Ganga (The Impure) Part 7

Sheetal was lost in her memories, Ganga shook her to bring her back to reality. Ganga lovingly brushed Sheetal's hairs. Sheetal held her hand and said, "Thanks Ganga aunty, For reminding me about my love story, For taking me back to those beautiful days". 

Ganga smiled " Hmmm so it was a happy ending love story right!!! 

Sheetal nodded her head "No Aunty, There was a painful turn in our story".

After having a wonderful time, we went back to our homes. Sweet memories and my heart was filled with joy. Yathish had cleared 3 rounds of interview in a company, that gave me satisfaction. I too was busy with the Interviews. one fine day I was looking for Yathish, he was not to be seen anywhere in college. I tried calling his mobile, it was switched off. I was tensed and started sobbing. Nayana tried to console me at the same time she was angry. 

"Do you know his address or his whereabouts??". Sheetal nodded head as no, "He said he stays with his mother, She works in some company. His dad passed away when he was a child. I never asked him about his address or where he stays. I trusted him so much.

Nayana fumed " What nonsense Sheetal, are you nuts?? You should have collected all these details, now where will you go now, where will you look for him?? Let me try to find some way... shall we go and enquire in college desk.

They both enquired at the college desk and collected his address. They went in search of the address and found the house locked. Nayana went and spoke to neighbors and collected details about his friends. She met Anil at his home and enquired about Yathish.

Anil initially hesitated to tell the truth but later on, he spilled the beans. "Yathish was a good boy, he was happy and enjoyed his life, it was that bastard Keshav who spoilt him. Yathish told us about your love story and the way you both enjoyed the tour". 

Keshav " Arrey you finished the matter or not tell us that in detail? he smirked and gave a naughty smile.

Yathish "Hey no, we did not cross the border. we were within our limits".

Keshav laughed "Abhey sale, admit that you don't know anything, so you did not do it. Do you know if a guy is weak in this subject then a woman will dump him any time. They need pleasure and satisfaction, If you fail for the first time then she will nag you for a lifetime. Do one thing get 5000 rupees, tomorrow I will take you to a place. Where you can get practical classes. I am a champion now, I visit them regularly. He said that and laughed loudly.

Yathish and Anil both looked at each other, they felt insulted and at the same time excited to see this place. Yathish nodded and said, "Yes I will get the money tomorrow". Anil was a bit hesitant and afraid, He said "Thanks but I will not come with you guys. If my dad gets to know about this then he will break my bones".

Keshav threw the half-lit cigarette on him and said "Look you should experience all this in your life. If you go there once, you will go again and again. I will wait for you both tomorrow at 7 pm, come with cash. 5000 exactly nota rupee less than that". Saying so he zoomed on his bike.

Anil continued "After that day, I did not meet Yathish at all. Don't know what happened to him and his mother, they vacated the house without informing anyone. I have no idea where they went and what happened?? I spoke to Keshav too. He said, don't know what happened, he left without informing him as well. Even we are on the lookout for Yathish. 

Sheetal collapsed on the ground, she was in turmoil now. What happened there?? where did he go?? what happened to him?? 

She had no idea. She cried for him for many days.

After two years, She moved to Bangalore, to join a new company. She spotted Yathish on a busy metro train. He too was surprised to see her. Their eyes met and Sheetal stared at him, He made his way and walked towards Sheetal, He was happy to see her after a long time. As soon as he came closer, Sheetal without even thinking about the people around slapped Yathish hard on his face. Yathish calmly held her hand and said "Sorry Sheetal, very Sorry". She tried to slap again but held back, With teary eyes, she hugged him.

Sheetal was sitting on a rooftop garden with Yathish, It was not crowded and they had privacy to speak.

Sheetal looked at Yathish, "Why Yathish, why did u leave me without informing me?? What happened?? Talk to me. I need an answer. I spoke to Anil. He told me you went to a prostitution den? Is it true??

Yathish sat there trying to avoid looking at Sheetal, This annoyed Sheetal. She creamed "I need an answer now!!!! I need to know what happened!! She spoke in a commanding voice looking sharply at Yathish.

Yathish folded his hands and requested Sheetal, "Please stop, don't create a scene here. I beg you!!.

Sheetal composed herself "Then speak out Yathish, I have the right to know what happened.

Yathish looked around and ensured no one is listening to them,

Yes, it is true!!! I went to a prostitution den with Keshav. I was in dilemma after hearing his words. I lied to my mom, that I need to pay the exam fee and took 2000 bucks from her. I had 3000 bucks from my savings, I went there with Keshav, but soon got a call that my mother met with an accident. So I rushed back to see her. After that incident, I felt guilty, did not feel like showing my face to you. I swear on you, I did not touch anyone there.

Sheetal grasped her breath "What happened to your mother?? Is she Ok now?? 

Yathish lied to Sheetal, "She died on the spot". 

There was a silence ...a complete silence.

When Sheetal narrated this to Ganga. She felt as though someone had pierced her heart with a sword. She could not control her tears. She tried her best to hide her tears from Sheetal.

She cleared her throat" Then what happened Beta??".

Sheetal then I spoke to my parents about our love, My parents happily agreed and they got us married. Yathish was transferred to the US company, so we moved here after our marriage took place.

After coming here, He changed completely. He never wants to visit India. He hates going there. He did even allow me to go there during my pregnancy. I missed my parents a lot, He suggests me to book tickets for them so that they can stay with us. He has no problem with sponsoring tickets for my parents.

Sheetal looked at the watch and it was time to prepare dinner, She said to Ganga. Aunty today I will help you prepare dinner, Rhea will play with her dad. Let me also learn some cooking skills from you. Saying so she picked up Rhea and left the room.

Ganga still sat there, tears flowed freely now "She died on the spot"!!! these words replayed again and again...!!! 

******************************************

Ganga was cleaning the kitchen and Sheetal was playing with little Rhea. Sheetal's mobile was ringing. she answered the call, this diverted her attention. Meanwhile, little Rhea walked up to the wardrobe and started pulling the clothes of Ganga. Sheetal after disconnecting the call she spotted Rhea near the wardrobe "Oh Rhea Baby!!! see what you have done!!! Wait Mumma will pick up the clothes". While picking up clothes Sheetal spotted an album, She picked it up and opened it. She admired the beauty of Ganga. She came across a known figure in her album, she rubbed her eyes again and again, yes it's him. How can this be?? Sheetal was in a dilemma now.

Sheetal wanted to ask Ganga, but she thought that was not the right time. She had to pick up Payal's Father-in-law from the airport. After lots of nagging Yathish had agreed to go along with her. Sheetal maintained silence on the way to the airport. Yathish wondered how come a talkative person is sitting quietly. He even pulled her legs "Kya Madam, today are you on Maunvrat ?? I wish you do this vrat every day, I can see TV peacefully". There was no response from Sheetal. Yathish thought to himself, Something is wrong. He drove to the airport and parked the car.

Yathish and Sheetal were waiting to receive Mr. Ishwara Prasad. Yathish looked at every passenger at the exit point. Sheetal waved her hand to one person, He too waved back. Yathish looked at him, He was a man of around 60 to 65, Very medium build and fit. almost 6 feet tall and black and white combination hairs and wore polo t-shirt and jeans pant. " Wow!!! Sheetal, you said he is a landlord. He looks like the CEO of some IT company. I expected a person with dhoti and kurta. I am impressed".

Sheetal frowned " He was working as an assistant editor at Mumbai mirror newspaper for a few years in Mumbai, He took up farming as a passion after he moved back to his village".

Mr. Ishwara Prasad picked up his luggage and walked towards the exit. He was happy to meet Sheetal and Yathish. After formal greetings and handshakes, Ishwara Prasad said "oh so you are Mr. Yathish, My Elder son. You missed your brother's wedding dear, I am not happy with that".

Yathish looked in cofusion " sorry I did not get you, sir?".

Sheetal intervened "He meant to say that, in relation, since Payal is my Sister. She is his daughter-in-law, So even I am also his Daughter-in-law and you are his son".

Yathish frowned and rolled his eyes. Ishwara Prasad pulled his heavy luggage and kept them in Yathish's car. Soon they were driving on the highway road. 

Sheetal looked at Ishwara Prasad, She wanted to ask something but kept quiet. Ishwara Prasad was continuously talking about India and it's development. This irritated Yathish, But he did not open his mouth. After driving for 2 hours, They reached home. Yathish parked his car and helped Ishwara Prasad to pick up the luggage. Sheetal opened the door and went inside. Ganga was feeding Rhea at the dining table. Ishwara Prasad stepped inside, As soon as he stepped in, His heartbeat increased, BP shot up, and he fell on the ground. Yathish and Sheetal rushed to help him. Ganga stood there holding little Rhea in her arms. He pointed his hand towards Ganga and closed his eyes, Before losing consciousness.

Ishwara Prasad was admitted to the hospital, doctors examined him and spoke to Yathish, " No need to worry, His BP is very high as of now. We have given medication. Will keep him under observation for a day or two and then discharge him". 

Yathish and Sheetal felt relieved now. Yathish Spurted with anger "Look this is why I told you not to entertain anyone to stay with us. You will never listen to me. What if he had some serious problems and died. We both will be blamed if something goes wrong. Damn it!!!.

Sheetal did not answer, She was burning inside. She stormed out of the hospital and drove back home. Ganga was waiting for her at the entrance. "Sheetal Beta, How is he now?? Hope he is fine ?? Did he gain consciousness??".

Sheetal did not answer any of her questions, She barged in and picked up a glass of water and gulped it. She sat on the sofa and stared at Ganga. "Aunty, Tell me the truth. Who are you?? What is the relation between you and Ishwara Chandra Uncle. How do you know him and why the hell did he point his hand towards you??". 

Ganga stood there in silence, she did not respond to her question.

Sheetal was fuming in anger, She picked up the flower vase and broke it on the ground to show her frustration. "I trusted you, I took care of you like my mother, Though Yathish was against keeping you here, I fought with him for you and still you keep secrets from me. I found pictures of you and Ishwara uncle and also this one.

She threw a picture on the ground, it was the same picture that Yathish had torn into pieces on the day of the incident that turned their life upside down.

Ganga fell on the ground and started crying. She picked up those torn pieces and held them close to her heart. Looking at Ganga for a moment even Sheetal felt sad for her. Meanwhile, Yathish stormed in and sensed the situation "Sheetal, Please stop it. Don't dig the dead man's burial. It's of no use. Stop it here itself and send her back to India".

Sheetal stood on her knees "Oh !! Here comes the hero. The one who never spoke to her is now standing by her side. I need to know the truth Yathish!!! What is that you both are hiding from me? I need to know... Now...!!!!". She said in a shrill voice. There was pin-drop silence everywhere. Rhea too stood there looking at her mom.

Yathish felt as though a volcano has erupted ...... 

Ganga spoke softly, "Sheetal, Beta please hear me out. I committed a grave sin, give me an opportunity to tell you everything. Please hear my story. I beg you, please!!!