Pride, Honour & Love

Chapter 19

Dear Friends, as many of you maybe knowing Mangal Pandey was hanged on April 8th, 1857 without a proper trial, the Mutiny started after a month or so, and it picked up momentum during the following months....here in this story for the demand of the story, just making it happen a bit earlier then it actually started.....writer's prerogative ;)

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The Flight (Part 2)

Todd wished him good morning as Jacques sprang up from the bed, as Todd started getting his bath ready, Jacques pushed the curtain back and looked out as per his habit towards the tower.....the window was closed as usual, he sighed, it is over 3 months now that it is the same, Sundari suffered severely, she nearly died out of infection and bleeding, the local doctor had given up hope, with Bani's nursing she has survived, still very weak, her right arm has become useless .....Oh he does see Bani every day, going about doing her chores, going to the jungle, collecting logs, material for her oil, roots and fruits for her ration.....no Bani has not approached him for any help, he had instructed the vaid to put all his efforts and not to worry about his expenses, he will take care, the vaid had replied, there is very little I can do, whatever I was able I did, now all is needed is good nursing and care......the villagers did sympathize with her, they helped her, Bani did not refuse them but he knew she did her best to fend for herself. The weather was changing, it was becoming warmer but still pleasant ....within a week he will get married to Sarah....it is the best time as nothing much will be happening in Dariyaganj as the summer sets in, Jacques will leave for the mountains within two days after the wedding with Danielle and Sarah, while Danielle stays in their house in Moussouri, Jacques and Sarah will go to various other places like Shimla, Dalhousie etc., before leaving for Calcutta and coming back to Dariayaganj at the beginning of winters....

Mr Howard has sent his blessings, he has written in details his position in business, things are not that bad as I had perceived them to be, I hope to revive them but I need to stay in London for the same, and hopefully by the end of summer I will be able to take the ship with Mrs Howard and spend the Christmas at my daughter's new home, before conclusion he requested Jacques if he can also pull in a few strings in Calcutta so that things become easier for him when he comes back, my company has defaulted but I am sure with a word or two from you I will able to make things turn around, they might not be willing to give me a hearing but as your father-in-law I am sure I will get few people who will once again be helpful.....

Todd called out for him, the bath was ready, yes he has to get ready to go out for his rounds, he gave one last glance towards the tower, Bani was helping Sundari to sit down on the grass just outside the tower, little Tara already crawling as Bani puts the mat , they will now sit on the mat, and play while Bani goes to the jungle in search of dry branches for fuel, material for her oils and maybe some fruits and roots for their lunch....the sun is getting warmer now, she won't be long before she comes and  take them inside, sun is good for bones and the sick, with Sundari hardly of any help, it is upto Bani to do everything by herself...she has lost a bit of weight, now back in the shape she was before having Tara.

Jacques went for his wash....

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When he came down for his breakfast, My Lady was taking her seat, he wished her good morning and they waited for Sarah to join, Sarah came after few minutes, Jacques received her, kissed her hand and then together sat down for breakfast.

As Jacques sat in the veranda to meet the villagers, he saw Bani, carrying Tara in one arm and her oils in the other going to the village, Tara was growing and soon will be too heavy for her to carry but as she was quite handful Bani did not want to leave her with Sundari as she was yet to be fully fit......