The Prodigal Son (Complete)

Chapter 15

"I had seen his dead body. I had seen it. How can a dead person come back? How? Why don't you people understand he is a con artist? He wants the money."
Dida in a strict voice said, "Darshan, stop yelling. I won't tolerate this in Dewan house."
"You claim to see his dead body. We haven't seen it. We all know and accept his is our Sid. What is your problem in doing so?"
"So, now you are calling me a liar."
Nirupama said, "Calm down Darshan. Saivi, Darshan is not the enemy here. He is thinking about you and everyone else."
Saivi gave her a smirk, "We all know how much he thinks about us. Chotti mom, please ask him to stop it now."

Sidharth entered the house and stared at everyone.
"Why should I? You people are blind. Apne Sid ke death ka sadma bardast nahi kar pa rahe ho isiliye iss dehati ko Sid samjh rahe ho. I won't do the same mistake. I won't accept him rulling the Dewan Empire. No."
Dida stood up from the sofa and said, "Enough Darshan. Enough. I really don't care what you believe. I know what's the truth. I had enough from you today. So, I ask you to just go from here. Leave."
"Dida, I was here as I wanted to protect you from this man. He could kill you and take away everything. Chor kahinka."
"Shut up Darshan! "
Dida signals Saivi to calm down and then she said, "I don't need any protection from my own child. This house and everything in this is his. You might believe anything you want, I know this is my child, the son of my Sourav, the heir to this empire. So, go back to your house."

"Darshan only wanted the good. If his intentions are being questioned here then it is better that he leaves. But as a mother I can't abandon my child. I will leave too."
Dida smiled, "You are correct Nirupama. You must go as well. I don't want you here away from your child."
Nirupama didn't say a word and went inside to pack her bag.

Dida walked up to Sidharth and said, "Don't listen to them. I know who you are. You don't need to worry about anything."
"Dida.."
Sidharth's words were cut short as they heard a clearing of voice sound. It was Basundhara. She was standing at the door. Sidharth tried to smile at her but she didn't react so he lowered his head.

"Basundhara, beta come in. I am so happy you came. I knew you would understand and return back to this home, to him."
Dida said, holding her hands. Basundhara had cold eyes, a still face and pursed lips. She released her hands from her and opened her bag. Out of it, she took out a packet and gave it to her.
"Your medicines. I came to give these to you. I have always taken care of them and I will continue that."
She stared at Sidharth and then quickly turned her eyes away.
" I am not here to stay. I am not coming back. Why should I? "
"For him. Your husband is back. This is your home."
"No. This was never my home even when he was here. And today he is not, he is gone. That guy is a stranger. I don't believe it's him. I don't. I have to go."

Basundhara left immediately without looking at Sidharth or anyone else. Sidharth gulped down saliva. Nirupama and Darshan with his wife were back in the living room with their luggage.
Darshan before leaving said, "You are a con man. Your wife believes that too. I am going to make sure that's proved. I will not make you enjoy this. You will never get to enjoy this home. Never."
Sidharth stood there still as they left. He then ran his fingers through his hair and said, " I need to go.."
He started walking towards the door. Rahul grabbed his hand and so did Saivi.
"Where are you going?"
"Away from here. "

Saivi held his arms, "Stop it, Sid! Ignore them."
"I can't. I don't remember much but I do know that I am not a con man. I might have no proof for that but I know I am not a fraud. But from the day I have returned, all I can see is doubt and questions in everyone's eyes. I don't remember how I landed there. I don't remember what had happened to me. But I know now that I am Sidharth Dewan."
Dida came closer and said, "We know that, Sidu. This is your home. You don't need to leave."
"Is it, Dida? Then why can't I feel like home here? I can't stay in this house. I can't. This place is suffocating me. I will die if I do. Let me go. Please."

"That night Rahul brought me here. And I felt at ease coming back."
Sidharth says sipping coffee. He was back at the Penthouse with Rahul and was joined by Shehnaaz.
Rahul nods his head, "We got the information that Darshan was meeting lawyers to file a fraud case against Sidharth. He had already released statements in the press presenting him as a fraudster. So we went on and filed a declaratory case. Sidharth had to stay away from his properties until everything was proved in the court of law. So in a way he did right by coming here."
Shehnaaz says, "You never really felt good in that big house. This is where you always felt comfortable. One must do things and stay only where he or she feels happy."

Rahul smiles, "And he is actually very happy now, all because of you, Shehnaaz."
Sidharth slips his hand into hers and stares at her with love.
"True. I feel at content and fulfilled. Even in so much stress, I find my peace here with her. I am lucky to have her in my life."
"Sach bol raha hun, I never thought, you out of everyone would ever fall in love. But you did and now I am so happy for you. You found your true companion."
"Yea, isn't it? Sidharth Dewan never knew love. One accident and it really changed my life. I am a changed man and I am in love."

Sidharth wraps his arms around Shehnaaz as she stands on the balcony.
"Rahul loves you very much. He is a true friend. You are lucky to have him with you."
"Yes, I am. We both have been friends for a long time now. He is happy for us. You know what I am lucky to have a few good souls around me."
"But you appear worried. Something is bothering you. What is it?"

"I have not told you something."
"What Sidharth?"
"Basundhara. I met her yesterday. "
Shehnaaz turns to face him.
"Oh!"
"Are you angry?"
"No. Why didn't you tell me you had met her?"
"You returned late and you were tired."
"It's not that, Sidharth. You could have told me during the breakfast time or after dinner. Why didn't you say anything then?"

Shehnaaz goes inside and Sidharth follows her.
"I am sorry. I don't know why I didn't say anything. Perhaps I wanted to understand everything before I could tell you anything."
"Understand what?"
"Her behaviour. She appeared strange. I think she is up to something."
"Do you think she wants to sabotage the case?"
"No. She wants me to win. She said after the verdict I should punish the culprits without thinking who they are. She was upset about the apparent divorce. But there was something strange in her.. actions. I don't know what it was."
Just then they hear a doorbell.
"Who is here at this time? Security didn't call. What is going on? You stay here. Let me check."

Sidharth walks towards the door and thinks once he opens it. He gets surprised to find her standing in front of him. Her face is flushed and covered with sweat beads. It appeared that she was in a hurry.
"Basundhara! What are you doing at this hour? Are you alright?"
"Can.. Can I come.. in? Please.."
"Of course. Please come."
She steps in and says, "Sid, I am.. trying to keep my promise..I.. "
Her words trail off as she misses one foot and us about to fall off. Sidharth holds her.
"Are you okay? Please sit down. Shehnaaz, get a glass of water please."
"No, first listen to me. There's something.. in my bag for you.. use it. Just use it. Promise me, you will.."
Sidharth unable to understand stays silent.
Basundhara gives him a meek smile, "You are.. so innocent.. like a child.. how did I miss this? How.."
She closes her eyes and falls into deep slumber.

Judgement will be out soon. Then what? Find out in the next chapter.
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