Dew of Fortuity

Chapter 16

3 months later

Shaurya was trying to buy a crib for Nayani's child. She was entering her last trimester and entire family had been completely supportive. While sales guy in the baby shope was explaining different aspects of various models, a familiar face flashed between the racks but Veer ignored and paid attention to the choices he given. Finally he decided on a particular one and asked him to pack it. 

"Is your wife expecting?", a cordial female voice asked him. Veer sighed before turning to face her. He managed to smile at Shivani. Over the time, the degree of hatred he felt for Shivani, did toned down. "It's for my sister, Nayani. She is due in few months", he replied. "Oh! Congrats. You are going to be an Uncle", she tried to be friendly. He thanked her and they stood awkwardly. "Would you like to have some coffee?", Shivani offered and he agreed.

They sat at a lone corner of a coffee shop. "Why didn't you reconcile, Shivani?", he asked earnestly, "is it because that my family lost money?". Shivani took a deep breath, "It was one of the reasons but mainly I didn't feel we would work out". "I was head over heels in love with you. What else was needed ?", he became defensive. "Yes, you were. Because I was your perfect girlfriend. You failed to notice that I was unreal and it tired me playing the part. Above all, I was not ready to settle down. I wanted to explore the world, built a career, make my own name and achieve many more things,", she explained truthfully.

"After we broke up, I went away to stay with my grandparents' home. There I realized that I got pregnant with your child", she sipped water, "I totally freaked out". "Why didn't you contact me?", he asked eagerly. "I knew you will accept the child and agree to marry. But I didn't want any of it". It dampened his spirits yet he could related to her dilemma with Nayani's reaction. 

"But I didn't want to abort the child either", she sniveled a bit, "It wasn't fair to sacrifice an innocent life for my gain". "So you decided to give our child to Krishna. How did she convince to give away Pari?", he shot at her. "I was desperate, Veer. With help of our family doctor, I kept looking for an orphanage to give her away once she was born. But then a man named Radhe Shukla came to me and told me that he & wife wanted to adopt a baby. His only demand was to keep the adoption process under wraps. ", she told him. 

"So you never knew Krishna before? Didn't she convince you to give away Pari? ", Shaurya was feeling uneasy. His entire perception of Krishna trapping Radhe with a child started to fade away. "I met Krishna much later. Infact, she was reluctant to the entire charade. I guess Radhe coaxed her. But later she became my companion and helped me a lot through my pregnancy", Shivani's words were revelation to Veer.

" Few weeks after delivery, Krishna & Radhe left with the baby and I went abroad to study. Radhe used to call me in the beginning and inform me about Pari's well being. Over the time I got busy with my life and lost touch with them", Shivani said sadly. "Or shall I say, you severed all contacts with them to enjoy your life?", Veer taunted her. "Guilty", she sipped her coffee, keeping her eyes low. 

"Then when did you meet again?", he asked. "Not until few months ago when I saw Krishna at hospital. She was pretty shaken and on the edge". Veer stiffened a bit when she mentioned about it. "Meeting me out of blue would have pushed her further. She broke down before me and told me everything. Radhe's death, her in-laws cruelly pushing her out of their house, Pari's illness and then your abrupt marriage", Shivani retold their meeting. Somehow he felt happy that Krishna didn't reveal it was a contract marriage.

"How did she know about me?", Veer asked. "When she was with me during my pregnancy, I had told her about you and may have shown our photographs. Possibly she tracked you down with those minimal details. Desperate measures during desperate times", she gave a vacant smile. "I am sad to hear about Pari", Shivani told while keeping her eyes low. Veer studied her face whilst a lone tear betrayed her. "I will always pray for her soul", she told sadly.

 "Are you genuinely sad?", Veer asked her. He was slightly taunting her but curious too. "She was a part of me, Veer. I carried her for nine months and gave birth to her. So don't ridicule me", she became emotional but controlled herself, "I agree I was never a mother for Pari. Krishna was truly her mother. Yet she was born from me". Veer felt guilty for hurting her but didn't apologize. Ironically, Shivani seemed to understand Krishna better than him.

 "When I met Krishna in hospital, I begged her not to tell you anything about me. But Veer when I saw you with Sidharth, I lost my cool thinking that you were trying to break my marriage. I believed that despite my pleas, Krishna betrayed me and gave away the truth. I was wrong and foolishly spilled it all myself ", she laughed softly at her folly. 

They sat quiet for few more moments. Veer quickly threw few notes to pay for their coffee and stood up. "I wish you will remain happy in your life, Shivani. Rest assured as I have no ill intention towards you. My heart has nothing left for you. Not even resentment", with those words, he walked away.

Meeting with Shivani cleared his thoughts but his heart was burdened with loss. 

Miles Away. In a casino.

Krishna straightened the pencil skirt she wore. It was a bit short to her liking but she had a fair figure to look decent wearing it. She wished she could have stayed for long behind the tables, while dealing cards or tokens. It helped her to covered her bare legs and she was comfortable displaying upper half of body that was covered in full sleeves shirt with a tie. But as per rule of casino, all staffs needs to shift duty frequently. 

She was now supposed to sway amongst guests serving them food and drinks. Many checked her out and proposed lewd remarks but as per their training she countered them with a fake smile. Krishna sighed while taking a quick break away from the crowd. Casino was not an ideal workplace for her yet it had its advantages. It kept her day hours free so that they could attend classes and prepare for college. Besides tips and pay were not bad either. She just needed to polish her skills in managing people and avoiding unwanted solicitation. 

"Krishna", her manager's voice startled her from behind. "Did you manage to pull in any potential customer?", he questioned sharply. All were instructed to keep customers at tables, urging them to spend more and more. Casino's income and their salary depended on it. Their manager was cunning man who believed that pretty girls can lure men to gamble more. He never cared about danger, his female staffs may have to face if situation turns undesirable. 

Still most women who worked there met his expectations except Krishna. He always pushed her and threatened to fire her. "C'mon, don't stand her idle", he adjusted her name tag which read as 'CANDY'. Purposely,  he brushed on her breast. Krishna jumped away in shock but he laughed wickedly, "Now get your pretty a*s to work". She trotted away before he got a chance to spank her.

"Did the lecherous pig grope you again, Sweet heart?", her co-worker asked Krishna. Her name is Urvashi but she carried a name tag 'SWEETY'. Although not friendly, Urvashi always helped Krishna. "Look Krishna, he just wants to have a taste of you. Just let him screw you for once and get over it. He will not trouble you further", she told plainly. Krishna shook her head vehemently. She had lost a lot but still possessed a little dignity. She still refused to sleep around for favours. 

"Your bad", Urvashi taunted her. Krishna took few breaths to calm herself. "The lady in table 6, may need your assistance", Urvashi pointed out. She knew Krishna will never be comfortable around men. "She seems like a Whale and quiet tipsy. If you can manage her tonight, then it will keep that Pig off your back for atleast few days", she suggested. Krishna mouthed a Thank You to Urvashi but she rolled her eyes and left haughtily.

"Ma'am , can I get you something?", Krishna asked her politely. "Ofcourse, Honey", the lady replied cheerfully. She seemed to be rich and enjoying the night. "What's your name girl?", she asked. Krishna smiled warily and pointed to her name tag, "I am Candy". "Hello Candy. Nice to meet you. I am Mehek", she introduced herself. "Nice to meet you too, Mehek Ma'am", Krishna instantly liked her.