FLAMES OF VENGEANCE *** On Hold

CHAPTER 31

MAHIRA RAJPUT

I couldn’t stay calm after pappa called me. It has been years he had  called me. Wait, he never called me. I doubt he has my phone number. That is why he called from Bhayya's phone. I was relieved for a moment when I heard his voice, but the intent behind his call horrified me. He is getting me married off. I don’t know whom is going to get me married.  He didn’t let me ask anything and already cut the call like talking to me cause some contagious disease. Papa's this behavior always hurt me.

He never loved me the way he loved bhayya. I was always the unwanted child in the mansion. Can’t to see my state, dadi sent me to boarding school at 8th std. Since then, I have spent only my vacations at home. But unable to see papa's ignorance I stopped visiting home since my college days. At college, Bhayya and Babhi used to come see me. My strong desire to see my father was always thwarted by his distaste for me. I love him the most.  I used to participate in sports in school, just like Bhayya, to get the appreciation he gave him. Even though I got more marks than Bhayya, he never smiled at me. I tried everything to get his attention and I’m still doing it.  I’m really at cloud nine after getting papa's call. He still has the same harsh, ominous voice.  Even though I am very happy, his words continue to affect me.

Marriage

It’s something I haven’t think even in my dream. But it’s not something to think now. I took a sharp breath to calm down. You need to do this. I will do anything to get my papa's appreciation. All I wanted in life was for him to acknowledge me as his daughter. If marrying someone of his choice will make him to do so , I will never miss the chance. I prepared my mind and avoided all necessary thoughts of marrying a stranger. I packed my bags and exited my apartment.

When I got downstairs, I noticed a car park at the entrances. The chauffeur approached me after noticing my presence. "Aarav sir sent me to pick you up, madam."  Bhayya sent him? So he already know about the marriage. Of course, Papa called me with his phone.  So he definitely knew about it. I nodded at the man and got into the car. Poor Bhayya, I now understand why he has been avoiding all of my calls and messages. May be he was not happy with the decision of me marrying a stranger.  I know  he is totally helpless in this situation. My chain of thoughts went halt, when the car stopped in front of a private jet. It’s belongs to bhayya. What’s the need of all this. I will go by plane.  This is something I love about my bhayya the most. He always shows me his and papa's affection. Papa's behavior towards me was always hurtful to him.  But like me , he will also never go against his words.  We both were just helpless in the situation. So he always pampered me with his love.  I get into the plane and settled on the seat. The jet flew through the serene beauty of  the sky. I looked down at the city. I am not sure if I will return here again.

The car came halt in front of the huge mansion. I walked slowly out of the car and looked around. It still is not the same. Everything has changed. It has not remained exactly as it was the last time I saw it.  The chauffer bring the bag to my side. I was about to take the bag when I heard a happy voice call out to me. I turned towards the mansion and saw Ramu kaka standing at the door. He is the mansion's caretaker and one of Papa's most trusted employees. Ramu kaka walked excitedly towards me when he saw me. I smiled at him. He took the bag from my hand.

“How are you beta. We have all been waiting for you.”  His eyes still reflect love and concern for me.

" You have lost so much weight since the last time I saw you”. I shook my head. He says this every time we meet.

“Because I missed your food. Now that I’m here, I will only eat the food prepared by you”.

“Off course. That’s my job. "I will prepare all of your favourite foods." He said with a warm smile on his face.