking me for all this. But finally, I got to know. So, let me clear it up. I am not gonna do anything. If you don't want Reem in my life then keep this clear in your mind. No other kid I am gonna have in future. Get it? Now, about treating relations. I saw how perfectly you are treating your relationship with your granddaughter. Also, I understood why you are being too good with Vaishnavi.

Rehana fumed in anger.

Rehana: Just because of that curse you are spoiling your life. Trust me, daughters are good for nothing. See... Seema aunty... What did she get from Reem?

Abhishek: Mom... Listen to me, I am not interested in arguing with you on the same topic again and again. Plus, this marriage is nothing for me but a burden. So, I am not gonna accept this marriage. If you want a grandchild then Reem is there and that's it.

With this, he hung the call in anger. He lost his calm listening about Reem as a curse. He turned to see Vaishnavi standing at the door.

Vaishnavi (holding Abhishek's hands in her hands): Abhishek shant ho jao. Pata hain Reem apne papa ko aese gusse me dekhegi to usko lagega uske papa ki naak par hamesha gussa hota hain. Or gusse se laal naak balloon jaise ho jati hain. You know vo joker wali naak big and red. Vo superhero kam joker zyada lagte hain. Reemi ka first love joker... Haww!!!

Abhishek smiled listening to her words.

Vaishnavi: Ab theek hain. Ab naak sahi lag rahi haun.

She said pinching his nose. Abhishek chuckled.

Vaishnavi: Choro dusro ki sochna. Reemi is with you. Reemi ke liye socho.

Abhishek (nodded): I am sorry. I mean I said this marriage is a burden for me-

Vaishnavi (cuts him): You don't have to explain to me. I know what is truth. You know even humari feelings mutual hain. I don't know how to explain but marriage life main nahin kar paugi. I am feeling safe and secure around you.  I have felt different hands, and different touches, anywhere on my body. Some-

She bit her lip not able to explain her situation in words. Abhishek sensed her situation.

Abhishek: Mere pet me chuhe kude jaa rahe hain. Dinner kare?

He asked with a fake sad face. Trying to change the topic. Vaishnavi nodded.

Abhishek: Listen, I don't know about others but as a real friend. You mean really important to me. I am here whenever you need me.

Vaishnavi smiled.

Abhishek: Chalo abhi bahut bukh lagi hain.

They went out and started having dinner.

Vaishnavi: I got an answer to your question.

Abhishek (raising his eyebrow): Yes?

Vaishnavi: You are the first person who cares for me, supports me and gives me the feeling that I am worthy of care, love and support. So, for your prosperity and happy life. If I can do this. I am more than happy to do it.

Abhishek smiled. They had dinner and went into the room.

To be continued...