Defying All Odds

Chapter 5

Bikaner

   Various breakfast varieties were laid out on the dining table.    Jayant Raizada was waiting for the ladies of his house to join him at the breakfast table.

Karuna Raizada came into the room, pushed by her nurse in her wheelchair. The workers soon served Karuna's breakfast.

When the elderly woman noticed her daughter-in-law was not at the breakfast table, she asked

“Where is Padmini?”

"I don't know, mom; I was waiting for her only.

Neerja, go and call your madam." Jayant orders the housekeeper.

Padmini arrived at the dining room a short while later. Jayant signaled her to take a seat, but Padmini started with her firm words.

"I am going on a hunger strike at this moment; I will not drink or eat anything at this moment."

"What and why?"

"Tell your son that he must comply with my demands and get married soon if he wants to see me alive."

"What rubbish are you talking about, Padmini? Have you lost your mind?

"You can think whatever you like; I told you my decision now. It's your decision whether to call Jairaj or not. .”

Padmini exited the dining room after declaring this.

Jayant was shocked and worried about Padmini's crazy act.

"What is wrong with her? And why this sudden decision?”

  

Karuna, who was enjoying her breakfast, told her son

'She was speaking yesterday about her friend Sunita, whose son had to comply with his mother's request because Sunita had gone on a hunger strike. You can now see where she got this bright idea from.'

Jayant was annoyed by his wife's immature actions.

"This is ridiculous; she must understand that her son is not an emotional fool type of person. Doesn't she know how Jairaj will react?””

  

"Don't stress; I know your wife very well. She could do anything, but staying hungry is not her cup of tea. Soon she will understand this too and will eat her meal."

Jayant gave a nod and decided to wait. Unfortunately, nothing occurred like they expected. All day went by.

Jayant and Karuna became worried because she hadn't eaten or drunk anything.

Jairaj was having his dinner at his house when a call from his father surprised him.

Soon he received the call and listened to his mother's new stunt in his father's words.

"Don't worry, Dad, I will reach home by tomorrow morning."

After disconnecting the call, Jairaj exhales a breath as his mother never leaves a single chance to make him agree to marriage.

To his luck, it was a long weekend the next day, so he decided to start for home soon.

The next morning, Jairaj reached his ancestral home. He found his dad pacing in the living room. In worry, he reached for him and first bent to touch his dad’s feet. Jayant gave blessings to his son.

"How is she doing now?"

"Not good. I tried everything, but nothing worked. Now I am worried if something happens to her.

Jairaj told his dad, "Nothing will happen to mom. Let me handle this."

Jairaj left for his parents bedroom, and while crossing the lobby, his eyes landed on his old bedroom, where he used to stay with Trisha whenever they visited here. Jairaj's mind is filled again with the memories of his late wife.