~PLACID~

CHAPTER 10

The meeting preparations were in full swing. The lady of the house instructed the maids for the dinner. Kavita worked like a clock and never stopped.

Meanwhile Aditya was running in the house greeting everyone with the "happily lived ever after" story of his parents. Nobody had known of the black day in their lives except the family members.

Bhanu lifted the kid in air and played with him. It was unusual of how a cruel persona became this soft with a 3 year old. Was it his genuine love or the greed for a heir, none knew. Some facts and opinions about Haasilgarh and it's authoritative family were ambiguous. But no one sought to know and no one intend to tell.

The only person with all the secrets was the unapproachable and inappropriate lady without whose orders not even a pigeon was allowed to fly. Every event in the family was a disjointed affair.

It was 7:30 in the clock and the minister had arrived. The meeting and dinner once again invited many eyes as Bhanu had failed to enough as an authoritative figure, a social worker and a potential politician.

The screeching sound of the brakes gave an impression of how punctual the visitor was. Every mind in the house secretly prayed for the individual to be opposite of Bhanu.

Tara and Bhanu went to escort their guest of the day.

A tall, dusky man probably in his mod thirties stood before them. Unlike other politicians of their time, he was dresses on formals : white shirt, black suit and pants paired with a red tie.

His black eyes were the gateway to the depth of his character: enigmatic, mysterious, charming and expressive.

As was the ritual, the head of the family stood with a plate of lighted lamp, vermilion powder and flower petals.

The figure to their surprise bent down to touch her feet. Tara blessed him and showered petals over him after applying the vermilion paste on his forehead.

Bhanu shook hands with the guest cordially.

Raghuveer Shekhawat was the only name in politics without any blemishes on the conduct, intent and character. A man of wits, words and wisdom rose to power with his dedication and hard work. It was impossible to survive without a political backdrop. There were few gems whose efforts were recognized and garnered enormous support from the public. Raghuveer was one of them.

A person with a PhD in sociology he did not fail to live the hopes of his people. Time and again he proved his calibre with sound decisions and firm opinions.

As the hosts welcomed him, they took a seat in the living room.

"It's a pleasure for us that you graced our house with your presence", bhanu joined his hands.

"The pleasure is mine too" Raghuveer replied modestly.

"I have heard a lot about you. But i was surprised to hear about the Kishangarh case. You enjoyed an active part in it. Isn't it?", Tara asked.

"Yeah of course. Where there is a need of justice I intervene. People were behind a boy and a girl because they married each other. Their fault being their births in different communities. It is insane. How could one be so cruel? They only married each other. What was the big deal?", Raghuveer expressed his displeasure.

"They weren't wrong. If one has to save their prestige anything is fair. What the youngsters did was illegal", Tara fumed.

"Had it been illegal the oolice wouldn't have taken the families to jail." , Raghuveer replied sternly.

"Jail?", Bhanu was surprised.

"Yeah. The families had been charged under the attempt of murder. The judiciary a announced the decision in favour of the couple", Raghuveer told.

"And if anyone tries to do the same even they'll rot in hell", he continued.

At these words there was silence. Tara and Bhanu shared known glances.

"I wish they rot in hell", Sunaina whispered as the maids heard the talks while working.

Bhanu cleared his throat as Kavita came with water. 

She held the tray in front of Raghuveer.

"Water", she said.

The voice was known. The voice was familiar. The voice was as sweet as honey.

He looked up. Kavita stared at him in disbelief.

Raghuveer got up with a jerk hitting the tray. The glasses tumbled and water was all over.

Raghuveer's coat was spoiled and Kavita fidgeted with the front of her flimsy veil.

"Uffff. Can't you do anything properly? You should have taken care Kavita. How close did you hold the tray!!", The old lady started behaving frantically.

"It's okay. It was my fault.", Raghuveer said without flinching his eyesight.

Kavita reciprocated his gaze when Bhanu offered him to clean dry in the washroom.

Bhanu led Raghuveer to his room.

The room as opposed to the traditional haveli had a contemporary touch to it. Painted in yellow the room appeared to be  vivacious and cheerful. It was filled with multiple wall hangings and wind chimes. The room was filled with the fragrance of roses which danced in the vase kept on the table near the window.

As one entered the room, a painting was visible on the wall in the front. A lady sat in a bridal attire of red with her eyes lowered down. Her lips curved up perfectly in a slight smile and the blush on her cheeks was pretty noticeable. The painting was lively and ecstatic which captured Raghuveer's attention. Bhanu interrupted his trance.

"My wife has made it", he told.

"Who?", Raghuveer asked.

"Kavita", Bhanu replied.

Back in Tara's room Kavita was changing her wet dupatta.

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"I am warning you, give it back", Kavita shouted.

He ran with a wrapped object in his hand.

"Raj give it back", she limped behind him.

"What happened? I guess your feet are tired", he teased her.

They reached her room.

He unwrapped to find a framed painting.

"Interesting!!! It's a bride and I want this for myself before you come to my house as my bride", he winked at her.

"I will bring it with me. Why you have to take it now? Ouch!!", She seemed in pain.

"How did you get hurt?", he asked her making her sit on the bed.

"The corner of the door hit my toe. It was half open but I wanted to get hold of you soon. I tried to squeeze myself hurriedly", she told.

"You should take me seriously and accept the fact that you have become fat. ", He chuckled.

She got hold of the pillow and hit his head.

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She laughed while draping the dupatta. The next minute her smile faded as truth dawned upon her.

She composed herself and wiped her tears. She went to attend their guest at dinner.

He was already seated when she arrived. Silence transpired between them. Everyone ate their food silently. Later the men proceeded with their meeting.

The agenda of the meeting was "Education for all". Bhanu had taken the initiative of providing good education in Haasilgarh. Perhaps some promotional advertisement had put the idea of gender equality in his brain. His insatiable greed for power was unmatched.

People were now curious to know the outcome of this preplanned agenda.
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Different faces
Different perspectives
Different circumstances
Lessons are same.