Dawning

Chapter 4

Getting out of the country for Hardy, was fairly easy. Because of his profession, he was able to get a Visa within a few days and was en route to London with a piece of paper in his pocket that had Jassi's address on it.

Since their first conversation on that unfateful day, they had spoken twice more - him as Sukhi. Hardy still couldn't bring himself to tell her the truth, and if she had recognised the change in voice, then she didn't mention it either. When they spoke the last time, Hardy had asked her to collect her passport and other documents as discreetly as she could.

He was sure her good for nothing husband might've not registered their marriage if he was already married to someone else. So getting Jassi out could be easier, he just needed a plan.
When Hardy's plane landed at Heathrow, the first thing he did was to head towards Jassi's house. He had called in multiple favours and had found a relative of some friend of friend's who had agreed to let him stay for couple of nights. But that was not the priority, he had to get to Jassi first, make sure she was okay, alive.

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Hardy rang the doorbell and waited anxiously on the other side, in front of a moderate London house.

After a couple of minutes, a timid woman  opened the door. She was wearing a Punjabi salwar kurta, with her dupatta covering her head for modesty. She had to be at least a decade younger than Hardy but the worry lines on her face made her look older. Hardy got a proper look at her face, she had wheatish complexion and hazel eyes, that appeared gloomy and inquisitive at the moment - matching the London weather. Her soft bangs peeking through the dupatta framed her oval face perfectly. It wasn't obvious, but he could tell she had a light layer of makeup covering her face.

"Yes? How may I help you?" She asked.

"I- I'm Hardy. I've come from Laltu." Hardy finally found his voice.

Hardy saw the woman crack, relief washed over her face, her eyes filled with tears. She gave him a trembling smile. He returned it with one of his own. He had no doubt, this was her.

"Suk-" Just as she was about to speak again, a loud male voice boomed from inside the house and kept getting closer.

"Who is it? I've told you so many times to not entertain any strangers! Do you not understand Jassi?"

Hope from Jassi's eyes was immediately replaced with fear. She hurriedly wiped away the lone tear that had escaped. Hardy was still watching her and this drastic change in her made him immediately hate the owner of the voice. Not like he didn't already hate the man.

Jassi's husband, Vishal, finally reached the front door, and eyed the stranger on the other side suspiciously.

"Who are you?"

Before Hardy could reintroduce himself and maybe break his Jaw for good measures, Jassi spoke up.

"He- he's a friend of bauji. He's come from Laltu." She fibbed.

Vishal's features softened a bit at the information.
"Oh. Oh, come on in then. It's nice to have visitors from India." Vishal invited him in.

Once inside the house, Jassi went into the kitchen to get some refreshments, leaving the two men in awkward silence. The cogs in Hardy's brain we're turning. Jassi was well, the best that she can be given the conditions. At one point he didn't think he'd get this far even, but now he was here and he had to come up with a plan then and there. He had to get Jassi alone to talk to her.

Jassi returned with the snacks and tea and placed it on the table. She stood next to her husband's chair. Still scared.

"You know Jassi misses her family very dearly. Isn't that right dear?" Vishal gave her hand a little squeeze as he said that.

Hardy saw her flinch and wince at the same time at the physical touch. He gripped his tea cup a bit more tightly.

"Oh yes, I was here visiting my aunt and Chadda uncle happened to mention that Jassi lived nearby. So I thought I'd pay a visit." Hardy continued with the lie.

Vishal suddenly looked at his watch and exclaimed that he was getting late for work. He left the two of them alone to talk. Before leaving, he gave Jassi a look that translated to 'if you don't keep your mouth shut, this won't end well.'

As soon as Vishal was gone, Jassi bombarded Hardy with questions.

"Where is Sukhi? Why didn't he come? Why are you here alone? He told me he would come to get me, he told me his visa was done. Please tell me where he is."

Hardy took a deep breath, this was the moment. "Jassi please take a seat. I have something to tell you."

The way she flopped into the nearest chair, told Hardy that she had assumed the worst already.