The Other Half

Chapter 29

(Delhi: Get Out Of My House)

The Raizada twins trudged into Shantivan, disheartened and tired. Akash followed them.

"It's 2 in the morning. Can we discuss this with them... like, tomorrow?"

"It has to happen now, Akash." Arnav said.

While Arnav called out for the members, what he didn't expect to see was his Dadi come out of a room. He looked at her quizzically. He didn't need this right now. Not tonight.

"Go back into your room." Arnav told her.

"Beta-"

"Do not call me that!" Arnav thundered. "I am in no mood to talk to you. I am done with you!"

"Bhai-"

"No, Akash. This woman is dead to me. Do you hear that, Subhadra Malik? I am no one to you. So, pack your bags and leave!"

"Chhote!" Anjali reprimanded him. "She was mistaken."

"She could have talked, Di. To Nani, to Mami, to Mahi or best yet Buaji. But she is the epitome of perfection, isn't she? As long as her bloodline continues, she doesn't give a damn to what happens to others."

"But Chhote-"

"Enough, Di. She abandoned Advay. She abandoned our mother. She abandoned us. Why don't I see you packing your bags, Mrs Malik?" Arnav started towards her.

Suddenly, Shyam grabbed her hand. "Dadiji, let's leave."

"And you!" Arnav turned on his brother-in-law.

"Stop it Chhote. It's not his fault he believed Dadi."

"Fault? It was his choice to not tell us anything. Mr Jha, I want you to take her away by breakfast. And if I see any of you in this house again, trust me, you'd think today was the best day of your lives."

"If he goes, I go, too."

"Di, you don't-"

"He's my husband Chhote. I go with him."

"Anjali betiya-" But Manorama was interrupted.

"Fine. Your choice. Mami can arrange for everything."

"For what?" Manorama asked.

"Ma, I'm engaged." Akash said.

There was a deafening silence. Then, a scream. Manorama hopped to her son and hugged him tightly. "I have to call Garima! Why didn't she call me yet?"

"You know Payal's mother. How exactly?" Advay asked. It was the first words he spoke.

Manorama turned to answer and then caught the glint on his ring finger. She shrieked again, catching Gayatri. "Oh my, double wedding!"

Arnav sighed. It was now or never. "Actually, Mamiji." He waved his left hand for all to see.

(Lucknow: Sheesh Mahal)

Ajay Malik sat opposite his television screen, seething at the two identical faces that adorned it. The stillborn was alive. The prince was ASR. He would have his revenge on his mother, he swore.

His wife, his barren second wife, slept beside him, oblivious to his pain. He had no heir. He had tried to kill her, get a third wife, but she, somehow, always survived.

He pulled out his phone and called his trusted lawyer. "Mr Jha, I'm ready to sign it."

"I will be there after breakfast." The call dropped.