Dew of Fortuity

Chapter 13

"Will you be able to manage?", Veer asked for the nth time that Krishna got irritated. He was about to leave Krishna alone for few days as he need to attend a medical conference. " Veer, I am not a baby. It's just for couple of days. Don't forget that for long, I took care of Pari and then I was all alone", Krishna rebuked while packing his briefcase. "But now you have me", he hugged her from behind and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. Even though Krishna had tried her best to keep distance from Veer, he managed to melt the ice wall of defense around her. Unknowingly she had grown fond of Veer.

It's been few weeks since the surgery and Pari was getting better although still in hospital. Veer & Krishna were allowed to meet and spend more time with her. Dr Juhi had informed them that in couple of weeks, Pari will be shifted to normal ward and in another month she will be discharged. Veer too had joined back to his work. In short they were in their journey to be a normal family. "Will you be able to commute to hospital and back?", he asked, unable to cover his anxiety. "I will take an auto. Else I will walk since hospital is not too far", she suggested. "No way. It's risky during late hours", he was firm, "book a cab or else let me ask Dr Juhi whether she can help you". "Veer, don't worry", she held his shoulders affectionately, "I will manage".

"I will miss you", he tried to peck her lips but she dodged it skillfully. "Dr Veer, don't get naughty else you will be late", she warned him playfully. He snaked his arms around her waist with mischief gleaming in his eyes, "Perhaps a quickie ", but Krishna didn't yield and pushed him away."I will demand a full compensation for this rude denial when I am back", he told her. Krishna blushed and pecked his cheek wishing him a safe trip. She knew she was slowly falling for him. She knew it will be her downfall, nevertheless he made her aspire a future he had envisaged for her and Pari. His care and concern made her bold enough to dream a happy life with him. She convinced herself to relish the joy while it lasts.

Veer was trying to mingle with crowd and enjoy the party but was terribly getting bored. He regretted his decision to stay back for the dinner party arranged after the medical conference. Else he would have managed to reach home late night and be with his wife. His wife, a faint smile adorned his face. He was determined to keep Krishna as his wife for life. He had it all figured it out. Once Pari was out of hospital, he will take them to his parents and tell them the truth. Probably they will be really angry and scold him endlessly. A traditional marriage will be imposed on them but he was game for everything. Krishna is mother of his child so it was his responsibility to marry her and provide her & Pari with a family. Additionally he felt that he and Krishna were compatible. They understood and respected eachother. He was unsure about love but they will be happy together. Infact his past had made him so scared of pain of heartbreak that he preferred not to term his feelings for her under Love. Krishna is simply special and he will cherish her for a lifetime. He will provide her with his name, protection and care. They will have their own family; him, Krishna & Pari and mayhap more children. He blushed thinking about possibility of Krishna carrying his children again.

"Hello, I am Sidharth Walia", a handsome man of Veer's age introduced himself to Veer. Mr Walia was a known business who owned one of most prestigious chain of hospitals in the country. Veer was elated that Mr Walia knew about him and was eager to have him join their organization. It was good career opportunity yet Veer didn't want to rush it until his personal life was settled. Mr Walia was a bit surprised when came to know that Veer is father of a four year old child. "Children make a huge impact in our life. My wife gave birth to our twin sons an year back. She is so enamoured of them that she hardly finds time for her career or herself", Sidharth's comment made Veer nod in agreement. "Speaking of my wife. There she is", Sidharth exclaimed and Veer turned his head to meet Mrs Walia. His eyes widened in shock while recognising the slender figure clad in exquisite designer gown. "Meet my wife. Mrs Shivani Walia", Sidharth introduced her. "Hello Mrs Walia", he extended his hand while contempt dripping from each words.

Shivani smiled awkwardly and took his hand. She was relaxed when Veer didn't show any signs of recognition. Many a time, Veer had imagined how it will be to meet Shivani again. Yet nothing could meet the resentment he felt when the moment arrived. But deep down he was content that he was no longer with a gold digger who left him during his hour of need. He was glad that he was with Krishna and has their Pari. 

"Pari. Cute name", Sidharth complimented, "I bet she is as pretty as her name". Veer looked at Shivani intently, trying to drill down that he is better off without her, "Indeed, she is. Just like her Mother". He want to emphasize to Shivani that he is happily settled down with his beautiful wife and little daughter. But Shivani became pale when he stressed on the word 'Mother'. She pulled away her husband with a lame excuse. Veer gulped his drink in one go and looked away in disgust.

Few hours had passed and the party was almost over. Veer couldn't wait to reach his room and sleep. He wanted to wake up early and start back home. He bid farewell to few and was leaving the hall when suddenly someone pulled him into a small, dim lit room. "What do you want, Veer?", Shivani was extremely tensed. "You tell me", he asked wickedly, "aren't you the one who pulled me in?". Shivani looked behind to check whether anyone noticed them. Veer checked her out from top to bottom. Time has been graceful on her. She still maintained her well figure and looked beautiful. Long ago he used to lose himself in those luscious curves but now he felt nothing but disgust towards her. 

"If you are looking to relive old days, I am least interested", he mocked her. Shivani held her forehead in dismay, "Veer, can't you see I am married?". "Ofcourse. Finally you got a rich husband. Congrats. I must say he is a nice man. Kind of feel bad for him", he mocked her again. "Veer please", she begged, "Whatever happened between us is in past. Please don't use it to destroy my life. I am married and now mother of his children". Eventhough he had no intention of harming her, he was enjoying her plight and kept smiling wickedly. 

Shivani went on, "I realise that I was wrong. But we were young and reckless. Please don't use our past to spoil my present. Pari is too innocent to be drawn into a revenge game", she started to cry, "when I met Krishna I begged her the same and I think she understood it when we parted". The mention of Krishna & Pari got Veer riled up. Did she know Krishna? Does Shivani know about Pari being his daughter? If so then why would Shivani fears me to use Pari to ruin her life?. He grabbed her forearms and pinned her to nearby wall. "How do you know Krishna? What do you know about Pari?", he growled at Shivani. At that moment, it dawned on Shivani that she had foolishly dug her own grave.

Krishna was eagerly waiting for Veer to arrive. Pari was feeling a bit under the weather last night and Krishna wanted to leave for hospital at the earliest. Yet she didn't want to go alone. Pari missed Veer and Krishna too felt it was better to visit her with him. When Veer walked in, she quickly grabbed his briefcase, "Finally you arrived. Now quickly go and freshen up while I will serve breakfast. After that we will leave to visit Pari". In her jovial haste, she didn't notice that Veer was very quiet. Keeping a wide smile, she was set the table for two while he stood still beside her. "I met your friend, Shivani", he spoke hoarsely. Krishna froze when she heard the name Shivani.