Balika Vadhu - The Ansh Ending

os: The end

Leaving the crowd and reporters behind at the Udaipur airport, Shiv held Anandi’s hand. Deftly dodging any stray byte hunters both followed Shiv’s ADC and security staff to the official vehicle.

“Where is my personal car, RaghuvirJi”, Shiv asked him.

“Sir, parked about a couple kilometers away. We will go there now”.

They were on their way to their farmhouse to spend a few days with the kids. Their hideaway from the bustling lives that both were leading in Jaipur. Shiv had been appointed the principal secretary to the CM and was in line for a transfer to the centre. Anandi was busy working with women and the girl child. Bhaili and AnSh Niketan had grown leaps and bounds with several off-shoots in Rajasthan. Requests from other corners of the country to start similar ventures poured in regularly. In between, their kids kept them on their toes.

They had just returned from Delhi after a whirlwind trip. A trip that they would remember for the rest of their lives. At least Shiv would. Anandi was a different matter altogether. It had been such a struggle to convince her that what she has been doing all her life was indeed worthy of praise and deserved to be publicly felicitated. And that she would be a motivation to others. Ultimately the authorities officially requested Shiv.

As they sat in the car, he smiled as he remembered at the reluctance with which she had agreed. He couldn’t remember ever having worked that hard, except perhaps to win Anandi’s heart. His eyes twinkled. His reward in both instances was worth every minute spent.

He cherished the memories of watching Anandi walk towards the President of India three days ago to receive the Mother Teresa National Award for Excellence in Social Work. His heart had been bursting with pride. It was the highest award in the country in her field. And she had been drafted as India’s face of social change. She had looked so serene, beautiful and dignified receiving the award.

What followed was a whirlwind of flashlights, interviews, talk shows…He hated sharing her with anyone. Yet he knew that while he was her world, she belonged to the people. He would not have it any other way.

He turned sideways to look at his wife. She met his eyes and smiled. Already a multitude of thoughts seemed to be passing through her mind in quick succession forming worry lines.

Before he could ask, their car stopped and doors opened. As they walked to their own car, Anandi clutched Shiv’s arm and looked at him then at the car “Shiv please…Just us…”. “Anandi but…” Then she looked at him beseechingly. And Shiv gave in and took the keys. He and Anandi would follow the lead car.

As they were on their way, Anandi heaved a sigh of relief. “Alone at last”, she said and snuggled as close as she could to Shiv trying to distract him by drawing patterns on his hand. He finally captured her hand and imprisoned it firmly.

Suddenly she asked “Shiv did you check up on that girl who has been hanging around with Amol? Her family, her background?”

Shiv burst out laughing. “Anandi, let Amol be. He is a handsome, responsible boy. Give him space to find his own Anandi”, said Shiv squeezing her hand.

She smiled, not entirely convinced. “OK. And what were Shivam and Nandini telling you on the phone? Seemed very hush-hush. Anything the matter?”

Had he not been driving, Shiv would have caught her by her shoulders and put an end to her questions as only he knew how.

Other than him, their kids alone could make Anandi forget the world’s worries. And they were this instant waiting for them at the farmhouse. Amol had grown up into a strapping young lad. He doted on Shivam and Nandini, now almost in their teens. When he was with them Anandi and Shiv never needed to worry.

“Shiv, I asked you about Shivam and Nandini”, repeated Anandi, in a stronger voice.

“They are fine, Anandi. They will soon greet us at the rear entrance of the farmhouse”.

“Why rear?” As she questioned, her face softened. She was anxious to hug them and share memories of her trip to the Presidential Estate.

“Reporters”, he quipped taking a sip of water and returned the bottle to her.

“Why, what scandal are you in now”, she asked.

“Not me my innocent wife, you. You are famous”, he laughed.

“Shiv, don’t joke, tell me!”

“Patience, just a few more minutes”, smiled Shiv.

Anandi looked at him exasperatedly, “Fine, don’t tell”, she said pouting and turned away in mock anger. While doing so, she overturned the leftover water in the bottle on his shirt and gave him a “there you go” look.

Shiv yelped. “Anandi, stop behaving childishly. At least think of…”

“It is only water, it will dry Shiv, don’t fuss…” and looking at the water starting to wet his pants, she started giggling. Her giggles were infectious. Shiv’s exasperation evaporated. He too started laughing. They thus drove on in easy camaraderie as the sun started its downward journey.

Suddenly she pulled her hand out from Shiv’s and started waving. They had reached the farmhouse. Amol, Shivam and Nandini were waiting for them. Shiv stopped the car.

As Anandi stepped out, she clutched Shiv’s arm, pulled him towards her she lightly brushed his cheek with her lips and whispered “Sorry Shiv for wetting your clothes, will make it up to you”.

Shiv looked down ruefully at the wet patches and then fondly at Anandi, now surrounded by the kids. He would make sure that she kept her promise.

He joined them as they walked towards the house. Shiv and Amol followed the twins who were walking on either side of Anandi and excitedly pulling her forward while looking back and winking at their father. They loved secrets.

As they neared the door, Shivam and Nandini couldn’t contain their excitement. They pulled Amol and rushed on ahead asking their parents to wait for two minutes.

Anandi looked questioningly at Shiv as they made their way in together. He shook his head and smiled. Then Anandi heard voices. Familiar voices. They seemed to be coming from the hall. Not one, not two but tens of them. She knew these voices.

She stopped in her tracks, clutched Shiv’s arm and turned to face him. Her face had taken on a new glow. “Shiv…who…when…how…”.

He cupped her face with both his hands. “Everyone. Everyone who could make it. DadiSa, Daddu, Badi/Choti Maa, Bade/Chote Papa, Maasa, bapuSa from USA, bapuSa from Bilaria, Jagya, Ganga, Mannu, Abhi, Taisa with family, Makan Kaka, Shyam BhaiSa, Suguna Jiji, Mahi, Sanchi, Gulli, Phooli and many more. All here only for you. To rejoice in your achievements. To be with their Anandi. The one person who touched so many lives. We just made one call”.

She stared at him her eyes awash with tears. “This means more to me than any award. I don’t know what to say. If it were possible to love you and the kids any more than I already do, I would. Thank you, Shiv”.

“You don’t have to say anything. Just always be there with us by our side.” He wiped her tears and enveloped her in a tight hug.

Just then DadiSa’s loud voice boomed. “Shiiivv, boy, where have you hidden my chidakli. Come soon, both of you, how long are you going to keep us waiting”.

Disentangling themselves Shiv smiled wryly, “Let us go Ms. Chidakli. Everybody else I can charm, but if I do not deliver you to her soon, she will have my hide”.

Hand in hand, fingers closely entwined, Anandi and Shiv entered the big hall and looked around them. There were happy faces everywhere. Laughter, in every corner of the room. This was their family. A very large family. These were people who along their journey had made a difference to their lives. And today they had made time to come and share in Anandi’s happiness.

As welcoming arms engulfed them, both knew that life ahead would throw mightier challenges. The path of righteousness was never smooth. But together, they would fight the toughest battles and bring smiles to a few more faces.