A Single Breath – Part 20

“Uncle’s wife? What you are saying I don’t believe. How can it be possible?” Geet was being totally anxious. She could not accept the fact. She was given such a big shock.

“I know it’s too hard to believe you but it’s true Geet. And no one can change this reality” Savitri said. “You are like my own daughter. I would not lie to you. And you think to yourself, why would I accuse my own husband without any reason?.

“Geet, I told you that you have to listen to all the things very calmly. Please give us a chance to tell you the entire truth” Maan said further.

Geet tried to calm down. Savitri started the story of their past. 

“It is a 19-20 years old story. Your father’s family was from Kolkata’s renowned family. And your mother was from below caste. Your father went against everyone and married your mother.

Everyone was angry with this matter. There was a lot of disrepute of your family in the society. Your grandfather, however, gave him the property of his share. But also ordered him to leave the house. Both of them left and settled in a faraway village, where no one knew them. He bought the land and gradually earned a lot of statuses.

They had everything, but no children. Both were very unhappy with this. Me and my husband Jagan used to work there. I used to do household work and Jagan did all the work with your father in the business. Maan was 3 years old at that time. Your mother used to love Maan like her child. She was a very nice and kind woman. 

Fearing the disrespect of your family in Kolkata, your uncle, Pratap Singh went to London with his wife. One day your grandfather passed away in this mourning. Since then your father began to remain ill.

My husband Jagan had a bad addiction to gambling, alcohol and money. I used to get upset with these habits. He started taking advantage of your father’s illness and grief. He always stayed around your father. Your father did not go out much due to illness. Jagan used to take advantage from this.

One day Kalyani informed us that she is pregnant. We were all very happy. Then you were born. I could not tell how happy everyone was that day. Even your father became healthy. Except for one person. Jagan. 

He did not want them to have any child. He was dreaming of making Maan his heir. But the water has receded on his dreams. Then you started growing up. You and Maan used to play together. I and your mother were very happy to see both of you growing up. 

On the other hand, Jagan’s dishonesty was increasing. When the dream of making Maan their heir was not fulfilled, he started scamming in the business. Some people were also with him. I was worried about this habit of Jagan. I was afraid that he might get imprisoned. But he did not listen to me.

Kalyani knew this. She knew what Jagan was doing. Perhaps your father also knew, but because of your mother No, steps were taken yet. Because she had a soft corner for me and Maan. She knew he was the only man and earner for us. 

I was crying my fortune one day when Kalyani came to me. She consoled me a lot. She probably understood our poverty and the reason for my fear. She gave me a box full of jewellery. I refused to take them. But she forcefully gives me. She said that it will be useful when needed. No one knows about this till date. 

Perhaps she had anticipated his death. She once told me that if anything happens to her, I will take care of you. She died after a few days. After Kalyani’s departure, your father felt very shocked. They broke down completely.

I used to take care of you the same as my own daughter. Your father was not aware of anything. He used to be aloof of everything. Jagan was the only person who was with him. And one day, a letter arrived from London.

It was written in it that your Uncle Pratap and his wife died in a road accident in London. He had no child of his own. Therefore, he has given all the assets to Geet. Jagan got the wish as he asked. Only he knew about this letter. He told this news to your father. This news became the reason for your father’s death. 

He said in his will that Jagan and I will take care of you till you will be 21 years old, after that you can give us a monthly allowance of your wish.  I did not know what was going on in his mind. He said that we should leave this place and go to the city so that we can raise both the kids well. 

I got a little suspicious that why did he start thinking about the future of children. And I refused to leave. And the same night he secretly ran away from the village stealing you.