FADING DARKNESS

CHAPTER 13: NEW RELATIONS,NEW ROADS

Piya looked at her reflection in the mirror. The girl staring back at her was unrecognizable. Was it her? Really? She could no longer recognize who she was. Five days ago, she had been a different person; she had been Piya Dobriyal. But life had turned upside down since then. Her life five days ago and now were a universe apart, and though Dehradoon and Shimla were not too far, the distance seemed to her too much. The shock of knowing the truth of her birth was starting to wear off, but the grief was still there, a dull continuous gnawing sensation in her. She was an illegitimate by birth, unwelcome in society, a shame on the face of the world. She had grown up in illusions, in a place on which she had no right, and she could justify Madhu's reaction towards her. But that sadness of a lonely daughter wouldn't go-a tiny part of her dared to think of the impossible-maybe if her father had defended her-
The sound of the door opening pulled her out of her thoughts and she plastered a small smile on her face, as Misha entered the room. Misha. The only person who had held her hand in the darkest hour, trusted her through all that the newspapers-she closed her eyes, those pictures still vivid before her eyes. It was too painful, and more painful, because as soon as she thought about the news another person's face swam before her and she hated herself for it. It made her heart constrict. Sometimes, it was hard for her to breathe.
Misha watched her friend carefully, not a single change of expressions escaping her eyes. She had known Piya for a long time, even longer than she had known her fiance Kabir, and she could read her like an open book. She deserved none of the hurt and humiliation that had crushed her these last few days. She doubted anyone did. Misha cared for Piya a lot and loved her both as a younger sister and best friend. She had slowly coaxed Piya into talking and opening up to her about everything that had taken place, and she had had a hard time hiding her shock and anger at Mr. Arnab Dobriyal. That spineless coward. All respect she had had for him had vanished. And Abhay Raichand. Misha had secretly sworn to punch him to unconsciousness if she ever met that man. How dare he!!!!!
But holding Piya together had been her first priority. Not letting her come apart. After seeing Kabir off and wishing him luck on his new post at the Dehradoon Hospital, Misha had brought Piya with her to her home in Shimla. She knew she herself would be busy at the hospital or with patients most of the times so she had taken Piya to the nearby Shimla orphanage, to spend time with the children there. The women who looked after the children there, Haseena, was a patient of one of Misha's colleagues, hence Misha knew her well as well and had introduced Piya to her. It had been a good decision. Piya was still not her original self, but at least she had her mind distracted now. She and the children had gelled well; Misha always knew that Piya had a thing with children, they attracted to her immediately. And in just two days, Haseena and Piya had developed a strong bond as well. It was a good thing for them both, for Misha had noted that Haseena aunty seemed rather lonely as well.
Now she walked towards Piya, a smile on her face.
"Piya, listen, I have to go to the hospital suddenly" she said. "I know I said I had the evening off, but some complication's come up-"
"It's okay, Mish" said Piya in a quiet voice. "Don't worry"
"Piya, no listen" said Misha. "I don't want to leave u alone here. There's no saying how long I'll take, maybe a few hours, maybe the night-"
"Mish, I'll be fine really" said Piya, "It's ur duty, u must go"
"Piyu, I have a better idea" said Misha smiling. "Why don't u go the orphanage for the time I'm not at home? That way u get to spend time with them , and with Haseena aunty as well, and maybe stay the night too, if I can't come!!"
Piya's eyes lit up slightly at the prospect. "That's a good idea, Mish"
*****************
Mohan sighed with relief as he spotted the Raichand office at last. He had been unexpectedly delayed in reaching Shimla. The roads had been blocked due to a landslide and he had arrived later than expected. He just hoped whatever it was Haseena aunty had told him to give Abhay Raichand was reaching him on time. As he entered, he was stopped by the receptionist.
"May I help u?"
"Yes, I-er- I need to meet Abhay Raichand immediately." Mohan spoke urgently.
"Sir is in his cabin" the receptionist said. "but he doesn't see anybody without an appointment."
"No but I have to give this to him" said Mohan holding up the diary, "I don't have time to take an appointment-"
"Sir I'm afraid I can't help-"
"But-"
"We can arrange for this to reach Sir of course-"
"But I have to deliver it to him personally! Haseena aunty said-"
"What's going on?" a cold voice made them both turn around.Abhay Raichand was walking down the stairs. Before the receptionist could say anything, Mohan hurried forwards. "Mr. Raichand. My name is Mohan, sir. I have come to give this-this diary to u sir, it was sent by Has-"
"Have it sent to my cabin, I'll see it later" Abhay spoke to the receptionist and started to walk towards the front door again, his mind on the phone call he had just received. "Sir we've found out the address of the man, Shekhar, u told us to find out about. He's actually a waiter at one of our own restaurants, sir, THE GOLDEN FORKS. Here is his address-"
"But, Sir, she told me to give it to u personally, it's urgent that u read it as soon as possible-"
Abhay looked at Mohan coldly. "I've more pressing matters right now than reading a stupid diary from a stranger. U're lucky that I'm even receiving it. Now, please leave."
Mohan gave a defeated sigh as he walked out. He hoped he had not failed Haseena aunty. He had done his best. Now he could just hope that Abhay Raichand would read the diary, not leave it forgotten in some dusty corner of the shelf.
*******************
Arjun staggered into his room late evening, half drunk. The room was dark and unkempt, uncleaned for days, the bed unslept in. He had taken to drinking again. Ever since that face-off with Abhay Raichand. No, cut that, he thought with a drunken smile. Ever since his face-off with Alisha's brother. Alisha. He gave a laugh. She cropped up in every walk of his life, at every turn, every moment. He had killed her long ago, failed to protect his love from himself. And now, he was responsible for what had happened to Piya. His laughter turned to hiccups before they faded and tears rolled down his eyes. Life was an irony. Abhay's words came back to him..
But u r are murderer. My sister's murderer.
And today, u r also responsible for not being for ur sister at the right time."
His head drooped as he sank to the floor. He was Arjun Dobriyal to the world, an ideal man outside, but inside he was hollow. Guilty. And a killer. A stranger whom he himself did not know. He had sworn long ago ever since the day of Alisha's death that he would never touch any drink, but now drink was the escape from the mess his life was in.
********************
"Piya didi look" Asha proudly displayed her paper boat to Piya, a smile on her face.
"Wow" said Piya, smiling at Asha, "It's very well made Asha."
"Next time it rains, I'm going to let it sail in the puddles formed in the courtyard" Asha told her excitedly.
Piya smiled. "That would be great."
Haseena came in just then, gathering all the children, telling them to go and sleep.
"Nishant, make sure they go straight to their beds" Haseena told the eldest kid, fifteen-year-old Nishant. Nishant nodded, looking proud of his responsibility, as he led the other children away, Asha excitedly showing off her little paper boat to the younger boys and girls.
Piya smiled, watching them go. "They love u a lot, Haseena aunty" she told Haseena who had come to stand beside her.
Haseena gave a sad smile. "I don't know if I deserve so much love from these little ones, Piya"
Piya comfortingly held her hand. "There's no one who deserves it more, believe me."
Haseena smiled at Piya. She had only met the girl two days back, but she had already captured a special place in her heart.
"Thank u, Piya dear" she said. "U can sleep with me in my room tonight, if u don't mind"
"Yes aunty of, course."

******************
"Tell me the truth" Abhay hissed, pulling Shekhar close by his shirt collar. "Don't deny it. U know the consequences of lying to Abhay Raichand."
"I-I- believe me sir" Shekhar spluttered. He was half disoriented, half scared. He had just had dinner and was planning to go to bed, when Abhay Raichand had stormed into his house. "T-that party-I-I went as a waiter, its true, but that's all-"
"Don't lie" Abhay hissed. "I saw u there myself, don't u remember/"
Shekhar paled. "Believe me-I-I didn't mean any of it...she-she told me she'd go out with me if I listened to her, she needed those pictures-"
"Who's she?" Abhay snapped through clenched teeth.
"Diane-she works in The Dehradoon Chronicles." Shekhar gasped out. Abhay's hold on his collar was so tight that it was almost strangling him.
"Tell me where she lives." Abhay spoke in one breath.
"Near Market Road, Blue Apartments, Flat no-214" Shekhar mumbled. "Please-please Sir-I didn't-"
Abhay pushed him back with a jerk . He had found out what he wanted. So it was this Diane who had done this. He clenched his teeth. That a woman could do this to another woman-he took a deep breath trying to bring down his anger. He would soon clear up ever y mystery hanging here. He gave one last cold look at Shekhar. "Don't think I'll let u go. U were trying to be an accomplice to her plans and that's no less a crime for me" he said coldly, before storming out, leaving Shekhar shaking.
*******************
Piya and Haseena lay silently on the bed, both unable to sleep due to different reasons.
Finally Piya broke the silence. "Still awake, aunty?"
Haseena gave a soft sigh. "I see u r awake as well. U need rest, child, don't dwell too much on what has happened recently."
Piya didn't answer, a lump forming in her throat. Haseena turned sideways, towards her, gently, caressing her hair gently. Piya gave a soft sob, and then the tears wouldn't stop.
"Hush, Piya, quiet my child, its all right" said Haseena soothingly. Misha had talked to her a few days before, told her about all that had happened to Piya, and her heart went out, wishing she could give enough comfort to her.
Piya merely sobbed, wishing the tears could ease the heavy weight that seemed to have settled permanently in her .
"U know, when I used to cry like this, my mother fed me little sweets she kept stacked specially for me" Haseena chuckled softly. "Afraid I don't have any now."
Her words made Piya smile, as she moved back slightly, sniffing. "I-I'm sorry-I didn't mean to-"
"No no, it's okay dear" said Haseena quietly. "U know something, the children love u already. U should come here more often."
Piya smiled through her tears, rubbing off the remaining from her face. "I plan to"
Haseena sighed. "U r a good girl, Piya do u know that? Very special." She cupped Piya's face affectionately, planting a kiss on her forehead. Piya felt fresh tears well up at the little touch of love.
"Any mother would be proud of a daughter like u" she continued. Not everyone, thought Piya, thinking of Madhu.
"Everyone would want a mother like u" murmured Piya softly. The love and care Haseena had shown her for the two days Piya had known her was more than shad ever known.
An unreadable look passed through Haseena's eyes at her words. It was gone in an instant, but Piya couldn't quite read it. She must have imagined that look, for Haseena smiled a few seconds later, pulling the blanket more securely over Piya, as the wind picked up outside, bringing with it cold sheets of rain that lashed at the window panes. "Go to sleep Piya. U wouldn't want Misha killing me tomorrow when she finds out that I have been talking to u the whole night without letting u sleep" she said lightly.
Piya couldn't help smiling. She was in a better mood now, the little talking with Haseena had helped. She closed her eyes, murmuring. "Good night."
But long after she had fallen into a dreamless sleep, Haseena, lay awake, sleep still refusing to come to her. She remembered Piya's words. Everyone would want a mother like u". She smiled thinly. If only Piya knew. She dabbed at her eyes, wiping off the moisture. She wondered whether Abhay would get the diary. Would he read it? Would he come?