His second wife (#SaRaj)

15) Savi said yes for marriage.

Savi stood up, her eyes avoiding Rajat's. "Mr. Thakkar, now you don't have to worry about your daughter. I'm leaving next month. My marriage is fixed. You don't have to see my face. I may go now."

As she turned to leave, a tiny figure appeared, running towards her with arms outstretched. "Savi Teacher!" little Sai exclaimed, hugging Savi's leg tightly.

Savi's eyes met Rajat's, a flicker of uncertainty passing between them. She knew he wouldn't want her to hold Sai, but she couldn't bring herself to push the little girl away.

"Sai, beta, let Savi Teacher go," Rajat said, his voice firm but gentle.

But Sai refused to let go. "No, Papa! Savi Teacher, don't go! I'll be good, I promise!"

Savi's heart melted at Sai's words. She glanced at Rajat, who seemed to be hesitating.

With a gentle smile, Savi picked Sai up, cradling her in her arms. Sai's eyes sparkled with excitement as she wrapped her arms around Savi's neck.

"Savi Teacher, I thought you were angry with me because I didn't do my homework," Sai said, her voice trembling. "I promise I'll be a good girl. But please never leave me. Yesterday, I cried a lot when you left without seeing me."

Savi's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Sai. She felt a pang of guilt for not saying goodbye to Sai the previous day.

"Sai, beta, I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye yesterday," Savi said, her voice choked with emotion. "I promise I'll always say goodbye to you from now on."

Rajat watched the scene unfold, his expression softening. For a moment, he forgot about his differences with Savi and saw the genuine affection between her and Sai.

"Savi," Rajat said, his voice low and gentle. "Maybe we should talk about...arrangements for Sai's care after you leave."

Savi's eyes met Rajat's, a hint of sadness passing between them. She knew that her time with Sai was limited, and soon she would have to leave the little girl behind.

"I'll make sure to train someone to take care of Sai's studies and extracurricular activities," Savi said, her voice firm. "But, Mr. Thakkar, please make sure Sai knows that I'll always be here for her, no matter where I am."

Rajat nodded, his eyes never leaving Savi's face. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

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Rajat walked into the house, his mind still reeling from the conversation with Savi. He saw his mother, Bhagyashree, setting up the breakfast table, her hands moving deftly as she arranged the dishes.

"Rajat, beta, come and have breakfast!" she called out, her voice warm and inviting.

But Rajat didn't respond. He stood there, lost in thought, as his mother called out to him again and again.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Rajat snapped out of his trance-like state. "Maa, Sai's teacher Savi is getting married next month," he said, his voice flat and emotionless.

Bhagyashree's hands paused mid-air, a look of surprise crossing her face. But then, she quickly composed herself and said, "That's a good thing, beta. Now she'll stay away from Sai, just like you want."

Rajat's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing that his mother was trying to gauge his reaction. He knew that his mother liked Savi, but she also knew how much he disliked the woman.

"But Maa, Sai will cry," Rajat said, his voice tinged with concern.

Bhagyashree's expression turned stern. "But son, you want Savi to stay away from Sai, don't you? She's spoiling her, after all."

Rajat's eyes dropped, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. He had always thought that keeping Savi away from Sai was the best thing for his daughter, but now he wasn't so sure.

"But Maa, my daughter already doesn't have a mother," Rajat said, his voice cracking slightly. "And now the one person who loves her will also be gone."

Bhagyashree's expression softened, her eyes filled with compassion. "But beta, you wanted that, didn't you? Now what's changed?"

Rajat shrugged, feeling a sense of confusion wash over him. "Nothing, Maa. Maybe I'm just overthinking."

.........................................................................

Savi took a deep breath and walked into the house, trying to compose herself. She wiped away the last of her tears and forced a smile onto her face.

"Maa, I'm ready to marry," she said, her voice steady.

Isha's face lit up with a warm smile. "Anything you want, beta. We'll make sure you're happy."

Savi's eyes locked onto her mother's, a determined glint in her own. "But on one condition, Maa."

Isha's expression turned curious. "What is it, beta?"

Savi took a deep breath before speaking. "You'll tell them that I can't be a mother. And also tell them about Ishaan."

Isha's face fell, a look of concern etched on her features. "Savi, beta, are you sure? Do you want to burden your new husband with all this?"

Savi's jaw set in determination. "I won't marry someone who doesn't know the truth about me, Maa. I deserve to be loved and accepted for who I am, not for some idealized version of me."

Isha's expression softened, and she nodded slowly. "Okay, beta. I'll make sure to tell them everything."

As soon as Isha finished speaking, she turned to Shantanu and wrapped her arms around him, tears streaming down her face. "Now my son's soul will get peace," she sobbed, her body shaking with emotion.

Savi watched the scene unfold, her eyes dry and empty. She felt a sense of detachment, as if she was observing the scene from outside her body.

The decision she had made was right, she told herself. It was right for Sai, who would no longer have to deal with her conflicted emotions. It was right for Isha Maa, who could finally find closure and move on from her grief. It was right for Shantanu Papa, who could finally see his son's memory laid to rest.

But what about her? Savi's mind whispered the question, but she pushed it aside. She didn't care about her own happiness anymore. When she lost Ishaan, she lost herself too. Now, her happiness didn't matter. At least, through her sacrifice, everyone around her could be happy. That was all that mattered.

Savi's eyes dropped, her gaze falling on the floor. She felt a sense of resignation wash over her, a sense of acceptance. She would go through with the marriage, and she would make sure that everyone around her was happy. Even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness. Even if it meant losing herself completely.

..............

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