Pranushka Short Stories - Chapter 7: Chapter 7

From the time the truth came out as big blow there has been pin drop silence in room.Nikhil stood at one corner being struck by truth.Though he felt he could believe Sakshi.He didnt knew how to react now.Vikram felt his hands going cold.Palms sweating he sat on the couch in his room his legs constantly moving.
Mani entered room suddenly.He seemed on phone call with someone with fake grin on his face and tone.He cut call and Vikram looked at him.
M-"I have made arrangements.You are leaving tonight.I will handle everything here dont worry."
Nikhil expected this was coming so he stayed silent.Vikram got up giving cold look to his friend who looked unnerved with truth that just unfolded.
V-"Mani.I think you need to sit.Here for sometime.We will think of something and."
M-"There is no time to think of anything now.Do you hear me.Vikram.Do you know who called now.Myra's father.He is suspicious now what made you come here suddenly before the wedding.You are not talking with Myra either so she must have shared this.Investors are irked too postponing the meeting again and again.Do you understand situation we are in."
V-"Do you understand Mani?Or you dont.Just answer me."
Mani shut his eyes and deep inside he was affected too.But he knew he has to handle situation and get his friend out of this.A lot of things were at stake.He cant let anything go wrong.
M-"I do.And trust me.This will be fixed.There are far more important things now which require your attention Vikram.Dont spoil everything.Think about yourself.If not then this project and your mother.Who has been waiting to see this day since long."
Vikram felt short of words.It was true.Whatever he did till now in his life.It was not for succuess but to see his mother happy.Fulfill his fathers dream to make it big in industry.Keep their name.Nikhil came from behind and kept hand on his friends shoulder.
N-"Look.I may not always agree with Mani.But he is saying right maybe now.This thing is involved in your professional image as well not only personal.you should go now."
V-"What do you guys take me as.Bloody coward?Who would run away from his responsibilities."
M-"What responsibilities are you talking about?"
V-"You dont know?Fine.Let me tell you."
He brings piece of paper which were truth of moment now.
V-"this.This is truth from which we cant run away.I cant.the reports wont lie."
M-"really Vikram.Then what about denial you have been since you came here.Or you are so convinced in few days.You are ready to say yes for anything."
Mani took the papers and threw them on bed.He had enough now and wont let his friend had his way.
V-"I wont go anywhere now Mani.Thats my deicison."
M-"Dont be fool Vikram.Im telling you we will handle things here.Nikhil is here too.Whatever this problem we will wrap it up and come back.You take part in wedding preparations."
V-"Problem?Really.If you were in my place would you have called you baby a problem.Tell me Mani."
Nikhil and Mani both got shocked hearing like this first time from Vikram.
M-"So you are giving acceptance that.You are father?"
V-"the reports say so."
M-"Damn the reports.You get to buy such reports for minimum amount of money Vikram.I have known girls like her who can go to any extent to prove and trap rich men."
V-"Enough Mani.Just shutup."
There was dead silent on room.Vikram had his eyes bloodshot.He couldnt take it further.He shut his eyes and gulped down the guilt and confusion that has been eating him up.But he has to speak out now before its too late.
M-"Nikhil.See.What he is saying.Absolutely brainwashed I told you."
N-"Vikram.Did you remember anything between you and Sakshi.I mean you know right what you saying.The baby is yours."
V-"Perhaps I do.I hid something from you both.Its not something big but I should have let you know.You remember the ring I used to wear always Mani.I lost it when were shooting in Italy and.I couldnt recall anything that day.I.I met Sakshi that day and maybe we both.Ah.It had to be."
Mani had his mouth open and he couldnt say word.Nikhil wasnt that surprised.He fixed his glasses and came to Vikram.
N-"Im glad you spoke it out Vik.From time I came here saw things.I dont think Sakshi is that kind girl.She seems sorted and strong independent.Who doesnt want your money."
M-"thats the problem..that is it.What she wants.It is impossible to give."
V-"That doesnt mean.I will run away.I.Will think of something."
M-"We dont have time.Why cant you understand."
Goswami came running trying to catch his breath.
G-"Sir.Sir.Sakshi Madam is packing her bags.She is going somewhere."
Mani had immediate smile on his face.At which Vikram glared at him.Both Nikhil and him rushed from there to Sakshi room.
Sakshi clenched her teeth.Stuffing everything on her bag.Babys things and hers.Zipping the bag and she took deep breathe.She looked at little one who was on bed asking her to take him.She never gave up in life.Fought till end but today.She felt she cant fight anymore or she shouldnt.Whom was she fighting for.And why.Her self respect was above all.
Vikram came and saw her packing done.Nikhil stayed outside giving them the much needed privacy.
V-"Where do you think you are going."
Sakshi didnt spare look to him.And continued what she was doing.She was packing babys toys now when bag fell down.She bent down picking them and Vikram also helped her.
V-"Sakshi.Please.hear me out.Once.You cant leave like this."
She threw bag and looked at him with teary eyed.
S-"Why?So that you and your friends can put more allegations on me.Call me characterless who is after your wealth.Or name."
Vikram looked down.Being ashamed of what he heard.Not even once he thought of her like that way.He was unsure if anything took place between them.But he did feel something towards her.She tried to move when he caught her hand.She didnt meet his eyes.
V-"Please.Just once let me speak."
S-"I had enough Mr VikramAditya.You know I never believed in these so called blood relations in life.I lived on my own terms.But there was something which pushed me to come here like this.Begging crushing my self respect.But now I realize.Whatever I believed its true.Thank you for proving that to me.And you dont have to worry about this problem in your life now.I wont trouble you anymore."
She touched his hand and felt engagement ring on his finger.He could see dejected look in her eyes.He took his hands back as if feeling guilty and hiding it.
V-"I wont let you go.We need to speak."
S-"Theres nothing left to speak.Between us."
She saw Nikhil near door and got her bags ready.
S-"Nikhil can you please book cab for me.We are leaving right now."
As if this was enough to flare him up.Vikram went to her and caught her from shoulders this time fiercely.She was taken back as his hold hurt her.
V-"You hear me.You wont go anywhere."
S-"Leave me.You are hurting me."
They were too busy in argument to hear babys cries.Sakshi tried to get rid of his hold and Vikram was strong enough not letting her go.
N-"Will you guys STOP it."
Both looked at Nikhil who was there holding baby crying his heart out on floor.He fell down from bed hurting his head.They were so busy that ignored his cries.Sakshi pushed Vikram and felt her heart coming out.The blood and his cries stabbed her.She didnt knew what to do.Bursting out in tears.
N-"Let me call ambulance."
Before they knew Vikram took baby and walked passed them.Rushing out of room.He held baby preciously in his tight hold.His heart beating rapidly and he kept looking at little one.Crying and that moment he felt he could fight world for him.
V-"Goswami get the damn car out.NOW."
Vikram sat inside car not wasting a second followed by Sakshi and Nikhil.Hearing the chaos Mani came there seeing them leaving like this.Color drained from his face hearing what happened as Goswami told him.He took another car and followed them.
Vikram and Sakshi were outside emergency room.Seeing the little one crying his heart out.All the way here they tried to console him.He was so small couldnt even convey how much pain he was feeling.Sakshi touched glass door as she watched her baby through there.She broke down covering her mouth.How could she let this happen.She wont be able to forgive herself ever.
S-"Im bad mother.I couldnt be good mother to him.Its all my fault.My fault."
Vikram felt ashamed of what his anger at heat of moment did.He shut his eyes and could feel Sakshis pain.He never felt this close to peak of emotions what he felt today.Holding baby close to his heart.
V-"Dont blame yourself Sakshi.All this happened because of me."
Sakshi felt weak.As if she needed him right then and there.Both looked at each other and she fell in his arms.Crying her heart out.He closed his eyes and tear trickled down his cheek.His hand slowly touched her hair.Both were scared and felt the need to be with each other..
Nikhil watched the duo and had faint smile on lips.He went behind seeing an ashamed Mani looking down.Both took seat in chairs there.
N-"What made you come here Mani."
After silence Mani composed himself and spoke.
M-"You all think Im a horrible low life person.Which is not true.I.I didnt wanted anything like this to happen.Im not a monster."
Nikhil could see the guilt in his eyes.He touched his shoulder.
N-"Its okay.No one says you are that."
M-"Ever since I have known Vikram.I have been protecting him like shadow.I.was only concerned about him.That doesnt mean I wish ill for someone.I want his success and happiness only."
N-"And you think.Success will give him a happy life or.What he wish to have future like."
Mani stared at Nikhil.Who now looked at Vikram and Sakshi.A bit far from them sitting.They held each others hands.Supporting each other outside emergency.
N-"If I have known Vikram.He values his people over fame and money.He deserves love and not compromise.Have you ever thought about this Mani.No one understands him better than you.I believe that."
It was moment of truth for Mani as well.For moment seeing his friend with Sakshi there.The way he spoke about her.He looked being with her in those few days.Made him realize he never seen him this in comfort and looking at peace.Or happy.He smiled genuinely.He heard his phone.Name Myra flashed calling.He cut call and looked back at duo.
As soon as doctor came out.Vikram and Sakshi couldnt wait anymore.Being impatient.Nikhil and Mani too joined them.
D-Good that you got him on time.The wound is little deep.Baby has lost lot of blood.Unfortunately we dont have the same blood group available now.You both are babys?
S-"Im his mother.Doctor please.Please.Please save him.Hes too small.Cant bear this much pain."
V-"VikramAditya.Im his FATHER.Doctor.I will bring world here.Do anything what it takes.He should be fine.Nothing should happen to him."
Sakshi looked at the man.Who till yesterday hesitated to even.Hold baby or be close to him.In those few days how she waited to hear this from him.And now standing there she felt something from inside deep.Tears ran down her cheeks and she wished.Everything would be fine soon.Vikram gazed at her and held her hand tightly.He never felt this sure in life.He knew every moment he couldnt bear to see the sight.He couldnt hear the cries.He felt someone close to him was in pain.It pierced him.
D-"Well.Thats great.If you both are parents.Then surely one of you will match the blood group.We need it urgently.Lets get you both tested."
Vikram and Sakshi both gave blood samples and waited anxiously.
"Mr Vikram.Sorry but your sample doesnt match with baby."
Vikram felt dejected but ray of hope was still there.Thats when he felt Sakshi leaving hold on his hand.Her hands went cold and color drained from her face.She went to room staring at baby who looked lifeless.She bit her lips and let tears made their way silently.
"Well.Thats strange.Baby's mothers blood group too didnt match.Which doesnt happen.Are you sure you both are biological parents.Mr Vikram?"
S-"It wont match.Because.I.Im not his biological mother.Please.Dont waste anymore time.And arrange the blood."
Vikram frowned and looked back at Sakshi.Standing there.He didnt want to think of it at moment.He didnt want to lose truth or misunderstand her.He just stood frozen there.